magazine Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers
Contributing Photographers Nancy Devon Carsten Erin Daniel Bethany Ritter Fred Salley Contributing Writers Mark W. Buyck, III Ashley Elvington Michael K. Foxworth III, MD Rebecca Giese Bethany Ritter Allie Roark Doug Smith Katherine Stone John Sweeney
Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236.
COVER CONCEPT This issue was so fun to put together. The recipes are mouth watering, the spotlighted businesses have unique stories to tell, and our community is growing rapidly even under the current circumstances. It’s encouraging to see so many businesses and individuals passionate about the prosperity of the Pee Dee.
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CONTENTS
ISSUE 57
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AUGUST 2020
18 BUSINESS
10 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: A Statewide System of Free Public Education? 12 Baker's Sweets Bakery & Bistro 14 What Will Weddings Look LIke in 2021 & Beyond? 16 John Sweeney's Keeping Time: Dr. John Keith 18 Valentino Design Co. 20 All Saints' Day School Welcomes New Leaders 22 Fleur De Lis Shopping Experience 24 Freckles and Giggles Ice Cream 26 Back-to-School Boost 28 August 2020 Calendar
HEALTH + WELLNESS 30 HopeHealth: #CallYourPediatrician
LIFESTYLE 32 Back-to-School: Face-to-Face or Online? 34 Amazing Grace Park: The Clementa Pinckney Memorial
36 KFB Adventure Race & Trail 5K 38 Junior League of Florence
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40 MINGLE 42 Coffee's Happy Place: Cashua Coffee 44 Time to Toast
HOME 46 Doug the FoodGuy: Cooking With Summer Vegetables
48 Allie Roark: Finding Positivity 50 Creating "Happy" Pieces For Our Friends
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52 Drink of the Month: Blueberry Faux Mojito Raspberry & Lemon Rosé Sparkler
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BUSINESS
A Statewide System of
story by Mark W. Buyck, III
FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION?
When the Civil War ended in 1865, freed slaves made up a majority of South Carolinians. It is estimated that the literacy rate among the freed slaves was only 5%. In 1867, the Republican dominated U. S. Congress passed the Reconstruction Acts. The Reconstruction Acts required southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment in order to rejoin the Union and regain their seats in Congress. The 14th Amendment and its Equal Protection Clause requires a state to provide equal protection under the law to all people. On January 14, 1868, a state constitutional convention was held in Charleston. This was the first time in South Carolina that black males participated as delegates to a convention. This convention ratified the 14th Amendment. The convention also rewrote the State Constitution providing that representation in the State House of Representatives would be based strictly on population. The Constitution also gave limited rights to women. The black codes were overturned and race was no longer a condition for voting. The convention also provided a uniform system of free public schools
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funded by state and local taxes and declared that all public schools were open to all races. The Constitution also created the State Board of Education as well as a State Superintendent of Education. There was a compulsory attendance requirement for students. The author of the education provisions was Justus Jillson, a 29year old “Yankee” who relocated to Camden after the war to teach black children. Jillson was just one of many educators who moved to the South with the Freedmen’s Bureau. Later in 1868, Jillson was elected as a Republican as the State’s first Superintendent of Education. While Jillson had the lofty goals of the Constitution on his side, the funds required to fund a free public education system were never available. While Jillson was the Superintendent of Education, the legislature’s first appropriation was only $50,000, about twenty-five
Serving Businesses and Individuals from Florence to Myrtle Beach: the Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. 248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777
cents per student. The following year, the legislature increased its appropriation to $300,000 but only provided $91,000 to the new school system. Jillson was critical of many of the local school districts and the commissioners and trustees running them. In an address to the legislature in 1870, Jillson stated “Probably no state in the Union is so cursed with poor teachers as is South Carolina.” He blamed the quality of teachers on what he perceived as political patronage giving teaching jobs to persons “too ignorant or shiftless to earn a comfortable livelihood elsewhere.” Reconstruction effectively ended in South Carolina following the election of 1876. During that election, white Democrats gained the governorship as well as a majority of the state legislature. After assuming power, the new legislature eliminated most school funding as well as eliminating a law that provided more state aid to poor school districts. The new government also initiated policies which would reinstate segregation among the races in public schools. By 1878, Jillson had returned to his native Massachusetts and the educational aspirations of the 1868 Constitution were virtually over. The discrepancy between funding for white and black pupils steadily grew. In 1880, white schools received an average of $2.75 per student while black schools received a comparable $2.57 per student. By 1895, the spread was $3.11 to $1.05. Local school superintendents were not required to share tax proceeds equally.
South Carolina colleges began formal teacher training in the last 2 decades of the 19th century. In 1880, Wofford hosted the first summer institute for teacher training. The next year, Furman College held the event. The University of South Carolina offered training institutes in 1882 and began offering undergraduate courses designed for teachers the next year. Avery Normal Institute trained black teachers in the Charleston area and Bettis Academy did likewise in Edgefield County. The “Winthrop Training School” was founded in Columbia in 1886, training white women teachers. In 1895, the school relocated to Rock Hill and is now known as Winthrop University. The 1895 Tillman Constitution codified the formal segregation of schools in South Carolina. “Separate schools shall be provided for children of the white and colored races, and no child of either race shall ever be permitted to attend a school provided for children of the other race.” Funding disparities and a general disdain for formal education also plagued rural schools. In 1900, the State Superintendent of Education reported to the General Assembly: “It is a misnomer to say that we have a system of public schools. In the actual working of the great majority of schools in this state, there is no system or orderly organization. Each county supports its own schools with practically no help from the state. Each district has as many poor schools as its people will tolerate – and in some districts anything will be tolerated.”
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BUSINESS
BAKER'S SWEETS
BAKERY AND BISTRO
story by Ashley Elvington photography by Nancy Devon Carsten
Baker’s Sweets Bakery and Bistro is located at 1089 Alice Drive in Sumter, South Carolina. Opening hours are 6 AM-7 PM Monday through Saturday, and they can be reached at (803)-775-6016. The other location open at this time is located on 129 E. Main Street in Lake City, South Carolina. They can be reached at (843)374-1800. Hours of operation may vary due to COVID-19.
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More than just a small-town bakery... It was the year 2000 and Jennifer Baker had just turned 30 years old when she opened the doors of Baker’s Sweets. This accomplishment was something she held near and dear to her heart. After gaining her own experience in the restaurant industry, it was nice to finally have a place to call her own. She recalls, “In the beginning, it was just my mom and me. She has been my rock and has helped me along the way.” Baker’s Sweets has now expanded into somewhat of a family business, as Jennifer’s son (Devin) and daughter (Hannah) help their mom run her business. Chad Feagin, Jennifer’s fiancé, also helps Jennifer in any way he can. “He is always ready to go and help where he can once he gets off work at his paying job!” In the early days of Baker’s Sweets, Jennifer and her staff did cakes only. “I am a self-taught baker and I found cake decorating to be a passion.” Over time, they slowly progressed to pastries, coffee, and now a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have also mastered signature favorites, such as nutty praline cake, cream cheese pecan pie, pecan praline chicken salad, and apple praline muffins. Amongst these treats, you can also find delicious salads, burgers, wraps, smoothies, and sandwiches. Jennifer’s hard work has certainly paid off, as Baker’s Sweets now has three locations and a full menu. In 2010, they opened a
location inside of Palmetto Health and opened a third location in Lake City in 2015. While they have grown tremendously since the beginning, Baker’s Sweets still maintains that small-town charm and continues to create amazing cakes for many different special occasions. COVID-19 has been a game-changer for so many businesses in 2020. However, Jennifer has tried to remain positive and hopeful despite the circumstances. Jennifer has a combined staff of 57 people and she is currently utilizing who she can in between the two locations that are currently open (the Palmetto Health location is closed for now). “Sanitation has always been a huge focus for me as a business model, so we were washing hands, sanitizing, and not letting staff come to work sick long before it was the protocol due to COVID-19.” While that may be nothing new, it has taken some time getting used to wearing masks. “Those are a new thing for us. We are wearing them, but I would be lying if I said we enjoy an 8 to 10 hour day in the middle of summer wearing one! But, it’s important to keep everyone safe.” They are currently practicing social distancing with their dine-in seating and have added curbside to-go pickup at their Sumter location. Customers can also order online. To learn more about Baker’s Sweets and see their menu, visit www. bakerssweets.com.
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What Will Weddings Look Like In 2021 & Beyond? For wedding vendors and couples alike, our world has turned upside down. Whether you are adapting your business to a pandemic or postponing your big day, we are all facing tremendous challenges we have never encountered. For couples, doubt and apprehension loom over the planning process and finding the right vendor(s) has become difficult due to availability. For vendors, reschedules have become a norm for 2020 and that means lost or delayed income. If you are a wedding vendor who relies upon this industry full time, you were definitely in for a rough season and beyond.
MY ADVICE TO COUPLES: Coordinate with your dream vendors. If you already have a vendor(s) in mind, reach out and see if your range of dates are available before booking anyone else. You may not get every vendor you wanted but at least you can get the one or two you couldn’t live without. Once you nail down a date. Book ASAP! Dates are filling up so fast it’s unbelievable.
Be flexible. Try to be flexible in every decision you make about your big day, from venue to caterer. As vendors reschedule other brides, you may encounter limited dates and other availability issues.
Stay calm. You may find all of the changes you have to make are actually a good thing. Whether it has reduced your cost or stress level, it may be for the better. Your day will be beautiful no matter what.
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MY ADVICE TO VENDORS: As we tread these uncharted waters, what worked in the past may not work today or tomorrow. Adapt.
Harsh reality. The weddings we had to reschedule in April, have now taken away from our fall or even next spring opportunities. So this will not be the last of the financial hardship. We are going to be playing “catch-up” for a while.
Accept it. I really have to say this. It’s not our clients’ fault. I’ve heard horror stories of vendors trying to tap remaining balances due to make ends meet and yet venues not rescheduling. This is so cringeworthy. Our clients are in the same boat; if not worse. We all know someone who’s been affected by job loss or income loss, ourselves included, but now is not the time to be “that vendor”.
Grow. This may seem impossible, but it’s not. We are in a tremendous position to capitalize on what really drives a business forward; customer service. For every accommodation you provide right now will be a return later.
Why all of this will change the industry forever? For brides, this means changing the way you envision your wedding day. This will serve to affect the way your friends and family perceive their dream wedding and so on. I believe within the next 2 years we will see far smaller, more intimate wedding ceremonies and more destination weddings. For vendors, this means the restructuring of your offers and services. We will have to find new ways to remain profitable yet available. I’m not pretending I know what that looks like, only recognizing that it’s coming. Marketing ourselves may reach beyond borders. We must also prepare for new community members. This pandemic will give way to those who were on the fence about entering the space or provide new opportunities to those just starting out. We have to be a team and conquer the next round of challenges together.
All in all. The industry is doing exceptionally well despite all of the problems we face and if you are a new photographer, baker, DJ, or planner, now is your time. Take advantage of it. I truly can’t wait to see the positive outcomes of all this and see our community grow.
Instagram Bradley_shaw_photography Facebook @bradleyshawphotos Online www.bradleyshaw.studio Phone 843-453-7981
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BUSINESS: KEEPING TIME, A MONTHLY FEATURE
story by John Sweeney
Keeping Time, conversations in time management with community difference makers, is an interview series with community leaders from a variety of fields discussing their day-by-day pursuit of professional success, focusing specifically on how they manage their time. You can hear the full 30-minute interviews on the “Keeping Time Podcast,” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. This month's conversation was with Dr. John Keith on developing downtown Florence.
A “renaissance man” is defined as “a person with many talents or areas of knowledge.” For Dr. John Keith, who can make a medical diagnosis in the morning and renovate a building in the afternoon, it’s an apt description. Dr. Keith is known both for his work as a pediatrician, as well as his part in Florence’s downtown revitalization efforts. In 2006, he bought his first downtown property on Dargan Street, where The Tai House currently resides. That purchase was a full seven years ahead of the modern renaissance of downtown, marked by the opening of Hotel Florence and Victor’s restaurant in 2013 that helped usher in the growth we see today. “I literally went to the courthouse at that time and found out who owned each of those properties and just gave them a phone call,” Dr. Keith said, recalling how he grew his portfolio of downtown real estate. “To be truthful with you, I really didn’t have any concrete plans myself, other than wanting to give back in some form or fashion to downtown Florence and Florence in general.”
Dr. John Keith Downtown Renaissance Man Listen to the Keeping Time Podcast at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com or wherever podcasts are found to learn what secrets are in Dr. Keith’s building facades, as well as his daily routine and tips for young people wanting to make a difference in their community. The entire conversation can be found on the Keeping Time Podcast, available at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com, as well as Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcast fix.
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A Florence native, Dr. Keith’s role in downtown’s growth has been hands-on, and he’s left his mark on Florence in more ways than one. He does a lot of the work renovating the buildings himself, but understands there is only so much he can do on his own. “I know when to say, ‘No’ to myself or, ‘Hey, pick up the telephone.’ and I need to call someone in regards to other things as far as the development or building out a space,” Dr. Keith said. “When I enter these buildings I kind of sort of do everything except mechanical and electrical.” Another Dr. Keith owned property houses the Florence Police Department substation, establishing a police presence downtown that has been vital to development. The facade of that substation building contains what can be called Keith’s own personal stamp on downtown.
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BUSINESS
Woodworking with Vince Leeth In the Pee Dee area, we are blessed with a plethora of talented artisans. One such craftsman is the woodworker behind Valentino Designs Co, Vince Leeth. We got the pleasure of interviewing Vince and learning more about how he creates custom forever pieces for your home. Q: Tell us about Valentino Design's beginning. A: "I have always admired folks that put forth the effort to run a small business and provide a product/service. So after a little push from my business-minded son, I took my unique middle name - given by the man that taught me woodworking - and formed Valentino Design Co. in May of 2019."
Q: What makes your pieces unique and different? A: "Since I am not a production shop and the sole craftsman, I can provide more personalized service. For example, not everyone needs an 8-foot farm table and bench; that's ok as I can scale to fit the need. I do a lot of antique furniture repairs. Sometimes it's as simple as gluing a leg together or it can be as complicated as reassembly with replication of missing pieces and matching of the finish. I have even created pieces from just a picture and rough dimensions."
Q: What is the creation process for one of your pieces? Like the awesome farm table on your Instagram? A: "The build process starts by talking with the customer about the size, finish of the table, and any benches. I'll then head for North Carolina, where I source the 8/4 oak that I use to make the tabletop and benches. Next, it's on to jointer and planer where I flatten the faces and square the edges of the boards then plane to the final thickness. 18
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At this point, I lay the boards on my assembly table to determine top and bottom, arrange for the best grain layout, cut them close to final dimensions, edge glue and clamp together to form the tabletop. If there are benches, I go through the same process to create their tops. "Once out of the clamps, I take the tops to final dimensions and begin sanding through the various grades of paper on the top and bottom of the tabletop and benchtops. Near the end of the sanding process, I route the top and bottom edges. Everything is wiped down at this point, and the stain is applied to the bottom surfaces, then a day later, the tops are flipped and stain applied to the top and edge surfaces. While those are setting, I dimension the wood used for the table and bench bases, cut the profiles and joints, sand all pieces, and then glue them together. It's back to the tops at this point where I begin applying multiple coats of hand-rubbed polyurethane that I mix myself. As I am working through the hand-rubbing process, I am finishing the bases with primer, paint, and then a clear top coat for protection. Once the poly and paint are finished, the tops go on the bases, and it's time for delivery."
843.229.2640 Find them on Instagram & Facebook: @valentinodesign.co
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BUSINESS
Evan Powell & Ashley Stokes
AL L SA INTS’ DAY SCHOO L WELCOME S N EW A DM IN IST RAT I VE LE ADERS story by Heather Page | photography by Fred Salley
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"THEY BRING AN EXCEPTIONAL BLEND OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT TO OUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY THAT WILL HELP ALL SAINTS’ GROW THROUGHOUT THIS DECADE AND BEYOND.” -WOODY SWINK
All Saints’ Episcopal Day School has a new administrative team for the 2020-2021 school year. Evan Powell is the new Head of School and Ashley Stokes is the new Associate Head of School. “We are very fortunate to welcome Evan and Ashley to All Saints’,” said Woody Swink, Board Chair. “They bring an exceptional blend of educational leadership experience and curriculum development to our school and community that will help All Saints’ grow throughout this decade and beyond,” he added. A native of Johnsonville, Powell has been excited to return to the Pee Dee area. He most recently worked with the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) state office, and previously served as the head of school at Orangeburg Preparatory Academy and Williamsburg Academy, and dean of the middle school at Pinewood Preparatory School. “All Saints’ is a vital part of the Florence community,” he said, “and I am happy to be working with this excellent faculty, staff, students, and families to continue building strong foundations together.” Ashley Stokes served as the head of school for the Spartanburg Day School’s pre-K and elementary school campus prior to accepting the All Saints’ position. “I was drawn to All Saints’ because it is evident that the teachers are passionate about each child’s development and potential, in a nurturing and challenging academic environment,” she said. “My husband and I enrolled our son in 3K here last Spring, and we look forward to his growth throughout 4K and the opportunity for our daughter to be in the first 2K program,” she continued. Stokes developed the 2K program for All Saints’, to begin this year. She and Powell also established the Task Force committee for re-entry and continuity to research and respond to the current challenges of COVID-19. The Task Force committee includes Dr. Ramesh Bharadwaj,
Dr. John Keith, faculty representative Missy Brown, Board vice-chair Tammy Clark, and Beth Hopewell, admissions director. They are determining specific plans for health, safety, curriculum, and family support during the new school year. The All Saints’ Board also approved a significant technology investment to provide 1:1 Chromebooks for 2nd-6th grades and Chrome tablets for 5K-1st grades. “Technology is an integral component of our learning modalities for returning to school,” said Powell. Stokes added “We are blending the best elements of traditional and virtual learning, to prepare our students to succeed beyond the classroom walls into the global community.” While Powell and Stokes look forward to students and faculty returning to campus in August, they are also well prepared to incorporate modified distance learning and full distance learning options. All Saints’ will have a full time nurse on staff to help with health management and education. “Our goal is to have everyone on campus,” Powell said, “while prioritizing wellness, safety, and the exceptional curriculum that All Saints’ has provided for more than 60 years.” Evan Powell and his wife Sarah have two children, in 7th and 10th grades at TrinityByrnes Collegiate School. He earned a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Clemson University, and a M.Ed. degree in Administration and Supervision from Charleston Southern University. He is certified as a lead evaluator in school accreditation for the SC Independent School Association. Ashley and her husband Chris have two children, in 2K and 4K at All Saints’. She earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Lander University and holds a M.Ed. degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and a M.Ed degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Carolina. Ashley also has an endorsement in gifted and talented education.
All Saints’ Episcopal Day School 2K-6th grades 1425 Cherokee Road, Florence 843.662.8134 • www.aseds.com
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BUSINESS
Fleur De Lis A unique shopping experience story by Rebecca Giese Are you looking for a unique gift, the perfect side table, or a piece of art? If so, head to Fleur De Lis in Hartsville; you never know what treasures you are going to find! We had the pleasure of shopping and interviewing store manager, Autumn Durante. Fleur De Lis, located right outside of Hartsville off of Bobo Newsome Highway, has been a familyowned business since Autumn's father Sam Durante purchased it in 2014. Fleur De Lis is made up of booth spaces with a variety of vendors. When asked what makes Fleur De Lis special, Autumn said, "Hands down, it's our vendors. All of our vendors are so different, and it allows you to have a unique shopping experience as you travel from booth to booth. Our vendors work hard to make their own space and offer our customers a wide variety of products. You can come in one week and walk the entire store and then come back the next week and inventory will be completely different! I think the variety and the constant changing of inventory make for a fun and interesting place to shop." And apparently, items don't sit long! Autumn's advice is if you like it, buy it before it's gone! "If someone is interested in an item, I always say its best to come in and check out the booths. Foot traffic is heavy in the store right now, and inventory is changing daily!" This year Fleur De Lis increased the booth spaces and has made improvements to better the shopping experience for customers and vendors. With the opportunity to run a booth-based business, there is a waitlist for vendor spots, but all are welcome to fill out a brief survey to get on the waitlist. A few vendors from Fleur De Lis chatted with us about the items they sell at the shop and the importance of being part of a local business. You can shop their products, rain or shine, plus many others! Open seven days a week!
Fleur De Lis 813 W. Bobo Newsome Hwy, Hartsville, SC • 843.383.4438 fleur_de_lis_antiques@yahoo.com 22
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Southern Finds "We sell Dixie Belle chalk mineral paints and products, including waxes, topcoats, brushes, and much more. We are a Premier Retailer, which means that we carry the full line of Dixie Belle products. We have 64 colors available in three sizes. An eight-ounce jar goes a long way, and it does not give off bad odors so you can paint indoors. The best part of painting with this product is there is little prep work required. In addition to selling paint, we offer quality, unique furniture, and antique items. I love being able to fix and/or restore things so that they may be used once again. Fleur De Lis gives me the opportunity to make this happen. Come visit us today." - Frank Marino
Grants Boutique "I sell a mixture of furniture items ranging from kitchen tables, chest of drawers, and dressers to smaller odd and end tables. I also carry a good mixture of home decor items such as floral arrangements, inspirational art, jewelry, baskets, and much more. I feel my two booths are a reflection of my sense of style, and I always try to make them comfortable and cozy, just like home. I absolutely love, first and foremost, the customers who shop at FDL who inspire me to work on that next furniture piece or item. Secondly, the owners of FDL, employees, and other vendors are all wonderful to work with, making for a fun trip, whether shopping or stocking my booths." - Shannon Grant
Stuff. "We just opened in February, so we haven't been there long, thanks to the pandemic, but we have done well, and we are planning to move to a bigger booth soon! Our booth is called Stuff. And we use it with little phrases such as, "Don't sweat the small Stuff—buy it!" Old Stuff. New Stuff. Handmade Stuff. We sell a little bit of everything. Diane has cleaned out her garage and has also had to clean out her mom's house, so we have some lovely vintage things. We also make paper and other crafts, so we sell those as well: cards, jewelry, pillows, etc. And we plan on creating art and card kits where people can use their creativity to make their works of art." - Diane Wise & Susan Tyner
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BUSINESS
FRECKLES AND GIGGLES Ice Cream story by Ashley Elvington
Ricki Ford was born in Florida; however, he has spent the majority of his life in South Carolina. For 15 years, he was a photographer in the Pee Dee. “Photography is a big love of mine, I still love to shoot!” Ricki is the type of man who loves learning new things and challenging himself. That being said, he decided to start a new chapter of his life and take a break from full-time photography in late 2012. In May 2013, Ricki came across some videos on YouTube about homemade ice cream. Being a fan of ice cream himself, he entertained the idea of making his own. These ideas were soon put into action, as he reached out to the ice cream maker in the YouTube videos, setting into motion the beginning of Freckles and Giggles Ice Cream. The next step was purchasing a batch machine to hook up in the kitchen so Ricki could test recipes. “That’s where we came up with all of our flavors, like our key lime pie. It took Sommer (Ricki's wife) four months to get it right, but the banana pudding one we got right in just two batches. Some were harder to get than others!” It’s difficult for Ricki to pick his favorite flavor, as he is a fan of so many. However, his go-to is always cookies and cream, which has chocolate and vanilla cookies in it. The best selling flavors have been banana pudding, key lime pie, and strawberry “cheezcake.” Once flavors were perfected, the business needed a name. After bouncing around several "really terrible names," as described by Ricki, Sommer came up with Freckles and Giggles. The name describes their daughters, Triniti, Raven, and Carlie, "One has freckles and the other two giggle a lot," explains Ricki. Ricki and Sommer began by selling the ice cream out of the trunk of their car; they would also 24
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Ricki Ford and wife, Sommer, owners of Freckles and Giggles
make deliveries to those who ordered it. After consulting with DHEC, Ricki built a 900-square foot building so they could continue making ice cream. “Sales were going well, so we leased a building at the beach to try as our first shop. I rented it so I could sell my ice cream out of a cart on the sidewalk, which was the only way the beach would let us sell on the street.” The beach was a tougher area in the beginning. Ricki recalls, “One day I brought home $2.75, which was collected after being there from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Talk about my heart hurting! After two or three months, we decided to buy a truck, praying we made the right decision.” A truck was more affordable than a shop, plus it gives a business the opportunity to go to the people instead of waiting for them to come to us. During this time, Ricki received a phone call from another business owner at the beach. “I was sitting at the shop at the beach when he called and told me his story about when he first started his business. He said, ‘Right across from where your shop is, I used to sell golf shoes and used golf
balls out of the trunk of my car. Today, I own a big portion of North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove.’ I believe that phone call was sent by God because I learned that day to never, ever give up. Through the past seven years, I have gone through ups and downs, but every one of them had a lesson in them. As Elon Musk said, ‘Slow success builds character, fast success builds ego.’” Time and perseverance have certainly paid off, as Ricki and his family now operate their truck throughout the Pee Dee and the beach, willing to go anywhere people ask them to go. “We do all types of events and have been asked to participate in a lot of weddings lately. We also get asked to come to schools, recreational centers, neighborhoods, businesses, etc. We love to serve!” They will also soon have a new shop that is a 40-foot shipping container. This month, Freckles and Giggles will be in Florence, Murrells Inlet, Aynor, and Conway. “We are out six days a week. I call us the Chick-fil-A of ice cream because we are closed on Sundays…That’s God, church, and family day.”
top: new shipping container shop opening 2021
Speaking of God, Ricki is well aware he had plenty of help from up above. “The Lord opened the door me…And I walked in. All glory goes to God. Without Him, I am nothing.” Ricki shares his appreciation and love of the Lord on his ice cream truck, marked with Romans 10:9. He is also grateful for the help of his local bank, Anderson Brothers Bank, who were amazing at helping Ricki get his small business started. “We started with hardly any money, but with help from family and friends, we made it. We could not have done it without them. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it is the most fun. With faith, God’s help and hard work comes great rewards…Always.”
middle: Freckles and Giggles truck bottom: The Ford's daughter, Carlie, purchased Ric Roc Sno Shack from them to begin her own business
To learn more, visit the Freckles and Giggles Facebook page or send an email to rickifoto@gmail.com. Ricki can also be reached at (843)617-0147. August 2020
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DRINK
YUM! YUM! YUM!
back-to-school
boost
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup (packed) baby spinach • 3/4 cup unsweetened, plain almond milk or water, divided (plus more to thin if necessary) • 1 small frozen banana (or about 1/2 cup of frozen banana slices) • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks (substitute for mango or peaches if preferred) • 1/2 cup diced Granny Smith apple (about 1/2 an apple) • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1 tablespoon honey • Handful of ice cubes • Mint for garnishing
DIRECTIONS
In a blender or food processor add spinach and 1/2 cup of almond milk or water. Blend until smooth. Add banana, pineapple or other fruit, apple, lemon, honey, 1/4 cup of remaining almond milk or water and ice. Blend until a smooth and creamy consistency is reached. Pour into a fun beverage glass, garnish with a mint leaf and serve immediately.
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AUGUST 2020 CALENDAR of EVENTS sunday
monday
2
3
Sisters Day
4
National Watermelon Day
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Book Lovers Day
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S’mores Day
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Sponge Cake Day
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Frankenstein Day
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Fajita Day
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South Carolina Day
Root Beer Float Day
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Blood Drive Florence Center
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50+ Senior Kayak Seminar Senior Gardening Seminar Lynches River Park, Coward Lynches River Park, Coward
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Oyster Day
Son’s and Daughter’s Day
Black Cat Appreciation Day
thursday
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U.S. Coast Guard Day
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wednesday
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Roller Coaster Day
tuesday
Left Handers Day
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National Aviation Day
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Cherry Popsicle Day
Radio Day
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Just Because Day
Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com! friday
saturday
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Campfire Day
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Tax Free Weekend August 7-9
International Beer Day
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Creamsicle Day
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Omar RiverRats River Run Cashua Ferry, Darlington
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Balloon Festival Swampfox Entertainment Complex, Marion
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Tooth Fairy Day
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Red Wine Day
Forget Me Not 5k Color Run James Allen Plaza, Florence
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
#CallYourPediatrician story by Michael K. Foxworth II, MD, FAAP, HopeHealth Pediatrics
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics president, Dr. Sally Goza, unveiled a new parent marketing campaign, “Call Your Pediatrician,” to encourage parents to schedule Well Child Visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Well child Visits should take place in person in a medical home, not in an emergency department, urgent care clinic, or via telehealth. So why, during this time of uncertainty, would the nation's leading advocacy organization for children create such a campaign? Unfortunately, the pandemic has led to many children missing important preventive care including vaccines and essential health interventions based upon developmental stages of growth.
Vaccines Vaccines are undoubtedly one of the greatest success stories of public health. However, there has been a notable decrease in the ordering and administration of vaccines since the national emergency declaration in March. As social distancing recommendations relax, children who have missed vital immunizations will be at risk for preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough. It is estimated that vaccines will prevent 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths of today’s American children and adolescents. Unfortunately, vaccines have been so effective that some parents don’t recognize or have forgotten the still very real threat of the diseases that they prevent. Additionally, negative claims about vaccines lead some parents to hesitate or refuse vaccines altogether. The dramatic decline in Well Child Visits in the last few months has increased that threat. However, the abundance of scientific evidence continues to support the facts: Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines save lives.
Our first priority is to address any parental concerns. Growth and development are tracked at each visit. This allows pediatricians to identify delays in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development so that patients may be connected to appropriate resources if needed. These visits also give us a chance to promote lifelong healthy behaviors for sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, while screening tests help early intervention for conditions such as anemia, lead exposure, and tuberculosis. Other screening tests may identify behavioral health needs. Mental Health Since one of every five children in the United States experience a mental disorder in a given year, identification and treatment is a vital part of a child’s health. Adolescents have many unique needs that should be addressed. It is important for teenagers to have adults in their life that they can trust and talk with about any concerns. Their doctor is a great person to fill this role for many reasons. Doctors: • Respect privacy
Health Supervision While vaccines are an integral part of the Well Child Visit, the purpose of these visits go much further. The goal of health supervision is to promote the health and wellbeing of all children, from birth though adolescence and young adulthood. These essential visits address specific health interventions based upon developmental stages of growth.
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• Have experience answering all types of teen questions • Are experts in health issues • Can ask private questions to help encourage healthy decisions • Help teens figure out ways to talk with parents or other trusted adults
Research has shown that teens who perceive that they have good communication and are bonded with an adult are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for families to stay connected to their pediatrician and their child’s medical home.
Injury Prevention Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. Promoting safety and injury prevention of both unintentional (and intentional injuries) is a major part of health supervision and the Well Child Visit. Through screening and anticipatory guidance, injuries can be prevented and lives saved by addressing the multitude of age-based concerns such as car seat safety, newborn safe-sleep practices, and safe firearm storage. Scheduling The frequency of Well Child Visits varies. • Between birth and 2 years - specific visits are scheduled every 2-6 months based upon age • After age 3 - preschool children, schoolaged children, and adolescents should be seen by a physician every year The consistent message from pediatricians across the country is this: We are here for you! We are ready to take care of your children while keeping everyone safe! During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for families to stay connected to their pediatrician and their child’s medical home. We look forward to seeing you soon, so #CallYourPediatrician today!
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG Dr. Michael K. Foxworth II is a pediatrician and pediatric infectious disease specialist who practices at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence.
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LIFESTYLE
story and photo by Bethany Ritter
BACK-TO-SCHOOL Face-to-Face or Online? Ruth Ritter, teacher at The King's Academy, prepares for for the new norm
She stands at the front of her classroom, a coy smile tugging at the edge of her lips. All of her students are captured by her story of King Henry dying unexpectedly by drinking chocolate milk. This is Mrs. Ritter’s creative way of teaching her fourth-graders about measurements. Her students try to conceal their laughter and Mrs. Ritter can’t help but let the smile fill her entire face. For many, a classroom was where we made our best friends and met some of our greatest mentors. A classroom was where we cried over a bad grade and worked our hardest for honor roll. Those who were shy broke out of their shell and the class clown made everyone, including the teacher, stifle a grin. During the 2020 school year, classes were moved from the classroom to a computer; taking many out of the environment they were used to - specifically teachers. With a sweet smile, Mrs. Ritter recalls some of her most cherished things about teaching in a classroom. “My favorite thing about being in the classroom was seeing my students achieve the goals that I set for them. I loved watching their expression when they worked hard on a project or when they got a good grade on their test. I loved helping them meet goals and overcome challenges.” Mrs. Ritter loved teaching each of her students. She strived to help them when they struggled and cheered with them during their successes. For eight months Mrs. Ritter and her students enjoyed being in a classroom. But for the last two months of the 2020 school year, Mrs. Ritter along with many other teachers moved from a physical classroom to an online one. For two months Mrs. Ritter sat at her dining room table, her laptop open in front of her, and a pile of papers stacked beside her. She worked for hours each day to create lesson plans that her students would understand and enjoy. “This was never something I planned on doing, but it did teach me a lot. It taught me to appreciate the parents of my students. I learned the importance of having them involved in their child’s education. I also 32
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learned the importance of face to face communication with my students. Many of my parents told me that physically seeing and hearing the teacher was greatly missed by the students.” Mrs. Ritter’s school, along with many others, understood the possibility that online learning might continue into the next school year. While it is not Mrs. Ritter’s desire to continue online learning, she understands the benefits that it holds. “I did a Google classroom training so I would be better prepared if online learning continued. Overall, my goal for the next school year is to do more small group activities. I also hope to encourage the independence that many of my students found during online learning.” Online learning, while different from what most students are used to, has given its students opportunities to learn at their own pace and to become more independent learners. Google Classroom, along with many other online learning platforms, are being used by schools to assist with online learning. While many schools plan to return to regular classes during the next school year, there is still the possibility that online learning might be used again. Mrs. Ritter still sits at her regular spot at her dining room table. She looks down at the pile of papers next to her that hold plans for the 2020-2021 school year. “I know that even if we go back to the classroom, switching back to online will still be a possibility. In my heart, I know it won’t be that different. We will still laugh over a silly last name in history, we will still work through understanding tough math problems, and overall, we will still grow together as a class. Whether it be in a physical classroom or an online classroom.”
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Fox Climber (Play Sculpture)
LIFESTYLE
The unforgettable tragedy that occurred on June 17th, 2015 at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church will forever hold a place in our memories as well as in our hearts. So many families were affected directly during this senseless act while our state and country joined in shock and sorrow. Reverend Senator Clementa C. Pinckney, a senior pastor, was among the victims on that tragic day. While we can never forget the loss of life, a group was formed to preserve the memory of Senator Pinckney in Marion County, his final resting place. The group, along with sponsors and supporters, will soon begin the ground breaking for Amazing Grace Park, The Clementa Pinckney Memorial in Marion, South Carolina. Senator Pinckney spent most of his childhood summers in Marion County and has strong family ties here. He was buried next to his mother, Theopia Stevenson Pinckney (née Brooms; 1945-2005). It seemed appropriate to place a memorial in the county that helped mold him into the man he became. While the recent pandemic has postponed the originally scheduled groundbreaking ceremony, it’s believed to happen in the next few weeks. Amazing Grace Park will be home to a museum, playground, and pavilion to honor Clementa “Clem” Pinckney - son, husband, father, pastor, and statesman. While the park will serve to celebrate his legacy, the vision is to promote healthy lifestyles and communities, respect stewardship of resources, and to create sustainable economic benefits. The park will feature accessible seating areas and facilities surrounded by walking trails edged in native flowers and foliage. The committee for the park didn’t skimp on details which include a Fox Climber to honor the history of Francis Marion in the educational playground. The play area also 34
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1 Marion Co Museum 2 Marion Co Council on Aging 3 Ceremony Lawn 4 Reception Lawn 5 Event Lawn | 6 Gazebo 7 Picnic Pavilion 8 Fountain Plaza 9 Entrance Plaza 10 Parking Lot 11 Play Sculpture 12 Wing Sculpture 13 Enclosed Dog Park
includes outdoor musical instruments designed to provide multi sensory experiences that help to build sensory, motor, strength, and cognitive skills in children. The park will include a venue for gatherings such as festivals, concerts, weddings, and local activities. Large copper and steel angel wing sculptures will be placed throughout the park in tribute to the Emanuel Nine. These free-standing custom works of art, created by nationally recognized sculptor Jim Weitzel, will bring illusion of flight and motion to the serenity of the park. Adjacent to the park guests can enjoy a visit at the Marion County Museum featuring an exhibit honoring Senator Pinckney, local Swamp Fox history and more. A 1/4 mile walking/jogging trail, picnic structure and shade trees surround a large open lawn space. The best part of this park - it’s all nestled in the heart of downtown Marion. The Amazing Grace Park is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2021. The park project has a total estimated cost of $2,700,000. Thankfully many generous sponsors have already invested a total of $2,000,000 into the project. If you would like to learn more about how you can become a sponsor, please contact Dr. Willena Rembert at wrembert@marionsc.org.
LIFESTYLE
September 19, 2020
K
eep Florence Beautiful (KFB) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Florence, South Carolina whose mission is to engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving Florence County through the visual aspects of our community. We support Litter Prevention, Waste Reduction, Recycling, Beautification, and Community Greening. We identify the causes of litter and reduce it by organizing cleanups and programs that beautify and naturally clean our environment, these programs include community education for responsible consumerism; source reduction, reuse, and recycling; community gardens; restoration of vacant lots; highway and shoreline beautification; urban forests, native and wildflower plantings; and graffiti prevention and abatement. KFB created the KFB Lynches River Adventure Race to be its annual fundraiser to assist in the funding of its various programs. This year the event will be held on September 19th. In creating the event, the Board of Directors was mindful of the asset Florence County has in the Lynches River and the Lynches River County Park so they also created annual amounts to go to the park and the continued cleanup of Lynches River. In addition to the annual budgeted amounts, a portion of the race participant's registration fee will also go back to the park and the river. Keep Florence Beautiful believes that investing in Florence county's natural beauty assets is a perfect way to help Keep Florence Beautiful. The KFB Lynches River Adventure Race will feature a 5K trail run through the Lynches River County Park where racers will get a glimpse of the park and wooded riverside trails. After the runners cross the checkpoint, they will grab a kayak and paddle five miles downstream 36
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Race Begins at 9:30 A.M. on the scenic and historic Lynches River. The route will finish at the Highway 52 bridge. Participants and boats will then be shuttled back to the park for post-race awards. Categories include individual, tandem, and relay in all-male, all-female and mixed divisions. The race is rain or shine unless thunder, lightning, flooding, or severe weather is forecasted. Kayak Rentals will be available through RiverRats (www.RiverRatSC.com) and Lynches River County Park (www.LynchesRiverPark.com) and must be reserved in advance. There will be course marshals and emergency personnel for the trail run. There will also be multiple safety boats and agencies spread along the water in case of an emergency. Upon completion of the 5K trail run portion of the Adventure Race, racers will proceed to the boat staging area where volunteers will assist racers with getting their boats into the river. At the end of the 5-mile paddle, there will be a timing boat on the right side of the river that will record the end time. Take-out is on river right just beyond the timing boat and before the bridge. Volunteers will assist racers with getting their boats out of the river and to the shuttle. A boat shuttle will shuttle boats to the designated pickup area at the park. After loading your boat on the shuttle or turning your rented boat in, racers will board the shuttle bus that will take them back to the park.
Please visit us at www.florenceadventurerace.com to register and a complete list of rules.
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LIFESTYLE
Making A Difference With Action & Leadership
story by Ashley Elvington
Since 1948, the Junior League of Florence has been an outstanding organization comprised of a diverse group of women who are dedicated to promoting volunteerism in order to help women realize their full potential. The League’s purpose is educational and charitable, as each member strives to make a difference in their beloved community through the action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Florence has worked diligently since its creation to help improve the lives of those in Florence and beyond. The League is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), an organization that is comprised of more than 290 Leagues in America, Canada, the UK, and Mexico. All Leagues are dedicated to community service.
to assist with their mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential. From 2013 to 2014, the League selected the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity as their signature project. They were able to donate $75,000 to the cause, which helped provide a new home for a local, hardworking, low-income family. In 2015, the League saw a growing need for a place with hands-on learning. They then partnered with the Children’s Museum of the Pee Dee and committed to donating $25,000 over the next five years. The League also has annual fundraisers, such as the Lucky Shamrock Festival and Touch-A-Truck. These fundraisers enable the League to give back to the community through grants and scholarship awards. The application process for scholarships will begin in the spring of 2021.
The Florence League has an impressive history of contributing resources to local charities. From 2011 to 2013, the League donated $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Club
As with the rest of the world, the League has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual TouchA-Truck event held at the Darlington Raceway had to be
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canceled, ultimately affecting the projected money raised. The Little Black Dress Initiative event, which brings awareness to poverty across the Pee Dee, had to be postponed. President Lauren Huggins shares, “The pandemic changed our ability to be out in the community. We were unable to complete Huggins community projects during the spring due to social distancing guidelines mandated by the state. But while the spring of 2020 did not go as we anticipated, we are looking forward to the fall with new fundraisers and outreach serving the community here in the Pee Dee.” While they’ve had to adjust their sails during these uncertain times, the League has stayed true to their mission – to serve women and children of the Pee Dee. Lauren shares, “We are currently planning some new exciting events for the 2020-2021 year. We know our Merry Marketplace, which was a holiday staple here in the Florence area, has been greatly missed. We are exploring the idea of bringing it back on a smaller, local scale. Additionally, we are planning a community bingo night either in person or virtually, depending on Covid-19 restrictions at the time. We want to keep our community safe and healthy. Touch-A-Truck and our golf tournament will also be returning during the 2020-2021 league year.” In addition to helping the community, the League also has a location that is perfect for special events. Known as the Russell House, this became the League’s permanent home in 1996. Lauren shares, “The Russell House is a great place for any type of gathering. It has amazing charm and ample space. We invite anyone in the community interested in hosting an event to reach out for a tour of the Russell House.” Some types of events the Russell House would be perfect for include bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings.
If you are interested in joining the League, rest assured you will be welcomed with kindness. Donations are also welcomed with kindness. If you are unable to donate financially, sharing fundraising and service projects by word of mouth, on social media, at your job, etc., also helps tremendously. The League also has monthly drop-off items listed on their Facebook page. These items go to other organizations and schools in the community to assist with needs. To learn more about the Junior League of Florence or to reserve the Russell House for an upcoming event, please send an email to juniorleagueflorence@gmail.com.
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LIFESTYLE
1 MINGLE Board Members 2 Chef Tasha Mac from Hell's Kitchen 3 MINGLE Mentoring at Wilson High School 4 NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson
MINGLE
Minorities Involved in Networking, Growth, Leadership and Empowerment story by Katherine Stone In 2014, a group of dedicated professionals got together to discuss the lack of diversity during business outreach events. Les and Nicole Echols, Linward Edwards, and Katrina Garnes were part of several networking groups but as they attended various events and programs, they noticed the absence of black and other minority business leaders and professionals and how they were underrepresented in professional settings. To fill this void, they developed the nonprofit MINGLE, formally established in 2019, which stands for Minorities Involved in Networking, Growth, Leadership, and Empowerment. Through MINGLE, the board members have helped to host informal social events that mix business with pleasure and gives members and affiliates an opportunity to get acquainted. These events are typically held at minority-owned businesses which also brings attention to that business. In just the past year, MINGLE has held a business expo, a Juneteenth social to bring awareness to Juneteenth, and food giveaways. Les Echols added, “We have introduced an annual Deck the Dorm program that donates dorm room supplies to several students every year. In 2019, we held our second education program for youth and even raised money to buy a freezer for a church whose freezer broke down.” MINGLE has also partnered with the Florence County Library to host four weekly sessions for Black History Month. Past guest speakers have included NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson and Latasha “Tasha Mac” McCutcheon, TV’s Hell’s Kitchen season 13 winner. In such a short existence, the amount of support shown to MINGLE has proven their presence was needed in our community. “When over 100 people showed up for our first social in Downtown Florence, we knew 40
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we were onto something,” says Nicole Echols. With so many attendees eager to be involved, the board created a membership process. The member services include access to an extensive list of minority-owned businesses and professionals (currently a work in progress) as well as invitations to community-based events and educational programs. MINGLE originated in Florence but has extended its reach throughout the Pee Dee. The coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected many businesses but has specifically been brutal to black-owned businesses where 41% of them have had to shut their doors due to the virus. MINGLE is devoted to helping regain this loss and bridge the gap for minorities. Linward Edwards included, “We believe that MINGLE gives a beacon of hope to minority businesses and professionals. It builds confidence for these businesses knowing a large group of supporters are on their side and advocating for diversity, equality, and inclusion.” The board relies heavily on its members and sponsors helping spread the word of local minority businesses and professionals through MINGLE. Individual membership is only $35 and with the number of events they host throughout the year, it’s easy to pick one to sponsor that may also reflect outreach goals within your business. If you are interested in learning more about MINGLE or becoming a part of the organization, email Les Echols at lechols@flochamber.com.
Follow their progress on Facebook at facebook.com/mingleofthepeedee.
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BUSINESS
Coffee's Happy Place
story and photos by Bethany Ritter
CASHUA COFFEE story and photography by Bethany Ritter
Monday mornings start the same for many of us. We wake up and make a cup of coffee. Some will add cream and sugar, others prefer to drink it black. Some like it cold, others take it hot. Regardless of your preference, a sip of coffee makes our Mondays a little less Monday. Eddy Dowling, owner of Cashua Coffee, explains what goes into that sip of coffee that helps take us to our happy place. Have you wondered what exactly goes into that fresh steaming cup of coffee? What makes it smell and taste the way it does? And how does a red berry turn into the dark grounds that create our cups of coffee? This process, while unknown to many of us, has become a passion to Eddy. Sitting on a stool in the building where he roasts and creates the coffee that will end up in some of our coffee cups, he can't help but smile as he talks about one of his favorite things - coffee.
“During my first two years working on Cashua Coffee, I didn't really know what I was doing because coffee itself is hugely complicated. So complicated that you will probably never quit being educated in it. But for me, the more I got into coffee and the more I understood it the more I loved it.” It is hard to believe that the simple cups of coffee we make in the morning have such complicated beginnings. Many coffee beans are grown in lower elevations. After the beans are harvested, they sit in a warehouse for several years until they are cheap enough to be bought in bulk by popular coffee companies. Those coffee beans are then taken, mixed in a roaster, ground up, and placed on the shelf of our local grocery stores. By the time we use that coffee, it is already five to six years old. This is not the case with Eddy’s coffee. “The best beans, and the ones that I get, come from at least 15,000 feet above sea level. I personally don’t have a bean in this building that is more than two years old and I try my hardest to keep it to this year’s crop. I also roast to order and that is what helps us to be so good and taste so much better. It’s like fresh tomatoes in July or August versus tomatoes in January.” Eddy’s goal with coffee is to help every bean find its happy place and to help his customers find their happy place with his coffee. “Many of us were raised on dark roast coffee. The generation like my dads thinks that the darker and blacker the coffee the stronger it is. Like if it doesn’t have what I call the burnt cigarette taste, then it's missing something. The same goes for bitterness. Coffee should never be
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bitter. If coffee is bitter when you drink it black then its bad coffee.” The fact that coffee can be sweet without creamer is hard to understand, but once a coffee bean finds its happy place then the perfect cup of coffee can exist. “If you learn about the beans happy place then you will make the best cup of coffee. In good coffee beans, there are natural sugars. When you’re roasting, you’ll hear the beans crack, that is where the first round of sugars explode inside the bean. A light roast coffee will be right when you hear the first crack. That's when you stop cooking them so the sugar is left in it. For a darker roast, you cook it longer so the sugar is cooked out.” Just like light and dark roast coffees differ in how the natural sugars are cooked, coffees also differ in flavors. Some coffees will have a fruity or citrus taste, while others will have the nutty rich flavor we are used too. It all depends on the happy place of each bean. Every individual who drinks coffee likes it a specific way. Whether it be a dark roasted coffee made in a regular coffee pot or a light roast made in a pour-over, coffee and all its mysteries will still make its way into our coffee cups every morning.
Cashua Coffee by Dowling Farms www.cashuacoffee.com cashuacoffee@gmail.com 843.992.2083
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NEWSWORTHY
o t g n i h t e m o S Celebrate...
If you are celebrating a positive achievement or have been awarded for a newsworthy accomplishment, email Heather Page at heather@vipmagsc.com.
WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL HOSPITAL WELCOMES MUSC INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Williamsburg Regional Hospital is pleased to announce that Allen Abernethy will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer effective Monday, July 13, 2020 as part of an agreement with MUSC Health and Williamsburg Regional Hospital to place an interim CEO until the new facility is built. Abernethy joins us from MUSC Health Florence Medical Center where he served as Director of Imaging Services overseeing Diagnostic Imaging, MRI, CT, Mammography, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Transport Services and Vascular Access Services. Additionally, Allen has served on several hospital committees and served as Interim Laboratory Director. He joined the MUSC Health Florence team in 2005 and has been recognized for his leadership skills within the MUSC organization. WRH is excited to deepen our relationship with MUSC through this agreement. Abernethy received his Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences and his Master of Science in Radiologic Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
GITTINGS NAMED FMU SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES DEAN
MCLEOD HEALTH WELCOMES NEW HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE PHYSICIANS
Francis Marion University has named Dr. Karen Gittings, a highly respected nursing educator, as the dean of its School of Health Sciences.
McLeod Health welcomes Dr. Robin M. Fuchs and Dr. Ryan D. Fuchs to McLeod Hospice and Palliative Care.
Gittings has been a faculty member at FMU since 2006 and has been chair of the Department of Nursing since 2019. She has served the School of Health Sciences in a number of positions, including the associate dean of the School of Health Sciences, director of the MSNNurse Educator track, and professor of Nursing.
This physician couple joins Medical Director Dr. Vipul Shah and Associate Medical Directors Dr. Erin Lusher, Dr. Ed Behling, Dr. Paul DeMarco, Dr. Andre Dyer, Dr. Robert Eagerton, Dr. Jason Harrah and Dr. Erika King in caring for McLeod patients. As Associate Medical Directors, Dr. and Dr. Fuchs will care for patients in the home, hospital, inpatient and assisted living facilities, and at the McLeod Hospice House.
Gittings is also a gifted practitioner who has served in a variety of roles outside of the university, including as a registered nurse within the former Carolinas Hospital System, and now as DNP with the Medical University of South Carolina Florence’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Gittings, a native of Ebensburg, Pa., holds a diploma of nursing from the Washington Hospital School of Nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Maryland – Baltimore, a master’s of science in nursing education from Duquesne University, and a doctor of nursing practice from Duquesne University.
Natives of Ohio who met in college, the Drs. Fuchs come to McLeod following the completion of their fellowship training at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, Ohio. They both completed medical school at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio, and their residency in Family Medicine at Lakeland Health System in Saint Joseph, Michigan.
Dr. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University, says the School of Health Sciences will benefit immensely from Gittings’s continued leadership.
The Drs. Fuchs share a deep passion for end of life and comfort care and look forward to being part of the McLeod team.
“Karen has played a vital role in the growth and expansion of the School of Health Sciences,” Carter says. “She is an exceptional academician with the perfect blend of conceptual and applied expertise. Above all, she’s one of the most gracious and collaborative administrators on campus — exactly the person you want to lead health and medical practitioners and their students.”
“We are pleased to expand our Hospice and Palliative Care team of physicians with the addition of Dr. and Dr. Fuchs,” said Joan Pavy, Administrator of McLeod Hospice and Palliative Care. “These physicians will work closely with our team of nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers to maximize quality of life while providing the medical expertise and oversight of the psychological, social and spiritual needs of both the patient and family.”
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HOME
cooking with summer vegetables story by Doug Smith The heat has finally arrived and as the old saying goes “It’s as hot as the 4th of July” has not disappointed. This time of year I always think of firing up the grill because not only is this a fun way to feed and entertain our friends but it also helps keep the house cool. No stove necessary. That's what I call a win-win. If you’re like me you can only eat so many hamburgers and hot dogs. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good hot dog, but sometimes you just want something more from the grill. Have you tried any grilled vegetables lately? Let me encourage you to take a trip to your local farmers market and pick out some fresh local vegetables — yellow squash, eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and don’t forget the fresh onions. You can make a meal out of nothing but grilled vegetables. But wait, you can even kick this up another notch with some local chicken or a good fish, all on the grill, as you keep the house cool. Salmon is packed full of healthy nutrients and tends to be less filling. I’m often asked wild-caught or farm-raised? What I tell my friends is this...First of all, Salmon doesn’t swim in the Atlantic. I also point to health benefits. “A small fillet (6 ounce) of wild salmon has fewer calories and half the fat content of the same amount of farmed salmon and although farmed salmon may have slightly more omega-3 fatty acids, it also has 20.5% more saturated fat content — and that's fat you do not want.” (Cleveland Clinic) As much as I love to grill, for this recipe I decided to share the oven-cooked tray-bake which can easily transition to the grill. Follow the recipe to the right for indoor cooking or either create a pouch out of foil and use the grill in place of the oven. You will thank me for this one. It’s healthy and tastes great. Trust me!
Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".
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Summer Tray-Baked Salmon Ingredients: • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1.5 lb new potatoes or fingerling potatoes • 1 bunch fresh asparagus • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes • 1/2 stick unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 lemons • 1/2 a bunch of fresh basil • Fresh fennel with tops • 4 x 8oz Alaskan Wild Salmon fillets, skin on
METHOD • Preheat the oven to 450ºF. • Half-fill a large saucepan with cold water and add a pinch of sea salt. • Place on a high heat and bring to the boil. • Give the new potatoes a good scrub with a scrubber, then cut the large ones in half. • Once boiling, carefully lower the potatoes into the water with a slotted spoon, bring back to the boil, then cook for around 10 to 12 minutes (depending on the size of your potatoes), or until they’re nearly done. • Drain the potatoes over the sink into a colander and steam dry for
a couple of minutes, then add to a roasting tray with the asparagus, sliced fennel, and tomatoes. • Cut the butter into slices and scatter over the vegetables, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. • Zest both lemons then scatter onto the vegetables in the tray.
• Rub each fillet with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, stuff the scores with the remaining herbs, and place on top of the potatoes and vegetables. • Cut the lemons in half, squeeze the juice over the salmon and vegetables, using your fingers to catch any seeds.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper then toss together while still warm.
• Bake in the oven at 450º for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are soft.
• Pick the basil leaves, discarding the stalks, then roughly chop them with the fennel tops. Scatter half the herbs into the tray.
• Carefully divide between your plates, then drizzle with the juice from the bottom of the tray and serve.
• Carefully score the salmon fillets lightly on the skin side.
TIP: Make this one your own by using whatever fresh vegetables are in season. August 2020
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LIFESTYLE
story by Allie Roark
FINDING POSITIVITY “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to this proposition that all men are created equal.” - Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address Does anyone else feel like they are drowning in negativity? Back in March, we were given the idea that this pandemic would lighten up due to the heat of summer. However, here we are—we welcome August with face masks, new school protocols, and 11:00 pm curfews at the local bars. Not only is this pandemic wearing a toll on our souls, but the division in society is becoming stronger than ever. I’ve always been a firm believer that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but lately, I have found myself terrified to even comment on who I intend to vote for in November. I fear the backlash from those who do not agree with me. The media is negative. Social media is negative. Our conversations are negative. 2020 has now become a joke and being used as a replacement word for crazy. For example: “Did you see 'Karen’s' Facebook post? She is 2020.” We need to stop. I am a firm believer that we are all entitled to have our own opinions. In fact, 157 years ago the Gettysburg Address was written with the intention of 48
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this country being a free country which gives us the right to feel what we want to feel and believe what we want to believe. However, I don’t think we are creating unity by some of the things that we post on social media. We are guilty of sharing posts before we check the facts, and we make claims based on things we don’t actually know. We judge others so quickly, and we avoid saying "hey" or talking to someone in public. “This is so 2020.” Let’s pause. That may sound crazy considering we have been on pause for six months now. But let’s really just pause and take a long look at where we have been and how far we’ve come. Finding the positivity will bring life back into our drowning souls. For example, this summer has looked very different for me. Normally I am working at Camp Pee Dee Pride, going to the beach or the lake, hugging all of my friends when I see them, and not having to wear a mask in Target. Last September, after I got engaged, my expectations for this summer were “2020.” I thought Ryan and I would be giddy to plan our wedding, celebrating with our friends at showers, and attending the weddings of our closest friends. I have been terrified to make any plans, our showers have been postponed, and weddings have either been postponed or super small and intimate. It’s easy to become depressed and start feeling sorry for myself. However, after taking a snooze and pausing to look at my life—I have found so much beauty in what is happening around me. The Lord has been opening so many doors in my life. After a few years of battling the idea to walk away from the classroom, I was given an opportunity at Thomas Hart Academy to teach first grade. It was a scary leap of faith taking a pay cut after only five years
of teaching. It’s a dream to teach in a private school with such a reputable reputation. Shortly after I signed the contract, the Lord blessed me with the vision of a small company called Goodness Gracelets. I didn’t know I had the talent of creating jewelry, pacifier clips, and keychains—let alone finding this to be therapeutic. Along with being an Arbonne consultant, this side hustle has allowed my mind to be at ease. This is not to brag or throw my blessings in anyone’s face, but to be transparent and admit that I never would have realized this if I didn’t press pause. My challenge for you? Press pause. Take some time to sit in silence without any distractions. Where have you been? What were your expectations? How is it different? Lastly, ask yourself how it is being used as a blessing? I know that pressing pause won’t create unity, but my hope is that it can give us some positive mind space which can be contagious if we make it. Opinions are opinions. Instead of obsessing over Covid-19, racial matters, the presidential election, or Brittany Spears and her instagram videos—let’s click like or simply ignore it. Remind yourself that when it’s out of sight— it’s out of mind. If you think your child should attend school with their friends in a class setting—send them with a mask. If you don’t, keep them home and do distance learning. It’s freedom, and it’s beautiful to be able to make those decisions for yourself. With our cute face masks and all, let’s try and do the following.
• Say "hey" to each other. • Smile through your mask (you can tell through your eyes). • Stop using social media as a battlefield. • Spread kindness and positivity. All of God’s creations matter. However the opinions of others that you do not agree with do not.
Pause—find positivity— and pray. That my friend is not “2020”. August 2020
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HOME
Creating “Happy” Pieces For Our Friends story by Rebecca Giese
2020 is the perfect time to start sending care packages and snail mail again. Everyone could use a little joy and a surprise in their mailbox! Of course, you can always go and purchase a card, but why not try your hand at an art project. Watercolor painting is up there with baking sourdough bread on the list of hobbies people have started to help cope with the current circumstances. As a watercolor artist, I highly recommend dipping your brush into some paint. When I was in college, we would create "Happy's" for people. Cards and notes to cheer up and show support for our friends and loved ones. Well, 2020 is the perfect time to try out watercolor and create some "Happy's"! Follow the photo instructions to try your hand at this beginner card or have fun and create your own! Want more visual instructions? You can watch Southernspirations IGTV video over on Instagram for a full step by step lesson. We want to see your "Happy's"! Post your art and tag @vipmagsc and @southernspirations on Instagram!
Make Your Own Watercolor Card Starter Kit 1. Background floral - Mix a light
What you'll need: • Watercolor paper cut to 7x10 (folds to 5x7 card) • 5x7 envelopes • Starter watercolor paint set • Pallet • Long round brush (you only need one good brush to start)
2. Once dry, paint the front floral -
• Cup of water
In a darker purple, blue, or whatever color you want, repeat the process for creating the petals. Before it dries, use the green to paint the
• Pencil • Micron or fine tip marker
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color, I chose a light purple and used the one color for the full flower. To create the petals, tap the end of your brush lightly in the general shape of a lavender plant or similar floral shape. For the stem and leaves, keep a loose wrist and adjust the brush's pressure to thicken and thin the lines.
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stems and leaves. Let the paint for the petals and stem blend the way only watercolors can. Once dry, you can go back in to add some contrasting details.
3. Unique lettering - In pencil, write the phrase or quote you want on the card. Go over the words in the fine tip marker. If you are doing cursive, I suggest creating thick areas and painting them in with watercolor to connect your little painting with the words.
4. Let it dry and write a sweet note inside!
SERVICE DIRECTORY
August 2020
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
BLUEBERRY
FAUX MOJITO recipe by Rebecca Giese & photography by Erin Daniel
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 oz Blueberry liqueur • 2 tbsp Lime juice • 1 oz Simple syrup
• 2 oz Club soda • 2 oz Vodka • A sprig of fresh mint
DIRECTIONS
Pour all ingredients over ice. Garnish with mint and a Southern'spirations acrylic cocktail stirrer!
It just keeps getting hotter and hotter! My cure for the heat is to enjoy the summer evenings sipping a cocktail. Sip away, while trying to forget about the mosquito biting my legs and the sweat on my brow. I have been stepping up my mixology game this year and have discovered a couple of new cocktails perfect for Porch Sippin'. The most note worth my Blueberry Faux Mojito. I love blueberry mojitos, but the other day I didn't have rum or fresh blueberries, so I made due, and it was delicious. The Blueberry Faux Mojito will be my drink of choice this summer for sure. I love the blend of berry with lime and the fresh touch of mint!
-Rebecca
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