Professional Documents
Culture Documents
She Dec
She Dec
She
She Magazine
Florence’s “Go-To” ...it’s a woman thing!
A HOMESPUN CHRISTMAS
M A G A Z I N E
DECEMBER 2009
Back Row (l-r): Roosevelt G. Daniel, M.D.; Edwin L. Gandy, M.D.; Bruce E. Burner, M.D. Front Row (l-r): Michele G. Phipps, M.D.; Maria D. Perez, M.D.; William L. Cauthen, Jr., M.D.
www.shemagazine.com
or a simple fracture as well as other common ailments. Whether you need to see a doctor, have lab work done or need an
x-ray, our “Go-To” Team is here for you.
A RETURN TO CHRISTMAS -
GET INSPIRED TO CELEBRATE
Urgent Care THE SIMPLE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
DR.
HO
FF
Monday - Friday Saturday
A
ME
SHU
YE
RR
8 AM - 8 PM 9 AM - 2 PM CHRISTMAS ON CAMPUS -
S. CA
D.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH
FOLLY CARTER AND FAMILY
Volume 7 • Issue 10
CH
O ER
M ETT OK
EE ORNAMENTS, GLITTER AND GLAM -
Urgent Care
L
. PA RD
W . PERFECT PARTY CLOTHES
AND ACCESSORIES
Carolinas Urgent Care A HOMESPUN
(OFFMEYER2OAD&LORENCEr
CHRISTMAS VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS -
YUMMY THINGS TO BAKE,
GIVE AND ENJOY
Glossy 2 11/18/09 10:48 AM Page 1
M A S T Er P I E C E
At McLeod Regional Medical Center and McLeod Medical Center Dillon, we have created a very
nurturing environment to provide you with a birth experience as special as your new baby. Our
maternity centers are state-of-the-art settings, where warm and inviting labor and delivery suites
offer safe and tender welcomes for newborns. We safeguard pregnancies with the latest in fetal
monitoring and are committed to ensure the safety of your new baby with the HALO Infant
Protection System. At McLeod, you will be surrounded by the most highly skilled, experienced,
and caring nurses in the Southeast. For one-of-a-kind maternity care that excels from every
McLeod Health
www.McLeodHealth.org
Glossy 147 11/18/09 1:57 PM Page 1
Relief for
Children & Adults
from:
Hay Fever
Asthma
Skin Allergy
Sinus Problems
Bee & Fire Ant
Allergy
Sinus Endoscopy
CT Scans
McLeod Medical Carolina Pines Tuomey Medical South Strand Seacoast Medical
Plaza Medical Ofc. Bldg. Building Medical Center Center
800 E Cheves St 701 Medical Park 115 N. Sumter St. 5046 Hwy. 17 4000 Hwy. 9 E.
Suite 420 Dr. Suite 104 Suite 400 Bypass S. Suite 105 Suite 240
Florence Hartsville Sumter Myrtle Beach Little River
679-9335 332-3191 803-934-1488 293-5000 399-9033
6 11/19/09 2:14 PM Page 1
With FTC Digital TV, Internet, Phone, Security and Wireless, you can experience the world without
traveling past your living room. Call 1-888-218-5050 and get connected to the world today.
Tis the
season to look
Exquisite
843.656.0399
843-292-0150 • www.gallowayandmoseley.com 2000 Block of Hoffmeyer Road
Florence, SC
the toy shop
specializing in creative and
educational playthings
Butler’s
FINE MEN’S CLOTHING
843-667-9671 • www.butlersfineclothing.com
the plaza
AN ELITE SALON
Our Stylists/Color Specialists: Tammy Chapman-owner,
CYNTHIA
Lois Still, Becky Cooper, Steve Connell,
Anna Mcpherson, Kathy Hutchinson, Ashley Turner
Florence Wellness
& Weight-loss Center
J. MARSHALL DENT, M.D.,
under the direction of
FLORENCE’S ONLY BARIATRIC PHYSICIAN
NOW OFFERING FULL & MODIFIED FAST AS WELL AS OTHER PROGRAMS TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
before
She M e l ia
a Flowers Berry
Publisher/Editor
[email protected]
Tuesday Taylor
General Manager
Advertising & Graphic Design
we are
Dresden Tucker
Graphic Design
[email protected]
Le ig
gh Clary Abdou
Production Manager
Advertising & Design
[email protected]
A sh l e y R o g e r s
Graphic Design
[email protected] 1615 W. Palmetto Street • Florence
665-6410 • Monday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
Beverly Kelly - Executive Assistant
She mail
E m a i l t o : e d i t o r @shemagazine.com
Mail to: 609 North Main Street • Marion, SC 29571
Call us: 843.423.2393 office line • 843.423.9837 fax line
take us home
For a copy to be placed in your mailbox, send a check or money order Beth Turner, Tim Smith, Lis
sete Rice
for $38 to the above address for a year's subscription.
welcomes
She Magazine is published monthly and distributed at over 500 locations throughout
the Pee Dee. She Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or con-
Lissete Rice,
tent we deem inappropriate for the publication. Editorial contributions are welcome hair stylist
and will be considered by the editor. Please include name, address and contact Call today to book your
number (email [email protected]). Letters to the Editor may require editing appointment with Lissete Rice,
due to space limitations. The design, editorial and photo content in She is copyright joining Evolution from
of She Magazine and may not be reproduced without written permission by the Atlanta, GA. First time
publisher. She Magazine is a registered trademark.
clients receive 20% off by
mentioning this ad.
CORRECTION: Now booking Christmas
In the November 2009 “Remarkable Women” Issue, we featured the faces appointments with
of women-owned businesses. Unfortunately, we left out two women: Beth, Tim, & Lissete.
Dr. Lesley Kirby of Lifetime Hearing Services, Inc., and Susan Elliott, Co-
Owner of Jones-Smith Jewelers. We salute these two Remarkable Women
and regret that they were mistakenly omitted.
14 11/24/09 2:34 PM Page 1
A Homespun Christmas
letter from the editor
DECEMBER 2009
It’s here! The most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! Actually, as I write this letter, it’s just a few days
before Thanksgiving; so, one might argue that the Christmas season is not officially here. However, a drive around most any neighbor-
hood confirms the Christmas season is definitely upon us. Many homes are decorated; and, as soon as this issue is sent to press, I will
get busy on mine, as well.
Back in my day, Christmas officially began the day after Thanksgiving. Nowadays, the poor pumpkins and scarecrows barely get
settled on the store shelves before being cleared to make room for holiday merchandise. When I was little, it felt like an eternity
between trick-or-treat night and Thanksgiving night – the night my mother and I always put up our tree. I can remember the anticipa-
tion and excitement I felt as the boxes were taken down from the attic. We had this star that went atop the tree that I thought was
the most beautiful thing in the world. I remember searching through all the boxes until I found that star and holding my breath as I
plugged it in. Waiting for the lights to come on, I would hold it in my hands and marvel at the way the lights flickered and danced.
My mother and I always decorated the tree together, and I can still see how pretty she looked as the lights illuminated the
shadows of her face and reflected off her blue eyes. She was so particular about the way she decorated a tree. Each ornament had its
special place on the tree, and there was nothing she disliked more than sloppily-placed icicles. I can hear her saying,“Have you ever seen
an icicle hanging sideways on a tree?” “No, Ma’am,” I would nod. “Then, don’t hang them that way, Darling,” she would lovingly coax.
Slowly and meticulously, we would decorate the tree together, adjusting and primping it to perfection. Then, I would lie on the
floor, mesmerized by its beauty, wishing time would stand still and forbidding myself to think about the day when it would have to come
down. From that moment, Christmas was in full swing, and I was in heaven.
That little girl is still very much alive inside of me. I still get excited about bringing down the boxes of decorations and plug-
ging in the lights for the first time. Even the thought of it still makes my heart flutter. And, just as my mother, I take decorating the tree
seriously. Although I haven’t used tinsel in years, I’m just as careful about hanging the ornaments.
“Have you ever seen an angel flying sideways?” I ask my children when they help me. “Then, don’t hang it that way, Darling.”
Actually, I suppose an angel can fly any way it chooses, but that’s not the point. When my children were little, it was a different story.
Our Christmas tree looked as if a strong wind from the North Pole blew in and nearly took all the ornaments with it. Those precious
little fingers would hang the decorations every-which-way-but-straight and the majority of them hung around the bottom of the tree –
the only height they could reach without being picked up. It was a glorious sight, and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
I still decorate a tree with all the ornaments we had from those years. My favorite tree decorations are the ones that my children
Decorating our pink tree made – the paper snowflakes, Popsicle-stick trees and, of course, their little faces glued onto cutout shapes of bells and Christmas trees
in the She office that hang from little ribbons. Those are among my most precious possessions. Opening the box that keeps these jewels will bring, with-
out fail, a timeout for crying. The sight makes me miss those days when Santa was real, and they all wore matching paja-
mas on Christmas Eve Night. I miss them so much that I can barely breathe. A bit of sadness mixes in with the joy.
In the past, I have written about the little cedar tree that grew on my DaDa’s farm when I was a little girl.
One of the most tender memories of all my Christmases involves that little tree and the year my DaDa and I
decorated it together. Last Christmas Eve, just a few weeks after my DaDa died, my children and I went to the
farm and cut some branches from it to place on his grave. As I stood under its towering shadow, I sized it up,
guessing it had grown to over twelve-feet tall. My memory danced back and forth from the huge tree before
me to the small Christmas tree that DaDa helped me decorate. I could hear the tapping of the old-fashioned
glass lights – the kind with the big bulbs – as he held the strand in his hands. I could see those rough,
calloused hands, and I could feel the love he had for me in that moment. We cut the branches and I tied them
simply with a ribbon, knowing he would have liked it very much. On the drive from the farm to the ceme-
tery, I searched my memory for every detail of that experience with my DaDa, reliving it over and over
again and immersing myself in the moment so deeply that I could smell the distinct scent of his skin – a
mixture of ivory soap and sawdust, which is the way he always smelled when I was little because, as a logger,
he was always working.
Even amidst the pain of grief, as God promises, there is good. (Romans 8:28: “For all things work
for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.”) For me, that good has
come in the way of a new appreciation for the blessings of family and friends and love. My DaDa was so
full of love and he lived out his life that way. At Christmas, we celebrate the Birth of
the God of Love. Love truly came down when Jesus was born, leaving Heaven to
dwell among us.
In contemplating this Christmas issue, I wanted to give you something
special. With much thought, the idea for A HOMESPUN CHRISTMAS was born.
This issue is all about celebrating the season with family and friends, creating wel-
coming homes filled with HOMESPUN decorations, good food, love and laughter
In our feature stories, you will meet eleven women who love Christmas and have
their own unique way of celebrating – the HOMESPUN way.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I am so blessed to be able to celebrate it
through She Magazine with you, our readers. It is my prayer for each of you that your Christmas is filled with the
warmth and love that only Jesus, our Savior, can give. Merry Christmas!
I hope you enjoy this issue. It’s a woman thing!
1303 W. EVANS S
FLORENCE, SC
(843) 468-9700
7142 WOODROW ST. • IRMO, SC • (803) 796-9296
16 11/23/09 4:49 PM Page 1
She mail
Dear She,
Thank you so much for a great magazine. She disappears so quickly from the
places you deliver it, I’m just going to have it delivered to me at home.
Kathy Strickland,Timmonsville
Get Personal
this
Christmas!
Children’s Items
Monogramming • Car Decals
Jewelry • Fine Gifts
1. 3. 5.
2. 4. 6.
7.
8. 9. 12. 15.
10. 11 13..
14.
1. Dr. Lesley Kirby “Last year around this time, my mother unexpectedly passed away. 13.Linda Weatherford What I love most about Christmas is celebrating the birth of
Needless to say, my holiday season was more grief than joy. This year, I really wanted to turn my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the music, the celebrations, the decorations - everything
it around – especially for my children – and provide them with a joyous, lighthearted and that reminds us of the greatest gift ever given. It is my favorite time of year!
cozy Christmas. My best friend’s mother, Brenda Gaddis, decorated my entire house for
Christmas, inside and out! And, yes, it was already done by mid-November. That was the 14. Erika Chapman loves her husband, Mark, and she loves living in Florence. Her pas-
most perfect way to kick start the holiday season. I was able to relax with my family and sions include raising her three boys, serving as a KidSpring Volunteer at NewSpring Church and
truly be in the moment this Christmas season. reading just about anything she can get her hands on. “I’m looking forward to enjoying
unscheduled time with my boys and my husband over Christmas. There’s nothing like experi-
2. J. Marshall Dent, MD is Board Certified in Family Practice & Obstetrics and encing the gift of the Christ Child through the eyes of a child.”
Gynecology and also holds an Advanced Certification in Menopausal Medicine. He can
be contacted at Complete Women’s Health Care in Florence. 15. Cheri Jordan absolutely loves seeing the excitement on her children’s faces on
Christmas morning and spending the day with them as a family just enjoying one another’s
3. Paige Thomas Paige Self Thomas lives in Florence with her husband, Joey, and two company.
Sheltie children,Timmy and Buddy. Together, Paige and Joey have seven grown children. She
works part-time as Business Administrator for the Francis Marion University Center for the
16. Sharon Bixler What I love most about Christmas is Everything! It’s just so fun to
Child and is a Licensed Realtor with Prudential Segars in Florence. “I am especially looking
give! However, when I think about what Christ gave to me, the little trinkets I give are nothing
forward to Christmas because all three of my boys will be at home for the holidays for the
in comparison. How awesome He is.
first time in three years! The recession and job losses have their silver linings.”
4.. Melodie Griffin is a public speaker, a writer, a musician and a homemaker. She 17. Suzanne Rowe is the Children/Family Minister at the Woodmont Hills Church in
is a master communicator who makes the truth of God’s Word come alive.Visit her Nashville,TN and holds a Degree in Elementary Education. Her greatest joy is her three-and-a-
website to learn more. www.melodiegriffin.com half-year-old daughter, Catherine. Suzanne was blessed to adopt Catherine from China in 2006.
Suzanne enjoys reading, shopping, a beautiful fall day, lunch with friends and anything she gets to
do with her daughter. She’s a recent fan of She Magazine thanks to a handsome CPA from
5. Marti Miller She ponders that the end of our worldly calendar year marks the renewed Marion, South Carolina, who has stolen her heart.“This Christmas, I’m mostly looking forward
beginning of our hope in a life beyond these earthly walls.What a gift to unwrap again and again.
to embracing the delight in my daughter’s eyes every minute of the season and kissing that
She prays that the brightest Light of this season continues to shine amidst the to-do lists and
handsome CPA from Marion under the mistletoe.”
shopping trips and frightening family gatherings. Just one slightly northern question from an other-
wise joy-filled Marion transplant:Why fireworks in December and silence in July?
18. Angela Crosland enjoys celebrating Christ as it has been her family’s tradition to
6. Ouida K Page is a Licensed Professional and National Board Certified Counselor attend church on Christmas Day. She has committed to demonstrating His love at a greater
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and is a member of the International Honor Society of level during the season through giving. Purposing to give more would certainly
Nursing. She specializes in families and issues relating to children, adolescents and women qualify as her favorite aspect of Christmas.
of all ages. She also writes for She.
19. Emmie Lynch I love knowing that I’ll get to see my family. We sit around a fire out
7. Cookie Cawthon is wild about her family. She totally digs serving as a in the country & tell stories we’ve all heard before –but that never get old. And, we always
greeter at NewSpring Church every week, and she flat out loves reading, writing, remember to thank our Father for giving us another year to celebrate His goodness. Not Pictured
speaking, teaching, and blogging www.cookiecawthon.com.
11. Anna Pitts lives in Florence, SC. She is currently pursuing her career as a School 22.Ricky Ford is a photographer out of marion who says, “ Photography is an art to
Library Media Specialist and loving every minute of the journey! Anna is also a contributing me and I want every image that I take to be timeless. His work is featured in this issue of
writer for She Magazine. She in a photo shoot for the feature stories. 843.617.0147 • rickiford.com
12.Sandra Dail is a wife to Tim and a mother to Ashley, Adam and Max (the 4-legged, 23. Collin Smith is a portrait and wedding photographer based out of Florence. He
furry, faced baby of the family). Her life has taken different turns lately as God has allowed her launched the $100 Portrait Project that donates 50% of its revenue to the Children’s
to work with a team of friends in planning & orchestrating retreats for women-”SheTreats”- Miracle Network & stays in the Florence area. He is the man behind the creative photos
and examining the possibilities of a new ministry called “At Your Service.” in the CYNTHIA ads. cmsmithportraits.com
19 11/23/09 5:50 PM Page 1
SEMI - ANNUAL
Designer
Sample
Sale
December
4th & 5th
Four
Page 1
“We Three
Queens
Jennifer Graham, 2006 Kimberly Sullivan, 2008
of Genesis
are blessed with
royal beauty
afar...”
Barbara Graham, 2007 Tammy Johns, 2009
Mrs USA 2009
We are so proud and honored that these
four Mrs. South Carolina America Beauty Queens
trust us for their beauty needs!
20-21
$
1 hr. Medical Microdermabrasion- 85 We now offer
(includes a complete facial)
CareCredit ®.
Permanent Makeup $100 off Plans as low as
(any site of your choice) Christmas Gift
$
100/per month. Certificates Available
12 months
a t 0% financing
Board Certified
Edward O'Dell, M.D. - FACOG
Medical Director
ACCIDENTAL
Tradition
I accidentally started a new family tradition last Christmas. It hap-
pened when the hubby and kids and I were in the NC mountains enjoying
by Melodie Griffin
You know, I’m plenty relieved to know that my ornament doesn’t
resemble me, but this “resemblance” scenario sparked a thought for me. I
beautiful serenity and solitude. A full five minutes of serenity was quite certainly hope that when people observe me, they see a true reflection of the
enough for my little offspring and then came the inevitable, “I’m bored! One that I am striving to mirror. When others observe my actions, my reac-
There’s nothing to do here!” Ah, but I had planned ahead (the experienced tions, and my interactions, do they see an accurate picture of the God Who
maternal force to be reckoned with that I am). Weeks earlier, while perusing lavishes grace, or is the representation far from the image that Scripture
a crafty family magazine, I spotted a fun project. It didn’t take me long to paints? The fact that I am human sort of rules out that I can be a perfect
quickly gather all the necessary supplies, which included kitchen staples like reflection of the Savior, but there should certainly be a “family resemblance”
flour and salt, and enough Mod Podge to put Humpty Dumpty back together – without unibrows. This Christmas season, I plan to keep those ornaments in
again. My my, what FUN we had in making Christmas ornaments that were the forefront of my mind as I strive to accurately reflect the Messiah. I will
supposed to resemble each family member. And again I say, “supposed to.” especially keep this in mind when some manic Christmas shopper takes my
We laughed hysterically at how our creations turned out and just how little parking place at the mall. I will even try to remember this lesson when all 412
they looked like each of us. What fun to get them out of the box this year and of us are waiting in the checkout lane at Wal Mart. You know, when there are
place them on our tree! We giggled all over again at Daddy’s larger-than-life countless checkouts on site, but only 4 of them will be open? Yes, then. But
nose and lips, and at my disturbingly bushy eyebrows. The kids can hardly if Humpty Dumpty happens to fall, I will get back up again and thank God for
wait to see what kind of ornaments we will make this year, but I don’t know His grace – God’s Mod Podge.
how I can top the unibrow.
Here is the recipe for those fun ornaments. I hope that they bring as many 2.To make each ornament, roll the dough into a golf ball-sized ball and flat-
giggles and God-lessons to your little family as they did to mine. Merry ten it with your palm. Use small pieces of dough to make noses, lips, hair,
Christmas and happy Mod Podging! and the like. Affix each to the face with a drop of water and smooth away
any creases. Use the skewer to make eyes and to poke a hole through the
* 3 cups flour * 1 cup salt ornaments about 1/2-inch from the top.
* 1 cup water * Wooden skewer 3.Heat the oven to 275 degrees. Bake the ornaments on a foil-lined cook-
* Paintbrushes * Acrylic paint ie sheet for 2 hours. Allow them to cool completely.
* Mod Podge * Narrow ribbon 4.Paint on the skin color. When the paint is dry to the touch (about 10
Instructions: minutes), paint the remaining details.
1.Using an electric mixer, beat together the flour, salt, and water on medi- 5. Once the paint is dry, seal the ornaments, front and back, with a layer of
um speed until a ball forms, then remove the dough and knead it until it is Mod Podge. Let them dry, then add a ribbon loop to each.
smooth. Source, www.familyfun.go.com
Melodie is a public speaker, writer, musician and homemaker.Visit www.melodiegriffin.com to inquire about having her come and share about the personalities at your next event.
23 11/24/09 1:28 PM Page 1
Prom Dresses
Arriving Daily!
We also have new arrivals of wedding
gowns by Alfred Angelo,
MoriLee, Casablanca,
Forever Yours, &
Jasmine.
Specializing in
Handmade, Wool & Silk Rugs
Design Consulting • Cleaning & Dyeing
Repairs & Fringe Replacement
Pick Up & Delivery
Wrap up in
cozy knits &
blue hues this
winter...
“Cause’ Baby,
it’s Cold
Outside!”
Do You Hear
What I Hear? by Dr. Lesley Kirby, AuD
T his Christmas season will find most families coming together to enjoy each
other’s company, to catch up on each other’s lives over the past year and to discuss
goals and opportunities for the coming New Year. The holidays are meant to be a time
dens me to see people stop enjoying life because they have a difficult time hearing,
especially now that treatment is so easy to obtain.
So, this year, be vigilant and see if Uncle Larry is quiet at Christmas dinner or
of thanks, celebration and joy. But, for many people, it’s a time of year when unaddressed other holiday get-togethers. Maybe he’s having difficulty understanding speech clearly.
hearing loss can cause feelings of isolation and depression. Even when surrounded by Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include not being able to hear well in a crowded
loving family members, one with a hearing loss can feel cut off from his family. room or restaurant, having trouble hearing children and women, keeping the television
Imagine sitting around the dining room table. All the children are so excited and radio turned up to a loud volume, needing to ask family and friends for repetition
about Santa’s upcoming arrival, and they are excitedly making their final wishes be and experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
known to all who will listen. Jane and Donald are busy bringing all their deliciously If your loved one has not sought help for his or her hearing loss – or is even
homemade food from the kitchen out to the table to share with their siblings, children in denial about it – you can use the spirit of the season as an opportunity to discuss
and parents. Everyone looks happy – except for Jane’s father. He has a “lost” look on treatment. The good news is that there are solutions to help loved ones with hearing
his face. It almost appears that he is uncomfortable. He so wants to join in on the loss regain the gift of sound so they don’t need to withdraw. Hearing loss can be eas-
conversation, yet he is afraid that he may answer incorrectly. It’s best (and easiest), he ily diagnosed, and hearing aid technology has drastically improved over the past sever-
feels, to just sit and smile. He will “silently” participate, yet he is not participating at all. al years. Most patients comment on how comfortable the aids are and how they are
Hearing loss is one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in able to once again understand their loved ones. Also, Beltone’s new open-ear hearing
America. In fact, it affects more than 31 million Americans. (One out of every ten peo- technology is so cosmetically appealing, nobody will even know you are wearing a hear-
ple that you pass on the street today has a hearing loss!) Also, it is an absolute fallacy ing aid (unless you show it to them!).
that hearing loss affects only seniors. More than 65 percent of all people with hearing Finding the right solution for hearing loss can make all the difference in com-
loss are younger than retirement age. munication with family, friends and co-workers. No one needs to miss a minute of the
The number one cause of hearing loss is excessive noise. This may explain holiday action this year, thanks to modern hearing aid technology. Life is too precious
why fifteen percent of people age 45 to 64 – the first generation to grow up listening and short not to be able to hear all of it.
to loud rock music – have hearing loss.The age demographic in my office continues to If you suspect that someone has a hearing loss, I recommend that they be eval-
get younger and younger. I attribute the majority of this reason to everyday noise such uated by a Licensed Audiologist. This professional will be able to determine the type
as traffic and hair dryers, as well as to MP3 players where people are not monitoring and degree of hearing loss that is present. Many offices will offer complimentary hear-
the sound level of the music entering into their ears. Unfortunately, once the hearing ing aid demonstrations in their offices so that an individual can actually see what a hear-
nerve becomes damaged, the resulting hearing loss is permanent. This is true for chil- ing aid looks like, as well as listen through it. Most of our patients are completely
dren, as well as adults. shocked at what they have been missing and are literally upset with themselves that
When a family member experiences untreated hearing loss, it silently and they did not seek treatment sooner.
painlessly erodes their quality of life. It undermines family relationships, can interfere Here is to a blessed holiday season with wonderful communication between
with short-term memory and eventually creeps into virtually every aspect of their daily you and your loved ones. After all, family is one of our most precious gifts.
living. Prior to receiving hearing aids, many of our patients stop going to church Merry Christmas!
because they have such a difficult time understanding what the pastor is saying. It sad-
Lesley Kirby, AuD, is the first Doctor of Audiology in the Florence area and the only Audiologist in Private Practice.
She owns Lifetime Hearing Services, Inc., at 522 West Palmetto Street in Florence, with satellite locations in Hartsville and Lake City.
27 11/19/09 2:38 PM Page 1
The Best
Christmas Gift...
Advanced Technology. Traditional Caring.
• Total Orthopaedic Care • Interventional Pain
• Total Joint Replacement Management
• Sports Medicine • Physical Medicine
• Spine Surgery • Sports Related Injuries
• Non-Operative Spine Care • Fracture Care
• Occupational Therapy • All Disorders of Bones,
• Minimally Invasive Surgery Joints and Tendons
• Adolescent Orthopaedic Care • Worker’s Compensation Injuries
l t r a s o u n d
4 D U s
C e r t i f i c a t e
Gift u re ” p e rfe c t g i f t i d ea
A “pi c t m o m s!
t a n t
for expec
Just
Blended
Blend Well
W
“Why can’t I be like everyone else?” I’ve asked myself this question most of My husband and I have seven children between us. I have three children and
my life, and I had a friend ask me this same thing just the other day. If you don’t come four stepchildren, and he has four children and three stepchildren. We would love to
from what may be considered the “traditional family” – with a mom and a dad who have see them all during the holidays. Two temporarily live in the same city as we do. Four
been married to only each other and siblings who are your natural brothers or sisters, live in the same state, and there are hundreds of miles between us and the seventh one.
then you probably have faced that same realization. Or, if you did have the stability and One of them is married. There are four grandchildren, and due to a divorce, different
blessing of being raised in a core family, you may have experienced it later in life due to sets of in-laws.
death or divorce or some other misfortune. Then, one day, the reality just seems to hit My parents are no longer living; but, my husband, fortunately, can still enjoy
you like a rock that your life is different. At some point in time, there seems to unfold time with his mom and dad, and we would love to have them in the mix. He has a sis-
a stark realization that stops you in your tracks, and you realize that your family and tra- ter and a brother, and I have two sisters and a brother. Of those five siblings, two live
ditions are not mainstream. For some reason, you often feel out of place. This can be in the same city, two more are in the same state, but one lives thousands of miles away.
especially hard when the holidays are around the corner, and families and friends are If I were to add to the pot the spouses of the siblings and the nieces and nephews on
preparing their traditional gatherings. What is the other kind of family supposed to do? both sides – well, Jack’s house would never be built.
Just recently, my husband and I went out to eat breakfast – for supper. He This sounds kind of humorous, and I kind of giggle like I do when I read the book;
loves breakfast foods, but I can’t eat that much so early in the morning, so we go out but, this is real life! Why can’t I be like everyone else? Why can’t we just have one big
for breakfast occasionally at night. That breaks a little tradition, doesn’t it? While we happy family that gathers on holidays and everyone bring a pot dish to share? Why?
were waiting for our food, several families came in and out. After some moments of I have to stop and realize that it will go on and on – if I keep trying to make it
watching (which is my husband’s favorite hobby in public places), he asked if I wanted to fit. This is like the dog that worried the cat that killed the rat that ate the malt that lay
know the story of the family sitting across the aisle? A woman and her teenage daugh- in the house that Jack built.
ter had come in to eat together, and he said that she was divorced and her daughter We’re all connected. All the people I mentioned are part of my life because of
had been to visit her dad over the weekend. The mom had most likely gone to pick her family. I have some direct connection to all of them that makes me want them all to be
up, and they were enjoying supper together on the way home. Now, this may or may part of my traditions. Yet, their connections to each other are somewhat distant. My
not be true; but, this was the perception of a man who has been through a divorce and firstborn son, who is very special to me, may never spend a holiday with one of my hus-
raised four children on his own. Therefore, we don’t see things through traditional eyes. band’s grandchildren. My husband’s parents and my in-laws may not see my own chil-
As I thought about what he said, again realizing that it may or may not be true, dren very often. But, this is the reality of the family I call my own. It doesn’t mean I
I did think that it was nice that the two of them were sharing time together. Whether can’t hold traditions; and, that in some ways, I can’t be like everyone else.
married or divorced, on the way home from a weekend with Dad, or perhaps just on We learn new traditions in the little things like eating breakfast for supper on
the way home from church or shopping, it is nice to spend some uninterrupted time a Sunday night, and I’m learning to make holiday traditions every day throughout the
with those we love and to create traditions. With a smile, I thought how nice it would year. It may take that long to touch base with all those I love and who mean a lot to
be if this were something this mom and daughter did every Sunday night. me and my life.
Sometimes, I think we try so hard – especially during the holidays – to fit our Most of our traditional recipes end with the instructions to blend well – and
nontraditional lives into the traditional mold that we may miss out on many blessings. I’m taking that into the holiday season and New Year. I want to mix the family and
When I think about trying to make that work, it sounds like The House That Jack Built. friends that make my life special and blend them into tried-and-true traditions, making
This was a favorite book of mine as a child, and it’s kind of humorous because it never good memories.
seems to end, and one thing leads to another. That’s the correlation – and the dilemma. From my house to yours, I wish you wonderful times and traditions with fam-
ily and friends during the holiday season and New Year and a very Merry Christmas!
'Paige Self Thomas lives in Florence with her husband Joey and two Sheltie children,Timmy and Buddy. Together they have seven grown children.
She works part time as Business Administrator for the FMU Center for the Child, and is a licensed realtor with Prudential Segars in Florence. "
29 11/19/09 2:57 PM Page 1
Place your
order by Dec. 1
and SAVE 10%
on any pickup or
delivery between
Nov. 20th and
Dec. 31st
Offer valid on
select products.
Excluding tax and
delivery. Cannot
be combined with
any other offers.
Offer code must
be used when
placing the order.
Offer valid
11/20/09-12/01/09
CODE: EBSP2009
Delicious Fruit Design®
in Snowman Keepsake
EdibleArrangements.com
Copyright © 2009 Edible Arrangements, LLC Franchises Available. Call 1-888-727-4258
T
City, South Carolina, a Christmas tradition was born that would bring indescribable joy to Law. She wrote to She Magazine to tell us about her memories of the tradition that began
the hearts of hundreds of small children and create memories that would last a lifetime. when she was a child and that still impacts her Christmas today. “The children all gath-
This is how the tradition began. ered in a cul-de-sac of a subdivision called Martha Law under four tents. It would be real-
When Daryl and Connie Strickland, residents of Martha Law, began putting lights ly cold and I remember a few bond fires with mostly parents gathered for warmth and con-
all about their home, one of the children (now, SC State Trooper, Sonny Collins) took versation. A few of the children slowed down long enough to roast a marshmallow or
notice of the tremendous display and told his parents,“Santa must live there.” From that two. It felt like all of Lake City was in Martha Law.
innocent statement, the idea was born. The Stricklands decided to have a party for the I remember running around, as kids do, but with such anticipation, I could hardly
neighborhood children, complete with Santa Claus himself. As the years went by, what contain myself. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it another minute, a loud siren could
began as a small neighborhood party grew into a grand event that (from what I’m told) be heard. Then, I could see lights flashing coming towards me. As the vehicles stopped
could rival a shindig at the North Pole. and children gathered, the yells of glee became a lot louder than the original noise of the
The Shriners got in on the fun, appearing as Disney characters and giving each siren. Then, there he was! Santa stepped out with a joyful,‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ and made his
child a go-cart ride. Santa was brought in on a Fire Engine provided by South Lynches Fire way through the children and under the tent to a large chair waiting there just for him.
Department (thanks to Chief Keels Brockington). Lake City State Bank (now, First The toys were already wrapped, tagged and waiting for his arrival.”
Citizens) would put up hundreds of dollars for fireworks and firework permits. Lake City “One by one,” Lisa says, “Santa would call each child’s name to come sit on his
Police Department and Lake City Fire Department, along with South Lynches Fire lap. With a smile, he would give an encouraging statement like,‘You continue not to fight
Department, would always be on hand to help watch the children and make sure every- with your brother and do well in school.’ Then, he presented the child with a toy with his
one had a great time and everything was safe. Parents of the children always brought a gift or her name on the package. I remember running off, ripping through the paper and being
for their children, and Daryl and Connie always had extra gifts in case a child showed up amazed that there was a toy I had on my list. ‘How did he know? He got my letter!’ I
without one. would yell. Then, I would dream of Christmas morning.”
What began with about twenty children grew to over 150 as other neighbor- Four years ago, Lisa Castles, along with three other “Martha Law children,” Jill
hoods and churches would learn about it and call to see if their children could come. Of Hunt, Deborah Lynch and Jeanette Altman, came together as the Christmas season
course, everyone was always welcome. Diane DeVaughn, a local television news person- approached, reminiscing about Christmases past and the events that made Christmas so
ality was there almost every year, and the celebration was always on the news, which special to them and all the other children. It was from that reunion that the women
meant an extra thrill for the children as they loved seeing themselves on television. decided to bring the tradition back alive for the children that now live in the cul-de-sac.
The Martha Law Estates ladies would make and serve up plenty of snacks, pop- “So, this year will mark the fourth year Santa will make an appointment in Lake
corn, hot chocolate and coffee to feed some 400 to 500 people.The Stricklands are quick City about a week before Christmas. There, our families and friends (over 100 people)
to say that this incredible event would not have been possible without the help of these will gather with great food, hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Then, the lights and
ladies and all the other residents who came together to put joy in the hearts of many, many sirens will come and Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear,” says Lisa.
children of Martha Law Estates. Repeating the tradition, each child will get one present from Santa that comes
So, what motivated Daryl and Connie Strickland to go to all the trouble? “Love. from their list. The night will end with a large firework display and more energy and antic-
Love and children and Christmas. We could see what it meant to each child when that ipation that can be contained. Christmas long ago will continue to be enjoyed today.
Fire Engine came in blaring sirens and lights, and the children knew that Santa was on the “When these kids called and told us that they were going to start this tradition
Engine,” Daryl explained, giving credit to his wife, as well. “My wife is indescribable, the again, we were extremely proud that we had such an impact on them. All those kids
love of my life, and the love of my children’s lives. She, without a doubt, kept pushing me remember going to the Strickland’s house at Christmas, and if we never accomplish any-
to do this every year. Without her beside me, I probably would have quit because it took thing else in life, this has made us happy – incredibly happy. Can anything make you any
hundreds of hours every year to prepare for and clean up afterwards.” more proud?” Daryl asks.
That’s how Christmas came to Martha Law.
31 11/24/09 12:15 PM Page 1
May Your
Smile
be White
Cosmetic Dentistry
Zoom2 Chairside
Whitening
Root Canal Therapy
Crown & Bridge
This Christmas...
Be Sunkissed and
Beautiful!
Tanning Services:
Four Levels of Tanning Beds
Magic & Mystic Tan UV Free Tanning
95
Gold Memberships starting $24 /per month
Financing Available
0% Down
with Approved Credit
3424 W. Palmetto St. 535 S. 5th St.
Payments as Low as Florence, SC Beside Little Italy
$5995/mo 843-629-8488 Hartsville, SC
843-332-6243
Free Delivery, Set-Up and Lotion 500 Pamplico Hwy.
Beside BILO 1517 E. Bobo Newsome Hwy Libby Hicks- Stylist
1-800-605-5841 or 229-5951 Florence, SC Hartsville, SC Amber Cheryl- Tanning Coordinator
843-629-0786 843-383-6550 Misty Smith- H’ville Hwy 151 Owner/Stylist
32 11/23/09 4:14 PM Page 1
of
Christmases Past
by Ferebe Gasque
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day of those experiences. (And, by the way, you snuff candles, you don’t blow them out. If
Their old familiar carols play, you don’t know how, I’ll be glad to show you. Dr. Byrd taught methat and other things
And wild and sweet with more spiritual depth, as well, that still impact my life today.)
The words repeat Christmas morning was always special. We didn’t get lots of “things.” That was
I love bells. Christmas Bells. Sleigh Bells (not that I’ve seen many of those
except in movies). Dinner Bells. Handbells. Those of you who know me know that I
particularly love handbells. Whether it’s ringing in the Handbell Choir at First Baptist
Church in Florence or ringing solo or listening to a really good group ring, I’m hooked
on handbells. I started ringing in the mid-1960s when FBC Florence got a three octave
set of Schulmerich bells. In 1977, as a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary, I was privileged to attend a Handbell Seminar in Nashville,Tennessee. There,
OK. We always got something. And, most often, it was the something for which we had
longed. There was the three-quarter sized guitar I got in sixth grade, which I still have
today. My sister tried to “tune” it for me, however, and managed to pop a string. So, I
taught myself how to play guitar with five strings. You couldn’t buy guitar strings (nor
anything else) on Christmas day back then. Then there was the year I found my album
of the Singing Nun (no comments here, please) in my parents’ closet a couple of weeks
before Christmas. That was not nearly as much fun as being surprised.
My favorite memory of Christmas morning, however, was breakfast. We always
had country ham and grits and eggs. I’ve tried to carry on that tradition each
year, no matter where in the world I have found myself. It’s not always been
I saw a young lady ringing bells all by herself. Heretofore timid little me came back to possible. But, most Christmases have found me eating country ham and think-
New Orleans and said, “If she can do it, I can do it better!” And, my new alter-ego was ing about simpler days.
born. I still can’t believe I was quite so bold. And, for the record, I’m good but I’m My most exotic Christmas was the year I was in Suriname,
not better than she was, I don’t think. South America. It was warm (since it is, after all, located in the
I love Christmas, too. But, I must admit that I’ve had difficulty writing this tropics). There was a wonderful Candlelight Service on Christmas
month’s article BEFORE THANKSGIVING. I know it has to be done for publication Eve in Paramaribo. Christmas morning was spent at the Lewis home,
deadlines; but, I have a personal vendetta against doing anything Christmas before where Martha informed me Santa Claus had found me and left me a
Thanksgiving. I have such happy memories of Thanksgiving and I feel like it’s an impor- beautiful piece of Javanese batik. Lunch was with the mission family
tant holiday that’s gotten lost in the shuffle of the retail gods. Sorry, I’ll get down from at the home of Fred and Janice Day. Memories of that special
my soapbox now and continue with all things Christmas. Christmas are still vividly etched in my mind and in my heart.
I have so many wonderful childhood Christmas memories, as well. Christmas I’m not sure how nor where I’ll spend Christmas Day this
Eve was always reserved for the Candlelight Service at our church. My Aunt Eugenia year. I do know, however, that it will be filled with prayers of
was the Secretary to the Pastor for at least a hundred years. And, she was in thanksgiving for Christmases past and those who have helped
charge of getting things ready. So, every year, little Ferebe had the privilege (?) me become the woman I am today. Many of those folks will
of spending at least one day of Christmas vacation from school at the church be spending Christmas with Jesus. How glorious that must
stuffing candles in square cardboard holders. These were not those flimsy, buy be!
in a packet of 5000, little-round-precut-hole-thingys that are used in lots of Longfellow’s poem “Christmas Bells,” was penned
churches today. Nosirree. These were hand-cut and scissor-punched. I may on Christmas Day, 1864, during the height of the War
still have scars to prove it, too! After that, I would ride with her to deliver Between the States. I didn’t know that when I fell in
her famous pecan brittle. I looked forward to finishing my chores as deliv- love with the last two stanzas. I always felt they relat-
ery girl because then I would be allowed to take some of the delicacy ed to me in my personal battles. That’s just one more
home. I didn’t realize until years later that we got all the scorched ones. thing I love about Scripture and hymns, God can use
However, to this day I think they were better because they didn’t stick to them in our individual lives to minister to us just
your teeth as much as the “good” batches did. Ah, childhood memories! when and where we need them most. He’s like
I learned how to snuff that, you know.
out candles at the
Candlelight Services, “And in despair I bowed my head;
too. I can still see ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
Dr. Byrd standing ’For hate is strong,
in the pulpit And mocks the song
demonstrating Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’
the process
before the lights Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
were dimmed. ‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
As we sang, The Wrong shall fail,
“Silent Night,” The Right prevail,
and as the candles With peace on earth, good-will
were raised our to men!’”
voices lifted
“Darkness flies, all
is light,” the room Merry Christmas!
was lighted with
the candlelight. Ferebe Gasque loves the honor of being Music
I still get Therapist at McLeod Hospice House. She also
g o o s e has way too much fun for a grown up while
bumps thinking writing for She Magazine.
33 11/23/09 2:41 PM Page 1
Windham Aesthetics
509 S. Coit Street • Florence, SC
843-676-1435 • 843-667-1919
www.myheavenlyskin.com | www.windhamaestheticsonline.com
We didn’t find out if our baby was a boy or a girl dress-up part of being a girl; however, she equally loves personalized golf tees for Christmas so she won’t have to
while I was expecting. But, I wanted a girl so badly. On the same things as her eight-year-old brother. She was a use her daddy’s anymore.
May 22, 2003, I was elated to finally be able to put a face princess for Halloween this year, but she has already Raelyn is involved with the Children’s Ministry at
with the name that I had picked out as a child myself. informed me that she wants to be Padme Amidala from First Baptist Florence. She loves the Children’s Choir and
Raelyn Emily Ott was the sweetest baby. Star Wars next year. singing songs about God. She also loves to dance. In her
Raelyn is a very thoughtful person. She loves her She adores her brothers. There have been times fourth year of taking tap and dance classes, she says her
family, but she is always sure to remind us that she loves that she wants to take her own money to buy them
favorite part about dance is being able to dance on a stage
God more. She is a caregiver and loves to give to others. things. She once waited to eat a piece of candy that she
at the recitals.
When asked to give to charities, she wants to give her had gotten at school until she had earned two more
As Raelyn’s mom, I see in her future her dreams
own money instead of us helping her. She’s easy-going pieces so she could share with her brothers.
of being a mommy and having her own family to take care
and very laid back but also extremely out-going. She loves Nevertheless, she asks us to give her a sister quite often!
In first grade at The Byrnes Schools, she loves of coming true. She already does a great job of helping
to meet new people, make new friends and wants to
make sure everyone is happy and part of what’s going on. school. I think she enjoys the social interaction more me with her little brother and with other “Mommy
She’s also very confident. She’s been at a new school for than anything, though. Her favorite subjects are math and duties.” She has an appreciation for stay-at-home Moms.
the past three years and always walks in with a huge smile music. She made the All-A Honor Roll this past nine She recently told me that her daddy has one job, but I
on her face, eagerly waving goodbye to us. weeks. Raelyn always tries her best. have two, telling me,“You have to help Daddy with his job
Raelyn is the child that will have a dress on with At home, she loves to sing and make up new and take care of us!”
a bow in her hair while she’s outside, digging in the dirt songs, dress-up in costumes and ride her bike. She also She never fails to bring joy into my life. I love her
and running around with the boys. She loves the whole loves to play golf with her daddy. She has even asked for so much!
‘Tis the
Season
Sincerely Yours, Jumana A. Swindler
camels on the sides two Christmases ago. Using recycled gifts may require a little
more effort, like creating a system for cataloging who they first came from.And, you
can be sure, these folks will remember that they gave you those unique items, since
most of them foraged them out of their own gift closet for recycling.
I also learned in recent years that buying and actually serving fruit-
cakes at Holiday social events is another faux pas.The best place to keep those
brown blocks of confection is in your secret gift closet or as door stops during
the warmer spring months.
Another Holiday faux pas I learned about last Christmas -- stay clear
of over-personalizing and giving repetitive gifts to the family.It was casually mentioned
during a recent family get-together that my brother, his wife and in-laws, and my sister, her
husband and in-laws and all my relatives really were not extremely impressed last year when
I provided them each with the framed 8 and 1/2 by 11 digital photo of me in front my RV
beside the Japanese Maple during a fall mountain adventure. All 22 photographs were
Ok. Here's a question for all of you. When did Christmas start
coming before Thanksgiving on the yearly calendar? Did I
miss something? What happened to the pilgrims and who silenced the fans of Miles
allegedly shoved in drawers. But, they used the frames for photos of their own children or
pets. I caught on when I visited each family throughout the year and spotted the frames
sans me and the maple.
My family continues to amaze me. Besides their callous disregard for the cultural
Standish or Pocahontas? This year, it appears that Holiday decorations and lights have
been hung out all over town well in advance of the typical Tryptophan overload from influence that Japanese maple may have brought to their lives, they also sent out emails
two to three heapings of turkey on Thanksgiving Day. requesting that I show stewardship and make an effort to save trees in other ways this
Somehow, our society has moved into the Christmas Holidays this year well holiday season. "Dear Sis, don’t use the Sunday Newspaper comics as wrapping paper this
before those Halloween costumes were even put in the closet. Why do we constantly year. We've all chipped in to send you some gift boxes….We're still trying to get the ink
strive to rush things along only to be sorry that the occasion we've been anticipating off our fingers. Love ya'." Yeah right!!!!
with great delight has passed? Everybody seems to be getting in on the act of acknowledging their concern
For me, however, prolonging the Christmas Season only adds to my stress. for my Holiday misdemeanors -- like my neighbor who came by yesterday asking about
It happens every year about this time and I say I will never do them again. my yard theme for Christmas '09. "Are 'ya going to mix your messages out front again,"
Those Holiday blunders. Those teeny, tiny errors that discriminate between social he said disdainfully. Confused, I explained that once again, I was indeed featuring the
correctness and inappropriate etiquette that would have made Emily Post's hair stand multi-colored blinking sleigh, and moving reindeer blow up yard ornament with the
on end. motion detector that allows the cute mammals to repeat the "Rudolph" song when
And, you better not say that at least one of the following doesn’t hit you someone passes. And there's one new addition this year, I explained enthusiastically. A
straight between the eyes. At least I have the courage to 'fess up, like admitting to the family of country bears with blinking scarves and cheerful faces blowing out Christmas
fact that I, too, have a special gift closet - a graveyard of trinkets and neat little gifts pur- tunes through their honey jugs. How cute is that? I asked my scowling neighbor.
chased all year long and stored up in preparation for Holiday distribution. As a matter But this year, plans are in place for a more peaceful holiday season around our
of fact, among these cute items are some gifts I may have received along the way that block. I assured the entire Neighborhood Association that I had learned my lesson last
may not have matched my taste. year. This season, I would not forget to put the sand in the luminary bags during our
So what better purpose could these presents serve than to be recycled gifts neighborhood "Night of Lights."
that would provide delight to someone else? The problem is remembering who gave you And if those cute little firemen do have to come back for some reason, they
what - especially as your collection of these gifts in the closet grows. That's when the can have their choice of a fruitcake or a picture of a Japanese Maple neatly tucked away
potential for disaster occurs. Recycling gifts back to the original giver is an absolutely in my gift closet - just in case.
scandalous Holiday faux pas, specifically when the acquaintance recognizes that they Merry Christmas to All! Luke 2:14
gave you the feather lined wrap or pink and green Istoner slippers or vase with the
Jumana A. Swindler, a resident of Florence, is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for McLeod Health.
Her personal favorite pastimes, reflected in her writings, are RV'ing, movies,Theater, fishing, reading and spending time with her son and family.
37 11/24/09 1:20 PM Page 1
Call us or visit
our website
for complete
information:
www.poynor.com
www.fitnessforumonline.com
www.forumspa.net
For more info about the Forum Spa or the Fitness Forum, call (877) 874-8171.
Located at 120 East Elm Street • Florence SC
38 11/23/09 1:14 PM Page 1
41 11/23/09 4:09 PM Page 1
December Special
(thru Dec. 23)
• Each Earthly Body Jute
843.374.3054 Gift Bag is only $24.95.
249 W. Main St. • All purchases over $50
Lake City, SC receive a free bullet.
Earthly Body Jute Gift Bag
INCLUDES:
• 3oz. hand & body lotion with infused ingredients of Hemp
Seed Oil & Pure Botanicals, that work great together to pen-
etrate and protect your skin leaving you smooth all day long.
Give your loved ones what they truly want this Christmas! • 6oz Massage candle with silky-smooth moisturizers that are
Shop our fine brands... rich with vitamins, nutrients, and natural extracts. This for-
mula will leave your skin feeling soft and supple, with no
greasy residue.
• 3 oz glow oil sultry body spray that is formulated with
Hemp Seed Oil, all natural and paraben free.
42 11/24/09 9:10 AM Page 1
She’scloset 1
Time to Sparkle
& Shine!
2
3 5
4
43 11/24/09 12:25 PM Page 1
Mani, Pedi,
& Facial
Package This could be the MONEY YOU SAVE on your
Only $99! Automobile, Motorcycle, or RV insurance by getting
your Collision Deductible Reserve Plan (CDRP ).
Package Includes: Visit us at
•
•
Facial
Pedicure
Call to www.MyAutoInsuranceForLess.com
to learn how saving only $25 per
•
•
Manicure
Massage Action! month can be worth more than
$10,000 over your driving career!
Other Keep more of your hard earned money and pay less to your
Services insurance company!
Include:
• Corrective Save 10-40% or MORE on your payment without changing your
Hair color agent or company!
• Microderm-
abrasion Learn how ONE plan covers all drivers including any vehicles.
• Ear
Candeling
• Brazilion
Waxing
Don’t Forget
Our Amazing
Selection of
a gs Je &
n db we
lr Never Pay A Lump
Ha y
Sum Collision Get your CDRP today.
Deductible Again! www.myautoinsuranceforless.com
843-713-0211 or
Call 877-566-3179
All
I Ever
Wanted
by Beth Grant
This year my wayward family is coming home. The singing of familiar songs at Christmas, the smelling of the tops of my
My oldest daughter and family are South Carolina bound! The best part is they are grandchildren’s heads, as well as the delightful smells of chocolate and cinnamon will
moving in at the farm, with us (BeeGee and PaPa that is)!!! As soon as we received the sooth my soul. Having my family all gathered together reminiscing past antics and new
news they were coming I knew this Christmas was going to be the best one yet! life experiences will be the best present ever.
Christmas memories will begin with homemade candies carefully placed in the Home is really where you are completely yourself--you can be quiet or you
same tin containers that are used every year. As soon as they are placed on the count- can talk. You can use bright colors or pastels, antiques or modern furniture. It’s you
er the children know what’s inside. The familiar smell tempts the taste buds as the and your family together choosing your surroundings. At the end of the day what real-
shiny chocolate coating delights their eyes. This treat among others is reserved for ly matters is that you are welcomed and safe and loved. Don’t forget to give the best
Christmas at our house and I’ll keep making them until the torch is passed some day. of yourself at home, too. Try not to wear yourself out doing for others and forgetting
This year I will have all I ever wanted--which is to stand beside my grandchildren that your own family needs you too. Make sure you show them you love them--you
(who are standing in kitchen chairs) and bake. Even the most tedious task can become a can’t over do it. May this Christmas bring you new memories of a special Christmas
blessing when it’s shared with special “grandangels”. I can just hear the questions as we at home with those you love.
measure and mix the wonderful ingredients together. This will most assuredly lead to Just being together and reading the Christmas story together is a blessing.
some taste testing along the way. Oh my goodness, I can just see the tips of their fingers The remembrance of the lowly stable from which came great joy can sustain us forev-
all covered in chocolate now, not to mention my kitchen. It’s OK when that happens with er, unlike the tokens that come and go.
your grandchildren. Remember you are a child of God and that He cares for you so much that He
I fondly recall the good ol’ days at cotton picking time when our children would gave the most precious gift He had, His Son. He gave Him for us because we are sin-
play in the giant pile of cotton seeds at the family gin house. Their jeans would be “pegged” ners. Be reminded that even if someone breaks your heart or destroys your trust, you
because that was the style in the 80’s and that meant cotton seeds would be tracked every- can come to Him and he will give you peace. Lift up your pain and heartache and He
where in the house afterwards. I didn’t seem to mind it so much because everyone had will fix it in His perfect way. This is a season of peace and great joy. Take all the sad-
such a delightful time together. I wish my grandchildren could experience this but the gin ness and anxiety and leave it at the foot of the cross and begin this next year with a
house was torn down several years ago now. Now, cotton modules dot the landscape. renewed spirit,
I am reminded of the fun our children had jumping into piles of leaves and riding Remember as you are doing your Christmas baking that “Jesus Loves You, this
in the back of the farm truck. Those simple moments that created such special memories I know.” I am going to put into practice all the things I’ve mentioned that would make
didn’t cost a thing but time. Time well spent. Perhaps the tough economic times will a “homespun” Christmas extra special, I hope you will too. Merry Christmas
cause us all to reevaluate the simple joys of Christmas and concentrate on presence rather Everybody!
than presents.
Beth Grant is an Artist, Interior Decorator and Writer. She and her husband, Don, live on their family farm in Lamar, South Carolina. They own and operate Mantissa Row in Hartsville.
45 11/23/09 5:41 PM Page 1
UNLIMITED
V A R I E T Y OF
CHRISTMAS
L AWN
C UT - O U T S
IF IT’S WOOD, AVAILABLE
WE DO IT!
S ERVING T HE P EE D EE F OR 30 Y EARS
and Chick-fil-A ®
Florence, wrote:
Annie at
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Annie Collins now resides in Marion with her husband, Dan, a Youth Minister, and their two daughters, Maddy and Phoebe.
She is a 2004 graduate of Columbia International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Annie looks forward to your feedback. You may contact her at [email protected].
51 11/23/09 11:26 AM Page 1
Be in She
Live, Laugh,
Coming in
FEBRUARY
If you have a special love story, a zest
for life or something to make us laugh,
She wants to hear all about it!
If you would like to have your
story considered for the
LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE
issue coming in February...
send an email to
[email protected], along with a
day and evening phone number.
52 11/23/09 4:47 PM Page 1
CONFIDENCE.
If you are one of the many
women considering breast
augmentation, call our
office today to schedule
a consultation.
Breast enhancement
is our specialty.
We now offer
Botox®
Cosmetic.
A Natural Cure
for Migraine Headaches by J. Marshall Dent, III
If you have questions about the information in this article, you may contact Dr. Dent at Complete Women’s
Health Care in Florence. Dr. Dent is Board Certified in Family Practice and Obstetrics and Gynecology and also
holds an Advanced Certification in Menopausal Medicine.
59 11/24/09 2:22 PM Page 1
To schedule an
appointment or for
a menu of services,
call The Spa at McLeod,
843-777-3200, or visit
www.mcleodhealthfitness.org
e
August 09 She Magazin
May 09 She Magazin
e
Johnson
Kasey Melton & Cynthia
and Cynthia Mar y Britt Marsh
“In August, Kasey Melton “ She Magazine travel
visit The ed with our family in
Johnson took a break to went whitewater ra
fting through the Gra
July. We
gton, DC,
White House in Washin nd Canyon. It
azine
was an absolutely be
on a
while conducting research
autiful trip down
the Colorado River!
cultural
August 09 She Mag
My daughter,
social project regarding Mary Britt Marsh, is
pictured holding
diversity.” - Kasey Melton She. We’re glad She
could share our
vacation.” - Lura Mar
sh
from
Belk s JCPenney s Sears s Best Buy s Dick’s Sporting Goods You Deserve to Look and Feel Your Best!
Barnes & Noble s Verandah Café Food Court
and 70 other exciting stores! Sherrie Hyler, RN, CPCT
Shop Extended Holiday Hours and her team were trained by the best!
843-669-0725 s Interstate 95 at I-20 Florence, S.C. The International Institute of Permanent
www.shopmagnoliamall.com Cosmetics in Costa Mesa, CA- world
A Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust Property renowned for their intensive
curriculum and up-to-date techniques. .
Contest open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. One entry for every $75 spent.
Limit: 3 entries per day. Candy bar gift offer valid while supplies last.
See Customer Service for complete contest rules and regulations. NEW LOCATION: Dr. Daniel Hyler- Medical Director
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. 927 S. Santiago Dr. • Florence, SC • 843-206-5684
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT W W W . L O O K I N G O O D N O W . C O M !
62 11/23/09 1:37 PM Page 1
All I
Wan t f o r
Chris t m a s
by Cookie Cawthon
L
Last year, about this time, I
remember thinking – as I struggled
to catch my breath – things will slow
down in the new year. Spring is not
as busy as the fall. And just a few
short weeks after that I remember
thinking, summer. Things will slow down in
the summer. And just a few short weeks after that, I stopped lying to myself. I want to love big this year and worship big and celebrate big. I want to hum while I
As another busy fall approached, I didn’t stop speeding through life in a blur of shop and listen to Christmas music 24/7. I want to wear the perma-grin and give lots of hugs. I
lunacy, but I did acknowledge that the pace was not going to slacken on its own. I need a want to sleep under the cozy glow of the lit Christmas tree, and I want to be released from the
governor on my time to keep it from racing away with record-breaking rapidity, and that pressure and even desire to ensure that my children receive everything on their lists. This
governor looks like me making difficult choices. Choices to reduce and eliminate hurry Christmas I want less of what commercial America wants me to have and more of what Jesus
from my life. Choices to limit my involvement in certain activities. Choices to exercise wants me to be. I want to resist the urge to cuss at tangled tree lights and be unaffected by rude
restraint. Choices to simplify rather than complicate. and harried shoppers and retail employees. I want my house to smell like apple cider every day.
I already hear you grumbling and groaning and rolling your eyes at the loftiness It’s simple, really; I want life to be simple, Santa – just for the month of December. It’s
of my afore-listed fragments. Or I see you sagging beneath the weight of guilt induced by a tall order; I get that, but if you can pull off that whole up-the-chimney stunt, I think this is small
the mere mention of simplifying. Easier said than done, I KNOW! I’m still trying to get a potatoes.
handle on running my life instead of it running me, and most of the time I am losing the Oh yeah, please overlook all of those times I yelled at my children for the sake of hur-
battle. rying us somewhere we didn’t even need to be going, all of the times I made life more complicat-
You see, I am guilty of believing that I need more, that I need to do more, that ed than it needed to be, and all of the times I failed to be generous in my day-to-day living.
my children need to be involved in more, that I need to dabble in this and that, that I need Thank you, and stay jolly and fabulous!
to start this, that I need to train for that, that I need to sign-up for this, that I need to vol- Warmly ;-)
unteer for that, that I need to register for this, that I need to apply for that, and the list Cookie
goes on – to quote the ever sagacious Buzz Lightyear – to infinity and beyond.
But simplicity is what I want for Christmas. Even if for just this month. So, here So, we’ll see how that goes.
goes… Unfortunately, it does feel like a simple Christmas would require magic or a mir-
acle. Does my Type A, perfectionist self even possess the ability to wind down when the
Dear Santa, world around me is going full throttle and beckoning me to do the same? I don’t know.
I want to chill out for Christmas this year. I want to revert to an attentive and inten- That’s why I’ll be asking Him every day to fill me with His joy, to enlarge my wonder of
tional pace that allows me to pause and reflect on the blessings of this year and the meaning of His gift, to break my heart for those who are hurting and those who are without, to help
this season every day for the month of December. I want to make peace with the dust in my me delight in the simple and pure, and to leave me unmoved by the loot of the season.
house and laugh more with my family than perhaps I have done all year. I want to make crafts And His raise-peeps-from-the-dead deal is way more impressive than flying rein-
with my girls (even though I am ultra not-crafty) and enjoy baking yummy cookies and cakes with deer. I’m just sayin’, I’m in good hands.
them even if our cookies are ugly and misshapen. I want to give a lot this Christmas – choosing And I’ll be asking the same for you and your family – for broken hearts and sim-
thoughtful gifts that express affection and appreciation without causing financial strain, and I want ple goodness.
to say no to commitments that may kindle unnecessary stress. “Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:2).
Cookie Cawthon is deckin’ the halls with boughs of holly, bursting into “Joy to the World” without a moment’s forewarning, and dreaming of a white Christmas in Flo-town.
63 11/23/09 10:23 AM Page 1
Goosie Ganders
A Shop of Distinction
1926 Second Loop Road • Florence • 669-2231
www.comfortableresponsible.org www.sceg.com/value
64 11/24/09 9:45 AM Page 1
2009
McLeod
Festival
of Trees
shop
talk
Venable’s
Billy and Marie Venable, owners
ABOUT US: In 1989, Venable’s had a store in Georgetown very similar to the stores WHAT WE DO: We have evolved into a Retail Jewelry, Gift and Accessory Store. We
Marie and I now have in Florence; however, Hurricane Hugo put about five feet of water try to stock items you might not find elsewhere. My wife is the buyer, and she has a knack
in that one. Needless to say, we were forced out of business. I moved to Florence to for finding the next hot thing. In our repair department, we can do almost any jewelry
work for one of the local jewelers and was there for two years. It became abundantly clear repair. We do ring sizing, stone setting, chain soldering, as well as costume jewelry and
that I needed to make a change. After much prayer and consideration, I decided to try my watch repair. We can also supply watch bands and batteries while you wait. Our engrav-
own business in Florence. The problem – Marie and I had no money. Nevertheless, the ing is done on premise, and it’s done fast.
Lord put us in the path of a smart businessman who had faith in our vision. He started
off as a limited partner for an investment in our first store. After a few years in business, OUR GOAL: It is our goal to offer quality work with a short turn around time.
he was gracious enough to let us buy him out. Only the Lord could arrange the things that
put us in business with such a small investment. We opened our first store in March 1991 WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE: The unique thing about our store is that we don’t buy
in Magnolia Mall. My greatest fear for our new business was a long-term lease. When I dozens of anything.You won’t see ten other people with the same item you bought from
approached the Mall with my business plan, they said okay, with the stipulation that I would us. The jewelry items you buy from us can most often be sized or serviced by us. We are
have to pay month-to-month. They wouldn’t offer me a lease. They told me a few years always glad to size, repair or engrave items bought elsewhere, as well. You can also be
and a few leases later that the reason they didn’t offer a lease was because they were sure assured that the money made in our businesses will be faithfully tithed upon. I doubt if that
I wasn’t going to make it. “Ain’t God good!” can be said of any of the big box stores. Another thing we do that the bigger stores won’t
do is look for a specific item for you. When we go to market, we always have a list of spe-
HOW WE STARTED OUT: Our store started out as a jewelry repair and engraving cial requests from our customers. Sometimes, if we can’t find the jewelry item you want,
business. We didn’t have enough money to buy any inventory, so we made a few things to we may be able to make it.
put in our cases. At the time, Marie was working for an attorney and had nights and week-
ends off. The mall store had to be open 70 hours a week and we couldn’t afford any help, MOST POPULAR FOR CHRISTMAS: This Christmas, we expect the hottest items
so we worked all in Sterling Silver to be the Charleston Gate Collection and Shelia’s Lowcountry Designs.
the hours by our- Both lines are created right here in South Carolina. We also have a large variety of gifts
selves. At the and jewelry that can be monogrammed.
time, we were in a
Christian rock FIND US: The larger of our two stores is located at 1608 Second Loop Road. It offers
band, and one of us the ability to stock larger items like luggage and some ladies apparel from time to time.
our band mates The Second Loop Store will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
told me he want- Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. The Magnolia Mall Store will be open seven days, accord-
ed to work on ing to the Mall schedule.
Sundays for free
so I could have a Billy Venable and his wife, Marie, have two boys, Elliott and Will. Billy grew up in Myrtle Beach, and
day off. Marie is originally from Georgetown; however, presently, they live in Florence. Marie works in both
stores, as well as being a Fourth Grade Assistant at Carver Elementary. They attend church at
Cornerstone Church. Their relationship with God is the foundation of their family. Cornerstone has
been a blessing to them.
They say
that clothes Turkey, cranberries, pumpkin pie and
make the all those potato’s to peel... Those hectic
man... holidays are just around the corner...
Cutter & Buck Alan Paine So take a break and come to the beach
Southern Tide Palm Beach Where relaxing happens!
Pennington & Bailes Enro
& More Sea Breeze Realty at the
Royal Garden Resort
is offering 3 nights for the price of 2 or a 20% discount
on weekly rentals on our Oceanfront Condos.
Call 800-446-4010 for more information
or visit us at www.royalgardenresort.com
Mon. - Fri. Sat. 1210 N. Waccamaw Dr. • Garden City Beach, SC 29576
9:30 6:00
Men’s Clothier 9:30 - 5:00 Just six miles south of Myrtle Beach
email: [email protected]
202 MAIN STREET MARION, SC 843-765-3219
Located
1933 Hoffmeyer in •the
Rd. former
Shops of Grice’s Menswear
Seven Oaks building
• Florence • 667-9671
Blanchie J. James, I began with the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) in 1997 as a
Blanchie James and her husband of over twenty years, Kenneth Ray, have two sons, Barry and
Kristopher. They live in Florence County, Ray’s hometown. Blanchie loves to read when she has
the time, as well as cook. She also loves a good “drama” movie.
71 11/19/09 4:57 PM Page 1
MAY YOUR
Toni Adams,
Teaching the Joy of Dance CHRISTMAS
Owner/Director
Instructors: Carl Askew, BE MERRY &
Brittany Jeffers,
Mary Jones BRIGHT!
•Tap
•Jazz 10,000 sq. ft.
•Pointe of fabric at
•Clogging AMAZING
•HipHop
•Lyrical
PRICES
for only
•Ballet
SOLUTIONS
We will be accepting new students beginning January 4, 2010.
CLASSES: 3:30pm-8pm • Mon.- Thu. 843.413.3666
130 A N. Coit St. Florence, SC • 8 4 3 - 6 1 7 - 9 6 0 7
72-73 11/24/09 1:04 PM Page 1
Clothing for
Ladies of Distinction
Bridal Gowns
Bridesmaids • Mothers
Bridal Jewelry • Cocktail
Prom • Shoes
Tuxedo Rentals
Wedding Accessories
the
Bridal shoppe
107 E. Main St.
843.374.7842
10-5:30 M,T,Th,F
10-1 W • 10-5 Sat
Saturday, December 12, 7pm ...in just one daily two-ounce serving or shot?
Sunday, December 13, 6pm
Doors will open one hour prior to each performance. Website: TheVemmaDoc.com
Email: [email protected]
There is no charge for admission, and childcare is provided. Dr. Griselda Wilson (706)231-9879
Pamela Peake (864)923-5710
First Free Will Baptist Church Money Back Guarantee!
2624 West Palmetto St. (between Black’s Tire and Bi-Lo Grocery Store)
Florence • 843-669-7657 • www.ffwbcsc.org
Glorious Christmas
Gift Sets
A HOMESPUN
Christmas FEATURE STORIES BEGIN ON PAGE 76
d A Homespun Christmas
by Erika
Hearing the word “Christmas”
immediately evokes many powerful images and feelings in
Chapman
most people. For some, it brings to mind lights and glit-
ter, ornamented trees, festively-wrapped presents, joyful
carols and a crackling fireplace. For others, the word is them to treasure the season for its purpose – the Birth
associated with the stresses of busy shopping malls, sen- of the Christ Child. However, she also wanted to pass on
sory overload, self-indulgence and the drama of family the heritage of Christmas as a beautiful time for coming boxes at the same time, as usual. We all received fifty
get-togethers. As Faye Nissen describes the Christmases home and being with family and those you love. handmade white crocheted starched ornaments (angels,
of her childhood and the holidays she purposed to bless They developed some of their own traditions as stars, bells and Christmas balls, etc.) for our trees! As we
her children with, she paints a picture of a beautiful, a nuclear family. They would have family devotions each began that year to celebrate Christmas Eve with our
Southern, Christ-Centered, full-of-family Christmas. morning in December and follow an Advent Calendar to families, we would have ornaments to remember our
Faye grew up in a large family – the sixth of mark the approach of December 25th. They used this Mama’s Christmas tree and the wonderful times we had
seven children. She remembers Christmas as her mama’s time to teach their children how God loves them through at home.
favorite holiday. It was the day they all knew and treas- the gift of Christ’s Birth. Another fun family tradition was Mama and Daddy went to be with the Lord.
ured because it meant they would all be together. hunting for a Christmas tree. They always picked a live One of the grandchildren wanted to get together one
Everyone would come home and gather together with tree and tried to find the biggest one they could. One more time. We planned the event and gathered in the
lots of great food and great noise. year, Faye remembers, the tree was twelve-feet tall. And, homeplace one more time to remember and honor
On Christmas Eve, they would enjoy a bountiful some years, they had to cut the tree apart to remove it Mama and Daddy. We had our meal and sat and remi-
meal that was lovingly prepared by her mama. The from the house. They always made sure everybody was nisced of Christmas Eves with a house full of noisy chil-
kitchen counters were full as everyone enjoyed their home for the Christmas tree hunt, and then they would dren – grandchildren and great-grandchildren – and the
favorites. There were lots to choose from – barbecue, decorate while enjoying Christmas carols and oyster love of Mama and Daddy who made it all possible.”
fried chicken, chicken bog, red gravy, collards, turnips, mac stew. Faye’s mama also gave her three boxes with twenty-five
and cheese, seven-layer salad, butterbeans, peas, corn- The children enjoyed helping with decorating handmade white crocheted ornaments in them for each
bread, creamed corn and slaw. There seemed to be end- but became very particular about making sure each dec- of Faye’s children. “Mama knew she wouldn’t see her
less choices for dessert with every pie and cake imagina- oration went in the same designated spot every year. If grandchildren get married and she wanted me to give
ble – Chocolate, Pecan, Coconut, German Chocolate, Red Faye tried to move the family of carolers where the nut- them each a box so they would have them to start their
Velvet, Fruit Cake and Pound Cake. Then, there were crackers usually stood, the children would quickly remind own Christmas traditions.”
cookies for the children. her that – every year – it needed to remain the same. Those precious ornaments usually decorate a
After the meal, the fifty-plus-member family Just as Faye came to love the little traditions and holiday special tree in the Nissen home. Now that the Nissens
would gather in the living room. It was wall-to-wall fam- moments that were dear to her family, her children quick- have three grandchildren of their own, Faye has added
ily. Someone would play the piano as they sang Christmas ly became attached to the things that made Christmas pictures of her grandbabies to the middle of those pre-
carols together. Some years, there was stringed accom- unique to “their” family. cious ornaments made by their Great-Grandma.
paniment, as well. They would read The Christmas Story However, things can’t always stay the same for- Grandchildren have added other new traditions
from Luke, and the grandchildren would share songs they ever. Faye shares about one important Christmas. “I will to Christmas. The Nissens always had a train among
learned. Then, it was time for opening presents. The never forget the last time we had Christmas at Mama and their decorations, but now they have a Polar Express Train
room became a sea of ribbons, and wrapping paper was Daddy’s. When Mama and Daddy were 79, they said it and Village with its own table that they put out each year.
knee-deep by the time it was all over. The children would was time to make a change, and we, as children, needed (continued.)
play and compare gifts while the adults would visit over to start our own Christmas celebrations. It was sad, but
coffee and more dessert. our family had grown so large and Mama and Daddy
When Faye married Al Nissen and later could not physically do all this for Christmas. The next
became a mother to their three children, December, they invited all of their seven children and
Jenny, Andrew and Anna, Christmas spouses for dinner. We all offered to bring, as we always
meant spending time with even more did. Nonetheless, ‘No!’ was the answer. We had such a
family. The Nissens would spend good time. The tree was up and decorated with Mama’s
Christmas Eve with Faye’s family and beautiful handmade white crocheted ornaments, which
Christmas Day with Al’s family. we all admired. And, Mama had a twinkle in her eye. She
Faye wanted to pass on her began to give out gifts. Each couple received a box, and
mama’s love for Christmas to we opened the
her own children. She wanted
76-77 11/23/09 11:34 AM Page 2
Just as surely as the grandchildren run to see if the train Choose from 6
is set up, they also can expect new Christmas pajamas for everyone on Christmas different gift sets!
Eve, and every year, seeing the Christmas lights on the garden fence just as they
decorated Faye’s mama’s fence for so many years. Faye’s children look forward to
an amazing traditional meal of turkey and all the trimmings on Christmas Day. But,
when they are all home, the visit is filled with many significant meals. Her children
Pattie Hudson
Director and Independent Consultant
share that she does an amazing job at remembering and providing everyone’s
Opportunities Available
favorite drinks, snacks and dishes.
Faye’s memory overflows with precious snapshots from years past of fam- 2306 Second Loop Rd.
ily togetherness, laughter, music and sharing life. She has done a tremendous job Florence, SC
of passing that experience on to her children and, now, her grandchildren. The (843) 617-2902
many hours spent hanging Christmas lights, decorating the mantel, talking about
the Advent Calendar and making Christmas cookies have been well worth the Contact me for details!
effort. Her children now have their own mental memory boxes full of cherished
holiday memories and are now passing on the heritage of a Christ-Centered
Christmas to their own families.
Erika Chapman lives in Florence with her amazing husband and three busy little
www.beautipage.com/bc-pattie-party
boys. She gets excited about discovering a great read, NewSpring Church and
sharing her most recent adventures at www.erikaivory.wordpress.com.
78-79 11/23/09 11:14 AM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
On Christmas morning, while most of us are celebrating with family and friends and
opening presents around the Christmas tree, you’ll find Joyce Guffey busy in her church kitchen
preparing a homemade Christmas meal for the men of the Area Rescue Mission of Florence. It’s not
that Joyce has no family in town, or that she has nothing else to do with her time, this is what she
chooses to do each Christmas as an act of service and compassion to the people in her community. by Ch
Joyce, a Florence resident since 1978, and her late husband, Dean Guffey, started this tradi- eri
tion for their family eighteen years ago. And, it’s what she has done every year since that time. She
begins a few days before Christmas, preparing dishes complete with ham, turkey, salads, vegetable
Jordan
casseroles and desserts. Joyce gets up early on Christmas morning to cook the meal and then trans-
ports all the food to the mission. She creates a festive atmosphere with table decorations and place
settings. With the help of other members of her family, Joyce treats the men to a beautiful holiday
spread that they would otherwise not have. It’s her way of sharing Christ’s love with others on the
day that we celebrate His Birth. You can find her at the East Florence Mission every Tuesday – all year –
The Area Rescue Mission is a ministry in our community that houses men who need a little help get- preparing a good, nutritious meal for the children there. The meal is fol-
ting back on their feet. These gentlemen don’t have a home or a job. The mission provides them with lowed by a time of Bible stories and games where the children, like the men,
a place to stay, food to eat and the skills necessary to get back into society as productive citizens. In also have weekly opportunities to hear the message of Christ.
addition to training the men for future job opportunities, there are regular Bible studies that offer Those that know Joyce will tell you that she truly lives a life of service.
them hope and an understanding of the love that God has for them. “Joyce loves to serve and give. She is often the person behind the scenes
Not only does Joyce provide a beautiful lunch for these men on Christmas, she provides that you don’t see, but her service is invaluable,” says a friend of Joyce. “She
them with Christmas presents, as well. She begins her Christmas shopping in January for the follow- spends her life modeling the servanthood and compassion of Jesus, expect-
ing year and shops year-round. After her loving husband died, Joyce decided to turn his closet into a ing nothing in return. She just lives to give.”
“closet of joy.” She fills the closet through the year with gifts that she purchases. Joyce looks for sales Joyce does find time to celebrate the season with family, as well. She is
and said she can often find items for up to 90% off. She likes to purchase sweaters and coats for the gifted with a close-knit, loving family, and she enjoys having her children,
men at the Area Rescue Mission, as well as other necessities. grandchildren and great-grandchildren by her side. Joyce says that she has
In addition to her Christmas Day Ministry, Joyce is also involved with the East Florence too many good Christmas memories to choose her favorite, but her favorite
Mission. With the help of her daughter-in-law, Ellen Guffey, she puts together a Christmas party each tradition is just being together. She loves to feel the warmth and love
year for the children at the mission. She provides them with an early Christmas meal and party. The around her and to hear the joy and laughter in everyone’s voices.
children receive gifts of toys, clothes and school supplies. The two ladies have put together a gift drive It’s not about the presents or the decorations for Joyce; it’s about God’s
each year at their church, Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The members of their church love – first and foremost – and spending the day celebrating His love for us
“adopt” a child and purchase gifts for these children. The Guffey women then organize the gifts and by spreading it to others. In fact, one of Joyce’s traditions is that her family
provide the children with an exciting party during the holiday season. waits until nighttime to open gifts. This is their way of focusing on one
For Joyce, Christmas isn’t a one-day event in her mind. “It’s a season of the heart and, for another and others in their community rather than the gifts underneath the
me, Christmas is a year-round celebration.” tree. Joyce has come to love this tradition because it “extends the day out
This belief is evident by the fact that she not only donates her time at these missions on as long as possible” and gives her more time with the people that she loves.
Christmas, she is there We see many opportunities for service during the holiday season. There
all year volunteering her are toy drives and food drives. Children sing carols at the nursing homes
service and time. and we give blankets to the homeless. As the season ends, though, so often
(continued) does our awareness of the needs around us. It’s easy to become immersed
back into our day-to-day lives and give little thought to those around us.
How much better would our communities be if we all adopted Joyce
Guffey’s theory that Christmas is a year-round season? This remarkable
woman has truly modeled the life that God meant for us to live when He spoke of loving your neigh-
bor and serving others. When you come in contact with Joyce, you can’t help but to be inspired to
serve and give of your time and your resources. Joyce Guffey is only one person, yet she has impact-
ed the lives of so many that I do not dare to attempt to put a number to it.
As the holiday season approaches, be inspired by this woman in your community to not let
it end. Make Christmas a year-round event in your life, and watch how it impacts others, as well as
yourself. Joyce would be the first to admit that, although she is blessing others with her time, in the
end, she is the one who is most blessed.
TOGRAPHY
Cheri Jordan is a Florence resident and has been married to
ED SALLEY PHO her husband, Robert, for eleven years. She is a stay-at-home
FR mom to four children, Abbi, Luke, Savannah and Matthew.
78-79 11/23/09 11:17 AM Page 2
80 11/23/09 11:36 AM Page 1
In May of 2008, Melissa Brock’s grandmother, Grace Aycok, My favorite thing to cook with my grandmother is
was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just one month later, the same fate would No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies. With my mother, it’s Sweet Potato
fall to her mother, Sandra Turnage. The news was devastating to Melissa, as she Casserole. Melissa recalls the tradition that began in her childhood
feared losing both her mother and grandmother to cancer. and later influenced her decision to open her own restaurant, Olde Towne,
Grace and Sandra began receiving chemotherapy and radiation treat- in Chesterfield, which is a local favorite.
ments that would save their lives but left them weak and unable to enjoy the Although the tradition was interrupted the last couple years as Grace
Christmas traditions they had always loved so much, cooking and baking and Sandra put all their efforts in coping with the cancer treatments
together – grandmother, mother and daughter. and getting well, this year, the three women will once again gather at Grace’s
However, in the midst of the suffering and fear, the true meaning of home to bake and celebrate. Each family member has certain favorites they
Christmas was revealed to the three generations of women. Melissa like to bake. Some just act as “food critics.” Others just like to eat.
explains, “We learned the true meaning of Christmas. I was so scared And, although each has different favorite recipes, the mother-daughter-
that I would lose my mother and my grandmother. Then, I realized that grandmother trio has only one motto, “Just remember when baking,
family and being with the people you love is what Christmas is all about.” butter makes anything taste better.”
This Christmas will mark more than thirty years of baking for
Melissa Brock with her mother and grandmother. “I remember
them having to pull a kitchen chair to the stove so I could reach it. Two Favorite Recipes from the
Kitchen of Melissa, Grace and Sandra:
GRIFFIN PLASTIC
SURGERY
513 S. Dargan Street • Florence
(843) 664-1122
American Soceity of Plastic Surgeons, Inc.
82 11/23/09 11:31 AM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
by Sharon Bixler
“Butterflies and buttons Carolyn was born in Georgia and moved to
and boxes and fairies, post Cheraw as a teenager. Art has been a part of her life “Childhood Christmas
from a very early age when her mother introduced memories bring back
cards and paints and papers
her to pastel drawing. This love of art continued into pictures of a Chatty Cathy
that vary; these are a few of college, where she earned a degree in art. Being a
her favorite things.”(Sung to the doll, a Barbie Dream House,
lifelong learner, Carolyn continues to grow and
tune of “My Favorite Things.”) a train set (for her brother)
expand her horizons. It was at a workshop a couple
“Her” being artist Carolyn Moore Atkinson. and a very tired Daddy.”
years ago where she was introduced to Collage Art.
One would never lack for sensory stimulation She said she “instantly fell in love with it.” Carolyn is the creator of couture cards. These
being around Carolyn. You are announced and Collage Art is a mixed media art form that cards are individually designed and hand-crafted
greeted by her canine family, Cody and Winston, incorporates many types of media into one picture. to fit any and all occasions and holidays.
respectively. Once welcomed, Carolyn shares the A person can choose paints, papers, magazine pic- Christmastime is a very special time in
various collections; each treasure organized and tures, photo pictures and any embellishments you Carolyn’s home. Childhood Christmas memories
beautifully displayed. can imagine. So, for Carolyn, it allows her to express bring back pictures of a Chatty Cathy doll, a
herself using not only the “art” she loves, but also Barbie Dream House, a train set (for her brother)
many, many of the things she collects. These collect- and a very tired Daddy. She explained that he
ed treasures include all the favorite things, plus bro- would stay up until the wee hours of the morning
ken pieces of jewelry, wallpaper scraps, post cards, putting toys together. She also recalls the delicious
wrapping paper and pictures she tears out of maga- Frozen Fruit Salad that her mother always made
zines. Now, you would wonder with all these odds for Christmas. Now, she and her husband host
and ends, how does she find anything? Meet Mrs. the family as traditions pass from generation to
Organization. Her studio is so organized, it would
generation. They also enjoy riding the roads
admiring the pageant of Christmas lights.
put Martha Stewart to shame.
But, her absolute favorite aspect of
The pictures that Carolyn creates are awe-
Christmas is the Christmas Eve Service at
some. They are extremely pleasing to the eye, but
church. The holiness of that event ushers
they also beg,“Touch me and experience me through
in the true meaning of Christmas for
more than your eyes!” You also need to listen
her. The placement of the Christ
because you might catch the whisper or faint sound
Child in the Manger on Christmas
from the past or even perhaps the soft flutter of a Morning is her very own special
butterfly’s wings. Unique to Carolyn’s pieces, each ritual. Carolyn’s love of Christ
one has a butterfly somewhere fluttering in it. Her is really the star atop her
art is nothing less than a sensory adventure. If you Christmas.
wish to indulge your senses, you can if you visit
Mantissa Row, Beth Grant’s store in Hartsville.
It was Beth who urged Carolyn to design
collage-type cards. Carolyn finds this new avenue
very compatible with her mixed-media art.
Sharon Bixler is blessed to be the wife of Hal, mother of Holly (Stanley) and grand-
mother of Ian. She is a Member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hartsville.
83 11/20/09 11:23 AM Page 1
Actual Client
d A Homespun Christmas
d
Aron Smith and her husband, Collin, live
in Florence. They have a son, Makgill
(5) and a daughter, Clara Beth (3).
otography
Collin M. Smith Ph
85 11/23/09 11:46 AM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
Cindy Sue
My love for Christmas definitely it’s decorated for Christmas. I’ll decorate trees for several ways they contribute to the celebration. My daughter,
began as a child with my father being Santa at Sears & family members and clients, and I’ve been asked by two Cindy, inherited my love for decorating and is my right
Roebuck when we lived in Columbia, South Carolina, people to decorate a tree for them like the tree I did hand when it comes to decking the halls!
and Danville,Virginia. I grew up with Santa Claus! for the Festival of Trees that was the winning tree last The Christmas that my daughter, Janet, turned
My love of decorating for Christmas definitely year. It’s very gratifying and gives me a sense of pride five, Santa brought her an Easy Bake Oven. She and her
came from my mom and dad, as well. They always went and accomplishment. sister woke up before daylight – before anyone else
all out when decorating for Christmas – both inside and As children, our parents would take us some- was awake – and baked chocolate cake for everyone. I
outside the house. I remember us always having the where on Christmas Eve night. When we returned, won’t mention the mess because the fun they had was
most beautifully decorated house in the neighborhood Santa would have already been to our house. I think the well worth it! That sparked Janet’s love for baking that
and how special it always made Christmas for me. reason they always did this was because my dad just became not only a hobby but a business. She’s a won-
Therefore, it brings me a lot of joy to decorate couldn’t wait until Christmas Day to see us enjoy our derful baker and cake decorator. She decorates the
our home and to decorate for other people to make Christmas gifts. Since Christmas Eve was always impor- most beautiful cakes, which comes in handy for the fam-
their Christmas more pleasurable and unforgettable. tant to my siblings and me, it’s still a Christmas tradition ily business. She bakes all the cakes for the catering we
Because of this, I have been lovingly given the title, for our family to always spend Christmas Eve together. do at Avalon. Janet feels that her talent is a gift from
“Decorating Queen.” That designation mostly came When it became my turn to “set the stage” for God and is a way to make other people’s Christmas bet-
from my clients because I like to decorate in celebra- Santa, I understood the perils of pulling it off without a ter. She also bakes a lot of cupcakes at Christmas. This
tion of every holiday and season, not only at home but glitch. When my son was six, he caught us putting out year, she’s baking Santa’s Face Cakes and cupcakes for
our business, Avalon Therapeutic Massage & Serenity his gifts from Santa. It would have broken my heart to the McLeod Children’s Hospital’s Festival of Trees.
Spa, as well. They say they enjoy coming into the busi- know that he wouldn’t believe in Santa anymore, so I Even though the decorations and my dad being
ness to get services, but also to see what I’ve done to scurried him back to bed. That year, my daughters were Santa made Christmas special for me growing up, the
decorate the spa. getting skates with pom-poms on them, so I took the greatest thing about Christmas was our family sharing
I love seeing the way my decorations make pom-poms off the skates and went outside to his bed- time together and rejoicing in the Birth of Christ.
other people’s Christmas more enjoyable and memo- room window and shook the pom-poms, making the bells Despite all the decorations and the joy that my dad got
rable. However, I really started doing a lot of decorat- ring. They sounded like sleigh bells. The next morning from being Santa, my parents made sure we never for-
ing after my son, Lee, was killed in November of 1993. when he woke up, he excitedly told his sisters that he got the true meaning and value of Christmas. I wanted
It makes not having him here for Christmas easier to had heard Santa’s sleigh take off from the roof. The the same thing for my children.
handle if I’m busy. whole day, he continued to tell everyone that same story. I am so proud of
Being involved with McLeod Children’s This year, I have a strong sense of wanting to get back my family, and I am blessed
Hospital’s Festival of Trees by decorating trees, wreaths to the more traditional Christmas and focusing even to be able to share my
and mantle pieces for their auction makes Christmas more on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Our love of Christmas with
very special for me. And, it helps raise money for the society seems to have gotten away from the true mean- them, as well as all of my
Children’s Hospital. This year, I’ve decorated two trees, ing of Christmas. I look forward to praising God more friends and clients. And, I
a wreath and two mantle pieces for the Festival. We for the Birth of His Son and my Savior and sharing that am honored to be called
also donate money to Angel Tree or another charity for celebration and love of Christ with family, friends and the “Decorating Queen.”
children in remembrance of my son. clients. To everyone, I wish a
I’ll decorate several trees at our home, and I’ll do Thankfully, I have two wonderful daughters very Merry Christmas!
a lot of decorating at Avalon – trees, mantles and more. who have my zest for Christmas. Each one is creative in
It’s such a huge, beautiful house, and it’s so beautiful when her own right, and that creativity is expressed in the
Sue McBride and her husband, Ron, own Avalon Therapeutic Massage & Serenity Spa. They have two daughters, Cindy and Janet, and a son, Lee (Lee is no longer with them but
rejoicing in Heaven with the Lord). They also have a stepdaughter, April, and a stepson, Damon. They have three grandsons, Corey, Jared and Matthew; a step-granddaughter,
Sierra; and a god-granddaughter, Courtney. They also have two puppies, Daisy and Pooh; and two Calico cats, Patches and Buffy. Sue’s hobbies are decorating and, of course, shopping.
87 11/24/09 1:22 PM Page 1
Over 30 Years
Experience!
d A Homespun Christmas
by Ferebe Gasque
Admit it. Bread (especially fresh-out- daughter has become a source of distribution in Marion County for such a company. Susan’s
of-the-oven-homemade-bread) is addictive. for her culinary delights once more. Sarah is background is in Respiratory Therapy and her
Just the thought of it is mouth-watering. now married and lives in Mount Pleasant. She mother was her first client. They continue to
Imagine being around 250 loaves of freshly and a friend of hers have started their own try to meet the needs of their clients as
baked bread. That’s what it’s like at Alexis business called YuDu Concierge Services. though they were family members. Alexis
Tyson Permenter’s home when she gets a large They do whatever anyone needs from grocery loves working there because of the personal,
order from friends or family. shopping to dog walking to gift buying. If peo- family-like atmosphere. No doubt the office
It’s not always been that way, howev- ple need things done that they would rather will have the smell of freshly baked bread
er. In 1986, when Alexis was home with two someone else do for them, they call YuDu. often, as well.
small children, her mom tried to give her some Check out their services at www.yudulist.com. If you would like to contact Alexis
sourdough starter. The only thing Alexis could As a child growing up in Florence, to learn more about her bread-making
think of at that time was the overwhelming Alexis and her family always had to visit the ventures… or if you have suggestions
feeling of feeding one more thing. That starter grandparents on Christmas Eve and then go to on how to get bread to Afghanistan
found itself being poured not into baking pans midnight services at All Saints’ Episcopal while it’s still fresh, she would love to
but down the sink. Church. She can remember being scared that hear from you. She can be reached
In 1990, after having lived away from they would somehow miss Santa or that he at [email protected].
the area for several years, Alexis and her hus- would come and wouldn’t leave goodies
band moved back to Mullins to be closer to because they weren’t home and asleep. Her
both of their families. When her mom died in parents always assured her it wouldn’t happen.
1992, Alexis started thinking about her moth- Every year, though, she KNEW that Christmas
er’s bread again and a new tradition was born. Eve must be the longest night ever.
She began in earnest about ten years ago when Today, what she enjoys most about
her daughter was a freshman at the College of the Christmas season is having her house full.
Charleston and her son was a junior at the She enjoys the time with her children when
Governor’s School for Science and they are at home. Every other year, Alexis
Mathematics in Hartsville. She made bread for and Donnie have the children at home
them and would take it to them on visits. (or at their homes). Sarah and her
Usually, she also ended up making large husband and Chris and his fiancé
amounts for roommates, suitemates, and other live in the Charleston area. This
friends. Some of those friends continue to will be their year. Next year will
reap the rewards of the school-time friend- belong to the in-laws. Rest
ships today in the form of bread from Alexis! assured, however, baking from the
While she typically makes sourdough Permenter kitchen will not be far from
or cinnamon bread and rolls, she’s game to try the children even in those alternate years.
almost anything. She also enjoys making topi- Family is important to Alexis. She remembers
cal baskets that relate to the recipient… cook- her parents enjoying Christmas as much as she
ing, sports, collectibles, etc. The bread is always and her three older siblings. She and Donnie
fresh, never frozen. Her latest project involves continue that tradition today.
researching how to send bread to Afghanistan While she is not baking, Alexis has
while keeping it fresh for delivery. recently started a new career as a Customer Ferebe Gasque grew up with the older siblings and
cousins of Alexis Permenter and has loved getting
Alexis enjoys baking bread mostly Service Representative for Home Therapy, a reacquainted. Ferebe has also applied for the
because it makes her feel good to know some- durable medical equipment provider in Mullins. taste-tester position anytime Alexis wants to try
one enjoys the bread she bakes for them. Of The company was started by her friend, Susan out a new recipe!
course, she has fun in the process, as well. Her Siders (another local girl), who noticed a need
The Company
with a Heart
•Personal Care aides
provided in your home.
•Medically supervised at NO
COST to you.
843.413.6033
90 11/23/09 6:20 PM Page 1
d A Homespun Christmas
• In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, grated cheddar, curry powder, salt and sherry.
• With electric mixer or food processor at medium speed, beat until smooth.
• Turn into prepared containers and refrigerate until firm (several hours or overnight).
• When ready to serve, invert onto serving dish and spread chutney on top.
• Sprinkle green onions around the edge.
• Serve with Harvest Wheat Crackers, very thin ginger
snaps or apple wedges.
The original recipe calls for this cheese ball to be
molded in a 7x6, 11/2 quart dish. I find that far too large
even for a large party. I use smaller plastic or glass dish-
es, preferably with flat bottoms because this is good for
spreading the chutney on when inverted. Line them with
plastic wrap for easy removal. This recipe
freezes well; just be sure to bring to room
temperature before serving.
"For over 5 years I have been using the power of light in my studio to
slow the aging process of hair. The Activ8 regimen effectively
complements cold laser hair therapy for hair retention".
d A Homespun Christmas
‘ Twas the season of Christmas As a special treat this year, Dr. Carter said he faculty members who have bond-
by Angela
and throughout the house are dried-and-gilded foliage
and festive garlands. Cherished memories of yuletides
is looking forward to having his 86-year-old mother-
in-law join them for the holidays.
ed over the years. The entertain-
ment for many of these gatherings is Crosland
feature homespun scenes – baked goods cooling on the For this couple, the season means spending FMU’s Cut Time Show Choir.
kitchen counter, freshly clipped pine boughs perfuming time with family and friends and recognizing the Birth For dinner at each occasion, you
the air and ornaments fashioned by hand in the compa- of a Child more than 2,000 years ago. In the words will find turkey, homemade dressing or stuffing, cran-
ny of family and friends. of Folly’s favorite Christmas song, “O Come, All Ye berry sauce and much more. On Christmas Day, the
This may sound like the beginnings of a fairy- Faithful,” lie what she calls the true meaning of family enjoys a fried turkey donated by longtime FMU
tale; but, for the first family of Francis Marion University, Christmas. The President’s favorite Christmas songs supporter, Grady Greer, and a baked turkey and cran-
the FMU faculty, staff, students and the many citizens of include, “O Christmas Tree,” “The Little Drummer berry sandwiches prepared by Folly.
the Pee Dee region, this scenario is very real. Boy” and “Silent Night.” “When you reach a certain age,” Dr. Carter
The first family consists of FMU President, It’s early December. The air is crisp, colors explains, “gift-giving ceases to be about what you
Luther F. Carter; FMU First Lady, Folly Carter; thirteen- have changed and cozy sweaters have re-emerged receive. I derive immense satisfaction out of doing
year-old son, Luke; and Bryan, the Carters’ oldest son, into the wardrobe’s rotation. And, the Carters have things for others,” said Dr. Carter, who hand-delivers
and his wife, Adele, who will be home for the holidays begun decorating their home. Most of the Garden bonus checks each year to his employees who quali-
with their year-old twins, Max and Chloe. Clubs in the Pee Dee area help decorate the house fy. “I don’t think they enjoy receiving them nearly as
“It is truly going to be wonderful having them each year. “This has become a tradition, and it’s fun much as I enjoy delivering them. It is the one day I get
(grandchildren, son and daughter-in-law) with us over to see the faces of those old and new,” said Folly. to feel like Santa on the campus.”
the holidays,” said Folly, who recalls her first Christmas “Each club brings a unique talent and a willingness to The Carters also give generously to the
after Luke was born. “He was a month-and-a-half-old work together for the FMU community,” she added. Salvation Army. “Among the family, we keep the
and our house felt more like a home to me. We also Among the most cherished decorations are exchanging of gifts quite simple,” said Folly.
had Christmas at my brother and sister-in-law’s house the Christmas tree ornaments made by Luke. They’ve The only item on the family’s wish list this
with our son, Bryan.” also enjoyed those given by others in the community year is that everyone will receive their heart’s desire
and throughout the state. The Carter for Christmas. Not only because they deserve it, but
tree boasts ornaments from every because it would help the economy.
governor since they arrived nearly
eleven years ago. Hugh and Jean
Leatherman have also given the couple Author’s Note: “When I first came to work at Francis
an ornament each year. Marion three years ago, I thought I had the most
What has also become a tradi- unique story to tell about the positive impact the
tion is a donation of the tree for the Carters have had on my life – both personally and
first family of FMU by Taylor Garden professionally. What I soon learned is, my story can
& Gift Shop. No glitter adorns the and has been told numerous times by various people
tree – just fresh greenery, fruit, the world over. Not only were they present in the
berries, pinecones and ribbon. times when I seemed to be most prosperous, they
Once the decorations are up, have made themselves available
during the most challeng-
the family hosts parties for faculty;
ing times of my life and
staff; a children’s party where chil-
the lives of count-
dren from surrounding shelters and
less others. A true
daycare centers are able to visit
demonstration of
with Santa, as well as those of fac-
the love God has
ulty and staff members; a
charged us all
community party and an with displaying.”
“Old Timers’ Party” for Angela Crosland
former and current
MENU
•Fried Chicken •Specialty Sandwiches
•Grilled Chicken •Salads
•Pita Burgers •Desserts
•Greek Specialty Items •Seafood Dinners
d A Homespun Christmas
I love the feeling I get when I’m sitting by the fire, drinking a cup of hot cocoa
and reading a good book. I’m relaxed, warm and comfortable. Jean Leatherman is the
human equivalent of that experience. As she regales stories of togetherness with her
friends and family during the holidays, it grows evident that it is impossible for me to
by Emmie
be the only person that feels that way about her.
Jean exudes the true spirit of Christmas, which stems from her faith in Jesus
Lynch
Christ. Her definition of the Spirit of Christmas is “having the Spirit of Christ,” which
means loving people and giving of yourself. It also means “sharing God’s love with
others,” which is where Jean excels.
“Christmas is a spirit” isn’t just a saying for Jean, but rather a
reminder of how she spent many Christmases as a child. Jean and her
three siblings were raised by their single mother in Jean’s great-grand-
mother’s home in Jefferson, SC. She admits it was nothing fancy, but
it was all they needed because they had each other. Just because
money was tight didn’t mean that they couldn’t celebrate
Christmas. Each year, they would venture out into the woods
and find a cedar tree. As a family, they would cut the tree down
and drag it back to the house. Once they had it standing, they would decorate
the tree with glass lights, silver tinsel and garland.
The one gift that stands out most in Jean’s mind is the Chocolate-Covered
Creme Drops that her mom gave them every year. To this day, whenever she sees a
Creme Drop, she remembers those childhood Christmas mornings from long ago. And,
it never mattered how much or how little they had because they always celebrated the
Birth of Christ as a family.
In commemoration of her childhood, a few weeks before Christmas, Jean calls
a local shelter and asks for the name of a family that needs help. As a family, the
Leathermans gather all the details and set to work on a plan. They go shopping for the
family, purchasing everything from toys to clothes to food. On Christmas Eve, they get
together at the Leatherman home and set out to deliver the goods to the needy fam-
ily. According to Jean, this really gets everyone in the Christmas Spirit. The holiday is
“so meaningful when you know you are helping people,” she smiles.
After delivering all the gifts, the family begins preparing dinner. “Family” is a
loose, yet well-defined term in Jean’s home. She typically has about twenty people
Jean always has two trees decorated in her house. She has one tree that
in her house on Christmas Eve, but opens her door to anyone that wants to cel-
is designated strictly for memorable ornaments. Every year, she buys a collectible
ebrate the true meaning of Christmas. It’s evident that Jean’s loving spirit has
ornament for each child that includes the year on it. When the family arrives, they are
had an impact on her family and friends. A number of them have the same open-
always anxious to see this tree, and they rush to find all of their favorite ornaments.
door policy. She truly has the gift of love, and her warmth is a like a blanket
One of Jean’s traditions is putting together a special centerpiece for
that welcomes all who cross her threshold.
Christmas dinner. Once she has dinner cooking and under control, she walks out-
Bringing family together is a very important part of
side and looks for interesting pieces of local greenery. She takes her collection of
Christmas for Jean. Her family members come from all over the
greenery and combines it with pieces of fruit to create an original centerpiece to
state, and parts of North
adorn the dinner table.
Carolina, just to be able to
With traditions being a central theme in her holiday plans, it’s no surprise
celebrate together. This
that her children get upset when things change at all. For years, Jean had always put
makes the celebration
fruit in the children’s stockings. One Christmas, however, she was simply too busy
even more special, and as
to run out and buy fruit. Since the children were older, she figured it wouldn’t be
Jean puts it, “When family
a big deal. That turned out to definitely not be the case! Her children treasured
comes together, there is
the memories of always having fruit in their stockings. When it wasn’t there, they
just a richness that you
felt that their tradition had been broken. Although her children were grown, they
can’t find anywhere else.”
missed the fruit. Needless to say, Jean hasn’t made that mistake again.
Once dinner is cook-
ing, the entire family
When asked for tips on how to make my own Christmases as
goes to church togeth-
warm as hers, Jean offered the following suggestions:
er. Typically, they occu-
• Get Festive! “Christmas is a spirit. You can decorate anything
py two or three pews
that stands still long enough.”
at Central United
• Be willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate family
Methodist. For Jean,
members that have to work.
“the importance of
• Start your own traditions. “It’s important for young
being together is
families to establish their own traditions.”
C h r i s t m a s .”
• Have an Open-Door Policy. Not everyone has family
When they
close by and Jean believes that everyone deserves
return home
to celebrate Christmas with family. She opens her
from church,
door to all friends and family and can always find
they say grace
an extra place setting when the need arises.
and share a
meal together.
Over the years, Jean has had a few people tell
her,“There is nothing quite like Christmas at the Leatherman’s.”
I would have to agree.
Emmie Lynch was born and raised in the Pee Dee. She is a graduate of the
University of South Carolina and lives in Florence. Her favorite things are writing, the
FRED SALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY outdoors and spending time with her family.
95 11/20/09 9:50 AM Page 1
The Perfect
Large selection
of trees:
2ft to 14ft.
• Expanded Gourmet Food Range
• Traditional Pecan Products
• On-Site Bakery
(Baked by Benton Dargan)
843.662.2452
National Hardware’s • Locally produced Ice Cream
• Locally produced Coffee Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 11-5
d A Homespun Christmas
ambert
len W. L
El
by
Being one of eight children As children, I don’t think we realized how these tree-trimming
(yes, I said eight!), you can imagine how hectic – parties would continue on and how special our memories would
yet exciting – our holidays can be. Nonetheless, my mom, become. Now, as our family keeps growing, it’s so wonderful how we’ve
Victoria Harrington, always manages to make them so special. kept up the tradition.
Every year, for as long as I can remember, we have our The simple days of the holidays have always been our experi-
famous “tree-trimming party” where all eight children get ence. My mom made everything from scratch – and still does. Every
together at Mom’s house just a few weeks before Christmas year at our tree-trimming party, we begin by cutting all the limbs and
to decorate the Christmas tree. And, our Christmas tree is branches off the tree so it will fit in the tree stand. Mom takes all these
no ordinary Christmas tree. Every single ornament was branches and makes a huge wreath to go on the front door. She wraps
handmade by all the children, and most have managed to sur- some ribbon around it and, within minutes, it looks like something on the
vive over the last three decades. There are candy canes and cover of Southern Living magazine! (Not to mention, the ribbon is more
miniature Christmas trees cut from construction paper, bell- than likely some old sheet or pillow case she cut into ribbon-like strips.)
shaped wreaths, colored We also made homemade gingerbread men to hang on the
glass balls with the differ- tree. Now, the smell brings back such fond memories. Our family has
ent years painted on grown tremendously over the past several years, adding six grandchil-
them, pine cones sprin- dren to the mix to carry on the tradition. Baking gingerbread men is a
kled with glitter and rein- favorite with the kids. If you’ve ever made gingerbread men, however,
deer antlers made from you know it’s a tough and messy job. Mom just pours some flour on the
little hands. table and lets the children go at it. They cut out the little gingerbread
The oldest orna- men with their cookie cutters and place them on the baking sheet and
ment of all, however, is into the oven they go. Once they come out, you have to let them cool
the star that tops the for just a few minutes. While they are still warm, we take a toothpick
tree. It has been our tree and make a tiny hole in the heads in order to string some thin ribbon
topper every year for through them so that they can hang on the tree.
thirty-two years. Anna, Mom makes this delicious icing to go on the gingerbread men,
my oldest sister, made it and she lets us paint little vests on them. They are so cute! (And, I say
when she was in first “us” because the big children and the little children join in.) The funny
grade. She cut it out of thing is, after about two weeks (it never fails), the only thing left hanging
cardboard, which has on the tree are the little gingerbread men’s heads. It’s still fun to have
amazingly kept most of edible ornaments.
its shape for this long. Not only does Mom bake gingerbread men, she bakes apple pie, cherry
I’m sure that at one pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie. And, she gives them
time it was a shiny and all away as gifts.
sparkly cardboard star My very favorite – and I probably won’t be wrong if I say it’s
with glitter on both everyone’s favorite – is Mom’s homemade sourdough bread. My mouth
sides. But, over the waters every time I think about it. People ask me all the time for some
years, after packing and unpacking the of my mom’s homemade sourdough bread. Anyone who knows about
star, it has lost a lot of its shine. sourdough bread knows that making it is an ongoing process, and Mom
Nevertheless, it still shines on top of makes it all year. During the holidays, however, it’s a specialty.
the Christmas tree. My mom has always gone out of her way to make everything
special – whether it’s big or small. My entire family appreciates her
more than she will ever know.
Ellen Ward Lambert was born and raised in Florence, SC. She graduated from Francis Marion University and works at
Carolinas Hospital System in Human Resources. She has been married to her wonderful husband, Chris, for two
years. She enjoys snow skiing, swimming, watching movies and spending time with her friends.
FRED SALLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY
97 11/20/09 9:53 AM Page 1
“Come to Bethlehem”
A live recreation of Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Christ. Your entire family will be blessed by the sights and sounds
of the first Christmas. More than two hundred actors, angels, live animals, shepherds and villagers will be present.
Herrod’s court, wise men, Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child lead you into the true meaning of Christmas.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Where: Bethea Baptist Retirement Community • 157 Home Ave. Darlington
Contact: Ashley Rhodes • 843.393.2867 • [email protected]
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday • December 10, 11, & 12 • 2009
Cost: FREE TO ALL
**You are able to walk or drive through the town of Bethlehem**
by Marti Miller
Let’s just admit it straight off, resides within us. When the fruit of the Spirit is evident in how we breathe and stand
why don’t we? It’s not just the Grinch who had such a tiny hardened and walk in this life, Christmas remains. It cannot be stolen from us.
heart for Christmas that he felt compelled to make it disappear for So, as a reminder (mostly to myself), here is a complete ingredient list for the
everyone in Whoville.There are seasons when we want to just shoot best holiday salad of this or any other season, with generic and name brands, along with
out all the twinkling lights and crawl into bed until well after the a good place to shop for them:
New Year arrives. Some grandmas actually wish to get run over by
a reindeer so they can be relieved of all the to-do list burdens.And Agape Love John 3:16
Ebenezer Scrooge continues to bah and humbug all over our lives Chara Joy I Peter 1:8-9
Every year brings the threat of a holiday season marred by Makrothumia Patience James 5:8-9
the loss of loved ones – with empty chairs at our family tables. Chrestotes Kindness Proverbs 11:16-17
Sometimes it is death that removes them from our lives. Agathosune Goodness Psalm 23:6
Sometimes it is by wrong choices made or hardened hearts. Pistis Faithfulness Proverbs 3:3
Each of us knows at least one family for which this Christmas Prautes Gentleness Philippians 4:4-5
may not be a joyful celebration. It gets stolen in so many ways. Egkratea Self-control I Peter 4:7
RESIDENTIAL
CONSTRUCTION
LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED
FREE ESTIMATES
Remodeling Vinyl Siding Termite Damage
Laminate Flooring Vinyl Windows Insurance Repairs
Any Repairs Wind Damage Roof Repair
Painting Water Damage
843.206.3293
100 11/23/09 3:07 PM Page 1
The Christmas
Tree Man
DENNIS BANKSON
In 1834, Charles Dickens wrote of a man whose priorities As a Christmas tree broker, traveling from our North Carolina farms to meet
were tragically misaligned. Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge thought that life was for get- retailers in the South, I began noticing all the churches that were fund-raising by selling
ting, for accruing and keeping more and more stuff. He saw Christmas as illogical – truly pumpkins by the roadside. It’s funny how the mind wanders while driving. I just remem-
a fool’s holiday. In a way, I guess he was right; Christmas isn’t logical. ber hearing my voice, “Pumpkins, pumpkins, everywhere pumpkins!” Right then and
When She Magazine asked me to write a short piece explaining why I consid- there, I had an epiphany.
er myself a “Christmas Person,” I thought of my family, my work and my God. In a Grinch-ish heart-expanding moment, I asked, “Why not Christmas trees
I am a proud father of two children. My daughter, Adelyn Noel, was born the and wreaths? Why don’t I allow schools and churches to raise funds with Christmas
week of Christmas almost six years ago. The day I met Addie, I fell in love for the sec- trees?” Thus I discovered my passion for helping non-profits realize their financial goals.
ond time. She is smart, kind and thinks her daddy can do no wrong. (I love that part.)
By cutting out the middleman (oops, I guess that’s me), churches, schools and clubs are
I am so proud of her! My son, Benjamin Elijah, was born just before Christmas two years
finally putting the profit of the Christmas industry to good use!
after his sister. Not long after he learned to walk, I knew we had our work cut out for
To implement the idea, however, I had to confront the Scrooge in me, whose
us. Have you ever seen a toddler strut? He is the sweetest little tough guy I have ever
known. And, I owe all of this – this gift of fatherhood – to their mother, Michelle. priorities were tragically misaligned. Like me, Ebenezer was not a callous man, nor did
Michelle and I met when we were just kids in high school. It’s strange, but I he lack depth of feeling; but, we both had been living under the false premise that more
have difficulty remembering what life was like before loving her. She’s a businesswoman, was better. I know it seems illogical, but a bigger house, a newer car and more fashion-
a selfless mother and intoxicating wife. She literally accomplishes more before 9:00 AM able clothes do not equal a better life. They don’t equate to happiness. I know that
than I do all week. And, while we didn’t meet at Christmastime, life with her has been because I know a Man who had all of that and more.
Christmas morning every day. He was the Master of the universe, yet He chose to give it all up. He chose
I’m a Christmas tree grower and broker, so I think about Christmas almost to humble Himself for love. He chose a birth – not of privilege – but a birth to facili-
every day of the year. I love the smell of a Fraser Fir. It always reminds me of the many tate a sacrificial death. And, He is why Christmas seems so illogical to us. Because love
carefree Christmases of my childhood. As a grower, I care for the Christmas trees that doesn’t demand; it serves. Because love doesn’t take; it gives. And, because more is not
I know will some day stand regally in someone’s home. That fact fills me with pride and better – especially at Christmas – it’s just more.
a sense of duty. So, when the time comes for selecting trees for harvest, I only want
the best. I select each one as though my children will be decorating it, and perhaps
remembering its majestic beauty years from now.
Dennis Bankson, and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Adelyn Noel and Benjamin Elijah. They live in Florence.
If you would like Dennis to help your church or organization raise funds, you may e-mail him at [email protected].
101 11/20/09 10:31 AM Page 1
Standing:
Misti Braddock,
Cosmetologist,
Rita Buck,
Cosmetologist,
Brenda Mattox,
Nail Technician
ource Sitting:
s Denise Hodge,
ur #1 tmas
Yo Chris s and Cosmetologist &
for l Item ets! Senior Stylist,
Mea ft Bask
Carol Odom,
Nail Technician
Gi & Owner
Dear Santa,
You know I love Art for Christmas! This year
I really need...Pottery for my Events, Original Paintings,
Heart Pine Furniture and some of that
Yummy Chameleon Coffee. I have been good most of the
time! Thank you Santa; you know me so well.
It’s Christmas...
Enjoy the Fruitcake,
Don’t Become One!
I have lots of first and second cousins, but my family of origin is small now. then we head back for a movie at the theatre in Florence. After the movie is over, we
There’s my mother, my husband, myself and our son. Because we’re a small group, we go back home and usually have a nap. Sometimes, we reverse the schedule and nap first,
have lots of options for celebrating Christmas. and then head over for a movie afterwards.
For the last two years on Christmas Eve, we open up Christmas gifts. Then, My father passed away in February of 2008, so it helps to have a busy day with
my mother comes over on Christmas Day, and she opens her gifts. We show her ours structure. Knowing what we’re doing for the day is good and keeps us from sitting
and open the gifts from her. We have coffee and juice and ham biscuits. Then, we get around and thinking negative thoughts.
on the road to Columbia. We go to a very nice hotel in Columbia where they have a My husband and I have already purchased and wrapped all of our Christmas
huge buffet and a very talented man playing the piano. We have a leisurely meal, and gifts. The best way for me to handle the stress of the holidays is to be organized and
plan ahead. I make a list of who I need to buy gifts for in October – usually the first
week – and start purchasing them right away. When there are sales or I’m traveling and
see something I think would be nice for one of the people on my list, I get it then. My
husband and I work together and order some gifts online. A plus in purchasing gifts
I
ntroducing the newest
technology in cool laser
hair removal: the Cutera
CoolGlide® Laser. With an
innovative cooling design,
Cutera treatments now provide
safe, permanent results for
sensitive facial and bikini
areas, not to mention legs,
arms, underarms and backs.
With its revolutionary impulses
of light, the CoolGlide effec-
tively treats all skin types and
tones, faster than ordinary
electrolysis, and without anes-
thesia. So what do you have
to lose? Call today and Holiday Special!
discover a cooler, smoother Receive five areas for $300!
Areas are axilla/facial/bikini.
you.
BoSmith is proud to
present our new
design team:
Carey
Evans
Dustin
Smothers
McLeod Physicians
& Nursing Staff
RAISING THE
AWARENESS
OF ANEMIA Dr. Michael Rose
Vice President of
Surgical Services at McLeod
Dr. Michael Rose is the Vice President of Surgical Services at McLeod and the Medical Director of McLeod Blood Conservation Services.
Dr. Rose is board certified in Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine.
105 11/20/09 10:12 AM Page 1
Blinds Vanities
Shutters Flooring
Cabinets Designer Fabrics
Tempur-Pedic Mattresses
Stainless Steel Sinks
Countertops
Furniture
Hardware
Drapery Hardware
Kathy Boyd
843-332-3360
843-339-7803
10% off
Selected
843.332.5471 Cabinet
Brands!
108 E. College Ave.
Hartsville, SC
shoplulusboutique.com
Come see
our Mohawk
Flooring!
Competitive
prices!
105 S. Sixth St Hartsville SC [email protected]
lifecarehospicesc.com
(843) 332-2221
202 South 2nd Street • Hartsville
106 11/20/09 10:15 AM Page 1
Gift Guide
it’s better to
GIVE!
This Christmas, you have more important
things to do than spend hours shopping for gifts -
like baking and cozying up by a fire and spending
time with the ones you love.
Merry Christmas!
108 11/24/09 11:29 AM Page 1
Impressionistic
field dog oil painting
"Happy Everything" Platter with Chameleon Art Gallery
interchangeable seasonal attachments Darlington
Company’s Comin’
Cheraw
Aqua/lime with
chocolate accent table lamp
Mantissa Row
Hartsville
Flossie’s to
Every girl needs a little
complete her Christmas list!!!
Holiday HOURS beginning DEC.14TH: Mon.-Fri. 10:30-7 & Saturdays 10:30-6 * Open CHRISTMAS EVE 10:30-4
1 1 9 We s t C a r o l i n a Av e . • H a r t s v i l l e , S C • 8 4 3 . 3 3 2 . 1 1 1 8
Now Accepting
New Patients!
Tenemos un hispanohablante
843•332•6645
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon-Fri
8:30-5:00 and Sat 9:00-11:00
701 Medical Park Drive,
Suite 207 Hartsville, SC 29550
110 11/24/09 11:34 AM Page 1
Classic jewelry by
Michael Michaud
Porter’s Gift Shop
Florence
Ladies Diamond
Tag Heuer watch
Galloway & Moseley Grainger McKoy
Charleston Gate Bracelets Florence Silver Cufflinks
Jones Smith Jewelers Galloway & Moseley
Florence Florence
Insure a
Happy Holiday Season
AUTO
HOME
LIFE
Walt Peterson
Principal Agent
Walt Peterson Insurance Agency, Inc.
Nationwide Insurance
[email protected] On Your Side
843.332.5103
[email protected]
Visit us in our
Upscale Loft Condo:
119-D North 5th St.
(Above Juice) • Entrance in rear
Pre-owned men’s
and
women’s Rolex
Watches
Photo Pendant
Sarmiento
ArtGinko, Inc
Jewelers
Hartsville
Florence
Glycolic Acid
Pads 20% 4 pc. set Bumble
a "mini peel" to and Bumble trio and
smooth and tone Buttonband headwear
Peptide Plus Skinsations
Treatment MediSpa A Stuart
Serum, intense Florence Laurence Salon
age-defying Florence
matrix
Skinsations
MediSpa
Florence
Burry Bookstore
130 West Carolina Ave. Hartsville, SC 29550
Shop online! www.burrybookstore.com
2
1. The Christmas Baby
3 by Marion Dane Bauer
Sizes 2-16
5
XäxÇàá \Ç WxvxÅuxÜ Petites Available
No one has to go
through this alone.
Call today for support,
encouragement, and
understanding.
We know hospice.
Bennettsville Florence
479-5979 664-2888
Cheraw Hartsville
537-5454 383-5115
Conway Lake City
914-1197 389-1816
www.AgapeHospice.com
114 11/24/09 11:52 AM Page 1
Pettiskirt w/ matching
tank & headband
Cottontails
Children’s Boutique
Florence
Gift Certificates
are the hassle-free, sure-to-please way
to shop for everyone on your list!
GOOSIE GANDERS
1926 Second Loop Rd • Florence PREMIER MEDICAL DAY SPA SPA DE VIE SALON AND SPA
843-663-2231 1523-B Heritage Lane • Florence 1800 W. Palmetto St. • Florence
843-662-7969 843-669-4333
www.premiermedicaldayspa.com www.spadevie.net
GRIFFIN PLASTIC SURGERY
513 S Dargan St • Florence
(843) 664-1122 MAGNOLIA MALL A STUART LAURENCE SALON
www.griffinplasticsurgery.medem.com 2701 David McLeod Blvd. • Florence 1988 W Palmetto St • Florence
843-669-0725 (843) 673-0009
www.shopmagnoliamall.com also available online at www.slsalon.com
J. RUFUS BRATTON, JR., M.D., F.A.C.S.
800 Cheves Street • Florence
843-667-3533 TUPPERWARE
Mary Janice Cooper
843-662-1684
www.my.tupperware.com/mjcooper
117 11/23/09 1:33 PM Page 1
stringed green
planter
NDI pink
and white
hydrangea
floral Aunt Sadie's
arrangement Coffee
scented Candle.
Other scents
available.
hand
painted
whimsy
pistachio open end
pudding table with
1806 W. Palmetto St. • Florence accent table shelf
843-662-9781
by Linda H.
PURSE
Holiday
Weatherford
strings Spending!
Avoid the Red & Save More Green
I love Christmas! The sights, the sounds, the smells, the shopping – it’s my favorite would enjoy, I purchase and store those for the holidays. One warning: Make sure you
time of the year. Like many, I can get caught up in the “feeling” of the season and find myself check your closet before you shop to avoid duplicates. It’s a great feeling to make your list
among the millions who overspend during the holidays. According to the National Retail and mark off names before you even begin Christmas shopping.
Federation,Washington, DC, holiday sales for November and December are expected to d Be a Quitter. When you hit your budget limit, stop! If you need hard-core support
be $437.6 billion. to keep yourself in check, leave credit cards at home and put each person’s budget in
“People tend to increase their spending around the holidays for a combination of an envelope, in cash. When it’s gone, it’s gone – and, you’re done.
reasons,” says Stanley J. Kershman, author of Put Your Debt on a Diet: A Step-by-Step
Guide to Financial Fitness. “Some may feel guilty about not spending as much time with d Lead by Example. If you have teens in the house, this is the perfect time of year to
their loved ones or friends and will compensate with a special gift. Others may feel they teach them the value of a dollar. A couple years ago, I gave my children their first check-
need to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ to match what friends, families, neighbors and even co- ing account and debit card for Christmas. While they weren’t thrilled about the small
workers are doing. And, some simply get swept away in the glitter package, they quickly learned the value of waiting. After Christmas, we went shopping.
of the season – overspending before they realize what they’re With each purchase, they were required to sit and record the purchase and deduct the
doing. For all these reasons, setting a budget and making a cost from their balance. This lesson proved invaluable in that they learned how quick-
list – and matching the two – can be really effective at ly the money disappears and also that price makes a big difference when you’re
reining in the ‘over’ part of holiday overspending.” spending your own money. In addition, they learned that waiting means better
value. After the holiday rush, they not only avoided the crowd, they also pur-
To help stay on track with holiday spending, chased more for their money with the great after-Christmas sales.
consider the following tips:
d Be Prepared. The best possible solution for the holiday
d Crunch the Numbers. Create a holiday season – or any financial obligation – is to be prepared.
budget listing all expenses, including small gifts Open a Christmas club account and set up automatic
to teachers, babysitters, newspaper carriers and others. Be sure deposits throughout the year. Not only will you be pre-
to include extras such as cards, wrapping paper, decorations and pared for your holiday spending, you will have earned
holiday clothing purchases. Set a spending limit for each person and interest on your deposits during the year.
item on your list. Make sure you write down all of your holiday pur-
chases, even when purchased with a credit card. By keeping a log of d Be Realistic. Most importantly, don’t spend beyond
dollars spent, you won’t find unexpected bills in your mailbox after your means. The reality of paying large credit card
the holidays. bills for months after the holiday leaves us feeling
anything but joyful. Consider the example of a
d Avoid Money Matching. Holidays are about more than just giving $2,000 credit card balance at 18% interest. If your
and receiving. Most people feel the stress of the dollar-for-dollar minimum payment is 2% of the balance due each
matching competition, so talk with the people on your shopping list about set- month, it will take you about 19 years to pay it off, and
ting limits. Set limits for your children! In our house, the rule has always been you’ll pay $3,862 in interest.
three gifts. It helps teach your children that there are limits and makes them con-
sider what they really want. Many times, my children would change their list over The special feeling about the holidays doesn’t always come wrapped in a box
and over, getting it down to those three items. One final rule, once it’s in writ- and tied with a bow. Make the holidays more meaningful by spending time with
ing to Santa – it can’t be changed! That helps Mom and Dad do their early shop- those you love instead of spending money. Start a new family tradition rather
ping. If gift piles look skimpy, fill in gaps with homemade presents or make than giving gifts. Contact your local Department of Social Services or a local
coupons for babysitting, yard work, home-cooked meals or helping put away hol- charity and provide gifts for a family or children less fortunate. From the
iday decorations. time my boys were very young, we have always taken the time to go shop-
ping for children in need. It teaches them how important it is to be char-
d Start Early. Avoid the last-minute rush so you’ll have more time to comparison itable and reminds them of the real meaning of the holiday.
shop. If you’re in a rush to get out of a crowded mall or store, you’re more likely Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. When we
to spend impulsively as a way of escape. I have an area of my closet designated for consider the gift of salvation that is ours through His birth, we are free
gifts. Throughout the year as I encounter sale items that I think my family and friends to celebrate, remembering that there is no greater gift than the one
that has already been given.
Be pampered while
you wait with a
Free Manicure!
Ladies Day every
Tuesday!
Free Delivery!
Locally Owned & Operated
We bill Medicare, Medicaid
and Private Insurance. We are
Joint Commission Accredited.
Tracee Auman
Hartsville
“I love spending time Becky Allen
with my family and seeing Effingham
all the gorgeous decora-
tions.” “I love spending
time with family
and all the great
food.”
Laura Barber
Cheraw
Amanda Ard
Pamplico
Tammie Simmons “Getting to spend time
Caudle with family and friends
Florence and all of the festivities
that go on.”
“I love seeing my
children's face on
Christmas Day and
enjoying time with
my wonderful family.”
What do
you love
most
about
Christmas?
123 11/24/09 10:21 AM Page 1
Perma
SOFT TISSUE ENHANCEMENT OF THE
FACE. PERMA FACIAL IMPLANT IS A
PATENTED, FDA APPROVED
DEVICE...ALTHOUGH PERMANENT,
Facial Implant PERMA FACIAL IMPLANT MAY
by TM
SurgiSil BE EASILY REMOVED
AT ANY TIME.”
Venable’s
CAROLINA FACIAL MAGNOLIA MALL
David McLeod Blvd.
1608 Second Loop Rd.
Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm
PLASTIC SURGERY, P.A. Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 1:30-6pm
Sat: 10am-2pm
Closed Sunday
CARLA C. GRAHAM, M.D., F.A.C.S.
843-665-8758 843-676-2708
492 West Cheves St. • Florence • 665-0400
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF THE HEAD & NECK
124 11/24/09 1:35 PM Page 1
s
Apron Have you heard the news?
We have moved to a
New Location!
812 S. Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC
Between Baby Furniture &
More and Christy Moore
Cooler Shop with us for the
Holidays! Swaddle
Blankets
MONOGRAMMING
BABY ITEMS
GIFT ITEMS
PURSES
JEWELRY 812 S. Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC
843.665.6755 843-661-5511
Tues-Fri, 10-5:30 w w w. b f a n d m . n e t
126 11/23/09 4:58 PM Page 1
Shero
Gerdien
Koppenaal
Operation Mobilisation Ships
International
(OM Ships International)
F For seventeen years, an elderly lady in New Jersey prayed for the pupils of her local
school, and she gave the students copies of John’s Gospel. After reading it, George Verwer
became a Christian during a Billy Graham crusade in 1955. He started distributing the
gospel in Mexico during holidays and, later, in Spain. In 1962, 200 young people spread
to a location on Pamplico Highway and OM Ships re-opened the bookshop in May 2009.
The sales of the books go straight back into the ministry of OM Ships
International. The bookshop is mainly to make the organization better known among the
people of South Carolina. OM Ships hopes this will result in more people getting to know
across Europe in small teams, distributing Christian literature. In 1970, they began to reach about their organization and for them to have their own opportunity to serve the organ-
out in the Middle East and India, as well. That same year, they bought their first ship and ization and God.
sailed around the world, bringing people the gospel. Today, the organization has two ships Currently, Gerdien is visiting her fiancé and volunteering her time in the book-
and over 3,000 full-time staff in 85 nations; thus, the beginnings of Operation Mobilisation shop. In January 2010, she will be going back to the ship, Logos Hope in Montego Bay,
Ships International (OM Ships International). Jamaica, to help the Book Fair Department onboard with the many crowds that are
Operation Mobilisation is an interdenominational, multicultural mission organiza- expected in that port. Jamaica is one of the high demanding ports in that they are expect-
tion. The ships are a big part of the organization. They sail mainly to Second and Third ed to receive over 50,000 people in Montego Bay within four weeks of being there. And,
World Countries to provide good and affordable Christian and educational books. All the staff in Kingston, they expect over 20,000 people in only five weeks.
are volunteers who are raising their own support through the church, family and friends. OM Ships hopes to have as successful a Christmas as they did in 2008. This year,
Twenty-eight-year-old Gerdien Koppenaal’s family lives in the Netherlands. Her they will have special offers on specific titles in the bookshop, including Dr. Gary
parents are Christians and raised Gerdien with Christian values. Missions have always Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, for only $5.00. They have a large selection of
been important in her life. Her parents have been missionaries themselves for five years educational and fiction books for children. They also have a children’s corner where the
in Transkei (South Africa) and have encouraged Gerdien to also see beyond the church children can look at some of the books they have in the store while the parents browse.
walls and into the world. OM Ships also has a program that is specified for children called Help Packs.
Gerdien joined the Logos II (replaced by Logos Hope later) in 2007 for two Throughout 2009, a number of different churches and schools all over America have been
years. On the ship, she works forty hours a week. She gets one day off and one ministry putting together these Help Packs that have been sent to the ships and then given out to
day where she must help in some kind of community-type work. Gerdien worked in the different children who have specified needs (orphanages, children’s homes). The Help Pack
Book Fair for the two years that she served. Other examples of ministry work include contains a soft toy, pencil, pen, coloring book, toothpaste, toothbrush, baseball cap, etc.).
working in a children’s program, doing a prison visit or taking part in a local church. Each pack also contains a copy of Most Important Story Ever Told. This booklet contains
Gerdien really enjoyed working in the Book Fair because of the contact with the local peo- the life story of Jesus Christ in cartoon format and is also available in the bookshop. All
ple that came onboard. proceeds of this booklet will go towards the Help Pack Ministry.
Gerdien always had a desire to have an experience in missions, and the ships were
one of her first choices. There are 45 different nationalities and 400 people on Logos The readers can also help in the following ways:
Hope. They believe in Jesus as their personal Savior and want to serve Him and tell about • Visit the bookshop on Pamplico Highway and learn more about the ministry of OM
Him to people that have lost hope. She found that amazing, and it is amazing to be a part Ships. You’ll hear about what’s happening in Florence and around the world and can also
of that. “What I liked, as well, is that with the ship, you are able to visit different countries receive information about serving onboard Logos Hope in 2010 on short mission trips.
and experience the different cultures,” she states. • Volunteer your time. Many volunteers have worked this year, including children from The
Bibles are a very popular seller on the ship. With an excitement in her voice, King’s Academy. The bookshop is always looking for more help during the week.
Gerdien says,“This year, the Logos Hope was in Trinidad for a month, and we sold a Bible • Visit the bookshop for Christmas presents, remembering that all the proceeds will be
every forty-five seconds.” going towards world missions.
Also, they sold educational books at very cheap prices. In some countries, the Operation Mobilisation International’s Mission Statement is to bring knowledge,
university study books are so expensive, some people can’t afford them. Because of the help and hope to the people of this world. They bring the knowledge from all the books
ship, they are able to buy them at more affordable prices and are, therefore, able to study. that they distribute in South Carolina, America and throughout the world. They provide
This is an investment for life. help in many different ways (i.e. Help Packs, working in orphanages, children’s homes and
On the ship, Gerdien met her fiancé, David Waugh. He works in the USA also helping the local pastors in having the literature they need to be more effective in
Literature Department for OM Ships. The main focus of the Literature Department is buy- their ministry). Finally, they provide hope. And, what better time of year is there to share
ing books for the two ships. The publishers know the organization and their purpose, so the hope we all have in Jesus Christ than the time people are celebrating His Birth.
they often sell the books at less expensive rates, or they may make donations to the OM The opening times for this Christmas season will be as follows: Monday through Saturday from
Ships Literature Department. 10 AM to 6 PM. They are closed on Sunday. They will open at 6 AM on Friday, November 27th, and their
Last year, OM Ships had an outdoor Book Market located next to Hobby Lobby. The last day open for Christmas will be Thursday, December 24th. The location is 131 Pamplico Highway at
decision was made to continue the market but have a location inside; therefore, they moved Coles Crossroads in Florence.
Cookie Cawthon is just plumb crazy in Flo-town these days – loving her life and her man – chasing her dream, her cheerleader, and her gymnast.
127 11/20/09 10:52 AM Page 1
Holiday
Gift
Certificates
available!
843-669-4041 hffcu.com
There is a low $30 processing fee* per loan to be payment free for a month.
Interest will continue to accumulate on your loan during the month you skip your
payment. Dec 09 or Jan 10. Patsy Evans
* A portion of every processing fee goes to charity. **Excludes real estate and credit cards
Professional, Certified Bratician
With two locations to serve you better: M-F 10-5:30 • Sat 10-3 •After Hours by Appointment
Custom Fitting bra sizes 30-46 A & up
501 S. Irby St. Marion County Medical Complex 2015 West Evans Street, Suite G • Florence • 843-665-2005
Florence Hwy 76 • Tuesday’s Only Between Palmetto Uniform & Precision Lapidary • [email protected]
128 11/24/09 1:37 PM Page 1
Dear Jo,
First, thank you so much for being a fan of She Magazine! Second, your request is by no means
an unusual one. In fact, we all want to look our best at holiday gatherings. It’s a very special time of year,
Angela and having that little extra spark about us certainly makes us feel prettier.
before And, your question couldn’t have come at a better time. In this month’s “Beauty Buzz,” we
asked A Stuart Laurence Salon and Spa de Vie, both of Florence, to show us two holiday looks.
Pick the look that’s right for you and enjoy yourself! I hope we’ve helped you out.
Merry Christmas!
She Magazine
• We start by setting the hair on hot rollers. Even when we’re not look-
ing for curl, using the hot rollers will give us a smoother, more polished, fin-
ished look.
• Pulled smooth on the sides, we gathered the hair in the back just slight-
ly right of center. This look, rather than the more formal look of pulling
the hair to the center, is very popular.
• Wanting the final look to be less formal than a wedding design,
we left out a front section of hair.
• The result is a style that looks planned but definitely not
overdone.
Spa de Vie
Stylist & Makeup Artist: Amy Giordano
Model: Mandi Brown
Mandi has beautiful short hair. I wanted to show
her a day style and a party style for her short hair.
• I gave her an Inverted Bob haircut. I then • I applied an evening makeup by showing off
styled her hair to show her how to go from a her eyes.
daytime look to an evening party look even • We then finished her look by letting her wear
though she has short hair. our Signature Jewelry to go along with the
• I used Privé Products, which gave her volume. Trina Turk Amethyst Silk Bow Halter top. from
I gave her a little curl, also. Cynthia Ladies Fine Apparel.
E-mail your beauty questions or suggestions for a topic that you would like to know more about to [email protected]. Include “Beauty Buzz” as the subject.
129 11/23/09 2:44 PM Page 1
Mention this ad
and receive
$
25 off
any
purchase
expires 12-31-09
130-131 11/24/09 2:30 PM Page 2
132-133 11/23/09 11:21 AM Page 1
Carpet
Hardwood
Wallpaper
Tile
Vinyl
Accessories
Blinds
ships. It makes conversation more effective and personal.
Floral arrangements, wreaths and Christmas trees add character to a room. You
may just need simple greenery at times. Elegance or uniqueness also makes a state-
ment in the right setting. Floral designing is a hobby of mine, and I receive my inspira-
tion from the most well-known floral designer I know – God. Look around outside to
see what color combinations He puts together and how each arrangement has His
Florence resident, Sandra Dail, and her husband,Tim, have two children, Ashley, a junior at College of Charleston,
and Adam, a sophomore at South Florence High School. When she is not fulfilling her duties as Admitting Supervisor
at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Sandra spends her time singing, doing floral design, and, most importantly,
planning women’s retreats. She enjoys discovering and sharing new ways to experience spiritual worship.
134 11/24/09 3:00 PM Page 1
Business
Women
Love To
Barter
Carolina
Barter EXCHANGE
www.Barter.sc
(866)532-4725 Info@ Barter.sc
136 11/24/09 1:16 PM Page 1
by
Suzanne
Rowe
I’m crazy about Christmas! So, what does simplicity do? How does simplicity look, and what
I love decorating my home. I get such a thrill out of finding just the right gift does it possibly have to do with Christmas? “‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis
for a friend. I have a three-and-a-half-year-old who is in awe of everything the gift to be free, ‘tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.’”
about the season. I listen to Christmas music year-round, and I’m a sucker Simplicity gives way to freedom – freedom to be who God created
for any Christmas movie. When my daughter and I are looking at Christmas us to be. I think it looks like watching for where God is at work and joining
lights, it’s hard to tell who “oohs and aahs” more. I love Christmas! I love Him, living within your means, embracing what you have, and most important-
this season. ly, whom you have in your life.
When reading the call for ideas for a “Homespun Christmas,” my
mind immediately thought that the idea of a Homespun Christmas is warmth Simplicity recognizes that the best kind of Christmas may be . . .
and welcome, compassion and peace, love and relationships, faith – and sim-
plicity.
... In lieu of exchanging gifts with friends, host a spaghetti dinner or
Simplicity. Okay, before you think I’m talking about hand-carving all game night at your home.
your gifts or growing your own Christmas tree (which either, or both, would ... A handwritten thank-you to someone who does a thankless job.
be astounding feats in my book), let me explain how I experience – or rather ... Purchasing an inexpensive flip-calendar and filling it with encouraging
– want to experience simplicity. Understand, for me, I think there’s a reason notes and Scriptures on different days for your spouse.
that word came to my mind and has taken up residence. ... Surprising the car behind you in a drive-thru line by paying for
I believe we were created for simplicity. Yet, I confess that, too often, their meal, but asking the person at the window to wish them a
I’m writing my own lyrics of complexity, allowing myself to be distracted by “Merry Christmas.”
the things that disguise themselves as urgent and important. I can get caught ... Deciding that any decorations that you don’t use in your home
up in the temporal and lose sight so easily of things that have eternal value. will not just be stored away; they will be given to a Nursing
Music is such a powerful teacher, and I’m grateful for the lyrics penned Home or Shelter.
by Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr., in 1848, to his one-verse song, “Simple Gifts.” ... The gift of your time more than the contents of your wallet.
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free, True simplicity cannot be just a decoration pulled out, dusted off and
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, enjoyed for one month out of the year. True simplicity sets the stage for living
And when we find ourselves in the place just right, Christmas year-round.
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight. The most powerful display of truth, life and giving took place in the
When true simplicity is gain’d, humblest and simplest of places – a feeding trough in a stable. Emmanuel,
To bow and to bend, we shan’t be ashamed, our God is with us.
To turn, turn will be our delight, Simplicity. It’s definitely a She thing.
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
Suzanne Rowe is the Children/Family Minister at the Woodmont Hills church in Nashville,Tennessee. She has a precious three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Catherine.
Suzanne is a recent fan of She Magazine thanks to a handsome CPA from Marion, SC, who has stolen her heart.
137 11/24/09 1:15 PM Page 1
We Wish You A
Very Merry Christmas!
Just in time for
the Holidays!
Christmas PJ's
are here!
Stop in for special Christmas
Sales all month long!
n o w h e r e !
is
Cottontails
Children’s Boutique
1210 Cashua Drive Suite 2 • Florence www.cottontailsboutique.com
(across from Del Mae School)
843-661-7108 Store Hours: M-F 10-5:30 • Sat. 10-3
138 11/24/09 2:46 PM Page 1
What’s on
Virginia Leggett’s
Best-Seller List?
Virginia Leggett moved to Florence sixteen years ago from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, with
her daughter, Barbara Kolesar, and grandson, Wade Mixon. She has lived at
Heritage Nursing Home for twelve years. She loves to read books!
139 11/23/09 5:21 PM Page 1
Boosts metabolism
ion
Re
ect
du
ces
rot
It was accidentally discovered by a group of hospital employees, who
tP
wa
at different times went to Ada Nwankudu , a Nurse Practitioner, to
an
ter
xid
request a prescription for a weight loss pill. Ada refused each request
ret
tio
en
because of the possibility of long term side effects. In turn, she recom- ar
An
Bo
tio
os sug
n
mended using natural weight loss supplements with 10 to 20 minutes of d
ts
daily exercise and portion control.The employees started taking the supple- en bloo
erg r
ment but hardly followed the portion control and the exercise components y tte
of the advice. To a great surprise, the employees/patients began thanking Be
Ada for the significant weight loss they were experiencing. Enh
anc re
Two months ago, a group of them got together to tell their story. It es w pressu
eigh d
t lo bloo
turned out that a lot of them have lost significant amounts of weight, have ss etter
B
incredible energy, have lost distressing ankle edemas, and have a better
nights sleep. Others are noticing better blood sugar and blood pressure
levels. They all felt better and were more vibrant. For instance, Kieklo
Gattison who has been taking the supplement for three months, has already
lost 35 Ibs. Kenya has lost 40 Ibs. Their story convinced Ada of the
need to put the supplement on the market to help multitudes of men and
women fight the obesity epidemic. The result of this heartwarming story is
Your Order your
the birth of Slim Magic, a natural supplement for sustained weight loss.
Ada, who recommended the supplements started taking them two
Ultimate introductory,
money-back sample
years ago to help prevent or delay the onset of the diabetes that runs in her Companion today. A 30-day sup-
ply is only $29.95.
family, also to help rave up metabolism and energy. She is ecstatic that men
and women will now be able to reap the enormous scientifically proven for the (Plus $5 S&H.)
Order in the next
benefits of the two supplements that make up SlimMagic.
Holiday 30 days to receive
an additional 30-day
To order now visit:
www.NaturesHealthAndVitality.blogspot.com Feasts! supply for FREE!
140 11/20/09 11:32 AM Page 1
A Labor Éy
Christmas
_Éäx by Sharon Bixler
YÉÜ Åx, the Christmas sea-
son begins on Thanksgiving morning. As our lives and
recipes decided and the shopping done – twenty-five-
plus pounds of flour, twenty-pounds of sugar and multi-
It blesses me to do this for others and, some-
times, it even makes me laugh, as it did recently. I was
situations have changed, so have some of the traditions ple bags of chips, coconut and nuts (to name just a few visiting a local nursing home where I once worked and
in our home. Born and raised in Upstate Central New items) – the Christmas bake-a-thon begins! still have strong ties to many of the staff members. One
York, Christmas time always brought family, friends and I use Thanksgiving morning before we leave to of the nursing assistants came up to me and said, “You
food together in a big way. go to our daughter’s house to mix up three or four know, last year when you brought our Christmas trays, I
My mother always had certain cookie recipes batches of cookies in preparation for the next day. With was off and didn’t get any of your Party Mix. This year,
and Party Mix that were reserved for “Christmas-Only Christmas music blaring, I start early Friday morning and will you please bring just a little bag of it with my name
Treats” – a tradition I continue. She also always made a bake through Saturday evening, making various types of on it in case I’m off that day?”
three-tiered cake covered with luscious fluffy home- cookies and quick breads. I usually leave the Party Mix How sweet of her! I was so touched by that!
made frosting, which was then blanketed in a thick layer to be done another evening. And, yes, she will get her own bag. What a humbling
of coconut and topped with a large wax Santa figurine. Some of my favorite Christmas-Only Cookies experience to know such a simple thing once a year
The cake was always the grand finale to our Christmas include the Star-Light Mint Surprise Cookie (which has touches someone. I pray that God always keeps my
celebration at my grandparents’ home where about thir- been in my family over fifty years). These cookies have heart tender.
ty of us would gather. a soft brown sugar outside with half a walnut on top and Passing on a legacy is also very important to
Time passed with marriages, births and deaths. in one bite, a “surprise” burst of chocolate mint fills your me. I have only one grandchild at present; his name is
Seasons of life changed, and the Christmas celebration mouth. Then, there’s the Double Chocolate Crunch Ian, and he will be six-years-old on December 2. He has
was moved to my parents with only our immediate fam- Bars. These are so yummy; they’re very difficult to helped me mix and bake many different things since he
ily. The coconut cake vanished, replaced by many differ- describe. They really are an experience that no written was big enough to hold a spoon and measuring cup.
ent desserts. I still miss the Santa and that luscious description can totally capture. The base is like a thin When he was two, he learned how to frost cookies – or
sticky frosting. New recipes started to make there way chocolate cake followed by a layer of melted marshmal- you might say, eat frosting from a frosting knife. I give
into our holiday celebration such as Shredded Wheat lows topped with a mixture of rice crispies mixed in him his own frosting and knife and let him go. Usually,
Rolls, Pink Squirrels and Buckeyes. Nonetheless, the tra- melted chocolate chips and peanut butter. These are the knife passes over his tongue as often as it does the
ditional Christmas-Only Cookies and Party Mix contin- just so great and a huge hit everywhere they go. And, of cookies; but, he loves it. He then gets to add sugar sprin-
ued to grace our table. course, there is the traditional cut-out Sugar Cookie kles of all sorts to his cookies. (I keep his cookies sep-
More time passed with more marriages, births, that’s frosted; these are my husband’s favorite. I vary arate from the others.)
deaths and a move to Hartsville, South Carolina. So, some of our other cookie favorites; and, every year, I try He also helps me make, frost and decorate
now, back to the beginning. Actually, I start preparing for two to four new recipes. So, what do I end up with? Jesus’ Birthday Cake. One of the cutest Christmas pic-
Thanksgiving Day usually around the first of November. Give or take a few dozen, usually around fifty-dozen tures I have of him was taken two or three years ago.
(The only thing is I’m not getting ready for Thanksgiving; cookies. And, lots of dirty dishes. (Thank you, Lord, for He was standing at the table by Jesus’ Birthday Cake,
I’m getting ready for Christmas.) Up until a few years a dishwasher!) carefully picking off the M&M’s that spelled Happy
ago, I always had Thanksgiving at my house. But, with Now, you ask, “What do you do with all those Birthday, Jesus.
family changes, the tradition has been passed to our cookies?” Well, most of them are given away to family, My legacy to Ian is to pass my love of baking on
daughter, which almost totally frees up my morning. The friends, co-workers, our veterinarian, dentist, former co- to him, and I pray he will also embrace the Jesus Birthday
first weeks of November are dedicated to reviewing my workers and my doctor. I love to do this; I just love to Cake tradition.
old recipes, a visit to my recipe library and also a visit to bake. I also still make the Shredded Wheat Rolls for our Merry Christmas! And, may our Gracious Lord
the public library, scouting out new recipes. With the Christmas dinner. mightily bless your New Year!
Sharon Bixler is blessed to be the wife of Hal, mother of Holly (Stanley) and grandmother of Ian. She is a Member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hartsville.
48 11/19/09 3:44 PM Page 1
UNMARRIED
`tÜç The Single Girl’s Guide
to Surviving the Holidays
Wildflowers
by Ellen
(843) 673-0850
2313 Pamplico Hwy.
Florence
A Happy Holiday
The Grove Memory Awaits!
The Inn on Harlee
www.montgomerysgroveinn.com
(843)423-5220 • Denley & Ann Caughman (843)423-5407 • (800)484-8620 • Tom Griggs, Innkeeper
144 11/23/09 3:08 PM Page 1
She Magazine learned about Katie Pierce from her sister, McKenzie Pierce, a sophomore at The King’s Academy. Katie and McKenzie reside in Timmonsville with their parents, Ricky and Gay Pierce.
If you would like to nominate someone for “WHO’S THAT GIRL?” send an e-mail to [email protected] with “WHO’S THAT GIRL?” as the subject.
Glossy 145 11/20/09 12:38 PM Page 1
Florence • 843.662.1515
FREE "Look & Feel Your Best" Medical Reports Now Available Online!
Go to www.scskin.com and enter Promo ID: She
Glossy 146 11/19/09 11:20 AM Page 1
(PSLUH
6RXWK,UE\6WUHHW)ORUHQFH6&
0RQGD\6DWXUGD\
12:23(1681'$<
Glossy 147 11/20/09 12:40 PM Page 1
Visit
www.carolinasmile.com
for valuable offers