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The Pee Dee IceCats bring professional hockey back to Florence Page 6 Back on

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEE DEE ICECATS PRO HOCKEY

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OFFICE LOCATIONS

1301 E. Pocket Road

P.O. Box 100561 Florence, SC 29502

843-665-4070

676 Highway 9 East

P.O. Box 1057

Bennettsville, SC 29512

843-479-3855

REPORT POWER OUTAGES

866-747-0060

OFFICE HOURS

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

PRESIDENT/CEO

William L. Fleming Jr.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

John Alford

Melvin Carabo

Preston Gainey

James Goodson

Eddie Gordon

David Howell

Sam P. “Bo” McInnis Jr., Chairman

Robert Norton

Hamer Parnell

Jeff Quick, Secretary

Ronald “Ronnie” Quick

Janelle Sauls

LaShon Sellers, Vice Chairman

Charles R. “Ricky” Smith

Don R. Teal

Patricia Ann Toney

Lee C. White

CO-OP NEWS EDITORS

Katie W. Wilcox, CCC kwilcox@mpd.coop

Matt Haynie

mhaynie@mpd.coop

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to serve the energy needs of our members today and in the future at the lowest cost consistent with sound economic principles and management.

MPD Electric Cooperative Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Slowing Down This Holiday Season

It’s finally here—my favorite time of year. The start of November rings in all the excitement of the holidays to come, from Thanksgiving meals shared around tables filled with loved ones to the anticipation and joy of Christmas.

But even more so, let us be reminded it is the season of thankfulness. Although these next two months will be filled with countless responsibilities and distractions, being filled with gratitude and intention will help us move through this time with peace and grace. Instead of going through the motions of the hustle and bustle through the end of the year, I hope to finally slow down and enjoy each day during this precious time.

The holidays provide opportunities to express thanks and love toward our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, who often give so generously of their time and energy to us. From cooking elaborate meals and decorating the house for all to see to the simple gesture of holding a door open, let us recognize and respond to these personal acts of kindness.

Being intentional this time of year should guide us in sharing our blessings with those around us, no matter how great or small, ultimately showing God’s love and grace to others through our small gestures. I’ve noticed even offering a smile to a stranger can have tremendous impact on my own heart and generates a warm smile in return.

Looking back on past holidays, I see how quickly time has passed and how much I’ve taken for granted, including the people who make up my memories. However, I am filled with hope that through the birth and death of Jesus Christ, we can enjoy life eternal with our heavenly father and those who have placed their hearts in him.

On behalf of the MPD Board of Trustees and employees, may you and your family be blessed this holiday season. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving and merry Christmas. We are blessed to have you as our partners, consumers, neighbors and friends.

WILLIAM L. FLEMING JR. President/CEO

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT

Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Chasity Anderson, CCC

SC CURRENTS EDITORS

Jennifer Paton, CCC

Valeri Saldanha Rosa

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Victoria Hampton, CCC

David Herder, CCC

Sable Riley, CCC

Nina Todea, CCC

SENIOR MANAGER, PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

South Carolina Currents (issue 78) is published monthly, except in December, by Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Preferred periodical postage permit number 23830 paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing ofﬁces.

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Willie Wiredhand is the longtime mascot and spokesplug of electric cooperatives around the United States. He was adopted in 1951 by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Here’s your task: Willie is hidden somewhere in every issue of Currents. See if you can find this friendly face among the news and stories as you read!

Bring on the Green Chile Heat

Try these dishes for fall and winter warmups Page 34 Page 12

Back on Home Ice

The Pee Dee IceCats bring professional hockey back to Florence

By Jodi Helmer

A crowd of more than 4,000 cheered when the Pee Dee IceCats skated onto the ice for their season opener at the Florence Center. The arena was filled with hockey fans. Some wore crisp new jerseys emblazoned with a snarling ice cat, and others were dressed in faded Pee Dee Pride logos. All were eager to hear the crack of sticks, the echo of skates and the iconic phrase, “He shoots, he scores!” when their new favorite team put the puck in the net.

“When we saw those old Pride jerseys in the stands, it hit us how much this community missed hockey,” says Kevin Cuppia, partner and executive vice president of Pee Dee Pro Hockey. “It’s been gone for over 18 years (in Florence), but the fans never really left.”

Kevin’s belief that the region was ready to cheer for a hometown hockey team again proved to be correct. The season opener was more than a game. It was a revival.

“Within a week (of surveying the local market) we had 2,700 people express interest in buying season tickets in Florence,” he says. “So, we knew right off the bat … we would have a strong fan base right from the get-go.”

Skating Into a New Era

The Pee Dee Pride arrived when the Knoxville Cherokees relocated and rebranded. The franchise was part of the East Coast Hockey League from 1997-2005.

For eight seasons, the team drew a solid fan base and earned playoff bids. The Pride’s mascot, Paws the Lion, was a local icon. When the franchise folded in 2005, some pointed to a shifting league while others blamed local economic realities.

the Monroe Moccasins, a team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League in Louisiana.

The decision to locate the team in Florence came after extensive research. Kevin and Parker made a list of top requirements for a home base for the new FPHL team: They wanted a community within a four-hour drive of league partners, with prior hockey history and lingering demand for a minor league team.

The pair evaluated markets in Arkansas, Texas, Virginia and Missouri before deciding Florence met all the criteria.

The IceCats are the latest addition to the Federal Prospects Hockey League, bringing professional hockey back to Florence for the first time since 2005. Most of the home games will take place on Friday and Saturday nights. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEE DEE

The Pee Dee Cyclones, a minor league team in the Southern Professional Hockey League, called Florence home from 2005-07. The franchise then moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where the team played for two seasons as the Twin City Cyclones before ceasing operations in 2009.

For almost two decades, professional ice hockey was no longer on the roster in Florence.

That changed at the end of 2024, when Kevin and his partner, Parker Moskal, had the chance to start a new team.

Parker is managing ownership partner of

ICECATS PRO HOCKEY

“A lot of these cities (that we considered) had a strong fan base before, and in Florence, the Pee Dee Pride had a phenomenal following,” Kevin says. “We got connected into a Facebook group called Bring Hockey Back to Florence, and there was so much passion there that we knew there was a fan base.”

Fans even selected the name of the new team as part of a voting process that tallied 17,500 votes. The winner of the naming contest received a jersey, a pair of season tickets and the honor of being in the locker room for the first pregame speech of the season.

It took months of behind-the-scenes effort to bring a team to the Pee Dee region.

From December to April, the IceCats organization negotiated leases, secured ice time, upgraded infrastructure, hired coaching staff and recruited players. The team invested an estimated $1.3 million before the first puck dropped.

Head coach Gary Graham has more than 300 career wins. The roster includes players from the United States, Canada, Russia, Latvia, Romania and Sweden. Players range from rookies to seasoned pros. The team played together for the first time at training camp just 10 days before the season started.

“We’re a professional organization … anyone who wants to play professional hockey, there’s an interest in the league,” Kevin says. “The biggest challenge was the logistics of doing it all in just a few months.”

Scoring With the Community

More than 800 season tickets were sold in advance of opening night, and the IceCats’ first home game drew almost 4,200 fans.

The IceCats lost their home opener to the Columbus River Dragons but emerged triumphant in their next two contests— one against the River Dragons and one against the Twin City Thunderbirds. The schedule for the inaugural season also includes matchups against the Athens Rock Lobsters, Blue Ridge Bobcats, Danbury Hat Tricks and Monroe Moccasins.

Kevin hopes the arena will be packed with fans for every home game.

“Minor-league hockey is entertainment,” he says. “It’s all the events that go on within the arena, in addition to the game, that help draw the crowd and keep the crowd engaged in the game.”

The fans who show up to cheer for the IceCats range from serious hockey fans with season tickets to curious spectators who might not know the difference between offside and icing.

“We hope (fans) come out for the entertainment and then they get hooked to the fun of hockey and then they come back,” he says.

The team has already seen a strong show of support from the community. The Medical University of South Carolina signed on as the official medical provider for the Pee Dee IceCats and will support the team on and off the ice. Additional corporate sponsors—such as Pepsi, Powers Properties, MPD Electric

Cooperative and Raldex Hotels—assist with sports drinks, team housing and hotel rooms for visiting teams.

“I expected to fly in for the announcement (about the team) and fly back home the next day, but we had so much interest, and so many corporate sponsors who wanted to meet to talk about how they could get involved and help the team that I ended up staying in Florence for four more days,” Kevin says. “The response was overwhelming, and we’ve formed phenomenal partnerships that I’m extremely proud of.”

It’s important for the team to give back to the community, too.

The goal: build long-term fan loyalty over one-off game attendance. Kevin wants players to participate in events at schools, businesses, and meet and greets throughout the season.

The players will also support the community on the rink.

Recently, MUSC sponsored a Pink the Rink breast cancer awareness night, and the players wore special pink jerseys. Special promotional nights—including Military Appreciation Night, Medical Appreciation Night and Hometown Heroes Night—are planned throughout the season to provide opportunities for fans to engage with the team and the community.

attached to it, it’s going to be here for the long term.”

Bringing minor league hockey back to Florence is expected to make a significant economic impact on the region. In Monroe, Louisiana, the FPHL team generated a first-year impact of more than $10 million. Kevin expects similar magnitude in Florence.

It’s been 18 years since professional hockey has been played in the Pee Dee region. Now, the team has kicked off a 56-game season that runs through April—or longer, if the IceCats make the playoffs. Kevin hopes the 10,000-seat Florence Ice Center will be packed for every home game.

Parker summed up the team’s hopes in a letter on the official Pee Dee IceCats website.

A new Facebook page, IceCats Nation, already has 3,000 members sharing game photos and messages about games. The members also build buzz for the team.

“Our goal is to have the players somewhere out in the community every week,” Kevin says. “When the community’s

“This moment is more than the launch of a new team; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for the Pee Dee, one that blends tradition, excitement and opportunity—both on and off the ice,” he wrote. “From the very first puck drop, our goal is to make every night at the Florence Ice Center unforgettable. … The organization represents opportunity—the opportunity for children in the Pee Dee to fall in love with the game, the opportunity for families to come together and build new traditions, and the opportunity for our community to rally around a team that reflects its pride and resilience.” 

To see the full Pee Dee IceCats schedule and purchase tickets to upcoming games, visit www.peedeeprohockey.com.

The Pee Dee Ice Cats wear Pink Cancer Awareness jerseys Oct. 10 during their first inaugural game.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEE DEE ICECATS PRO HOCKEY

Where in the Community?

Every month, MPD Electric Cooperative features a new, recognizable spot from somewhere in the Pee Dee. Check out next month’s page for the answer.

Olde Stone Villa was built in 1933 under the Works Progress Administration. It initially served as a school gymnasium for Mount Croghan Academy. The building was crafted from local fieldstone, reflecting the WPA’s emphasis on using regional materials and providing employment during the Great Depression. It was converted into an event venue when it was bought in 2013. The property’s 22-inch-thick stone walls, original hardwood floors, dual waterfalls and a pergola-adorned patio make it the ideal place for hosting weddings and other picturesque events. Located on Depot Street in Mount Croghan, Olde Stone Villa was one of this small community’s few remaining buildings after a fire in 1931 wiped out most of the town’s businesses.

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REACHING OUT TO OUR VETERANS IN NEED

One in four Veterans lives in rural areas. Every day, we strive to extend our reach, to make sure they have access to the compassionate care and attention they need—from advanced telehealth services to community-based outpatient clinics. Because all our Veterans deserve it, no matter where they are. We believe it’s up to us to ensure they lead healthier, happier lives.

Visit vacareers.va.gov to lend a hand.

Try these dishes for fall and winter warmups Bring on the Green Chile Heat

Story and photos by Libby Wiersema

Some reasons I adore autumn: colorful leaves, crisp air, Halloween, college football, oyster roasts, apple cider donuts and, perhaps most of all, Hatch green chiles.

Fall is the season of the famous New Mexico Hatch green chile roasts. If you have never visited during that time, you are missing a real spectacle. The sight of chile-filled roasting drums and the aroma infusing the air are pure magic.

That magic is somewhat recreated here in South Carolina when Lewis Barbecue hosts its annual Hatch Green Chile Festival. Pitmaster John Lewis gives a nod to his upbringing by throwing this celebration each year. He hauls in loads of freshly harvested, spicy peppers and tumbles them in roasting drums over open flames until they are charred and blistered. Then he sells them by the pound.

It is the closest you are going to get

to the real New Mexico experience.

My initial order of 1 pound garnered lots of laughs and chiding from the folks in a New Mexico cooking group I belong to. Here are some of the responses I got:

“I bought 20 pounds and went back for 10 more. It gets me through six months in Washington state. Put it on everything: BLTs, Caesar salad, hot dogs, eggs, any sandwich really, chicken noodle soup, then the obvious chile verde, stuffed peppers, breakfast tacos, burritos, etc. Yum!”

–Karsten

“The most I ever brought back was 18 40-pound sacks. So, my answer is you can— and should—put green chile in a lot of stuff. Meatloaf is one of my favorites. I’m also working on a green chile risotto.” –Mike

“I don’t peel mine before freezing. I think it helps keep the flavor better. I had an upright freezer that was just for red and green chile. It’s great on everything.” –Linda

“I purchase about 120 pounds of roasted

green chili per year and usually use all of it by the following year. I make squash with green chile cheese and corn, green chile, green chile caribe salsa, green chile chicken enchiladas, green chile cheese crisps, green chile by itself inside a tortilla, inside meatloaf, inside burritos with various fillings to take with us on hunting trips, in green chile posole, traditional rellenos—just to name some dishes I could remember.” –Abel

“One pound is almost useless. Five pounds is a starting point.” –Gil

OK—point taken. I went back online and added 5 pounds to my order. I was excited to report back to my group. Some members still seemed rather alarmed.

“Five pounds are not enough! Most New Mexicans buy 40 pounds.” –Krystin

“I’d go for 10. Freeze 3-4 in small bags, no need to peel, you can do that when you thaw them out. Besides stew, white chili, cheeseburgers, breakfast burritos, try them in mac and cheese.” –Jolane

Char and chop a batch of Hatch green chiles to add flavor to myriad dishes, including burritos, salads, tacos, and macaroni and cheese.

Green Chile Chicken Stew

6 Hatch green chiles

Olive oil

1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Salt, to taste

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup diced sweet onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup frozen white kernel corn

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

8-ounce can roasted diced tomatoes with juice

16 ounces chicken stock

Sliced radishes, cilantro, sour cream and shredded cheese, for garnish

Tortilla chips

Homemade Queso

¼ cup butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cloves garlic, grated or thinly sliced

Coat chiles with olive oil. Blister them on a hot grill or broil in the oven, turning to char all sides. Immediately place them in a brown paper bag, close it and steam for 5 minutes. Wearing gloves, gently peel the charred skin using a paper towel. Slit the chiles open, discard stems, and scrape out seeds with a spoon before dicing.

Heat oven to 400 F. Scatter sweet potatoes across a cookie sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 15 minutes.

Over medium heat, melt butter in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Saute onions until translucent, then add garlic. Saute a minute more. Add chiles, corn, cumin and chili powder. Gently toss with a spoon.

Add chicken, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes, gently stirring at intervals. Adjust salt to taste, then ladle into bowls. Garnish as desired, and serve with warmed tortilla chips.

In the end, I stuck with my 6 pounds, mainly due to cost. While my New Mexico friends can snag a pound of Hatch chiles for a modest price, having them hauled in and roasted ups the cost to $8 a pound. I was content with my decision.

For three days, I put them to good use and froze the rest. I will carefully parcel them out, but, after all this green chile indulgence, I do not think they will last me through winter.

Sometimes you can find them in the produce section at supermarkets, fresh and ready to roast when they are in season. You can also buy Hatch green chile salsas and

2 cups whole milk

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, hand-grated

4 Hatch green chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced (or use 1 cup of bottled or canned roast Hatch chiles, drained)

Salt, to taste

Chopped green onions, tomato and cilantro for garnish

Tortilla chips

In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, for about 3 minutes.

Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Drizzle in milk, whisking continuously to prevent clumps. Once the milk is incorporated, increase the heat to medium. Bring to a simmer while whisking to prevent bottom burn.

When the mixture starts to thicken, remove from heat, and incorporate the cheese. Stir in chiles and salt. Ladle into a bowl, garnish as desired, and serve with sturdy tortilla chips.

roasted canned chiles at some stores.

So, what is so special about Hatch green chiles? The flavor is more full-bodied than other peppers, largely because they are grown exclusively in the rich soil of the Hatch Valley in New Mexico. Hot days, cool nights and volcanic soil work together to give these chiles a distinct earthy and slightly sweet taste.

They can run the gamut from mild to hot to extra hot, but when ordering, you can sometimes specify the heat level you are comfortable with.

I will use my cache wisely and enjoy warming up to these and other dishes as

the temps drop. But if I run out, there is still hope on the horizon. Online retailers like the Hatch Green Chile Store (hatch-green-chile.com) ship fresh chiles in season but also roast and freeze a slew of them to ship.

I can attest to the fact that they are, indeed, addictive. I am already shopping around for a chest freezer to hold 40 pounds of Hatch green chiles next year. n

Libby Wiersema writes about dining, food trends and the state’s culinary history for Discover South Carolina as well as other print and online media. Contact her at libbyscarolinaspoon@gmail.com.

Roasted Hatch green chiles add warmth to a bowl of chicken stew.

NIKON D810, 48mm lens ISO 160, f/4.5 at 1/200

A Place to Remember

By Dave LaBelle

One of the most famous Christ statues in the world sits on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. Christ the Redeemer was built in 1931 and stands 98 feet tall.

There is no shortage of statues honoring Jesus Christ across the globe. Many cemeteries, often Catholic, have Christ statues as their centerpieces.

Even as a young photographer, I have always been drawn to cemeteries, especially older ones, with interesting lines, shapes and simple markers. Some of the cemeteries in the Midwest and South often have unusual, contrasting backgrounds.

Cemeteries are usually places of tranquil respite from the rest of the loud and busy world. Like most who wander among the headstones reading names, dates of birth, dates of passing and farewell sentiments, I find graveyards a place to rest and maybe even reset priorities.

Reader Challenge

When I see others cleaning gravesites or placing flowers, I often approach them and ask about those they are visiting. Most are willing to talk about loved ones gone and often thank me for asking. However, I also realize not everybody can visit a cemetery, nor do they feel comfortable sharing with a stranger. 

Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

Find a cemetery, preferably one that has served an area for decades, even centuries. Go early or visit late in the day and study the lines, shapes and tones. Walk quietly, listening. See if you can make a photograph that embodies the unusual beauty or serenity of the place. Moments when snow blankets the earth are great times to visit and photograph.

Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

With storm clouds gathering, a statue of Christ looms above a northeast Iowa graveyard with grain silos silhouetted behind. I chose to convert this to black and white because there was so little color. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

HONDA

Building World Class

Honda has been building world-class power sports products at Honda South Carolina Manufacturing in Timmonsville for 27 years. Since opening July 1, 1998, local Honda associates have produced nearly 4 million powersports products in the Palmetto State.

Power sports

Throughout the plant’s 27-year history, Honda has invested a total of more than $460 million in its operations in Timmonsville.

SCM began production of the Honda Foreman 400 ATV in 1998 and added ATV engine production in 2000, Honda AquaTrax™ personal watercraft in 2003 and side-by-side vehicle production in 2013.

Today, the 950,000-square-foot plant is the exclusive global production home of all Honda side-by-side vehicles, including the Pioneer multipurpose series and the Talon sport family.

“I’m extremely proud of our team in Timmonsville,” SCM site lead Travis Lee says. “No matter where our associates are in their careers at SCM, they are a part of our success, and I appreciate their continued efforts and teamwork.”

As part of its commitment to ongoing community support, Honda regularly supports local South Carolina programs and organizations throughout the Pee Dee region. Additionally, SCM proudly hosts several students and educators annually for a hands-on look at SxS production. 

Honda began motorcycle sales in America in 1959 and today offers a full range of Honda motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles and sideby-sides in the United States. Innovative technology always has been a Honda trademark, showcasing pioneering engine and chassis design that has set the standard for excellence for more than 65 years. Honda Powersports products have been built in America for 45 years, and today, all Honda side-by-sides and ATVs are made in the United States at Honda manufacturing plants in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and Swepsonville, North Carolina, using domestic and globally made parts. Learn more at powersports.honda.com.

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY MR. MUSIC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HONDA

The Best in the

By Vikki Moran

In the Carolinas, hot chocolate is more than a winter indulgence. It is an experience carefully crafted by chocolatiers and cafes that treat cocoa as an art form. In Asheville, French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a destination where a cup of rich, European-style drinking chocolate feels almost like dessert. The flavor is deep with a velvety texture, a testament to the business’s bean-to-bar philosophy.

In Raleigh, Videri Chocolate Factory offers another memorable stop. Visitors can explore the working factory before settling into the cafe with a steaming mug of hot cocoa made from house-crafted chocolate with a balance of smoothness and intensity that lingers long after the last sip.

Carolinas

hand-crafted confections, transforms a simple drink into a luxurious ritual.

Beaufort’s beloved Chocolate Tree may have closed its doors, but its long legacy of sweet memories shows how deeply cocoa has been woven into Southern holiday traditions.

Together these stops form a cocoa trail across the Carolinas, where every cup carries a story. Whether its source is a bustling factory, a boutique chocolate shop or a French-inspired cafe, each sip blends warmth, craftsmanship and regional charm. Hot chocolate in the Carolinas is as much about comfort and connection as it is about flavor.

Cocoa concoctions warm hearts, one cup at a time

sweet, chocolaty concoction.

South Carolina has its own cocoa landmarks. In Greenville, LaRue Fine Chocolate has become known for gourmet drinking chocolate that reflects precision and passion for a treat that makes a chilly evening feel like a celebration.

Marshmallows, Memories and Carolina Cocoa

In Charleston, Christophe Artisan Chocolatier adds a touch of French elegance. Christophe’s hot chocolate, prepared with the same refinement as its

The novel “Hot Chocolate on Thursday” by Michiko Aoyama focuses on a cafe and its patrons’ daily lives. “The Hope in Hot Chocolate” by Rachael Bloome is a romance novel with the drink named in its title. In the classic children’s book “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, a special cup of hot chocolate is part of a famous holiday journey.

In the Joanne Harris novel “Chocolat,” adapted into a 2000 film starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, when shop owner Vianne serves cups of thick, spiced hot chocolate laced with chili in homage to its Aztec roots, the drink becomes transformative. Villagers who taste it feel their restraints melt away. It stirs forgotten desires, opens them to pleasure and softens their rigid outlooks. For some it sparks romance, for others it brings comfort or reconciliation.

Vianne seems to know exactly which chocolate or drink each person needs. While you may not be able to infuse magic into each cup as she did, you can create your own blend.

These books are just a few ways writers have romanticized the

ways

MAKE AT HOME

Cozy and Quick Recipes

CLASSIC SOUTHERN COCOA

(Creamy, not too sweet)

2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder

2 tablespoons sugar (or 1½ tablespoons sugar plus 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk for extra richness)

2 cups whole milk (or 1¾ cups milk plus ¼ cup half-and-half)

½ teaspoon vanilla, optional

Whisk the dry ingredients with a splash of milk into a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk, and heat until steaming but not boiling. Stir in vanilla and condensed milk, if using. Serves 2.

ASHEVILLESTYLE

SIPPING CHOCOLATE

(Dessert in a cup)

¾ cup heavy cream plus ½ cup whole milk

4 ounces 60%–70% dark chocolate, finely chopped

1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional

Warm the cream and milk to just below a simmer. Remove from heat, and whisk in the chocolate until glossy. Sweeten to taste. Serve in small cups with a spoon. Makes two small servings.

LOWCOUNTRY SPICE COCOA

(Subtle heat and citrus)

2 strips orange zest

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1½ tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Tiny pinch cayenne

2 cups milk

WHITE CHOCOLATE

Pinch of sea salt, such as Bulls Bay

Simmer the zest in milk for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in cocoa, sugar and spices until smooth. Remove the zest before serving. Finish with a pinch of sea salt. Serves 2.

4 ounces good white chocolate, chopped

PEPPERMINT SNOW COCOA

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

Heat milk to steaming, add and melt white chocolate, and stir in peppermint extract. Top with crushed peppermint. Serves 2.

HOMEMADE

MARSHMALLOWS

3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 2½ tablespoons)

½ cup cold water

2 cups granulated sugar

½ cup light corn syrup

½ cup water

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract Powdered sugar for dusting

Grease and dust a 9-by-13-inch pan with powdered sugar.

Sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup cold water in a stand mixer bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes. Combine sugar, corn syrup, ½ cup water and salt in a saucepan. Heat until 240 F on a candy thermometer. With mixer on low, carefully pour syrup into gelatin. Beat on high for 10 to 12 minutes until thick and glossy. Add vanilla.

Spread into pan, dust with powdered sugar, and let set for at least 6 hours. Cut into squares, and roll lightly in more powdered sugar.

VARIATIONS:

BAKE WITH IT Smart Ways to Use Hot Chocolate

HOT COCOA COOKIES: Replace ½ cup of ﬂour with ½ cup hot cocoa mix in your favorite cookie recipe. Fold in mini marshmallows at the end.

COCOA MIX BROWNIES: Add ½ cup hot cocoa mix to the dry ingredients. Reduce sugar slightly.

HOT COCOA BUNDT CAKE: Substitute ½ cup cooled hot chocolate for an equal amount of liquid in chocolate cake batter.

SIPPING CHOCOLATE GANACHE: Combine sipping chocolate with melted dark chocolate in a 2-to-1 ratio for a thick glaze.

Add a splash of bourbon for a Southern twist, swirl in peppermint extract for the holidays, or roll the finished marshmallows

MARSHMALLOW FROSTING: Use a ﬂuffy seven-minute frosting and ﬁnish with a light torch. Dust with cocoa mix for a s’mores effect.

Pinch of salt

Across

1 It can’t be taken standing up (4)

be taken standing up (4)

3 North Atlantic shipping hazards (8)

9 Observe care (7)

10 Synthetic polyamide from which stockings are often produced (5)

11 Test type you do with buds (5)

shipping hazards Observe care (7)

12 Less laborious (6)

14 Silver-medal placing (6)

16 Pyramid ____(fradulent business model) (6)

19 “Survivor” teams (6)

21 Rotational path of a planet or moon (5)

from

24 Chunks of fossil fuel (5)

25 The statistical norm (7)

26 Total catastrophe (8)

27 Volleyball match parts (4) Down

type you do buds (5) laborious (6) medal placing (6)

1 Containing most sugar (8)

2 Ishmael’s people (5)

4 Ingenious; skillful (6)

5 What divers get if they come up too fast (5)

6 Give a break (7)

7 Vocalized (4)

8 Urban park snack snitcher (6)

____ (fradulent business model) (6)

13 Fidgety (8)

15 Life and Total, for two (7)

17 Selected, preferred (6)

1920s Style for a 1920s Price

It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.

Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.

With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.

Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!

This watch is so wildly popular with our customers that we’re actually concerned about running out; we only have 937 729 left for this ad!

Watch Specifications:

• Precision movement

• Stainless steel case, caseback and crown

• Retrograde hour and minute indicators

• Water-resistant to 5 ATM

• Brown genuine leather band

• Fits wrists up to 8"

1920s Retrograde Watch

$399 $99* + S&P Save $300

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”

— George omas, internationally renowned watch expert

“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”

— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA

Appetizer Classics CELEBRATE WITH NOSTALGIC FAVORITES

1 roll puff pastry, defrosted

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

1⁄3 cup whipped cream cheese

10 to 12 thin slices salami or other cold cut

5 green olives

5 large cubes hard cheese

Lightly roll out puff pastry and smooth out. Spread cream cheese evenly on the pastry, and top with salami slices. Slice into nine or 10 strips lengthwise.

Fold strips of dough accordion-style. Start with narrow layers and widen as you go, until you reach the end, mimicking the shape of a Christmas tree. Place a long skewer in the center starting at the base, then through to the top of the tree. Place on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan.

Refrigerate trees for 15 to 20 minutes. While chilling, heat oven to 350 F. Bake appetizers for about 15 minutes or until golden. Top each tree with a green olive or cheese cube.

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway

Cocktail Meatballs

32 ounce bag frozen, fully cooked meatballs

12 ounces chili sauce

10 ounces grape jelly

Add frozen meatballs to a slow cooker. Add chili sauce and grape jelly. Cover. Cook for 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low, until sauce is hot.

Serve directly from slow cooker with a serving spoon or toothpicks, or transfer to a serving dish.

Cheese Straws

½ cup butter, softened

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground red pepper

Heat oven to 400 F. Grease a sheet pan.

In a large bowl, cream butter and cheese together. Stir in flour and salt. Mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch strips. Sprinkle with ground red pepper.

Place strips 1½ inches apart on prepared sheet pan.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp.

Sausage Balls

3 cups all-purpose baking mix

1 pound ground hot pork sausage, uncooked

1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Cooking spray

Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray two sheet pans with cooking spray.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, pressing mixture together with hands. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared sheet pans.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.

Olive Spread

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sour cream

1½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

5.75 ounce jar sliced salad green olives with pimentos and juice

Pinch of paprika, optional

In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder until light and fluffy.

Add sliced salad olives with juice. Use hand mixer to incorporate into creamy mixture. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Before serving, remove olive spread from refrigerator and allow to stand 20 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika. Use olive spread to make tea sandwiches or crudite and crackers.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

1 pound thick asparagus

spears, ends trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1⁄8 teaspoon salt

1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 425 F.

½ pound thinly sliced prosciutto

1 ounce ParmigianoReggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

Balsamic glaze

Place spears on a sheet pan, and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.

Lay the prosciutto slices on a cutting board. Slice each in half down the length of the slice. Sprinkle a thin layer of Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of prosciutto.

Roll each asparagus spear with the cheese and prosciutto. Arrange in a single layer on sheet pan.

Bake for about 7 to 10 minutes, until the asparagus is still somewhat firm but tender.

Grate more cheese on top. Sprinkle with balsamic glaze.

Stuffed Celery

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons sour cream ¼ cup chopped walnuts

20 green olives with pimento, chopped

1 bunch celery, trimmed and cut into logs

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in walnuts and chopped olives.

Spread filling onto celery pieces. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Neiman Marcus Dip

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 cup mayonnaise

8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish

½ cup lightly toasted sliced almonds, plus more for garnish

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Assorted crackers, for serving

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, flipping often until rendered and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.

Whisk together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in cheddar, pepper, scallions, almonds, hot sauce and bacon until just combined.

Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional scallions and almonds. Serve with crackers.

Celebrate a Carolina Christmas

By Judy Garrison

Choosing the fitting holiday gift for family and friends can often be daunting, but this season, make it homegrown. Choose South Carolina products not only because they are wonderfully made and curated, but also because they support the community and support the state’s smallbusiness owners.

Homegrown gifts have heart and grit

downtown at the brick-and-mortar shops on the square, but consider this: Every time you support a small-business owner, he or she does a happy dance. Silly? Yes. True? Always.

Buying local promotes local goods, stimulates future productivity and growth, makes the process personal and translates into an overall better experience.

There are a million economic reasons for buying products at the farmers market or

From blankets to salsa to knives, consider buying products from small businesses as you gift their owners a happy dance this holiday season.

Altman Farm and Mill

6122 Pamplico Highway, Florence

Welcome to Altman Farm and Mill, where you can find the perfectly curated gift box for everyone on your holiday list. Will Altman promises his favorite South Carolina goodies and possibly a new product from the mill.

Specializing in baking goods and grains, Will started the business 15 years ago when he moved back to the family farm.

“I knew there was a way to raise better ingredients while fostering biodiversity,” he says.

It took Will a while to figure out how to put more back into the land than is taken out. He went from heritage livestock into heritage and heirloom grains, a practice of conservation that allows him to pass down important genetics for posterity.

“Small farms are almost extinct,” Will says.

Buy locally made jam or a bag of grits. Taste the difference of a real farm growing real food.

Find Altman Farm and Mill on Instagram, Facebook and altmanfarm.com.

Covered in Cotton

Darlington

Wrap your loved ones in cotton this holiday season. From throws to baby blankets to apparel, Covered in Cotton offers multiple collections that will inspire your giftgiving. Its newest product line, The Golden Hour Collection, is inspired by the hues of the evening sky and features three new colors and two different designs.

Cultivating the story of a generational cotton farm, as well as elevating the importance of agriculture, Ty and Tracy Woodard unite family, farm and other local businesses by sharing a harvest that is crafted in the United States. Combining all their priorities—faith, family and farm—a blanket was their natural choice.

Edisto Gold Honey

116 Byrd Lake Road, Branchville

It’s a process that involves community.

After the cotton is harvested in Darlington, it is ginned at S.P. Coker Cotton Gin. Then it heads to Hill Spinning Mill, then Shuford Mills and Weavetec Inc.

“Our products are cut, sewn, packaged and shipped back where it all began on our farm in Darlington,” Tracy says. “Our cotton makes around a 500-mile roundtrip journey through the Carolinas, and that makes a difference to the people and places right in our backyard. Our 100% cotton products are locally grown and crafted exclusively in the Carolinas.”

Watching a seed or idea grow into something to be shared with others is fulfilling.

“I’ve always had a passion for creating and being creative, and Covered in Cotton allows me to put my hands, my mind and my heart into something that challenges myself and grows me along with it,” Tracy says.

Find Covered in Cotton on Instagram as well as its website, coveredincotton.com.

Add a little hive-made happiness to your holiday gift giving with Edisto Gold Honey. Called “Lowcountry liquid gold,” the company’s hives stretch across Kiawah River, St. George, Bowman, Ravenel, Johns Island and Beaufort. Its honey-themed gift boxes, bursting with honey and other local products, make the giving easy. Seasonal gift sets are available, including the company’s best-selling infused varieties. such as blueberry, lavender, vanilla and pumpkin spice, plus small-batch honey soaps.

When Mark Connelly began working with beehives as a teenager, he built family curiosity into a lifelong passion. Upon moving to South Carolina and maintaining hives for pollination, Mark met the original owner of Black Pearl Farm. Their conversations about honey quality and sustainability led to his creation of Edisto Gold Honey.

“Beekeeping keeps me grounded,” Mark says. “It connects me to the land, the seasons and the people who care about where their food comes from. Bees play a critical role in our food system, and being a part of that cycle and sharing something so pure and local with customers is incredibly fulfilling.”

Offering holiday shipping nationwide, Edisto Gold Honey proposes the perfect holiday gift, perfectly packaged and ready for gifting. Find the company on Instagram and at edistogoldhoney.com.

Four Oaks Farms

4856 Augusta Road, Lexington

Nothing says it’s the holidays—and it’s time to get up—quite like the aroma of sizzling bacon wafting from the kitchen. Four Oaks Farms fills its gift boxes with ingredients for your holiday meals and promises to have your guests hurrying to the table. Limitededition offerings include Santa Sampler, Holly Jolly Jingle Mix and the holiday staple, the Christmas Tree Pretzel.

The Mathias family has operated the farm since 1929 and plays an integral part in the community. They believe choosing to shop locally means consumers’ money supports the hard work of people within the community, forging new relationships and encouraging innovation and economic development in their own backyards.

The Mathiases see their store as the family’s legacy, and they’re devoted to modernizing Four Oaks Farm thoughtfully, always mindful of their responsibility to safeguard the family’s heritage and reputation for selling quality products.

Visit the store in Lexington and find it on Facebook or at fouroaksfarm.com.

Michael’s Woodcrafts Greenville

Gifting one-of-a-kind items supports local businesses and elevates the intentional art of giving. Michael Laico, of Michael’s Woodcrafts, creates handmade niche pieces of quality and authenticity. He uses domestic and exotic woods to craft cutting boards, charcuterie boards and other unique pieces.

Shift away from the mass-produced items and build a relationship with a local artisan who is more invested in your story.

“Gifting or updating your home should be as unique as you are,” Michael says.

Inspired by his grandfather, Michael has been working in his wood shop for more than 40 years.

“When I was in my 20s, I got serious about my woodworking,” he says. “Over the years, my hobby soon turned into a thriving full-time business, which included cabinets, furniture, sandblasted signs, wood signs, benches and more. A culmination of a lifetime of woodworking, decades of craftsmanship, knowledge of wood and wood care came together to create homemade, niche pieces that would be difficult to find anywhere else.”

Michael believes in the preservation of handmade wood art where no two pieces are exactly alike. Slight variations in the grain, texture or shape make each piece its own work of art. Get ahead of the holiday rush by ordering your unique piece of art from Michael’s Woodcrafts.

See examples of Michael’s work on his website, michaelswoodcrafts.com.

Middleton Made Knives

2154 Noisette Blvd., Suite 131, North Charleston

For the chef or cook on your holiday gift list, look no further than Middleton Made Knives, the passion of Quintin Middleton. As the maker of high carbon steel knives, he has outfitted the top culinary chefs in the nation. Choose from the classic or signature collections, all of which become legacy pieces in the kitchen.

This holiday season features the Mini Ona knife, as well as titanium scales. Don’t miss the Geechee Boy Collection, a handsome tribute to Quintin’s Lowcountry roots.

“Growing up, I wasn’t a top student,” Quintin says. “I always had a passion for making knives. I just didn’t have a direction or idea how to go about it. Until I had a dream where the Holy Spirit told me to make chef knives, and that’s what I did. Making knives shows me that I’m good at something. With each knife, there is a little part of me being refined. Also, this entrepreneurship journey allows me to employ people from my community and breathe life into it.”

As an apprentice to South Carolinian Jason Knight, Quintin learned how to make hunting knives, swords and fantasy weapons. Later, he began devoting his talents to creating culinary knives.

“I built this company on faith and a dream,” he says.

Visit Jason’s storefront in North Charleston and his online store on Amazon. Find more information on his website, middletonmadeknives.com.

Sobremesa Mole and Salsas

Johns Island

Who doesn’t like a little spice during the holidays? Sobremesa, a smallbatch mole and salsa company, allows you to press pause, enjoy that overflowing house of company and reach for a jar of salsa to spice up the evening.

Not sure which version hits the spot? Choose from two gift boxes that offer a variety of flavors and heat.

“Mexican food should be everyone’s passion,” Adrienne Ciaburri of Sobremesa says.

And if everyone is honest, endless chips and salsa are everyone’s preferred way to start the weekend.

“Our chef used the pandemic break to make his popular sauces and salsas shelf-stable and perfectly delicious,” Adrienne says. “There’s nothing like a chef obsessed.”

The products are made locally, which also bolsters the community while fostering creativity and innovation. Defined by the integrity of ingredients, the small batches will have you wondering if one jar is enough.

The company’s name, Sobremesa, means to take time to gather with friends and family, slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s the perfect recipe for the holiday season. n

Order your gift box at experiencesobremesa.com.

Fun Festivals&

NOV. 7-15

‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’

In the treacherous mountains of Transylvania, a meek English real estate agent takes a harrowing journey to meet a new and mysterious client, who just happens to be the most terrifying and ferocious monster the world has ever known. For more information, visit www. orencelittletheatre.org.

FLORENCE LITTLE

THEATRE

417 S. Dargan St., Florence

NOV. 8

Honda Turkey Run

Join this exciting 5K run from 8-11 a.m. at the Florence Flamingo Stadium. Starting at the gates, runners weave through scenic routes before making their way back, nishing triumphantly at home plate.

CAROLINA BANK FIELD

1200 Jennie O’Bryan Ave., Florence

NOV. 8

Veteran’s Car Show

This is an open car, truck and bike show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All makes and models are welcome. This is a 50/50 drawing, music, 50 trophies and Sponsor’s Choice Award.

FLORENCE CENTER

3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence

 NOV. 27

34th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run

NOV. 11

Hartsville Veterans Day Celebration

From 11 a.m. to noon, as the nation honors veterans from coast to coast, the City of Hartsville honors the courage and sacri ce of the men and women who have served our nation. In the event of rain, the ceremony is at the T.B. Thomas Sports Center, 701 W. Washington St.

BURRY PARK

131 Cargill Way, Hartsville

NOV. 11

Dillon Veterans Day Parade

The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at South Plaza. It will travel west along Main Street and conclude at the Dillon County Veterans Square. Accommodations are available for veterans of all mobilities to participate. The ceremony is at 11 a.m. at the Dillon County Veterans Square, 401 W. Main St. For more information or to register for the parade, call 843-845-4393.

DOWNTOWN DILLON

NOV. 15

Track Laps for Charity and Garage Sale

For $30 or a gift of an unwrapped toy of at least $20 value, drive three laps around the track and take a photo in Mobil 1 Victory Lane between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Doors to the NASCAR Cup Series Garage are open for a one-day garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event bene ts Toys for Tots of the Pee Dee.

DARLINGTON RACEWAY

1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY DANIEL JĘDZURA

NOV. 21-23

Jingle Bell Market

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift or just want to soak up the holiday spirit, this is the place to be.

FLORENCE CENTER

3300 W. Radio Drive

NOV. 22

Lights 4 Paws 5K

Be one of the rst to see the Lights 4 Paws. For more information, visit www. orencehumanesociety.org.

Starting Nov. 29, enjoy the drive-thru light show, with proceeds bene ting the Florence Area Humane Society and Lynches River County Park.

LYNCHES RIVER COUNTY PARK

5094 County Park Road, Coward

NOV. 27

One Table Florence

This signature Thanksgiving gathering invites the entire community to gather from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while celebrating gratitude and giving thanks for the many blessings we have every day.

At One Table, there are no tickets nor barriers. The event is free and open to the public. The day is lled with food, fellowship and re ection among family, friends and neighbors. Whether you come to cook, serve or take a seat, everyone’s presence makes this celebration complete.

TIMROD PARK

558 Spruce St., Florence

 NOV. 27

One Table Florence

 NOV. 15

Darlington Raceway Track Laps for Charity and Garage Sale

NOV. 27

34th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run

There’s something for everyone from 8-11 a.m. Get ready to run, walk or wobble your way through the course—costumes welcome.

UPPER PEE DEE YMCA 111 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville

DEC. 5

Downtown Florence Christmas Magic

Bring your family from 5:309 p.m. and celebrate the magic of the season with hot cocoa, an ugly sweater contest, decorated storefronts, children’s crafts and games, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Admission is free.

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE

100 Carolina Ave., Hartsville events@marlboro.coop

DEC. 6

Darlington Christmas Parade

This cherished Darlington tradition is brought to you from 2-3 p.m. by the Rescue Squad and is a special highlight of the holiday season. Come see all the di erent oats decorated for the holiday season.

FITNESS WORLD GYM 1032 Pearl St., Darlington

DEC. 6

Hartsville Christmas Parade

There will be dazzling oats, sparkling lights, candy and plenty of holiday cheer from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the “Winter Wonderland” parade. Bring friends and family for an evening of holiday fun.

Make

New Year’s Resolutions That Matter

Learn to build habits around what’s important in your life

By Judy Garrison

Making New Year’s resolutions often feels exciting on Day 1, and then feels like you’ve set yourself up to fail by the end of the first week. We’ve all been there—declaring ambitious goals on Jan. 1 only to abandon them by February.

But what if the problem isn’t a lack of willpower, but how we’re approaching resolutions in the first place? Here are some ideas for creating meaningful resolutions that align with your core values so they actually stick.

Start with Your Values, Not Your Goals

Your values are your compass—they guide you toward what’s genuinely important in your life, not just what you think you should be doing. Before you make resolutions, take a step back and reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your core values? These might include family, health, creativity, learning, community service or personal growth.

For example, instead of resolving to lose 20 pounds, consider what value that goal serves. Is it about health? Energy to play with your kids? Feeling confident? Understanding the underlying value helps create more meaningful and sustainable resolutions.

Discovering Your Values

Take a moment to reflect on the times when you felt most proud, fulfilled or deeply satisfied. These peak experiences often point directly to your core values. Do you feel most fulfilled when helping others, creating or

building something or standing up for what’s right?

Think about what angers or upsets you most deeply. Our strongest emotional reactions often reveal what we value most. If dishonesty particularly bothers you, integrity might be a core value. If inequality makes you angry, justice likely matters deeply to you.

It can help to think about the people you admire most and why. The qualities we respect in others often reflect our own values. For example, bravery might be important to you if you admire someone’s courage. Creativity could be a core value if you’re drawn to innovative thinkers.

Examine your daily choices. Where do you spend your time and energy when you have free time? What do you naturally prioritize? These unconscious decisions often align with our deepest values.

If you’re at a loss or want to test your core values, imagine writing your own eulogy. What would you want others to say about how you lived your life? The legacy you wish to leave reveals what you truly value most.

Core values are your internal compass for decisionmaking and living authentically; if you align your resolutions with them, you won’t have to rely on discipline.

Translating Values into Resolutions

Create resolutions that directly support your core values. If you value learning, an old resolution is to read more books. A better resolution would be to dedicate half an hour a day to learning something new, whether through reading, online courses or educational podcasts.

Maybe you value family and connections. Instead of vowing to spend more time with family and friends this

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATIONS BY LUMERB, AHMAD ARAF, AND ROMAN

year, you might resolve to have device-free family dinners three times a week or get together with friends at least once a month.

Using the SMART Framework

The SMART framework advises setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals. The framework can help you be more specific about what you want to change and how you’ll do it.

• Specific: Be clear about what you’ll do.

• Measurable: Track your progress.

• Achievable: Ensure achieving your goal is within your control.

• Relevant: Make sure your resolution aligns with your values and isn’t just something you think you should do.

• Time-bound: Set a timeline or schedule.

Building Sustainable Habits

Values-based resolutions are more likely to stick because they’re intrinsically motivating. However, you still need a solid plan for making them happen.

1. Start small. Begin with tiny steps that support your values. For example, if health is a value, start with a 15-minute daily walk rather than committing to hour-long gym sessions three times a week.

2. Track progress. Instead of just tracking outcomes, note how your actions align with your values. For example, if connection is valuable, keep notes about when you had meaningful conversations or moments of genuine connection.

3. Build in flexibility. Life changes and rigid resolutions often fail. Create flexible frameworks that allow you to honor your values differently as circumstances change.

Handling Setbacks

Make Regular Check-ins and Adjustments

Schedule monthly check-ins to review your resolutions. Ask yourself:

• Do my actions align with my values?

• Do these resolutions still serve my values?

• What adjustments would help me better express my values?

Join a Community

Share your values-based resolutions with friends, family or a community of people who share similar values. Accountability and support can help you connect with you with your deeper motivations.

Looking Beyond January

Values-based resolutions aren’t just for New Year’s Day—they’re helpful guideposts for living intentionally. Checking in with your values regularly not only helps you maintain focus and motivation but also helps you know when you need to shift your behavior.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress toward a life that reflects what truly brings you fulfillment and satisfaction. When resolutions align with what matters most, they become less about willpower and discipline and more about living authentically.

Creating resolutions based on your values transforms them from arbitrary goals into meaningful commitments that enhance your life. While traditional resolutions often feel like restrictions or obligations, valuesbased resolutions feel like stepping stones toward becoming more fully yourself. This year, don’t just make resolutions—create a values-aligned path toward the life you want to live. 

When you focus on values rather than specific outcomes, setbacks become learning opportunities rather than failures. If you miss a day of your new habit, ask:

• How does this relate to my values?

• What stopped me from acting on my values?

• How can I make aligning my actions with my values easier tomorrow?

Thrifted & Thoughtful Holiday Gift Baskets on a Budget

Holidays are a season for giving, but thoughtful gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

In a world full of mass-produced gifts and overnight shipping, there’s something deeply refreshing about slowing down and creating something a little more personal. Instead of buying premade sets, you can put together something that’s a one-of-akind reflection of your personality and the recipient’s.

Thrift shops, flea markets, antique stores and locally owned boutiques are treasure troves for those looking to give something special, all while staying budget-friendly. Skip the predictable this Christmas and embrace the art of thrifted giving—where creativity meets sustainability, and every gift tells a story.

Here are a few ideas and themes to create your own holiday gift basket on a budget.

Vintage Kitchen Basket

Perfect for the home cook or baker, a kitchen-themed basket brings together nostalgia and flavor. Grab a vintage mixing bowl or bakeware, and fill it with thrift treasures such as wooden spoons, measuring cups, retro aprons or tea towels, and small glass jars to organize pantry staples. Add something homemade, such as a cookie mix, a jar of spice blend or some locally crafted goods. Pair with gently used recipe books or a bundle of family recipe cards tied with twine.

Book Lover’s Basket

For the book-loving friends on your list, build a basket that invites them to slow down.

Grab a tote and layer in a few gently used novels. Thrift stores often have plenty of classic hardcovers or interesting paperback titles to choose from, including coffee-table books with beautiful covers

and decorative art. These books pair perfectly with a soft blanket, a warm scarf, and a small candle or lantern for added ambiance. Slip a bookmark in for that extra personal touch.

Wrap the books in ribbon with a tag that says something like, “For quiet nights and good stories.”

Self-Care Spa Basket

Pampering doesn’t have to break the bank. Repurpose glass jars to hold bath salts or DIY sugar scrubs. Add a bar of handmade soap from a local artisan, a few small hand towels and a robe, and tuck everything into a woven basket or crate. You could even top it off with a little plant for a pop of freshness.

Wine-and-Dine Basket

Upcycle a picnic basket with a favorite bottle of wine, perhaps along with some thrifted glasses, a travel-size serving board and a set of vintage cloth napkins. Top it off with some cheese, crackers and small jars of jam. Perfect for those who could use a date night.

Paw-some Pet Basket

For pet lovers, line a basket with a thrifted blanket, a ceramic bowl, and plush toys or tennis balls. Grab a cute frame to use for the perfect pet photo, or a mug that says Dog or Cat Mom. Put in a bag of dog biscuits or catnip, alongside other pet care products, and don’t forget to include a tag with the pet’s name.

Arts and Crafts Basket

For the maker or artist in your life, a craftthemed basket inspires creativity. Add items such as sketchbooks, journals, fabric scraps, ribbons, yarn, buttons or other art supplies. For extra personalization, include instructions for a simple DIY project like woven coasters

or holiday ornaments. Organize supplies into a Mason jar, and pack it all in a tote or wooden crate.

Coffee Lover’s Basket

Start with a mix of thrifted mugs for the coffee enthusiasts or teacups for the tea drinkers. Pair with local coffee blends or tea bags, a jar of biscotti, shortbread cookies or honey sticks. Grab some cute creamer or sugar containers, mixing spoons, coasters and linens.

With a little time, imagination and a thrifted treasure hunt, anyone can create a beautiful, budget-friendly gift basket that feels custom made.

The magic of the holidays isn’t in price tags or packaging, it’s in thoughtfulness. Thrifted baskets as gifts can be sustainable, sentimental and stunning, all while reminding us of what this season is truly about. 

Brandi Faulk and her family are excited to share their homesteading journey with MPD Electric members. Their home, built in 1895, is a former railway hotel and farmhouse in Chesterfield County. Search “faulkfamilyfarmhouse” on Instagram to see more photos of their experiences.

A little time and imagination at your local thrift store can create a beautiful basket for your holiday gifts.

PHOTO BY BRANDI FAULK

Heel and Body Balm Gift Set, $38

Be kind to your skin this season with Savannah Bee Company balms.

This luxurious gift set, offering two of the company’s best-selling balms, is crafted to restore, hydrate and pamper skin from head to toe. The Heel Balm includes a rich, intensive formula designed to soothe and repair dry, cracked heels and rough spots. It has beeswax to lock in moisture, sunflower seed oil for deep conditioning, and a touch of rosemary and peppermint that adds a refreshing finish. The Body Balm hydrates with a silky, nongreasy feel. Ideal for elbows, knees and any other dry areas that need some extra help, it melts directly on contact to nourish your skin with cocoa butter, shea butter and protective propolis, the hive’s natural secret for keeping moisture in and irritants out.

Packaged in a beautifully designed gift box, it makes a thoughtful treat for teachers, friends or anyone who deserves a little everyday luxury.

Made with care in Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah Bee brand crafts all kinds of buzz-worthy products, including artisanal jars of delicious honey, home accessories, body and lip care, and natural wellness items.

savannahbee.com

Spicewalla Holiday Baking Collection, $21.99

Add some spice to your holiday lineup with this trio of seasonal flavors from Spicewalla.

Crafted for bakers, foodies and festive hosts, this collection features all the essential spices that stand out during this magical season, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove and cardamom. Each tin is packed fresh in small batches to capture peak aroma and flavor, ensuring every cookie, cake or pie tastes like it came straight out of a bakery.

From gingerbread to spiced cider, muffins and more, these chef-curated spices add warmth and depth to each bite. They are sourced responsibly and roasted, ground and packed out of Asheville,

North Carolina.

Spicewalla has become the go-to for professionals and home cooks alike, who want restaurant-quality spices at their fingertips. It was founded by five-time James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani, who has made it his mission to make sure everyone is able to bring big flavor to their kitchen tables.

Fresh, festive and ready to wrap, this beautifully packaged collection of pumpkin, apple pie and gingerbread spices is perfect for upgrading your own spice cabinet or for gifting this baking season.

spicewallabrand.com

Sip. Savor. Repeat.

Blue Hound Brew’s salted caramel latte transforms an ordinary coffee break into a moment of golden, caramel-kissed bliss.

Perfect for those days on the go, you can skip the line at the coffee shop and grab one of these cafe-quality lattes right from home. Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors with notes of buttery caramel, toasted espresso, creamy, organic, pasture-raised milk and a hint of sea salt.

Whether you are just starting your morning or you need a midday pickme-up, this latte delivers the perfect treat. Blue Hound Brew is redefining ready-to-drink coffee. It’s canned coffee, with uncanned quality.

Crafted in Nashville, Tennessee, each beverage is made with real ingredients in a category dominated by alternative milk and highly processed products. In addition to salted caramel, Blue Hound Brew’s line of cold brew lattes includes classic cold brew and maple brown sugar.

Grab a variety pack to find your new favorite cold brew flavor. Or try one of Blue Hound Brew’s roasted specialty coffee blends. What’s more is that with every sale, the company donates a portion of the proceeds to local animal shelters and regional animal welfare initiatives.

For the start to a perfect day, fetch your favorite flavor and unleash your inner brew hound.

bluehoundbrew.com

HallmarkA Holiday Awaits

Escape to charming mountain towns in search of romantic winter adventures

By Judy Garrison

Alpine Helen welcomes the holiday season with brilliant colors. PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT HELEN

Let the holiday moments be as magical as your relationship. Book a couple’s getaway this season and choose a destination that provides a charmed setting. Travel toward the North Georgia mountains and discover two small hamlets that, while lovely any time of the year, really sparkle during the holiday season. So much so that the Hallmark and Lifetime networks have filmed their famous holiday shows in both locations.

Now, make it the setting for your romantic holiday story. Visit Helen or Dahlonega and enjoy an inspirational getaway for two.

HELEN, GEORGIA

Enjoy an idyllic, Hollywood-inspired Christmas without leaving the Southeast. Located in the North Georgia mountains, Helen celebrates its German heritage by becoming a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The alpine architecture and festive holiday decor, cobblestone alleyways and twinkle-light-dressed buildings invite visitors to celebrate. You’ll be hard-pressed not to be inspired by the palpable essence of the season.

Where to Stay

Check into your rustic cabin in Smithgall Woods State Park, a 5,000-acre wooded wonderland with six cottages, sleeping two to 20, scattered throughout the Dukes Creek Valley.

Perfect for two, the Garden Cottage and Laurel Cottage provide just enough space. A full kitchen, a hot tub and the trickling sounds of Dukes Creek are all you need. Enjoy outdoor activities within the park—fly-fish from your cabin’s back

door or walk the trail to Duke Creek Falls. The park is about 4 miles from downtown Helen.

Visit gastateparks.org/smithgallwoods to make reservations.

If personal indulgence and plush amenities are more your style, choose Valhalla Resort, a short drive up the mountain from the center of downtown. Considered one of the most romantic destinations in the country, Helen and Valhalla showcase the mountains while tending to your every need.

With an on-site spa, luxury accommodations, a golf course and fine dining at the in-house restaurant, Caledonia, your getaway includes amazing self-care. Wind down the evening at Sky Bar, found on the hotel’s top floor, where the view is as lovely as the company.

Make reservations at valhallaresorthotel.com.

If a fantasy-inspired, medieval setting seals the deal, Uhuburg Castle is like a Renaissance dream. Opened in 2023, the grounds come to life with statues and gardens. As soon as you pass through the massive red gate, you’ll be hooked. The castle and gatehouse chambers offer an enchanting stay, with a complimentary breakfast and evening dessert. Each chamber’s decor is inspired by the travels of the builder and architect, Bob Marthai, who began the manifestation of this dream 19 years ago.

Accommodations are available Wednesdays through Sundays. Book early for the season. For more information, visit uhuburg.com.

When You Go

The annual village lighting kicks off the holiday festivities and takes place at the end of November, draping the town in color. Over 8,000 lights and 800 ornaments adorn the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree in

ABOVE: ADOBE STOCK AI IMAGE BY AUTUN. LEFT: ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY CARRIE

the middle of the town. Every lantern and business is dressed and illuminated every night until February, making nighttime the ideal time for strolling.

Don’t miss the Christmas parade as it makes it way down Main Street on Dec. 13.

Shopping for Christmas gifts is as easy as putting Helen’s Christmas Market on your itinerary if you arrive the first weekend in December. The traditional German event offers unique gifts and decorations in addition to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats. With this area as a hub for Appalachian artisans, gifts are plentiful and unique.

Adventure Destination. Check out the yurts available for rent.

If you extend your holiday into the new year, make plans for the Dropping of the Edelweiss on New Year’s Eve at Festhalle. Live music, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight start the year off right.

Just outside the city limits at Hardman Farm State Historic Site is the small community of Sautee-Nacoochee, dressed up for a Victorian Christmas. Visit the community’s museum as well as the Old Sautee Store for gifts and the ever-famous Farmer Cheese.

Stop at the Hardman House and see the manor decked out in holiday decor while learning about traditions from docents who share its 19th-century story. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays, from Dec. 5-20.

Where to Eat

The line extending out the front door tells you all you need to know. Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe downtown is an authentic Bavarian bakery that delivers Old World taste with every pretzel, eclair and farmer’s omelet served.

Travel north of Helen to Unicoi State Park, adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest, where outdoor activities are as vast as your imagination. Adventures include hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fly-fishing and zip-lining. It’s no wonder it’s labeled as Georgia’s Official Outdoor

Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Hofer’s is a must-visit during your time in the city. Return visitors often schedule their holidays around the bakery’s hours.

For more information, visit hofers.com.

Downtown’s Cafe International sits alongside the Chattahoochee River and serves the Best Reuben Ever, the cafe’s signature sandwich. Continue the German theme with the Bratwurst Im Brot and enjoy the casual atmosphere.

Prodan. The potato pancakes, spätzle and chicken schnitzel are delicious.

Visit bodenseerestaurant.com for the menu.

DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA

Visit cafeinternationalhelen.com for more information.

Fine German dining is also downtown at Bodensee Restaurant, named for a lake on the Rhine River. Its taste delivers you directly to the German Alps with authentic dishes prepared by master chef Aurel

For a Hallmark holiday, Dahlonega is truly one of the most Christmasy towns around, the very reason Hallmark and Lifetime chose it as a filming location. Every year, the town hosts a monthlong old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Steeped in history with its 1800s storefronts and gold rush beginnings, Dahlonega is beautiful anytime but really sparkles during the holiday season.

A charming mountain town, Dahlonega lights up the season in style.