Lake Murray, SC May 2023

COURAGE TO CARE

LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTERTHE GOLD STANDARD

CELEBRATE MOMS

Making Spirits Bright!

The holidays are brighter at Lakeview!

All-inclusive independent retirement living is the gift that gives all year long! We take care of everything for one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can celebrate life every day. And by everything we mean:

 Signature Freedom Dining Program

 3 Fresh Chef-Prepared Meals Daily

 Meal Delivery

 24-Hour Chef Pantry/Bistro

 Full Custom Kitchens!

 Robust Social Calendar

 And Many More!

Wonderful Women

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Not only are they incredible moms, wives, and sisters, but a few special people in my life are nurses. They make a difference each and every day. On the cover, you will see my daughter, Victoria, an ER nurse who is compassionate, quick-thinking and adventurous.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities like Pink Sorbet.

That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Lake Murray's women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

Thanks,

May 2023

PUBLISHER

David Hayth | david.hayth@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alexandra Hill | alexandra.hill@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATORS

Cheryle Anderson | cahayth@gmail.com

Victoria Hayth | vhayth@gmail.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

DAVID HAYTH, PUBLISHER @LAKEMURRAYLIFESTYLE

local experiences

Grab your gal pals and plan a relaxing or upscale day, weekend, or GNO (Girl's Night Out!) with any one of these local experiences fit for the females.

Our Picks for The Gal Pals

COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART: Take a flora-focused art tour through the galleries to learn about various types of flowers across time periods and cultures, then enjoy wine, cheese, and charcuterie boards.  1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC

SODA CITY MARKET: Grab your friends and head downtown to shop the Soda City Market every Saturday morning. Pro Tip: Get there early to get the best selection! 1300-1600 Main St, Columbia, SC

KAMINSKY'S DESSERT CAFE: Indulge your sweet tooth at this cafe where you will find the most decadent desserts and even sweet cocktail pairings. 930 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC

ENOREE RIVER WINERY: If you're looking for an afternoon of wine tasting, drive over to Newberry and you will find the most scenic venue with a relaxing wrap-around porch.  1650 Dusty Rd., Newberry, SC

SALUDA SHOALS PARK: Enjoy a drive-in movie night featuring Top Gun: Maverick on 5/19. The movie begins at dark (8:45 p.m.) Food Trucks will be available at 6:45 pm.   6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC

Columbia Museum of Art

Rug Gallery of Lexington offers a large selection of medium to high-quality rugs in a relaxed, no pressure, customer service-oriented atmosphere. We are a local family-owned business with rug construction and weaving experience spanning many generations. It would be our pleasure to help you in your next rug purchase.

Upcoming Tournament at of Lexington Country Club

ARTICLE BY CHRIS MILLER, HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL, EDITED BY: ALEXANDRA HILL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAKE MURRAY LIFESTYLE

The South Carolina Golf Association started their Junior Championship in 1959 with Thad Vincent taking the first two titles. We are excited to announce that The Country Club of Lexington will host the major championship again on June 13-15, 2023.

Country Club of Lexington (CCL) has a long history with this event as they started hosting it in 1972 and for 27 years in a row, CCL was the home of this championship. Like the State Amateur and other championships conducted by the SCGA, the event moved to other sites across the state to provide a different venue for the players. CCL is on the rotation to have it back every 5 years and this year will be the 32nd time hosting.

CCL shares the hosting duties with such clubs as Oldfield, Greenville Country

Club, Dataw Island, Bulls Bay, Woodside Plantation, Forest Lake, Florence Country Club, Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Columbia Country Club, Orangeburg Country Club and others have joined to host the juniors.

Charlie Rountree II and host professional; Norman Flynn, were the spearheads that really elevated the championship during the competitions at Lexington.

Mr. Rountree was a founding member of CCL and is referred to by many as the father of junior golf in the state. His passions earned him a spot in the SCGA Hall of Fame as well as Flynn for their dedication to the youth of the day. He was a President of the SCGA as well as his son; the third, CR III, as he is affectionately known. Charlie followed in his father's footsteps with a deep passion for

building junior golf programs and also earned his way into the prestigious hall with his efforts.

A great team of volunteers has to have a leader and that was none other than Happ Lathrop. Lathrop retired after 40 years as Executive Director of the SCGA and under his leadership, junior golf programs exploded from just private club members to over 2,000 kids on the course in competitive arenas.

Rountree, Flynn, and Lathrop used the Junior Championship to act as a catalyst for other junior golf specific programs across the state. The first is the SCGA Team Matches. The top 8 finishers of the SCGA Junior and GSGA Junior meet in head-to-head matches that started in 1976. These are now the longest-running matches in the country, with our squad

THE HISTORY OF THIS ONE EVENT LED TO

CREATION OF A JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION

a little ahead of Georgia in regards to overall record. Pete Cox (GSGA) and Charlie Rountree II (SCGA) were the captains getting these matches to the national stage they are now, along with Happ Lathrop.

One little side story that must be told: Happ had the whole team in a borrowed RV headed to the matches and he did not quite remember the clearance values of said vehicle. The air conditioner on top of the RV was quickly removed at speed with Happ driving and some teenagers getting an increase in heartbeat.

The Rountree family donated the Rountree Cox trophy that is now hosted at the club and highlights all of the players that have participated in the past. The SC team is engraved with SC-shaped pieces of copper that actually came from the SC Statehouse during renovation! Players on the team have included: Charlie Rymer, Jonathan Byrd, Lucas Glover, Kyle Thompson, Charles Howell, Dustin Johnson, Russell Henley, Vaughn Taylor, Wesley Bryan, and many more players of great talent.

The SCGA Junior Championship was a precursor to many more programs and events for junior golfers. There were very few junior championships in the early history of the state's tournament offerings. The Florence Junior and the Al Esposito (Charleston) were probably the only other major events happening in this arena.

Lathrop worked with his board and both Rountrees to form the SC Junior Golf

Association in 1990. A local "chapter " program was established with players playing regional events during the summer. Point leaders in each age group qualified for an All-Stars Championship where they played against players from all across the state. What started as 150 players in three chapters grew to 19 chapters and 2,200 players. The need was then emphasized for more competitive golf as a stepping stone from grassroots junior golf. More events dotted the competitive calendar with The Fall Challenge, the Players Championship, the Blade, the Tradition Four Ball (now known as the Rick Vieth 4 ball), the Caddie Classic, the Orange Jacket, the Jackie Seawell, and the Ford Picard Christmas Classic, just to name a few.

Next came time to open the doors to more national-level events that allowed our players to play against the best and not leave the state. Doug Smith and CR III (sense a trend here?) started the Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational. Soon to follow, the SCJGA conducts the Sea Pines Junior Heritage, the Grant Bennett Florence Junior, and the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea. All events that earned their way into national recognition for strength of field.

So the history of this one event led to the creation of a Junior Golf Association that is recognized as one of the best in the country serving all levels of play.

Come on out and watch some great golf in your own backyard!

THE

THAT IS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY SERVING ALL LEVELS OF PLAY.

HAVING THE COURAGE TO CARE

ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA HILL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CELEBRATING NATIONAL NURSES

WEEK –

MAY 6-12, 2023

Nursing is a profession where the primary focus is caring for others. What a humbling thought to know that these people chose their career in order to help others. Nurses are there for patients when they need it the most, and dedicate their time to improving our health. More than ever, the importance of nurses is insurmountable. What is the history of Nurses Week? And how can we celebrate the special people who provide nurturing care even during the most trying of circumstances?

WHAT TO KNOW:

National Nurses Week celebrates the work of nurses and starts each year on May 6 and ends on May 12 — which is Florence Nightingale's birthday. Florence Nightingale, a.k.a “The Lady with the Lamp” was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician known for being the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale established St. Thomas’s Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860 and improved the quality of patient care into the 19th and 20th centuries.

Victoria A. Hayth, RN, BSN

HISTORY OF NURSES WEEK:

Here are some key points on the history of National Nurses Week:

1953 – Dorothy Sutherland, an employee of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, proposed establishing a “Nurse Day” to President Eisenhower.

1954 – The first Nurses Week was celebrated from October 11th – 16th to mark the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. A bill for a National Nurses Week was introduced to Congress, but no action was taken.

1974 – President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation establishing a week in May to be celebrated as “National Nurse Week.”

1982 – President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 6, 1982, to be “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

1993 – The American Nurses Association Board of Directors declared May 6th – 12th as National Nurses Week for 1994 and all subsequent years. (NursingWorld.org)

DEDICATED, RESILIENT, STRONG

Those are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing nurses. Two years ago, Nurses Week coincided with the release of the National Academy of Medicine’s report titled “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Health Equity.” The report addresses the challenges that the nursing profession faces in this decade. Some excerpts from the study can be read below.

“Nurses’ health and well-being are affected by the demands of their workplace. Nurses often manage unrealistic workloads; insufficient resources; risk of infection; stigma directed at healthcare workers; and the mental, emotional, and moral burdens of caring for patients with a new and unpredictable disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly revealed the challenges nurses face every day, and has added significant new challenges.” (National Academy of Medicine)

Nurses are problem-solving, compassionate people who engage and connect with people, communities, and organizations to help people through challenging times like being in the hospital or navigating a health journey. With the challenges they face every day, we can be reminded that nurses should be appreciated all year long. It may be their day-to-day job, but they are making a huge impact daily.

“I often leave shift wishing I had more time with a patient or family member who really needed it.”

Mary Reedy, RN, BSN

FROM THE HEART:

Lake Murray Lifestyle got the pleasure of speaking with several local area nurses about what the profession means to them. We asked what brought them into the career of nursing and to give us a little bit of insight into their day-to-day shifts. We appreciate the time we got to speak to these incredible nurses and it inspires us to show appreciation as often as we can.

Victoria, a Lake Murray native and USC grad, is an Emergency Medicine nurse at a trauma center, who wanted to become a nurse because of her love for medicine and helping people. She thrives in the fast-paced environment and loves working on a team with a common goal. Victoria recognizes that being in the hospital is not an ideal experience so she dedicates her time towards making the patient feel more comfortable. Victoria said, “The hardest part is coming home wishing I had more hours in the day. A lot of times, I leave wishing I had more time with a patient or family member who really needed it.” Victoria shared that appreciation does not need to be in material things, it can simply be showing kindness to your nurse. They are often understaffed, but doing their best to accommodate everyone and prioritize care.

We also got to speak with Mary who was born and raised in Columbia. Her background is in the ER and she knew from high school that she was interested in combining her love of sciences and helping others. She also felt that nursing provided her the flexibility to do what she loves all while having a family. Although working in the ER has many challenges, Mary finds it very rewarding

to be the person taking care of people in some of their most vulnerable moments. Mary said, “No one wakes up thinking they will end up in the ER or trauma unit that day, so being part of the team that helped care for them, and in some cases saved their life, was something I never took lightly.” She shared that it's important to understand that most nurses are genuinely trying their best, and working their fastest for you. A simple "thank you for the care you've provided" goes a long way.

We also had the pleasure of connecting with Lu, a Urology Nurse Navigator. Many years into her career, she was on a float pool that required her to work in

different areas of the hospital where there was a need. This is where she found her place. She worked on an oncology floor that truly tugged at her heart. When she found her current position, she got to continue working with cancer patients, just in a different way. Lu shared that the hardest part about her job is giving patients their cancer diagnosis, but it is her job to help patients and their families navigate that challenging journey. Lu recalls a meaningful time when a family wrote a letter to hospital administration regarding the level of care their family member received. That letter resulted in Lu being awarded the Daisy award, which is an international recognition for nurses.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Nurses deserve more appreciation than we can express. Whether it is a little thing or a big thing, rest assured knowing the nurses in your life will appreciate any gesture. Knowing that you took the time from your busy day to honor and recognize their hard work is so meaningful. Next time you find yourself in need of care, remind yourself to be patient and kind. Showing kindness makes a real difference in the day of a nurse.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME CREATIVE WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION, CONSIDER THE LIST BELOW:

• Send a text or phone call to a friend or family member that is a nurse.

• Write a handwritten note for one of your nurses.

• Leave a goody bag or gift basket at the nurses’ station.

• Provide a caffeine pick-me-up.

• Deliver snacks or lunch.

• Spread awareness on social media to encourage others to join in on the appreciation.

• Most of all, show patience and understanding.

Lu Vaughn, RN, Nurse Navigator

GOLF AND GOOD TIMES

Capital City/Lake Murray

Country is a Golfer's Paradise

ARTICLE BY MICAH DECKER

A historic southern town steeped in tradition, Blythewood boasts a high concentration of quality golf courses, peaceful surroundings, great lakes, farmlands, and forest views with outstanding amenities. Home to the University of South Carolina Golf Center at Cobblestone Park, the options go from good - to better- to best!

With a location just outside of Columbia, SC, and less than an hour from Charlotte, NC, Blythewood has always been attractive to golfers looking for the southern charm of the game. Home to 3 year-round outstanding courses, Cobblestone Golf Park, Columbia Country Club and Windemere Golf Course.

BLYTHEWOOD’S COURSES  The Windemere

Club

The Windermere Club offers a Pete Dye Signature golf course, indoor-outdoor tennis complex, Jr. Olympic Pool, 3000 square foot state of the art fitness center, and dining with some of the greatest sunsets in Columbia. The club has become one of the more respected sports clubs in South Carolina, drawing members and guests from all over the country.

Cobblestone Park Golf Club

Cobblestone Park is a wonderful 27-hole golf course. Voted #4 in Golf Pass “Top 25 College Golf Courses” list in 2021, #7 in GolfPass “Top Golf Courses in South Carolina,” and 39th “Best Clubhouse”. Make sure to stop by Alexander’s at the clubhouse, a full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Grab a post round beverage, casual lunch or a family dinner overlooking the beautiful 18th hole.

Columbia Country Club

Columbia Country Club offers a variety of recreational and social amenities that include a 27-hole championship golf

course, professional practice facility, an Olympic-sized swimming pool & snack bar, tennis courts, a 25,000 square-foot clubhouse, and a calendar full of golf, swimming, social and family activities.

In between tee times, grab lunch at McNulty’s Taproom or Doko Smoke BBQ.  Local, Tony Crout, is the pitmaster at Doko Smoke and has won numerous awards for his mouth-watering barbeque and sides. Get to know the area by attending one of Blythewood’s exciting festivals, competitions, and events like the Blythewood Rodeo each spring and fall.

Explore More of the Region's Golf Offerings

Lake Murray Country is a golfer’s paradise. Tee off at one of 20 challenging courses around the region from the breathtaking water views at Timberlake Country Club in Chapin to the heart of Lexington at Golden Hills Golf and Country Club - you’re sure to find the perfect place to play in Lake Murray Country!

Discover more of the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region including dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation and more at LakeMurrayCountry.com .

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Ashley Hendrix

Jessica Jeffcoat

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Paige Gates

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WILSON, LMC PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER

LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER HONORS

Nurses "LMC Gold" FOR

ITS PROGRAM

Each year, Lexington Medical Center honors nurses for its “LMC Gold” program – recognizing outstanding work in nursing. Below is a list of this year’s winners that we would like to honor and congratulate.

Recognizing Outstanding Work in Nursing

Stacie Amick, BSN, RN, BC

Since 2005, Stacie has been an exceptional member of the LMC team, earning an Award of Excellence as a nurse technician and again as a registered nurse. She has a passion for helping others learn and grow, working with senior capstone students, nurse residents and new nurses as a preceptor. As Unit Based Practice chair, Stacie encourages her peers to obtain additional certifications and works to implement best practices. After realizing a need to improve patient adherence to medication directions, Stacie collaborated with other departments to create medication cards to show patients how to use prescribed medications and understand possible side effects, leading to an 87.5% increase in Press Ganey satisfaction scores.

Christy Chavis, MSN, RN, CMS-RN

With 16 years of experience as a registered nurse, Christy brings tremendous knowledge and professionalism. She started as a staff nurse and quickly became a clinical coordinator because of her exceptional patient care skills and willingness to take on additional responsibilities, serving as a Unit Based Practice Council member and accepting leadership roles when piloting patient care initiatives. In addition to improving patient outcomes, Christy’s leadership and demeanor have increased recruitment and retention on 4th South Tower.

Stacie Amick

Christy Chavis

Paige Gates, BSN, RN, BC

As a care manager for 7th South Tower, Paige ensures her patients receive high-quality care. She creates special bonds with patients and their families and demonstrates immense compassion, often resulting in long-lasting relationships and compliments.  Paige initiated a project on her unit to implement baby doll therapy, which can reduce disruptive behaviors in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Because her unit sees many patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, she conducted further research, submitted a proposal for an LMC Foundation grant and received approval to fund baby doll therapy. Since the implementation the unit has reduced use of restraints and number of falls, as well as decreased anxiety and elevated moods in patients. She is a great example and often sought when staff members need guidance. Paige constantly looks for improvement opportunities. She completes monthly hand hygiene monitoring, quarterly chart reviews and monthly skin audits.

David Gowans, BSN, RN, CCRN

David is an asset to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit because of his exceptional leadership abilities and devotion to positive patient outcomes. With 15 years of experience, he leads by example and has received an LMC Award of Excellence for his efforts. He understands that continuing education is critical to success and encourages others to further their education, organizing study groups for individuals interested in becoming nationally board-certified, establishing conference watch groups, facilitating training sessions for other hospital departments and developing a department wide e-newsletter. As a member of the Unit Based Practice Council, David searches for efficient and innovative ways to provide patients with high-quality care. He created a suggestion box for the department to encourage staff to submit process improvements.

Ashley Hendrix, BSN, RN, BC

Ashley is an exceptional role model. She has shown her commitment through her service as vice chair and chair for the Unit Based Practice Council, mentor for University of South Carolina leadership students and nurse residents, Surestep™ Foley coach. Ashley also conducts hospital-acquired pressure injury team reviews, monitors hand-washing compliance, attends quarterly skin prevalence meetings and completes medical record reviews. Her efforts and dedication to quality outcomes have led to numerous improvements within the department. Additionally, Ashley is known to be a positive and caring team member, often working nights and weekends to fill in for others.

Jessica Jeffcoat, MSN, RN, BC

For more than 15 years, Jessica has shown great dedication to LMC and its mission. She currently leads the Center for Best Practice’s clinical orientation team to educate nurses on best practices, policy updates and advances in the medical field. In this position, Jessica goes above and beyond her duties by conducting additional in-person reviews and checking educational materials for clarity and accuracy. She also took the initiative to master the Articulate e-Learning program to create interactive educational offerings for staff. During the past two years, clinical orientation numbers increased by 20%, and issues such as social distancing requirements plagued the team. Considering these issues, Jessica took an innovative approach and found new ways to create orientation materials and strategies to lead new staff to meet the same high-quality standards. During the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortage, Jessica also volunteered to split her time between the Center for Best Practice and patient care areas to assist understaffed units.

Tim O’Hara, BSN, RN, PCCN

Tim is an organized and efficient leader. While holding his team to high standards, he also fosters a safe and supportive environment that is conducive for learning. Tim’s unique ability to anticipate the needs of his staff and quickly resolve any issues greatly improves team cohesion and nurse satisfaction. He is committed to resolving any issues that may negatively affect the work environment, so patients receive the best care possible. Additionally, Tim is committed to seeking the best evidence-based practices. He currently serves as his unit’s restraint outcome champion and safety advocate and is a peritoneal dialysis superuser and tracheostomy superuser. He takes great pride in his work, and many other leaders in the organization have recognized his efforts.

Amanda Price, BSN, RN, CV-BC

For 15 years, Amanda has been a loyal team member. She prioritizes patient outcomes and is a current member of the Unit Based Practice Council, the cardiovascular surgery work group and the discharge throughput team. Amanda’s efforts as a member of the cardiovascular surgery work group helped the hospital earn five three-star ratings from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Through her leadership, her unit successfully decreased the length of patient stays, eliminated pressure injuries for the last 22 months and central-line bloodstream infections for the last 31 months, and achieved the lowest wound infection rate since the unit’s inception. Amanda earned four Applause Awards in 2022 and led her team to achieve the highest nurse satisfaction scores in the past four years, encouraging her peers to have lunch with each other and limiting distractions, such as cell phones. She is an exceptional employee who works tirelessly to promote LMC’s mission.

Amanda Price

Timothy Ohara

Sarah Ricard, BSN, RN, CCRN, CRN

As a clinical mentor, Sarah has made great improvements in Interventional Radiology. Sarah conducted case reviews, obtained new products and equipment, updated protocols, improved the work environment and established a Unit Based Practice Council. Collectively, these changes led to improved patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction scores 50% higher than the national average. Most notably, Sarah audited numerous stroke cases and found opportunities to improve treatment response times that would increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. While conducting these audits, she found and discussed multiple avoidable delays with her team and the Emergency Department team. Once the departments implemented procedures to combat these delays, door-to-puncture time decreased by more than 20 minutes, puncture-to-reperfusion time decreased by 20 minutes and overall doorto-first pass time decreased by 58 minutes.

Sarah Ricard

Lexington Medical Center Gold Program

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER

Ginger Rodgers MSNA, APRN, CRNA

Since participating in LMC’s inaugural Partners Program, Ginger has been a loyal and dedicated member of the organization. She began her nursing career in 2000 in the Emergency department and Post Anesthesia Care Unit. After earning a master’s degree in anesthesia, she became one of the most requested certified registered nurse anesthetists because of her exemplary skills and vested interest in her patients’ well-being. Ginger has also greatly improved hospital processes. Notably, she helped develop pediatric ear, nose and throat anesthesia guidelines, pre-enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines to combat postoperative nausea, and a new scheduling system for CRNAs with a near-perfect satisfaction rate. Not only does Ginger exhibit great skill and contribute to process improvements, but she works to boost employee morale. As part of the Sunshine Committee, she organizes birthday and retirement parties, wedding and baby showers and holiday celebrations, often at her own expense.

Mary (Libby) Wessinger RN, CEN

Libby exemplifies LMC’s values through her commitment to the organization, quality care and positivity. She is a dedicated patient advocate at LMC Irmo Urgent Care and goes out of her way to ensure patients understand why they need treatment and how their care team will provide it. Libby also performs frequent room checks to ensure patients understand their position in the clinical flow. Patients often recognize her in Press Ganey surveys for her attentiveness and thoroughness. Libby’s patient efforts have led to Press Ganey survey return rates increasing by 50% and patient satisfaction rates at LMC Irmo Urgent Care reaching 98% this year. Additionally, she fosters a collaborative environment, resulting in innovation and consistent nursing foundations for quality-of-care scores at 75%. Libby’s recent suggestion to perform electrocardiograms in assessment rooms has also decreased treatment time for patients experiencing chest pain, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Margaret Shirer BSN, RN

Margaret’s dedication to patient safety goes above and beyond the call of duty. As the only nurse at Lexington Medical Specialists, she has a multitude of responsibilities and handles all outpatient care and triage, phlebotomy, wound care, clinical care coordination, outpatient intravenous antibiotic treatment coordination, licensed practical nurse and medical office technician training, vaccine orders and storage, and office regulatory issues. Often, Margaret calls patients or their caregivers after hours to ensure the office met their needs and will help co-workers, regardless of her workload, to make sure patients receive adequate care. This past year, Margaret helped facilitate multiple process improvements, including streamlining office laboratory result reporting and creating an electronic list of patients on intravenous antibiotics in Epic that all care team members can view. She is a valued employee and a great patient advocate.

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Plan a Spa Day For Her and Her Friends

Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!

Craft the Perfect Playlist

Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.

Have a Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.

Hold a Lawn-Game Tournament

Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.

Visit an Amusement Park

For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

Have a Backyard BBQ

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Make Something Totally Unique

If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.

Spruce Up The Garden

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.

Make Pottery

Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.

Head to the Farmers Market

There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.

Watch Home Movies

Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.

Check Something Off Her To-Do List

Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SATURDAYS The Market at Icehouse ICEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER

PAVILION | 9:00 AM

The Market at Icehouse is primarily intended as a farmer/grower and local artisan market that uses a community-friendly atmosphere to promote, support and encourage local production while educating citizens on the benefits of eating local, fresh produce and supporting local artists and the Certified SC program.

MAY 5TH

Cinco De Mayo

Harvest Dinner

CITY ROOTS FARM | 6:30 PM

Be sure to have your appetite ready to enjoy a family-style, four-course farm-to-table dinner by Chef/Owner Kristian Niemi of Bourbon, Black Rooster, F2T Productions and Honey River Catering. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and wine pairings. A percentage of the ticket price supports The Charitable Plate 501 C3.

MAY 6TH

Rosewood Crawfish Festival SC STATE FAIR GROUNDS | 11:00 AM

Let the good times roll for its 15th year! Live music, family fun, Rosewood artisans, crawfish, 5K and much more. Besides crawfish, over 25 food trucks will be present to offer many different types of cuisine.

MAY 7TH, 14TH, 21ST, 28TH

Unpack the Porch – Wine, Music & Food Sundays

ENOREE RIVER WINERY | 2:00 PM

If you haven't already, head over to the winery to enjoy their bi-annual “Unpack the Porch” Music series that features local music, rotating food trucks, and of course, wine. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, as well as walk the grounds to see the vines in their various stages of growth before or during each performance.

MAY 11TH, 12TH, 13TH SC

Poultry Festival

DOWNTOWN HISTORIC

LEESVILLE | 5:00 PM

The South Carolina Poultry Festival is held the 2nd Saturday in May each year where you can enjoy your favorites like the annual parade, road race, volleyball tournament, cooking contest, car show, games and rides. They will have a variety of food vendors and craft booths, 3 stages of entertainment and a fireworks display Saturday night.

MAY 26TH

Lexington County Blowfish – Opening Night

LEXINGTON COUNTY

BASEBALL STADIUM | 7:00 PM

The Lexington County Blowfish is a summer collegiate baseball team in the Coastal Plain League. Join the Blowfish for their 2023 Home Opener! Let's beat the Boone Bigfoots! Stick around for fireworks after the game!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

From left: Conley Waters, Registered Client Associate; Michael Campos, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Nathan Bradham, Registered Client Associate; Gary Kurtz, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Seth Kurtz, Registered Client Associate.

Blueberry Croissant Puff

ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA HILL

Blueberry Croissant Puff

Prep Time: 10 mins.

Cook Time: 40 mins. or until milk mixture is absorbed and croissants are golden brown

Total Time: 50 mins.

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large croissants, cut up (about 5 to 5 1/2 cups)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup milk

• Powdered sugar for sprinkling after baking

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place croissant pieces in a 9 inch square pan.

3. Sprinkle with blueberries.

4. Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended.

5. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended.

6. Gradually add milk, beating well after each addition.

7. Pour evenly over croissant pieces. Let stand 20 minutes or soak overnight.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years! We make it for any occasion, or even just because! It is the perfect combination of buttery croissants, fruit, and a cream cheese mixture that is baked until golden perfection. You will be sure to have a delicious Mother’s Day breakfast with this on the menu. I hope you love it! This recipe was originally found and adapted from the food blog, “The Girl Who Ate Everything.”

8. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until set in center and golden brown. Check the dish halfway through baking. You may want to cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes if the tops are getting too browned.

9. Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar.

*Note- This can easily be doubled in a 9X13 pan.

NEUROPATHY?

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If you are experiencing debilitating pain, numbness and tingling, they are likely caused by neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that affects 20 million Americans and, once identified, can be successfully treated without the use of drugs or surgery.

If you have ANY of these symptoms, WE CAN HELP!

Numbness | Prickling/Tingling | Sharp Electrical Pain

Burning/Freezing Pain | Hurts to Walk | Cramping

Balance Problems/Coordination Issues

Diabetes | Fibromyalgia | Neuropathy Itch

Hypersensitivity/Sheet Feet | Knee/Shoulder/Back/Hip Pain

Restless Legs | Arthritis | Sciatica Pain | Chronic Pain

My Neuropathy Success Story!

Hi. My name is Janet. I came to Carolina West in Lexington to find help for my neuropathy that started occurring after a foot surgery I had two years ago. I have not been able to do any of my normal activities for the past two years. The neuropathy program has helped me get my life back. I can now go on walks with my husband, and I even planted a garden this Spring. Things are headed in the right direction, and I am very appreciative to Dr. Bigbie and his team for all they have done for me.

$49

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“Due to my neuropathy; I had a very hard time walking and getting around. I had a lot of trouble doing what I normally do. I came to Carolina West Clinic and started Neuropathy Care. The Doctor and staff were very caring and nice. I am now able to walk better and get back to my normal way of doing things. I would recommend Dr. Verch and his team to anyone suffering with Neuropathy.” - Dagmar P.