Author: vipmagsc
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A Local Shop Supporting the Local Community
story by Jordan Pupa | photography provided by Mary’s Flowers
If you would have told Patricia Taira years ago that she would end up operating a flower shop, she would have said “no way!” Her career journey has given her experience in retail sales, customer service, and property management, and led her to locations such as Charleston, SC and even San Diego, CA. After being away from Florence for 22 years, she had a strong yearning to come home and has been back in Florence since 1997. On Jan 1, 1999, Patricia and her husband, Steve, purchased Mary’s Flowers & Gifts from her mother and father, making it a second-generation family-owned business.
Formed by Patricia’s parents, JC and Mary (Poston) Stone, Mary’s Flowers & Gifts originally opened in 1976 in the former Nell’s Beauty Shop on South Church Street. Unfortunately, arson consumed the original location around 1987, but the shop later reopened temporarily on South Dargan Street, then relocated to its current location on South Irby Street in 2015. Patricia’s father was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and Patricia’s mother decided to give up the shop in order to take care of him. While Patricia and her husband knew very little about the business, they did all they could to keep the family business successful. Patricia shares, “I remember our first year, Mom asked me to reach in the cooler and bring her some Gypsophila and statice. I looked at Steve, and whispered ‘What? You’ve got to be kidding me. What are Gypsophila and statice? I’ll never be able to remember these varieties.’ It was at that point I realized that we might be in trouble and bit off more than we could handle! We stepped up to the plate, stayed late, grabbed some books and practiced all those names. It took about two weeks, but we slowly got there.” While Patricia’s parents both gained their wings over the years, the Taira’s made changes and improvements over time, including adding event planning and balloon sculptures, to stay relevant to current customer needs. Steve and Patricia celebrate their 20th year in operating Mary’s Flowers & Gifts, LLC this year. However, this year also marks the businesses overall 43rd year of existence serving floral and events for the Florence area.
Today, Patricia owes most of the business’ success to her parents. In fact, to this day, Patricia still gets called “Mary” by many customers. She describes Steve as being her “saving grace” and brags on her small, yet powerful, a team of floral designers, delivery personnel, and store manager. Of course, great customers are what keeps the business alive. “We do appreciate and thank our loyal customers who have supported us throughout our existence,” says Patricia. “It makes such a difference to both small and large companies, when our city, and hometown, supports, and shops locally.”
The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce has also been a great support to Mary’s Flowers & Gifts over the years. The business first became a chamber member in 2000. “The Chamber opportunity has allowed us to present and display some additional talents coming from our flower shop,” explains Patricia. “The exposure has landed us numerous other event and party work throughout the city. We thank the Chamber for the opportunity to work with them on their annual business luncheons.”
Being a Chamber member comes with many benefits. Patricia explains how their membership has increased business visibility within the community and provided networking opportunities where they have met many wonderful business partners. “We are extremely proud to display our membership decal. What creditability that alone brings to our local businesses.” Patricia has also been part of the Chamber’s Ambassador Program since 2017, which she describes as one of the best decisions she could have made. She states, “It is heartwarming to meet other businesses and welcome them into our community and the Chamber of Commerce membership pool.”
In closing, Patricia explains how the Chamber’s mission is clear – Promote and enhance a favorable business climate and improve the quality of life to make Florence the best community in which to live and operate a business. “For this, we should be thankful,” says Patricia. “Thank you, Florence Chamber of Commerce, for your involvement and work, throughout our community.”
Mary’s Flowers & Gifts, LLC
1222 S Irby Street Suite A&B, Florence
www.marysflowersflosc.com | 843-669-5557
Pictured above: Jennifer Gainey, Floral Designer; Patricia Taira, Owner; Donna Stephens, Delivery Personnel; Seated, Paul Ponn- (AIFD), Floral Designer; Melonie Lee, Store Manager; not pictured, Diane Lee, Sales Support; John Vasilakis, Delivery Personnel
Mary’s Flowers & Gifts are the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month! For more information on becoming a member of the Chamber, visit flochamber.com.
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Helping Businesses Be Their Financial Best
story by Lucy Price
Tough winters in Pittsburgh, a busy work season, and a long commute brought Tom Fitzsimmons and his wife, Jodi, south. Just before a post busy season vacation to Myrtle Beach, Tom reached out to a recruiter to explore some new options. As it turns out, the recruiter worked with WebsterRogers and they were looking for someone with the level of experience that Tom had. The first day of their vacation turned into a day of interviews and the rest is history. Tom joined WebsterRogers in 1996 and has been with the firm for 22 years.
WebsterRogers serves individuals and businesses of all sizes, but Tom’s interest and expertise have always been in working with medium to large commercial clients, employee benefit plans, and not-for-profits. “When you have experience working with the same type of clients, you tend to encounter a lot of the same concerns,” shares Tom. “What inspires me is being able to share and leverage my experiences to help our clients.” Tom has held numerous positions over the years. His current role as Vice President presides over the firm’s finances. “What excites me most about this new role is the partnership with our President, Amy Urquhart, and our management committee,” explains Tom. “We have a team that is passionate about our people and our clients. I expect to see great things in the future of the firm.”
As far as Tom’s specialty goes, first and foremost, he is an auditor. He explains to us what an audit is and why it is important. “In an audit, we examine various documents and business records to support the recorded transactions and account balances reported in the financial statements. We also review and evaluate internal controls all under very specific guidelines. Audited financial statements provide business owners, board members, and stakeholders confidence in the financial statements they are relying on to make business decisions. In addition, an audit may help detect deficiencies in internal controls that could lead to fraud. The information from an audit can help businesses avoid cash flow issues and better plan for the future.” Tom explains how valuable the process is for both the clients and for WebsterRogers. “We get involved at every level in the business. I love going through this process with our clients and coaching them through various challenges.”
While Tom often helps clients overcome obstacles, a memorable moment is when he helped a business client obtain a financial loan in order to expand their facilities. Tom shares, “I was able to get involved and lead them through some crucial conversations with the bank and provide insight that got everyone comfortable. This expansion was critical for the client. Seeing it all come together and the finished facility was truly gratifying.” Tom’s ability to gain his client’s trust is in part due to how he treats people. “My mother taught me to always treat people with care and respect; everyone is important,” he said. A philosophy he keeps at the forefront of his business practices.
Tom has had the extraordinary privilege of experiencing the evolution of WebsterRogers over his 22 years with the firm. They have grown by seven offices, including one in Myrtle Beach and one in Florence, to a total of nine locations. “Adding those offices has enabled us to serve clients along the entire coast of South Carolina through the Midlands,” says Tom. “With the physical expansion, we have probably added another 90 associates. As we have added people, we have also been able to add new expertise in specific areas they didn’t have before. Those capabilities have enabled us to better serve not only our individual clients but to also continue to take on more and more complex engagements.” While many changes have been made throughout the years, one thing has always stayed the same – the people. “The people of WebsterRogers are what I enjoy most about the firm. It was the founding partners that led to my decision to not only join WebsterRogers but to build my career with this firm because of who they were. I enjoy working and developing our young associates and working as a team to help a client. I truly believe the people of WebsterRogers make the difference.”
Tom Fitzsimmons earned a BS in Accounting from Penn State University. His wife, Jodi, oversees Revenue Cycle Management for McLeod Physician Associates. Together they have 15 nieces and nephews. Tom is a member and former President of the Florence West Rotary Club and a McLeod Fellow.
With one deadline behind them, WR is still working diligently on client projects. Given the new tax laws, they have been planning with many of their clients since late last year as there are a myriad of changes impacting individuals and businesses. Taxpayers are impacted in different ways. Fortunately, WR has the expertise and experience to navigate the most complex issues.
www.websterrogers.com
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SC State Capitol Building
story by Zach Hughes
Anytime I take a day trip to Columbia from Florence, it is always by habit that I enter downtown via 277. My favorite reason for taking this route is that it lands you right on Bull Street, which leads you into the middle of Downtown Columbia. The sights and sounds of Columbia have always been mesmerizing to me. Though it never quite seemed as busy as Charlotte, the buzz of Columbia was always a little bit faster than Florence. Even though I have never lived there, it has always felt like a place I could see myself living.
The first turn I make when entering Columbia it to take a right on Gervais Street on my way towards The Vista. As you drive through the bustling downtown traffic, it is hard to ignore the majestic granite building that overlooks Gervais. Surrounded by trees on both sides, it surprises you as it peaks through the trees. You get a glimpse of a broad-shouldered building lined with windows, monolithic columns, and a copper dome that pierces the sky. However, it isn’t until you get up close and personal with the building that its true beauty reveals itself to you.
If you take the time to explore the grounds that surround the capital building, you will find a variety of plant life along with multiple historic statues and markers. What I remember most about the building was how it appeared from the front. The stairs that present themselves in front of the building, edged with street lights always seemed so iconic to me. Another feature of the exterior that is hard to forget would be the stars that litter the outside walls. Each of these stars symbolizes a cannonball that hit the outside of the building as Sharman passed through the south. Interestingly enough, this all took place while the building was still under construction. There are so many stories that the exterior has to tell, but what I recommend most to tie everything together, is to take a tour of the interior of the building.
The first thing you notice as you enter the building is the roman styling within the marble floor and monolithic columns. Each pillar then leads to a pristine white arched ceiling. All of which feels like its some sort of labyrinth. At the end of the first floor, you will find two sets of iron staircases on either side of you. I remember the tour guide telling us the story of how the building burned during the burning of Columbia, and I will never forget the way I imagined the building looking from the inside. As soon as you step into the center of the second floor and look up, you can see the center of the dome that stands above the state building. Then it’s not hard for your eyes to be drawn to the immaculate trim work that lines the ceiling of the lobby.
Garden and statue at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina. One of the most striking features from the second floor would be the iron staircases that lead to a balcony that lines the outside of the main lobby. Edged with intricate iron and woodwork, the path overlooks the center of the building. I love how the whole room is lined with beautifully crafted wooden trim and historic paintings.
On either side of the second floor, you will make your way to either the House of Representatives or the Senate Chamber. Here you will find where all of the Legislative decisions are made in South Carolina. If you are fortunate enough to take your tour in between January and May, you will be able to see the House and the Senate convene. I have only been in the state house when the two branches of government were not in assembly. Even with an empty room, you can feel the grandeur of what takes place in these seats, each having their own ceremonies.
As your tour comes to a close, make sure to remember the history and significance of this building. It has been years since I have stepped foot inside the walls of the State Capitol Building, but I can tell you that it left a lasting impression on me. The way I describe it to you will never do justice to how exploring it yourself can compare. So take a day to go explore our state capitol and let its walls tell you a story.
Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their newborn son Christopher. Zach is a local entrepreneur and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism -
Introducing Local Author Gina Heron
as told to Vip Magazine | photography by Collin M. Smith
This month, Vip visited Gina Heron, mom of two, Francis Marion graduate, and author of What’s Left Between Us, A Pearl Girls Novel. Her character’s story of heartbreak, sacrifice, and forgiveness leaves readers grasping for more while her ability to describe the Southern roots surrounding her, allows us to live vicariously through her words. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to tell a good story, follow Gina’s steps below.
Gina, tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I’m a native of the Hannah/Friendfield community in Florence County and moved back home around five years ago. After graduating from Francis Marion University with a degree in English Literature, even though I always wanted to pursue writing, I ended up settling into a career in tech. I started out as a technical writer for a software company, and now I work as an Agile Facilitator, which is a fancy way to say I help manage work streams for development teams.
“At home, I’m a single mama to two awesome young people. Between parenting, being a full-time employee, and writing on the side, I stay pretty busy, but I’m fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family who pitch in to help in more ways than I can count. It truly takes the whole village to keep me going, and I couldn’t be in a better one than I have here at home!”
What inspired you to write?
“I’ve always been a bit quiet and shy, so coming from a huge Brady-bunch style family (I was the youngest of seven), books were an early escape from the noise of the world for me. One of my best memories from my childhood is visiting the Bookmobile during the summer months, when it would stop at Carraway’s on Highway 378, right down from our house. I still remember the way it smelled in there. Anyway, I’d load up on books and find a spot to tuck away and fall into a good story.”
In What’s Left Between Us, you write about Bay, a girl in love that turned into a woman in love. While this novel is fiction, did you find yourself relating to Bay?
“It’s funny, I can’t say that there are a lot of parallels between Bay and me and our histories with love, and I didn’t internalize her experiences with Scott (Bay’s lifelong love) so much as I observed how their story unfolded. My initial idea was to examine how we outgrow the relationships of our youth, but these two had other ideas! I intended for Scott and Bay to go separate ways, but as I got to know them, it became clear to me that they’d roll up their sleeves and fight for each other – no surrender! So, in the end, their storyline became one about two people who could have chosen to part ways but decided instead to reinforce the foundation of their relationship and build something solid together. That’s something I learned from Scott and Bay: whether you give up on a relationship or rebuild it when it’s been damaged, you always have a choice.”
Tell us about your career in writing.
“What’s Left Between Us is the second novel I’ve written, and I worked on it on and off for about five years before ultimately publishing it. Part of that time was spent doing a series of revisions based on feedback from my critique partners and literary agent, and about a year of it was spent submitting to publishers and making more adjustments. In the midst of that process, I had an idea for the Pearl Girls series. Each book in the series features a different main character, all connected to the same family. Making this story a part of a series required some extra work, so that added a little time on. The good news is I’m getting more efficient with each book, so hopefully, the rest won’t take so long!”
Your character Scott was a war hero. When writing his war scenes, how were you able to so vividly describe his experience?
“The war research is probably what I worked on the longest for this book. It was important to me that I be as true to that experience as I could be. Over the course of several years, I read books and watched movies based on true stories of soldiers in captivity, hostage rescue missions, and soldiers suffering from PTSD. I also conducted interviews with and had early feedback from members of Special Forces and an Army nurse. Finding Scott’s voice and hitting the right tone took some stretching for me, but it was worth it. I think.”
Tell us about the feeling of accomplishment when you could finally say the book was completed.
“This is an interesting question! I don’t think I felt that the book was completed until people started reading it, and reviewing it, and actually loving it! There were many points along the way where I felt a sense of pride about the work: finishing the first draft, landing an agent, having it well-received by editors at publishing houses, and eventually holding the finished book in my hands. But nothing else comes close to having readers connect with the characters and story. That’s the ultimate satisfaction, to have connected.”
What has been your favorite experience during this journey?
“My favorite part of writing this book–my favorite part of writing fiction, really–is when the characters surprise me. It’s a surreal experience when a scene takes off in your head, and the action is dragging you along so that you’re typing as fast as you can, trying to keep up with what’s unfolding in your mind. A couple of the scenes that played out that way in What’s Left Between Us had me in either tears or breathless anticipation for what the characters would do next. That’s when you know you’re getting the good stuff.
“One of my other favorite things I can’t fail to mention about the book is the beautiful cover art. When I decided to publish it on my own, one of the big upsides was having the creative freedom to choose whatever I wanted for the cover. Rather than rely on stock cover images, I turned to my favorite partner in all things creative, Michael Krajewski. Michael is a Columbia-based contemporary artist (if you don’t know about him, please find him at www.krajewskiart.com), and while he’d never done a book cover before, I couldn’t imagine anyone else putting art on this for me. And isn’t it lovely? If you look hard, you’ll see some little details in there, like a bee in Bay’s hair and the palmetto tree in the background. Aside from the story itself, the cover is the most important part of putting together a book, and I couldn’t be happier with this one. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with for the next one!”
Any future projects we should be on the lookout for?
“Even when I say I’m taking a break, I’m always working on something new! Right now, I’m putting the finishing touches on the second novel in the Pearl Girls Series, BURIED BENEATH THE LIES, which I’ll release in October 2019. I’ve also been working on a poetry series and am playing with an idea for a retelling of Tess of the D’Urbevilles by Thomas Hardy, which is one of my favorite classics.”
To purchase What’s Left Between Us, click on this link.
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A Story of Hope
story by Bill Curtis
There are few things more heartwarming than a kind greeting from an old friend. Sadly, true friends are hard to find these days. Our busy and mobile lifestyles often stand in the way of developing lasting friendships. As a result, we usually settle for becoming excellent acquaintances with the people around us. It’s not very satisfying, but it’s certainly more convenient.
Then, there are our true friends. You know the ones I’m talking about—the ones who know you best and love you anyway; the ones who always seem to remember the special moments and events in your life; the ones who would move heaven and earth to help you if you got in a bind. These are the friends of a lifetime. Usually, these are the friends we’ve known the longest—perhaps since childhood. We made these friends in the simple days of our lives, before kids and jobs and technology forced people to the margins of our busy lifestyles.
The interesting thing about these old friends is that time and circumstance cannot steal them away from us. They may live in different towns or states, and as a result, we may only be able to connect with them through social media. Yet the friendship remains just as strong, because we are bound together by something bigger than mere presence; we are bound together by a shared life. That’s why the moment we have a chance to be together, it’s as if we’ve never been apart. Our friendship simply resumes—without work, effort, or awkward moments. Those greetings are the most memorable and enjoyable. “Hello, friend,” we often hear as we gather one another into an embrace. Suddenly, the years fade away and life just feels right. It’s that perfect moment when the echoes of true life ring in the back of our minds—somehow we know that we were created to love like this. Such is the power of a simple greeting from an old friend.
Greetings like this have the power to move our hearts and fill our spirits with hope. I suppose that is why I love the traditional Christian greeting of Easter. It goes like this:
“Christ is risen!”
“He is risen indeed!”
This Easter greeting has been used in the Christian church for centuries. Its simple affirmation is rooted in the great truth, the gospel—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The words themselves have their roots in scripture: “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon (Luke 24:34)!” Following Jesus’ death on the cross, his followers had scattered in sorrow and misery. But then came the first day of the week. Appearing first to Mary Magdalene and then to the disciples, Jesus revealed that God had raised him from the dead in order to reconcile us to God as our Savior. Suddenly, his followers were filled with joy and peace. Jesus had bridged the gap between God and man, and it would never exist again.
Can you imagine the greeting that the disciples and followers of Jesus received from him on that first Easter Sunday? They, too, would have experienced the echoes of true life ringing in their minds and hearts. I sense that same feeling when I greet my Christian friends in this way on Easter. It reminds me that I am loved, I am forgiven, and I have peace because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. I also have hope. I have the confident assurance that one day, because of Jesus, I will enjoy God’s companionship, and that of my friends, forever. And there, removed from the stress and chaos of this broken world, our “Hellos” will never have a “Good-bye!”
“Christ is risen!”
“He is risen indeed!”
Pastor Bill Curtis
www.exit137.org
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Setting Boundaries
story by Heather Page | photos by Jonathan Boatwright
If driving down Second Loop Road in Florence is somewhere you travel often, it’s easy to catch yourself gazing at the large brick building and Crepe Myrtle decorated landscape that makes up WebsterRogers. The expansive size and neat facade leave an impression in your memory. While we are aware that WebsterRogers (WR) deals in tax, and financial advisory services, what most don’t know is the creative and community inspired personalities that are considered the bones of the second largest accounting firm in the state. Over the next few months, Vip Magazine will visit WR to find out what keeps their company ahead of competitors and their employees building a career and climbing the ladder of success within the firm. In addition to their tax and financial advisory services, the firm also audits and provides consulting for their clients. This month we sat down with Amy Fisher Urquhart, President and Chief Executive Officer, local Florentine, mother of two, and wife of an equally driven spouse.
As one could imagine, being the CEO of a historically 35-year-old male dominant company would certainly have its challenges. These challenges are something Amy has learned to thoughtfully process and execute superior solutions for in order to be named CEO in January of this year. For nearly 15 years, Amy has worked heavily in areas related to Personal Tax Compliance and Consulting. She has served numerous roles at WR. Being a CPA and CFP® helps as she specializes in high net worth clients. Her expertise in financial planning and investments is critical as she also carries the role of Managing Member of WRFA (WebsterRogers Financial Advisors). Over the years she has served on the Executive Committee and most recently as Managing Partner – a resumé that directly represents how WR is committed to the growth of its employees.
With the numerous responsibilities Amy holds at WR, her commitment to family is what keeps her balanced. “My children and family always come first,” she says. “Work takes a lot of time, energy and commitment, but my priorities don’t change. I decided long ago that it would be better for my children to see me work long hours and return from work happy, rather than work fewer hours and be unhappy for not accomplishing or achieving personal goals, or making a difference in our organization and client’s lives.” One of Amy’s favorite quotes comes from Emily Dickinson, “That it will never come again is what makes life sweet.” Amy incorporates this quote into balancing life’s commitments. “When you know what is truly important, decisions about where and when to be somewhere are easier. Family milestones, support in times of turmoil, celebrating important achievements – those are moments that define relationships and you make them a priority,” she says. Her parents, owners of Fisher Jewelers & Silversmiths of Florence, and husband Derick, despite his demanding career, are particularly beneficial in helping maintain these priorities.
This spring Amy’s family celebrates an important milestone as Cate, her nine-year-old daughter, is named Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions Ambassador of McLeod Hospital. Despite setbacks at birth, Cate’s spirit and strength have far outweighed her disadvantages of being born six weeks premature. “Cate has found her niche in life through riding her horse MerryLegs and spending any extra time with her family on the water,” says Amy. Chasing her active two-year-old little boy Fisher also keeps Amy busy. While her husband Derick, also a Florence native, serves as a Physician Liaison at McLeod Health, Head Coach of Florence’s American Legion baseball team, and is the Assistant Coach for Trinity Byrnes, he is instrumental in keeping the household balance. He is in his 16th season with American Legion and counts multiple state championships to his team’s credit. Not only is he an accomplished coach, Derick still holds uncontested records as a USC standout player. The pair have become conditioned in splitting their priorities between work and home life. Amy credits their partnership and support for each other for enabling them to be at their best. Fisher spends his mornings getting one on one time with his mom and weekends at the baseball field with his dad preparing for the upcoming season.
When asked how she does it all, Amy simply says, “It’s all about blocking time and setting boundaries so my time aligns with my personal priorities and corporate expectations.” Amy gives much credit to her extremely talented management team and leaders at WR that have set the resources in place to make meaningful impacts for their associates, clients, and community. “It’s an exciting time for WebsterRogers,” she says. “We have added new technology and embraced different roles as we continue to invest and grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We are focused on initiatives designed to develop our associates and new ways to continue to add value to our clients.”
So, if you are in need of a company who will share in the success of your future, whether through employment or as a client, consider visiting the solid structured, family and business friendly corporation, WebsterRogers. A company founded on the principles of quality, integrity, and dedication to their people and their clients.
Serving our community since 1984, WebsterRogers knows the value of hard work and a long term vision. We are excited to see Amy take the reins and look forward to seeing the firm under her leadership!
As you might imagine, WR is working at full capacity now in the heat of tax season. Given the new tax laws, they have been planning with many of their clients since late last year as there is a myriad of changes impacting individuals and businesses. Taxpayers are impacted in different ways. Fortunately, WR has the expertise and experience to navigate the most complex issues.www.websterrogers.com
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The Birth of Brunch
story by Jordan Pupa
(Brandy Stellingworth of Retrofit Sip-n-Seat pictured. Photo credit: Bryan Edward Creative.)
If you check out the hashtag #brunch on Instagram, your feed will likely include a wide array of visually appealing, mouthwatering plates of food. Brunch, which combines breakfast and lunch, has become a driving innovation mostly due to its popularity amongst millennials who desire social experiences and efficiency. Sleeping in late, but still making the most of the weekend is important! While classic brunch menu items such as Belgian Waffles and Eggs Benedict remain, edgier and creative dishes such as Chicken and Waffles, Cannoli Cream French Toast, and Bacon Deviled Eggs contribute to the excitement of the overall meal experience. Of course, don’t forget the now commonplace bottomless Mimosa or Bloody Mary’s! While the meal is popular today, many of us have no idea how it came to be!
British author Guy Beringer first used the word “brunch” back in 1895 in Hunter’s Weekly. He made the case that post-church Sunday meals should not be lengthy, multi-course meals of heavy meats and cheeses, but rather lighter fare served late in the morning. He described brunch as being, “cheerful, sociable, and inciting.” Guy Beringer may have used the word first, but he did not come up with the meal himself.
Food historians believe that the meal came to be from either of the South’s favorite pastimes—hunting or church-going. Some historians think brunch started thanks to the pre-hunt breakfasts, which were common in England, and were traditionally lavish meals. They included a feast of meats hunted that day along with classic “brunch staples” such as eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. On the other hand, some believe Sunday brunch started thanks to Catholics who would fast before mass and then eat a large lunch after church.
It is said that brunch in the United States got its start in Chicago around the 1930s when Hollywood stars making their way across the country on trains would stop in Chicago to enjoy a late morning meal. Thanks to its celebrity boosters, brunch became a hit and began to spread and eventually gained popularity in other major cities.
With that being said, no matter where you live, brunch shows no signs of slowing down or going away! The sweet and savory mix of the foods, the drinks, and the social gatherings of friends and family make it a weekend “must do” activity!
The Midnight Rooster | Saturdays 8am-2pm
136 E Carolina Ave, Hartsville
Retrofit Sip-n-Seat | Saturdays 10am-3pm
152 Mantissa Row, Hartsville
Victors | Saturdays & Sundays 9am-3pm
126 W Evans St, Florence
Local Motive Brewing Company | Sundays 11am-until
123 North Dargan Street, Florence
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The Power of Podcast
story by Jordan Pupa
Have you ever noticed the purple app icon on your iPhone? Perhaps you’ve never accessed it or even noticed it. The Apple Podcasts app allows you to stream over 550,000 shows with over 18.5 million episodes. For those of you who may be unfamiliar, the Dictionary definition of a podcast is “a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.” Today most podcasts are audio-only, though some are video, and can be accessed through a range of devices, including mobile. Overall, podcasts provide us with entertainment and story-telling on a variety of topics, but also inspire and educate us. No matter what you’re into, you will likely find a show that suits you!
There are a few reasons why podcasts are so widely popular today. The first reason has to do with making the most of the time we have. Today, people value time more than almost anything and podcasts can be used in the background during our everyday activities. Instead of sitting down and reading the latest news in sports, we can be at the gym, running on the treadmill while consuming the latest sports news. Audio content is great for listening while you mow the lawn, travel in the car, or go for a walk. It is easy to multi-task with podcasts, and they provide us with bite-size chunks of entertainment right at our fingertips.
Secondly, in a tech-savvy world, we spend so much time in front of screens that sometimes it becomes exhausting. Podcasts are a great alternative. Shiva Bhaskar states, “To me, one of the great things about podcasts is the lack of visuals — which requires us to imagine. I develop a comprehensive, moving picture of what is happening. No one is giving it to me.” Podcasts allow us to really dive in.
Lastly, a variety of podcast topics and episode lengths are available for all listener preferences. Looking for a certain topic? You’ll find a podcast dedicated to it. Have limited time and only 20 minutes? You’ll likely find a podcast that you can listen to in that time frame. Prefer stories, news, nonfiction, science, or politics? You’ll find a podcast that fits. As a listener, you can go from a student to a sports analyst to an attorney to a crime detective to a friend, and everything in between!
A podcast can set you up for continued learning, enjoyment, and even a good laugh. They allow us to take in powerful stories and discussions in which we can connect while stimulating our imagination. It’s time to jump on the podcast bandwagon!
Top 5 Podcast Chart Listings(Chart updated frequently.)
1. Skimm This (News & Politics)
In today’s world, context is clarity. “Skimm This” breaks down the most important stories of the day and explains why they matter. All in 10 minutes. Every Monday-Friday.
2. Over My Dead Body (Society & Culture)
In “Tally,” the first season of OVER MY DEAD BODY, Dan and Wendi are two good-looking attorneys whose wedding is featured in the New York Times. But when this “perfect” couple falls apart, it leads to a bad breakup, a worse divorce, and a murder case involving a menagerie of high-priced lawyers and unexpected co-conspirators.
3. The Joe Rogan Experience (Comedy, Society & Culture)
The podcast of Comedian Joe Rogan.
4. The Dropout – ABC News (News & Politics)
Money. Romance. Tragedy. Deception. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is an unbelievable tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong. How did the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire lose it all in the blink of an eye? How did the woman once heralded as “the next Steve Jobs” find herself facing criminal charges — to which she pleaded not guilty — and up to 20 years in jail?
5. Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia-TNT/Cadence 13 (Society & Culture)
When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America’s most infamous unsolved murder. Now, through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, the Hodel family opens up to reveal their shocking story.
