lexington woman

That’s why women of the Midlands prefer the

for breast cancer screenings and treatment

It’s not just the number that counts. It’s being able to find more small breast cancers when more treatment options are available. Palmetto Health has achieved accreditation from the American College of Surgeons for two interdisciplinary patient care programs, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers as well as the Commission on Cancer. From the highly trained radiologists and pathologists to nurse navigators and surgeons, our Breast Center teams on both the Baptist and Richland campuses work together to ensure that you get the best care possible. That you live your life to the fullest. That you and your family benefit from our years of experience, as well as our expertise.

palhea_3469_01_ws_fulton_cm.indd 1 2/24/11 4:19 PM

�www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

20

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLori Samples [email protected]

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVETheresa Adams

Joy MabryCathy Williams

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSDr. Tasha BooneRuth ChapmanLaban Chappell

Elaine ClaryClarissa Cockrell

Lori Samples DuncanMayor Randy Halfacre

Kari LoganJason PalmerMandy Rivers

Tyler RyanSuzy Scott

Mandy SummersJennifer Wilson

DESIGN Melissa W. Morris

PHOTOGRAPHYClark Berry Photography

Grant Digital MediaKimberly Pollard

Lexington Woman MagazineWoman 2 Woman Publishing

(803) 785-4475 711 East Main Street, Suite K2

Lexington, SC 29072

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. © 2011

TM

In this Issue

From the Editor 2 Spring is in the Air

Events 3 What’s Happening in Lexington?

Things We Love! 4 Things We Love about Lexington!

Let’s Talk 5 Theme Is Sustainable, Lean and Green

5 Kitchen Corner with Cotton Grill Chef Jason Palmer

6 The Autism Spectrum

8 An Easter Recipe: Orange-DijonGlazedHam

9 The “M” in M. Gallery

10 Talk of the Town with Mayor Randy Halfacre

11 Working Mothers, Finding the Balance

12 Don’t Whine, Do Something About It!

14 Lexington’s Community Radio Is On the Air

16 Cirque du Soleil Comes to Columbia

For the Home17 Spring Revival: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home

19 Finding Money

20 At Home with Tammy Ferris

Celebrating the Survivor in You!22 The Big “C” Word Means More than Just Cancer

Out & About24 Scarlet Party

Health & Wellness26 Double the Love, Double the Joy

31 Leading the Battle Against Skin Cancer: Lexington Medical Center Offers Melanoma Screening

32 The Calling

35 Meet Dr. Welch

38 Now I See

Pets39 Veterinary CSI: How to Find Disease in Your Pet

Professional40 Life Really Is Greener

41 The Southern Patriot

42 Ginny Jones Is Hitting Her Peak!

44 The Test of Time

45 Business & Web Directory

46 A Personal Note

6 11

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Find us on facebook!

Oops! We had a mistake in our last issue on page 37 inour Love Story feature. Hima Dalal is married to Nick Dalal.

� Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

e hope you are as excited as we are about Spring and everything that means. The flowers are in bloom, and the trees are beginning to cover themselves in lush

greenery again with light rainy days to give us a little relief from the pollen that is perpetual in this season. Winter will sleep again and we southerners will prepare our swimming pools and our back yard barbecues. We will have cook outs, go camping and start to look forward to Summer.

I want to remind you to support local businesses. We are always striving to bring you the best of the best in Lexington. In each issue, we try to educate you about local businesses that are committed to our readers. They have assured us that they will do their best to offer you quality products and excellent customer service, and that is what we deserve. We, as consumers, have worked hard for every dollar and when we choose to spend it, we are making an investment in the company that we spend it with. Don’t forget to visit us online for a web directory of preferred vendors, most of which are locally owned and operated businesses.

Our advertisers have made an investment in you. Lexington Woman Magazine is a local publication that employs lo-cal people and prints with a South Carolina printer. Thank you for your vote of confidence in us by picking this issue up, reading and telling our advertisers how you heard about them. By doing so, you are supporting this local business. You have many choices in the community, and we never take your emails and feedback for granted. We appreciate every call, every email, and every letter. Check out recent businesses who have renewed their chamber memberships on page 10. Chamber members typically are businesses who truly care about our community, and like our advertis-ers, they have made a strong commitment to be involved and vested in this wonderful place we live.

Thank you for coming out to the Scarlet Party in February and making it a success. We raised over $3,000 for the Midlands Chapter of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign. Even with a spilled tanker, we managed to have over one hundred people in attendance, and everyone looked beautiful. To my knowledge, a good time was had by all! If you missed the Scarlet Party, don’t worry – we have three more upcoming events that will benefit local charities.

I hope you enjoy Mayor Randy Halfacre’s “Talk of the Town” article where he will be sharing some of the news of what’s going on in the town of Lexington and also where he will be answering some questions from our readers from time to time. Email us if you have a question for him or his wife, Lexington’s first lady Mrs. Angela Halfacre. It is my personal goal to make each issue better than the last and to keep telling Lexington families about great businesses in our community.

Your friend,

Lori Samples DuncanEditor-in-Chief

W

Take action and celebrate

Earth Day 2011on April 22!

Ecclesiastes 3:1There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.


Celebrity Fashion ShowThursday, April 14, 6 p.m., Columbia Metropolitan Convention CenterPresented by Lexington Medical Center, celebrities will walk the runway to benefit the SC Ovarian Can-cer Foundation’s fight against ovarian cancer. Tickets are $50. To purchase tickets, call (803) 926-3462.www.scovariancancer.org

Disney On Ice presentsLet’s Celebrate!Thursday, April 14 – Sunday, April 17,Colonial Life Arena, ColumbiaDisney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! It’s one co-lossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and fes-tivals from around the globe. Come join the party! Buy your tickets at 1-877-4-TWC-TIX or purchase them online.www.coloniallifearena.com

Easter B’egg FestivalApril 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., PETS, Inc. Adoption Center, 300 Orchard Drive, West ColumbiaPresented by PETS, Inc. and The Carolinas Humane Society. Pets, Inc. rescues and finds homes for pets, while educating on care and encouraging people to spay, neuter and register their companion animals. As a South Carolina Angel Charity, 98.9% of all monies support the animals. Admission is free. For more information, call (803) 739-9333.

Fight Like A Girl: Round 4April 29, 7–11 p.m., 701 Whaley, ColumbiaThe Ta-tinis are rolling out the pink carpet for this formal black tie optional gala. Music playing, cam-

eras flashing and the casino tables will be up and running with lots of grand prize packages to be won! The Blue Marlin will provide catering and Elliot and the Untouchables will be cranking out the tunes for you to dance the night away! Cash bar will be avail-able including a chance to purchase a signature Ta-tini! Get tickets at SCOA, The Blue Marlin, or Dems Jewelers.

Love For A Cure TennisTournamentSaturday, May 7Lexington County Tennis ComplexThis is a Men and Women Adult/Senior Doubles and Mixed Doubles Level 5 Tournament being held in memory of Jay Criscione. Register online at http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments (tournament ID #704143111). The entry deadline is Monday, May 2, 2011. Funds will support survivors through Lex-ington Medical Center Foundation and Chemo with Style. For more information, see the ad on page 15.

2011 Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers 10th Annual Garden Tour (Stone Features, Garden Creatures, Big Moon Farm and Native Charm)May 26 and May 28, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.; May 29, 1–5 p.m.The tour features seven gardens of the Midlands and a working farm, Big Moon Farm. Take a morning, an afternoon or entire day to savor the beauty of di-verse gardens featuring fabulous stone fountains, ponds, pools, whimsical yard art, and rare na-tive plants! Tickets are $20. Proceeds sup-port the Sam Cheatham Scholarships for Lexington County horticul-tural students. For more information please visit our website or contact Pa-tricia Dukes (803) 796-0884, email: [email protected]

Events

LHS JV Wrestling Takes State Title The Lexington High School JV Wrestling team took the state title at the Rock Hill tournament.

Pelion High School WinterguardWins Second Place

Maggie Adkins, Katelynn Aldrich, Kelsey Bennett, Kayla Fralix, Kimberly Fralix, Delaney Holcomb, Jayme Huckleberry, Hunter Jones, Megan Jones,

Ashton Nicewonger, Jerilyn Powell, Ashley Sharpe, Nicole Waltman and Monika Williams celebrate at the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association SC Premiere. They placed second in this competition.

Pelion High School Senior Signswith USC Salkehatchie

PHS Senior Rayma Shumpert (middle) signs to play softball with USC Salkehatchie. She was

joined by: (left to right): PHS Coach Larry Poole; Melanie Shumpert, mother; Justin Shumpert, brother; PHS Athletic Director Ben Freeman; Jimmy Shumpert, father; PHS Principal Jean Haggard; and USC-S Coach Tatjana Slawson.

For Reservations Call (803) 808-0800 or 1-800-HOLIDAYwww.hiexpress.com/lexingtonsc

131 Innkeeper Drive • Lexington, SC 29072

What’s Happening in Lexington?


Things We love About Lexington!

Things We Love!

WINESPECTATORAWARD

200920082007200620052004

LEXINGTON803/957-2422

5074 Sunset Blvd.

NORTHEAST COLUMBIA803/419-9313

101 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd.

gluten free menucatering

private dining room

Join us for lunch & enjoy pizza, wraps, pastas, salads & soups

$10.50 or less!Visit our website for weekly specials • Follow us on twitter for upcoming events & offers

Follow us on youtube with LIVE “On the couch”

interviews at Travinia with cancer survivors featured in Lexington Woman Magazine.

open for lunch & dinner

www.traviniaitaliankitchen.com

Lexington Woman Ad _Layout 1 4/22/10 11:08 AM Page 1

Rocky Creek Elementary School Students Snuggle Up to a Good Cause Bryanna Outman and Elizabeth Spalding cozy up to good books during Relay For Life Pajama Day.

RCES students and staff raised money for the cancer awareness program by donating one dollar

to wear their pajamas to school. Their efforts raised $510 for the Relay For Life.

H ere are some of the things we love about Lexington:

Dogwoods of SpringWe love the dogwoods and cherry trees blooming all over town and driving through a neighbor-hood with rows lining the streets.

Shopping for Easter clothes!We love shopping for Easter dresses and suits for the boys, knowing that on Sunday morning church will be packed and lives will be changed.

A Good MattressWe love Southern Bedding – they have the BEST mattresses around! See their article on page 44.

Family TimeWe love families that ride to church together in the same car – families that go home to have Sun-day dinner or stop at a restaurant and eat a meal together and ask about each other’s week.

Riverbanks Zoo & GardenWe love the botanical gardens at the River Bank Zoo. This is a great time of year to visit!

PerseveranceWe love people who never stop trying to get it right, no matter how many times they might have to practice.

Planting SeedsWe love the planting season – planting seeds and knowing they will yield a harvest.

Beads for aGood CauseWe love local companies like Dems Jewelers who give back to their com-

munity. Dems has even designed a bead which supports the Midlands Special Needs Founda-tion. Learn more about this organization and Dems’ beads on page 33.

New BeginningsWe love knowing that no matter how bad our day was, the sun rises again, and it starts all over new.

Our ReadersOh… and we love you too. Lexington Woman readers, you rock!

White Knoll High School Senior Signs with USC Lancaster

White Knoll High School Senior Kali Bishop signs to play softball with USC Lancaster. Pictured with Kali (center) are (left to right) Trey Bishop, WKHS Coach Kim Gunter, Heather Bishop, WKHS Coach

Joey Lawson and Bill Bishop.


This is a classic French sal-ad that has changed over the years and is said to be made popular in America by Julia Child. One of my favorites in the spring months; it is light and re-freshing but still enough to fill you up.

Yellow Fin Tuna Nicoise Salad (pronounced Ni’Swaz)

Salad Ingredients:• 1 six ounce piece of yellow fin tuna round eye cut seared to desired doneness• 3 pieces of “white anchovies” packed in oil• 2 boiled red potatoes• 10 haricot verts• 2 boiled eggs cut into ¼• 1 hand full of pitted Cailletier olives• Enough lettuce for a large bowl (preferably bib lettuce that has been hydroponically grown)

Vinaigrette Ingredients: • ¼ cup champagne vinegar• 1 tsp minced shallots• ½ tsp minced garlic• 1 tsp herb mix• ½ tsp Dijon mustard• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix until blended thoroughly.

Directions:Mix the lettuce with enough vinaigrette to coat the leaves well. Build the salad up finishing off with the tuna and finally the anchovies. I enjoy pouring the last little bits of the vinaigrette over the salad to season the tuna.

The tuna is caught off the South Carolina coast and in the At-lantic Ocean. May is the peak season to acquire this sustainable fish.

Open a bottle of crisp light fruity and floral wine and enjoy on your patio in the warm spring evening.

— Cheers, Chef Jay

Kitchen CornerwithCottonGrillChefJasonPalmerTheme Is Sustainable,

Lean and Green


of waste. We are now averaging over 600 lbs a month, mainly due to the efforts of Chef Jason Palmer at Cot-ton Grill. We have installed many CFL bulbs, set lighting on timers and are utilizing programmable thermostats. We are currently un-dergoing an Energy Audit through the SC Energy Office that will assist us in increasing our energy efficien-cy and decreasing our energy usage. Additionally, we will gain insightful knowledge on solar power, thermal water heating systems, rain water collection and hydroelectric power. We are proud to announce we are a member of the Lexington County Green Business Program.

From all of us at the Old Mill, thank you for your patronage and hope to see you soon!

For more information about the Old Mill, contact Laban Chappell at la-

[email protected].

Learn more about the Lexington County Green Business Program at www.lex-co.com/greenbusiness.html.

Doing our part for nature, that is what we all want to do, but some-times it isn’t easy, or financially feasible. Fortunately, times and de-mand have made being a good pa-tron to the environment a bit more manageable. Residential recycling is common part, and energy efficiency is marketed on every new product coming off the factory floor. From a commercial standpoint though, we are still playing catch up. However, with new energy credits and proac-tive commercial recycling providers such as Tomato Palms, businesses finally have some great options to work with.

At the Old Mill, we have been work-ing on many different projects that will continue to help us “Go Green”. Our businesses have started to recy-cle solid waste such as glass, plastics, metal and office paper with the assistance of Tomato Palms com-mercial recycling. In six months we have recycled over 2200 lbs

Limited to the first 35 people, reservations required by April 16th. Enjoy an evening learning about the wide array of

sustainable seafood such as local Carolina Shrimp, Albacore Tuna, Mussels, Cod, Scallops and, of course, some delicious

wines and dessert. Price is $60 per person. 10% of proceeds to benefit the Sustainable Seafood Initiative.

April 19th at 6:30pm at Cotton Grill

Wine PairingDinner

(803) 957-1996711 East Main St • Lexington

(located at The Old Mill)

by LabanChappell


seemed to collect diagnosis’ like a Christmas Tree collects ornaments. We put plans in place with his school yet despite our best efforts he made no academic or social progress and began to get depressed. For all of our good intentions, we could not make him “like all the other boys and girls”. Feeling that something had to change we made a decision to move him home. He was get-ting frustrated as were we. We asked the school to allow him to do virtual school full time from home with me acting as a teacher / personal aide to help keep him focused. It was exhausting, but the payoff was great.

Around this time we finally got a private diag-nosis of Asbergers’ Autism. Though we had been searching for an answer to this “puzzle” for so long, getting the diagnosis was both a relief and a shock. Now we had an answer, but what did the future hold and where do you go from here? Approaching his 11th grade year, we began to feel that Justin had a good academic background

From the time that he was born with his fuzzy little blonde head and sparkling blue eyes I knew that he was different or “special”. Not in the way that says “hey, he will learn differently from oth-ers” or “he may not see the world in the way that others do”. But “different” or “special” in the way most parents do when they gaze upon their first born child filled with hopes and dreams of future presidents or rocket scientists. Justin progressed through all of the developmental stages normally if not early. He was happy and for all intents and purposes we had no concerns. As Justin entered his preschool years it became clear that he was busier than others, needed little to no sleep, and would prefer to line his trucks up around the edges of his room rather than actually roll them along.

Feeling that internal nagging that says “something is not quite right” I read books, sought advice, and talked to other parents. All assured me that he was “all boy”. During his elementary school years, I enrolled him the schools that I worked in,

systematically selected his teachers, checked on him throughout the day, and did all that I could to make his school experience as successful as possible. Looking back, I realize that I was defin-ing “success” as what the other kids were doing, not building on his strengths. As Justin became older those tactics no longer seemed to work. We began trying medications thinking that he had ADHD. We went to counselors, doctors, and researched day and night online to find answers. We continued to increase medications and Justin

ew things in my life have ever challenged, inspired, motivated, exhausted, or intrigued me the way that raising a child on the Autism Spectrum has. I am blessed to be a wife and the

mother of three children. My daughters, Sarah and Jessica are ages 15 and 13 respectively. My son Justin, is now 19 and has Asberger’s Autism.

F

The AUTISM SPECTRUM

by Clarissa Cockrell

Looking back, I realize that I was defining ‘success’ as what the other kids were doing, not building on his strengths.


The AUTISM SPECTRUM

but with his diagnosis we knew that there was a critical need for social experiences if he were go-ing to transition into college or a job. Public school was simply too large, too loud and often anxiety producing. We looked around the community but found that there were not many things available for kids on the Autism Spectrum. We placed Justin at Glenforest School while leaving him on roll in his public high school. In that setting, Justin surpassed our wild-est dreams! He played basketball, soccer, was on the student govern-ment, went on his first overnight trips, and did community service. Justin went to the state basketball championship with a team who had defined “success” differently.

Justin graduated last spring with a 4.36 from Glenforest and in the top 10% of his public school graduat-ing class with a 4.24 G.P.A. there. A light bulb clicked on in our heads. Perhaps our original definition of success really meant “normal” or like everyone else. Looking back what we learned, while we were teaching Justin at home and work-ing diligently to get to this point, graduation and higher educa-tion, is that kids on the Autism Spectrum have some of the most brilliant, amazing minds. There is nothing “normal” about them and the path for raising these special children is nothing less than ex-traordinary. It is not easy, it is not for the faint at heart, but love and diligence do prevail in the end.

In a speech given to almost 300 people last March about his expe-riences with Autism, Justin said “I have the best parts of Autism” I would have to agree. He is smart, funny, and able to see things so uniquely and in such interest-ing ways. Things like math and memorizing numbers that would bore me to shreds are fabulous puzzles to him. He sees the good in people, but also the bad. There is no middle ground or gray area. Because of this he has a refresh-ing honesty and we always know where we stand. At this time Jus-tin is currently in the engineering bridge program at Midlands Tech-nical College making A’s and an occasional “B”. Justin’s diagnosis of Asberger’s came at a time when not as much was known about Autism. As parents we found that there were very few things available for kids like Justin and their families in the community. To address that need, we have started “Camp T.A.L.K.” which stands for “Teaching Advo-cacy and Life Skills to Kids”. It is an inclusive day camp that meets in June and July for children like Justin who have High Function-ing Autism or Asberger’s. We are blessed to have a staff completely comprised of volunteers who are teachers, parents of children on the spectrum, or therapists.

If you would like more information about Camp T.A.L.K., visit www.camp-talk.org.

803.996.20205166 Sunset Boulevard, Suite J, Lexington, SC 29072

www.EnvisionFamilyEyeCare.com

Envision...Brings Your World Into Focus!

Complete Vision Care from 1 to 100Dr. William Reynolds • Dr. Nathaniel Jensen

(803) 360-9164 www.grantdigitalmedia.com

HD Video Production • Consulting • Photography

Local commercialsare awful.

They don’t have to be.

(left)Justinplayingvolleyballonastudentgovernmenttrip;(right)JustinandafriendatMidland’sStridesforAutismWalk


by MandyRivers

ORANGE-DIJON

The Southern Patriot is a 65 foot double deckcruise boat located on beautiful Lake Murray, South Carolina just a few miles north west of Columbia.

The Southern Patriot can carry up to 100passengers and is suitable for any type of event.

Available for:Anniversaries • Business Events • Family Reunions

Neighborhood Groups • Senior Citizen GroupsBirthday Parties • Wedding Events • School Groups

Luncheons • Meetings • Fundraisers

Lake Murray Tours

(803) 749-85941600 Marina Road, Irmo, SC

www.lakemurraytours.com

Welcome Aboard theSouthern Patriot

Ingredients:1 (12-15 lb) smoked bone-in ham1 cup orange juice1 ½ cups brown sugar½ cup honey2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 teaspoon dry mustard Directions:Place ham in a large roasting pan, cover (either with aluminum foil or lid) and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours. Meanwhile, add remaining ingredi-ents to a small sauce pan to make the glaze. Cook on low heat until sim-mering. Simmer for 10 minutes then cover and remove from heat. Remove ham from oven and increase oven temperature to 400 degrees.

Pour off excess liquid from the pan (I use this to make Greeeezy Rice*). Remove skin and excess fat from ham. Score fat on ham in a diamond pattern. Brush ham with glaze and return to oven (dress ham with cloves, pine-apple, cherries, etc. if desired). Cook for 30 additional minutes, basting twice during cooking time. Remove from oven and allow ham to cool for 15 minutes before carving.

*Greeeezy Rice is just rice cooked from the broth and drippings. It is my favorite thing about cooking a ham!

And it’s good I rarely cook ham or my heart would probably have stopped long ago!

glazed hamglazed hamJust in time for Easter...

Check out the interviews online at www.youtube.com/lexingtonwomantv


Let’s Talk

am Mandy Summers, the “M” in M. Gallery Interiors.

Please allow me to share a little about my life, my business and my motto.

Growing up in a military family, we moved to many areas of our beauti-ful country. I know of the sacrifices that ensure our American way of life. I was one of four kids; I waited tables, cleaned condos and babysat to earn money. I attended college in New York, England and Spain, during which I developed a love of art, architecture and international travel. I earned a BA in both In-ternational Business and Political Science with a minor in Spanish; I was law school bound!

Like many women, I met a man and totally switched gears. I went from working in accounting “up North”, to coordinating PR cam-paigns and coaching public speak-ing “down South” to fund my husband’s USC law degree. I went from “Air Force Brat” to “Army Wife” when we spent nearly 4 years at Ft. Bragg. After our beau-tiful daughter was born, I became a “Stay-at-Home-Mom.” In 1995, we returned to Lexington where I headed up charity committees, organized fundraisers, solicited volunteers, delivered speeches and coached kids’ soccer. In 1999, our handsome boy was born and life was good.

Sadly, our 15 year marriage ended. Determined to make a good life for my children and myself, I enrolled in a Beth Moore Bible study and bravely returned to college to pur-sue my love and passion – Interior Design. Upon completion, I found a job in my new chosen field and began learning everything I could

about residential and commercial interior design. I needed a flexible career that would allow me to still be at all my AMAZING children’s events.

Two years ago, I took a leap of faith and opened M. Gallery Interiors. This is America; there is no reason that a God-fearing, 4’11”, high-heel wearing, determined single mom can’t go into business for herself. I gutted a double space in Lexing-ton’s Old Mill and tracked down talented artisans and exhibitors. I offer decorating services, host fun events and do WHATEVER it takes to meet my customers’ and clients’ decorating and gift needs. I pray regularly, laugh often, and enjoy an occasional glass of wine. I try to ALWAYS keep a smile on my face and give back to my com-munity. My motto – “Faith, humor and a good Merlot will get you through anything.”

Mandy has a wonderful shop at The Historic Old Mill in Lexington with an eclectic blend of funky and fun accesso-ries and originals. Mandy can help you to decorate a small room or office, or an entire house. She was quick to remind us that she prides herself on being able to work within the realm of what each individual clients needs are. Call (803) 785-4620 or stop by her shop to sched-ule a private consultation or peruse her ever changing stock at M. Gallery.

I

The “M” in M. Galleryby Mandy Summers

(803) 359-4866109 Old Chapin Road #L • Lexington

(Located in the Shoppes of Flight Deck betweenMartini Bar & Tokyo Grill in downtown Lexington)

www. yummiecreations.com

711 E Main Street • Lexington(located in Lexington’s Historic Old Mill – Main Level)

803.785.4620 • Mon – Tues by appointmentWed - Fri 11am – 6pm • Sat 11am – 3pm

WHERE YOU SHOP FOR INSPIRATION!

RUGS • UNIQUE HOME ACCESSORIES & GIFTSORIGINAL ARTWORK • ARCHITECTURAL PIECES

Mandy Summers Certified Interior Decorator

We have wonderful Mother’s Day gift ideasfor all of those amazing moms!

Jewelry by artist Jay Shiavone, guest towels,potpourri, candles, lamps, mirrors and more!

Can’t decide what to get? Let Mom choose!Giver her a M. Gallery gift certificate, available in ANY dollar

amount and redeemable for gallery merchandise or design services.

I do WHATEVER it takes to meet my customers’ and clients’ decorating and gift needs.

10 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

G

Spring-Green Lawn Care (803) 407-7000

Carolina Soft Apparel / The Scrub Shop Mobile, LLC (803) 951-9330

Darrell N. Newsome Jr., CPA LLC (803) 463-5765

Master’s Men Remodeling & Construction (803) 210-6918

Best Dressed Kids Consignment (803) 356-3858

Griffin Pools and Spas (803) 957-2121

First Response (803) 750-5538

Time Warner Cable Business Class 866-TWC-4BIZ

Go Go Laser Tag (803) 414-3930

Kay Plumbing (803) 445-3707

Precious Wonders Child & Family Center (803) 509-1039

Bankers Life and Casualty (803) 798-4450

Let’s Talk

come. Finally, another way to showcase our community is to establish a local downtown Farmers Market. This rec-ommendation was approved by Coun-cil in March and we expect to launch the venture in May. This would enable vendors to sell their locally grown fruits, vegetables and goods to residents who will have an opportunity to buy pro-duce fresh, right off the truck. Equally important, it will bring people to Main Street and create activities critical to re-vitalization. These achievements and projects in 2011 will continue to reinforce why the Town of Lexington is a stellar community in which to live, work, learn and play. Proudly Serving as your Mayor since 2004!

Sincerely,Randy Halfacre, MayorTown of Lexington

reetings! As the Town of Lex-ington’s Mayor, I am honored to

have been asked by Lexington Woman Magazine to have a “Talk of the Town” column in their publication. As many of you know, the Town has ex-perienced tremendous growth, which has led to several new initiatives. This year alone, we will be tackling three major projects: sidewalk improve-ments, creating the Town’s Vision Plan, which will help us prepare for 2020 and beyond, and implementing a Farmers Market on Main Street. Lexington has been fortunate to receive grant money to improve our quality of life, allowing us to install new side-walks on Church Street, Gibson Road and George Street. Also, we recently launched our Vision Plan. Throughout the year we will continue taking your suggestions and will present you with our formula in shaping the future to help the Town grow for generations to

Robert Half International Accountemps(803) 525-2555

Chimney Ridge Apartments (803) 356-8000

Carolina Painting & Pressure Cleaning (803) 936-2595

Rep. Todd Atwater (803) 798-6207

Pebble Creek Senior Apts (803) 520-6481

The Boudreaux Group Inc (803) 799-0247

New Members of the Chamber (As of March 7, 2011)

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TALKof the townof the townwith MAYOR RANDY HALFACRE

��www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

things like a car, if lost, can be replaced. Our time and energy are free and our family needs and de-serves to have both of them from us.

WORKMoney is a necessity for the financial stability of our families. Work allows us to earn that needed income as well as provides a way for us to stay up to date in our respective professions. We must participate in the day to day operations of our job and that’s o.k. Enjoy your time there, however if it is pulling you away from God and/or family, then please reevaluate the time you devote to work.

In the midst of it all, do not forget you. Devote some time for yourself. Pamper yourself, you deserve it. We, as mothers, are the hardest work-ing organization in the world and deserve special treatment. Mothers are very special and it is an honor and a privilege that God has allowed me to be one.

Visit Dr. Tasha Boone at The Medical Place Family Practice in West Columbia. Visit www.themedicalplace-fp.com to learn more or see her ad on page 37.

To others in our family and those we know, we are pulled in multiple directions to be daugh-ters, sisters, aunts and best friends. Our homes, especially when young children are present, require us to be referees to maintain the peace, chauffeurs to get our kids to school and extra-curricular activities, chefs to make sure everyone is fed and housekeepers to make sure our homes are somewhat in order. Outside of our families, we also volunteer, teach, and try to serve others who are in need. And don’t forget about work where we spend a significant portion of our time each day. There are definitely significant demands on our time at our respective places of employment.

So how do we do it all? How can a mother nur-ture her children, maintain her household as well as work a full time job? How many times have we asked that question but somehow made it work. Most likely, you are like me and have found that setting priorities can make it work.

Since my early years I have found that if I struc-ture my life and thinking around God, family and work, things always seem to fall into place.

GODDaily prayer and meditation to God are critical. Both are needed to refocus, recharge and rejuve-nate. Without any one of those three things, our lives will not be in order. Daily prayer and medi-tation are a necessity. We must fill our minds with positive thoughts so that our attitudes and outlook on life can be the same, positive.

FAMILYWe are wives and mothers because of our hus-bands and children. They need us and we definitely need them. We must share time with our family because they are precious gifts from above that everyone is not privileged to have. We are our children’s first role models and spend-ing time with them allows a piece of who we are to be in them. This piece of ourselves will help them develop into successful members of society. I have learned that we place very little value on things that are free, like giving of our time. How-ever, things like our time should have the highest value because they have the most significant im-pact on our families and when time is lost, you cannot get it back. We seem to place high value on things we pay for, like a car. But remember

Working Mothers, Finding the Balance

by Dr. Tasha Boonephotography by Clark Berry Photography

ow can any working mother find the right balance in everyday life with all of the demands that are placed upon us? In one instance, we are pulled in the direction of motherhood by our children. Ironically at the exact same

time, our husbands are pulling on us in a different direction to be wives. H

How can a mother nurture her children, maintain her household as well as work

a full time job?

�� Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

15-20 minutes, and then went to her room to knock on her door. She had already left! I don’t know how she thought I would get to the office, but clearly, she didn’t care. I called a taxi and got a ride to the office. That evening, damned if she didn’t do it again! She left me at the office, to fend for myself. The reason she told me later that she left was because she couldn’t find me. That’s be-cause our supervisor, “Betsy” had called to have a serious, private discussion with me.

The conversation went something like this: “Ruth, did you discuss (something we weren’t supposed to discuss) with Tammy?”

To which I replied, “No ma’am. We didn’t discuss it. I simply stated a fact and told her not to discuss it with anyone else.”

She asked, “Did someone overhear you?”

“No, we were on the airplane,” I said.

“Well, she told this person, who told that person

I was hired as a trainer with Policy Management Systems in Blythewood, SC. Our job was to travel all over the country giving a two week training session on software our company had designed for our client. We were travelling to branch offices of that client and we also gave them as-sistance during their first “live week” using our new software. PMSC had 6 trainers and the client company had 6 trainers.

After the same two weeks of instruction we were to present to our client, I, along with 3 other fel-low co-workers were put on the road to begin our task. Sometimes we were paired with PMSC trainers and other times we were paired with cli-ent trainers. This, to me, was a dream come true. It was doing two things I love to do: teaching and travelling.

I first went to Atlanta for 3 weeks. I had been to Atlanta before, but never for this long. We were able to fly home on the weekends and we stayed in very nice hotels, alone. We were not forced to share living space with each other. Can you imagine working side-by-side, eating and taking breaks with a single co-worker, only to have to live with that person in a hotel room each night?

The upside to the job was the travel; the downside, again, the travel. I was engaged to be married and planning a wedding for February, but had little time to do anything when travelling. This is how my week went: Sunday afternoon I flew out either through Atlanta or Charlotte to whatever city was my destination for the week. Then, at the end of the week, I flew back home on Friday, usually arriving in town around supper time. Saturdays

we were required to drive into the office to pick up training materials, or to actually make train-ing materials (i.e. copy binders for each trainee), then pick up an expense check and tickets to the next week’s destination. Sunday it began all over again. I dreaded Sundays so bad. Chris, my future husband, would come over and watch me pack, and then we would head to the airport. Because we hated so much time apart, we would generally cry in each other’s arms, then I’d get on the plane, lonely and missing him already.

Remember, this is before cell phones. There was no texting during the day; no Skype to hook into at night; no endless late phone calls to each other. We were allowed 5 minutes per day for personal phone calls, billed to the corporate expense ac-count. Do you know how long 5 minutes actually is? Sometimes, during the day I would sneak into one of the offices and call him from the company phone; but many times there was a numerical code on the phones that was required to make long distance calls and I didn’t have it.

When we were in training, there were 4 of us; 3 females and 1 male. I got along with everyone except one person, for whom I had little respect. Around the time that my frustration at being away from home was at its peak, I was sent to train an office with this other trainer, let’s call her Tammy. It started off poorly and went downhill from there. Tammy decided she would be in charge of the rental car for the week. So we agreed to meet downstairs in the lobby at 8:15 the first morning. The first day went well enough. The second day, however, I was downstairs in the lobby at the ap-pointed time, but Tammy was not. I waited for

ometimes the “perfect job” doesn’t turn out to be so perfect after all. Take my first job out of college. I graduated from

USC on a Saturday and began what I thought was the ‘perfect job’ on Monday, two days later.

S

Don’t Whine, Do Something About It!

by Ruth Chapman

...if you feel deep in your heart that you are wasting your time in a job that makes you hate to get up in the morning you cannot ignore your gut feeling.


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wait. But it was clear that this was not the job for me. It felt as if the world had been lifted off my shoulders, and I slept my best sleep in weeks that night.

The next morning when my boss called me, I was ready. “Have you thought about what you want to do, Ruth?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am, I have” I said.

“Are you ready to apologize and admit your mistake?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am. I’m sorry I discussed the forbidden subject and I won’t do it again. And I am resigning.” I happily replied.

Even though I turned in my 2 week res-ignation that day, I was put back on the road the following week with the client company’s trainer, with the worst repu-tation, in the worst city in America. Go figure! I made the best of it, though and the trainer was not bad to work with at all.

The moral of this story? I suppose there could be several. I have a personal motto that goes like this: Life is too short to be in a job you hate. I have tried to live by that motto and have done pretty well for myself.

I have been married to my husband for 23 years; we have lived in the same house for 16 years with no plans to ever move; and we have had our jewelry store for 13 years. But I have changed jobs many times, always for the better. And I don’t judge jobs by the salary. I would rather be paid $5,000 less and love my job than to take a higher paying job and be mis-erable. I know in this tough economy it’s much easier to say ‘quit if you’re unhap-py’ than to actually do it. But if you feel deep in your heart that you are wasting your time in a job that makes you hate to get up in the morning you cannot ignore your gut feeling. So after much thought, prayerful consideration and discussion with your partner, don’t whine do some-thing about it!

Visit Ruth at The Chapman Company Fine Jewelers at 903 North Lake Drive in Lexing-ton for all of your jewelry needs.

and now they are all upset!” She hollered at me.

By this time, I’m fuming – not only at that stinking Tammy – but also at myself for being so stupid!

She said, “I think you need to think some things through tonight. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Yes ma’am. I’m sorry and I’ll talk to you tomorrow” I said. Then I went look for you know who and she was nowhere to be found. I had to get the branch man-ager of the office to take me back to the hotel.

When we arrived at the hotel, I promptly thanked the manager, took my briefcase and marched straight to Tammy’s door. I banged on the door, which she reluc-tantly opened. I simply held out my hand and said, “KEYS!”

She began to stammer, “I thought you had left already. I couldn’t find you.”

“That’s because I was on the phone with our boss! This is the second time you have left me. It won’t happen again. I am in charge of the car for the rest of the week. If you want a ride tomorrow, be downstairs at 8:15. Good night!” I said.

After this day from hell, I was spent. I went to the room and called my par-ents crying. Mom was on one phone and Daddy got on the extension. After I sobbed explaining what had happened during the day, there was a silence. Then Daddy said, “You need to quit Ruth Ma-rie. Just quit and come home. You hate this job, we hate this job and Chris hates it. Just come home.”

“But I owe you for my car and rent. How am I going to pay you?” I whimpered.

“Don’t worry about that. You just quit.” Ah…music to my ears! Actually the thought had not entered my mind un-til Daddy said that. I had been trying to hold on until we moved out to the West coast. I had always wanted to see Cali-fornia and I was really trying to make it. By the time I called Daddy, we were in Texas, so I didn’t have much longer to

Let’s Talk

Don’t Miss It!Friday, April 29 7:00 - 11:00pm

701 WHALEY, COLUMBIA

Learn more on page 3.


local law enforcement and the public. Back in early March when a tanker truck carrying gaso-line overturned at a busy major intersection in

Lexington, creating a potentially dangerous situ-ation, WLXM worked with the Lexington Police Department to provide live updates throughout the day and kept Lexington locals informed of new developments, traffic issues, roadblocks and alternate routes.

Lake Murray Broadcasting, Inc., WLXM, Lex-ington’s Community Radio Station, signed on-the-air December 18, 2010 and began regular programming at 12 noon on Wednesday, Janu-ary 12, 2011, with live coverage of Nikki Haley’s gubernatorial inauguration.

The inauguration of a Lexington resident as governor provided WLXM with programming content that was both substantive and symbolic of the station’s mission and purpose to be live, lo-cal, informative, and all about Lexington.

Over five years ago, Peterson and Willis began their quest to bring local, community service broadcasting to Lexington and Lake Murray. The two veteran broadcasters noticed that even with the areas many attributes, it was missing one thing; a local radio station. With that, the two began the laborious process of research, technical engineering studies, FCC applications and filings, working with broadcast law attor-neys, and talks and negotiations with other area broadcasters.

In late 2010, the FCC granted Lake Murray

Broadcasting, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, per-mission to begin broadcasting.

Since that time, in addition to playing a unique, wide variety of music, WLXM Radio has aired countless hours of local programming support-ing Lexington schools, churches, civic clubs, charities, events, businesses and nonprofit orga-nizations.

For example, WLXM cosponsored or supported local events to benefit the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitor’s Center, Lake Murray Chamber, Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church and Lexington’s Race Against Hunger, American Heart Association, Lexington’s Local Farmer’s Market, Lexington School District One, Lex-ington High School and Lexington/Richland Education District Five’s Battle of the Dam fitness walk which attracted nearly 3,000 participants.

WLXM also airs the Monday with the Mayor pro-gram, weekly at 10 a.m. with Lexington Mayor Randy Halfacre and carried the mayor’s State of the Town address, live from Town Hall in March. WLXM has also served as a vital link between

hanks to the perseverance of local entrepreneurs and veteran broadcaster’s Richard Peterson and Michael Willis, Lexington now has a local FM radio station to call its own.T

Lexington’s Community Radio isON THE AIR by Lori Samples

Duncan

(803) 785-9596 or (803) 546-2203

109R Old Chapin RoadLexington, South Carolina

www.lakemurrayradio.com

Great Mix of MusicLocal News • Weather

Traffic • Sports

Community Radio Broadcastingfrom the Shoppes at Flight Deck

SERVING THE LEXINGTONAND LAKE MURRAY COMMUNITIES

WLXM Radio has aired countless hours of local programming supporting Lexington schools, churches, civic clubs, charities, events, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

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WLXM listeners acknowledge quickly the station’s commitment to local service. A community calendar of area events and ac-tivities is broadcasts several times per day and WLXM is the only radio station that continually airs localized Lexington and Lake Murray weather and current condition reports, as well as lake water temperature, wind speed and direction, and lake water-level reports in real-time.

WLXM radio’s live programming schedule features Ken Martin mornings from 7 to 10. Martin, himself a legendary Midlands area broadcaster, has been a favorite of local radio listeners for decades. Lake Murray Broadcasting was fortunate to obtain Martin’s in-sight and talent early in 2011. Mike Willis, joint owner with Peterson, handles the afternoon drive-time show each weekday, from 3 to 7.

The local programming approach is informative and entertaining.

Leveraging their music business, entertainment, communications and broadcasting experience, Peterson and Willis developed

a hybrid music format that has struck a chord with listeners and created tremendous local appeal.

Much like the Top 40 radio music format of the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, the WLXM ‘mix’ includes music from multiple genre’s, in-cluding Rock & Roll, Soul, Vintage R&B, Motown, Country, Classic Hits and a healthy dose of regional Beach/Shag favorites. WLXM weekends sizzle with the flare of a beach or lake party as John Hook “The Voice of Beach Music,” hosts’ three special programs of Beach, Shag, Blues and Classic R&B. Those programs include Hook’s Weekly Beach Music Countdown, Yearly Countdown that spotlights a different year each week, and the Roadhouse Blues, Boogie and Fish Fry.

Future articles on Lake Murray Broad-casting and WLXM radio will include additional details and information on the station, its unique music format and beach music indigenous to the south.

For information on how to support Lexington’s local, community radio station, visit WLXM online at www.lakemurrayradio.com.

Jorge Andrew, Tournament DirectorMen & Women Adult/Senior Doubles &

Mixed Doubles Level 5 TournamentsLimited Draw: The draw for this tournament is limited to eight teams per division. The draws will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

An alternate list will be maintained once a draw is filled. Registration open now

Saturday, May 7, 2011Lexington County Tennis Complex

425 Oak Drive • Lexington, SC 29073

Second Annual Sanctioned“One Day” Tournament

For division play information and to register online:http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments

(Tournament ID# 704143111)Prizes awarded to Winners & Finalist in all divisions.

All players will receive a participant gift.

$28 for the First Event • $8 for Second EventEntry Deadline: Monday, May 2nd

Come “Play” and enjoy The Bistro and Martini Bar,Cotton Grill, Travinias, Kovachi’s, Yummie Creations,

Mediterranean Café and Chen’s Chinese.

Win “Grand Slam” prizes from Radisson Hotel – Columbia, Wingate by Wyndham – Columbia/Lexington, Staybridge

Suites – Columbia, and Holiday Inn & Suites – West Columbia.

Décor by The Eclectic House

For tickets or more information, callPaulette Criscione (803) 359-1312 or Kimberly Campbell (803) 951-1888

FOOD • MUSIC • PRIZES • LIBATIONS

Players/Guest Social Friday, May 6th(6:30 - 8:30pm)

In Memory of Jay CriscioneFunds will support Lexington Medical Center Foundation and Chemo with Style


Alegría is a Spanish word that means happiness, joy and jubilation and features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries and showcases breathtaking acrobatics. Acts include the Synchro Trapeze and the intense and high-en-ergy Aerial High Bars in which dar-ing aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. The vibrancy of youth is alive in Power Track, a brilliant display of synchro-nized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system hidden under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air and perform spec-tacular somersaults and mid-air turns, landing on bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of catchers.

One such act is performed by Austra-lian born Sebastian Hunter. He has been with the show just over a year. I had an opportunity to speak with Se-bastian last week and he shared a little of his excitement about this current tour with me. ”It’s great to be a part of a show that you can feel so proud of,” Sebastian said. Having been a circus performer before joining the Canadian based Cirque du Soleil, Sebastian says he loves performing with this group of entertainers; his hope is that the audi-

legría is a Cirque du Soleil classic and an internationally acclaimed production that has entertained more than 10

million people worldwide since its world premiere in Montreal in 1994. In May 2009, Alegría embarked on a new journey, performing the same mesmerizing production, but now in arenas throughout North America, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

A

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225 Wander Ct, Lexington$163,500 – One Story with Bonus

1456 Bombing Range Rd, Gilbert$359,900 – On Lake Murray

112 Woodsedge Ct, West Columbia$135,000 – Brick and private w/.73 acres

510 Beverly Dr., West Cola$180,000 – Minutes from Downtown

123 Hounds Run Dr, Lexington$269,900 – All Brick One Level w/Bonus

824 Shore View Rd., Columbia$589,900 – Lake Community w/Upgrades

T O Y O U R R E A L E S T A T E N E E D S

Sally Lucas, Coldwell Banker United5551 Sunset Blvd • Lexington, SC

Direct: (803) 760-0289 • Fax: (803) 957-6828Email: [email protected]

A Simply Timeless Approach

Sally Lucas www.SallyLucasHomes.com

April is designated asNational Autism Month

Read Clarissa Cockrell’s article onpage 6 about raising a son with

Autism and how she is now helping others in the community.

ence will embrace the theme of Alegria (jubilation) and let that emotion fill them as they enjoy the show.

Being a part of the first act of the show, Sebastian says that after his act is fin-ished he is usually back on stage within the next two acts, so most of the per-formers are playing multiple roles and playing a variety of characters. He feels this particular style of how the show works makes a much bigger picture because Cirque has so many charac-ters on stage dancing and singing at the same time.

An interesting note about Sebastian is that he was not a trapeze artist be-fore he joined Cirque. He trained for just five months for the act that he is currently performing. Sebastian also pointed out that there are many tre-mendous athletes that make up the Cirque du Soleil. There are several high ranking athletes that are now in the show, Olympic athletes even. Sebastian was very complimentary of his fellow athletic performers.

We hope you will make plans to join us there. Tickets are on sale now at The Colonial Life Arena box office.

17www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Lexington Woman wants to help you go green this Spring. Making an effort is so important for our environment, and it can also help save us money. Follow these easy tips, and you’ll be green in no time!

• Replace old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

• When possible, use cold water when washing clothes. Follow this by using a drying rack or clothesline to save energy used by machine drying.

• Turn your thermostat a few degrees back in the winter and during the summer, adjust it a few degrees higher.

• Take shorter showers to reduce the use of water. This will also help with your heating bill!

• Use a water purifier to fill plastic or aluminum reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water on a regular basis.

• Buy in bulk. This can save you money and also reduces the use of packaging.

• Upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models, especially if yours are over 10 years old. Most Energy Star-qualified appliances use 10%-50% less energy and water than older models.

GREEN TIPSfor your home!

home’s future resale value. For ex-ample, she said buying a home with a two-car garage instead of a one-car garage could help its resale value.

“And the biggest mistake that people make is that they don’t think far enough down the road. I’ll talk to young couples about schools and they’ll just look at me starry-eyed – you never know what the future holds,” she said, laughing. “Wheth-er you’re married or single, keep schools in mind because that would be a resale tool. Don’t just consider what you like, especially if you’re not planning on being in that home for the absolute rest of your life. Think about things that would be easier to sell down the road.”

So what about those who are look-ing to buy a new home, but need to sell their current home first?

It’s completely possible, even in a buyers market with stiff competi-tion, Lucas said.

The key is pricing your home right to sell, making it look appeal-ing to future homebuyers, hire a professional to market it and re-membering that you’re a seller in the midst of a buyers market.

“A lot of sellers will push and say ‘We really need to get this much.’

“It’s been a rough winter in more ways than one. When the snow thawed out and it warmed up a little bit, things picked up,” said Lucas, who is also the owner of Sally Lucas Homes. “Rates are still extremely low and there’s a lot of homes out there to choose from, so both of those alone are great reasons to buy. It’s definitely a buyers market now.”

When trying to decide on a home, Lucas said it’s important that po-tential buyers not only have enough cash on hand for at least a 3.5 per-cent down payment, but also have financing approved, and be familiar with the areas you want to live in.

And what’s so great about Lexington, she adds, is that there’s no shortage of great neighborhoods.

“Pretty much anywhere in Lex-ington seems to be the place to go. We’ve got great people; we’ve got great churches; we got great schools” Lucas said. “There’s not any particu-lar school in Lexington that’s better than another one – the schools are great across the board. We’ve got Lake Murray and there’s tons to do here. It really is a great place to live and raise a family.”

In addition to scoping out poten-tial neighborhoods, Lucas said it’s also important to think about your

But it’s not about what you need to get, it’s about what the market is,” she said. “Step back and look at the big picture as a seller. Don’t look at what the bottom line is when sell-ing this house. Instead, ask yourself, ‘What is my ultimate goal?’”

So whether you’re looking for a new home to live in, or more space to entertain or a lake home to retire to, Lucas said she could not emphasize enough how now is such a great time to buy a home in Lexington.

“It really is an awesome time to buy. Rates are low and there’s still a lot of homes on the market,” she said. “And if you’re selling your home, yes, you might lose on the selling side. Don’t focus on the negative, focus on the positive. You can turn it around and make it up when you buy.”

Visit our website to see Sally Lucas in our On the Couch series.

ome people are calling it a spring revival, while others are referring to it as the “March Thaw.” But no matter what you call it, temperatures are heating up outside.

And according to Coldwell Banker Realtor Sally Lucas, so is the housing market.S

SPRING REVIVAL: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home

by Ashley Ford

It really is an awesome time to buy. Rates are low and there’s still a lot of homes on the market. — Sally Lucas

For the Home

photo by Clark Berry Photography



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loans, auto loans, credit cards, and other revolving obligations, added in with the potential amount a buyer is looking to borrow. Expenses such as food, gas, and a power bill are not figured into the analysis.

How much does credit score play into it? “You can still be approved for a mortgage with a score as low as 620.” Even if a potential homebuyer has some dings on their credit re-port, due to an overdue library book, or collections actions on an old cel-lular telephone account, it may not prevent the ability to own a home. Thirty dollar co-pays from medical bills is a very common credit score killer but Sarah explained that the interest rate may be a little higher, and in most cases, a down payment is required, “but you can do it.” She also noted that with a score above

That rosy picture of low rates is painted with a few stipulations. Gone are the days that you could simply state an income which was often not verified by a lending insti-tution. In some cases, loans could be made without stating or proving any income or means to repay the loan at all. Some institutions would lend money based on the value of a home, regardless of the buyer’s ability to payback the loan. The scrutiny is a bit tougher, including an analysis of your debt to income ratio.

As an example, Sarah suggested that a good working number for calcu-lation is keeping your debt at about forty percent of your income. She did note that it is not an “exact sci-ence,” but it is a good rule of thumb. Sarah defined debt as traditional

Finding Money by Tyler Ryan

ou can get a mortgage, and you can get a good rate,” says Sarah Good, Mortgage Originator for Southern First Bank, citing rates of less than five percent for a thirty

year loan. Although rates have started to “creep back up” from the four percent range, they are still well under the five and six percent that were common two to three years ago, “so now is the time to do it.”

“Y

“If you have any collections, you can pay them,” she uses as an example. Other simple fixes for credit score improvement including keeping credit card balances below fifty per-cent of your credit limit.” The bottom line is that it is not impossible to get a mortgage, and in fact, it may not be any harder. “I think it is a common miscon-ception that you can’t get a loan,” Sarah says, continuing to find a one hundred percent loan may prove difficult however, if you provide the paper trail, showing income, debt, and a fairly decent credit score, Southern First can help you. “Even if you think your credit score isn’t up to par, at least come in and let me help get you into the right place.”

six forty, someone could qualify for a mortgage without the twenty per-cent requirement. Many issues on a credit report can be analyzed on a case by cases basis.

Using Southern First’s commitment to client satisfaction, Sarah says that in the event a potential client doesn’t qualify for a mortgage, she will work with the would be home-buyer on ways the credit score can be impacted positively enough to allow for the loan to be processed, and often in a very short amount of time. It should be noted that Sarah is very proud of Southern First’s commitment to service, and that fact from the President all the way to the teller line often separates the eleven year old institution in the world of banking. “We’re just nice,” she says with a smile.

Sarah Good

�0 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

pany” along with other service industry awards, including Nexstar’s Select Service Award.

Tammy Ferris and her home service team give back to the community by donating their time and expertise to people in need. They have con-tributed plumbing upgrades and repairs, sewer cleaning, and furnace and air conditioning in-stallation. With many pet owners on staff, they have a special place in their hearts for Pets, Inc., a program to rescue, care for and find homes for stray or stricken animals. In fact, The Gene Love company “spokes dog” Bucky is now lending his time and talent to the cause by barking up public-ity for the organization!

Ferris’ sets the tone for success at the top and it flows throughout her entire company, especially the service technicians who carry out her charge to make people comfortable in their homes. “We

Tammy Ferris made her way to the top with a pipe wrench in hand and a entrepreneurial spirit that feeds itself with the reward of keeping the people of Greater Columbia comfortable in their homes. Her commitment to customer service took her from part-time dispatcher to the accounting department to management within three years, under the guidance of business founder Kathy Love. “I was Kathy’s right hand,” said Ferris. “She was a good role model and she groomed me to take over the company. When it came time for her to exit, I bought the business.”

Ferris is a licensed plumber and a well-respect-ed leader and mentor across the continent. She serves as Chair of the Board of Nexstar® Network, an international business development and best practices organization in her industry All Nex-star members adhere to a code of ethics and share a commitment to be simply the best.

Working in a male dominated industry hasn’t al-ways been easy for Ferris, especially since most people assume she inherited the business from her daddy. She says, “When I became the service manager at Gene Love, I was a red head from the south in fashionable clothes and matching shoes, managing technicians. You can imagine the reac-tion!” But Ferris refused to take offense. Instead, she stayed focused and persistent. “I could have gone out and sold shoes, but I would rather sell a service that protects the health and safety of our nation and that’s what plumbers do.”

Gene Love has served the greater Columbia, South Carolina area for more than 30 years. Their professional plumbing, heating and cooling tech-nicians contain and control water in your home, keep you even tempered and breathing clean air. They guarantee their work. Gene Love has won 19 Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Plumbing Com-

t is common for home service companies to be handed down through family generations, but that is not the case for the daughter of a Baptist preacher who now sits at the helm of Gene Love Plumbing, Air & Electrical. I

by Kari Logan

At Homewith TAMMY FERRIS

�0 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women


Photos with the Easter Bunny ($10)

Professional photos of you and your pet or just your pet!

Hotdog Buckets of Fun ($2)Treat your dog to a dip of floating

hotdog slices.

Free Rabies Clinic

Bake Sale & ConcessionsLots of delicious treats!

Easter B’egg Toss ($10)Every toss wins a prize valued at $10 - $500! Your dog will

pick his winner from hundreds of tennis balls!

Don’t have a retriever? We can provide one – our dogs

love to play with visitors!

Admission is FREE!

Presented by PETS, Inc. and The Carolinas Humane Society. Pets, Inc. rescues and finds homes for pets, while educating on care and

encouraging people to spay, neuter and register their

companion animals. As a South Carolina Angel Charity, 98.9% of all monies support the animals.

For more information, call (803) 739-9333.

PETS, Inc. Adoption Center300 Orchard Drive

West Columbia www.petsinc.org

flush instead of 7-gallons-per-flush. Upgrading to a more efficient toilet would reduce your water bill and help decrease the massive waste of water that experts estimate is up to 1.6 billion gallons a day.

Making Sure You’re Even TemperedLiving in South Carolina means we are blessed with an abundance of humidity in the summer months. Humidifiers and other equip-ment work together with your air conditioner to better control the humidity. Make sure you have an air conditioning unit that fits your home and maintain it, so it will pull the moisture out of the air efficiently and effectively, leaving you cool as a cucumber!

Here are some other tips for keeping your humidity at a low level:1. Vent your dryer well2. Avoid drying clothes on an indoor clothesline3. Cover pots when cooking4. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bath The Air that You BreatheAccording to the EPA, the air in-side your home is two to five times more polluted than the air outside. Pollutants include skin, hair, dust,

are guests in every customer home and we want to make a positive im-pression from the moment we walk in the door,” said Ferris. “Our tech-nicians wear shoe covers and they are trained to listen and respond ap-propriately and respectfully.”

Innovation also drives Tammy Fer-ris. She says she loves introducing new products and services that can make life easier and more comfort-able for Gene Love customers. Most often those products are also more efficient, saving energy and money. “We work with water, air and en-ergy, so it’s natural for us to be good stewards of our environment,” says Ferris. “And it’s really great when our customers benefit from it.” TAMMY’S HOME COMFORT TIPS Containing and Controlling the Water in Your HomeWater is a valuable natural resource and it’s important to contain and control it. I do this in my own home with the help of a tankless water heater that gives me endless supply of hot water; even after my husband Norman has taken a long shower. The tankless system has also cut our utility bill by roughly 30%.

High-efficiency and low-flush toi-lets only use 1.6 gallons of water per

fish tanks, smoke and more. There are proven products on the market that can filter these pollutants inside your home and make it cleaner and safer for your family. Proper main-tenance of your HVAC equipment is also a key to energy efficiency. You should clean and check your HVAC system once a year and change your filters two times per year. Good News for Allergy SufferersIf you’ve been denying yourself the love of a pet because of pet allergies, I have good news. There is a new air filter that captures 99% of the airborne dust, pollen smoke, mold spores, bacteria and PET DANDER that pass through the system. It’s not a guarantee for everyone, but it’s been tested with great success. I can’t imagine life without my feline babies Beans and Joni and I would love to have others know that kind of unconditional love. If you suffer from pet allergies, look into getting an electronic air cleaner and then head to Pets, Inc. to foster or adopt a pet!

I could have gone out andsold shoes, but I wouldrather sell a service that protects the health and safety of our nation and that’s what plumbers do.

— Tammy Ferris

EASTER B’EGGFESTIVAL

April 16th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For the Home

Tammy and Bucky



Lex ington Woman ce lebr ates the sur v ivor in you

THE BIG “C” WORDmeans more THAN JUST CANCER!

lost all fear of the outcome. She felt that if it was God’s will for her to survive, then she would. She felt that no matter what the outcome was, every-thing would turn out the way it was meant to be.

After the surgery, she told the doctor that she didn’t want to know the stage of the cancer. She told him that she had always wanted to own a baby blue jaguar, and all she needed to know was whether or not she needed to go buy one right then. He laughed and said that she had plenty of time to get that dream car. Sara then went

Sara had just moved back to Columbia in 2005 to be near her aging parents, Jack and Elaine McCants, to help care for them and to be closer to her three daughters Jessica, Ali, and Dakota. Well, God had the plan for her to return but for a different reason than she thought. One night while adjusting her nightgown, she discovered a lump. It took her two more days before she would touch it again – hoping that maybe it would just go away. There was no cancer in her family his-tory, and she was a runner and ate the way she should to be healthy. She delayed telling her par-

ents and daughters that she had breast cancer until the night before her scheduled lumpectomy wanting to spare them the anguish of waiting and wondering. Instead, Sara wanted her family’s only thoughts to be on her recovery from the surgery and the healing treatments thereafter. “No worrying allowed.” Her girls were to only be concentrating on “Mom” getting better - after all, in her mind she’s still the parent here. She had told one friend of her diagnosis who lovingly re-sponded with the deepest conviction, “Well, it’s in God’s hands now, isn’t it?” At that moment, she

his story is about two women brought together by their common bond of having had breast cancer. They both were chosen to be bead recipients by Dems Fine Jewelers as part of Dems’ Breast Cancer Survivor Bead Program. Sara

McCants Dawson and Sheroyn McCormac did not know each other until then but are now in a group of caring friends who have learned together that the big “C” word can also mean caring, courage, and compassion.

T

by Elaine Clary and Suzy Scott

Sara McCants Dawson (left) and Sheroyn McCormac (right)



Celebrating the Survivor in You!

dinner, it was suggested that the caring group be named so the BFFE’s were born. BFFE stands for “Breast Friends Forever and Ever.” This group is all about helping others – it is indeed all about caring, courage, and compassion.

When one has survived cancer, there is a terrible fear that never goes away; and that is the fear of its returning. Most people keep it hidden in their subconscious, but it is always there especially when something on your body starts to hurt or when it is time for your annual tests. The ladies in this caring group know that none of them will ever go through this alone – they are always there for each other helping to handle the fears.

Sara McCants Dawson and Sheroyn McCormac are two beautiful examples of why this caring group is so special. They are always showing everyone how to be grateful for all your bless-ings and to say “thank-you” everyday to God for them.

It’s unbelievable how much cancer teaches you about life and its true meaning – just ask Sara and Sheroyn. They both know the real meaning of the words “caring”, “courage”, and “compassion.” So, you see that the BIG “C” word really has much more meaning than just “cancer.”

This article is brought to you by Dems Fine Jewelers. Visit www.demsjewelers.com or call (803) 407-5290.

through 8 chemo treatments and 32 radiations. She is today cancer free.

Sara felt that being out in public with her scarf-covered bald head seemed to make people uneasy. People just don’t know what to say when they see someone suffering from cancer so she makes it a point to speak to anyone she sees who appears to be going through chemotherapy treatments. She just asks the person how he/she is feeling and lets them know she is a survivor. Sara’s friends say that she has a special way with words that calms the people around her and makes them feel better about whatever disturbance is temporarily oc-curring in their life. This is one of the many ways that Sara shows care and compassion to others. She has learned through her cancer to not sweat the small stuff – that life is meant to be lived fully, lovingly and generously each and every day!

Sheroyn’s journey with cancer began at an early age when her loving father, George Jacobs, was diagnosed with colon cancer. He fought a coura-geous battle for ten years and was an inspiration to her with his wonderful outlook of optimism and “never give up” attitude. She drew on his strength as she dealt with other family members suffering with cancer and then with her own bat-tle with breast cancer in 2007.

Sheroyn and her husband Jim had been plan-ning a BIG 40th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii. Just before the trip, anticipating the Ha-waiian sun, she was using the tanning bed and discovered a lump in her breast. She had found other lumps before but somehow knew this one was different. Most people ask “Why me?” when diagnosed, but Sheroyn’s comment was “Why

not me?” There was so much family history that she figured she should not be excluded when so many others had taken this journey. She had a lumpectomy and 34 radiation treatments and is today cancer free. She is a wonderful example of how important it is to catch this disease early.

Sheroyn’s life is a vibrant weave of love and laugh-ter, and her strength comes from her faith, family and friends. Her favorite quote and one that she lives by daily is, “Live, Love, Laugh” and reminds us all to live every moment, love beyond words and laugh everyday. She never meets a stranger and is always spreading her special kind of love and concern to whoever she meets.

A special circle of friends formed mainly because of the plight of one of the breast cancer bead recipients. There was “One Amongst Us” who needed radiation for a spot on a lymph node that was very close to her heart. She had already gone through surgery, chemo and radiation and now had to go through radiation again! The group circled around their friend along with other sur-vivors, as she needed a BIG dose of courage, care and compassion. With a promise that at least one person would meet her at the door of SCOA Monday through Friday at 1:00pm for twenty five treatments, the journey began with what true friendship is all about. Most treatments included multiple members of the group. From this small group, a personal and specific prayer was written for their friend, and it was read at every treatment before she would go in. Those who could not be there in person read the prayer at 1:00pm from beautiful bookmarks a member of the group had made. Dinners and lunches were held to celebrate the countdown of the treatments. One night at


Thanks to everyone who attended our February Scarlet Party in collaboration with Clark Berry Photography, Cotton Grill, Dems Fine Jewelers, and Vital Energy Therapy. We raised over $3,000 for the American Heart Association!

We would also like to thank the following donors and volunteers who made this event possible:

• Anytime Fitness • Bella Riley’s Salon and Spa • Café Chartier • Charles T. Hazelrigg, III, D.M.D • Chris Metz Interior • Clark Berry Photography • Cofield Law Firm • Connie Crosby • Creative Nails • Creekside • Dems Fine Jewelers • Dermatology of Lexington LLC – Michelle Welch, MD • Elaine Clary • Envision Family Eyecare • Grace Animal Hospital & Pet Lodge • Grant Digital Media • Janet Phillips • Jean Jones • Kicks Ltd • L.A. Salon & Spa • Lauri Truesdale • M. Gallery Interiors, LLCS • Mae’s on Main • Personalized Things For You • Pieces & Patches • Sarah Truesdale • Sheroyn McCormac • Southern Patriot • Stella & Dot • Suzy Scott • The Chapman Company Fine Jewelers • The Willows • Todd Truesdale • Travinia Italian Kitchen • Trey Duncan • Ultimate Gourmet Gift Baskets • Vital Energy Occupational Therapy • White Knoll Dentistry • Wingate by Wyndham of Lexington

GO RED FOR WOMEN

Scarlet PartyBENEFITTING THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S



photos by Clark Berry Photography



Health & Wellness

ollin and I met while at Coker College in Hartsville, SC, where he played baseball and got a degree in Physical Education, and where I socialized and received degrees in English and Communication. Collin and I still can’t

agree on when we first met. (He remembers meeting me earlier than I remember meeting him, but I’m nearly certain I fell in love first!)

C

DOUBLE the love, DOUBLE the joy

successful in our quest, there were tests and medicines that we could use to help us with the process. I left her office feeling much better.

Our magic number was twelve months. It was early July. I was work-ing part-time at Coker College, and Collin was out of town for a baseball tournament in Atlanta, GA. I took a home pregnancy test, and it was positive. I was elated! I wanted to tell Collin our exciting news in per-son, but he wasn’t due back for three days. When he called me that morn-ing, the first words out of my mouth were, “WE’RE PREGNANT!”

Collin and I were excited about our pregnancy, but we know how critical those first 13 weeks are. We decided to wait to tell our news until after the first trimester. Just before our eight-week appointment I experienced some minor difficulty. I was terri-fied. I called the nurse at Columbia Women’s Healthcare; she was kind and suggested an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok. Oliv-ia, our ultrasound technician, asked if we were ready to hear our news. Collin and I were nervously holding hands, preparing ourselves for the

Five years later, Collin and I were married in Hartsville on July 15, 2006. Collin was teaching PE at Summit Parkway Middle School and was the assistant baseball coach at Spring Valley High School. (He still holds both positions.) I was working as an admissions counselor at Coker College and attending night classes to earn my teaching certificate; one year later, I began my career as an English teacher at Ridge View High School, where I remain today.

Collin and I were happy in our mar-riage and in our jobs. We supported our students in their athletic and ar-tistic pursuits, and we tried to help them in any way we could. While we loved our students, we decided it was time for our own family.

Since we were both young and healthy, we’d anticipated an easy road to pregnancy and parenthood. At my yearly check up with Dr. Mary Neuffer of Columbia Women’s Healthcare, I told her of our frustra-tion at not yet having conceived a child. She assured me that it was not uncommon to take six months or more to conceive. She explained that if, after a year, we were still un-

worst. Olivia told us that everything looked great, and that she detected two heartbeats. Collin and I were expecting twins!!! I’m nearly cer-tain that neither Collin nor I could breathe for the next few minutes.

When Olivia said that she needed to check to see if she could find a third heartbeat, I thought Collin might fall out of his chair! Fortunately for Collin’s health, there were only two babies.

Expecting twins threw a kink in our plans to wait until we had made it through the first trimester to tell anyone. We just had to tell our fami-lies and closest friends. Collin’s par-ents live in Irmo, so we were able to

tell them first. We wrapped up two bibs and gave it to them as a “thank-you” gift for all that they do for us. They knew immediately what the bibs represented, but it wasn’t until we stressed to them that they would need to use both that it sunk in that we were having twins. They were so excited!!

Mama and her husband Len have helped us with various projects at our house, so we asked if they could help us paint our office. We showed them two color swatches, one pink and one blue. They didn’t react im-mediately, although Mama knew those weren’t colors I would nor-mally choose. Then we told them that we might have to stripe the room using both colors. That’s when we got a BIG reaction!

We chose to use our traditional Christmas list to tell my dad and his wife, Mrs. Bet. We told Daddy we were giving them the list early, so they could think about it. First on the list was an SUV. That got his attention right away because a vehicle is certainly not in the price

continued on next page

by Susanne Liggettsubmitted by Shirley Keels,Columbia Women’s Healthcare

Olivia told us that everything looked great, and that she detected two heartbeats.


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who read and reported the information. Medically, I felt safer because of the marvels of technology. I cannot imagine how dreadful bed rest must have been 20 years ago. It’s not exciting these days, but modern technology helped me get through it. I used a laptop computer to keep in touch with my school, my students, and my friends, and my cell phone allowed my family to get in touch with me regularly.

Our days leading up to the birth were exhilarating, exhausting, demanding, frightening, and fulfilling. Collin and I eagerly awaited our baby girls, Hud-son Annabelle and Wylie Grace. Life is good, and we are blessed.

Hudson and Wylie finally arrived on March 10, 2011. Collin and I are thrilled and grateful to Columbia Women’s Healthcare, our families and friends and especially to God for such a wonderful outcome.

This article is brought to you by Columbia Women’s Healthcare. Visit columbiawhc.com or call (803) 254-3230.

range for a Christmas gift. Next on the list was a dual stroller. Again, Daddy stopped. He said, “A dual stroller? What in the world do you need that for?” That’s when Mrs. Bet caught on. She looked at me and Collin, and by this time Daddy had made it down to the bottom of the list where he read “lots of diapers and lots of wipes.” My dad was so excited that he insisted that we leave his house and go tell my brother. I said that we could wait until after dinner, but Daddy said that he couldn’t!

The school year began. Dr. Neuffer warned me against too much exercise since I was carrying twins. When we went for our 25-week check up on De-cember 20th, I was put on complete bed rest. I spent one night in the hospital, so the doctors could monitor me for contractions and other changes. Scared is an understatement of how I was feel-ing. Dr. Odom and Dr. K. Moore came by several times to check on me. They were helpful and informative, alleviat-ing some of the stress of the situation.

On December 21st, I was allowed to go home. I went to my weekly doctor’s appointments at Columbia Women’s Healthcare; otherwise, I was at home, lying or reclining on the couch, or lying in bed. While I would much rather be at work teaching my wonderful students (I miss them terribly), I was happy to do whatever it took to get my little girls here safely!

Bed rest was not fun, but it must be more tolerable today than it was a gen-eration ago. I used a home monitoring system twice a day to monitor uterine contractions. I sent my monitoring strip to a nurse via a wireless connection,

Health & Wellness

Bed rest was not fun, but it must be more tolerable today than it was a generation ago.

Hudson Annabelle and Wylie Grace

Look where we found Lexington Woman!Ella and her mom, Danielle, won tickets to the circus through a contest on our

facebook page.

Don’t miss out – “like” us to participate in future contests!

Ella Guidotti at the Circus! Find us on facebook!


Ortho PM & Saturday Hours*Monday – Friday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Saturday, 8:30am–10:30am*Some insurance restrictions may apply.

Trust your family’s orthopaedic health to our family of caring physicians at Midlands Orthopaedics, P.A.

At Midlands Orthopaedics, P.A., our team of highly trained specialists provide comprehensive care for the entire family:

• Neck and Spine• Knees and Shoulders• Hands and Arms• Sports Injuries

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• Outpatient Surgery Center • Epidural Steroid Injections• Nerve Conduction Studies

Relieving Pain for 30 Years

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I’m not training for the Iron Man, but for my Silver Anniversary.

For over 20 years we’d planned a trip to Paris for our Silver Anniversary. But then I had back surgery, and I was worried I couldn’t make the trip. I knew right then that I needed to elevate my fitness level, and I found the help at Health Directions, Lexington Medical Center’s wellness center. It’s like a fitness club, but because it’s affiliated with the hospital, you get a highly-trained staff that doesn’t just throw you into a room with machines. They set realistic goals to make sure you get the results you’re looking for. I got my results, and now I’ve got my tickets to Paris.

www.LMCHealthDirections.com

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Hima N. DalalOccupational Therapist

Reiki and Myofascial Release ConsultantSports Personal Fitness Consultant

Our goal is to achieve mental and physical wellness through our combination of Complementary/Alternative

therapies with traditional Occupational �erapy.

• Occupational Therapy• Physical Therapy• Sports Physical Therapy• Reiki Therapy• Pediatric Therapy• Aqua Therapy• Myofascial Release Treatment and Craniosacral Therapy• Work Reconditioning• TMJ Therapy

• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome• Chronic/Acute Pain• Migraine Headache Treatment• Yoga/Personal Fitness• Neuro/Ortho Injury Rehab• Scoliosis Rehab• Rheumatoid/Osteoarthritis Therapy• Hand Therapy• Cancer Rehab

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

803.359.1551163 Charter Oak Road

Lexington, SC 29072

www.vitalenergytherapy.com

Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy

Pediatric Therapy Aquatic Therapy

FM/CFS Support Group Meets Monthly

Reiki TreatmentUnderwater Treadmill


According to statistics, melanoma cases have been increasing for the past 30 years, especially in young women. Researchers have noted a 3 per-cent increase each year since 1992 in women ages 15 to 39. Melanoma, which can occur in teens and young adults, is the second most common cancer of women in their 20s.

Doctors encourage living healthy lifestyles and avoiding unnecessary excessive exposure to natural and artificial UV radiation. They also emphasize the importance of monthly self exams and yearly dermatology checkups in an effort to achieve early detection. Moles with the following characteristics should prompt concern: • Asymmetrical borders• Dark colors or multi-colored• Diameter larger than a pencil eraser• Evolving

Once a diagnosis is made, doctors perform prompt and appropriate surgical intervention. Lexington Medical Center’s cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, with commendation. If you would like to make an appointment for the free skin cancer screening, please call Lexington Medical Center’s Community Outreach office at 803-936-8850. Lexington Medical Center hopes the screening pro-motes greater awareness of the risks of skin cancer and provides some early detection. For more information, visit www.lexmed.com.

That’s why Lexington Medical Center is paying special attention to skin cancer prevention before the beginning of the summer months by spon-soring a free skin cancer screening, meeting our hospital’s mission to provide quality health ser-vices that meet the needs of our community.

Lexington Medical Center will partner with Pal-metto Dermatology on Friday, May 6th to hold a free skin cancer screening inside the office at 115 West Hospital Drive in West Columbia on the Lexington Medical Center campus. You can make an appointment through Lexington Medi-cal Center’s Community Outreach department to be screened by dermatologist Jeff Smith or a phy-sician assistant who specializes in dermatology.

Upon arriving at the appointment, you will fill out a questionnaire related to family and medi-

cal history. Then, you will receive a full body skin cancer screening that looks for any suspicious lesions on the skin. If the doctor or physician as-sistant finds something that appears suspicious, they will refer you to a doctor’s office for further inspection. Participants will also receive educa-tional information about skin cancer.

“There’s a high incidence of skin cancer in Lex-ington County,” said Connie Watson, director of Community Outreach at Lexington Medical Center. “The screening is a great way to serve the public and prevent individuals from dying of melanoma.”

According to Dr. Jeff Smith of Palmetto Der-matology, melanoma can be a very dangerous disease. Although it only makes up 3% of skin cancers, it is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths. Other than breast cancer, it is the most common form of cancer for women under 40.

Sun protection, prompt detection and aggres-sive management are keys to treating melanoma. If caught early, the cure rate is nearly 100%. But if the melanoma has invaded the lymph nodes, only 65% of patients are alive after 5 years. If the melanoma has metastasized or spread to other organs, only 1 in 6 patients is still alive after 5 years. It can also be difficult to see. Some mela-nomas start with something as small as a spot between your toes.

id you know that Lexington County has a significantly higher than average incidence of skin cancer compared with the rest of South Carolina? In fact, Lexington County ranks as one of the top counties in our state for

melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, according to information from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

D

LEADING THE BATTLEAgainst Skin Cancer:Lexington Medical CenterOffers Melanoma Screening

by Jennifer WilsonLexington Medical Center

Lexington County ranks as one of the top counties in our state for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer...


June K. Maranville, MSP, CCC-SLP, IMC www.plsclex.com

109 Vista Oaks Drive, Suite ALexington, SC 29072

Language and Speech Therapyfor Children and Adults

(803) 356-9833

PALMETTO LANGUAGE & SPEECH CENTER

y son Matt was a preemie,” says June Maran-ville of The Palmetto Language and Speech

Center. He spent the first three and a half months of his life at Baptist and after several surgeries and many ups and downs, he came home at the ripe old age of four months. Over the next couple of years, Matt continued to struggle with health and developmental skills.

“M

THE CALLINGby Tyler Ryan photography by Clark Berry Photography

June points out that speech and lan-guage problems can isolate people and cause frustration, but says that with proper therapy the problems can be minimized and often times eliminated.

“Our patients range from a year old to seventy-eight,” says June. She points out those speech prob-lems can affect anyone at any age. Children may have a delay, or have “bumpy speech,” speech sound, or language processing issues which can limit early learning. A stroke can cause aphasia, which leaves it’s victims with difficulties expressing their thoughts. Wounded warriors

“Being keenly aware of the great blessing she had in Matthew and feeling a strong need to give back,” she took the advice of her cousin, a Speech Language Pathologist, who suggested she also look into the field. June, who was looking for an area that would allow her to help others, followed that recom-mendation, and hasn’t turned back since. She obtained her Masters at the University of South Carolina, successfully completed her clini-cals, and has continued to build her expertise with a strong passion for helping her patients. In November two thousand six, she opened her practice.

people with developmental dis-abilities, but also the families that are impacted. The MSNF works to empower families by giving sup-port and educating the community.

are another group of individuals that can suffer with language issues related to traumatic brain injury. Even things like a raspy voice, or problems with a dialect and ac-cents can be addressed by a speech therapist.

Over fourteen million people in America have communication and language problems. It’s this large number that have motivated experts, caregivers, and those who, like June, wanted to give back, to support the creation of the Midlands Special Needs Foundation in two thousand six. The mission of the MSNF is to address issues which face not only

Over fourteen million people in America have communication and language problems.


Health & Wellness

Dems Fine Jewelers is honored to help raise awareness and funds for local charities through our Bead It to BEAT IT! program. Through this program we custom design beautiful beads that fit on bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The beads fit most popular brands such as Chamilia, Trollbeads and Pandora. These beads have raised over $20,000 for local charities including the Cystic Fi-brosis Foundation, SCOA Cares Foundation, Lexington Medical Center Foun-dation and the Palmetto Health Breast Center.

Fabulous new beads are now being introduced for Chemo With Style, Midlands Special Needs Foundation, Lexington Woman Magazine and the American Heart Association. Look for our beautiful new collection of beads for newly nominat-ed cancer survivors that will be introduced this Spring! We are blessed by the many people we have met through the sharing of their journey through our Bead It to BEAT IT! program. Thank you for your support!

Bead it to BEAT IT!

The Board of Directors, and as-sociated professionals who make up and support the MSNF have various backgrounds, yet all share the same goals. June also said that many people and businesses in the community have picked up the torch and done a great deal to help. She mentioned Dems Fine Jewelers as an example. Dems has even designed a bead which sup-ports the MSNF, as a way to create awareness, provide some much needed funding, and inspire oth-ers to get involved.

“(At) the Palmetto Language and Speech Center and as a stakehold-er in our community, we believe we can facilitate and embrace this for all children – regardless of challenge,” says June. “I have great respect for the families we serve and know each journey is differ-ent. I would never pretend to walk in their shoes. June Maranville is very passionate about her chosen

profession and hopes that with information will come enlighten-ment about not only the issues that can be overcome with speech and language therapy, but also the mission of the MSNF.

Oh, and as far as Matt? Matt gradu-ated from The Citadel in May 2010 and is now working in Charleston as an analyst at SpaWar. SpaWar stands for Space and Naval War-fare Systems Command.

Learn more about the Midlands Special Needs Foundation at www.midlands-specialneeds.org and how you can help. If you would like to contribute, dona-tions can be sent to 109A Vista Oaks Drive, Lexington, SC 29072.

Southlake Village offers resort style living with no long term commitment. Whether you are looking for an apartment, garden home or patio home, we have a

floor plan to meet every need.

* Mention this ad and receive a$99 Move-In Special!

Call us at (803) 356-1158 to set up a complimentary

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Beads designed by Dems Fine Jewelers in support of theMidlands Special Needs Foundation


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Dr. Michelle D. WelchBoard Certified Dermatologist

Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:30pmSaturday by appointment only

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(Expires May 31, 2011)Accepting New Patients!

Comprehensive Skin Carefor the Entire Family


on how blessed she and her family are by the gra-cious people of Lexington and the surrounding communities. I believe that the personal attention she gives to her patients and staff is a testament of that gratitude. To give back, she is very active in the local community with various volunteer orga-nizations and her church family at Mount Horeb United Methodist Church. Dr. Welch mentors

and teaches USC medical students, physician assistant students, and she donates time and ser-vices to local school events and charities as well. For example, she was key in procuring a grant for both Lake Murray Elementary and Pleasant Hill Elementary schools which provided sun shades for the students. She continually donates items and services for silent auctions and various char-ity events.

continued on next page

Dr. Welch’s first love is her family. After speak-ing with her it was clear to me that a strong faith guides her life choices and is the backbone of the integrity with which she runs her medical practice and Spa. She is the proud mother of two academically talented and athletic children, Matthew and Abby. Matthew is a freshman at Clemson this year and Abby is an active middle-schooler. Abby is quite a softball player, or so I heard from her glowing mother. I had a chance to meet Abby and Matthew when Matthew cut a trip to the beach short to come home and take his little sister to her softball game. When she spoke of both her children her eyes were bright with love and maternal tenderness. Not only is Dr. Welch a devoted mother, she is a loving daughter caring for her aging parents.

It was at the Grand Opening of her recently ac-quired Elante Medical Day Spa, located in the beautiful and spacious facility that now houses both her medical practice and the Spa, that I was able to meet some of Dr. Welch’s patients. Her commitment, the dedication she feels toward her patients, is obvious to even an outside observer. I watched as a lady embraced Dr. Welch. She began to share how this sweet lady had come to Dermatology of Lexington, LLC to receive advice on hair loss. It was at this visit Dr. Welch noticed a spot on the lady’s arm. Dr. Welch, after much persistence, was allowed to biopsy the spot. That

attention to detail and the extra effort she made ensured the quality of care given earned her pa-tient the title of “skin cancer survivor.”

Throughout the evening I met many of Dr. Welch’s fans. I met women who shared how Dr. Welch helped them or a family member with a procedure or a skin problem. I met women who

spoke highly of the spa and watched a line of women form to wait for their own massage by an Elante employee with “magical hands.” I heard Dr. Welch greet her guests by name and even lean closely to privately inquire about a medical issue that he or she may have seen Dr. Welch about.

She was approachable to every person who walked through her doors and she runs her prac-tice the same way. Dr. Welch comments regularly

t was a leap of faith that lead Dr. Michelle Welch to open her private practice in Lexington South Carolina. I have had several occasions to meet Dr. Welch and spent a little time getting to know how passionate she is about her

patients. Some people are lucky enough to turn their passion into a career, once such person is Dr. Michelle Welch. I

by Lori Samples Duncan

Meet Dr. Michelle Welch of DERMATOLOGY OF LEXINGTON, LLCand ELANTE DAY SPA & SALON

When she spoke of both her children her eyes were bright with love and maternal tenderness.

Dr. Welch with her son Matthew


photo by Kimberly Pollard


Dr. Welch’s recent acquirement, the Elante Medical Day Spa and Salon, is a much needed coupling of complete medical dermatology services with a fully comprehen-sive cosmetic skin care practice. Dr. Welch offers the latest tech-

nology and the most effective skin care products and services to deliver the best results. Her com-mitment to do so has even lead to the creation of her own skin care line that allows her to offer phar-macy grade skin care products at a fraction of the cost of more expen-sive brands. Her excitement grew as she talked about how many more men and women would be able to afford to take care of their skin because of the lower price points of this product.

Bringing Dermatology of Lexing-ton and the posh Elante Medical Day Spa & Salon together in one extraordinary 10,000 square feet locale provides Lexington with a full service spa facility where

clients can feel pampered while re-ceiving the best medical treatment available. Clients and patrons are rewarded with a very private, relaxed experience in the most state-of-the-art, beautiful facility in the area.

Dr. Welch feels blessed and hon-ored to serve our community and will continue to strive for excel-lence to provide the highest quality of care.

Look for Dr. Welch’s new column coming this summer from Lexington Woman titled “SkinTalk”. This column will be a staple in each upcoming is-sue and will help educate readers about various dermatological issues with knowledge and experience from Lexington’s only board certified der-matologist.

See Dr. Welch’s On the Couch interview online at www.lexing-tonwomanonline.com.

Health & Wellness

Dermatology of Lexington and Elante Day Spa & Salon arelocated in one 10,000 square foot facility.

Dermatology of Lexington’sown skin care line

Dr. Welch offers the latest technology and the most effective skin care products and services to deliver the best results.

GRAND OPENING NIGHT




Dr. Boone brings her extensive experience of treating acute and chronically ill patients as a family physician to provide preventative family medicine care at The Medical Place Family Practice. Her focus is to effectively care for the whole person with compassion in a high quality healthcare setting.

3020 Sunset Blvd., Suite 101, West Columbia, SC 29169Office: 803.791.5680 | Fax: 803.791.1680

www.themedicalplacefp.com

Dr. Tasha M. Boone

Call Now to MakeYour Appointment

• Weight Loss

• Personal Training

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• Nutritional Consulting

• Ayurvedic Diet

• Facials

• Massage

• Male and Female Personal Trainers

• Under Water Treadmill

• Aqua DetoxSneh PatelExercise Physiologist

www.vitalenergyfitness.com

163 B Charter Oak RoadLexington, SC 29072

(803) 467-4217Email: [email protected]


makes up approximately ninety percent of AMD, ninety percent of AMD related blindness comes from the wet form. Fortunately, newer medications that have become available within the last decade have dramatically decreased the number of patients going blind from the disease. One of those treatments for wet AMD is an actual injection into the eye. With these treatments, ninety percent of patients are able to maintain vision and forty percent are able to experience vision gains.

With the more common dry form of AMD, there are some practices, in theory, that will help slow the dis-ease down. “Overall health, exercise, eating a good diet, certain vitamins, and protecting your eyes from sun-light” can all play an active role in protecting vision.

Dr. Johnson explains that if you think of your eye as a camera, the retina is the “film.” The retina is a very thin, nerve layer that lines the back wall of the eye. Although some vision problems can be corrected with the use of glasses or even lasers, if there is a problem with the retina it requires a very different approach.

According to Dr. Johnson, the prevalence of many retinal diseases increases with age. Age Related Mac-ular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in patients over the age of fifty-five. Approximately two million people in the United States suffer from the advanced forms of the disease.

There are two types of AMD, wet and dry, and here is where the math gets tricky. Although the dry form

Now I See by Tyler Ryan

y some estimation, over eight million American’s suffer from some form of retinal disease. Dr. David Johnson, an Ophthalmologist with Palmetto Retina Center,

believes that number does not have to continue to increase. “Medications and other interventions can often times stop further vision loss,” says Dr. Johnson, but the “key is early detection.”

B

Make An Appointment: 803.931.0077 | 124 Sunset Court • West Columbia2750 Laurel Street, Suite 101 • Columbia | 1170 Boulevard Street, Suite E • Orangeburg

Visit www.palmettoretina.com to learn more about our ongoing clinical trials.

W. Lloyd Clark, M.D.David L. Johnson, M.D.

John A. Wells, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.Medical & Surgical Diseases of the Retina & Vitreous

about, there are other potential treatments for retinal diseases. Those treatments include laser and other surgical methods. Although the only part of the eye that can currently be helped with a donor transplant is the cornea, Dr. Johnson feels that, the future may provide more options for retinal diseases, such as stem cell transplantation.

The clear overall message is early detection. So, what are the signs that might signal that something is amiss? Vision loss with many retinal diseases is often a slow process, so it often goes unnoticed by the patient. However, distortion or blurriness of central vision can be a symptom of AMD. Floaters, bright flashing lights, or a shadow could also indi-cate a potential problem, such as a retinal detachment.

AMD, or any retina affliction is not always preventable. Genetic predis-positions for many retinal diseases, including AMD, exist and many of these diseases can run in families.

Another common disease that Dr. Johnson and his colleagues treat is Diabetic Retinopathy. It is the leading cause of blindness in South Carolina. Diabetes is a blood vessel disease that tends to have a direct impact on the retina. Once again, early detection of damage is critical to preventing blindness. “Most of the time, you can prevent vision loss with early detection and interven-tion,” says Dr. Johnson. In diabetics, “control of blood sugar and blood pressure is critical in helping to maintain vision.”

Beyond the injections we spoke

Dr. David Johnson

Health & Wellness


does little to prolong your pet’s life. Sadly, many owners do this because they’ve been taught that ‘yearly shots’ are all they need. Quality pet health care begins with regular, comprehensive physi-cal exams and wellness testing and can add years of vitality and extend your pet’s life. Schedule an appointment with a Lexington veterinarian and ask how early disease detection can add years to-gether with your pet. So remember… “If you love your pet, take ‘em to the vet”!

Early Detection is Key to Your Pet’s Health! At Grace Animal Hospital we recommend well-ness laboratory testing before your pet enters their ‘golden years’. A 7-year old dog is about 44-56 in human years and a 7-year old cat is more like 40-45 human years. As our pets age, moni-toring becomes even more important and early detection through regular exams and lab testing can help detect underlying disease earlier. (Notice I said nothing about taking your pet for ‘shots’…)

• If detected early, 75% of common diseases in dogs and 63% of common diseases in cats can be prevented by dietary modification alone over a one-year period.

• Kidney disease is a major cause of illness and death in dogs and cats, but owners are unaware of signs until two-thirds of kidney function has been lost. With early detection, your pet can live with kidney disease for years.

• Early detection of diabetes is extremely impor-tant because an early treatment plan can be

more effective and easier on your pet. Detecting and monitoring diabetes early can also prevent damage to other organs.

• Assuming that all tests are normal, lab testing can provide your veterinarian with baseline date for future healthcare needs, and it can give you the most important thing: peace of mind.

Wellness laboratory testing for early disease de-tection is available during out-patient visits with most results available the same day or by the next morning. The lab tests will usually include a blood chemistry panel, a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and a thyroid screen. Using the information gained from this evaluation your veterinarian will provide you with an assessment of your pet’s overall health and make any neces-sary recommendations.

Veterinary medicine at its core is ‘preventive med-icine’. Lining up outside in a vacant lot for ‘shots’ from an out-of-town mobile vet who doesn’t keep descriptive, life-long medical records of your pet

T

VETERINARY CSI:How to Find Disease in Your Pet by Tim

Loonam, DVM

he good news is our pets are living longer, and nothing contributes more to the long life of your dog or cat than regular visits to your veterinarian. Your pet can’t talk and often shows no sign when something is wrong. Medical

advances, particularly in laboratory testing, enable veterinarians to diagnose potential disease before they become life-threatening (and expensive!) issues for your pet.

GraceAnimal

Hospitaland Pet Lodge

Tim Loonam, DVMOwner/Veterinarian

147 Charter Oak Road | Lexington, SC 29072803.808.PETS (7387) | www.gracepets.com

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

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As our pets age, monitoring becomes more important and early detection through regular exams and lab testing can help detect underlying disease earlier.

Pets


Located just o� I-26 at exit 110 (Hwy 378) 110 McSwain Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169 | Tel: 803.391.4000 | Fax: 803.391.4001 | www.holidayinn.com/westcolumbia

Unwind after a long day at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Columbia - Airport. Our eco-friendly design o�ers relaxing features such as our saltwater �ltered pool and comfortable furniture made from sustainable materials. Wrap up with a good book and some Green Forest Alliance co�ee in our café lounge or enjoy the comforts of room service and a late night dessert through our Sporting News Grill restaurant. No matter how you choose to unwind you can slip between the sheets of our signature bedding and count on a good night’s sleep.

Columbia - Airport

• Sporting News Grill Restaurant• Saltwater �ltered pool• Cardio Fitness Center• Wired & Wireless Internet

• 24 Hour Sundry Shop• Business Center & Board Room• Meeting & Banquet Facility• Free Airport Shuttle

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mindful of repurposing products. Raven pointed out that there are many local merchants that have stepped up to the green plate. “KD’s Treehouse has a full line of organic clothing for kids and toys made from recycled wood, Creative Tile provide products made from recycled glass and Roof ’s Basket Works recycle all of their wood waste making sure nothing is wasted in the creation of their products.” There are companies that make fences from waste wood, recycled grocery bags and other plastics, others use popular local trees, which are renewable even companies that go the extra mile to utilize recycled packaging.

“This isn’t a trend, this is a movement,” Raven says, and one that is here to stay. “From recycled tire mulch at your local home and garden store to the option of green burial services there is no lack of green influence right here in the Midlands.”

The folks at Holiday Inn, located in West Colum-bia at highway 378 and I-26 know about how to give things new life through repurposed items and materials that often end up as trash. When you walk into the hotel, you notice the television giving you a three dimensional look at all the features of the hotel, but when you see them up close and personal, you get a feeling for how re-cycling really can work. From the mesh curtains made from aluminum cans in the café lounge to the deck furniture that was once plastic milk jugs, there is not only a commitment to being “green,” but a flair for style also. “Our engineer built us a podium and portable bars out of one hundred and twenty year old barn wood…they are very contemporary.” She said they found the wood on Craig’s List, then made a trip to a local scrap yard and found old street signs for the metal finishing.

It’s the commitment to a green mission that led the staff at the new Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites to hosting a retro extravaganza, celebrating Earth Day and the one year anniversary of the Midlands first “green” hotel.

A “Junk to Funk” event will be held on April

28th, about a week after Earth Day, and will be a celebration of the Hotel’s one year anniversary. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites has partnered with local schools to help spread the message. Raven says that the Art Department at Brookland-Cayce High School has been working on a mural that they want to present to the hotel. “It’s a scene the kids depicted from nature, and will be unveiled at the event.” A fashion show is planned, where students will model outfits created from every-day items that some might consider junk or even trash. Also invited are local artists who are envi-ronmentally conscious and embrace the idea that “new life exists in everything.” The key simply is creativity, “You just have to see what new potential lies in everyday items that you don’t want to end up in a landfill.” Raven also shared websites and forums you can find online that celebrate natural resources, and repurposing others, such as www.craftingagreenworld.com, www.junkmarketstyle.com and www.re-nest.com, which all provide de-sign ideas and great information on ways to make your home greener and more efficient. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites is just one busi-ness that understands the benefits and need to be

ach year more and more people are recognizing the benefits of purchasing, utilizing and creating products that serve both the benefits of clients and the environment,” says Raven Yonemura, Director of Marketing, with the

new eco-friendly Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Columbia-Airport.“E

Life Really Is Greener by TylerRyan

‘This isn’t a trend, this is a movement,’ Raven says.

Professional


he Southern Patriot is a splendid all wooden boat

and can be found most evenings serving dinner somewhere on the waters of Lake Murray. We had the privilege of being on this particular boat two years ago with a group of lovely ladies and had a marvelous time! I also took a purple martin cruise on the Southern Patriot and enjoyed every moment with my children and mom.

This tour boat of Lake Murray has both opened and closed seating as well as dinner options. You can take a business group to entertain or for a two hour interruption free sales meeting. It would also make an excellent place for a rehearsal dinner for a spring or fall wedding. The Patriot will cater your event or you can hire your own caterer. The laid back professional Captain and crew were most helpful to me and others on each of the occasions I have visited the Southern Patriot.

What I love about this 65 foot all mahogany boat is the character and the memories that she carries along the waters. Joy Downs, one of the Southern Patriot owners, has used the Southern Patriot more than once to help local charities, ours included. At our Scarlet Party she donated an entire 40 person cruise for our live auction! Over

$3000 was raised for the American Heart Association. The Southern Patriot’s contribution played a large part in the funds raised.

If you are looking for an event ven-ue for one hundred people or less this beautiful boat can accommo-date you. It’s the perfect place for a family reunion or a team party for a sports group! I can guarantee people will be talking about how much fun they had on the South-

ern Patriot for years to come. Call Joy Downs today and book a pur-ple martin cruise and check it out.

Visit them online at www.lakemurray-tours.com to learn more, or call (803) 749-8594. See their ad on page 8.

T

The Southern Patriot


Look us up on Facebook!

Call to subscribe oradvertise with us!

(803) 785-4475

by Lori Samples Duncan

What I love about this 65 foot all mahogany boat is the character and the memories that she carries along the waters.

Professional



Ginny Jones Is Hitting HER PEAK!

You must be a progressive thinker yet never allow yourself to forget the tried and true simple philosophy of providing good old fashioned cus-tomer service.”

Ginny’s vision for her business is to create an organization on which her clients know they can rely and to provide them with any and all resources they require in order to grow and maximize their business potential. Whether it be in procur-ing and retaining talent, reducing client liabilities, risk management or any other employment related needs crucial to maintaining and growing their business, Peak Em-ployment Solutions is ready to customize their services to what works for their clients. Peak is con-sistently implementing new and innovative initiatives to ensure the goals of their valued clientele.

To reach her vision Ginny says, “We simply need to remain consistent in our philosophies, creative in our initiatives, and driven to the success of our organization as well as to the success of those we are committed to servicing.”

Ginny and her partner wanted to expand their business (from their original location in Augusta) to Lexington years ago when they

Ginny Jones and her business part-ner, Mike Frazier, have been in the employment profession for over twenty years each. After working for another organization together and honing in their talents over the years, they opened their own agen-cy. Ginny told us, “Our goal was to establish an agency that would al-low us to, in Mike’s words, ‘do the voodoo we do,’ while doing it for the mutual benefit of both our clients as well as for us.”

Vision, drive, creativity, tenacity, focus, and consistency are charac-teristics Ginny attributes to being a successful business woman. And she’s quick to point out the necessity of having a strong team, “A successful business woman or business person in general is only as successful as the team she aligns herself with.”

We asked Ginny if she felt she had accomplished all of those charac-teristics and she responded that on many levels she had, however, busi-nesses are like plants… if you are not growing, you are dying.

About success Ginny said, “The major key to success in business is developing trusted relationships and having the ability to listen to what the customer wants and needs then providing them with exactly that.

be successful and we are committed to treating your business as we treat our own. Our goal is to save your TIME, MONEY, and SANITY!!!”

Being a successful business woman doesn’t end at the office for Ginny. When asked about balancing her personal and professional success, she said, “My family and my business

are of course my top priorities; how-ever, each aspect has to feel they are the number one priority. Regardless of what has occurred or how tired I may be at the end of the business day, when I am home it is all about my family. At the same time my fam-ily understands that during business hours, my focus has to remain on the success of the business.” Running a successful business and family while being loyally devoted to both, Ginny Jones is hitting her peak!

identified the Lexington area as a thriving area for all levels of busi-ness. They determined the time was right to establish themselves in the area in order to better service cli-entele in the Greater Columbia and surrounding areas.

We asked Ginny what differentiates Peak Employment Solutions from other agencies and she responded with, “What differentiates us is our proven abili-ty to provide the level of customer service our clients deserve and have come to expect. We offer full service and custom-ized options to assist in everything from procuring and retaining necessary talent, administering payroll and benefits, risk management, person-nel training and development, and a host of additional employment related resources to aid our clien-tele in accomplishing their mission. With Peak you have a true partner committed to the success of your organization! We have the ability to aid you in increasing your produc-tion while decreasing your liabilities resulting in maximized potential and increased profits! We under-stand business and what it takes to

t is an easy enough statement to make about someone that she is a successful business woman. Some folks may characterize it simply

that if one can maintain her career that she, in fact, is successful. In an interview with Ginny Jones of Peak Employment Solutions, it became pretty clear that Ginny’s idea of success is defined with much higher expectations.

I

Vision, drive, focus, tenacity, creativity, consistency are characteristics Ginny attributes to being a successful business woman.

Professional

by Mandy Riversphotography by Clark Berry Photography


803.356.PEAK (7325)Lexington/Columbia

140 Gibson Road Suite ALexington, South Carolina 29072

Augusta: 706.228.PEAK (7325)211 Hudson Trace, Suite C/D

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Professional

Gilbert High Wrestler HonoredDr. Karen Woodward and Wrestling Coach Tracy Gooding congratulate GHS Freshman

Madison Leitner (center) for his 2011 SC Boys Individual Championship title in the

103-pound weight division in the 2A/1A Wrestling Tournament.

Lexington High Wrestler HonoredDr. Karen Woodward and Wrestling Coach Derek Strobel congratulate Alex Morales (center) for his selection by the SC Wrestling Coaches Association

as a member of Team SC and the 4A/1A South team in the 2011 Best Western Ocean Sands

North/South All-Star Classic.

White Knoll High School WrestlersCelebrate Individual Wins

Coach David Huffstetler, WKHS Wrestlers Asa Gossett, Phillip Austin, Zach Dicus, WKHS Coach Kevin Emily and WKHS Wrestler Jamal Lackey celebrate individual wins at the South Carolina

4A Wrestling Championships.

www.emmausclinic.com 669 Barr Road Lexington, SC 29072

Emmaus MedSurg Clinic General Practice & Surgery

We accept adult patients as well as children 2 years old and older. We accept the uninsured and offer reasonable fees. We provide complete physical exams, advice on staying well, ongoing care for basic medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, etc.), minor trauma, office surgical procedures (removal of skin lesions, soft tissue masses, vasectomies, spider vein treatment, etc.) as well as procedures appropriate for surgi-center care (hernia repairs, certain biopsies, surgical treatment for pilonidal cysts, gynecomastia, etc.).

Bert B. Oubre, MD, FACSCall (803) 359-0164 for your appointment

Nowaccepting

newpatients!


Friday’s were once spent on Main Street with Harry going up and down the road calling on various stores that sold furniture. As the number of stores decreased, South-ern Bedding began transitioning di-rectly into the retail market, selling to consumers who wanted custom-made, locally produced mattresses offered at thirty percent LESS than

the larger retail stores. Harry chalks this up to overhead. The big stores have a lot of operational costs, em-ployees, advertising costs, and more expenses than Southern Bedding does. These extra costs simply do not have to be passed along to the customer when buying from South-ern Bedding.

With all the changes seen in business, one thing has not changed – word of mouth. Much of Southern Bedding’s

Harry started the company in 1951 at the location where the main post office on Assembly Street is today. Three years later, he built the down-town 32,000 square foot facility, and has not moved since. Over the years, Harry and his family have built a successful business, which has not only endured several eco-nomic slowdowns, employed some one hundred twenty-five people, but also is proud of the fact that at least one employee has been with them for over fifty-three years.

There have been a lot of changes over the years not only in the bed-ding industry, but also in the prod-ucts offered at Southern Bedding, including the way beds are sold. “As we have gone along we always try to improve our lineup of products,” says Harry.

By the mid-sixties, Southern Bed-ding had over one hundred employ-ees making household furniture like coffee tables, end tables, dinettes, chairs and more all manufactured in their building. “We later began mak-ing fancy Cherry wood Queen Anne tables,” says Karen pointing to some still used in their office today. By the late eighties they dropped much of the furniture and focused solely on mattress making and accessories.

He points out his brother, Jerry, re-cently retired after fifty-three years of working for Harry and the Wills family.

After nearly sixty years, eleven U.S. Presidents, many boom and bust economies, Southern Bedding is still producing a quality custom bed, which is often less expensive than the chain stores’ beds. The best part is that they aren’t slowing down yet.

Oh, that sixty-nine dollar bed? It’s not sixty-nine dollars anymore, but the hands that built it still sew the Made in South Carolina tags onto the mattresses. The success of the business that the Wills family has built is from the product and the work ethic that has endured for 60 years. “I’m sure we could charge a good bit more,” says Karen, making the point that reputation is more im-portant than an extra dollar. “People know we’ll be here.”

To learn more, visit www.SouthernBed-dingofColumbia.com.

marketing is still referrals from peo-ple who have loved their products for years. “What sets us apart is our reputation and quality,” says Karen. “Someone who stands behind their product goes a long way.” Another distinction that Southern Bedding is proud of is the fact that everything is made in South Carolina at their facility.

Over the years, all six of Harry’s chil-dren have been involved with the company in one capacity or another. Currently, Karen runs the business, but that doesn’t keep Harry from still making calls. “He still goes out and calls on people,” Karen said with a smile. “He’s still out trying to get new business at 91.”

Although the days of one hundred employees are gone, Harry, Karen, the Wills family and employees like Eugene “Gene” Blume still remem-ber them fondly. Gene came to work for Southern Bedding right after high school. Good management is the reason Gene has worked for the business for almost forty years.

The Test ofTIME by Tyler

Ryan

‘As we have gone along we always try to improve our lineup of products,’ says Harry.

ack then, a top of the line bed would cost sixty-nine dollars,” says Harry Wills, as we walked through

nearly sixty years of custom furniture and mattress making machines in the factory just off Huger Street. Downtown Columbia has been home to the Southern Bedding factory for nearly six decades.

“B

Karen Lanier and Henry Wills

Professional

photo by Grant Digital Media


Animal Hospital Grace Pets Animal Hospital ................ 39 www.gracepets.com

Art and Entertainment Carolina 92.1 FM .................................. 37 www.new92.com

Colonial Life Arena ........................10, 18 www.coloniallifearena.com

Lake Murray Tours ................................. 8 www.lakemurraytours.com Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission ....................... 15 www.lcrac.com

M Gallery Interiors, LLC ....................... 9

Monkey Joe’s .......................................... 47 www.monkeyjoes.com/lexington

WLXM 107.9. ........................................ 14 www.lakemurrayradio.com

Assisted Living Southlake Village .................................. 33 www.southlakevillage.net

Banking and Investments Southern First ....................................... 19 www.southernfirst.com

Boutique Mae’s on Main ....................................... 47 www.maesoflexington.com

Dentist White Knoll Dentistry ......................... 28 www.whiteknolldentistry.com

Dermatology Dermatology of Lexington .................. 34 www.dermatologyoflexington.com

Eye Care Envision Eye Care ................................... 7 www.envisionfamilyeyecare.com

Palmetto Retina Center ....................... 38 www.palmettoretina.com

Furniture Southern Bedding of Columbia .......... 45 www.southernbeddingofcolumbia.com

Health ServicesEmmaus MedSurg Clinic .................... 43 www.emmausclinic.com

Midlands Orthopaedics, PA ................ 29 www.midlandsortho.com The Medical Place Family Practice ..... 37 www.themedicalplacefp.com Vital Energy Fitness Studio ................. 37 www.vitalenergyfitness.com Vital Energy Rehab Center .................. 30 www.vitalenergytherapy.com

Hospital Lexington Medical Center ... Back Cover www.lexmed.com

Business & Web Directory

Palmetto Health ....... Inside Front Cover www.palmettohealth.org

Hotels Holiday Inn Express & Suites ................ 3 www.hiexpress.com/lexington Holiday Inn & Suites ............................ 40 www.holidayinn.com/westcolumbia

Insurance The Smoak Agency ............................... 47 www.allstate.com

Jewelry Dems ...................................................... 23 www.demsjewelers.com The Chapman Company ...................... 13 www.thechapmancompany.com

Marketing Services Grant Digital Media ............................... 7 www.grantdigitalmedia.com The Tyler Ryan Group. ......................... 18 www.tylerryangroup.com

OB/GYN Columbia Women’s Healthcare .......... 27 www.columbiawhc.com

Photography Clark Berry ................ Back Inside Cover www.clarkberry.com

Plumbing, Air & Electrical Gene Love Plumbing, Air & Electrical ..................................... 18 www.genelove.com

Realtor Sally Lucas Homes ................................ 16 www.sallylucashomes.com

Restaurants Cotton Grill ............................................. 5 www.cottongrill.com Travinia Italian Kitchen. ........................ 4 www.traviniaitaliankitchen.com Yummie Creations, Inc .......................... 9 www.yummiecreations.com

Salon and Spa Elante Day Spa and Salon .................... 34 www.elantedayspa.com Huei Aveda Salon & Spa ...................... 47 www.hueisalonspa.com

Speech Therapy Palmetto Language and Speech Center ....................................... 32 www.plsclex.com

Staffing Agency Peak Employment Solutions ............... 43 www.mypeaksuccess.com

(803) 765-9630400 Calhoun Street • Columbia, SC 29201

www.southernbeddingofcolumbia.com

Quality bedroom furniture sets andcustom-made mattresses

Locally owned & operated since 1951

Come visit our on-site factory showroom featuring

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A Personal Note

can’t believe it is April already. This year is already filled with wonderful memories of our family. We continue to celebrate how

unique each of the children are and their individual gifts.

Trey’s leadership class did a project where each of the children were instructed to write some-thing positive about the other students in the class room and anonymously give the feedback to each other. What a wonderful thing to sit down and read what each of the other students said about my son. What a wonderful thing for my son to read from his peers. Each student put thought into their words and at a time in a young person’s life when they are so desperate-ly seeking approval and direction, I thought this exercise was timely and inspired. Wouldn’t it be fun to start an email strain that listed something positive about each person on the list?

Abby has won the role of Professor Marvel in the school play, and she is absolutely hilarious. She will be singing in the talent show this spring at her middle school and I am so excited. I heard her practicing and the soft lilting notes of her sweet voice brought this sentimental mother to tears. She sang the words with such feeling. Wow, I am incredibly proud of the compassionate young woman she is becoming.

Colton “the Sultan of Swing” (the nickname his t-ball coach gave him two years ago) had his first double of the season, and again his emotional mother cried. I was truly proud of his hard work paying off for him, to see that big smile, those blue eyes light with joy, watching as they searched the crowd for his father, lighting on him and grinning full as his dad gave him the thumbs up… oh friend, that is the good stuff. Though his pop fly to the outfield gave me pleasure, the true blessing came after the game. He stood in a circle with his friends and after his Coach gave the speech (you know the speech), he then asks if anyone has any questions and my Colton says, “ I would like to say something.” The coach gives him the go ahead and Colton the giver, the encourager, says to his teammates. “Daniel had a great catch out there today!“ He looks over at his friend and leans across the huddle and high fives him, “That was awesome!” That’s my boy.

And the baby, sweet, loving and totally confident Ryan. This is his first year of t-ball, and I laughed hysterically as he hit his first ball and then proceeded to chase it straight to the pitcher’s mound! I laughed until my sides hurt as the whole side line tried directing my strong willed four year old to first base. The Coach and I breathed a sigh of relief as he finally made it to first. I honestly don’t think we ever got him to cross home plate, but after the game when I asked if he had fun, he gave me that big Ryan smile and said “YES!!!” In the grand scheme of things, that is all that is important anyway.

Blessings, blessings, blessings… Our lives are filled with so many wonderful blessings. No matter what is going on around me, how difficult my day may be, or how others would try to hurt or discourage me… my God has blessed us so tremendously.

May God continue to bless you,

Lori Samples Duncan

I

Numbers 6:24-26The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Abby as Professor Marvel

Colton “the Sultan of Swing”

Ryan

Trey


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Women’s Services at Lexington Medical Center was created for all the women you are.

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Lexington Medical Center has recently been awarded accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

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