September 2018 by VIP Magazine

Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executive Mary Kevin Miller marykevinmiller@gmail.com Advertising Executive Jordan Pupa jordan@vipmagsc.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor

Contributing Photographers Laura Gainey Tindall Hutchinson Terry James Ashley Rogers Contributing Writers Sarah Bennett Quinetta Buterbaugh Mark W. Buyck, III Melissa Cantey Ashley Elvington Melissa Ethridge David Fountain Laura Gainey Tonita Perry Chris Port Jordan Pupa Greg Tanner Donna Tracy Brooke Stacey

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 The September issue took VIP on many wonderful adventures with locals. One of our very favorite was to From Trunks to Trays in Pamplico to meet Cindy and Carroll Lawrimore. The only thing more wonderful than their hand carved bowls was them! Find their story on page 24. Thanks to Tindall Hutchinson for capturing some pretty incredible moments!

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

ISSUE 34 14 Under the Dome

40-44 Around Town

SEPTEMBER CONTENTS

Who is William W. Harllee?

VIP Magazine | September 2018

16 Advocating Healthcare Avoiding the Flu

18 Community Boy Scouts Troop 477

20 Experience Hartsville Hartsville Chamber ROI

23 Cover Stories Helping Make Your House A Home

46 Happenings 48 Time To Toast 50 Business Spotlight Griggs Circle Bakery

52 Events TEDxEvansStreet

54 Agribusiness Sugar Hill Acres

56 Paying It Forward St. Anne Catholic Church

58 Florence Community UPS Store + Florence Chamber

60 In Your State Farm to Table Events

(843) 667-1779 • 2320 Trade Ct (Next to Lowes on David McLeod) • Florence, South Carolina

Coastal Carolina Georgia Marshall at Vanderbilt at Kentucky Missouri Texas A&M OFF Tennessee at Ole Miss at Florida Chattanooga at Clemson

Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24

Furman at Texas A&M Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech Syracuse at Wake Forest OFF NC State at Florida State Louisville at Boston College Duke USC

C L E M S ON T I GE R S

U S C GA M E C O C K S

2018 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

UNDER THE DOME

Who Is William W. Harllee? story by The Town of Florence was founded in the late 1850’s. It was at the junction of the Northeastern Railroad, the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad, and the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad. The town was more likely a village and was located within Darlington County. The President of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad was William Wallace Harllee. He named the town after his young daughter Florence. W.W. Harllee has been in the news recently due to the refusal of the Florence County Museum to accept a bronze statue of Mr. Harllee and his daughter, Florence. The statue was sculpted by noted Florence sculptor Alex Palkovich and for the most part has been privately funded. A few facts about the Harllees: William Wallace Harllee was born in 1812. He was elected a Major in the S.C. Militia in 1837 and promoted to Brigadier General of the militia in 1845. William W. Harllee was a distinguished lawyer. He was admitted to the S.C. Bar in 1834. He practiced law in Marion (Florence didn’t exist at the time) and was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives twice, once in 1836 and again in 1848. He was a successful businessman and railroad promoter. He was the president of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad when it was built through what is now Florence in the 1850’s. The village of

Mark W. Buyck, III

Florence first appears on maps in the 1850’s. The village was named for his young daughter Florence, although the family did not live there at that time. William Harllee was elected Lt. Governor of the State of S.C. in 1860. He was still a general in the S.C. Militia, but he was never a commissioned officer of the Confederate Army. (The Civil War was fought from 1861-1865.) To my knowledge, he never left the state during the war. After the war, he continued his law practice and interest in politics. He was elected to the S.C. Senate from Marion in 1880 and was the president pro tem of the Senate. He was a political opponent of Ben Tillman and the Tillmanite movement and his participation in political matters ended with Tillman’s election as governor in 1890. He was elected the president of the S.C. Bar Association in 1885 and moved to the by-then prospering Town of Florence in 1889 to practice law. Florence Harllee was born in 1848 and never married; she lived with her family. When William Harllee died in 1897, Florence remained. She was a schoolteacher and lived in a home on the corner of Irby and Pine Streets until her death in 1927.

Sculpture of William Harllee & daughter, Florence by Alex Palkovich

(See Florence a Renaissance Spiritby E. Nick Zeigler, 1997)

Mark W. Buyck, III Concentrating in Banking, Business, Civil and Business Litigation and Appeals, Contracts, Employment, Government, Real Estate

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.

willcoxlaw.com

VIP Magazine | September 2018

248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

ADVOCATING HEALTHCARE

Avoiding

The FLU story by Donna Tracy, Communications Coordinator, HopeHealth

Above: Raymond Kennedy, RN, a staff nurse at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence, gets his flu shot last October in preparation for the 2017-2018 flu season. Medical staff are among those at high risk for contacting the flu.

FLU COMPLICATIONS Those at risk for developing complications from the flu include: · Children aged 6 months through 4 years · People aged 50 years and older · People with certain chronic conditions · People who are immunosuppressed · Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season · Nursing home and other chronic-care facility residents · People with extreme obesity · Health care personnel 16

VIP Magazine | September 2018

Last flu season was an exceptionally bad season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified it as “High Severity” across all age groups – the first time that has happened since they began designating a season’s severity in 2003. Despite getting flu shots and regular sanitizing in our offices, many of our staff succumbed to one, or both, of the virus strains that proliferated throughout the country. I was one of them. In fact, according to provisional reports published by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, there were 135,289 reported flu cases, 4,497 hospitalizations, and 272 influenzarelated deaths in South Carolina between Oct. 1, 2017, and June 2, 2018. Was is worth getting a flu shot even though I still got sick? Absolutely - and I plan to get the vaccine again this year to protect not only my health, but also the health of my coworkers, friends, and family. After all, even being in

general good health won’t prevent contracting the flu and I work in a community health center. It’s the very place where many people with the flu come to seek relief from their symptoms. That exposes me to the virus much more often than typical. Dr. Michael K. Foxworth, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist and pediatrician at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence said the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the influenza vaccine. Last season’s vaccine reduced the risk of contracting the virus by about 36 percent, according to the CDC. And, while data for the 20172018 season is not yet published, estimates for the previous season indicate that flu vaccines prevented 5.29 million illnesses, 2.64 million medical visits, and 84,700 flurelated hospitalizations. Additionally, a study published in the May, 2017, Clinical Infectious Diseases journal indicates that if you do get the flu, the vaccination may reduce the severity of its symptoms. The same study also photo by Grayson Markle/HopeHealth

indicates that unvaccinated adults are two to five times more likely to die from influenza than someone vaccinated. This year’s flu season starts soon. In the U.S., it begins in October (occasionally earlier) and can last through May. Most often, the peak month of infection is February, followed by December, January, and March. Since it typically takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop sufficient antibodies to protect against the virus, getting your flu shot early is important. Dr. Julio Arroyo, an infectious diseases specialist also at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza, said the sooner you get the flu vaccine, the better. It is the most effective way to prevent the flu and is recommended annually for everyone age 6 months and older with rare exceptions. Was there anything else I could have done to prevent getting the flu last year? Probably not. Dr. Arroyo notes that most people contract the flu from their family members and both Drs. Arroyo and Foxworth recommend avoiding large gatherings and those who have the flu as measures to reduce your risk this season. If you can’t, other measures you can take include wearing a mask and commonsense actions such as washing your hands properly and frequently, avoiding touching your face, eating well-balanced nutritional meals, and drinking plenty of water. If you do get the flu, the best thing you can do is stay home to prevent passing the virus to coworkers and others, and rest. If you must leave, to get medical care for example, wear a face mask to prevent passing the flu to others. Flu typically causes symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, but can also develop serious complications such as pneumonia, especially for those at higher risk, including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. If you are in a high risk group and develop flu symptoms, contact your primary care doctor for advice and possible antiviral treatment.

To become a HopeHealth patient or to learn more about classes offered, visit hope-health.org or call (843) 667-9414.

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COMMUNITY

BOY SCOUT TROOP 477 EXPERIENCING THE WORLD THROUGH

ADVENTURE

story by Jordan Pupa | photography by Hunter Morgan, Jr.

The Boy Scouts of America (the BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States dedicated to training youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor and educational programs. Scouting revolves around adventure, family, fun, character, leadership, and more. The hands-on learning approach puts kids in the middle of the action to prepare them for life. Tim Fisher and Hunter Morgan are committed to helping the youth in the Florence area by leading as Scout Masters for Boy Scout Troop 477. Tim takes the role as Scout Master and Hunter, who is also part-owner of Naturally Outdoors, is the Assistant Scout Master. What they have realized is watching kids grow is one thing but leading them through the process is a new experience altogether. Tim and Hunter are helping the scouts experience the world through educational adventurous trips. Hunter has been taking people on trips across the country for the past 28 years. In previous years, he 18

VIP Magazine | September 2018

has taken the Boy Scout troops on high adventure trips including a 50mile hike on the Appalachian Trail, a canoe trip in Ontario, a hiking trip on the High Sierra in Eastern California, and experienced Philmont, Northern New Mexico, a premier scouting destination. Tim says, “Hunter is an amazing guy. I’m glad he has three sons that have been scouts. It has allowed Hunter to spend nine summers taking us on adventures.” Hunter shares, “It’s one thing to go with my peers and even individuals older than me, but it’s amazing to see these kids catch and cook their own food daily, living off of the land and enjoying the hikes. It’s the best! I’ve taken many groups out but seeing the kids adjust to their surroundings and enjoy it is a great feeling!” In July, Troop 477 explored the Popo Agie Wilderness in Central Wyoming which stretches out over 102,620 acres of rough land featuring high, jagged peaks, deep, narrow valleys and canyons, sheer granite walls, cirque basins, talus slopes, and perennial snowfields. There was a total of 20 in attendance including scout leaders Hunter and Tim, 4 fathers, 13 scouts (ages 12-17), and

Hunter Morgan, Jr. (Hunter’s son). Hunter Jr. had just returned home from Alaska training with The National Outdoor Leadership School and was able to help guide the trip. The trip consisted of backpacking where they climbed more than seven miles and 2,500 feet. They camped in an Alpin Basin surrounded by a dozen lakes at just below 10,000 feet. Most kids earned their fishing and fly-fishing badges on the trip. “We fly fished nearly every day,” explains Tim. “It was fun watching the boys help cook what they caught. We would have 20 to 30 trout laid out and dressed to cook.” The nights were 40 degrees and the days were 70 degrees. The Wind River Range is made of three Wilderness areas encompassing over 750,000 acres. The Winds are in the Greater Yellowstone Eco system. The highest point in Wyoming is in the Winds, Granite Peak. Plenty of large mammals made an appearance including grizzlies, black bears, moose, elk, and wolves. “The beauty of the deer walking through the campsite at night is indescribable,” shares Tim. Volunteering with the Boy Scouts can be just as rewarding to the leaders as it is for the kids that participate. “Some of the boys were afraid they couldn’t do the trip,” says Tim. “It was great to watch them realize they could. It was quite a confidence builder.”

To find more information on how to get involved with the Boy Scouts in your area, visit peedeescouts.us For 28 years, Naturally Outdoors has been outfitting folks in the Pee Dee area for wilderness treks & paddling adventures. For more information, call (843) 665-1551.

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

EXPERIENCE HARTSVILLE

ROI For Our Small Business Members story by Quinetta Buterbaugh

Did you know that nearly 95% of the members of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce have 100 or less employees and that 76% percent have 10 or less employees? THAT IS A LOT OF SMALL BUSINESS! At the chamber, we have tried to really shift our focus to bringing valuable opportunities to our small businesses. Not only do we promote them like crazy on social media, through our eblasts, on our website, and anytime someone with a heartbeat walks through our doors, but we also give them opportunities to expand their networks. Connecting people to resources is my favorite thing in the world to do and I love watching partnerships form. For example, Coker College’s softball coach Travis McCall was in the Leadership Hartsville program when he learned about Carolina’s Kids. He was so impressed with the work of Carolina’s Kids, he began volunteering with his players every week to pack food bags for the children in Darlington county who are less fortunate. Travis graduated three years ago but the players continue to give their time to help the community. We have a really great Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) group at our chamber. The team of retired business leaders set aside two days a month to counsel entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes in the Pee Dee. We are also blessed to have Eddie Watson from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on our team. He also counsels entrepreneurs twice a month, right here at the chamber. We also partner with other organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SC Works to ensure our members know about all the resources available

Coach Travis McCall and Coker

softball players packing bags for Carolina’s Kids

to them. Earlier in the year the SBA hosted “Tools to Starting a Small Business” and joined forces with SC Works to host a “Veteran Employment and Entrepreneurship Workshop.” In addition to those organizations, we have members who are extremely talented and give of their time and talents to help other businesses and this community. Recently, Chamber board member Jamie Kelly hosted a workshop “Social Media for Your Business.” Based on the feedback of the 30 participants, she plans to expand on the topic by offering six sessions to help elevate our members’ social media presence. Also, Travis Blayton of Palmetto Mortgage Group hosted a seminar “Buying a Home in Four Steps,” in which he broke down the homebuying process for individuals thinking of entering the real estate market. Finally, our small businesses benefit from the exposure our events and programs offer. From fun, communityoriented events like the Taste of Hartsville and the Hartsville Community Golf Classic, to professional development opportunities like our Women’s Leadership Symposium, Leadership Hartsville, and HR Manager’s meetings, the opportunities to actualize a return on an investment in the chamber abound.

rd member Jamie Kelly Entrepreneur and Chamber boa ia to grow a business. presents ways to use social med

VIP Magazine | September 2018

Our chamber in Hartsville is amazing, but so are all the chambers in our communities in the Pee Dee. If you are a small business owner and not a member of your local chamber of commerce, I encourage you to check out the benefits available to your business. You won’t regret the investment!

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

VIP Magazine | September 2018

COVER STORY

Helping make your house a home!

Cover Stories

BEGIN ON PAGE 24 September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

CRAFTSMAN ACCENTS

HAND CHISELED WOODEN BOWLS AND TRAYS story by Melissa Cantey | Shutter Up Photography From Trunks To Trays LLC is a family owned business that sells handmade, hand chiseled wooden bowls and trays. Cindy Lawrimore, part owner along with her husband Carroll, completes the finishing work on the products. Carroll is the designer and carver. The two have been married for 39 years and share a love for family and family history. Original dough or bread bowls were a crucial part of family food preparation and it was a common practice for a future husband to carve a wooden dough bowl for his bride as a wedding gift. Today Cindy and Carroll have been able to carry on history by creating beautiful, individually-unique bowls and trays for a variety of modern day purposes. The idea for the business sparked after they received a family dough bowl that was passed down from three generations. The old bowl had a hole in it and Carroll wanted to find someone to help him fix it. After Carroll began researching the history of the bowls, he set out to find a teacher and mentor when he discovered Mr. Buddy Davis of Stuckey, SC. “Mr. Buddy” has been creating bowls for over 25 years and is still active in the trade. Mr.

er of Carroll hand chiseling the cent

VIP Magazine | September 2018

the bowl

Buddy explained that Carroll wouldn’t be able to fix that bowl, but he could teach him how to build a new one. Carroll spent much time with Mr. Buddy learning the basics and absorbing as much information as possible. Mr. Buddy helped Carroll carve his first bowl/tray in August of 2015. While the bowls and trays are still used for dough making, the variety of shapes and sizes that From Trunks To Trays creates makes them a popular option for serving BBQ, ribs, low country boils, salads, and hors d’oeurves. Additionally, many people simply enjoy the pieces as home décor. They also make wood serving charcuterie trays for meats, cheeses, and fruits.

The pieces are made from a variety of wood such as tupelo, ash, elm, black walnut, cherry, chinaberry, maple, pecan, poplar, and sycamore. Because they are hand-carved and not turned on a lathe, no two pieces look alike. “We love the natural flaws and imperfections,” says Carroll. “It really is the wood that makes the piece. It’s all about the wood.” The majority of the wood is from trees that are damaged from natural disaster, with most being from the Hemingway area. For certain pieces they either saw entire trees or they just use remnants of tree trunks. The trees are usually sawed right on their property using a portable saw mill. Once the wood cures, they use a variety of saws to remove bark and unwanted excess. Carroll then Buddy Davis, Mentor lets the pieces help him decide what shape they will take on. A pattern is hand-drawn on the wood, the wood is scored and hand-chiseled for removal of the center part of the piece, then Carroll passes the pieces off to Cindy for several rounds of additional sanding. The final sanding and oiling are done by hand with multiple applications of food-safe mineral oil to cure the wood. A top coat of Bees Oil (a mixture of bees wax and mineral oil) is added to give the pieces a more durable, waterresistant finish. “We choose mineral oil maintenance as it is easy and inexpensive for our customers to use as they maintain their pieces,” explains Cindy. “We also use this finish to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. All of our products are food safe.”

From Trunks To Trays Showroom

Learning a new skill takes time, patience and a lot of practice. Carroll says he has yet to “master” the skill and continues to learn something new each day. He shares, “Some pieces turn out exactly like you envision them and others make it to the scrap pile. It’s hard to predict what the final product will look like as the individual characteristics of the wood can’t be anticipated. This is what we love about the process.” Areas in the wood that may seem like a flaw or blemish actually give a piece the most beautiful character. Learning the finishing skill came from hours of reading, research, and a lot of trial and error. “If you want to learn this wonderful craft, find a good teacher and mentor,” suggests Carroll. “Be patient, as finding the right wood can be timeconsuming. Also, waiting for your perfect piece of wood to cure takes months-often a couple of years.”

Carroll & Cindy Lawrimore, Own ers

To check out products created by From Trunks To Trays and what festivals they will be attending in the future, follow them on Facebook (From Trunks To Trays LLC). You can also schedule a visit at their barn located at 246 East Lawrimore Road, Hemingway, SC by calling 843-933-0310.

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

WINTERIZING YOUR HOME story by Chris Port

Winter is still a few months away, but it is never too early to start thinking about saving energy costs during the cooler months. Electricity bills can skyrocket while we are indoors staying warm with our electric space heaters, electric blankets, and taking long hot showers. Pee Dee Electric Cooperative has spent years researching and educating our members on the best ways to keep costs down during winter months. While some are large and can be quite costly, there are many small sacrifices that can make a major difference in your winter bill. Larger projects like installing a new high efficiency heat pump, adding insulation, and investing in new energy efficient appliances are key components to saving energy. Although these tasks can be expensive upfront, the amount saved over the next 10 years or more will certainly outweigh those initial costs. You should also have your home checked for plumbing leaks and fix any dripping faucets. A leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost you up to $35 per year. And before it gets too chilly outside, be sure to check that your attic door closes tightly. If possible, insulate the attic door for an extra barrier. By taking the time to understand your energy use and by making small lifestyle changes, you can conserve energy. Your bank account will thank you!

10 Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills • Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home. • Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat. • Turn off lights when not in use. • Lower your water heater temperature. The Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months. • Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away. • Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home. • Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out. • Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home. • Wash clothes in cold water, and use coldwater detergent whenever possible. • Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED’s, which use at least 75 percent less energy.

For more info, visit www.pdec.com.

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE TIPS FROM SCOTT BROKAW As autumn approaches with more appealing temperatures, it is a reminder to spruce up our outdoor living spaces for better enjoyment. Plants and lighting can make a major difference in how much time you spend in your yard. Scott Brokaw, owner of Innovative Landscape Design (ILD) in Florence, shares a few tips on how to make our spaces fit our lifestyles, and educates us on planting techniques and maintenance. Scott recommends the upcoming fall months as the best time to plant for the best results. “While some plants can tolerate the stress of summer planting, the majority of plants have most of their root development through the fall and winter. The longer they have in the ground to acclimate to their new environment, the better they will do,” explains Scott. Planting in the extreme heat of summer is generally not recommended because it places undue stress upon a plant. “We live in a world where people expect instant gratification, but waiting until fall will give you much better results in the long run.” Additionally, amending existing soil with compost prior to planting is very important. “We have seen excellent results when we add two to four inches of compost and till the entire planting area. You can also add compost directly to the planting hole. The plant itself is as important as the soil you place it in.” Scott explains that the number one cause of plant failure is planting too deep. He suggests digging a hole a minimum of twice the width of the root ball, but no deeper, and setting the top of the root ball even with ground level. This will allow better airflow and root growth. “I would rather see two inches of root ball out of the ground than see dirt on top of what came from the nursery. When a plant is at a nursery, it is usually living in optimal conditions. It has food, water, and air. When you take it away from that nursery and put it in the ground, you take at least one of those key elements away. Air. When a plant can’t breathe, it will suffer.” In addition to not adding soil on top of what comes from the 28

VIP Magazine | September 2018

Owner of Innovative Landscape Design, LLC

nursery, watering the plant well after initial planting is key. Lastly, outdoor lighting can make a major difference in the appearance and functionality of outdoor spaces and is one of Scott’s favorite parts of his business. Scott explains, “There is much more to it than just pointing light at a house. Lighting is meant to provide security, safety, and beauty. When done correctly you can achieve all three.” He explains that the type of fixture, lamp selection, and the location are all crucial to good lighting. He also suggests that a professional install it. “Aside from what you see, correct installation will ensure a safe system that will last a long time,” says Scott. “A lot of what you can buy at retailers isn’t meant to last more than a few years at best. We almost exclusively use CAST Landscape Lighting product. CAST Manufactures solid bronze fixtures that carry a Lifetime Warranty. I have systems dating back to 2003 that are operating as well as the day they were installed.” ILD has served the Florence area for over 10 years and specializes in landscape design, irrigation, lighting, hardscapes, water features and maintenance. If you want your dream yard or landscape, they can bring it to life! Scott explains that both form and function are qualities that make a great outdoor space. “Just like people, every space is different,” says Scott. “What someone wants out of a space is pivotal in determining exactly what makes a space great.” ILD works with each individual customer to make their vision a reality and strives to provide creative solutions and high-quality professional service. Scott’s fundamentals are simple and have grown the company to what it is today. He believes in hard work, honesty, and doing things for the right reasons.

Scott may be reached at 843.230.1036.

Landscape Designs

Outdoor Lighting

Water Features

Visit www.ildsc.com for photos of more projects.

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

PROTECTING YOUR HOME story by Melissa Ethridge, Hodge Ethridge Insurance and Financial Services Principal Agent

One of the largest investments we make in our lifetime is our home. At our Agency, we like to help our homebuyers understand the many options available with their homeowner’s policy. Especially this time of year there are hurricanes, hail storms, all sorts of weather that can affect our homes in many ways. In addition, we are outside much more and enjoying outdoor activities. These are some questions that we answer for our clients on a daily basis. This time of year, we receive many questions about wind and hail coverage and flood coverage. Many homeowner’s policies have separate wind and hail deductibles. This means that in the event of a wind or hail claim the deductible is higher than it would be for another type of claim. For example, a $200,000 policy with 1% wind hail deductible is a $2,000 deductible in the event of a wind claim, whereas a fire claim would have the lower deductible. This is a way for policy holders to save money on the homeowner premium because they incur a larger out of pocket expense in the event of a wind or hail claim. As you make improvements to your home, make a file and save your receipts. The most common upgrades that can impact your insurance premium are your roof, heating and cooling, plumbing upgrades, and electrical upgrades. These improvements can help lower your cost

as they mean that you are caring for and maintaining your home. Many times, carriers look for evidence of pride of ownership. A well-maintained home is much easier to cover than one that has been neglected. One thing that clients forget to provide their agent is the proof of upgrade even after a claim. So, for example there is a wind claim and the roof is replaced. The claim is paid and closed. Take the next step and send the receipt to your agent. Then you will be assured that your premium is rating correctly for that improvement. We always get questions about pools. These are acceptable by most carriers. They do require a four-foothigh fence with a locking gate. This is as much for your protection as the carrier. A pool is attractive in so many ways, but you need to protect yourself against uninvited guests (both the two legged and the four-legged kind). The liability of an unfenced pool is unacceptable for almost all homeowner’s carriers. Accidental drownings peak during summer months and fencing doesn’t protect you from that but it certainly provides more security and peace of mind for you the owner. As we get closer to the wonderful fall weather, trees begin to shed and leaves and pine straw collect on our roofs and gutters. The additional weight can contribute to many issues. The weight of leaves and pine straw on your roof increases with each rain storm. As debris collects on the roof and becomes wet, the pine straw and leaves adhere to the roof and can cause possible leaking and damage. Make sure to clean your gutters properly and blow any debris from your roof. This can prevent unnecessary roof damage and keeps your home well maintained. As you travel this fall, remember that making your home appear to be occupied is a wonderful deterrent for crime. Have your neighbor collect your mail and newspapers. Set your lights up on a timer. Outside lighting that illuminates your property is a clever upgrade to security. These are some of the items that can help keep you and your home safe this fall.

2405 2nd Loop Rd, Florence 843.665.7992 220 W Home Ave, Hartsville 843.332.9802 305 E Broad St, Hemmingway 843.558.7761 505 N Longstreet St, Kingstree 843.355.6673 www.hodgeethridgeagency.com

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

RESTORING FURNITURE PAINTING PROJECTS BY JILIAN HARRINGTON story by Natalie Mahaffey Jilian Harrington has always had a creative mind, but, until recently, she had never truly found what she was passionate about. That changed when she and her husband Brandon opened the now local favorite Palmetto Peddlers back in November of 2010. “We get a lot of furniture in from a lot of amazing vendors in our store,” Jilian says. “It’s hard to find time to hunt for stuff to resell, so I noticed I owned a few pieces that needed some form of transformation to work where I needed them. After working on some pieces for friends and family, I was surprised at all the positive feedback I was getting on my work. People really enjoyed the pieces that I had transformed, and they looked amazing in their homes. I enjoy that feeling of a client being satisfied with my creativity. I finally found a creative outlet for myself that I enjoy. It feels good, ya know? It’s healthy to be able to have that outlet.” One of the most important aspects of Jilian’s work is maintaining the integrity of the original piece of furniture, while updating to fit the needs of the client. “I try to salvage the certain areas that are too beautiful to be painted,” she explains. The materials Jilian uses to transform a piece of furniture are the most important aspects of any good project. So, when she first started using Dixie Belle and their array of products, she knew she’d found her perfect match. “Dixie Belle paint will always be my go to paint. It is a chalk mineral base paint that adheres to almost any surface, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass. And it hasn’t failed me yet!” But before she gets to the painting part of the transformation, she has to do some work with the furniture itself. “When choosing my project piece, I want to be sure there aren’t any areas that I can’t handle repairing myself. Sometimes no matter how perfect a piece may seem, repairs can get costly and you don’t want to take on more than you can chew,” she explains. Once repairs are complete on a piece, she moves on to the beginnings of the transformation. “I remove all the hardware, and I gently sand everything. It helps remove hard to clean areas and scuffs it up so the paint adheres better. Sometimes it may be an unnecessary step, but I feel it makes things easier in the long run,” she says. Once sanding is done, she uses wood cleaner and wipes down the whole piece, inside and out, including any drawers or cabinet spaces. 32

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When she completes the sanding and cleaning of the furniture, Jilian begins with the painting. The first rule of thumb when it comes to painting is to always prime. “This helps with coverage so you don’t use so many coats of paint. ‘Boss’ by Dixie Belle works great, but you can also use Kilz.” Priming a piece is especially important if you are going to be painting a light-colored piece. She also explains that, “an oil base primer works really well on furniture. I usually only need one thin coat of primer.” Once she has primed her piece, she sands it again, just to smooth out everything and to help with the finished look. Then she applies her paint. “There are a few different ways to do this. I use Cling On! brushes. They are exceptional in that they don’t shed bristles and they are self-cleaning. You just return the brush to the water and the paint falls off,” she says. The self-cleaning aspect of the brushes is especially important because then you don’t have to use any harsh chemicals on your brushes, which can deplete the quality of a brush fairly quickly. Jilian also explains that a technique she has found to be helpful is to dip

the brush in water before painting because it gives a good even coat that doesn’t hold brush marks in the paint. She then lets the first coat dry for 30 minutes to an hour before applying another light coat of paint. She repeats the drying process, and sands the piece one last time. One last coat of paint goes on after the sanding process, and then she waits. Before doing any detail work to a recently painted piece of furniture, it is important to make sure it is fully dry. Otherwise, you will find yourself having to start over from the beginning. Once the painting part of the project is complete, Jilian then decides on the detailing that needs to happen to the piece. To do this, she has to decide on what types of products to use. Again, she relies heavily on Dixie Belle. Any piece of painted furniture needs to be sealed, and Jilian stresses that using wax or a clear coat sealer is important to maintain the integrity of the piece for years to come. She uses Minwax Polycrylic or Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat to coat the piece of furniture. She lets the piece sit for at least 24 hours after sealing before moving it. One last piece of advice she gives: “Let a piece sit for a good 30 days to cure completely. Only allow light use until then.” To find some of Jilian’s original pieces, visit Palmetto Peddlers at 2295 Hoffmeyer Road in Florence. September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

PURCHASING YOUR FIRST HOME story by Greg Tanner, Fairway Independent Mortgage

You Do Not Need 20% Down To Buy A Home Buying your first home can be very exciting but make sure you are prepared for what lies ahead. When you are transitioning from being a renter to a homeowner there are many things you need to consider. The Aspiring Home Buyers Profile from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is required to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The results of the survey show that the main reason why non-homeowners do not own their own homes is because they believe that they cannot afford them. This brings us to a few major misconceptions that we want to address today.

Down Payment A recent survey by Laurel Road, the National Online Lender and FDIC-Insured Bank, revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the survey, 53% of Americans who plan to buy or have already bought a home admit to their concerns about their ability to afford a home in the current market. In addition, 46% are currently unfamiliar with alternative down payment options, and 46% of millennials do not feel confident that they could currently afford a 20% down payment. 34

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What these people don’t realize, however, is that there are many loans written with down payments of 3% or less. USDA and VA have no money down options. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with new programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

Can you afford the monthly payments? Even if you have saved enough money for your down payment, you need to be certain that you are able to afford your monthly mortgage payment. Do not forget to factor in expenses like property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc. We will go over your budget and your financial goals to make sure that you are comfortable with your mortgage payment and still have enough money each month to enjoy your life in your new home.

Bottom Line

FICO Scores An Ipsos survey revealed that 62% of respondents believe they need excellent credit to buy a home, with 43% thinking a “good credit score” is over 780. In actuality, the average FICO® scores for approved conventional and FHA mortgages are much lower. The average conventional loan closed in May had a credit score of 753, while FHA mortgages closed with an average score of 676. The average across all loans closed in May was 724. The chart below shows the distribution of FICO® Scores for all loans approved in May. It is possible to get approved to purchase a home with a score as low as a 580 for VA or 600 for FHA. It is best to speak to your Loan Officer about the options available to you.

If you are a prospective buyer who is ‘ready’ and ‘willing’ to act now, but you are not sure if you are ‘able’ to, you need sit down with a reputable lender to discuss all of your options.

Greg Tanner,

NMLS 1046498

2011-C 2nd Loop Rd. Florence 843.407.3464 gregtannermortgage.com

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

PAINTING DONE RIGHT

TIPS FROM RUSS FORTIER Russ and Wendy Fortier are both Francis Marion University graduates and have two sons, Tyler and Davis. They have lived in the Florence area for more than 30 years. Together they own Fresh Coat Florence, SC, which is a national franchise based in Cincinnati, OH. They purchased the franchise and brought it to Florence in December of 2017, then launched their business in April. Fresh Coat offers residential and commercial painting services including: interior and exterior painting, light commercial painting (offices, small stores, apartments), wood staining and finishing (deck, fence), popcorn ceiling removal, wallpaper removal, small drywall repair. and more. Russ and Wendy are committed to providing the best customer experience possible and leaving customers with a finished project they will love every day. Russ Fortier shares with us his expertise on “painting done right.”

Owner of Fresh Coat Painters

What are the different types of sheens and what surfaces are they best for? “There are multiple descriptions in sheens across all paint products. You’ll want to consult with a local paint store representative for advice on sheens to use. Here are some to consider: • Flat- for walls and ceilings. Flats hide imperfections better than other sheens. • Satin, Matte, Egg-Shell- used commonly on walls. Each has a slightly higher sheen and is a personal choice of the home owner. Check also for durability in each paint sheen/brand. You may want to use something with a high “scrubbability” rating for bathrooms and kitchen walls. • Semi-Gloss & Gloss - commonly used for trim, doors, windows and cabinets.”

What basic supplies are needed for an indoor and outdoor DIY painting project?

What steps should we take when searching for exterior paint before jumping in and painting our entire house?

“The key is to purchase tools and paint that are quality products, not the cheapest you can find. At a minimum you’ll want:

“If you are doing it yourself, definitely talk with your local paint store. I recommend them over the big box stores. They work with both paint contractors and homeowners and they are experts in their products. They’ll also be able to give you advice on cleaning and preparation for painting, optimal outside temperatures for applications, dry time (keep in mind you are going to be watching the weather on exterior projects), and other items such as the degree of mildew resistance in their product (in the south, mildew resistance is an important factor).”

• Quality brushes (3 inch is a must, but smaller brushes can also be helpful). Make sure that the brush is designed for the paint you’ll be using. • 5-gallon bucket with paint screen • Cut bucket (small bucket you can hold in your hand for cutting trim) • Contractor grade roller handle (cheap rollers flex when applying paint and can leave streaks in your work) • Sanding blocks or sandpaper (for prepping your surface and finishing out your application • Drop cloths • Plastic sheeting (cover your furniture and valuables) • Roller handle extensions • A four or six-foot step ladder” 36

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How can we identify if we have lead paint? What steps do we take with a lead renovation project that would be different from a regular project? “If your house was built before 1978, there is a chance you may have lead paint present. The farther back in time your house was built, the more likely it is that you have lead paint. In Florence, we encounter lead paint with

Amy Taylor Wells

above: Removing popcorn ceilings, repainting the walls and painting all trim from stain to white top right: Repainting trim and walls of living room from stain to white bottom right: Before and after bathroom project wallpaper removal and repainting walls of bathroom

most of the houses in the downtown district. Lead paint projects require a contractor who is lead certified. A certified lead contractor can test for lead prior to the beginning of your project. If lead is present, they are required to notify you of the presence of lead and take additional precautions on the project to contain the lead dust and lead paint according to EPA rules. You can test for lead paint yourself with a simple kit available online or in some paint stores. Lead paint renovation projects will cost more, because the contractor must contain the area where any lead paint surface is being disturbed, contain the dust, and perform the appropriate cleaning techniques to ensure that the area is no longer contaminated. There’s also the disposal of the lead paint materials that has to be done as well.”

• Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured? Ask for copies of each of these before accepting any proposal. Check for coverage limits and make sure that the certificate of insurance dates are valid. This is for your protection if something should happen to any painter or your property. If they aren’t insured, your homeowner policy may be required to cover the loss. • If your project involves disturbing lead base surfaces, request copies of the Lead Renovator Certificate and the firm’s lead certification • Lastly, request references and check them out. Ask questions like: Does the contractor show up when scheduled? Did they complete the project in a reasonable timeframe (or as promised)? Did the crew respect and maintain the homeowner’s property? Were you satisfied with the outcome of the project?

What qualities make a reliable paint contractor and why is it necessary to have one? Here are some basic things to ask for: • How long has the contractor been in business? How much experience do the painters have? • Does the contractor require money upfront? How much? • Are consumable supplies and paint included in the price? If not, be prepared to have additional cost added to the project. • Is this estimate firm? Meaning, is the price turnkey for the entire project.

We answer the phone in 3 rings, schedule estimates within 3 days and complete the job within 3 weeks! 843.594.0095 | freshcoatpainters.com/florence-sc

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

COVER STORY

BUYING A HOME Homeownership is a big investment, decision, and responsibility. The process may appear complex at first, but the more you know about it, the better your experience will be. A REALTOR® can help guide you throughout the entire process in order to make smart decisions before and after you buy. Palmetto Realty shares with us the value in working with a REALTOR® during your home buying process. The Importance of Having a REALTOR® in the Home Buying Process • REALTORS® are members of the Pee Dee REALTORS® Association, South Carolina REALTORS® Association, and National Association of REALTORS® • Adhere to a Strict Code of Ethics, professionalism & honesty • Provide professional responsibilities: Accountability, Confidentiality, Disclosure, Loyalty, and Obedience. • Knowledgeable and Experienced with the real estate market • Provide buyers with a list of bank lenders and mortgage professionals to assist buyers with their pre-approval and mortgage decisions. • Discuss with buyers their specific interest and Search the Market for the best properties for the buyer. • Show buyers the properties of their interest…Buyers don’t need multiple agents for this, their REALTOR® can show them ALL LISTINGS ON THE MARKET. • Prepare Purchase Agreement to safeguard buyers • Present and Negotiate all terms on behalf of buyer’s best interest. • Order Inspections and negotiate repairs Sherri Good (REALTOR®), Sandy Gaskins (Broker/Owner) and Angie Stanley (Office Manager)

• Work with attorney and bank lenders throughout the closing on the buyer’s behalf throughout the home buying process. • Attend a walk through with the buyers on the purchasing property and attend closing with buyers • As we say at Palmetto Realty “Service Beyond the Sale”, we offer any assistance in any other home-related services after closing is final.

125 North 5th Street, Hartsville scpalmettorealty.com (843) 917-0274

VIP Magazine | September 2018

Be sure to take advantage of the knowledge, experience, and professionalism of a REALTOR®.

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

AROUND TOWN

blue line shooting range ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night Blue Line Shooting Center hosts ladies day twice a month from 12p-7:30p. Check them out on Facebook for upcoming dates. There is a $5.00 range fee and free gun rental. They have expert instruction for all skill levels. Come on out and enjoy the fun and win prizes for best shooter. 1811 Sally Hill Farms Blvd, Florence, SC, 843-667-9565

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

AROUND TOWN

rock for kids On Friday, August 17th, McLeod Regional Medical Center Volunteer Services sponsored “Rock for Kids Concert” in Downtown Florence. The community gathered for the kid friendly event to help raise money for McLeod Children’s Hospital. For more info on future Rock for Kids events, email dsawyer@mcleodhealth.org.

photography by Phillip Guyton 44

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

HAPPENINGS

FLORENCE

PEE DEE

Speech & Hearing Center Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary Year

Celebration Fundraiser at Seminar Brewing

SEPTEMBER 13TH 6:30p-8:30p

The Pee Dee Speech & Hearing Center (PDSH) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1968. In celebration of its service, PDSH will host a fundraiser at Seminar Brewing on September 13, 2018, from 6:30-8:30. The event will feature food, drinks, games, and a 50-50 raffle, with music provided by Felonious Funk (featuring former members of the Woodys). The Center staff and board members invite the public to come share our celebration of 50 years of service to the community, while looking forward to continuing to serve the Pee Dee. Tickets to the event will be available for purchase at the Center, and through Eventbrite and the Center’s Facebook page. Corporate and business sponsorships are also available.

For more information, please visit www.peedeespeechandhearing.com or contact Dr. Dennis Burrows at 843-662-7802. 46 VIP Magazine | September 2018

1......................................................................................................................................... City Center Farmers’ Market, Downtown Florence, 9am 6-16.................................................................................................................................. Greater Pee Dee State Fair, Florence Center, 4pm 6........................................................................................................................................ Citywide Prayer Gathering, Church at Sandhurst 7pm Business After Hours, Pee Dee Realtor Association, 5:30pm 8........................................................................................................................................ Cars and Coffee, Highland Park UMC, 9am 9........................................................................................................................................ Golden Brunch Series Pt 3, Muscovy’s Food & Spirits, 12pm 13....................................................................................................................................... Cooks For Christ, WFFD Naomi Project Annual Lunch Fundraiser, St. John’s Church, 10am 14...................................................................................................................................... Legislative Breakfast, Florence Center, 7:30am VegFest, James Allen Plaza, 5pm 21....................................................................................................................................... Annual Day of Caring, United Way of Florence, 7am Igniting Innovation Gala, SIMT, 6pm 22...................................................................................................................................... Tour of Homes Rally for Recovery, FMU PAC 1p 23...................................................................................................................................... Tour of Homes 27...................................................................................................................................... Coffee & Friends, All 4 Autism, 8am Business After Hours, Staybridge Suites 5:30pm The Outlaws, FMU PAC, 7:30pm 28...................................................................................................................................... Pee Dee FCA Golf Tournament, Country Club of SC, 11am Florence After Five, Downtown Florence, 5:30pm 29..................................................................................................................................... Tour of Homes Breaking Free: 5/15K Walk-Run, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 8:30am 32nd Annual Doll & Toy Show & Sale, SIMT, 9am 30..................................................................................................................................... Tour of Homes SC Bridal Showcase, Florence Center, 1pm WEEKLY EVENTS Wednesdays.......................................................................................................................... Wine Down Wednesday | Dolce Vita 4pm Thursdays............................................................................................................................... Ovis Hill Farmer’s Market | Naturally Outdoors 3pm-7pm Trivia Night | Southern Hops 7pm Live Music | The Dispensary Saturdays................................................................................................................................ City Center Farmer’s Market | Downtown 9am-1pm Live Music, The Dispensary

MARION/MULLINS 8...........Caregiver Support Group, Carolinas Hospital System, 11:30am 13-15......Fox Hole Fall Bike Rally, Swamp Fox Entertainment Complex 29...........................................................................Golden Leaf Festival, Mullins

SEPTEMBER 2018 HARTSVILLE 1............................................................................................................................ Karaoke Night, Retrofit Sip-n-Seat, 7pm 6........................................................................................................................... Opening of Dreams Recycled, Black Creek Arts, 5:30pm 8........................................................................................................................... Hartsville Farmer’s Market, E. Carolina Ave., 9am 13.......................................................................................................................... Hartsville Area Coker Alumni Social, Kalmia Gardens, 5pm Patient Health Talk, Advanced Wellness Center, 5:30pm 18......................................................................................................................... Foreign Language Night, Retrofit Sip-n-Seat, 6pm 20........................................................................................................................ Ladies Night Out, Edventure, 6:30pm 21.......................................................................................................................... Women’s Leadership Symposium, DeLoach Center, 8:30am SideSwiped, J Michaels, 8pm 22......................................................................................................................... CareSouth Carolina Run2Care 5K, YMCA, 8am 26........................................................................................................................ Timeless Appeal of Southern Novels, Burry Bookstore, 5pm 29........................................................................................................................ Miss Blast from the Past, Center Theater, 10:30am Show Down in the Pee Dee II-Larry Frazier, TB Thomas Center WEEKLY EVENTS Thursdays......................................................................................................... Centennial Farmers Market | 5th & Carolina 3pm-6pm

DARLINGTON 2........................................................................................................................... Bojangles’ Southern 500, Darlington Raceway, 6pm Clay Walker, Darlington Raceway, 7pm

LAKE CITY 8........................................................................................................................... Moore Farms Beer Fest, 1pm 13-15.................................................................................................................... SC Tobacco Festival, Lake City Park, 9am 15......................................................................................................................... Small Trees for the Home Landscape, Moore Farms, 9:30am 22......................................................................................................................... Stroll in September, Moore Farms, 8:30am 24........................................................................................................................ Yoga in the Garden, Moore Farms, 6pm 29........................................................................................................................ Seeds to Success: Collecting & Storing Seeds, MFarms, 9:30am

DILLON 10......................................................................................................................... Pop-Up Farmer’s Market, North Plaza, 4pm 15......................................................................................................................... Biking for our Babies, Pregnancy Center of Dillon Co, 10am September 2018 | VIP Magazine

TIME TO TOAST

Florence Local Wins Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Challenge

First Bank Foundation Donates to Local Pee Dee Communities In July 2018, the First Bank Foundation donated a total of $33,150 in the local Pee Dee communities. The non-profits that received donations include All 4 Autism, American Heart Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Building Families, Cheraw Rescue Squad, Chesterfield Family YMCA, Chesterfield Fire Department, Coulter Long National Alumni Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Florence Branch NAACP, Florence County Disabilities Foundation, Florence Darlington Technical College Foundation, Francis Marion University Foundation, Girl Scout Council of the Pee Dee, Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity, Help4Kids, Hospice of Chesterfield County, House of Hope, Junior Leadership Florence Program, Lighthouse Ministries, McCarn Community Ministry Food Bank, Mercy In Me Free Medical Clinic, National Wild Turkey Federation, Northeastern Technical College, Pathfinders United, Pee Dee Area Boy Scouts of America, Pee Dee Area Coalition, Pee Dee Land Trust, Relay For Life, SNAC, St. David’s Cemetery Association, The School Foundation, Town of Cheraw Jazz Fest, United Way of Chesterfield County, United Way of Florence and Wallace Rescue Squad. First Bank is proud to be a local community bank that gives back to the communities they serve. First Bank is headquartered in Southern Pines, NC and has $5.7 billion is assets with 102 branch locations between North and South Carolina. First Bank serves the South Carolina market with branches in Cheraw, Dillon, Florence and Latta.

Last year, Dunkin’ Donuts asked America to share their favorite from among the brand’s most popular ice cream flavored coffees with the chance to bring it back to the menu for summer 2018. A Florence, SC fan voted via Twitter and to show their appreciation, Dunkin’ Donuts selected her to win a summer’s worth of Dunkin’ coffee. On July 27th, Corrine celebrated with guests to show off her tweet that won the contest: “Cookie Dough!!! It’s the flavor that made me love DD Iced Coffee! (Please keep Butter Pecan as well.)”

Carolinas Hospital System Welcomes Shauna Hemingway, M.D.

Hemmingway

Carolinas Hospital System is pleased to welcome Obstetrics and Gynecological physician Shauna Hemingway to the Carolinas Hospital System medical staff.

Dr. Shauna Hemingway practices obstetrics and gynecology at Phillips & Coker OB-GYN, in Florence. Her practice is located in The Women’s Center on the campus of Carolinas Hospital System. As a native of Marion, Dr. Hemingway is thrilled to be practicing in the Pee Dee region. Hemingway offers complete gynecological and obstetric care for women of all ages. She specializes in minimally invasive surgery, such as laprascopic hysterectomy, and contraceptive counseling and placement of long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) and intrauterine devices (IUD). She is accepting new patients. For more information go to: CarolinasMedicalAlliance.com or call (843) 665-9581.

The Manna House Volunteer and Donation Event Sunday Bible School Convention Held in Florence The House of God Church - Keith Dominion took part in the statewide Sunday Bible School Convention held August 10-12. Bishop Cary K. Butler (Chief Helper, Presiding State Bishop and SBS Convention Supervisor) lead the congregation during the three day event. This years theme was “Blessed or cursed! What’s your inheritance?” The scriptures taught were Deuteronomy 11: 26-28, I Peter 3:9 and Deuteronomy 30: 15 & 19. The House of God Church is located at 115 Wilson Road in Florence.

Community and service are integrated into everything Duke Energy does. The Manna House is one of those organizations that feels the same way. Manna House is a nonprofit organization that provides food for those in need. A local newspaper story reminded Duke Energy of everything it takes to fulfill that mission, and the folks at the Manna House are busier than ever. That’s why employees of Duke Energy volunteered their time to help prepare and serve meals on Wednesday, Aug. 1. The company also made a donation to the organization to help them continue their mission to offer nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment.

Carter Details New Initiatives at FMU Kickoff Event Francis Marion University President Dr. Fred Carter highlighted the dramatic growth of University’s academic programs, and its increasing impact on the region, at the FMU’s faculty breakfast Monday. Carter

The annual event serves as the kickoff for the academic year. FMU’s 2018-19 academic year begins on Tuesday with the first day of full classes. More than 800 new students are expected on campus, part of a student body of almost 4,000. In his remarks, Carter also called attention to the “First Generation Fund” initiative, which will be launched later this fall. As its name implies, the First Generation Fund is designed to raise funds and provide additional resources for students who are the first in their immediate family to attend college. More than 40 percent of the incoming freshman last year at FMU were first generation. Carter said coming to the aid of first generation students was the “most effective investment” the community and region could make. And while FMU’s faculty regularly contributes to the University’s philanthropic needs, Carter issued a special invitation for them to participate in the First Generation initiative. “I’ve no doubt that everyone in this room uniquely appreciates the criticality of this effort,” Carter said. “I am asking you to help on this one, and we’ll ask a few thousand other folks, too. And 17 trustees and seven vice presidents. And every alumni that we can track down.” Carter briefed the faculty on the University budget, on legislative matters pertaining to higher education, and on the enhancement of special student events on campus. He also hinted at a major new donation that could be coming the University’s way in the near future.

Fleming Receives the 2018 IBSC Leadership Award Mrs. Margi M. Fleming of The Citizens Bank in Olanta, SC, received the Independent Banks of South Carolina (IBSC) Leadership Award at the IBSC Convention on July 20, 2018, Myrtle Beach Marriott Fleming Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. The Independent Banks of South Carolina distinguishes leadership in community banking annually with this award. Margi Fleming is the Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing at The Citizens Bank in Olanta, South Carolina. Margi is a graduate of Winthrop University and was hired in 2007 as a Mortgage Originator at The Citizens Bank. She remained in this job until promoted to the dual role of Human Resource Officer and Marketing Officer and has excelled at both positions. Through her leadership and encouragement as Human Resource Officer, The Citizens Bank has achieved an exceptionally high rate of employee participation in the 401K plan. She serves on the Investment Committee for the 401k and has been involved in reviewing and selecting funds that are the best performers to protect and grow the retirement balances for TCB employees. She provides guidance to more than 125 employees on health and insurance issues and supports our employees through other caring acts in times of sickness or family bereavement. As Marketing Officer, Margi has recently been involved in several projects including a revamping of The Citizens Bank website and leading the effort to make sure that they have all the products for millennials such as Apple and Google pay apps and Person to Person Pay. She has promoted the bank through social media as well as other advertising media. Margi serves on the SCBA Young Bankers Division Board as the Group VI Director and is also in her second year of South Carolina Bankers School and serves as President of her class.

Carolinas Hospital System Recognized as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion by Cribs For Kids Program Carolinas Hospital was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a “Gold Safe Sleep Champion” for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. They are the first hospital in the state of South Carolina to receive this recognition. The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, a Pittsburgh-based organization dedicated to preventing infant, sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation. In addition to being Cribs for Kids® partners, Carolinas Hospital System was recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and providing training programs for parents, staff and the community. “Sleep-Related Death (SRD) results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the U.S.,” said Michael H. Goodstein, M.D., neonatologist and medical director of research at Cribs for Kids®. “We know that consistent education can have a profound effect on infant mortality, and this program is designed to encourage safe sleep education and to recognize those hospitals that are taking an active role in reducing these preventable deaths.” This program is well-aligned with the Maternal Child Health Bureau’s vision of reducing infant mortality through the promotion of infant sleep safety as outlined in Infant Mortality CoIIN Initiative. Thirty-nine states have designated SIDS/SUID/SRD as their emphasis to reduce infant mortality. For a South Carolina infant, a sleep-related death is 18 times more likely to occur than a motor vehicle-related death. “Reducing infant mortality means protecting our children and protecting the future of our community,” said Vance Reynolds, CEO of Carolinas Hospital System. “Carolinas Hospital System is proud to be the first hospital in South Carolina to be certified as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion. We recognize our Women’s Center staff for driving excellence in Maternity and Infant Care in our region and our state. Achieving this distinction is just one way we continue to show the Carolinas Difference.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Brad Carr, owner

GRIGGS CIRCLE BAKERY Made Fresh with Love Daily

story by Ashley Elvington | photography by Laura Gainey When I was a kid, I found my small town to be quite boring. Raised in Marion, South Carolina, it was often considered a treat to visit Florence and especially Myrtle Beach. Throughout the years, I would often meet people who weren’t from “around these parts.” I’ll never forget the cool new girl who arrived to my school in eighth grade. Cool simply because she came from California. When I was told this information, I asked what I have always asked when someone arrives in South Carolina – “Why in the world did you want to come here?” This state was all I knew, and I just couldn’t imagine someone wanting to come here, especially from the glamorous California. Hartsville resident Brad Carr ended up here in South Carolina after spending a portion of his childhood in Louisiana. When he turned 18, Brad started baking as a hobby. Inspired by the idea of creating the perfect chocolate chip cookie, Brad had two other important ingredients at hand - the unconditional love and support of his parents, who were excited to see their son’s passion begin to develop. After working in local restaurants and bakeries to gain experience, Brad began to craft some pretty delectable recipes of his own. Brad spent some time in the University of South Carolina’s Culinary Arts Program, but it’s his work experience at these local businesses that have helped him mold his craft the most. “In the early days, I had friends that were chefs. They would give me feedback and help develop recipes. Those were fun times!” Brad decided to follow his heart and build a baking business. And so the magic began on Griggs Circle! “When I first had the idea of starting a bakery, we planned to feature a small variety of breads and pastries at various farmers’ markets around the Pee Dee. I would bake late at night and into the early mornings to have enough products to sell at the markets the next day.” Brad and his wife Kimberly soon transformed the den of their home into a packaging area. “It’s pretty crazy to look back and see how much

VIP Magazine | September 2018

stuff I baked in our little residential oven for those markets.” By October 2016, Brad and Kimberly opened Griggs Circle Bakery in Hartsville. “We decided to open a store for a few reasons. First, we were outgrowing our home. Second, we saw that there was a market for our type of bakery in Hartsville and we felt we had an adequate customer base to get it off the ground. And lastly, we needed to move into a commercial facility so we could produce a wider range of products.” The folks in Hartsville were eager to try Brad’s delicious items and he and Kimberly welcomed the success with open arms and humble hearts. He admits owning his own business has been a humbling experience, as he has learned to be grateful for any support received from family, friends, and the community of Hartsville. “I’m super grateful for the awesome people at Main Street who were instrumental in helping us get started. We have good relationships with the people in city management that support our dreams. The Chamber of Commerce also helps us out a ton.” According to Brad, there are a lot of awesome new things in Hartsville to experience and plenty to be proud of, as the city is constantly growing. However, what he and Kimberly cherish most is being a part of One Church Hartsville. “Those great people have been the most loving and supportive community we can ask for.” At Griggs Circle Bakery, you can find many delicious items to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are multiple different types of cookies to choose from (including glutenfree options), muffins, Danish, scones, Rice Krispies Treats, brownies, blondies, pies, cupcakes, cakes… The list goes on! All items are beautiful and eye catching, guaranteed to make your mouth water and stomach growl in anticipation. I can’t forget to mention the bread Brad and his team make. From Everything Bagels to focaccia, spinach artichoke, rolls and more, the only challenging aspect of walking in Griggs Circle Bakery is deciding which one to try! If you’re in the mood for something different, the bakery now offers lunch boxes that include your choice of sandwich,

side, and a fresh baked cookie. They’ve also started a weekly bread subscription that bundles together different types of breads for a flat weekly rate. Out of all of the items he makes, however, Brad most enjoys creating custom birthday cakes. “When someone brings me an idea for a cake, such as a theme or a specific style, I love being able to create the cake they describe to me.” If you happen to visit their Facebook page, you’ll see not only the baked goods offered, but also pictures of the wonderful cakes this talented soul has created. And in case you were wondering, he has most definitely created the perfect chocolate chip cookie! In addition to running his own business and playing an active role in his church, Brad is also the father of Alice Belle and newborn Charlie. All of which he admits occasionally requires lots of prayer and faith! But thankfully, he has quite the support system to help him navigate through waters that can be bit rougher than others. “I have an awesome staff that are all rock stars. My wife is a champion; she’s an encouragement and a strong, amazing woman. I have a solid community of friends and family. We all go through good seasons and tough seasons. But, tough seasons don’t last forever and I feel that it’s how you come out of them that determine what kind of person you are.” His parents continue to inspire him today, as well as his in-laws. “They have all worked hard for everything they have. They value honesty, faith, and determination. They’re the kind of people I aspire to be one day.” I’ve known Brad for several months now and I’m blessed to not only have trained under his mentorship but to also call him a friend. I can honestly say he’s the sort of person I aspire to be one day. And while I asked him when we first met why he wanted to live in such a small town, I’ve realized now that it’s people like Brad who are the secret ingredient in the charm of these small towns. The type of people who are warm and welcoming, gracious and forgiving… And leave a little bit of love and light everywhere they go, making the community and the world a much “sweeter” place to be.

At Griggs Circle Bakery, you can find many delicious items to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are multiple different types of cookies to choose from (including gluten-free options), muffins, Danish, scones, Rice Krispies Treats, brownies, blondies, pies, cupcakes, cakes… The list goes on!

Griggs Circle BAKERY 116 N 5th St, Hartsville 843.309.9375 griggscirclebakery.com

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

EVENTS

photo by Terry James

Returns For The Second Year: THEME CHANGE AGENTS story by Tonita Perry TEDxEvansStreet is excited to be back for its second event on Thursday, October 4, 10 AM to 4 PM, at the Florence Little Theatre, Florence, SC. “We are excited to be back to showcase thought leaders who are change agents in the Greater Florence County area,” said Pete Mazzaroni, TEDxEvansStreet public relations/marketing communications. “Last year we had capacity attendance, and with even greater speakers and more diverse talks for 2018, we are expecting the same.” TEDxEvansStreet is an all-day independently organized TED event experience dedicated to spreading ideas by blending innovation, insight, and storytelling. The experience collectively ignites the Florence community’s commitment to lifelong learning and spark positive change. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. These local, selforganized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. This year’s theme is “Change Agents.” One cannot help but think there is nothing new in the world, but can only become different, thus giving us change. A change agent makes a difference in the status quo. For more information and to see talks from 2017, visit www.tedxevansstreet.org. 52

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

AGRIBUSINESS

Tim Griggs

SUGAR HILL ACRES story by Jordan Pupa Sugar Hill Acres, located on Bethlehem Road in Hartsville, produces everything from cotton and wheat, to vegetables and even raise cattle. After retirement from college athletics in 2010, Tim Griggs took Sugar Hill Acres to a new level as he returned to his roots in the farming community. Today the farm provides locally sourced ingredients for many local restaurants and stores within the Pee Dee area making local foods more accessible to everyone! In 2003, Sugar Hill Acres, LLC was originally founded to purchase some farmland for a housing development. With a dream to move to the country, Tim and his family created a subdivision and named it Sugar Hill, located in the Byrdtown community. One-hundred and fifty acres of land was purchased. Fifty of those acres were divided into 9 individual lots. The family built their home on one of the lots and sold the others. The additional 100 acres around the property are farmed. A barn on the property, originally built in the 1930s, was restored to its former glory and is currently used to board horses, giving them acres to roam. After retirement from college athletics in 2010, Tim Griggs returned to his roots in the farming community and started farming with his brother, Bobby Griggs, his father, Robert Griggs, and his cousin, William Hendrix. With their individual farms, talents, knowledge, and shared resources,

VIP Magazine | September 2018

they can support one another. When first returning to the farming community, Tim took the initiative of expanding the cattle farm by 50 acres and expanded the herd to over 40 Black Angus cows with calves. During that time, he joined forces with six other local cattle farmers and signed a contract with Strauss beef, participating in the organic grass-fed beef program which is distributed across the United Sates. Participation in the program require the calves maintain a strict diet of only their motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk, hay, grass, water, salt block, and approved minerals. They are never exposed to shots or steroids and are never tied up or restrained. All the cows on Sugar Hill Acres are free-range. Tim Griggs is also part of the South Carolina Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association and Young Farmers Association. Three years ago, Tim also began a partnership with the Pee Dee Food Hub, which connects quality local foods from Pee Dee farmers to local customers. The Pee Dee Food Hub sells to local restaurants, hospitals, the Carolina foodshare program (CSA), churches, and other local businesses. Additionally, Food Lions in the area also began carrying vegetables from the partnership as long as the farmers are certified as using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). With this partnership, Sugar Hill Acres has started to grow many new vegetables including broccoli, kale, eggplant, potatoes, and okra.

Sugar Hill Acres makes locally produced foods more accessible to those in the Pee Dee area. Produce grown by Sugar Hill Acres can be found in many dishes at local restaurants including The Midnight Rooster (Hartsville), Miriam’s Kitchen (Hartsville/ Byrdtown), Black Creek Jessica Griggs delivering farm fresh fingerling potatoes to Bistro (Hartsville), and South of Pearl in Darlington The South of Pearl (Darlington). They have also provided produce through the Food Hub to Town Hall Restaurant and The Red Bone Alley in Florence. You can find their produce at the Hartsville IGA on N 5th Street in Hartsville, Dixon’s Produce on 151, and occasionally the Hartsville and Camden Farmer’s Markets. They primarily sell produce at Griggs Grocery located across the street from the farm at 2557 Bethlehem Road. Summertime produce is almost over but be on the lookout for their Fall produce at Griggs Grocery which will include collard greens, turnip greens, and cabbage. Not only does Sugar Hill Acres provide locally sourced foods, they also encourage sustainable growing practices in which they want to share with others. They are planning a Farm Day this Fall for local school groups to visit and learn more about the farming experience.

SUGAR HILL ACRES

For more information, e-mail Tim at timgriggs855@gmail.com or Jessica, Marketing Director, at Jessica.t.griggs@gmail. com. To check out what Sugar Hill Acres is growing this Fall, follow them on Facebook: @Sugarhillacreshartsvillesc and Instagram: @sugar_hill_acres. September 2018 | VIP Magazine

PAYING IT FORWARD

A Tradition of Service story by Sarah Bennett

St. Anne Catholic Church is a small historic church in downtown Florence that first opened their doors in 1940 as a mission parish to serve the African-American community. Today, Saint Anne Parish is one of the most ethnically and racially diverse church communities in the area. The church parish is committed to giving back and their tradition of service to the poor is an integral part of their identity. One of the most visible programs that the church participates in is the Martin de Porres Outreach program which provides supplemental food for 125 families every week with more than 6,000 bags of groceries distributed annually. The outreach program has been a caring and loving presence in the community for more than 30 years. Many families have no transportation, so they walk or catch rides to pick up their food each week. Through interdenominational community partnerships and USDA support, the outreach ministry provides both supplemental food and emergency assistance while providing more than 20 volunteers with the opportunity to serve others by shopping for USDA food at Harvest Hope, loading trucks, packing groceries, and distributing food. 56

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Pat Bromley, Director of the St. Anne Outreach Ministry, has spent her life volunteering, even introducing her husband Henry and two sons, Frank and Rob, into the ministry. Her responsibilities as director include working with clients to get registered with the USDA for free weekly groceries, filling out the required paperwork for Harvest Hope, shopping to fill 125 grocery bags per week, and many other things. “We do this because we want to, not because we have to,” says Pat. “When a client expresses their appreciation and tells you how grateful they are that because of this ministry they will have food in the pantry for their families, it all makes it worthwhile.” Pat goes onto say how they are currently having a hard time getting the quantities of food needed. “During summer months, businesses and individuals don’t donate as much to Harvest Hope. I wish every business would have a box beside their front door for employees and the community to drop off food for the needy so that we would never run low.” In addition to the Martin de Porres program, St. Anne is home to dozens of other outreach ministry groups. St. Anne’s Joy Full ministry gives out bags of hygiene

supplies for families associated with the local homeless shelter, or families in crisis including stranded travelers, visitors to the hospital, and the needy. Additionally, Helping Hands, an interdenominational committee, meets weekly to make hats, scarves, fleece blankets, and dresses for children at the Pee Dee Coalition Durant Center. The Code Red committee teaches and trains Emergency Preparedness to various community organizations. The Multicultural Heritage Committee plans ways for the parish to celebrate its diverse population as a gift to the church and the community. The committee sponsors interdenominational speakers to celebrate cultural diversity in the city of Florence. St. Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church also hosts a monthly Filipino Mass and luncheon to minister to the increasing number or immigrants from the Philippines. And these are just to name a few of their outreach responsibilities.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When a client expresses their appreciation and tells you how grateful they are that because of this ministry they will have food in the pantry for their families, it all makes it worthwhile.â&#x20AC;? St. Anne Catholic Church plans to continue to provide outstanding service to the poor and those in crisis in northeast Florence, however, their buildings, classrooms, restrooms, kitchen, and offices are not up to code and present impediments to the clients they serve every day. In order to make much needed improvements to the facilities, the church is accepting donations and also hosting a fundraising gala, An Enchanted Evening, Building Community in Service to Others on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Florence Country Club. The event will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Individual tickets and sponsor packages are available. The support will help impact the community by allowing them to add handicapped accessible entrances and restrooms, classroom space to expand community educational opportunities, computer availability, and administrative facilities. Donations will make the auction a success and will make a real impact on the extent to which St. Anne can continue serving the poor in our community! St. Anne Catholic Church 113 S. Kemp St., Florence | 843-661-5012 September 2018 | VIP Magazine

FLORENCE COMMUNITY

+ An Invaluable Resource for Your Business story by David Fountain

Back in 1995, a 27-year-old decided that he would embark on one of the greatest adventures of his life. He would start his own business. It was going to be great. All he could think about was the independence and freedom it would bring and most of all, the monetary reward. This 27 year old had it all figured out…until reality set in. This dream of owning a business was nightmarish at times. The long hours and the ups and downs, more downs than ups, had him wondering if he made the right decision. His dream at times had ensnared him and he felt that he didn’t have time to do much of anything else, but thankfully, he didn't give up. Fast forward 23 years. That 27-year-old is now 50 and, hopefully, a little wiser. The person I speak of is me, David Fountain. Today, my business partner, Susan Lee, and I own four The UPS Store franchises in Florence (2), Sumter and Conway. After all I had learned over the past 23 years, one thing still was a struggle, for some reason, it was very hard for me to break out of the walls of my business. It was very difficult for me to make time to network outside of my circle. I feel that I am an introvert, I tell people that and they don’t believe me. The thing is, I’m an introvert until I get to know you and then you can’t shut me up. Most of us made some type of resolution at the beginning of 2018, mine was that I would venture out from the comfort of my four walls and to begin to get more involved with the business community here in Florence. The two groups that I joined were the Pee Dee Chapter of Business Network International and the Florence Chamber of Commerce. Not only did I join the Chamber, but I also became an Ambassador for the Chamber where I participate in events as well as go to ribbon cuttings of new businesses in our community. Part of my resolution was not just to write a check and join the Chamber, but to become a part of an organization where I could serve and give back to my hometown. The relationships that have been forged in such a short time

have been invaluable. One of the great things about the Chamber is that you get to work alongside people that want to make Florence an even better place to live. I think that is spelled out in our new Florence slogan, “Full Life, Full Forward.” This is a great time for our city. The Florence Chamber is a great opportunity for our business community to come and work together. I am reminded of a quote I heard some time ago which said, “Never let them say we had potential.” With the help of the Florence Chamber and its members, The City of Florence will reach its full potential. I say all of this for one reason, don’t allow the busyness of your world keep you from being a part of the Florence Chamber. It is an invaluable resource for your business or company. The Chamber gives you a front row seat to see and hear about our great city. Maybe you’re already a member, but just haven't found the time to get plugged in. I encourage you to take the time and see what the Chamber has to offer. I think you will find yourself asking the same question as I did, “Why didn't I do this sooner?” Having lived here almost all my life, I don’t think there has ever been such an exciting time. Back in the day, Florence’s slogan was “It’s all here”. I would ask myself, “Where is it?” Sometimes, you can’t see what’s right in front of you. I’m glad that I didn't give up on my hometown. The Florence Chamber of Commerce has given me an opportunity to give back a little to this city. A city that has given me a great quality of life. A city that created a path for me to get a great education from Florence School District One and a college degree from Francis Marion University. A city that has supported me in living out my dream of being a business owner.

David Fountain Group Operations, The UPS Store Florence • Sumter • Conway

Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, 100 W Evans St, Florence | 843.665.0515 | flochamber.com 58

VIP Magazine | September 2018

September 2018 | VIP Magazine

IN OUR STATE

Upcoming Events: September 6: Eddie Russel Bourbon Dinner September 7: Pregame Oktoberfest September 17: September Harvest Dinner October 1: October Harvest Dinner October 18: The Great American Whiskey Fair October 26: Bubble Q November 5: November Harvest Dinner November 14: Farm to Trunk December 3: December Harvest Dinner

Bringing the Freshest Ingredients to the Table in Creative and Unique Ways story by Heather Page It’s becoming more than a trend to know what we’re eating, better a necessity. South Carolina is lucky to have all-natural farms across the state able to provide free range meats and organic produce to consumers. Not only in our homes are labels being read, but restaurants have also become conscious shoppers when preparing menus. A Columbia, South Carolina native, Vanessa Driscoll Bialobreski, has introduced a business that is bringing farms and local chefs together to offer unique experiences while dining on some of the state’s finest ingredients, Farm to Table Event Co. “The Farm to Table mission is to bring together the community through agri-tourism, local food and local chefs who are experts in bringing the freshest ingredients to the table in creative and unique ways,” says Bialobreski. The event company explores the city of Columbia in search for the perfect locations to set tables. City Roots Farm, the only in-town, local, sustainable organic farm in SC, has become a favorite spot for hosting events such as: the monthly Harvest Dinner series, Butcher Paper Dinners, Annual Pig and Oyster Roast, and Cream of the Crop Beer Festival. Along with hosting events, Farm to Table offers a full service catering and events production where they take care of all of the details so you and your guests can simply “sit back and enjoy the show.” Guests at events hosted by Farm to Table are seated at a single long table to encourage conversation amongst strangers. Reservations are limited so that patrons have an opportunity to meet the farmers and chefs behind the creative cuisine.

To find your place at the table, visit www.farmtotableeventco.com. 60

VIP Magazine | September 2018

SEPT 6

EDDIE RUSSEL BOURBON DINNER

SEPT 7

PREGAME OKTOBERFEST

SEPT 17

SEPTEMBER HARVEST DINNER

OCT 1

OCTOBER HARVEST DINNER

OCT 18

THE GREAT AMERICAN WHISKEY FAIR

OCT 26

BUBBLE Q

NOV 5

NOVEMBER HARVEST DINNER

NOV 14

FARM TO TRUNK

DEC 3

DECEMBER HARVEST DINNER

join us at the table