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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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magazine

Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers

Contributing Photographers Erin Daniel Fred Salley

Contributing Writers Brian Blaker, MD, FACC Mark W. Buyck, III Laura Clements Cynthia Ford Rebecca Giese Bri Jackson Tamara Kirven Dee Lewis Brock McAllister Rosilla Price Rachel Simmons Doug Smith Regina Stanley, FNP

Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236.

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ISSUE 76

ABOUT THE COVER

PALMETTO MINING: TRANSFORMING OUR COMMUNITY ONE LOAD AT A TIME Need dirt, gravel, concrete or hauling services? Austin Boyce, owner of Palmetto Mining, is your guy! No matter the job, big or small, he's up for every challenge. Getting dirty is his business. Austin proudly serves the Pee Dee area.

Austin is the recipient of the 'Under 40 in Construction Equipment Contractor of the Year' 2021 Award.

See page 10 for the full story.

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CONTENT: MARCH 2022

BUSINESS 10 Palmetto Mining: Transforming Our Community One Load At A Time 12 Mark W. Buyck, III: South Carolinians On The High Court 14 Vicky Peterkin: The Time Is Right For Social Work 16 The Toy Shop of Florence: Soon To Be Known As Hakabohu

NONPROFIT 30 Cynthia Ford: Collaborating For Good, Nonprofit Organizations 32 Pick 42: Neighbors Helping Neighbors 34 Save The Date: The Bone-E-Fit Is Back Again 36 G-LAB Legacies: Teaching Boys To Be Good Men 38 One Child At A Time: Innocents At Risk, Know The Red Flags 40 King's Court: Q&A With Venolia Jordan, Co-Founder 44 The Regeneration Center: A Men's Faith-Based Facility

LIFEST YLE 18 Cynthia Ford: Celebrating Women's History Month 20 Florence Wine & Food: A Weekend To Savor 22 Pinch Proof: A Touch Of Green 24 Brock McCallister: Dissecting Social Media

BOOK REVIEW

HEALTH 46 McLeod Health: New Device Rapidly Removes Clots, Restores Blood Flow 48 HopeHealth: A Critical Look At Colorectal Cancer

26 Bri Jackson: Beneath A Scarlet Sky

HOME

CALENDAR

50 Doug Smith: Saint Patrick's Day Traditions, Shepherd's Pie

28 March 2022: Fun Days and Events

DRINK 52 La'Quantia Goodman: Leprechaun's Kiss

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Monster Jam, Florence Center

Austin Boyce & family

Rodeo, Florence Center

TRANSFORMING OUR COMMUNITY

ONE LOAD AT A TIME Like most young boys, Austin Boyce had a love for playing in the dirt. In 2018, he decided to transform this childhood affection to an everyday activity that allowed him to build a career. Today, Austin and his crew operate Palmetto Mining, a successful mining company where they have a blast getting dirty while fulfilling the dreams of others.

Along with supplying dirt, rock, ready mixed concrete, and hauling services to customers, Austin is also in the business of supplying dirt that brings enjoyment to our community. Thanks to Palmetto Mining and a hearty relationship with the Florence Center, Austin and his team stock the venue with dirt for events that our families get to enjoy year round including the monster truck rally, the rodeo, and the demolition derby.

Since its beginning, Palmetto Mining has grown from a one employee operation that only supplied different dirt material to a several man enterprise meeting all of your mining needs. When asked what he loved most about operating Palmetto Mining, Austin replies, “First, being able to play in the dirt pretty much at all times. My employees are the best; they are fun, joke a lot, and are loving. I also enjoy meeting customers that have problems and working with them to figure out the issues and starting a project for a customer from scratch with their ideas and watching it come to life.” Most recently Austin completed the Terrence Carraway Memorial Park in Darlington, a job he is most proud of.

Contact Austin at 843.393.0951 for all of your dirt, rock, concrete and hauling needs!

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SOUTH CAROLINIANS

ON THE HIGH COURT

There have been 115 Justices who have served on the Supreme Court of the United States. These Justices have a lifetime appointment and serve until they die, retire, resign, or are impeached and removed from office. Three of these Justices have been South Carolinians. Justice Stephen Breyer announcement that he will retire at the end of the Court’s current term opens the door for President Biden’s first appointment to the Court. Currently, another South Carolinian, US District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs, is receiving considerable support for elevation to the country’s highest Court. If nominated and confirmed, Childs would be the sixth female Justice to ever sit on the Court and the first African American female.

JOHN RUTLEDGE

JAMES F. BYRNES

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON

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The three South Carolinians who have served on the Court are John Rutledge, William Johnson, and James F. Byrnes. Rutledge was a Charlestonian, an American Founding Father, and one of six of George Washington’s initial nominated and approved Justices of the Court. Rutledge left the Court in 1791 to become Chief Justice of the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas and Sessions. His initial term on the Court was just over one-year in length. When John Jay resigned as the first Chief Justice of the Court in June 1795, President Washington named Rutledge as Jay’s successor as Chief Justice. This was a recess appointment as the Senate was on an extended recess. When the Senate did convene in December 1795, Rutledge’s nomination was rejected by 14 to 10 vote.

Rutledge resigned and returned to Charleston. This was the first time that the Senate had rejected a President’s Supreme Court nomination and Rutledge is the only Justice ever involuntarily removed from the Court by the Senate.

William Johnson was President Thomas Jefferson’s first appointment to the Court. He served as an Associate Justice from May 7, 1804 until his death on August 4, 1834. Johnson was also a Charleston native, born in 1771; however, he came from a much more modest background than Rutledge. Johnson’s father, William Johnson, Sr., was a blacksmith. He was very active in the Charleston area during the Revolutionary War. The British captured Johnson Sr. during the siege of Charleston and he was eventually imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida.

Johnson Sr. was described as “enjoying neither the advantages of hereditary social position, nor liberal education, nor great wealth, yet willed a large influence among the people, and contributed not only to the success, but to the character of the Revolution.”

Johnson Sr. sent his son to Princeton where he graduated first in his class of 1790. He returned to Charleston and read the law under the tutelage of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. He married Sarah Bennett and they eventually had 8 children.

By 1794 he was active in Charleston politics but parted ways with the Federalists C. C. Pinckney and Rutledge and supported the Jeffersonian-Republican party. He was elected to the General Assembly in 1794 and served three 2-year terms. In his last term, still in his 20s, he served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

As Speaker, Johnson is credited with reforming the state’s judicial system and enlarging the state’s highest court, the Constitutional Court. In 1800, the legislature appointed him to the Constitutional Court.

Although Thomas Jefferson was elected President in 1800, it was not until 1804 that he had his first opportunity to nominate a Justice to the Supreme Court. Jefferson sought a Justice who agreed with him politically and was young enough to travel the circuit and maintain his health (Supreme Court Justices at the time would sit as trial court judges in their geographic areas when not in session in Washington.) He found the ideal candidate in William Johnson. Johnson was the first non-Federalist appointed to the court. During the course of his career, he acquired the nickname the “First Dissenter” as he frequently was in disagreement with the majority of his colleagues. He was an adherent to judicial restraint and believed that the judiciary should give great deference to the legislative and executive branches.

Johnson did not always shy away from expressing his political beliefs. John Belton O’Neall praised Johnson’s “manner … admirably tempering dignity with grace,” and the “softened and attractive charm [of] the power of his mind.” John Quincy Adams described him as a “restless, turbulent, hot-headed, politician caballing judge.” Johnson infuriated many South Carolinians in 1823 due to his criticism of what he perceived to be hysteria-driven prosecutions following the Demark Vesey “Rebellion”. He also found himself on the wrong side of South Carolina public opinion during the Nullification Crisis of 1832 -1833.

In the summer of 1834, in declining health, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York where he died from complications related to a highly risky jaw surgery.

There is a marker in Charleston dedicated to Justice William Johnson in the St. Phillip’s churchyard near the grave of John C. Calhoun. The Church’s records, however, do not show that he was ever interred there.

Contemporary accounts of his death in Brooklyn reference a funeral and following a procession “the body was left in the Church. It will be deposited in one of the vaults of the marble cemetery until winter, when it will be removed to South Carolina.” To this day, no one knows the actual location of Justice Johnson’s final resting place.

Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys 248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777 March 2022

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BUSINESS BUSINESS photos by Fred Salley

THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR SOCIAL WORK! Q & A with Vicky Peterkin, HopeHealth

National Social Work Month is celebrated during March. Vip had the opportunity to meet and interview Vicky Peterkin, a Behavioral Health Consultant at HopeHealth, to learn more about the many positive contributions the profession offers, what led her to this career decision, and how she positively impacts the lives of others daily. Vicky has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the College of Charleston and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. During her 19-year social working career, she has been employed at Tri-County Mental Health-Dillon Office, CareSouth CarolinaBennettsville office, and Florence One Schools. She has worked with HopeHealth since September of 2021.

Vip Mag: First off, this is a selfless job.

What led you to this career decision?

Vicky P.: “I have always had a big heart and knew I would be in a career that involved assisting people. During my high school years, I saw a homeless man with a sign that said ‘Will work for food.’ I was so bothered by this man needing some food that I asked my mom to go to McDonald's so we could buy him something to eat.

Which she did. I gave the food to the man and he said, ‘God bless you.’ I think that exchange is what really led me to a career in social work.”

Vip Mag: What are your day-to-day responsibilities at HopeHealth?

Vicky P.: “Today I mostly provide counseling to patients and am available

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for brief interventions if the medical provider needs me to do so. This job and its responsibilities are especially important to me. The lives matter and mental health matters and it is a privilege to be a part of someone's journey to healing and wellness.”

Vip Mag: What would you say the most rewarding part of your job is?

Vicky P.: “The most rewarding part is when patients have those ‘aha’ moments and develop insight and understand their experiences and conditions better.”

Vip Mag: What has been a life lesson in this career?

Vicky P.: “Everyone is healing from something. Everyone wants to be seen, listened to, respected, and validated.”

Vip Mag: What advice would you give someone that may be interested in a career in social work?

Vicky P.: “Understand you are not going to be able to help everyone and you must meet people where they are and respect their choices. I think as a social worker, it is also important to keep the client's needs and what is best for the client at the forefront of everything you are doing.

I would advise someone that self-care is important and to know social workers are impacted and affected by their work.

I also think showing compassion, having empathy, being patient, and extending grace are necessary for someone interested in a career in social work.

“Everyone is healing from something. Everyone wants to be seen, listened to, respected, and validated.”

-Vicky Peterkin

March 2022

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BUSINESS

story by Dee Lewis

The Toy Shop of Florence SOON TO BE KNOWN AS HAKABOHU

If you haven’t yet heard, there’s big news circling The Toy Shop of Florence. This May, they will be saying farewell to their beloved Hoffmeyer location and hello to a new spacious and fun spot on the south side of Florence. The new establishment will allow them to have play areas, events, and lots of demonstrations that kids of every age will enjoy. Along with the new space comes a fun new name, Hakabohu! Everything that surrounds this announcement screams EXCITEMENT! Before getting to the details, here's a short recap of the last nine years. In 2013, Brice and Kim Elvington purchased The Toy Shop from Brice’s parents. They already owned Florence Pediatric Dentistry where Kim is a dentist and Brice is the office manager. At that time, Brice and Kim had just had their first children, a set of twins, and Brice’s sister was also having her first child. “I could tell my mom was ready to be a full-time grandmother and not a business owner,” explains Brice.

The Toy Shop had become a staple in Florence and the idea of it closing left Brice and Kim considering taking over ownership. After much prayer and planning, they became the new owners.

Operating The Toy Shop came with its struggles.

Brice had helped his parents long enough to know it was going to be financially challenging. “I looked at this opportunity as more of a real-world MBA program, where I could jump in and learn every aspect of it.”

After five years, the shop still wasn’t at a break-even point. Brice began toying with the idea of officially closing. But even then, he couldn’t imagine himself completely leaving the toy industry. “I called some of my representatives and explained that even though we were closing, I still wanted to help them. Even if it meant I would work for free and pay my own travel,” said Brice.

“One of my reps told me it sounded like I wasn’t quite ready to quit and encouraged me to give it a little more time. In that next year, things began to turn around. I became involved in the toy industry at a national level and went from planning to close the store to thinking of how to grow it bigger.”

Brice remembers visiting The Toy Shop as a child, before his parents owned it, and the joy it brought him.

He was an adult by the time his parents purchased the

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Kim and Brice pictured with their children and Brice's mother, Susan

shop and would often visit and help around as needed.

One of the reasons Brice wanted to keep the store open was so other children could also experience the joy of The Toy Shop.

While balancing work and family is tough, Brice hopes that The Toy Shop, known soon as Hakabohu, will be a way he and Kim can be involved in business, be involved as parents, and be mentors to their children all at the same time. “The motto at our children’s school is ‘Play is the work of a child,’” says Brice. “We now have four children and their job is to play with everything we sell so I can see the play value associated with each item.

As they get older, they’ll learn more about the business side of the store and how to engage with and build relationships with customers.” Brice and Kim have taken this opportunity to not only serve our community but educate their children.

The growth The Toy Shop has experienced over the recent years is a motivation behind the new location.

“We decided to move because we wanted enough space to do everything on-site,” explains Brice. They currently have to store things off-site, do their shipping off-site, get extra creative during the holidays with gift wrapping and inventory, and they can’t display all of the demos for kids to enjoy. “We hate to see a child walk in the store and feel like they can’t touch or play with the toys they are surrounded by. The place we are relocating to is next door to our other business so we can share resources. At the time of the initial decision to relocate, it was also the only way to financially make it work to stay open. Now that has changed and we are trusting that God wants it

Fun fact: The new name "Hakabohu" is the first two initials of each one of the Elvington children's names. When pronounced, it also sounds similar to the language the oldest two spoke to one another as infants.

where we thought at the time was the only place it would work out.”

Hakabohu will be more of an experience that children and adults alike will love. While they’ll have many of the same toys and features that we love about The Toy Shop, this location will offer an abundance more. “In nearly every toy we purchase for the store, we want it to help with a child’s development in some way and the best toys are those that are educational but disguised as just plain fun,” says Brice. “We have also been working with a local healthcare provider to start a program that helps use sensory or educational toys to help children that may have medical or developmental needs. With all of the stresses and pressures we’ve put on our children, the power of play is more important than ever before. Our mission is to promote that and get the right toys in the hands of every child, no matter where they live or where they shop.”

Along with all the great toys and expanded space, you’ll find the same friendly faces that have greeted you at The Toy Shop for years. “I’ve learned that finding the right employees, training them, but then giving them the freedom to use their talents to add to the store has been a big part of our growth,” says Brice. “I use to try to do everything myself and train employees to do it my way. Delegating more and letting them take ownership of those roles has led things to be done better than I ever could have done myself.”

Brice and Kim welcome kids and adults this summer to visit the new and improved location.

It's located directly behind Florence Pediatric Dentistry, across from MUSC Florence. There are plans for events and special activities at Hakabohu this summer. To stay up to date, visit them online at www.toyshopflorence.com or on Facebook.

The Toy Shop toyshopflorence.com 2001 Hoffmeyer Rd • Florence, SC • 843-664-8383 March 2022

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LIFESTYLE story by Cynthia Ford

CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout March to salute the works of women who have made notable contributions and positive impacts. Women have made history by claiming statuses of being the first woman to hold certain offices or positions. We’re still living in a world of “first” for women. These stories of notable women are engraved in history, but truly what is HERSTORY? Her story paved the way for our story.

HERSTORY goes beyond the visible pair of stilettoes, feminine tone, and the best home-cooked meal. Her story stands tall in strength, echoes past the ears in her present view, and consists of blended measurements of tenacity.

Her story goes past the ink pens in the Wheatley’s home, noting the deepest thoughts of a silent author. Her story soared beyond Earnhart’s Lockheed 10E Electra, which provided wings of freedom and courage to soar.

~ STANDING TALL ~ Wearing stilettoes takes courage and practice. You practice at home first, then learn to publicly glide like a Clydesdale. Women’s history month embodies hundreds of women who dared to expand on the thought placed in 18

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their minds and the desires that encircled her heart. She believed she could take her first step in the direction that would not only change her life but shift the trajectory of history. The truth behind HERstory is that she doubted herself and toiled with the “what if” scenarios in her mind. She wondered what others would say and pondered how many other women would back her in the same just stand. She glared at her reflection to see if she met the physical demands of the task ahead. Her silent tears watered seeds of hope that lay dormant in her life. She secretively practiced her speech in her mind and prepared for both possibilities and barriers. History showed her shining at the peak of her fame and highlighting all the good that she presented. Behind every notable work was the purest level of the woman within.

We can note thousands of women throughout the world who fit this description. She stood through tough times. Whether with stilettoes, flats, boots, or flip flops, she learned to stride in her unique way. She learned to hold her head high, yet low enough to see where she was going. To all women standing tall and walking in her destiny, we salute you.

~ ECHOING VOICE ~ In 1978, educators in California voiced the desire to celebrate women in history, the contributions made by women, and their distinctive qualities. It was that traction that captured the attention of others and secured women’s history week. The news caught the attention of President Jimmy Carter in 1980, who sealed women’s history week, and congress seven years later who proclaimed the month of March to be a month-long national celebration of the contribution of women.

By whisper, shouts, and echoes, women have been saying I am a woman, I have rights, and I have a voice.

Her story includes the women who desired to read and write and paved the way for others to learn the same trade. Even before learning the art of literacy, it was her voice that set the pace for change. No vision is complete without speaking it first.

Her story includes the women who consistently shoveled through the grit and grim to pave the way. She drew out the plan in her mind, but when she spoke it, something powerful happened. She shifted life at the lowest level of existence with her voice. She recognized that speaking travels through cells, connects with the atmosphere, and collides with destiny. Behind the public proclamation and expressions was a woman who initially failed to see that she had a voice of change.

She wondered if her tone was assertive yet passionate enough to make an impact. Her voice cracked in moments of fear. Her voice was surrounded by men with the skill to muffle her voice with a whisper of superiority.

She spoke anyway. Her voice became louder, and she locked her seat in history. Collectively we speak the name of every woman with a voice that spoke the change we enjoy today. She planted the trees that provide the shade we enjoy today. We salute her.

~ MEASURES OF A WOMAN ~ As a child, I remember our meals starting as a pot of boiling water and magically appearing as a spread of tasteful meals prepared by my mother. I also remember watching my grandmother cook without measuring and tuning in to the deepest part of her instincts to pour

in the right amount of ingredients and spices to create a blend of exquisite masterpieces. I’ve since acquired my own magical pot of boiling water and tuned in to the secret measuring intuition of my grandmother and earlier ancestors.

The history of women includes countless women who've had to tactfully measure and take action. Her actions were guided by the limitations or freedom allowed by her role. It is our culture that defines the role of a woman. However, throughout time some defining roles have changed. Women began to demand measures of equality and fair treatment.

Some initially connect Women’s history month with the suffrage march in 1913, led by thousands of women advocating for equality. Her story extends beyond that powerful march. Her story extends past the corridors of the white house. Her wit exceeds the speed of FloJo’s run. Her voice echoes beyond Ginsburg’s gavel. Her connections extend further than Tubman’s masterpiece.

Ostrom’s patience proved that delay did not mean denial and Angelou proved that she could soar beyond the prisons of her past and leave a permanent legacy that will carry her name forever.

Women seamlessly learn to balance both personal and professional lives, while balancing other duties. She measures space for her family. She steals quiet times. She sharpens her skills and operates in career aspirations, while also exploring additional talents. She bonds with other women for a cohesive strength of sisterhood. She takes the time to rest, reflect, and refill. She juggles the world and makes all things possible. Yet, behind the balancing scales, she’s weary. Worry rest in her eyes when her children struggle. She prays for endurance and strength. She nurtures the world with her compassion.

She secretly desires to dissipate the trends and just simply be an existing woman embraced in time. To all women balancing and measuring the challenges of life, we salute you.

Look past Herstory that is engraved in history. See the women for who they were and who they are today. She's still standing. She's still speaking, and she's still holding it together.

NOTABLE WOMEN IN HISTORY HARRIET TUBMAN

MAYA ANGELOU

RUTH BADER GINSBURG

FLORENCE G JOYNER ELINOR OSTROM (FLO-JO) March 2022

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LIFESTYLE

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE

MARCH 31-APRIL 2 The Florence Wine & Food Festival, a weekend of five food- and wine-focused events benefitting Help 4 Kids Florence, returns to Downtown March 31-April 2!

“We wanted to come back strong after the pandemic, so we’ve added two all-new events and brought in some special guests,” said Festival Director Tamara Kirven.

The fun kicks off Thursday evening, March 31st, with a casual outdoor party, “Meat and Meander,” taking place in and around the Waters Building from 6:30 – 8:30pm, and featuring eight Pee Dee restaurants, serving up tastes from grills and smokers, and a boiled peanuts cauldron manned

by Charleston-based cookbook authors, Matt Lee and Ted Lee—also known as the “Lee Bros.”—who are playing hosts for the Festival. Bluegrass band The Bluestone Ramblers will perform, and Seminar Brewing will be serving up a custom beer made especially for the occasion. For wine-lovers, Micky Finn’s will provide wines paired by local wine maven Sam Tinsley.

Also, back by popular demand is Friday night’s Sip + Savor Wine Stroll, an event that sends guests on an itinerary visiting downtown Florence’s finest independent retailers from 6pm – 9pm, where they can shop while nibbling on bites prepared by Pee Dee area chefs and sipping wines paired by Holt and Tinsley. A VIP after-party at Victors features further wines selected by Morning News wine columnist Dennis Fraley, paired with bites by Victors executive chef Cooper Thomas.

As in past years, the Festival will feature a California winery. For 2022, Paso Robles winery Clos Solène will be onsite every day of the festival, with winemaker Guillaume Fabre pairing the wines served at “The Final Pour,” the four-course finale dinner event Saturday evening.

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“We’ve been fortunate to get top-quality wineries to Florence to participate in the Festival, and this year is no different,” Festival board member Tim Norwood said. “Clos Solène produces truly extraordinary wines, with very limited volume. To have Guillaume and his team pouring his wines during the festival is such a unique opportunity.”

Norwood also noted one of the two all-new events for 2022 will be a wine-tasting class Saturday morning at 11am at Victors called “Passport to Paso Robles.”

The class will be hosted by Food & Wine Magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle, one of the nation’s top wine experts. Isle will introduce guests to the California wine region Clos Solène calls home, and which, according to Isle, is “one of the most dynamic and exciting regions in California wine right now.”

2022 TALENT AT FLORENCE WINE & FOOD

HOST - MATT LEE AND TED LEE

The second all-new event happening Saturday is one that fans of the local-food movement won’t want to miss. The City Center Market Brunch takes place Saturday morning of the festival, beneath a tent on the grounds of the Central City Market. Pee Dee area restaurants and chefs will serve brunch bites featuring local produce, and there will be a “gathering table” of prepared foods and snacks made by farmer’s market vendors, and styled and curated by Fletcher Bateman of The Happy Hours Co. Closing out the festival Saturday night will be a grand, finale dinner headlined by Nathalie Dupree, the chef Southern Living named “The Queen of Southern Cuisine.” This fourcourse dinner, paired with wines from Clos Solène, takes its theme from Dupree’s award-winning book, Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking, and will feature Florence chefs, including Ryan Dalton from Town Hall and Cooper Thomas of Victors, serving up dishes inspired by Dupree’s book.

CHEF COOPER THOMAS VICTORS

CHEF RYAN DALTON TOWN HALL

SAM TINSLEY MICKY FINN'S

DOUG THE FOOD GUY

DENNIS FRALEY

RAY ISLE

NATHALIE DUPREE

Tickets for all five Festival events are on sale at

florencewineandfood.com.

March 2022

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1. Main Street Mercantile, Lake City | 2. Butler's Fine Men's Clothing, Florence | 3. Trendy Twist Boutique, Florence 4. Pretty N Bliss, Florence | 5. Pieces, Florence | 6. Bold N Sassy, Lake City | 7. Lillie K's, Mullins 22 22

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DISSECTING SOCIAL MEDIA story by Brock McCallister

Is social media a benefit to your life or is it taking away from it?

Our phones should make staying in touch with family and friends easier. They should allow you to look back to see pictures of your kids growing up. They should be a way to promote the business you opened or to learn something new.

Often it is misused because it is addicting!

It pulls our attention away from the important things in life without even a second thought.

Do you find yourself pulling out your phone while in the middle of a conversation, scrolling Instagram when you were trying to do something productive, or taking videos when you should be experiencing the moment? It is normal in today's society, but it shouldn't be.

In life, we need to make a true connection and in order to do so, we must disconnect from our phones.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS : • Turn off all notifications from social media • Have a set time of day you do not use your phone • During family meals, leave the phones in the other room • At an event, experience the moment without having to take pictures or videos • Do not bring your phone into bed with you

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By following these tips you will find that you learn to experience your life through your eyes, not the eyes of social media. Without your phone vibrating every time someone likes your post you will learn to only use your phone when you want to, not out of impulse. You’ll give yourself time during the day that you can just relax and think. You will connect with your family and friends because you will be asking how their day was, instead of scrolling. You’ll fall asleep better because your mind will be able to turn off when your head hits the pillow. Combining these things will lead you to experience life how it should be, which is being in the moment and really connecting with the people in it.

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VIP'S BOOK CLUB

BOOK REVIEW BY BRI JACKSON

When the Nazis took over Milan and much of northern Italy in 1943, seventeenyear-old Pino Lella was forced to abandon his family and beloved city for the safety of a Catholic camp in the Alps, Casa Alpina.

It was there that he began his undercover resistance to the Germans by sneaking Jews out of Italy and into Switzerland through the hazardous Alps. After a year of dangerous missions leading Jews through the snowy mountains, he took on the perilous role of double agent serving as the personal driver to Gen. Hans Leyers, Hitler’s right-hand man in Italy, while also spying on him for the resistance.

Pino Lella was able to break into Leyers' briefcase and personal papers and relay information regarding Germany’s armaments and war production in Italy to the Allies that they were able to disrupt with air raids and bombings thus weakening Germany’s position. A secret war hero at eighteen, Pino Lella risked his life and love and suffered greatly until the end of the war. The story is one of unspeakable heartache and impossible situations. As Pino surveyed the bomb ravaged countryside that he loved so dearly, he wondered if things could ever be the same again.

BENEATH A SCARLET SKY

BY MARK SULLIVAN

Mark Sullivan is the acclaimed author of eighteen novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Private series, which he writes with James Patterson.

Mark has received numerous awards for his writing, including the WHSmith Fresh Talent Award, and his works have been named a New York Times Notable Book and a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year.

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“It all made Pino realize that the earth did not know war, that nature would go on no matter what horror one man might inflict on another. Nature didn’t care a bit about men and their need to kill and conquer.”

Although the author Mark T. Sullivan has claimed that the story of Pino Lella is based on true events, the validity of his book and its characters have recently been called into question. Regardless of it being fact or fiction, the story remains riveting and is a quick and entertaining read. You can be the judge of whether its status as a true story or literary fraud affects your enjoyment of the book.

Do You Love To Read?

Email heather@vipmagsc.com if you would like to share a book review with our readers.

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MARCH 2022 FUN DAYS & EVENTS

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monday

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Open Mic Night (every Tues.)

F.E. Pops, Florence

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Evening of Hope with Darryl Strawberry Florence Center

FSO Family Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo FMU PAC, Florence

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Daylight Savings Time Masterworks Choir's Winter Concert, Central United Methodist Church, Florence

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Masterworks Choir's Winter Concert,

Central United Methodist Church, Florence

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Spring Begins

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17 Happy St. Patrick's Day! State of Education Breakfast with Molly Spearman, Hartsville Country Club

Everything You Do Is Right Day

Building Bridges Leadership Summit, SiMT, Florence

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Puppy Day

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Something on a Stick Day

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31 Wine & Food Festival begins, Downtown Florence

FCS Day with Jeff Keaton Florence Baptist Temple, Florence

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The School Foundation Gala, SiMT, Florence

PDRA Business Breakfast, Taki's Diner, Darlington

Daylight Savings Time

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Zach Williams Concert Florence Center

Wonderful Wednesday Amazing Grace Park, Marion

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Kiwanis Pancake Supper First Pres. Church, Florence

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Flo Co Disabilities Celebrity BBQ Fundraiser Roger's BBQ, Florence Schoolhouse BBQ, Scranton Westside Free Will Baptist Church, Johnsonville

Lighthouse Ministries Annual BBQ Fundraiser, Holt Bros BBQ, Florence

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Ash Wednesday

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International Women’s Day

thursday

Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

I Am In Control Day

Chicken Bog with Bake Sale, St. Luke UM Church, Hartsville

SEND IN YOUR EVENTS TO HEATHER@VIPMAGSC.COM!

friday

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saturday

5 Swamp Fox Chili Cookoff, Main St Commons, Marion SipFlow Classes with CrissCross Yoga, Sip Co. Wine & Beer, Lake City

National Sons Day

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Marimo Moss Ball Terrarium Moore Gardens, Lake City

The Skirmish at Gambles Hotel (March 11-13), The Columns Plantation, Florence

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A Night in the Round Roseneath Farm, Florence Pacing 4 Pieces Downtown, Florence

19 Palm Identification Made Easy Moore Gardens, Lake City

Lucky Shamrock Downtown Florence

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Power ComiCon & Palmetto Destruction Florence Center

26 Arts & Crafts Show PD State's Farmer's Market, Florence

Medal of Honor Day

Atlanta Rhythm Section, FMU PAC, Florence

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BUSINESS: NONPROFIT story by Cynthia Ford

COLLABORATING FOR GOOD NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Nonprofits are designed to enhance the quality of life for others. This public entity must prove to be a valuable and trustworthy institution with buy-in from donors and investors. Most nonprofits are organized out of a foundational desire to help others or give to a specific cause. Often this is done with little to no startup funds.

As with any business, there are several essentials necessary to effectively operate the business. Let us explore FIVE ESSENTIALS necessary for nonprofits today.

BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION If you are just branching out to start a nonprofit, focus on establishing a solid foundation. Having a full understanding of why you have started the nonprofit or intend to start the nonprofit is key. Determine the problem you intend to solve. All businesses must be designed to solve a problem. If your business does not address a problem, it will not survive. If your initial intention for starting a nonprofit is solely for the money, then a nonprofit may not be for you. You should 30

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consider exploring other legal entities designed for the for-profit sector. Build your vision and mission statement with three things in mind - Who, What, and How. In other words, those who would benefit from your services, what services you wish to provide, and how you plan to implement those services. It is essential to establish clear objectives and to have a detailed business plan in place.

Crafting the vision requires you to see the organization at its most successful peak and fill the phases in between. Be prepared to share that business plan with investors and additional stakeholders. If you have gotten off course from the original intent of your nonprofit, revise the vision, learn from mistakes, and move forward.

DREAM TEAM No one can effectively run a nonprofit alone. It is essential to have a solid team in place to help conduct the mission. The extension of a nonprofit's team will vary depending on the size of the nonprofit. A nonprofit's team should initially consist of a board member and

other volunteers. The founder(s) must be tactful in selecting the right team and matching the skill of the team member with the descriptive positions needed. Team members should not be selected from the founder's social circle to merely fill a seat. The valuable members should be willing to invest their time and skillset for the betterment of the organization.

Selected board members of a non-profit govern the organization's resources and activities and provide guidance for the company. Ideal members possess distinctive qualities such as financial/accounting expertise, strong verbal and written communicator, robust interpersonal skills, thorough researcher, creative thinker, enthusiastic community networker, and fundraising gurus. The diversity of the team enhances the wealth of knowledge within the unit and opens the door for infinite possibilities. A nonprofit's team should align with the dream/vision for the organization.

TIME AND LOCATION In the words of author T.D. Jakes, "Businesses should build locally and think globally". With the advancements of technology, all businesses have easier access to both local and global expansion. However, building must occur at the right time and within the best location. Just because you have an innovative idea for a nonprofit organization, does not mean it is a timely idea; or what your service area needs. Conducting a thorough needs assessment of the service area will eventually save time, money, and help to narrow your focus of services. The assessment should include demographic information, what resources are currently available, what resources are needed, and the strengths and capabilities of the community. There must be a need for the service, and it must add value to potential clients and partners.

If there is no demand for the product or service in the identified service area, the nonprofit may experience challenges with sustainability and growth.

Working Together To Make A Bigger Impact PASSION AND PARTNERSHIP How do you know if establishing a nonprofit is right for you? Identify your truest intent of having a nonprofit. Explore if you are truly passionate about the identified nonprofit idea. Know that it takes more than just passion to operate a business. Owning the business does not mean you have to do everything. You may start out doing most or all tasks. However, eventually, you should have people in place to meet the needs of the organization. Your organization can grow by building partnerships through community networking opportunities and promoting your nonprofit through multiple sectors. Consider partnering with local colleges to acquire interns. Seek local volunteers until you have adequate funding for paid staff. Know your boundaries.

Learn to outsource for services and products that you and your team can not perform. Do not "fake it until you make it". Your foundation should include a level of transparency and integrity to build trusting relationships and solid networks.

As you set out to brand your nonprofit with logos, colors, slogans, and mission statements, be mindful to not create a cookie-cutter business that completely mirrors the design of another business. Be creative and intentional. Your nonprofit should stand out by offering unique services that embody the needs of the community. Lead the way with an intent to make an impact and be a resource for change.

LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS All nonprofits should have bylaws that comply with the state's law and thorough details on how the nonprofit should operate. Bylaws should be reviewed and updated as needed to remain in line with the current structure of the organization and state/federal laws. It is essential to be familiar with the laws of your state and local business laws for nonprofits. After registering with the Secretary of State's office, nonprofit organizations should follow up with local municipalities regarding requirements for local business registration.

Registration laws will vary by state.

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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS story by Rachel Simmons Now more than ever, the importance of focusing on the needs of others as opposed to our own is prominent.

Over the past several years, our community has endured several significant hardships, including hurricanes, major floods, and rounding off with the pandemic. While some of us have been less impacted by these natural disasters and illnesses, others have been drastically affected.

Thankfully, individuals like Dominic and Miko Pickett make it their goal and responsibility to take care of those that have faced such downfalls. The couple founded Pick 42 Foundation - Neighbors Helping Neighbors in an effort to help those families in need.

MIKO

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Dominic and Miko are Charlotte, North Carolina, transplants that found their home in Marion County a few years ago. In Charlotte, Dominic and Miko volunteered for their church. During Christmas break, the couple helped transfer basketball players to and from the church. “We asked the teen

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players if they were looking forward to any particular gifts that year. They all laughed and said Christmas was just another day,” described Miko. The idea that these children wouldn’t experience the joy of Christmas broke Dominic and Miko’s hearts. “We vowed that day to make sure children in the community of Belmont (our North Carolina home) had the ability to enjoy Christmas and that parents would be able to participate with dignity.”

This goal helped begin Pick 42 in Charlotte. While it started small, it quickly grew into a partnership with Toys for Tots Charlotte and now continues to serve thousands of families in Marion County.

Pick 42 Foundation runs programs such as Combating Food Insecurity, Annual Juneteenth Celebration, A Celebration of Voting, and Project Disaster Recovery. They also host vaccine clinics, annual toy drives, and offer a free shopping experience for those in need. “The annual toy drive is our flagship program,” explains Miko. “It’s why we came to be and assisting families at such a mentally and emotionally challenging time of the year is very important to us.”

While working with Project Disaster Recovery, Miko decided it was time to leave her 30-year career as Vice President of Business Intelligence for a financial services company and focus her efforts on growing Pick 42. The organization now serves more than 29,000 individuals in Marion County.

With the help of grants and generous donors, Pick 42 has two part-time employees, Program Coordinators Virginia Ellerbe and Robin Sealey.

Additionally, more than 400 volunteers are actively registered with Pick 42. Miko believes in a few years that their hard work in caring for the community will lead to expanding the organization to offering several full-time positions. “It is very difficult to sustain the programs financially on a grant by grant basis and sometimes impossible to do what others are asking us to do solely for financial reasons,” explains Miko. “Before my role here as Executive Director, I built and ran many successful teams in corporate America and successfully climbed the ladder to Assistant Vice President. I’d love to see my leadership skills grow Pick 42 Foundation to a community ran company that pays well and gives back even more!”

Along with several other local organizations, Pick 42 helps host monthly vaccine clinics. Together the organizations have joined forces and formed the We Care Coalition where they have vaccinated over 630 community members and are still counting.

They are also working with the City of Mullins to establish a Covid-19 testing center that will run twice a week. "In Marion County, we are working hard to bridge ALL of our work and to serve our community where over 25% live below poverty.”

If you’d like to learn more about Pick 42’s efforts, you can visit them online at www.pick42foundation.org.

There you can also Donate, Volunteer and Sponsor!

Mission: Our primary mission is to help children. We believe that by impacting the lives of children, it will ultimately aid the entire family, community, and nation overall!

Our programs are geared to helping families.

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SAVE THE DATE The Bone-E-Fit is Back Again! story by Rosilla Price

Guess who’s back, back again? The Bone-e-fit is back, tell your friends! After being paw-sed for two years, the Florence Area Humane Society is excited to announce the event is back and will be better than ever! Calling all pawty-goers to mark your calendars for May 5th. The Bone-e-fit is the purr-fect event to have fun, eat, drink, and dance the night away while helping care for our homeless fur friends.

This year's event offers a fresh start with a new setting. Florence Area Humane Society’s (FAHS) president, Jayne Boswell describes the excitement that surrounds relocating to The Chase Lawton House and the fun to be had. “The Chase Lawton House, also known as The Florence Museum, is rooted in the history of Florence, just like FAHS!” she explains. “The house was designed by Sanborn Chase and when completed it was described as ‘the talk of Florence.’ We love that the Bone-e-fit is also the TALK OF FLORENCE! Pawty-goers will enjoy meandering through the curved lines of the Art Moderne house while they sip old fash-hound cocktails, enjoy a wide array of delectable food, and bid on silent auction items. The tail-waggin’ pawty continues out onto the back lawn of the house with music, more food and drinks, and a special area of our VIP sponsors.”

There are a lot of details that take place to make this such a successful fundraiser for FAHS. For instance, the eye-catching event fliers that adorn storefronts around town. As

you may remember, each year the FAHS recruits a new artist to create the logo and flyer for the event. Chris Walters is the featured artist for 2022. Outside of being known as an animal artist, Chris works full-time with the City of Florence Police Department. Chris does commission work as well as artwork for his personal enjoyment. Jayne includes, “He says it’s nice to do pieces for people and see how happy it makes them and their families. Chris plans to devote his full attention to his art when he retires in a couple of years.”

Additionally, the Bone-e-fit is known for its wide array of silent auction items. Some offerings for this year's event include original art pieces, fine jewelry, home furniture and accessories, unique handmade items, weekend getaways, service deals, and more.

They are still searching for more items that attendees will be eager to bid on. If you or your business would like to donate, please contact FAHS. All proceeds from the Bone-efit directly assist in caring for the animals. Jayne elaborates, “The Bone-e-fit is THE major fundraiser for the animals of the Florence Area Humane Society. Everything depends on this night. Funds from the event enable us to offset the operating costs of the shelter and provide medical care for the animals that enter the shelter doors.

Unfortunately, many of the homeless (Previous year's tshirt design.)

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animals come in sick, injured, neglected, and need additional medical attention, including life-saving surgeries and vet-intensive procedures. Our goal is to give these unwanted animals a second chance at a healthy life and a loving home.”

Along with the pet shelter, FAHS operates a horse rescue. The staff and volunteers are currently assessing needs at both locations, including improving play yards and kennel areas, working on fencing at the pastures, expanding dog walking and outside play groups, and promoting spay/neuter of the cat population.

Grab your family and friends and join in the fun while also saving the life of a fur baby.

The animals of FAHS are dependent on the generosity of our Florence community. Monetary donations are the lifeline to give our homeless animals a second chance. Donations can be made via Paypal, www.florencehumanesociety. org, or mailed to FAHS, P.O. Box 4808, Florence, SC 29501. Food and supplies help our animals as well and can be donated at the shelter, 1434 McCurdy Road. Another way to help is to become a volunteer or to adopt an animal! Tickets for the Bone-e-fit will be available on April 1st at Fisher Jewelers, 1615 W. Palmetto St., First Reliance Bank, 2170 W. Palmetto St., and Woofer’s, 2115 W. Jody Road.

BONE-E-FIT

www.FlorenceHumaneSociety.org

May 5 - The Chase Lawton House th

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TEACHING BOYS TO BE GOOD MEN

G-LAB Legacies - Gentleman Learning and Building Legacies story by Terry Simon It’s difficult being a teenage boy. All of the emotional and physical changes in such a brief moment can leave your head spinning. While some of us have a strong group of men, maybe a father, grandfather, uncle, or even a family friend, to help guide us during these impressionable times, many young men are left to discover how to become a man all on their own. Shawn Ellerbe, co-founder of Gentleman Learning and Building Legacies (G-LAB) is familiar with the latter path. His history has guided him to not only provide a sturdy foundation for his own children but to also work with other local young men so that they can have a positive role model.

Shawn and his cousin Lekelvis Leaf have always shared a passion for giving back to their community. At family gatherings, the pair would find themselves discussing the void between many young men and a father figure.

There’s one thing that happens when this pair discovers a problem, they find a solution. During the planning period, the duo would meet in Shawn’s home garage, also known as G-LAB by his sons Joseph and Jeremiah. Shawn used that acronym and came up with Gentleman Learning and Building Legacies. After having a firm mission, Shawn and Lekelvis began reaching out to potential board members and spreading the word about G-LAB Legacies.

The nonprofit was set in place to offer more youth programs for young males in the community. “There were also a lot of complaints that there aren’t enough good men in the world,” Shawn explains. “We thought the best way to correct this was to go to the youth and teach them the qualities of a good man.” They also planned to help single mothers that didn’t know how or what to say to young men as they navigate through middle and high school years.

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Shawn, Lekelvis, and their team of volunteers help educate and guide young men on a wide range of subjects including budgeting and finance, time management, character building, entrepreneurship, law enforcement interaction, conflict resolution, health and exercise, sex education, minor automotive repair, and recreational activities such as cooking and fishing. They serve middle and high school young men in the Florence area.

Many young men come through this program and have life-changing experiences. “It’s our goal to be the positive role model these boys need,” says Shawn. “What we didn’t expect was the great impact they would also have on our lives. There was a young mentee that came into one of our first classes, he was completely shy and very quiet. During the summer we hosted kickball games and other activities with the boys. Slowly we started to see him come out of his shell and begin interacting with the other boys and mentors.

I’m happy to say that we helped him land his first job at Chick-fil-a. To see the path that he is now on encourages us to continue pursuing our passion for G-LAB.” What started as a learning moment shared between Shawn and his sons has transformed into a life-altering organization. “I wanted to teach my sons various life lessons so they could take them into manhood. Through G-LAB, I’ve had a chance to show them firsthand that if they put their mind to something it can be accomplished.

For them to see the organization grow from a conversation to a reality…that really hits big with me,” Shawn shared.

“Growing up without my father in the home gave me a burning desire to be a resource to other young men that may be going through life with questions but not a lot of trusted guidance.”

Shawn and Lekelvis couldn’t accomplish their mission alone. It’s because of many other local men that G-LAB can fully provide learning experiences for all aspects of life for these young men. There is a community of local volunteers helping mentor and lead. G-LAB hasn’t been around long but during its short period, they have seen tremendous growth.

Much of that is thanks to their “Super Volunteer,” Yvon McNeil. Yvon is responsible for maintaining all of the social media platforms and making sure the group stays on task. Shawn also contributes their success to the many young men that place their trust in the organization to help guide their future.

G-LAB Legacies invites other local professionals to join their team as mentors. “G-LAB meets each Monday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Dr. Lola

Planting vegetables during a Mentee Touchpoint

Lekelvis Leaf & Shawn Ellerbe

Jones Community Center in Florence. We encourage the community to come and take part in the activities and conversations,” Shawn says. “We are looking for new ideas and topics that we can discuss with the adolescent boys. We are also looking for sponsors for meals so we can be sure the boys are fed when they come for classes. Like all nonprofits, we are in constant need of funds to continue offering these programs.

Any help with securing grants, donations, partnerships, or community service ideas are greatly appreciated.”

In addition to working with the young men, G-LAB hosts several community service projects throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about becoming a G-LAB Legacies' partner, you can visit their Facebook page by searching G-LAB Legacies or email Shawn at GLABLegacies@gmail.com.

Presenting to the Florence 7 during halftime of Florence Wildcats game

Community Clean Up

2021 Be the Change Walk

Showing young men how to change a tire

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INNOCENTS AT RISK KNOW THE RED FLAGS

ONE CHILD AT A TIME

www.onechildrescue,com

HOW HUMAN TRAFFICKING WORKS:

In a short four years, One Child At A Time has educated over 14,000 children ages 10 to 18 on human trafficking. Their goal is for adolescents to not only be able to identify online predators but also know the steps to take to ensure their safety after that identification. Founder Glenda Skipper has a unique way of communicating with children so that they learn from her as a friend that genuinely cares. She explains to Vip readers some of the key characteristics predators possess along with how we as parents can help encourage our children to resist their advances.

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According to Polaris and Homeland Security's Blue Campaign, human traffickers target and build trust in our young children and adults by positioning themselves as saviors to the vulnerable by meeting their needs. Once the needs are met, the traffickers can introduce sex work as a way to repay them. This normalizes the lifestyle of the victim. This applies to forced labor as well.

It is often said that anyone can be trafficked.

Although this is true, some groups are more vulnerable than others. Trauma, discrimination, oppression, and other similar factors, predisposed members of the LGBTQ+, and other minority groups are affected more than any other.

TARGETING VICTIMS: Traffickers have honed their skills in identifying their victims by selecting those who are disadvantaged or come from environments that make them vulnerable.

GAINING TRUST: Traffickers utilize recruiters close to the victim's sex, age, or race to identify and relate to them about their lives.

MEETING NEEDS: While gaining trust with the victim, traffickers meet the needs of what the victim wants or needs.

This is a very effective way to control the victim due to the realization that the trafficker can take it away.

NORMALIZING EXPLOITATION: Traffickers condition their victims by discussing sexual topics, utilizing porn, and normalizing these relationships.

TOP 10 COUNTIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA REPORTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES: 1 Horry County

2 Richland County

3 Greenville County

4 Charleston County

5 Spartanburg County 6 Anderson County 7 York County

8 Dorchester County

9 Greenwood County

10 Six-way tie - Aiken, Cherokee, Colleton, Florence, Lexington, and Orangeburg Counties

The South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Florence 21 Annual Report shows there was a 15% increase in the number of victims reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

To report an incident or if you are in need of victim services, you’re asked to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. The Hotline is confidential and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Glenda is devoted to saving One Child at a Time. She is available to speak in schools, churches, and other civic organizations.

If you would like to schedule a talk for your children, visit www.onechildrescue.com.

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Q & A WITH VENOLIA JORDAN, CO-FOUNDER OF KING’S COURT Vip had the privilege to sit down and chat with community activist and Co-founder of King’s Court, Venolia Jordan. She and her husband Spencer are an inspiration to our community. Read along as Venolia shares their journey with founding King’s Court and how the nonprofit has not only transformed the lives of many in our community but has also impacted their personal views on life.

How did King’s Court get started?

In January of 2014, shortly after my husband and I took over ownership of Martin’s Motel in Mullins, South Carolina, the Pee Dee area was affected by a winter storm and freeze that left many without power and water for several weeks. Martin’s Motel consists of 52 rooms spread through four buildings, one of which had been closed by the previous owners. During the power outage, Martin’s Motel was fortunate to have power restored the same day of the storm. Many residents of Marion and Dillon Counties came to the motel seeking a place with power and running water. After the two open buildings were filled, Spencer began opening the rooms in the closed building and giving them away to people who needed a warm place to stay. Since that day, the building has remained open and full. And so, King’s Court was birthed.

Since beginning the non-profit and opening the shelter, King’s Court has served the community through three hurricanes, two of which left many families without homes to return to, and has provided a place for individuals who have faced difficult economic situations.

Of the four buildings, two are being used for the operation of King’s Court. One building is used as the shelter and consists of 18 single occupancy rooms, an office, pantry, and resident activity room, and the second building has a DHEC certified commercial kitchen, dining 40

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room, and two classrooms which are used for the soup kitchen and childcare services.

In addition to providing housing and meals, in the summer of 2015, King’s Court began serving atrisk youth by operating a summer reading camp that provides school-aged children with a safe place, two hot meals, and a snack. The summer reading program began with nearly 70 children enrolled and blossomed into an afterschool program that serves an average of 30 children during the school year. Since the beginning, the summer reading and afterschool programs have grown and received funding from the South Carolina Department of Social Services and The South Carolina Department of Education to feed children.

What areas do you serve?

We currently serve homeless and low-income individuals and families in the counties of Marion, Dillon, Florence, and Horry. Our main area of service is Marion County, specifically the city of Mullins. Our after-school program currently serves 25 children, some of which are at-risk youth. We provide around 200 weekend meals and bags of groceries to children and elderly members of the community. The pantry that King’s Court operates has served many in the community with non-perishable food items, clothing, and personal hygiene items.

How has the organization grown?

How about your personal life?

There is an amazing fact about King’s Court that I like to share. When we started it and applied for our 501c3 status, we were only offering limited shelter service.

However, the vision was so clear that when we wrote the mission statement and outlined services we would provide, we included every aspect of the services we provide now. We knew that if we were going to serve the homeless population we had to be prepared to meet all of those needs. Food, shelter, human services, education, and so much more would be needed. We have certainly grown since the beginning and are constantly seeking new ways to expand on the services we are able to provide. Each program that we operate was a milestone for the organization.

King’s Court has repurposed my life. I’ve always had the desire to take care of others and chose a career path, nursing, that would allow me to do just that.

Building this organization has opened my eyes to the deeper purpose God has for my life and that is to be an extension of His hand and an example of His Love.

I knew that this little local motel that my husband and I were running was meant to serve many people in a different and greater capacity.

Can you share an experience that greatly impacted King’s Court?

One of my favorites is of a homeless man we became aware of in the early days of the organization. I was still working as a nurse and got a phone call from a citizen who knew of a man living in the woods somewhere in between Fork and Mullins. I told the person to try and find this man and bring him to our office. We met him, he told us he had lost his wife and everything else he had. He had given up on life. We took him into the shelter, helped him get cleaned up, and our board vice president was working as the hiring manager for a local manufacturing company. She gave him a job and it changed his life. He lived in the shelter for a year, worked hard, and found stable permanent housing. He exited the shelter and has visited several times to show support and give back to this community. Every time I see this man it reminds me that even on the toughest day, I’m right where I need to be, and doing what I need to be doing.

King’s Court is interested in expanding its reach by offering affordable housing. Their desire is to add more housing units and a program that allows families and individuals to move from the shelter and into permanent housing in a shorter period of time. King’s Court is currently in need of volunteers who are professional social workers, case managers, counselors, and teachers.

These professionals would help them reach and serve more individuals and families in a greater and more efficient capacity. If you would like to learn more about King’s Court, visit them online at kingscourtcare.com.

SERVICES HOMELESS SHELTER - King’s Court provides long-term and emergency short-term stays to homeless and lowincome families and individuals and is the only shelter of its size and type in Marion County. Short-term stays of 3 days or less are provided at no charge, and longer stays are provided for a reduced cost. King’s Court shelter has served individuals who have become homeless for various reasons including domestic violence, homeless veterans, fires, and other natural disasters, and young individuals released from incarceration. It is the only shelter in Marion County at this time, as the only other shelter closed in 2018. Many shelters in surrounding counties have closed or drastically reduced operations and intake of individuals since March 2020, yet King’s Court has remained open and self-sufficient.

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SOUP KITCHEN Residents living in the shelter are served two meals daily out of the motel’s commercial kitchen. Meals are served Monday through Friday and there is a food pantry with non-perishable food items available for weekend meals.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, King’s Court has seen an increase in food insecurity in the city of Mullins and has been able to step up to help meet those needs. An average of 2,000 hot meals and bags of groceries are served to the citizens of Marion County each month. This is accomplished through funding from grants from United Way, Marion County Long-term Recovery Team, Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, donations from local churches, and concerned citizens.

HUMAN SERVICES King’s Court assists residents who live in the shelter and individuals in the community with job seeking, obtaining legal documents, transportation to appointments, counseling services, and connecting them with community resources. New funding is needed to bridge gaps in the area of human services. Funds would be used to provide transportation to appointments and work, pay for services and obtain legal documents, and counseling services.

EDUCATION, CHILD CARE, AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS An afterschool program serves an average of 30 children during the school year and 60 children in the Summer Reading Camp. The afterschool program helps with homework, extra enrichment activities in reading and math, educational field trips, and provides a hot meal. Children of shelter residents are enrolled in the afterschool and summer reading program at no charge. The childcare center has allowed at-risk youth and children of essential workers to have a safe learning environment that gives them access to hot meals and proper nutrition with a quality trained staff and volunteers. This childcare center is an ABC Quality provider and receives vouchers as payment for children who are enrolled in the DSS ABC Program.

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Follow The Regeneration Center's outreach on Facebook.

The Regeneration Center A ministry where God’s plan and purpose begin for the least of these

Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It lures in its victims and douses them with doubt to hold them there until, in best-case scenarios, someone or something steps in to offer the perfect correlation of help that brings them out of the darkness. Take Tony Thomas for example – he had a secure childhood home and a bachelor's degree from Penn State University, but somehow still became an addict. Unlike so many, thankfully Tony has a story of redemption.

He is now the owner and director of The Regeneration Center in Effingham where he is using his experiences to help those that are struggling with addiction.

Tony was born and raised in the Bronx, New York.

He explains his home life as loving. “But despite that, I couldn’t escape the grip of addiction,” Tony says. “I started using drugs at the age of 13 and my life took a bad turn. I found myself homeless at the age of 42.”

For more than 30 years Tony battled his addiction. By the grace of God, he was led to an organization that would strengthen him and give him the confidence to overcome this battle. “In 2002, homeless and strung 44

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story by Laura Clements

out on heroin and crack cocaine, my mother put me in the House of Hope. It was there that God ministered to me, and there where I found my purpose in life. That purpose was to give back what was given to me.”

While the idea to help those that were in need and the drive to have a place of refuge for the homeless existed, Tony and his wife Marilyn didn’t know how to bring these dreams to fruition. While they remained in constant prayer, God was doing all of the planning.

Back in 2002, House of Hope owned a building in Effingham; it was the location Tony spent many days learning his new way of life. When a family member approached him about struggling with addiction, Tony naturally drove him to the Effingham location only to learn that it was no longer open and had moved to Florence. While the people that ran the facility at the time laid the foundation for Tony’s transformation, this Effingham location, its brick walls and dated carpet, had a special place in his heart. He imagined this building becoming a new chapter in his life.

Tony & Marilyn, founders

After much prayer, God led Tony and Marilyn to inquire about the old House of Hope building and the 8-acres that surrounded it. It was in fact for sale but way out of their price range. However, God continued to encourage them to persue it. While meeting with a bank representative for the building, Tony and Marilyn were asked to submit an offer. They offered thousands of dollars less than the asking price but the bank accepted it! Tony and Marilyn became the proud owners of a building that needed tons of work but held promise to become a haven for lives they didn’t yet know.

Today Tony’s dreams are realized. The Regeneration Center, a men’s faith-based facility, opened on December 2, 2018. “Since this time, we have provided shelter, food, clothing, healing, respect, and comfort to over 100 homeless individuals in our community,” Tony says. The center currently houses 13 residents. Tony has been drugfree for over nineteen years. Now he serves as an ordained minister and has found his calling through ministering to the men that visit The Regeneration Center. However, Tony’s outreach doesn’t stop there.

“I go to the highways and byways offering food, shelter, and sharing resources such as God’s word, a twelve-step program, employment, clothing, and housing with the partnership of other resources that work with us to combat homelessness,” he says.

One visit to The Regeneration Center will leave you yearning to help. The building and its land offer a sanctuary to the men that visit however it requires a lot of maintenance. Tony and Marilyn are currently working on plans to revitalize an additional building on the property so that the men will have a technology center to learn in. However, this takes money and knowledge.

If you are interested in learning more about The Regeneration Center’s outreach, you can visit their Facebook page, Regeneration Center, or email Tony at regeneration.center@yahoo.com.

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

McLeod Structural Cardiologists Dr. Ravi Parikh and Dr. Brian Blaker with the FlowTriever devices for the rapid treatment of pulmonary embolisms.

New Device Rapidly Removes Clots, Restores Blood Flow A pulmonary embolism is a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot. These blockages reduce the blood flow through the heart and lungs making it more difficult for the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. Eventually, it can progress to decreased oxygen levels and low blood pressure.

The blockage of blood flow also puts a strain on the heart’s pumping mechanism since it is unable to push the blood past the clot. In severe cases, heart failure may occur and can lead to a fatal event. It is estimated that pulmonary embolisms cause 100,000 deaths each year, according to the American College of Cardiology.

The most common cause of pulmonary embolism is blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, that travel from the lower body up to the lungs. Patients with deep vein thrombosis may experience swelling, tenderness, or discoloration of the legs.

Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include family history, cancer, blood clotting disorders, being overweight, smoking, recent surgery, a sedentary lifestyle as well as certain types of hormone replacement therapies and birth control pills.

A frequent test performed to diagnose a pulmonary embolism is a CT Scan.

This is a special kind of X-ray that uses contrast to visualize the blood vessels.

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Patients with pulmonary embolisms may experience: · shortness of breath · chest pain that worsens with breathing · a feeling of dizziness · lightheadedness or fainting · irregular heartbeat · heart racing · coughing · fatigue

The FlowTriever device is a minimally invasive, catheterbased device used to remove blood clots from lungs.

Blood thinners are the common treatment for pulmonary embolism and DVT. They will not break down existing clots but are necessary to prevent new clots from forming. The body has natural mechanisms for breaking down clots, but this process can take weeks to months.

The FlowTriever device is a minimally invasive, catheterbased device that is available at McLeod Regional Medical Center to remove blood clots from the lung arteries. It allows for more rapid treatment of pulmonary embolism in many higher risk patients.

The procedure is performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory by an Interventional Cardiologist who inserts the FlowTriever catheter into one of the leg veins. The FlowTriever is advanced over a carefully positioned wire to the lung arteries where the clot can be aspirated, or suctioned, into the catheter and removed from the body. In some cases, self-expanding, soft mesh disks can be used to improve removal of the clot.

With the removal of the clots, the procedure improves blood flow to the lungs, and often provides rapid improvement in shortness of breath, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Patients who are admitted with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism may be evaluated by a Pulmonologist who specializes in lung care, an Interventional Cardiologist, and/or a Vascular Surgeon to determine the best course of treatment.

It is common for patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism to also have a deep vein thrombosis clot. In some cases, with a large amount of clot, a patient may be evaluated for a similar clot removal procedure or placement of a filter to prevent further clots from going

to the lungs. For patients needing care for deep vein thrombosis at McLeod Regional Medical Center or McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Vascular Surgeons are experienced in the ClotTriever and filter devices. The ClotTriever is similar to the FlowTriever device but is specific for the removal of blood clots in the lower body and legs.

Regular exercise is the best prevention for pulmonary embolism. If bed rest, recovery from surgery, or extended travel keeps you from walking around, it is important to move your arms, legs, and feet including tightening and relaxing your muscles for a few minutes every hour. Plan ahead if you know you will be sitting or standing for a long period of time. Talk to your doctor about wearing graduated compression stockings, which steadily squeeze the legs helping the veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently.

Pulmonary embolism and DVT are common and can be life-threatening. Anyone with unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or a bloody cough should seek medical care right away.

Dr. Brian Blaker is an Interventional and Structural Cardiologist with McLeod Cardiology Associates.

Dr. Blaker serves as the Medical Director of the McLeod Structural Heart Program. Structural heart disease can be present at birth or develop with age. It refers to defects in the heart’s valves, Brian Blaker, MD, FACC McLeod Interventional Cardiologist walls or chambers.

Director of Structural Heart Disease

For more information, visit McLeodHealth.org.

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HEALTH HEALTH ++ WELLNESS WELLNESS

A Critical Look at Colorectal Cancer

story by Regina Stanley, FNP, HopeHealth

REGINA STANLEY Regina Stanley is a family nurse practitioner serving patients at HopeHealth at Francis Marion University. From Marion, SC, Stanley is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Society of Leadership and Success, American Nurses Association, South Carolina Nurses Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She volunteers with the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and the Marion Foxtrot Festival Board. She is a 2017 Palmetto Gold Nursing Award recipient.

On August 28, 2020, beloved actor, Chadwick Boseman died at age 43 from colorectal cancer. A native of Anderson, South Carolina, Boseman had become a household name for his role as King T'Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther, a comic book film praised for its celebration of Black culture and promotion of diverse representation within the superhero genre. Black Panther broke box office records and earned a gross of 1.3 billion by the end of its theatrical run.

Unknown to fans and even his colleagues, Boseman had been fighting a different kind of battle off-screen for four years with colorectal cancer. Despite multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, he sadly lost that battle after the cancer progressed from stage 3 in 2016 to stage 4 in 2020.

Chadwick Boseman’s death from colorectal cancer was a devastating reminder that people must do their part to assess their risk, practice prevention, and get recommended screenings to detect cancer early.

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What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the large intestine and rectum, which are responsible for the absorption of water and salt from remaining food contents passing through your digestive tract, and the storage of waste until elimination when you have a bowel movement.

According to the American Cancer Society, an anticipated 52,580 people will die from colorectal cancer in 2022.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States.

Sources: boxofficemojo.com; cancer.gov; cancer.org

Evaluating Risk Factors and Prioritizing Prevention Here are some risk factors associated with colorectal cancer and some recommendations for ways you can reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Lack of Exercise - Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer. It is recommended that adults set a goal of 150 - 300 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 - 150 minutes of intense exercise weekly.

In addition to reducing your risk for developing cancer, regular exercise helps prevent other significant diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and has mental health benefits as well.

Diet - Eating a diet rich in red meats (beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, packaged deli meats, beef jerky) increases colorectal cancer risk.

Reducing consumption of red meats and processed meats can help to lower your risk for colorectal cancer and improve digestion.

Obesity - Carrying excess weight is linked with an increased likelihood for developing certain cancers, including colorectal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, people who are obese are about 30% more likely to develop colorectal cancer than people within a normal weight range. While obesity raises the risk for both men and women, the connection appears stronger in men.

Evaluating Risk Factors and Prioritizing Prevention Family History - Genetics play a strong role in what diseases we will encounter throughout our lives, and colorectal cancer is no exception. If your parents, grandparents, or siblings have ever been treated for colorectal cancer, your chances of developing it are much higher than those with no family history. Work to mitigate the risk factors mentioned above and create a plan with your health care provider for regular screenings to monitor your status and catch cancer early should it develop.

Achieving Better Outcomes Through Early Detection For the average person with no major risk factors or symptoms, it is recommended you begin regular screenings for colorectal cancer at age 45. This can be done with stool-based tests that look for indicators in a provided stool specimen, or through a visual exam using diagnostic imaging or a colonoscopy.

If you would like to learn more about your risk for colorectal cancer and are interested in screening, contact HopeHealth today to schedule your appointment.

Make dietary changes to include more fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, lean meats, like chicken and fish, and plant-based proteins such as beans, peas, and legumes. Along with added activity, this can eliminate the pounds, mitigating your cancer risk, while also improving your overall health and mood.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use - Tobacco and alcohol use both increase your risk for multiple cancer types, including colorectal cancer. It is recommended to stop tobacco use, and limit alcohol use to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

History of Colorectal Polyps or Colorectal Cancer - People who have had polyps (tissue growths in the colon) or have been diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer in the past are at a higher risk for developing disease and should get regular screenings as recommended by their healthcare provider.

HopeHealth offers health and wellness classes at HopeHealth Medical Plaza and at HopeHealth on Pine Needles Road.

Check out hope-health.org/news to find a class right for you!

360 N Irby St., Florence 843.667.9414 hope-health.org

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HOME

Saint Patrick's Day

TRADITIONS story by Doug Smith

Most people who eat Shepherd’s Pie don’t know the humble beginning this delicious meal came from. All we seem to know is that it’s a traditional Saint Patrick’s day dinner.

Like me and other foodies, there is nothing that compares to knowing the back story of the meal we are about to eat.

The history of food almost always adds beauty to it. If you are like me and you like knowing how the foods you love came about, then you’re in luck. The first thing you should know is Shepherd’s Pie is one of the most loved meals in Ireland and it is very popular all over the globe. The truth is that Shepherd’s Pie came about as a way to preserve and not waste food. It was a creative way to make something delicious from the little bits of food that were leftover. Today it’s more than leftovers.

There are two basic recipes, one with beef and one with lamb.

They’re both called Shepherd’s Pie but lamb is a traditional Shepherd’s Pie go-to.

The recipe began in the late 1700s while Irish housewives hated watching their families waste food. So the ingenious wives used their leftovers to create this famous dish. Although the way it was made differed from home to home, the structure was the same, and so were the main ingredients.

Take all the mashed potato leftovers and meat and make an incredible dish. Who would have thought that this dish of leftovers would become a mainstream meal found in homes and restaurants all around the world?

What is Shepherd’s Pie? The pie consists of three layers. The upper and bottom layers have mashed potato and the middle layer is meat. Some people put the meat in a sauce of onion, vegetables, or whatever they had around the house. It is a fun meal to experiment with and can be great using whatever leftovers you have.

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Irish Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients: • 1 pound of chuck ground beef (or lamb) • 8 ounces of mushrooms • ½ cup of chopped onions • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt • Black pepper, to taste • 2 large garlic cloves • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour • ½ cup of beef broth • ½ cup of heavy cream • ½ cup of frozen peas • 2 cups of shredded and frozen hash brown potatoes • 1/8 cup of chopped chives • 2 cups of cheddar cheese • ¼ cup of mayonnaise • Paprika for garnish

Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".

Method: • Preheat your oven to 375 ˚f.

• Place the ground beef, mushrooms, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large skillet. Sauté, then put in the Worcestershire and stir. Add in the flour and continue stirring. Let that cook for one minute. After a minute, add the beef broth and stir to mix, then the heavy cream. Let it cook until it thickens. Set aside to cool.

• In the second mixing bowl, put the hash brown potatoes and chives as well as one cup of cheddar cheese.

• Pour 1/2 of the potato mixture into a glass baking dish, add the beef, sprinkle green peas evenly. Top with the other 1/2 of the potato mixture.

• Spread the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top with a light sprinkle of paprika. Bake for about 45 minutes until the cheese is slightly brown and melted. Let it cool for fifteen minutes. Serve it up!

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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December 2021

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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December 2021

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

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