The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate the planting of a rare second-generation Moon Tree grown from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedling that traveled around the Moon aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission.
The seedling was among a select group of tree species launched aboard the uncrewed Orion spacecraft in 2022 as part of NASA’s Artemis I mission. After spending more than 25 days in space, the seeds returned to Earth and were germinated and distributed to institutions nationwide committed to STEM education, conservation, and public engagement. GSSM was one of only a few schools selected to serve as stewards of this living piece of space history.
“GSSM is home to so many incredible opportunities—and now, we’re proud to add a Moon Tree to that list,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, it’s an honor to be chosen by NASA to help inspire curiosity and exploration, especially in the realm of space. As we nurture the growth of our Moon Tree, we’re also cultivating a passion for learning and discovery within every member of the GSSM community.”
To read the full story, click here.
HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleHopeHealth welcomes Samantha Dukes, LPC, a behavioral health consultant at HopeHealth Pediatrics in Manning.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.
Her clinical interests are behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, anger, PTSD, and trauma.
Hockey Is Back – Help Name The Team
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleHockey is back in the Pee Dee at Florence Center beginning this October and you have the chance to help name the new team.
We can’t wait to see what names that will will be submitted. The winner will receive a team jersey, a pair of season tickets, be a part of the first puck drop and get to be in the locker room for the first pre-game speech of the season.
Contest ends at noon on May 1st. Submit your name here!
GSSM Dedicates Artemis I Moon Tree
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleThe South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate the planting of a rare second-generation Moon Tree grown from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedling that traveled around the Moon aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission.
The seedling was among a select group of tree species launched aboard the uncrewed Orion spacecraft in 2022 as part of NASA’s Artemis I mission. After spending more than 25 days in space, the seeds returned to Earth and were germinated and distributed to institutions nationwide committed to STEM education, conservation, and public engagement. GSSM was one of only a few schools selected to serve as stewards of this living piece of space history.
“GSSM is home to so many incredible opportunities—and now, we’re proud to add a Moon Tree to that list,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, it’s an honor to be chosen by NASA to help inspire curiosity and exploration, especially in the realm of space. As we nurture the growth of our Moon Tree, we’re also cultivating a passion for learning and discovery within every member of the GSSM community.”
To read the full story, click here.
Hoylen Insurance Agency Featured On ChamberLink Radio
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleBilly Hoylen, owner of the Hoylen Insurance Agency in Florence, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about their agency’s work in serving individuals, families, and businesses in South Carolina for over 28 years.
We encourage you to tune-in every Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.
This program is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Looking for past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews? Click here:
https://www.flochamber.com/events-programs/podcasts/
Local American Heart Association To Hold Golf Event
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleThe local American Heart Association will be holding their annual golf event on June 10th at Traces Golf Club in Florence. Come join the fun with great networking, refreshments and food provided during the day. For more information, contact Michelle Rasmussen at (843)591-1569 or email mrasmussen@darlingfibers.com
Revitalize Health Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News, Ribbon Cuttings /by Mandy HowleThe Revitalize staff along with Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Revitalize Health today announced the launch of their new Florence facility. The clinic is dedicated to helping achieve Personalized Wellness Goals, while promoting long term health and well-being. The clinic, located at 1518 South Meadors Farm Road, offers a medically supervised approach to Hormone Therapy, Medical Weight Loss, and Peptide Therapy, combining expert guidance with personalized plans to achieve sustainable results.
Community members that may experience Weight Gain, Insomnia, Low Libido, Fatigue, or Mood Swings, should consider a ‘Free Discovery Session’ with one of the Revitalize Health Consultants. The team at Revitalize Health will explore a customized Hormone or Medical Weight Loss Plan just for you!
To read the full story, click here.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Invests to Enhance U.S. Innovation
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleThermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, will invest an additional $2 billion in the United States over the next four years, strengthening American innovation, manufacturing and economic competitiveness across the life sciences sector.
For more information, click here.
Florence Mosquito Abatement Begins May 12th
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleThe City’s Mosquito Abatement operations will begin on Monday, May 12, 2025. Spraying will occur between 8 pm and midnight within the municipal service area. Depending on weather conditions, spraying is typically conducted once or twice per week and usually takes two to three weeks to reach all neighborhoods within the City of Florence.
Important Note for Beekeepers: If you are a beekeeper, please notify the Public Works Department at 843-665-3236. As a Bee City USA affiliate, the City wants to be mindful of hive locations to avoid any potential impact.
For more details on the City’s Mosquito Abatement Program and information on the vital role residents play in supporting these efforts, please click here.
Duke Energy To Have A Storm Ready EXPO May 10
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleBe sure to put the Duke Energy Storm EXPO on your calendar to attend on May 10th form 10:00am – 2:00pm at Florence Center. Plenty of vendors on hand for you to discuss best practices for storm preparations and even activities for the Kids. No excuse for not stopping by to visit.
For more information, click here.
Sesame Street Live! Coming To Florence Center
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleElmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood on May 3 to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!
For more information, click here.