Category: Cover Stories

Story By Natalie Mahaffey

    Jilian Harrington has always had a creative mind, but, until recently, she had never truly found what she was passionate about. That changed when she and her husband Brandon opened the now local favorite Palmetto Peddlers back in November of 2010. “We get a lot of furniture in from a lot of amazing vendors in our store,” Jilian says. “It’s hard to find time to hunt for stuff to resell, so I noticed I owned a few pieces that needed some form of transformation to work where I needed them. After working on some pieces for friends and family, I was surprised at all the positive feedback I was getting on my work. People really enjoyed the pieces that I had transformed, and they looked amazing in their homes. I enjoy that feeling of a client being satisfied with my creativity. I finally found a creative outlet for myself that I enjoy. It feels good, ya know? It’s healthy to be able to have that outlet.” One of the most important aspects of Jilian’s work is maintaining the integrity of the original piece of furniture, while updating to fit the needs of the client. “I try to salvage the certain areas that are too beautiful to be painted,” she explains.

    The materials Jilian uses to transform a piece of furniture are the most important aspects of any good project. So, when she first started using Dixie Belle and their array of products, she knew she’d found her perfect match. “Dixie Belle paint will always be my go to paint. It is a chalk mineral base paint that adheres to almost any surface, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass. And it hasn’t failed me yet!” But before she gets to the painting part of the transformation, she has to do some work with the furniture itself. “When choosing my project piece, I want to be sure there aren’t any areas that I can’t handle repairing myself. Sometimes no matter how perfect a piece may seem, repairs can get costly and you don’t want to take on more than you can chew,” she explains. Once repairs are complete on a piece, she moves on to the beginnings of the transformation. “I remove all the hardware, and I gently sand everything. It helps remove hard to clean areas and scuffs it up so the paint adheres better. Sometimes it may be an unnecessary step, but I feel it makes things easier in the long run,” she says. Once sanding is done, she uses wood cleaner and wipes down the whole piece, inside and out, including any drawers or cabinet spaces.

    When she completes the sanding and cleaning of the furniture, Jilian begins with the painting. The first rule of thumb when it comes to painting is to always prime. “This helps with coverage so you don’t use so many coats of paint. ‘Boss’ by Dixie Belle works great, but you can also use Kilz.” Priming a piece is especially important if you are going to be painting a light-colored piece. She also explains that, “an oil base primer works really well on furniture. I usually only need one thin coat of primer.” Once she has primed her piece, she sands it again, just to smooth out everything and to help with the finished look. Then she applies her paint. “There are a few different ways to do this. I use Cling On! brushes. They are exceptional in that they don’t shed bristles and they are self-cleaning. You just return the brush to the water and the paint falls off,” she says. The self-cleaning aspect of the brushes is especially important because then you don’t have to use any harsh chemicals on your brushes, which can deplete the quality of a brush fairly quickly. Jilian also explains that a technique she has found to be helpful is to dip the brush in water before painting because it gives a good even coat that doesn’t hold brush marks in the paint. She then lets the first coat dry for 30 minutes to an hour before applying another light coat of paint. She repeats the drying process, and sands the piece one last time. One last coat of paint goes on after the sanding process, and then she waits. Before doing any detail work to a recently painted piece of furniture, it is important to make sure it is fully dry. Otherwise, you will find yourself having to start over from the beginning.

    Once the painting part of the project is complete, Jilian then decides on the detailing that needs to happen to the piece. To do this, she has to decide on what types of products to use. Again, she relies heavily on Dixie Belle. Any piece of painted furniture needs to be sealed, and Jilian stresses that using wax or a clear coat sealer is important to maintain the integrity of the piece for years to come. She uses Minwax Polycrylic or Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat to coat the piece of furniture. She lets the piece sit for at least 24 hours after sealing before moving it. One last piece of advice she gives: “Let a piece sit for a good 30 days to cure completely. Only allow light use until then.”

To find some of Jilian’s original pieces, visit  Palmetto Peddlers at 2295 Hoffmeyer Road in Florence.

You Do Not Need 20% Down To Buy A Home

     Buying your first home can be very exciting but make sure you are prepared for what lies ahead. When you are transitioning from being a renter to a homeowner there are many things you need to consider.

     The Aspiring Home Buyers Profile from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is required to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The results of the survey show that the main reason why non-homeowners do not own their own homes is because they believe that they cannot afford them.

     This brings us to a few major misconceptions that we want to address today.

Down Payment

     A recent survey by Laurel Road, the National Online Lender and FDIC-Insured Bank, revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan.

     According to the survey, 53% of Americans who plan to buy or have already bought a home admit to their concerns about their ability to afford a home in the current market. In addition, 46% are currently unfamiliar with alternative down payment options, and 46% of millennials do not feel confident that they could currently afford a 20% down payment.

     What these people don’t realize, however, is that there are many loans written with down payments of 3% or less. USDA and VA have no money down options.

     Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with new programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

FICO Scores

     An Ipsos survey revealed that 62% of respondents believe they need excellent credit to buy a home, with 43% thinking a “good credit score” is over 780. In actuality, the average FICO® scores for approved conventional and FHA mortgages are much lower.

     The average conventional loan closed in May had a credit score of 753, while FHA mortgages closed with an average score of 676. The average across all loans closed in May was 724. The chart below shows the distribution of FICO® Scores for all loans approved in May.

     It is possible to get approved to purchase a home with a score as low as a 580 for VA or 600 for FHA. It is best to speak to your Loan Officer about the options available to you.

Can you afford the monthly payments?

     Even if you have saved enough money for your down payment, you need to be certain that you are able to afford your monthly mortgage payment. Do not forget to factor in expenses like property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc. We will go over your budget and your financial goals to make sure that you are comfortable with your mortgage payment and still have enough money each month to enjoy your life in your new home.

Bottom Line

     If you are a prospective buyer who is ‘ready’ and ‘willing’ to act now, but you are not sure if you are ‘able’ to, you need sit down with a reputable lender to discuss all of your options.

 

Greg Tanner, NMLS 1046498

2011-C 2nd Loop Rd. Florence 843.407.3464 | gregtannermortgage.com

   Winter is still a few months away, but it is never too early to start thinking about saving energy costs during the cooler months. Electricity bills can skyrocket while we are indoors staying warm with our electric space heaters, electric blankets, and taking long hot showers. Pee Dee Electric Cooperative has spent years researching and educating our members on the best ways to keep costs down during winter months. While some are large and can be quite costly, there are many small sacrifices that can make a major difference in your winter bill.

   Larger projects like installing a new high efficiency heat pump, adding insulation, and investing in new energy efficient appliances are key components to saving energy. Although these tasks can be expensive upfront, the amount saved over the next 10 years or more will certainly outweigh those initial costs. You should also have your home checked for plumbing leaks and fix any dripping faucets. A leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost you up to $35 per year. And before it gets too chilly outside, be sure to check that your attic door closes tightly. If possible, insulate the attic door for an extra barrier.

   By taking the time to understand your energy use and by making small lifestyle changes, you can conserve energy. Your bank account will thank you!

10 Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills

•  Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

•  Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

•  Turn off lights when not in use.

•  Lower your water heater temperature. The Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months.

•  Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.

•  Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

•  Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

•  Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

•  Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

•  Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED’s, which use at least 75 percent less energy.

For more info, visit www.pdec.com.

    Russ and Wendy Fortier are both Francis Marion University graduates and have two sons, Tyler and Davis. They have lived in the Florence area for more than 30 years. Together they own Fresh Coat Florence, SC, which is a national franchise based in Cincinnati, OH. They purchased the franchise and brought it to Florence in December of 2017, then launched their business in April.

    Fresh Coat offers residential and commercial painting services including: interior and exterior painting, light commercial painting (offices, small stores, apartments), wood staining and finishing (deck, fence), popcorn ceiling removal, wallpaper removal, small drywall repair. and more. Russ and Wendy are committed to providing the best customer experience possible and leaving customers with a finished project they will love every day.

    Russ Fortier shares with us his expertise on “painting done right.”

What basic supplies are needed for an indoor and outdoor DIY painting project?

    “The key is to purchase tools and paint that are quality products, not the cheapest you can find.  At a minimum you’ll want:

•  Quality brushes (3 inch is a must, but smaller brushes can also be helpful). Make sure that the brush is designed for the paint you’ll be using.

•  5-gallon bucket with paint screen

•  Cut bucket (small bucket you can hold in your hand for cutting trim)

•  Contractor grade roller handle (cheap rollers flex when applying paint and can leave streaks in your work)

•  Sanding blocks or sandpaper (for prepping your surface and finishing out your application

•  Drop cloths

•  Plastic sheeting (cover your furniture and valuables)

•  Roller handle extensions

•  A four or six-foot step ladder”

What are the different types of sheens and what surfaces are they best for? 

    “There are multiple descriptions in sheens across all paint products. You’ll want to consult with a local paint store representative for advice on sheens to use. Here are some to consider:

•  Flat- for walls and ceilings. Flats hide imperfections better than other sheens.

•  Satin, Matte, Egg-Shell- used commonly on walls. Each has a slightly higher sheen and is a personal choice of the home owner. Check also for durability in each paint sheen/brand. You may want to use something with a high “scrubbability” rating for bathrooms and kitchen walls.

•  Semi-Gloss & Gloss – commonly used for trim, doors, windows and cabinets.”

What steps should we take when searching for exterior paint before jumping in and painting our entire house?

    “If you are doing it yourself, definitely talk with your local paint store. I recommend them over the big box stores. They work with both paint contractors and homeowners and they are experts in their products. They’ll also be able to give you advice on cleaning and preparation for painting, optimal outside temperatures for applications, dry time (keep in mind you are going to be watching the weather on exterior projects), and other items such as the degree of mildew resistance in their product (in the south, mildew resistance is an important factor).”

How can we identify if we have lead paint? What steps do we take with a lead renovation project that would be different from a regular project?

    “If your house was built before 1978, there is a chance you may have lead paint present. The farther back in time your house was built, the more likely it is that you have lead paint. In Florence, we encounter lead paint with most of the houses in the downtown district. Lead paint projects require a contractor who is lead certified. A certified lead contractor can test for lead prior to the beginning of your project. If lead is present, they are required to notify you of the presence of lead and take additional precautions on the project to contain the lead dust and lead paint according to EPA rules. You can test for lead paint yourself with a simple kit available online or in some paint stores. Lead paint renovation projects will cost more, because the contractor must contain the area where any lead paint surface is being disturbed, contain the dust, and perform the appropriate cleaning techniques to ensure that the area is no longer contaminated. There’s also the disposal of the lead paint materials that has to be done as well.”

What qualities make a reliable paint contractor and why is it necessary to have one?

Here are some basic things to ask for:

•  How long has the contractor been in business? How much experience do the painters have?

•  Does the contractor require money upfront? How much?

•  Are consumable supplies and paint included in the price? If not, be prepared to have additional cost added to the project.

•  Is this estimate firm? Meaning, is the price turnkey for the entire project.

•  Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured? Ask for copies of each of these before accepting any proposal. Check for coverage limits and make sure that the certificate of insurance dates are valid. This is for your protection if something should happen to any painter or your property. If they aren’t insured, your homeowner policy may be required to cover the loss.

•  If your project involves disturbing lead base surfaces, request copies of the Lead Renovator Certificate and the firm’s lead certification

•  Lastly, request references and check them out. Ask questions like: Does the contractor show up when scheduled? Did they complete the project in a reasonable timeframe (or as promised)? Did the crew respect and maintain the homeowner’s property? Were you satisfied with the outcome of the project?

    As autumn approaches with more appealing temperatures, it is a reminder to spruce up our outdoor living spaces for better enjoyment. Plants and lighting can make a major difference in how much time you spend in your yard. Scott Brokaw, owner of Innovative Landscape Design (ILD) in Florence, shares a few tips on how to make our spaces fit our lifestyles, and educates us on planting techniques and maintenance.

    Scott recommends the upcoming fall months as the best time to plant for the best results. “While some plants can tolerate the stress of summer planting, the majority of plants have most of their root development through the fall and winter. The longer they have in the ground to acclimate to their new environment, the better they will do,” explains Scott. Planting in the extreme heat of summer is generally not recommended because it places undue stress upon a plant. “We live in a world where people expect instant gratification, but waiting until fall will give you much better results in the long run.”

    Additionally, amending existing soil with compost prior to planting is very important. “We have seen excellent results when we add two to four inches of compost and till the entire planting area. You can also add compost directly to the planting hole. The plant itself is as important as the soil you place it in.” Scott explains that the number one cause of plant failure is planting too deep. He suggests digging a hole a minimum of twice the width of the root ball, but no deeper, and setting the top of the root ball even with ground level. This will allow better airflow and root growth. “I would rather see two inches of root ball out of the ground than see dirt on top of what came from the nursery. When a plant is at a nursery, it is usually living in optimal conditions. It has food, water, and air. When you take it away from that nursery and put it in the ground, you take at least one of those key elements away. Air. When a plant can’t breathe, it will suffer.” In addition to not adding soil on top of what comes from the nursery, watering the plant well after initial planting is key.

    Lastly, outdoor lighting can make a major difference in the appearance and functionality of outdoor spaces and is one of Scott’s favorite parts of his business. Scott explains, “There is much more to it than just pointing light at a house. Lighting is meant to provide security, safety, and beauty. When done correctly you can achieve all three.” He explains that the type of fixture, lamp selection, and the location are all crucial to good lighting. He also suggests that a professional install it. “Aside from what you see, correct installation will ensure a safe system that will last a long time,” says Scott. “A lot of what you can buy at retailers isn’t meant to last more than a few years at best. We almost exclusively use CAST Landscape Lighting product. CAST Manufactures solid bronze fixtures that carry a Lifetime Warranty. I have systems dating back to 2003 that are operating as well as the day they were installed.”

    ILD has served the Florence area for over 10 years and specializes in landscape design, irrigation, lighting, hardscapes, water features and maintenance. If you want your dream yard or landscape, they can bring it to life! Scott explains that both form and function are qualities that make a great outdoor space. “Just like people, every space is different,” says Scott. “What someone wants out of a space is pivotal in determining exactly what makes a space great.” ILD works with each individual customer to make their vision a reality and strives to provide creative solutions and high-quality professional service. Scott’s fundamentals are simple and have grown the company to what it is today. He believes in hard work, honesty, and doing things for the right reasons.

Scott may be reached at 843.230.1036.

    One of the largest investments we make in our lifetime is our home. At our Agency, we like to help our homebuyers understand the many options available with their homeowner’s policy. Especially this time of year there are hurricanes, hail storms, all sorts of weather that can affect our homes in many ways. In addition, we are outside much more and enjoying outdoor activities. These are some questions that we answer for our clients on a daily basis.

    This time of year, we receive many questions about wind and hail coverage and flood coverage. Many homeowner’s policies have separate wind and hail deductibles. This means that in the event of a wind or hail claim the deductible is higher than it would be for another type of claim. For example, a $200,000 policy with 1% wind hail deductible is a $2,000 deductible in the event of a wind claim, whereas a fire claim would have the lower deductible. This is a way for policy holders to save money on the homeowner premium because they incur a larger out of pocket expense in the event of a wind or hail claim.

    As you make improvements to your home, make a file and save your receipts. The most common upgrades that can impact your insurance premium are your roof, heating and cooling, plumbing upgrades, and electrical upgrades. These improvements can help lower your cost as they mean that you are caring for and maintaining your home. Many times, carriers look for evidence of pride of ownership. A well-maintained home is much easier to cover than one that has been neglected. One thing that clients forget to provide their agent is the proof of upgrade even after a claim. So, for example there is a wind claim and the roof is replaced. The claim is paid and closed. Take the next step and send the receipt to your agent. Then you will be assured that your premium is rating correctly for that improvement.

We always get questions about pools. These are acceptable by most carriers. They do require a four-foot-high fence with a locking gate. This is as much for your protection as the carrier. A pool is attractive in so many ways, but you need to protect yourself against uninvited guests (both the two legged and the four-legged kind). The liability of an unfenced pool is unacceptable for almost all homeowner’s carriers. Accidental drownings peak during summer months and fencing doesn’t protect you from that but it certainly provides more security and peace of mind for you the owner.

    As we get closer to the wonderful fall weather, trees begin to shed and leaves and pine straw collect on our roofs and gutters. The additional weight can contribute to many issues. The weight of leaves and pine straw on your roof increases with each rain storm. As debris collects on the roof and becomes wet, the pine straw and leaves adhere to the roof and can cause possible leaking and damage. Make sure to clean your gutters properly and blow any debris from your roof. This can prevent unnecessary roof damage and keeps your home well maintained.

    As you travel this fall, remember that making your home appear to be occupied is a wonderful deterrent for crime. Have your neighbor collect your mail and newspapers. Set your lights up on a timer. Outside lighting that illuminates your property is a clever upgrade to security. These are some of the items that can help keep you and your home safe this fall.

    

2405 2nd Loop Rd, Florence 843.665.7992

220 W Home Ave, Hartsville  843.332.9802

305 E Broad St, Hemmingway 843.558.7761

505 N Longstreet St, Kingstree 843.355.6673

www.hodgeethridgeagency.com

Homeownership is a big investment, decision, and responsibility.

    The process may appear complex at first, but the more you know about it, the better your experience will be.  A REALTOR® can help guide you throughout the entire process in order to make smart decisions before and after you buy. Palmetto Realty shares with us the value in working with a REALTOR® during your home buying process.

The Importance of Having a REALTOR® in the Home Buying Process

•  REALTORS® are members of the Pee Dee REALTORS® Association, South Carolina REALTORS® Association, and National Association of REALTORS®

•  Adhere to a Strict Code of Ethics, professionalism & honesty

•  Provide professional responsibilities: Accountability, Confidentiality, Disclosure, Loyalty, and Obedience.

•  Knowledgeable and Experienced with the real estate market

•  Provide buyers with a list of bank lenders and mortgage professionals to assist buyers with their pre-approval and mortgage decisions.

•  Discuss with buyers their specific interest and Search the Market for the best properties for the buyer.

•  Show buyers the properties of their interest…Buyers don’t need multiple agents for this, their REALTOR® can show them ALL LISTINGS ON THE MARKET.

•  Prepare Purchase Agreement to safeguard buyers

•  Present and Negotiate all terms on behalf of buyer’s best interest.

•  Order Inspections and negotiate repairs

•  Work with attorney and bank lenders throughout the closing on the buyer’s behalf throughout the home buying process.

•  Attend a walk through with the buyers on the purchasing property and attend closing with buyers

•  As we say at Palmetto Realty “Service Beyond the Sale”, we offer any assistance in any other home-related services after closing is final.

    Be sure to take advantage of the knowledge, experience, and professionalism of a REALTOR®.

125 North 5th Street, Hartsville | scpalmettorealty.com | (843) 917-0274

    From Trunks To Trays LLC is a family owned business that sells handmade, hand chiseled wooden bowls and trays. Cindy Lawrimore, part owner along with her husband Carroll, completes the finishing work on the products. Carroll is the designer and carver. The two have been married for 39 years and share a love for family and family history. Original dough or bread bowls were a crucial part of family food preparation and it was a common practice for a future husband to carve a wooden dough bowl for his bride as a wedding gift. Today Cindy and Carroll have been able to carry on history by creating beautiful, individually-unique bowls and trays for a variety of modern day purposes.

     The idea for the business sparked after they received a family dough bowl that was passed down from three generations. The old bowl had a hole in it and Carroll wanted to find someone to help him fix it. After Carroll began researching the history of the bowls, he set out to find a teacher and mentor when he discovered Mr. Buddy Davis of Stuckey, SC. “Mr. Buddy” has been creating bowls for over 25 years and is still active in the trade. Mr. Buddy explained that Carroll wouldn’t be able to fix that bowl, but he could teach him how to build a new one. Carroll spent much time with Mr. Buddy learning the basics and absorbing as much information as possible. Mr. Buddy helped Carroll carve his first bowl/tray in August of 2015.   

    While the bowls and trays are still used for dough making, the variety of shapes and sizes that From Trunks To Trays creates makes them a popular option for serving BBQ, ribs, low country boils, salads, and hors d’oeurves. Additionally, many people simply enjoy the pieces as home décor. They also make wood serving charcuterie trays for meats, cheeses, and fruits.

    The pieces are made from a variety of wood such as tupelo, ash, elm, black walnut, cherry, chinaberry, maple, pecan, poplar, and sycamore. Because they are hand-carved and not turned on a lathe, no two pieces look alike. “We love the natural flaws and imperfections,” says Carroll. “It really is the wood that makes the piece. It’s all about the wood.” The majority of the wood is from trees that are damaged from natural disaster, with most being from the Hemingway area. For certain pieces they either saw entire trees or they just use remnants of tree trunks. The trees are usually sawed right on their property using a portable saw mill. Once the wood cures, they use a variety of saws to remove bark and unwanted excess. Carroll then lets the pieces help him decide what shape they will take on. A pattern is hand-drawn on the wood, the wood is scored and hand-chiseled for removal of the center part of the piece, then Carroll passes the pieces off to Cindy for several rounds of additional sanding.  The final sanding and oiling are done by hand with multiple applications of food-safe mineral oil to cure the wood. A top coat of Bees Oil (a mixture of bees wax and mineral oil) is added to give the pieces a more durable, water-resistant finish. “We choose mineral oil maintenance as it is easy and inexpensive for our customers to use as they maintain their pieces,” explains Cindy. “We also use this finish to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. All of our products are food safe.”

    Learning a new skill takes time, patience and a lot of practice. Carroll says he has yet to “master” the skill and continues to learn something new each day. He shares, “Some pieces turn out exactly like you envision them and others make it to the scrap pile. It’s hard to predict what the final product will look like as the individual characteristics of the wood can’t be anticipated. This is what we love about the process.” Areas in the wood that may seem like a flaw or blemish actually give a piece the most beautiful character. Learning the finishing skill came from hours of reading, research, and a lot of trial and error. “If you want to learn this wonderful craft, find a good teacher and mentor,” suggests Carroll. “Be patient, as finding the right wood can be time-consuming. Also, waiting for your perfect piece of wood to cure takes months-often a couple of years.”

     Educators possess a quality unlike others. Their passion to provide a cheerful and loving, yet controlled space for children not born to them is something we aren’t all capable of doing. Their talents may allow them to teach an array of subjects, while some are better focusing on specific areas – like English, math, science, or history. For Jeff Murrie, a 26-year educator and current Briggs Elementary teacher, his craft happens to be in the art of agriculture. It’s a subject rarely offered in today’s classrooms, but has quickly become a favorite amongst Briggs’ students.

     In 2015, a group of Briggs’ faculty members applied and were awarded a grant from the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a farm at Briggs, part of the National Farm to School Network. Shortly after, Jeff transferred to the school and, in addition to his regular duties as a Social Studies teacher, gained the responsibilities of fulfilling the grant. He immediately became the student, submerging himself in educational practices involving agriculture. Since taking on this new role, Jeff is now a graduate of the South Carolina Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Institute, he holds a certificate in Good Agricultural Practices from Clemson University and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, he is a graduate of the School Gardening for South Carolina Educators from Clemson Extension, and he recently returned from Shelburne Farm in Vermont where he completed the course Cultivating Joy and Wonder for Early Learners.

     Jeff has since vacated his former position of teaching Social Studies to fully implement agriculture into the Briggs lesson plan. In three short years, Jeff along with the help of so many in the community have taken a small grant and transformed it into multiple spaces where children are able to learn agriculture. The original grant helped to furnish the materials for a raised garden. Since then, a number of private donors and non-profits have donated time and money to fund an additional garden, a chicken coop, and a satellite garden at Lucas Park. In addition, Briggs is home to the only classroom observation beehive in the Pee Dee region.

     “I have never witnessed students become as excited and engaged in a subject as I have seen in Farm to School,” says Jeff. He points out how students are capable of fully engaging all five senses while they explore and learn about agriculture – they can taste the home-grown produce, hear the bees buzzing, touch the soft new growth in the garden, see eggs the chicken lay, and smell freshly picked fruit. It is Jeff’s goal to influence children to engage with the environment around them.

     Over the next few pages, Jeff will teach us about each aspect of the Farm to School program, along with Briggs’ Leader in Me focus, and the Bee Cause Project. As the Farm to School slogan goes, it’s “A win for kids, farmers, and communities!”

Farm to School Program

    The National Farm to School Network is an information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education into school systems. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips which empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities. Farm to school implementation differs by location.

    At Briggs Elementary, there are two gardens – the north garden located on Briggs Road and the south garden located near the bus loading area. “It’s great for students that are waiting to load the bus,” explains Jeff. “They can grab some fresh food to take home.” Each year, with the help of the community, new additions are added. The City donated all the lumber for the raised beds in the north garden, a Boy Scout constructed the beds for his Eagle project, parents built the fences and added sprinklers, and Florence Flourish installed the south garden last year. In 2016, the chicken coop was funded through ArborOne, Pee Dee Land Trust, and private donations. The farm shed storage building was funded through a gift from HopeHealth.

    Clemson Extension’s 4-H Club helps maintain the gardens, chickens, and helps with the bees. The 4-H Club is an organized group of youths, led by an adult, with a planned program that is carried on throughout all or most of the year. The club provides important opportunities for youth to learn subject matter and life skills. In June, a group of 4-H kids that attend Briggs raised tomato plants and basil from seeds, took them to the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, and gave them away to patrons while informing them on the importance of growing their own produce. The 4-H Club, along with the community, takes full responsibility of the additional garden at Lucas Park.

    Jeff is excited about future opportunities. Duke Energy installed a fruit orchard with peaches, plums, and blueberries in which they want to continue to add to. They also hope to add a new farm piece or livestock in the coming year and install a 30’ by 10’ raised bed that will be used to grow South Carolina cash crops such as cotton, indigo, corn, and peanuts. “Fifty years ago, most everyone had a family member involved in agriculture. Now it’s really hard to find that connection. The Ag classroom gets the students involved and they get to know where their food comes from,” explains Jeff. They also hope to add a four-station compost taking the food waste from the cafeteria. The classroom is most recently in the process of adding information kiosks. Gilbert and Fields Construction donated the materials, a Boy Scout completed the construction, and Dr. Christine Masters, a Francis Marion University English Professor, had her students create graphics for the kiosk for a class project.

Chickens

   By far a student and neighborhood favorite are the chickens located in the north garden. The chicken coop provides educational opportunities for the students in the areas of math, science, and biology. Each year students participate in 4H Chicken Embryology in their Related Arts class. The eggs produced are a variety of colors and sizes. Briggs follows safety guidelines in caring for the chickens and students are not allowed to eat the eggs due to health regulations. Even when the students are not at school they can watch the chickens through The Chicken Cam, a live feed that is also open to the community to view. The live feed link is available on the school’s website under School News.

Leader In Me

    Briggs Elementary also participates in The Leader in Me Program, which is a whole-school transformation model that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Jeff shares, “The kids have really stepped up with caring for the garden, chickens and bees. There are seven habits in The Leader in Me that they follow, and the garden has allowed the students to become leaders by taking care of the farm and raising the chickens.”

    The students also cook in the classroom what is raised at the farm. “We have made kale chips, eggplant chips, tomato sauce and smoothies,” says Jeff. “The kids love the food and their parents are shocked when they say they like kale chips!” One Saturday a month they have a ‘clean the garden day’ where kids, along with their parents, can come help with the garden upkeep.

Bee Cause Project

    In 2018, Briggs Elementary added an observation beehive through the The Bee Cause Project. The organization provides youth with opportunities to understand, engage, and learn from honey bees in order to connect with the natural environment while developing STEAM skills. Briggs Elementary is the only school in the entire Pee Dee and Myrtle Beach area to have an observation beehive. Florence County Farm Bureau paid for half of the beehive and private donors covered the remaining costs. Jeff completed Ag to Institute, sponsored by the Farm Bureau, where he was able to immerse himself in everything agricultural for the state. The class also sells honey, provided to them from Savannah Bee Company, which helps them to pay it forward for other schools to have the opportunity to get beehives. Overall, the program is committed to educating children about the important role honeybees play in the ecosystems they inhabit.

    There is also a pollinator garden right outside the classroom that was funded by Five Star Chevrolet in Florence. In addition, Moore Botanical Garden in Lake City has made a huge impact through educating the students on what to grow and donating many of the plants.

Taste of Briggs

    Each year Briggs Elementary School hosts the “Taste of Briggs” in April where the proceeds help fund much needed programs at the school. They have been able to combine the family-friendly event with the farm by creating the theme “Farm to School.” Various foods for sampling made from produce from South Carolina farmers are offered. Additionally, each grade level prepares a sample dish that focuses around a South Carolina product – strawberries, soybeans, Carolina Plantation rice, pork products, chicken bog, and more. The event features interactive booths, chicken poop bingo, dance and chorus performances, plus more. They even fill up big bins of whole kernel corn with buried toys for the small kids and have a potting station, so kids can plant a seed to take home.

 

   In July, Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) reaches an enormous milestone with the celebration of 20 years at the Timmonsville plant location. The company will celebrate with associates on July 17th by providing a team lunch and commemorative gifts. Local elected officials, community partners, local media, and Honda company guests have been invited to celebrate with the team. HSC will also acknowledge a few local organizations with donations that tie into their 20 years of success in the community.

   During HSC’s 20 years, they have provided countless employment opportunities to the surrounding areas. In fact, 66 of their current associates have been with the company since it originated. HSC believes that their associates are the foundation of the company. Although the facility has grown in both size and number of associates, they have “mostly grown together,” says Michele Pridgen, Assistant Manager and 20 Year Associate. She continues, “Our workforce is made up of a variety of skilled and passionate associates that are all striving for the same goal: Building the Best Product on Earth!”

   HSC associates can agree that the company “isn’t somewhere you just get a job, it’s somewhere you make a career,” says Justin Watkins, 16 Year Associate. HSC has created an atmosphere where associates encourage family and friends to also search for a career path within the company. Several associates have family members that have joined the HSC team after witnessing their success.

   In addition to being part of a team that builds top-of-the-line products, associates pride themselves in being owners of Honda ATV’s and side-by-sides (SxS). And Honda prides itself in building where the product is utilized and largely sold. That motto has also encouraged their dedication in being involved with the community in a wide variety of avenues. Education being a large platform, but they also seek to be involved in community events and local non-profit organizations that are preferred by HSC associates.

   Along with celebrating 20 years, HSC will produce its 3 millionth ATV during July, an operation that couldn’t be accomplished without their skilled associates.. Over the next several pages, we present some of Honda’s most popular products, built right here in Timmonsville, and tell the success stories of associates that have chosen HSC as their career.