Currents South Carolina
A PUBLICATION OF MPD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
Meals That Heal
Cooks for Christ hosts fundraisers to help Pee Dee residents cover medical bills Page 6
A core group of volunteers have the details of achieving a successful benefit down to a science.
PHOTO BY MPD STAFF
www.mpd.coop
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
William “Buster” Rogers, Chaplain
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 email: kwilcox@mpd.coop
Matt Haynie email: 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.
’Tis the Season of Thankfulness and Hope
We are so thankful to all who attended our inaugural MPD Electric Cooperative annual meeting Oct. 5 at Darlington Raceway. After more than 84 years of independent operation, Marlboro and Pee Dee Electric cooperatives joined together to make MPD now the lowest cost, the most reliable and the safest electric cooperative in the state.
We had so much to celebrate at our first official MPD annual meeting and look forward to many more to come. Make sure to see the photos featured on Pages 20-21.
While we enjoyed the fun, fellowship and food that day, we remain prayerful for the 21 lineworkers unable to be with us as they continued their work to help restore power in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. In addition to sending our own lineworkers and fuel resources through MPD Energy, MPD secured more than 200 workers to send to South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida through a company we co-own called Utility Innovations Group.
Please continue to pray for the workers assisting in these areas, their families and the families affected by this tragedy.
As we enter this holiday season, let us give thanks for all the blessings in our lives and continue with hopeful anticipation that those who may be living in darkness may soon be in the light. As I said to those in attendance Oct. 5, may God bless you and your families, and we pray for His continued leadership of your cooperative.
WILLIAM L. FLEMING JR. President/CEO
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT
Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Mike Teegarden, CCC
SC CURRENTS EDITORS
Jennifer Paton, CCC
Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC
Victoria Hampton, CCC
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
SENIOR MANAGER,
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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Table of Contents
Braising Chicken Right
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!
The Magic of the Christmas Season
As the season approaches, Santa Rick and graduates of his Santa Academy prepare for their parts in making dreams come true all over the world
A certain recipe is followed to ensure each pot of bog has ample chicken and sausage.
PHOTO BY MPD STAFF
Meals That Heal
Cooks for Christ hosts
fundraisers to help
Pee Dee residents cover medical bills
chicken bog Sept. 12 at the West Florence Fire Station to raise funds
disorder called tetra-amelia syndrome. The benefit raised funds to help with his ongoing medical needs.
Cooks for Christ hosts benefits in January, March, April, May, September, October and November, and each benefit raises essential funds to help Pee Dee residents struggling with injuries and illnesses cover the high costs of medical care.
South Carolina residents face some of the highest rates of medical debt in the nation. The impact is especially pronounced in Marlboro, Laurens and Dillion counties, where there is an average of $1,647 in medical debt sent to collections.
Each chicken bog benefit requires an army of volunteers who give their time—often to help someone they have never met.
Beverly McKee, a core volunteer for Cooks for Christ, calls the volunteers the true heroes dedicated to spreading kindness through selfless service as part of the growing ministry.
“We help people during some of the lowest points in their lives,” Beverly says. “They are dealing with serious illnesses … most of them were fighting for their lives. Many of them can’t work, and they’re wondering how to pay bills, and if we can do something to make it easy on them in the name of the Lord, we are proud to be able to do that.”
Cooking up a Solution
In 1984, Henry Brunson was working at a paper mill when he learned a co-worker was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The family had exhausted their resources and had no idea where to turn.
The worker’s wife wrote to the mill asking for financial assistance, and the letter was posted on an employee bulletin board where Henry saw it. He came up with the idea to cook chicken bog, sell plates to mill employees and donate the proceeds to the family.
The mill manager agreed to the plan with one caveat: Henry would have to do the same for all employees asking for help. He agreed. Henry continued cooking chicken bog and recruited volunteers to help. The group called themselves We Care and hosted fundraisers at the mill several times a year. They earned enough to start a fund to help employees in need.
In 1991, We Care hosted its first chicken bog fundraiser for a non-mill family. Word spread through Florence, and Henry received many calls asking for help. It led to the creation of a committee and formal guidelines and became known as Cooks for Christ.
A core group of volunteers—including those like Beverly who have been on the front lines for more than 25 years—oversee the planning for each benefit. Candidates submit applications to receive the proceeds from chicken bog benefits; volunteers review applications and rank them according to their diagnosis, treatment needs, financial needs and participation in prior fundraisers.
Once candidates are chosen, volunteers jump into action, meeting with families, purchasing food and supplies, coordinating deliveries, and scheduling shifts to prepare, cook and serve chicken bog meals.
Cooks for Christ serves an average of 6,000 plates of chicken bog at each benefit. Lunch plates are served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner plates are served 4 to 7 p.m. At their biggest benefit, Cooks for Christ sold 9,200 plates of chicken bog.
Three lines of traffic pull into the West Florence Fire Station to pick up their plates, while an average of 3,000 plates are delivered to locations around town. It takes extreme attention to detail and countless hours to plan delivery routes.
“The beauty of Cooks for Christ is that our core group meets with these families a month ahead of time, and we get to know them," Beverly says. "We help them during the planning process. We get personally invested in them.”
Successful Cooks for Christ fundraisers are about more than shopping for ingredients and cooking chicken bog. It takes up to 225 volunteers to execute each event, including 80 volunteers who help prep—cooking and shredding chicken, cutting sausage, weighing rice and preparing broth. In addition to dedicated Cooks
RIGHT TOP: Cooks for Christ is solely run by volunteers from the community.
RIGHT BOTTOM: Henry Brunson came up with the idea to cook chicken bog, sell plates to mill employees and donate the proceeds to the family.
PHOTOS BY MPD STAFF
for Christ volunteers, families who receive proceeds from the benefits are required to recruit volunteers to assist.
“I call it organized chaos," Beverly says. "We know what to do, and we know how to get it done, but it takes a lot of us to do it. It touches me more than anything that our volunteers come to help someone in need. They want to do their small part just to make this person’s life just a little bit better.”
At the benefits, Cooks for Christ volunteers serve plates piled with chicken bog, green beans, coleslaw and bread. Henry is committed to providing big portions. The plates
“Someone mailed me a check this past week,” Beverly says. “She wanted seven plates, she wanted them delivered and she
Although the organization doesn’t release the amount donated to the families, it’s not hard to imagine a 6,000-plate benefit that raises $60,000 results in a significant donation to families after
For families dealing with illnesses and injuries that may require expensive medication and treatments or need to make renovations to increase the accessibility of their homes, the funds are a blessing. The chicken bog benefits have helped people from across South
In 2023, beneficiaries included Carl Edwards, who was bedridden for two years after suffering multiple strokes and undergoing quadruple bypass surgery. Another beneficiary was the family of Michael Mullen, a 3-year-old
“We did a benefit for Frankie Rivers … who had serious medical issues, and he tells me all the time, ‘Cooks for Christ saved my life,’” Beverly says. “Many of these families have been given terminal diagnosis and that affects their entire family, and they have to worry, ‘Can I make my house payment this month? Do I buy groceries, or do I pay for this $100 prescription?’ It makes me so sad that they
FMU Baseball team member brings in a pan of hot green beans ready to be put into to-go boxes.
have to think about those things while they’re trying to enjoy the rest of their time on this earth with their families.”
The need is high. Beverly notes Cooks for Christ receives applications from more people than the organization can help through seven annual benefits. It’s heartbreaking to read their stories and narrow it down to just seven people to receive the proceeds, she says.
Although the mission of Cooks for Christ is to help Pee Dee residents cover medical bills, the organization is considering hosting a benefit in 2025 to help Hurricane Helene victims.
“There are going to be lots of needs, and we’re going to be there to help,” Beverly says.
Cooks for Christ isn’t just feeding communities. Hosting the benefits also nourishes volunteers.
“We feel like it’s a calling,” Beverly says. “God gives us talents, and he expects us to use them. We do our little part, and by everybody doing their little part, we’re able to pull it together and help these families.
“We consider it a blessing to be able to help someone who doesn’t ask for anything in return. We walk away feeling satisfied that we made their lives just a little bit better.”
At a recent benefit, the FMU Baseball team volunteered to help serve.
LEFT TOP: Hot chicken bog is served up at each Cooks for Christ benefit.
LEFT BOTTOM: Each benefit requires an army of volunteers - often to help someone they have never met.
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.
Back Swamp School, the second school on this site on East Pocket Road in Florence, was built in 1921. Also known as St. Winifred’s, the elementary school welcomed up to 60 students and two teachers. The building served as a school until it closed in 1950 and students transferred to other schools in Florence. The building is now Back Swamp Community Center. The original schoolhouse, known as Ney School, was built elsewhere in 1843 and in 1870 moved to this location on East Pocket Road. That building, which served as a library for Back Swamp School, moved again in 1970 to the Evander McIver Ervin residence.
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Looking for a new way to enjoy the flavors of fall? Look no further than braising, which melds searing with slow cooking.
Brai si ng Chicken Right
No special skills are needed to make great braised chicken
Story and photos by Libby Wiersema
That first long, cool drink of crisp apple cider is a favorite autumn ritual for me. In winter, few things are as comforting as sipping a steaming mug of spiced cider in front of the fireplace.
When it comes to preparing meals in cooler weather, apple cider once again holds a special place in my repertoire of ways to feel warm and cozy.
One dish that always does it for me is cider-braised chicken. If you want to
warm your insides with something that embodies fall and winter, this is it.
Braising is a sometimes-overlooked cooking technique, especially if you are not quite familiar with the term. For many home cooks—especially those who fry, air fry, bake and microwave to quickly get a meal on the table—braising may not be the best way to go.
I suspect there are more than a few cooks out there who braise a good bit and are just not aware of it. If you like to make pot roast, then chances are you are already
experienced with this cooking method.
Braising is a melding of two cooking techniques. It typically begins with searing meat that is then finished off by slowly cooking it—along with any vegetables—in liquid until tender.
A Dutch oven, slow cooker or deep pan with a lid are your best kitchen braising tools. If it still sounds a little too involved, know the results make it worth the effort.
Braising initiates a metamorphosis of delicious, seasoned, pan-seared meat into the key ingredient for concocting a
Apple Cider-Braised Chicken Breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (not thin-sliced or filets)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 shallots, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons flour
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup apple cider (Look for freshpressed cider in the refrigerated section of the market.)
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
Over medium heat in a large, deep pan, heat the butter and olive oil. Pat dry the chicken pieces, then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken in the pan, and let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until that side is golden brown. Turn the chicken pieces with a fork, and brown the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken to a platter.
Add the shallots and garlic to the pan. If needed, add a teaspoon more of olive oil. Stir the shallots and garlic with a wooden spoon until they begin to soften. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about one minute. Add the vinegar, and quickly stir it with the shallots and garlic
luscious, savory sauce or gravy. You may be tempted to drink that sauce from a cup. At the very least, you will lick your plate and utensils clean. This is especially true when apple cider is the foundation of your braising liquid.
Now, back to the recipe for ciderbraised chicken. While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use any kind of chicken pieces, with or without skin and bones. I prefer to go a little lighter on the fat, but do not let my dietary proclivities keep you from your skin-on legs and thighs.
If you want that apple cider flavor but
to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Make sure you dislodge all the crispy bits. Slowly add your chicken broth and apple cider, using a whisk if needed to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low, and return the chicken breasts and any accumulated juices to the pan. Place the rosemary sprigs on top, bring to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Let the chicken simmer in the liquid for
do not wish to braise, do not despair. You can still get that flavor profile without all the sauce by opting to marinate and grill the meat.
Here’s how: In a shallow glass baking dish, mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon of your favorite herb or herb mix (Herbs de Provence is amazing for this method), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Whisk it all together. Marinate the chicken in it for 30 minutes to an hour, turning halfway through.
Remove the chicken, let the excess
30 minutes. Flip the chicken, recover, and let it simmer for 30 more minutes. Remove from heat. Let the pan sit for 10 minutes to allow the liquid to thicken.
Apple cider-braised chicken is great served over mashed potatoes or alongside a baked sweet potato with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Add a salad and you have a memorable, wellbalanced cozy supper.
drain back into the pan, then grill. Discard the marinade. The apple cider vinegar and apple cider will result in tender meat and infuse the chicken with marvelous flavors.
For you braisers and first-timers, it is time to assemble and measure your ingredients. Pour a glass of wine and create something delicious to warm you and yours on a chilly night. n
Libby Wiersema writes about dining, food trends and the state’s culinary history for Discover South Carolina, and other print and online media. Contact her at libbyscarolinaspoon@gmail.com, or visit the Carolina Spoon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SClibby.1111.
Apple cider vinegar and apple cider infuse chicken with delicious flavors of fall.
Someone to Be Thankful For
By Dave LaBelle
Thanksgiving comes in different shapes and is expressed in different ways.
Herb Recker never felt he deserved to take advantage of the Honor Flights that carry veterans to Washington, D.C.
Herb died in January at the age of 71. His Iowa friend, Tom Klaren, who served with him in the Iowa National Guard, carried Herb’s encased flag in May on an Honor Flight.
When veterans gathered at the World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., they saluted the folded flag Tom brought, which had been given to Herb’s widow, Mary, at his funeral.
“I feel so passionate at what we owe those people, so much of what they gave up,” Tom says. “What their wives gave up, what their mothers and fathers gave up. Sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
“I am a veteran myself, but not to the point these guys are, who served overseas. I just feel I am a step down from these
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Reader Challenge
As storytellers, we are always looking for fleeting moments that best express the pulse of a story. While I occasionally talk about photo fundamentals, my greatest interest and love is about the psychology of photography.
Perhaps you know a veteran who would agree and even enjoy the attention sitting still for a portrait would bring. Remember, when you make someone’s picture or listen to their story, you are honoring them.
Stay focused and alert. So many times, it is often those ever-fleeting gestures that reveal the most.
guys, that’s how I feel. Actually, Herb felt like I did. Since we were in the National Guard, we felt like we didn’t deserve to go like the guys who actually were in combat.”
Though Tom has made three Honor Flight trips as a guardian for four different veterans, he never made the trip as an “honored” veteran.
Herb and Tom were best friends from grade school, high school and in the National Guard. It was Tom’s honor to carry Herb’s flag to Washington, D.C.
“He was in my wedding, and I was in his wedding,” he says.
D810, 180mm lens ISO 100, f/5 at 1/200
After interviewing Tom, I made several pictures with his best friend’s flag in two different places in his home before asking him to carry Herb’s flag outside on his front lawn. Nothing I shot expressed the emotion this patriotic man felt. Then, after I was finished and sitting on the lawn, Tom grew openly emotional because it had been less than a week after returning from his trip to Washington, D.C. Emotions for Tom were still raw. Looking up, I saw him
relax and drop his guard. A small window opened, and I quickly raised my camera and was able to make two frames before the fleeting moment passed.
Once again, I was reminded of the importance of anticipating the unexpected. Sometimes the best unguarded storytelling moments happen when the formal shoot is over. Deep and buried emotions often surface ever-so-briefly once the camera is off.
An emotional Tom Klaren holds the flag of his deceased friend, Herb Recker. Tom carried the flag to Washington, D.C., in May 2024 on an Honor Flight. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE NIKON
Rising Up Together
By MPD Staff
Morningstar Farms owner Sandy Richardson enjoys all the beauty farm life in Timmonsville has to offer each day, from crisp fall mornings and changing leaves to the graceful elegance of horses running, playing and accompanying children taking lessons. But she especially looks forward each year to the one day in December when she hosts the Rise Up event.
In its third year, the purpose of the event is to encourage families to “rise up” to their full potential. Working with local organizations, such as The Jade Bridge and area churches, Sandy invites those from adoptive, foster and kinship families to come together for a day of fellowship and fun on the farm.
“Early on, when I first began offering horse riding lessons, I started a Christmas cookie party tradition to raise money for local charities,” Sandy says. “But due to the COVID epidemic, I had to put my party on hold, and I started to think of other ways I could help the community. I asked the Lord what would he like me to do. And he told me to host an event for these types of families.”
Sandy struggled with this new idea and worried she didn’t have the resources to pull it off. She started spreading the word among her students, church friends and local agencies to see if they could help donate resources, food or time, or if they knew of families who would benefit from the event.
“That first year, we had the best hamburgers I’ve ever had,” she says.
The special day includes time with the horses, games, crafts, a storytelling area and a DJ. Sandy sets up a nature walk through her farm, with conversation starters placed in buckets along the path to help families interact while they enjoy the time outdoors together.
“I wanted to help families who may be struggling,” Sandy says. “On this day, they can come out to the farm, destress and just have fun. It is also a chance for families from these situations to connect.
“I’ve always had a passion for reaching those who may struggle or not fit in,” she says. “Everyone deserves to feel like they have worth. If we can work together to get children feeling healthy and worthy, they can flourish into adulthood.” n
For more information, email morningstarfarmsbusiness@gmail.com.
ABOVE: An eager rider connects with one of Morningstar Farms’ lesson horses.
LEFT: Students gain riding experience in a fun, supportive environment.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MORNINGSTAR FARMS
How Is Made?
we all know and love.
Welcome, fellow chocoholics! Grab your golden tickets and hop aboard the Cocoa Express. This sweet journey starts in the jungle.
Chocolate is made from the beans inside the pods of the cocoa plant, scientifically named Theobroma cacao. (“Theobroma” is an ancient Greek word that means “food of the gods,” and “cacao” is how the Mayans described the tree.)
This plant is in the mallow family, which includes Southern favorites such as okra, hollyhocks and hibiscus. Who knew?
Though the tree is native to the Amazon Basin, it’s grown all over the world today. But don’t get out your gardening gloves
Ed Salley is MPD’s IT guy. Ed not only knows a lot about technology, he knows a lot about everything. Send your question to asked@ mpd.coop, and it may be featured in next month’s Ask Ed column.
just yet. Cacao is super picky about its environment. Cocoa trees are happy in temperatures humans enjoy most—no cooler than 70 degrees and no hotter than 90 degrees. They need a lot of rain, though—nearly 10 feet a year—so you probably won’t have much success with one in your yard.
Cocoa was first farmed in Central America, but now the top producers are in Africa: Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. Cocoa is also grown in Peru, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Columbia and Venezuela.
The trees produce pods about the size of a football. Once gathered, the beans are scooped out and fermented in wooden crates. After a few days, they lay on sundrenched drying beds to soak up some rays and achieve a perfect cocoa bean tan.
Once sufficiently sun-kissed, the beans are toasted to perfection in a roasting chamber. The next stop is the grinding mill, where they are pulverized into a smooth, velvety paste known as cocoa liquor.
Next, the cocoa liquor is whipped in a process called conching. This is where the cocoa liquor is aerated and refined to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture
Then, the chocolate must undergo the ultimate test of tempering, where it’s cooled and reheated with precision. Finally, molten chocolate is poured into molds and allowed to cool.
Globally, we eat 16 million pounds of chocolate every year, with Americans consuming 11 pounds a person yearly. If that sounds like a lot, you’ll be happy to know chocolate is actually quite good for you, as long as you’re eating dark chocolate and not milk chocolate.
Antioxidants in dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and improve heart health, and the flavanols can reduce inflammation and improve brain function. A compound called epicatechin strengthens cells and increases nitric acid in the blood, improving circulation.
If you feel like eating chocolate reduces stress, you’re correct. Research has confirmed that after people eat dark chocolate, they have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Though there’s no hard and fast rule about how much chocolate is good for you, the higher the cocoa content, the more beneficial the chocolate. So, if you love chocolate, go ahead and indulge in the good stuff. It may not make the world go around, but it sure makes the trip worthwhile.
Across
Across Action between stop and roll (4)
1 Action between stop and roll (4)
3 Made an impact on (8)
9 A train, plane or automobile— or canoe, bicycle, sleigh, carriage (7)
Made an impact on (8)
10 “____ Momma From the Train;” Danny DeVito film (5)
11 The “L” of XXL (5)
A train, plane, or automobile - or canoe, bicycle, sleigh, carriage... (7)
12 Fabric for sails (6)
14 Impose a penalty upon (6)
16 Country that includes the Volga and Don rivers (6)
19 Poetry (or song) segment (6)
21 Hot drink with a silent last letter (5)
24 Colorado or Congo (5)
25 ____delivery or ____effects (7)
"_____ Momma from the Train";
26 Hangs or postpones (8)
27 Safety device for stair climbers (4)
Danny Devito film (5)
Down
1 Brings out the potential of (8)
The "L" of XXL (5)
2 The ____Guys; 2010 action/comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg (5)
Fabric for sails (6)
4 Ferocious, savage (6)
5 Finished, as food (5)
Impose a penalty upon (6)
6 Sewing strings (7)
7 Like this answer, directionally (4)
8 Twists to tighten (6)
13 Like lines that never meet (8)
Country whose rivers include the Volga and the Don (6)
17 Your mom’s brothers, to you (6)
18 Halted temporarily (6)
Tableware from a distant land (5)
Down
15 Indigenous inhabitants (7)
Poetry (or song) segment (6)
Hot drink with a silent last letter (5)
Colorado or Congo (5)
____ delivery or ____ effects (7)
Hangs or postpones (8)
20 Sciatic ____ (5)
17 Your mom's brothers, to you
Safety device for stair climbers (4)
Sewing strings (7)
7 Like this answer, directionally (4)
8 Twists to tighten
Halted temporarily (6)
Sciatic ____ (5)
Tableware from a distant land (5)
T. Rexes have tiny ones (4)
See the Forest Through the Trees
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Meeting A N N U A L
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST Make Ahead
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
Spiced Gingerbread Loaf With Orange Icing
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2⁄3 cup dark molasses
¾ cup hot water (about 100 F)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1⁄3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Set aside. In a separate bowl or dish, whisk together the molasses and hot water.
In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar. Beat on high speed for 1 minute until creamed together fairly well.
On medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the hot water/molasses and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing. The batter will be thin. Whisk out any big lumps.
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the loaf is baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs, it is done. Set the pan on a wire rack, allowing the bread to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ZI3000
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
1 pound mild breakfast sausage
1 can crescent rolls
6 extra-large eggs, beaten
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 block cream cheese, cut into small cubes
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheese
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Brown sausage in skillet. Drain excess grease. Unroll crescent roll dough and press to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Top with sausage, then pour eggs over sausage. Spread cream cheese cubes evenly. Top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes. You can prepare the casserole the night before. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Strata
8 to 10 ½-inch-thick slices
French or Italian bread
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 large shallots, minced 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
½ cup white wine
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
6 extra-large eggs
1¾ cups half-and-half
Heat oven to 225 F. Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and crisp, about 40 minutes, flipping slices halfway through baking. When cooled, spread one side of slices with 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
Add wine to the skillet. Increase heat to mediumhigh, and simmer until reduced to ¼ cup, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with the remaining butter. Arrange half of the bread slices, buttered side up, in a single layer in the dish. Sprinkle half of the spinach mixture and ½ cup Gruyère evenly over bread slices. Repeat layering with remaining bread slices, remaining spinach mixture and ½ cup Gruyère. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in half-and-half, reduced wine and salt. Season with pepper. Pour mixture over bread layers. Wrap dish tightly in plastic wrap, pressing plastic flush to surface of strata. Weigh down strata with three 16-ounce cans to submerge ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Heat oven to 325 F. Remove dish from refrigerator, and let sit for 20 minutes. Remove weights and plastic. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top of strata. Bake until edges and center are barely puffed and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of dish, about 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Cinnamon Muffins
Paper muffin liners or cooking spray
1 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup canola oil
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 375 F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with paper liners, or coat the wells with cooking spray.
Place ¼ packed cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir to combine, breaking up any lumps.
Place flour, baking powder, the remaining 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
Place milk, the remaining ¾ packed cup light brown sugar, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined and no lumps of sugar remain.
Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just incorporated and no dry spots remain.
Divide half the batter among the muffin wells, about 2 tablespoons of batter per well. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar evenly over each muffin. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin wells. Sprinkle each muffin with the remaining cinnamon sugar, about 1 teaspoon per muffin.
Bake until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread
Cooking spray
8 tablespoons salted butter
3 medium bananas, very ripe
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs
¼ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2⁄3 cup Nutella, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, so it hangs off two sides to form a sling. Coat the pan and parchment with cooking spray.
Place 8 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in 10-second increments until melted. Mash bananas in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir with a rubber spatula just until no dry spots remain.
Transfer half the batter to the prepared pan. Using a spoon, dollop ⅓ cup of Nutella onto the batter. Swirl Nutella into the batter with a table knife. Top with the remaining batter. Dollop the remaining ⅓ cup Nutella onto the batter. Swirl with a knife.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then flip the bread out of the pan onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.
ngel Preserving an
The Angel Oak is an iconic Southern live oak tree in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island, near Charleston. This unique tree is one of the most famous live oaks, lauded as one of the oldest living things in North America.
Story and photos by Vikki Moran
The Angel Oak’s magnificence and longevity give it an almost mythological quality, making it a beloved natural landmark in South Carolina. From a distance, you can see the full spread of the tree, with its massive branches extending in all directions.
A fence surrounds the Angel Oak for its protection, as its age and health are susceptible to human disturbances. Visitors enter through a gate, and guards ensure no harm comes to the tree. The guards also protect visitors, as storms with lightning and heavy rain can be dangerous when wandering beneath the limbs.
The branches are so long and expansive that it takes effort to see their ends. They twist and turn, often reaching the ground only to curve upward again. The tree is 65 feet tall with a circumference of 28 feet, but its canopy spreads over about 17,000 square feet.
Although some estimate the Angel Oak to be 1,500 years old, most experts place its age between 400 to 500 years.
The network of branches forms a natural roof overhead, offering a surreal yet peaceful glimpse into Mother Nature’s wonderland. The trunk’s intricate markings contribute to the far-from-ordinary Southern Oak.
Oak tree canopies provide numerous ecological benefits and serve as habitat for diverse species. The canopies of oaks (genus Quercus) are renowned for their structure and importance, but there is nothing quite like the Angel Oak canopy.
Although the Angel Oak is among the largest and most famous oaks in the South, other mighty Southern oaks vie for its title.
The Seven Sisters Oak in Mandeville, Louisiana, is reported to be 1,500 years old. It has the largest circumference, creating a Southern rivalry for the title of the largest live oak.
The Middleton Oak in Charleston, South Carolina, is reported to be 1,000 years old, while the Big Oak in Thomasville, Georgia, is around 325 years old.
The Lowcountry Land Trust, steward of the Angel Oak, is devoted to the region’s natural environment as well as the mighty oak tree. A team of knowledgeable
The Angel Oak comes with a reminder for visitors to be gentle with rubs, hugs and kisses.
personnel operates a welcome center, a small gift shop and a play area for the visiting children who adore the Angel Oak. Restrooms are also available.
How Old Is It, Really?
Some estimate the tree’s age at 1,500 years. If so, the area around Johns Island was inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly those belonging to the Southeastern Woodland cultures.
During this era, the Indigenous peoples of the Southeastern United States developed more settled communities and engaged in agriculture, hunting and gathering. Archaeological evidence from this period, particularly in coastal areas like Johns Island, includes shell mounds and rings. These are accumulations of shells and other refuse, suggesting established settlements and resource utilization.
However, most experts tend to favor a more conservative estimate, placing the tree’s age between 400 and 500 years.
According to AngelOakTree.com, “This range still makes the Angel Oak one of the oldest living things in North America, predating European colonization and the founding of Charleston itself.
Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper in 1675. The land upon which the tree grows was then granted to Abraham Waight in 1717.
The oak garnered its name when descendant Martha Waight married Justus Angel. The family maintained ownership of the property for 242 years. Today, the Angel Oak is owned by the city of Charleston.
Trees
by Joyce Kilmer
“Despite the debate, what remains clear is that the Angel Oak is a relic from a time long past, a natural wonder that has survived wars, storms and the encroachment of modern development.”
The book “Angel Oak,” published by Arcadia Publishing and authored by Ruth M. Miller and Linda Len, estimates the tree to be more than 400 years old. The story of the live oak begins with the “purchase” of Johns Island from the Cussoe Indians by
Angel Oak Facts
Precise scientific name is Quercus virginiana.
Common names are Southern live oak, live oak.
Southern live oaks are native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia and the Carolinas down to Florida and westward to Texas. They are generally found along coastal regions and throughout the Deep South.
These trees thrive in well-drained sandy soil and are often found in coastal areas, lowlands and hammocks. They can tolerate salt spray, making them well-suited for coastal environments.
Southern live oaks can live for several hundred years, with some more than 1,000 years old.
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.
Fun Festivals&
NOV. 15-17
Jingle Bell Market
Find those unique gifts for your loved ones while also taking in the holiday spirit and seasonal cheer. The market is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
NOV. 16
Marion Farmers Market
Make plans to spend your morning perusing local vendors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MAIN STREET COMMONS
229 N. Main St., Marion
NOV. 16
Cheraw Family Prom: “One Autumn Night” Walk the red carpet, enjoy refreshments and dance from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 and younger. For ticket information, visit Cheraw.com.
CHERAW COMMUNITY CENTER
200 Powe St., Cheraw
NOV. 21-23
Heart of the Holidays
Start the holidays with special deals, arts and crafts, and vendors at the Open House and Centennial Tree Lighting from 6-9 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, Heart of the Holidays Art and Wine Walk will be 6-8 p.m. The Carnival Craft Show will round out the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
CITY OF HARTSVILLE
100 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville
DEC. 1819
South Carolina Ballet: The Nutcracker
NOV. 29-DEC. 1
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic Mickey, Minnie and friends go on an expedition across raging seas, snow-covered mountains and the marigold bridge. For ticket information, visit orencecenter.com.
FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
DEC. 6
Downtown
Christmas Magic
Stay warm with hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting during this holiday event from 5:30-9 p.m. Activities include an ugly sweater contest, a jingle and mingle children’s area and a chance to meet Santa.
DOWNTOWN FLORENCE
100 W. Evans St., Florence
DEC. 7
Christmas on Main
Celebrate the seaon with food, music, vendors and pictures with Santa from 1-5 p.m. A parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Main Street, Lamar
DEC. 7
Christmas in Toyland
Starting with a parade at 11 a.m., spend the day walking around with your family while enjoying food trucks, music, games, shopping and more.
Main Street, Bennettsville
DEC. 12
Pee Dee Author Expo
Meet authors with ties to South Carolina or those who have written books about the Pee Dee from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FLORENCE COUNTY
LIBRARY
509 S. Dargan St., Florence
NOV. 29DEC. 1
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic
NOV. 2123
Heart of the Holidays events@marlboro.coop
DEC. 16 Holiday Pops
With timeless melodies and cherished classics, this familyfriendly concert is sure to bring the joy of the season.
FMU PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
DEC. 18-19
The Nutcracker
A magical evening lled with romance, adventure and wonder awaits you. For ticket information, visit fmupac.org.
FMU PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
Traveler’s Holiday Ideal gifts for the traveler
By Judy Garrison
For travelers, there’s no better time than the holiday season to make a wish list of items that make the upcoming journeys as effortless as possible. If you’re buying for the traveler in your life, think outside the box. Avoid items that are too personal, such as specialized clothing. Take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales to get the best deals on high-ticket items.
Here’s a list of gift ideas for adventure seekers with something for every budget and need. Put these items under the tree and make traveling in 2025 a little easier.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY BRANDONAARON
Passport Wallets and Luggage Tags
Handmade in the United States, Bramble and Beene leather products are as tough as they are beautiful. Personalize all products with a unique message for the recipient. Arrives beautifully packaged. Thousands of five-star reviews.
etsy.com/shop/BrambleandBeene
Luggage Tracker
Know where your bags are at all times with the drop of an Apple AirTag. Use the Find My app on your iPhone to locate your luggage—whether it’s in the belly of the plane or within reach. They’re simple to set up. Never leave home without them. apple.com
Camera
The E-M10 Mark IV compact, mirrorless camera is light, sharp and ready to go anywhere. It operates like a DSLR and includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, image stabilization, built-in flash and more features. The kit comes with a 14-42-millimeter lens, with other lens availability. explore.omsystem.com
Wall Art
Travel Power Adapter
Never lug multiple adapters again. The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is functional in more than 150 countries and includes USB-A and USB-C ports and one AC socket. Ideal for charging phones, tablets, cameras and more.
amazon.com
Carry-On Luggage
If checked luggage triggers separation anxiety, carry-on is the answer. It is an investment that will outlast the less expensive options. The Tumi International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On includes recessed dual spinner wheels, an expandable compartment, monogrammed luggage tag and a built-in USB port. Sleek and light, it’s perfect for domestic or international travel. tumi.com
Travel With Ease
Pin your travel adventures. With a variety of maps available (United States, world, regions, etc.), you can share your travels with those who visit your home. They’re available in different sizes and include free personalization. Choose tones for your home’s decor. Place a pin in the locations you visit for a visualization of your adventures . Don’t forget to buy the standard round pins to start personalizing your map. pushpintravelmaps.com
Airplane Connectivity
Hotspot
Always be connected with a Solis 5G Hotspot and Power Bank. A lifetime data plan is available with its newest version. Solis connects to the strongest available signal and works in more than 135 countries. Its new, rugged design makes it less cumbersome on the go. Connects up to 16 devices. Additional data plans are available for purchase. soliswifi.co
Makeup Bag
Carry personal care products in a beautifully designed and classic Portland Leather Eclipse Makeup Bag. It’s moistureresistant and watertight. All leather products from Portland Leather are of the highest handcrafted quality. portlandleathergoods.com
Skin Care
With the Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter, you may never trip over earphone wires again. Wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment to AirPods or wireless headphones. With up to 25 hours of battery life, transmit and receive for up to two devices. amazon.com
Hat Clip
Global Entry membership, which includes TSA PreCheck, is a valued resource for those skirting through airports. Gift the $100 membership or choose a card that credits your statement for the fee (Capital One, American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve).
govassist.com
The Drop Toptote Hat Clip could change your life. Go ahead and carry your hat, and when you’re tired of wearing it, attach it to your backpack or carry-on with this magnetic clip that secures it in place. Now you can travel hands-free. thefileist.com
Travel Tripod
The Peak Design Tripod packs down to the size of a water bottle without compromising any features. No more bulk, and it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee. peakdesign.com
A must for skin, the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream trio nourishes and softens dry skin when you’re on the go. Put a tube in every piece of luggage for easy access. It’s the best skin care available on the market. loccitane.com/en-us
Jacket
Proudly made in Bristol, Tennessee, the L.C. King Washed Denim Western Jacket is a reliable companion for domestic or international travel. Made of 100% cotton, it feels like an old friend sharing the journey. lcking.com
Electronics
Keep all your charging cords in one place, rolled up and secured, with a Mark and Graham Leather Charger Roll Up. Personalization is available. Have more than the product can hold? The Commute Clutch is a functional tech organizer with zipped pockets, card slots and space for keys and cards. Monogramming is available. markandgraham.com
Apple Butter A Perfect Pairing for Fall
If you have never tried apple butter before, you are truly missing out. There is nothing like the taste of apple butter on a chilly fall day, spread over a buttered biscuit or toast.
While you can buy apple butter already made from your local farmers market or grocery store, crafting your own fresh batch from home is simple and allows you to customize your recipe to your own taste. Swap out any spices, cut the sugar or add a sugar substitute, and make as little or as much as you’d like. To whip up your own delicious apple butter, all you need are a few simple ingredients, a slow cooker and blender.
The best part of all is that this makes for an easy gift during the holiday season. Stock up on mason jars, ribbon and tags for an edible present that everybody will love. An extra plus is that while cooking your apple butter, the smell of fresh baked apple pie will leave your house smelling good all day long.
What is apple butter?
Contrary to its name, apple butter is not in fact butter. It is a mix of apples and spices, cooked slowly into a butter-like consistency that is thicker than applesauce.
Slow cooking the apples allows the sugar to caramelize, resulting in apple butter’s trademark deeper brown color, a more rich flavor, and making the texture thicker and more spreadable, like a jam.
What do you eat with apple butter?
Enjoy apple butter the way you’d use any spread, condiment or jam. Spread it on toast or your favorite sandwich. Serve it up alongside your favorite cheeses and snacks on a charcuterie board. Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal. Dollop it on top of waffles and pancakes in addition to or in place of maple syrup.
Apple butter makes a great glaze for meats like pork tenderloin, turkey and roasted chicken. You can even try a
How Do I Make Apple Butter?
5-6 lbs apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
2 dashes salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Wash 5 to 6 pounds of apples with cold water, wipe them dry and chop them into about 1-inch pieces. Add your chopped apples to your slow cooker. Top the apples with 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg,
2 dashes of salt (about ¼ tsp), and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Mix your apples with the spices until they are covered throughout.
Cook your apple mixture for about five hours on high or eight to 10 hours on low. The resulting mixture should be about 20% liquid and 80% small soft apple chunks when completely cooked. Spoon the cooked apples and spices to a food processor. Blend on medium until it reaches desired consistency, usually two to three minutes. Allow the butter to cool. Transfer apple butter into airtight jars for storage.
spoonful on a baked sweet potato or a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
Which apples should you use?
The tastiest homemade apple butter is made using at least two or more kinds of apples, for that perfect blend of sweetness and tartness. A few favorite varieties that contain the most flavor and cook down well include gala, fuji and honey crisp, pink lady, and golden delicious apples.
Should you peel the apples?
For the apple-iest tasting apple butter, don’t peel the apples. Cooking apples with the skin on kicks the apple flavor up a notch, and the pectin from the skins makes for the ultimate creamy spread.
It’s completely up to your own preference, but if you do decide to go the extra mile with the peeling route, make sure to grab an apple peeler and corer to help the process go smoother.
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” to see more photos of their experiences on Instagram.
Apple butter can be used in place of any spread, condiment or jam.
PHOTO BY BRANDI FAULK
Farm Hounds Treats,
Treat your pup to a tasty snack from Farm Hounds Treats. These dehydrated premium beef dog chews will get your dog’s tail wagging.
They are transparently sourced from 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle—in collaboration with Winston Salem, North Carolina-based, Joyce Farms. These jerky strips are a nutritious treat dogs of all breeds, all sizes and all ages can eat.
They are excellent to use for training, a
$19.99
general reward or sprinkled on top of meals.
Farm Hounds’ primary focus is on quality products that support family farms, regenerative agriculture and humane farming practices.
Each treat is made in the United States, using farm fresh ingredients that are free from antibiotics, hormones, chemicals and pesticides. Each label shows you exactly which farm it came from, where they are located and what meat was used to make
that exact bag.
No ingredients list needed because it’s right there in the name, whether it’s hog ears, duck skin or beef treats. When you buy natural dog chews from Farm Hounds, you know precisely what you are feeding your dog. So, make the switch to natural dog treats today and improve your dog’s happiness, health and quality of life.
farmhounds.com
Acorn and Oak Table Setting, $77
Make entertaining easy this holiday season with Sophistiplate’s signature disposable tableware. The new Acorn and Oak collection is perfect for fall, featuring classic hues of green, brown and orange and complemented with accents of gold.
This curated tablescape will take all the guesswork out of decor and transform any table into an Instagram-worthy feast for the eyes. Perfect for those who love to host but hate the cleanup. Each disposable plate is crafted with Sophistiplate’s signature designer paper.
Durable enough to handle any mountain of food this Thanksgiving, these aren’t your average
paper plates. Elegant enough to double as decor, this set will allow you to forego the cost of highpriced china without skimping on style. Most sets start with eight dinner, salad and platter plates, dessert/appetizer bowls, paper guest towels, cocktail napkins, cutlery and more. There is a table setting for every occasion. Your next get together just got a whole lot easier, which means there is less mess and more fun.
Sophistiplate has also extended its line to offer barware, bakeware and charcuterie boards.
sophistiplate.com
Thanksgiving Coloring Tablecloth, $24.99
Make Thanksgiving even more fun for children with a coloring tablecloth from Creative Crayons Workshop. Perfect for keeping your table mess free and helping little ones to stay entertained. It’s as practical as it is decorative.
This 36-by-72-inch jumbo sheet is crafted from 20-pound premium matte paper—thick enough to ensure it will not rip by accident. Simply drape across your dining table or hang on the wall for hours of creative fun for children or adults.
Set out crayons, markers, paints or colored pencils for children to create their own masterpiece while waiting for food
to be served.
This mom-owned shop has coloring sheet designs for you, including birthday parties, school and church events, road maps, positive affirmations, different seasons, holiday or party themes, and personalized banners. Creative Crayon Workshop brings a delightful new way to foster a child’s creativity with screen-free fun, while helping to create cherished memories for years to come.
creativecrayonsworkshop.com
Hope for Tomorrow
By MPD Staff
As a member-owned electric cooperative, MPD helps meet the needs of community members thanks to the generosity of those who participate in Operation Round-Up.
This critical piece of the co-op’s mission to serve others is funded through the voluntary rounding-up of one’s electricity bill to the nearest dollar. While the average contribution per member is $6 a year, these donations can make lifesaving differences when added together. The collection of these funds is called the MPD Trust.
Individuals and organizations needing assistance fill out an application, which the MPD Trust Board then reviews. The board meets monthly and consists of volunteers from MPD Electric’s seven-county service area. Approved funds must be used for certain criteria, including basic needs such as shelter, food and clothing, unforeseen health care costs and accessibility improvements, and other assistance that improves the quality of life for area residents. This year, Operation Round-Up has raised nearly $80,000.
In September, Christ City of Refuge was selected to receive a donation from the MPD Trust. Christ City of Refuge is a Christian-based nonprofit organization that provides rent-free transitional housing and a supportive environment for those
In the past quarter, MPD Trust has helped these area organizations in their commitment to improving the lives of those we serve:
Christ City of Refuge
Darlington County Humane Society
Hospice of Chesterfield County
Sisters for the Future
United Way of Florence
Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee
looking to get back on their feet.
Executive Director and Founder James Johnson Jr. built the first cabin in 2016 on his property in Hartsville. Being a farmer, he had employees who needed work over the winter, and he offered them the opportunity to build the cabin. James recognized there was a need for this type of housing in the community.
Before the cabin was even complete, James already had his first resident. He began work on the second cabin the next year and was able to place a homeless veteran who had been sleeping in the cold.
There are now five cabins, two of which are single-living units and three cabins that can accommodate up to three family members. Larger families may be split among cabins. The grounds also include a communal kitchen, living room and laundry facility, bathhouses, plenty of outdoor space and a pond for relaxation and recreation.
James, his wife, Sandy, his sister, Mary Wirhousky, and Lauren Johnson operate the shelter as volunteers. Wil Rhodes is manager. Together, they help residents apply for financial and food assistance programs, enroll in any rehabilitation programs they may need, and provide transportation to and from work and appointments.
Christ City of Refuge receives aid from local food banks and other agencies to get residents what they need to become successful.
“We are not a long-term solution,” James says. “We are a community of hope to those who cannot move forward on their own. We help provide the resources they need so when they leave, they are in a different place in their life.”
Residents must help maintain the grounds and be employed or working toward employment. Once employed, they must deposit $200 a week into the program, which is returned at departure to help pay for their new housing arrangements.
The goal is for every individual who comes through the program to become successful and self-sufficient by securing stable housing, transportation and employment. The staff works closely with each resident to ensure they are making progress toward their goals.
Residents are also invited to attend Sunday morning worship service with James, who is a pastor.
“Our efforts and ministry are inspired by Christ’s redemptive nature,” he says. “What you are is God’s gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.”
A former resident writes, “I’ve been thinking about Paul in the Bible … how he was in prison and was lonesome. Everyone had left him, and there was no one to visit him. God said in Genesis, ‘It is not good for man to be alone.’ I remember when everyone had forsaken me. For about three years, I was alone. Then I found Christ City of Refuge. There were people who cared whether I lived or died. They showed me love—and a person can tell if it’s real or not. I am now able to care for a family member who also feels alone and afraid. All because these people cared about me.”
Visit hccor.org for more information.
ABOVE and RIGHT: Christ City of Refuge provides rent-free transitional housing for those in need.
ABOVE: James Johnson Jr., left, founded Christ City of Refuge and is now one of several volunteers who operates the shelter. Wil Rhodes is the manager.
BELOW: James, left, is joined by fellow volunteers Sandy Johnson, Mary Wirhousky, Lauren Johnson and Wil.
By Judy Garrison
The TheChristmasMagicSeason ChristmasMagicSeason According to Santa Rick The Magic
During the holiday season, Santa Rick brings much-needed light to the world.
PHOTO BY JESSICA ROSA
Call Rick Rosenthal by his name, and you might not get his attention quickly. Address him as “Santa Rick,” and he’s immediate with a conversation that makes even the most self-proclaimed Scrooge believe in the magic of Christmas.
As the season approaches, Santa Rick and graduates of his Northern Lights Santa Academy don their boots, double-check the “naughty” and “nice” lists and prepare for their parts in making dreams come true all over the world.
“I always go by Santa Rick—always,” he says. “In my professional life and in my personal life. My friends call me Santa or Santa Rick, my nieces and nephews call me Uncle Santa, and one precious little girl in my neighborhood calls me Mr. Frozenthal since my last name is Rosenthal.”
As a drama major in college, Santa Rick became an extra in Hollywood.
“As often happens in the movie and television industry, two scenes I had did not make the final cut,” Santa Rick says. “One was in ‘Sharky’s Machine’ with Burt Reynolds and another, ‘In the Heat of the Night’ with Carroll O’Connor. Last December, I was in ‘Snake Oil’ with host David Spade, which was great fun.”
In 2016, Santa Rick launched The Northern Lights Academy to provide education, training and support for Christmas professionals in entertainment. He’s been dean of students ever since.
Through engagement and inspiration, the Atlanta-based academy sends Santas, elves and Mrs. Clauses out into the world to provide authentic experiences for children and adults. Students commit to being the best Santa, Mrs. Claus or elf possible.
It’s an enormous responsibility, and it doesn’t take long into the first class for students to grasp that concept.
“It’s not as simple as putting on a red suit,” Santa Rick says. “You must become Santa and not ‘play Santa.’ Santa is unlimited in wisdom, and students must learn how to address the specific needs and requests—both big and small—of each child.”
As a professionally trained Claus family member—yes, it is considered a family unit—Christmas changes once you become a performer.
“Every Claus family member has experienced two different Christmas holiday seasons in their lives: the one they grew up with and the one from the inside of the North Pole as a Claus family member,” Santa Rick says. “Your love and appreciation for Christmas expands tenfold, and the Christmas spirit becomes part of your life on a daily basis.”
He believes being a member of the Claus family makes you nicer, happier and less judgmental.
His own childhood didn’t include Christmas celebrations.
“I am Jewish,” he says. “We didn’t celebrate Christmas.”
But he remembers seeing Santa sitting in a chair in the window of a department store—same corner every day. He walked to that store and visited the corner Santa every day. Corner Santa would
give him two candy canes each time. One day, the corner Santa asked, “Why do you come visit me?”
“I just come for the candy canes,” Rick told him.
To a little boy, there was no judgement of simply visiting for candy—just acceptance. After each visit, Rick returned home with two candy canes. The corner Santa’s intent was “pure and light,” much like Santa Rick emits today.
“Santa embodies love and kindness,” Santa Rick says. “And when people interact with him, it fosters hope and sparks imagination.”
The most important element of Santa, according to Santa Rick, is intangible.
“It’s his nonjudgmental acceptance, unlimited love and pure inspiration and hope,” he says. “What could be better for every child on Earth than that?”
learn about education opportunities, Santa Rick says.
“There have been many new groups, gatherings and schools that have entered the industry over the last several years,” he says. “We see this as a positive, as it increases awareness about the need for education in our industry. Thankfully, as more people graduate from our academy, word of mouth has spread, and our reputation has attracted more and more students.
“As our curriculum continues to set a standard in the industry, it has firmly planted us as a ‘must go’ for professional Christmas performer training. In recent years, we have had younger Santas than ever before, and many of them have a strong desire for education, which has also increased attendance.”
Over the past eight years, attendance at The Northern Lights Santa Academy has increased significantly as performers
Diversity and inclusion have become important components to performers around the world.
“As Santa has evolved, so, too, has the
public’s desire for a Santa Claus of the same ethnicity and who embodies their culture,” Santa Rick says. “Children benefit from seeing a Santa who looks like them. There are some things about Santa that are iconic and don’t change. Santa has a white beard. In American tradition, Santa has a red suit. Santa lives at the North Pole. He delivers presents on Christmas Eve to all the children of the world. But it is also important to have cultural representation, so that children can see that someone as
There’s one thing all Santas have in common: the iconic white beard. PHOTO BY RUZIN CUNNINGHAM
magical and as amazing as Santa can be Black like them or speak to them in their language.”
Santa Rick credits his wife, Tracy, as the power behind the academy. Although not a Mrs. Claus, “she does the work of an army behind the scenes,” he says. “It is solely because of Tracy that we have the Northern Lights Santa Academy, the nation’s second largest professional Christmas performers school.”
Clients include Hallmark, Lifetime and many Fortune 500 companies.
In August, approximately 180 students— the largest class since the COVID-19 pandemic—gathered in Atlanta for instruction. People come from all over the world. Santa Rick believes they join his class because it offers an intense and wellrounded curriculum.
Cerebral Palsy and the Georgia Aquarium.
As Santa for The Atlanta Braves, he interacts with players and fans, even being part of a one-car Christmas parade in July heat at Turner Field.
“But my fondest memories,” he says, “are those times when (the Atlanta Braves) visited the Atlanta area children’s hospitals to spread hope and joy to sick children. It is always a humbling experience to be a part of these intimate visits with each of the children and see how much joy it brings to them and their families. Sadly, some of the children we meet may not be going home, and to be able to offer them some joy and comfort is truly a gift.”
He proudly speaks of one workshop where performers are trained on interacting with children with special needs.
“We offer the only workshop where we actually bring in special needs children and their families for a one-on-one visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” he says. “We enable our students to watch the interaction through a livestream to the classroom. We follow this with a panel discussion that includes the Santas and Mrs. Clauses who participated as well as the families of the children. We discuss how to create more meaningful visits for these children.”
A committed member of the community, Santa Rick volunteers for organizations including Big Brothers of America, Boy Scouts of America, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Toys for Tots, United
Holiday performers are excited about making appearances at parades, tree lightings, corporate and community events, church and school visits, and other community events.
“As the world continues to face challenges and people are less kind, especially in the age of social media, I truly believe Christmas and Santa bring out the best in people,” Santa Rick says. “You can’t help but smile when you see Santa.”
Santa Rick believes Christmas is the most important holiday. It encompasses a season rather than simply one day, he says.
“Amazing things happen at Christmas,” he says. “Everyone is nicer at Christmas,” Santa Rick says. “It’s an opportunity to change the world.”
For more information on The Northern Lights Santa Academy or to sign up for a class to be the next Santa, visit www.northernlightssantaacademy.com.
Smiles are plentiful in the spring class of the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Atlanta.
PHOTO BY WARREN GRAYSON
ABOVE: The season is coming quickly. Santa Rick is on the clock up to 14 hours a day during the last three months of the year. LEFT: Even Santa loves the Braves. PHOTOS BY JESSICA ROSA
