December 2021
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December 2021
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December 2021
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
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December 2023
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
magazine
Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com
Contributing Photographer Fred Salley Photography True Light Photography
Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com
Contributing Writers Kimberly Brauss Mark W. Buyck, III Aubrey Carroll Cynthia Ford Harmeet Gill, MD La’Quanita Goodman Bryan Holt Timothy Nail John Sonfield, MD Doug Smith
Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers
Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas
2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 For advertising rates, email heather@vipmagsc.com.
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CONTENTS: D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3
ISSUE 97
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HEALTH 10 Carolina Pines Medical Group 14 HopeHealth: Effective Treatments for Preventing HIV 16 McLeod Health: Robotic-Assisted Surgery Providing Patients with More Options AROUND TOWN 18 Pee Dee Land Trust: 11th Annual Bountiful Brunch
HOME 20 Holiday Recipes
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22 Doug Smith: The Best-Kept Kitchen Secret Dried Herbs Make A Difference 24 Classic Christmas Decor: What Do They Mean
FLORENCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM'S BOOK OF THE MONTH 26 The President's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood
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CALENDAR 28 December 2023: Fun Days and Events
BUSINESS Page 36
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30 Wilcox Buyck: What Was Decoration Day?
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32 Hartwood Creations 34 Employee Spotlight: Janie Foster, Dedicated Community Bank 36 In The Kitchen With Taw Htoo of Thai Local 38 Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce 40 Saguaro: High-Quality Breakfast Burritos
LIFEST YLE 42 City University 44 Pastor Timothy Nail: Can You Believe It Is Christmas Again? 46 The Jade Bridge: A Q&A With Jennifer Danford
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48 Cynthia Ford: Take Flight Into 2024 With The Right Tools 50 Bryan Holt: Sipping Through The Seasons
DRINK 52 La'Quantia Goodman: Christmas On The Cod
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
Carolina Pines Medical Group Models ‘Patient-Centered Care’ Earlier this year, Carolina Pines Medical Group (CPMG) announced a significant achievement as a healthcare provider - it had attained recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) for Primary Care by the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Those 14 words, while not “splashy” in and of themselves, are a big deal to current and future CPMG patients. What it means, according to CPMG Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Sponseller, is that the primary care practice is now positioned to provide care built around the individual patient’s all-around needs. “There are now mechanisms in place and things going on behind the scenes to make sure that if our patients are in need of something, we will reach out to them,” said Dr. Sponseller, who practices family medicine with the group. “It’s more of a proactive approach to care.” CPMG is a multi-specialty physician group, affiliated with Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC), that offers Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Cardiology, Nephrology, Orthopaedics, and Urology services to patients throughout the Pee Dee region, including 10
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Darlington, Chesterfield, and Lee Counties. The PCMH model of care allows providers such as CPMG to build better relationships between patients and their clinical care teams through patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication, and patient involvement. Dr. Sponseller gave an example of the more holistic approach to care provided within the PCMH model. “We moved from episodic care – meaning if you came in with a cold, we treated just a cold – to now, where we’ve taken on the collective responsibility to make sure that when you are in front of us, we are looking at your preventative care, too,” he said. “So, it is more of a ‘wrap-around’ care.” “Under the PCMH model, we now have population health managers - nurses who are care managers in the background - who are calling and checking in on patients, making sure that things are done for you in advance. So, even if you come in with a cold, we are going to make sure your mammogram or colonoscopy is up-to-date, and anything else needed is taken care of.” Research shows that PCMH care models lead to a more satisfied patient experience through a more effective and collaborative dialogue between the patient and their provider. This leads to individualized overall care plans for each patient, resulting in better health outcomes. Physician practices that earn PCMH recognition have committed to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care. “NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and coordinated care focused on patients,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Recognition shows that Carolina Pines Medical Group has the tools, systems, and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.” Dr. Sponseller said CPMG is already seeing positive outcomes in the few months in which the PCMH model has been in place. “There are a lot of things we can see in terms of positive outcomes, such as decreased use of urgent care and emergency room utilization,” he said. “We are already seeing decreased hospitalizations among these patients ‒ especially with the sicker patients with the more services we can wrap around them. “On the population health side, in the background, we see the screening rates going up of mammograms and colonoscopies, we see a reduction in sugars for diabetes and A1c control, so there is a whole quality side of this that’s being run in the background
“You just have to make the mindset shift that a visit is more than the patient’s immediate symptoms. We have to be intentional about caring for the patient as a whole, always.” - Dr. Sponseller
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even if the patient isn’t in front of us. And we are constantly looking at the process and making changes and improvements.” To become an NCQA-Recognized Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), CPMG team members from the gamut of disciplines - including providers, medical assistants, LPNs, primary care managers, coordinators in process improvement and electronic medical records, front desk/ receptionists, and even marketing - first learned the NCQA PCMH concepts and required criteria. Throughout the several-month-long process, NCQA conducted online check-ins to assess the organization’s progress and discuss the next steps in the evaluation. On April 28, 2023, NCQA announced that Carolina Pines Medical Group met the criteria and earned PCMH Recognition. Dr. Sponseller noted the extensive work involved in building out the program and attaining PCMH designation. “It was a complete overhaul of policies and we put procedures in place so the things we needed to happen could happen,” he recalled. “So, we had to build the population health managers, the care managers, and the policies and the procedures for this to be able to function and give you as the patient a point of contact. “You just have to make the mindset shift that a visit is more than the patient’s immediate symptoms. We have to be intentional about caring for the patient as a whole, always.” The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians (ACP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and others. It was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts. Attaining the designation, as vague as those 14 words might sound, is a significant achievement for CPMG, CPRMC, and the region. “This recognition culminates an incredible effort from team members across our primary care practice to meet PCMH criteria and learn and put into practice the many concepts that drive more effective, patientcentered care,” said Bill Little, CEO of Carolina Pines. “It truly reflects our organization’s continuous efforts to improve the quality, compassionate care we provide as part of our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.” 12
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Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Sponseller
Carolina Pines Medical Group is located at 701 Medical Park Dr, Suite 207, Hartsville, SC 29550. To learn more about its services or schedule an appointment, call 843.383.2764
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR PREVENTING HIV story by Harmeet Gill, MD There was a time when an HIV diagnosis was considered a death sentence. Thankfully, we have come a long way! While there is no cure for HIV, with consistent treatment and medication, HIV can become undetectable, and someone with the diagnosis can have a normal, healthy life. The problem is, one needs to be aware of the diagnosis to receive treatment, and it’s estimated that over 150,000 people in the US have HIV and don’t know it. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks immune cells that fight infection and disease. If left untreated, HIV can advance to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The immune system becomes badly damaged, and the risk of infections and other diseases is very high. Continued education about how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and the risk factors included remains vital to the health of our population. HIV is spread by sharing bodily fluids with someone with the virus through blood, semen, seminal or vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk. The two major risk factors for transmitting HIV are having unprotected sex or sharing needles with someone who has HIV. The virus is not spread by toilet seats or by kissing, hugging, touching, or sharing food or drink with someone who has HIV. In 2021, the South accounted for the highest incidence of HIV, with more than half (52%) of the 32,100 estimated new HIV infections nationwide. The breakdown of how new HIV infections were acquired by percentage is as follows:
• 70% by male-to-male sexual contact • 22% by heterosexual sex • 8% by IV drug use 14
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By age group, the 13-34 age group accounted for 58% of new infections. This number has thankfully decreased by almost 20% since 2017, particularly among young gay men. HIV, however, continues to have a significant impact on specific populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and homosexual men. PEP is one of two powerful prevention strategies which greatly decrease the risk of transmission of HIV. PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Prophylaxis means to prevent or control, and the goal of PEP is to start a round of this medication immediately after being exposed or potentially exposed to HIV. PEP MUST be started within 72 hours after exposure - the earlier, the better. The medication is taken daily for 28 days, with visits to your provider and follow-up HIV testing during the process. PEP is utilized in emergency situations, such as for health care workers who may have had accidental exposure to an HIV patient’s bodily fluids, or someone who may have had sexual exposure to
someone with HIV but was unaware of their status. It is critical to contact your health care provider or visit the emergency department immediately after exposure to get started on the medication. Taking it correctly and consistently is key to preventing the transmission of HIV. PrEP is offered as another significant prevention method against contracting HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection by routinely taking an antiretroviral medication daily. This type of HIV prevention is prescribed for people who live with someone with HIV and for those who engage in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex or injecting drugs. PrEP is 99% effective against HIV if taken consistently and correctly. An HIV diagnosis can have profound physical, emotional, and psychological effects on anyone; however, one population is especially vulnerable: victims of sexual assault. Sexual assault is a highly traumatic experience, but coupled with the fear of an HIV diagnosis, the impact can be even more distressing. In response to this critical issue, the office of South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and the Department of Crime Victim Compensation, along with McLeod Regional Medical Center, HopeHealth, and Pee Dee Coalition, held a press conference to bring about public awareness to the HIV nPEP (non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis) program. Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis is administered following circumstances including sexual assault, unprotected sex, or sharing a drug needle with someone with HIV. The press conference, held on November 8, 2023, highlighted South Carolina’s choice to expand its program to help sexual assault victims who may have been exposed to HIV.
On the importance of the program, Fredrick Williams, infectious diseases practice administrator at HopeHealth, shared, “This project is very special to HopeHealth. Although HopeHealth has grown to provide primary and specialty care, we are very proud of the fact that we started as an HIV/AIDS support organization, on the front lines, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. It is with that same care and compassion that we do our part to serve victims of sexual assault and sexual violence.” The treatment of AIDS and HIV has progressed significantly since the 1980s, and the goal is to end the HIV epidemic with medications and strategies to prevent transmission. Spread the word about the prevention of HIV! If you or a loved one lives with HIV, a healthy, full life and becoming undetectable are possible realities with proper treatment. HopeHealth provides confidential HIV screenings, education, treatment, and quality care for all patients regardless of insured status or ability to pay. If you are at high risk, have questions about HIV or prevention strategies, or need HIV testing, contact our Infectious Diseases department at (843) 667-9414 or visit us online at hope-health.org.
Dr. Harmeet Gill is an infectious diseases physician at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. He earned his medical degree from A.N. Magadh Medical College, Gaya, Bihar, India and completed his fellowship at Palmetto Health USC in Columbia, SC. Dr. Gill is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and has vast experience managing rural health initiatives. He ran the national polio eradication program and is the recipient of a state level award for efficiently managing a cholera outbreak in India. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Dr. Gill is a member of The Infectious Disease Society of America and the American Medical Association.
Harmeet Gill, MD
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 HOPE-HEALTH.ORG
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY: Providing Patients with More Options story by John Sonfield, M.D., Pee Dee Surgical Group While surgery heals and restores the body, many patients still have concerns about the pain and challenges of recovery they may face after surgery. By using robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, surgeons can both rehabilitate the body and reduce pain, easing patients’ fears and apprehension. Robotic-assisted surgery can provide extra benefits to both surgeons and patients. McLeod surgeons use leading-edge technology to perform the latest invasive and non-invasive techniques and procedures to provide the highest quality of surgical services to patients. Using these advanced technologies, including robotic assistance, the specially trained general surgeons at McLeod Health perform a wide range of complex surgical procedures, including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colon removal, and surgery for reflux disease. Robotic-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery where surgeons use a computercontrolled robot to assist in certain surgical procedures. Thanks to the robotic technology, surgeons can perform many types of complex procedures with greater visibility, flexibility and control than possible when performing surgery using traditional techniques. 16 16
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This is a human-driven operation. During surgery, the surgeon controls the robot’s every move while seated at a console in the operating room. The surgeon views the surgical site through high-definition, magnified, 3-D imagery that provides improved precision and visualization. The surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements guide the robot as it becomes an extension of the surgeon’s hands, allowing the surgeon to work in a very small space with tremendous precision and agility. Like minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery is performed through a few small incisions and provides many benefits to the patient including: • Less pain • Smaller incisions • Less blood loss • Reduced risk of infection • Minimal scarring • Shorter hospital stay • Faster recovery • Quicker return to normal activities
Another added benefit of these advanced surgical technologies is that they have changed the way doctors prescribe post-operative pain killers. Post-operative prescriptions are usually meant to be used only for a short period of time, so pain expectations are discussed with patients ahead of surgery. Since robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery causes less internal trauma than traditional open surgery, and leads to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and easier recoveries, prescriptions for post-op patients are needed less frequently. In fact, many patients may only need ibuprofen after minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Less pain medication after surgery helps reduce the chance of addiction and helps address the overall opioid crisis. Minimally invasive roboticassisted surgeries, combined with smaller prescriptions, reduces both first-time opioid use and the number of pills prescribed. Like minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted surgery is not for everyone. Talk with your doctor about your condition and to determine the best surgical option for you.
Dr. John Sonfield, a McLeod General Surgeon, cares for patients at Pee Dee Surgical Group in Florence and is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 843-665-7941.
John Sonfield, MD
For more information, visit McLeodHealth.org.
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AROUND TOWN: PEE DEE LAND TRUST’S 11TH ANNUAL BOUNTIFUL BRUNCH
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Pee Dee Land Trust
11th Annual Bountiful Brunch
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PDLT held the 11th annual Bountiful Brunch on a beautiful October afternoon at Boxwood, the home of Beth and Jack Marchette. Boxwood’s 311 acres of working farmland were permanently protected through a conservation easement in partnership with PDLT in 2012. After a gathering which included listening to live music by the Rawtown Ramblers and sampling assorted whiskeys distilled at Boxwood Distillery on the property, guests enjoyed five-courses which were expertly paired with fine wines. PDLT would like to thank the Marchettes for opening their home and all of the supporters for attending. PDLT would also like to thank all of the sponsors who made the day possible.
photos by Phillip Guyton, True Light Photography 1 Linda & Steve Knight, Andrew Harlan, Gina Rogers, Brandon Frost, Rae & Buzz Rogers, Patricia Martin 2 Casey Hancock, Jason Stephens & Sam Tinsley
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3 Randy Altman &Cindy Altman, Kathy Fricano, Dianne Madrid, Suzanne & Benton Dargan, Jean Von Husen 4 Sarah & Charles Vernon, Allison & Carey Middleton 3 5 Barbara & Curtis Lee, Nigel Watt, Shannon Copes, William Rivers, Beth Hubbard, Kelly & Bill Little, Reggie Hubbard
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6 PDLT Staff – Lyles Cooper, Seth Cook, Erika Cook, Andrew Harlan, Shannon Copes, Farris Lupo, Ashley Scott, Hughes Page 7 One of the Five Courses Served to Guests 8 Alyssa Lane, Kevin Lassen, Chandler Lassen, Drayton Lassen, Jonathan Steward 9 Elizabeth Jones, Christina Jeffords, Melissa Jordan
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10 Woody Swink, Evans Holland, Charles Howard 11 Julian Young, Cody Simpson, Heather & Sam McCown, Charisse & Mike Reichenbach, Helen Holland, Daryn & Robb Sasser, Evans Holland 12 Emily & Weave Whitehead, Christy & Scott Mitchell, Melanie & Derek Hemmingsen, Megan & John Walker, Cindy & Erik Belk
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13 Rick Beasley, Jamie Cox, Tim Smith, Heather & Hughes Page, Deborah Beasley, Anne & Tim Norwood 14 Emory & David Dewitt, Mary Kendall Bittle, Susan & Tom McDonald, Bess & Brice Harry, John Bittle, Brad Milner
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15 Stephen Thompson, Kara & Hunter Morgan, Hunter Morgan, Jr., Lexa McLaughlin Alison Thompson, Karen & Billy McBride 16 Mark Ross, Ritchie Wilhoit, Yolanda Goins, Wallace Vaught, Morris Goins, Ellen Wilhoit, Patty & Zip Vassey, Mary Caroline Vaught 17 Eddie Drayton, Jessi & Matt Rolfe, Linda Drayton, Lynn Privette
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18 Boxwood – Home of Beth and Jack Marchette December 2023
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HOME
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HOME HOME
THE BEST-KEPT KITCHEN SECRET:
Dried Herbs Make A Difference story by Doug Smith I would love to cook with fresh herbs all of the time, but it’s not always possible. Between the occasional lack of practicality, the lack of availability (hello, December), or a last-minute meal, sometimes dried herbs are a more convenient choice. And, when used correctly, dried herbs can be your secret weapon to making a seriously flavorful dish. Let’s face it, dried herbs are an underrated resource. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and have a much longer shelf life than the fresh ones. The most important thing to know about these pantry staples is how and when to use them. Follow these simple tips to get the most flavor out of your dried herbs. Not all herbs are that great when dried. Woody herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary all tend to dry nicely and retain their flavor. Basil, chives, and other soft, tender herbs tend to lose much of what makes them good when dried. For these, I’d rather buy and use them fresh.
Even though dried herbs are dried and not fresh, freshness still matters. Dried herbs don’t necessarily spoil or go bad, but they do lose flavor over time. The fresher they are, the tastier they’ll be. It’s best to toss dried herbs every two to three years. As the saying goes, timing is everything and this couldn’t be more true when you’re cooking with dried herbs. To get the most flavor, be sure to add dried herbs at the beginning of the dish, don’t wait until the end. In fact, the earlier you add them, the better; it gives the herbs more time to infuse their flavor into whatever you’re cooking. How you’re adding dried herbs to a dish makes a difference too. Instead of just sprinkling them in the pot, rub dried herbs between your fingers to crush and break them up first. This simple step releases some of the oil left in the leaves, which equals more dose of flavor.
Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy". Find Doug the FoodGuy on Spotify and Apple podcasts @The Pizzeria & Enzo Show 22
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Dried herb tips • Light and heat are the enemies of dried herbs, so don't keep them near the stove. • In a recipe, one teaspoon of dried herbs equals one tablespoon of fresh herbs. In general, use a quarter to a half of dried herbs per serving. • To release more flavor, add at the beginning of cooking. • Try mixing herbs with one teaspoon of oil and leave it sitting for ten minutes before using it in dressings or sauces. • Instead of sprinkling dried herbs in your dish, steep them in a little oil and use as a drizzle.
Dried herbs every cook should own: • Dill • Oregano • Bay leaves • Thyme • Lavender • Sage • Rosemary
People have dried herbs for centuries so how do you dry your own herbs at home? Here's how: • The traditional way to dry your herbs is in a wellventilated, warm room. • If you have herbs with stalks, tie them together into a bundle and hang them upside down. • Leave them to hang for a few weeks in a dry environment and I usually keep something under the herbs to collect the falling pieces. • Another great idea is to tie the bundles together with a paper bag over the bundle. Make some air holes into the paper bag and hang them. Deceember 2023
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HOME
CLASSIC
Christmas DECOR
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WHAT DO THEY MEAN... Pickle Ornament - On Christmas morning, the first person to find the pickle on the tree would receive an extra present from Santa Claus or would be said to have a year of good fortune. Star Topper - The star topper represents the Star of Bethlehem, the Christmas Star that guided the three wise men to baby Jesus. The Star also stands for hope for humanity. Christmas Tree - Because Christmas is the holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ, as a light in the dark world, the lit tree was a reminder of that light. The Christmas tree also represents the Tree of Life, commonly recognized as the most important tree in the Garden of Eden. Red Cardinal - Cardinals often appear in Christmas decor. The cheery scarlet feathered friend is often symbolized as the Christmas mascot, bringing hope to a bleak wintry landscape. Many also say the red cardinal symbolizes lost loved ones. Reflective Ornaments - Mirrored and shiny ornaments were placed on Christmas trees as ornaments beginning in the Victorian times as a way to fend off any evil spirits. Bird Nest Ornament- According to legend, a bird nest ornament is a symbol of the love, commitment, and effort it takes to build a happy home. Legend has it, that if you nestle a bird nest ornament in your Christmas tree, you will be blessed with good fortune. Bee Ornament - The bee is said to represent resourcefulness and order. In England, farmers decorated their beehives with holly because they believed that at the first Christmas, bees hummed in honor of baby Jesus. Rooster Ornament - Many believe the only time a rooster crowed at midnight was to announce the birth of baby Jesus. This is also why Spanish and Latin American countries call their Christmas Eve midnight mass the Mass of the Rooster, ‘La Misa Del Gallo’. Wreaths - Christians believe wreaths represent thorns worn by Jesus and the tiny red berries represent his blood. Candy Canes - Many say the white represents purity, the red represents Jesus’ bloodshed, and the shape is supposed to be the staff of the Good Shepherd. Mistletoe - Due to Norse culture, the Mistletoe plant is a sign of love and peace. It also survives by attaching itself to a tree and without the tree, it would die. During Christmas, it represents how humans only exist because of God. Stockings - The story told is about a widowed father of three daughters who was very poor so Saint Nicholas threw three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The money landed in the sisters’ stockings. Since then, children have hung up their Christmas stockings on Christmas Eve in hopes of finding them filled with gifts in the morning. December 2023
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VIP'S BOOK CLUB
Aubrey Carroll’s, Chief of Headquarters Services at the Florence County Library System, Book Review of The President's Wife: Edith Bolling Galt was the widow of a prominent businessman and was already a well-respected resident of the smaller and quieter Washington, D.C. that existed in early 1915. She was the first woman in the city to obtain a driver’s license, and after her husband’s death, managed to turn his popular but debt-ridden D.C. jewelry store into a thriving enterprise. She could not have known at the time, but later that year she would remarry and achieve influence and notoriety at the highest levels of the U.S. government and beyond. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States. The previous year, his wife, First Lady Ellen Wilson, had died of kidney disease. Wilson was despondent, taking to his bed for prolonged periods of time. His close friends and confidants had to do something; the business of the nation and international turmoil from a world at war were too pressing to wait. To lift his spirits, they introduced him to the beautiful and intelligent Mrs. Galt. The President was instantly smitten. A former college president, prominent academic, and prolific author of scholarly articles and books, Woodrow was surprisingly romantic, and wrote long flowery love letters to Edith. She was both flattered and intrigued, but nonetheless cautious. He eventually persuaded her to marry him, yet their nuptials would receive some unfavorable attention, having taken place so soon, in the eyes of many, after the death of the President’s first wife. More info on Tracey Enerson Wood can be found on her website: www.traceyenersonwood.com
Did you know that Friends of Florence County Library provide critical support to library services and collections? This includes supporting children’s literacy through the Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Children’s Bookmobile, as well as by funding the library’s e-books and downloadable audio books (available through the Libby app, which can be found on the library web page at www.florencelibrary.org). You can become a Friends of Florence County Library member for as little as $15 a year! Visit www.florencelibrary.org and select the Friends tab at the top of the page for more information.
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What follows is the story of a great partnership and loving bond between two extraordinary individuals that would be tested by personal and international challenges of unprecedented consequence. Wilson would win re-election, but events would soon compel him to take the nation to war, while declining health culminating in his devastating stroke in 1919 would leave Edith with a difficult choice. She could either persuade her husband to resign, a decision that would dishearten him and likely forestall his recovery and hasten his death, or engage in a high stakes plot of deception and intrigue to save her husband’s life, his reputation, and quite possibly, the future peace of the world. Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the fruits of bestselling author Tracey Enerson Wood’s extensive research. She creates the imagined conversations and innermost thoughts of Edith Wilson, based partly on Mrs. Wilson’s own autobiography (among other sources), along with the many letters exchanged between her and Woodrow. Wood is a good deal more sympathetic to Edith than many of the (exclusively male) historians traditionally have been. Many of these historians portrayed Mrs. Wilson as simply an opportunistic usurper of power, culminating in her essentially becoming an unelected president. While there are certainly valid questions to be raised about the ethics and consequences of her actions (and those of her other confidants) after the President’s stroke, this book allows Edith’s perspective to be realized, in what is surely a more compelling and detailed account (albeit embellished by necessary elements of the historical fiction genre) than the autobiographical one authored by Mrs. Wilson herself in 1938.
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DECEMBER Sunday
Monday
December 1-26 Lights 4 Paws 5:30-9:00pm, weather permitting 3251 Mears Drive, Florence
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Tour of Historic LC + Tour of Homes Downtown Lake City Music Industry Christmas Concert FMU PAC, Florence FSG Holiday Homes Tour Various Locations, Florence Succulent Holiday Gnome Workshop Growing Hobby, Florence
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Family Pet Photos with Santa Every Monday Magnolia Mall, Florence
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Open Mic Night (every Tues.) F.E. Pops, Florence
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Thursday
December 9 Santa Paws Around The Pee Dee Darlington County Humane Society
December 1-31 Downtown Holiday Music and Light Show S. Dargan Street, Florence
3FREE Photos by NDC, Candlelight 4
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Holiday Sip & Shop East and Calla, Darlington
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Late Night Holiday Shopping Main Street, Marion
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The Christmas Star Dooley Planetarium, FMU Golf Cart Christmas Charity Parade W Evans St, Florence
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Florence Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops concert FMU PAC, Florence
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Reformers Unanimous Program Every Friday pm & Sunday am Florence Baptist Temple
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Twin Day
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Artful Expression Group for Cancer Patients and Caregivers Meet (3rd Tuesday of the Month) Florence Public Library
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Go Caroling Day
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Candy Cane Day
South Carolina Ballet The Nutcracker FMU PAC, Florence
Trivia (every Wed.) Green Frog Social, Lake City
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Christmas Day
Christmas Eve
Fairy Garden Club – Bottle Brush Trees Growing Hobby, Florence
December 27-29 Pepsi Carolina Classic Basketball Tournament West Florence High School
Karaoke (every Thur.) Green Frog Social, Lake City
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Card Playing Day
31 Don't forget to submit info on your upcoming community event to share with our readers! email: heather@vipmagsc.com New Years Eve
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LOCAL EVENT CALENDAR + NATIONAL DAYS! Saturday
Friday
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2 After Dark Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Downtown Lake City December 1-2 SCDT's The Nutcracker FMU PAC, Florence
Bluegrass Music BackSwamp SchHouse, Florence Dancing, Market, Wine Stroll Downtown Lake City Christmas Parade/Tree Lighting Downtown Mullins 2023 AIDSWalk HopeHealth Lamar Christmas on Main City of Lamar
Gloria: The Christmas Tour Sip N Shop 8Palmetto 9 St Church of God, Flo Cartersville Winery, Timmonsville Downtown Christmas Magic Downtown Florence December 8-10 Disney On Ice Florence Center Disney's Finding Nemo Jr Florence Little Theatre
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Heart of the Holidays Parade Downtown Hartsville Journey to the Manger Ebenezer Park, Florence Gingerbread Jingle Wild Arrows Coffee, Pamplico Holiday Wreath Making ForestLake Greenhouses, Flo
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West Evans St., Florence
December 15-17 Mean Girls Jr Florence Little Theatre
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The Polar Express Coach TB Thomas Sports Center, Hartsville Christmas Centerpiece Workshop ForestLake Greenhouses, Flo
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Cookie Exchange Day
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Christmas Movie Marathon Day
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Still Need To Do Day
Bacon Day
Downtown Hartsville Farmers Market, Cargill Way, Hartsville Dec 9 9a-1p City-Center Farmers Market, Downtown Florence Saturdays, 9a-1p
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BUSINESS BUSINESS
What was
DECORATION Day?
W
hile Veterans Day traces its origin to the first anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I, Memorial Day originated in the years immediately following the Civil War. The United States Congress did not declare Memorial Day a federal holiday until 1971; however, it has been widely observed every spring since the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865.
story by Mark W. Buyck, III
The GAR was the largest Union Army Veterans organization and a strong advocate for Union Veterans. Five of its members would become President of the United States. Future President James Garfield spoke at Arlington National Cemetery on the first Decoration Day and 5,000 attendees decorated the graves of 20,000 Civil War soldiers already buried there. General Ulysses S. Grant also spoke and would be elected President that Fall. The attendees at the Arlington ceremony placed small American flags on each grave, a tradition still followed today. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are approximately 25 cities and towns in America that claim to be associated with the origin of Memorial Day. Columbus, Mississippi and Columbus, Georgia claim April 25th and April 26th, 1866 respectively as dates the tradition began. The Georgia event was featured prominently in news accounts throughout the county. Many of these accounts focused on the women of the local Ladies Memorial Association noting that they decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate dead.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The decorations were the first cut flowers adorning the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers, both Union and Confederate. Many communities, North and South, claim to be the first city to celebrate Memorial Day. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared May 30, 1868, as Decoration Day and encouraged the membership of the GAR to make this an annual event. In his General Order, Logan urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance… let pleasant past invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
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Over the last 15 years, Charleston, South Carolina has joined the list of locales with legitimate claims as the location of the first Decoration Day. In the decades preceding the Civil War, current Hampton Park was the location of the Washington Race Course, operated by the South Carolina Jockey Club. The Club held an annual race week at the track which was well attended by persons from throughout the South. During the War, the site was converted to a Confederate prison camp. At the insistence of local government officials, most of the Union Prisoners of War were eventually relocated to the Florence Stockade in the fall of 1864 leaving behind 257 Union gravesites. When Charleston surrendered on February 18, 1865, some of the first troops entering were the 21st US Colored Infantry and the 54th Massachusetts. In the days immediately following the surrender, workmen removed the 257 bodies from a mass grave and reburied
Charleston 1865 them individually in a more dignified manner. They then erected a whitewashed fence around the site. An archway marked the entrance with an inscription “Martyrs of the Race Course.” A dedication ceremony for the new cemetery was held on May 1, 1865, three weeks after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox and two weeks following Lincoln’s assassination. On May 1, 1865, ten thousand people, predominately black Charlestonians, attended the Decoration Day festivities. The men, women, and children in attendance held a parade around the former race course. A New York Tribune writer described it as “a procession of friends and mourners as South Carolina and the United States never saw before.” Those who dispute that this event constitutes the origin of Declaration Day note that it was not an annual event, which is accurate. The South Carolina Jockey Club petitioned the Freedmans Bureau to return the track to them in 1866. The request was granted and the cemetery fell into disrepair. In the early 1870’s, the bodies were relocated to the Beaufort National Cemetery and Florence National Cemetery. Some of the reinterred from the race course, notably a dozen or so USCT Troops, still rest today in the Florence National Cemetery.
Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys 248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777 December 2023
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Andrew Bartlett Shares His Love Of Woodworking When the company Andrew Bartlett worked for unexpectedly closed down, he found himself searching for new opportunities. Those opportunities didn’t only surface from the plethora of resumes he was sending out. His life’s hobby of woodworking also became a source to not only fill time but to help continue supporting his family of four. Andrew was born in Georgia but moved around the country as an Army brat. He graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelors in Graphic Design and began is career in software development. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina before moving back to Hartsville, South Carolina to be closer to family after their girls were born. While in Raleigh, Andrew began building up his tool collection while doing small home repairs and renovations. When his first daughter outgrew her crib, he successfully built her a toddler bed. That gave him the confidence to begin building other household items like a dining room table and coffee tables. “Once I started seeing and using the items that I was creating, it became a true hobby for me,” said Andrew. As a child, Andrew followed his grandfather and father around as they fixed and built most items around the house and farm. “I have pictures as a young boy of me helping my grandfather with projects. Growing up, it was he and my dad that kept me interested in building and fixing things. And often breaking them, on accident of course. They allowed me to be creative!” Said Andrew. Several years went by before Andrew began dabbling in his own woodwork. “I had two good friends, Jon Carter and Jon Jordan, that were a big influence on me beginning these projects,” he said. “They were extremely handy with other mediums, like auto body and engines. While it wasn’t woodworking, it opened me up to different ways to approach projects and allowed me to become more familiar with other tools and ideas.”
Pictured above: Andrew with his wife, Amy, and daughters Pictured left: Andrew and his brother helping their grandfather with home projects 32
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“While trying to get my resume in order and search for another job, I decided to put a lot of effort into side projects to help ends meet,” explained Andrew. “I was overwhelmed with the positive response from friends and the community. It’s still a parttime endeavor, but I’d love to see it grow over time.” Andrew’s main focus is woodworking. He enjoys taking old items and making something new out of them. “Lately, I’ve been turning old headboards into benches. However, I’m very proud of my girls’ playhouse. Mostly because they were a part of helping build it,” he said. While the playhouse was quite a large project. Andrew mostly sticks to smaller furniture items like benches and tables, as well as signs and home decor. “I like to create items that people will use and enjoy over time.”
Playhouse built by Andrew with the help of his children (pictured with a friend below)
With Christmas in full swing, Andrew recently finished a large order of wooden Christmas trees. He’s now focused on other holiday decor items as well as fulfilling orders for customized gifts. During December, you can visit the Hartwood Creations Facebook page for available items to purchase and to place an order. Andrew looks forward to building up his inventory in 2024.
Bench repurposed from a headboard
When asked what he loves most about woodworking, Andrew said “Creativity.” He continued, “There is no right or wrong way to make something and you can experiment with different techniques to accomplish the same goal. Watching something come together from nothing is very rewarding.”
Visit Hartwood Creations on Facebook and Instagram: @hartwoodsc
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“When I interviewed at Dedicated Community Bank 29 years ago, I had a good feeling as soon as I walked through the doors. I looked around the place and said, you know, I’d like to be a teller. With no experience and no hesitation, I took the job and I have loved every moment of it.”
Janie Foster DCB Bank Teller, Darlington Branch
Janie Foster graduated from Mayo High School in Darlington, South Carolina in 1959. She was part of the largest graduating class in the school’s history at that time. Before joining the Dedicated Community Bank (DCB) family, Janie worked for Nytronics, Incorporated for nearly two decades in customer service for global accounts. Today, Janie serves DCB as a Bank Teller where she administers various day-to-day transactions for customers. Janie knows most customers by their first name, as well as their children and pets, too!
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When asked what she enjoyed most about her role at DCB, Janie replied, “Greeting and serving our customers are the highlight of my day – every single one.” Janie has been voted “Best Bank Teller” in local newspaper contests for the last few years. She is not only valued as a DCB employee but also as a citizen of the Darlington community.
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IN THE KITCHEN WITH
TAW HTOO of Thai Local
Located at Local Motive Brewing 2519 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC
Be prepared for a sensory overload at the all new Thai Local restaurant, co-located with Local Motive Brewery in Florence, South Carolina. Head Chef, Taw Htoo is wowing patrons with his ability to bring freshly-made Thai cuisine to the already popular outdoor eatery atmosphere. Taw has experienced many different kitchen settings during his life. He was born in Burma, currently Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation bordering India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. At a young age, he and his brother were moved to separate refugee camps in Thailand. In 2010, Taw had an opportunity to move to the United States. For a short period, he lived in Indiana and then Minnesota before moving to Louisiana. For three years, Taw learned and perfected the delicacy of rolling sushi from a JapaneseAmerican chef in Louisiana. During this time, Taw’s wife joined him in the states from Thailand. Together, the couple made their way to Charlotte, North Carolina, then to Columbia, South Carolina, where Taw worked for a popular Thai restaurant before relocating to Lexington. During each transition, Taw continued to grow his cooking portfolio. Once in Florence, Taw worked the sushi counter at Food Lion on Pamplico Highway. He was scouted by King Jefe where he currently serves as the Head Sushi Chef. Taw also took his talents to Hartsville where he is the Head Sushi Chef at Shug’s Steakhouse. A man of many talents and a go-get-it approach, Taw didn’t stop there. He had dreamed of opening a Thai restaurant in Florence. When approached by Local Motive co-owner Stephen Thompson about bringing a new cuisine to the west side of town, Taw jumped at the opportunity to share his Thai kitchen artistry with locals. Thai Local is focused on providing the freshest ingredients and highest standards of Thai cuisine. The heavy notes of basil, ginger, and Thai chili peppers will have your palate thirsting for more. Dishes are offered with your choice of protein, and also includes a vegetarian menu and gluten-free options. Taw has mastered the technique of training his staff to bring locals the flavors from all of his areas of travel.
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Head Chef, Taw Htoo
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Kendall Follin, Executive Director
New LOCATION. New LOGO. New EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. It’s a new day for the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce The backbone of any city or town is first its citizens and second, the businesses that help it function. The two work simultaneously – Without the businesses, there would be few citizens and without the citizens, there would be few businesses. The importance of connecting the community with local businesses often falls on the responsibility of a chamber of commerce. Most recently, the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce has undergone significant internal and external changes in hopes of bridging the gap between its businesses and citizens. A chamber of commerce is built of businesses that support the interests of its members. Each chamber will elect its own Board of Directors and decide what agendas are important to pursue. “Our Board of Directors is essential to the success of the Chamber,” explained newly appointed Executive Director Kendall Follin. “Their constant support with events and their ideas to benefit current chamber members aid in ensuring that the Chamber is successful in reaching its goals.” Kendall is a hometown girl with deep roots in the Lake City community. She was raised just north of Lake City in the town of Coward where she still resides with her husband. Kendall graduated from The Carolina Academy, located in Lake City, in 2017 and obtained an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration in 2021 from Francis Marion University (FMU). She is currently working toward earning her Masters in Business Administration at FMU with plans of completing in May. 3838
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“I have always loved the small-town feel of Lake City,” says Kendall. “Growing up here, I always felt like I belonged. I have fond memories of going dining at local restaurants after high school football games and shopping at local boutiques for a homecoming outfit. There are and have always been so many great businesses downtown. The best part is that Lake City still has room to grow. I admire the constant economic development that Lake City is experiencing by welcoming new businesses to town!" While the Covid-19 pandemic is mostly in our rearview mirrors, it had a huge influence on how business owners operated their businesses. Like everyone else, Lake City felt those ramifications. "However, the way that Lake City rallied together when facing times of hardship was inspiring," said Kendall. "I have always sensed a feeling of community here and that has only been amplified since starting this new position as Executive Director. I am thrilled to be in this position so that I have an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me.” Within her first year, Kendall hopes to begin bridging the gap between businesses and citizens. She also plans to increase the Chamber’s social media presence in a way that benefits members and can help promote their businesses to success. “I want to get out into the community so that chamber members know that the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce is here to assist them,” explained Kendall. “My desire is for there to be a strong connection between the Chamber and businesses in our community.” Additionally, the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce has recently updated its branding to better coincide with its mission to cultivate partnerships with local businesses. This included a new logo, a new location, and the renaming of their annual South Carolina Tobacco Festival (SCTF) to Crossroads Music and Market. A city known for its art scene, the Chamber believed that taking a more modern approach to its appearance would reinvigorate locals, bringing more people to town and help drive the economy.
The decision to rebrand the SCTF was not an easy one. Due to cost increases, the Chamber had been forced to eliminate numerous components that made up the SCTF. Because of those changes, SCTF support and attendance had declined significantly. “Our goal is to host an event that is exciting and well attended while also being the best stewards of our Chamber members’ dues and to the contributions of the generous sponsors,” said Kendall. The hope for the Crossroads Music and Market is that a new, fresh event will help the Chamber accomplish its mission of bringing as many people as possible to their wonderful small town to support local businesses and fuel their economy for years to come. Joining your local chamber comes with various perks. Greater Lake City of Commerce members’ benefits include promotion through the Chamber’s website, distribution of promotional materials, free digital marketing, social media exposure to over 4,000 followers, and resources for businesses. Chamber members also receive networking opportunities and discounted health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. “There are so many perks to joining the Chamber,” said Kendall. “My goal is to work closely with businesses to assist them with their specific needs to ensure they get the most out of their Chamber experience.”
Visit the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page to stay up to date on their Business After Hours events where you can learn the true value of being a Chamber member!
110 E. Main St., Lake City, SC (843) 374-8611 LCCOC1@ftc-i.net
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Matthew Jordan
Inspired by a love of the West and the South, Saguaro provides ready-to-go, high-quality breakfast story by Kimberly Brauss
Simple but masterfully made. Florence native Matthew Jordan launched Saguaro Breakfast Burritos this year after years of working in the food industry. The goal: Creating and sharing a love for quality breakfast food, similar to what he experienced when living on the West Coast. “I am 27 years old, born and raised here in wonderful Florence, SC. … Even as a young child,” Jordan said, “my mind would wander to places I had only read about in books as I sat in my Florence classrooms; rolling deserts, endless grasslands with huge skies, gigantic mountains, and cities too big for me to comprehend at the time.” Jordan earned his high school diploma from Wilson High School through its International Baccalaureate program. He continued his studies at College of Charleston, attaining a bachelor’s degree in biology. “Although my life was screaming at me that I needed a secure sciencerelated job for a secure future,” Jordan said, “Since I was born, I haven't been a fan of security or playing it safe. … I always wanted an adventure and to make my own way of doing things, with no room to tell me someone else made it possible.” During his time out West, Jordan lived in Mountain House, California, and there was a breakfast burrito truck outside his neighborhood he would frequent almost daily. “I would get on my electric scooter, get the chorizo burrito, and ride ten miles to my serving job in Tracy, California, at a whopping ten mph while enjoying my breakfast.” And while living in Oregon, he found several breakfast burrito operations. “At the time I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. After years of working in restaurants ever since I was 15 years old,” Jordan said, “it was this year I realized I wanted to use my life experience instead of my education.” 40
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Not sure what to order? Consult the owner.
“Burritos are portable, delicious, and breakfast food maintains their quality better than most,” Jordan said as to why he chose to start Saguaro Breakfast Burritos. “I love people. I love providing great service, and I love making a positive impact on my local community. Being away from Florence so long made me appreciate it even more.” And the name? “Ultimately, I go back to the name, ‘Saguaro,’ which references the cacti in the American Southwest, which can grow up to sixty feet tall over a period of hundreds of years,” Jordan said. “They are resilient, they work with hardly anything, but their beauty and strength resonate throughout the landscape they occupy. That's me! Once I have a goal, I see it through, and I give it 100 percent!” Jordan targets the demographics of working-class people, people commuting to work, college students, teachers, public servants, and healthcare workers. And like every like-minded chef running an efficient kitchen, keeping food costs and waste to a minimum is key. Jordan works out of the City Center Kitchen, where he has to have all his food cooked and ready to sell when he leaves. “Every day I sell is a risk simply because I don’t know how much I will have left, but like I said, I love taking a risk and betting on myself because things usually turn out well!” As a small, local business starting out, Jordan says Saguaro’s specialties are small-scale caterings of groups of 10 to 50 people. “My business is for the hard workers, the risk-takers, the outcasts, the artists, the leaders, and those who help maintain our wonderful city of Florence! No matter who you are you can find good vibes and a great breakfast at Saguaro!”
-- Signature burritos such as Daystarters include either bacon, sausage, or country ham. There’s also some with hashbrowns, cheese, and scrambled eggs. -- His favorite? The Westerner. Complete with chorizo, white onion, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, Catija cheese, and scrambled eggs. -- No meat? The Marathon, which comes with feta, spinach, onion, tzatziki, tomatoes, and scrambled eggs – all cooked with a delicious Greek seasoning and lemon juice.
Stay up-to-date on Saguaro Breakfast Burritos
by following them on Facebook. (458) 210-1747 saguarob0iii@gmail.com December 2023
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City Connects With The Community Through The City of Florence kicked off 2023 with the introduction of City University (CityU). CityU is a program created as an additional communications tool to enhance transparency and strengthen civic engagement with the citizens of Florence. It is a sixweek course designed to give participants a unique learning experience and provide an opportunity for residents to receive a behind-the-scenes look at daily operations. Residents meet the people behind their city government and are given a chance to speak to the City’s leadership team one-on-one. The program was originally introduced to the City Council Marketing & Public Relations Committee and staff looked at similar initiatives across the state where other municipalities had experienced success, the curriculum was developed, and CityU was born! There was an overwhelming response for participation in CityU. Because the program filled quickly, city staff made the decision to offer the class twice each year. Participants were eager to gain a deeper understanding of municipal government, as well as connect with other citizens and individuals in the community. CityU was offered in the spring
and in the fall, and participants were selected on a first come/first serve basis. The limited group size of twenty-five allowed for a more intimate setting with open discussion. Class participants were a mix of individuals residing or working within city limits as well as county residents. Each weekly session took an estimated 1.5 hours and was held on Monday evenings. While the spring and fall sessions were very similar, staff did learn from the experience and identify areas that needed adjusting to improve the overall experience. The first weekly session introduced City staff and CityU participants with one another. Participants learned about City Center offices and their locations. Then they were introduced to the City’s form of government and the roles and responsibilities of City Council, the City Manager, and the Deputy City Manager, as well as functions of the City Manager’s Office and work areas which include Marketing and Communications, and the City Center Farmers Market and Commercial Kitchen. The first session also included presentations from the City’s Human Resources and Finance departments. Participants were provided a deep dive into City finances which provided a better understanding of various funds and their limitations. The second session was held at Barnes Street Activity Center and informed CityU participants of operations for Recreation Services, Athletics, and Sports Tourism. These departments are responsible for preparing, executing, and overseeing recreational activities for the citizens of Florence, as well as attracting tournaments and events to the city. We originally had one session dedicated to public safety, but because of interest from our participants, in the fall session we separated police and fire to allow time for more information to be shared and for participant questions. CityU participants visited the Fire Department’s training center
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and had the unique opportunity to see in person how our firefighters train, so they are prepared to respond. The Fire Department not only responds to emergencies, but they also perform hydrant/hose testing, equipment maintenance, and regular fire safety inspections on new and existing businesses. Session four of CityU took participants on the road for a city bus tour thanks to a collaboration with Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA). The tour highlighted specific areas in Florence that would demonstrate projects and initiatives of the Planning, Research & Development and Community Services Departments. City staff discussed upcoming projects in Downtown Florence, the process of annexation, and areas referred to as “doughnut holes” – parts of neighborhoods or communities surrounded by the city limits of Florence which have not annexed. As they rode through communities, they also discussed neighborhood redevelopment and participants were shown streetscape and housing stock improvements that have been made in the City’s historic neighborhoods. Session five took place at the Frank E. Willis Pee Dee River Regional Water Plant, setting the theme as participants discussed the Utilities Department, Economic Development, and Public Works. The City’s Utilities Director detailed the work divisions that comprise the Utilities Department which include Surface Water, Groundwater, Distribution Operations, Collection Operations, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Compliance. The Economic Development and Utilities Planning Director shared information about the City’s efforts related to economic development. Participants gained knowledge about the importance of ensuring the City maintains proper volume and capacity of resources to produce and treat water so that we are appropriately prepared for potential companies considering doing business in Florence. The City’s Public Works Director detailed responsibilities of the work areas (Beautification & Facilities, Sanitation, Equipment Maintenance, Parks Maintenance, and Animal Shelter)
that make up the Public Works Department and the services they provide to residents. Services discussed were garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection, as well as street and right-of-way maintenance, mosquito control, tree removal or other arbor-related activities, athletic field and facilities maintenance, park maintenance, and special city events as assigned. CityU wrapped up its final session in City Council Chambers with a presentation by the Police Chief and command staff from the Florence Police Department. The City’s Police Department is an Accredited Law Enforcement agency, comprised of five divisions: Administrative Services, Community Relations, Patrol Services, Investigations, and Support Services. The Department is also a community driven group, working with an agency-wide community policing concept and meeting with approximately forty neighborhood and business crime watch associations. The session concluded with a demonstration by one of the department’s K9 units, and a detailed presentation on gang violence and narcotics investigations. City staff requested that all participants complete a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The survey’s results wielded positive feedback, with participants thoroughly enjoying the experience. Most participants stated they would recommend CityU to a friend or colleague. Due to participants’ encouraging response to CityU, city staff plans to continue this program for 2024. Residents’ pursuit to gain knowledge about city government and daily operations validated the need for the program. CityU provides not only the chance for residents to gain a deeper understanding of the city, but to develop relationships with city staff members, and other Florence residents. Continuing efforts to create various avenues of effective communications for all residents will remain a priority as collaboration and communication is vital to the community’s success as we continue striving to propel Florence - Full Life, Full Forward.
For more info: www.cityofflorence.com | 843-665-3113
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You are more than a servant to those you love, you are a child of God and He loves you. Relax in His love and if need be, scale back this year so you enjoy Christmas as much as they do.
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Can you believe it is Christmas again? story by Pastor Timothy Nail, Lake City Pentecostal Holiness Church This week my wife said, "It's only seven weeks until Christmas." I could hardly believe Christmas was here again. I am 51 years old and will soon have seen my 52nd Christmas come and go (though I have no memory of the first few). Christmas is one of those times that is filled with such joy and excitement but also can make one feel so sad when the last gift is unwrapped and the last decoration is put away. It then seems as if it is an eternity until it comes again. Only we turn around a few times and here it is again. This is very much the way life is, we live for that special moment that seems to be so far away, and then it comes all too quickly, only to be over again. Christmas is a wonderful reminder of how special life is in general. It is more than just a Holy Day, it is more than just a season, but it is a gift in and of itself. It is a gift that if we pick it up and really look at it, we can see the reflection of all the good and great life has to offer. Christmas is a gift to the world from God and is a synopsis of His love for us. The first ever Christmas Carol sang, was sung by the Angels themselves. I like to think He chose His best and brightest singers. “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” It is in this proclamation of joy that God delivers His message to a lost and fallen world. He wants us to know that through His greatest gift ever given to this world, He is at peace with us, and His only desire for us is goodwill. I like to think of this Angel band as being on tour, and this is God's Goodwill Tour. It is in this opening Carol of Christmas that God lays out for us what this season is all about and what it should bring to each of us. This is not a season to fear or be anxious. I know there is so much anxiety that comes with Christmas, from choosing the right gift to preparing the right meal. This is why we say, Christmas is here again almost in a panic. God wants
to take the fear or anxiety out of Christmas for you. Chill out and enjoy this season. Remember parents and guardians, this gift of Christmas is as much for you as it is for your children. Do not let overdemanding loved ones become the Grinch that steals your Christmas. Note that these good tidings of great joy are to all people, this means you. You are too valuable to God to allow the good tidings of Christmas to only be for your family and friends. God wants you, the overachiever, to simply enjoy Christmas. It may not be as spectacular as it has been if you don't kill yourself to do it, but I assure you God will be pleased with your enjoyment more than your employment. You are more than a servant to those you love, you are a child of God and He loves you. Relax in His love and if need be, scale back this year so you enjoy Christmas as much as they do. Of course, the reason for the Season is the fact that the Savior is born unto you. He was born on a certain day, but He was not born for that day. Jesus was born for all times and all people. The Bible tells us the Gospel (the good news of Jesus) is the power of God unto Salvation, first presented to the Jews but also for the Gentiles. Jesus was given to all and as the book of Acts says, this gift is to you and your children and as many as the Lord shall call. There is no reason to suffer the end of Christmas blues or suffer the start of Christmas anxiety. For Christmas is Christ Mass, it is the worship of Christ. Jesus is not only the reason for the Season, He is the reason for everything and Christmas is a time to highlight that, but never was it intended to end. As I heard a great woman of God say, "If God exists, He is all that matters, and if God does not exist nothing else matters." Remember this Christmas season what really matters. With great joy awake every morning with the thought...Can you believe it's Christmas again?
Join us on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th at 11 a.m. for our Special Christmas service Lake City Pentecostal Holiness Church, 608 S. Ron McNair Blvd., Lake City, SC December 2023
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A non-profit that partners with adoptive, foster, & kinship families To learn more, visit www.TheJadeBridge.org or email thejadebridge@gmail.com
E
xtraordinary packages come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to adoption, the unknown of those wonderful packages can be overwhelming. It doesn’t always affect those involved immediately; oftentimes it takes years before parents find themselves in a difficult transition. During Jennifer and Kendal Danford’s adoption process, there were several steps where they found themselves with many questions and no one to supply the answers. Because of this, the couple began researching all of the needs surrounding fostering and adopting and founded a nonprofit to assist future parents. This month, Vip had the honor to learn more about The Jade Bridge's purpose and strategies from Jennifer, the organization's executive director.
Q & A WITH JENNIFER DANFORD: First off, tell us exactly what The Jade Bridge is. Jennifer: “The Jade Bridge provides resources and training to caregivers and engages with the community. We
empower parents with tools and strategies that assist in the challenges that come with meeting the needs of children that come from hard places. The Jade Bridge offers ongoing training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), a caregiver model for providing trauma-informed care to parents, caregivers, and organizations that serve vulnerable children and teens. Additionally, we engage with other adoptive and foster families at fun events throughout the year so that connections are made, positively impacting families with a sense of belonging and support.” 46
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How does your educational background coincide with the organization?
Since starting The Jade Bridge, what have been some monumental learning moments?
Jennifer: “I received an undergraduate degree in Music
Jennifer: “Every step has been a learning moment!
Education and Vocal Performance in Church Music from Appalachian State University. Although I don’t currently use my music degree, my experiences in the classroom as well as leading worship have certainly sharpened the tools I use on a regular basis in the trauma-training that we provide at The Jade Bridge. I have always desired to work in a role where I was helping people move from places of difficulty to a place of hope and joy. As the founder and executive director of a nonprofit that serves families who are parenting children who have often walked through some incredibly difficult circumstances, I can say that I am in my dream job!”
Researching how to go about creating a nonprofit, putting together a Board of Directors, and trying to understand the infrastructure of a 501(c)3 have been challenging but achievable. I have learned that I need to be willing to put everything on the chopping block. What we do to serve our families, as well as connect with the systems that also provide services for them (educational, medical, judicial), must always remain relevant. Inviting input and feedback from those we serve is how we keep our relevancy! Another learning moment was when I realized that people don't know what they don't know. If caregivers lose hope and don't see any other way, they can't help that. So, we need to let folks know that we exist and are not afraid of the messy or the difficult. We, myself and the team, are parents and although we certainly don't get it right all the time, we are willing to ask for help, offer to walk beside each other when things are hard, and trust and believe that in God's economy, nothing is wasted!”
What can you tell us about your team? Jennifer: “Since our beginning in March of 2016, 100% of
the ministry that has taken place is because of amazing volunteers! From our Board of Directors to our team, what The Jade Bridge does couldn't happen without them. While I serve as the only full-time staff member, I have team members who help carry out the programs we offer. Mary Pfahlert is our Partnerships Coordinator. We recently added Heather Grace Gardner; she joins Mary and me as a TBRI® Practitioner. Lisa Douglas is another team member and assists in our Kinship Christmas program and the Department of Social Services (DSS) Care Bags that we provide to DSS in the 12 Pee Dee offices.”
"
...we need to let folks know that we exist and are not afraid of the messy or the difficult.
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As a parent who has adopted, what advice would you give others interested in adopting? Jennifer: “I can only offer to others what I needed to hear
for myself when we were in the adoption process: 1. Work through your history before adopting. This is good advice for anyone becoming a parent, whether adoptive, foster, or biological. 2. Go through the TBRI® Caregiver Training which equips you to meet your adoptive child where he/she is. 3. Identify who your support people are and invite them to learn how trauma impacts the developing brain, as you yourself are learning. Having them go through TBRI® Caregiver Training with you will help them know how to walk beside you and your child(ren) for the long haul; it is a gift to everyone!”
Join The Jade Bridge for upcoming events! Kinship Christmas, November 26 to December 17: Sponsor ornaments for folks to buy gifts for children who have been removed from their homes and placed in the care of a relative or family friend. Downtown Christmas Magic, December 8, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: The Jade Bridge is partnering with the Florence Downtown Development Corp. to host a table at this community wide event. They will be set up next to where children can have pictures made with Santa. Kids are invited to make a stress ball. Parents may find it especially helpful as they wait in line! Gingerbread Jingle, December 9, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Pamplico, SC: Come enjoy breakfast with Santa and even have pictures taken with him! There will be vendors and an opportunity for kids to build a gingerbread house. Parents must register and pay in advance for the house building event. This is a fundraiser event that is open to the public. Visit The Jade Bridge Facebook page for more information. Rise Up at Morningstar Farms, December 9, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: The last Family Fun event of 2023 as adoptive, foster, and kinship families enjoy the early afternoon together with some amazing four-legged friends! December 2023
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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
Take flight into 2024 with the right tools story by Cynthia Ford
In the 1900s, two determined brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, began a mission with limited tools to significantly impact American history. The Wright brothers are officially titled the first to have the world's first motor-operated plane. Before the Wright brothers, several other inventors tested their hands in the field of aviation with the creation of gliders. After building a kite glider, the brothers began researching further. They studied the designs and data of other aviation gurus and took advantage of the knowledge gained and lessons learned. The Wright brothers journeyed to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to test their aircraft. It was believed that this location was the best location due to the flow of the winds and an expected soft landing. As with most inventors, they did not receive success right away. They dealt with several delays due to broken parts and repairs needed. According to historical data, the first flight was 12 seconds and traveled about 6.8 miles per hour. After three additional flights, their plane was damaged and shipped back for repairs. In an effort to keep their family and community informed of their progress, the brothers sent a message 48
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via telegraph requesting for the newspaper to be printed and shared with their father. Unfortunately, the company did not see their efforts as long enough and newsworthy, and different news companies shared incorrect information about their flight. The Wright brothers continued their pursuit of secured contracts for flight demonstrations in other countries. It was years later before the Wright brothers were officially recognized in the United States, as many people thought the brothers were bluffing. The disbelief was partly due to the lack of support from the news media and limited photos available. The limitations were an advantage and would eventually prove to be an advantage for the brothers by not having others around to steal their ideas and designs. In honor of the Wright brothers' December 17, 1903, flight, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed December 17 as the Wright Brothers Day on December 17, 1959. This honor recognized their work in aviation and how it led to considerable shifts in transportation worldwide. Success did not come without sacrifice, and there were even a few deaths during the process. However, the Wright brothers sharpened their craft and used their gifts to create aircraft.
As we embark upon an upcoming new year, we can learn from the experience of the Wright brothers. The brothers initially explored their talents in writing with the creation of a local printing press and created a local newspaper. The brothers transitioned to owning a bicycle repair shop after bicycles became a hit. The Wright brothers mastered one of the number one successes of owning a business: learning to solve a relevant problem that someone else has. Take flight into 2024 with the right tools. The Wright brothers started by practicing and making glides using tools in their bicycle shop. Discover what tools you need for success and practice until you reach your desired perfection. Another tactic used was flying in the right wind. Timing can make an enormous difference in life's decisions. Starting prematurely will lead to further delays. Alternatively, don't delay too long on your decision to pursue a goal, as time will not wait, and opportunities can pass you by. Many doubted the Wright brothers' abilities and did not immediately recognize their value. They had the buy-in from a few at the beginning of their journey. When some of the flights failed, some departed. The brothers ultimately had each other at the foundation of their team. They were cautious about why they were allowed in their circle so that they could protect their assets. In the year, be true to yourself as you thrive in your gifts. Yet, establish a solid and trustworthy team that balances who you are and what you have to offer.
Wilbur and Orville Wright If your 2024 starts differently than you desire and you experience failure, try again. Imagine if the Wright brothers gave up after their first failure. Failure offers life lessons. It took Thomas Edison 1,000 tries before he successfully invented the light bulb. Undoubtedly, some may have tried to discourage his attempt. New journeys and new levels in life may bring on fear. Turn all fear into fuel and take flight into the next season of your life. Plan your flight now in 2023, research, establish yourself accordingly, choose the right winds, connect with the right people and resources, block out discouragements, and soar. July 2023 2023 VIPMagSC.com December VIPMagSC.com
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LIFESTYLE
Sipping Through the Seasons Hey, wine enthusiasts and festive souls! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the holiday cheer than with a glass of your favorite vino? We’re diving into the cozy world of wine; exploring how it can turn your Christmas feast into a flavor fiesta and set the stage for clinking glasses into the New Year.
Winding Down for Christmas: A Cozy Affair. Picture this... you’re gathered ‘round the table, the tree is twinkling, and the aroma of a homecooked feast fills the air. It’s Christmas and your wine selection should be just as festive. For that hearty holiday roast, a cabernet sauvignon is like the Santa of red wines, delivering a bag full of rich, dark fruit flavors. If your Christmas spread leans toward the lighter side – maybe some herb-roasted chicken or seafood delights – a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio is your winter wonderland companion. These whites bring the crispness that pairs perfectly with the story by Bryan Holt lighter holiday fare.
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Champagne for the New Year: Fast forward to New Year’s Eve where we’re ready to bid adieu to the old and welcome in the new with a bang –or, should I say, a pop! Champagne is the name of the game here. Grab a classic Brut Champagne; it’s like the confetti of the wine world – dry, effervescent, and guaranteed to make your countdown unforgettable. Feeling a bit fancy? Rosé Champagne is your glam squad, bringing a blush of sophistication to your celebrations. It’s not just a drink; it’s a statement piece for toasting to new beginnings.
Four Food and Wine BFFs to Rock Your Palate: 1. Cabernet sauvignon with prime rib-
This dynamic duo will have your taste buds doing a happy dance, with the bold flavors of cabernet holding their own against the richness of that prime rib.
2. Sauvignon blanc with garlic shrimp-
The zesty kick of sauvignon blanc cuts through the garlicky goodness, creating a combo that’s practically a party in your mouth.
3. Pinot grigio with lemon herb chicken-
The light and bright pinot grigio is like the perfect dance partner for a lemony, herbinfused chicken dish. Talk about a match made in culinary heaven.
Requiem Cabernet Sauvignon: Sourced from a quartet of top-tier, biodynamically farmed vineyards - Champoux, Wallula, SeVein, and Loess, Requiem Cabernet Sauvignon has a very impressive pedigree. From the moment the first drop hits your palate, the structure and complexity of this cabernet is striking - and the fruit is absolutely explosive! Look for flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, and black plum fruits followed by classic tobacco leaf, cedar, graphite, chocolate, and baking spice notes. This bright, full, and authentic cabernet starts out great but then, as it breathes, just gets better and better!
Mucho Mas Sauvignon Blanc:
Seriously, Champagne goes with everything on New Year’s Eve. Whether it’s oysters, cheese, or just a bowl of popcorn, the effervescence of Brut Champagne takes your taste buds on a bubbly adventure.
The Mucho Mas Sauvignon Blanc has a white gold shimmer in the glass. This great value white starts with a very taut, bright sauvignon blanc nose displaying notes of white grapefruit, tart mango, lime zest, and white flower. It shows off a crisp, vibrant, clean palate of citrus and mouth-watering acidity
Cheers to a Flavorful Finale!
Cloud Watcher Pinot Grigio:
So there you have it, wine aficionados and merrymakers! Whether you’re sipping by the fireplace on Christmas Eve or clinking glasses under the glittering ball drop, let the wine be your festive companion. Here’s to a season filled with good company, great flavors, and a whole lot of cheer. Cheers to you, and cheers to a spectacular New Year!
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of orange marmalade, sea shells, sliced green apple, and hints of almond pastry with a supple, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length finish that exhibits overtones of candied ginger and grilled lemon with no oak flavor. A fresh and zingy pinot grigio
4. Brut Champagne with everything-
Bailly Lapierre Brut: A blend of the Appellation’s four grape varieties (pinot noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, Aligoté), the wine is congenial, rounded, and full, with a varied bouquet. A thirst-quencher, it is our easiest-drinking Crémant, clearcut, clean with a lovely freshness.
Bryan Holt is the owner of Cru Wine & Tap located in Downtown Florence, SC. He was the wine buyer at Micky Finn’s for over 20 years.
Cru Wine & Tap 122 W Evans St, Florence
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
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Happy Holidays from
Tips To Avoid Underage Drinking Incidents During The Holidays: • Be clear with your expectations; let your child know that regardless of the situation, underage drinking and/or being at a location where it is taking place is simply illegal, often dangerous and unacceptable. • Teach your children it is not necessary to have alcohol to have a good time. Plan and provide a non-alcoholic kid friendly holiday party in your home. • Help your children serve and enjoy traditional holiday drinks without alcohol such as cider, eggnog or punch. • Never serve alcohol or have it available to anyone under the age of 21. • If you maintain alcohol at home, make sure to always keep track of your supply and lock away if possible. • Establish a friendly relationship with the parents of your children’s friends so that you can call ahead and make sure alcohol will not be involved in the parties or activities your child may be attending and that appropriate supervision will be on hand. • Make sure your child is maintaining healthy friendships and having friends who choose not to make alcohol a part of their holiday season.
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Join us in helping all youth to have a happy and safe holiday season by supporting smart and healthy choices!
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