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magazine Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers
Contributing Photographers Erin Daniel Fred Salley Contributing Writers Kimberly Brauss Mark W. Buyck, III DeeDee Chisholm Ashley Elvington Rebecca Giese Doug Smith Dr. Chad Thurman Donna Tracy Jane Snipes John Sweeney
Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236.
COVER CONCEPT
2020 has certainly been different. Through the good and bad, the Pee Dee has proven that we are resilient and we can overcome any obstacle thrown our way. It has been encouraging to see people not only supporting local businesses but also the nonprofits within our area that work tirelessly to help those less fortunate. Thank you to our community for loving where you live, work and play. We pray that we continue to grow stronger in 2021. Maybe just with a little less pandemic and lot more hugs and handshakes.
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CONTENTS
ISSUE 62
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JANUARY 2021
HEALTH + WELLNESS 10 McLeod Health: Keeping Muscles Intact 12 HopeHealth: Planning Your Health Care 14 Carolina Pines: Dr. David Prior
16 2021 Winter Weather Guide
BUSINESS 18 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies 20 Keeping Time: Jon Weiss Jr. 22 Surviving The Job Search with Jane Snipes 24 Leadership Hartsville Update 26 Flo-Town Fitness 28 January 2021 Calendar 30 Lifetime Hearing: Giving Back 32 Florence Red Wolves: Back & Better Than Ever
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34 The DIY Place: Getting Creative in 2021 36 Bizzell's Food & Spirits 38 Mayor Robert Woodbury of Mullins, SC
HOME 44 Doug Smith: Hot Chocolate 46 Rebecca's Corner: Italian Harvest Soup
58 Artist Spotlight: Muriel McCray 60 Drink of the Month: Aperol Spritz
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
Dr. Chad Thurman (right) and Gerald Rose, a McLeod Surgical Technologist, perform orthopedic surgery at McLeod Regional Medical Center.
KEEPING MUSCLES INTACT story by Dr. Chad Thurman, McLeod Orthopaedics
Today, Americans are enjoying longer, more active lives than in years past. Yet, as we age, our bodies change. A lifetime of activity, injury and normal wear and tear, along with arthritis, can take its toll on the body. Hip complications and painful, stiff joints can alter lifestyles and prevent many individuals from participating in the daily activities they enjoy. Total hip replacement can relieve pain and allow individuals to live a more active, fuller life. There are several types of hip replacement surgery available to patients, including traditional hip replacement or minimally invasive hip replacement. In a traditional hip replacement, the surgeon must make an eight- to 10-inch incision to open the hip for the surgery to take place. With the minimally invasive hip replacement procedure, the surgeon is able to perform the surgery through two to three smaller incisions. While there are several minimally invasive approaches to total hip replacement, the direct anterior approach is becoming more common in the care of hip patients. This approach to total hip replacement allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the side or the back. This surgical procedure is less invasive than a traditional total hip replacement. Rather than cutting the muscles, the surgeon simply works through the natural space between muscles and nerves, allowing them to be moved gently from side to side rather than entering through them. As a result, the patient experiences less pain and has a faster recovery. The most important muscles for hip function, the gluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed and therefore do not require a healing process to recover from the surgery itself. By leaving the muscles intact, the joint has more stability, thereby reducing the chance of hip dislocation, one of the risks of hip replacement surgery.
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The overall benefits of direct anterior hip replacement surgery include:
• Less invasive. • Shorter incision lengths. • Muscle preservation. • Faster recovery. • Less pain. • Shorter hospital stay. • Faster recovery and rehabilitation. This less invasive surgery is especially appropriate for patients who are active and eager to return to work and their daily activities as quickly as possible. The patient’s return to normal activity typically occurs in a matter of weeks as opposed to months. Determining whether hip replacement surgery is right for you requires careful evaluation and consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Chad Thurman is an Orthopedic Surgeon at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Dr. Thurman cares for patients at McLeod Orthopaedics in Florence. He specializes in total joint replacement of the knee and hip and performs direct anterior hip replacements. Dr. Thurman is accepting new patients. For more information, call 843-777-7900.
Visit mcleodhealth.org to
learn more about the direct anterior hip approach for hip replacements and other options available to patients. Dr. Chad Thurman
Orthopedic Surgeon at McLeod Regional Medical Center
January 2021
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
Planning Your
HEALTH CARE
story by Donna Tracy, Communications Coordinator, HopeHealth
With COVID-19 surging across the country, maintaining your health is more essential than ever. It’s the most important thing you can do for yourself, your family, and your community. Maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands are essential measures to help prevent COVID-19 transmission. However, statistically, not taking care of your routine health screenings and wellness visits are more detrimental to your long-term health, says Dr. Krista Kozacki, a primary care physician at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. “It is very important to make sure you're keeping up with your labs and keeping chronic conditions under control because that's the basis for keeping you healthy and helping your immune system function properly,” said Dr. Kozacki. “Statistics show 85 percent of the people who died from COVID didn't die just because of COVID, but also because of complications from underlying conditions that weren't controlled.” Missing wellness visits and screenings that could have caught a diagnosis earlier can be more life-threatening than what you are doing or not doing because of COVID, explains Dr. Kozacki. “We're seeing a lot of people who are skipping mammograms, Pap smears, and other screenings because they don’t want to potentially expose themselves to COVID,” she said. “We can't let it scare us and stop us from doing all the other things that are so vital for our health.” While many health issues and concerns can be resolved using virtual appointments, having in-person appointments with your provider remains important. Screenings and blood work cannot be completed virtually. 12
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“We can do telehealth visits, which are good during those times when it is more dangerous, but a provider may not notice something that would be caught in a physical visit,” said Dr. Kozacki. “We're all taking precautions to keep people healthy and wearing masks, so at least schedule an annual physical visit with your provider.” “You have to step back for a moment and take a look at your whole health,” she said. “It's all those little things that people don't realize that help keep you healthy: staying hydrated, eating right, sleep hygiene, exercising, taking vitamins like vitamin C and D and zinc. These are the things that will help us get through COVID.”
TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH IN 2021: • Eat healthier. Food is your fuel, just like gasoline in a car. The healthier your food choices, the better it is for your body. • Get active. Find an activity you enjoy that gets you moving on a regular basis. Go for a walk with a friend, take your kids on a bike ride, or visit your local park, tennis courts, and trails. Before starting any exercise routine, talk with your doctor to receive medical clearance. • Keep a health care diary. Keep track of the providers you visit, note the medications and dosages you have been prescribed and if you have taken them as directed, and include changes in symptoms and improvements. • Make an appointment. Schedule an in-person well visit or annual check-up with your primary care provider – and keep it. If you don’t have a primary care provider, make it a priority to establish a health care home.
While many health issues and concerns can be resolved using virtual appointments, having in-person appointments with your provider remains important. • Be honest. Not being honest with your provider about your eating habits, daily routines, stress factors, etc., means your provider can’t make the best decisions for your care. • Establish your health risks. Learn about the medical history of your immediate family members to help determine what screenings you might need. • Get screened. Talk to your doctor about what routine age- and gender-specific screenings are due and make a plan for getting screened. When tests come back negative, it can bring great peace of mind. If they come back positive, you and yourß doctor can work together to determine the best course of action. • Get vaccinated. Check with your provider about potential health issues that can be prevented by immunization. Vaccines are not just for children; they are an important part of health care at every age. • Take your medications. Even if you begin to feel better, it is important to take your medications as prescribed. Never discontinue or alter your prescription without talking to your doctor first. If you have any financial concerns about filling your prescriptions, your doctor may prescribe an alternate medication or have other suggestions.
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG
Dr. Krista Kozacki
Dr. Kozacki joined the HopeHealth team of providers in August 2011. As a board-certified physician specializing in Family Medicine, Dr. Kozacki has spent nearly 20 years practicing medicine in the Florence community.
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
Do You Suffer From
Neck and Back Pains?
Maybe it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Prior!
Dr. David Prior, a Detroit native and the newest Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon on board at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, is here to share some facts about the issues he sees most often and the procedures he follows to get you back on the mends. Follow along for a Q&A on back and neck pain, disc degeneration, and more.
FIRST, TELL US WHAT YOUR SPECIALTIES. “I am board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and I specialize in the adult spine. Which could range from back and neck pain, disc degeneration, disc herniation, fractures of the spine, minimally invasive surgery, revision spine surgery, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis.”
WHAT CAUSES DISC DEGENERATION AND HOW DO YOU TREAT IT? “Some causes of disc degeneration could be a person’s age, trauma, obesity, and/or smoking. However, disc degeneration can occur as early as the teenage years. I typically try to treat patients non-surgically with physical therapy, exercise, weight loss, nonnarcotic medications, bracing, activity modification, chiropractic, etc.”
WHAT CAUSES SPINAL STENOSIS AND HOW DO YOU TREAT THAT? “Trauma and osteoporosis, which is when a person’s bones become weak and brittle, are the two biggest causes of spinal stenosis. If the patient is stable, we treat non-surgically with bracing, medications, and activity modification. If we must take the surgical route, I typically use kyphoplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures by inflating a balloon to restore bone height then injecting bone cement into
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the vertebral body. Another procedure I typically use is a spinal infusion, which is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones in the spine to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.”
WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS AND HOW DO YOU TREAT IT? “Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal around the spinal cord and nerves. It can cause pain in the neck and back, extremity pain and weakness, and numbness/tingling. I offer referrals for physical therapy and epidurals for certain patients, bracing, and activity modification. If surgery is needed, I try to utilize minimally invasive techniques when possible, and minimize the amount of surgery to only the affected areas.’
TALK TO US ABOUT SCOLIOSIS AND THE LONG- AND SHORT-TERM TREATMENTS YOU PERFORM. “Adult degenerative scoliosis can be managed with physical therapy, bracing, activity modification, but it cannot stop the progression. Surgery is usually to reconstruct the spine. It takes several months to fully recover, but I only consider it as a last resort.”
THE IDEA OF “SPINE SURGERY” CAN BE SCARY. HOW CAN YOU EASE SOMEONE’S MIND ABOUT THE PROCEDURE? “I use the latest minimally invasive techniques for lumbar degenerative conditions to avoid excess tissue trauma and to speed recovery. In addition, I exhaust all non-surgical treatments before considering surgery.”
Dr. Prior is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 843.383.3742.
701 Medical Park Drive, Suite 302, Hartsville
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BUSINESS
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1 Butlers Fine Men's Clothing 2533 W Palmetto St, Florence 2 MOGS Boutique 823 S Fifth St, Hartsville 3 Lillie K's Collections 218 S Main St, Mullins 4 Salty's Surf Shop 2130 Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence
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5 Pretty N Bliss 1267 Celebration Blvd, Florence 6 Naturally Outdoors 2519 W Palmetto St, Florence 7 Shade Tree Outfitters - 124 E Main St, Lake City 8 Swoon Boutique - 625B N Main St, Marion 9 Trendy Twist Boutique - 910 S Cashua Dr, Florence
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BUSINESS
Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies Every 4 years, in the months following the Presidential election, the President of the United States is sworn into office. The Presidential Inauguration and the attendant festivities are perhaps the most ceremonial occasion associated with the United States federal government. The first inauguration was held at Federal Hall, New York City on April 30, 1789. New York City was the first capital of the United States and the first Congress also met at Federal Hall. Washington’s second inaugural was held in 1793 at Congress Hall, in Philadelphia, the second capital. John Adams was also inaugurated at Congress Hall in 1797. From 1793 until 1933, Presidential inaugurations were held on March 4 in the years following Presidential elections. Inauguration Day was moved to January 20th in 1937 after ratification of the 20th Amendment. Whenever March 4 or January 20 fell on a Sunday, the ceremony was moved to the following day. With only one exception, each inauguration beginning with Jefferson’s first in 1801 has been held at the United States Capital Building in Washington, DC. The only exception was Franklin Roosevelt’s fourth inaugural which was held at the White House due to austerity measures in place during World War II. (References to the inaugurals only account for those held every 4 years and do not include swearing in ceremonies for Vice Presidents succeeding deceased or resigning Presidents.)
Beginning with Andrew Jackson’s first inauguration in 1829, most inaugurals were outdoor affairs attended by the public, unless moved inside to avoid weather conditions. From 1829 through President Carter’s inauguration in 1977, the formal inaugurations took place on the East Portico of the United States Capital. Beginning with Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural in 1981, and continuing since, all inaugural ceremonies have been held on the West Portico of the Capital. The West Portico opens to the United States Mall and provides much more space for spectators. George Washington began the custom of newly sworn in Presidents giving an inaugural address. George Washington concluded his first inaugural address: “I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race, in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government, for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness; so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.”
248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777
Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys 18
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Mark W. Buyck, III
The Presidential Inauguration and the attendant festivities are perhaps the most ceremonial occasion associated with the United States federal government.
story by Mark W. Buyck, III
Perhaps the most famous inaugural address was Abraham Lincoln’s second on March 4, 1865. The Civil War was winding down and Lee would surrender at Appomattox five weeks later. The address was also given just six weeks before Lincoln’s assassination. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” John F. Kennedy’s most famous quote was also in his inaugural address: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” In his first inaugural address in 1981, Ronald Reagan declared: “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we’ve been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden. The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price.”
January 2021
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BUSINESS: KEEPING TIME, A MONTHLY FEATURE
story by John Sweeney
Keeping Time, conversations in time management with community difference makers, is an interview series with community leaders from a variety of fields discussing their day-by-day pursuit of professional success, focusing specifically on how they manage their time. You can hear the full 30-minute interviews on the “Keeping Time Podcast,” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. This month's conversation was with Jon Weiss, Jr. He explains why he is stronger after facing adversity.
COVID-19 changed the world, but for Jon Weiss, Jr., the pandemic marked the abrupt end of a dream. When the pandemic hit, Weiss was a little over a year into his professional golfing career. As an amateur, his golfing accolades were lengthy, including being a standout at James Madison University and eventually being recognized as the top amateur in South Carolina. In February of 2019, Weiss decided to chase his dream of playing on the PGA Tour – the highest level of professional golf — and Weiss’s pro career got off to a hot start. . He racked up top-ten finishes in several small professional events, followed by several wins; however, just as things were heating up, the world was turned upside. “On March 19 (2020), COVID-19 really hit and they shut all the (pro golf) tours down,” Weiss said. “Within a week my world had been completely blown up.” Soon it was announced that all opportunities to qualify for the PGA Tour in 2020 were canceled, and Weiss made the difficult decision to give up on his dream. “I completely understand their decision,” Weiss said of golf’s decision to suspend qualifying opportunities. “But at the same time, it was very catastrophic and upsetting for a lot of guys trying to pursue their dreams.”
Jon Weiss, Jr. Just Keep Fighting
To dive further into Jon Weiss, Jr’s incredible story and hear how you can make the time management tricks of a professional athlete work for you, check out the Keeping Time Podcast. Our entire conversation can be found on the Keeping Time Podcast, available at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com, as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix.
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Despite the setback, Weiss didn’t wallow in self-pity. He decided to move forward and returned to Aiken & Company Insurance in Florence, the career he had just before turning pro. There, he is busy applying the lessons learned as a professional athlete to the more traditional working world. From personal discipline, structuring a workday, and finding ways to stoke the desire to be the best at whatever he tackles, Weiss shares his perspective on time management in the Keeping Time Podcast’s first episode of 2021. Whether you make your living on the golf course or in the office, Weiss’ philosophy provides insight on how to face down adversity and come out stronger on the other side. “Try to be better every single day at anything you do,” Weiss said. “Whether it’s typing on a keyboard or hitting a better chip shot, try to be better every single day.”
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LIFESTYLE
SURVIVING THE JOB SEARCH as told to VIP by Jane Snipes
At the start of a New Year, it’s common for people to take stock of their job situation and conclude it’s time to get serious about finding a new job. Books and online information, however, can leave you confused and overwhelmed, and advice mostly focuses around just getting a better attitude. But how do you improve your attitude if you don’t know how to make headway with your job search? It’s a catch-22. To solve this dilemma, newly published author Jane Snipes has used her accumulated knowledge from over three decades in the recruiting business to highlight only the most vital information from each step of the process. From writing a polished résumé to navigating the actual job search to nailing the interview procedures, she presents it all in a clear, concise format that’s easy to read and simple to put into practice. Jane believes you’re born with a set of gifts and talents that are completely unique to you, and through life’s journey you’re meant to figure out what those gifts and talents are and then use them to help others. If you don’t know what your gifts and talents are, it doesn’t mean you don’t have any . . .it just means you haven’t discovered them. Yet. Tie your self-worth to your potential, not your failure. In fact, she recommends just kicking failure to the curb altogether and consider that there is no such thing as failure; there is only “next time.” Some résumé writing tips from Surviving the Job Search: How to start writing your résumé Forget using templates, columns, text boxes, and headers. These routes are fraught with frustration and 22
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cause all sorts of issues down the road. Instead, just start with a fresh WORD document and type in your contact information. This should include your name, address, phone number, and email address, and it’s crucial that all this be accurate, consistently aligned, and easy to read. If you’re submitting your résumé to a hiring company or a third-party recruiter for the very first time, your résumé will be uploaded to an applicant tracking system (also termed a database), and a candidate profile will be created on you. By using a straightforward format for your contact information, you’ll ensure your information will land correctly in the appropriate database fields. Your name should be the very first words at the top of your résumé; if not, those first words will become your name in the recruiting database. Here’s an example.
Tie your self-worth to your potential, not your failure. Don’t expand or condense your text If Robert stretches out his name it becomes R o b e r t B u r n s. While this will look okay on the screen and on paper, the recruiting database will recognize the spaces in between the letters and assume the first letter is his entire first name, and the second letter is his entire last name. His name in the recruiting database becomes O, R and the recruiter won’t be able to find Robert’s profile in the system. Don’t condense your text either. If Robert condenses his name he becomes Robert Burns so his last name now looks like Bums. The solution? Don’t expand or condense the text; just stay with regularly spaced text instead. A great résumé format
To find the book on Amazon, just look up Jane Snipes Surviving the Job Search.
Here’s a format that’s simple to maintain and easy on the reader’s eyes.
In Surviving the Job Search, Jane leads you through every phase of writing a résumé and navigating through the job search process, and she presents it all in a clear easy-to-read style that explains what, how, and why. For plenty of comic relief, she’s also included lots of Stories from the Trenches and here are a few samples: • A title on LinkedIn: “A sales professional who likes to look good, drink whiskey, and smoke cigars.” • A candidate with manufacturing experience wanted to indicate he had experience with LEAN, a manufacturing methodology. Unfortunately, he listed he had, “Experience with LENA.” • A job seeker listed his duties as “…collaboration and consummation.”
Jane moved from Great Britain to Florence, SC, at age 14, then graduated from West Florence High School in 1981, and from Francis Marion College in 1985. She accidentally fell into a career in recruiting in 1990, became a 3rd party recruiter in 1995, and opened her own recruiting firm in 2000. Her recruiting focus since 2001 has been biometrics, identity management, and electronic access control on a global basis, and she wrote Surviving the Job Search during the COVID-19 pandemic when recruiting and hiring came to a standstill.
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BUSINESS
An Update on the Class of 2020-2021
story by DeeDee Chisholm, Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” -Kathy Calvin The words of this very simple quote can sum up the entire day that we spent with our Leadership Hartsville class and all the wonderful, selfless representatives from many local non-profit organizations. So many times, we all let life take over. We stay so busy and focused on ourselves that we don’t see or think about what’s really going on around us. I am the first one to admit that I’m guilty of it but will definitely be making the conscious effort to do better. November 18th was our Non-profit day and let me just tell you, it was an eye-opener! I don’t know that any of us were ready for all that we heard and talked about, but I think it was exactly what we all needed. Besides, it wouldn’t have been a Leadership Hartsville class without lots of tears (by almost everyone-yes, even some of the guys). The non-profit day is held early in the year, and one of these organizations could potentially be the beneficiary of our class project.
the Darlington County school district with basic necessities was represented by Andrea Campbell, Administrator of the organization. They offer programs like The Kids Closets, backpacks and school supplies, money for field trips, summer camps and summer enrichment activities, and Hunger Busters. Darlington County First Steps was also present via Zoom with Patricia Sullivan, Communications Manager/ Project Coordinator. Their vision is “Strong Families in Healthy Communities” and they focus on School Readiness, Parenting Skills and Family Well-Being, Contraceptive Care and Reproductive Health Education, and Men’s Health.
We learned of needs large and small, some we’d heard of and some we never knew existed.
Stephen Edwards, Executive Director with the Darlington County Free Medical Clinic gave us lots of information about the services they provide. Those include free primary care, medications, and pastoral support to the residents of Darlington County who don’t have health insurance and don’t qualify for government health programs.
Martin Driggs, Jr., Chairman was up first representing the Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville. This foundation is made up of community partners with the common goal to stimulate the community and economic development.
J Mac Easterling with the Darlington County Autism Support Group shared with us their goals to provide a positive environment for parents/caregivers of persons with autism spectrum disorders and to also provide some training for them.
Joann Delong, Executive Director with the United Way of Hartsville explained how the United Way supports Hartsville’s non-profits as well as programs such as Coats 4 Kids, Backpacks for Students, and help for the homeless. Kim Cranford, the manager of the historic Center Theater presented information about the Women’s League of Hartsville’s upcoming fundraiser that will go towards the benefit of the theater for some much-needed repairs. Carolina’s Kids, a non-profit that provides children in 24
Enjoying lunch and learning about SPC VIPMagSC.com
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SPC Credit Union graciously hosted us for a delicious lunch from Griggs Circle Bakery while we learned about their Cares2Shares program. Cares2Shares is an employee-led outreach organization that allows them to give back to the community where there is a need. We got to hear from Hartsville’s Civic/Professional organizations as well. Kelly Benton with Hartsville Kiwanis Club, Hannah McCain with Rotary Club of Hartsville, Kim Cranford with Lion’s Club of Hartsville, and Jennifer Evans with the Women’s League of Hartsville presented their mission statements and how they give back. Scottie Hill, Founder/CEO and Executive Director of The Trent Hill Center shared their passion for helping the community. Trent Hill Center is a home for youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment and they also provide individual, group, and family counseling to local children and families; family engagement services; and training and consulting services. CareSouth Carolina was represented by Miesha Thomas, Site Administrator. CareSouth Carolina is a community health center, who’s vision is to lead the transformation of community-centered care and services. Donations to the CareFIRST Carolina Foundation goes to financially supporting the mission of CareSouth Carolina. Together, they provide and improve access to health and support services to those who need them most. And last but not least, Gary Lukridge, CEO of the YMCA of the Upper Pee Dee shared the mission of the YMCA. “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all”. YMCA membership dues are what keeps the facilities running, but donations help change lives. Donations allow them to nurture kids, save lives, keep seniors young, help others, and support families.
We didn’t just learn about the needs in our community that go unnoticed, but we also learned about the hearts in our community that go unnoticed. We all enjoy these Leadership Hartsville classes so much! At the end of each day, we learn a lot and this class was no exception. We didn’t just learn about the needs in our community that go unnoticed, but we also learned about the hearts in our community that go unnoticed. The heart, dedication, and passion from each one of these leaders is part of what makes Hartsville so special. These leaders and the organizations they represent are truly what is making the difference in the Hartsville community today. And, in case anyone is wondering…we still haven’t had our group dinner! January 2021
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BUSINESS
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Flo-Town Fitness If you're not prepared, you will not find success. Everyone is great at saying they want to change, but very few know how to make it happen.
HERE ARE FIVE REASONS YOUR WORKOUTS AREN’T WORKING:
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MEET THE TEAM:
1 Lack of sleep: Without the proper amount of sleep your body will never
1 Bobby Bethea, Co-founder/Trainer
recover the way that it is supposed to. We need at least six hours every night for our body and mind to be ready to kick butt the next day
2 Brock McCallister, Co-founder/Trainer
2 Eating JUNK: Every meal during the day should have a few things in common; protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Sugar is not one of these three components! 3 Not Consistent: It is recommended to exercise 3+ times per week so keep it short, but do it all the time
3 Lynn Powell, Zumba, Senior Living Fitness & Group Fitness Instructor
4 No Plan: If you do not have a plan before you start working out, you are just going to be treading water. Find a program to follow online or find a coach that can push your limits.
4. Carson Nance, Performance Enhancement Specialist
5 Not FUN: If you do not enjoy the kind of workouts that you have been doing,
5. Rodric Stuckey, Coaching
try something else until you find something you enjoy
TIPS TO CRUSH YOUR WEEK:
6 Alanna Phillips, Trainer 7 Reggie Sanders, Trainer
Have a set bedtime • Have healthy food ready to eat Have someone who holds you accountable Have a set time of the day to exercise • Plan time in your schedule to rest The people that have the most success are the ones that do it consistently. Working out once a week is great, but if your goal is to lose 100 pounds, you will have to be working at it every day! 26
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Visit us at: 612 S Irby St, Florence flo-town-fitness.triib.com
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JANUARY 2021 CALENDAR of EVENTS sunday
monday
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Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
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House Plant Appreciation Day
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Hot Buttered Rum Day
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Hot Chocolate Day
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Irish Coffee Day
Rubber Ducky Day
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National Spouse Day
Tempura Day
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Pop Corn Day
MLK Day
Peanut Butter Day
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Apple Tree Day
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National Pharmacist Day
thursday
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Bird Day
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National Milk Day
wednesday
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Spaghetti Day
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tuesday
Cheese Lover Day
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Chocolate Cake Day
Dress Your Pet Up Day
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National Hugging Day
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Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com! friday
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New Year’s Day
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National Buffet Day
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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Bubble Bath Day
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Fig Newton Day
National Bagel Day
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Puzzle Day
National Croissant Day
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BUSINESS
Giving Back
story by Kim Brauss
522 West Palmetto Street, Florence, SC • 843.662.4327
lifetimehearingservices.com
During its 20th anniversary, Lifetime Hearing rejoins the Greater Florence Area Chamber of Commerce with a celebratory ribbon cutting where business owner Dr. Lesley Kirby revealed donations to six Pee Dee charities totaling $24,491, including the purchase of 20 rocking chairs that will be donated to the House of Hope for their new Tiny Home Community for the homeless. “I’m so proud of my incredible team; when many businesses had to, unfortunately, stop donating to charities, my team pushed forward and was committed to giving back to our community,” Kirby said. “We hosted three concerts at Palmetto Street Church of God featuring Christian Grammy Award-winning artists David Phelps and Guy Penrod, and was even able to stream a couple of the concerts (one internationally), and also a portion of every single hearing aid that was dispensed through each of our four office locations was donated to the charities!” Kirby rejoins the Florence Chamber because “I learned more of what the Florence Chamber was focusing on now through my business relationship with Kristin Nesmith of the Chamber.” The Chamber’s focus on small businesses and their development in the Florence area was a great factor. The Chamber has membership levels for every business, at every stage of development. The networking among businesses and events
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Dr. Lesley Kirby, AUD, owner
can improve connections within the community, including “instant access to more than 25 different specifically small-business related programs per year.” Kirby’s rejoining accentuates their like-minded missions in growing business and focusing on the community, including donating to area nonprofits and charities. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever feel I would need to add ‘Pandemic Concert Promoter’ onto my resume!” Kirby said. “Hosting these concerts in July and September was tough to say the least. My church was wonderful in helping me keep everyone safe. My office provided personal hand sanitizers. Everyone was masked, and we only sold up to 50 percent capacity in the church. Yet, I knew that these concerts needed to be performed; our city needed light, inspiration, and hope during those dark times. And everyone who attended either live in the sanctuary or online were thoroughly blessed. This to me, hearing the “thank yous” and seeing peoples’ tears as they left the concerts, meant the world. …I enjoy providing hope and light for our community.” That light this year extends not only to the concertgoers but also to the charities her team chose to donate their fundraisers, including American Heart Association, Darlington County Humane Society, Foster Care Clothing Closet, Harvest Hope Food Bank, McArn Food Bank in Cheraw, and Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee. “Each year at Christmas time, Dr. Kirby gives us the opportunity to give back to our community,” said Reagen Roberts, lead patient care coordinator and physician liaison. “It is nice to be recognized as being a Christian-owned, -ran business that is in constant contact with the needs of the Pee Dee.” Lifetime Hearing’s Business Director Wendy Bird added, “I was so excited that Dr. Kirby decided to celebrate her 20th anniversary of being in business by allowing us as employees to choose a charity of our choice. It was such an honor to know that even though I was not working in the non-profit sector anymore, I had joined a business that truly cares and looks to help local charities in our community. I love that Lifetime Hearing is built and operated on a foundation of integrity and compassion.” In a time when we need to join together as a supportive community even more than ever, it’s encouraging to see businesses like Lifetime Hearing going above and beyond to give back. As we enter into a new year, we hope that we can continue to band together to become stronger. January 2021
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BUSINESS
story by Kim Brauss Rendering of City of Florence's baseball stadium to be completed in 2022
THE FLORENCE REDWOLVES ARE
Back and Better Than Ever story by Kim Brauss / photos by Erin Daniel The Florence RedWolves are making moves in the offseason to be the center of summer fun for the Pee Dee. A new partnership with Florence’s baseball team in the Coastal Plain League (CPL) was announced between Kevin Barth and SRO Partners. SRO Partners and Macon Bacon owner Steve DeLay steps into a new role of managing partner along with co-owner Brandon Raphael. Barth remains with the RedWolves as a minority partner. In addition to these advances, the City of Florence announced in September it would expand the city’s recreation facilities to include a baseball and track complex next to the Dr. Eddie Floyd Tennis Center. Together, these changes give fans much to look forward to in the RedWolves' coming seasons. "This is exciting news from the city of Florence
and RedWolves fans," CPL Chief Operating Officer and Commissioner Justin Sellers said. "Steve is an expert when it comes to fan engagement and filling a stadium, and Brandon has quickly proven to be a strong operator in the CPL. We're confident that they will be able to replicate the success they have built together with the Macon Bacon in Florence." Included with the introductions of partners was the announcement of new leadership with the team and a face you will become familiar with next season. Cameron Kovach joins the RedWolves as team president, and Jake Schuster takes the lead with the team as head coach. Kovach has begun working out of the team offices, preparing for the 2021 season. "I am thrilled about this opportunity," Kovach said. "When Steve and Brandon reached out to me about Florence and explained their plans, along with the information about the new stadium, I knew this was the place for me. I am excited to be entrenched in the community and work to provide fun family entertainment for the city of Florence." Kovach served as director of ticket sales and experience with the Dallas Renegades of the XFL. Prior to the Renegades, he was the vice president of ticket sales for the San Antonio Commanders of The Alliance of American Football. Kovach also has several years of experience working in ticket sales at the University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Delaware, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Cameron Kovach, team president with Homer, Red Wolves mascot
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CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Schuster, who was an assistant coach with the team in 2019, will take over as the skipper for the 2021 campaign. “Jake stood out in our search for a head coach as someone who cared about the organization,” Kovach said. “He will be very involved with the community and serve as a leader for our players.” Schuster has spent the past two collegiate seasons as the pitching coach for Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Fla. He also worked at Clemson University for three years as the video coordinator and the bullpen coordinator. Hailing from Charlotte, Schuster graduated twice from Clemson with a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s degree in athletic leadership. Kovach is also appreciative of the efforts from The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. “Communication with the Chamber has been excellent.” He explains, “Being new to the area, they have done a great job getting us connected and introduced to the Florence business community. Recently we were able to speak at a Chamber Board of Directors meeting and talk about the new direction of the team as well as the new stadium coming in 2022. The members were very encouraging and solidified our excitement for being a part of this great community.” The RedWolves will open the 2021 season on May 27 against Holly Springs. Kovach previously announced that a new all-you-can-eat five-game ticket plan was available for the upcoming year. The plan will include unlimited hot dogs, burgers, chips, cookies, soda, and water for $15 per game ($75 per plan). Additionally, each of the five games will be on their five biggest Saturday night games, each, including exciting theme nights such as Grand Opening (May 29), First Responders Night (June 19), Spirit of Florence (July 3), Faith and Fellowship Night (July 17) and Fan Appreciation (July 31). Fireworks shows will cap off the evening on the nights of May 29, July 3, and 31. The all-new all-you-can-eat, five-game ticket plan is available for purchase now, but seats are limited for this package. Fans who purchase a five-game ticket plan in 2021 will have priority over the general public to select their seats in the new stadium, which opens for the 2022 campaign. Visit
florenceredwolves.com to buy online or call the ticket office at (843) 629-0700.
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BUSINESS
G E T T I N G C R E AT I V E
IN 2021
story by Rebecca Giese, photos by Erin Daniel
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Want to let your creative juices fly? Or try your hand at a new project without getting paint or sawdust on yourself, couch, dog, and child? Downtown Florence has a hip new spot perfect for you, your friends, and even the kids! The DIY Place Florence is a crafters dream; you walk in and immediately notice the racks of wood, paint, and projects just waiting to be done! Not ready to give yourself the title of "crafter" or "creative"? Do not worry; this is still the place to try a new project and learn a new skill. The crafting gurus and owners Aimee and Cornelio Monjarrez are there to help give direction to anyone at any level. This family ran business is the dream of Aimee Monjarrez. After a year as a stay at home mom, she was ready to start something new with her passion for creating, and The DIY Place was born. Located in an old Drug Store in downtown Florence, the Monjarrez family put in a lot of elbow grease to create the gorgeous storefront and a full workshop to create the stencils and wooden pieces needed for their project kits. Aimee designs each craft with her graphic designer sister to make her ideas come to life. Meaning some designs you can choose from are original and exclusively for The DIY Place, and the wood used on the projects is cut and ready for you to walk in and pick your project. They are always switching and changing their project choice wall, especially as the seasons change, so you can come time and time again to fill your house with the cute decor you made. The projects range in age levels, with some projects geared toward children and other projects perfect for a date night or night out
with the girls. The average price is $30 to $40 with a range of $5 - $69, making it comparable to buying a finished piece at a box design store but with a priceless element of the joy that comes from knowing you made something. Plus, the piece has a customizable element; you pick the project and design you want to do, then you have the opportunity to pick the stain shade and paint colors so that the project will fit the aesthetic of your home. When asked what makes The DIY Place special and what was their goal, Cornelio chimed in, "The goal is to be a place where people come together for fellowship. And promote creating memories while making something." Start creating memories at The DIY Place today; walkins are welcome during normal hours, Tuesday - Friday 3 pm -9 pm and Saturdays 11 am - 9 pm. Take-home kits are also available for anyone that would prefer an at-home project. And their gift card makes the perfect unique Valentine's Day gift. Want to plan a child's birthday party or team building event? Give them a call today to get something on the calendar, 843-799-1226!
THE DIY PLACE 157 W Evans St, Florence • 843.799.1226 Follow The DIY Place on Facebook & Instagram
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BUSINESS BUSINESS
BIZZELL'S FOOD & SPIRITS An American restaurant in Hartsville, SC, who combines our high standards for cuisine with our love of laid-back hospitality as told to VIP by Leigh Ann Bizzell
After over 22 years of serving the Hartsville and greater Pee Dee area, Bizzell's Food & Spirits closed its brick and mortar location in December of 2020. So, it felt appropriate to take a moment to look back and reminisce on the many years of good food and great times with owner Leigh Ann Bizzell. Going all the way back to May 1998, Leigh Ann and Willie Bizzell worked on a dream to own and operate a restaurant, and here is their story. We are excited to see what the next chapters hold! WHO WERE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND CHEFS OF BIZZELLS? Operations were opened and owned by myself and Willie. Thank you, Carolina Bank (Jamie Morphis), for believing in us! The executive Chef was Willie. He was the menu creator and master behind all the yummy recipes. For the last 22 years, Jeffery White assisted Willie as sous chef and Taretha Rogers as salad creator. Toni Briggs joined the team to help promote the restaurant's efforts. And we certainly couldn't have done it without our Chief Dish Attendant Extrodinaire, Tavares Fountain, that worked diligently in the kitchen the last 14 years. We have long-time employees, which speaks volumes of them and the business. There were MANY others along the way who helped us build this bridge to success, and we are so thankful for them and their time with us; you know who you are! WHAT DROVE YOU TO OPEN A BUSINESS AT THIS LOCATION? Hartsville is home for Willie. He returned to Hartsville in 1991, after college and an internship with one of America's Top Chef's in Pawley's Island, with his new bride (me) to manage the Hartsville Country Club. Senator Edward Saleeby was very influential in getting Willie to bring his talents back to Hartsville. After seven years at the Club, Willie and I were wanting more. The Club was private and only members were allowed to eat at the Club back in the '90s. We were ready to share our love of food creation and hospitality with the entire community. We floundered with the idea of opening a restaurant. Several locations were considered, but Charles and Vernon Boyd had just the spot (the old Boyd Powe Cafe) for the new restaurant, and so Bizzell's Food & Spirits found its home. 36
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OVER THE PAST 22 YEARS, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE RESTAURANT? For Willie, being in the kitchen, creating dishes with fresh ingredients and made from scratch recipes! He's been cooking since he was 13 years old, where he began at Westwood BBQ for Mr. Fowler. Later at Seychelles for Kyle Segars and lastly at The Depot for John Arvidson. He has fond memories from each of those stepping stones. For me, who moved to Hartsville with Willie and not knowing a sole seven years prior, the clientele was most important to me and I loved taking care of them. Making sure they felt appreciated, serviced, and loved so they would return again and again. FAVORITE MEMORY? Having Willie's mother, Betty Bizzell, visit the bar for Happy Hour and beyond enjoying conversation with all the folks (friends and newcomers). She knew them all! And my children remember Sprite-ini's with Granny B before heading home in the evening. All of our menus had a picture of our children, either in or on cooking pots, as they grew through the years. We enjoyed sharing those updated pictures on the cover of our menus so our guests could enjoy them as well. Thank you, Steve Roos, at Ashcraft Studios for all the fabulous food photography and "Pot Portrait" sittings! WHAT CHANGES AND PIVOTS DID YOU MAKE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL 22 YEARS? Initially, Willie and I were the worker bees, doing all the cooking, greeting, and managing. After ten years, the business was expanding with off-premise catering ventures, so we needed to add people to help us manage the restaurant operations. We promoted people from within the business to manage, who knew our likes and dislikes and could oversee the operations while we promoted the business on the road. Having value in your employees is a key component to employee retention. We were very fortunate to have lifelong employees who remain our friends. A few names come to mind as I reminisce through the years...Ann Millen Beasley was our first hostess as she worked through high school and college and ten years later returned to help out in a managerial capacity. Landon King, once a server in high school and college, knew how to please the ladies! He had great customer service skills and managed the entire restaurant for the better part of ten years. Taking over the reins for Landon was the energetic and most hospitable Connie Smith. I can't say enough things about these particular people. They were Bizzell's and helped make it what it is today. How you are treated in a business leaves a lasting impression on whether you return for a second or third visit. I might even go on to say we had some pretty "spoiled patrons" back in the
day when these "Originals" were working! One last name to mention, Jenni Jeffords. If restaurants offered health insurance, I think she would have been here the last ten years. Thank you, Jenni, for all the wonderful years of excellent customer service and for loving our customers! Over ten years ago, the idea came about to host a Fundraiser Sunday Buffet at Bizzell's. Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday that year. That being one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, and Sunday being a day in which we were normally closed, we decided to give it a whirl to benefit the Hartsville High School softball team. The team volunteered to wait tables and the coaches managed the team in their efforts to serve the customers. Oh, there were many learning curves that particular Sunday but not enough negatives to discourage doing it again, so the next Sunday, we did it again with an overwhelming response! And for ten years, Bizzell's Sunday Buffet Fundraiser's, which occurred every January through Mother's Day, has helped nonprofit organizations raise money for their programs. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT. ANY THOUGHT ON WHAT IT HOLDS, EVEN IF IT IS RELAXATION. A new year brings new beginnings and after a short siesta during January, we will begin booking catering events. By closing the brick and mortar operations, our goal is to have more time with our family, friends, and each other outside the work elements. Once everything opens back up from the pandemic, we hope to do some traveling from time to time. Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page (Bizzell's Food & Spirits) and our website, www.bizzells. com. We can be reached via email at bizzellsfoodspirits@yahoo.comor and (843) 858-0551. November 2020
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BUSINESS
Mayor
story by Rebecca Giese
ROBERT WOODBURY
Reimagines Mullins
Newly appointed Mayor of Mullins, South Carolina, Robert Woodbury, is a leader with a servant's heart. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he is the oldest of five children born to Rev. Robert and Barbara Ann Woodbury, who currently resides in Marion. Although Mayor Woodbury was born out of South Carolina, he matriculated through Marion County Schools, even graduating from Mullins High School. Throughout his career, Mayor Woodbury has worn different "hats." For the past 14 years, he has worked in the information technology field in various capacities, including a senior business analyst and programmer. Along with IT, Mayor Woodbury has been serving as the Senior Pastor of the House of God Church in Mullins for ten years. He's encouraged by the growing congregation that is passionate about empowering men and women in the communities. Mayor Woodbury is committed to seeing people's lives impacted through the words and power of Jesus Christ. When asked how being a Pastor has influenced him to become mayor, he said, "About four years ago, God led me to run for the city council and serve people differently. It was still the same mission but by different means. I learned how to teach the love of God from the pulpit and be a better example of it in everyday life. I would say that being a pastor was a major influence throughout the process from councilman to mayor. There are similarities. Both require you to learn to work with and for others. You have to be a servant at heart. There is no room for selfishness and egos. Oftentimes, you are overworked and underappreciated. However, you are called to do what you do, so that makes the difference. When God led me to run for Mayor of the City of Mullins, I knew it would not be easy, but I was willing to be used by God to be the change that I wanted to see. I was willing to be an agent of change for my community in this capacity." As the youngest mayor Mullins has ever seen, Woodbury has many influential people to thank for helping him reach this historic achievement. "I have so many role models in my life that have helped to shape me into who I am today – family, ministers, CEO's, and even influential thought leaders. However, one of my first role models and teachers that unforgettably 38 VIPMagSC.com January 2021
impacted me was Master Sergeant Victor G. Coachman, who is currently a retired high school MCJROTC instructor. I've been in leadership in one form or another since I was 16 years old. He, along with so many others, invested in me. I will forever be grateful." Mayor Woodbury is excited to be Mayor of his hometown and lead the city into a season of growth and progress, "I must admit that Mullins is a resilient city of people," he says. "There have been many transitions that have taken place over the years, especially in industry and the local economy; however, we don't seem to give up. We have flourished in some areas better than others, and we have progressed at different rates over the years, but Mullins seems to find a way to come together in the end. Now that I have been given this opportunity to become Mayor in my hometown, my focus is on our future. Once upon a time, tobacco was the staple industry of our city. Our identity was wrapped in it. When that industry shifted and eventually began to die down, Mullins struggled to reinvent itself. This is where I want to focus. To reach our true potential as a city, we have to reimagine Mullins
To reach our true potential as a city, we have to reimagine Mullins and think boldly about our future. and think boldly about our future. Our city council has committed to positive change and innovation. We are positioning ourselves to be leaders in our region. What I love so much about Mullins' citizens is their ability to come together when it counts the most. I've seen some tough situations throughout our community over the years. I've witnessed our local economy's downturn, jobs closing, 100-year floods, and now a global pandemic. Through it all, the differences of opinions, the amount of money in one's pocket, nor the color of one's skin can't stop us from coming together. It's this kind of strength that will move our city forward into an even brighter future." Mayor Woodbury is ready to start 2021 strong, with many objectives accomplished in the last couple of weeks to be set and prepared for the year ahead. He mentioned, "I have had the privilege to work with our city council as we implemented a new plan of action to transition into our own city trash collection services. Council has approved proposals for our Clean Neighborhoods Initiative and Mayor's Book Club Initiative. These projects have allowed us to continue to strengthen relationships with our residents and our local school district. We have also announced an anonymous tip line to collect calls on the ongoing police investigations in our city and new road paving projects for January. These are just the start of what's to come." As we leave a year that brought about many challenges, Mayor Woodbury has no reservations and only hope in what lies ahead. "In 2021 my goals are to work to unify our city in every area. I will continue to build strategic relationships with businesses and our community partners. I want Mullins to be the best city for entrepreneurship, so be on the lookout for innovative initiatives and programs. As we continue to identify our problems as a city and how they affect us, we will be strategic in creating and implementing solutions this year. Overall my goal is to lead our city into reimagining who and what the City of Mullins is. From there, the sky's the limit."
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HOME
Warming Up With A Mug Of
Hot Chocolate story by Doug Smith Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".
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Warm comfort and sweetness in a favorite mug …there’s just something special about a cup of hot chocolate. Why do we love it? When and how was it first made? The cacao plants were discovered and cultivated in southern Mexico several thousand years ago. The cocoa beans were ground into a paste and mixed with water then made into a chocolate drink. This mixture was poured into small bowls served unsweet and cold, much unlike the sweet, silky, hot beverage we enjoy today. It was considered a ceremonial beverage. Some even called it mystical as it was found to give energy to the weary and as a mood enhancer to the downcast. Over time this bitter drink made its way to Spain then to Europe where it picked up a few changes along the way. To make it more palatable, milk and sugar were added. As this beverage became trendy, chocolate houses (early coffee shops) began popping up all over London. No longer was this mixture considered as only medicine but as an after-dinner drink served hot. Chocolate has earned its place as essential to the health and happiness of many of us today. Nothing is better than sitting by a fire on a cold winter night enjoying a mug of hot chocolate with people near and dear to you. Hold your mug tightly and feel the warmth that reaches all the way to your toes. Cheers to a new year!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients • 4 cups whole milk • 4oz milk chocolate or chocolate bar of your choice • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • 1/2 cup sugar • splash vanilla extract • mini marshmallows (or fresh whipped cream )
Method • Finely chop the chocolate bar and set aside. • Gently warm the milk over medium heat stirring continually. • Add the cocoa powder until dissolved. • Add the sugar. • Add the chopped chocolate and stir for 5 minutes. • Serve in a heavy mug topped with marshmallows or fresh whipped cream.
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HOME
Italian Harvest Soup story and photos by Rebecca Giese
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After a month of cookies, carb-loaded meals, and hot cocoa January is a time to reel it back in. Time to kick the bad eating habits and focus on putting our best foot forward. But after a season of hearty, delicious favorite recipes, it is hard to convince yourself to grab a bowl of rabbit food; I mean salad. Ease your way into new healthy habits with hearty, flavorful, easy meals that everyone in your house will love. Our family favorite has to be hands down a big pot of Italian Harvest Soup. This soup is full of vegetables and perfect for anyone trying to cut out inflammatories like soy, gluten, and dairy. And switching the broth to a low sodium option is even better. The soup is filling and doesn't leave you wanting more unless you want another bowl of soup. Cheers to focusing on our health and setting goals in the new year!
Italian Harvest Soup INGREDIENTS 1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage links 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 large celery ribs, diced or thinly sliced 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound potatoes of choice cut into 1/2inch pieces; I used Russet potatoes 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, or more to taste 1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2 32oz containers of low sodium chicken broth 1 small head kale, washed and torn into small pieces
INSTRUCTIONS • Place a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and cook, occasionally stirring, until onions and mushrooms are soft (about 8 minutes). • Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper and continue to cook until fragrant. • Add broth and potatoes and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender, about 30 minutes. • While the soup simmers, cook sausage links in a skillet. Let them cool before handling. Cut into pieces. • When potatoes and carrots are tender, add cooked sausage and kale. Stir and simmer an additional 3 minutes or until sausage is warmed through and kale is wilted. • Remove from heat and serve. January 2021
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Muriel McCray, Artist Art has always had a place in Muriel McCray’s life. As a child, her favorite thing to do was draw pictures for family and friends. During her days in college, even though she loved art, she decided to focus on education. This led her to become a teacher where she later retired from the Williamsburg County School system in 2018. All the while, her artwork remained as a sweet pastime and relaxer.
teacher making it hard to put paintbrush to paper. After retirement, she was ready to dive back into her passion! However, in 2019 she was diagnosed with colon cancer, and painting got pushed to the back burner yet again. She’s since recovered and is ready to get back in front of the easel! “The way I see it is the Lord saved me so I need to share my talents with the rest of the world,” she explains.
Muriel’s simple childhood drawings grew to oil, acrylic, and even the occasional watercolor art pieces. Her mother, Lula Makonie, and brother, Daniel Wilform, encouraged her to begin selling her work. She sold a few pieces to friends and had several pieces in a gallery in Charleston but during this time she was still a full-time
Muriel enjoys creating land and waterscapes. Many of her pieces depict dancing African women and churches that lay distant in the background. “I like to create things that I can relate to and that calm my mind.” If you’d like to have Muriel create you a one of a kind piece, call her at (843) 598-3751 or email her at mccraymuriel@gmail.com.
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
Ingredients
the
APEROL SPRITZ
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3 oz prosecco 2 oz Aperol Splash of soda Orange slice Ice cubes
Directions
Pour Prosecco over ice. Add Aperol and a splash of soda. Garnish with orange.
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