“Have you ever believed that you aren’t good enough? That you’re not thin enough? That you’re unlovable? That you’re a bad mom? Have you ever believed that you deserve to be treated badly? That you’ll never amount to anything? All lies.”
The beginning of the year is a great time to begin working on ourselves. This month, Burry Bookstore suggested Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. With wry wit and hard-earned wisdom, popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com Rachel Hollis helps readers break free from the lies keeping them from the joy-filled and exuberant lives they are meant to live. (www.girlwashyourface.com)
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable, or to dare greatly. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.
In Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on twelve years of research, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. The book that Dr. Brown’s many fans have been waiting for, Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth—and trust—in our organizations, families, schools, and communities. (www.goodreads.com)
The Angel Oak Tree located on Johns Island just outside of Charleston is estimated to be more than 1,500 years old and is known today as an impressive landmark in the Lowcountry of SC. Live oaks are typically known to only grow out rather than upwards, but the Angel Oak’s long history has allowed it to uniquely grow both out and up. The live oak has a height of more than 65 feet, a circumference of 25 feet, a diameter spread of 160 feet, and covers about 17,100 square feet of ground. Some of its large and heavy limbs even drop to the ground, something which is only universal among the oldest living oaks. The majestic spread, strength, and beauty of the tree make it a must-see for anyone visiting the Charleston, SC area!
Historical records trace the ownership of the tree and the land on which it stands to 1717 when it was given to Abraham Waight as part of a land grant. Mr. Waight was a wealthy man who owned several plantations. The tree stayed in that family for four generations. Angel Oak acquired its name from the Angel family, descendants of Abraham Waight. In 1991, the tree became the property of the City of Charleston.
The Angel Oak Tree is thought to be one of the oldest trees and living things in the country. It has survived rough weather conditions and human interference. If you are taking a trip to Kiawah Island or Seabrook Islands, it is likely you will drive within a few hundred feet of the Angel Oak Tree, making it a worthy detour. Seeing the impressive live oak tree should be at the top of your to-do list, as it costs nothing to visit. Though located on Johns Island, the tree has come to symbolize Charleston. The Angel Oak Tree’s impressive age and natural beauty are sure to leave you in awe!
The Angel Oak Tree is located at Angel Oak Park at 3688 Angel Oak Rd. on Johns Island, just 12 miles from downtown Charleston.
Did You Know?
Fun Fact about Rainbow Row, an iconic site in Charleston.
After the Civil War and until the early 1900s, Rainbow Row was considered a slum and was a very run-down area of Charleston. A woman named Dorothy Porcher Legge invested in homes 99 through 101. To improve them, she painted them a light shade of pastel pink. Others in the area began following in her footsteps by painting their houses beautiful pastel colors to improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood. There is conflicting reasoning behind the colors, though some believe the light colors helped keep the interior of the houses cooler while some believe that the hues were used to capture the attention of drunk sailors who might not have otherwise been able to find their way home. Another theory is that the hues were the merchants’ way of indicating what types of items they sold there. To date, there are around 36.8K posts tagged with #rainbowrow on Instagram!
If you haven’t already started on your New Year’s resolution, I’m guessing you have at least already brainstormed a few ideas and accomplishments you have in mind for 2019. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, the top five New Year’s resolutions for 2017 revolved around losing weight/healthier eating, self-improvement, making better financial decisions, participating in more exciting things, and to quit smoking. However, it can be discouraging to know that only 9.2 percent of us will actually achieve a New Year’s resolution. It is easy to fall off track once we get back into the swing of our daily routine after the holiday season. No matter what your goal may be, it clearly meant something to you, or you wouldn’t have marked the new year by thinking about it. Resolutions are still a symbol of hope and happiness for a new year, no matter when you start!
If it’s a few days, weeks, or even months after the first of January, know that it’s not too late. The best thing to do is to forget the delay or any related sense of failure and get motivated to start immediately! Wipe the slate clean and make sure your goals are realistic and attainable, setting a mental pathway for success. Usually, the reason many people fail relates back to an internal battle which creates a barrier, so stop overthinking.
Goals, no matter what they may be, should also be measurable, or else you will never know what you have achieved. Develop a timeline that includes short-term goals, so you can focus on progress versus an overall outcome. Start by taking it slow and easing into new habits, which will eventually lead to a new lifestyle. Know that you may not see immediate rewards, especially right after the stressful holiday season of over eating, spending, and relaxation. If your goals are related to fitness or weight loss, find apps to help you stay on track, document weigh-ins and measurements. If you’re looking to save money, calculate how much you spend, on average, each month eating out. Use Pinterest to find simple and tasty packed lunches as a guide that you can make. If you’re looking for more adventure, research activities and keep a bucket list, adding activities to your calendar in advance as a plan. Research your goal and find resources to help you reach it.
Lastly, it can be hard to stay motivated and committed, but finding a friend that has similar goals as you can be helpful. If you can hold each other accountable or even just chat about your resolutions, it will help with encouragement to stay on track. The fear of letting someone else down can motivate you to succeed.
If you are late getting started, make a mistake, or get off track, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Change doesn’t have to start on January 1st. You have plenty of time left in the year. It is important to develop your New Year’s resolution and achieve goals for yourself to make 2019 the best year yet. Before you start, it is better to understand why you desire the particular change in the first place. There’s usually a bigger, more meaningful purpose behind a New Year’s resolution. Now is the time. So, hit the reset button and get to work!
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Scott Garner grew up in a household compromised of tremendous love. Things took a tragic turn, however, when Scott was 16 years old. After witnessing his father pass away at the young age of 46, Scott’s life was changed forever. “Being the youngest of three children and witnessing him pass really got to me. Little did I know at the time, however, just how much the impact of my father’s love would guide me later on as a single father and a grandfather helping raise twins.” Today, Scott is the proud single father of three children – Amber, Taylor, and Tanner – and the loving grandfather of seven month old twins Peyton and Harper. As in the days of his childhood with his own father, Scott has raised a household full of unconditional love.
Before the days of fatherhood, however, Scott developed a passion for staying active. At a young age, he grew to love sports, particularly baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and swimming. He also enjoyed weightlifting and running, and both are still a part of his life today. “I am an extremely health-oriented person. A daily routine for me is to get up at 4:30 a.m. and head straight to the one of three gyms of which I am a member. My workouts range from one and a half to two hours long, non-stop. I take a supplement called Isagenix, and I only eat healthy food and drink water all day. At the ripe ole’ age of 55, I have never felt better!”
Scott photographed with grandkids Peyton and Harper
If you ask Scott what the reason behind this journey to better health is, the answer is simple. “The reason I do what I do is mainly for my family. I remember how it affected me to lose my father at such a young age. That being said, I never miss a day of working out. It helps me focus, have more energy, feel better about myself, push myself, and set a good example for my children and employees.” One of his daughters and his grandkids often join him during his workouts, as Scott can be seen jogging with Peyton and Harper in their stroller. “I love to spend time with Peyton and Harper. The Rail Trail here in Florence is a favorite spot for us to go walking and running. They love it! The faster, the better! Rain, cold, or shine…they light up when we get there. I believe this helps them in many ways. Seeing their granddad and mother push and sweat helps them know that exercise is a large part of our life. We got caught in the rain recently and I was concerned they might cry; instead, they started looking up as the rain hit their faces and both started smiling and laughing. I see this as ‘toughing them up’ at an early age.”
When Scott isn’t hitting the pavement or one of his favorite gyms, he can be found at his automotive business, Autorama. Scott entered this career field in 1989 while he was in Georgia. He eventually relocated here to Florence at a local dealership. After his 20 year career ended abruptly and unexpectedly, Scott received a call from a close friend who suggested he come back to Georgia and open his own automotive business. Scott was torn at first, but he knew he needed to talk to his children about it before making a final decision. His children loved being in Florence, as it felt like home to them. Scott felt the same, not ready to say goodbye to his beloved city. Scott decided to look for property here and the rest is history!
At AutoRama, Scott and his team offer lower mile vehicles in the form of Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Infiniti. They also have bank financing for both good and bad credit, as well as warranties and gap insurance. All cars come with a three-month, 4,500 mile warranty. If there is a certain car you want that Scott doesn’t have on the lot, it’s no problem for him to utilize a locating service to find the car you’ve been dreaming of owning. “We offer everything a big store offers with a fun, family friendly environment!”
AutoRama is also a family affair. Scott’s son Tanner and Scott’s partner’s son Drew also work there. Peyton and Harper also make weekly appearances, thanks to the nursery at AutoRama, and the family dog Samantha visits to entertain customers. “She’s the gentlest German Shepherd around!” Scott loves having his family around the business, as it helps make the work week even more enjoyable.
Scott concludes, “Purchasing a car at the beginning of the New Year is a good idea. It’s a great time for a consumer to buy, as dealers want a quick start to a new year. Everyone has New Year’s resolutions – get your body in shape and get a new vehicle to motivate yourself even more to be more successful.” It starts with making that first step! So if you’re looking for a new ride in the New Year, stop on by AutoRama and don’t be afraid to bring the kids with you for an experience to help kick start a wonderful new year.
Auto-Rama of Florence | 1310 S Cashua Dr, Florence, SC | 843.673.9766 | www.autoromaflorence.com
The Butterfly Effect is a 12-week mentoring program for girls between the ages of 6 and 15 that is branched from One Touch Transformation, a non-profit organization that focuses on sexual abuse prevention and awareness. The program is designed to help prevent child sexual abuse while highlighting good touch versus bad touch. During the program, mentors focus on self-esteem while inspiring and promoting self-worth to support the development of life skills. Girls also learn the importance of loving and protecting their body.
The program started Fall of 2016 with just one girl in Florence, but has since expanded to Hartsville and Darlington. There were a total of six participants in Hartsville, four in Darlington, and seven in Florence this semester. The program is 12-weeks during the semester of the school year. During the Fall, it ranges from September-December. The program meets in Hartsville at Seersuckergypsy on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., meets at the Housing Authority Facility in Darlington on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m., along with a representative from the Clemson Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and meets at the One Touch Transformation office in Florence on Coit Street on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Class from 2018
“I feel the program is making an impact because it’s a different type of mentoring program,” says Director, Arthenius Jackson. “Most programs don’t like to even touch on the topic of sexual abuse or even introduce the topic of body safety to kids. We’re living in a time where sexual abuse is so rampart in the media and in the community and we’re taking advantage of the moment to teach these girls that their body belongs to them, and what to do just in case someone tries to touch them inappropriately. I also want to stress that we discuss other topics other than body safety, but we focus on self-worth and confidence, and to see the growth and even hear parents tell us the difference they see in their girls, lets us know we are making an impact on these girls, which will ultimately allow them to impact their homes, schools, communities etc. My favorite part of the program is seeing the growth in these girls from the time they attend the first week up until the 12th week. It’s amazing seeing them come out of their shells and blossom, or in our case, find their wings.”
The next program will start the week of January 21 and the cost is $30. Those interested can download the application online at www.onett.me and pay via paypal or cashapp $onetouchott. Applications can be turned in via email ottbutterflyeffect@gmail.com or dropped off at any of the three locations (Seersuckergypsy, Housing Authority of Darlington, and One Touch Transformation office). If there are parents who are not financially able to pay the fee, there are slots set aside on a first come-first served basis.
Have you ever wandered into a local coffee shop and stood staring at the chalkboard menu thinking, “How in the world do I choose?” We certainly have, many times! It’s become routine to just say I’ll have what she’s having and wish for the best. Starting today, we vow to educate ourselves in the coffee lingo and order in confidence. The baristas at Lula’s Coffee Co. shared inside scoop on how to make our coffee purchase less stressful and more enjoyable.
Q&A with Lula’s Coffee Co. barista team:
First off, tell us a bit about the traditional drinks you’ll find at a coffee shop.
ESPRESSO – Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee. Small, strong “shots” are made through an intense extraction process- quickly forcing water through finely ground coffee beans. If you like strong coffee, you may enjoy having an espresso on its own. Or if you’re looking for a little caffeine boost, you can add a shot of espresso to your favorite coffee beverage.
AMERICANO – An Americano is espresso that has been poured over, or been diluted with hot water. It is similar to a traditional brewed cup of coffee, but has a different flavor due to the difference in the extraction process.
LATTE – A caffé latte, or “latte” for short, is an espresso based drink that is topped off with steamed milk and a layer of creamy, smooth foam called micro-foam.
CAPPUCCINO – A cappuccino is similar to a latte. However, the cappuccino is traditionally a drink of thirds… equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
MACCHIATO – Essentially, a macchiato is made the same way as a latte but in a different order. In Italian, it literally means “stained” or “spotted”, which refers to the method of preparation wherein the milk is “stained” by the addition of espresso.
MOCHA – A cafe mocha is made with chocolate, espresso, steamed milk, and is often topped with whip cream and chocolate drizzle. Beyond the traditional chocolate based mocha, we also have the option for a white chocolate mocha. Warning: once you try it, you may be hooked!
Tell us about the different flavors that can be added to coffee and what flavor goes best with what.
At Lula’s we have about 30 different flavors that can be added to any drink. This may include hot or cold espresso beverages, brewed coffee of the hot or cold variety, any of our frozen beverages or even our teas. Some flavors are a match made in heaven (peppermint and mocha or vanilla and hazelnut) while others might be best left to the wild and daring (banana, cayenne, or lavender anyone?). The best thing to know is that our knowledgeable baristas will be able to guide you to the perfect beverage based on your flavor preference.
Which drinks can be iced or served cold?
While we are still a few months away from those hot summer days, there is a wide variety of options for a cold refreshing beverage. You can get any espresso based beverage served over ice, try a frappe blended beverage, get a fruit smoothie, cool down with an iced tea, or try the smooth and refreshing taste of our cold brew which is a customer favorite!
What options are available to make a drink with less sugar, or lower calories?
If you’re setting some New Year’s resolutions while still trying to get that motivation to wake up in the morning, we offer four (4) sugar-free flavor options; vanilla, hazelnut, caramel and white chocolate, as well as many alternatives to whole milk for a low calorie treat. Those options include nonfat milk, almond milk, and soy milk.
What’s the best option for regular coffee drinkers that want to try something new?
If you’re looking for a special treat while you’re meeting with friends or getting out to support your local non-profit coffee shop like Lula’s, our baristas can help you make the right selection! And if it doesn’t taste just right, we will make sure you find the drink that is perfect for you. Our suggestion: a flavored latte is a rich and creamy treat with just the right balance of coffee (and caffeine) and sweetness to make your day extra special.
Throughout the entire world, but particularly in the Western Hemisphere, the approaching end of the calendar year usually means three things to most people: firstly, a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends to reflect on our many blessings from God. Secondly, we celebrate a most serious time of reflection and giving with our wonderful and beautiful Christmas season, remembering God’s greatest gift to the world, that being His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. And, to wrap things up, we enjoy a New Year’s celebration making resolutions which we seldom keep past the first month or two in the new year. But all in all, it is a wonderful time to thank God for our many blessings, reaffirm our Christian beliefs, and prepare for a new year of hope, love, and prosperity.
As 2018 comes to a close, and 2019 is knocking at the door, we at Mercy Medicine Free Clinic (MMFC) are preparing to celebrate our silver anniversary (25 years) of giving free health care to the needy people of Florence and Williamsburg county. Many patients who have come to MMFC for their health care needs give thanks for its existence in the greater Florence community, learn and appreciate the act of Christian love, and find hope and promise to better health in the ensuing year.
In 1994, a group of devoted Christian doctors, nurses, and health care professionals saw the unselfish need to care for people in the community who had no reliable health care due to lack of status, funds, mobility, indifference, and perhaps discrimination. Dr’s. H. Allen, Jr, N.B. Baroody, J. Thomson, M. Hicks, and J. Owen, along with several excellent nursing staff, formulated the beginnings of the MMFC with the avowed purpose of “free health care (and pharmaceuticals) given under the guidance and devotion to Christian principles.” Over the last (soon-to-be) 25 years, the location, the providers, and the structure have undergone inevitable change, while the basic principles and by-laws have remained the same. Those people who qualify include the poor, the working poor, the uninsured, the homeless, and the law offenders who are soon to be released. While they are at MMFC, they are our patients and get prompt medical attention, diagnosis, additional testing from allied community health providers/hospitals and medical facilities, and life saving medications. MMFC works very closely with McLeod Regional Medical Center and Carolina Hospital System, and is involved with Francis Marion University’s Department of Nursing to help train future health care professionals.
MMFC is guided by a dedicated Board of community professionals who help steer its course to the ever-changing demands of health care in the United States. MMFC has an administrative staff for business purposes and eligibility requirements; an office staff who organizes patient visits and follow ups; a nursing staff who register and work up the patients for their visits, and a health care provider staff who makes diagnoses and prescribes healing medications. The common denominator of all these personnel is that they all help deliver excellent health care with Christian love. They all work for reduced salaries, often without benefits, because they love to help and serve the poor. It is a part of their Christian principles and duties.
As we at MMFC get ready to celebrate our Silver Anniversary in 2019, our staff believes in giving to our patients and our community. 2018 is ending on a proverbial high note of excellent health care and a big dose of Christian love. In the famous movie Mary Poppins there was a song entitled: A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down. I would like to borrow that phrase from the movie, and say – relative to Mercy Medicine Free Clinic – a generous spoonful of Christian love helps patients at MMFC achieve better health. It has been and will continue to be our unselfish mission at MMFC to dispense excellent health care to our needy patients with a generous serving of Christian love and caring.
It is true that little minds have big ideas and entrepreneurship can start early on. For second grader Halle Belle McCutchen, it all started with a love for jewelry and beading, an activity she could partake in after school and on weekends. In August of 2018, Halle Belle started “Belles Beads” where she specializes in the design and creation of fashionable bracelets and necklaces, including custom pieces, that she can share with ladies and children.
Halle Belle’s specialty is creating bracelets that can be worn as a single or that can be stacked. Her newest collection, “Like Mama,” consists of custom-made bracelets for mothers and daughters, because what little one doesn’t want to be just “Like Mama?” Of course, Belles Beads wouldn’t be possible without supervision from Mom. Joanie McCutchen shares, “Halle Belle has always been crafty and has to keep her hands busy. Her love for beading and creating her own style of jewelry doesn’t come as a surprise, as she has always loved jewelry and marched to the beat of her own drum.”
The sky is the limit for Belles Beads, as she is just getting started. Halle Belle’s wheels are forever turning. “She is always eager to get home from school to see what new supplies the mail man has brought so she can create something new, but of course after homework and studies,” shares Joanie. “At the pace Halle Belle is going right now I don’t see her slowing down. Belles Beads has been a wonderful outlet for Halle Belle and she plans to continue as long as her little heart desires.”
To check out what Belles Beads has to offer or to make a purchase, visit @belles_beads on Facebook and Instagram. Belles Beads can also be purchased at Turner & Scoot, a women’s clothing boutique located at 208 N. Main Street in Bishopville.
Florence County First Steps (FCFS) held its annual FY18 meeting at the Florence County Library on December 11, 2018. FCFS is a non-profit that offers assistance to low-income families and helps provide financial assistance to send children to experienced day cares. FCFS’s vision is that every child in Florence County will be prepared for success in school. Executive Director Spencer R. Scott started off the meeting with an overview of last year’s accomplishments.
Last year, FCFS provided 42 children with scholarship assistance so their parents could work or attend school with the Child Care Scholarship Program. The Child Care Training Program provided 27 early childhood staff with high quality training, and 366 children across 17 programs had access to teachers that were trained through FCFS. The Quality Enhancement program provided $5,967 in materials grants to participating childcare providers. Finally, the Parenting Program served 45 children and 45 families. 1,450 hours were spent in homes with families.
Scott then awarded a certificate to Katie Godwin, whose daughter, Officer Farrah Turner, was fatally wounded in the October 3rd ambush. The certificate stated that First Steps has created The Farrah Turner Scholarship Award, which will be given to a child from birth-to-three years of age who meets the First Steps requirements. The scholarship is valued at approximately $5,200 per child.
First Steps also revealed their winners for the Terrific Toddlers Baby Contest. The King was Mr. Mark Keeson McClain, Jr., son of Keyha Johnson and Mark E. McClain. The Queen was Miss Karleigh N. Ray, daughter of Jasmine Scott and Karl Ray. The King and Queen were both given a crown and will be on future promotional material for First Steps.
Musical performances were given by Precious One Learning Center and Live Love Grow Learning Center. The meeting concluded with the Florence County Children’s Library reading several books to the children, including Pete the Cat Saves Christmas. The meeting concluded with a special guest, Mickey Mouse, for the children.
For information related to Florence County First Steps, contact Spencer R. Scott at 843-629-0202.
Instead of eating fast food and commercially prepared foods, we can instead eat freshly prepared ones that contain wholesome ingredients similar to those our great-grandparents would have eaten. Lucky for us, SC Real Foods in Florence can keep us thinking and feeling healthy, as they are committed to offering the very best in their bakery and market. SC Real Foods carries ready-to-eat meal prep dishes sold a la carte, by the pound, as well as specialty bakery goods – made from scratch with wholesome real food ingredients. They also carry organic groceries, as well as local eggs, meat, dairy, and produce.
Previous owners of Pee Dee Christian Book & Supply, Andrew & Valerie Criswell, own and operate SC Real Foods and LIGHT Farms, which is a completely organic operation where the animals are all pasture raised and free range, and never fed artificial hormones or antibiotics. Val was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease in 2009. She inquired of the Lord, who told her that her healing was through obedience of the types of food she was eating. She bought a grain mill and began preparing all of the family’s baked goods from fresh-ground flour. She immediately began to feel better and over the course of the next year, she slowly began replacing more and more of the processed foods in her diet with real food. Within a year, she was completely healed and was able to come off of the thyroid medication. After selling bulk purchases of real food products through Pee Dee Christian Book & Supply, SC Real Foods was born in 2011.
SC Real Foods showcases their menu online, including specific dietary details. Different meals accommodate dietary demands, including meals that may be dairy free, gluten free, and grain free. Some are also low carb, keto and diabetic-friendly, as well as vegan and vegetarian. All of their bakery and market items are made from scratch in their on-site kitchen by professionally trained chefs, full-time bakers, and kitchen staff who share one thing in common- they all love food and enjoy preparing it for others! Real & Ready Meal Prep foods are conveniently sold by the pound in individual-serve microwavable containers, making it easier to maintain a certain diet while living a busy lifestyle. In fact, they have logged 260 different menu items, between the bakery and ready-made foods, in which they constantly rotate. The SC Real Foods’ kitchen staff puts out new menu items daily, so be sure to check their website to see what’s available. You won’t want to miss out on their Butternut Squash & Apple Soup, Spaghetti Squash Lasagna, Shredded Beef Barbacoa, Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and other tasty crowd favorites!
Don’t be frustrated if you don’t know how to cook a certain way or know where to find certain ingredients. SC Real Foods serves regular people that just want to eat better and gives them access to a wide variety of better tasting products. They are a place that the community can walk into and purchase homemade wholesome food that their family will love. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing value for their customers. So, what are you waiting for? Visit SC Real Foods today for homemade, high-quality, fresh and delicious meals
1225 Celebration Blvd, Florence | 843-235-1175 or 866-341-3389 | www.screalfoods.com
