Something to Celebrate...

Lee Advances At Anderson Brothers Bank

Anderson Brothers Bank is pleased to announce the advancement of Terry Lee to Branch Operations Coordinator of the bank’s Marion office located at 2500 East Hwy 76. Terry also serves as Branch Operations Coordinator of the Marion Main office located at 728 North Main Street, a position she has held since 2018.

“The Marion Market is very excited for Terry’s advancement to Branch Operations Coordinator,” said Jimmy Trussell, Marion City Executive with Anderson Brothers Bank. “Her attention to detail and customer service has built her a loyal following. Terry has been an asset to Anderson Brothers Bank for over twenty-five years, and we look forward to her continued success."

Franklin Home Health Ribbon Cutting Held In Marion

The Marion Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Franklin Home Health, located at 410 North Main Street, on Thursday, January 12th at

11:30am to announce new services that are being provided. A tour was provided showing the new CNA classrooms. Bishop Michael Blue opened with prayer and Mayor Ashley Brady thanked Larry and Yvette Franklin for their investment in Marion. Yvette Franklin discussed their services and vision. Franklin Home Health Agency is a home-care provider offering CNAs/PCAs, nurse visitation, homemaker services, companionship, physical therapy and other healthcare needs.

At Franklin Home Health Agency it is their goal to present a worry-free resource center that will liaise with clients, family members, physicians, insurance carriers and or the necessary facility to insure our clients’ smooth transfer back into the community. Through this personal and professional network of resources, Franklin Home Health Agency strategically plans and implements our clients’ individualized care plans.

There new endeavor is in-house training for CNAs and on Feb. 15th will offer advanced health diagnostics. Call them to secure your home healthcare needs at 843-765-3212.

HopeHealth Helps Local Nonprofits

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, HopeHealth helped local nonprofits, Epsilon Chi Omega Chapter, The Palmetto Pearls Foundation in partnership with the Mayor’s Youth Initiative, to donate food to students in need at Wilson High School. Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin and Dr. Eric Robinson, principal of WHS, helped pack 100 bags.

ECD Program

Receives Donation from SC Endeavors

Dr. Meredith Taylor Joins FDTC Area Commission

Florence-Darlington Technical College welcomes Dr. Meredith Taylor as the newest member of the colleges Area Commission which serves as the college’s governing board.

“This is an exciting time in higher education, especially at the technical college level,” Dr. Taylor said. “There are so many more opportunities for students and families that will change the trajectory and significantly impact our communities economically and culturally.”

Taylor will be replacing Dr. Bill Boyd, who served faithfully as an FDTC Area Commissioner for 22 years.

“On behalf of the Area Commissioners, we are very excited to have Dr. Taylor join the Florence Darlington Technical College team as we strive to help the residents of the Pee Dee Region by providing an excellent opportunity to receive a quality education at a very reasonable price,” FDTC Area Commission Chairman Paul Seward said. “We are thankful that Dr. Taylor has agreed to take some time out of her very busy schedule to work with our team and we are also very thankful for the many years of service that Dr. Bill Boyd gave to our college as an Area Commissioner whom Dr. Taylor will be replacing with this new appointment.”

Dr. Taylor joins the Area Commission with 24 years as an educator in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Darlington County School Districts. She has served in a number of roles including as a school counselor, assistant principal, elementary and middle level principal, Director of Teacher Quality, and the Director of Elementary Education in Darlington County. She currently serves as founder and CEO of Taylor Made Educational Consultants, LLC and also as a Professional Development Specialist with Curriculum Associates, Inc.

Florence-Darlington Technical College receives $16,500 donation from SC Endeavors for the colleges Early Childhood Education program which educates students interested in a career working with children as child-care workers in private and public centers, school systems, community and state agencies, as well as religious institutions.

“The donation is incredibly generous and greatly appreciated,” FDTC Early Childhood Instructor Elizabeth Crow said. “With this funding, our program will be better equipped to educate our current students, connect with alumni and recruit new students in our service area. SC Endeavors has always been a dedicated supporter of Florence-Darlington Technical College, and the size of this donation is a testament to the mission of the agency. I cannot thank SC Endeavors enough for the opportunities that this funding will provide.”

SC Endeavors (formerly the Center for Child Care Career Development or CCCCD), is the professional development system for South Carolina’s early childhood workforce. Their mission is to support the continuous growth and improvement of early education programs and professionals to create positive outcomes for young children and their families in South Carolina.

If you are celebrating a positive achievement or have been awarded for a newsworthy accomplishment, email Heather Page at heather@vipmagsc.com.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at La Cucina Italiana Ristorante, located at 105 Harllee Street, on Wednesday, January 18th at 11am. Chamber President, Byron Beck welcomed those in attendance and Mayor Ashley Brady thanked owner Braulio Matamoros for investing in Marion. Make plans to go and enjoy their wonderful Italian appetizers, entrees, and desserts. They are open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch (11am-2:30pm) and dinner (5-9pm).

Dupont Retiree Club Donates To Lighthouse Ministries

"Thank you to the Dupont Retiree Club for their generous donation! Their support will help to built ramps for individuals in Florence County who are struggling to safely enter and exit their homes."

- Lighthouse Ministries

MFBG Giveback

Fleming Promoted To Senior Vice President

The Citizens Bank congratulates Margi Fleming, in the Corporate Office in Florence, on her promotion to Senior Vice President! Margi's contributions and commitment to the Bank are top-notch.

Coker University Announces Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

At its annual meeting, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) announced approval for Coker University to begin offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This is the first doctoral program in University history.

The University welcomed its first cohort of Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) students in the Fall 2022. Dean of Nursing, Dr. Carolyn Hart, has capitalized on the demand for nurses and the opportunity to meet the educational needs of future nursing students across the region.

“The DNP is the highest practice degree for nurses and reflects the changing demands in our complex healthcare environment. DNP-prepared nurses have a greater understanding of the underlying knowledge of nursing practice; they are more informed about health equity and the quality of patient care,” shared Dr. Hart.

ALL ticket proceeds to local nonprofits in the Greater Lake City area. Thanks to the community, they were able to giveback $48,000 in 2022.

Students in the DNP program will be able to complete their coursework 100% online - offering the flexibility they need to continue their education while providing quality patient care. Current nurses with a master’s degree will complete ten courses in 6-week terms to complete the program. The application for the DNP program will open on January 5, 2023, for the inaugural class starting in August 2023.