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MEET Judi Gatson Learn more about her Story!
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In this Issue
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From the Editor
Professional
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES Theresa Adams Cathy Williams info@midlandswoman.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vincent D. Cunningham Lori Samples Duncan Amy Pittsenbarger Chris Powers Lilli Serral Rebecca Vigné
COVER PHOTO
Robert Patrick Image Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Oh Schmidt Productions Robert Patrick Image Design
2 It’s a New Year!
Events
3 What’s Happening?
Let’s Talk 5 6 8 10 11 12
The Aiken Trials: Where Champions Start Food for the Soul What’s in Your Attic? The Art of Learning: Educational Programs at the CMA Happiness After Loss: Widows of Opportunity Cornbread & Cashmere
13 14 21
Behind Every Successful Woman is Herself Downtown Divas KOK Consulting and Coaching Interview with Founder Kathy O’Keeffe
Celebrating the Survivor in You! 22 Meet Chris Powers
Business & Web Directory 27 Contact our Advertisers
Personal Note
28 The Gift of Children
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Midlands Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (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. © 2014
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From the Editor
T
ime has certainly flown by this year. It has been a crazy spring and summer is going to be busy as well. A close family member is moving to Lexington and I am very excited. She has been saying she is coming for a few years but it looks like she is finally making the move. There is so much to do and decide in the next few months. Finding the perfect house, the perfect community. Of course she will be living somewhere in Lexington County. Lots of decisions new doctors, new drivers license, changing your car tags out and so much more is all a part of the change. I remember when Lexington Woman first came to be it was to give everyone a book of resources. To help cut out the searching when you needed a service professional , a local boutique, the best coffee in town, or a medical professional. A best of the best, I think Lexington is a wonderful place to live and raise a family and our newest resident has a definite advantage because of all the wonderful local businesses that we have worked with in the last eight years. I can tell her exactly where she needs to go and who she needs to contact to help her get settled into her new life. From Lexington Medical Center to Robert Patrick Images we have given you some of the best businesses in Lexington to choose from. She even has someone to discuss the new insurance laws with in local representative Jeff Howle. Change is difficult and can be over whelming if you are new to the area or if you are a long time resident, we want to do business with people we trust. These pages are filled with exactly that, businesses you can trust! Please let our local businesses know you found them in Lexington Woman Magazine. They have made a personal commitment to you to offer you the best services and care possible.
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Real Women
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Events
What’s HAPPENING?
Lexington County Peach Festival July 4th, 2014 9:30am-10pm Gilbert Community Park.
Festivities kick off every year with the parade at 9:30 am and stretch into the night until 10:00 pm when we bring the day to a close with a dazzling display of fireworks. We hope you plan to spend July 4th with us in Gilbert as you enjoy the live entertainment, parade, over 100 Art & Craft Exhibits, an antique car show, a Revolutionary War Re-enactment, a tractor show, children’s rides, and numerous food items specializing in “Peachy” delights! A student Peachy Art Contest held in May at the various schools and the various divisions of the Peach Pageants scheduled for June 28 are events also held in conjunction with the Peach Festival.
PALMETTO TASTY TOMATO FESTIVAL 4-9PM on Saturday, July 19th, 2014 City Roots Urban Farm, 1005 Airport Blvd Columbia, SC 29205. Located in the Rosewood Neighborhood.
Presented by Sustainable Midlands, the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival is a celebration of locally grown food – the people who grow it, the restaurants who place it on their menus, the markets that sell it, and the people who eat it! Continuing its traditions of old-time festival fun, Tasty Tomato’s programming includes a free heirloom tomato tasting, live music, local food and drink vendors, tomato bobbing, and the highly anticipated Tasty
Tomato Contests! Returning as well this year is the Tasty Tomato Restaurant Feast, a collaboration with local restaurants that will offer special dishes on their menus made with Midlands Grown ingredients the week before the festival, from July 11-18, 2014. Festival food will also feature local food with a tomato theme! Sustainable Midlands, a champion of the region’s sustainable food efforts and festival founder, is producing this celebration of the tomato season. The festival will be held at City Roots Urban Farm.
Ultimate Challenge Mud Run Night Ops July 26th, 2014
5K course with 20 obstacles illuinated with lights and luminescent paint, 4 person teams - benefits veteran and military organizations. For more information please visit http://www.ultimatechallengemudrun.org/nightops. html
Riverbanks AAZK’s 4th Annual Bowling for Rhinos Sunday July, 27, 2014 6:30-9:30 at JC’s Lexington Bowl
Enjoy a night of bowling, a silent auction, door prizes and more - proceeds go directly to wildlife conservation
Enchanted Garden July 25-27, 2014 7pm-9pm Springvalley Baptist Church 91 Polo Road Columbia SC, 29223
VBS for women by Reclaiming Hearts For more information please visit: http://reclaiminghearts.com/vbs-sc/
Silver Fox 5K Trail Run @ Saluda Shoals August 9, 2014 Benefits the Dutch Fork High School Cross Country Teams. To learn more about this event please see: http://www.dutchforkrunners.com/index.php/silverfoxtrailrun/
Classic Car Cruise-In Jun. 28, 2014 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170 Venue: Columbia Metropolitan Airoport
Invites classic car owners to cruise on over. The public is invited to come out to enjoy music, food, fun and especially the cars that will be on display. For more information please see http://www.free-times. com/events/event/classic-care-cruise-in
Accommodations Memberships Dining Weddings Vacation Rentals Fifty- Fifty Watersports Jet-Ski Rentals Boat Rentals & MORE! Spinner’s Resort is the perfect place to gather with family, friends, or associates for a unique lake vacation experience!
101 Sandalwood Road Leesville, SC 29070 Phone: 803-532-5300 www.spinnersresort.com
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How Physical Activity Helps Foster Healthy, Smart Children By: Little Gym
At The Little Gym, we take a whole child approach that uses physical activity as a conduit for Three-Dimensional Learning, a philosophy that helps children develop new skills in a non-competitive setting. We build confidence in children by helping them develop skills that will benefit them at home, in the classroom and throughout life. The first tenet of Three-Dimensional Learning is “Get Moving.” This helps build flexibility and strength, and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy activity. Studies have shown that young children who acquire “fundamental movement skills” such as running and hopping, catching and throwing, and balancing and twisting are more likely to get and stay physically active. It should come as no surprise that active children are more likely to become active adults! Our second tenet, “Brain Boost,” fosters listening skills, sustained concentration, and decision-making. A study published in Preventive Medicine in 2011 demonstrated that physical activity helps boost children’s mental functioning. Young children’s brains undergo tremendous growth and change, and participation in structured and repetitive physical activities help foster this intellectual growth. Rounding out Three-Dimensional Learning is an element we call “Citizen Kid.” These activities focus on helping children develop skills like cooperation, listening, sharing and taking turns. Groundbreaking studies conducted by Columbia University have tracked the leadership success of children who developed the ability to take turns and wait for a reward. These children grew into adolescents who were better able to handle frustration and stress, pay attention and make plans, and generally perform better in both school and social situations.
P
arents looking to help young children achieve their best later in life may
find that physical activity programs, such as at The Little Gym of City, will do more than just teach children how to tumble. New research suggests that creative physical activity may be the key to fostering confident, successful kids. 4
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Real Women
After (N) years of working with children at The Little Gym of (City), we can say with confidence that children who keep active, build their concentration skills, and learn to positively engage with others are certain to be champions in life. For more information, including a white paper, “Raising Future Well-Adjusted
Adults,” that further discusses how three-dimensional learning helps foster healthy, smart children, please visit www. TheLittleGym.com/ADifferentApproach. The Little Gym of Columbia has been open for 10 1/2 years where Gym Director Emily Duncan has worked for ten of those years. In August, they will be moving to Rosewood to the old Sounds Familiar location, and you can join them for an open house at their new location on Sunday, September 14. Check them out before the fall, when they begin two new programs: Sporty Beasts for ages 2 ½ to 3 years and a Tumblers class for ages 6 to 12 years. Find out more about the gym and all of its classes at www.thelittlegym.com.
Steven E. Lanham, DDS PA & Associates
Cosmetic • Implant • General • Sleep Dentistry
2020 Laurel St., Columbia, SC 29204 803-254-4543 • www.healthysmilz.com
SUMMER CAMPS
Whether you're looking for the perfect summer quest for your little adventurer or a way for your child to perfect some seriously thrilling skills, The Little Gym Summer Camps have something for everyone! Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to schedule several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time! NOW ENROLLING SUMMER AND SEASON CAMPS AND CLASSES!
Call or schedule a free introductory class online. Columbia 738-1115 Lexington 915-7235
www.midlandswoman.com
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Lets Talk
Trusting the Lord With
the Rest By: Amy Pittsenbarger
E
very now and then, I meet a woman who seems to completely have her life together. She's a busy mother, wife, professional, and she does it all while also maintaining calm and poise. It's impressive to say the least, and one such woman is Judi Gatson, the longtime anchor of WIS News Live at 5, WIS News at 6 and WIS News at 11. When we sat down to talk, it was clear that Judi is a woman who embraces all aspects of her life with enthusiasm. She and her husband of 24 years, Dwayne, first moved to the city of Columbia when he was stationed as active military at Fort Jackson. They only ever planned on staying for a few years, but it quickly became their home base, so to speak, for when Dwayne traveled to other bases. Soon, they realized that Columbia was a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and so they've stayed ever since. Dwayne has since retired from the military and works as a senior ROTC instructor at A.C. Flora High School.
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Judi says she didn't originally plan to go into the television field. In fact, she majored in business management, first at Georgia Tech and later at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. But when a required internship
led her to a local TV station, her time spent around the news anchors opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in television. On a whim, when she and Dwayne were moving to Columbia, she called to inquire about a job at WIS TV,
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
but they required a minimum of three years of experience. Refusing to be discouraged, Judi set out to break her way into the field any way she could. She was hired on as a radio host for WIS after an impressive first interview, and
stayed there for a while, until one day, fate stepped in. The women's Olympic marathon trials had just been held in Columbia, and the station needed to inter-
view the winner. But after a scheduling mix-up, the only person available to do it was Judi. The response to her interview was such that she was soon offered a job as a weekend anchor. And the rest, she says with a smile, "kind of snowballed from there". She's since been the anchor for every single time slot that WIS broadcasts, and has become one of the most well known TV personalities in the Midlands over the past 18 years. But her career isn't the only thing she does with great enthusiasm; Judi is also the busy mother of two boys, Aidan, age 3, and Nicholas, age 2. Her road to parenthood wasn't easy, though. After suffering a devastating miscarriage, Judi spent a long time wondering how she would ever heal. She says she feels that her experiences and faith in God have uniquely prepared her to counsel to other women who are experiencing similar sorrows.
God uses those situations to build your faith. I think that part of the reason I went through that was to help comfort others Several years later, once she and her husband had made the decision to adopt, they moved forward fairly quickly. Or as quickly as any adoption process, which is to say about a years worth of paperwork and meetings. On the day that
her life would change forever, Judi says her day was already going well. "It was my birthday, and Prince was in town for a concert, and then our adoption counselor called and wanted to come by our house," Judi laughs, "I opened the door and she said "You're going to be a mom. I just about passed out, it was just the greatest day." A year later, they adopted their second son, Nicholas. “My proudest accomplishment has been being able to carve out time for my boys. Just knowing that no object or toy I can buy is as important as the time that I can give them,” she says with a smile.
in my head. My mom taught me and poured such wisdom into me as a child and teenager,” she says, “I’m always the mom and the wife that I need to be on that given day.” Maintaining a balance of all your responsibilities between work and home is a challenge, but Judi does it with aplomb. When I asked her what advice she had to pass on to other women, she had a unique perspective on it all. “A lot of busy moms take so much on their shoulders and they feel like they have to do it all. Be patient and not be so hard on
Lets Talk
themselves, give yourself a break if you don’t have it all together,” she says encouragingly. Judi has found happiness in living her life in the moment. It’s all about making the most of her time, with her family and with her career, and with life in general. Live your life now!
Balancing a career and motherhood is a daunting task for any woman, but for a woman who works such unconventional hours as Judi, it has the potential to be even more challenging. By the grace of God, though, she makes it work. Whether it is trading parenting shifts, so to speak, with her husband, or Facetiming her sons from the station before they go to sleep, Judi makes it work. “I have a really great husband, and we have really wonderful help. The ladies who help with the boys are like an extension of our family,” she explains. She is able to spend every morning with her sons until they settle in for their nap, because of her nighttime anchor position with WIS. Her husband is home with them during the afternoons and nights, and they have a dedicated group of women who help with the boys in the meantime. Judi explained that she owes much of her ideas and philosophies on motherhood from her own mother. “Every day I still hear my mom’s wisdom www.midlandswoman.com
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Professional
Insurance with INTEGRITY By: Amy Pittsenbarger
U
nderstanding what kind of insurance coverage you need can be a stressful process. And for some people, even understanding what insurance does can be tough. But if there’s something Victoria Ares knows, it’s insurance. She works as an Allstate® Insurance agent, operating within her own agency, and is licensed in property, casualty, life and health insurance. As she explains it, this basically means she can protect everything that is important to her customers – be it auto, home, business or life. Victoria has had lifelong dreams of teaching, and her career with Allstate allows her to educate people, just in a non-traditional way. “I get to explain what exactly the coverage will do for them, how it works, why it is important and how it will protect their family, assets and future,” she explains.
After leaving her corporate job and traveling the world, Victoria began working for a competing insurance agency. After a year’s leave, due to a difficult pregnancy and maternity leave, she was invited to a new job at Allstate® Insurance. She fell in love with it and was offered the opportunity to open her own agency 8
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
after just four months. As Victoria cheerfully puts it, “And here I am!” Mixing business and motherhood is a delicate balancing act, but Victoria does it all with grace. Not only is she a successful businesswoman, she is a mother, and loves doing both. "I'm a 24/7 mom and wife, and a 24/7 insurance agent," she says with a smile.
Real Women
Her job never stops, and she handles everything at the office from answering phones and taking payments, to making policy changes and discussing coverage with customers. The relationship with her customers is one of the most important aspects of her job, Victoria explains. She personally calls customers to review any
You have to be readily available for when bad things happen to good people. Being both a mom and a business owner isn’t always the easiest, but Victoria’s hard work and dedication have made it all possible for her. “I would recommend giving my office a call so we can set up a time for a free review to make sure the coverages are set up the way that you want and need them, and that all of the discounts you are eligible for are in place,” Victoria recommends.
BIG BUNDLE WHEN YOU PROTECT YOUR
LITTLE BUNDLE
I can help you protect your family for less. Buy any life insurance policy and save on your car policy with the Allstate® Auto/Life Discount. There’s never been a better time to get the life insurance your family needs. So why wait? Call me today. Ares Insurance and Financial Services (803) 794-5550 victoria.ares@allstate.com
Discounts vary. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Life insurance issued by Allstate Life Insurance Co., Northbrook, IL, and Lincoln Benefit Life Co., Lincoln, NE. Northbrook, IL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co.
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changes made to their policies, as well as increases and decreases in premiums. When I asked her to describe her field to me, Victoria explained a very common misconception people tend to have about insurance-and that’s people thinking: “I pay all of this money for nothing.” It can be hard to understand what benefits you are receiving when they aren’t tangible benefits. But Victoria works hard to set her customer’s minds at ease. “I want my customers to know that their hard earned money is not just thrown away. Their Allstate agent is here for them, I am here for them,” Victoria says,
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For more information on Victoria and all of the wonderful services she can offer your family, call (803) 794-5550 or visit her at 2251 Augusta Road, West Columbia. www.midlandswoman.com
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Professional
DINOSAURS: LAND
OF FIRE AND ICE ROARS INTO EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TM
Exhibit Utilizes New Research to Create Distinct Dinosaur Environments
C
OLUMBIA, SC– April 25, 2014– EdVenture Children’s Museum is pleased to announce Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and IceTM, opening June 7 through September 14. Crossing the threshold of this exciting exhibit means traveling back in time to explore to the Cretaceous Period (145 – 65 million years ago), the time when dinosaurs last lived on earth. As visitors move through the exhibit, they encounter unfamiliar landscapes, touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes and opportunities to investigate clues about what these mysterious creatures left behind.
In the steamy "Land of Fire," visitors experience the sizzling prehistoric home of the Triceratops and T-Rex. Children don insect costumes to buzz through a volcano with oozing lava or a swampy bog, and identify an ecosystem of animals and plants. A frozen trip across the "Land of Ice" introduces visitors to a Troodon and Edmontosaurus, two dinosaurs who made their homes in cold climates. Activities include climbing rocky steps, breezing down an icy slide and hopping across stepping stones over an icy river. In the Field Research Station, children step into the role of paleontologist, uncovering fossils and creating drawings of the dinosaur environment. The exhibit also features a station to create a prehis10
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
toric ecosystem, a dino play table and more. Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and IceTM is presented by Aflac. Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and IceTM was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum.
The mission of EdVenture is to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. EdVenture is dedicated to lifelong learning through its 92,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibit space and in its educational outreach programs and after school programs. The museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries, creating shared experiences and memories for families learning together. For more information about EdVenture, visit www. edventure.org or call (803) 779-3100.
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Professional
Nike Basketball Camps come to the Midlands
C
olumbia, SC: Elite Hoops, LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia, and operator of Nike Basketball Camps in the Southeast continues to partner with US Sports Camps to offer the best in summer basketball camps. USSC is proud to announce Nike Basketball Camps are coming to the Midlands through 3D Hoops, LLC led by Coach Jason Harman to the Columbia metro area starting this summer. Each camp is limited to the first 100 players that register and camps are for various ages and skill levels (camps from grades 4th – 12th). The camp fee is $255 per player.
2014 Nike Basketball Camp dates and locations are as follows: July 14-18: Nike Basketball Camp - Boys, Airport HS (Rising Grades 4th-9th) July 28-Aug 1: Nike Basketball Camp - Girls, 3D Hoops Lexington Gym (Rising Grades 6th -12th) Aug 4-8: Nike Basketball Camp Boys, Airport HS (Rising Grades (7th-12th) Aug 11-15: Nike Basketball Camp Boys, Brookland Banquet and Conference Center (Rising Grades 4th – 9th) Lee Miller, Executive Director of Nike Basketball Camps, states “The greater Columbia area is full of basketball talent and we are excited to make Nike Basketball Camps a part of it. We feel Coach Harman and 3D Hoops are the right partners to help bring this endeavor forward. Jason Harman, Owner/CEO of 3D Hoops states “It is an honor and very humbling to be selected to bring Nike Basketball Camps into the Columbia marketplace. Harman adds, “Basketball players in the state of South Carolina have only scratched the surface of their potential and Nike’s presence can only help take the athletes in our area to the next level. USSC is the official operator of the Nike
Sports Camps, founded in 1975, with the same mission that defines it today: “to shape a lifelong enjoyment of athletics through high quality sports education and skill enhancement, while consistently exceeding the expectations of our customers.” Our partnership with US Sports Camps is now in its 10th year, and since 2005 we have seen thousands of basketball players improve their games. Campers at every Nike Basketball Camp will develop all of their basketball skills shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding and defense. A Nike Basketball Camp immerses you in the sport, giving you the kind of focused, intensive training that is essential to improvement. Check out our programs and locations below, and get into camp today! For more information or to register for the NIKE Basketball Camps, please visit www.3dhoopsbasketball.com/NIKEcamps.php or contact Jason Harman at (803) 957-0544 or jharman@3dhoopsbasketball.com.
All rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh Design are trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license. Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps. www.midlandswoman.com
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Professional
South Carolina Daycares & Your Rights as a Parent Choosing the Best Daycare Center For Your Child By: Kenneth E. Berger
O Kenneth E. Berger Above all else, daycares are responsible for providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children. Daycare providers should be treated just like anyone else who provides a critical service: just like you would before choosing a doctor, be sure to ask people you trust what their experience has been with a daycare. Likewise, do not hesitate to interview the daycare director or teachers, before placing your child in their hands. Questions to ask daycare providers include: - Is your facility licensed? - Have you ever been cited by the Department of Social Services (“DSS”)? - What education and experience do you and your staff have? - What sort of training do you require your staff to complete, and how often? - Do you run a national background check on staff, or just a SLED check? - May I see the facilities and observe the teachers who will be caring for my child?
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
ur children are our most precious – and vulnerable – resource. They receive love and require care. With more and more parents working to provide for their little ones, daycares have taken on an increasingly significant role across South Carolina and the nation. Finding the right daycare is of immeasurable importance to parents. Knowing the right questions to ask can be a big help in making the best choice for your son or daughter.
- Do you have references from parents? Even if the daycare gives all the right answers, you may still request the facility’s file from DSS or conduct additional online research. Regulations for Daycare Facilities A children’s daycare facility is defined as a center that is licensed to care for 13 children or more. In order to receive this licensing, the facility must abide by all South Carolina childcare laws – which pertain to everything from food and health care provisions, to property inspections and staffing. State law requires that a licensed daycare center meet the following standards: - Have a director or co-director who is at least 21 years of age and meets certain education requirements; - Staffed by employees who are certified in first aid and CPR;
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- Passed a childcare licensing inspection; - Passed a fire and sanitation inspection; and - Submitted fingerprint tests and complete background checks for all employees. What You Can Do If Your Child’s Daycare Breaks the Rules Despite strict childcare laws, some facilities still fail to provide a safe environment for our sons and daughters. While some injuries are the result of unforeseeable accidents, many arise because of a facility’s conscious choice to ignore safety rules. Parents have a number of options when this happens. First, you can request a meeting with the director as well as your child’s teacher. Second, you may report the incident to DSS for further investigation. Third, you can request that the facility contact its liability insurance company and establish a claim. Fourth, you can remove your child from the center where
the incident occurred. No parent should have to worry about their child’s health and wellbeing when dropping them off at daycare. Similarly, every parent should know their rights and those of their child in the event of a serious, childcare safety violation. After studying at the University of Washington and Harvard University, Kenneth “Kenny” Berger returned to South Carolina to serve the community that raised him. A graduate of USC Law, Kenny has been representing injured people and their families since his first day in practice. Kenny’s practice areas include personal injury, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death. He is a member of the American Association for Justice’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, and was recognized as a “Rising Star in 2013” by SuperLawyers. For more information visit bergerlawsc.com or call (803) 790-2800.
DOW N TOW N DIVAS FOREST LAKE TRAVEL (803) 738-1520 www.forestlaketravel.com
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” - Saint Augustine
Daisy Miller and Margaret Bauer are co-owning sisters of Forest Lake Travel. Forest Lake Travel has been locally owned and operated since their father, Joe Bouknight, opened the doors in 1978. Whether you travel for business, to celebrate with friends and family, or for personal fulfillment and enrichment, the memories you build through extraordinary travel experiences designed by Forest Lake Travel offer so much more than money can buy. Simplicity Floral proudly serves the Columbia area. They are family owned and operated. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of their customers are important, their professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why they always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect! Monica A. Allen is the owner of A Splash Above Pool Service, LLC, which specializes in the residential and commercial cleaning contracts, repairs and renovations. The company boasts technicians with over 40 years combined experience that service pools throughout the greater Columbia area. Monica brings 20 years’ experience as a certified pool operator who left a local pool company in 2009 and started A Splash Above. “We love what we do and we do it with integrity.” Carol Fowles is the owner of Consign it!, a consignment shop located at 4600
Forest Drive. The shop specializes in high end furniture, antiques, rugs, original paintings, lamps, mirrors, silver, jewelry and accessories. Call (803) 790-6010 to make an appointment to bring items in. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marila Turbyfill, owner of Café Strudel, one of one of West Columbia’s most successful restaurants and mother of 3 has established herself as a notable Midland’s woman. In 1997, Marila along with her husband, Trip, opened a small cafe on State Street in West Columbia. This was the beginning of a longtime dream for her. Starting as a tiny coffee and dessert spot has now developed into a foodie destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Marila & Trip were able to purchase the current property and design it with a quirky, eclectic feel similar to Charleston – Marila’s original home. Kathy O’Keeffe, of KOK Consulting and Coaching, is a
There are many trials to being a small business owner and these women have started or purchased a business; dug in and did what they had to do to make it work. www.midlandswoman.com
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DOW N TOW N DIVAS Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Health and Business Coach. She is the founder and owner of KOK Consulting & Coaching, which partners with businesses and individuals to achieve their professional and personal health goals. Kathy’s mission is to enable people to make healthier choices that improve personal performance and business outcomes. Her professional moniker is “The Wellness Business Coach”. Contact Kathy at www.kok-candc.com. Dr. Joanna Dover and her awesome staff at Forest Drive Dental Care can make you look forward to going to the dentist. With over 350 glowing reviews and surveys giving them a 5 star rating average, you’ll know why you want their office to be your dental home. They provide health conscience-care including healthier mercury-removal along with implant and cosmetic general dentistry for the whole family. They also provide specialty services like botox and dermal fillers that make this dental office Columbia’s place to be.
consistently awarded “Best of Columbia” by Free Times magazine. They are centrally located in a beautiful landmark building in 5 Points. They are diverse in abilities and specialities. Their only focus is embracing the hair you have and making the best of it ! The atmosphere of the studio is energetic and inspiring. So, when you are ready for a tweak or a major overhaul for your coiffure, look them up and give a jingle. Find more information at www.bombshellbeautystudio.com or call (803) 779-1811.
Kimberly Richardson is the President and Founder of Widows of Opportunity a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Columbia. Widows of Opportunity is dedicated to help, support, and educate widows no matter their age, race, length of being a widow or circumstances surrounding spousal death. The services provided by Widows of Opportunity include monthly support groups, one-on-one meetings with widows, workshops, emergency financial assistance, and connecting widows with resources to assist them with various life circumstances. Their locations It’s not about vanity, it’s about confidence. are in Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA and At The Facial Aesthetic Center Medi- Zambia, Africa. For more information, cal Spa, they want everyone looking and please visit www.widowsofopportunity.com feeling good about themselves. You can or call them at (803) 238-5301. achieve this by choosing one of their many top skin, face and body cosmetic services Copper Penny, founded by the Vaigneur and products. They believe in “roll out family, began in Mt. Pleasant, South Carthe red carpet” customer service. Their olina and has grown tremendously over unique wellness-based approach provides the past 25 years. Columbia’s franchise lasting results and, more importantly, the is owned by Mollie Hobbs and Kensley confidence you need to face the world! Mincey. These two began their journey at Wofford College and opened Copper PenAfter a successful corporate executive ca- ny in Columbia on August 6th, 2013. The reer spanning three decades, Judy Divita store is located at 610 Harden Street in the began her adventure as a Firehouse Subs heart of Five Points. franchisee. She and husband Charlie (re- 2014 is going to be a very exciting wedding tired university professor) operate restau- season! rants in Irmo, Lexington, USC-Columbia, Harbison, West Columbia, and Forest Carolina Couture is Columbia’s premier Acres and will open a seventh this sum- designer boutique and bridal salon with mer. Both enjoy their “second careers” and 2 locations in the Vista and the Village at the teamwork involved in growing a busi- Sandhill. Established since 1990, Carolina ness. They have won national, regional and Couture is a spacious, yet intimate full-serlocal awards for achievements in quality, vice bridal studio and gallery. The salon ofleadership and community involvement. fers luxury designers from Spain and Italy, including an expanded selection of bridal At Bombshell Beauty Studio, they are an gowns, mother of the bride & groom, soeclectic group of professionals, striving to cial occasion, prom and pageant gowns, give the best hair services in town. Since shoes and accessories. Owners, Robert and 2008, Bombshell was honored to have been Cynthia Stukes welcome you to visit and 14
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DOW N TOW N DIVAS are happy to share in your excitement during the planning of your wedding! Roberta Moran, owner of Gervais and Vine, is a graduate of Converse College. Roberta is a wife and a mom as well as a restaurant owner. Gregarious by nature, she is rarely happier than when sharing food, drink and conversation. Roberta says, “At Gervais & Vine, like the old days, the food is delivered to your table as fresh as possible with pride as soon as it is prepared. We strive to transform your meal into a celebration of friendship. Please come share your stories with us and each other and enjoy Gervais & Vine for all the good things which we have to offer: delicious food both lunch & dinner, great wine, craft beers, spirits, amazing staff, live music & ample free parking around back. We have integrity for the land and for your wallet.�
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VOL 2,
WINTER 2013 COMPLIMENTARY
NO 4
COMPLIMENTA
RY
G, G, MOTIVATIN EN CELEBRATINATING Real WOM TM AND EDUC
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN
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COMPLIM
CELEBRATIN G, AND EDUCA MOTIVATING, TING Real WOMEN TM
SIR BIG SPUR
Mary and Ron share their “Labor of Love” for the real live Gamecock
BAC
K to SCHOOL! FAITH with the It’s that time and we have of year again, advice to share from local exper ts!
FOURNELS
Daniel and Stephanie discuss the recent diagnosis of their son
TEAM Schmitz
We introduce husband and you to the inspire other wife team who s on a daily basis
IVING SURV THRIVING d les shares her an ey Cherie Nett nal journ
inspiratio
Mrs.
on Lend Mc musician Tim artist and work with us The local his shares some
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PAatSTricia MOORE-P of a Purpose IDES ONE ON 9 months and 34 minutes
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Filled Life RSITY of SOU TH CAROLINA ON the UNIVE E with THE FIRST LADY
Meet the Poston Family
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ENTARY
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Overflowing with flavor, not with calories
Visit FirehouseSubs.com to order online and find your nearest location.
Please visit one of these six locations serving Greater Columbia: Irmo • Lexington • USC-Columbia • Harbison • Lexington Medical Center • Forest Acres © 2014 Firehouse Subs .
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MEET Cynthia Stukes By Peggy Elliott
F Cynthia Stukes
Our specialty as an upscale salon is ‘couture’, meaning one-of-a-kind formal wear you won’t find anywhere else. One-on-one service is the key, she said. “You have to be able to design. When someone comes in and describes something, you have to be able to see it in your head. Then you have to discern what would be the right silhouette for that body type, and show them how good it looks on them,” Stukes said. She started the business on the side while working a fulltime job after completing her accounting degree at USC. She bought clothing at shows and
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
sold them out of the trunk of her car by word-of-mouth. Her first real store was in the extra room at the back of the accounting office she founded. “It was a 4,000-square-foot building. We had an extra room in the back, and my sister suggested bridal,” Stukes said. “It has turned out to be a good decision.” She continues her accounting work, in part because of the nature of the formal wear business. “Bridal is seasonal, and during the holidays formal wear is in demand. From January to April, I work seven days a week, between the stores and tax returns,” she said. Her agility with tax preparation is bolstered by a term of employment with the IRS. Stukes’ typical day begins at 5 a.m. She works a few hours from home, then arrives at the stores between 7:30 and 9 a.m. She hits her front door again between 8 and 9 p.m. , six days
Real Women
inding the right formal wear or bridal gown at Carolina Couture is more than shopping. It is an experience that Cynthia Stukes knows will be a memory-maker. Staging the formal wear and providing a welcoming atmosphere for the client and guests of the bride, pageant entrant, or formal event attendee are just a few of the services that elevate shopping to that kind of experience. Stukes has grown the business from trunk shows, to the back room of another business, to her first storefront business, and now to two highly visible locations, at the Village at Sand Hill and at the Vista in downtown Columbia. Over the last 20 years, her client reach has grown to include Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Augusta and Atlanta.
a week.
of the gowns.”
“You have to be a go-getter,” she advises. She also attributes her success on her focus and having a prayer life.
Her advice to women considering starting a business is to build a clientele before getting loans. “You have to build a business before you leave your regular job,” she said. “I had over 1,000 customers before I left my job.”
“Knowing your purpose and plan and staying on track are essential,” she said. “I have people come in and give me advice, like adding dresses for $25 and shoes for $15. People can find those prices in other places. I can’t afford to sell at those prices with my overhead and level of service.” Another challenge is price competition. “The client may not be happy with the other vendor, but gets the better price. I always ask about the quality of service … we steam and prepare everything before it goes on the floor, then a week or two before the event, the client can come in and we’ll steam clean it again, which can take up to three hours for some
Her largest challenge is one that many business owners face – finding and keeping employees. With 12 people at two locations, trust and training are essential. “When you have a business, it’s like your baby, and you expect everyone to care for it like you would. Some young people just don’t understand that. It takes a certain amount of maturity to work in our market,” she said. “Retail will always be my passion. It just takes extreme patience and a love of people to stay on track. I am a people-person, and it is just the right fit,” Stukes said.
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Designer Clothing | Footwear Jewelry | Accessories
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Aiken Woman Wom an Midlands
cel ebr ates the sur vi vor i n you
One Wild and Precious Life
S
By: Diana Barton
ummerville’s Anona Tolar shares her journey as she answers the question posed by Mary Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day.”
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Over the course of a lifetime, childhood dreams are often forgotten, pushed back or overshadowed. It is a rare occurrence to have the opportunity to achieve them later in life, but Anona Tolar is a living testimony that no matter your place in the walk of life, there is still time to make your dreams come true.
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Tolar grew up knowing that she wanted to be an actress. She participated in performances as a child and went to arts camp for five summers. In her junior year of high school she studied at the Interlochen
Arts Academy concentrating on perfecting drama, dance and voice talents. However, the thought of moving to big cities like Los Angeles or New York was daunting, so Tolar decided to fulfill her other
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
lifelong dream of being a wife and mother. “There is no greater joy than my children,” she says. Being a stay-at-home mom was Tolar’s calling until about three years ago, at
the age of 50, when she realized she could still reach for her dreams of becoming an actress. It all fell into place when a friend started a new talent agency in Mt. Pleasant, Tout Talent. Tolar participated in some Sum-
Celebrating the
merville theater productions with the Flowertown Players, and after a few local commercials and a part in an Indie film, Tolar recieved the call for an audition for the movie Ride Along starring comedian Kevin Hart. The audition was a dream come true, so Tolar took a chance and travelled to Atlanta to try out for the role.
in Atlanta for the role of a lifetime. A trailer on set with her name on it made the dream a reality, and working with someone as talented Kevin Hart was the icing on the cake.
and right in the middle of all that Kevin Hart and Ice Cube sit next to me at the make up trailer,” she laughs, “I was thinking to myself ‘This is going to be funny someday.’”
Being on set with a Hollywood comedian may sound glamorous, but in the role as “Bearded Biker Wife,” Tolar felt anything but.
“I just felt like I had the part,” she says, “And I never feel that way.”
“I had my hair slicked back in a bandana, no make up on. She [the make up artist] was putting whiskers on my face, I had cotton balls stuck in my upper lip to brown out my teeth
If Tolar’s story of achievement wasn’t inspiring enough, she shares that she is an 18-year breast cancer survivor. While her acting career came long after her battle with cancer, she believes that defeating the disease gave her to courage to take advantage of her time and go for her dreams.
A lot of leather and some fake facial hair later, she got the part and began filming
“Once you first start to
Survivor in You!
recover you are so grateful for every breath, for every day,” she explains.
Tolar hopes that her journey encourages more women who have put their dreams on hold for family, heath or anything else to achieve greatness in whatever they want to do. She believes that “God puts dreams in our hearts and writes a destiny over our lives,” “When I act, even in auditions, I feel like its my destiny. It’s what I was made for,” she says.
Once you first start to recover you are so greatful for every breath, for every day.
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Happiness Can You Afford It? By: Kimberly Richardson
Kimberly Richardson
A
re you happy? What determines your happiness? Are you happy because you are married, have beautiful children, have a great career, or your bank account is full? Do these things – or others – determine happiness for you? I thought I was happy until my husband died. I realized that I was happy being a wife – being spoiled by him and having nice things. It was normal for me to be sad after losing my best friend, lover, child’s father and husband. In my grief and journey of healing, I realized that I was never happy with myself. Nothing was ever good enough for me. I thought back when I was married how I would complain more than appreciate the things my late husband would do for me. I was extremely judgmental. It was easy for me to point out the flaws of others instead of working on my own. The more judgmental I was towards others, the better I thought I was. However, after a while I realized that deep down inside I really disliked myself.
There were things that happened in my life, and in my childhood in particular, that affected my happiness. When I started working on myself, I no longer had time to dwell on the past or to be judgmental of others. I had a lot of work to do, and I am still a work in progress. I am more understanding and compassionate towards others than I was before. I remember waking up one day feeling like I had just won the lottery! I finally knew what happiness was! I had looked in the mirror at ALL of my flaws and had a big smile! WHY? At that moment, I realized that I was beautiful and smart. Yes, I can stand to lose a few pounds, my skin isn’t flawless.........but I am happy with me. Those things I can change, I work on; those things I cannot change, I give them to God. I now look at things and people differ22
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
ently. When I see someone who appears down or depressed, I realize that they may be suffering or going through a terrible situation in their life. What I do now is try to make that person smile! If you can’t bring a smile to their face, why are you judging them? You would be amazed how a compliment can change a person’s day for the better. A simple “Hello” and a smile can really brighten their day. You should bring joy to others – not misery. Remember to surround yourself with positive people. Tips to Help You Be Happy:
Mind your own business Improve yourself on a daily basis Surround yourself with positive people Exercise and take care of your health Set and accomplish goals Compliment others
Real Women
When you mind your own business, you will remove unnecessary stress out of your life. It is so easy to pay attention to other people’s business and avoid dealing with your own. When you improve yourself on a daily basis, you will not have time to focus on what others have going on in their lives. Remember – negative people will bring you down, make you upset, and hold you back from growing and succeeding in your own life. Positive people will encourage you to do better and be better. They will make you feel loved, and encourage you to love yourself. I would encourage you to exercise and improve your physical health as well. You would be amazed how working out can improve your happiness – and your waist line! The more you work out, the better you will feel about yourself. You will notice a difference, and so will your friends and family.
Health & Wellness
Maybe It’s Not Only My Personality....... The inside scoop of psychological testing
A Michelle Peterson, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist At our practice, Comprehensive Psychological Services, clients receive evidence-based assessments. In one day, the vast majority of cases are complete and a feedback session may be scheduled within 1-2 weeks to review the report and findings. Our clients participate in a clinical interview, complete various psychological questionnaires, and in some relevant cases, engage in cognitive tasks. The clinical interview is the most open-ended portion of the process. During our conversation we discuss previous treatment (counseling, psychological medications) and discover present concerns. Questionnaires, the science of our practice, are conducted independently. These surveys are the thermometer we use to check for different symptoms, strengths, deficiencies, and
fter several years of practicing psychology, I find many parents surprised when they learn the truth behind psychological testing. There is no mind reading. No machines or wires are attached to your head or body. Ink blots are not a guaranteed aspect of the process. The intricate relationship between you and your parents is not likely to be thoroughly investigated. While each practice and psychologist may have different methods, psychological evaluations are modern and thorough.
many other factors.
Cognitive tasks are administered to gauge memory retention, planning abilities, and other skills. That’s it! Our evaluations, similar to the present standard across the globe, serve the role of addressing the areas that are most impaired, forming diagnostic impressions, and then providing recommendations for next steps. Several clients have been so thankful to learn more about themselves. We have diagnosed adults in
their 60’s with ADHD-- for the first time in their life! I have heard it compared to having a pain in your leg for years, only to find out the leg was broken! Sometimes, in children, for example, Autism or a Learning Disorder is missed by previous treatment providers and ADHD is diagnosed. Many adults have been treated for anxiety symptoms, but the problems of concentration and organization have been present their whole lives. In the absence of a thorough evaluation, misdiagnoses may result by physicians, counselors, and other providers. Left untreated, the condition may lead to more problematic and additional symptoms--just like with a broken leg! Our office is in network with several health insurance providers. What most
folks don’t know is that one psychological evaluation per year with a minimal cost is covered by most insurance companies. We also perform testing for children and adolescents. The owner of the practice, Dr. Marc Harari, additionally conducts parent custodial evaluations. If you or a family member would like to be evaluated, you can call and make an appointment with us directly, without a referral from your primary care provider! What’s more-- you can choose whether to hold the results for you only or to share the results with your treating physician or counselor.
Learn more about yourself in a one-day process. Call 803-422-0017 to schedule a confidential appointment. www.midlandswoman.com
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Health & Wellness
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803-233-3355
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Locally Owned, Licensed, and Fully Insured
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owner / licensed esthetics instructor: courtneygriffinfreeman 24
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(803)468-4856
www.seetheticsinstitute
The future of spine surgery is here today.
If you have chronic back or neck pain, you can access one of the nation’s most advanced spine surgery programs right here in South Carolina. The South Carolina Spine Center offers a complimentary review of your current MRI images* by a neurosurgeon, as well as a pre-surgery educational class and guidebook, informational newsletters, and spine nurse navigators to help you through the entire process. Consistently ranked in the top 10% of all spine programs in the U.S. by CareChexŽ for spinal fusion, the South Carolina Spine Center is home to the state’s only integrated surgical navigation system that provides 3-D images of the spine, discs and nerves during surgery. If you are considering surgery, consider the board-certified neurosurgeons, space age technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques that are available only at Self.
Advanced spine care services of
There are no out-of-pocket charges for a complimentary review of your spine MRI images.* No referral is needed. Call 888 431-6358. A neurosurgeon will review your images and medical history and recommend management options, including conservative care, rehabilitation, pain management and surgical treatment. Evaluations also are provided for second opinions and patients who have had prior spine surgery and are still having issues.
Top 10% in the nation for Spinal Fusion Medical Excellence, 2011-2014.
4$TQJOFDFOUFS PSH t 1325 Spring Street, Greenwood, SC *MRI images must be less than six months old for review. www.midlandswoman.com 25
Health & Wellness
“South Carolina Spine Center helped me get my life back. They were just wonderful,� Glenda reflects.
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women
Back in class Teacher of the year is now back in the classroom without pain after minimally invasive spine surgery
G
lenda is a successful first grade school teacher with 33 years of tenure. She enjoys staying active by working out in the gym with her personal trainer, walking and playing with her two granddaughters.
When Glenda first began experiencing mild pain in her back, leg and hip, she chalked it up to years of physi- cal activity. But when her symptoms worsened, Glenda went to her family physician to find out what was causing her pain. She was given a round of steroids which offered only temporary relief of symptoms. When her symptoms returned, she scheduled another appointment with her doctor to learn of her op- tions. Her doctor ordered an MRI of her spine. The results revealed spinal stenosis at L3-4. Meanwhile, Glenda was starting to experience more severe pain symptoms along with cramps, numbness and tingling in her right leg, which represents a serious symptom if not resolved promptly. Spinal stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, because there is not enough room for them. It is similar to a ring on an injured or inflamed finger. As the finger swells, the ring constricts it and causes pain. Her family physician referred her to South Carolina Spine Center where a spine specialist suggested injection therapy to help relieve her symptoms. Spine injections are often used to help relieve pain symptoms and give thephysicianimportantinformationaboutthespinecon- dition. Glenda had a steroid injection which
offered her several months of symptom relief. Her personal trainer also formulated an exercise program designed for her condition. Unfortunately, her symptoms returned. Glenda went in for another steroid injection. This time Glenda’s pain and numbness came back after only two weeks. By now, her pain, numbness and tingling symptoms were greatly interfering with her quality of life. She was experiencing severe pain in her big toe also. Because of her symptoms, even the most basic activities such as standing, walking and sleeping were difficult. This was impacting her in the classroom. In order to continue to work, Glenda would sit as she taught her first grade class. Desperate to get back to her active lifestyle, Glenda returned to South Carolina Spine Center in search of oth- er treatment options. The spine doctor next performed a nerve block, but her symptoms persisted. Glenda also noticed spine instability; her right shoulder was shorter than her left. Because Glenda had tried nonsurgical spine treatment without lasting symptom relief, it was time to explore her spine surgery options. Glenda was next referred to a fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon at South Carolina Spine Center. “I have always lived an active lifestyle
and I didn’t want the pain and numbness symptoms to become a permanent way of life for me,” Glenda reflects. The neurosurgeon talked extensively with Glenda about the spine surgery needed to treat her spinal stenosis. While she was nervous about surgery and hesitant to be away from her first grade class for an extended period of time, Glenda was eager to get back to activity and decided to move forward with the surgery. She chose South Carolina Spine Center because of its reputation of excellence in spine surgery. The center is consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of all spine programs in the US by CareChex for spinal fusion. Glenda’s surgery was a success. “I felt immediate relieffrommysymptomsfollowingsurgery,”shesays. Glenda was relieved to be able to walk without pain and she returned to working out with her personal trainer as soon as she could. The physical therapists at the Spine Center worked with Glenda’s trainer in coming up with specific exercises designed to help straighten and strengthen her spine. She was happy to return to her classroom full of first graders — without the pain and numbness symptoms that had become a way of life. At the end of the school year, she was overjoyed to be selected as the Ninety Six Primary School “Teacher of the Year.” www.midlandswoman.com
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Business & Web Directory Art & Entertainment Aiken Trials........................................................................................ 4 www.aikentrials.com
Hotel Wingate by Wyndham........................................ Inside Back Cover www.charlestonwingate.com, www.lexingtonwingate.com
Columbia Museum of Art.................................................................... 4 www.columbiamuseum.org
Massage Therapy Divine Massage Therapy................................................................... 3 www.divinemassagetherapy.com
Forest Lake Travel................................................................................16 www.forestlaketravel.com WMHK/89.7........................................................... Inside Front Cover www.wmhk.com Banking Security Federal Bank.....................................................................10 www.securityfederalbank.com Consulting KOK Consulting & Coaching........................................................17 www.kok-candc.com Florist Simplicity Floral...............................................................................18 www.simplicityfloralinc.com Health Services Kris M. O’Neill D.M.D., PA............................................................12 www.oneillkriscolumbiasc.com Forest Drive Dental.............................................................................19 www.forestdrivedental.com Healthy Smilz......................................................................................... 9 www.southcarolinadentalcenter.com Palmetto Imaging.................................................................................26 www.scdiag.com Home Services A All Animal Control....................................................................... 9 www.aallanimalcontrol.com A Splash Above Pool Services, LLC..................................................17 The Woods at Molly Creek................................................................... 4 www.mollycreek.com
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Photography Robert Patrick Image Design.............................................Back Cover www.rpimagedesign.com Restaurants CafĂŠ Strudel..........................................................................................16 Firehouse Subs......................................................................................18 Salon Bombshell Beauty Salon.....................................................................18 www.bombshellbeautystudios.com Shopping Carolina Couture.................................................................................20 www.carolinacouture.com Consign It..............................................................................................17 www.consignmentshopcolumbia.com Copper Penny.......................................................................................20 www.shopcopperpenny.com Decorative Fabrics...............................................................................12 The Crescent Olive................................................................................ 7 www.thecrescentolive.com
A Personal Note
I
once heard someone say that all parenting is –is the process of letting go. From the first moment the umbilical cord is cut we are teaching them how to leave us. Excited about the first time they can walk away from us, eat without our assistance, dress themselves, bathe themselves, and all the other milestones that we put on Facebook as they occur. As parents, we walk the fine line of letting go too soon or hanging on too long. It seems at this time of year, I always find myself lamenting over the milestones that each of my four children have checked off the invisible list. This year is kind of a big one. On May 31st at 4:00 pm or shortly thereafter, our oldest son will officially graduate from White Knoll High School. Trey has worked very hard to be a part of all that WKHS has to offer, from DECA to FCA, from All State Chorus to Football. My son has won many awards and been afforded some pretty amazing opportunities in leadership through sports, academics and with Palmetto Boys State. He has also made some pretty amazing friends. I am very humbled by all he has accomplished like many of your children; he has enjoyed his four years of high school and is ready for the next step. This is a tough season for me as a mother. I covet your prayers, and I will be praying for all of us who have seniors that will be leaving us for college next year. Colton is also “graduating” Only he is graduating from 5th grade to 6th. He enjoyed a trip to Charleston with the South Carolina State Honors choir for elementary students and he has had a fantastic baseball season with Lexington Dixie Youth playing on the very accomplished Absolute Glass Team this season for the Ozone division. Soon they and Cofield Law will be competing in the playoffs for the coveted # 1 spot. My little C man will officially be finished with elementary school in a few weeks. He amazes me as he continues to be our little encourager. Nothing new frightens him where school is concerned. He is definitely a glass half full guy. I am blessed that God chose me to help parent Colton. Abby is finishing up an exciting sophomore year. She has been bitten by the drama bug. She loves the class and is planning to attend Show Chior Camp in the summer. Music just oozes out of her pores. She is happiest when she is preforming, playing guitar, piano, or acting. She thinks she may want to be a drama teacher. If you have parented a middle school daughter, you know they are uniquely qual- ified to fill this position. Seriously, she is a joy to watch grow into a responsible young woman. I am proud to be her mom as well. Ryan is finishing up 1st grade. He has had the most wonderful teacher. So far, his school experience has been a very good one. Ryan is a little more serious than he used to be, and recently told me that he was worried that becoming a veterinarian might not be an option. “I can’t bear to operate on an animal, Mom. I think I just want to work at SeaWorld and swim with dolphins or whales.” Whatever makes him happy - as long as they build a SeaWorld in Lexington so he can be near his mama when he begins work. I am thankful for all four of my children. For every baseball game, chorus concert, soccer game, end of the year school play, award ceremony and every moment that I get to share another milestone with them. I am sowing seeds in their lives in hopes that one day I will sit somewhere close and watch their gardens continue to grow. Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~ Charles (Chuck) Swindoll
God bless you and your children,
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22 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
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