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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
Contributing Photographers Phillip Guyton Fred Salley Nicole Williams Contributing Writers Kimberly Brauss Mark W. Buyck, III Ashley Elvington Kitty Finklea, RD, AFAA-CPT Cynthia Ford Liane Moriarty Doug Smith Nicole Williams
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 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
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COVER CONCEPT
Vip Magazine celebrates six years this issue. We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interviewing hundreds of interesting locals over the years. In this issue, we express our gratefullness through sharing stories of others that work diligently to serve our community. Flip to page 32 to meet these individuals. 6
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CONTENTS
ISSUE 72
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NOVEMBER 2021 BUSINESS 10 Mark W. Buyck II: Audubon & Bachman 12 Recycling Project: Ashley Rogers HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 HopeHealth: 10 Simple Strategies for Better Glucose Control 16 McLeod Health: Expanding Access to Specialized Care for Children
18 Carolina Pines: Robotic-Assisted Knew Replacement Surgery
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20 Around Town: City Center Jam Fest LIFESTYLE 22 Cultural Conversations 24 Raising Your Right Hand 26 Book of the Month: Apples Never Fall 28 October 2021 Calendar HOME 30 Why Do We Love Coffee So Much? THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
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32 Valerie George: A Teacher's Blessing 34 PDRTA: Growing, Giving, and Blessed 36 Pam Williams: Circle Park Treatment Director 38 Mitchell Brantley: White Doves Over the Pee Dee 40 Reggie Sanders: Getting in a Healthy Routine 42 The Pharmacy: Always Exceeding Expectations 44 Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group: Compassionate Service 46 Corbett Stone: Reformers Unanimous at Florence Baptist Temple 48 Kedral Timmons and Kevin Robinson: Serving Students On and Off of the Court
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50 Drink of the Month: Pumpkin Spice Coffee
BUSINESS
Audubon & Bachman story by Mark W. Buyck, III
!"#$%!&'$#&(&$)*"#*$+$%!&$,%-./&,$0*. .&%0/1&.$/11-,%(0%/"*,$"2$*"(%!$03&(/40*$5/(., John James Audubon (1785-1851) is America’s most famous wildlife painter and a noted naturalist. He spent most of his early adult life exploring, painting, and hustling to publish his masterpiece, The Birds of America. One of Audubon’s very best friends was a noted South Carolinian, John Bachman (1790!"#"$%& 1874). Reverend Bachman served as Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charleston for 56 years. He was a well-regarded naturalist in his own right. Audubon’s final work was The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. Instead of birds, Audubon focused on four-legged mammals many of which he encountered during a stay at Fort Union, North Dakota at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Several years later with Audubon’s health declining, Bachman took control of the project and saw to its completion and publication. Bachman is generally recognized as either a co-author or a collaborator in the work. Audubon was born in St. Domingue (present-day Haiti). He was the illegitimate son of a French planter and his mistress; although, he was raised in France by his stepmother. In 1803, his father sent him to a familyowned estate near Philadelphia, purportedly to avoid his conscription into Napoleon’s army. In America he began developing his painting skills in conjunction with his love of the abundant flora and fora found here at that time. It was in Pennsylvania that he met his wife, Lucy Bakewell. She would become his lifelong companion although, they were constantly apart due to his travels throughout America and Europe. In 1808 Audubon
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moved to Kentucky, returning to Pennsylvania 6 months later to marry Lucy. They returned to Kentucky the day after the wedding and would have two sons (2 daughters were also born but both died in infancy). In early adulthood Audubon was not particularly successful as a businessman. During the Panic of 1819, he went bankrupt and was sent to a debtor’s prison. It was about this time that he began developing the idea for The Birds of America, a collection of prints of every bird found in the United States. Audubon traveled extensively throughout the Mississippi River region and the Southeastern states. During this period he would accept various jobs which allowed him time to pursue his interests. At one point he was an instructor at Jefferson College in Washington, Mississippi. The family relied on Lucy’s work as a teacher to make ends meet. At one point nearly 1820s, the Audubons lived together in Louisiana and many of Audubon’s works are from the New Orleans area. In 1824, Audubon made an unsuccessful trip to Philadelphia in an effort to have his works published. In 1826, discouraged with his reception in America, Audubon sailed from New Orleans to Liverpool in a final effort to win support for his project. This trip was a success. The English were infatuated with Audubon’s American backwoodsman persona, complete with birdskin hats and Native American whoops and calls. One of his first prints was the American Wild Turkey. Audubon was able to raise the funds necessary for publication of the work through subscriptions sold primarily to society’s, museums, and wealthy individuals, including King George, IV.
The subscription model provided Audubon with a steady stream of income. His publisher would print and distribute five new prints and deliver them every month or so. He only returned to America in 1829 where he was finally reunited with Lucy and his sons. Audubon spent the 1830s exploring and painting various locations in North America. He was particularly fond of Florida and Charleston. While in Charleston, Audubon lived with the Bachman family. Several of Audubon’s most famous paintings were from his visits to Charleston. The Long-Billed Curlew includes an 1830s skyline of Charleston in the background. It was in Charleston where Audubon encountered a then unknown specimen which he named the Bachman’s Warbler. Bachman was a respected member of Charleston society and one of the City’s leading citizens. With Bachman’s assistance, Audubon was able to solicit many Charlestonians for subscriptions and artwork. The Bachman and Audubon families were very close. Audubon’s two sons married two of Bachman’s daughters. There is extensive correspondence between the two men available for research. Audubon’s love for Charleston is apparent in one letter where he states “I certainly have met with more kindness in this place than anywhere else in the United States.”
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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 November 2021
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HOME
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HEALTH ++ WELLNESS WELLNESS HEALTH
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Simple Strategies for Better Glucose Control
story by Kitty Finklea, RD, AFAA-CP, Registered Dietitian, HopeHealth
For most, eating is not very complicated, but for the more than 34 million people living with diabetes, there is much more to think about. Every meal impacts glucose levels in the blood and, if not monitored and controlled, can adversely affect their health. You see when we eat, glucose levels increase to provide energy to the cells in the body, however, for people with diabetes, there isn’t enough insulin or the insulin isn’t working properly to keep glucose in a healthy range. Ideally, a pre-meal glucose goal is in the 80-130mg/ dl range and the post-meal goal is less than 180mg/dl.
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Here are 10 tips to help control glucose levels: 1
Take diabetes medications as directed. Make a schedule and don’t skip doses. Talk to your provider if you’re having problems, as there are lots of options for different diabetes medications. Schedule work breaks to accommodate your needs.
2 Test your glucose daily. Knowledge is power! You can use a blood sugar meter, or talk to your provider to see if you are eligible for a continuous glucose monitor. It is also important to talk to your provider about how often to check your glucose levels. 3
Eat on a schedule. Regular meals and snacks will help keep glucose levels steady. Set a timer to keep you on track, and keep healthy snacks on hand at work.
For those with diabetes, why is keeping glucose/blood sugar from going too high important?
4 Keep carb intake consistent. Carbohydrates fuel the body by raising glucose. Aim for 30-60 grams of carbs per meal to keep glucose levels from getting too high.
Keeping glucose from going too high helps prevent long-term complications such as strokes, neuropathy, heart, kidney, and eye disease. Plus, people feel better physically when blood sugars are in a healthier range.
5 Have a plan when dining out. It’s easy to eat too many carbs when dining out. Review the menu ahead of time and have go-to choices at restaurants you frequent. Go to lunch with coworkers who also enjoy healthier options and ask about their recommendations.
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6 Move more. Find some type of movement you enjoy and do it regularly – walking, biking, swimming, dancing, etc. Movement helps keep glucose levels in better control! Aim for 150 minutes of activity each week and keep it fun – you’re more likely to stick with it and keep moving! 7 React to signs of low glucose levels. The most common reason for low glucose levels is incorrect timing of a meal or snack when taking diabetes medications. If you feel the warning signs, such as sweaty or shaky, check your glucose. If its below 70, eat 15 grams of carbohydrate, such as 4 ounces of juice. After 15 minutes, test again. If your glucose is still below 70, have another 15 grams of carbohydrate. 8 Keep records and watch trends. Most glucose monitors have a memory. Use this feature to watch for high or low trends in your glucose levels. This can help you figure out how to improve. Take the statistics to your provider to discuss at each visit. 9 Enlist support. Find family, friends, and coworkers who can help support your lifestyle of eating healthy and moving more. Support is key to help stay on track! 10
Avoid shame, blame, and guilt. Managing diabetes is a full-time job, and we all have times when things don’t run smoothly. Instead of feeling shame, blame, or guilt, look at things objectively, and make a plan to get back on track!
If you are concerned about how to manage your glucose levels, reach out to your primary care provider for a referral to the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program. Take steps to manage your health - You’re worth taking care of!
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG
Kitty Finklea, RD, AFAA-CPT
Kitty Finklea, RD, AFAA-CPT is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at HopeHealth Diabetes Center at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence and a certified personal trainer. She received a degree in dietetics from Winthrop College. Ms. Finklea specializes in diabetes, weight management, and eating disorders. She enjoys helping clients and families achieve their goal of optimal health and energy.
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
McLeod Pediatric Subspecialists (left to right): Dr. David Steflik, Dr. Deidre Tyson, Dr. Chad Thornhill and Dr. Al Gilpin
Expanding Access to Specialized Care for Children Serving more than 56,000 children from the Midlands to the Coast each year, McLeod Children’s Hospital is continually expanding access to highly specialized care for children throughout the region. One of only four children’s hospitals in the state of South Carolina, McLeod Children’s Hospital remains committed to delivering personalized, unrivaled care. Nearly 100 beds at McLeod are devoted to children’s needs, including those in the Children’s Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The hospital also offers pediatric hospitalists, child life therapy, pediatric subspecialty care, quality pediatricians, pediatric rehabilitation and transport services among others. • McLeod Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) When a baby arrives prematurely or with serious health issues, a highly specialized team of Neonatologists,
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners in addition to nurses, therapists and staff step in to deliver lifesaving care. As a Level III NICU, the highest designation in the region, the McLeod NICU cares for babies less than even one pound. Featuring 48 private rooms, the McLeod NICU provides rooming-in opportunities for families as well as adjoining rooms for families with multiple babies, allowing them to move freely between each room. • McLeod Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) The region’s only PICU, located at McLeod Regional Medical Center, is designed, staffed and equipped especially for children. McLeod Pediatric Intensivists offer critical care services for life-threatening illnesses, diseases and injuries in both the McLeod Children’s Hospital and the PICU. • McLeod Pediatric Hospitalists A specialized team of Pediatric Hospitalists care for children admitted to McLeod Children’s Hospital throughout their entire stay. Pediatric Hospitalists specialize in the care of hospitalized babies and children.
McLeod Neonatologist Dr. Doug Moeckel evaluates a newborn in the McLeod NICU.
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• McLeod Child Life Program The McLeod Child Life Specialist helps reduce anxiety for children who are admitted to the hospital or undergoing a procedure. Using various therapies, the Child Life Specialist focuses on helping the child understand their care plan in an age-appropriate way.
For more information, visit McLeodChildrensHospital.org.
• Pediatric Subspecialists While many communities lack this specialized care, McLeod Children’s Hospital offers children in the region access to pediatric subspecialists in the fields of cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and orthopedic surgery. - Pediatric Cardiology Dr. David Steflik cares for patients at McLeod Pediatric Cardiology. He conducts evaluations of murmurs, chest pain, syncope, dizziness, palpitations, hypertension, arrhythmias, failed CCHD screens, cyanosis, exercise intolerance, and any complaint or finding in which there is concern for involvement of the cardiovascular system. Dr. Steflik also follows and treats patients with simple to complex congenital heart disease and acquired heart disease. - Pediatric Endocrinology Dr. Deidre Tyson and Nurse Practitioner Lisa Woodberry serve patients at McLeod Pediatric Endocrinology. They specialize in working with patients and their families to meet the challenges of endocrine (glandular) conditions and concerns. Commonly treated conditions include diabetes and hypoglycemia, pediatric obesity, growth problems (such as short stature), early or delayed puberty, enlarged thyroid gland, pituitary gland dysfunction and more. - Pediatric Gastroenterology Dr. Chad Thornhill serves patients at McLeod Pediatric Gastroenterology. He specializes in digestive, liver and nutritional disorders in children, ranging from lactose intolerance to food allergies, severe or complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pancreatic insufficiency and more. - Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Al Gilpin cares for patients at McLeod Pediatric Orthopedics. He specializes in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal (bone, joint or muscle) problems in children, from newborns to teens. Common conditions treated include limb and spine deformities (scoliosis, club foot, etc.) as well as broken bones, pediatric orthopedic trauma and more.
• McLeod Pediatricians McLeod Health offers the highest level of pediatric care throughout our region with pediatric offices in Florence, Bennettsville, Cheraw and Dillon. McLeod Pediatricians care for patients from birth until age 18, diagnosing and managing a broad range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases. They also coordinate care with other providers at McLeod Children’s Hospital should a child need more specialized care.
McLeod Pediatrician, Dr. Meghan Jordan
• McLeod Pediatric Rehabilitation McLeod Pediatric Rehabilitation provides children with advanced therapeutic support to help them achieve developmental milestones. The team of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists specialize in pediatric therapeutic care and treatment of developmental delay, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, autism, orthopedic conditions, genetic disorders, muscular dystrophy and neurological conditions. • McLeod Child Reach Ambulance McLeod Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive transport services including a specially designated ambulance called Child Reach. This vehicle transports critically-ill children and newborns from community hospitals throughout the region to high-tech, lifesaving care provided at McLeod Children’s Hospital.
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
offering Robotic-Assisted Knee replacement Surgery Innovative technology provides benefits to patients and providers Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that it is advancing orthopaedic care in the region by offering its surgeons the opportunity to utilize robotic-assisted technology to perform robotic knee replacement surgery. Carolina Pines has acquired a ROSA® Robotic Knee System to aid in performing minimally-invasive procedures for patients undergoing total knee replacement. The robot, located tableside in the operating room, allows a surgeon's hand movements to be scaled, filtered, and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments at the surgical site.
Dr. Aaron Wynkoop & Dr. Berry Clark with the ROSA® Robotic Knee System Robotic technology enables surgeons to personalize procedures for their patients. Dr. Barry Clark, orthopaedic surgeon at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, understands the benefits that this advanced technology brings to the local community and surrounding areas. Dr. Clark shared, “The use of robotics in knee surgery can improve the accuracy in the placement of knee instrumentation, reduce tissue damage by utilizing more precise and smaller incisions, and reduce radiation exposure to the patient as well as the entire surgical team during surgery.” 18
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'Name The New Robot' Contest ended November 1st. Winner & the chosen name will be annouced soon.
Dr. Aaron Wynkoop, orthopaedic surgeon at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center commented, “We understand that getting back to work and doing the things you love is important to our community members. By offering this new technology, we can help patients tackle their pain, and get back on the road to recovery.” “For everyone involved – surgeons, medical staff and, most importantly, patients – robotic-assisted surgery has the potential to offer a number of key benefits and advantages, says Dr. Clark. “We know the decision to have joint replacement surgery is often a difficult one for patients to make, and we believe these roboticallyassisted technologies have the potential to make it an easier one moving forward.” In addition to state-of-the-art technology during surgery, patients will also receive mymobility®, a digital care management platform, that uses iPhone® and Apple Watch to keep patients engaged in their surgical journey, allowing them to better understand their condition and take an active role in optimizing their surgical experience. These exciting new technologies, both the ROSA and mymobility®, are designed to improve patient experience and ensure safety and accuracy. To learn more about Robotic-Assisted Surgery at Carolina Pines, please visit cprmc.com/robotics.
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photos by Phillip Guyton, True Light Photography
AROUND TOWN
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City Center Farmers Market
Jam Fest 20
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Jam Fest was held at the City Center Farmers Market on Saturday, October 16th. The first place winner at the event was Gloria Moore for her Watermelon Preserves. Matthew Dowdell, Greg Johnson and Eric Robinson were the judges.
photos by Phillip Guyton, True Light Photography
Toss N Taste
Pee Dee Back Country Day
Cornhole was in full swing at the 2021 Toss N Taste held at Southern Hops Brewing Company. The CARE House of the Pee Dee hosted the event. Along with corn hole, they also had a Chili Tasting, Raffle Prizes, 50/50, Silent Auction, and more!
The Lynches Lake Historical Society and Museum hosted the Pee Dee Back Country Day on October 16th behind the Bean Market in Lake City. The event featured blacksmithing, woodcrafting, and many other fun and historical activities. November 2021
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LIFESTYLE
A series of discussions regarding cultural and racial issues...
CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS story by Kimberly Brauss
Francis Marion University’s African American Faculty and Staff Coalition kicked off its new season of Cultural Conversations with an Oct. 18 forum on Slavery’s Legacy, Past and Future. FMU professors Dr. Louis Venters and Dr. Erica Edwards presented during the forum. The forums are offered not only to FMU’s students, staff, and faculty, but also to the public as a way to prompt public conversation and come together as a community for a moral revolution. “It’s so important for our community to have opportunities to learn more about and discuss our shared history, especially at a time when it seems clearer than ever that the country’s past is contested territory,” Dr. Louis Venters, Francis Marion University professor, told VIP magazine. “One thing our community in the Pee Dee can do to help is to come together, in this forum and many others, to focus our minds and hearts on how we can get as clear a picture of the past as possible and really understand how societies work,” Venters continued. “If we’re going to make this a country where everybody gets to contribute and everybody belongs, we’re going to have to have a better
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narrative about who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. And that’s something that every individual has a part in, not just the ‘experts.’” Venters talked about each generation’s right to the importance of understanding the truth of history, not a skewed understanding of who we are. “The generation and application of knowledge and understanding about the past rightfully belongs to everyone – not just to professional scholars, not just to journalists or political elites or big donors but the whole community. … We all deserve history,” Venters said. “We all need history so that we can understand better how societies work and change and respond to challenges and so that we can better envision the kind of world we want to build. History belongs to everyone and so does the future.” Another way Francis Marion University is collaborating with the community is by becoming part of the initiative Universities Studying Slavery, FMU’s Dr. Erica Edwards announced during her presentation. The multi-institutional collaboration was created and led by the University of Virginia in 2014. Today there are more than 75 institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada that are members. FMU joined in September 2021.
The initiative is dedicated to truth-telling projects addressing research, acknowledgment, and atonement “regarding institutional ties to the slave trade, to enslavement on campus or abroad, and to enduring racism in school history and practice.” “To a large degree, what we’re talking about is not just the fate of our community and our country, but the fate of the whole world,” Venters said.
CULTURAL CONVERSATION SERIES The series takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence. Each conversation will be 45 minutes for the presentation with 15-20 minutes reserved for a question-and-answer portion. A virtual option is available for those who would like to attend online. And the live stream link will be emailed out before each session. CONVERSATION 2– Thursday, November 18 Bordering Democracy: Racial and Class Inequality in Access to Political and Public Squares Dr. Jennifer Titanski-Hooper and Dr. Dillon Tatum CONVERSATION 3– Tuesday, February 2 Hair Like Mine With Dr. Shayna Wrighten CONVERSATION 4– Thursday, March 10 Development, race, and ethnicity: The differences known With Dr. Teresa Herzog Francis Marion University is pleased to offer participants will receive 1.5 Continuing Education credits for each event. Those who attend all four events will receive six CEUs.
For more information, visit lavery.virginia.edu For more information on the Cultural Conversation series, visit fmarion.edu/aafsc/
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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
VETERANS DAY IS NOVEMBER 11TH
Raising Your Right Hand story by Cynthia Ford
It is often stated that only one percent of our population serves in the military. Each service member begins their journey with a commitment to serve, followed by foundational knowledge and training. Raising your right hand and repeating the oath is deeper than what one can think or imagine. At the time of the first recitation, the candidate is eager and excited about enlisting in the military. The spoken commitment and written signature seals the deal and opens the door for a new adventure. I repeated that renowned oath years ago, standing side by side with comrades. I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. 24
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Each year on November 11th, we recognize the commitment, bravery, service, and sacrifice of men and women who served in the Armed Forces. It is common for many companies or restaurants to offer something free or discounted as a way of honoring and showing appreciation to service members. During many Veterans’ Day ceremonies, it is also common to hear presenters speak about the importance of the eleventh month, eleventh day, and the eleventh hour. Veteran’s Day, often confused with Memorial Day, has such an interesting origin. The origin dates back to a time following World War I. After many lost lives and years of fighting, World War I’s fighting ceased on November 11, 1918. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson announced the first commemoration of what was known as Armistice Day at that time. This means that the opposing sides reached a truce. President Wilson’s reflective remarks encouraged citizens to be filled with solemn pride and gratitude for those who served in the war.
According to history noted through the veteran’s administration, Congress officially recognized the end of World War I by passing a resolution in 1926. The second paragraph of the resolution echoes the sentiments of President Wilson by encouraging all to celebrate the occasion with a thankful heart.
CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL VETERANS
The recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations. Unfortunately, strife consumed the air, and our country was once again entangled in another war, World War II. Our country continued to honor those who served. On May 13, 1938, Armistice Day was officially declared to be a holiday that would be observed every November 11th. The shift also led to Armistice Day being referred to as Veteran’s Day. Veterans Day offered an expansion of not only recognizing members who served in World War I but all service members. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are misrepresented at times because both days honor service members. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died while serving in the military. Veterans Day celebrates and honors all service members who have served. Knowing the difference between the two can greatly impact the way in which we celebrate or pay our respects. When I raised my hand on November 3rd a few years ago, I only knew the bare minimum of what it meant to serve. At the time of swearing in, I stood amongst many others raising their hands and repeating the oath, promising to serve and protect our country. It was a moment of anxiety mixed with pride and joy. A huge decision was made, and the unknown future lay on the other side of that oath. Within the first few weeks of basic training, we were all hit with the raw truth of what it really means to serve. When you see a veteran, know that with the raising of their right hand, they promised to protect our country. Veterans have been taught to serve and wear the uniform with a sense of pride. The right hand symbolizes the spirit of integrity and honoring our country with excellence in duty and actions. Veteran’s Day is more than the eleventh day, the eleventh month, and the eleventh hour. It is the thousands of service members who dared to raise their right hand in uncertainty, agreeing to answer the call of a glorious nation. This Veteran’s Day we salute all veterans near and far. Thank you for raising your hand.
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VIP'S BOOK CLUB
Liane Moriarty is the author of several New York Times bestsellers including Big Little Lies, The The Husband’s Secret, and Nine Perfect Strangers – Hulu’s most recent top streaming miniseries film adaption. Liane was born in Sydney, Australia, and was the eldest of six children. Her first publishing deal was 'commissioned' by her father. He offered her an advance of $1 to write a novel for him; she eagerly accepted and wrote an epic called The Mystery of Dead Man’s Land. Of course, that one didn’t quite cut it in the publishing world. Today, Liane has sold over 20 million copies of her books worldwide and her novels have been translated into forty languages.
Love To Read?
TAMI SIMMS REVIEWS
APPLES NEVER FALL
Email heather@vipmagsc.com if you would like to share a book review with our readers.
BY LIANE MORIARTY What is considered “normal” when it comes to describing a family dynamic? In most cases, “dysfunctional” may be a better term to express what happens behind closed doors. That’s certainly the case in Liane Moriarty’s September 2021 release of Apples Never Fall. The Delaney family once seemed like an average hard-working, tennis-playing household but then Joy, a beloved wife and mother of four adult daughters, disappears. Joy’s daughters are shocked by their mother’s disappearance and reluctant to report it to the authorities in fear that their father, Stan, may be the number one suspect. While two of the daughters believe their father is innocent, the other two aren’t so sure. 26
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When the police get notified of Joy’s absence, family stories and hidden secrets begin to surface sending the family spiraling. What reinforces police suspicion is Stan’s weird behavior. Prior to Joy's disappearance, the couple receives a knock on their door one night from a young girl, Savannah, who was bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend. The Delaneys are happy to help the stranger in distress. Only when Joy goes missing, so does Savannah. Additionally, Joy leaves a cryptic message behind for her four children. The question is… Where is Joy? What happened to her? Is she alive or dead? And if dead, who is responsible? But before it’s all over, everything is revealed and laid bare.
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NOVEMBER 2021 CALENDAR of EVENTS sunday
monday
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tuesday
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wednesday
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thursday
4 Goosie Ganders Holiday Premier begins (4-6) Florence
Calzone Day
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Sandwich Day
Election Day
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CM Oyster Roast Flo Co Museum, Florence
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Wellness Walk Amazing Grace Park, Marion Museum Memories Marion County Museum, Marion
Daylight Savings Time Ends
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Awareness Day
Cappuccino Day
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Marine Corps Birthday
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Veterans Day!
18 'Thanksgiving Dinner Is Done' Florence Disabilities Foundation Fundraiser Central UMC, Florence
Pickle Day
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Red Mitten Day
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Eat a Cranberry Day
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Shop Local Pre-Black Friday, Pretty N Bliss, Florence
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Cyber Monday
Take A Hike Day
Fast Food Day
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French Toast Day
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America Recycles Day
Giving Tuesday
Music Feastival Main Street Commons, Marion
Ensemble Aubade Bean Market on Henry Street, Lake City
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Thanksgiving Day!
Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com! friday
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saturday
6 Bike & Run Like A Nut Races & SC Pecan Music +Food Festival Downtown Florence
Doughnut Day
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Newsboy in Concert Florence Center
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Christmas Open House begins (12-14) Carolina Trading Post, Florence 'Murder on the Orient Express' starts Florence Little Theatre
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One2One Ladies' Breakfast 1013 S Ebenezer, Florence Veterans Car Show Florence Veterans Park Defining Measures FMU PAC, Florence
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Come To The Manger Nativity Exhibit begins (19-21) St. Anne Catholic Church, Flo Jingle Bell Market begins (19-21) Florence Center
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Adoption Day
27 Black Friday Native American Heritage Day
Small Business Saturday SouLift Triathlon, Florence
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HOME HOME story and recipe by Doug Smith 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
Why Do We Coffee has so many properties that make it an outstanding beverage. Many people drink coffee for the caffeine and while it’s great for a morning pick-me-up, coffee is so much more than just a shot of energy. Of course, I love coffee, but the few people I know that aren’t a fan of the flavor still love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The smell of coffee is just undeniably good. It awakens your senses and makes your mouth water in an instant. You cannot deny the aroma builds anticipation as you wait on that first cup. One of the most remarkable things about coffee is its taste. The taste of coffee is distinct. As you take that first sip, you should close your eyes so you can pick up on the subtle undertones of flavor. Earthy, chocolate, and caramel are just a few that come to mind. You can even add other ingredients to get your preferred taste, such as cream, sugar, honey, or even fun flavors like pumpkin. I have my favorites as I’m sure you do as well. With coffee, enough is surely never an answer. 30
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Coffee So Much? Fellowship is something we look forward to and it’s often built around some type of food or event with coffee as the cornerstone. Are there any other beverages better than coffee? Well, I can’t think of one. With the benefits it provides and the amount of antioxidants it offers, coffee is surely the best drink I can think of! Most of the best experiences start with a cup of coffee! Coffee brings happiness to our hearts! That is one of the excellent reasons for loving it. The mere fact that it wakes our senses and brings everyone closer together is enough to testify that coffee is indeed a blessing in disguise. According to an expert cupper (a professional coffee taster), there are four components of a perfect cup: aroma, body, acidity, and flavor. When it comes down to it, coffee lovers cherish the flavor as well as the boost this roasted bean gives morning or night, black or with cream and sugar. Hot or cold it provides enjoyment even when decaffeinated.
LET’S GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE!
A FEW FACTS ABOUT COFFEE 1 Caffeine from coffee can remain in the body for up to six hours 2
The darker the roast, the less caffeine it has
3 Leading up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java in lieu of tea 4 1 cup of black coffee only has 1 calorie 5
9th-century goat herders noticed their goats appeared to "dance" after eating the fruit of the Coffea plant. A local monk then made a drink with the product and found that it kept him awake at night, thus the original cup of coffee was born.
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL story by Ashley Elvington
Valerie George
A TEACHER'S BLESSINGS “I wanted to do my part by providing students with resources that would help with their confidence and encourage them to want to attend school each day, so I decided to put together a project for sneakers the very next day. I selected a variety of gender-neutral shoes in different sizes. Within a month, the project was fully funded!...”
As a special education resource teacher, Valerie George is always inspired by her students. When she realized a large number of students were absent from school all too often, Valerie began to question why. "When I notice a student that I haven’t seen in a few days, I would say to them, 'I missed you yesterday, why weren’t you at school?' I have heard many reasons that range from not having any clean clothes to wear, to not having the proper shoes or clothes to wear, depending on the season." It was during this moment that the metaphorical light bulb moment happened - Valerie knew what she had to do. Wanting to help her students beyond the walls of the classroom, Valerie created "New Soles for Our Feet and Soles," a Donors Choose project. "I noticed students with holes in their shoes, dingy worn-out shoes, shoes falling apart, shoes that were too tight or too big, or improper for P.E. I sat in bed that night and talked to my husband about some of the things that I was noticing. I wondered if any of it was related to a student’s attendance at school. We talked about our childhood and all of the things that we were blessed with growing up and one of 32
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the things that made us feel happy about going to school was having a decent pair of shoes on our feet." Valerie didn't want to sit around and talk about it - she wanted to create a solution and put it into action as soon as possible. "I wanted to do my part by providing students with resources that would help with their confidence and encourage them to want to attend school each day, so I decided to put together a project for sneakers the very next day. I selected a variety of gender-neutral shoes in different sizes. Within a month, the project was fully funded! I worked with our school’s guidance counselor and nurse on this first project. The shoes were given to students that demonstrated a need for them, based throughout the school year." The shoe project was a huge success and was able to help many students. The following year, Valerie chose another project called "Shoes That Feel Good on Our Feet," which was fully funded in less than a month after creation. Next up was "New School Year, New Book!" She elaborates, "I noticed that students would begin the year with brand new book bags, and about mid-school year, straps on the book
bags would be broken. I would see holes in book bags from the weight of their books, and some students would end up losing their book bags. I selected book bags for this project that were different sizes for the younger and older students in a variety of colors that were gender-neutral and solid colors that I felt the students would love." Some other projects Valerie has created include "Operation Warm," which provided brand new winter coats to children in need. Rather than being limited to just the school and its students, Operation Warm was a community project so that coats could be delivered to any student in need. "There have been a few students that have benefited from the coats, but I still have many coats that will fit students from ages 5 to 14. I hope that I can get the coats distributed to children in the community before the winter months begin. If any agency within the community is willing to work with me with this community project and future Operation Warm projects that I will be doing, I would love for them to reach out to me." Clean Clothes is another project in the works that Valerie hopes to see come to life soon. Through this project, Valerie hopes to bring a washer, dryer, clothes bags, and detergent to her school so kids who are absent from school due to not having any clean clothes, can do their laundry before leaving the school campus. The project is fully funded; however, there currently is no space for this at her school at this time. "I pray that I am able to re-launch this project submission again one day." Valerie's most recent project is "Normalcy and New Book Bags after COVID-19." This was her first project since the pandemic. Created in May 2021, it was fully funded by September. Valerie's projects have reached many students at Greenwood Elementary. "I work closely with the school’s guidance counselor and teachers. They are aware of the resources from the projects and they know that they can send me an email about a student that they believe may benefit from one of the items from the project. I will personally go to that student’s classroom and bring that student to my classroom. The student has the option to keep their old book bag or shoes or dispose of them. For students receiving the shoes, I call the parent(s) or guardian(s) before the student is allowed to select a pair of shoes. Before the
student is able to receive one of the items from the project, I converse with them about the current condition of their book bag or shoes. I joke in a friendly conversation with them such as, 'Hey, you have been working so hard that you wore your bookbag or shoes out! Your teacher (or whoever the staff member is) informed me that you have been working so hard and they selected you to get a brand new bookbag or pair of shoes. How does that sound?' I do this because I want them to feel appreciated and comfortable without the feeling of embarrassment." Her passion for helping children both inside and outside of the classroom is what makes Valerie a truly special educator, the kind our children need in these uncertain times. "When I see that there is a need for a child that I have in my power to help, I am going to do it. My dream is to one day set up a pantry at the school where kids can come in discreetly and get items that they need: food, hygiene items, clothing, etc. I will continue to work on repeating the book bag and shoe projects each year as needed and many other projects that I have identified that will benefit all of our students at Greenwood. I deeply care for all of the children that I come in contact with. I love seeing their faces when they walk through the doors of Greenwood and I miss them and worry when I don’t see them. To see the genuine appreciation and joy that they have on their faces as they receive their new bookbag, pair of shoes or coat truly warms my heart. Most importantly, to see them with a new level of confidence and them wanting to come back to school the next day to show off their new items makes me proud to know that answering a call I took eight years ago to teach was truly a task that God has given me to do."
If you would like to donate clothing items to the students of Greenwood, please visit Valerie's Donors Choose page, where she also has her upcoming projects listed - donorschoose.org/mrs-vgeorge. You can also email her at valerie.george@fsd1.org.
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
GROWING, GIVING AND BLESSED PDRTA is growing…
Sam’s/Walmart, Florence-Darlington Tech, hospitals, doctor’s offices and other destinations. Florence is just one county in which we are growing out services. We are seeing growth in several other counties as well. Michelle Fields, Public Information Officer, says: “PDRTA is committed to each of the six counties we serve, and we recognize the needs of the citizens and employers within each county. Our goal is to continue to grow our local services through community outreach and collaborative partnerships. Stay tuned…exciting things are coming!”
In July of this year, the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the launch of three new 2020 Gillig Low Floor 31-passenger buses. Don Strickland, Executive Director, and James Jackson, PDRTA’s Board Chairman, are both pictured (center) here. Strickland pointed out that no local funding was used in the purchase. He said the 35-foot buses were purchased with 100 percent federal funds, replacing three older buses with about 400,000 miles on them. In addition to more efficient and accessible transportation, the new fleet of vehicles will provide the passengers of the Florence Transit System with transportation opportunities to mirror those already used in Florence. Since 1974, PDRTA has been providing public transportation services throughout the area. While four in ten PDRTA riders are commuting to work, riders also depend on PDRTA to access health care services, education, shopping, dining, recreation and more. PDRTA provides a way for those in our local communities to address their transportation needs. PDRTA’s bus routes take riders to downtown, the Florence Center, Florence Mall, Magnolia Mall, 34
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PDRTA is giving… We enjoy loving on our community by donating our time and services to those organizations that are near and dear to our hearts. One organization PDRTA has partnered with over the last several years is Camp ADAPTabilities. In July we once again partnered with this amazing summer camp for disabled children and young adults to provide transportation. Without the support of PDRTA they would have been unable to participate in the activities. The camp is based at St. John’s Church in Florence, SC. PDRTA provides the transportation to and from each of the off-site activities and weekly field trips for the campers, such as, Aqua Therapy, Hippotherapy, Horse Therapy and other physical and occupational therapies that are so vitally important.
Not only does PDRTA provide people with mobility and access to employment, community resources, medical care and recreational events across the Pee Dee, we also believe strongly in uniting communities. Over the last several years, we have made it our mission to not only provide service but to be of service to our friends and neighbors, especially those who need a helping hand.
Trailblazer Sumer Camp is another program that PDRTA is excited to have been a part of this year. Sponsored by Northeastern Technical College, the camp offered high school students (grades 9-12) an opportunity to learn about new career opportunities and earn free workforce certifications in CPR/First Aid and Forklift operation in the process. PDRTA provided round trip transportation services for students in the Dillon, Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties to attend NETC Monday through Thursday.
Help 4 Kids Florence is a program that supplies weekend bags of food to elementary school students in Florence County. Each Friday, children at risk of being hungry are sent home with a bag of food items for the weekend with the goal that they return to school on Monday, rested, fed and ready to learn. PDRTA held a month-long food drive to support this mission. We offered a free ride on Fridays to each patron that donated a can of Vienna Sausages, Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs or Spaghettio’s. Our employees also challenged each other to make donations. The drive resulted in a donation of 724 cans! On May 14, 2021, PDRTA employees volunteered at Harvest Hope Food Bank PeeDee to assist in packing boxes of food to help meet the needs of our hungry neighbors within the community.
PDRTA is blessed… COVID-19 has not been easy on anyone. Those who serve the public are amazing individuals to be sure. Healthcare workers, first responders and our very own drivers and crew at PDRTA make a difference each day in the lives of so many. The PDRTA is blessed to have the very best drivers, maintenance technicians, operators and administrative staff who provide the vital services that keep public transportation running every day. By doing so, PDRTA helps keep our communities in six counties running. So, whether it is having to limit use of services for essential purposes only or implementing a disinfecting protocol three times per day on all high touch areas within the buses, we remain committed to keeping our riders and drivers safe. We are blessed to serve the Pee Dee. We are committed to our mission of providing safe and affordable transportation services to enhance our economies and improve the quality of life for every citizen of the Pee Dee.
www.PDRTA.org
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
Pam Williams
Circle Park Treatment Director
“I was always grateful to serve patients in any capacity but was especially excited to join an agency that demonstrates excellence and dedication to the Florence community.” For many decades, addiction was viewed as a simple, one dimensional condition: criminal. It was primarily met with punishment and individuals struggling with substance use were thoughtlessly categorized as having “weakness of the mind” and “moral failings.” However, addiction proved to be a far more complicated issue than previously thought. Today, addiction is recognized as a complex and chronic disease of the brain, involving psychological reward, motivation, and memory. Like other chronic diseases, addiction has demonstrated familial heritability, the capacity to be influenced by biopsychosocial factors, and a positive response to medical and therapeutic treatment. The American Medical Association officially recognized addiction as a disease in 1987 and it was declared a medical subspecialty in 1990. There is a high prevalence of childhood trauma and stress-inducing events in the backgrounds of many struggling with addiction, which is why professional counseling is one of the most crucial aspects of treatment. Circle Park Behavioral Health Services is proud to employ an outstanding treatment team dedicated to helping those on the path to recovery. At the forefront of 36
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this team is Pam Williams (LPC/S, LPC, CS, MAC, LAC, SAP), the Director of Outpatient Treatment Services, who has devoted her career to helping individuals overcome addiction and lead stable, more fulfilling lives. Ms. Williams is a Florence native and graduated with her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 2004. One of her driving motivations to enter the field was her interest in psychology and desire to help those in need. Addiction is a widespread issue affecting individuals from all backgrounds and communities and she recognized it as an area she could make a notable difference. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys fitness and recently completed the Cooper River Bridge Run in Mount Pleasant, SC and is participating in her first obstacle course in less than two weeks. She is also a devoted animal lover and has a pet rabbit named Bif, whom she adores very much. She began her counseling career at the Spring Branch Detox Center located in Marion, SC in 2004 and transitioned to Circle Park in 2005 as the Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Coordinator, which she held for 11 years. For 8 of those 11 years,
she directly conducted IOP groups. Regarding her transition to Circle Park, she stated: “I was always grateful to serve patients in any capacity but was especially excited to join an agency that demonstrates excellence and dedication to the Florence community.” During this time, she also served as the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) coordinator for the agency. The goal of ADSAP is to help those with a DUI or like offense lower their risk of future alcohol and drug problems by completing recommended educational/treatment services and reobtaining their driver’s license. Since 2016, she has also served on the ADSAP Advisory Committee. In 2017, Ms. Williams began her role as the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Coordinator, where she facilitated clients’ entry into the program and ensured they were receiving the appropriate services. Circle Park’s MAT program utilizes Suboxone, Subutex, and Vivitrol for those struggling with alcohol and opioid use and through this partnership, clients can also be assessed for other medications and access general medical care. In April of 2020, she transitioned into her current role as the agency’s Treatment Director, where she manages and directs all clinical services for outpatient treatment. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous professional certifications, including her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC). She demonstrates commendable leadership qualities and promotes a harmonious and safe environment that benefits both clients and staff. Along with the services previously mentioned, Circle Park is also proud to offer a variety of other resources for substance use and beyond. Ms. Williams manages an array of specialized services, including Individual, Group, Family, and Couples counseling, along with Adolescent and Pre-trial Intervention Services. She is delighted to work for an agency that prioritizes clients’ individual needs and strives for the highest quality of care possible. She looks forward to continuing serving the Florence community and improving the lives of those affected by this disease. Circle Park and the community are incredibly thankful for her service and dedication. For more information regarding our programs, contact Circle Park at 843-665-9349 or visit us on our website www.circlepark.com.
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL story and photos by Nicole Williams
Mitchell Brantley
Mitchell will release his doves at the Veterans Park on November 11th.
WHITE DOVES OVER THE PEE DEE
“Mitchell has, with God’s guidance, learned how to share biblical lessons using his hawks and doves.” Not all heroes wear capes. That’s certainly the case with PDRTA bus driver and falconer Mitchell Brantley. Mitchell learned at an early age that following Christ and being persistent in his beliefs could help him positively impact those he came in contact with. Life has certainly brought struggles to his life. Mitchell has witnessed his father, two grandfathers, a grandmother, three uncles, two aunts, and a sister-in-law struggle and eventually lose their lives to cancer. These events encouraged him to create a mission by releasing doves during special events throughout the community. Mitchell got into falconry 13 years ago after meeting a young man flying a red-tailed hawk at a local park. “He was the youngest falconer in South Carolina at only 17 years old. That’s when I began investigating how I could become a falconer,” Mitchell explains. “Five years later, as I was flying my hawk at a local golf course, I ran into a golfer that asked if he could tag along with me. Turns out, this was the boy I met that inspired my newfound hobby.” Most recently, Mitchell added 12 doves to his flock that he refers to as The 12 Disciples. “My white doves are used to comfort those who have lost a loved one. The symbolism is that by watching the birds fly into the sky is like returning the soul of your loved one to heaven and our Holy Father, the Creator of all things,” Mitchell shares. “I reference 38
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them as The 12 Disciples who followed Jesus without second-guessing him. They dropped everything and followed because they were confident He knew the way. They later found out that not only did He know the way, but He was the way." (John 14-6) “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” Mitchell’s following of Christ is also shown in his day-to-day doings as a city bus driver. “While driving the bus, I’ve encountered a lot of broken people. Some with a place to go, some just looking to socialize. I’ve had the privilege of building relationships with these individuals.” The relationships become so connected that bus riders have considered Mitchell a Godfather to their children. One passenger even named her child after him, simply because he always treated her so nicely. The 12 Disciples, under Mitchell’s care, have already begun impacting lives. “My first funeral release was for someone a coworker who was a part-time pastor knew. Little did I know the funeral was for a baby that belonged to a woman I befriended on the bus. The doves helped this mother envision her child's soul being reunited with God,” Mitchell says. “Months later, a man in a convenient store told me thanks. I was unsure of what I did so I asked what for. He explained that he was the father of the child that had passed on that day of my first
funeral release. It’s moments like that where I know God placed that young man in my path that encouraged me to become a falconer.” Mitchell has, with God’s guidance, learned how to share biblical lessons using his hawks and doves. During the collection of this story, Mitchell’s hawk, Bella, of ten years passed away. While her passing is tough for him, Mitchell shared a personal story to reflect his feelings…
A Lesson From A Hawk “This is Bella, my Redtailed Hawk. We hunted together for ten years in the practice of falconry. This hawk could often make me mad, but she also made me laugh and brought me great joy! And now great sorrow because of her passing. Animals come into our lives and we give them names which makes them personal to us. In the beginning, God created the beast of the fields and the foul of the air and gave man dominion over them. He told Adam to name each of them to which made them personal to him. This connects my recent experience to God. When God created man, He created him in his image. God was very personal in our creation. He created man with His hands from the dust of the earth and then blew the breath of life into his nostrils to make him a living soul. He then gave him a name, Adam, and took a rib from Adam to create a woman he called Eve. God knew us before we were in our mother’s womb, He knows every hair on our heads. But like the hawk in this story, there are times when we can make God angry. We can make Him full of joy and laughter as well. He can also become very sorrowful when we leave his side but He will always love us unconditionally.” Mitchell is currently watching his brother suffer from the effects of lung cancer. Even though he has experienced many losses throughout his short life, it never gets easier. However, Mitchell is certain of God’s divine love. He believes in the power of the bended knee. Mitchell Brantley can be reached at whitedovesoverthepeedee@gmail.com.
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
Reggie Sanders
“I enjoy motivating people, letting them know they haven’t failed just because they haven’t gotten ‘where they want to be.’ I encourage them to keep striving, keep going, and keep working!”
GETTING IN A HEALTHY ROUTINE Getting into a healthy routine can be quite a feat. Doing it by yourself makes it a much tougher task. It’s when you have words of encouragement shouted your way that you find stable footing. That’s what Reggie Sanders, trainer at Flo-Town Fitness, does for his clients. He marks himself as a constant encouragement to others for them to reach their fitness goals. Reggie, like most of us, doesn’t have extra time to devote to the gym either. He is a full-time employee for Florence County where he works in the G.I.S. Department. He’s also the husband to Lecole and father to three kids, one of those still being only weeks old. His driving force is to see others overcome those hurtles as he once had too. So he makes time. When Reggie was in his mid 20s, he was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. It was then that he realized it was time for a change. He started off slowly but by the time he was in his 30s, he was addicted to fit! Before offering classes at Flo-Town Fitness, Reggie helped at the Fitness Forum in Florence. When it comes 40
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to his coaching, Reggie says, “I enjoy motivating people, letting them know they haven’t failed just because they haven’t gotten ‘where they want to be.’ I encourage them to keep striving, keep going, and keep working!” Reggie’s students find his energetic and upbeat personality stimulating in a gym setting. Jeanie “Regina” Sutton, one of Reggie’s class attendees, comments, “The encouragement that he gives before, during and even after class keeps me working. Therefore I reach my goals. I am thankful to have Reggie as my coach but more importantly, as my friend.” Reggie believes that fitness is about the journey, for better or worse. “All the sweat, all the soreness – it leaves you knowing you’re a tad bit better for it the next day,” he says. At the end of the workout, Reggie feels most accomplished when the class is spent and he’s passing out fist bumps and telling them what a great job they are doing.
5 November 2021
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS with THE Pharmacy
This year marks the 5th anniversary of THE Pharmacy. What started as a dream of Dr. Tippins' to open an independent pharmacy has now developed into a beloved piece of Florence and its outstanding reputation of providing quality healthcare and healthcare services to its residents. Dr. Tippins and his staff come from different medical backgrounds; however, there were two main goals they focus on - the patient and the importance of preventative care, treatment, and improving quality of life. Five years later, they continue to accomplish these goals. "The definition of customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during, and after a purchase. However, at THE Pharmacy, it is much more than this. We have formed relationships with our patients and have grown to love and appreciate 42
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them as our own family. During the past five years, it has been an absolute honor to serve the Florence community and beyond!" says Dr. Tippins. Dr. Tippins admits that one of the most rewarding aspects of community pharmacy is constant patient interaction daily. He admits, "I absolutely love people. I love all types of people and discovering new and differing personalities. The reason I decided to explore pharmacy, and specifically community pharmacy, is because of people. Whether I have encouraged patients through singing 'Happy Birthday,' making special deliveries and house calls for desired medications or immunizations, or giving them a hug on just the right occasion, the privilege is mine! I am a better person because of the patients I have inspired." The rest of the staff at THE Pharmacy
“Our customer-driven focus and special attention to detail help us to stand out, regardless of our competitors. We love people, and it shows. Each day, we strive to deliver the service we would want for our own closest family and friends....” are also willing to go above and beyond to see patients and customers satisfied. Dr. Tippins explains, "Our goal at THE Pharmacy is to never say no, always exceeding expectations. I realize this is not always possible, but I have witnessed firsthand my team doing whatever it takes to satisfy our patients. On numerous occasions, I have witnessed my team members deliver medications or specific items needed during late nights or weekend after hours, personally call or text physicians for a special request, spend countless hours on the phone with insurances for overrides, and listen to patient’s needs and desires exceeding expectations. Most recently, during the craziness of COVID, my team has pulled together to execute without skipping a beat, giving vaccines, delivering test results, lending a listening ear to troubled patients, doing whatever it takes." As the years pass, change is inevitable, even at THE Pharmacy. "The world of pharmacy is ever-changing; therefore we too have made changes. During the past five years, we added state-of-the-art technology and robotics to accommodate our patients' needs and desires. We have renovated spaces to allow for various services and products, and have made adjustments to our policies and procedures as needed. Although our processes are everchanging, our goal has always been to streamline clear, concise communication and yield superb service and products. We will continue to do whatever it takes to give our patients the best," says Dr. Tippins. While the pharmacy world is small, there is just something truly special about THE Pharmacy that makes them stand out among the rest. Dr. Tippins continues, "Our customer-driven focus and special attention to detail help us to stand out, regardless of
our competitor. We love people, and it shows. Each day, we strive daily to deliver the service we would want for our own closest family and friends. I cannot say enough about my amazing team! Our pharmacists and technicians are seasoned, experienced employees who go above and beyond to make sure their customer is happy. It is an honor to have such a wonderful team that works so well together for the good of others and their patients! Thankful for all that they do to help make THE Pharmacy its best!" Without the community of Florence, THE Pharmacy wouldn't be around today and it certainly wouldn't have been founded five years ago. Dr. Tippins states, "I saw a need for a pharmacy home and my dream became a reality. My roots are deeply embedded in the Pee Dee, and I knew I wanted to give back. It has been an absolute joy to watch THE Pharmacy grow into what it is today. We offer medication therapy managements, medication synchronization, immunizations, socialized care and support, and much more. Giving back to our community isn’t just in the services we offer. It is in the love that is shown with each and every transaction. It is the absolute least we can do, as the Florence community has been so gracious to us these past five years. Thank you, Florence! Here’s to many more!”
THE Pharmacy is located at 2500 Hoffmeyer Road in Florence. Call 843-773-2821 for more information or visit www.thepharmacyrx.com.
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE
“DCLTRG is there to assist during tumultuous times. Community members have been supplied with heaters, air conditioning units, and fans to help during tough times. Responding to home fires is another service DCLTRG provides. Victims are given immediate assistance with temporary housing and other tangible resources such as clothing and furniture.” The Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group (DCLTRG) has provided high-quality disaster assistance since the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Started by Dillon native, Kenneth Smith, the organization prides itself in connecting with clients and providing the exceptional and compassionate service they deserve. Kenneth has devoted much of his time to relief and recovery projects throughout Dillon County. His goal with DCLTRG is to return clients to a safe, secure, and sanitary home. The nonprofit organization has worked alongside the Dillon Disaster Preparedness Agency from its existence to help aid the citizen's affected return home. Kenneth explains, “We understand that your needs can change at the last minute, but we’re ready to adapt our services quickly.” Dillon County LTRG has established ongoing partnerships with agencies and businesses to offer
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assistance with home repair and in severe cases, home replacement. After Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas, the organization held a home dedication in Latta, South Carolina, for Ms. Angela Jones. Ms. Jones had suffered damage to her home including flooding and roof damage which caused mold to begin growing. She and her daughter eventually became sick. Her daughter underwent several surgeries related to upper respiratory issues. “Today Ms. Jones is enjoying her brand new 16x60 Champion mobile home that is fully paid for,” says Kenneth. “Life brings about natural disasters as well as personal disastrous events,” Kenneth explains. DCLTRG is there to assist during tumultuous times. Community members have been supplied with heaters, air conditioning units, and fans to help during tough times. Responding to home fires is another service DCLTRG provides. Victims are
given immediate assistance with temporary housing and other tangible resources such as clothing and furniture. DCLTRG has partnered with several agencies and organizations to effectively serve the public. Harvest Hope Food Bank, Palmetto Disaster Recovery, South Carolina Disaster Recovery, Rali Dillon, Northeastern Rural Health Network, and South Carolina Association of Habitat for Humanity are a few. DCLTRG partnered with Pee Dee Community Action Partnership's Whittaker Head Start Center to disburse necessities for students and teachers alike. Nutritional drinks, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, and incontinence products have been furnished in ongoing joint ventures with local nursing homes, assisted living centers, Counsel on Aging, and the Dillon County Free Medical Clinic. Meals have been given to patients of CareSouth Carolina that lack transportation. In response to COVID-19, Dillon County LTRG has distributed Pandemic Flu Kits, masks, hand sanitizer, and other emergency supplies to those in need. "Since March 10, 2020, we have distributed approximately 122,000 pounds of food.” Kenneth continues, “As the uncertainty of COVID-19 intensifies, we will continue to come alongside our community with essential items and resources. DCLTRG recently announced membership with Eastern Response and Recovery. We look forward to supporting the citizens in Dillon County and throughout the East Coast by providing readiness, relief, and recovery before, during, and after a disaster.” For more information or to see how you can help take part in DCLTRG, call (843) 621-6626 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm or visit them online at www.dilloncountyltrg. org. You can also follow them on Facebook at Dillon County Long Term Recovery Group.
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THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
Corbett Stone
Associate Pastor & Director of Reformers Unanimous at Florence Baptist Temple
“I am so grateful for God’s mercy and grace in my life; it has motivated me to work with others that are struggling with the bondage of addiction.” The saying goes, “Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” This quote is a reminder that we can’t know someone else’s journey without personally experiencing. When we’re faced with personal struggles, whether it be family, work, or any other issues, we tend to find those that are experiencing similar issues to grasp hold of. Corbett Stone, a former addict, now serves as the Associate Pastor and Director of Reformers Unanimous at Florence Baptist Temple. While his journey to get to this season of life was tumultuous, the testimony Corbett is able to provide to addicts and those recovering is heartfelt and wildly relatable. Like many young people, Corbett’s addiction to alcohol and drugs began as a search of acceptance from his pears. “I was thirteen years old when I first smoked a cigarette, drank a beer, and smoked marijuana. And I tried them all for the first time within the same week!” By sophomore year, Corbett was a an every-day user of marijuana and binge drank on the weekends. He also began experimenting with inhalants and hallucinogens. Corbett went on to experiment with cocaine and as a junior in college he tried crack cocaine. “After my third time using crack cocaine, I had what they call the ‘shell hit’ that rocked my world,” Corbett explains. “I immediately quit drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana to focus all of my time and money on crack cocaine.” Throughout this lifestyle, Corbett managed to hold a job. He was well-mannered, well-dressed, and well-educated. 46
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November 2021
His peers that new him from work and church, couldn’t imagine the man he turned into outside of their presence. Corbett shares, “Believe it or not, I began to faithfully attend church approximately the same time I began my life of drugs and alcohol. I know it sounds hypocritical – Because it is. I went to church as a boy to please my parents and later on as an adult to please my wife. I went to church services three times a week and lived like hell the rest of the time.” But as Corbett’s life spiraled out of control, God had a different plan for him. At twenty-seven years old, Corbett landed himself in jail after a five day crack binge sent him on a crime spree. “The day I was arrested was the best day of my life.” He finally realized his life as out of control and cried out to God for help. “God heard my cry and opened a door for me to get out of jail and go to a year-long Christ-centered addictions program,” he said. “It was in that program that I realized the peace and joy I had been searching for in the drugs was to be found in a personal daily relationship with Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for God’s mercy and grace in my life; it has motivated me to work with others that are struggling with the bondage of addiction.” After graduating the addiction program, Corbett came back to Florence and began attending and serving at Florence Baptist Temple. After Corbett spoke with Pastor Bill Monroe and Associate Pastor Clayton Simmons, the decision was made to start the Reformers Unanimous addictions ministry. “The first several meeting were held in my living room. After only a year, the program grew to the point that I was asked to join FBT as staff and serve full-time as the program director. God has allowed us to continue to grow and we have over 250 students that meet during the two classes given each week.” Glory be to God!
Reformers Unanimous meets at Florence Baptist Temple located at 2308 S. Irby Street in Florence every Friday at 7pm and every Sunday at 9am. Contact Corbett at 843.661.4342 or at cstone@fbt.org for more infomation.
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
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