WINTER 2015
COMPLIMENTARY
We talk to Dr. Holly H. Woltz on how
MIRACLES HAPPEN
Meet LaDolce Gourmet Bakery, Coffee & Tea Bar!
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In this Issue
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www.aikenwomanonline.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com
ADVERTISING
Cathy Williams Della Hertzberg (info@aikenwomanonline.com)
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashley Campbell Carol Ryall Dr. Holly H. Woltz Kristen Sojourner Melissa Hass Patti McGrath
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Lindsey Duncan woman2womanlindsey@gmail.com
COVER PHOTO
Joe Willis Photography
From the Editor 2 Make 2015 a Good Year for you
and others in Aiken
Events 3 What’s Happening?
The Front Porch Gourmet 4 The Pasta Whisperer: Shrimp &
Black Pepper Pappardelle
5 Dark Chocolate Irish Cream
Brownies
Let’s Talk PHOTOGRAPHY
Cherrie Alexander Joe Willis Photography
Professional 26 Meet Kimberly Ussery 30 Mary Guynn, Animal-Loving
Attorney
Celebrating the Survivor in You! 32 God is still in the Healing Business
Health & Wellness 34 A Helping Hand... 37 Pruitt Health North Augusta
Get Well for Life
6 Miracles Happen
39 She’s FiT
8 This Adam is still in The Garden
40 ResCare HomeCare - Not
11 Female Engineer Brethany Fralick
Health Care, “Help Care.”
13 Bringing “Outdoor Living” to your 41 ER just got EasiER at Aiken Find us on facebook!
Aiken 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
Home
Regional
16 73rd Running of the Aiken Trails
42 My Aiken Body With Kristen
Ladies About Town
Sojourner
18 Wanda Fowler has made a Career Business & Web Directory
of doing What She LOVES!
44 Contact our Advertisers
19 LaDolce Gourmet Bakery, Coffee & Personal Note
Tea Bar
45 Sharing a fewThings on My Heart
23 “If you Build it, They will Come.” www.aikenwomanonline.com
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I
can’t believe that 2015 is here and flying by as quickly as it is!
There are many outstanding women in this issue. We are happy to be able to spotlight them for you. Some, like Mary Guynn and Kristen Sojourner, have returned home to live and work in Aiken from other places; some, like Kimberly Ussery have been serving the citizens of Aiken all along; still others, like Lady Kelly MacVean and her daughter, Kirstie Wohlfiel, are newcomers who have brought fresh ideas and talents with them as they moved into Aiken. They are all a part of the wonderful community that makes Aiken such an exceptionally vibrant small town! This issue features several articles about services geared towards health care for Aiken’s Senior Citizens. Whether you are a senior yourself or concerned about a parent or other loved one, there are some exceptionally fine care-givers available to Aiken and the surrounding area. After you read this issue, you may have a better idea of which is best suited to your needs. We hope so. The Aiken Spring Trials are coming. Don’t forget to come by and show us your Hat! How is this new year of 2015 going for you? Are you still practicing the resolutions you made on January first? If not, don’t let it worry you. Make them again – or make different ones - for the first of next month! Make new ones every month if you want to! As long as you are doing a little bit better than you did yesterday, or last week, or last month, then you are still growing, moving forward, and that is what is most important. Until the next issue, make 2015 as good a year as you can – for you, your family and friends, and also for those less fortunate. Remember, they have a hard life every day of the year – not just during the holidays. Find a way to help. Supporting the Megiddo Dream Shelter is a good place to start, as they continue helping create self-sustaining families.
Lori Samples Duncan
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Matthew 25:45 He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
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Events
What’s HAPPENING? Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®Presents Built To Amaze!®— Nuts & Boltz Edition. February 5, 2015 @ 7:00 pm – February 8, 2015 @ 10:00 pm James Brown Arena 601 7th Street Augusta, GA 30901
Experience all the things you know and love about the circus and be amazed by things you’ve never seen before! Witness superhuman stunts so close you can FEEL them! Astonishing performers, awe-inspiring athletes and amazing animals from around the globe have been assembled in one place providing a riveting display of unimaginable proportions that is Engineered for Excitement and Custom Built for Family Fun!
The 16th Annual Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Show and Sale Friday, February 5th through Sunday, February 8th, 2015 at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens Street SW, Aiken, South Carolina.
Aiken, SC ----- The 16th year of Aiken Center for the Arts’ Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Show & Sale is one of Aiken’s most well known events and offers one of the South’s finest Antiques experiences. The 16th year of this annual show will bring several new dealers as well as many of the returning favorites; restoration experts will be available and two fun and informative lectures will be held. All proceeds from Antiques in the Heart of Aiken benefit the Aiken Center for the Arts.
XO Marriage Conference February 13 & 14, 2015 Sweetwater Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC.
Pastor Jimmy Evans, Marriage Today Ministry, will teach the following three sessions: 1. Taking Your Marriage Off of Auto-Pilot 2. Seven Elements of Emotional Healing 3. God’s Laws of Love
There will be a celebrity panel featuring Josh and Katie Hamilton, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, and Sean and Catherine Lowe who will discuss “A Cord of Three Strands,” God’s role in marriage and will be moderated by Jimmy. Steven Curtis Chapman will delight everyone with a musical performance, there will be a Q&A w/ Jimmy and his wife Karen, as well as a vow renewal ceremony. You can register online for this very special, family-strengthening conference, intended to enhance marriages according to God’s plan and desire, by going to https://marriagetoday.brushfireapp.com/xo-simulcast/428073.
Mardi Gras Gala February 14, 2015 7:00-11:00PM Double Tree by Hilton 2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210
Come enjoy the sixteenth annual Gala to benefit the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center. Complimentary beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $100 per person. For Reservations or to inquire about individual and corporate sponsorship levels. www.dickersoncac.org, call 803-791-1151 or send and email to mardigras@dickersoncac.org
The Battle of Aiken February 20, 21 & 22, 2015
Welcome to our 20th Anniversary of the Reenactments at the Battle of Aiken. It is our pleasure to have you join us this year. On behalf of all of the volunteers, who worked many long and hard hours, we would like to thank all of you that have come out to support this Living History Exhibit and Celebration of our Southern Heritage. It is through the gracious and generous contributions of the many commercial and private sponsors and you, the
public, that this event continues to be one of the biggest and best events in the State of South Carolina. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and realistic portrayal of our Southern Heritage and the conditions and events that were a part of life in the difficult days of February 1865. We invite you to visit the many Sutlers, Vendors, Camps, Exhibitors, and attractions that make up the Battle of Aiken. We hope you will continue to support the many groups as we celebrate our Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States.
Auntie Mame February 27, 2015 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm WHERE: Aiken Community Playhouse 126 Newberry St. SW Aiken SC 29801
Auntie Mame was a handsome, sparkling, scatterbrained and warm-hearted lady who brightened the American landscape in the late 1920’s through her whimsical gaiety, her slightly madcap adventures and her devotion to her young nephew. Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Directed by Lisa Kirschner.
The Aiken Trials March 14, 2015 Aiken Training Track 538 Two Notch Road, Aiken, SC 29801
An Aiken tradition and a family-friendly event, The Aiken Trials is offering a new Pack a Picnic special this year. The package includes 4 patron tickets and a second row parking spot for $60.
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The Front Porch Gourmet
The Pasta Whisperer: Shrimp & Black Pepper Pappardelle By: Melissa Pelkey Hass
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was born to love pasta. If I could have sucked noodles through the bottle I’m pretty sure that would have been my meal of preference.
Although my waistline and my taste buds DRASTICALLY disagree on this, at the end of the day, the buds win. Hands down. Every. Time. My pasta affair begin as far back as I can remember. When mama would make mac n cheese she would always scoop out a nice bowl of macaroni noodles, piping hot with tons of melted butter. On a chilly morning, that was heaven in a bowl. She would do the same with spaghetti noodles before I found an equal love for the sauce. And it was sheer and utter bliss when I came home to boxed Kraft Mac and cheese and fried Spam…I had won the dinner lottery. Although you still can’t beat a good old box of Kraft, I’m pleased to say my pasta buds have evolved. It was just in the cards for me to become a pasta connoisseur, trying every brand, flavor, make and model of pasta available to me, and even trying my hand at making my own. I was born for this. I’ve been fickle with pasta, changing my pasta crush like most would change underwear. Around every supermarket corner there was new beauty begging for marinara, lemon juice, olive oil, Alfredo or any array of roasted vegetables. I mean really. I heard them…like a pasta whisperer. There was ye old faithful macaroni that begged to be baked in gooey cheese and eggs, and beside that was the corkscrew who just wanted to become a salad with broccoli, bacon and ranch dressing. All in a beautiful starchy line were Bowties, seashells, Penne, Manicotti, Rotini, Fussili, Linguini, Orzo and…. what’s this? Almost hidden by the other, stronger traditional pastas was a beautiful, elegant, wide noodle with specs of spicy black pepper; Black Pepper Pappardelle. Are you even kidding me? My initial thought was noodle soup. Wide egg noodles flaked with pepper, with the remainder of last week’s herb roasted chicken? I think YES! But… then I heard the whisper. Shrimp. At first, it was a tiny, faint little voice. But as it spoke, it grew in self definition of what it truly wanted….no….needed, to be. Shrimp, with fresh mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, and green onion in a white wine, lemon juice and butter sauce with fresh garlic. And so it became, and so it was done. And it was…spectacular.
1 pound Jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined 1 bag Black Pepper Pappardelle Egg Noodles 1 package sun dried tomatoes 1 container baby bella mushrooms 1/4 cup diced green onion 5 cloves of garlic – finely diced 1 cup GOOD white wine 1 stick butter 3 tbsp. Lemon juice 1 tbsp. EVOO Salt & Pepper to taste
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Directions:
Cook pasta as directed. Preheat oven to 500. Brush shrimp with EVOO and lightly salt & pepper. Place shrimp in oven until they turn pink, approximately 4-5 minutes. In a large saute’ pan, reduce the white wine on medium heat for 6-10 minutes allowing the alcohol to cook off. Add butter, lemon juice and garlic and cook until garlic becomes fragrant. Add remaining ingredients and cook until vegetables are tender, but not soggy. Add the shrimp and serve over pasta. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a nice salad. I like easy. Bon appetit y’all!
The Front Porch Gourmet
Dark
Chocolate Irish Cream Brownies
For the Irish Cream Center Layer: 2 blocks cream cheese, room temperature 1 container Marscapone cheese, room temperature ½ cup sugar 1 egg ½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
For the Brownies:
By: Melissa Pelkey Hass
small bowl and set to the side.
For the brownies: Sift together all dry ingredients. Place in the mixer, then add eggs, butter, honey, vanilla and melted chocolate. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips last.
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. sea salt 1 1/2 cup butter, softened 12 oz. GOOD unsweetened chocolate, melted 2 cups sugar 2 cups light brown sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1/4 cup orange blossom honey 2 tsp. good vanilla 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips or discs
Place a sheet of parchment paper in the bottom of a 13×9 baking pan. Coat the bottom and sides of pan well with non stick spray. Pour half of the chocolate brownie batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Next, cover the brownie layer with a layer of the Irish Cream mixture, using the all of the mixture. Finally, spread the remaining half of the brownie batter over the Irish cream layer. Bake at 350 for about an hour to one hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Directions:
Life is too short to eat ugly food y’all!
For the Irish Cream Layer: In a stand mixer, whip cream cheese. Add sugar and remaining ingredients. Place in a
For more of these wonderful recipes please visit Melissa at:
www.thefrontporchgourmet.com www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Let’s Talk
Miracles Happen Dr. Holly H. Woltz (Doc Holly)
Dora & Dr. Holly H. Woltz
By: Dr. Holly H. Woltz
E
very day we laugh and cry at Veterinary Services of Aiken. Every day we love. Being a veterinarian for 27 years has given me the best of all worlds. Wonderful people have wonderful pets. With all the advances in medicine, surgery and diagnostics, we have extended the lives of pets (even doubling the ten year life span of cats). It is a privilege to be the family doctor of several pet generations in a family. We are at the happy beginnings (ah, the sweet smell of puppy breath and the silly antics of a pouncing kitten!) and the sad closing of beloved family members. They are children with four legs, and the companion-animal bond runs deep.
Every day we must do our best and rise to each new challenge that walks into the clinic on four legs. It is often said that a veterinarian is a doctor with dozens of specialties (surgeon, dentist, behaviorist, radiologist, and more). Above all, we are teachers - spending as much time as necessary with every client and educating them on how to have a healthy, long-lived and happy pet.
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failure, bladder stones or cancer. Trauma can also frequently be involved. How sad that these pets can be hit by a car (or golf cart), stolen, and even shot by bullets or arrows. I have frequently been asked by Public Safety and private citizens to testify on the cause of death in cruelty cases.
Let’s not forget that our patients can’t talk! Therefore, many times we must also be detectives and ask lots of questions of the witness (also known as the owner). TV physician, Dr. House, has nothing on us! Many people are surprised when I explain their pet has diabetes, congestive heart
It is a huge responsibility to care for pets because they are not just “dogs or cats”. Every day we must do our best and rise to each new challenge that walks into the clinic on four legs. This is why we are one of only 12% of veterinary clinics world-wide that are AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) certified.
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Every 3 years we prepare for months to pass a rigorous examination (online and on site). We must not only heal and keep our patients well, but we must also keep meticulous patient records, inventory, offer certain services, acquire technical equipment and so much more. We are the best that we can be, and we promise (found on our website, www. aikenpetvet.com) to always: --make you feel welcome --practice the highest quality of veterinary medicine --treat you and your pets with compassion and kindness --do the best we can every day for you and your pet. Come by and visit us, any day.
We work hard for tail wags! Dr. Holly Woltz (Doc Holly) is Chief of Staff at Veterinary Services. A former teacher, special features writer for the Aiken Standard and other magazines, she is active in the community by serving on the Board of the Community Medical Clinic, President of GEM (Guide-Encourage-Mentor), former chairperson of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the originator of the Paws for Cancer Walk. Veterinary Services 1721 Whiskey Rd. Aiken, S.C. 29803 (803) 648-5489
Call to be a part of our next issue!
(803) 785-4475
www.aikenwomanonline.com
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This Adam is Still in the Garden! By Carol Ryall
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t’s not too unusual for a teenager to start his own business. Usually, they run the gamut of delivery services, paper routes, lemonade stands, mowing lawns, etc. However, very few of those teens are still running and growing that same business over 18 years later. Adam Altman is doing just that. When he was only 14 years old, with a dream, a love of plants and an inventory of just 75 plants, Adam first started Adam’s Nursery! Today that dream has blossomed into the largest and fastest growing Nursery and Landscape Company in the area that can handle any of your landscaping needs. Whether it is landscape design, potted plants, shrubs or trees, lawn maintenance or irrigation systems Adam’s Nursery can take care of it for you. The retail garden center has not only a wide variety of plants, shrubs, and trees, but also the pots, barrels, urns, tubs and other containers you might want for planting them. Need plant food, insecticides, potting soil or compost? They have all that available for you, as well. A beautiful array of fountains and birdbaths to furnish your outdoor spaces is also on display. Landscape design is more of an investment
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The staff at Adam’s Nursery can come in and draw a landscape plan that will better meet their personality or needs. than an expense. You can create a wonderful environment for your family and friends to enjoy. At the same time, you enhance the appearance of your home to increase its
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curb appeal, both for your and your neighbors enjoyment. This same investment will also make your home more marketable when it comes time to move on, possibly selling quicker and for a higher price than comparable homes without beautiful yards. The money you spend in landscaping can repay you both in emotional and financial payoffs. The only downside to a beautiful yard is that it needs a certain amount of maintenance. Adam’s Nursery can help you there as well. Not only can they design the landscape with lower maintenance selections if that is your preference, they also offer a complete selection of Lawn Maintenance services. Whether gardening is your hobby, or you never want to get your hands dirty, Adam’s Nursery offers a
level of maintenance services to meet your wants and needs. An essential part of keeping your lawn and shrubs green and healthy, especially during our hot and often dry summers, is watering them regularly. The easiest way to ensure this is to have Adam’s Nursery install a Rainbird irrigation system for you. Just like folks update/remodel their kitchens or bathrooms, Adam’s Nursery’s staff can also renovate and remodel landscapes. Many times when someone purchases an existing home, they make changes to make it fit them better. The staff at Adam’s Nursery can come in and draw a landscape plan that will better meet their personality or needs. Some people prefer a larger lawn and fewer plants while others prefer a lawn-less landscape with plants being the show stopper. Speaking of lawns another one of their most popular services is lawn renovation or replacement. As a landscape ages, the lawn will occasionally need an overhaul or replacement. In most cases, the Nursery staff can renovate the lawn by de-thatching, core aerating and top dressing with compost. In more severe circumstances, they may recommend replacing the lawn with a newer hardier type of turf grass. Do you need a workshop, or somewhere to store hobby equipment, lawn equipment or just the overflow of closets and garage? Adam’s Nursery is proud to offer you an array of Old Hickory Barns. These barns, constructed with the highest grade materials, and superb Mennonite craftsmanship, come with a five-year warranty! Adam’s younger brother, David, is in charge of their pressure washing service, and takes great pride in making whatever he is cleaning look like new. With over twelve years’ experience, he has perfected the skill of bringing back the best on your deck, porches, driveways and much more.
Adam’s Nursery is located at 10066 Ellenton St. in Barnwell, SC (Right across from Sport's Convenience Store). Now is a great time to start planning your landscape plans for next year. Call Adam at 803 300 0896 to make an appointment with him, or stop by the Retail Center. There is also a wealth of additional information on their web page at www.AdamsNursery.net. www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Let’s Talk
Female Engineer
Bethany Fralick By: Patti McGrath
I Bethany Fralick Dr. Bethany Fralick, Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of South Carolina Aiken, has enjoyed STEM since a young age and is now teaching students in pre-engineering courses. “During grade school, I really enjoyed my math classes. Math just seemed to make sense to me; I could figure out a process and apply a method to solving problems well,” she recalls. “I enjoyed my sciences courses as well. I appreciated methods and processes in learning more than memorizing dates and words. I still do not excel in memorization, but enjoy the idea of solving a problem with my knowledge and skills gained through experience. Middle school was the time when I developed my appreciation for math and science; I just ‘got it’ when it came to these classes.” “My father introduced me to science, math, and engineering. Being the oldest of three children, a lot of responsibility was placed on me like helping with indoor and outdoor chores while maintaining good grades. Through this responsibility to our family life, I became very interested in hands-on tasks,” Dr. Fralick explains. “I also never played with traditional girl toys. My parents always gave me
f you haven’t heard the term STEM in the news recently, chances are you will in the very near future. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and employers are looking for people with skills in these areas. In fact, 62% of jobs today require STEM skills, but South Carolina isn’t producing enough college educated workers to fill the projected STEM jobs over the next decade. The state particularly needs females in these positions. The ratio of women in STEM fields is significantly lower than that of men. interactive, building type toys. I loved Legos and erector sets as a child. Unbeknownst to my parents’ years ago, I would take apart appliances in our home just to see how they worked. Most of the time I successfully put them back together; a few items were replaced in less than working order. This love for interactive toys and problem solving as a child was a direct result of my home environment and flourished into a professional appreciation for engineering.” Getting girls interested in science and math at a young age, and encouraging them to pursue these interests, may help them choose STEM careers as they grow older. But, some parents may wonder, why STEM subjects are so important to students? “STEM subjects directly affect everyday life. These subjects are very important for students to not only master, but appreciate because they impact how we live,” Dr. Fralick states. “A strong foundation in STEM enables students to excel in successful and growing fields in industry. Many businesses are thriving due to their emphasis on problem solving for everyday life. The STEM subjects best prepare us for this type of career and advancement.”
Women are under-represented in engineering as men dominate the field. This didn’t negatively affect Dr. Fralick’s career choice. “I love the process of engineering,” says Dr. Fralick. “All types of engineering and courses in engineering revolve around learning and applying knowledge to solve a problem. No two problems are the same; therefore, engineers must retain a large amount of knowledge and apply parts of it at different times and in varying order. I truly enjoy the feeling of victory after solving a problem; every time it feels like I have learned something new. This idea that I will always learn something new is what makes my job my passion. I enjoy teaching students how to apply knowledge in different ways to be successful.” Dr. Fralick currently teaches pre-engineering courses which cater to six main fields of engineering: biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical. “I hope students leave my courses with an appreciation for the process. I hope they understand no two problems they will ever face as engineers will be the same and that they will be able to approach these problems head-on,” she states. “I strive to provide students with the tools necessary for success; these tools
can be anything from knowledge and visual understanding to a set of guidelines and a sense of ethical responsibility. I encourage my students to think about the process of getting from the start to the end and embrace the uniqueness of each individual solution. Engineering is not cookie-cutter. The students’ success depends on their abilities to start, fail, and restart until the end is reached. They must remember to be resilient and have faith in the process I try to teach them every day.” Currently, the USC Aiken Engineering program is for the student’s first two years, then they would transfer to USC in Columbia. However, a four year degree in Engineering is in the process of being approved by regulatory and accreditation committees. USC Aiken anticipates being able to offer a four year bachelor degree in industrial process engineering in the fall of 2015. As the demand for careers in STEM rises in South Carolina, let’s hope the state can provide qualified, educated workers so the jobs stay with South Carolinians – especially with the women in South Carolina.
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Let’s Talk
Bringing “Outdoor Living” to your
Home
By: Ashley Campbell
W
hile it’s cold outside, the thought of sitting in a screened room, drinking iced tea in shorts is probably the last thing on your mind. But, if you’re thinking of building an add-on to your home, Kevin Tierney, owner of All South Roofing, Siding and Windows, says now is a good time to take some action. “Really, January is the only month where there would be some winter precipitation so here in the south you can put a screen room or sun room in year round,” said Tierney. There are several options when it comes to add-ons. You can have a patio cover, screen room and sun room. So, which do you choose? Tierney says it has to do with your design taste and lifestyle. “I have had a Florida room, a screen room and I have a patio cover now. I prefer the patio cover because I have five dogs,” said Tierney. Tierney adds a screen room would be most beneficial for those who have a problem with mosquitos during the summer and it still
allows you to experience outdoor living. If you love the outdoors but not the southern summer heat, a sunroom may be your best option. Tierney says you can add air conditioning to the room to stay nice and cool while you bird watch. As far as cost, Tierney says the most affordable option is a patio room. If you do choose a screen room or sun room, Tierney says the cost shouldn’t drain your bank account. His team at All South will come to your home, give you a free estimate and work with you on the design, style and price. “Our prices are very affordable. When it comes to the building process, you don’t have to do anything. We will pull the permits. Now, you do have to speak with your Homeowners
Association when making changes to your home. They will usually want to see the plans, (which we will draw up) if you have an addon that involves wood, shingles and carpentry,” said Tierney. Those pieces of wood, shingles and carpentry could be worth every penny when it comes to your house. Adding a sun room means more square footage which will increase the home’s value and your year round enjoyment of the outdoors. If this sounds like something that would enhance your lifestyle, you can contact All South at (706) 495-5102. You can also visit their website at www.http://allsouthsidingandroofing.com
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Call for advertising rates 803-785-4475 Real
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Attention Hat Ladies! AIKEN HORSE TRIALS HAT CONTEST
Join us in your favorite hat at the Aiken Trials! 1st prize winner will be featured in an upcoming Aiken Woman issue & will recieve a gift basket! www.aikenwomanonline.com
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73rd Running of the
Aiken Trials A
IKEN, SC - The horses are training early every morning for The Aiken Trials to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Aiken Training Track. This Aiken, South Carolina tradition is a family friendly event suitable for any age.
The Aiken Trials is the first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown, the three-weekend-long celebration of horse sports that includes The Aiken Trials, The Aiken Steeplechase, and the USC Aiken Pacers and Polo match. This year’s 73rd running of the event will be held on Saturday, March 14. The Aiken Trials draws upwards of 10,000 spectators who enjoy a day of family fun that includes extravagant tailgating spreads, assorted vendors, good-natured side betting, and fun contests such as the hat contest and the best tailgate contest. The Mariachi band will return this year along with shop and food vendors. The Aiken Trials is offering a new Pack a Picnic special this year. The package includes 4 patron tickets and a second 16
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row parking spot for $60. Families and friends are encouraged to “pack a picnic” or tailgate, and come out to enjoy a fun day of racing. Aiken Trials Treasurer, Nikki Bargeloh, encourages the public to come out to the event. “The Trials are always an exciting day. You never know when you might see the next Classic Winner come through Aiken, like Palace Malice. It's a fun, family event where everyone really gets an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and personal,” Bargeloh comments. Gates open at 10 am with the opening ceremonies and carriage parade beginning at 1 pm. Post time for the first race is 2 pm. Tickets are $10 for general park-
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ing (3rd row or farther) and $10 for gate entrance in advance. A VIP tent party will begin at 11 am. Tickets for the tent are $75 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. This year, the VIP tent has increased in size to accommodate 500 patrons rather than 350. The Aiken Trials will be held at the Aiken Training Track which is located at 538 Two Notch Road, Aiken, SC 29801. Tickets for the Aiken Trials can be purchased online at www.aikentrials.com or by calling the Track office at (803) 648-4631. Find the Aiken Trials on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aikentrials.
LADIES ABOUT TOWN
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LADIES ABOUT TOWN
Wanda Fowler has made a career of doing what she
loves!
By: Patti McGrath
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hen you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Wanda Fowler has made a career of doing what she loves – helping the elderly. “I have worked in elder care throughout my whole career,” she explains. “I started out providing direct care and had several different positions including Social Services, Case Management, Activities, and Volunteer Employment Services Coordinator. When I moved to South Carolina ten years ago I worked as a State Surveyor for DHEC conducting surveys which monitor compliance of the federal regulations that govern nursing homes. After that I obtained my Administrators license, and completed my Masters in Health Care Administration.” All of her experience in elder care helps her in her current position as the Administrator of Anchor Health and Rehabilitation Center, located on Eastgate Drive. Overseeing the operations of the Center, rather than helping patients one-on-one, has been an adjustment. “I believe that this is what I was meant to do. I didn’t wake up one morning and say ‘I want to be an Administrator.’ I truly love and care for our elder population,” Fowler says. “I remember during my first management position my mom asked me how it was. I told her that I really missed being able to provide direct care and spend time with the patients. She told me that God put me in my position because I could do more for the people that I loved so much.” “I have always loved the elderly,” she continues. “I love their wisdom, and maturity and their outlook on life. My first memory of caring for the elderly was with my great-great Grandmother. I remember she was taken from her home due to dementia. She had fallen and broken her hip so she went to live with my grandmother. I remember sitting at her bedside feeding her tomato soup with bread in it. I never could understand why my grandma put bread in her soup instead of crackers until I was older.”
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“I believe my biggest inspiration comes from my mother. I think she has always taken care of people in her home and so I was always a part of the care. When I was seventeen we had an elderly neighbor. She would call me to come wash her feet before she went to the foot doctor. She would have me take out her trash for her and she always gave me fifty cents even though I told her she did not need to pay me,” Fowler remembers.
tor like Fowler, who wants the patients at the Center to receive the best possible care, and the staff, who are friendly and attentive with the patients that make Anchor Health and Rehabilitation Center a great place for the people they help on a daily basis.
If you or someone you love is in need of one of the services the Center offers, please contact the Center at (803) 643-3694, or visit their webpage at http://www.covenantdove.com/facility-details. php?id=4.
Working at Anchor Health and Rehabilitation, Fowler has found like-minded people. “We have a highly skilled team of staff providing all of our different services who love what they do and only want to see the best outcomes. Our staff is caring, attentive and friendly,” she states. The Anchor Health and Rehabilitation Center provides both short and long term care, and offers many services including specialized rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapies, orthopedic care, post-surgical recovery, chronic tracheostomy care, pain management, IV therapy, pulmonary care, stroke rehabilitation, diabetes management, cancer, bariatric care and wound care. It is because of an Administra-
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Wanda Fowler
LADIES ABOUT TOWN
LaDolce
By: Patti McGrath Photography by Joe Willis
Gourmet Bakery, Coffee and Tea Bar
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What makes a trip to LaDolce Gourmet Bakery, Coffee and Tea Bar an experience rather than just a visit to another bakery? It could be the specialties of the mother/ daughter team that own the shop. “We offer a variety of delicious food, teas and coffee in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere that makes our customers want to come back,” says Lady Kelly. “The uniqueness of LaDolce is we have an Executive Pastry Chef creating our baked goods from scratch, and a Tea Master to guide and educate our customers about the benefits and variety of teas.”
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LADIES ABOUT TOWN
Lady Kelly MacVean and her daughter Kirstie Wohlfeil combined their talents when they decided to open LaDolce. Chef Kirstie, graduated top in her class at New England Culinary Institute, receiving the Baker of the Year award. She acts as the Executive Pastry Chef. Lady Kelly is an internationally certified Tea Master, and a certified Tea Hostess in Proper Etiquette and History of English Tea Ceremonies. “I lived in England for three years. While living there, I became engrossed in the tea room culture. I visited over 100 tea rooms throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, absorbing as much of the atmosphere and etiquette as I could,” Lady Kelly explains. “At La Dolce, I evaluate and select the teas we offer, host tea tastings and afternoon and high tea, train our employees with regard to the proper preparation and steeping of our teas, and proper etiquette of serving afternoon and high tea.” Lady Kelly moved to Aiken about eight years ago, when her husband’s job transferred them here. You may wonder why she is addressed as Lady Kelly. “The title of Lady is a legal title from Scotland,” she explains. “My husband is of Scottish decent and we own a small piece of land in the Highlands of Scotland, which gives us the titles of Laird and Lady. Titles don't mean anything in the United States, but its fun to use my title as the Tea Lady and I find my customers enjoy it.” Chef Kirstie was beginning culinary school
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when her parents moved to Aiken. Her interest in baking had begun as a child. “My Mom was a firm believer in teaching my brother and me to cook and bake. We each started baking at four years old (with her supervision of course) and by the time we were ten we were responsible for cooking one dinner each week,” she says. “It was a great start and gave us the knowledge and confidence to cook well for ourselves.” Throughout high school and college, Kirstie worked at a bakery, wedding cake business, and a bread business. “I really loved the baking and designing. It directed me to culinary schooling and ultimately to my career as a Pastry Chef,” she states. Today, she also oversees another pastry chef, an artisan bread baker and a culinary chef at LaDolce. Chef Kirstie loves her work. “The best part of my job is that I get to be creative. I can design almost anything - individual desserts, a wedding cake, grooms cake or a simple birthday cake. Customers come to me with a few ideas, and maybe pictures, and I combine the ideas together to create the perfect dessert/cake,” she smiles.
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You may wonder how the mother/daughter duo manage to work together, but they seem to enjoy it. “My daughter and I are entrepreneurs at heart. We genuinely care about what we offer the public,” Lady Kelly explains. “We work well together, using each other as a sounding board with new ideas or concerns, and we tend to be on the same page with how we would like the business to continue to evolve.” Chef Kirstie agrees. “My mother and I work very well together. I run the kitchen and she takes care of the tea side of the business. We bounce ideas and concerns off each other every day, but as for the two of us together -we actually complement each other very well!” Be sure to visit Lady Kelly and Chef Kirstie at LaDolce on Laurens Street in downtown Aiken. It’s a unique experience you won’t forget!
LADIES ABOUT TOWN
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LADIES ABOUT TOWN
“If you build it, they will come."
Kay Benitez
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hat famous line is from the movie, "Field of Dreams." In that movie, Kevin Costner is an Iowa farmer, who sees and hears legendary baseball players encouraging him to build a beautiful baseball field in the middle of his cornfield...strange, huh!? But, the voices and vision are so compelling that Costner's character finally decides that's exactly what he needs to do - "build it, and they will come." So, he builds a beautiful baseball field - and the old (and young) baseball players miraculously appear and play ball on this "field of dreams." www.aikenwomanonline.com
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LADIES ABOUT TOWN Voices and a vision so compelling that we must build the "Field of Dreams"... that plot is a good description of Megiddo Dream Station's existence and this new building project. The Megiddo "Field of Dreams" will transform the old Graniteville High School football field off Gregg Hwy into a state-of-the-art facility that will help people: - DREAM bigger and better goals for themselves and their families; - BUILD life skills, job skills, positive self-esteem, faith, and hope for the future; - LEARN valuable principles and information to be employed and self-sustaining; - WORK faithfully with a positive attitude, Christian integrity, and perseverance. In 2012, Mr. Weldon Wyatt acted on a compelling Voice and Vision that called him to invest significant time and resources into people who face discouraging circumstances, but who also desire to work and improve their quality of life. That vision led to the hiring of Kay Benitez as the Executive Director, and the establishment of a new, non-profit organization in Graniteville known as Megiddo Dream Station. In the first two years of existence, Megiddo placed over 130 people in jobs! And, those numbers rise with each graduating class. "If you build it, they will come."... So, who are "they" in our community? The Megiddo Dream Station’s mission is to create self-sustaining families, living fulfilling lives through Christ. The core program targets people who have been unemployed for at least six months. An average participant is 35 years old, has an Associate’s Degree, has three children and has been out of work for 3 years. To prepare them to re-enter the workforce, participants attend classes in job search skills, budget planning, bible study, communication, cooking on a budget, personal care and personal skills. All participants must complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service, attend at least two job fairs, participate in at least two on-the-job training events and maintain a 95% attendance record. Graduates not only find jobs, but through their intensive training and follow-up program, their graduates are excelling in their jobs. The Megiddo Dream Station accepts anyone who truly wants to get into the workforce. Due to limited space, many of our neighbors
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The Megiddo Dream Station’s mission is to create self-sustaining families, living fulfilling lives through Christ. who want to return to work are put on waiting lists, and advanced class offerings are limited to two or three times a year. This building project can change the destiny of many of our families. YOU CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION! For more information, contact Kay Benitez at (803) 392-7044 kay@megiddodreamstation.org. Program Website: www.mdssc.org Field of Dreams website: www.fieldofdreams. us The Core Curriculum (8 weeks, 4 days per week) includes: Job Training—learn how to prepare resumes, cover letters, applications and career plans; also participate in mock interviews by local employers. Communications Class--- learn how to resolve conflict, introduce people, speak to employers/co-workers, use proper English; also learn about nonverbal communication. Budget Planning--- take a look at how much you spend and look for better ways to budget your money; also attend a couponing class.
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Personal Development—learn to cook healthy meals on a budget, repair clothing, pick out clothing, select make-up and hair styles; also attend advanced sewing and knitting classes. Bible Study—participate in bible study with other participants and discover God’s plan for your life. Community Service--- give back to the community at least 20 hours during the 8 week class. Advanced Classes are available in the following areas: Personal Care Attendant, Office Assistance, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, Construction, Customer Service, Salesmanship, Workplace Safety, Human Resources, Basic Bookkeeping, Leadership and Lean Manufacturing.
LADIES ABOUT TOWN
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Professional Professional
MEET
Kimberly Ussery By: Patti McGrath
M Kimberly Ussery Her love of financial matters continued through college. While a student at USC Aiken, she saw an available job at Ameriprise posted on the student board. “I began in a part-time position and have been working my way up the organization for the past seven years,” she explains. “Now, I am fully licensed to practice investment management and financial planning. I currently have my Series 7 license, Series 66 license, and am licensed to sell Life, Accident, Health, and Variable Products.” Her love of math and money matters has turned into a career she enjoys. “I am passionate about helping my clients. It gives me great joy to help my clients (who are like family) live the dreams that they have worked so hard to achieve,” she says smiling. “I have clients who come to our office with real concerns about their finances. After we design a plan for achieving their dreams, it is as if a light bulb comes on and you can literally see some of the stress lifted off their shoulders. Through that, I feel I have made a difference in someone’s life.” “My father, the primary wage-earner in my home, had not one but two strokes that resulted in him having to leave his occupation and claim disability,” Kimberly remembers. “This cut our family income practically in half, because my parents had never thought to get a separate disability insurance policy. No one had ever suggested it to them. I didn’t want any other family to be able to say ‘no one told
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y interest in financial planning began as a child, I just didn’t know it at the time,” says Kimberly Ussery, financial advisor at Ameriprise. “I was always interested in math, and as a child, money was a little tight around my household. I had a deep appreciation for the value of a budget in helping manage finances.”
I want to help educate the women in our community about the many aspects of finances and investing so that they too may lead a confident lifestyle me.’ That’s when I knew for sure that financial planning was where I was meant to be.” She has many clients but her focus is to help women learn more about financial planning. “I want to help educate the women in our community about the many aspects of finances and investing so that they, too, may lead a confident lifestyle,” Kimberly states. “As women, we tend to take a back seat in managing our families’ savings. However, women live longer than men. The U.S. Census Bureau data shows that on average, women live four to five years longer than men, leading to increased costs of living in retirement. We are also aware of the earning gap for women. U.S. Department of Labor statistics indicate that women lag behind men in pay.” “Additionally, the divorce rate for first marriages in the United States is currently between 40-50%. Women need to be equipped with the knowledge to care for themselves financially, in case they find themselves in a position to need to do so,” she continues. “I believe this is an area that has not been
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addressed adequately and I want to step up to the plate to be the voice for women in our community. They just need to know that I am here to help!” Some may wonder why a financial plan is important to them. “A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture,” Kimberly says. “With a financial plan in place, you'll be better able to focus on your goals and understand the steps necessary to reach them.” “A financial advisor can act as a sounding board for your ideas and help you focus on your goals, using his or her broad knowledge of areas such as estate planning and investments,” she states. “And, Ameriprise is a nationwide organization with over 10,000 financial advisors. While Ameriprise is a full-service investment firm, we’re America’s leader in financial planning.” If you are interested in making a plan for your financial future, please contact Kimberly Ussery or her helpful staff at (803) 642-0544.
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Professional
Mary Guynn, Animal-Loving Attorney! By Carol A. Ryall
Law is what I do as a profession, but horses and dogs are my real passion. memberships include the Georgia Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Association. Very few students go into law school planning on being real estate attorneys, but that was Ms. Guynn’s plan from the start. Her grandparents owned commercial real estate in Atlanta. As a girl, she helped her grandfather with his record-keeping on his properties and loved doing it. When she was in college and discussing her future plans with her Dad, she told him that the thing she enjoyed most was helping her Grandfather manage his properties. Wisely, her father pointed out that right out of college she was probably not going to be in a financial position to invest in properties and manage them, so, he asked, “Why don’t you learn a skill that would be useful to those who can buy those properties?” She said, laughing, “At that age, I frequently did not take my parents’ advice, but, that once at least, I was smart enough to listen!”
Mary Guynn
“I first practiced at a large law firm in Atlanta,” she continued, “and while there I bought the worst house in the nicest neighborhood I could afford, renovated and then sold the property. I did that several times. The only problem was that frequently, the finished one would sell quickly, before the new property was even livable, and I ended up living in hotels for several weeks!”
here are many people who are absolutely outstanding in their profession, but for whom their main reason to work is to be able to support their passion. Mary Guynn is one of those people. She will tell you, “Law is what I do as a profession, but horses and dogs are my real passion.”
On a more personal note, Mary Guynn was born in Aiken, South Carolina. She graduated from The College of William and Mary with a B.A. in English in 1995 and earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Emory University in 1998. Married to Justin Pimsner, a professional polo player, they collectively have four dogs and many horses. She enjoys showing her horses at hunter/jumper competitions in her free time.
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Ms. Guynn is a partner at Smith, Massey, Brodie, Guynn and Mayes, a full-service law firm established in Aiken, South Carolina, in 1992, which represents a wide range of clients in west central South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. With strong educational backgrounds and a diverse mix of legal skills, the six attorneys understand the civil courts system thoroughly. Because of their diverse backgrounds, they work in a variety of practice areas including real estate, personal injury, car accidents, SSI, and Social Security Disability cases. Licensed to practice law in both Georgia and South Carolina, and specializing in real estate law, Ms. Guynn’s practice includes Closings on the sale of Residential real estate, as well as Commercial acquisition and finance; Land Use Development; Commercial and Residential Leasing and Land Conservation. Her professional
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Other civic involvements for Mary Guynn include the Aiken County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken Homebuilders Association, Greater Aiken Integrated Trails Foundation, Aiken County Habitat for Humanity, Aiken Land Conservancy and Aiken Equine Charities. She has lived in Aiken since it was “…a one grocery store town! The wonderful thing about Aiken is that, as it has grown, there has been a diverse group of government officials, developers and non-profits who have worked hard to see that Aiken derives the benefits of smart growth, without ruining the wonderful things that make it such a unique and marvelous place to live and work!” she explained. If you are an animal lover, and in need of a real estate attorney, call Mary Guynn at 803 643-4110. You two will have a LOT in common!
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Celebrating the Survivor in You!
Aike n Wom a n celeb r a tes th e su r v ivo r in yo u
God is still in the Healing Business! By Carol A. Ryall
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argaret Cummings has had much more than her share of trouble yet faces each day with hope in her heart. Margaret says it’s her faith in God that enables her to stay positive, in spite of the way her life
has gone. A minister’s daughter, she grew up surrounded by people with deep faith and absorbed her attitudes from them. 32
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Celebrating the Survivor in You!
Margaret and her husband, Gary, married in 1993. They built a good life together, but it was punctuated with Gary’s illnesses. As Margaret said, “The left side of his body turned against him!” He had a mass removed from his left breast; the ligaments in his left foot began to grow together and surgery corrected that; his left inner ear drum contracted but surgery to correct that failed. He also suffered with stubborn high blood pressure and heart problems. They didn’t have children, but Margaret filled that lack with a collection of beloved bears that friends and family have given her. Margaret explained, “When I found out I had Breast Cancer, I thought it was my turn. Gary had been sick for so long, the Lord gave him a break for a while.” In April, 2013, Margaret was diagnosed with extremely rare Inflammatory Breast Cancer and met with surgeon Lynn M. Tucker, M.D., FACS. Because the cancer had metastasized to the lung underneath it, and was wrapped around her breast, she recommended chemotherapy to shrink the size of the tumor. Margaret told Dr. Tucker, “You’re the one in charge of medicine, but God’s in charge of everything. I know the Lord has instructed you what to do, so you won’t have any problems with me arguing about it!” In early December 2013, Dr. Tucker operated. The day Margaret got back home, she started feeling dizzy, fell and hit her head. She ended up back in the hospital, where they determined her hemoglobin was extremely low. She was released again in time to celebrate Christmas with Gary, relatives and their church family. They knew Gary’s heart wasn’t in good shape and on February 5, 2014, he died suddenly. Her friends from church surrounded Margaret with love and supported her through her grief. During the spring, she underwent radiation treatments on her incision site. In July, she went to the ER saying she “… just didn’t feel right. My left foot is turning in, my balance is poor and my head hurts.” The attending physician assured her it was reaction to all she had been through. Margaret stated, “I’m not leaving until you check my brain out.” She wasn’t surprised when the results were, “We found two masses in your head.” Dr. Ackerman, her oncologist, told her, “You don’t have Gary at home to take care of you now. Before we operate or start any treatments, you have to find someone who will be there for you.” Margaret’s immediate response was, “God has already taken care of that. My
church family will be my support.” Ultimately two additional cancerous nodules were found in her lungs and more radiation was scheduled with Chemotherapy following. In Margaret’s opinion, “God allowed all of this to happen to me, because He wants people to know He is still in the healing business!” She admits, “There are scary days when you feel bad, that’s just part of the process. As long as
you know He is in control, you don’t give in to the fear.” Margaret advises others, “Become part of a church family before you need them. Surround yourself with positive, faith-building people who know what God can do and can encourage you.” Chemotherapy is keeping the cancers controlled and she can do what she wants to do. “I am proof,” Margaret says, “that God is still working miracles.” www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Health & Wellness
A Helping Hand. . . By Carol A. Ryall
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he CSRA has a new helping hand available for those of you who are caretakers, or have loved
Travis Hixon
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Travis, a third generation resident of the CSRA, brings a wide variety of business experience and expertise to the operation. Both his uncle (Gerald Hixon) and his grandmother (Dorothy Hixon) suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and were cared for by the family until their passing. In addition, his Grandmother-In-Law, Evelyn Daniel, was cared for at home until her passing at 97 years of age. Travis loved spending time with each of them, and took great pleasure in discussing their past experiences with them. He stated, “I feel strongly about what we do here at SYNERGY HomeCare. It’s more
than just a business to me, and I consider it an honor and privilege to help those in need.”
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From the time Marion Daniel was 12 years old, she knew she wanted to be a nurse. She enjoyed a 40 year career at University Hospital. In the latter years of her career, she was fortunate enough to be able to work from home, which enabled her to be the primary caregiver for her husband’s mother, Evelyn Daniel, for over 20 years. It was through her relationship with Evelyn that Marion learned the simple lesson of caring, the value of a smile and the magic of a touch. Hence, when Travis announced he was going Women
ones who need assistance in their day-to-day lives. Travis Hixon and his mother-in-law, Marion Daniel, RN opened SYNERGY HomeCare to serve Aiken, North Augusta, Augusta, Martinez and the surrounding areas in December, 2014.
I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and having an opportunity to make a difference, to make someone feel better, to make someone smile. to open a Home Care business, Marion was first in line to come out of retirement and rekindle
her love for nursing. Marion said, “It is my primary goal here at SYNERGY HomeCare, to help create an environment where you and your loved ones feel like a part of our family, not just another client needing help. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and having an opportunity to make a difference, to make someone feel better, to make someone smile.” Besides having two such dedicated owners, what sets SYNERGY HomeCare apart from others in the field? They’re the only non-medical home care company with the C.A.R.E. Team approach, and at SYNERGY
HomeCare, CARE stands for Coordinated and Responsive Engagement. At SYNERGY HomeCare, this means they are the hub of a synergistic and quality care plan for your loved one.
their care management services. They will keep you and your family members—whether living nearby or far away—informed, involved and confident that your loved one is enjoying a healthy, safe and independent lifestyle.
SYNERGY HomeCare serves a much larger population than most people consider when they hear the term Home Care. Not only are they an invaluable resource in assisting older adults to be able to function independently in their own homes, they also provide a variety of services for the parents of special needs children, cancer patients, patients who are recovering from surgery, patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and employees of SRS who suffer from work-related illnesses.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be especially challenging. The caregivers who work with SYNERGY HomeCare are trained to provide care for individuals with dementia and committed to delivering compassionate assistance. Their caregivers must also pass a background check before being hired, so you can work with them with confidence. In addition to the services mentioned previously, caretakers for dementia patients may also accompany their patients to doctors' appointments and facilitate communication between doctor, client and family members, if appropriate. They will be monitoring the client’s adherence to medical orders and instructions, including reminders to take medications and exercise as directed by a physician. When there are special dietary needs for conditions like diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, their skilled CARE team can help manage these needs, through strict shopping guidelines and proper food preparation. Their trained dementia caregivers offer a range of services including live-in care, 24-hour care, companionship and respite for family caregivers.
There is a wide variety of services they can provide, depending on what you and your family need. They customize their care plans to provide assistance with any and all of the following everyday tasks: Getting in and out of bed and chairs, and to and from the toilet; bathing and dressing; meal planning, preparation and feeding, and light housekeeping. In addition they run errands, provide transportation to doctors’ offices and other appointments, and arrange for outside services as needed. Caregiving is not easy for anyone. If you don’t live near your aging parent, you may wonder if what you’re doing is enough to oversee your loved one’s care. Even if you live nearby, you may discover the problems you or your loved one are facing are becoming larger and more complex than you can comfortably manage. Or maybe your life’s other responsibilities have grown to the point you are unable to provide the level of supervision and attention to your loved one’s care that you wish. SYNERGY HomeCare is here to help. While they don’t deliver medical care, they can oversee your loved one’s care through
Some or all of the cost of their services may be covered by private Insurance, long-termcare Insurance, Medicaid, VA benefits or the DOL/EEO IC program for former and current SRS employees. Why struggle on your own any longer, when there may be help available? If you or a member of your family could use a helping hand, call Synergy HomeCare at 803 998 7328 or 706 823 8201 today. They will come to your home and discuss your needs and what they can do to help. Travis and Marion look forward to hearing from you.
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Health & Wellness
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Health & Wellness
Health North Augusta Get well for life PRUITT
By: Patti McGrath
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t’s always a difficult decision to make when a loved one needs care you can no longer provide, and a skilled nursing care facility is needed. Fortunately, PruittHealth North Augusta can help ease your mind. “It is important to give family members peace of mind while their loved one is in our care,” says Kathy Gill, Administrator of the facility. “We want this to be the next best thing to being home with a loved one, and we are committed to providing the highest quality care possible and maintain excellent staff to patient ratios.” PruittHealth North Augusta is committed to care, both for the patient and their family. “Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction,” Kathy states. “The PruittHealth organization is a continuum of care for all of your healthcare needs. We provide skilled nursing, therapy services,
hospice, home care, pharmacy services as well as outpatient therapy in some of our markets. Since 1969, we are a multistate company focused in the southeast (NC, SC GA and FL) with 98 skilled nursing facilities.” At PruittHealth North Augusta,
the 132 bed facility specializes in respiratory care. “With a twenty bed ventilator unit, our experts are prepared to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory ailments. We offer round the clock care by licensed nurses and respiratory therapists,” she continues. “Our beautiful, fully-renovated and updated therapy department has the latest equipment for rehabilitation. It includes a kitchen and bathroom for activities involved in daily living training for patients to transition to home. Our Biostep and Nautilus equipment provides therapy post-surgery/ hospitalization. We can offer up to three hours of therapy a day. In addition, we offer general inpatient hospice care as well as regular hospice care.” But, when you have a loved one staying in a facility, you have concerns other than just meeting the medical needs. You want to know about things like food and entertainment. “We provide cable television, wireless internet access, and we have many private rooms available,” Kathy explains. “Our dietary services are excellent! We offer a variety of menu choices and can accommodate special diets. Our menu choice range from home-style fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans to shrimp scampi and a Caesar salad.” “I have been in long term care for
the past twenty years, and am a Registered Nurse. I consider my vocation a calling,” Kathy smiles. “I love working with the residents and staff at our facility. I get to be a part of the lives of the people we serve. It is rewarding to be a part of the process that sees a resident discharged to go home after an extended illness, or to be able to see a certified nursing assistant graduate from nursing school and go on to become a nurse. PruittHealth provides that.” It is this type of commitment to care that separates PruittHealth North Augusta from other care facilities. “We are committed to customer service and will do whatever it takes to ensure the resident and family are satisfied with the care provided,” Kathy says. Is PruittHealth North Augusta right for you or your loved one? “The majority of our long term residents are seventy years old and older, but we also provide short stay rehabilitation to many residents for a variety of needs,” Kathy states. “When someone is looking for rehabilitation services, I want them to think about PruittHealth North Augusta.” For more information on the services provided, please contact PruittHealth North Augusta at (803) 278-2170 or visit their website at www.pruitthealth.com. www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Health & Wellness
She’s Fit By: Patti McGrath
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have always loved the fitness industry,” Nicole Barnes exclaims. It’s not surprising since she grew up surrounded by it. “My father has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years. Since high school, I have worked in the fitness industry, following in his footsteps. I started in the office stuffing mailers and Christmas cards for the members, then moved to the front desk. Once I got into college, I started working in the corporate office for his gyms. In 2012 we partnered with another local family in Evans to open Evans Fitness Club. I now manage the corporate office for Evans Fitness Club as well as work to build the FiT Franchise.” Today, she and husband, Todd, own She’s FiT of Aiken, located at 110 Park Avenue. “We have always loved Aiken. It has been a wonderful community to work with and we immediately fell in love with all the women that come to She’s FiT. They have become like family,” Nicole says. Nicole describes She’s FiT as a boutique gym for women. “Most big box gyms offer free weights and machines but are very limited in classes. We took what was most popular at Evans Fitness Club and created a small bou-
tique feel for women to come and feel comfortable working out. We offer the best part of a big box gym - the classes. We offer boot camp, barre and just added spin,” she states. “If you aren’t familiar with barre, it is a ballet inspired workout that shapes, tightens and also strengthens you to who you want to be! The result is longer, leaner muscles,” Nicole explains. The barre workout is a combination of dance principles that focuses on efficient movements and stretching while promoting quick recovery and minimal soreness.
I think the members make our gym special. They encourage each other and motivate one another. They really are a wonderful group of women to work with.
“Our boot camp is a high energy class that focuses on function training using cardio blocks and functional training. When we were working on this concept, I was really into spin and barre. I knew that combining the three would be the best way for people to reach their goals. It’s small group training at its best!” The FiT Boot camp is a multi-level workout that will provide the most change to your body in an hour. Working with the group will help motivate you as you use a variety of exercise equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, suspension training, free-weights and functional equipment. It is a fun and interactive way to get into shape. With Nicole working in the office, she and her husband decided to partner with Lynn Horseman. “Lynn is an amazing and passionate fitness instructor,” Nicole says. “She encourages these women every day and is a huge
part of She’s FiT! She recently stepped down from managing it so she could focus on doing what she loves - teaching and motivating! “We also have Ashley Davis, our general manager, working with Lynn,” Nicole continues. “She came to us in June from Charleston and became manager in July. Her husband also joined our fitness team as the club manager of the Evans Fitness Club Express in Martinez. Ashley helps keep everything together at She’s FiT. She does an amazing job helping our members and keeping the club running smoothly on a daily basis.” “I think the members make our gym special. They encourage each other and motivate one another. They really are a wonderful group of women to work with,” Nicole states. “We want all of our clients to reach their goals and be successful!” www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Health & Wellness
ResCare HomeCare Not health care, “help care.” By: Patti McGrath Photography by Cherrie Alexander
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elping people is a way of life for Danielle Reiner, branch manager of ResCare Home Care of Aiken. Her career path reflects that desire. “When I was younger, and still today, I love hearing stories from older people about what their lives were like when they were younger; how they did things, how they achieved their goals, the wisdom they can impart. I knew I had a passion to help other people so I volunteered on the dementia unit at a nearby hospital,” she recalls.
Danielle Reiner “In high school they offered a program where you could obtain your CNA license so I went through the Allied Health program and received my CNA license,” she continues. “Immediately, after high school I got my first job in a nursing home. I stayed in healthcare field for about five years before returning to school. I decided I wanted to work with children that had special needs, and upon graduating I began working at a local school helping children with special needs and disabilities.” When Danielle’s mother passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer she went to work at a local hospice. Although she loved the work it took an emotional toll to daily service the terminally ill. Then she became sick herself and had to have others help her. “In 2010, I became very ill and was diagnosed with a spontaneous cerebral spinal fluid leak (CSF). A CSF leak is an escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. I had to have surgery to have the leak repaired,” she says. “I spent the entire week of Christmas in the hospital with a very painful recovery. I felt I came very close to death and it had an effect on how I looked at the job that I was called to do.”
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Danielle’s desire to work helping others had grown over the years, so when ResCare approached her about a position, it seemed to be a logical choice. She started as a Client Services Supervisor and within two years was promoted to Branch Manager. “ResCare is a home care agency, formerly a family owned business called ‘Southern Home Care’ which was started over 30 years ago,” she explains. “ResCare and its owners helped develop the ‘Medicaid waiver program’ to provide personal support for clients and their families, and to help clients remain in their homes, as opposed to being admitted to long-term care facilities.” Her choice has been a great fit because ResCare provides services to both the elderly and pediatric patients. “The Aiken office has approximately 100 employees including nurses, certified nursing assistants and administrative staff,” she states. “The personal care we offer provides the customized, hands-on assistance with day-to-day activities so your loved ones can stay at home.” Danielle is proud of all the services her employer provides to its clients. “We provide private duty skilled nursing as well as assisting our clients with activities of daily living. Our staff can care for clients who need
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tracheotomy care, assistance with medication administration, feeding tubes, personal care and homemaking,” she says. “ResCare and its employees specialize in care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. These patients are typically the ones who end up in long term care because it becomes overwhelming for families to care for them at home. Having the assistance ResCare provides can help prevent the further heartbreak that admitting a loved one to a facility brings.” In addition, a range of daily personal care services including daily meal preparation, housekeeping, and maintenance are available, as well as helping with daily living activities such as bathing, hygiene support, grooming, feeding, toileting, transferring and ambulation. “Working for ResCare and servicing its clients is very rewarding,” Danielle says. “You must have a sincere love for people and a servant’s heart.” If you are interested in learning more about ResCare Home Care of Aiken please visit www.rescare.com or call (803) 641-6953.
Health & Wellness
ER just got EasiER at Aiken Regional
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aced with increasing numbers of patients seeking treatment in the ER, Aiken Regional Medical Centers rethought the ER process. The result? A higher standard of care, shorter wait times and happier patients.
“We treat nearly 50,000 ER patients a year for both major and minor emergencies,” says Terry L. Hosch, RN, BSN, MBA, MHA, NE-BC, Director of Emergency and Critical Care Services at Aiken Regional. “But we always give priority to those patients with critical or life-threatening conditions.” ER Reserve: Now you can request a time online to be seen in the Emergency Department ER Reserve lets you request an appointment in the Emergency Department at Aiken Regional Medical Centers up to 12
hours in advance, when you need care for less serious and non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, such as: Flu Sore throat Earache Cough or cold Muscle strains and sprains With ER Reserve, you can use your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone to request a time to be seen that is convenient for you. Just visit aikenregional. com/erreserve. Then wait in the comfort of your home until it’s time to go.
Fast-track care for minor emergencies Aiken Regional now has a separate, fast-track treatment path for patients who arrive with minor injuries such as lacerations, sprains or ear infections. Upon arrival at the ER, each patient’s condition is quickly assessed by a nurse. If an illness or injury is minor but still requires prompt care, patients are treated by a physician or care provider in a separate area within the main ER. “As soon as a patient arrives, we can start IVs and do blood draws up front, which saves time on
the back end,” says Hosch. More critical patients are escorted to a Critical Care ER bed. The new process also enables ER physicians to spend more time with critically ill or injured patients, which reduces wait time for everyone who comes to the ER. “This patient flow process allows accelerated treatment of patients with minor emergencies, and faster admission for those who are very ill and require inpatient care,” says Hosch. For more information about ER Reserve, visit aikenregional. com/erreserve. ER Reserve is not a guarantee that you will be seen at your selected time. We will make every effort to honor your request. ER Reserve should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay. Please check your covered benefits with your insurance provider for details. 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.
www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Health & Wellness
My Aiken Body with Kristen Sojourner By: Kristen Sojourner
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hen I was going through my divorce in the summer of 2006, several of my friends handed me a copy of Elizabeth Gilbert’s popular book Eat, Pray, Love, and said, “Oh, Kristen! This is so YOU! You must read it!” I love books, I was intrigued, so I thought, what the heck, why not? I read it. fact that Gilbert was ten years younger than I was when she went through her divorce. And she had no children. As she was already a successful writer, she was not behind a dozen years or more on the career curve because she spent her days finding ways to balance a home life with her profession. She had her own editor. And, to top it all off, the big one, the editor I didn’t have didn’t give me a stipend to run around the world to all the “I” countries I always wanted to visit so I could write about how I “found myself” again after divorce. That was pretty much the deal breaker. Okay. I confess. I am jealous.
Kristen Sojourner And….. well….Yeah, I know her book was made into a movie featuring Julia Roberts and I know Elizabeth Gilbert is a beautiful, literary celebrity now and all that, but, I have to say, while I love my friends and appreciate their sweet sentiments, this book is the biggest piece of fantastic drivel ever to land on my nightstand. I am horrified that my friends associated me with her story. My friends got it all wrong. Elizabeth Gilbert and
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I have absolutely nothing in common. To start with, Gilbert is way blonder, younger, and skinnier than I am. Nobody would ever mistake me for her. Ever. We can also mention the fact that Julia Roberts could in no way, shape, or form, ever play any part in my life. No. I’m a curvaceous redhead! That would require Susan Sarandon, at the very least. Or maybe Meryl Streep. How about let’s mention the
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But, seriously, life doesn’t generally work that way. Maybe that is why women loved her book so much; it was really a fantasy come true, like it could happen to them, too, if only on an esoteric level. But reality is somewhat different, don’t we know. The vast majority of women going through divorce don’t find themselves in Indonesia, India, or Bali. Most of us “find ourselves,” do our soul searching in those rare moments between car lines and time clocks, homework and conferences (professional or school induced), sagging breasts and worry lines, supper time
and tuck-ins. We definitely don’t find ourselves generously funded by happy supportive editors and ex-husbands. We have to devise our own therapy, something that includes a liberal dose of reality. At the time of my divorce, I lived in Boulder, Colorado, land of hard driven athletes, environmentalist liberal hippies, and fabulous craft beer breweries. Of these three forms of therapy, I made a decision. I chose craft breweries. I learned to love beer. I am no wino, not at all. I am an artiste, a liquid foodie with a palette. I didn’t just drink beer; I learned the art of beer. I learned how to brew it myself. I learned the different varieties of beer and how to identify them by taste. I studied different breweries, styles, and brewing methods. I learned the difference between lager and ale. I read everything I could find on the subject and did a whole lot of field research, too. I became a regular beer connoisseur. And, the bottom line, women going through a divorce are on a budget. Beer was way cheaper than wine. I spent most of my married life enjoying fine wines. Divorce is all about a beer budget. Many of life’s truths can be discovered in the bottom of a pint glass of beer. So beer it was. Like Gilbert’s life, my life took
would do. The brewery idea was obviously taken. I continued to craft my own beers, but I wasn’t ready to open a brewing business in Aiken. No compete. At the invitation of my sister, I visited the Aiken Chamber breakfast and after hours socials and met a lot of great people, one of whom was Mr. John McMichael of Hutson-Ethridge Insurance. John is one of my favorite people. He and I had an inspiring conversation, probably one which didn’t register in on his Richter Scale as much as it did mine, one in which he asked me what my plans were. Simple question. I was so unclear. Nobody in crisis is ever clear, are they? I recited the litany of my resume, all of my degrees, education, experience, hoping for some clear ray of light… massage therapy. “You’re a massage therapist?” he queried. “Yes. Licensed and certified. I was pretty good at it, too. I had a private practice in Boulder for several years. I worked for a physical therapist, too. And I also worked sports therapy with the Colorado Rapids. I loved rehabilitative, restorative therapy.” “Well, why don’t you do that?” John is such a solid, stand-up guy. I have never seen him when he wasn’t smiling and positive. He makes everything sound believable. a series of twists and turns… divorce, alimony and child support, teaching jobs and teaching lay-offs, a hard break-up and a broken heart, lost dreams and all kinds of revelations which, while they didn’t land me hallucinating on the floor of my bathroom like Gilbert, eventually found me at the cusp of Aiken, South Carolina. Boulder is a wonderful, magical place. But I am a South Carolinian and this is my home. And South Carolinians know the magic of their beaches, the draw of lower taxes and real estate prices, and, most importantly, the forever pull of family. My
family was here and I came home again. My sister was so pleased! So, it makes sense, that when I decided to move to Aiken, the very first thing I did to plant myself here was to buy my very own ceramic mug at the Aiken Brewery. My very first piece of Aiken real estate. Mine, all mine. Home! Like Norm and Cheers, sometimes you’ve got to go where everybody knows your name. That is Aiken all over. Along with the shards of my life, I left a career in education behind and I had no idea what I
“I guess I could.” My thoughts raced … I guess I could... over and over again… I remembered from time long past, a moment back in my business class at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy where we had to write a professional goal. Many of my colleagues wrote about establishing their own practices and working independently. I wrote about creating a health and wellness center. Okay, I confess. I have never been one to dream small. Why have a solo massage therapy practice when you can have a
Health & Wellness
whole health and wellness center? It was only an assignment in a class. Why dream small?
After my conversation with John, I decided to practice massage therapy for a little while after. At least until I figured out what I was going to do. I started looking for places that offered massage therapy like the ones I knew in Boulder, the therapy centers that focused on rehabilitation and restorative therapies. I found a decided hole in the surface of the economy … There weren’t any. That is when I created My Aiken Body Restorative Massage. I don’t think I have to tell too many people the rest of the story. I moved to Aiken. I still have a mug at the Aiken Brewery. I opened a massage therapy studio on Laurens Street in the heart of downtown. I sold my retirement account for start-up costs. (Heck, I didn’t have enough to retire on anyway, so why not?) The business started with just me and, within a year, I had so much business, I hired a few extraordinarily talented hands to help me. We have done well. More recently, I dusted off that old business plan from massage college, bought a wonderful antique building at 623 Richland Avenue West, and developed the model of integrative wellness center which I dreamed of a long time ago. My Aiken Body is more than massage now. But I will never say that it is more than therapy. My Aiken Body keeps people doing what they love to do through integrative wellness practices which include restorative massage therapy, rejuvenating body and skin therapy, exercise and yoga, and collaborative relationships with health and wellness professionals across the county. I think I did one better than Elizabeth Gilbert. I have proven that a regular middle-aged woman’s dreams can come true. My screen play is yet to be written. But I assure you, it will include the thrilling risk of business ownership. And beer. After all, one follows the other. Cheers! www.aikenwomanonline.com
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Business & Web Directory Adult Care ResCare HomeCare Services.......................38 www.rescare.com Art and Entertainment Aiken Community Playhouse.....................25 www.aikencommunityplayhouse.us Aiken Trials...................................................10 www.aikentrials.com Bricks 4 Kidz.................................................27 www.bricks4kidz.com/southcarolina-aiken-warrenville Attorney Smith Massey Brodie Guynn & Mayes PA..... .........................................................................31 www.smbgm.com Knapp Law Firm...........................................31 www.lindafarronknapp.com Johnson Johnson Whittle & Lancer Attorneys PA..........................................................31 www.aikenattorneys.com Automotive Services Auto Tech, Inc...............................................27 www.aikenautotechinc.com Wayne’s Automotive & Towing Center......10 www.waynesautomotivecenter.com Banking Georgia Bank and Trust...............................12 www.georgiabankandtrust.com Beauty Cheveux Salon & Spa...................................28 Catering New Colony Caterers...................................25 www.newcolonycaterers.com Dentist Alice D. Hale.................................................38 www.dralicehale.com Education USC Aiken.....................................................12 www.usca.edu
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Events and Planning Rose Hill Estates...........................................17 www.rosehillestate.com Financial Planning Ameriprise.....................................................27 www.ameripriseadvisors.com Fitness She’s Fit...........................................................38 www.fit-centers.com Florist Floral Gallery..................................................7 Health Services Aiken Chiropractic.......................................35 www.aikenchiropractic.com Aiken Family Pharmacy..............................22 www.aikenfamilypharmacy.com Aiken Regional Medical Centers...........................................Back Cover www.aikenregional.com Anchor Health and Rehab...........................17 www.covenantdove.com BeeHealthy....................................................44 www.beehealthyclinics.com Hearing Associates of South Carolina.......21 www.hearingassociatesofsc.com Palmetto Wellness & Weightloss................36 www.aikenweightloss.com Pruitt Health.................................................36 www.urready.com Synergy HomeCare......................................35 www.synergyhomecare.com The Pain & Brain Center.............................36 www.aikenpain.com Home Services Possibilities Furniture & More....................25 Nandina Home & Design............................17 www.nandinahome.com Hotels Comfort Suites..............................................15
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www.ComfortSuitesLexington.com Homewood Suites.........................................29 Wingate..........................................................28 www.wingatehotels.com Interior Design Mac & Company...........................................27 www.macandcompany.com Insurance State Farm Hannah Clark............................25 www.www.SFagentHannah.com Lawn Services Adam’s Nursery...............................................7 www.adamsnursery.net The Grounds Guys.......................................10 www.groundsguys.com Massage Therapy My Aiken Body.............................................43 www.myaikenbody.com Ministry Megiddo Dream Station..............................22 www.megiddodreamstation.org Pets Fuzzy Friends Resort & Retreat..................28 Veterinary Services.........................................7 www.aikenpetvet.com Photography Joe Willis Photography..............................IFC Psychologist Dana Rideout................................................17 Resturant La Dolce..........................................................21 www.ladolce-aiken.com Red Bowl........................................................29 www.redbowlaiken.com Shopping Equine Divine...............................................21 www.equinedivineonline.com
A Personal Note
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n the spirit of new year I wanted to share a few things on my heart with you today. I am so thankful for so many things in my life. I am thankful for salvation. I believe I am saved by the grace of God and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. I am thankful for my husband. Neither of us are perfect, don’t get me wrong, but he is perfect for me. I love him beyond what I thought I knew about love at age 21 when I married him, and so much more since he has become the spiritual leader of our home. He is smart and brave. He has shown his love to me in so many ways over the last twenty years. I am a blessed woman. I am thankful for the gift of our children. Each of them mean so much to me. As a mother they have taught me things I never even knew I needed to learn. Recently I was leaving a football game at Furman and I had stopped at the dorm to give Trey some things he had asked for, and some things I just wanted him to have, and he hugged me goodbye. He stood with a friend for a moment and then he nudged her, “That’s my MVP,” he said. There I was a few months ago telling you all how I worried about him. Here he was affirming his affection for me with three little words. I wouldn’t take a million dollars for that one moment. I am thankful for that moment. I am thankful for my mother. She has taught me about enduring and forgiveness. Things that no other person could have taught me the way she has. She taught me what it meant to make a commitment and stick to it (even if sticking to it was the last thing you wanted to do.) I am thankful for my dad. I am thankful that I miss him. The ache inside me is proof of what he meant to me. Some people have fathers pass and they don’t even really know they are gone. I am grateful my father was a missable father. I am thankful for my siblings. All of them. Especially the younger ones. Besides Siblings are the only people who know how crazy your parents really were when you were growing up and definitely the only people you can talk to about it. I am thankful for all the incredible women and men who let me tell their stories. Thank you for allowing the story of your strength, your courage, your ability to overcome help someone else with what they are going through. Someone asked me once what I would write about when there were no stories left to tell in Aiken. That’s silly. As long as there are people there will be stories. Be good to each other. Smile more. I told Ryan once, “Ryan do you know how much I love you?” “Yes,” He said very matter of fact. “How do you know?” I asked impressed with his confidence. “Because you smile every time you see me.” Out of the mouths of babes. Show someone you love them, Smile. See you next time,
Lori Samples Duncan
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
www.aikenwomanonline.com
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