Volume 1 No. 1
COMPLIMENTARY
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN
Real
Meet Dr. Jennifer Turner of
Pediatric Dentistry of Greenwood
PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
TURNING YOUR SPECIAL MOMENTS INTO ARTISTIC TREASURES w e d d i n g s . p ort ra it s . e ve n t s
w w w . p h o t o laurabrown . com
.
p ho t o .la u r a b r o w n@ g m ail.co m
in this issue... From the Editor 2 www.emeraldcitywoman.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com
Events 3
Cathy Williams cw@woman2womanonline.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Samples Duncan Carol Ryall Tracey Lease Deena C. Bouknight Patti McGrath Susan Selden Harriet Stwora
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lisa Ashworth woman2womanlisa@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Laura Brown Photography Abby Funderbuck Photography
INFORMATION
What’s Happening?
Let’s Talk 4
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
Welcome to Emerald City Woman!
Has Tammie Price Got a Fish Tale For You!
6 The Woman Behind DNA Baskets 8 Domestic Violence in SC
Shopping 12 Meet Sandra Harrison of House of Elegance
Label
18 Meet Dawn Amerson of Morningside of Greenwood 20 Synergy Counseling: Changing Lives For the Better
Professional 22 The Bradshaw Group Delivers in Greenwood
24 Advice in a Stormy Financial Sea 26 Let’s Get Lost - Jeanne’s Travel Adventures
Personal Note 28 Summer Thoughts
Business & Web Directory
Feature
29 Contact our Advertisers
14 Dr. Jennifer Turner - Making Dental Visits Pleasant For Your Children
29 Pastor Sonya’s Column - What Does Your Garden Grow?
Health & Wellness 17 Janet Goff & Birth Connection Delivering Midwifery to Greenwood
16
info@lexingtonwomanonline.com
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Woman 2 Woman Media, LLC (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2014
www.emeraldcitywoman.com
1
From The Editor
Welcome to the very first issue of Emerald City Woman Magazine! This publication is truly meant to simplify your life! It is our desire to bring to Greenwood a “Best of the Best” right from the mouths of real women. Each of the businesses within these pages have made a personal commitment to you, “The Emerald City Woman,” to conduct themselves in a way that would make you want to personally refer them, their products, services, or talents to your mother, sister, grandmother, best friend, or any other person in need of their expertise.
Celebrate, Motivate,
In our articles on individual Emerald City women, we want to real women; to take a closer look at some of the women who are providing you with quality services and products.
and Educate
We will continue to bring to you services, products, and professionals who are dependable, customer-service-oriented businesses. Making Emerald City Woman your premiere resource guide to assist you with the demands of everyday life is our goal. We appreciate the support of our readers as well as our clients, and we would ask that you let our advertisers know you are simplifying your life with Emerald City Woman! We always want to hear your feedback. Please email us or write to us about your own personal experience with our advertisers. We look forward to finding new ways to make Emerald City Woman more comprehensive and useful for you. If you would like to nominate a local business person for a featured article please email me at loriduncan86@gmail. Sit back, and enjoy your complimentary copy of Emerald City Woman. God Bless and See you next time! Your friend,
Lori Samples Duncan
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
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Women
If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. - Mary Engelbreit
Events
Happening
WHAT’S IN GREENWOOD? JUNE The Little Mermaid June 17 - 26, 2016 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Greenwood Community TheatreEvans Towne Center Park
Sponsored By Bacod and Padgett, Attorneys at Law, and based on one of Hans Christian Anderson’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. greenwoodcommunitytheater.com
Festival of Starts Beauty Pageant June 18, 2016 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 96 Middle School Gymnasium
Beauty pageant with multiple age group categories. Winners will represent 96 throughout the year, ride in various parades and events. The Queen and her Cour t will open the festival on stage in July. Admission is $8 and an entry fee is $60.00. 96chamberofcommerce.com
Aviation Expo June 25, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Greenwood County Airport
One of Greenwood County’s premier annual events, to be held on June 25, 2016, providing a fun, exciting and educatonal environment for both families and pilots at the Greenwood County Airpor t. Saturday morning flyin and lunch for pilots from a tri-state area. SC Aviation Association offering pilots training classes and a trade show. Events include Challenger Center Flight Simulators, car show and shagging contest with music hosted by radio personality Pat Patterson, Exhibition of RC flying acrobatics, World Class Air Show showcasing the skills of several professional aerobatic pilots kicked off with a parachute jump, monster truck rides and much more! aviationexpo.net
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY SC Festival of Stars July 1 - 2, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ninety Six Town Park
Family-friendly Independence Day festival that includes a parade, music, live entertainment, food & craft vendors, amusement rides, car and truck show, Carolina Prides Hot Dog Eating contest, Food Lions Kids Watermelon Eating Contest, games, ended by a large fireworks show. scfestivalofstars.org
Lights on the Lake July 2, 2016 6:00 p.m. Lake Greenwood
Lights on the Lake Independence Day Celebration is a premier Connect Lake Greenwood Event. Hosted at Fellowship Camp and Conference Center on Lake Greenwood, Lights on the Lake is a family-friendly gathering for all ages. Make plans now to join us this year, Saturday, July 2, 2016 starting at 6:00 p.m. We will have live music, food vendors, refreshments and the most spectacular fireworks display you can imagine over Lake Greenwood. Come by boat or by car. It is an evening unlike any other in our area and highlights the best of Lake Greenwood summer fun. connectlakegreenwood.org
Festival of Discovery July 1 - 9, 2016 9:00 a.m. Uptown Greenwood
The South Carolina Festival of Discovery is the premier event of the year sponsored by the Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation. The festival celebrates the history, culture, food, arts, crafts, music and people that make South Carolina and Greenwood County such an incredible place to live and visit. The Festival of Discovery’s “Blues Cruise” celebrates the unique musical sound of the blues with numerous musical artists performing at Uptown Greenwood restaurants and venues, while the Kansas City Barbeque Society BBQ and Hash Cook-Off focuses on the rich tradition of Carolina Barbeque. uptowngreenwood.com
National Park-Living History Days July 16 & 18, 2016 NPS Ninety Six Star Fort Battle Site
Learn the history of settlers and battle as retold by re-enactors. Learn the traditional ways and see the park as life was in the 1700’s. This is an educational and fun family-friendly event! nps.gov/nisi
AUGUST Family Fun Day Sunday, August 7, 2016 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Arts Center of Greenwood
The celebration returns to the Arts Center this fall with a “Harvest” theme and arts & crafts, games, face painting, balloon creations, vendors, open studios, artist demonstrations, a photo booth and more. Free. www.emeraldtriangle.us/arts-center
Farm to Fork - Dinner & Fundraiser Saturday, August 20, 2016 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The Arts Center of Greenwood
Join us at our annual Farm to Fork Dinner & Wine Tasting! Taste locally grown and prepared meals in a beautiful gallery exhibition of agricultural inspired works at The Arts Center. Come join us and celebrate home grown South Carolina produce, meat, and game. A bountiful buffet fresh from the farm, guest chefs, live entertainment, auction, and more! To benefit The Arts Center of Greenwood. www.emeraldtriangle.us/arts-center
Professional
Has
Tammie Price got a Fish Tale for You!
By Carol A. Ryall // Photo By Laura Brown Photography
“Each of us has a different story, but at some point most will find ourselves in a desperate situation. The first question you ask yourself is, “How am I going to get out of this mess?” Through the years I’ve learned it takes Jesus and a circle of friends! “After the challenges of becoming pregnant out of wedlock, marriage (thinking I was in love and it was the right thing to do) and then a hear t-wrenching divorce, I finally realized if you allow Jesus to step into your story and heal your hur ts, He can take your story and make it a beautiful message of HOPE. I never dreamed my life’s disappointments would end up encouraging young women in crisis situations, not only here in Greenwood and the Lakelands, but in Nicaragua as well. It seemed like nothing but a ‘big ole mess’ to me. I was hear tbroken, wondering how I could take care of myself and my two children. Now I can share with many that there is 4
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real
Hope and a better way of life.” This is how Tammie Price explains her involvement with A Place For Us. In 2001, God began to tug at Tammie’s hear t to star t a maternity home, to be called A Place for Us Ministries. Others who shared that vision met together, formed a board and acquired non-profit status. A safe refuge was in the making, to help young women from many different walks of life. The only requirement to come would be to have a willing hear t to seek change in your life. The community pulled together and a temporary setting was donated on Lake Greenwood. They subsequently found land to build a per-
Women
manent 3300 sq. ft. home, which can serve up to 6 young women and their families. Most are facing an unplanned pregnancy, but young women who are facing other challenging situations are served as well. In 2005, they opened a store, The Alcoves, which is a mini-mall hosting over 20 upscale boutiques selling Home Decor, Collegiate Items, Ladies Clothing, Jewelry, unique Baby and Wedding gifts. There’s also a Tea Room, Bible Book store, Beauty Salon and Spa and The Secret Place Resale Store within The Alcoves. A Learning Center is also located there. The girls come four days a week for a variety of classes (budget-
Let’s Talk ing, parenting, life skills, adoption education, job skills, anger management and daily Bible studies) taught by numerous volunteers. They published a book, The Story Matters, (available on-line and at The Alcoves) relating many of the miraculous stories of how the ministry got star ted and of the young women they have served. The Alcoves has since moved to a new location and a transitional house serving two residents and their babies has opened. They have also opened a Training Center on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, where they teach women the Beauty trade, host mission teams and share the Good News of Jesus. Without committed financial par tners, volunteers, and donations to the Secret Place, this work would not exist. Their first fundraiser was (appropriately!) a Fish Fry. “As we put the boat in the water,” Tammie explained, “our prayer was to catch an average of 50 fish per day over the next 5 days. The Fish Camp owner said conditions weren’t right to catch fish, and he didn’t see any way this would be possible. We let him know that we were on a Mission for God. Each day as the paid guides made their way past our boat, listened to our story of why we were fishing, and witnessed the three to four coolers full of large fish hanging from the sides (We averaged 65 a day!), they, too, came to the understanding with GOD all things are possible!”
The Alcoves of A Place For Us Ministries
864.223.5324
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www.emeraldcitywoman.com
5
The Woman Behind DNA Baskets
G
By Patti McGrath
od had a plan for Angela Stoneworth, she just didn’t know what it was. “My grandmother and I owned a basket stand on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant. It was at there I learned to perfect my skills as a basket maker. At nineteen, I married a military man and moved away from South Carolina. Long story short, eight years later, I returned with no husband, no money, devastated and confused. I was jobless with two babies and two suitcases. I had no idea what to do,” Angela exclaims.
For tunately her mother, Alber tha, took her and her children in, and Angela began making baskets again. Albertha began teaching her daughter the newer styles of baskets they were making at the time and Angela began selling her baskets to the basket makers in the City Market in Charleston. Times were hard as she began rebuilding her life but she says, “I remember one day I was making baskets in the midst of my devastation and hearing God say to me, ‘Lift up those beautiful hands!’ At that moment, I lifted up my hands and began to praise God and a peace came over me. I knew that my children and I were going to be alright.” God’s plan for Angela began with making baskets.
She met Darryl the day he arrived, because she was the home attendant for his mother Ms. Lucille. “It was on my second and final day as home attendant for Ms. Lucille that destiny intervened. Darryl’s mother looked at us both and said, ‘Darryl, do you see Angie?’ He answered, ‘Yes ma’am.’ She said, ‘Angie, do you see my son Darryl?’ I said, ‘Yes ma’am.’ She said, ‘Darryl, she’ll make you a good wife!’ I didn’t know them well and thought it was quite strange for this woman to tell her son that I would make him a good wife. Little did I know that three years later we would be married and raising three beautiful children together.” Time passed. Angela’s mother, Alber tha,
Then, in March of 1996, Angela met a man named Darryl Stonewor th. He was from New York, but his mother was born and raised in Mount Pleasant. He loved visiting with his parents on vacations so he could meet his southern relatives. But, this trip to South Carolina was for a more permanent stay. His mother had taken ill in New York and wanted to come home. “Darryl came to SC to care for her and his 82 year old father,” Angela recalls. 6
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real
Women
continued selling her baskets in the Charleston City Market and Angela would give her a few baskets to sell for her since she was staying home with her three small children. Then, in December 2008, Albertha had a stroke while selling in the Market, and in May 2009, Darryl was laid off from his job. Once again, God had a plan. “After talking it over, we decided to begin going to the market for my mother and ourselves. It was at this time Darryl took a real interest in sweetgrass baskets and the rest is history,” Angela states. “In fact, it was Darryl who came up with the business name, DNA Baskets. I thought it stood for Darryl and Angela’s Baskets, but my husband said it also represents the generations
Let’s Talk of my family that made sweetgrass baskets in America and our ancestral DNA of those who brought this rich cultural heritage from the west coast of Africa.” So, what is so special about sweetgrass basket making? “Sweetgrass basket making is the oldest living, African, handmade ar t form in America. It was originally used as a work tool with rice crops in West Africa and here in America during slavery,” Angela explains. “Sweetgrass baskets soon became an intricate
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par t of daily plantation living. They were used for a variety of utilitarian purposes in the work fields of the plantations and were also a vital part of everyday life in the plantation homes. They are made from two different leaves, long leaf southern pine needles and palm leaves, and two different types of grasses, bulrush and sweetgrass.”
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www.emeraldcitywoman.com
7
Let’s Talk
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Article submitted by Susan Selden Executive Director, Cumbee Center To Assist Abused Persons, Aiken, SC Photos by Mary Beth Photography South Carolina may boast of tropical shorelines, mountain ranges, and sandy foothills with vast areas to explore and play. We can claim to be the bir thplace of sweet tea, the state that raises the most peaches, and home to an abundance of tourist attractions and retirement villages. Yet we have one statistic that none of us should be proud of: South Carolina ranks #1 in the nation of women who are murdered by spouses or intimate par tners. In a study analyzing 2013 homicide data and conducted by the Violence Policy Center, South Carolina was discovered to have had 57 female victims killed by intimate par tners. Our state’s rate of 2.32 per 8
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real
100,000 of these homicides was more than double the national average. Why has South Carolina remained in the top ten for 18 years, and what can we as citizens do to change our culture of violence? First we must be willing to engage in open, honest discussions about the domestic violence that surrounds each of us in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and even our places of worship. We need more insight into the minds of those who abuse and those who feel they can’t escape the abuse. For those whose lives remain untouched by violence, it is incomprehensible that someone who claims to love another person the most could
Women
cause the most physical and emotional harm to that person. However, for those whose lives are consumed by daily struggles to avoid punches, stabs, kicks, and ugly words, their lives become an endless cycle of attempts to leave followed by the abuser’s manipulative promises to change. Then tension builds again, anger erupts, and violence ensues. Victims learn that they have little or no control over the violence and feel helpless over their lives and the lives of their children. One of the questions most frequently asked of employees at the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons is “Why does she stay in an abusive mar-
Let’s Talk
SC
# of
1
ranks
IN THE NATION
women
who are murdered by partners
&
HAS REMAINED IN THE
TOP T E N for the last
1 8 YE A RS in
2012
%10
only
of the SC legislature
WERE WOMEN the national average is 23.7%
riage or relationship?” Perhaps a better question to consider would be, “What are the barriers to leaving the relationship?” Victims don’t stay because they are stupid, codependent, or masochistic. They are faced with incredibly difficult barriers to leaving and starting independent lives. An abuser has used manipulative as well as violent behavior to maintain dominance and control over most aspects of the victim’s life. He may have prevented her from getting an education, holding a job, made her ask for money, or taken her money. All of these tactics would leave her without job skills and knowledge so she would depend solely on him financially. He isolates her from family and friend, controls her usage of the car and phone, preventing her from having social support, leaving her totally dependent on him emotionally. Her self-confidence is eroded by constant criticism, name-calling, and his attempts to make her feel guilty. He not only threatens to hur t her, but also threatens to take her children away, threatens to take his life, threatens to hur t the pets, all in attempts to control her actions and keep her in the relationship. If she does try to leave, she faces the most dangerous time, as studies show that more victims are killed after attempting to leave the relationship. If she does survive exiting the relationship, she will soon discover that resources for housing and jobs are scarce, that the abuser may not be prosecuted or held responsible for his actions, that citizens of the community will not be sympathetic but will blame her for not leaving sooner. The abuser may stalk her, threaten to call police or DSS on her, threaten to take custody of her children, leaving her feeling even more overwhelmed.
marriage because of well-meaning but dangerous counsel from faith communities, churches, and pastors to honor the marriage, just pray more, or try harder to be a better spouse. But offering hope that abusers will change without significant intervention and serious consequences for their behavior is harmful to victims. South Carolina is also a state dominated by men in our government. Our state ranks lowest in the nation in the number of women in the state legislature. In 2012, only 10% of the legislature were women while the national average is 23.7%. Governor Nikki Haley has established a Domestic Violence Task Force which continues to set new policies to stem the tide of violence in our state. But more women need to have an active voice in the government to completely prevent the violence against women and children. All citizens can work to make South Carolina a safer state by advocating for violence prevention education in our schools to ensure the next generation will own healthier patterns of relating with each other. Suppor ting nonprofit agencies who assist domestic violence victims such as the Cumbee Center is another way of helping to stop the violence. Ensuring that South Carolina becomes a more peaceful state is a responsibility that rests on us all.
For elderly or disabled victims, leaving presents even more challenges to finding resources, housing, and financial care. Senior abuse survivors may hold to traditional views regarding marriage and feel it is better to stay with the abuser than to face placement in a nursing home or have no one to care for them. And in the state of South Carolina, we find that so many stay in an abusive
SUSAN SELDEN www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Shopping 210 Main Street Greenwood, South Carolina. Monday - Saturday 10a.m. to 6p.m. 8 6 4 -2 2 3- 6 2 2 9 Main & Maxwell is a unique gallery offering a selection of high quality art and handcrafted pieces. It is our intent to support our community by featuring locally and regionally produced work and by providing our member artists with a means to grow their craft through our exclusive granting progra m. We promote art by hand.
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shop on line too!
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11
Shopping
Meet Sandra Harrison of
HOUSE OF
Elegance By Carol A. Ryall // Photos By Laura Brown Photography
Sandra Harrison fell in love, in and with Greenwood. It’s a family tradition of sor ts! Sandra’s originally from Geneva, New York, a small college town nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. Receiving a very good scholarship offer from Georgetown University drew Sandra out of New York to the D.C. area. She went on to live and teach in Fairfax County, Virginia. Through the years she married and had two daughters, Denise and Deborah. She retired as a high school principal in Virginia in 2000. Sandra was always the person other women would come to for advice on how to put an outfit together, or coordinate a look for a special occasion, etc. In 1992, wanting something they could do together, Sandra and Denise found a little three level house in which they opened a Fashion Consulting business on the main floor, with a Children’s Enrichment Center in the basement and a Hair and Nail salon on the second floor. The Consulting Business evolved into a retail shop, House of Elegance. Sandra’s Mother, Blanche came to visit Sandra’s sister, Edith, and her husband Gregory who lived in Greenwood. Blanche fell in love with the town and 12
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real
the climate, and decided to move south. Over Christmas of 2000, Sandra came to visit her Mother. Sandra recalled, “I was smitten by Greenwood’s quietness and coziness and decided this was the place to retire. I asked my Mom, ‘Can I stay with you until I find a place to buy?’” In 2003, Sandra met the Reverend Dr. Willie S. Harrison; they fell in love and were married in 2005. Ironically, after Gregory passed away, Edith and Blanche decided to move back to New York! “This is home for Willie, so I am here to stay,” Sandra stated. Denise and Deborah are both still in Virginia. Denise and Sandra, however, are still partners in the House of Elegance, now located at 1327 Montague Avenue in Greenwood. While Sandra runs the store, Denise is the Buyer who travels, looking for “just the right styles” for their customers and is frequently in Greenwood at their store. She, like her Mother and Grandmother before her, is looking forward to the day when she can retire and move to Greenwood! “House of Elegance is unique in that we
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strive to make your shopping experience with us personable and fulfilling. We believe everyone deserves to look and feel their best. When your shopping experience is completed at the House
Shopping of Elegance, you will look and feel fantastic and others will notice,” Sandra explained. In addition to carrying Bridal dresses, Mothers of the Bride gowns, Prom dresses, Pageant gowns, Quinceneara dresses and suits for men and women, House of Elegance also rents tuxedos, does alterations, Make-up application and Color analysis. Another segment of their business is Event Planning and presenting Workshops 0n Life Skills and Life Management to Women’s Conferences, Women’s Groups, and Church Groups. Sandra stated, “The greatest joys and rewards are when a customer comes in for first time, says she has been looking for a long time and in different towns, and then finds the perfect outfit at the House of Elegance. She’s happy and so am I. Other pleasures are seeing a customer transformed through our merchandise and services; receiving referrals from satisfied customers; customers sharing their photos after their events and most rewarding are the opportunities to build meaningful and lasting relationships with a diverse clientele.”
Bridal Prom Pageant Quinceanera Church Attire Men’s Suits Tuxedo Rentals Jewelry Gifts Alterations Custom Designs
Sandra’s advice to other business women trying to balance their lives was, “The 3 P’s – PLAN! – PRIORITIZE! – PATIENCE!” If you have a Special Event coming up, or want to update your look and style, visit the House of Elegance and let Sandra Harrison help you achieve the look you want.
864.229.2904 | 1327 Montaque Ave Ext, Greenwood, SC 29649
WWW.HOUSEOFELEGANCEBOUTIQUE.COM
www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Feature
Dr. Jennifer Turner
MAKING DENTAL VISITS PLEASANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN By Carol A. Ryall Photos By Abby Thunderbuck Photography
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Feature Dr. Jennifer Turner has been in training to work with children most of her life. As Dr. Turner put it, “I knew from an early age I wanted to help people. As I got older, I realized being a professional would allow me the most oppor tunities to ser ve, and it was children I wanted to work with. “ “In the 10th grade, I began babysitting for a ver y busy physician and his wife who had five children, ages 2 to 10. I quickly learned how to multitask; cooking dinner, checking homework, giving baths, breaking up sibling quarrels, while tr ying to get a 2 year old to sleep and managing different little personalities at once. In college, a professor asked me to babysit his 5 children, ages from 1 to 10. Once again, I learned to balance many priorities, including work, college assignments, student government and
sorority life. These experiences early in life helped prepare me for my future career as a pediatric dentist. It was on-the-job training!” While growing up in Lancaster, SC, Jennifer par ticipated in many school, community and church activities. She spent a lot of time with her grandparents and said, “They played a huge role in shaping me into who I am today.” Jennifer graduated from Lancaster High school, and the University of South Carolina, with a degree in Chemistr y. “Visits to my childhood dentist greatly influenced my decision to become a dentist,” Jennifer remarked. “I loved going to the dentist as a child.” She attended the Medical University of South Carolina - College of Dental Medicine, where she met her hus-
band, John, also a dental student. After graduating, John joined an office in Greenwood. Jennifer graduated one year after John, and was accepted into a pediatric dental residency at the Medical College of Georgia. Realizing Greenwood didn’t already have a pediatric dentist, she decided to open her own private practice, Pediatric Dentistr y of Greenwood, in August, 2007. Dr. Turner’s office is designed with children in mind, from the paintings on the walls to the phrases used when describing dental tools and techniques. In the hygiene area is a 100 gallon salt water fish aquarium. Younger children love to watch the puffer fish and eel swim around colorful coral. Older patients enjoy the X-Box or PlayStation while they wait.
www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Feature Jennifer stated, “Each staff member has chosen to work here because they love children. Each of us understands we have an impor tant role to play in shaping a child’s view of dentistr y, and we treat each child as if they were our own.” “In addition to my practice, I treat surgical cases in the operating room on Fridays at Self Regional Healthcare” Jennifer repor ted. “I am also a par ttime Pediatric Dental Faculty member at Augusta University-School of Dentistr y and ser ve as an American Board of Pediatric Dentistr y Oral Board Examiner. Becoming Board Cer tified was one of my proudest accomplishments, so it was a huge honor for me when I was chosen to ser ve as an Examiner. “It hasn’t been easy balancing work and personal life,” she continued. “With the suppor t of my husband,
Each of us understands we have an important role to play in shaping a child’s view of dentistry, and we treat each child as if they were our own.
family and friends, a wonderful staff and blessings from God, I’ve built a successful practice which allows me to use my gifts to help so many children. “Today, John and I have two girls, Margaret (9) and Catherine (6), five dogs, six fish and ten chickens. We are extremely busy balancing work and the girls’ activities, which currently include ballet, gymnastics, and piano. Margaret, the current Little Miss South Carolina, keeps us ver y busy traveling the state for her appearances and events.” If you have children, take them to meet Dr. Jennifer Turner at Pediatric Dentistry of Greenwood. For office information and forms go to www.kidssmilingfaces.com or call them at 864-229-0305.
www.birthconnectiongreenwood.com
Because your princess deserves the best!
Located at 107 Venture Ct. Greenwood, SC 29649
Birth Connection is a private practice that offers in-hospital deliveries at Self Regional Healthcare whether you want to have an all natural birth or epidural anesthesia, we are there to support you. We provide loving and expert care through touch and low technology during this most vulnerable time in the life of a woman and her family. We are committed to bring midwifery care to the Greenwood area.
As nurse practitioners we also provide primary care and gynecological services such as annual exams and birth control.
Kids love us... Parents trust us!
Janet Goff
MSN, APRN, CNM Find us on Facebook! Birth Connection Midwifery of Greenwood
(Beside Corley’s Market) | 864-229-0305
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For more questions or to schedule an appointment with a midwife call (864) 538-6565.
Janet Goff & Birth Connection Delivering Midwifery to Greenwood By Carol A. Ryall // Photo By Abby Funderburk Photography
The oldest of three girls, Janet Goff was born in Greenville, SC but moved to Greenwood when she was four. “This friendly, small town is home to me,” she says. Married to Tripp Goff for 23 years, they have two sons, a daughter-in-law, a one-year-old granddaughter (and a five-year-old yellow Lab named Hoss.) In her spare time, Janet enjoys spending time with her family, running and fishing. Janet attends New Covenant Church, and is also an active supporter of “A Place for Us” and Breast Cancer Awareness programs. After graduating from Greenville Technical College in 1999 with an Associates’ Degree in Nursing, Janet spent fifteen years working as a Registered Nurse in the Women’s Center at Self Regional Healthcare. She related, “I worked most of that time in Labor and Delivery, but I’ve also worked in Pediatrics, NICU, and Home Health for pregnant women.” After deciding to further her education, in 2010 Janet graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor in Science of Nursing and from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 with a Master in Science of Nursing with a focus in Midwifery. “In South Carolina, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) must have a Master’s Degree in nursing and must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing. I am also a CAPPA certified Childbirth Educator and have a special interest in education and anticipatory guidance during pregnancy. I’ve functioned in a variety of women’s health settings such as home health, hospitals, and birthing centers,” Janet observed. In 2013, Ms. Goff opened Birth Connection, a private practice offering hospital deliveries at Self Regional Healthcare whether you want an all-natural birth or
medication option. “Nurse midwives provide loving and expert care through touch and low technology during this most vulnerable time in the life of a woman and her family. Nurse midwives offer clients additional education, preparation and emotional support to ensure they feel supported and prepared for their role as parents. As your nurse midwife,” Janet explained, “I will listen to your concerns and help alleviate your fears, so when your baby arrives you feel prepared for your changing role from couple to family while providing a safe environment.” “Every birth is special to me, “Janet continued. “It is an honor when a woman and her family allow me to “catch her baby” and to be a part of their very special day!” The only Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Greenwood, Janet Goff works with Dr. Michael Gentry, so you receive the benefits of midwifery care with the support of an obstetrician if complications should arise during the pregnancy or delivery. Midwifery services are also offered in collaboration with any other obstetrician by referral. Self Regional Women’s Center is the delivering facility, with an excellent staff, 18 birthing suites, newborn nursery, two surgical suites for
Cesarean births, 24 hour Anesthesia and level III Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit. With a nurse-midwife delivery there you can have: • A natural birth • Freedom to walk while in labor • Little to no continuous fetal monitoring for low risk women • Breastfeeding and bonding support at birth • Skin to Skin contact • Shower during labor and after delivery • Active participation in decision making • Treatment for pain, if preferred or requested According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, in 2011 over 300,000 births were attended by nurse midwives. Birth Connection is currently accepting new patients. As a CNM/Nurse Practitioner, Ms. Goff also offers annual exams, primary care, and sees patients with gynecological problems at Birth Connection. Nurse-midwifery services are covered under most health insurance plans. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a midwife, call Birth Connection at (864) 538-6565. They’re located at 104 Venture Court, Greenwood, SC. www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Health & Wellness
MEET
Dawn Amerson
OF MORNINGSIDE OF GREENWOOD By Carol A. Ryall // Photos By Abby Funderburk Photography
Greenwood native, Dawn Amerson, loves her job as the Executive Director of Morningside of Greenwood. She star ted working at Morningside in October of 2003 as the Resident Ser vice Director, a nurse who manages all aspects of resident care. In 2006 she was promoted to Executive Director of Morningside of Greenwood, which makes her the one in charge of pretty much ever ything! After graduating from Greenwood High School, Dawn attended Piedmont Technical College, earning a Diploma in Practical Nursing. She worked at Self Regional Hospital for nine years before moving to Morningside. She commented, “I just fell in love with Morningside. It really is a neighborhood, where the residents become family, to us and to each other.” “Our staff is the best,” Dawn con18
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tinued. “They truly care about our residents. It’s an honor to work with such a great team of people who care so much.” Morningside is owned and operated by Five Star Quality Care, Inc., a national healthcare and senior living provider headquar tered in Newton, Massachusetts, which proudly offers the highest quality ser vice and care with the warmth and hospitality of home. The Five Star Senior Living
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division includes more than 260 Independent Living, Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s/Memor y Care, Healthcare Centers with Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Morningside of Greenwood is an Assisted Living facility, offering meals, personal care assistance, housekeeping, laundr y, transpor tation to medical appointments, and their activity program. One of the advantages Morningside
offers the residents is their fee-forser vice payment basis. You pay only for the extra help you need, only when you need it. They also offer a range of flexible funding options and pricing models without “Buy-in” fees. While they offer meals, personal care assistance, housekeeping, laundr y, transpor tation to medical appointments, and an activity program, you can pick and choose which ser vices you need. When asked what the best par t of her position was, Dawn replied, “Making a resident smile! Helping a family who is struggling to make a decision about what is the best thing for their loved one. Each and ever y day here, we can make a real difference in someone’s life. “The relationships with our residents are just so rewarding,” Dawn continued. “When my daughter played softball, one resident would highlight her stats and put the paper on my desk. Some of our residents get
Health & Wellness
really excited when we star t planting spring flowers. One resident makes sure he sends me flowers ever y year on my bir thday.
In her personal life, Dawn is the mother of four children, Daniel, 22; Alexis, 21; 15 year old twins Kameron and Madison and has a dog named Rocky. “My career is a bit unique. My children were raised around Assisted Living and always enjoyed volunteering and Job Shadow days. They had a true understanding of what I do. In fact, Alexis is now the Activities Director at another assisted living facility!
“Our staff is the best. They truly care about our residents. It’s an honor to work with such a great team of people who care so much.” “We had one resident whose dementia had progressed to the point she was getting ver y agitated while waiting on her daughter to pick her up. I gave her the book Love You Forever to read and it did soothe her. I later learned it was the last book she read and how much it meant to her family.”
“I do believe it’s impor tant to leave your work issues at work and put family first at home. If you show your children a strong work ethic at home, they will grow up to have one, too.” In her spare time, Dawn ser ves on the Board of Directors for the Upper Savannah Care Ser vices Association. She commented, “There’s a saying which goes, ‘If you love what you do, then you never work a day in your life!’ I have found that to be true in my years at Morningside.”
MORNINGSIDE OF GREENWOOD
116 Enterprise Ct. Greenwood, SC 29649 (864) 388 - 9433
Assisted Living • Respite Care and Short Term Stays
Morningside of Greenwood is a warm and welcoming senior living community offering spacious and comfortable assisted living apartments, as well as respite or short stays for when caregivers are unavailable. Our friendly, skilled 24-hour staff and beautifully landscaped grounds make Morningside a wonderful place to live. Our many services and amenities include restaurant style dining, a full slate of social and recreational activities, regular outings, library, game room, wireless Internet, fitness and wellness programs, in-house beauty salon/barber shop, cozy sitting areas, transportation, and laundry and housekeeping.
Visit us online at MorningsideOfGreenwood.com to learn more and schedule a tour. www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Health & Wellness
Synergy Counseling Changing Lives for the Better
By Deena C. Bouknight // Photos By Abby Funderburk Photography
In 2015, South Carolina again ranked number one in the nation for women murdered by men according to the Violence Policy Center report. Last year marked the 18th year in a row that the state has been situated in the top 10 in the nation for this negative ranking.
arcelia (CeCe) Paul-Hill, LPC, MAC, would like to do her part to change that statistic. As a practicing counselor at the Synergy Counseling of Greenwood, she has seen her share of anger issues. She would like to teach people to deal with combative behaviors before conflicts escalate to the point of violence. “I decided to pursue counseling as my profession because I saw a great need in the area of mental health, and I wanted to be part of a profession that addressed this need in a way that would benefit others,” she says. The MAC after her name is the professional acronym for Master Addiction Counselor. She is also certified with the Department of Social Services in the area of anger management. “My counseling covers a wide variety of issues, including victims of domestic violence and other traumatic violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (both military and civilian clients), ADHD, developmental delays, couples counseling, anxiety and stress, depression, grief and bereavement counseling, and alcohol and substance abuse.” However, much of her attention is required in the area of anger management. She says that anyone can be dealing with anger issues; there are no gender, age, or socio-economic inhib-
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itors. Unemployment, work stress, parenting, peer pressure, broken homes, and addiction are all factors contributing to anger issues. She advises, “Learning to manage stress and control anger impulses is a process. A lot depends on the motivation of the client – on whether he or she has been ordered by the court to seek counseling, and therefore may be resistant to counseling, or whether he or she has decided to seek counseling on his or her own because behavior that has a detrimental effect on home, life, or job has been recognized.” She adds that those who seek counseling are the most likely to change and/or improve their behaviors. Paul-Hill has seen the fruits of the laborious work required in counseling. She has seen healing in unhealthy relationships. She has witnessed students functioning more successfully in school or adjusting to divorce or loss. Rewarding, as well, is to know that executives and workers are managing and performing better on the job – interacting more positively – so that entire work environments are less stressful. She garnered most of her experience in the trenches at a university counseling young college students. Helping them to live away from home, cope with new lifestyles, deal
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with test anxiety, and try to balance social and academic life was an “epoch period” in her career. “Watching them grow and mature and become successful was a joy to me, especially when I knew some of the major obstacles they had overcome during their time as students.” She branched out on her own three years ago, establishing a sole practice. Recently, she added a behavior specialist to the practice. Her goal is to expand the center and add at least two more therapists. One of the hurdles, always, as a counselor is to help some clients overcome any anxiety associated with sharing hurts and worries with a professional. The fear of the unknown is real for some. Paul-Hill says she gradually establishes a rapport and builds relationships so that there is a foundation of trust. One way this is accomplished is by using animals. At Synergy, there is a pet therapy program in place for those interested. “For some clients, just having a dog to pet while they are in a session helps them to relax and lowers anxiety levels to the point that they feel comfortable and are more forthcoming during their sessions,” she says. Overall, she maintains that improving the quality of life for clients is an “immediate and long-term goal” of Synergy Counseling.
Label
Preston Turner, M.D. • Pete Parramore, M.D. • David Feece, PA-C
Earcelia "Cece" Paul-Hill
Counselor, LPC, MAC
I provide a relaxed, professional environment where the client is in control. I don't enable but empower my clients to take control of their emotional health. With my guidance I have seen numerous clients take a path that leads them to a better life. I am a certified provider for anger/conflict management. I am also experienced in addictions counseling and domestic violence. Areas of self limiting behaviors treated include: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD, conflict management, stress, peer pressure, suicidal ideations, self mutilation and other issues that people face in today's society.
All General Urology Problems • Male Impotence & Infertility Female & Male Incontinence • Kidney Stones Prostate Problems • Urological Cancer 109 Liner Drive Greenwood, SC 864-227-6401 800-922-4194
No Referral Necessary! Office Hours By Appointment
1516 BYPASS 72 NE, GREENWOOD, SC 29649
864.223.2243
www.greenwoodurological.com
By utilizing the latest in chiropractic technology we are able to provide professional, personal care for symptoms such as:
Dr. Shana Sullivan and Dr. Sean Wolfington are chiropractic physicians in Greenwood, South Carolina that specialize in drug-free, non-surgical care. The team at Active Family Chiropractic pledges to provide you with the finest personal service and professional care during each and every visit. They are committed to addressing your health care problems using numerous techniques that fit your individual needs.
Neck Pain Low Back Pain Sciatica Herniated Discs Leg Pain Fibromyalgia Sprains/Strains Arthritis Arm & Shoulder Pain Carpal Tunnel Whiplash Migraines Pinched Nerves Allergies Muscle Tension Headaches
CALL OR VISIT TODAY! 2410 Highway 72-221 East Greenwood, SC 29649 864-223-2236
Julius Leary, MD · John Eichelberger, MD · Merri Paden, MD · Krystal White, MD Joseph Beaudrot, MD · John Russell, MD · Steven Carter, MD · Amy Forrest, MD
Be Confident With Someone You Can Trust Obstetrical and Gynecological Services for Greenwood Women
W W W. G R EE NW OOD PA I N REL I EF.C OM
(864) 227 - 6371 Toll Free: 1-800-922-1614 106 Liner Drive, Greenwood, SC 29646
www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Professional
T he Bradshaw G roup D elivers in G reenwood
Jan Bradshaw
Lake Greenwood was created – as were many lakes – because of the Public Works program birthed during the Great Depression. Two rivers and a creek feed into the lake, which was formed by a hydroelectric dam constructed across the Saluda River. It is around the 212 miles of shoreline surrounding Lake Greenwood that individual homes, as well as whole communities have sprung. By Deena C. Bouknight // Photos By Abby Funderburk Photography
For the past 11 years, Jan Bradshaw has been making cer tain that those proper ties – be they homes, land, or condominiums – are sold and purchased properly. People who own proper ties around Lake Greenwood either live in Greenwood County full time or they recreate at the lake and reside in another area of South Carolina, primarily. Four years ago, Bradshaw decided to become a sole proprietor and broker in charge of The Bradshaw Group; her knowledge of proper ties around the lake increased the growth of The Bradshaw Group to such an extent that she was able to also focus effor ts on all of Greenwood County. In fact, The Bradshaw Group now consists of eight highly professional and knowledgeable real estate exper ts. “Our company philosophy is simply treating people like they expect to be treated when they entrust someone with what is sometimes their largest asset,” she says. “We give 100 percent transparency with no empty promises, hidden fees, or fine print to be con22
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cerned about. We inform and empower our buyers and sellers by sharing all the facts so they can make informed real estate decisions.” Many people moving into the Greenwood area are relocating from outside the area, points out Bradshaw. Those purchasing at the lake are often doing so for the first time – they want a home away from home to enjoy and for friends and family to enjoy. She explains: “The majority of my buyers are people relocating mostly for retirement or looking for their weekend getaway. Some of the others in my group prefer to work with first-time buyers who are locals.” However, no matter what the circumstances or the price range, buyers are interested in the best price. “They want the best value,” she says. “Whether it’s first-time buyers or retirees, they want the best buy for the money. Some other things they look for (depending on lifestyle, age, etc.) is school
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information, healthcare information, specific community information, and area recreation choices.” She adds that it is the philosophy of The Bradshaw Group to provide a “no-pressure” approach. “We make them feel comfor table and we try to make it enjoyable. We actually have fun sometimes,” she quips. Seriously, though, she maintains that since purchasing a proper ty is such a major under taking in a person’s life, “the last thing we want is for them to look back on it as anything less than a great experience.”
Most impor tant is to quickly match a newly listed proper ty with a ready buyer. It is necessary for buyers to have pre-approvals so that dream proper ties can be secured efficiently. Even though the recession era was a challenge for many real estate firms, Bradshaw contends that the current climate is ideal for Realtors. She schools those interested in a career in real estate, sharing that total commitment is necessary to succeed. “You’ll get what you put into it.” Customer service, remembering the client is most impor tant, is imperative. Finally, Bradshaw and her team of professionals stay abreast of all current and changing laws and idiosyncrasies involving real estate so that right answers can be provided and proper guidance given. “From the beginning, The Bradshaw Group set out to offer a non-traditional approach to real estate in a non-traditional setting,” she says, adding that the fruits of their labor indicates that the company is hitting the mark.
For more information on The Bradshaw Group, please visit their website at
www.thebradshawgroup.net
or give them a call at (864) 341 - 7774
www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Professional
AKIN INVESTMENT ADVISORY:
Advice in a Stormy Financial Sea By Deena C. Bouknight // Photos By Abby Funderburk Photography
Some of Stephen Akin’s jargon stems from his days spent on waters. He grew up in Houston, Texas, boating and fishing, and became certified as a Merchant Marine Master. So when he uses terms like “stormy” and “coasting” when referring to his multi-decade career in the securities business, it is often because of his lifelong affection with the sea.
“When helping clients with their financial lives, you must monitor their position and the progress toward their goals,” says Akin. “Just as a Skipper always keeps one eye to weather and the other to leeward … stay aler t to the smallest change.” Akin entered the investment world in 1984. He first worked with Paine Webber Inc. and then Dean Witter now known as Morgan Stanley Dean Witter until he turned 65 last year and retired – sor t of. He has seen his share of ups and downs in the market and has even navigated through rough spots, including the recession that revved up in 2008 and has had reverberating effects on the financial world ever since. He says he has assisted senior citizens concerned about “running out of money”, millennials needing to access retirement funds to make ends meet 24
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during challenging times, and parents and grandparents looking to provide continuing education. A family situation that involved he and his wife obtaining custody of two granddaughters motivated him to get back to work in order to not only suppor t them, but also plan for their future. “I always wanted to open my own shop in the investment business, so I decided this was the time,” he says. “Plus, I absolutely missed it. I was never really away from it completely. It’s just such a passion of mine.” At an age when many retire permanently Akin, instead, star ted Akin Investment Advisory Greenwood, as well as studied for and passed the FINRA Series 65 exam, which covers laws, regulations, ethics, and subjects
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such as retirement planning, por tfolio management strategies, and fiduciary responsibilities. As a Registered Investment Advisor for South Carolina, Akin works clients through several steps to planning for a variety of lifestyle scenarios. He provides goal setting, explains investment philosophy, and customizes financial situations specific to the client’s needs. Some of Akin’s other services include 401k retirement planning, 529 college fund plans, and IRAs. He also works with the goals and objectives of families interested in estate planning – as well as offers many other financial planning services. As an investment advisor, his role is to stay ahead of changing patterns in the financial world. “People need a lot of help because there is so much confusion out there and misunderstandings
Professional … so many investments people don’t understand. I’m able to provide unbiased advice.” One of the changes in the industry is access to Financial Technology “Fintech” and online brokerage accounts. He knows people are trying computer model platforms which, he points out, “opens a person’s eyes as to the urgency and dollar amounts that will be needed to achieve their dreams.” Yet, 30 years of experience and real communication with a real person is what he offers clients. As a person officially at retirement age himself, his primary advice for young and old is to stop procrastinating when it comes to financial planning. The time value of money is so very impor tant. “I think Einstein once said the 8th wonder of the world is compound interest: He who knows it, earns it; he who doesn’t pays it.” He adds, “Sailing has taught me life is a voyage and no one knows what the future holds.”
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AKIN INVESTMENT ADVISORY Independent "Fee Only" Financial Planning & Portfolio Management Whether you choose one time advice or ongoing services, we offer an affordable approach that provides you a simple, easy to follow step by step plan with investment strategies that will save you time, money and taxes. Financial Planning services begin with a "Free - No Obligation" highly confidential meeting where we discuss your present financial condition as well as your long term financial needs, goals and dreams.
Stephen Herbert Akin
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH... Goal Setting IRA’s - Individual Retirement Planning Investment Philosophy Exchange-listed Securities Risk Management Review Securities Traded Over-The-Counter Education and Retirement Funding Corporate Debt Securities Income Tax Review Certificates of Deposit Estate Planning Review Mutual Fund Shares 401k Retirement Planning Municipal Securities 529 College Fund Plans Governmental Securities
Registered Investment Advisor
“Your Success Is My Only Interest!”
AikenInvestmentAdvisory.com • 308 Ferncliff Drive, Greenwood, South Carolina 29649 • 864-344-4438 www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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LET’S GET LOST “A once in a lifetime adventure needs a once in a lifetime guide.” By Harriet Stwora // Photos By Laura Brown Photography
eanne G. Hughston has a true passion for travel which may be why at 70 she is still on the go. She retired from Piedmont Technical College as a Program Manager specializing in professional development and special events. Jeanne divides her time between her two homebased businesses; Jeanne’s Travel Adventures and an independent consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, as well as enjoying grandchildren and community activities. “I wanted to stay active in retirement and by owning my own businesses I can do what I love... stay active mentally and physically and set my own hours.” A canvas map of the world with the words “LET’S GET LOST” hangs in the middle of a long hall outside her home office surrounded by pictures of all of her travels. Jeanne laughs that she doesn’t take the words literally as we don’t want to get lost but to explore this beautiful world that God has given us. “We learn so much through travel... even in the United States,” she says. Jeanne acknowledges that travel brings better understanding of people in different par ts of the world. People are really not so different; they have the same needs of shelter, water, food, security and love, regardless of their 26
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customs or culture. “Even as a child I often dreamed of going to magical and mysterious lands,” Jeanne explains. “I got my first taste of travel while in college but didn’t get to experience it again until my children were grown. While employed in Continuing Education at Piedmont Technical College, I worked with an instructor who wanted to teach travel Spanish to the community and then take them to a Spanish speaking country. We scheduled the class and a trip to Costa Rica. No one signed up for the class but 22 people ended up going on the trip. When we returned the par tici-
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pants asked where we would go next and the travel program for the college was born.” Jeanne’s Travel Adventures was created in 2011 after several years of coordinating successful group travel programs for the community through Piedmont Technical College. After retiring she continued to par tner with Piedmont and also Midlands Technical College. “These are not student trips,” says Jeanne, “but students are cer tainly welcome to go.” Four trips are offered through Piedmont Technical College each year and
two with Midlands. Most of these group trips are with Go Collette, one of the oldest tour companies in the United States with a stellar reputation. Jeanne is a specialist with them but also has a Norwegian Freestyle Cer tification. In addition, she works with Viking and other well-known companies. As an agent, Jeanne emphasizes that she coordinates tours, and river and ocean cruises with any company for individuals as well as groups. Jeanne is not your ordinary tour guide, she strives to help people streamline their plans with attention to cost and other details. Customer service is foremost to her and she works very hard to find the right fit so the traveler will have a smooth journey to their destination. She wants them to have an exciting, safe and memorable travel experience. “There are pro’s and con’s to independent travel versus organized travel. Neither is right or wrong, its simply the preference of the traveler,” says Jeanne. “However, I only coordinate organized travel.” “It’s impor tant nowadays to have a tour specialist who knows the ins and outs of travel, especially when traveling abroad,” assures Jeanne. “The tour managers who guide and manage the activities of the trip know what areas are safe and ones to avoid. They handle all the logistics of the trip; you just get to enjoy the trip!” Jeanne is planning trips to Antarctica and Cuba for the first par t of 2017. “Antarctica is not for everyone but will be awesome!” says Jeanne. “Cuba will be exciting and lively and currently one of the more popular destinations right now. Brochures are already available!” When you travel with Jeanne you will be treated to a memorable experience; you’ll get up close and personal to the land, the culture and the people that you may have only read about. Jeanne’s services are complimentary and if you want to know more about her travels visit her website at: www.jeannestraveladventures.com. Also follow Jeanne’s Travel Adventures on Facebook, or call her at (864) 993-1955.
A Once in a Lifetime Adventure Needs a Once in a Lifetime Guide Are you looking for that once in a lifetime adventure? Then you’re going to need a once in a lifetime guide. Take a look at some of the incredible journeys she’s already facilitated or click on Jeanne’s “Upcoming Tours” page on her website and see what sort of adventure she’s got planned for you. Browse through her travel adventures and if you see your dream vacation listed, contact Jeanne and ask her to secure that journey for you. She may even be able to offer an incentive.Trips for individuals may be coordinated as well, even if the destination isn’t listed on the website. Jeanne can send anyone on any land trip, river or ocean cruise with any company as a free-lance agency.
(864) 993 - 1955 215 Stanley Ave Greenwood, SC 29649
www.jeannestraveladventures.com www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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Personal Note
B
y the time some of you read this, it will almost be my favorite season. Those old dog days of summer will be here and we will hopefully be enjoying some good warm South Carolina weather. There will be bon fires, barbecues, and roasted marshmallows in backyards and in camp sites. Cookouts with family and friends, taking the kids to the pool and sometimes the beach, and just spending time with the people that you love are some of the best parts of summer. While the kids are on summer break it is such a great time to catch up and make many new memories with them. In the past year I have been both ashamed and very proud of our State. We have watched as senseless acts of violence around the country have divided us, grieved us, opened old wounds and made us angry. We have also watched a community in Charleston take hate and return love. We saw the faces of beautiful people in various stages of life cut down and then saw the compassionate faces of love and forgiveness address the state, local and national media. Charleston.. oh Charleston. In life there are things that happen that are beyond our control, both good and bad things. While we can’t control those things, we can control the way we respond to them. If we chose positive or negative it is still our choice and our consequences. I have taught my children this principal since they were very small. Yes, I celebrate every success they have, big or small. I post pictures of the least of their accomplishments. They are not perfect children. They are simply loved, cherished, and appreciated children. However, each of them know they are personally responsible for their actions. In our home we have a rule. No playing the blame game. If your socks are on the floor. They are your socks. You pick them up. Even if your brother or sister knocked them off the sofa or out of a basket, they are your socks, you pick them up. What if we all accepted responsibility for our own actions? What if we all worked hard for everything we accomplished and wanted and checked our sense of entitlement before we left our homes? What if we all got up each morning with a sense of determination to make today better than yesterday, not just for ourselves but for everyone in our circle of influence? What if we all took a little time to understand what someone else might be struggling with? What if we all used words of compassion and not hate? What if we all tried to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes before we spoke ill of them or wrote them off? Would there be less murders? Would there be less crime in general? These are just my personal thoughts. Pondering’s of a woman who has recently witnessed some of the best of humanity in action and some of the worst. I love Lexington . I have since I moved here. People have been inordinately kind to me. I am often shocked to find out something that has happened so close because I simply can’t believe that happens where we live. So people would say I am naive. If so, I wear that title with honor. I never want to look at the late night news and become numb to what I see. I would just ask that you join me in praying for our community, our schools, our teachers, our administrators, and our local politicians for wisdom and discernment. I wish each of you reading this happiness and health for years to come. Your friend,
Lori Samples Duncan Let love be without hypocrisy Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12:9-10
Business & Web Directory
Counseling
Real Estate
Synergy Counseling of Greenwood .................. 21
The Bradshaw Group.......................................... 23 www.thebradshawgroup.net
Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry of Greenwood ................... 16
Senior Living
www.kidssmilingfaces.com
Morningside of Greenwood............................... 19 www.morningsideofgreenwood.com
Financial Akin Investment Advisory ................................... 25
Shopping
www.akininvestmentadvisory.com
The Alcoves ...............................................................5
Health Services
Sharp Facets Gallery ..............................................7
Birth Connection................................................... 16
www.sharpfacetsgallery.com
www.birthconnectiongreenwood.com
Blossom Shoes & Such....................................... 11 Greenwood Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.A...... 21
www.blossomshoessc.com
www.gwdobgyn.com
Sugar Boutique ..................................................... 11 Active Family Chiropractic.................................. 21
www.scsugar.com
www.greenwoodpainrelief.com
Main & Maxwell.................................................. 11 Greenwood Urological......................................... 21
www.mainandmaxwell.com
www.greenwoodurological.com
Sears Hometown Store ...................................... 11 Insurance
searshometownstores.com/locations/greenwood-sc
Nationwide: Cecelia Cook & Associates, LLC .......5 agency.nationwide.com/cecelia-cook-in-greenwood-sc
House of Elegance .............................................. 11 www.houseofeleganceboutique.com
Photography Laura Brown Photography ................................ IFC
Travel
www.photolaurabrown.com
Jeanne’s Travel Adventures ................................. 27 www.jeannestraveladventures.com
Abby Funderburk Photography ............................5 www.abbyfunderburk.com
Column By Pastor Sonya Mazzell
What Does Your Garden Grow? Recently, I was asked what should I do to grow in God? Immediately my mind went to the parable of the sower. Luke 8:15 say’s, “But the seed (the word of God) on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Growing in God requires much of the same effort and steps that it takes to plant a garden. If the gardener does not persevere, or if he doesn’t properly till, weed and fertilize the soil, then it will not yield a harvest. My advice would be not to focus on the do’s and don’ts of religion, but rather on the preparation of your heart to receive God’s word and to hold onto it until it bears “fruit” which is the evidence that God is in our lives. We accomplish this through honesty, through faith and through the grace of God. II Cor. 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” First, accept that apart from Christ you can do nothing. If you desire spiritual growth it cannot be accomplished by natural acts. It will be a work of grace within your heart that produces good soil. Remember, man cannot live by bread alone, so we must read God’s word daily! Second, confess your sins and your weakness before God. Call on Christ to till up the stony ground in your heart and to pluck up the thorns that are choking out the fruit his Spirit that He is trying to grow. Third, hold fast to the profession of your faith. Remember, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by our testimony. (Rev. 12:11) Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Phil 1:6) ~ Pastor Sonya www.emeraldcitywoman.com
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