VIP Magazine

Category: Current Articles

  • VIGOR – The Startup of a Healthy Storage Bag Alternative

    VIGOR – The Startup of a Healthy Storage Bag Alternative

        Dinesh and Anusha Chebrolu have always been passionate about starting something on their own. They have always looked for problems that surround them, then spent quality time together discussing solutions. As huge fans of the ABC show Shark Tank, they were able to gain knowledge about retailers and markets across the nation and to learn how to create a product without having much money to do so. They have been inspired to create a product of their own unlike any other with the production of what is known as Vigor Storage Bags.

        Dinesh came to the United States to pursue his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Gannon University. He has since worked as an Integration Specialist at Kforce Staffing Solutions located in Tampa, FL, a Sr. Database Developer at Blackbaud in Charleston, SC, and most recently as a Sr. Client Data Analyst at ADP in Florence. His job involves handling critical data-related issues on a day-to-day basis. Anusha completed her MBA in 2012 in India at JNT University. She works at JPMC Delaware as a Sr. Security Tester and enjoys finding security issues in network systems. Dinesh and Anusha moved to Florence after getting married in 2013.

        After researching how present normal plastic bags are harmful when storing leftover food due to direct contact with plastic, chemicals, and toxins, Dinesh and Anusha decided to create a solution to the problem. They invented Vigor Storage Bags which are made with plastic (PET) and non-woven fabric which enables bag reuse and prevents food items from coming in contact with plastic materials. Vigor is a healthy alternative to food storage that keeps food fresh longer. Vigor bags can be used to safely carry both hot and cold food items, are reusable, and are 100% dishwasher and microwave safe. The material used can absorb any oil or any moisture on food. The bags come in triangular and rectangular shapes.

        Vigor is currently in the patent pending stages with hopes to be approved by next year with full ownership rights. They are currently working with retail distributors across the nation and trying to offer licensing partnership to the current key players in the market such as Ziploc, Hefty and Glad. Dinesh and Anusha also have a golden sample ready and plan to have it on display at The Startup Expo’s (SUP-X) happening in Florida in coming months.

        Dinesh and Anusha are currently the only key people who work for Vigor and they do so after their regular job hours in the evenings. Anusha’s role with Vigor is as a Product Specialist. She works with manufacturers on a daily basis and tries to improve quality and negotiations. An Ohio based company has partnered with Vigor to take care of all their marketing materials. They are helping to generate sales for Vigor bags.

        In order to continue to improve and grow, Dinesh and Anusha continuously try to attend webinars about startup companies, retail sales, and launching new products. They hope to learn as much as they can about the market in order to take Vigor bags to the next level.

  • Fresh Off The Farm

    Fresh Off The Farm

         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.

  • Heaven’s Hope – Creating a Warm & Homey Environment

    Heaven’s Hope – Creating a Warm & Homey Environment

        The state of South Carolina is home to a substantial number of medically fragile children. At this time, the state does not have a home for children who are classified as medically fragile. Rachel Lee, founder and Executive Director of Heaven’s Hope Inc., has a vision to create a loving place for these children to call home. Medically fragile children are those with chronic conditions who require continuous medical care, as well as those who are prone to frequent hospitalizations. Many of these children stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), in the hospital, since the families are either unable or unwilling to care for them at home. Some children may go into foster homes that have specialized training to care for them. But these foster families are not medical professionals and there are simply not enough of them. Rachel’s plan is to create a long-term care facility that provides skilled 24-hour nursing care, treatments, and therapies that the children require. They will also host an on-site school that individualizes its curriculum to meet the unique needs and learning abilities of each child.

        Rachel knew for the greater part of 20 years that one day she would be the director of a children’s home. Rachel was first influenced around 1996 when she was a candy-striper at a local hospital and would volunteer in the PICU where her mother worked. It was then that she was able to spend a lot of time playing with a little boy named JJ who lived in the unit. He came into the unit at a few months old and was very ill, due to his medical needs he was unable to go home and simply lived in PICU. Rachel shares, “The nurses who cared for JJ treated him like their own. Under the personal care of these nurses, he was given toys and clothes, taught how to walk, and was potty trained. Some of my fondest memories are playing with JJ, his energy, his smile and eating orange Popsicles!” When JJ turned three years old, it was decided that he needed to go to a home that was able to care for his unique needs. A place where he could grow and thrive. However, the type of home did not exist in South Carolina, and still does not today. JJ went to a children’s home in North Carolina. “As a young teen, I was so upset to see him leave the hospital where he was so loved and cared for, to go to a home in another state,” explains Rachel. “My mother and I, along with several of the nurses, traveled to visit him and to make sure he was settled in and happy.” Rachel was impressed with the children’s home where medically fragile children were able to play and have fun despite their physical limitations. JJ was able to eventually live with his mother, go to public school, and attend prom. He was also able to have one of his paintings displayed in the Smithsonian.

        JJ’s life inspired Rachel, and opening a children’s home became her dream. “JJ’s life is a testament to what a loving, skilled caregiver and a warm home environment can do for a child,” says Rachel. Today, Rachel is working to open Heaven’s Hope Inc. in the Florence area. The organization has a board of eight members of the community from a variety of backgrounds, all with one common cause – caring for children with critical medical needs. Rachel shares, “God brought to me a core group who have a heart and a passion for medically fragile children. There are many things that go into making something of this magnitude work successfully. With God leading the way through this entire process, I have full confidence that He will continue to lead us to the right people and make every single detail fall into place.”

        Currently, the needs of Heaven’s Hope are primarily financial due to the fact that they are pioneering the first medically fragile children’s home in the state. At this time, their start-up costs are very large. A facility has to be built, essentially from the ground up. Executive positions as well as staff positions must be created and filled. As a non-profit organization, they are trying to keep costs low, however, start-up costs for the first year (to include equipment, supplies, taxes, insurance, etc.) will total to approximately a minimum of four million dollars. For children living at the PICU, national average cost are about $4,000 per 24 hour period. It is Heaven’s Hope’s plan to be able to care for a medically fragile child at the cost of $600 per 24 hour period. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made on their website, www.heavenshopesc.com.

        Heaven’s Hope Inc. will host a fundraising event, the Swamp Fox Highland Games and Celtic Festival, on Saturday, November 17. It will be held at the Columns Plantation in Florence from 9 am to 5 pm. The event will be the first highlands games in this area. Activities will include a kid’s glen, highland athletes competing, as well as authentic Celtic vendors and Scottish food. It will be a fun-filled day that everyone of all abilities can enjoy.

    © Collin M. Smith Portrait Photography www.cmsmithportraits.com/blog

    Rachel was born and raised in Darlington. She currently lives with her husband, Joe, two daughters, Kylie (11yr) and Shaelyn (10yr) and two fur babies in Florence. Rachel has been a Registered Nurse for six years and currently works in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at McLeod. She is also pursuing a master’s degree at USC-Upstate.

  • Why Are Immunizations Important?

    Why Are Immunizations Important?

         This year, the newest adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel Little Women premiered. The coming of age story about three young women has captured the imaginations of generations. Today, however, audiences can no longer truly empathize with the fears and concerns suggested by one plot element – Beth’s contraction of scarlet fever, a form of streptococcal infection.

         Vaccinations and improved medical care have nearly eliminated parents’ fears of childhood diseases and their debilitating impact. Pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria were major causes of illness and death among children as late as 1950. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 120,718 cases of pertussis and 1,118 deaths from the disease in 1950, as well as 5,796 cases of diphtheria resulted in another 410 deaths. Even if individuals recovered (the diseases impact adults as well as children), they often suffered life-long disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and paralysis.

         The only way to contain outbreaks before vaccinations was by quarantining those infected and their households. According to Journal of American Medical Association articles, these quarantines could last a minimum 42 days causing children to miss weeks of school and parents to miss work. Quarantine placards identified homes and businesses impacted by such diseases and were a familiar sight as recently as the 1950s – especially for polio. The CDC reports 33,300 cases and 1,904 deaths from polio in 1950 alone.

         With the development of a polio vaccine in 1953, however, these rates dropped dramatically. In 1954 there were 18,308 cases and 1,306, and by 1960, only 988 cases and 90 deaths were reported. Since 1979, not one case of polio has originated in the U.S. and, today, intensive world-wide vaccination programs begun in 1988 have eliminated the disease from all but two countries.

    Vaccine-preventable diseases now include: chickenpox, diphtheria, flu, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, meningococcal disease, mumps, pneumococcal disease, rubella, shingles, tetanus, and pertussis. Thanks to vaccination programs, the CDC reports that today, most doctors have never seen a case of measles, a disease which almost every person in the U.S. contracted before vaccinations became prevalent. However, the CDC also reports that outbreaks, especially in communities with low vaccination rates, can and do still occur. Only one disease, smallpox, has been completely eradicated; any other disease can make a comeback if vaccination rates decrease.

         School enrollment requirements are an important tool for maintaining vaccination rates. In South Carolina, vaccination requirements generally follow the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines. That means rising seventh graders are required to have received one dose of Tdap which provides protection from bacterial infections such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

         Along with the Tdap vaccine, all children ages 11 and 12 should be vaccinated with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. A booster dose is recommended at age 16. The HPV vaccination is also recommended beginning at age 11, with a booster dose in 6-12 months to protect against HPV infections that can cause cancer. Teens and young adults (16-23 years) also may be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.

  • Chick-fil-A – West Florence Dine-In Restaurant

    Chick-fil-A – West Florence Dine-In Restaurant

        Blake Pate is the owner of the newly re-built Chick-fil-A on David H. McLeod Boulevard in Florence, known as the West Florence FSU location. After two years running as a Drive Thru Only location, the restaurant recently shut down for a rebuild in order to open as a dine-in facility to better accommodate the volume of customers. Blake was born and raised in Florence, graduated from Wilson High School and attended the University of South Carolina where he double majored in Marketing and Management. He is happily married to his wife, Annie, who is also a Florence native.

        Blake has numerous years of experience with the brand. He began working at Chick-fil-A when he turned 15. His first job was at the Chick-fil-A inside Magnolia Mall working for his father, David Pate. David Pate brought Chick-fil-A to Florence in 1979 and was an Operator for 38 years. Blake had the pleasure and opportunity of taking over the Mall store from his father in 2009. After running the Mall Chick-fil-A for 6 years, he moved outside and took over the Magnolia Mall Drive Thru Only Chick-fil-A when his father retired.

        Prior to the new building, Chick-fil-A existed on the corner of David H. McLeod Blvd as the Magnolia Mall Drive Thru Only location, which was built in 1994. “We have been trying to expand the Drive Thru for as many as 6 years,” explains Blake. “The DTO (Drive Thru Only) concept did not offer the type of service our customers have come to expect, so we knew we needed to change. A single entrance and exit, coupled with barely enough square feet to house our staff prompted our expansion. That and the fact that you couldn’t even get onto the parking lot on a busy day!” Expanding the restaurant was a tedious process, and they shut down for a necessary rebuild. Construction began February of 2018 and ended in May of 2018, with the whole process taking around four months total. For Blake, it seemed like ages! “To the community at large, it seems like it went up in the matter of a few days. However, when you are working right beside it, it seems like it takes forever. The anticipation and buzz it created was worth it, even with having a giant fence right next to us. People had been begging us for a change for so long. It was great to finally be able to show them something was happening.”

         The restaurant reopened on June 21, 2018 with a facility big enough to handle the volume of customers. “It will take some time for us to become proficient in a brand-new restaurant, but we are confident we built the store big enough this time,” says Blake. “It has been a huge boon to our employees. Not only has the size of the kitchen tripled, but we have brand new canopies outside over our order-taking areas that are equipped with fans and heaters which keep our employees at a comfortable temperature no matter the time of the year! That allows us to be outside, serving guests face-to-face, and giving them an experience they can’t get anywhere else.” The restaurant includes a beautiful dining room with a play area attached for out-of-town guests, travelers, and locals to enjoy.

        Blake truly appreciates his Chick-fil-A team and the positive influence they have on every customer they come in contact with. “I have been blessed to work with some of the most hard-working, dedicated, and gracious people throughout my life. I have employees that have worked at Chick-fil-A for around 35 years! Some of my employees babysat me when I was a kid, if you can believe it!” Blake believes the new store is just as much for them as it is for their customers. “Providing them with the space and tools necessary to do their jobs to the best of their ability has been awesome.  After working in the Drive Thru for the past couple of years, the new building is amazing and the team sure does seem to enjoy it!”

     

    2701 West David McLeod Blvd, Florence

    (843) 665-1512 | www.chick-fil-a.com

    Mon-Sat 6:30 am – 10 pm, Closed Sunday

    Download the Chick-fil-A App for faster service!

  • U.S. Air Force Recruiters Tell How You Can Strengthen Your Future

    U.S. Air Force Recruiters Tell How You Can Strengthen Your Future

        Staff Sergeant Michael Nudo (left) is an Active Duty Air Force Recruiter in Florence. He is originally from Youngwood, PA and joined the Air Force in February 2007. He has a wife, Sabrina, and one daughter, Summer (1). He has been a recruiter for 7 months. Before recruiting, he was a Fuels Technician (POL) for the 43rd Air Base Squadron on Pope Field NC. The 43rd Air Base Squadron supported the Army Golden Knights, Global Response Force on Ft. Bragg. The Global Response Force (GRF) is built for rapid response to unforeseen or, more specifically, unplanned operations.

        Staff Sergeant Aaron Cutchins (right) is an Active Duty Air Force Recruiter in Florence. He is originally from Port St. Joe, FL and joined the Air Force in December of 2006. He has a wife, Beth, and two kids Addison (5) and Kyler (4). Prior to his current career he was a Heavy Equipment Mechanic for the 823rd REDHORSE Squadron in Hurlburt Field, FL, which was a special Civil Engineering unit in the Air Force with a mission to construct bases in locations around the world from the ground up. Staff Sergeant Cutchins worked with all branches of the Military to get the mission accomplished. He shares, “Most people don’t realize the Air Force even has these capabilities!”

    Tell us about your start with the Air Force.

    Staff Sergeant Cutchins: “Before I joined the Air Force, I was working at a sewing factory in Florida. I waited until I was 21 years old to join because I wanted to experience the workforce for myself. I chose the Air Force over the other branches because I knew it would be a better fit for my type of personality. We look for the best and brightest of our young men and women because our main mission is to put multi-million-dollar pieces of equipment (jets) in the air!”

    Staff Sergeant Nudo: “Prior to joining the Air Force I worked at UPS loading trucks. I really wanted to wrestle in college but having no money and poor grades I realized this was not an option. I joined a year after I graduated high school because a friend told me about the Air Force and how it works.”

    Explain the impact the Air Force has had on your life.

    Staff Sergeant Cutchins: “I have had some amazing times in the Air Force! I grew up in a single wide trailer in lower Alabama. My family struggled to say the least. I never realized how much until I actually left and looked back at my childhood. Since joining, the Air Force has sent me to over 10 different countries to include places like Germany, Ireland, Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan. I have been able to go to college absolutely free, see some of the most awesome places on the planet, and have my family completely taken care of all while making a pretty decent living! I can’t say enough good things about how the Air Force has treated me over the years. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life and I want to share it with everybody I can. The main reason I like being a recruiter is that I get to see how other people’s lives are changed for the better just like mine was and I love being part of that!”

    Staff Sergeant Nudo: “My time in the Air Force has expanded my idea of the world in many ways. I have been to places I would have never been if not for the Air Force. I have deployed 6 times, traveled to 10+ countries, and went to technical schools all over the United States. My biggest accomplishment would be the education I received while in the Air Force. I currently have 2 associates (Logistics, Human Relations) degrees and am three classes away from my Bachelors in Transportation and Logistics. Without the Air Force none of this would have been possible. I have also received tons of hands on training in leadership, and Fuels operations. The benefits of the United States Air Force are unmatched in my opinion and I would do it all over again if I could.”

    How can someone learn more about the Air Force?

    Staff Sergeant Cutchins: “If someone is considering the Air Force as a career option, the first thing they need to do is give us a call to set up an appointment or go to www.airforce.com. We will go over the requirements to join and discuss options available to them. We have over 150 careers in the Air Force to include things like Avionics, Fire Protection, Special Forces, Intelligence, Security Forces, Cyber Security, In-Flight Refueling, Nuclear Weapons, Aircraft Crew Chiefs, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance, Missile and Space Facilities, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Careers, and many more. If any of these sound like something you may be interested in, then you’re literally just one phone call away from changing your life forever!”

  • Grateful Dog Festival VII

    Grateful Dog Festival VII

        Grateful Dog, an event hosted by a local group in support of area humane societies, is celebrating its 7th year this August. VIP interviewed Sam Rogers, an original Grateful Dog founder, on previous events and what we can look forward to at this year’s event. Continue reading to see how you can get involved with helping area humane societies while having a fun day mingling with friends, listening to live music, and checking out the latest from local vendors.

     

    Can you tell us how much money was raised at last year’s event?  Sam: Last year we raised $18,000. Every year seems to get better. We couldn’t be happier with the support the event has received from the community!

    Can you adopt animals at the event?  Sam: You can’t leave with the pets but applications are available at the fundraiser.

    How many vendors will you have this year?  Sam: There will be around 20 vendors this year.

    What shelters do you raise money for? Sam: Proceeds raised are distributed between Darlington County, Marlboro County and Florence County humane societies.

    How many people do you expect in attendance?  Sam: We’ve typically had around 4,000. We hope to have at least 5,000 this year. It’s a family and pet friendly event, so all crowds are welcome!

    Who hosts the event?  Sam: It’s a Grateful Dog group which includes:  Rebecca Rogers    and myself, Jimmy and Jolie Deaton, Christian and Shane Gibson, Krystal and Eddie Fuentes, Hayley Pleasant, Wes Baker, Robin   Jones, Sarah Brown, Lori Creel, Ranny Starnes, and various representatives from the humane society.

    How can the community help?  Sam: Volunteer!!!!!!!! We are constantly looking for dog loving individuals to work booths, check people in and try to gain sponsorships. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to: paypal.me/gratefuldogfest.

    Is there a wish list for the humane societies that we could help with?  Sam: Sure! They are always in need of dog, puppy, cat and kitten food. They also need cleaning supplies (bleach, laundry detergent, Dawn detergent, paper towels), dog and cat beds, towels, and of course money or gift cards.

    What can you tell us about the bands performing this year?  Sam: We have bands coming from all over the state, and a few from out of the state including Winston Salem, Charlotte and Asheville. Bands will constantly rotate the indoor and outdoor stages.

    Tell us about one of your most unique vendors?   Sam: Charles Bartel. He makes hand carved wooden children’s toys (which are dogs) and all the proceeds go toward Darlington Humane Society.

    Will you have the bike run this year?  Sam: Traditionally we have held the bike run during the event. However, this year we are planning it for August 4th. The event is presented by Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group. The run will begin at Black Jack Harley Davidson and the final stop is Beyond Therapy. Registration begins at 11am!

     

  • The Legacy of Melvin H. Purvis

        FBI Agent and Bureau Chief Melvin Horace Purvis was born on October 24, 1903, in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and is best known as the federal agent responsible for bringing several notorious criminals to justice, among them outlaws John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Adam Richetti.  He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a law degree in 1925.

        He went on to work as a junior partner at The Willcox Law Firm in Florence, South Carolina. Heeding the call of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover to set new professional standards at the FBI, Purvis moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Bureau in 1927.

        Purvis excelled as a field agent, and quickly rose through the ranks.  He was one of the few agents given special attention by Hoover, in spite of his less-than-stellar administrative performance.  During his early career, he headed the Division of Investigation offices in Birmingham, Alabama, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Cincinnati, Ohio, performing his duties in an exemplary fashion.  In 1932, he was placed in charge of the Chicago office by Hoover.

        In 1933, John Dillinger went on a violent spree of bank robberies throughout the states of Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, killing numerous innocents and several local police officers.  In less than a year, his gang stole an estimated $150,000.  In an infamous escape from jail—legend has it he brandished a wooden gun fooling police officers—Dillinger fled Crown Point prison on March 3, 1934.  He drove a stolen vehicle across state lines, which was a federal offense and brought him into the jurisdiction of the FBI.  Two days after Dillinger’s jailbreak, Hoover ordered Purvis to develop a network of informants to capture the desperado.  Dillinger was deemed “Public Enemy No. 1,” and the manhunt was on.

        On July 22, 1934, after a setup crafted by Mr. Purvis, agents waited outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago until Dillinger emerged.  Although Purvis never fired a single shot, it was his signal—he identified Dillinger to his men by lighting a cigar—which led to the shootout that killed the gangster and made Purvis an overnight hero.  But Purvis refused to accept any direct credit.  Nonetheless, Purvis became famous as “The Man Who Got Dillinger.”

        Among his other credits, Purvis was also responsible for bringing about the conviction of Kansas City gangster Adam Richetti by serving as a key witness at his trial in the Union Station Massacre of 1933.  He also spearheaded the raid that led to the capture of Vern Sankley, another “Public Enemy No. 1” who faced charges of abduction, but who killed himself before he could be brought to trial.  Beyond Dillinger, the most notorious gangster to be overthrown was Lester M. Gillis, a.k.a. “Baby Face Nelson,” who died in a Purvis-led shootout in Chicago on November 27, 1934.

        After his resignation, Melvin Purvis returned to the practice of law.  He signed up for military duty during World War II, serving as a lieutenant colonel.  He married Marie Rosanne Willcox, the daughter of his former law partner, and had three sons: Melvin, Alston, and Christopher. For a time he owned a radio station, WOLS, in Florence, South Carolina.  Melvin H. Purvis died on February 29, 1960.

    Story by Robert B. Moore, Jr., Administrator, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.

  • South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

    South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

     

        Nestled in the small town of Hartsville, SC is the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), a high school for academically motivated juniors and seniors pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and math—one of only 12 specialized, residential high schools in the nation. The accelerated students that attend excel not only academically, but also athletically, through extracurricular activities, and leadership opportunities.

        GSSM’s varsity sports teams have had great success and big wins in the last few years, including Men’s Soccer and Cross Country both being named the 1A State Champions this past school year and seven individual athletes being named State Championships at the 2018 State Track Meet. In fact, 64% of the student body participates in Varsity Athletics, playing 125 regular season games, matches, and meets every year. With 21 seasonal coaches and a full-time athletics staff, the 16 varsity men’s and women’s teams receive professional guidance under the principles of sportsmanship, teamwork, skill fundamentals, and persistence.

        Within the past two years, many changes have occurred related to GSSM athletics in order for student-athletes to get the most out of their time in high school sports. There are written coaching standards and contracts for 21 seasonal coaches, including a coaching stipend based off of years of service. Each team now has a head coach and at least one assistant coach who receive training in many different areas. Every athlete gets playing time. There is now an Athletics Department sponsorship program with local businesses and an online store and active department Facebook page with new department branding. Students now have the opportunity to participate in a Sports Medicine Interim class developed by the department, summer strength and conditioning programs, and fitness, dance, and kendo classes twice a week for those interested.

        Emerging as an athletics powerhouse in its conference, GSSM academics remain unsurpassed and it comes as no surprise that students accomplished many major achievements this year. The school continues to enable opportunity for all talented students with the passion and grit to succeed. This is accomplished in a rigorous yet humane learning environment where students are challenged and nurtured by meeting them where they are in their academic and personal development. The outcomes of this nourishing learning environment include 100% college attendance, including to highly selective institutions such as Yale, Princeton, Brown, MIT, UCLA, U.S. Naval Academy, and others.

  • Te’Quan Coe – A Contemporary Violinist

    Te’Quan Coe – A Contemporary Violinist

        Twenty-one-year-old Te’Quan Coe always loved music since he was young, but never knew he would be a musician. He has a rare talent when it comes to playing the violin, and his passion and unique style have led him to incredible opportunities. Today he continues to perform in the Hartsville community and beyond.

        Te’Quan started playing the violin in the third grade, though it wasn’t until two years later when he began to feel fully inspired to take it more seriously. He shares, “I wasn’t really that interested in violin until I had a new teacher come in. She was African-American like me, and I had never seen an African-American play the violin. I remember thinking, “Wow, I want to do what she is doing.” Te’Quan attended Thornwell School for the Arts in Hartsville, then continued to play throughout middle school and high school where his teachers encouraged him to audition for all-state and region bands. “All-state and region helped me to play with kids on my level,” shares Te’Quan. “There were a lot of other students I played with in school, but many of them did not take it seriously. I was more advanced than most of them.”

        What makes Te’Quan’s style unique is that he can play all types of music on the violin. Although he can read music, he also plays music by ear. Depending on the audience he is playing for and the venue, he can play anything from R&B and hip-hop, to other genres like classical and gospel. “My Mom really pushed me to become more well-rounded and learn different genres. I used to just play classical, but now I have learned and can play more up-to-date music too.” Te’Quan has even had celebrities re-tweet videos of him playing their songs on his violin.

        Te’Quan has been able to share his talent locally, but also on a higher level. His first major event playing was at his grandmother’s funeral where he played Amazing Grace in her honor. Since then, he has been asked to play at churches, weddings, local spots around town, and other events. However, his most prideful moment was when he played at Carnegie Hall in New York City his senior year of high school. “I auditioned just to see if I could do it, but I didn’t think I would make the orchestra,” explains Te’Quan. “I remember my Mom called me crying saying that I made it and I just couldn’t believe it! We started saving and raising money so I could go.” Te’Quan was able to play with other musicians his age from all over the world. He describes the experience as being surreal. “I remember playing the last measure of the song and looking around at everyone,” he says. “I got emotional because I felt so honored to be there and I was playing with so many other talented kids. A tear actually rolled down from my eye and I just remember taking it all in and thinking how amazing it was.” After that, he also traveled to play and audition in other states, including being a part of the City of Hartsville’s presentation team in the 2016 All-America City competition in Colorado. Te’Quan says, “That was another memorable moment for me. By having young talent included, it really proved what Hartsville was all about to other people, and we won. After that, Hartsville started adding new businesses and activities and I started doing more with the city too.”

        Te’Quan currently works in Hartsville, but is always available for gigs to share his passion with others. He tries to accommodate everyone the best he can when it comes to how much he charges because he knows everyone may not have the funding. However, it mostly depends on the distance he has to travel. The sky is the limit for his future. “I want to do a lot with the violin. I have been incorporating it into writing songs and want to produce for people. I’m not just limited to one thing. I want to be able to share it with all types of people and incorporate it a lot of different ways.”