Aiken Volume 6 No 2

Volume 6 No. 2

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

Shirer Family Dentistry

WHERE PATIENTS ARE LIKE FAMILY

All Natural Light Studio and On Location Photographer www.marybethsphotography.com 803-634-0596

in this issue...

From the Editor www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Events 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES Cathy Williams cw@woman2womanonline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Samples Duncan Carol Ryall Tracey Lease Susan Selden Lydia Ramsey

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lisa Ashworth woman2womanlisa@gmail.com

Summer Fun!

What’s Happening?

Let’s Talk 6

Domestic Violence in SC

8

Has Tammie Price Got a Fish Tale For You!

9 The Etiquette of Sympathy

Label

Feature 18 Dr. Susannah Shirer of Shirer Family Dentistry

Health & Wellness 22 The Golden Rule 26 Understanding Diabetes

Recipes 27 Summer Grilling

Personal Note

Shopping

28 Summer Thoughts

10 Kristi Egerton and Angie Holdorf can Personalize Your Life!

Business & Web Directory

Professional 14 Back in the Saddle

29 Contact our Advertisers

Pastor Sonya’s Column 29 What Does Your Garden Grow?

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mary Beth’s Photography

INFORMATION

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18

info@lexingtonwomanonline.com

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. © 2014

www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Letter from the Editor

This publication is truly meant to simplify your life! It is our desire to bring to Aiken a “Best of the Best” right from the mouths of real women. Each of the businesses within these pages have made a personal commitment to you, “The Aiken Woman,” to conduct themselves in a way that would make you want to personally refer them, their products, services, or talents to your mother, sister, grandmother, best friend, or any other person in need of their expertise.

Celebrate, Motivate, and

In our articles on individual Aiken women, we want to real women; to take a closer look at some of the women who are providing you with quality services and products.

Educate

We will continue to bring to you services, products, and professionals who are dependable, customer-service-oriented businesses. Making Aiken Woman your premiere resource guide to assist you with the demands of everyday life is our goal.

We appreciate the support of our readers as well as our clients, and we would ask that you let our advertisers know you are simplifying your life with Aiken Woman!

We always want to hear your feedback. Please email us or write to us about your own personal experience with our advertisers.

We look forward to finding new ways to make Aiken Woman more comprehensive and useful for you. If you would like to nominate a local business person for a featured article, please email me at loriduncan86@gmail.

Sit back, and enjoy your complimentary copy of Aiken Woman.

God Bless and See you next time!

Your friend,

Lori Samples Duncan

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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Women

If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

- Mary Engelbreit

Events

Happening

WHAT’S IN AIKEN? JUNE Summer Beach Blast Friday, June 3, 2016 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Evans Towne Center Park

The annual Summer Beach Blast celebrating the beginning of summer and the end of the school year. Live music, island food, beachy drinks, sandy shore, partying with friends neighbors and schoolmates. Presented by Columbia County and the Lady Antebellum Pavilion. Performing will be: The Catalinas, The Tams, and The Soul Dimensions. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. www.summerbeachblast.com

Swamp Soiree Thursday, June 9, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Phinizy Center for Water Sciences

Phinizy Center for Water Sciences’ premiere fundraiser, Swamp Soiree will take place on the banks of the Savannah River at the home of our gracious host, Lelia Barrett. Patrons will enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Dye’s Southern Catering, cocktails, and bluegrass music all while suppor ting Phinizy Center’s vision— to provide leadership to balance sustainable watersheds and economic vitality through solutions-based research, education and public involvement. www.phinizycenter.org

Blackwater Summer Festival Saturday, June 18, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Aiken State Park

Blackwater Summer Music Festival is an all-ages, family-friendly outdoor event taking place next to the Edisto River in Aiken State Park. The event features live music (four bands throughout the day), excellent local BBQ/catering, vendor booths, wildlife demonstrations, nature walks, a canoe trail, and other various outdoor activities. This is also an oppor tunity to learn about issues affecting the Edisto River and its communities, including water quality and surface water withdrawal issues, as well as impacts from last October’s historic floods. www.edistofriends.wildapricot.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY Dog Wash Fundraiser Saturday, July 9, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SPCA Albrecht Center

Bring your dirty dog(s) out to the SPCA to get cleaned up! Volunteers will happily lather, rinse and repeat until your pup is squeaky clean and smelling fresh. Ear cleaning and nail clipping also available. Proceeds benefit the homeless pets in our shelter. www.letlovelive.org

Live Music at the Stables Friday, July 15, 2016 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill

The third Friday of the month will feature Gavin Reily from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Gavin performs hits from classics like Johnny Cash and Van Morrison and has been practicing guitar for over two decades. Reily has lived and worked in Nashville, Tennessee to pursue songwriting as a career. www.rosehillestate.com

Touch-A-Truck Saturday, July 16, 2016 9:00 a.m.

Odell Weeks

Touch-A-Truck provides children the opportunity to climb, sit, and explore bulldozers, police cars, ambulances and more. Kids, wear your swimsuit for a spray down from the fire truck provided by the City of Aiken Public Safety! Call the Weeks Center at 642-7631 for More Information.

Mike Frost Band - Hopelands Gardens Concert Series Monday, July 18, 2016 7:00 p.m.

Hopelands Gardens

The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department is pleased to announce the lineup for the 2016 Hopelands Summer Concert Series. This year marks the 42nd season for the program.The series will begin on Monday, May 2 and will continue each Monday evening through August 29. All concerts will begin at 7 pm unless otherwise noted and will be held at Hopelands

Gardens on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. The concert series is intended to bring a variety of performances to Aiken and the surrounding area. Admission is free. All those in attendance should bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the performance. Picnic dinners are permitted, however; alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Well behaved pets are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times. www.cityofaikensc.gov/2016-hopelands-gardens-concert-series/

AUGUST Storks & Corks Saturday, August 6, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saluda Shoals Park

Silver Bluff Audubon Center offers a casual evening of great food and wine along with a chance to see Wood Storks in their natural setting. As many as 500+ of these unusual storks, along with a couple hundred of other wading birds and shorebirds, have been seen in years past. A silent auction runs through the evening as well.

Tickets are $50/person, and reservations are required. www.sc.audubon.org

PAL Blue Night Run Friday, August 12, 2016 7:00 p.m.

Citizens Park

The Aiken Department of Public Safety Police Athletic League (PAL) was organized to provide athletic and recreational activities to children who may not be afforded the opportunity to participate in standard athletic programs.This 5K Run/Walk will raise money for the ongoing operation of the PAL program. Won’t you join us?

Wrap up the race with some good, family fun at Citizens Park. There will be a special celebration after the race! Door prizes will be given away!

Must be present to win. www.active.com

Professional

Homegrown Festival

Outdoor festival for all ages

|

Food trucks & beer vendors

Inflatables for kids F E AT U R I N G The Whiskey Gentry from Atlanta, Georgia TICKETS ARE $10 (5 and under free)

Homegrown

11 a.m.

135 Lancaster Street or at the festival

F E AT U R I N G Chef Megan Alig TICKETS ARE $75 (Adults only)

|

The Jim Fisher Band

Tickets are available at the Cumbee Center, 135 Lancaster Street

Q U E S T I O N S ? Email infohgf1@gmail.com or visit cumbeecenter.org

S AT U R D AY

The Big Red Barn

187 Chime Bell Church Rd, Aiken

4

to

4 p.m.

7 p.m.

11 p.m.

cumbeecenter.org,

Southern Soiree

aNd

to

Tickets available through

Indoor farm-to-table dinner and live music, all with true Southern flair

T HE F I RST A N N UA L

festIv aL Southern SOIree 25

The Ands from Aiken, South Carolina

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real

Women

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE

G R A C I O U S LY S P O N S O R E D B Y

DriveCrescent.com

Professional

www.redbowlaiken.com • 2645 Whiskey Rd. Aiken

(803) 226 - 9888

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE Only Valid Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Buy one entree and drink, and get 2nd entree equal or lesser value free (up to $9.00) Not valid with other offers. Expires 7/30/2016 1 coupon per table per visit

Knapp (803) 642 - 3788

Teenager and Adult Driver Education State Certified, Licensed, and Bonded Services Offered: • Instructors course for Drivers Education • Private lessons available • Training vehicle available for license road test • Learn safety while driving • Learn the mechanics of driving • Learn the consequences of distracted driving • State licensed, Bonded, and Insured We are now certified to give the Knowledge (Permit) test.

If you would like more information on schedules and pricing, please visit us online!

www.southlanddrivingacademy.com

Elder Law • Probate • Guardian & Conservatorships VA & Medicaid Asset Preservation Special Needs & Living Trusts • Wills • Deeds

Elder law • Probate P.O. Box 714 21 Hugh St. Barnwell SC 149 Crepe Myrtle Ct. Aiken SC (inside The Smith Group) Guardianships • Conservatorships VA & Medicaid Asset Preservation 803-541-7676 www.knapplawfirmpc.com Special Needs & Living Trusts / Wills www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Let’s Talk

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Article submitted by Susan Selden Executive Director, Cumbee Center To Assist Abused Persons, Aiken, SC Photos by Mary Beth Photography South Carolina may boast of tropical shorelines, mountain ranges, and sandy foothills with vast areas to explore and play. We can claim to be the bir thplace of sweet tea, the state that raises the most peaches, and home to an abundance of tourist attractions and retirement villages. Yet we have one statistic that none of us should be proud of: South Carolina ranks #1 in the nation of women who are murdered by spouses or intimate par tners. In a study analyzing 2013 homicide data and conducted by the Violence Policy Center, South Carolina was discovered to have had 57 female victims killed by intimate par tners. Our state’s rate of 2.32 per 6

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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100,000 of these homicides was more than double the national average.

Why has South Carolina remained in the top ten for 18 years, and what can we as citizens do to change our culture of violence? First we must be willing to engage in open, honest discussions about the domestic violence that surrounds each of us in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and even our places of worship. We need more insight into the minds of those who abuse and those who feel they can’t escape the abuse. For those whose lives remain untouched by violence, it is incomprehensible that someone who claims to love another person the most could

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cause the most physical and emotional harm to that person. However, for those whose lives are consumed by daily struggles to avoid punches, stabs, kicks, and ugly words, their lives become an endless cycle of attempts to leave followed by the abuser’s manipulative promises to change. Then tension builds again, anger erupts, and violence ensues.

Victims learn that they have little or no control over the violence and feel helpless over their lives and the lives of their children.

One of the questions most frequently asked of employees at the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons is “Why does she stay in an abusive mar-

SC

# of

1

ranks

IN THE NATION

women

who are murdered by partners

&

HAS REMAINED IN THE

TOP T E N for the last

1 8 YE A RS in

2012

%10

only

of the SC legislature

WERE WOMEN the national average is 23.7%

riage or relationship?” Perhaps a better question to consider would be, “What are the barriers to leaving the relationship?” Victims don’t stay because they are stupid, codependent, or masochistic. They are faced with incredibly difficult barriers to leaving and starting independent lives. An abuser has used manipulative as well as violent behavior to maintain dominance and control over most aspects of the victim’s life. He may have prevented her from getting an education, holding a job, made her ask for money, or taken her money.

All of these tactics would leave her without job skills and knowledge so she would depend solely on him financially. He isolates her from family and friend, controls her usage of the car and phone, preventing her from having social support, leaving her totally dependent on him emotionally. Her self-confidence is eroded by constant criticism, name-calling, and his attempts to make her feel guilty. He not only threatens to hur t her, but also threatens to take her children away, threatens to take his life, threatens to hur t the pets, all in attempts to control her actions and keep her in the relationship. If she does try to leave, she faces the most dangerous time, as studies show that more victims are killed after attempting to leave the relationship. If she does survive exiting the relationship, she will soon discover that resources for housing and jobs are scarce, that the abuser may not be prosecuted or held responsible for his actions, that citizens of the community will not be sympathetic but will blame her for not leaving sooner. The abuser may stalk her, threaten to call police or DSS on her, threaten to take custody of her children, leaving her feeling even more overwhelmed.

Let’s Talk

marriage because of well-meaning but dangerous counsel from faith communities, churches, and pastors to honor the marriage, just pray more, or try harder to be a better spouse. But offering hope that abusers will change without significant intervention and serious consequences for their behavior is harmful to victims.

South Carolina is also a state dominated by men in our government. Our state ranks lowest in the nation in the number of women in the state legislature. In 2012, only 10% of the legislature were women while the national average is 23.7%. Governor Nikki Haley has established a Domestic Violence Task Force which continues to set new policies to stem the tide of violence in our state. But more women need to have an active voice in the government to completely prevent the violence against women and children.

All citizens can work to make South Carolina a safer state by advocating for violence prevention education in our schools to ensure the next generation will own healthier patterns of relating with each other. Suppor ting nonprofit agencies who assist domestic violence victims such as the Cumbee Center is another way of helping to stop the violence. Ensuring that South Carolina becomes a more peaceful state is a responsibility that rests on us all.

For elderly or disabled victims, leaving presents even more challenges to finding resources, housing, and financial care.

Senior abuse survivors may hold to traditional views regarding marriage and feel it is better to stay with the abuser than to face placement in a nursing home or have no one to care for them.

And in the state of South Carolina, we find that so many stay in an abusive

SUSAN SELDEN www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Has

Tammie Price got a Fish Tale for You!

By Carol A. Ryall // Photo By Laura Brown Photography

“Each of us has a different story, but at some point most will find ourselves in a desperate situation. The first question you ask yourself is, “How am I going to get out of this mess?” Through the years I’ve learned it takes Jesus and a circle of friends!

“After the challenges of becoming pregnant out of wedlock, marriage (thinking I was in love and it was the right thing to do) and then a heart-wrenching divorce, I finally realized if you allow Jesus to step into your story and heal your hurts, He can take your story and make it a beautiful message of HOPE. I never dreamed my life’s disappointments would end up encouraging young women in crisis situations, not only here in Greenwood and the Lakelands, but in Nicaragua as well. It seemed like nothing but a ‘big ole mess’ to me. I was heartbroken, wondering how I could take care of myself and my two children. Now I can share with many that there is Hope and a better way of life.” This is how Tammie Price explains her involvement with A Place For Us. In 2001, God began to tug at Tammie’s heart to start a maternity home, to be called A Place for Us Ministries. Others who shared that vision met together, formed a board and acquired non-profit status. A safe refuge was in the making, to help young women from many different walks of life. The only requirement to

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come would be to have a willing heart to seek change in your life. The community pulled together and a temporary setting was donated on Lake Greenwood. They subsequently found land to build a permanent 3300 sq. ft. home, which can serve up to 6 young women and their families. Most are facing an unplanned pregnancy, but young women who are facing other challenging situations are served as well.

In 2005, they opened a store, The Alcoves, which is a mini-mall hosting over 20 upscale boutiques selling Home Decor, Collegiate Items, Ladies Clothing, Jewelry, unique Baby and Wedding gifts. There’s also a Tea Room, Bible Book store, Beauty Salon and Spa and The Secret Place Resale Store within The Alcoves. A Learning Center is also located there. The girls come four days a week for a variety of classes (budgeting, parenting, life skills, adoption education, job skills, anger management and daily Bible studies) taught by numerous volunteers. They published a book, The Story Matters, (available on-line and at The Alcoves) relating many of the miraculous stories of how the ministry got started and of the

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young women they have served. The Alcoves has since moved to a new location and a transitional house serving two residents and their babies has opened. They have also opened a Training Center on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, where they teach women the Beauty trade, host mission teams and share the Good News of Jesus. Without committed financial partners, volunteers, and donations to the Secret Place, this work would not exist.

Their first fundraiser was (appropriately!) a Fish Fry. “As we put the boat in the water,”Tammie explained, “our prayer was to catch an average of 50 fish per day over the next 5 days. The Fish Camp owner said conditions weren’t right to catch fish, and he didn’t see any way this would be possible. We let him know that we were on a Mission for God. Each day as the paid guides made their way past our boat, listened to our story of why we were fishing, and witnessed the three to four coolers full of large fish hanging from the sides (We averaged 65 a day!), they, too, came to the understanding with GOD all things are possible!”

The Etiquette of Sympathy

What to do When Someone You Know Suffers a Loss

by Lydia Ramsey

O

n a beautiful spring day I was driving home after welcoming my first grandchild into the world. Little Samuel Carroll Niles was whole and healthy, and life was good – almost. My husband had suffered a serious fall in October and was unable to accompany me. He seemed to be recovering, but I was still concerned about him.

I was nearly home when my cell phone rang.

The call was from a friend who had stopped by to visit Hank and became alarmed when there was no response. I drove into my driveway with the lights of the EMS truck flashing in my rear view mirror. I lost my warm, wonderful, gentle husband. Within a three-week period, I became a grandmother and a widow.

As I attempted to get back to life “as normal,” I found that grief had its own timetable. When I was able to write again, I decided that I needed to address this issue that confronts everyone at some point, personally and professionally. It is often difficult to know what to say or do when a death occurs. I want to share what I have learned that may help when someone you know—a client, a colleague, a coworker or a friend—loses a loved one.

It is important to do something. Many of us are so uncomfortable with death that we don’t do anything at all—afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.

Attend the funeral or the memorial service if you can.Your presence offers inestimable support.

Even if you can’t speak directly to the family members, you can sign the book that they will look at over and over again and they will know you cared enough to be there.

Write a note as soon as you can. Personal notes of condolence are a source of great comfort—more than you can imagine. I was moved by the ways people expressed their sympathy.

There were those who simply spoke of their sincere sorrow for my loss.There were those who described what Hank had meant to them personally. Others wrote about the character and personality of the special person I had lost. I was grateful for each and every one.

Commercial sympathy cards are equally cherished. It was clear to me that the commercial cards I received had been carefully chosen. Each one came with an additional sentence or two written by the sender. Be sure you take the time to add a short personal note. Send flowers unless the family specifies otherwise. Send them to the family, the funeral home, the church or the gravesite. Flowers add warmth and are visual reminders of the support of friends. Flowers and personal gifts continued to arrive weeks later to confirm that neither my pain nor I had been forgotten.

Take food and other items for daily living to the house.The last thing the grieving family can think about is grocery shopping and meal preparation.

A thoughtful neighbor called me and said, “I am going to the grocery store. What do you need?”

My response was a baffled, “I have no idea.”This kind, generous person filled her car with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to paper towels and toilet tissue. She even included pet food for the four-legged members of the family.

Make a contribution to the charities indicated by the family. Honor the wishes of the deceased. Give to the causes they chose unless the obituary states that contributions should be made to the donor’s favorite charity. If you missed the funeral notice and don’t have that information, call the funeral home.They will have a record.

Be specific when you offer to help. Most people say, “If there is anything you need, call.” While their intentions were genuine, I didn’t always know what I could ask certain people to do. When our assistant rector uttered those words, my face must have flashed back a message that said, “Like what?” because he immediately followed with a verbal list of all things I could call on him or other church members to do. One neighbor offered to walk the dog. Another pro-

Lydia Ramsey claimed to be handy with household repairs if anything broke down or stopped working. Someone else volunteered to pick up family members from the airport. Once people were clear on what they could do, I knew where to turn without hesitation for what I needed.

Make a note of the date of the death. Honor the anniversary with a note or a phone call that says you haven’t forgotten.

Any gesture you make is comforting. A simple word, a hug, a phone call, a card or an offer to run an errand are just a few ways to express your sympathy.

Keep in mind that great authors, poets and thinkers have written for centuries about grief and loss, searching for just the right words to console themselves or someone else. When all is said and done, there are no words. Sometimes the best you can offer are the words, “I’m sorry.”

I hope that what I have learned first hand will help you to reach out with confidence and ease the next time someone close to you suffers a loss.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of Manners That Sell – Adding The Polish That Builds Profits. For more information about her programs, products and services, visit her web site www.mannersthatsell.com. www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Shopping

Kristi Egerton &

Angie Holdorf CAN PERSONALIZE YOUR LIFE!

By Carol A. Ryall // Photos by Mary Beth Photography

If you LOVE monograms, like having your children’s items personalized (so they just might make their way back home when misplaced,) or just appreciate the aesthetics of having your initial or team colors on very special objects, then Kristi Egerton and Angie Holdorf are two ladies you need to know. Between the two of them they can create an individualized monogram or design and put it on almost anything!

The two friends had hoped to open a shop together, but when they were looking for a space there was nothing suitable available, so they ended up opening shops across the street from each other.

Originally, Angie had a store called Fashionable Flip Flops. It was a business born thirteen years ago, when she made fancy flip flops to be worn at her niece’s wedding. They were so popular she ended up going into business to sell them, along with many other items which she monogrammed with Heat Transfer products or Vinyl Decals, depending on what the item is made of. In Dec. 2014, she moved to a larger shop across the street and rebranded 10

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the store as The Paisley Peacock, to embrace all of the many items she carries besides flip-flops. As she told me, “We can personalize anything that will sit still long enough!”

If you look at her Facebook page, you’ll see that is pretty close to true. The items range from Tervis Tumblers, to jewelry, all types of metal signs and cutouts, ties and bowties, purses, sandals, floppy hats, and the list just goes on and on…OH! And, of course, flipflops!

After 25 years as an Aiken County Sheriff ’s Deputy, Kristi retired and was ready for a change. When Angie moved to her new space, Kristi opened Aiken Embroidery and Design in Angie’s previous location. Instead of Heat transfers or vinyl decals, Kristi’s personalizations are done with embroidery thread and a sewing machine.

Again, the variety of items Kristi carries or can order for you is vast - from darling baby clothes, to jackets and vests, to hats, book bags, and sports bags. Monogrammed towels, sheets, or napkins make thoughtful wedding presents. Embroidered laundry bags, pillows and towels are great graduation

Women

or “off to college” gifts!

Not only monograms, but team logos, SC’s Palm tree and moon, and a variety of other designs can be embroidered on items you buy from them, or items you own and bring in to them.

Business owners, Kristi can digitize your logo and put it on bags, hats, shirts for your employees or customers. Of

You’re sure to find just the right item at one shop or the other.

Shopping

course, the same applies to church groups, clubs, or sports teams.

Originally from Lamar, SC in the Pee Dee section of the state, Angie returns frequently to spend time with her mother who still lives there. She and her husband, Bruce, have two four legged children, Truman, an Irish wolfhound and Peaches, a lab/shepherd mix they rescued. They’ve lived in

Aiken since 1999, when Bruce bought a dental practice here. Angie commented, “We looked at several practices around the state, but Aiken just seemed to fit us best!”

Kristi is an Aiken native, surrounded by family with her parents, her brother and two nephews all living in town. In addition, this animal lover has three dogs and three cats to keep her com-

pany. When not at the shop, Kristi enjoys camping and going to the beach.

If you’re looking for a very special present, or have something on hand that you would love to have monogrammed, go by and check out all the possibilities at The Paisley Peacock and Aiken Embroidery and Design. You’re sure to find just the right item at one shop or the other.

www.aikenwomanonline.com

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bestfriendexpress.com

Aiken Embroidery and Design Monogram your bags and clothes or choose from designs we have in stock.

We can also digitize your personal or company logo.

Catch the Bus at our new location!

148 Waterloo Street Aiken, SC

120 1/2 Laurens St NW Aiken, SC (803) 215-5878

Need to go to the Court House? Aiken Mall? Kalmia Plaza? The Hospital? Aiken Tech? USC Aiken? North Augusta?

WORKING TOGETHER TO PERSONALIZE YOUR LIFE!

The Paisley Peacock Customized gifts just for you! Monogramming, Embroidery, Jewelry, Metalworks and boutique apparel.

109 Laurens St NW Aiken, SC (803) 215-8452

Amy DoBranski • Nutrition Coach • 803-649-5546

Want to lose www.SmartPlanForHealthyLiving.com weight and feel better without dieting, portion control, counting calories or food points?

Without skipping dessert?

Smart Plan™ delivers an enjoyable eating plan for weight loss and a renewed sense of well being. No willpower needed! Smart Plan™ takes a whole foods approach to your relationship with food and your health by changing your lifestyle. You will never have eaten so well and youʼll have fun, too!

Upcoming Smart Chats Check Online for Saturday, January 16 Upcoming 10 a.m. - 3 Smart p.m.

Chat February Dates! 7 Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Smart Chats are scheduled for groups of 5-10 people in your area. Invite four of your friends and attend for free! Spouses and children over the age of 16 are half price. Lunch is provided so you can sample the delicious foods on the Smart Plan™ Eating plan.

Amy DoBranski • Nutrition Coach • 803-649-5546

www.SmartPlanForHealthyLiving.com 12

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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Women

The Best Friend Express – Aiken County's Transit System – is your answer.

Anyone can catch a ride on the Best Friend Express. When you see our bus, just flag us down. It's easy. We'll stop and pick you up and you're on your way.

For more information, please call Lower Savannah Council of Governments 803- 508-7033 or The New Best Friend Office 803-262-5305

T h ru T ime & Ag e s LLC COFFEE/TEA HOUSE

(803) 226 - 0611 218 York Street SE Aiken, SC 29801

COME SEE US TODAY! Owner Tom Misiag

Alan Glover Owner

AIKEN (803)226-9035

WE BUY AND SELL:

Antiques • Boutique Jewelry • Coins • Art Native American Crafts Religious Goods

1551 Whiskey Road Aiken, SC 29803

Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM Sun 12PM-5PM

Marrinson Stables Personalized Quality Care • Beautiful Trails Jump & Dressage Rings • Grass Paddocks $450 Per Month Full Board

Come Visit and Relax!

Only 25 minutes from Downtown Aiken!

The Beauty Shop

18 Foley Circle Contact Terry Houghton Ridge Spring, SC 29129 (803) 349 - 6008 marrinsonstables.com

A full service family hair salon with over 40 years combined experience and a convenient SouthSide location.

(803) 648-5761

1022 E Pine Log Rd, Aiken, SC 29803

Call

Today!

9-5 Monday - Friday & Saturday 9-2 After hours by appointment.

www.aikenwomanonline.com

13

Professional “Everything happens for a reason,” she thought to herself repeatedly three years ago. At the time, Dr. Maria Glinski, owner of CoreEquus and the new Aiken Pilates & Wellness Center, was at an all-time low in her life and struggling to understand what that reason could be -- why was she being forced to face the loss of her veterinary career? She had a specialty practice in small animal sports medicine, treating elite canine athletes from all over the United States and Canada, and as such, she used her hands constantly to evaluate and treat her patients.

Back in the Saddle

By Tracey Lease // Photos By Mary Beth Photography

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Dr. Maria Glinski

herself. After hand surgery, Dr. Maria went through intensive physical therapy and decided to start Pilates to develop more core strength. This turned out to be a life-changing event. Not only did she become physically stronger, but her riding and her mental outlook improved as well. After a few sessions, she began to think about her future and she started to bring herself out from the deep.

“I started thinking – how can I re-invent myself at this stage of my life? What can I do with my life that I can be passionate about and still have time to ride my horses and spend time with family?”

And so, Core-Equus was born.

After several years of chronic pain in her wrists and hands, she finally consulted a hand specialist and, after an MRI, received the devastating news that she had severe cartilage destruction in both wrists. Her surgeon advised extensive reconstruction of both hands with an estimated six months of recovery.

He also strongly recommended that she permanently close her veterinary practice to avoid more damage to her hands. She felt lost – she had defined herself by her career. “Who am I if I am not a veterinarian?” she thought to

Dr. Maria chose a comprehensive Pilates teacher training program with a physical therapy focus. She embraced the Pilates philosophy – to gain core strength and to achieve a permanent change in your posture, you must disassociate or disengage larger, global muscles to access and activate the under-utilized deep core muscles. With her three decades of experience as a rehabilitation veterinarian, she has drawn on those skills to help riders develop better posture. “The irony is this – as I help riders – I am helping the horses – that is the unique

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veterinary connection.” As riders learn to sit taller and are more balanced in the saddle – with proper pelvic and spinal alignment – they cause less stress and strain on their horse’s back.

Core-Equus started as a mobile business – Dr. Maria brings her expertise to the rider’s home or stable. She loves to use the creative side of her brain to help riders. “This journey has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. I am able to teach riders how to become stronger and more confident – how to develop a harmonious partnership with their horse. I am able to coach them – ideally working in conjunction with their trainer – ultimately developing a comprehensive exercise program that will help them achieve their horsemanship and competition goals.

Within six months of starting her CoreEquus mobile business, Dr. Maria realized that she needed a studio where riders would be able to use specialized Pilates equipment to achieve their goals more effectively. The new studio – Aiken Pilates & Wellness Center – is located on the grounds of the beautiful Houndslake Country Club at 918 Houndslake Drive, next door to the golf club’s driving

range. It is currently part of Houndslake Wellness Associates – a group of holistic practitioners offering alternatives to conventional medicine and therapy. The building is located on two acres and provides a nurturing, natural feel. Since the studio opened earlier this year, Dr. Maria has been able to offer her services, not just to riders, but also to golfers, tennis players, bicyclists and runners. Everyone can benefit from a stronger core. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, said, “After ten sessions you will feel a difference; after twenty sessions, you will see a difference; after thirty sessions, you will have a completely new body.”

Dr. Maria suggests starting with a private initial consultation.

The client’s medical history is reviewed – especially focusing on any orthopedic surgeries or musculo-skeletal injuries. A fitness evaluation and a computerized posture analysis are performed.

Next, fitness goals (and competition goals if that is a priority) are discussed. The basics of Pilates are reviewed – the breathing, the different parts of the core, and how each part relates to movement in the client’s sport of choice. Basic mat exercises are reviewed and then the client completes a series of exercises on the Pilates apparatus – the reformer, the tower, the chair, the spinal corrector and the ladder/barrel. After the initial visit, weekly or twice weekly private sessions are scheduled. These sessions are often complemented by one or more of the group classes offered at the studio. Packages are available to help bring the cost down. “My clients say they can’t believe the change in their body – even after one session. They hold themselves differently, and feel stronger and taller.” Dr. Maria suggests that to get the most out of your initial consultation, come prepared.

“Write down your history and think ahead about your goals.

Wear comfortable clothes that stretch and are form fitting so I can evaluate your posture. I am not here to judge, only to help you gain core strength. My goal is to be a supportive coach, providing positive energy in a safe, nurturing environment.”

The Aiken Pilates & Wellness Center also offers referrals for acupuncture, massage and nutrition through the Houndslake Wellness Associates system. “I love to share my knowledge; I have a passion for teaching and sharing my experiences over the last 30 years. I have traveled and lived all over the world and love to learn about different methods of strengthening the human body and managing pain. Combining my unique experiences allows my life to come full circle through this new business.”

Dr. Maria and her husband, David Eger, have two married adult children and four grand-children, all living in Wisconsin. They met in high school, were the typical high school sweethearts, but went their separate ways. They reconnected at their twenty-year high school reunion and are now enjoying the prime of their lives. “I love my new business. I can make my own schedule and still have time to ride my horses through Hitchcock Woods and spend more time than ever before with Dave and our family. That is the unexpected blessing that I received from the surgery and the loss of my veterinary career – the opportunity to slow down and deepen the connection with my husband.” Dr. Maria’s favorite quote is from Winston Churchill: “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” Or teaching someone how to sit tall in that saddle. www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Professional Gourmet Nuts

Sauces & Dressings Jellies & Candies Honey

(803) 522 - 4642

Fresh Produce Gifts

Antiques

W SEL E BUY , L AND , CRAC SHE K, LL!

& More!

15758 Atomic Road, Beech Island, SC 29842 | Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Need HELP Losing Weight?

We can help you be successful with life-long weight loss.

IT’S A LIFESTYLE!!!

Eating real food in the real world...

www.beehealthyclinics.com • (803) 226-0667 • 550 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken

CELEBRATE ANY OCCASION WITH

Floral Gallery Our stunning arrangements are designed with care using the finest and freshest blooms and are guaranteed to last long after your special day.

WWW.FLORALGALLERYONLINE.COM Send Locally!

1631 Whiskey Road, Mitchell Shopping Center Aiken, SC | (803) 649 - 7959 Owner/Designer Casey McKinney

16

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Professional

FPCLEANING.COM

Fresh Perspectives Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services LICENSED, INSURED, AND BONDED

Serving Aiken Since

2000

Let us help you come home to a house that welcomes you!

Deborah Birmingham, Owner housekpr5@aol.com

C ALL

(803) 439 - 6318

F O R A F R E E E S T I M AT E !

Advice. Beyond investing.

When life doesn’t go according to plan.

Life hands us positive and painful changes. Relationships, careers, health, retirement and loss of loved ones don’t necessarily follow our plans. These changes can create a need for clear, informed financial decisions.

As supportive and experienced wealth managers, we’ll help you make sound decisions today and solid plans for the future.

Call 1-844-670-7779 for a complimentary one hour consultation.

Southpointe Wealth Management UBS Financial Services Inc. 4000 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 100 Canonsburg, PA 15317 Pat Botula, First Vice President-Wealth Management and his daughter Laura Freedman, Financial Advisor

ubs.com/team/southpointewealthmanagement As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. ©UBS 2015. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. 7.00_Ad_7.75x4.9_8G0519_FreL www.aikenwomanonline.com 17

MEET

Dr. Susannah Shirer

OF SHIRER FAMILY DENTISTRY It has often been said, “Find a way to make a living doing something you love and you will never really work a day in your life.” People generally put more of themselves into things/professions they are passionate about. This is true for Dr. Susannah Shirer.

Dr. Susannah Shirer is a personable woman who loves her life. “Family” is near and dear to her heart. She and her husband, Dr. Michael Shirer, both grew up in close-knit communities in South Carolina; Susannah in Columbia and Michael in Lone Star, outside of Orangeburg. Mutual friends introduced them and they married in 2007.They started working toward their dreams of both becoming dentists and practicing together one day. They worked as a team and put each other through school (and had their two sons, Perry and Gray, in the midst of all that.)

When the opportunity arose to own a practice together in Aiken, they were delighted. Aiken is close to both of their families, and it offers their boys the same sense of community they enjoyed as children.

Susannah remarked, “I love it when I go to the grocery store or we take the boys out to eat and we run into one of our patients!”

The time and effort it took to achieve their dreams was well worth it, if the smile she wears when she talks about their practice is any indication. You 18

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By Carol Ryall | Photos By Mary Beth’s Photography

Feature

WHERE PATIENTS ARE LIKE FAMILY can hear her enthusiasm. Susannah earned her BS degree in Biology at the University of South Carolina, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She received her D.M.D. degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and then completed a residency at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.

Following her residency, she joined the faculty of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at MUSC. She rose from Instructor to the rank of Assistant Professor during her time there.

She taught in both the clinic and classroom, while also maintaining a private practice within MUSC where she treated her own dental patients. Even now, she carves out time to lecture and mentor dental students.

The Shirers treat their patients the way they would treat their own family. When asked about the greatest joys of her profession, Susannah replied, “Michael and I both love getting to know our patients.

We want to get to know the person… about their lives and how they’re doing … not just the patient. We love to joke around and keep things light. There’s

nothing more rewarding in dentistry than making someone smile again, and it’s even better to make them laugh.”

“Balancing between work and family is so important. I love my boys and my job.

Practicing together allows us to be available for both our family and our patients (who

There’s nothing more rewarding in dentistry than making someone smile again, and it’s even better to make them laugh. we feel are a part of our family too!). Our oldest, Perry, just started T-ball this season and our youngest, Gray, isn’t far behind him, so the flexibility of working together is about to come in handy!” Susannah con-

cluded, “For me, being really present (not distracted by the million things I have to do tomorrow!) when I am with our children is the most important thing. I want them to remember those times.”

If your family is looking for outstanding dentists with a sincerely friendly, personal touch, call Shirer Family Dentistry today at (803)-648-6400 or visit their office at 420 Hitchcock Pkwy.

You can also go to their website at www.ShirerFamilyDentistry.com

or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shirerfamilydentistry.

www.aikenwomanonline.com

Professional

137 Laurens Street SW Downtown Aiken, SC (803) 262 - 5102

Let Our Family Become A Part Of Yours 420 Hitchcock Parkway Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 648 - 6400

Epona is an equine-inspired boutique with collections for the horse-lover from wearable art to decorations for your home plus jewelry, accessories and gift ideas.

HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM DRS. MICHAEL AND SUSANNAH SHIRER WILL CARE FOR YOUR DENTAL NEEDS IN A COMFORTABLE AND GENTLE ENVIRONMENT.

SHIRER FAMILY DENTISTRY OFFERS GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTAL SERVICES FOR ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY FROM GRANDPARENTS TO CHILDREN AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN!

www.ShirerFamilyDentistry.com

We also carry several lines that are unrelated to horses...Stop by to see our latest collections of “vegan-leather” handbags, our richly textured ponchos and shawls, fleece-lined leggings and woven, fringed scarves for those chilly days and evenings. New arrivals daily!

eponaonlaurens.com

Proudly Supporting Our Community Achieving and sustaining financial success requires the stability and commitment of a financial partner you can trust. We take pride in being that partner that serves our community offering a full line of personal and business products to help meet any financial need.

Call us at 803.649.4240 in South Carolina or 706.738.6990 in Georgia or stop by any of our conveniently located branches and find out what we can do for you!

A Division of Georgia Bank & Trust

Susan Yarborough Aiken County Executive Vice President

www.southernbandt.com www.georgiabankandtrust.com 20

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Professional

Check us out online at W W W. A I K E N W O M A N O N L I N E . C O M

TO SEE ALL OF OUR PAST ISSUES AND STAY IN TOUCH!

Health & Wellness

The Golden Rule

By Tracey Lease \\ Photos By Mary Beth Photography any of you readers know that I recently moved here from New Jersey. Before I left, I had many different jobs – most of them shor t term – and there were things that I liked about each one of them.

One of my last positions was working in an assisted living facility. I had many years of restaurant experience and the facility’s new Director of Dining was a former co-worker/supervisor of mine. He is a good friend, so he called and asked me to come and work for him temporarily until he could get up to speed with this new venture of his. I agreed.

Although I only worked for the facility for about six months, it felt like I had been there for years. I got to know each of the residents as well as the family members that came to visit. I got to know their likes and dislikes for food. I learned many things about the 22

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health care field, and mostly, I learned many things about myself.

Wanda Fowler, Executive Director of Anchor Health & Rehab of Aiken, has a very demanding job. She oversees the daily operations of her facility – from the staff to the people who reside there. “You must love geriatrics, you must be patient, kind and understanding. You are responsible for others, and we strive to treat others the way we want to be treated – especially those who have no one to help them.”

Her job is even more demanding these days – Anchor Health & Rehab is undergoing an expansion project.

Wanda says, “We are changing the way we do healthcare here. We will be catering to our customers as if they were at a destination. We will be diminishing the regulatory insti-

Women

tutional feel of a skilled nursing and rehab facility.” Some of the amenities will include a beautiful cour tyard with walking paths and the serenity of fountains and outside seating, a bistro and an internet café. Dining services will be changing from institutional hospital-like meals to select ordering just as you would get if you went to a nice restaurant.

“We are updating the current building and expect to break ground very soon for our new addition. In it, we will be able to offer more long-term living oppor tunities, with 40 new private suites and 10 semi-private suites.” Wanda expects the addition to be open about one year from star t of construction. “We are super excited about all of the changes that we are making so that we can meet the needs of our future clients. Another thing we are looking forward to is

Health & Wellness

bringing 50 to 60 jobs to the community – Cer tified Nursing Assistants, Nurses, Therapists, Dietary, Housekeeping and more!”

Since 1998, Anchor Health & Rehab has been in the same location on Eastgate Drive, serving the Aiken and surrounding area. What sets them apar t from other facilities is their patient-to-staff ratio. “It is remarkably lower than other skilled centers in our area. We also have a physician in house up to four days per week along with a nurse practitioner five days a week. There are no other facilities offering that.” When I asked what the time frame is to get a loved one into their facility, Wanda told me that depending on the circumstance, they can accommodate a new patient within 24 hours once the proper paperwork is received.

Although Wanda has a very high-pressure, highly skilled job, she doesn’t like to talk about herself. She did tell me that she has three children aged 9 to 18 and they live in Edgefield, SC. Wanda grew up in West Virginia and moved to South Carolina 12 years ago. She holds a Master of Health Administration from Webster Univer-

WANDA FOWLER

sity. She has over 25 years of experience helping the geriatric population. She is always “on the go”; citing hunting, fishing, crafting and exercising as some of her favorite activities to do in her spare time. “It is hard to balance both work life and family life sometimes. Sacrifices have to be made when you are responsible for others.” She likes to give her children a little extra tidbit about that subject: “You are responsible for yourself. No

one can do it for you.”

Wanda left me with a final thought that stuck in my head. She told me we should always try to be someone’s Guardian Angel – especially to those who need it the most. I think she is doing a great job earning her wings!

My prayers to Wanda and her staff as they go through their expansion and blessings to those who will benefit from it. www.aikenwomanonline.com

23

Elite Training & Boarding

Prestigious C’est La Vie Farms not only offers elite boarding, but also individualized care, lessons and training in hunter/jumper and equitation disciplines.

Located on more than 60 acres of rolling pastures we offer six large paddocks for turnout, a large sand/fiber training arena with a 30-acre hunt course coming soon.

WE FOCUS ON YOUR PHYSICAL WELLNESS: WHETHER FOR WORK SITUATIONS, SPORT, OR EVERYDAY LIFE.

WE SPECIALIZE IN: MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT AND RETRAINING CORPORATE/WORK WELLNESS AND INJURY PREVENTION ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES E RGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS

The state-of-the-art barn includes ten 12'x12' matted stalls, a center aisle with rubber pavers, and tack room and lounge.

Owner Jill Davies, a well-respected professional who showed for over 40 years on the east coast hunter/jumper circuit, offers personalized lessons to students at all levels of experience.

Call for rates & availability 803 Williston Way Williston, SC 29853

808-264-3627

WWW.VERSATHERAPIES.COM INFO@VERSATHERAPIES.COM | (803)-716-9167

Minutes froM Aiken, three runs PlAntAtion & the Aiken horse PArk

“Serving the Needs of Our Communities,

One Patient at a Time”

Our facility helps people restore strength, function and independence following surgery or a hospital stay. Individualized plans of care are delivered on a short-term basis. Our vision calls for quality and outcome-focused post-acute care that meets individualized patient needs.

• Specialized Rehabilitation

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies

• Stroke Rehabilitation

• Cardiac & Pulmonary Care

• Intravenous Therapy

• Orthopedic Care

• Post Surgical Recovery

• 24 / 7 Admissions

ANCHOR HEALTH & REHAB OF AIKEN Another Covenant Dove Community

550 Eastgate Drive, Aiken, SC 29803 • (803) 643-3694

ACCEPTS: Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay and Private Insurance Visit us on our website: www.covenantdove.com/anchor

24

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Your One Stop Shop!

Theresa Brown Owner Anna Brown Makeup Artist Stylists: Brooke Battisto 803.645.8859 Dori Turner Wright 803.221.1238 Holly Edwards 803.295.2970 Bre McNeely 803.617.8551

C A L L G A L L E RY J F O R A N A P P O I N T M E N T AT

(803) 648 - 9273

Serving Aiken since 1983 at 202 The Alley in Aiken's historic downtown.

3.5” x 5” | Maximum Font Size: 36 pt www.edwardjones.com

Stay connected with Aiken Woman on Facebook. Be the first to comment on our content, weigh in on upcoming story ideas, and even share topics you’d like to see us cover!

Tell us what you want to see more of! Interact with our editors! Hear about ways to win GOODIES!

Schedule a complimentary portfolio review.

Alicia S Kough, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

407 Hayne Avenue Southwest Aiken, SC 29801 803-649-5138

Member SIPC

www.aikenwomanonline.com

25

Health & Wellness

Understanding Diabetes As obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, so too has diabetes. In the past decade, this phenomenon has hit close to home, with the rate of diabetes doubling among South Carolina residents.* Surprisingly, it is estimated that over one quarter of those with the disease are unaware they have it.* While the bad news is that diabetes causes an increased risk for nerve damage, blindness, kidney disease, stroke and heart disease, the good news is that Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and among the most preventable.*

How to Be Proactive Diabetes is a metabolic disease where the body’s inability to produce enough insulin results in elevated levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. While there is no cure, many complications from the disease can be prevented with proper attention to nutrition, exercise, stress management and using an accredited self-management education program.

The Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center of Aiken Regional Medical Centers was the first diabetes education program in the Central Savannah River Area to receive recognition by the American Diabetes Association.

Its advanced treatment options and specialty trained staff assists with managing the disease.

Support for Success The Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center of Aiken Regional Medical Centers offers patients small group and/or one-on-one lifestyle counseling, individualized meal planning and an 26

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overall plan for managing their specific conditions. There are specialized programs for adults, teens and children.

The Center’s advanced approach includes the use of wireless technologies, an enhanced diabetes data management system and phone apps that make it easy for patients to manage and take ownership of their health.

Early Warning Signs of Diabetes Some of the common warning signs of diabetes include the following: • Urinating often • Feeling very thirsty • Feeling very hungry • Extreme fatigue • Blurry vision • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal • Weight loss but eating more • Pain or numbness in the hands or feet

If you experience some or all of these symptoms, contact your physician to get a better understanding of your risk factor.

Women

Weight Loss and Nutritional Counseling Since obesity is closely tied to diabetes, nutritional counseling is a key consideration for individuals who do not have diabetes but do have needs related to nutrition. Nutritional counseling can address hypertension, weight loss, food allergies, wound healing, pre-gastric bypass evaluation and cholesterol management needs among others.

Within the Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center, specialized equipment is used to assess an individual’s “resting metabolic rate” and define a personalized care plan to help them attain their personal health care goals.

Next Steps for Healthy Living To learn more about diabetes and The Diabetes & Nutrition Teaching Center of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, call 803293-0021 or visit www.aikenregional.com/ hospital-services/diabetes-care. * www.cdc.gov

Recipes For more of these wonderful recipes please visit Melissa at: www.thefrontporchgourmet.com

Herbed Crusted Filet Mignon with Bacon & Roasted Fennel Marmalde INGREDIENTS • 2, 5 oz. Filet Mignon

For the Rub: • 1 tsp. dry Basil • 1 tsp. dried Thyme • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. Marjoram • 1/2 tsp. black pepper • 1/4 cup good olive oil

• 3 tbsp. fennel fronds • 1 square (ounce) of dark chocolate • 1/2 stick butter • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup molasses • 1/2 cup stout or very dark beer • 2 tbsp. dried grated ginger (not powder)

Directions

• 12 slices cooked bacon, reserve juice

Blend all of the ingredients for the steak rub except olive oil. Rub steaks with olive oil, and then with rub. Grill according to preference.

For the marmalade: • 1 bulb thinly sliced fennel

Add sliced fennel, butter and bacon juice to skillet. Cook for about 30

minutes over medium heat to allow the fennel to caramelize. Add bacon and remainder of ingredients except fronds. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently, reduce heat to medium low, cover and allow to cook about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until liquids have been absorbed and marmalade has thickened. Check frequently to prevent burning.

By Melissa Birdsong

Serve with steak, meats or vegetables.

This is also a great jam when accompanied with Horseradish Cream.

Getting in shape for Summer!

• Summer is all about color, so take advantage of colorful fruits and vegetables.

• Rethink your workout.Take a break from the gym and use the warmer weather as motivation to exercise outside.You’ll also gain your daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun!

• As further motivation for working out, buy a new workout wardrobe. Lose the sweat pants from winter, and show off the new body you’re working towards.

• Take time to clear your mind. Use the warmer weather for outdoors yoga or meditation.

• Use your lunch breaks to their fullest potential by walking around your workplace. Both slow and fast walks will increase weight loss. www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Personal Note

B

y the time some of you read this, it will be my favorite season. Those old dog days of summer will have passed and we will hopefully be enjoying some good mild South Carolina weather. Football is going on everywhere. All our local teams and our national favorites will be in full swing, hunters will be hunting, the State Fair will come to the Midlands and leave again. There will be bon fires, barbecues, roasted marshmallows, and this fall there will be wins and loses. There will be successes and failures and through it all we will show up at community events and support one another. We will talk “trash” on Facebook between the Garnet and Orange but we will sit together with our neutral colors on come Sunday morning and laugh and joke about Saturday’s games at Sunday afternoon dinner. We will do all this because people who love each other can disagree and still be friends. We may not even like each other very much at times but we still love each other.

In the past year I have been both ashamed and very proud of our State. We have watched as senseless acts of violence around the country have divided us, grieved us, opened old wounds and made us angry. We have also watched a community in Charleston take hate and return love. We saw the faces of beautiful people in various stages of life cut down and then saw the compassionate faces of love and forgiveness address the state, local and national media. Charleston.. oh Charleston.

In life there are things that happen that are beyond our control, both good and bad things.

While we can’t control those things, we can control the way we respond to them. If we chose positive or negative it is still our choice and our consequences. I have taught my children this principal since they were very small. Yes, I celebrate every success they have, big or small. I post pictures of the least of their accomplishments. They are not perfect children.

They are simply loved, cherished, and appreciated children. However, each of them know they are personally responsible for their actions. In our home we have a rule. No playing the blame game. If your socks are on the floor. They are your socks. You pick them up. Even if your brother or sister knocked them off the sofa or out of a basket, they are your socks, you pick them up.

What if we all accepted responsibility for our own actions? What if we all worked hard for everything we accomplished and wanted and checked our sense of entitlement before we left our homes? What if we all got up each morning with a sense of determination to make today better than yesterday, not just for ourselves but for everyone in our circle of influence?

What if we all took a little time to understand what someone else might be struggling with?

What if we all used words of compassion and not hate? What if we all tried to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes before we spoke ill of them or wrote them off? Would there be less murders? Would there be less crime in general?

These are just my personal thoughts. Pondering’s of a woman who has recently witnessed some of the best of humanity in action and some of the worst. I love Lexington . I have since I moved here. People have been inordinately kind to me. I am often shocked to find out something that has happened so close because I simply can’t believe that happens where we live. So people would say I am naive. If so, I wear that title with honor. I never want to look at the late night news and become numb to what I see. I would just ask that you join me in praying for our community, our schools, our teachers, our administrators, and our local politicians for wisdom and discernment. I wish each of you reading this happiness and health for years to come.

Your friend,

Lori Samples Duncan

Let love be without hypocrisy Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12:9-10

Business & Web Directory Arts & Entertainment

Health Services

Homegrown Festival...............................................4

Aiken Regional Medical Centers ...... Back Cover

www.cumbeecenter.org

www.aikenregional.com

Anchor Health & Rehab of Aiken.................... 24 Attorney

www.covenantdove.com/anchor

Knapp Law Firm, PC ..............................................5

Versa Therapies .................................................... 24

www.knapplawfirmpc.com

www.versatherapies.com

Automotive Services

Healthy Living

Auto Tech, Inc. ....................................................... 25

Smart Plan............................................................. 12

www.aikenautotechinc.com

www.smartplanforhealthyliving.com

Bee Healthy........................................................... 16 Banking

www.beehealthyclinics.com

Georgia Bank & Trust ......................................... 20 www.georgiabankandtrust.com

Hotels Comfort Suites.........................................................4

Cleaning Services

www.comfortsuiteslexington.com

Fresh Perspectives................................................ 17 www.fpcleaning.com

Photography Mary Beth’s Photography ................................. IFC

Dentist

www.marybethsphotography.com

Shirer Family Dentistry ....................................... 20 www.shirerfamilydentistry.com

Restaurants Red Bowl ...................................................................5

Education

www.redbowlaiken.com

Southland Driving Academy .................................5 www.southlanddrivingacademy.com

Salons

Carolina Academy of Music .............................. 24

Salon Trale.................................................................5

www.carolinaacademyofmusic.com

Studio South .............................................................5 The Beauty Shop ................................................. 13

Equine Shopping & Services

Gallery J .................................................................. 25

Core Equus ............................................................ 12 www.core-equus.com

Shopping

Marrinson Stables ............................................... 13

Aiken Embroidery & Design ............................. 12

www.marrinsonstables.com

The Paisley Peacock ............................................ 12

Aiken Saddlery...................................................... 17

Sears Homestore ................................................. 13

www.aikensaddlery.com

Thru Time and Ages ............................................ 13

C’est La Vie Farms ............................................... 24

The Lucky Pecan Store ....................................... 16

Financial Planning

www.floralgalleryonline.com

UBS Financial Services ....................................... 17

Epona on Laurens ............................................... 20

www.ubs.com/southpointemanagement

www.eponaonlaurens.com

Floral Gallery ......................................................... 16

Edward Jones ........................................................ 25 www.edwardjones.com

Transportation Best Friend Express............................................. 12 www.bestfriendexpress.com

Column By Pastor Sonya Mazzell

What Does Your Garden Grow?

Recently, I was asked what should I do to grow in God? Immediately my mind went to the parable of the sower. Luke 8:15 say’s, “But the seed (the word of God) on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

Growing in God requires much of the same effort and steps that it takes to plant a garden. If the gardener does not persevere, or if he doesn’t properly till, weed and fertilize the soil, then it will not yield a harvest.

My advice would be not to focus on the do’s and don’ts of religion, but rather on the preparation of your heart to receive God’s word and to hold onto it until it bears “fruit” which is the evidence that God is in our lives. We accomplish this through honesty, through faith and through the grace of God. II Cor. 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

First, accept that apart from Christ you can do nothing. If you desire spiritual growth it cannot be accomplished by natural acts. It will be a work of grace within your heart that produces good soil. Remember, man cannot live by bread alone, so we must read God’s word daily!

Second, confess your sins and your weakness before God. Call on Christ to till up the stony ground in your heart and to pluck up the thorns that are choking out the fruit his Spirit that He is trying to grow.

Third, hold fast to the profession of your faith. Remember, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by our testimony.

(Rev. 12:11) Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Phil 1:6) ~ Pastor Sonya www.aikenwomanonline.com

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Meet

Dr. Seema Faiyaz, OB/GYN Seema Faiyaz, MD, is the newest obstetrician/gynecologist to join the staff at Aiken Regional.

Visit her new office located at: 121 Aurora Place, Suite B, Aiken, SC 29801 Now accepting new patients.

Same-day appointments available.

Call now to make your appointment 803-716-9428.

121 Aurora Place, Suite B, Aiken, SC 29801

DR. SEEMA FAIYAZ Aiken Professional Association OB/GYN

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Women

Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 160395