January 2024 by VIP Magazine

December 2021

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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March 2022

December 2021

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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March 2022

January 2024

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

magazine

Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com

Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers

Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com

Contributing Photographer Fred Salley Photography

Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com

Contributing Writers Mark W. Buyck, III Crystal Crowley Cynthia Ford La’Quanita Goodman Natalie Johnson Bryan Holt Doug Smith Luke Stewart, MD Ann Kathyrn Strom

Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas

2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 For advertising rates, email heather@vipmagsc.com.

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CONTENTS: J A N U A R Y 2 0 24

ISSUE 98

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HEALTH 10 HopeHealth: The Diabetes Institute The Area's Most Comprehensive Resource for Diabetes Care 14 The Sanctuary Spa: Caring For Acne-Prone Skin 18 McLeod Health: Aneurysms, Are You At Risk? 20 Soulift: Five Poses and Sequences for Strength, Flexibility, and Mindfulness 24 MUSC Health Florence Welcomes New Physicians

BUSINESS 26

Wilcox Buyck: The Farewell Tour of America’s Guest

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CALENDAR 28 January 2024: Fun Days and Events

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BUSINESS 30 Employee of the Month: Anna Todd 32 Palmetto Nutrition: Fast Food for Healthy People 34 The Woman Behind the Monsters: Holly Watkins 36 Leo's Pizza: Coming Full Circle Page 34

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LIFEST YLE 38 Florence 1 Schools: Winter Sports Heating Up 40 Pour Decisions: Unveiling the Sip-Worthy Wine Trends of 2024 42 Inspire Your Heart with Art Day: January 31st

HOME 47 Doug Smith: National Spaghetti Day - The History of Pasta FLORENCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM'S BOOK OF THE MONTH

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50 Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington 51 Healthy & Cozy Recipe Ideas

DRINK 52 La'Quantia Goodman: Pink Lady

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Caring for Acne-Prone Skin written by Crystal Crowley, Licensed Esthetician, Owner of The Sanctuary Spa

In a world that often measures beauty by unattainable standards due to social media and Snapchat filters, the quest for flawless skin has become a universal pursuit, especially for those dealing with acne.

What is Acne? Acne is an inherited condition of the pores. Ordinarily, pores shed approximately one layer of dead skin cells daily, a turnover rate well-managed by the body. However, individuals with acne-prone skin tend to shed up to five layers of dead skin cells daily, challenging the body's ability to maintain clear pores. This struggle initiates a cascade within the skin. On a microscopic level, the pore experiences sticky cells from sebum production and an accelerated rate of skin cell shedding, causing the pore to become clogged, creating a microcomedone that is not visible to the naked eye. This blockage within the pore establishes an ideal environment for the flourishing of P. acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) due to the lack of oxygen within the pore. Our immune system automatically sends in white blood cells (our body's main line of defense) to fight off the P. acnes infection. Unfortunately, the white blood cells get stuck within the pore with the dead skin cells, causing pus. Everyone does not experience inflamed lesions. Since acne is an inherited tendency, inflammation is also. It takes 60 to 90 days for a microcomedone to surface on the skin.

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This is why not all individuals exhibit red, inflamed lesions; some people with acne only encounter open and closed comedones, commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. While genetics primarily contribute to acne, several factors can worsen this skin condition, including ingredients that clog pores, hormonal imbalances, dietary choices, and inflammation. A proper skincare regimen and lifestyle changes can control acne, but acne isn't curable. You can remain clear if you keep communication open with your Acne Specialist and remain consistent with your home care products. The Sanctuary Spa actual patient before & after

"Many people try to treat acne with antibiotics although that method of treatment is highly ineffective." Say No to Drugs.

Lifestyle Habits.

Bacteria is just a symptom of the body's natural line of defense recognizing the plug of the dead skin cell as a foreign invader.

As mentioned earlier, acne is an inherited pore condition, but some everyday lifestyle habits can unknowingly affect acne.

Many people try to treat acne with antibiotics, although that treatment method is highly ineffective because the root cause of acne is not bacteria. The solution lies in finding an Acne Expert, like those found at The Sanctuary Spa, who will create a customized skincare routine that will address the root cause, which is preventing the dead skin cells from building up by using products that penetrate the pores and then fighting any inflammatory tendencies.

1. Detergents with fragrance can cause skin irritation. Consider switching to a fragrance-free detergent.

Keeping up with a simple skincare routine at home is critical—it's all about stopping acne from showing up in the first place.

Stripping Not Advised. Acne can not be stripped or scrubbed away, and doing so will only exacerbate the issue. Think about your pores as a water slide. The water is on, and all the kids are having fun sliding down. Your pores work the same because they naturally eliminate what is inside them when the skin is hydrated and functioning "normally." But when we overuse products that are overly drying and stripping our skin, it's like turning off the water supply to the slide, and kids can't slide down the same way your pores can't eliminate waste.

2. Fabric softeners leave a waxy residue on pillowcases, towels, washcloths, and sheets, which have direct contact with the skin. The residue will clog the pores of acneprone individuals. We suggest anti-static dryer balls vs liquid softeners and dryer sheets. 3. Water softeners can lead to acne due to high levels of Potassium Chloride. Instead, choose a product without Potassium chloride or salt to remove solids from water. 4. Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodine and chlorine, which remain in the water and can cause skin problems for frequent acne-prone swimmers. Tip: After applying a generous amount of sunscreen, apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to acne-prone areas before entering the pool. 5. Sun exposure causes drying and also damages the follicle. Acne clients should limit sun exposure and always wear sunscreen even if it's overcast or raining. 6. Hand lotions contain comedogenic ingredients that can lead to breakouts since people sometimes unknowingly touch their faces while working on a computer and watching TV.

Our bodies automatically know that they need hydration in this situation. However, our bodies can't produce water–it can produce more sebum. So, when we strip the skin, it will produce more sebum, which then causes more sebum retention in the pores, combined with the over-proliferation of skin cells, ultimately worsening the acne. This cycle will persist until you consult a skilled specialist to restore a balance between sebum and water levels in the skin while working towards normalizing the skin barrier.

The Sanctuary Spa actual patient before & after January 2024

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Caring for Acne-Prone Skin Continued...

Food Bandits: Unmasking Culprits. Our skin's health and appearance directly mirror what we consume and nourish our bodies with. Below are the top five dietary foods/supplements that can pose a problem for acne-prone individuals. Some people have a few triggers, while others may have multiple. I suggest journaling which foods you are ingesting and how your skin responds. Journaling will make it easier to reduce the amount of the culprit foods and begin your journey to clearer skin. Nutrition is often the most challenging part of the clearing process for most clients. 1. Iodides: (aka table salt) - The sweat glands excrete excess amounts of iodides, irritating the pores and leading to acne flare-ups. 2. Dairy: Those with acne-prone skin need to significantly reduce their dairy intake, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream, because they are common acne triggers. Dairy presents an iodine component and a hormonal component that poses a problem. 3. Whey protein powder: This is dairy-based and contains a significant amount of casein, which has the potential to trigger persistent inflammation in specific individuals and exacerbate hormonal issues. 4. Soy protein powder: Soy significantly contributes to acne due to two main factors: it contains high levels of dietary iodine and is high in phytoestrogens that trigger hormonal acne. Phytoestrogens mimic our natural estrogen but are much weaker (about 1000 times less potent). They attach to our estrogen receptors, blocking our natural estrogen and causing estrogen dominance because our natural estrogen has nowhere to go. Since

phytoestrogens are weaker than natural estrogen, it allows androgens (like testosterone) to become the dominant hormone, leading to hormonal and cystic acne. 5. Peanut butter: Peanuts have an androgen-like effect on the body. As mentioned earlier, androgen plays a significant role in regulating skin oil production; like iodides, an excess of this hormone can create an imbalance or excess of sebum production. In addition to androgens and iodides, several foods can cause inflammation. Avoid foods high in trans fat, including microwave popcorn, excess sugar, omega-6 oils, and most vegetable oils.

Key Takeaways Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people worldwide. It can be an inherited tendency worsened by several factors, including ingredients that clog pores, hormonal imbalances, dietary choices, and inflammation. While acne is not curable, it can be controlled with a proper skincare regimen and lifestyle changes. Working with a skilled Acne Specialist who can create a customized skincare routine that addresses the root cause of acne is crucial. Additionally, avoiding certain lifestyle habits and dietary foods can help improve acne-prone skin. Consistency is vital when achieving clear skin, so keep up with your skincare routine and communicate openly with your Acne Specialist to ensure the best possible results.

608 W Carolina Ave. Hartsville, SC 29550 (843) 307-4282 the-sanctuary-spa.com

Pictured L to R: Hope Kubicek, Licensed Esthetician; Crystal Crowley, Licensed Esthetician, Owner; and Taylor Byrd, Licensed Esthetician

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

McLeod Vascular Surgeon Dr. Luke Stewart is a skilled physician with vascular surgery fellowship training. Dr. Stewart cares for patients at McLeod Vascular Associates in Florence along with McLeod Vascular Surgeons Dr. Carmen Piccolo, Dr. Eva Rzucidlo and Dr. William Jackson.

Dr. Stewart studies the CT scan of his patient’s aneurysm before going into surgery.

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January 2024 September 2022

ANEURYSMS:

ARE YOU AT RISK? story by Dr. Luke Stewart, McLeod Vascular Surgeon An aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of an artery that is greater than 50 percent of the normal width of the artery.

The endovascular method works when the aneurysm is located far enough from the kidney arteries, which branch off the aorta, so the stent can be securely attached to the aorta. For patients who are not a candidate for the traditional endovascular method of treatment another option is available at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair (FEVAR) is a form of endovascular surgery using a customdesigned graft.

The most common aneurysm, the abdominal aortic aneurysm, is in the aorta, located below the kidney arteries. The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body. It carries blood from the heart, all the way to the organs in the stomach, down to the legs. If an abdominal aortic aneurysm were to rupture, it could potentially cause significant bleeding possibly even leading to death. To prevent rupture, aneurysms are repaired when they reach a certain size. For a female, it is five centimeters and for a male, it’s 5.5 centimeters. Data has shown females have a higher risk of rupture at a slightly smaller diameter, and males at a slightly bigger diameter. Currently, aneurysms cannot be prevented. What causes them to form isn’t exactly known. Atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, is thought to play an important role. The biggest risk factors for aneurysms are smoking and family history. About 75 percent of abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in patients with a history of smoking, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With family history, you are at a higher risk if a first line relative had an aneurysm (mother, father, brother, sister). One of the more common ways to find an aneurysm is during a non-related MRI or CT scan. When this occurs, the patient is then referred to a Vascular Surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. The first step in treatment is to check the size of the aneurysm. If it is below threshold size for repair, a monitoring program is established for the patient to see one of our four Vascular Surgeons at regularly scheduled intervals. If the aneurysm meets the size for repair, then there is a discussion regarding the repair options. The classic option is an open aortic aneurysm repair. This requires an abdominal incision and the sewing in of a graft of appropriate size to replace the aortic aneurysm. Today, our preferred treatment for most patients is a minimally invasive option, the endovascular method. This involves a stent graft, a tube designed to keep the passageway open to allow normal flow of blood. The graft, made of fabric and metal wire to reinforce the weak spot, is sewn inside the aneurysm. Blood flows through the graft and prevents the aneurysm from growing. The endovascular approach has revolutionized the way we treat aneurysms. Previously, with the large abdominal incision required, patients were in the hospital for a prolonged period of time. Now with the endovascular technique, patients go home often the next day, and their recovery period is much quicker.

When an aneurysm is located near an organ such as the kidneys there often isn’t much room for the Vascular Surgeon to attach the graft. FEVAR makes it possible to treat the aortic aneurysm that had been formerly inoperable. To create the custom-designed graft, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the aorta is made. The graft is designed with holes (fenestrations) that correspond to the unique positioning of the arteries in the body that branch off from the aorta to the kidneys, small bowel and liver. Because an aneurysm involves the major blood vessels from the aorta that feed the kidneys, intestines and liver, the stent graft from the traditional method cannot be used as they block the blood flow to the organs. Once the fenestrated endograft is implanted, blood can flow through the diseased area without putting pressure on the aneurysm, and the holes in the graft allow blood flow to continue to the vital organs.

If you are concerned about an abdominal aortic aneurysm, speak with your primary care physician about a referral to McLeod Vascular Associates. January2024 2022 January

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HEALTH & WELLNESS photos by Fred Salley

www.souliftflo.com 843.799.4397 2213 W. Palmetto St.

YOGA

Suite D, Florence, SC

Five Poses and Sequences for Strength, Flexibility, and Mindfulness

with Belinthia Elder, E-RYT 500, Co-Owner SOULIFT Yoga, Pilates and Barre BASIC INSTRUCTIONS 1. From your seat, cross your legs in front of you at the shins. Palms can land gently over your knees. Lengthen your spine on an inhale by lifting the crown of your head to the sky and grounding down through your seat.

Easy Seated Twist Pose

2. Exhale your right hand on the floor behind your right glute and place your left hand to the outside of your right knee as you gently twist to the right. 3. Inhale as you lengthen your spine and exhale as you twist deeper while gazing over your right shoulder. Stay for five breaths. 4. Inhale your head back to center and as you exhale return both palms to your knees with your head stacked over your shoulders and your shoulders stacked over your hips. 5. You can simply repeat on the left side or you can change the cross of your legs before repeating the twist on the opposite side. BENEFITS 1. Seated twists are gentle poses suitable for all levels (avoid twisting if you are pregnant or have a spinal disc injury) 2. Stimulates circulation, rotates the spine while strengthening the muscles of the back, increases our energy levels, aides in the mobility and motility of our digestive system

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January 2024

Reclined Twist: Cat Pulling Tail Variation

BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

BENEFITS

1. From a reclined position, inhale as you hug your left knee towards your chest while extending your right leg towards the top of your yoga mat with the heel on the ground.

1. This is a yin yoga posture, which means it focuses on the deepest tissues of the body, like our ligaments, joints, and bones (avoid this posture if you are pregnant, have osteoporosis or spinal disc injury). Yin yoga poses offer effective emotional and mental health benefits through deep relaxation for both the mind and the body.

2. Exhale the left knee across the body to the right. 3. Option to stay here using your right arm to anchor down the left thigh OR to deepen the twist, bend the right leg so that the right heel moves towards your glutes while you reach your left arm to the left in a letter T shape or a field goal shape. 4. Inhale as you broaden through your collar bones and exhale as you ground down through the back of the left shoulder blade. Option to keep your gaze turned slightly to the right (photo 1) OR if the neck is happy, try taking your gaze over the left shoulder as you reach your left arm to grab for the right foot (photo 2). 5. Stay here for 2-5 minutes; then inhale your head to neutral as you exhale and gracefully release the arms. An inhale brings both knees back to the chest. Repeat on the other side.

2. Reclined twists like this Cat Pulling Tail Variation offer the upper body support and stability because you are grounding down through the backs of your shoulders, therefore allowing the twisting action to occur in the lower spine. Twists help to release any tension in the spine.

Twisted Standing Crescent Pose BASIC INSTRUCTIONS 1. Start in downward facing dog or table top. Inhale your right foot between your hands as you exhale the left knee to the mat. 2. Inhale reach your right hand towards the sky, stacking your right thumb over the mouth and exhale ground down through the left palm. BENEFITS

3. Option to stay here or inhale tuck the back toes and lift the back knee. Stay for 5 breaths hugging the right thigh towards the midline of the body and sending your gaze towards the outstretched arm. 4. An exhale brings the right arm to the mat to frame the right foot with both hands. Inhale to a full plank position and exhale back to down dog or table top. Repeat on the left side.

1. Standing twists can improve your balance and one-pointed focus. 2. This posture stretches the hips while strengthening the spine and shoulders. 3. Poses like twisted standing crescent pose can stimulate our internal organs, thus supporting our metabolism. January 2024

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Continued... BASIC INSTRUCTIONS 1. Begin reclined on your spine. Inhale and hug your knees to your chest. 2. Exhale your palms beside your hips as you ground your low back and sacrum into the mat. 3. Inhale and lift the legs towards the ceiling so that your joints are stacked: ankles over knees, knees over hips.

4. Stay here for 5-10 breaths OR practice with your legs extended and supported against a wall and stay for up to 20 minutes. 5. Option to place a yoga block or blanket under the sacrum (flat space above the glutes) while in this posture to offer support for your pelvis. 6. Exhale your feet to the mat to come out of the posture and allow yourself to get grounded by pausing with knees bent for a few breaths.

BENEFITS 1. This reclined, restorative yoga posture improves your lymphatic drainage, activates the relaxation response of the nervous system and aids in the regulation of your blood pressure.

Waterfall Pose

2. Waterfall and legs up the wall pose can reduce swelling in the legs, feet, ankles. 3. This posture is beneficial and gentle for most bodies (using a bolster and two blocks to create a recliner for behind the spine is suggested if you are pregnant or if you have glaucoma).

2 BASIC INSTRUCTIONS 1. Start in table top pose with your hands under your shoulders and your knees, which should be hip distance, under your hips. Make sure your knees are happy–you can try placing a blanket or the rolled top edge of your yoga mat under your knees if your knees need a little more cushion and support.

2. Inhale to find a kneeling position with your shoulders stacked over your hips and your hips stacked over your knees.

Camel Pose

3. Exhale to place your hands on your low back with fingers pointing down as if you are putting your hands in jean pockets. 4. Inhale to squeeze your shoulders and elbows towards each other and pull your chin closer towards your chest. 5. Exhale to press your active and engaged thighs towards the top of your mat. 6. Inhale to lift your sternum towards the ceiling. Stay

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here for 5 breaths in Baby Camel Pose (picture 1) OR move into Camel Pose by exhaling your hands to your heels (picture 2). 7. To come out of the posture, inhale to restack the head over your shoulders and shoulders over your hips as you exhale your glutes to your heels. Stay seated for a few breaths with your glutes to your heels or find a child's pose by allowing the big toes to touch, move the knees to the outer edges of your mat and extend the arms forward as you surrender the forehead towards the mat. BENEFITS 1. Camel pose is a chest opener that can improve your posture and offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting. 2. Backbend poses like Camel pose can strengthen your back muscles, which can help to possibly reduce back pain. 3. Chest openers can stretch the abdominal muscles, hip flexors and quads.

January 2024

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center WELCOMES NEW PHYSICIANS

Dr. Barry Bodie

Dr. Curtis Worthington

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Dr. Iva Smolens

Dr. Bonnie DePaso

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center is happy to announce the arrival of Dr. Iva Smolens, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Barry Bodie, Urologist, Dr. Bonnie DePaso, OB/GYN, and Dr. Curtis Worthington, Neurosurgeon, to the division. MUSC Health - Cardiovascular Surgery would like to welcome Iva Smolens, MD,. She has been a board-certified, fellowship-trained thoracic surgeon for more than 20 years and specializes in adult cardiac and thoracic surgery. Dr. Smolens performs coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), aortic, mitral, and tricuspid heart valve replacement, pericardial procedures, and other thoracoscopic pulmonary procedures. To schedule an appointment, please call (843) 676-2760. MUSC Health – Urology would like to welcome Barry Bodie, MD.. He is a urologist with a wealth of experience in both academic and clinical urology. He is board-certified in Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Bodie’s clinical interests include urinary stone disease, female urology, and the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of prostate cancer. He is also a strong proponent of the Men’s Health movement and a dedicated clinical researcher. To make an appointment, please call (843) 673-7525. MUSC Women’s Health – Florence Women’s Pavilion would like to welcome Bonnie DePaso, MD. She received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. DePaso has extensive experience in providing gynecologic care for women of all ages as well as managing the spectrum of low to high-risk pregnancies. In addition, she is fully trained in robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery, infertility, and preventative care. To make an appointment, please call (843) 665-9581. MUSC Health – Neurosurgery Florence would like to welcome Curtis Worthington, MD. He is board-certified in Neurological Surgery and has been in Neurosurgical practice for more than 30 years. He has a special interest in degenerative spine disease and in Neuro-Oncology (brain tumors). His experience in the field of Stereotactic Radiosurgery is certainly one of the most extensive in the state of South Carolina. Dr. Worthington specializes in neck and back pain, micro and minimally invasive surgery, brain tumors, sciatica, lumbar nerve pain, and trigeminal neuralgia. To make an appointment, please call (843) 413-6835.

January 2024

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BUSINESS

THE FAREWELL TOUR OF AMERICA’S GUEST story by Mark W. Buyck, III

Mark posing at the Lafayette historic landmark in Georgetown

In March 1824 an invitation arrived at LaGrange inviting the Marquis de Lafayette to America. James Monroe, the last United States President who was a Revolutionary War veteran, was in his last full year as President. Lafayette was the only living General who had served on the Patriot side. President Monroe hoped Lafayette would instill the spirit of 1776 in the next generation of Americans and celebrate the nation’s 50th birthday. On August 15, 1824, Lafayette, accompanied by his son George Washington Lafayette, arrived at Staten Island. The next day, 50,000 people lined Broadway for a triumphant parade. It had been nearly 40 years since his last visit to America and the country’s ardor for this Revolutionary War hero had not waned. Lafayette visited President Jefferson at Monticello. President Monroe entertained him at the White House. With his son, he visited George Washington’s tomb at Mt. Vernon. He traveled to Yorktown and spent 8 days there and in Williamsburg and Jamestown. He dined with Chief Justice John Marshall and Secretary of War, John C. Calhoun at the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg. He then returned to Washington to address a joint session of Congress. During his 13-month trip, he visited all the existing 24 states. He referred to himself as a “ghost from 26

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another world” whose trip “contributed to tightening the union between the states and to soften political parties.” The country was politically divided more than at any time in its history. The two leading candidates for President that year were John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. South Carolina’s John C. Calhoun announced as a candidate; however, he later declared himself a candidate for Vice President and won handily. Jackson won the overall popular vote by a fairly comfortable margin; however, he did not receive a majority of the popular or electoral vote. The election was decided in the House of Representatives where Adams carried 13 states to only 7 for Jackson. Jackson felt that the election had been stolen from him and the will of the people had been ignored. Many of his supporters agreed. Jackson and his supporters accused Adams and Henry Clay, the Speaker of the House, of entering into a “corrupt bargain” to prevent Jackson’s election. Lafayette stayed out of the political fray and instead engendered feelings of goodwill and comity. After spending the fall and winter of 1824-25 in New England and the Atlantic states, Lafayette and his entourage headed south. On March 4, 1825, Lafayette arrived in the small town of Fayetteville, N.C. In 1783, in gratitude of Lafayette’s contributions to winning the Revolutionary War, the citizens of

Campbellton changed the name of their town to Fayetteville. This was the first of many American towns to do so. There are towns or cities named Fayetteville in 8 states, Lafayette in 10, as well as LaGrange, N.C. and Georgia. On March 6, Lafayette reached Cheraw at 11 p.m. He spent the night at the Lafayette House where he may or may not have danced on the roof. On March 7th he spent the night at Lorick Young’s Plantation near Bethune. On March 8th, he arrived in Camden and was entertained at a ball held at the Camden Hotel. At noon the next day he laid the cornerstone of the Baron DeKalb monument at the Bethesda Presbyterian Church where it stands today. On March 10, he was in Columbia visiting the campus of South Carolina College. He attended an address by Governor Manning at the State House and stayed at the home of Issac Randolph on Gervais street. On March 11 there was a ball at the State House in his honor. Lafayette’s belief in “liberty” was universal. He was sometimes referred to as the “liberty man”. It was reported that slaves were so inspired that they “flocked in numbers to get a glimpse of Lafayette.” During a private reception in Columbia, an elderly slave arrived at the private home on a mule he had ridden from Winnsboro. He managed to push his way into the party and approached the General. When asked if he knew the man, Lafayette replied, “Yes, he is Pompey who waited on me the first day I arrived in this country in 1777.” The two of them shared a glass of champagne. On March 13, he spent the night at the Elms, Mr. Izards’ Plantation which is currently on the campus of Charleston Southern University. The next day he arrived in Charleston for 3 days of parades, balls, dinners, and evening entertainment. Events included a reception at St. Andrews Hall where he received the city’s judges and members of the bar, evening fireworks at the Orphan House, and a ball at the New Theatre.

He spent a day at St. Andrew’s Hall receiving students and faculty of the Philosophical and Classical Seminary with Roman Catholic Bishop John England. While in Charleston he met with Francis Kinloch Huger, the son of Benjamin Huger, whose Georgetown home he stayed his first night in America. Lafayette arrived in Beaufort, South Carolina on March 18th and was greeted with a 13-gun salute. He was in Savannah on March 19th and continued his tour through the Deep South to the Midwest and eventually back to New England. On September 6, 1925, Lafayette arrived in Washington, DC. He once again addressed a joint session of Congress and celebrated his 68th birthday with a final banquet hosted by President Adams at the White House. Out of gratitude for his 16-month tour, President Adams insisted that an American warship return him to France. Adams renamed the recently built 44-gun frigate from Susquehanna to Brandywine. Brandywine was the Revolutionary War battle in which Lafayette had been wounded fighting on behalf of the American colonists. America’s Guest was returning from America for the final time.

248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys January 2024

Mark W. Buyck, III VIPMagSC.com

JANUARY 2024

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

4 Business After Hours Downtown Lake City

New Year's Day

Monster Jam Florence Center

Happy Mew Year from Cats Day

Apricot Day

Bubble Bath Day

January 14-20 Help 4 Kid's Vienna Sausage Food Drive begins

Martin Luther King Day

The Hannah Skipper Foundation's Food Drive begins January 15-26 Pop-top Chef Boyardee cans, Pop-Tarts and Vienna Sausage can be dropped off at the Savvy/VIP office

Trivia (every Wed.) Green Frog Social, Lake City

Houseplant Appreciation Day

17The State Ballet Theatre of

Artful Expression Group for Cancer Patients and Caregivers Meet (3rd Tuesday of the Month) Florence County Museum

Open Mic Night (every Thursday), Lula’s Coffee Co.- Southside Location, Florence 7p

ArtFields Jr. Art Explorers ArtFields office, Lake City

Ukraine presents “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” FMU PAC, Florence

Financial Education to Financial Independence Florence County Public Library

Grief Share (every Thursday), Compassion Church, Florence

25 Cooks For Christ Benefit, West Florence Fire Dept Rumors: Fleetwood Mac Tribute FMU PAC, Florence

Reformers Unanimous Program Every Friday pm & Sunday am Florence Baptist Temple

Open House Trinity Collegiate School, Darlington

Grandpa Day

Compliment Day

Pie Day

Open House Highland Park Kindergarten, Florence McNair Candlelight Vigil Ronald E. McNair Memorial, Lake City

Puzzle Day

Croissant Day

Hot Chocolate Day

Don't forget to submit info on your upcoming community event to share with our readers! email: heather@vipmagsc.com

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January 2024

LOCAL EVENT CALENDAR + NATIONAL DAYS! Saturday

Friday

Monster Jam, Florence Center HMRA Farmers Market Main St., Marion Bluegrass Music Concert Grand Old Post Office, Darlington

Bird Day

January 12-13 2024 Marriage Conference, Good Shepherd Pres. Church, Florence

Hot Chocolate 5k Darlington Downtown Darlington

January 19-27 Ain't Misbehavin' The Fats Waller Musical Florence Little Theatre

South Carolina Women in Agriculture Conference Pee Dee Research Center, Florence

Florence Cars and Coffee Highland Park United Methodist Church, Florence 2024 Mug Club Release, Local Motive Brewing, Florence 12p

HMRA Farmers Market Main St., Marion

Peanut Brittle Day

Chocolate Cake Day

City-Center Farmers Market, Downtown Florence Saturdays, 9a-1p

January 2024

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BUSINESS: EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

photo by Anna Kathryn Strom

Anna Todd Vice President of University Communications

I love that I am able to help foster an atmosphere that shows the value of a Francis Marion University education as well as illustrates the intangible assets students receive by attending the university. FMU is truly a special place. I experienced that first-hand as a student many years ago as I had professors who poured into me, mentored me, and gave me opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience. I get to experience that same special feeling at work each day and hear about it countless times from the students and alumni I meet.

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January 2024

When did you start working at Francis Marion University? "I began my career at FMU in 2012. My first position was in my current office as director of marketing and public relations. Since then, I’ve worked in admissions and as director of dual enrollment before moving into my current role." What are your responsibilities? "My office is responsible for all the marketing, advertising, and communications for the university in general as well as the Performing Arts Center. We do everything from commercials to billboards, digital marketing, print publications, social media, the website, and everything in between." What do you love most about this job? "I absolutely love what I do. I work with an incredible team of people each day who just make work fun. I love that I am exposed to so many different things within a given day; it’s certainly not ever boring. Besides the people at the university, it’s extremely fulfilling for me to be able to continually learn new things about our programs, exciting opportunities available for our current students, and the accomplishments of our 25,000 alumni, and get to have a part in telling those stories to our prospective students, community, and alumni base." What are some of your favorite things about Francis Marion University? "Francis Marion is a family. In reality, I’ve spent more than half my life at the university. I’m a two-time alum with an undergraduate degree in Marketing as well as an MBA. Besides the education I received here, I’ve also formed many strong bonds with my colleagues. Knowing I get to go to work every day and share the FMU story is especially gratifying."

www.fmarion.edu | (843) 661-1362

January 2024

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BUSINESS story by Natalie Johnson

Sara Margaret Morris Jacob Porter

Hannah Patterson

Jacob Porter, owner of W. Palmetto Nutrition

in Florence, is a born entrepreneur. When he was just 20 years old, he opened his first location in Knoxville, Tennessee. He later moved to Savannah, Georgia where he established a second location. After a friend asked for help opening a location in Gaffney, South Carolina, Jacob realized the need for a nutritional beverage shop in many other towns in South Carolina. After much prayer and a lot of research, he was led to Florence. At the age of 17, Jacob began working with his mom at a nutritional store in his hometown of Brookhaven, Mississippi. “I have loved it since day one,” he exclaims. Through his mom, he learned how to treat customers and manage a successful business. “We still work well together and attend educational seminars to keep up with our business’ best practices.” W. Palmetto Nutrition is famous for its mealreplacement shakes and loaded teas. Some customer favorites are the Captain America Loaded Tea which contains strawberry and blue blast flavors, and the Banana Pudding Shake which tastes just like the dessert! The meal replacement shakes have 250 calories, ten to 14 grams of sugar, nine to 16 net carbohydrates, 21 vitamins and minerals, and 24 grams of plant32

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based protein. Not only delicious but nutritious and will curb your hunger for hours. In addition to drinks on demand, W. Palmetto Nutrition offers loaded tea to-go packets. If you aren’t able to make it by their shop every day, you can make their products in the comfort of your own home. Each loaded tea has 200 milligrams of caffeine with zero sugar, low calories and net carbohydrates, and helps boost your metabolism. Loaded teas are a great replacement for that morning cup of coffee. When asked about the importance of nutritional drinks, Jacob says, “Life is busy and stressful for everybody. I enjoy being able to provide delicious and healthy meal options to my customers. Our sign on the building says we offer ‘Fast Food for Healthy People.’ That’s a win-win for everybody!” Jacob’s customers are special to him. “My business motto is friendship first,” he says. “It’s important to me to remember our customers' names and know their favorite drinks…even when they forget! I want every visit to W. Palmetto Nutrition to be a pleasant experience.”

Dixie

es k a h S y h t l a e H Loaded Teas &

His employees agree. Sara Margaret Morris, a Florence native and South Florence High School graduate who is on her way to becoming an esthetician, enjoys watching customers’ faces light up as they take that first sip. Hannah Patterson, a senior at West Florence High School, says her favorite moment is seeing a repeat customer come through the door. If you’re lucky, you’ll not only get a delicious beverage and outstanding customer service while visiting W. Palmetto Nutrition. The store’s mascot, Dixie, a friendly chocolate Labrador, can often be found greeting customers. W. Palmetto Nutrition serves your favorite mealreplacement shakes, specialty drinks, loaded teas, and protein coffees six days a week. While their menu stays relatively the same, you can also find special monthly treats. Make sure to follow W. Palmetto Nutrition on social media to learn more about their upcoming specials and promotions!

291 W. Palmetto Street, Florence 865.771.8007 | Follow us on Facebook & Instagram! January 2024

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HOME BUSINESS photos by A. Grafing Photography

Once upon a time, in a faraway land…

Holly Watkins’

There grew the magic of children's books. Written to contribute to the growth and development of children’s social and emotional strength, Holly takes her educational and life experiences to help children establish important character traits. Vip had the opportunity to learn more about Holly’s passion for helping children, both in the classroom and on paper. Read along to travel through the imaginative pages of Holly’s writing.

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The Woman Behind The Monsters Author & Illustrator

Holly Watkins

Q: Tell us about your life outside of being an author. A: I live in Hartsville, South Carolina, with my husband, Daniel, daughter, Ellis, and mini Australian Shepherd, Gidget. Currently, I work for the Darlington County School District as an Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist.

Q: When did you decide to write a book? A: My father was an incredibly creative and

imaginative man. Growing up, he was always writing stories, and he had a way of painting wings on things that he knew should fly. He made everything more magical. As I grew older, he and I always talked about doing children’s books together. He had, no joke, hundreds, if not thousands, of notebooks full of kid's stories, poems, ideas for adult books, and so much more. When he passed away in August of 2022, I knew that I wanted to carry out our dream together. It was a way of expressing creativity for me, but even more so, it is a way of passing down a legacy of storytelling.

Q: What was the first book you had published? A: The Monster Who Lied in March of 2023.

This book is a wonderful tool to open a nonjudgmental conversation with your little one on telling the truth and creating new, life-enriching, behaviors. In my line of work, and especially as a mom, I’ve found that I can tell a child to do the right thing all day long - but few things are as effective at helping humans understand the bigger picture of a situation than meaningful storytelling. I wanted to write stories that stuck with kids and helped them through situations that they were dealing with in real life.

Q: Who illustrates your books and why did you choose monsters to be the characters?

A: I do! My previous background is graphic

design, so this is one of my favorite parts of the creative process. Monsters are perfect because they are two sides of the same coin, much like the rest of us. They can be scary and cause destruction, while at the same time, they can be silly and lovable. At the end of the day, if we can find something good in a monster, we can probably find something good in ourselves, and that is a wonderful thing for a child to realize.

Q: What is your goal as an author? A: My goal is to make children and adults feel

seen. I hope that the reader can peer into a story and see a glimmer of themselves in the mirror. I want readers to know that they aren’t alone and that things, no matter how bleak, really can get better. I want them to know that hope and joy is waiting around the corner.

Q: What can you tell us about future projects? A: I am working on a children’s book about a

quirky man (based on my father) who sees the world in an unusual, but beautiful way. My dad’s name was Jim, but he loved old Alfred Hitchcock movies, so my main character's name is Alfred. What Alfred Sees will hopefully be coming out soon…but I’m not rushing it, because this is truly a passion project and I’ve poured myself into this work more than anything else I’ve done up to this point. I will be thrilled to share it with everyone soon!

more info: www.hollywatkinsauthor.com to purchase: search Holly Watkins at Amazon or visit Down South Sugar Co., 207 N. Fifth St, Hartsville

Deceember 2023

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BUSINESS

Scan to order!

Coming Full Circle Recognized for its multitude of popular antique shops and locally owned boutiques, Marion, South Carolina, was missing only one thing… a pizza restaurant. Thankfully, pizza lovers Chelsey Gasque and her husband Josh decided to help downtown Marion come full circle with the opening of Leo’s Pizza in July of 2023. Leo’s Pizza offers not only tasty and unique pizza options but also an assortment of appetizers including their crowd-pleasing chicken wings!

handcrafted pizzas with a variety of options

Chelsey was born and raised in Mullins, South Carolina, and spent most of her career in the finance industry working for a local credit union. Josh, a Marion High School graduate, has spent the last 16-plus years in law enforcement. While they fancy themselves good cooks, opening a restaurant was an unrealized dream. “This isn’t only my first restaurant venture, it’s also my first time owning and operating a business,” explains Chelsey. “I worked in the restaurant business as a server and in the kitchen as a teenager, but not as an adult. My experience coming in was limited but I quickly learned and adapted to the demanding industry.” “I knew I wanted to be in the historic downtown Marion area because of all of the recent growth there and also because the Historic Marion Revitalization Association (HMRA) was offering opportunities to help existing businesses and new businesses,” says Chelsey. “When we started looking for a space, options were limited due to all the new businesses coming to town. That was great for Marion, but we wondered if we would find a space that fit our vision for Leo’s. However, things happen when you least expect it!” When Leo’s current location became available, Chelsey and Josh believed it was a sign! “The Gasques on Tom Gasque Avenue!” They knew it was the perfect spot at first sight.

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The Gasques had many ideas of what they would serve and where and how they would do it. “I felt in my heart that now was the time to leap into the unknown,” Chelsey says. “I immediately knew that I wanted to name it Leo’s!

"We still believe our creative take on delicious pizzas is what initially lures in customers but it's also the fun-loving atmosphere that has many coming back for more."

-Josh and Chelsey

Leo has great meaning to me. I am a Leo (astrologically), my husband is a LEO (law enforcement officer), and lastly, my baby doggie is named Leo. I shared the idea with close friends and family, and they loved it. Before I knew it, I was touring a property and ordering supplies to open Leo’s.” Coming from a customer service background, Chelsey cared greatly about offering top-tier service at Leo’s as well. “I care deeply about the experience our customers have at Leo’s. I want them to be able to hang out, enjoy the weather on our outdoor dining space on nice days, and have incredible food. I also wanted to offer things at Leo’s that people could not experience anywhere else in Marion. This is why we offer pesto-based pizza, draft beer, and a large variety of craft beer options. Leo’s Pizza also has live music frequently so customers can have fun, relax, and enjoy themselves right here in Marion!” Each pizza at Leo's is named after some of the most well-known streets in Marion. The Withlacoochee, a meat lovers' pizza, and the BG Parkway, Leo’s version of a supreme pizza, are two customer favorites. “Although our menu is mainly made up of pizza, we also sell wings, which has turned out to be incredibly popular,” says Josh. “Additionally, we offer appetizers that include veggies and hummus or tzatziki, cheddar bacon ranch tater tots, which we call CBR Tots, and chips and Corn Pico de Gallo." Eventually, Leo’s Pizza will offer dessert pizzas, but right now, those are limited to their catering menu. Chelsey and Josh have expanded their original concept of Leo's Pizza to be more appealing to customers. They still believe that their creative take on delicious pizzas is what initially lures in customers but it's also the fun-loving atmosphere that has many coming back for more.

Upcoming Music Events: CAMPBELL BRIDGEMAN on March 30th and May 11th JUSTIN ODOM on April 13th and May 25th Follow Leo's Pizza on Facebook for more! 508 N Tom Gasque Avenue, Marion | (843) 765-3454

January 2024

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LIFESTYLE

Winter Sports Heating Up While the colder weather keeps us indoors more this time of year, there is still plenty of action going on across Florence 1 Schools as winter sports heat up. The men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling seasons have started strong all across the district. Wrestling is in its third year as a sport in the district’s high schools and it is already making quite an impact. For the first time, South Carolina has recognized women’s wrestling as a sanctioned sport, which means that if there is enough interest the high schools can field separate men's and women’s teams instead of a co-ed one. South Florence Athletic Director Cody Slaughter said that his wrestling coach began recruiting more female wrestlers as soon as they got the news. “We had a handful of girls that participated when women’s wrestling was not a sanctioned sport so when we had the opportunity to start a girl's program, Coach Montgomery really picked up the recruiting,” Slaughter said. “We are one of the few schools in the state who have enough wrestlers to have a boys and girls team rather than a co-ed team. We are fortunate that even the girls are interested in being a part of wrestling over here and everything keeps growing.” Slaughter said that South Florence has around 20 female wrestlers now. “A lot of girls who participated in other sports needed something to do in the winter, to help prepare for soccer or stay in shape for volleyball or get more 38

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explosive for cross country, that kind of thing,” Slaughter said. “This gives them an opportunity to get better at what they do, for sure.” West Florence Athletic Director Greg Johnson said that he is proud of the growth in his school’s winter sports as well. “It has been fun to watch a program develop,” Johnson said. “Wrestling is a sport where it takes a long time to get any good whatsoever. We’ve got some guys in their third year now and they have become good wrestlers and wrestlers who really know what they’re doing. Coach Cummings has blossomed and he’s turned into a really good wrestling coach. He’s taken it from the ground and turned it into a respectable program.” Johnson said that his basketball teams are building again after graduating several senior players last school year.

McQueen said that he is proud of the growth in his wrestling program, both in size and skills. This season there are around 27 wrestlers, with six girls, just shy of the seven needed for a team. “We’re just continuing to grow each year,” McQueen said. “Right now we are winning matches so that is always a positive sign. I think if we can continue to build the football program our wrestling program will grow too because a majority of your wrestlers are football players. One thing we have done as a district is get all three high schools together. The kids have practice scrimmages and the coaches get together and they get to talk to all of the kids, not just their own. We’re excited about that.”

“We had some talent that finally graduated last year,” Johnson said. “On our boy’s basketball team, though, we’ve got two really exciting freshmen. One of them actually made the all-tournament team for the Turkey Shootout and averaged 20 points.” In the Tigers den, Wilson Athletic Director Derrick Mcqueen said that his basketball teams are both strong this season but that he and his coaches continue to take it one day at a time, encouraging his athletes to make their time count on the court and in the classroom. “We have a good returning core group of kids from last year, with boys and girls basketball,” McQueen said. “We had one group get to the first round of playoffs and the other got to the third round last year. Given that, we do have high expectations that the kids could go further than we did last year but our motto right now is 'One Game At A Time.' We’re making sure that we do what we need to in the classroom and, hopefully, those positive behaviors will lead to the basketball court.”

Find more about Florence 1 Athletics, including links to schedules and tickets for winter sporting events, at www.f1s.org/athletics.

January 2024

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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

Pour Decisions:

Unveiling the Sip-Worthy Wine Trends of 2024

Get ready to raise your glasses and toast to the future because the world of wine is undergoing a delightful transformation in 2024. From the bold and vibrant orange wines to the guilt-free joy of non-alcoholic alternatives, this year's trends are popping, fizzing, and pouring with excitement.

Orange Wine Move over reds and whites, because orange wine is here to steal the spotlight. No, it's not made from oranges, but it's the result of white grapes spending quality time with their skins. This process creates a mesmerizing amber hue and a flavor profile that's as adventurous as your taste buds dare to be. 2024 is all about embracing the bold and unexpected, and orange wine is leading the charge.

Non-Alcoholic Wines Who says wine can't be enjoyed without the buzz? Non-alcoholic wines are having a moment, and they're not holding back on flavor. Whether you're the designated driver or just want a break from the alcohol routine, these wines are crafted to tantalize your taste buds without the need for a breathalyzer.

Regenerative Viticulture Wine is getting a green makeover in 2024 with the rise of regenerative viticulture. Winemakers are swapping pesticides for eco-friendly alternatives, nurturing the soil, and promoting biodiversity. It's a sip of wine with a side of environmental advocacy, proving that you can save the planet one glass at a time.

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In conclusion, the wine trends of 2024 are all about breaking norms, embracing diversity, and savoring the unexpected. Whether you're diving into the world of orange, enjoying the pink perfection of rosé, or discovering the crisp charm of Vinho Verde, this year's wine journey promises to be a sip-worthy adventure. So, grab your corkscrew and get ready to uncork the fun.

Rosé Still Booming Rosé isn't just a color; it's a lifestyle, and 2024 is embracing the pink revolution. From pale ballet slipper hues to bold raspberry shades, rosé is still the go-to for any occasion. Whether you're picnicking in the park or raising a glass at a rooftop party, the versatility of rosé continues to reign supreme.

The Rise of Vinho Verde Portuguese Perfection, Portugal's Vinho Verde is stepping into the limelight in 2024, offering a refreshing twist to the wine scene. Crisp, light, and slightly effervescent, this white wine is the perfect companion for warm days and lively gatherings. Get ready to expand your palate and explore the green wines that are making waves from the vineyards of Portugal to your favorite neighborhood wine bar.

Alternatives to Champange Champagne, move over – there's a new bubbly in town! 2024 is all about exploring alternatives that tickle your taste buds in unexpected ways. From sparkling wines hailing from unconventional regions to unique grape blends, the world of bubbly is expanding, inviting you to pop, fizz, and clink your way through a sparkling adventure. Bryan Holt is the owner of Cru Wine & Tap located in Downtown Florence, SC. He was the wine buyer at Micky Finn’s for over 20 years.

January 2024

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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

celebrate

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day January 31, 2024

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July 20232024 January

"There would be no art without the artist." story by Cynthia Ford In the break of a new year, now is the perfect time to be inspired by something to help bring forth greater understanding and new paths. On January 31st, we celebrate “Inspire Your Heart with Art Day”. Artists take pride in their work and attempt to convey a message in their presentation. This year, keep your hearts open to various forms of art around the world. Before we could take our first step, we learned to move to the rhythm of a beat. Before we could write in whole paragraphs, we scribed our perspective of letters. Before we engaged in an entire conversation, we learned the cultural foundations of nonverbal expression and the art of mimicking. Before the artist crafted their first masterpiece, they presented imperfect pieces of hope. Art is an ever-evolving complexity in nature. Art can be observed everywhere and resonates differently depending on the beholder. A blooming rose may have a more profound depiction for visual artists. The graphic artist considers the multiple layers and folds to be the deepest delicate places within the rose. The artist finds the soft yet stern textures woven together in the radiant colors that initially entice the human eyes. When one ponders the realms of art, most of the time, the automatic reference is the visual arts discipline. As we recognize the significant impact of visual art, explore the additional forms of art that are prevalent. The noted disciples consist of painting, architecture, sculpture, literature, music, performing arts, and cinema. Some sources group the arts into categories: visual (drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, and filmmaking), Literary (poetry, prose, and drama), and performing (dance, music, and theatre). We have countless artists, famous and unsung, who have graced the Earth and left an imprint on art. Many have recognized art’s importance and established avenues to keep it going. As a whole, the arts could benefit from a true art revival. Reviving art not only highlights the genius works of previous artists but also honors present and future artists. Renowned artists such as Michelangelo designed timeless sculptures and paintings paved the way for others to come. Consider the hours of precision it took for Michelangelo to craft masterpieces in the ceilings of cathedrals. Consider the art of the well-known Leonardo da Vinci, whose paintings, The Last Supper and Monda Lisa, are still being viewed worldwide today. These artists used their gifts to inspire others, and their names and work continue to outlive them.

The next time you experience a work of art, take a deeper look at it. The artist consistently crafts with unique details in mind. The dancer moves with perfect timing. The orator uses the ideal tone and timing in their performance. The painter layers and blends colors to mirror what they see. The architecture intentionally merges basic shapes into complex structures. Take a deeper look. Listen a little closer. The artist is saying more than you realize on the surface. Now is the perfect time to attend events featuring art in your community. You may also visit a location that highlights the arts, such as an art museum. You may even discover an area of art that resonates with you, discovering the artist within yourself. If you do, practice and perfect that craft. There are several artists that are within your reach. Connect with a local artist. Ask questions about their work or share your appreciation for their gift and what they offer to the world. One resource that lists artists throughout the state is the South Carolina Arts Commission. The Commission provides a director of artists throughout the state who have been selected to serve as Artist in Residence. As we move towards a total art revival, we can all be a part of the process. Explore your local arts commission. Encourage others to participate in art tours. Encourage artists to facilitate workshops. We cannot imagine a world without art. There would be no art without the artist. July 2023 2024VIPMagSC.com January VIPMagSC.com

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LIFESTYLE

Click the link to donate!

Childhood Hunger in Florence County How can your organization help?

Greetings and Happy New Year from the Help 4 Kids Florence Board members and volunteers. As you may know, H4KF is an all-volunteer organization totally dependent on the generosity of the Florence community and dedicated to filling the weekend hunger gap of food-insecure school children in Florence County. It all began ten years ago with four volunteers, a $5,000 donation, and donated warehouse space. In April 2013, 193 brown bags of food stamped in purple ink with You are Loved were delivered to five Florence District One schools. We had no idea what God had in store for us. By September 2015, H4KF was providing the bags to 2,400 children in all five Florence County school districts. One grateful child wrote, “Thank you for my brown bag. I am so thankful. I am joyful for my brown bag. Thank you for the grits, oatmeal, sausages, and noodles. I am thankful I have food to eat when my mother is at

work.” A teacher expressed her gratitude by writing, “I am so thankful for the brown bags delivered to my food insecure students each week. I am grateful there is no cost or conditions for receiving the bags as they are so badly needed.” It is statements like these that tell us that the bags are still needed and appreciated. The bags are packed each week by volunteers from churches, schools, or other community groups, stamped with the You are Loved stamp, and blessed with a prayer. One group from a school whose mission is to train students to serve the Lord and their community wrote that: “H4KF is our favorite place to serve. We know the bags we pack are a blessing to us and the children who receive them. The integrity of H4KF’s mission is something we can trust”. Who knew the H4KF would have such an impact on our volunteers? But now we face a challenge, and we need your help. Food costs are rising dramatically. In 2013, our bag of food cost $2.90. In 2017, it had risen to $4.30. Now, with food articles doubling and sometimes tripling in cost, our bags currently run between $6-7 a bag. So, how can your organization help? A staple packed in each bag is two cans of Vienna sausage. It would be amazingly helpful if your organization could collect cans of Vienna sausage through a food drive or other means and donate them to H4KF. This would be a productive way to support hungry children and keep the You are Loved bags flowing.

For more info, visit www.helpforkidsflorence.org

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January 2024

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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March 2022 January 2024

NATIONAL SPAGHETTI DAY

January 4th

January 2024

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The History of Pasta ITALY • GERMANY • GREECE • POLAND • AMERICA story by Doug Smith Pasta is one of the world’s most accessible foods. Nearly every country has a unique version of this popular, inexpensive staple. In Germany and Hungary, they have spaetzle. In Greece, orzo. In Poland, they have pocket-like pierogi. Jewish families make kreplach dumplings and in America, pasta is prepared and served as it would be in Italy. In fact, when many of us think of pasta we think of Italian food, and most people believe that it originated there. While pasta is traditionally Italian, it has a very ancient history that makes it almost impossible to know who came up with the dish first.

of Marco Polo,” there is a passage that briefly mentions his introduction to a plant that produced flour. The Chinese used this plant to create a meal similar to barley flour. The barley-like meal Polo mentioned was used to make several pasta-like dishes, including one described as lasagna. Since Polo’s original text no longer exists, the book relies heavily on retellings by various authors and experts. This, combined with the fact that pasta was already gaining popularity in other areas of Italy during the 13th century, makes it very unlikely that Marco Polo was the first to introduce pasta to Italy.

The history of pasta is difficult to trace for several reasons. The word pasta itself is Italian. This is a reference to the dough, made from a combination of flour and water or eggs – all simple components that have been around for centuries. This makes it hard to differentiate pasta from other ancient dishes made from the same ingredients. In addition, since pasta has long been a food of the common people, it has not received as much attention as more extravagant foods. What a shame, it’s one of the most popular foods on the planet!

Pasta is, for all intents and purposes, a comfort food. One of its most comforting qualities is how little it has changed over the centuries. It is still made with the same essential ingredients and preparations that it has been since antiquity. When we eat pasta, we can be assured our ancestors and our ancestors’ ancestors ate something similar. Pasta, with its long, multicultural history, is a culinary connection to our past.

When we talk about pasta, we must first define the term. The word pasta is generally used to describe traditional Italian noodles, which differentiates it from other types of noodles around the world. Pasta is made from unleavened dough consisting of ground durum wheat and water or eggs. The use of durum wheat sets pasta apart from other forms of noodles. Durum wheat’s high gluten content and low moisture make it perfectly suited to pasta production. The durum wheat dough is pressed into sheets, cut into a variety of shapes, and cooked before serving. While we do think of pasta as a culturally Italian food, it is likely the descendant of ancient Asian noodles. A common belief about pasta is that it was brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo during the 13th century. In his book, “The Travels

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There are over 600 shapes and sizes of pasta, spaghetti is special because it gives chefs the ability to experiment with a variety of different ingredients. You’ll find different spices, toppings, fresh ingredients, and sauces combined with spaghetti to create a unique flavor profile. Spaghetti is translated as string or twine. As far back as records state, spaghetti has been in Italy since the 12th century with descriptions of stringlike pasta. While there is much debate about the history of pasta, we can enjoy this meal however we like... Whether you sprinkle some Parmesan or cover it with meat and vegetables.

Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy". Find Doug the FoodGuy on Spotify and Apple podcasts @The Pizzeria & Enzo Show

HOME-MADE SPAGHETTI SAUCE

Ingredients • 3 red onions • 2 cloves of garlic • 3 carrots • 3 sticks of celery • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary • 2 strips of bacon • Olive oil • 1lb ground beef • 1 can of crushed tomatoes • 1 tablespoon tomato purée • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • 3 fresh bay leaves • 1 pound spaghetti • Parmesan cheese, optional

Sauce:

Pasta:

1. On a cutting board, chop the onions, garlic, and carrots, then trim and finely chop the celery.

1. Fill a large pot three quarters of the way up with water, add a tiny pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

2. Pick and finely chop the rosemary leaves, finely slice the bacon strips.

2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to packet instructions – you want to cook your pasta until it is al dente. This translates as ‘to the tooth’ and means that it should be soft enough to eat, but still have a bit of a bite and firmness to it. Use the timings on the packet instructions as a guide, but try some before the time is up to make sure it’s perfectly cooked.

3. Put a large saucepan on a medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. 4. Add the bacon, rosemary, garlic and vegetables, then cook with the lid ajar for 10 to 15 minutes, or until softened and just turning golden, stirring occasionally. 5. Stir in the beef, turn the heat up to high and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until browned all over, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon as you go. 6. Add the tomatoes, tomato purée, vinegar and bay leaves. Pour in 1 cup hot water.

3. Finely grate the Parmesan cheese onto a clean chopping board (if using). 4. Once the spaghetti is done, ladle out and reserve a cup of cooking water and keep it to one side, then drain in a colander over the sink.

8. Stir well, turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil.

Serving:

9. Season with pepper, reduce to a low heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

1. Taste the bolognese sauce and season with a little more pepper or salt as needed.

10. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened and reduced.

2. Carefully pick out and discard the bay leaves. 3. Stir the spaghetti into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen, if needed. 4. Serve in bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and enjoy!

January 2024

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VIP'S BOOK CLUB

Julie Vaught’s, Teen Librarian at the the Florence County Library System, Book Review of

THEIR VICIOUS GAMES by Joelle Wellington Wellington

Adina Walker knows that she has to be perfect because she is on scholarship at the prestigious Edgewater Academy. As one of the few black students at the school, she must force many feelings down to stay in good terms. After one minor slip up, she is blacklisted from all the colleges that had accepted her and only gets to graduate on a technicality. In order to get everything back, she tries to be part of the Finish, a contest sponsored by Edgewater’s founding family, the Remingtons. After securing her spot and starting the contest, she realizes that the contest is what she thought it was and that the Remingtons are more than what they seem. Could this contest mean life or death? This book is Mean Girls on steroids. The competitions are brutal, the girls are malicious and the family is so interesting. Just when you think you have everything figured out, the author adds another little twist. You can’t stop reading, wanting to find out what happens and if Adina will make it through the Finish.

LIBRARY NEWS

Did you know that Friends of Florence County Library provide critical support to library services and collections? This includes supporting children’s literacy through the Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Children’s Bookmobile, as well as by funding the library’s e-books and downloadable audio books (available through the Libby app, which can be found on the library web page at www.florencelibrary.org). You can become a Friends of Florence County Library member for as little as $15 a year! Visit www.florencelibrary.org and select the Friends tab at the top of the page for more information.

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