SUMMER 2015
COMPLIMENTARY
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN
Real
ROBIN CARPENTER A Hero’s Mother
In this Issue FROM THE EDITOR TM
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We Salute Mothers!
EVENTS www.lexingtonwomanonline.com www.midlandswoman.com
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What’s Happening?
PETS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Samples Duncan (loriduncan86@gmail.com)
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
Cathy Williams (info@lexingtonwomanonline.com)
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashby Jones Carol Ryall Jennifer W. Potts Kimberly Richardson Lori Samples Duncan Patti McGrath Stephanie Y. Vokral Paul Kirby
4 Hot Weather Safety for Your Pets 6 Rita, Ava, & Sullivan, Ambassadors of Happiness
SHOPPING 8 Shop at Todd & Moore!
PROFESSIONAL 10 Meet Brad Blackburn of Dyadic Financial Management 12
20
A Financial Specialist Especially for Women
THE FRONT PORCH GOURMET 14 Summer Grilling Recipes and Tips
LET’S TALK GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lisa Ashworth woman2womanlisa@gmail.com
18 Edventure: Play is How Children Learn 20 Robin Carpenter: Raising A Hero
HEALTH & WELLNESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Clark Berry Photography Joe Willis Photography Tanya Waller Photography
24 Your Psychological Relationship With Food 26 How are those Healthy Resolutions Holding Up? 28 Expect Wellness: Holistic and Alternative Medicine
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32 Women of Lexington Medical Center Find us on facebook!
Woman 2 Woman Media, LLC (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2015
34 “I Don’t Have Clients; I Have Friends”
PERSONAL NOTE 36 The Importance of Staying Positive
BUSINESS & WEB DIRECTORY 37 Contact our Advertisers www.midlandswoman.com
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From the Editor
his issue was especially near and dear to me. As a mother, I can appreciate the fact that you simply do what you need to do. Sometimes it is a thankless job. Dads seem to be cooler than moms. And let’s face it, nine months of a life altering experience and nine times out of ten your children look just like your husband, so where is the glory? In all seriousness I never knew how difficult the job was until I became a mom myself. So to all of you mothers out there, Midlands Woman Magazines salutes you. We do not salute you because of Mothers’ Day but we salute you every single day. For all the lunches you pack, for all the boo boos you kiss, for all the compassion you teach, and little hearts you mend, we salute you daily. I hope you enjoy reading about some pretty amazing mothers in this issue of MWM. We had a lot of fun putting this together, and we came up with a pretty impressive list of ladies, if I do say so myself. We want to remind you to tell our advertisers you saw them in the pages of Midlands Woman Magazine. We like to bring you the best of the best, and local business, in our humble opinion, is the best. Support local businesses that are supporting our communities. The businesses in these pages have made a commitment to you, to provide quality services, products and superior customer service. Let them know you appreciate what they are doing locally. We hope you have a happy and healthy summer and look forward to seeing you again in the month of August. If this weather is any indication, it is going to be a hot one SC ! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and do something nice for someone today. God Bless and See you soon! Your friend,
Lori Samples Duncan
Ecclesiastes 8:15
And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
What’s Happening in the Midlands? Family Tree on the River June 17, 2014 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This event will bring the community and families together to heighten awareness of the special needs of the “Sandwich Generation”, as well as spotlight community support available to those working hard to maintain multi-generational families. Located at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater.
1st Annual Artisan Fair June 20, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Palms to Palmettos is hosting its 1st Annual Artisan Fair at 3357 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169.We will have the Art and Antique Gallery open for all to visit as well as many local Artists and Craftsmen on hand. Great unique gifts just in time for Fathers Day.
White Knoll Patriot Run June 27, 2015 Registration starts at 7:00am Race begins at 8:00am
The race takes place at White Knoll High School at 5643 Platt Springs Road in Lexington. The registration fee is $25, or $30 with a t-shirt.
Events
Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert July 4, 2015 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Peaches and Patriotism are the stars of this time-honored festival, and maybe nothing illustrates the spirit of Lexington County better. Held every July 4, except when it falls on a Sunday, the Peach Festival is powered by generations of the same families who work year-round to make sure their hundreds of guests get an authentic taste of what makes this area special. There’s barbeque. Hamburgers. Hot dogs. And peaches – let’s discuss the ways. Besides the requisite peach cobbler and peach ice cream (don’t pass that up), you can try peach tea, peach parfait, peach sundaes, peach slushes, peach almond delights, and peach zip. Cooks can submit creations to the peach recipe contest; little girls to young ladies can enter the many levels of the Miss Peach Queen contest.
www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com
Tasty Tomato Festival July 18, 2015 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Come celebrate local food and the tomato, champion of the home garden. There’ll be music, food and craft beer at City Roots Urban Farm in Columbia.
www.tastytomatofestival.com
www.patriotrunwhiteknoll.com
4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray July 4, 2015 9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Imagine a parade of 100 boats or more, festooned in red, white and blue, with similarly decorated people aboard them. Add about 5,000 spectators – on other boats and at Dreher Island State Park – all marveling at the revelry and creative costuming. This is just the first part of the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray. The event also features an evening concert of patriotic music by the Lake Murray Orchestra, followed by about 20 minutes of fireworks over the water. Registration for the boat parade is free, and the concert, on Dreher Island State Park, is free as well (after paying for park entry).
Craft & Kvell August 23, 2015 8:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Do you have a pile of photos you want to get into your scrapbook? Have you been pinning things on Pinterest but haven’t had a quiet moment to do any crafting? Is your yarn stash getting a little out of hand? Bring your projects to the JCC for a day of fun crafting with new and old friends at our Craft & Kvell. We’ll provide table space, light refreshments, and a raffle to win a prize pack – you bring your paper, yarn, deco mesh, paints, die cutter – or whatever else you use to create! Please RSVP so we can have enough tables out for everyone!
www.jcccolumbia.org
www.lakemurraycountry.com
www.midlandswoman.com
3
Hot Weather Safety for Your Pets
Pets
The Dangers of Hot Weather
Overweight dogs and dogs with thick fur (such as Chows) are more susceptible.
Overheating (hyperthermia) in your pet can lead to brain swelling (causing coma) with sometimes permanent brain damage (seizures, blindness), death of the lining of the intestine (which leads to stool bacteria entering the bloodstream causing septic shock, secondary kidney failure, etc.), bleeding disorders (DIC), and often death.
Dogs on medications that increase urination, such as prednisone or Lasix (furosemide), or those with diseases that cause increased urination, such as Cushing’s, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and kidney compromise are often a bit dehydrated already which hastens heat stroke.
Treating heat stroke involves far more than just cooling a pet. Round the clock hospitalization for several days to a week or more, IV fluids, IV antibiotics, plasma transfusions, medications for brain swelling, oxygen therapy, frequent lab tests to assess proteins, clotting ability, electrolytes, etc. and more are needed, usually costing thousands of dollars. Dogs do not sweat much at all, and certainly not enough to cool themselves. You may feel cool during a jog or while playing with your pet, but your dog is wearing a fur coat and not sweating like you are, making him / her much hotter. Dogs cool themselves by breathing, passing air over their tongue and from their lungs to help dispel heat. Dogs with breathing problems or heart problems are more susceptible to heat stroke, as they cannot move air efficiently enough to dissipate heat. If the air outside is hot, moving already hot air in and out of the lungs does not allow for cooling. This is amplified dramatically inside an automobile, even with the windows cracked. Short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are more susceptible, (such as Pugs and English Bulldogs) as they have smaller chest cavities, excess throat tissue, narrow windpipes and often narrow nostrils all of which work together to make it harder for them to breathe and cool themselves.
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
Tips To Prevent Heat Stroke 1. Keep dogs in the house during the day (not a shed, garage,
or other space that is not air conditioned). We have treated dozens of heat stroke patients that were kept in a garage with a fan and a bowl of water – the owners are always surprised that heat stroke still occurred. The air gets hot in a garage, and your dog cannot cool itself by breathing hot air in and out. If your dog must be outdoors, be sure their area is very well shaded during all hours of the day, they have cool ground (not concrete) to lie on, and they have access to plenty of fresh water. Check on your dog very frequently to be sure he / she is responsive and breathing without effort.
2.
Never leave a dog in a car during the day. Cracking windows is not enough. Have someone stay in the car with the dog, with the air conditioner running and water available.
3.
Prevent overexertion in any pet, especially those with short faces, heart problems, breathing problems, those with dense
Pets
fur, those that are overweight, those with diseases that increase urination, and those on medications that increase urination.
4.
Stop strenuous activity (such as fetching a ball or jogging) before your dog is panting heavily. Do not force an exhausted dog to keep going. Wet them down thoroughly with water (it must penetrate the undercoat and soak the skin), get them inside an air conditioned space, provide water to drink, and take a rectal temperature using a flexible tipped, lubed, digital thermometer. Normal temperature is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees F. Get veterinary care without delay if your pet seems disoriented, off balance, mentally dull, or has a rectal temperature 103.5 degrees or higher.
Tips provided by Dr. Chris Hardin, veterinarian who started the Palmetto Regional Emergency Hospital for Animals
5.
Do not use ice cold water or ice packs directly on the skin to cool your dog. Use luke warm water and thoroughly soak him or her, but only if you can do this immediately before getting to a veterinarian. Do not delay getting to the hospital.
6. Prevent your dog from getting overweight. Obesity is a significant risk factor for heat stroke.
Pet Emergency Hospital 24 Hour Emergency & Intensive Care For Your 10298 Pets TWO NOTCH RD. Across from the Village at Sandhill
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Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk
Rita, Ava & Sullivan -
Ambassadors of
Happiness
By Carol Ryall Photography by Tanya Waller
Therapy animals do not need to perform, though a few simple tricks will surely delight their audiences. 6
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
Pets
S
ometimes there’s nothing you can say or do to make someone feel better or brighten their day. But, sometimes, where you and I can’t do a thing, Rita, Ava and Sullivan can make a big difference. Rita is a Greyhound, Ava is a Great Dane and Sullivan is a mix of Great Dane and something else! All are trained as Therapy Dogs. They make regular visits to Nursing Homes, Assisted Living facilities and to see Hospice patients in their homes. Rita belongs to Linda Davis, who is the Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice Care of Tri-County. Linda started the Therapy Dog program at Hospice Care of Tri-County both because she saw a need where their patients were concerned, and also because she felt Rita would be an excellent therapy dog. Ava and Sullivan belong to Tommy and Mollie Lee. Mollie was already a volunteer for Hospice Care of Tri-County when the Therapy Dog program started. She and Tommy had their dogs trained and registered as Therapy Dogs and started doing this together on the weekends. The difference the dogs make for some patients is truly heartwarming. Linda tells of taking the hand of a coma patient and petting Rita with it. Still in her coma, the patient smiled and Linda felt sure she was aware of what had just happened. Mollie shared the story of a patient who had been almost totally uncommunicative with everyone at his facility. Walking their dogs down the hall, they stopped at his door and he invited them in. After a few minutes, he turned to them and asked, “Won’t you folks sit down for a while?” His caretakers were amazed and delighted. There was another lady they had deliberately avoided because she was terrified of dogs. One day, as they were passing her doorway she called to them, “I’d like to see your dogs. Could you just bring them to the door of my room?” They did. “What would happen if I touched one of them?” After being reassured it was safe, she asked for one of the dogs to be brought to her bedside. By the end of their visit, this lady was saying, “Please be sure to bring them to see me next time you are here!” And it is not only the patients, the doctors, nurses and caregivers also benefit from seeing the therapy dogs. To be able to bring some pleasure, joy and love into the lives of these people who are frequently isolated by distance, transportation, or work schedules from their family and friends; to see the smiles on their faces; to know they have made a positive difference in someone’s life that day – these are the reasons volunteers spend their free time taking therapy dogs into schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice patients’ homes.
and birds used in therapy animal work. Dogs, however, are the most common.) A therapy animal must enjoy human contact and excessive petting. They must be comfortable staying in place, whether it is on a floor, chair, couch, bed or lap, or in their handler's arms. Therapy animals do not need to perform, though a few simple tricks will surely delight their audiences. They must obey basic obedience commands, and be tolerant of disturbances such as clumsy handling by children and elderly people; equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes, sudden and loud noises or the surprise of seeing another animal in a facility. www.therapydogs.com links to a nationwide organization of Therapy Dogs and Owners.
You may call Linda Davis at 803 400-1177 for more information on volunteering at Hospice Care of Tri-County (with or without a dog!)
Have you ever thought that your own little Fido or Precious would be a wonderful Therapy Dog? (Yes, there are also cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, pot-bellied pigs www.midlandswoman.com
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Professional
MEET
Brad Blackburn By Patti McGrath Photos By Clark Berry
T
here are things you plan for in life. If you decided to take a vacation, you’d probably have a plan. You would pick a destination, book a hotel room, plan your driving route, and explore the activities available when you reach your destination.
“Most people don’t buy or build a house without doing some planning. Figuring out how much they can afford for a monthly mortgage payment, picking out where they want to live and so on. Without planning ahead, they usually run into unexpected problems that make the buying experience painful,” says Brad Blackburn, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER. “Why would you expect financial issues to be any different? Those that plan ahead are usually more successful in achieving their goals and enjoy the journey much more. For women, this planning is essential because of their longer life expectancy.” Brad Blackburn is the owner of Dyadic Financial Management which was founded
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
in 2007. The word dyadic is a synonym for twins. In 2005, Brad and his wife had a set of identical twin girls. He says, “As I thought about a name for my company, I wanted it to have a name that meant something personal to me. The twins were our first born so I researched words that went along that line.”
others pursue the peace that can come from financial independence.”
Brad has been in the financial industry since 1998 and was introduced to the industry during a career fair at Clemson his senior year. “No one in my family, immediate or extended, ever had a lot of knowledge when it came to money management,” he explains. “I saw the frustrations that came from never having financial freedom or independence. I entered the industry to help
Dyadic Financial Management offers a number of services including investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, retirement plan services and other business related planning. Even though he offers numerous services, he is still focused on meeting his client’s needs on an individual and customized basis.
Real Women
Brad enjoys helping people get their finances in order. “Meeting and helping others is one of the enjoyable aspects of my job,” he states. “I also enjoy the fact that every day brings new challenges.”
Professional “My company is small, and I limit the number of new clients that I take on each year,” Brad says. “I want to make sure I can devote the needed time to each new client’s situation and still appropriately take care of current clients. In addition, I do this to make sure that I am the right fit for each new client that I take on and that each new client is a good fit for my firm.” “I want my clients to know that the work I do is all about them,” he continues. “I am
independent. Period. I don’t work for anyone but the client. I don’t have a particular investment or product that I use on every client that walks through my door. My goal is to assess each client’s situation and then work toward a strategy that helps them achieve their goals, not mine.” “We live in a world that has plenty of stress no matter what you do,” Brad states. “I love helping people plan for their finan-
cial goals so that particular area of their life can become as stress-free as possible.” Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Dyadic Financial Management, LLC is located at 115 Atrium Way, Suite 103 in Columbia. If you would like fur ther information you may call (803) 708-4727, email brad@dyadicfinancial.com, or visit the website at www.dyadicfinancial.com.
Did you miss our last issue? Find all of our previous issues online at:
midlandswomanonline.com For more information call us at 803-785-4475!
www.midlandswoman.com
9
Shopping
SHOP AT TODD & MOORE!
W
hen baseball and soccer parents shop at Todd & Moore, they never have to worry if that game-winning slide results in ripped pants or if the dog eats a shin guard halfway through the season. That’s because Todd & Moore, an iconic Columbia business that’s been taking care of Midlands athletes since 1944, prides itself on always having what its customers need. “Baseball has evolved to a 10- or 11-month sport,” Todd & Moore baseball specialist Jeffrey Dockter said. “When some stores are out of inventory, they’re out. We make sure we stay stocked all year.” Todd & Moore, located at 620 Huger St. in Columbia, has full-service soccer and baseball departments that carry all the top brands in both sports. Even more importantly: The departments are staffed with people who love playing the games, so they understand the importance of making sure every athlete has good equipment that fits great.
below the knee and three fingers above where the foot flexes up,” soccer specialist Jay Burns said. “The absolute best way to fit a shin guard is to actually try it on.” Burns is not a fan of the socks with built-in shin guards that are so tempting for parents whose kids balk at straps. The built-in shin guards force players to wear two pairs of socks, and that becomes bulky inside the shoe. “They do offer enough protection, though,” he said. It’s possible in both sports to invest more money in equipment for children who are especially enthusiastic – a practice ball in soccer and a bat and personal batting helmet in baseball.
When some stores are out of inventory, they’re out. We make sure we stay stocked all year.
Todd & Moore also carries a supply of hand-warmers, scorebooks and Gamecock gear for those early spring games at Carolina Stadium. At very basic levels, tee-ball and U4 soccer for example, players don’t need much gear. In tee ball, a glove and pants will do. In soccer, shin guards are enough. Cleats are recommended for both sports, and while soccer cleats used in the fall can be recycled for baseball in the spring, that won’t work in reverse. The toe cleat in a baseball shoe makes it illegal for soccer. In soccer, it’s crucial to make sure shin guards fit properly in order to ensure both comfort and protection. “It needs to be two fingers
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
In soccer, the size ball used depends on the player’s age: size 3 for ages up to 7, 4 for ages 8 to 11 and 5 for ages 12 and up. In baseball, nothing is that simple. “Anything with baseball is hard to determine size just by a child’s age,” Dockter said. “Gloves are based
Real Women
on the size of their hands. It is better for a kid to have a glove that fits and that they can control than a glove that is too big.” The same goes with bats. The player’s height is a big determining factor, but so is weight and the age division of play. And the more seasons a child plays, the more personal preference will become a factor in bat selection. A light bat with a high “drop” or a heavier bat with larger barrel – which is “best” will vary from hitter to hitter. At Todd & Moore, Dockter has years of experience helping outfit hitters of all preferences. In fact, that’s one of the things he loves most about his job. “I’ve been working for this company since 2003 and have seen many of the same families continue to grow. It feels good to be able to help the same families year after year and be able to build a relationship. There are not too many companies out there like us anymore.”
For more information or expert advice, call Todd & Moore at 765.0150, visit the web site at toddandmoore.com or the Facebook page at facebook.com/toddandmoore.
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11
A Financial
Specialist
Especially For Women
C
oulter Roberson is a partner with her father in Roberson and Roberson Financial Planning. “I originally got into this field because I was going through a divorce, I needed a job and my father was working in this industry. Then I found out that I’m really good at it! My Dad and I started Roberson & Roberson Financial back in 2005. While he is a seasoned professional, I’m just stepping in to my prime with knowledge and experience,” Coulter explained. “We are small and have a boutique specialty feel. We really know our clients and their families very well. We can help them with wealth management, financial planning and estate planning.” By Carol A. Ryall Born in Mississippi, Coulter has lived all over the country. Because her father worked for IBM, her family moved seven times before she graduated high school. She started college at Bridgewater State in Massachusetts. Her family moved twice more and ended up in South Carolina. Missing her close-knit family, she transferred to USC for her senior year. As Coulter put it, “South Carolina has it all! The mountains, beach, small country towns and living in the capital city has its perks too! In a day we can take a quick trip out of town and back and be in totally different environments.” She and her husband, Craig Templeton, have three children between them. He adopted her children,
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
now 17 and 20. His 7 year old daughter lives with them during the school year. While there are many physicians who specialize in a particular type of medicine, and lawyers who specialize in a certain aspect of law, until Coulter Roberson I hadn’t met a financial planner who was a Specialist. “My financial practice focuses on women transitioning through tough situations in life like divorce, recently widowed, taking care of aging parents, and approaching retirement. Most of my female clients are facing a big change in life, dealing with grief or other stressful emotions, and having to make tough financial decisions at the same time,” she explained.
“I’ve been working primarily with women going through divorce for almost ten years now. I’m different from most advisors when it comes to working with women because I pay attention to body language, emotions, and women’s blocks and fears about making important decisions concerning money,” she continued. “I have a knack for helping women separate emotions from sound financial choices. My heart goes out to all women in crisis. I wish I could work with them all, but divorce is the area that is particularly close to me, not just because I’ve been through two difficult divorces, but because I have developed an understanding when working with women of how to explain what they are facing in terms that make sense to them. I recognize where they are, because I have been there.” When she is not advising women about their money, you may find her speaking to civic clubs and other groups, on the topic of “Money and Women.” If you would like to book her for your group, give her a call at 803-790-1677. She is also very proud of and involved in the women’s networking group she founded in 2006. The Professional Women’s Network of the Midland’s or PWN is still meeting at the same location today! As a professional woman and working wife and mother, Coulter Roberson admits, “Life/work balance can be tough and challenging. But I limit my networking events in the evenings and weekends to spend time with my family, plus I make sure I make time to take care of myself too.”
Roberson & Roberson Financial Establishing Confidence And Control In Your Financial Life
We help guide women to make important financial decisions when dealing with major life transistions and preparing for the future.
www.garyroberson.com
3924 Forest Drive, Suite 1 Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: (803) 790 - 1677 Fax: (803) 790 - 1831
If you, like many of Coulter Roberson’s clients, are experiencing a major life transition and have the very common concerns of “How will I get through this alone?” and “Will I be OK?”, contact Roberson & Roberson Financial Planners 803-790-1677 for advice and know-how to help you set your mind at ease.
The South Carolina Science Academy (SCSA) is a publicly funded school and learning laboratory that focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM). This academically rigorous school will feature a project-based instructional model, serving sixth through ninth grade, adding an additional high school grade each year. We will open August 2014, to begin our first exciting year of innovation, STEM-centric learning.
ENROLLMENT FOR FOR 2014-2015 2015-2016 ENROLLMENT SCHOOL YEAR SCHOOL YEAR IS IS OPEN! OPEN! www.midlandswoman.com
13
SUMMER SPECIAL:
Subscribe online and see all of our past issues at
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
The Front Porch Gourmet
Grilled Chicken KABOBS over Peach & Ricotta Salad with Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze Ingredients: For the Kabobs: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed 2 cups vegetables of your choice Cherry tomatoes for the ends wooden skewers Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze below For the Grilled Peach Salad: 3 peaches, halved and pits removed 1 bag Arugula Greens 1 recipe Homemade Ricotta Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze below 1 package Proscuitto 1 loaf crusty bread
Recipe By Melissa Pelkey-Hass at The Front Porch Gourmet
For the Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze: ¾ cup chicken stock ¼ cup dark brown sugar ¼ cup soy sauce 1 tbsp sriracha sauce ½ tbsp garlic paste ¼ tsp. black pepper
Directions: First, prepare the Sriracha glaze. Heat all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium high heat; bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until reduced by half. Skewer the meat and vegetables. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through but not dried. Brush with glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. Brush with additional glaze after kabobs are fully cooked for great, additional flavor. While kabobs are on the grill, prepare the salad. Prepare a bed of greens. Lightly brush peaches with Sriracha glaze. Grill cut side down for approximately 45 seconds to one minute. You’re looking for a little caramelization and nice grill marks. Remove from grill and place peaches on the bed of Arugula. Add slices of Prosciutto, bread and a bowl of Homemade Ricotta cheese. (Recipe at thefrontporchgourmet.com) Store bought is NOT the same. Trust me on this. Because I love you and would never, ever lie to you. And it is so easy your goldfish could make it. You got this. Then you can get what’s in that photo up there. Thank me later for sharing. I could have kept it all to myself, you know! www.midlandswoman.com
Amy Spencer an interior designer with passion
Photos By Shelby Spencer
“When the economy crashed in 2008, I was forced to leave a part-time position that I loved to find full-time work. But there was good news behind the economy crashing for me…do you know what that was? It forced me to face my fears,” says Amy Spencer, owner of Amy Spencer Interiors. “Even with a full-time position, I needed to find ways to make extra income and I realized I needed to utilize my God-given talents and get out there and design.” 16
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
“I had graduated with a Bachelors in Interior Design in 1994, and worked in the design field for a few years after graduation,” Amy explains. “I left my career at one point to help my husband open his insurance business, and once again, I took another wonderful detour to be a mom.” When Amy decided to pursue opening an interior design firm and follow her passion, it was unnerving. “I realized I had a lot of good excuses on why I wasn’t designing full-time. But, the truth was I was scared of running my own business. At that point in my life, however, I couldn’t afford to wait any longer. I had to make some money, so I stuffed fear in my back pocket and pressed forward.”
I eat, breathe, and sleep interior design and I love every minute of it. She began by offering her services to decorate people’s homes for Christmas and ended up booking four weekends in a row, all the way up to two weeks before Christmas. Her passion for design was reignited and there was no stopping her after that. Today, Amy is a 44-year old wife and mother who is finally pursuing her dreams, and she is thrilled beyond measure. Her company, Amy Spencer Interiors, offers a myriad of services from full service design to consulting services.
One popular service she offers is the VIP Consulting Service. She visits your home for a few hours, focusing on one room, giving suggestions on how to pull together the finishing touches. Then, she puts a binder together for the client detailing exactly what the client needs to do from star t to finish, giving them step by step instructions, prioritizing the list and recommending a list of vendors to use. She has also focused on home staging. Amy helps clients prepare their home for resell. In home staging, items are removed from a home to depersonalize the space so that a potential buyer can imagine themselves living there. Home staging is fast becoming a necessity for those wishing to sell their home quickly. Amy was recently awarded the Houzz Service Award of 2015, a website for home remodeling and design, recognizing the great testimonials that she has received from her clients. She also won a scholarship to the Design Bloggers Conference which featured famous designers such as Nate Berkus and Alexa Hampton. “I’m realizing that time is shor t. It is either now or never to pursue your passion. And, I am very passionate about interior design. I eat, breathe, and sleep interior design and I love every minute of it,” Amy states. “I hope to inspire all women out there to pursue your dreams. It doesn’t matter how old you are because it is never too late.”
For more information about Amy Spencer Interiors please visit www.amyspencerinteriors.com
Full service design is a “stress-free” design process for the client. She takes a project from beginning to end and designs the space for the client. Although the client is involved, Amy finds the pieces, orders them and installs everything. www.midlandswoman.com
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Let’s Talk
PLAY IS HOW CHILDREN LEARN
By Carol A. Ryall Photos By Clark Berry
In January, EdVenture Children’s Museum was very fortunate in acquiring an enthusiastic and knowledgeable new President and CEO. A native of Yorktown, Virginia, Karen S. Coltrane came to EdVenture from the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR). Moving from Virginia, where her husband’s family has lived for ten generations, was a significant step for the Coltranes. However, the fact that their only child, Sam, is a freshman at the College of Charleston helped pull them toward SC. Ms. Coltrane worked her way through the College of William & Mary at nearby Busch Gardens, where she met her husband, Rick. He works for the Department of Education in Washington, DC and commutes from SC. (Ironically, she said, his commute is actually quicker from SC than it was in Virginia!) Karen Coltrane said one of her biggest surprises has been how many people have asked her why she would move from Virginia to South Carolina. When she answers, “Because Edventure is one of the top Children’s Museums in the country,” those questioning her are typically surprised. “This is something you can honestly brag about to newcomers and visitors. EdVenture is a museum to be tremendously proud of,” she exclaimed! One of the pleasant surprises after arriving at Edventure has been the strength of the staff. “They had been without a CEO for a while, and as someone new coming in, you never know what you are going to find. They are a smart, committed, experienced group of people; it is a delight to work with them, “ she stated. EdVenture has an extensive array of programming, which is one of the things that attracted her to the museum. Kids can participate in Cooking Classes, Day Camps, Toddler Days, Home School programs, After School programs (offered in 12 Richland County schools,) Birthday parties, and the Big Ed Health team, among others. With help from Corporate Sponsors, the Museum provides programs highlighting specific lessons in
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
finance, biology, engineering, math, art, music and much more. “Our core purpose,” Ms. Coltrane explained, “is to nurture the love of learning. Play is how children learn. While they play, they are building the scaffolding in their brains for social skills, adaptability, intelligence, creativity and the ability to solve problems to build on. That foundation is critical for those skills to develop. There is so much more going on there than just having fun!” “That’s probably why the Maker Space is one of my favorite exhibits,” she continued. “They first envision what they want to make and then they create it.You can see their brains developing right before your eyes. This is the only type of activity that lights up both sides of your brain, the creative right side and the analytical left side as well.” “This kind of Creative Problem Solving ability is what every employer in America wants. If children don’t have the opportunity to experience this kind of play at a very young age, they never develop that ability. Neuroscience is learning more every day about how critical this stage of their brain development is.” When asked about her biggest frustration, Ms. Coltrane replied, “ So often when people are discussing organizations they support and why, they will dismiss us as glorified childcare; a luxury, not a necessity. They don’t understand how significant Early Childhood Development is to almost everything our state wants to accomplish, especially in edu-
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cation. With the programs we are offering, every child in SC could be ready to learn when they get to kindergarten. If they are behind when they start out, it is extremely difficult for them ever to catch up. That is fundamental; certainly not a luxury.” If you would like to help support EdVenture there are several ways to do it. You can become a member; sponsor an exhibit, class or program (Corporations, Organizations, Clubs, even Sunday School classes could consider this) or donate supplies for the Maker Space. Karen Coulter suggested the types of things they could use include cardboard – flat pieces or tubes (toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, wrapping paper tubes,) popsicle sticks, construction paper, styrofoam, masking tape, duct tape, coffee filters, pipe cleaners, foam trays and containers, old CDs, LEDs, Coin/watch batteries, soldering supplies, old computers & other electronics, paint brushes, water based paints, markers, string, glue. Probably any craft supplies or kits that you no longer use could also be put to good use. Think how many of these things you throw away every day. Grab a big bag and start stashing these “treasures” for tomorrow’s inventors to use today! You can drop your bag off at the admissions desk at the front door of EdVenture, anytime they are open, and they will be very grateful for your support! If you have never been to EdVenture, grab your kid, grandchild, or a neighbor’s child and head on down there. It’s a GREAT museum – one of the best in the country, actually!
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Our core purpose is to nurture the love of learning.
“ www.midlandswoman.com
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Robin Carpenter says her most important role is that of a mother. 20
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
Raising a
Hero
By Lori Duncan Photos By Mike Guinto - Combat Camera.
hen I realized that I wanted to interview Robin Carpenter, it was totally selfish of me. I wanted to know what kind of woman raised such an unselfish hero as Kyle Carpenter: a man who is credited with using his body as a shield to protect fellow Marines. William Kyle Carpenter (born October 17, 1989), also known as Kyle Carpenter, is a medically retired United States Marine who received the United States’ highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. According to Wikipedia, Carpenter is the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient. Although I am not sure I was successful, I tried to articulate to Robin the reasons I wanted to interview her. As a mother of four and a woman who loves my country, I appreciate what her son did. I am grateful for his and his fellow Marines’ service. I also appreciate the sacrifices that our military service men and women, as well as their families, make on a daily basis. So who was this woman who raised her to son to be the kind of man who would willingly place himself in harm’s way to protect someone else?
I talked with Robin about the twins that they chose to attend different high schools. That says to me that Robin was the kind of mother that supported her children’s decisions to be their own people and nurtured each of them differently, focusing on their individual needs. Now, all three of Robin’s sons are college students. Kyle is at USC and the twins, Peyton and Price, are at two other schools. Peyton is at Tri-County and will hopefully be transferring to Clemson in the fall and Price is at the Citadel. Robin says family is her first priority. She is very close to her mother and sisters and lots of nieces and nephews. “Extended family is very important to me.”
Robin Carpenter is the mother of three boys. She is an employee of Lexington Medical Center at the Irmo facility as an x-ray technician, however Robin says her most important role is that of a mother. Easy going and down to earth, talking with Robin was like chatting with one of my neighbors.
Robin explained to me that they were not a military family. Her boys didn’t have grandfathers or uncles who served. Kyle didn’t even grow up with a military father. However, she was not surprised that Kyle did what he did when the details of that day starting coming to light. “That is just who is he. He was always the kind of person who would protect others.” From the story Robin recounted, I got the impression that it didn’t matter who needed his protection, he was willing to give it. So when Kyle came to her and his dad and said he was going into the Marines, Robin and her husband were not overjoyed.
Robin says when she found out she was pregnant with twins, she was so excited. “Kyle helped us raise them. He is such a good brother.” It was interesting to me as
Now don’t get me wrong, I got the distinct impression that Robin and her family are very much lovers of America. It was just unexpected. After talking with Kyle and www.midlandswoman.com
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Lets Let’sTalk Talk
one another, they both agreed to support Kyle’s decision. She never felt easy about his going, and she says she prayed every day for Kyle while he was away. When she learned of his accident, she wasn’t even shocked. It was like she knew something was going to happen. Time seemed to fly as I listened to Robin walk me through part of the process of learning Kyle was injured. Robin says there isn’t a single branch of the military that she has not had some dealing with since Kyle’s injury. “Everyone has treated us wonderfully.” Robin laughed and even gave me some helpful advice as she shared details of getting Kyle home and settled. I was fascinated with her mothering skills; I think in part because I have never felt more helpless in my life than when my child was in pain and I couldn’t help them. I remember when my oldest was four and he had a
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
blister on his inner ear. For about twenty minutes he begged me to help him. I could only cry with him and hold him until the pain medicine kicked in. I remember the faces of the other mothers in the doctor’s office that day: tears streaming down their faces for a stranger’s little boy. Not because they loved my son, but because they loved their sons. I felt the same way about Robin. I felt as if I knew Kyle. I felt as if this woman was taking care of all of our sons. She was helping heal a part of all of us, because after all, Kyle was defending our freedoms. I prayed for him before I ever knew his name. I prayed for his mother after I knew his name. I asked Robin’s husband and her sons to share a little about her with us. Here is what they had to say. “On this upcoming Mothers’ Day, there is no more deserving mother than Robin Carpenter. While
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other Mom’s may have experienced more tragedy and grief in their life, none have exhibited more love and selflessness through it. “Much like Kyle never complained about the intense pain and discomfort he felt, Robin never complained about the emotional pain, loneliness, and helplessness she felt as a Mom. “Not only the inability to ease Kyle suffering, but also being away from her twin sons Peyton and Price for their birthdays and missing their school functions. “She was tired - but never showed it. “She was scared - but told everyone it was going to be okay. “She was lonely- but always spoke and encouraged every stranger she met at Bethesda Hospital.
“Before Kyle left after 3 1/2 long years, everyone at Bethesda knew Robin “Birdie” Carpenter. “She was petite- but don’t neglect taking care of her baby, Kyle. She learned quickly the squeaky wheel gets the grease. She was the mother- the mother that I admired.”
While other mom’s may have experienced more tragedy and grief in their life, none have exhibited more love and selflessness through it. Price sent me this… “The only things I have to say about her is she is the perfect example of a mom. She would give up anything and everything for me or my brothers and without a second thought of if it benefits herself. She’s is completely sacrificial and anyone you talk to who knows her would tell you that.” Peyton had this to say, “She is the best mom I could ever ask for. She tells me every day that she is thinking about me and that she loves me. She dedicates every
second of her life to me and my brothers.” Kyle said this about his mother, “She brushed my teeth when my hands and arms couldn’t. Instead of having a comfortable bed, she slept in a hospital bed next to me so I could fall asleep. She loves me more than I can comprehend. She cooks dinner and cleans everyday so we can have good meals and a clean house. She checks in daily with my brothers and me to make sure we’re ok. She is the rock of our family. Happy Mothers’ Day mom! I love you and thank you for always being there and helping me to become the man I am today.” After listening to her husband and sons, what else can I possibly write about Robin Carpenter?
www.midlandswoman.com
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psychological
What is your relationship with food?
S
pring is in the air, so what does that mean for our taste buds? Perhaps foods like strawberries, honeydew, and asparagus. Sometimes when we eat, we feel like we are in heaven. Other times, there is a black cloud of guilt that hangs over us. Have you ever eaten a piece of cake on one occasion and felt wonderful, like at a social gathering....but then another time, late one night, that same piece of cake resulted in feeling horrible about yourself?
Food can be associated with powerful psychological effects. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Depression all have symptoms related to food intake. For some who feel their life is out of control, food can seem to be the only thing they can control and then they record the details of their calories, weight, or diet in an effort to stabilize life. Others have addicting behaviors with food in which they begin a bag of chips or cookies and do not perceive they have the ability to stop until it is complete; then a wave of guilt sets in, which may result in food eliminating behaviors (e.g, vomiting). What we see when we look in the mirror, in terms of our body satisfaction, also can be a major 24
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
contributor of our eating behaviors. If we see ourselves as too heavy and dwell on our low self-image, this can result in skipping meals or finding ways to rid our body of the food we just consumed. Some depressed individuals feel they are not “worthy” of eating food, because it is considered a pleasurable act. It is a different phenomenon for each individual. A few lucky folks can eat and eat as much as their heart desires and they’ll continue to be a skinny rail their whole life (don’t you just hate them?) However, about two-thirds of the country is considered overweight or obese presently. Several theories have surfaced about
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the rising rates of obesity, including the change in society to a sedentary lifestyle (i.e. sitting in front of our computers all day) compared to our previous ambulatory lifestyle (i.e. farming crops and engaging in constant manual labor). Others point to the intense pressure of advertising through billboards, television commercials, and product boxes to eat unhealthy foods; or the seemingly increasing portion sizes served at chain restaurants and fast food establishments (think about doggie bags and “super” sizing your meals). Genetics and biological underpinnings may play a major role as well into understanding obesity. Are several family members overweight? Have
Health & Wellness you been overweight your entire life or only recently? Maybe your thyroid levels are off kilter? There can be several different contributing factors.
PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATIONS PSYCHOLOGICAL
If you believe that a majority of your day is occupied by TESTING / EVALUATION ADHD • EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, LLC food thoughts, you may have a concerning relationshipCHILD CUSTODY • PARENTING with food. Have you turned down invitations to have a FIT FOR DUTY • DISABILITY meal with a friend, date, or group of individuals because PROMPT DELIVERY OF you are embarrassed about how you eat? There are cues IN-DEPTH REPORTS about eating and mealtimes all over our society presently and if you have avoidant or overindulgent tenden- COMPREHENSIVE www.comppsychsc.com PSYCHOLOGICAL cies, these can make the day-to-day living even more SERVICES, LLC challenging. So consider this-- when you read the words FORENSIC/EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES cake.... apple.... pizza.... spaghetti... broccoli.... fajita....how does that make YOU feel?
803-422-0017
803-422-0017 www.comppsychsc.com www.2CompPsychSC.com 803-403-1756 FORENSIC/EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
Dr. Michelle Peterson has a research background AdId: in E 9700002927066 - 04 YPH: 104300 CustId: Psychologists health behaviors such as cigarette smoking and obe-9532123458 Dir/Iss: COCSC Y1 02/2014 YPSH: sity. Dr. Peterson is a licensed clinical psychologist who UDAC: DQC - PCW conducts psychological evaluations and assessments ATTUID: sh609j Rep: 340926 - oa4213 ALAKHWAN OMAR at Comprehensive Psychological Services, LLC Date: 11/14/2013 02:57:AM Adld: E 9700002927066 - 04 EVALUATION YPH: 104300 (www.comppsychsc.com, 803-422-0017). A referral TESTING/ is not needed to make an appointment, though it is Custld: 9532123458 ADHD EDUCATIONALPsychologists recommended for your completed report to be shared CUSTODY PARENTING YPSH: Dir/Iss: COCSC Y1CHILD 02/2014 with your medical providers. FIT FOR DUTY DISABILITY
UDAC: DQC - PCW Reports - oa4213 ATTUID: sh609j Prompt Delivery of In-Depth Rep: 340926 Date: 11/14/2013 02:57: AM ALAKHWAN OMAR
Look out for our next upcoming SUMMER issue!
www.midlandswoman.com
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How are those healthy RESOLUTIONS holding up?
Photos By Clark Berry
“Cheers to our health!” “This year, my resolution is to take care of myself!” Do those phrases sound familiar? Of course, we’ve all made those claims during New Year’s celebrations. Often times, though, the hustle and bustle of life turn those great intentions into wishful thinking. As the first quarter of 2015 becomes a memory, and we head in to Summer, the team at AFC/Doctors Express is reminding every Midlands woman about the importance of women’s health. Women are at risk for a number of diseases and conditions, with heart disease, cancer and stroke being the worst culprits. But a number of other conditions can lead to poor health in women, including obesity and high blood pressure. Women are at a higher risk for these conditions, so it’s a great time to make an appointment with AFC/Doctors Express on Forest Drive for a quick checkup.
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
Services Offered: • Urgent Care • Primary Care • Digital X-ray • Lab Testing • Occupational Medicine and dlOn-the-job Injuries (Workers The next time you come in, be sure to ask the friendly doctors about the topics on this handy Checkup Checklist: Obesity: According to the CDC, more than
Diabetes: Since diabetes often goes un-
Cervical cancer: A Pap smear every 1-3 years is the best way to screen for this form of cancer. If you’re sexually active or between the ages of 21 and 65, make sure your exam includes this test.
Osteoporosis: Thinning bones is a condition that typically affects women over 65, but according to the University of Irvine, if you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh less than 154, osteoporosis screenings are a good idea.
36 percent of women age 20 and above are obese. Make sure your doctor knows your body mass index (BMI) to determine whether you’re at risk for obesity.
Cholesterol: A number of factors can contribute to high cholesterol, but it’s especially important to screen for this if you smoke, have a family history of heart disease or you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Women over age 45 should have their cholesterol tested every year, but if you’re at risk, get screened earlier. Blood pressure: More than 30 percent of women over age 20 have hypertension, or high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher signify hypertension. Due to hormonal changes, women over 65 are actually more likely to have this disease than men, according to the American Heart Association.
dlCompensation)
detected, a screening is a good way to take preventative action. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, a diabetes screening is also a must.
STDs: If you’re under 25 and are sexually active, screenings for sexually transmitted diseases are a good idea.
Your health is more important than an annual commitment. Team together with AFC/Doctors Express to ensure those commitments stay top of mind throughout the year. AFC/Doctors Express offers Urgent Care and Primary Care services, so they are ready when you are – just walk in or call about scheduling a visit at our AFC/Doctors Express location on Forest Drive.
AFC/Doctors Express provides high-quality, urgent care at a low cost! The professional staff of physicians, X-ray technicians and medical assistants are on-site to not only provide you with high quality care but a positive experience. There is a comfortable lounge to wait in, a friendly and professional staff and state of the art equipment (including digital x-ray and a full lab) to take of all your urgent care needs.
www.midlandswoman.com
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“
At my core I knew that spending only minutes with people with the goal of writing a prescription was not the way I wanted to practice medicine.
�
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
Health & Wellness
EXPECT By Patti McGratch Photo By Tanya Waller
Wellness
C
an you imagine going to medical school, becoming a doctor, and after time wondering if you had made a wrong career choice? Imagine investing so much time to your education and your work to only be dissatisfied and unfulfilled with your career. This was the dilemma Dr. Rachel Hall faced.
“For several years I did full scope family medicine: I worked in a clinic seeing all ages as well as providing prenatal care, delivering babies and providing postpartum and newborn care in the hospital,” she remembers. “Over the years I became less and less fulfilled with the work and slowly pulled away from clinic and focused my time on prenatal care and providing care in the hospital for deliveries, postpartum, and newborn care. I decided I had made the wrong career choice and began making changes to leave medicine.” “This is when I opened Expecting Well, a non-toxic spa serving everyone, but most importantly pregnant women. The plan was to grow Expecting Well to a place where I could leave my medical career,” Dr. Hall explains. It was during this time she attended a conference called the 12th Annual Science & Clinical Application of Integrative Holistic Medicine. Attending that conference changed her life. “It wasn’t that I had made the wrong career choice; I was practicing medicine the wrong way,” she exclaims. “At my core I knew that spending only minutes with people with the goal of writing a prescription was not the way I wanted to practice medicine. Almost all chronic disease is caused by things we are doing or not doing and not the lack of a medication.
Now, a new patient visit with me is a full hour. Prior to the appointment, patients fill out an extensive form that evaluates ALL areas that can impact wellness. At the new patient visit I review this form and it guides our time together as far as what areas need focus.”
been able to find help elsewhere. “Since a lot of what I recommend is lifestyle change and therefore is in the hands of the patient, those patients willing to do the hard work, who begin to finally feel better are encouraged to continue on the path towards wellness.”
“In May of 2013 I bought an existing part time integrative medical practice and renamed it Expect Wellness. At first it was just one day a week, then two, and in October of 2014 Expect Wellness opened full time. We have also moved to a beautiful new office and consolidated Expecting Well (massage, facials, body treatments, non-toxic nails, all natural sugaring hair removal, and yoga) into the same location,” she says.
She evaluates many areas like adrenal function, GI function, body burden of heavy metals and food sensitivities. She also addresses areas like diet, chemical exposures, stress balancing, water intake, and more, all of which can affect your health and wellness. “Our bodies are designed to heal themselves but we need to be providing what our body needs through diet, exercise, sleep, supplements, as well as reducing/eliminating/ balancing what detracts from that process such as chemicals, heavy metals, and stress, as well as using natural options to support that process like essential oils and herbs.”
Expecting Well is a non-toxic wellness spa for everyone. “We all need to become aware of the sea of chemicals we are in and start reducing our chemical exposures. Health and Beauty products are one area where we get exposed to a lot of chemicals, so your relaxing day at the spa can actually be toxic. Not at Expecting Well. All products used are low to non-toxic—free of all chemicals. Currently the only yoga classes are prenatal, but we will be expanding those offerings as well as things like meditation and other mindfulness practices,” Dr. Hall states.
Learn more by visiting www.expectingwell.com or www.DrRachelHall.com or call (803) 796-1702.
Dr. Hall wants to help patients who haven’t www.midlandswoman.com
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WE CARE. YOU SMILE. DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
We are a family dental office in Columbia, SC that offers a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services designed to meet the needs of your entire family. Our goal is to assist each of our patients in achieving and maintaining long term dental health and an attractive smile.
101 WILDEWOOD PARK DR. SUITE A COLUMBIA SC29223
PHONE: (803) 393-4600
WWW.CarolinaSmileStudio.org
Mullis Law Firm P.A.
Located in South Carolina’s capital city, the Mullis Law Firm P.A. has spent more than 40 years focusing on personal injury and auto/truck accident cases. Pamela R. Mullis has fought and won justice for victims and their families injured by drunk drivers all across the Palmetto State. Our deep knowledge of South Carolina law and the court system gives us the edge we need to secure compensation our clients need and deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver please feel free to contact us.
We work to keep South Carolina safe. LET US FIGHT FOR YOU! 1229 Elmwood AveColumbia, SC 29201 803.799.9577 mullislawfirm.com
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Where alternative and holistic treatment meets modern day medicine to balance your body, mind and spirit...
Let your ears join the party
Call today if you are looking to achieve balance!
Dr. Rachel Hall
(803) 796 - 1702 DrRachelHall.com
CENTA HEARING CENTER a division of Columbia Ear, Nose & Throat Associates
803-256-2483 • www.centamedical.com
Integrative / Holistic Family Physician
Our team of experienced physicians and audiologists offer comprehensive hearing healthcare services to meet all your needs.
130 Suber Rd, Suite D Columbia, SC 29210
Lexington Office 157 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington, SC 29072
Specializing in: • Pediatric and Adult Hearing Loss • Pediatric and Adult Hearing Aid Services • Implantable Hearing Devices
Columbia Office 9 Richland Medical Park Dr., Ste. 510 Columbia, SC 29203
Midlands Woman always features the BEST doctors and health centers. Check our website’s business directory for more resources to better YOUR health.
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L A D I E S O F L E X I N G TO N M E D I C A L
Health Around&the Wellness Town
Teri Ullsperger
T
By Patti McGrath Photo By Tanya Waller
eri Ullsperger has been working in the emergency room at Lexington Medical Center (LMC) for thirteen years, and an emergency room nurse for most of her twenty two year career. “The ever-changing flow of patients’ unique medical issues coupled with the adrenaline rush that comes with saving lives and taking care of critically ill patients are two of the many reasons I love working in the Emergency Room,” Teri says. “Being able to directly see the positive results of my efforts as a patient recovers and gets better is an indescribable reward.”
“Emergency nursing is unlike any other type of nursing. We have to be competent in many different areas and able to take care of anyone who walks in the door. From newborn babies, to trauma victims, to strokes and heart attacks and everything in between, we need to be ready,” she explains.
serving others is something that I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. In the past I have volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center and for many years led vacation Bible school at my church,” she states. “Being the mom of two volleyball players has also led to me being ‘team mom’ several times.”
“In my time at LMC I have been a staff nurse and a clinical coordinator, with my current role being that of a clinical mentor. Being a clinical mentor includes the challenge of educating all the staff on all of the new processes and changes that take place in the hospital, while continuing to maintain my skills by taking care of patients,” Teri continues. “We have a great team of nurses and physicians in the Emergency Department and I feel very blessed to have been a part of this team for so long.”
We have a great team of nurses and physicians in the Emergency Department and I feel very blessed to have been a part of this team for so long.
Volunteering has always been important to Teri. As the clinical mentor at LMC, Teri now has full-time hours and hasn’t been able to devote as much time to volunteering as she could before, but she still loves to help out when and where she can. “Giving back and
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Now Teri volunteers where her children are involved, at school or with their sports, because her primary goal is to raise her children well. “My main focus now is on my family.
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I feel that one of the most important things a person can do in this world is raise good kids. I saw the other day someone wrote how we are always talking about ‘leaving a better planet for our kids.’ Then he asks, ‘how about we leave better kids for our planet?’ That hits home with me. I feel that my greatest responsibility now is to raise good children.” Teri feels that if she focuses on raising good people to leave to this world, the positive effects will last far longer than anything else she can contribute. And, the good news is, as her children get older and move on in their lives, she will again be able and excited to devote more time to outside causes. Her positive efforts both at work, through her volunteer work, and with her family affect many people for the better, and will for many years to come.
L A D I E S O F L E X I N G TO N M E D I C A L
Barbara Willm By Patti McGrath
B
arbara Willm has been fortunate to have a career that has exposed her to many charitable organizations, and opened doors for her to volunteer in her community. Barbara is the Vice President of Community Relations at Lexington Medical Center (LMC), and has been there for almost twenty-nine years.
“I am responsible for advancing the hospital and community relations by explaining the focus, objectives and image of the hospital,” Barbara says. “I plan special community events that promote good will and provide community education. I am the liaison to the Community Outreach Committee of the LMC Board of Directors that financially supports programs in the community that provide medical services that augment the hospital’s mission.”
healthcare at no cost to residents who have no healthcare. It primarily serves residents of Richland and Lexington counties, but can only offer these services because of its dedicated volunteers and through the financial support of donors. “Their mission is so in line with LMC,” Barbara explains. “They serve every day with little resources to take care of our most vulnerable population.” (For more information please view their website at www.freemedclinic.org).
It’s a job she has loved. “I am honored to work for an organization with the values and culture of LMC. It is impressive that this organization recognizes the strength of the relationship with our community,” she states. “We are all blessed to live in such a great community. My job allows me to see so many outstanding organizations and people giving so much to help their neighbors.”
Another cause close to Barbara’s heart is working with the Saluda Shoal Foundation, where she is this year’s Chair for their Board of Directors. “I love this park and what it means to have a regional draw that combines nature, art and education in one spectacular venue,” she says. The park gives people visiting the opportunity to experience nature in an urban environment. As a Board member, Barbara works to make the community aware of the outdoor recreational activities, environmental education, cultural opportunities, and more.
The key to volunteerism is finding causes you are passionate about, then supporting an organization which champions that cause. Barbara enjoys working with several organizations like the free medical clinic, a medical home to the underserved located at 1875 Harden Street in Columbia. The clinic offers quality
to unite people and resources to improve the quality of life in the Midlands. The organization works to determine and respond to human service needs in the community. “The United Way of the Midlands provides hope for so many,” Barbara shares. “They focus on literacy and health care to insure that everyone in our community can have the same opportunities for a stable life.” It doesn’t matter which cause you choose to support as long as you decide to make a difference. It’s up to us! “We all must be good stewards of our community and do everything we can to support and protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” Barbara encourages. “Recognize that everyone has something that they can contribute. Start with what you are able to do and JUST DO IT!”
Barbara also serves as Chair for LMC’s United Way employee campaign for the United Way of the Midlands whose mission is www.midlandswoman.com
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Health & Wellness
By Carol Ryall Photos By Clark Berry
“I DON’T HAVE CLIENTS; I HAVE FRIENDS.”
T
ina Wilkerson, owner of Elite Personal Training, is a personal trainer with a big heart. The Columbia resident was a typical stay-at-home mom. But six months after her daughter was born, she was 40 pounds overweight, experiencing low energy, headaches, and back pain. Determined to make changes that would allow her to enjoy life with her daughter, she began studying nutrition and fitness. Through changes in her diet and exercise, she lost weight, gained muscle, and went from a size 14 to a size 2. Her physical ailments disappeared and were replaced with energy, painless mobility and confidence. Having experienced first-hand the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle, she has now devoted her life to helping others improve their quality of life.
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Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer (CPT) and a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), she opened Elite Personal Training Studio in 2007. The Studio, at 1186 Columbia Avenue, Suite 101 in Irmo, is in a new 1800 square foot facility equipped with free weights, pulleys, kettle bells and a variety of dynamic training tools. The clean, warm décor make it closer
to a boutique than an open gym. Free community health talks are also regularly offered on wellness, nutrition and fitness subjects.
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“My own personal fitness journey has been a challenge as well as a reward. I have struggled with my own health issues, and days when my motivation is low, or times when my self-esteem is poor. I am much like the average person. But I know how empowering and
freeing it is to have a body that cooperates with the person that is inside of me. I know how great it feels to move better, have less pain, and to have confidence.” Tina’s personal insights into the struggles that many people face is exactly what makes her clients appreciate her and what helps them be encouraged to progress toward their own goals. Client Dana Berry says “I know Tina
can relate to me. She makes me feel comfortable and confidant. When I’m having a bad day, I am more likely to get a hug and some great stretching and relaxation exercises than to ever get any kind of judgment from her. She is organized and deliberate about my program design. When I leave her I always feel better, both psychically and emotionally.” Tina’s clientele is a diverse group.
Health & Wellness Most of her clients are trying to lose weight or improve their general health, but she also works with many older adults who want to maintain and improve their independence, as well as those who are stepping down from Physical Therapy and Rehab. “It’s so rewarding,“ Tina commented, “to help people create a body that allows them to live the kind of life they want to live.” She’s not a Drill Sergeant, but a supportive, unintimidating encourager. “My clients become my friends. They trust me because they know I genuinely care about them, and that I understand their struggles,” she says. Many of them have been with her for several years. “We walk the roads of life together,“ says one client. Tina says, “I have the clinical knowledge; I am extremely thorough and comprehensive in the services and experiences I provide; my clients get results. But they also know my heart is for them, and that is what really matters.”
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Tina’s services include private and semi-private training programs, complete with movement screenings, health assessments, personal program designs and nutritional counseling.
Auto. Home. Life. Retirement. They all matter, so wrap them all in a blanket of Clark Farley Nationwide® protection. WeClark putFarley members ClarkFarley Agency Clark Farley Agency SM Phone: (803)788-4211 first, because we don’t havePhone: shareholders. (803)788-4211 farleyc2@nationwide.com
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Nott al No Not al Nati all NNationwide Nat Na onnwide onw onwi de affili aaffiliated ffiliiated ffil ffilia ffi edd comp ccompanies o anie omp anniees are a em ar mu mutual tual tua tu ual ua al cco al com companies paanni pani nies es aand es nndd nnot oott aallllll Na NNationwide ationw ationwid atio nwi nwid widde me m mem members embe mber mber bers are ar a e in insured sure u d by b am mut mutual uutua tuaall co company. om mpan pan anyy.. NNati Nationwide, ati at onwi on de, onw de the hee Her free consultation allows prospective clients aNatiNaNatNNationwide full assessment NotNationwide No Not tati atlionwide all on onw dand edaffili aaffiliated ffili ffil ffilia ffi edJJoin doin ccompanies o the an nati an,eWhat ar m mu mutual tual tua ual ua apprecious l reci cco com companies pa pani nies eyyou sou aand nnddisisnnot ootecio t cio aallillll uus NNationwide Na atto ationwid tio nwi nwid nw dnnded me m mem members mput mber bemembers rsemb ar are amb ebin insured ds by bbecause acause m mut mutual uutua tua all co company. mpan m Nationwide, ati at on onw de de, heare e service NNa at aal onwi nwiionwi ddenwi N de and an Eag EEagle giale lted ocomp inomp thheeanie NNation, Na Nati aieetiison oare on, Wha Wh What’s h tu ’’ssal rec re ious uanni us ttooes pprecious pr eciou satio o us swid aan and We Wembe put uber mem m erssure sufirst fifirs rst bec bec ecause aus se we don’t do don’ don doon npan n’t ’tahave ha hnayy.ve v.eNNati sshareholders share h onwi hare ha reehold hold lld ders rthe sserv se eervvice ccee NNaati Nationwide at amarks tiaark onwi onwide Naattand aionw an dnwEag EEagle gle l Mutu Jutu Join otinalthe oin the hl IInsurance ensu NNation, Na Nati atiance ion once on, Wha Wh What’s pprecious rec re u014tto us yyou outionw isis pr pprecious eciou i Mutu uusut snsur and Wnnccceeput pCo ut uoom mem m emb mb first fifirs rst bec b18A ecause aus we do don’ don donn’t n’t have hhaave ve share sshareholders h reehold hare ha hold lldders r are service sserv se erv e vice ccee ma mark m rk rnwi kss iof oddef Nat NNationwide ind onw idde ide id MMutual nsur ns uati nn,ceWhat Com CCompany. ohmpany p’’ssany nyreci y. ©ious 20 2014 4oNa Nat NNationwide ioonw idecio ide dcio MMutual Mu ustttooaalus utu l IInsurance naan sunnd urdra ran aWe CCompany. mmembers ppan aany nyyb.ers NNP NPR-0718AO.2 Ps RR-0 R-07 -0 0s 7because 07 18AO 8ec 8A AcOause AO .22se((8/ (8/14) 88/1 8/ 8/14 /14 /1 /14)don’t Join the Nation that knows what’s Important. maaark mark m marks rk rkss ooff Nat NNationwide aattionw ionw nwid idde Mutu ide MMutual utu t all IInsurance nsur ns nsu u ance nce Com nce CCompany. ompany pany nyy. © 2014 200144 Na Nat NNationwide tionw ioonwide idd Mutu MMutual Mu ut ut aall IInsurance utu nsuurra nsur ran anncce ce Co CCompany. oom mppan aany nyy. NNP NPR-0718AO.2 PRR-0 R--07 -007 0718A 18AO 8AO 8A AO.22 ((8/ (8/14) 88/1 8/ 8/14 /14 /1 /14) and program recommendation. Her $59 semi-private training Combine your policies and save up to 25% trial gives new clients the full assessment, as well as four training sessions. Call Tina at 803-749-4279, or visit www.elitepersonaltrainNott al No Not al Nati all NNationwide Nat Na onnwide onw onwi de affili aaffiliated ffiliiated ffil ffilia ffi edd comp ccompanies o anie omp anniees are a em ar mu mutual tual tua tu ual ua al com al co ccompanies paanni pani nies es aand es nndd nnot oott aallllll Na NNationwide ationw ationwid atio nwi nwid widde mem m me members embe mber mber bers are ar a e in insured sure u d by b am mut mutual uutua tuaall co company. om mpan pan anyy.. NNati Nationwide, ati at onwi on de, onw de the hee NNaati Nationwide at ationwide onwi nwiidde N and andd Eag an EEagle gle l JJoin oin the oin thhee Nati NNation, Na ati atiion on, What on, Wha Wh What’s h ’’ss pprecious recious re reci u ttoo yyou us ou isis pr pprecious eciou ecio cio i uuss ttoo uss aan and nndd We W put put u members mem m emb mbberss first fifirs rst s because bec bec ecause cause ausse we don’t do don’ don donn’t n’t have hhaave ve share sshareholders h reehold hare ha hold lldders r are service sserv se eervvice ccee ingstudio.com to schedule your free consultation. maaark mark m marks rk rkss ooff Nat NNationwide aattionw ionw nwid idde Mutu ide MMutual utu t all IInsurance nsur ns nsu u ance nce Com nce CCompany. ompany pany nyy. © 2014 200144 Nat NNa Nationwide tionw ioonwide idd Mutu MMutual Mu ut ut aall IInsurance utu nsuurra nsur ran anncccee Co CCompany. oom mppan aany nyy. NNP NPR-0718AO.2 PRR-0 R--07 -007 0718A 18AO 8AO 8A AO.22 (8/ ((8/14) 88/1 8/ 8/14 /14 /1 /14)
www.midlandswoman.com
Clark Farley
35
A Personal Note o you ever feel like you are moving in circles? In the last few months, I have found myself wondering about the state of this world. How senseless some things are, or so they seem to be to me. I rarely turn the news on anymore because there is so much sadness. A little face that haunts my dreams or a pair of grief stricken eyes that I can’t get out of my mind. I read once that our children are like little tanks. Imagine their bellies are a reserve filled with either positive or negative emotions. Those emotions both good and bad come from us. Whatever we fill that tank with, is what comes out of their mouths. So I have to wonder, why are people so mean? When I was younger, I can remember my parents teaching me to be kind. I know it’s hard to believe I just wasn’t born that way, right? Seriously, if I said something that wasn’t nice, my mother would say, “That isn’t a nice thing to say.” or if I was being rude or unkind, I remember hearing the old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Now days people think it’s funny to say mean things. They sit around and see who can say the meanest things. Does it come from this new form of socializing that we have, Facebook/twitter/Instagram/snapchat, where we can shoot off a comment to someone without any real consequence. Where we can hide behind a computer screen and make veiled remarks, yet everyone knows who you are talking about. Does that make it ok if you don’t name the person you are “slamming” specifically? I was at a local performance recently and two young ladies were sitting behind me. I felt like I was at a casting call for a “Mean Girls” movie. The seventeen-ish year old young woman, spent an hour… critiquing every single person who stepped foot on the stage. I was embarrassed for her and I felt badly for the young people who were being graded on this performance. I usually bite my tongue, however, this time I could not. I asked a teacher to tell me her name. She did better than that, she called her over. Now I could embarrass her by telling you all who she was, but my mama raised me better than that. I only mention this because it is scary to me to think we have lost our compassion for one another. When I was in school if I was watching student performances my thoughts would have been, “They must be very nervous!”; “Wow, that took a lot of guts to sing that song!”; “ That was amazing for a solo performance!”; “What great dancers!” Instead, here was a young lady who had absolutely nothing nice to say for fifty plus minutes. After I admonished her for her behavior, I was very sad. I wondered how self conscious this young woman was, and how insecure in herself she must be, how empty of positive emotions to share from her love tank. It may be “uncool” and terribly “unpopular” but I want to always be the positive and not the negative. I want to fill all the people I “pour” into with kindness and love. I know at times I have failed at that. I am sure I have said some not-nice things myself from time to time, and I will do better. Maybe because I shared this with you, you will stop yourself or someone else from being unnecessarily unkind to someone. Until Next Time, Your Friend
Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.
Lori Samples Duncan
-Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. first lady
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Business & Web Directory Attorney Mullis Law Firm..........................................................................................30 www.mullislawfirm.com Consulting Comprehensive Psychological Services, LLC...........................................25 www.comppsychsc.com Education SC Science Academy..................................................................................13 www.SCScienceAcademy.org Southeastern Esthetics Institute.................................................................30 www.seestheticsinstitute.com Financial Planning Brad Blackburn, Dyadic Financial Management.......................................9 www.dyadicfinancial.com R&R Financial..............................................................................................13 www.garyroberson.com Health Services Carolina Smile Studio...................................................................................30 www.carolinasmilestudio.org Centa Hearing Center...................................................................................31 www.centamedical.com Doctors Express.............................................................................................37 www.doctorsexpresscolumbia.com Expect Wellness...........................................................................................31 www.drrachelhall.com Home Services 4A’s Flooring America................................................................................11 www.wefloorcolumbia.com
Hotel Wingate by Wyndham...................................................................................17 www.wingate.com Insurance Nancy Galloway: Allstate............................................................................11 www.nancygalloway@allstate.com Clark Farley: Nationwide.............................................................................15 www.nationwide.com/clark-farley Interior Design Amy Spencer Interiors................................................................................13 www.amyspencerinteriors.com Personal Trainers Elite Personal Training.................................................................................35
www.elitepersonaltrainingstudio.com
Pets Palmetto Regional Emergency Hospital for Animals...............................5
www.prehavet.com
Photography Clark Berry Photography...............................................................Inside Cover www.clarkberry.com Tanya Waller Photography............................................................... Back Cover www.tanyawaller.com Shopping Edible Arrangements...................................................................................11 www.edible.com Todd & Moore.....................................................................................................11 www.toddandmoore.com
The Grounds Guys......................................................................................17 www.the-midlands.groundsguys.com
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