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“ALL ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS” myflorencetoday.com • 843-667-9656
INSIDE
Emergency nurse earns state honor Candace Norton, a patient care supervisor with McLeod Emergency Services at McLeod Regional Medical Center, has received the South Carolina Emergency Medical Services Nurse of the Year Award. . . . . . Page 3
Dancing For Our Future Stars set for April 26 The School Foundation announces the lineup for the 10th annual Dancing For Our Future Stars, which with take place April 26 at the Southeastern Institute for Manufacturing and Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
MARCH 30, 2022
Francis Marion University will be able to help school districts retain teachers thanks to a recently awarded grant by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.. . . . . . . . Page 7 Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pets of the Week . . . . . . . . . . Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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NEIGHBORS
NAME: Wendy Singletary HOMETOWN: Florence. FAMILY: Husband, daughter. OCCUPATION: Kindergarten teacher at Delmae Elementary School. HOBBIES: We enjoy spending time with our family; going to the beach; traveling; and cheering on the Gamecocks. SUPER POWER YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE : To be able to fly. ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO DO THAT YOU’VE NEVER DONE BEFORE: Go to Hawaii.
FMU honors Elmore
‘More than a job’
New scholarship named in honor of late board member.
Orthopaedic surgeon at McLeod still loves his chosen profession For more than two decades, Pat Denton has been living out a dream that first began in the eighth grade. “I grew up in a town outside of Detroit, Mich.,” said Denton, an orthopaedic surgeon and director of Orthopaedic Services for McLeod Health. “There was a career day program at school and we toured the hospital. The doctor told us about what he did and showed us some things. We even walked through the operating room. I remember coming home that night and telling my mom, “that’s what I want to do.” See DENTON, Page 3
Grant will help schools retain teachers
VOL. 40, NO. 29
Photo courtesy of McLeod Health
Dr. Pat Denton, above, director of Orthopaedic Services for McLeod Health, said the advancements in orthopaedic medicine over the last 20 years are nothing short of remarkable.
‘Giving hope, and changing lives’ An open letter to all doctors from HopeHealth Chief Medical Officer Dr. Edward Behling: “One of my earliest childhood memories is sitting beside my grandmother as she read the book “Dr. Goat” to me. Even as a toddler, her kind voice and the pictures of this benevolent hooved mammal making house BEHLING calls on his bicycle made a lifelong impression on me. His selfless dedication to bringing healing to his animal friends in the wood was a clear illustration of
the servant’s heart that I hoped to emulate one day. I have never desired any other vocation other than medicine. It is a high and noble calling, and being a member of this sacred profession is truly an honor. I am further privileged to be able to work at HopeHealth with some of the finest physicians I have ever known. “Since 1933, March 30 has been hailed as an annual observance aimed at appreciating the doctors who change our lives in ways big and small. On Doctors’ Day, we celebrate the enormous contributions that physicians make to their individual patients and their communities at-large. At HopeHealth, our physicians are the
embodiment of our mission, helping us further our commitment to excellence through service that exemplifies love for people and passion for their well being. Serving patients in five predominately rural counties, HopeHealth is committed to harnessing the power that doctors have to positively impact their communities. We are grateful for our doctors who see this potential and put it into action daily. “On this Doctors’ Day, I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the physicians who bring hope and healing to the tens of thousands of patients that you so faithfully serve. You are truly serving others, giving hope, and changing lives.”
Francis Marion University is dedicating a new scholarship in honor of Frank Elmore, a longserving board member and alumnus who died in December. Elmore graduated from FMU in 1973 and was a member of the school’s Board of Trustees for 20 years. Beginning in the fall 2022 semester, the Frank Elmore Scholarship will award $2,500 scholarships to 32 students. “Frank Elmore was a champion for Francis Marion University and he truly loved this institution,” said Dr. Fred Carter, president of FMU. “The entire university community feels ELMORE his loss deeply, but Frank’s passion for educating the men and women of South Carolina will endure with every student who benefits from the scholarship bearing his name.” Elmore’s relationship with FMU has its roots at the institution’s start in 1970. An active member of the campus community as a student, Elmore served as president of the student body. Nearly 30 years after graduating, he was appointed to the board of trustees. As a member of the board, Elmore played a key role in Francis Marion’s growth over the next 20 years. See FMU, Page 2
Howe Springs Fire Rescue to get 7 new trucks Seven fire trucks will soon join the Howe Springs Rescue fleet .The new and refurbished trucks should be in service by the end of the year. Chief William Dillon said all the trucks have a home in store for them. One engine truck will go the Greenwood Community and and another to the Evergreen Community. Two tankers will go out to more rural settings because they carry more water than the current tankers. A ladder truck will go to the headquarters station on South Irby. A heavy rescue truck will go to the Howe Springs Road station where it can respond to the larger and higher-impact crashes. A refurbished light rescue truck will be stationed at Evergreen when it will provide backup for wrecks and more.