Columbia Living July-Aug 2014

www.columbialivingmag.com

July/August 2014

2014

Happily

Best Of Columbia Winners

Ever After

Alicia Barnes Jacob John Jr. Say Their Vows

&

US $3.95

Design Chic

Back to School

Looking Lovely

(Yes, Already)

Summertime Salads Elegant Yet Accessible July/August 2014 | 1

Features July | August 2014

24

“Best of� Awards

How do your favorites stack up with the votes? In 75 categories, Columbia Living readers made their choices. A fun (and useful) read.

34

Back to School

Happily Ever After

The marriage of Alicia Barnes and Jacob John, Jr. was a lovely affair. The images tell a wonderful love story.

Enjoy their fairy tale come true.

By Katherine Pettit

2 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

70

Home and Garden

Art set the tone for a collaborative design that will inspire you to look at your nest for new ways to update and freshen. Inspiring!

By Melissa Sprouse-Brown

Photographed By Prime Phocus

45

We know, the summer is flying by.

To help get ready for fall, veteran writers and educators share super tips for families.

By Cecile Holmes and Sue Robinson

July/August 2014 | 3

DEPARTMENTS

» July / August 2014

18

Buzz 14 A rt as Therapy

Lyssa Harvey has touched (and helped heal) so many lives with her life’s work. A special story for art lovers as well as parents.

18 I nviting, Soothing, Healing

OCCO Luxury Spa checks all the boxes when it comes to services, ambience and skilled professionals.

22

44

W eighing your Weight Loss Options Lexington Medical Center has wonderful success stories about folks who’ve finally found a weight loss solution. Inspiring!

52

Well Styled 52

In Style What to wear to a wedding? Fashion Editor Lisa Arnold shares expert tips to help you navigate the perils of proper clothing at one of our favorite celebrations.

56 D esign Trends

What’s showing up in local showrooms and design galleries? Four top-notch Interior Designers share their thoughts on how to spruce up your home.

68

Health

Food+Drink

61 C elebrate Life!

Old age is headed our way – if we’re lucky. And we are so very fortunate, because Columbia has great communities and resources to help us make the most of our wisdom years

68 Nutrition and Diabetes

Our nutrition expert shares what you need to know now about living well with diabetes, or perhaps avoiding it all together.

Pearlz Oyster Bar For those who love ‘em, oysters are one of nature’s most delectable treats. The rest of you can be assured there’s plenty more than bivalves to eat and enjoy at this Vista hotspot.

80 I n The Kitchen

Summertime salads hit the spot

87 R estaurant Guide

Best bets for delectable dining

8 Reader Services 10 Editor’s Letter 96 Last Reflection

www.columbialivingmag.com Columbia Living

Southern Drawl

July/August 2014

93 1 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

65

Bald Head Island is a 20-minute ferry ride that takes you to another world where cars are banned, beaches are glorious and conservation is a top priority for all.

May/June 2014

93 So Close, Yet So Far Away

2014

Happily Summertime Getaways • Best Burgers • Women in Business • Super Lawyers

Travel

65 Leading the Lawyers

4 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

77 Dining Review

Fundamentals

I nteractive Kids Books These four remarkable books will keep the little ones happy and busy as summer winds down. Just don’t tell them they’re learning something, too.

William Hubbard’s career has spanned decades of service to Columbia, the state and the country. As the ascending president of the American Bar Association, a new phase begins.

80

Best Of Columbia Winners

Ever After

Alicia Barnes Jacob John Jr. Say Their Vows

&

Design Chic

Back to School

Looking Lovely

(Yes, Already)

Summertime Salads Elegant Yet Accessible July/August 2014 | 1

ON THE COVER

»

Alicia Barnes & Jacob John, Jr. Photograph: Austin Page

For employment opportunities, visit www.miyos.com

For employment opportunities, visit www.miyos.com

Publisher Robert Sweeney ■■■ Managing Editor Katherine Pettit Fashion Editor Lisa Arnold ■■■ Senior Account Executive Michele Chapman Art Director Nicole Szews

Mom or Dad needs help.

Are you worried?

Lutheran Homes’ Assisted Living programs can help. Guided by licensed nurses, caregivers provide help with personal care, medications, and supervision as needed.

Rice Estate Northeast Columbia 803.691.5720 the Heritage at Lowman Chapin/White Rock 803.732.3000 Franke at Seaside Mt. Pleasant 843.856.4700 RoseCrest Inman 864.599.8600 Trinity on Laurens Aiken 803. 643.4200 6 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Graphic Designers Shanna Thomson Carl Turner Nicole Szews Contributing Writers Deena Bouknight, Kim Byer, Gail Crouch, Kristine Hartvigsen, Rachel Haynie, Cecile Holmes, Katie McElveen, Jamie Penn, Jackie Perrone, Edna Cox Rice, Sue Robinson, Courtney Webb, Jennifer Wilson Photographers

There are plenty of people to enjoy spending time with and a full schedule of award-winning activities. Tasty meals, transportation, salon and other amenities are all close at hand.

Jay Browne, Gary Breece, Kim Byer, Austin Page, Donna Permell, MaryLou Stinson, Sally Taylor

Caregivers certified in essentiALZ— the Alzheimer’s Association’s education program, are best prepared to understand the special needs of persons with memory loss.

Production Coordinator Dana Maskin

Flexible Assisted Living and Homeward Bound programs offer short-term stay options.

Learn more.

Discover how our assisted living programs can help support your family.

LutheranHomesSC.org

■■■

Distribution Coordinator Les Gibbons ■■■ Customer Service (843) 856-2532

Columbia LIVING (Vol. 4, No. 6) ISSN 21579342, is published 6 times per year by DueSouth Publishing, LLC, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. The entire contents of this publication are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or part, without written permission. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited materials. Copyright © 2014.

All rights reserved. SUBSCRIPTION price is $18.95 per year. POSTMASTER send address changes to Columbia LIVING, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

July/August 2014 | 7

INstyle

OUTside

Columbia’s outdoor living experts!

Decorating, Space Planning, and In-home Consultation Services Available

4708 Forest Drive 6006 Two Notch Road 803.790.5066 803.754.5022 www.casuallivingsc.com blog: www.outdoorlicious.com

FOREST LAKE TRAVEL

(803) 738-1520 www.forestlaketravel.com

READER SERVICES Subscriptions Subscribing to Columbia LIVING is easy, and you save 20 percent off the newsstand price. Your subscription includes 6 issues, delivered right to your door. Subscriptions and billing are handled in-house, providing you with the best in customer service.

Please call or email us if you experience any problems with your subscription, and we will assist to resolve them right away. You can subscribe by calling Customer Service at (843) 856-2532 or reach us via email at service@columbialivingmag.com or on the web at www.columbialivingmag.com.

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Send letters to Columbia LIVING, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 or contact us via the web at www.columbialivingmag.com.

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8 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

thank you

If you are expecting a bundle of joy, come in to set up your own personalized registry.

2816 DEVINE ST. • COLUMBIA, SC 803.343.7070 mylittlelambsandivy.com

Tomorrow is based on what you do today.

No matter what happens in your future, you need to be ready for it. You need to set goals for it, save for it and invest carefully. You need to make fiscal responsibility a personal value. Most of all, you need a strategy.

As your Financial Advisor, I’ll work with you to create a strategy — one based on the realities of both your life and the financial world. Meet with me, and let’s get your future started.

Jan Jernigan Vice President Financial Advisor 1320 MAIN STREET, SUITE 800 Columbia, SC 29201 +1 803 343-8948 jan.jernigan@morganstanley.com

The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. GP11-01362P-N09/11 7177572 MAR003 10/12

July/August 2014 | 9

From The Editor

July/August 2014

2014

Happily Summertime Getaways • Best Burgers • Women in Business • Super Lawyers

D

May/June 2014

o you cry at weddings? I do, but it’s much more complicated than shedding tears of joy for the happy couple. No, 36 years into this matrimonial thing, I know that the bride and groom have no idea what they’re in for.

The joys, the challenges, the hard work, and the years of shared experiences.

Every marriage has its hills and valleys if we’re honest, but watching Alicia Barnes and Jacob John, Jr. repeat their vows, then go on to throw one heck of a party, I felt confident they have what it takes to negotiate all the twists and turns life will bring them. It’s a privilege to share some of their special moments with you.

When you’re planning your celebrations (or day-today needs, for that matter), make sure you’ve taken note of the winners in our “Best Of ” awards, presented in this issue. Many of these companies were already on our radar. Others are newcomers, relatively speaking. Check them out. You’ll be reminded of many of your favorites, while discovering new possibilities that are present, here in our local world.

And there’s so much more in this issue. Trends from favorite interior designers. A beautifully designed home interior. Nearby island getaway. Movers and shakers. Scintillating summer salads. Wedding attire tips. Interactive children’s books. Art therapy.

All sorts of delights await you in this issue, so take us with you on your summer vacation or weekend getaway. Just don’t leave CLM behind. You’ll want us on your coffee table, at least until football season begins.

Columbia Living

g n i h t y r e v E f o t s e The B

www.columbialivingmag.com

Best Of Columbia Winners

Ever After

Alicia Barnes Jacob John Jr. Say Their Vows

&

Design Chic

Back to School

Looking Lovely

(Yes, Already)

Summertime Salads

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/columbialivingmag

Katherine Pettit Managing Editor Editor@ColumbiaLivingMag.com

10 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Tiffany Bakery

Elegant Yet Accessible July/August 2014 | 1

1 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

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July/August 2014 | 11

Home of the Lifetime Warranty Battery

109 Old Chapin Road • Lexington, SC www.elitevapors.com

r e m m u s o t Spring inwith weight-loss surgery Summer is a great time to start your weight-loss journey.

But the best way to enjoy the lighter days of summer is by being at a healthy weight. At the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center at Lexington Medical Center, our weight-loss surgery experts have helped thousands improve their looks, health and self-esteem.

And we can help you, too.

Call 866-560-4415 or visit SCObesity.com to learn more or to register for one of our free monthly seminars.

12 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Buzz art seen

news maker

healthcare

staff picks

Lyssa Harvey has touched so many lives with her talent and compassion.

July/August 2014 || 13 May/June 2014 13

buzz art seen

Art as Therapy

LL

By Rachel Haynie Photographs by Jay Browne

yssa Harvey uses art in a safe haven to help children and adults with the healing process.

Showing up represents 80 percent of success in life, so Woody Allen has said.

Lyssa Harvey begs to differ.

Eighty percent is not nearly enough.

Through her work with children and adults, as owner of The Art and Play Therapy Center of South Carolina, this artist believes showing up is only a small part of the success equation. “For me, the entire 100 percent is to be fully engaged.” That keen and intentional focus results in the healing Harvey hopes for on behalf of clients, mostly children, and also benefits parents or guardians who turn to her for help with a broad spectrum of issues.

C h i l d re n a re n a t u r a l l y creative, and it’s easier for them to draw a picture or play than to answer questions directly. They may be reluctant or even hostile about discussing certain topics.

Creating artwork or playing in the therapeutic playroom is a nonthreatening way to tackle tough issues. Allowing the children to talk about their artwork and observing their play can provide therapists like Harvey with the openings they need to get at the heart of the problems affecting their young clients.

Both art and play have time-tested therapeutic models that can work to alleviate stress associated with illness or disability, or tap into trauma or hurt on levels other efforts cannot reach.

Although art therapy and play therapy are different models, the creative nature of each can be manifested in something tangible, something that provides cues for an experienced therapist to see and relate to.

The first case describing the therapeutic use of play was published in 1909 by Sigmund Freud, whose observations supported his theory that the difficulties of a child he was studying were related to emotional factors.

As early as Plato’s lifetime, observation of an individual at play was recognized as revealing. The Greek sage noted: “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

14 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

But before discovery, Harvey explained, “They must feel safe.

Building trust is my first objective.” As a child and adolescent therapist for more than 25 years, she has learned it is common “for children to respond apprehensively, even negatively, to a typical clinical setting.” Children, who generally have limited vocabularies, are likely to be fearful or have difficulty expressing themselves effectively – in words. Whether the model Harvey is informed by in a given session is art, play, or a combination, the stage is set well before a client arrives for the appointment. The playroom she has created is inviting, with colors and toys that say to a child: “Come in. We are here for you. In this room you are safe.” In particular, Harvey said the playroom’s sandbox is often the feature that draws a young client into revealing hard-to-convey feelings.

What toys a child gravitates to, and how s/he interacts with them elicit clues that guide Harvey’s questions, each designed to open another closed door shielding the young client’s issues.

When it comes to art therapy, Harvey generally provides those with whom she is working age-appropriate art supplies, perhaps gives them a prompt, and then sets them free to express themselves.

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Our casseroles are made of the finest ingredients right in our store. Simply pick up your casserole, defrost, and bake.

Open 10am-6pm Monday-Friday 1208 Laurel Street • Columbia, SC 29201 803-764-1673 • PMinch@casserole2go.com

reaching for the stars.

Four floors above the earth, these steel legs will support a fully digitized telescope that will place STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) into the hands of every school-aged child across the state.

A first for our nation, remote access of this vintage telescope, housed in the museum’s future observatory, will be granted to every school from the Upstate to the Lowcountry – no matter the technology, no matter the school.

The State Museum’s dedication to educating students is climbing to new heights and is reaching for the stars like never before.

Coming this summer Observatory • Planetarium • 4D Theater • Antique Telescope Gallery • New Lobby • New Store • New Meeting Spaces July/August 2014 | 15

buzz art seen

With their pictures as guides, Harvey leads a conversation about aspects of the artwork as a means of understanding what thoughts or feelings they may represent. With the resulting feedback, she begins to develop an effective treatment program aimed at helping the child move forward.

How children benefit from art or play therapy – or a combination – vary as diversely as the individual is unique. Professional therapists trained to recognize what inner feelings a child’s art or play manifests are knowledgeable about the available models, as though they embrace a symbolic language.

Harvey explained that, through a variety of applications, art therapy can provide a creative outlet for children struggling with the circumstances of their lives. “For example, a child may decipher the meaning of a picture and open up to discuss the underlying issues that inspired the artwork.”

Outcomes are not always reached easily, but over time, progress can be made. Here, patience is not only a virtue, but a necessity. One of the reinforcements Harvey experiences through working with children is that “they are innately creative and want balance and normalcy in their lives. By being present, an experienced, client/ child centered therapist allows children to lead the way, and that helps to direct where help is needed,’ said Harvey, who earned her Masters of Art Therapy at the University of Hertfordshire, in St. Albans, England. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Georgia (UGA) and an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of South Carolina. She is a certified Art and Play Therapist as well as a South Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor.

Harvey longed to be an artist, especially in her studies at UGA and abroad, but was more drawn to the helping profession as a career. Eventually, though, she put herself through the same freedom-finding process she leads clients along. “I had to give myself permission to call myself an artist. It took a number of years before my various paths came together.”

Once the synergy of artist converged with art and play therapist, 16 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Harvey’s creativity blossomed quickly. “When I began to paint, I was energized in a spiritual way, and art became a gift to me,” said Harvey, who celebrates her 60th birthday soon.

Within a few years after she ventured onto her own art path, in search of the same balance and beauty she seeks as a therapist, she formed membership affiliations with the South Carolina and the National Watercolor societies, and began exhibiting – locally, and in Charleston. She is represented in a number of galleries.

Often working in series, she recently completed a suite of bold and colorful abstracts she calls “watercolor blessings.” Beyond art, she describes a blessing as being aware of the presence of good in the world and in your own life.

As a way of counting her blessings within her community, Harvey reaches out and gives back in specific and heartfelt ways.

As a co-chair of the Columbia Holocaust Memorial Committee, she has used her art – and her knowledge of art’s power to communicate – in her Holocaust Education work with schools.

This past year she volunteered to help Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRC) by suggesting Windows to the Heart as MIRCI’s theme for its annual fund-raising gala. When the board responded so enthusiastically to Harvey’s suggestions, she took that as her cue to suggest art classes for clients. As MIRCI Executive Director Julie Ann Avin remarked, “I have been simply amazed to see the pieces of art created by our clients. Watching the healing people are experiencing as they create has been even more impressive than the art itself.”

If you take a look at Harvey’s art, in particular, her sculptural work in clay, you’ll notice that it portrays the female figure in stressful arrangements. The sculpture symbolizes how women often feel inadequate in some of their roles since the expectations vary so greatly and pull them in many directions. “Helping others to develop a sense of well-being and balance in their lives is my work. When I know that I may have helped to make a different, it is a joy as great as creating art.” ◼

Unplug & Play Put down the phone and enjoy time away from all the stress as a member of Cobblestone Park Golf Club. A brand new clubhouse will top the impressive list of amenities this summer, ushering in fantastic dinning, event space and more.

Make relaxation a regular occurrence in 2014 with memberships starting as low as $110/month!

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July/August 2014 | 17

BUZZ news maker

Inviting, Soothing, Healing This spa has all the elements and services you’d expect from a top quality spa.

Enjoy some downtime, soon.

O O

By Deena C. Bouknight Photographs by Sally Taylor

CCO Luxury Spa is a destination where Guests feel pampered the minute they walk inside the doors, according to Chaz Ellis, Director of Sales and Marketing for the company located in the Vista. The interior is designed in soothing hues of grays, blues, and creams, various natural textures, and creative eclectic furnishings; the interior’s novel design includes chandeliers, distinct lamps, upholstered chairs, and an exposed ceiling. Candles add to the inviting ambiance. Outside in the courtyard is a soothing waterfall in a contemporary setting.

OCCO is newly owned by Tara and Roger Boyer, also successful business owners of Two Men and a Truck. It already had what was a “great foundation,” yet the Boyers plan to provide even more to clients.

The retreat has all the favorable elements to elevate it as “the” premiere spa in Columbia. It is conveniently located on a quiet side street near the intersection of Huger and Gervais Streets in a renovated historic building. All of the highly trained and talented nail technicians, estheticians, and massage therapists tout extensive backgrounds in their fields and offer individualized pampering. In fact, the staff is trained to focus on specific needs and to answer questions; the goal is for the client never to feel rushed.

Before the Boyers took over ownership of OCCO, they were clients at the spa. Says Tara Boyer, “We were impressed with it as clients and felt like we were truly being individually pampered. That is the experience … the unique adventure … we are continuing to provide our guests.”

Ellis explains there is such an array of services that clients can expect to have most or all needs met as they relate to spa treatments. One of the most indulgent and healthful treatments is the Steamy Wonder, which involves detoxing and moisturizing.

The Steamy Wonder begins with a gentle exfoliation and ends with a body massage, and it includes a mud and herbal treatment coupled with steam application.

Clients have a variety of packages to choose from – whether to treat themselves or someone special. Packages run from a basic introductory package – The Vista – all the way up to The Ultimate – perfect for even the most seasoned spa-goer. The four-hour Ultimate spa package includes a Steamy Wonder, a personally designed custom massage, a Signature Facial, relaxing manicure and a pedicure.

18 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Education: Dr. Fred Sykes: BS, Virginia State University, Meharry Medical College.

Dr. Chandra Sykes-Smith: BS, University of SC, Meharry Medical College, MSD, Case Western University

We strive to provide the best quality of care to the most vulnerable (those in pain); to make pain go away and stay gone.

Dr. Fred L. Sykes Dr. Chandra Sykes-Smith

7024 Brookfield Road • Columbia, SC 29223 803.419.1327

Residency: Dr. Fred Sykes: Endodontics at Eisenhower Medical Center, US Army and Medical College of GA. Dr. Chandra Sykes-Smith: General Practice Residency at Samuel Stratton VA Hospital, Endodontics at Case Western University Specialty (both): Endodontics

Professional Affiliations (both): American Assn of Endodontics, American Dental Assn, SC Dental Assn, SC Assn of Endodontics, Greater Columbia Dental Assn; Dr. Fred Sykes: American Board of Endodontics

Awards: Dr. Fred Sykes: Various military awards after 26 years of active military service including service in the Republic of Vietnam, Retired from active duty as a Colonel.

Dr. Chandra Sykes-Smith: Ohio Dental Assn Table Clinics Presentations; Table Clinic Presentations at American Assn of Endodontics (2009), Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary Int’l

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BEFORE There are lots of opinions as to how much of your remodeling costs can be recouped in home price. My home was appraised in 2010 for interest rate reasons. I remodeled and had it reappraised in 2013. It appraised for the original value plus 95% of what I spent with Remodeling Services Unlimited, Inc.” – Stephen M.

AFTER We handle all phases of commercial and residential new construction and renovation from space planning and design through construction and finishing. In our more than 30 years of service to the Columbia area, we have built a reputation for outstanding workmanship, creative design solutions, and reliable, thorough service.

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to fifteen for an unforgettable celebration, whatever that occasion may be! The retail boutique offers a unique variety of candles, skincare items, fashionable accessories and aromatherapy products – a gift for even the most particular recipient can be found here. ◼

There are several massages to choose from: Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, couples, sports and custom. Nail technicians offer natural nail manicures and pedicures, as well as lavish, upgraded services – such as the Hot Stone Pedicure.

Trained makeup artists will provide full instruction and tips – or assist with makeup application for special occasions.

In addition, clients are offered brow and lash tinting as well as full waxing services.

Two exciting new offerings for OCCO Clients are being added over the summer. Estheticians will be providing organic, air-brushed tanning. This service incorporates a patented, rapid-development system. Additionally, Rejuvenations Medical Spa will be offering Botox and Juvederm injectables, truly making OCCO a destination for every client’s needs.

It’s the perfect location for a special event – it has the ability to host groups of up 20 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

OCCO Luxury Spa 1218 Pulaski Street (just off Gervais, in the Vista) 787.7546 occoluxuryspa.com.

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 9am to 7pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Closed on Sundays.

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Tree Removal ~ Tree Pruning ~ Plant Health Care & More!

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Thanks to all who voted for us “Best Salon / Barber Shop for Men”

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Connell’s Barber Shop Next to Goodwill in the Kmart Shopping Center 760 West Main Street • Lexington, SC (803) 356-6060

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Time to Get Your Kid’s Checked

by The Experts!

THE LICE EXPERTS 803.730.4386 Columbia Lice Treatment Center 217 Pickens Street Columbia, SC 29205

Healthcare Professionals With Proven Success www.PediatricHairSolutions.com July/August 2014 | 21

BUZZ healthcare

“Weighing Your Weight-Loss Options” There are alternatives which help you get healthy. Here’s one possibility.

II

By Jennifer Wilson

t’s not easy to spend time on the beach, at the lake or in a pool during the summer wearing your swimsuit when you’re overweight. What’s more, excess weight makes it difficult to keep up with fun summer activities. And, when the weight problem is severe, it becomes a serious detriment to your health.

Obesity is a significant problem in South Carolina. We have the 4th highest obesity rate in the nation. Statistics show that more than 31% of South Carolinians are obese - that means they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30. In addition, there are some counties in South Carolina that have a 90% obesity rate among their populations.

Our lifestyle is a cornerstone of the epidemic.

“We live fast-paced and hectic lives, often eating fast food, eating in a hurry and eating foods without appropriate nutrition content,” said Dr. Marc Antonetti of the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center at Lexington Medical Center. “If we want to be healthier, we need more proper eating habits.”

Physicians at the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center, a Lexington Medical Center physician That’s where the South Carolina Obesity practice: Left to right: Jim Givens, MD, FACS; Gray Hughes, MD, FACS; Marc Antonetti, MD, FACS and Glen Strickland, MD, FACS Surgery Center at Lexington Medical Center comes in. While we know that eating a balanced diet and exercising will help us lose weight, many people need some “A good candidate for weight-loss surgery is someone who extra assistance. With a comprehensive team of clinicians, the is motivated to lose weight and sees the surgery as a way to assist physician practice offers many options that teach people how to in the process, not the whole answer,” said Dr. Glen Strickland of eat properly – leading to a lighter, healthier future. the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center.

The South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center offers several That’s because no weight-loss surgery is a magic solution. minimally invasive surgical options for weight-loss patients. Each Instead, it’s a tool that teaches patients about portion size and how of the procedures involves creating a smaller stomach pouch for to eat properly. And patients must adhere to a series of steps to the patient. By doing so, the patient feels full after eating a smaller achieve the best results. Each patient is required to attend a free amount of food. Over time, they take in fewer calories and lose seminar to learn about the different types of weight-loss surgery weight. and what the process involves. Also, patients need to commit to “Bariatric surgery patients are usually able to return to work a lifestyle that incorporates healthy meal plans filled with lean and normal activities within just 2 to 4 weeks of their surgery,” said proteins, whole grains, fruit and vegetables, crafted and supervised Dr. Gray Hughes of the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center. by bariatric dietitians at the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center.

There are also emerging incisionless technologies, including In addition to weight-loss surgery, there are other options.

Primary Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal (POSE). In fact, the Over the past year, the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center has been selected as one has begun a non-surgical weight-loss program for patients who of 11 sites in the nation to participate in a clinical trial for this may not meet criteria for surgical intervention, or who simply procedure. Designed for patients who would like to lose 30 to 50 want to pursue weight loss supervised by a physician. In this pounds, POSE stitches the stomach to make it smaller using a tube program, a physician looks at your medical history, adjusts your through the patient’s mouth. Recovery time is excellent. Patients lifestyle and incorporates consultations with nutritionists and an have returned to work in as few as three days. exercise therapist.

Many weight-loss surgery patients have a history of losing The principles taught in weight-loss programs are especially weight, then gaining it back – the phenomenon known as “yoimportant for our children, who represent the fastest growing area yo dieting.” Often, they also have developed complications from of the obese population in our country. Studies show that if parents weight gain including diabetes or high blood pressure. are overweight, their children are 4 to 5 times more likely to be

22 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

overweight. Doctors say the reasons are playing video games or watching TV more than they’re playing outside, eating portion sizes that are too big, or processed foods with high fat and carbohydrate content. It means that the current generation of children may have a shorter life expectancy than previous generations.

Doctors advise that obesity can also increase a person’s risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer. It adds up to higher health care costs, too. Studies show that people with a BMI more than 30 pay an average of $1,429 per year more for health care than a person of normal weight.

The South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The first practice in the Midlands to offer bariatric surgery, its physicians have performed more than 5,000 surgical procedures. That’s more than any other program in South Carolina. Thousands of patients have been able to get their lives back with help from this physician practice, changing their health and leading more fulfilling lives. The physician practice will follow its patients for life. It’s truly a life-changing event.

For more information on weight-loss options, visit SCObesity. com. You can learn more about weight-loss surgery, read a blog with health tips and calculate your BMI. And visit the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center on Facebook for nutrition tips and healthy recipes.

“Success Story”

Georgine Gersdorff of Chapin had gastric bypass surgery at Lexington Medical Center in February 2014. She has lost 73 pounds so far. The 41-year-old office manager is more than halfway to her goal weight. She shares her story in her own words.

When I was growing up, food was always part of life’s most important moments. It was there at happy times and sad times.

My mom taught me how to cook. I loved cooking. Then, I loved to eat the food I cooked because it was so good. Mashed potatoes with gravy, pasta, pizza, and macaroni and cheese were my favorites. I also cooked for neighbors and friends. I saw food as a way to make people happy. And when others let me down, I turned to food for comfort.

At 5’9”, my heaviest weight was 278 pounds. That’s when doctors recommended that I look into weight-loss surgery.

I’ve learned that weight loss surgery is not a cure for all of your problems. It just teaches you how you should have been eating.

I’ve learned how to make healthy choices.

On a typical day, I drink a protein shake for breakfast. For a mid-morning snack, I have yogurt, fruit or a hard-boiled egg. One of my lunch favorites is a small turkey, white bean and spinach enchilada with a whole-wheat or egg-white wrap. For an afternoon snack, I like a stick of string cheese. An example of my dinner is a black bean burger without the bun.

I like to use a small plate and a salad fork for meals. To me, the food seems bigger that way.

I’ve had one piece of macaroni and cheese since my surgery.

Surprisingly, it didn’t taste good to me anymore. This experience has changed my whole outlook on food.

I go to the gym after work. I can now do 35 minutes on the elliptical machine - something I couldn’t imagine before surgery.

And I lift weights for 15 to 20 minutes.

I’m down three sizes so far – from a 20 to a 14. And size 14 is pretty baggy on me. I now weigh about 200 pounds. I’d like to lose 40 to 50 more pounds.

This experience has not only been appearance altering, but it’s also changed the way I think about the world and how I feel about myself. It’s been life changing. I want to reach out to other people who need help with weight loss so that I can help make their lives better, too. ◼︎ Before: Georgine Gersdorff (pictured with her son Anthony) before weight-loss surgery at 278 pounds. After: Georgine Gersdorff four months after weight-loss surgery at 205 pounds.

You vot e d, we count e d.

Ol d faFood, vorites,drisurpri s es, newcomers. nEnj k, servi c es, ret a i l . oy!

Compiled by Katherine Pettit, Kristine Hartvigsen & Lisa Arnold

24 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Best of Food

Appetizers

Bonefish Grill

Talk about the Bang Bang Theory! As in the spicy Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.

You’ll need a refreshing cocktail with that. There’s actually someone in charge of “beverage innovation.” Upscale seafood restaurant with two Columbia locations offers a savory starter menu with something for everyone. Crab cakes. Bacon wrapped scallops. Calamari. Tuna sashimi. But don’t tell Schrödinger’s Cat. 407.1599 Authentic American

Hampton Street Vineyard Be sure to ask about the flash-fried oysters, a popular menu special. In a word, heavenly.

Lovely downtown eatery with sumptuous seafood-rich menu. Customers also rave about the pork tenderloin and prime rib.

Extremely knowledgeable professional staff. Romantic downstairs dining room plus sidewalk tables for dining alfresco amid colorful potted plants. Unbeatable ambiance. This place is known for its extensive wine collection. 252.0850

is just one of many fine details that make Rosso a top destination for great Italian food and spirits. Ingredients are locally sourced from such places as Caw Caw Creek Pork and City Roots Farm. After experiencing Rosso’s signature red decor, leather seating, open kitchen and woodfired aromas, you’ll be smitten. 787.3949

Authentic Mexican San Jose

Can you say Happy Hour? A margarita or Dos Equis goes down great with fresh guacamole, salsa, and complimentary tortillas. That will bring many in the door, but the tasty, generously portioned Mexican fare keeps folks coming back.

From savory burritos to satisfying fajitas, this festive eatery has many convenient locations. San Jose is the kind of place where the staff knows the names of their regulars. There’s a kids menu, fast service, and the prices will please budgetconscious families. www.sanjosemex. com.

Authentic Asian Miyo’s

You can buy gorgonzola pre-crumbled, but the owner of Rosso in Trenholm Plaza worries about moisture levels and buys high-end, large cuts to crumble on site. This

Breakfast Spot Café Strudel

After a triumphant night on the town, there’s nothing better than Strudel’s famous “hangover hash browns” or a todie-for omelet. Great lunches (check out the quarter-pound stuffed burger), rich coffee and sumptuous desserts, but brunch is a hands-down favorite. Eclectic décor with local art on walls, even a repurposed sewing table, replete with foot pedal, perfect for seating a single or couple. Reasonably priced. Cozy feel, friendly staff. 794.6634

Burgers Five Guys Where else can you order a burger 250,000 ways? More than a dozen franchises in South Carolina. Just look for the red and white checker décor. Award-winning burgers and splurge-worthy fresh cut French fries. Menu is limited, but that’s the point. Five Guys specializes in burgers. For those burger-averse, there are hot dogs, too.

You’ll enjoy mouth-watering scents from the minute you enter. www.fiveguys.com

Candy/Chocolate The Gourmet Shop

Growing family-owned dynasty offers fresh Asian cuisine. Multiple locations. Chic decor and intoxicating aromas invite you in; delicious food from wide-ranging menu keeps you coming back. Healthy selections include a variety of sushi, edamame with sea salt, steamed pork dumplings, lettuce wraps, and vegetarian dishes. Seafood galore. General Tso’s chicken is a huge crowd-pleaser. Wide assortment of wine, beer, cocktails. 781.7788

Authentic Italian Rosso Trattoria Italia

and offers a variety of beverages to slake any thirst. Kitchen’s open late, and madefrom-scratch quesadillas are their specialty.

Tube steak fans should try the deep-fried dogs. Laid-back and full of fun. 771.1558

Bar Tin Roof You know the great sound of rain on a tin roof ? This place is full of great sounds, from live music nearly every night (Dierks Bentley played here) to young professionals cheering their favorite team on the big screen. Of course, the bar itself is the hub

A sensory smorgasbord in charming Five Points. Walk in and be dazzled. Enormous selection of culinary treats on display.

Everything the discriminating gourmet might need. Wines, cheeses, specialty sausages, cookware, kitchen linens. The star of the show is an array of fine chocolates, from Godiva to Taza. And this is one of the few places you can find Neuhaus Belgian chocolates and even purchase a handselected “ballotin” (gift box). Custom gift baskets available. Lovely café next door.

799.9463

Best of

Chef Kristian Niemi His love of rustic Italian cuisine has made Rosso Trattoria Italia another triumph in Chef Kristian Niemi’s substantial stable of restaurant successes in Columbia. With attention to his craft, as well as local sourcing, his work continues to shine and Columbia lovers of excellent food flock to his tables. Fun fact: he once spent time as a Farsi translator of U.S. Army intelligence units. Folks around here know that when he tackles a project, the results will be nothing short of spectacular. 787.3949

Cocktail Selection Art Bar This is the kind of place where The Big Lebowski might shuffle in for an outof-this-world White Russian. Highly eclectic crowd. Folks from all persuasions are comfortable here. Preppies, punks, Mad Men, accountants, belly dancers, and more come in for standard beers and wines. Lengthy cocktail list runs gamut from cosmopolitan to dirty martini. They’ll even concoct a custom cocktail and name it after your tribe if you ask. You’ll be shaken and stirred. 929.0198

Coffeehouse Starbucks

It’s a place where just ordering is an art form. Where hipsters write their screenplays and college kids surf the net. For a joke, tell them your name is “Bueller” and walk out. Seemingly unlimited coffee choices.

Seriously strong java that goes so well with decadent bakery offerings, from banana bread and assorted pastries to indisputably addictive cake pops. Now they even offer Oprah’s Teavana chai tea. Great vibe, high quality. www.starbucks.com

Craft Brewer Conquest Brewing

Beer aficionados appreciate the snarky, bearded proprietors, who are passionate about their craft and fairly likely to plunk down next to you and discuss the various smoky undertones, bready essences, or malt profiles of any beer on the menu. Located 26 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

near Williams-Brice Stadium, Conquest’s “pint-sized” tasting room offers a range of suds, from blondes to coffee stouts. Try seasonal offerings or take home a growler of Artemis Blonde any time. Available in bars and restaurants around town and also carried by Green’s and Morganelli’s. marketingatconquest@gmail.com

Desserts Nonnah’s The perfect place to duck in for dessert after the ballet or philharmonic. Cozy, romantic ambience. Doubles as a gallery featuring the work of local artists. Dramatic flaming desserts prepared tableside include such favorites as Crepes Suzette and Cherries Jubilee. Like a child, you’ll want to press your nose up to the display case, which gushes forth with all manner of cheesecakes, super tall layer cakes, fruity pies, and even Linzer tarts filled with raspberry goodness.

779.9599

Family Restaurant Flight Deck

If you think delicious “airplane food” is a thing of the past, you haven’t been to the Flight Deck in Lexington. Great family atmosphere with fun aviation theme.

Unbelievably diverse menu has something for everyone − even the pickiest eaters. An onsite arcade entertains restless kids. Entrée names like the “Tailgunner,” “Memphis Belle,” and “Spruce Goose” are clever and creative. Dessert case at the entrance tempts everyone. Go ahead and take home a dozen homemade cookies. 957.5990

Fine Dining Saluda’s Restaurant

White tablecloth setting, 21 wines by the glass, southern cuisine with French and Italian overtones, and exquisite attention to detail. (You don’t get a fine dining accolade without all of the elements meshing perfectly.) Try the lobster bisque, shrimp and grits, sweet tea pork chop and anything on special. Climb those stairs and know you’ve got one fabulous meal waiting. And don’t skimp on dessert. Another fine dining marker – every part of the meal is divine.

“Elegant but not snooty.” 799.9500

Happy Hour Cantina 76 The perfect spot to unwind after one of those days. Their margaritas are legendary, but don’t ignore the strawberry basil – tequila, lime juice, triple sec, muddled with strawberries and basil. Hello downtime.

Happy hour from 4-7 (except Saturdays), a dollar off all drinks and special deals of the day, including wine nights, beer specials and so much more. Try the Honeysuckle margarita when you’re looking for a very special flavor – all grown up. Devine St. 708.6004. Main St. 764.1769

Healthy Fare Zoe’s Kitchen Two locations in Columbia. Marinated slaw which is quite addictive and tastes fresh and healthy. Yummy Greek salad, chicken salad, hummus, and kabobs. Don’t forget their fresh limeade, a perfect combination of tangy and sweet. And when you’ve had enough of healthy, there’s always Yaya’s handmade chocolate cake. Eat in, take out, or pick up several pints to treat a friend.

782.1212

Late-Night Menu Hunter-Gatherer Brewery OK, you’ve come out of some event at Koger and hunger strikes. A couple of blocks away, you’ll find Hunter-Gatherer, cheerfully serving their entire menu until 10 on week nights and 11 on weekends.

Pizza? No problem. Blackened Shrimp Po-Boy? On the way. Mac n cheese, beerbattered chicken thighs, a big burger? Keep it coming. Enjoy the music, the people and the great beer. 748.0540

Lunch Spot Motor Supply Company It’s the kind of bistro that makes you want to stretch your lunch hour and linger longer. Its appealing location makes it perfect for a business lunch, or to meet a buddy for a tasty break in the work day. The menu reflects what’s fresh, with a strong nod toward farm-to-table and in-house

details. It’s always good and very special.

(New Chef Wesley Fulmer is concocting innovative dishes.) 256.6687

Outdoor Dining Carolina Ale House

It just feels like a party on the rooftop deck at Carolina Ale House. (The live music on Saturdays, from 8-11 is an added bonus, but even every other night, the place is buzzing with food, drink and lively conversation. A favorite with professionals who can leave their cares behind up on the roof, Carolina Ale House has the atmosphere that brings people back over and over. 227.7150

Salads California Dreaming Pub/Tavern Flying Saucer Draught Emporium If you want to work at the Flying Saucer, you’ll need a “working” knowledge of the beer. That can be quite a challenge with more than 80 beers on Tap, plus more than 100 bottles. The atmosphere is comfortably pub-y, and specials keep things lively. Want to explore the wonderful world of specialty beer? Ask for a sample and discover the delicious difference amongst brewskies. 933.9997

Who tasted the first oyster, fresh from the creek? That brave soul started something and we’re happy to continue the tradition.

With fresh mignonette and briny bivalves, Pearlz delights. Ask about specialty varieties. They really do absorb taste from the terroir and you will find a favorite. Peel and eat shrimp (try chipotle-lime aioli) and tuna tartar, plus lots of thoroughly cooked options. A little live jazz never hurts either.

(See Pearlz profiled, this issue) 661.7741

With almost 70 ingredients (including love’em or hate’em anchovies) there are literally thousands of combination possibilities to build your pizza. Fancy smoked Gouda with blackened shrimp, eggplant and roasted veggies? Not a problem. Za’s is a Shandon favorite and has been for years, with folks eating in, taking out, or picking up and baking it at home. In other words, having it your way is all over this eatery. 771.7334

Seafood Blue Marlin Award-winning Shrimp and Grits, shecrab soup that’s a cut above, salmon Pontchartrain that wins raves from someone who doesn’t like salmon. They’re known for their Lowcountry seafood (as well as their collards, but that’s another story). When the catch of the day is parmesan-encrusted grouper, you’re in for a real treat. However, the fresh mahi mahi covered with shrimp and crab meat might just be the best of all seafood worlds. 799.3838

Raw Bar Pearlz Oyster Bar

Pizza Za’s Brick Oven Pizza

What makes a salad award-worthy? Fresh greens , of course, but creative combinations and unusual touches. Flexibility in the salad world? Another plus. CD has all this and more, from folks who never order anything but their signature salad, to the out-of-towner who raved about salmon salad, subbing bleu cheese dressing. The Caesar Salad with fried oysters – heaven in a bowl. 254.6767 (use Blue marlin shrimp and grits, page 67, Nov Dec 2013 issue)

Service Mr. Friendly’s

Romantic Atmosphere Al’s Upstairs Restaurant It’s been a Columbia fixture for years.

Couples come for the view and the atmosphere, and return for the food. For some, it’s an anniversary tradition. And more than a few “important” questions have been popped here. Their Italian menu wins them accolades as well. The chef specials are always great, and the Lobster Fra Diavlo hits the spice combination just right. 794.7404

Take a look at reviews and you’ll find the words “great service” many times over. It’s part of their concept – Great Food, Great Service, Great Wine. For many of their regulars as well as newcomers, the name says it all. Friendly servers who take the time to explain the menu and not just specials; a sincere welcome from the staff; accommodating special requests such as moving indoors because of a sudden chill in the air. Service. An essential component of a pleasant dining experience. They’ve got it. 254.7828

July/August 2014 | 27

Best of

This is one super indoor/outdoor restaurant, with views like no other anywhere around Columbia. During perfect summer weather, sit outside, sip your favorite frosty beverage, and imagine yourself in one of the gorgeous boats plying the waters, or docked near you.

Try the second floor dining area for a sunset view that can’t be surpassed.

The food ranges from southern favorites to steaks and burgers, plus entrée salads.

667.9715

Specialty Drink The Oak Table There are lots of reasons to go to The Oak Table, and their bar and drinks certainly contribute to this restaurant’s popularity.

Their Strawberry Harvest cocktail includes Cottle Farms strawberries and fresh mint grown on the patio. It’s muddled with Bee Trail Farms honey. Add American harvest vodka. Shake, pour over ice, and top with Cannonborough Honey Basil Soda.

A delightfully refreshing summer sipper!

563.5066

Steakhouse Ruth’s Chris Steak House Ruth’s Chris Steak House has built their top-drawer reputation on their steaks. Their signature USDA prime steaks practically melt in your mouth. Served impeccably on a very hot plate, the restaurant, located in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in The historic district, Ruth’s Chris is perfect for business lunches as well as romantic dinners. And notice the details. Perfection is the key here, and they do not disappoint.

212-6666

Sushi Inakaya Don’t let the exterior fool you. Inside, you’ll find master sushi chefs who will steer you towards the really good stuff.

The fish selection is large and the creative combinations complement the delicacies.

If they have blue fin tuna, order it. And go ahead and indulge in a good saki while you are there. It’s even a super place for a business meeting or a romantic interlude.

731-2538

Sunday Brunch DiPrato’s On Sunday’s DiPrato’s magically transforms itself from a working person’s lunchtime deli-type restaurant to a fine dining experience. Their brunch is a wonder, from Eggs Charleston (substitute crab cakes for 28 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Wine List Gervais and Vine

Canadian bacon and you’ll swear you’re in the Holy city), or perhaps banana pecan pancakes with warm syrup. Order their homemade onion sausage, too. They have healthy options, so everybody’s covered – deliciously. 779.0606

Vegetarian/Vegan Options Blue Cactus We’ll let a Yelp reviewer write this one … “Cheap as dirt, uber-delicious, vegan friendly food make the Blue Cactus, by far, my favorite restaurant anywhere. I live in Boston now, and I constantly pine for Bee Bim Bop from Blue Cactus. I’ve had the same dish from countless Korean restaurants, including top-rated restaurants in Boston and New York. Nobody really nails it like the B.C. (Everything else on the menu is delicious as well - everything vegan, that is.)” 929.0782

Waterview Dining Liberty on the Lake

This Mediterranean Wine and Tapas Bar features more than 40 wines by the glass – enough to satisfy the adventurous spirit in every oenophile. There are frequent wine tastings, wine dinners, and a wine club to further encourage stepping out into the big beautiful world of the fruit of the vine.

And the glorious thing is, you can taste to your heart’s content as you sip. Cheers!

799.VINE (8463)

FOOD TO GO Bakery Tiffany’s

You eat with your eyes, first, and at Tiffany’s, the decorations set the stage for yummy bites of delicious sweetness. Picture baby booties on the best petit fours you’ve ever tasted. Or perhaps balloons for someone’s birthday, or a monogram for a special tribute.

Petit fours offer the perfect bites, but you can always ramp up the wow factor with one of their special cakes – think chocolate overdose, my friends. (They serve breakfast and lunch, too.) 736-cake Caterer

Southern Way Catering With mobile catering capacity and two lovely venues, Southern Way Catering provides a lovely entertaining experience.

Creative and talented chefs, a great menu selection, and flexibility bring this caterer rave reviews, especially through the wedding sites. As one happy bride put it, “They are large enough to meet all your needs and small enough to give you great personal service. 783.1061

Retail Services Ice Cream Marble Slab Creamery Perhaps it’s the unlimited add-ons that seal the deal for this ice cream success story, but before the toppings there has to be scrumptious ice cream (or sorbet) and they deliver, big-time. The service is impeccable, because this is one franchise that gets it. You can count on taste, flexibility, convenience, and delighted family and friends who enjoy the results. They’ll even share some of their most popular flavor blends (Sweet Cream with Crushed Butterfinger®, Chocolate Chips & Caramel). Gervais St./765.9100; USC/550.1081; Pelham Dr./783.6243; Columbiana Place/749.4233; Village at Sandhill/419.8300

Seafood Market Ole Timey Meat Market It’s been a popular fixture on St. Andrews Road since 1975, and the place to buy top quality meats, but now, folks are turning to Ole Timey for the freshest salmon, scallops and shrimp as well as market specials, just off the boats. Peruse their great selection of specialty gourmet and down home sauces as well – just as crowd-pleasing on seafood as a good steak. Three locations: St. Andrews Road/798.2521; Lexington/358.6848; South Congaree/755.3171

Art Gallery City Art

Something for everyone. This Vista favorite has featured artists in the exhibition gallery, as well as a great representation of fine art, pottery, glass, sculpture, jewelry – you name it. Art classes are held upstairs and the artists’ supply store has the goods to create more masterpieces. There’s a framing design department and for art lovers, the ambience created here can be rented and enjoyed for parties. 252.3613

Bridal Boutique Jo-Lins Bridal For more than 20 years, Jo-Lins has provided a full range of services for the bride-to-be and her family. Wedding gowns, the perfect shoes and veil to enhance the look, and clothes for bridesmaids, mothers, and flower girls. They choose designers carefully, and after the bride has found her dream dress, they provide altering and steaming to keep the look at its best. Located in the heart of Irmo, Jo-Lins consistently wins awards from wedding sites, as well as accolades from brides. 781.9697

Bridal Registry Non(e)such

Wine Store Total Wine and More Eight thousand wines, 3,000 spirits, 2500 beers and knowledgeable staff who can really advise you on the perfect drink for that special occasion. Great prices and tastings every weekend open up a whole new world of flavors. Gifts and snacks, that upscale mixer you can’t find anywhere else and well-marked sections to help you find that Spanish Rioja you had once, at a party. Their staff selections are fun to try, and you’ll soon learn which team member shares your taste preferences. Harbison Blvd. 407-3737

their favorite bridal registry, including beautiful and often unique products, as well as impeccable service that goes the extra mile, not only for brides, but also for those shopping for the perfect wedding gift for someone they love. And there’s variety. More patterns to choose from and so much else.

254.0772

Car Dealership Jim Hudson Automotive Group For many Columbians, the relationship with Jim Hudson goes back to the 80s.

That’s 30 years of remarkable vehicles, super service and professional help. With a move to a new state-of-the-art dealership on Killian Road, customers can test drive an even larger variety of vehicles from one location. The company gives back to our community in so many ways, supporting Harvest Hope, Oliver Gospel Mission, Autism awareness, Ray Tanner Foundation and the list goes on … and on. 783.0110

Clothing, Kids Little Lambs & Ivy “Dress them cute before they grow up.” It’s easy to do, (but difficult to choose) at this very unique children’s clothing shop, located in Columbia’s Shandon area. For 26 years, the folks (who’ve watched their own little ones grow up too fast) have chosen lines that are fun and comfortable for active little ones. Hint: check out the SC-born line of Babiators – the cutest and best sunglasses for children you will ever see. 343.7070

Clothing, Men Brittons

There are many reasons the readers of Columbia Living chose Non(e)such as

Every time you wear an outfit from Brittons, you know you’re looking great, and you won’t see your outfit everywhere you go. Their motto – “First Impressions are Lasting Impressions” is oh-so-true, regardless of the venue or setting. Their clothing is unique and their professional staff well-versed in putting together the entire look. Added bonus: Check out Lucky Levinson, of Brittons staff, explaining how to tie a bow tie on You Tube – accolades worldwide.

771.2700 July/August 2014 | 29

Best of Clothing, Women Coplon’s Lisa Arnold: Sometimes after a tough day a girl just needs to hang out with a few good friends; for me it’s usually Christian, Jimmy and Stella. When I’m in need of a little therapy (of the retail kind) I head over to Coplon’s to catch up on the latest trends and say hello to the owner, Bruce Greenberg and his fabulous staff.

Located in Forest Acres, Coplon’s is both a treasure and an institution having been here over a quarter century. Coplon’s carries a wide variety of clothing, accessories (including fine jewelry) and cosmetic brands that can’t be found anywhere else in The Midlands.

Featured brands include Diane von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, Goldsign, Isabel Marant, Lanvin, Yigal Azrouel, Stella McCartney, and Bruno Cucinelli just to name a few.

In addition to the brands that they carry in the store, there are many trunk shows throughout the year. You will find shoes and bags by Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Givenchy and Manolo Blahnik again naming just a few. Alterations are done onsite (thank you!). Whether you’re headed to a football game, the islands, or a cocktail party, Coplon’s has the “famously hot” looks to keep you red carpet ready. 790.0015

Day Spa Urban Nirvana This is no one-size-fits-all day spa. Walk through the doors and you’ll be treated to a unique massage by licensed, trained professionals who know how to scout out those stress points and relieve them. Their therapeutic facial treatments help you look and feel better – more relaxed, for sure.

Male or female – give yourself a special spa day and take advantage of their complete range of services – really restorative.

Columbia: 727.1010; Lexington: 356.0119

Dentist, Adult Vista Smiles Pain-free dentistry sounds like an impossible dream, but Vista Smiles achieves 30 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

great results in a relaxing environment.

They offer cosmetic and general dentistry, as well as teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, and ongoing patient care. Dr. Gregory Wych is well-respected in Columbia, and the dental hygienists receive rave reviews from families who appreciate the calm comfort they receive there. 779.9666

Flooring Company Redd Flooring & Design Center What’s your floor MO? Classy, trendy, strong, practical? Tile, hardwood, laminate, stone, carpet, a combination?

Redd Flooring & Design Center is known for working with customers to find what works (and appeals) to you and your lifestyle. They’ve got a reputation for great choices and trained staff as well as being environmentally responsible and budgetconscious. Now you can tap-dance on that! 776.5933

Garden Center Wingard’s Nursery

First it takes a team of professionals to showcase a nursery. Experience helps, as does a natural green thumb – or many thumbs. From humble beginnings as a roadside azalea stand, Weingard’s has grown into an award-winning nursery and offers everything for the garden, from gorgeous plants to accessories, water features, gifts, workshops, and lots of ways to give back to the community through charitable events.

Some say that simply strolling the grounds is like stepping back to Grandma’s garden.

359.9091

Florist Rosewood Florist They’ve been a fixture in the Rosewood

area for years. In addition to the talent and prompt service for which they’re known, the professionals at Rosewood Florist have the ability to be sensitive during the sad occasions and jubilant for the happiest of celebrations. Traditional or contemporary, with a large inventory of fresh flowers and great skill at silk and dried arrangements, they’ve grown a large contingent of devoted customers who trust them for every occasion. 256.8351

Furniture Store Whit-Ash Furnishings With home furnishing, lighting, art, rugs, gifts jewelry and more, Whit-Ash has been in the Vista for more than 40 years.

Simply put, it’s a fun store to walk around in, sitting in the over-stuffed chairs and imagining this piece or that in your own home. You can find classic or contemporary here, but you’ll see unique pieces not found elsewhere and that pure fun! It seems to go on forever and indeed, includes about one acre of showrooms. 779.5123

Gift Store Just the Thing We’ve got so many friends who head to JTT when searching something a little bit unique and very special. With stylish fashions and all kinds of gifts in every price range, you will find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. It really is like a candy store for women looking for a great item for themselves and their family and friends. 771.9969

Golf Course Golden Hills Nestled in the heart of Lexington, Golden Hills started life as a plantation, but now is a flourishing golf community and championship course. Playing here is a challenge, in an attractive setting that invites friendly competition and selfmotivation to constantly improve one’s game. For white ball aficionados, this is about as good as it gets. 957.3355

Gym Gold’s Gym A variety of programs, convenient locations, great personal trainers and state-of-the-art equipment all combine to make gold’s gyms a favorite of fitness addicts as well as those just starting out. From calorie crunching classes to motivational tools, people stay with Gold’s because these gyms have it all and bring results. In five Columbia locations: Forest Acres, 787.4950; Columbiana Drive, 798.1000; Killian Road, 569.4653; North Lake Drive, Lexington, 359.6100; Forum Drive, 451.4496

Home Accessories Store Strobler Home Furnishings With 15,000 square feet and one location which includes items for living, home office, kitchen, bedroom and throughout the home, plus a clearance center, there’s much to explore when seeking a new look for your nest. Shoppers come back for the large selection, professional and courteous staff, and the inspiration that will help update and improve a little – or a lot. 790.6300

Home Audio/Video Upstairs Audio & Video When stores last, it’s usually because they offer a product and/or service that’s important to their customers. For more than 40 years, this brainchild of a former USC student has allowed consumers to audition products and talk with experts about custom installations and specifications. For those who want to see, touch and understand the real deal in the store before making a financial commitment, Upstairs Audio & Video has the hands-on atmosphere that appeals. 256.3277

Home Security Provider ADT It’s so much more than a security company, although that’s how they earned their chops and rightly so. In addition to great technicians (personal experience), and the most current technology 24/7, ADT offers video surveillance, wireless

security, flood monitoring, remote access, energy management and medical alerts.

A complete package that offers peace of mind. 877.473.9434

Interior Designer Ford Boyd Bailey

Homebuilder Vesta Builders This award-winning company has garnered rave reviews for their honesty, professional expertise, talent, willingness to listen, flexibility and attention to detail. Tammy and Joe Jur have extensive credentials, and Joe is a Certified Master Builder (there are three on staff ). As a result of their experience and philosophy, the homes they build are top quality, built to exacting standards, on time and on budget.

Lexington, 957.1821

Hotel Hilton Columbia Center Travelers love the 4-Diamond AAA Hilton in the Vista because of its location: close to USC, the Capital, SC State Museum, Riverfront Park, Innovista, and next door to the Convention Center. It’s also walkable to great restaurants, clubs, galleries, shopping and pubs. The outdoor saltwater pool is a nice touch, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House is on-site. Ideal to put up family and friends, and a perfect destination for locals who want an in-town getaway. 744.7800

Insurance Provider Johnston Allstate Agency Joe Johnstone is a small business owner with many friends and colleagues in the Columbia area. His experience helps him and his associates to provide customers with great service. It’s important to work with a well-respected, solid company, but on the local level, knowing your agent personally has huge advantages. Building a solid foundation for the future for home, life, cars and boats, commercial and more. It’s a good goal. 252.6091

In 1992, interior designer Ford Boyd Bailey opened Verve as a resource for her design business, Ford Boyd Interiors.

With a background that includes a BFA in Interior Design, plus study at Sotheby’s and years of creative interior design, she is highly sought-after for her skill, inspiration, taste, and ability to work with clients to enhance their living environments. You can check out her own home in the book, Trade Secrets, available in bookstores and at Verve. 799.0045

Jeweler/Jewelry Store Sylvan’s In an historic and charming building on Main Street, Sylvan’s has been building jewelry relationships for decades. With certified gemologists on staff, they also work with incredibly skilled designers for unique pieces. They have a large inventory of jewelry, watches and more, a highly-skilled service department, and they offer appraisals and cleaning. Walk into their store and you feel the quality of workmanship and service in every corner.

Did you see the Columbia Living Jan/Feb cover? Enough said. 779.2250

Kitchen/Bath Remodeler Remodeling Services Unlimited Perhaps it’s because kitchens and baths are so necessary and personal, but when remodeling happens, the nest is thrown into an uproar. And there’s the clutter, and dust, and strangers in your home. The good news is Remodeling Services Unlimited feels your pain and has helped countless homeowners July/August 2014 | 31

Best of

get through the trauma to the absolute joy of living with a comfortable, updated space.

More positives: Certified Aging in Place Specialists, Certified Green Professional and SC Master Builder. 765.9363

Landscape Designer Blue Moon Landscaping For outdoors enhancement, Blue Moon has it all: all sorts of shrubs and plants, palms, exotic and familiar for landscaping, or just touching up your territory. Their stone walkways are beautiful and practical, and their services include complete landscaping, lighting, plants, and everything in between.

Their attention to detail provides delightful little surprises, and the results of their labor and vision consistently attract testimonials from all over. 776.3838

Pediatrician Palmetto Pediatrics So your little one is sick and it’s getting late. If you call Palmetto Pediatrics, during business hours or in the middle of the night for medical advice, your questions will always be answered by a licensed pediatric nurse (BSN, RN or LPN). Parents appreciate their comprehensive care of children and adolescents. Their website offers a wealth of information to help you keep your children safe and healthy. All of Palmetto Pediatric physicians are Board Certified or Board Eligible in Pediatrics.

Several locations. palmettopediatric.com/

Bob Russell and Abb Jeffcoat have been leaders in Columbia for years, working to make this community a better place and contributing to a variety of important civic and charitable causes. Today, their company includes a group of seasoned professionals who will help you buy, sell, or rent. They offer workshops, as well as all kinds of valuable assistance for those seeking a new or different home in the Midlands. http:// www.russellandjeffcoat.com/

Salon for Women Bombshell Beauty Studio

Bombshell is a great name for this salon – high energy, eclectic, edgy team of professionals with varied experiences and lots of talent. Just the place to go for a quick touch up, or maybe a total reinvent-yourself makeover. Male or female -- you’ll enjoy the experience as they bring out a new, more vibrant, you. Word on the street is they love what they do and you’ll adore what they do for you. 779.1811

Salon/Barber for Men Connell’s

Real Estate Agency Russell & Jeffcoat 32 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Surf Shop Salty’s Board Shop This popular Shandon area shop features everything for board sports and the outdoor lifestyle that goes with it. Gadgets and accessories are great, and the paddleboards, longboards, surfboards, snowboards, skateboards (get the drift?) are first class.

It’s a little bit funky and a whole lotta cool. Great apparel for all your boarding adventures, too. See below. 748.9946

Swimwear Salty’s Board Shop A double winner! You gotta have the right swimwear to get out there and go boarding – or sunbathing, or strolling, swimming.

They have such a great selection and try to stay current with styles and top quality, including L-Space, Volcom, Billabong, RVCA, Roxy, Katin, Wellen, Quicksilver, Element, and other. Lots of these are made in the U.S., too, a good thing. 748.9946

Wedding Reception Venue Millstone at Adam’s Pond

Pool Company Griffin Pools & Spa These folks have been around for almost 40 years, building a loyal group of clients and repeat customers. From new pool construction, to renovations, repair, new equipment installation, and deck, fence, and gazebo construction, they do it all. Griffin Pools & Spa are great troubleshooters and will help you find a leak, and test your water. Lexington, 957.2121; Columbia, 776.1034/865.8888; Chapin, 941.7471

shoe shopping). Today, Jackie Howie’s fabulous store combines an elegant, comfortable shopping environment with a wide range of designer shoes in so many styles, sizes, and for every ages and budget.

Columbia’s fashionable shoppers love Kicks.

And when you notice a gorgeous pair of shoes, chances are we know where they were found. 254.3937

This is a true, old-fashioned barber shop in Lexington, with experienced professionals who have a dedicated group of clients who would never go elsewhere. It’s a great place to go for a child’s first haircut. Flat top?

Straight razor cut? Special request? Not a problem. Military and Law enforcement receive discounts, and a rewards program makes 7th cut free. 356.6060

Shoe Store Kicks It all began with a passion for shoes (and

In the South, we love to have our parties in special places, and Millstone at Adam’s Pond is special indeed. The setting is picture-perfect, and wedding couples love the service, flexibility, attention to detail, and quintessential southern feel of the place. Another plus: it can accommodate weddings on a grand scale, or small, intimate gatherings. (It’s great for all kinds of celebrations, but this is a wedding award and we’re sticking with it.) And, Southern Way Catering will make the party a tasty affair as well. (They won under catering, too!) 783.1061

COLUMBIA’S GREAT GETAWAY. Thank you for voting us “Best Hotel” in Columbia!

924 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 744-7800 www.hiltoncolumbia.com

33 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Located on site

July/August 2014 | 33

Back to School Beyond Homework Help

What every parent should know about school projects

T

By Sue Robinson

he digital age has transformed homework, projects, book reviews and research papers. Savvy parents monitor their children’s online social lives and wise parents today also effectively coach their youngsters to achieve information literacy.

This entails evaluating information, finding reliable sources and correctly crediting others’ work. Good habits learned early will carry forward to more advanced academic work. Whatever your child’s age or stage, you can help him or her become a better researcher and, therefore, a better student.

You may not know … ✓ Today, organizing a project can be overwhelming.

Whether it is an 8-year-old illustrating a timeline of an explorer’s exploits, an 8th grader writing about the history of pirates, or a senior researching his first seminar paper, everyone struggles with focus. The best first step on any project is to clearly understand the assignment and then to narrow the project’s scope so that the research can be clearly focused.

“Students are overwhelmed with information, in both digital and print forms, but they’re often not even aware of the overload,” says Ruth Thompson of the South Carolina State Library. She trains public and school librarians across the state in how to use Discus, South Carolina’s vast virtual library.

She and other information experts advise that thinking about a project, talking it over with your student, and developing a research strategy is a smart move for parents who want to help their children with research.

What’s the best way to start researching a topic you know little about or to get an idea of how to focus it? The answer may be the same as when you were a student.

“An encyclopedia often gives a wonderful overview of a topic and can serve as a helpful springboard into deeper research,” Thompson says. “As popular as Wikipedia is, however, most educators do not consider it an acceptable source. Turn instead to the Britannica School online encyclopedias provided by Discus. ✓ Librarians may operate differently today Today’s information professionals are not stuck behind desks.

They work side-by-side and in a hands-on ways coaching students.

Some are available by phone, email, chat or text. Their job is to help students succeed so tap their expertise.

For instance, the Lexington County Public Library system’s Ask a Librarian program takes reference questions by email and promises a fast response (within 24 hours except for weekends and holidays). The State Library’s Ask a Librarian program also takes email questions. The Richland County Public Library system librarians are available by phone, email, text message or Instant Message/chat and you can even book a learning coach to set up one-on-one help with a research project. ✓ The platforms changed but the best practices are the same.

Today’s students might use Power Point or Prezi or an iPad 34 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

for a class report. Or, their presentation might be an interactive multimedia story rather than a paper with one-inch margins and double-spaced text. Robust new platforms demand visual and audio elements. Just because you can find it on the web doesn’t mean it can be used without attribution or that it can be used at all. Copyright law is complicated and, in the digital age, evolving. Usually, if used for academic purposes in a classroom setting, use is allowed under “fair use.” But works used must always be cited.

“Parents should remind their children that anytime you use something – words, images – that someone else created you must give them credit,” stresses Rebecca Thomas, who supervises youth services for the Richland County Library system. “This is true for a website, a photograph or a book. Children often don’t realize or understand that someone wrote a webpage because there is no obvious author.”

You should know … ✓ What resources your child has at school, at the public library and online.

Ask your PTA to host a program on research resources. Visit your public library and explore their websites. Vast resources are at your fingertips. The Lexington Public Library, for instance, offers the 3M Cloud Library. This free app syncs to all devices so your student can check out a book and read it on the go – on reader, smart phone or tablet. [http://www.3m.com/us/library/eBook/ howitworks.html] Discus – South Carolina’s Virtual Library – offers reliable resources free around the clock. According to Thompson, Discus has age-appropriate resources. Young students in K-3rd grade will enjoy BrainPOP Jr. and Kids InfoBits. CultureGrams is perfect for older elementary students studying people and places. And secondary students can find a wide variety of sources on most major topics in the Student Research Center. ✓ How to steer your student beyond Google.

“Go beyond a Google search and Wikipedia. While there are many great websites, full of factual information, there are also many websites with incorrect or incomplete information,” says Richland’s Thomas. Databases available for free on the library’s website are reliable sources. “Students can trust everything they read in an article or entry in a library database because it comes from an authoritative source.” ◼ Online resources 1. Discus, South Carolina’s Virtual Library, [http://www.scdiscus.org/] 2. Creative Commons licensing.Search [http://creativecommons.org/] 3. Homework Help resources are posted on many library websites.

4. International Children’s Digital Library. [http://en.childrenslibrary.org/] 5. Bookmark Open Culture.com [http://www.openculture.com] 6. Audio books appeal to reluctant or challenged readers. [http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks] 7. Columbia’s Richland Library [http://www.richlandlibrary.com/recommend/directory-freedownloads] 8. Reference management systems like Zotero and RefWorks.

9. Advanced students should explore The Purdue “OWL” (Online Writing Lab), a compendium of citation and style, plagiarism and academic integrity that will set a firm foundation for college. [https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/] 10. The South Carolina Department of Education offers a link to “Parent Guides to Understanding Academic Standards.” [http://www.scfriendlystandards.org/]

Now you can have the dazzling smile you’ve always dreamed about.

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Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry are a great way to achieve a smile makeover! Take advantage of our Invisalign special: $500 off Invisalign and FREE take home whitening trays!

803-781-7901 | 900 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC | www.SmileEarToEar.com Always welcoming new patients. American Express, Visa & MasterCard accepted.

July/August 2014 | 35

Back to School The Real Scoop Organize yourself, organize your kids, and set priorities for assignments

P

By CECILE S. HOLMES

rioritize, prioritize, prioritize. That tops the list of organizational and study tips offered by University of South Carolina students and graduates to elementary, middle and high school students.

“Setting goals, planning, reaching out to your teachers, exploring what you like to do, and eventually, when you get to high school, exploring how those likes can become careers is super important,” says USC student Khadijah Dennis. “Most importantly, enjoy every moment while you can.”

Good time management ensures academic success, says Garen Cansler Parker, who holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in journalism from USC. “Learn time management when you’re in school, “ she says. “It’s really important learning how to prioritize your time and to prioritize assignments.

“When you start at the beginning of the school year, you feel like you have this huge expanse of time ahead of you,” she said. “But it goes a lot faster than you anticipate. So, instead of

HW_ColumbiaLiving.indd 1

36 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

looking at it as, ‘I have all of this time,’ capture the moment now and understand the end will be here a lot sooner than you think.”

Key to pulling off a good school year is starting projects as soon as the assignment is given, according to current and former USC students. “Complete homework. Anything further I say will be hypocritical, as I actually absolutely never studied prior to college -- which turned out to be horrible,” says Chelsi Chabourne, a USC honors college student who graduated this past spring with a biology degree. “Developing study skills is very important, rather than pursuing a higher education and finding out you have no idea how to study.”

Dennis says students should be consistent in when and how they study, “tuning out any distractions that keep you from your study goals.” Parker says students may be misled by how well they do in middle and high school classes.

“High school was pretty easy for me,” she recalls. “I didn’t have to study a whole lot until I hit senior calculus, which kicked my butt. But I was able to do enough to get by. When I got to college, I had the same expectations because school had always come easy to me. And my first year of college, I did not do well.

“One was the time management aspect of it. Knowing that there papers coming up, I would think I could wait until the last minute to get them done. But, then you have all these other classes, and other projects will come up. I would always have other work to do.

6/2/14 10:12 AM

“It just becomes a speeding train,” Parker said.

“And when the train gets ahead of you, it’s hard to catch up.”

Parents should be certain they have major input into why, how and when their children study. Not only does that include leading by example (continuing to learn as an adult), it means being an active participant in daily homework, outside-ofschool learning opportunities and positive approaches to schoolwork.

Chadbourne remembers her own parents’ rules.

During her school years, she was required to finish her homework when she got home from school. That system meant homework was done before dinner, or if she

had an extracurricular activity, right after dinner. “Firstly, I never stayed up late to finish routine homework. Secondly, I was able to fully grasp concepts, especially those that were taught in smaller steps, that I do not think I would have been able to adequately understand if I had skipped practicing several parts of the process,” Chadbourne said.

Dennis says parents must realize that the school system is not the same as it used to be when they attended school. “There is a whole new curriculum and societal influence on the average student so it’s important to learn how to adapt to these changes to further help you child succeed in this day and age.”

And Parker notes, “Learning takes place as much outside of the classroom as it does within. Parents have the opportunity for a lot more hands-on learning with your kids. You read a book all day reptiles indigenous to our area or you can take your kids to a state park and actually find those reptiles.

“What you learn from a book and what you learn from experience are both valuable, but experience seems to stay with you a bit more because you have all those emotions and memories from what you experienced.” ◼

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Wall writing at USC.

Where Children Experience Success

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Where Children Experience Success

Where God Is Embraced

Where Family Is Engaged

Where Learning Is Innovative

Where Confidence Is Inspired

Where Success Is Achieved

721 Polo Road • Columbia, SC 29223 • (803) 788-1367 • email: sjnadmin@sjncatholic.com • www.sjncatholic.com

Where God Is Embraced

Where Family Is Engaged

Where Learning Is Innovative

Where Confidence Is Inspired

Where Success Is Achieved

721 Polo Road • Columbia, SC 29223 • (803) 788-1367 • email: sjnadmin@sjncatholic.com • www.sjncatholic.com

July/August 2014 | 37

Back to School Independent Study

Tips for Parents

✐ Reach out to teachers. Ask them about how to continue effective learning at home.

✐ Provide a learning support system that starts at home.

Encourage reading and, again, learn by example. If you don’t read much yourself, change that and read more.

✐ Ask your children about their homework, even when they’re in high school. Be certain daily homework assignments are completely done. Read over them if you’re uncertain. And encourage your children to come to you with questions.

✐ Get help for the student struggling, even if that struggle is

only in one subject such as math or a foreign language. Hire a tutor or ask the teacher for extra help.

✐ Learn about new technology to be able to help your

children. Be alert and involved in their activities on social media.

✐ Take your children to the local public library, to museums, to art festival, to special exhibits. Make learning fun!

When the kids go back to school, work on a self-guided educational project (or two) of your own

B

By Sue Robinson and Cecile S. Holmes

ack-to-school season gives everyone in the household a fresh start. When school goes back in session and the fall routine solidifies, many parents also feel the energy of the season. They want to start something new: sign up for that art class, start a new journal, enroll in a workshop, finish a certification program, or get serious about working on an advanced degree.

What better way to set an example of lifelong learning and good study habits than to do your own work alongside your children?

Higher education opportunities The Midlands offers a cross section of places where adults can jumpstart their brains. In addition to other local colleges, both the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College offer classes to take towards particular degrees, continuing education opportunities and certification programs.

For example, at USC, the Office of Continuing Education and Conferences offers Carolina Classroom. It features a collection of noncredit lectures, workshops and explorations. Courses grouped around the topic, “The Great Outdoors,” give all ages a chance to learn about plants, animals, garden, landscaping and other subjects.

Covenant Classical Christian School 3120 Covenant Road Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 787-0225 cccs@covenantcs.org

Serving Grades 5K-12 Fine Arts & Sports Christian Teachers

College Preparatory Academics Spiritual Development Affordable Payment Plans

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38 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Or you can enrich your knowledge of the arts. Or bone up on that foreign language you’ve almost forgotten since college. An assortment of opportunities waits. http://www.saec.sc.edu/cec/ At Midlands Tech, you’ll find a cross section of possibilities.

Programs listed in the Midlands Tech’s online catalog include animal control,audio engineering,responsible bartending,fitness and wellness, event and wedding planning, floral design, even cake decorating. http://www.midlandstech.edu/cce/ Learning at the art museum The wealth of learning opportunities for adults in the region extends to the Columbia Museum of Art which offers more than 800 programs a year for children and adults. “Each one is an effort to make art and education available to as many people as possible,” says Dickson Monk, the museum’s communications manager.

In a brand new project, the museum soon will begin its “Creative Age Initiative.” Using a grant awarded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, that initiative will provide expanded programming to the ever-growing population of senior adults in South Carolina. Other existing programs include “About Face Drawing Sessions” in which a group of artists, representing a range of abilities, draw working with a live model.

Another class, “Artist Furniture Makeover,” has students working with an instructor. In that class, a two-day, hands-on experience, participants “add some spunk” to their junk by customizing a small piece of furniture to reflect their own styles. http:// www.columbiamuseum.org Short on time?

Cannot commit to a formal class? Embark on a self-directed study, a reading program of your own. Pick a topic that interests you and set doable goals such as a book per month. Share what you’re reading or learning with your family.

Fill in some of your own educational gaps. Were you a sciences or business major with no interest in the humanities? Did you never read much of the bard and find yourself a blank when someone makes a joke with a Shakespearean quote? Choose an author and read several titles. Add a biography of the writer. An e-book gives notes and annotations. Supplement your reading with online sources that help you understand symbolism and archaic language. Watch movies based on the books.

Pick a year, any year. Find books or plays that were published or performed in that year. Look for nonfiction and movies made near the year of your child’s birth, your birth, your parents’ births, or a time you wonder about. Read both fiction and non-fiction. Look for prizewinning works. Find an online timeline of milestones.

Landmarks such as this year’s World War I centennial and recent D-Day invasion and Brown v. Board of Education anniversaries might inspire you to know more.

Feeling really time pressured? Choose a short story collection or poetry. Read a poem a day. Supplement your reading with a biography or online research about the author.

Go back to your childhood. You might be surprised how rich your reading was or, if you weren’t much of a reader, what you missed. Revisit old favorites or seek the classics. Enrich the experience by reading biographies of the authors you are now revisiting as an adult.

Explore one topic that fascinates you—the economy, politics, art history, baseball, business, science, the Fed, jazz, global warming, poverty, gardening, fashion, you name it. Dive in.

Read at the adult level about your children’s passions and hobbies—constellations, superheroes, video games, dinosaurs, science fiction, fantasy, comic books, sports, animals. It will enrich your conversations with them and add to your cool-parent score.

And, cut yourself some slack. You do not need to finish every book you start. Giving yourself a taste of the writer’s style expands your knowledge. If a book doesn’t capture your attention, move on to one that does. Invest your precious self-study time well, in what interests you.

Some specific ideas Interested in people who created and built successful businesses? Ford, Chanel, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Edison? Read their biographies. Put Walter Isaacson’s recent Steve Jobs bio on the list.

Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas about Southern families, Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

by Tennessee Williams, will not warm your heart but they will make you think.

Explore Paris and Ernest Hemingway with the fictional, The Paris Wife, by Paula McClain. It details the start and end of the love story of the writer and his first wife. Read it alongside Hemingway’s posthumously published memoir, A Moveable Feast. It chronicles those heady days in Paris in the 1920s with Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald and others. Read the 2009 edition.

For an armchair travel experience that goes beyond the typical guidebook, discover Bill Bryson. His wry style and tart observations will give you belly laughs. You’ll also learn a lot. Read him with a map or atlas. He’s written about Australia, Great Britain, the United States and the Appalachian Trail.

Editor’s note: Hope you’ve been inspired. What fun awaits! ◼

July/August 2014 | 39

【Heathwood Hall Episcopal School】 Number of students?

720 General description of curricula?

Heathwood Hall’s academic philosophy goes beyond generic definitions of “academic rigor” and “college prep.” Our faculty teaches to the student, not to a test. Through experiential curricula and a collaborative approach, our students are inspired to think critically, make connections and love learning.

Heathwood Hall is a 3-year-old through 12th grade school with a strong Episcopal heritage of stewardship, inclusivity and respect for the dignity of every human being. The school walks with students, challenging them to balance the highest standards of scholarship, citizenship and servant leadership.

Through the richness of community, we learn, grow and worship as we cultivate and celebrate the power of the individual mind, the soundness of body and the valor of a joyful and spiritual life.

What makes the school unique?

Unique programs and opportunities during and after the regular school day foster curiosity and expertise among students of all ages. Upper school students follow their interests across the globe for one week each year through Winterim, a week-long immersion in a particular area of study. The PEAK outdoor leadership program offers ropes course experience, wilderness self-reliance, and leadership development. SEED, the environmental education program, inspires learning about conservation, scientific rigor and self-reflection.

school also earned the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s 2013 Champions of the Environment recognition.

Awards?

Since 2000, ten Heathwood Hall faculty members have been awarded the South Carolina Independent School Association’s Teacher of the Year award.

Nine students have been National Merit Finalists since 2010. We have awardwinning drama and chorus programs, and since 2005, our athletics program has won 16 state titles, including the 2014 Girls Varsity Basketball title. The

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School 3000 South Beltline Boulevard Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 765-3409 www.heathwood.org

In their own words: “We know what sets us apart is not only our academic expertise, but our collaborative approach that envelops each student in active, joyful learning,” says Dr. Michael Health, Head of School. “We prepare ambitious, curious and interesting students not only to succeed in college but to continually feel excited by life and the life of the mind.”

Contact name for assistance?

For Admission: Jane Beach, Director of Enrollment Management (803) 231-7796 beachj@heathwood.org

【St. John Neumann Catholic School】 Number of students?

335 (PreSchool – 6th grade) General description of curricula?

All grades receive religious instruction in Catholic catechism, as well as instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies. Special classes include foreign language, science lab, computer lab, library, music and drama, P.E. and art. Subject-specific field studies supplement curriculum in the classroom.

Mission?

St. John Neumann Catholic School, serving the PreSchool through 6th grade community in the Greater Columbia area, nurtures and inspires the spiritual and intellectual development of students of all faiths. Seventy percent of the students are Catholic, but they welcome students of all faiths.

What makes the school unique?

All students are assessed yearly and, through the use of Differentiated Instruction in every classroom, are given 40 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

the tools to help them reach their full academic potential while developing a strong and compassionate moral compass. SJN is a Certified Green Steps School, offering hands-on environmental learning. Technology is state-of-the-art, with iPads, SMART Boards and desktop computers available to every student. Students engage in community service through two projects per grade each year.

Awards?

Our awards and recognitions include National Blue Ribbon School (twice); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation and Highest Rating; International Alliance for Invitational Education Award and Fidelity Award; National Principal of the Year (U.S. Dept. of Education); Distinguished Principal Award (National Catholic Educational Association[NCEA]); Distinguished PSA Board (NCEA); Outstanding School Advisory Board (NCEA); and, Catholic Schools for Tomorrow Innovations in Education Award.

In their own words: “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to create an enthusiastic learning environment for your children,” says Principal Barbara Cole. At SJN, parental involvement is encouraged, she adds. “We don’t just enroll students; we enroll families.”

St. John Neumann Catholic School 721 Polo Road Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 788-1367 www.sjncatholic.com (also on Facebook) Contact name for assistance?

Janice Bliss, Administrative Assistant sjnadmin@sjncatholic.com

【Covenant Classical Christian School】 Number of students?

Enrollment for 2013-2014 was 113 students General Description of Curricula: We select curriculum resources that best support our classical Christian philosophy. These include both Christian publishers and secular publishers. Some distinctives in our curriculum include a strong phonetic reading curriculum, English grammar, Bible and Latin in the grammar school. Students study math, science and history as well as art, music and PE. Distinctives in the upper school curriculum include the study of Logic, Rhetoric and Bible. History and literature are integrated with an emphasis on primary source texts as students mature intellectually. All courses including Math, Science and Fine Arts are taught from a Biblical worldview. Seniors culminate their studies at CCCS with a Senior Thesis public presentation.

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Mission: The Mission of Covenant Classical Christian School is to infuse a Biblical worldview in all academics, fine arts and athletics to prepare students to glorify our Savior in all their endeavors.

What makes the school unique: Covenant Classical Christian School is committed to graduating young men and women who think clearly with discernment and understanding, who reason persuasively and articulate precisely, and who interpret the world through the truth of Scripture. Our school is designed to develop well-rounded young men and women who are scientists as well as linguists, athletes as well as poets.

CCCS graduates are well prepared to further their education at institutions of higher learning.

In your own words: The small classes and nurturing faculty at Covenant make the school an extension of the family and create an environment for your child in which relationship is just as important as scholarship. At Covenant, we want to help parents develop the unique gifts and skills of their children so that those children are well prepared academically and spiritually to become a generation of Christ-centered, wellrounded leaders in their homes, in their churches, and in society. ~ Kevin Bolen, Head Administrator Covenant Classical Christian School 3120 Covenant Rd Columbia, SC 29204 787-0225 covenantcs.org cccs@covenantcs.org Contact Name for Assistance: Laura Craddock

AM | 41 July/August4/30/14 2014 10:02

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42 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

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July/August 2014 | 43

BUZZ staff picks

Interactive Kid’s Books Keep summer boredom at bay and make everyone happy

II

By Courtney Webb Photographs By Jay Browne

n those first days of summer freedom is fresh and new, not only for the kids but for Mom, Dad and other caregivers too. Plans and activities abound to keep the little ones busy, active and fulfilled but as the weeks go by, summer can quickly lose its novelty.

Soon starts the desperate search for ideas, events and activities to keep children entertained and everyone else sane through the dog days of summer. However don’t fret these last months

Photoplay! Doodle. Draw. Design by M.J. Bronstein (Ages 5+) Bring out the art lover at any age with this quirky doodle book filled with black and white photographs that inspire kids or anyone young at heart to add their own imaginative drawings to complete the scenes presented. Packed full of fun drawing opportunities, it’s a fantastic way to get artists of any medium excited and enthralled for hours on end. A great choice for artists from even the most basic to advanced skill levels.

Busy Bunny Days. In the Town, On the Farm & At the Port by Britta Teckentrup (Ages 5-8) Kids of many ages will love the intrinsic detail and never ending action included in this massive seek-and-find book featuring the Bunny Family and their neighbors. With so much to look for and discuss on its pages kids will treasure the many hours of enjoyment spent between its pages. Great for encouraging discussion, problem solving and even learning to tell time as the Bunny Family goes about their busy day visiting multiple exciting locations.

At The Same Moment around the World by Clotilde Perrin (Ages 5-8) This amazing book combines breathtaking illustrations with a story that literally spans the globe illuminating cultural differences of children around the world while demonstrating how kids are all essentially the same and connected on a much deeper level despite their diversity and location. Including a fold out map that further illuminates the geography of the world and each character’s physical locale. A winner that is not only beautifully crafted but also a wonderful educational resource.

Daddy Wrong Legs by Nina Laden (Ages: Infant-2) In this silly board book young children will delight in matching up Daddy characters of all types. While creating fun characters pre-readers will also be promoting language and bonding with those with whom they cuddle up and share this unique book.

44 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

of summertime as the one of a kind award-winning publisher Chronicle Books has just the thing to fill those hours of boredom with their unique interactive books to interest young readers of all ages. Bringing in imaginative play, art and even educational tools to keep everyone happy and entertained throughout the long hot days to come. ◼

Well Styled Wedding Wedding Attire Interior Design

Raise a glass to the happy couple (with their signature mango cocktail, of course.)

Well Styled wedding

Happily Ever After

The wedding of ABC Anchor Alicia Barnes and Columbia resident Jacob John, Jr. highlighted some of Columbia’s best assets in the midst of a remarkable love story.

A

nd so, in the kingdom of the three rivers, the beautiful princess found her handsome prince and together, with family and friends watching, they pledged their eternal love as the sun set and the breezes whispered across the water.

It is a fairy tale that’s come true, but it didn’t begin as a love story. “For years we were just friends,” Alicia explained. “Jacob asked me out several times, but as he said, I would always flake out on him. Finally, we did have that date, and another, and soon, we knew this was it.”

“For me, I really knew she was the one when I took her to Charlotte, to my sister’s house, and I saw how she was with my family – especially the little ones,” said Jacob.

“I love children and I was so comfortable with everyone,” Alicia laughed. “I think that day marked our first kiss.”

Events moved swiftly after that. Eight months after they started dating, he asked THE question. But, she had to work for it.

“I was sent on an Engagement Scavenger Hunt, beginning with candles, rose petals and soothing music at my home after I left work,” Alicia said. “A bottle of red wine, one glass, rose petals, and a note telling me to relax and get a good night’s sleep.”

The next morning, she was instructed to go to OCCO Skin Studio for a relaxing spa morning.

Then, she was advised to drive to Charleston Place Hotel by Orient Express. When she arrived, Alicia was given keys to a suite, again decorated with wine and rose petals. Instructions kept coming: Wear a specific dress and meet her driver in the lobby. She did, the stranger drove her to the Battery, and there was Jacob. He dropped to one knee and proposed. She said yes. Their friend and photographer, Austin Page captured the moment, then off they went to Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill where both families and close friends were waiting. It was a magical proposal and an enchanting evening that turned into great fun and celebration afterwards. Jacob is clearly a master of organization, with a true romantic’s heart. It’s pretty much every girl’s dream come true.

46 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Just the beginning Alicia Barnes is just as organized as Jacob. With meticulous attention to detail and intensive research, she and Jacob set the wheels in motion. The ring was a cushion-cut diamond. “Jacob is my cushion,” said Alicia. “I wanted a halo setting, because he is my angel.”

They began to scout out the Invitations, venue, food, planner, music, décor, pre-wedding celebrations, dress, every detail was symbolic. And although their ethnicity is different (he has an Indian heritage; hers is AfricanAmerican), their cultural heritage is very similar. Both came from strong loving families and both families fell in love with their soonto-be new additions. In homage to both families, they decided to blend Indian and Southern details into the celebration, specifically through food and dress.

The wedding dress was made locally by Kaitlyn Marie Machos, who was a runner up in the runaway runway competition the year Alicia was one of the judges. “I fell in love with her as a designer, and wanted her to be able to showcase her talents with my dress,” Alicia said, adding, “I enjoy working with professionals who are creative, local and trendsetters.”

The invitation was done

by ByFarr Design Studio and Eunice’s Calligraphy, with an old-fashioned letterpress, adorned with jewels and presented in a bronze box – distinctive, one-ofa-kind, fabulous.

The venue chosen was Coble Plaza … downtown, next to Edventure and overlooking the river. The wedding date was set: May 25 at 7pm. The sun would be setting and temperature should be perfect.

Jessica Rourke was tapped as wedding planner. Jacob and Alicia loved her sense of style and creativity. A gazebo was designed and built to match one the couple had seen and liked. She began work on plans to transform Coble Plaza into a fairytale setting with lights, billowing curtains and comfy sofas and chairs.

“We decided to mix things up with a fusion of Southern and Indian,” Alicia explained. “Scott Hall created a menu that was

Photograph by Austin Page

By Katherine Pettit Photographs by Prime Phocus, Austin Page & MaryLou Stinson

Photograph of invitation by Prime Phocus; Photographs, this column, by Austin Page

Pedicure at OCCO

Bridal Brunch at VanJean. Below: Rehearsal Dinner at M Space

amazing such as curried chicken and honey and cardamom waffles with blackberry jalapeno sauce, fresh berries and figs, and pickled SC wild-caught shrimp on Sriracha and feta spiked Anson Mills Grit cakes with fried green tomato chutney. A full range of dishes insured all would be artistically, creatively and abundantly fed.

The signature mango cocktail was created just for this occasion.

The lead-up to the wedding would be filled with preparations that were celebrations in their own right, including: ❥ A Stock-the-Bar Wedding Shower at SakiTumi. What a wonderful party it was, with lots of fun had by all, especially Alicia and Jacob with so many of their friends present. ❥ Alicia’s pedicure at OCCO Luxury spa, one of her favorite retreats in Columbia.

Jacob was by her side. ❥ The Bridal Brunch, planned by VanJean and Pout, hosted by Melissa Blanchard, and held at VanJean. A fantastic event – the flowers, gift bags, music, decorations, and friends and family. ❥ The wonderful Rehearsal Dinner for 60 people at the beautiful new M Space ❥ An exquisite Dinner for 50 out of town guests at M Grille.

Through all of the events and planning, Jacob and Alicia took a personal interest in the process. They enhanced and added their own good taste to the suggestions. They collaborated as if they’d been doing this for years. They looked out for one another and shared everything.

The Big Day Arrives Family had traveled from everywhere.

Friends from Columbia were there. Cars arrived and beautiful guests made their way past the wedding piñata, where they were asked to share a message, joke, or bit of advice for the newlyweds, who plan to break it open and read every note on their first anniversary.

The weather was cool, and the gazebo July/August 2014 | 47

The Reception Begins Scott Hall created a signature mango cocktail for the wedding that was as beautiful as it was delicious. As guests walked up the stairs, the sounds from violinist Brian McCollough filled the air.

The breeze picked up, the guests mingled and the fabulous food appeared.

Soon the wedding party and bride and groom made their appearance, introduced by DJ Rick Smooth. They danced as the rain danced down on them. Soon, the party moved inside, next to the giant statue of Eddie, symbol of Edventure. Alicia changed into a magnificent red sari, again embracing her new husband’s background. (She should wear it on the evening news, although nobody would hear a word she said.)

The skies opened up, but it just added to the feel of the celebration. The wedding cupcakes had been made fresh that morning, courtesy Cupcake Down South. The party continued well into the night, and the foodtruck offered House made Tandoori lamb & beef meatballs in a soft bun, with pickled red onions and banana pepper chutney.

Everyone danced until it was time to leave. And when it was, the handsome prince and his new bride smiled and shared hugs all around as they left the party and began their new life together.

And, of course, we have no doubts at all … they will live happily ever after! ◼ USC Head Men’s Basketball Coach Frank Martin, with wife, Anya 48 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Bridesmaids, lovely in Indian saris

Top, middle photographs by Prime Phocus; Bottom photograph by MaryLou Stinson

stood ready. Music prepared the guests for the ceremony, beginning with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” soooooo fitting. The families were seated, and the bridal party entered to the sounds of “A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri. The bridesmaids and some family members wore saris. (The sari is associated with grace and is widely regarded as a symbol of Indian culture. They are also flowing, ultra-feminine and dropdead gorgeous.) Bishop Doyle Roberts, of the International Praise Church of God, officiated.

And then, to the music of John Legend’s “All of Me,” Alicia made her entrance, on her father’s arm. It was picture perfect, emotional, and everything a wedding should be.

The couple said their vows, joyfully and confidently, and in their first act as husband and wife, poured sand into a vase in their unity sand ceremony, accompanied by “I Wanna Love You Forever,” by Jessica Simpson. The symbolism of two individuals joining together by mixing the elements representing them, is poignant and lovely.

The vase will be a treasured keepsake in their home forever.

The gazebo awaits And then the ceremony was over. The bridal party danced their way back down the aisle, to the music of “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams (and yes, we all clapped in rhythm). Alicia and Jacob followed and the party got started in earnest.

Photographs: top and middle left, and top right, Prime Phocus; bottom left, Austin page; middle and bottom right, MaryLou Stinson

The families watch the ceremony

The kiss

The bridal party celebrates

The “Happy� walk

The rings

Alicia Barnes received a birthday card from her father several months ago. In it, he explained that her name was chosen because of a woman whose name was Alicia John who was admired by the family. Little did she know that one day, her name would be Alicia John, too.

Mayor Steve Benjamin with wife, DeAndrea July/August 2014 | 49

Well Styled

Gwen Rawls shoes – a perfect fit at Mack Homes for photographs 50 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Photograph by Austin Page

wedding

Photograph by Prime Phocus

Happily married Credits Bridal Gown Designer, Kaitlyn Marie Machos STILA Makeup Artist, Diana C.Shelton Makeup Artist, wedding, J. Renee Johnson Skin care: Natura Bisse Diamond Line Get Fresh Gwen Rawls Italian Shoes Total Bliss Salon Floral Designer, Randy Ladd Photographers: Austin Page Donna Permell MaryLou Stinson Invitations: ByFarr Design Studio Calligraphy: Eunice’s Calligraphy Jewelry Designer, Luxor Fine Jewelry in Atlanta, Manuk Wedding Planner, Jessica Rourke Caterer: Scott Hall Catering Rental Company: Celebrations, Owner Lee Pitcovich created the magic.

All bridesmaids & wedding saris: Raneez Boutique, Rani Sharma (Atlanta) *Rani even drove from Atlanta to dress everyone :) Rani, actually designed each Sari. They were made in India, and sent back. Wow!

July/August 2014 | 51

WELL STYLED attire

IN STYLE Summer is here and love is in the air!

What to wear, what to wear?

M M

ost of us are excited about attending weddings but start to have anxiety when thinking about what to wear for that special occasion. The key is to balance respect for the occasion while wearing something spectacular.

Columbia Living has your guide to navigating another wedding season! Just remember to RSVP and we’ll handle the rest!

52 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

Invitation “I received an invitation to a wedding, but it does not specify a dress code. How I am supposed to dress?”

If it is not clearly specified on the invitation, deciphering the dress code can be a daunting task. Most invitations say a lot without, well, saying a lot. If the invitation is a formal engraved invitation with lots of

tissue and reply cards, the event is black tie by implication even though it may not be stated. If the invitation specifies black tie, black tie optional, cocktail attire or casual, follow the request of the bride and groom (period). (See the Formal Fashion Dictionary below.)

Consider the crowd: Are the guests mostly friends from college, or family and friends of the family? If you speak to the

Istock.com/Omgimages

By Lisa Arnold

bride or another female member of the bridal party, you can ask about the dress code specifically. (If you see the groom, don’t ask him. Just trust me on this one.)

Nuptials “I received an invitation to a Jewish wedding and I am not of the Jewish faith. I am unsure of what to expect at the ceremony and how I should dress. Please help!”

If you are attending the wedding ceremony itself and are unsure of any religious or cultural nuances, do some research beforehand or call someone who may know the traditions. A good guideline to follow is that if it is in a church, synagogue or mosque, modesty is a must. Cover bare shoulders with a wrap or jacket, which can be removed before the reception. This will help keep you more comfortable as most sanctuaries tend to be cool. Most weddings start right on time and sometimes a little early so be respectful of this if you are planning to attend the ceremony. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony so that you can be seated without being hurried or causing stress. The bride does not want to see you in the hallway as the wedding processional lines up.

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Season “I received an invitation to a South Carolina wedding that will take place the last week of September. Can I wear a pastel colored floral print chiffon dress that I purchased over the summer? I realize that it is after Labor Day, but it is always so hot in September!”

A September wedding in South Carolina, you say? I recommend a garnetcolored dress with matching pom-poms and for him, black trousers and a football jersey. ( Just kidding - a little Gamecock humor.)

Seasonal fashion rules should be applied to weddings also. September, October, March and April tend to be daunting months in South Carolina to

get dressed casually, let alone for formal affairs. The big thing to remember here is to carefully choose a combination of fabrics and colors that don’t scream summer or winter. A sleeveless black, navy or gray dress in a breathable fabric would probably be your best choice. Carry your dress into the proper season by changing accessories.

Time “I received an invitation to a 2 pm wedding.

I’ve never attended a wedding at this time of day. Can I wear the same cocktail dress that I wore to an evening wedding last week?”

Although suits (read: very dressy) and dresses are both appropriate for daytime weddings, save the shine, beads and sequins for evening affairs. Afternoon weddings tend to be either semi-formal and conservative in nature or casual by (time) association. There is, of course, the rare high noon wedding. When you get the invite for that one, call me!

You “My boyfriend received a wedding invitation from an old college friend that I haven’t even met, but he asked me to come as his date. I asked my boyfriend what the dress code was and he said, “Wear something sexy!” Please help.”

The bride and groom will be happy that you have chosen to share their special day with them, and they will be pleased to see your boyfriend looking dapper while dancing the night away. Just remember that, well, they don’t want to see quite that much of you or your date. A little décolletage or leg is great; just don’t let it all hang out, if you know what I mean. Modesty is key for the ladies. As far as the gents are concerned (ladies also to some degree), conformity is not only expected, it is required. If you have a question about what is too sexy, don’t ask your boyfriend while trying on a dress as donning a bikini would be fine with most men. Instead, ask a trusted friend or July/August 2014 | 53

WELL STYLED atttire

a knowledgeable sales associate.

Location “I just received a wedding invitation from a friend in Charleston who is getting married in July on the beach. She’s having her reception at the adjacent hotel, and I was told that wedding is formal. Am I supposed to wear a full-length gown and heels still?”

The location of a wedding has a huge impact on the dress for a wedding, geographically speaking. This includes the site for both the ceremony and the reception. If that same wedding were being held at a church downtown and the reception at Charleston Place, the dress would be very different. Let me ask you this: “Do you think that the bride and groom want you sitting, shvitzing (sweating) and likely swearing?” No. The wedding party expects you and your date to be appropriately dressed for the occasion but they also want you to have a wonderful time, which you won’t be doing if you are not dressed comfortably. A breezy maxi dress or knee-length chiffon dress fit the bill perfectly. I bet that you could even find a pair of jeweled flats or sandals to wear on the beach and swap them out for some high-heeled sandals for the reception.

“My grandmother always told me that it is inappropriate to wear white, black or red to a wedding. Are these fashion etiquette rules still applicable today?”

White is never right (unless you are the bride). This is the bride’s day and you don’t want to be the one to set bridezilla off or she will have your tiara-less head, darling.

Black is back (as long as it doesn’t look like an Angel of Death costume). If black were not appropriate at weddings, the marriage rate in New York would be cut in half immediately and the fashion designers would protest in the streets. Just lighten up a black dress by pairing it with colorful or colorless jewelry (clear crystal or better yet, diamonds), a wrap, shoes and a bag. Please, for the love of fashion, throw away your black stockings and buy a pair of flesh-tone hose or invest in a spray tan.

Red hot or maybe not. Red can be appropriate if the cut, length and fabric are right, but it could also be grossly inappropriate. Tread lightly here, as the look you are trying to achieve is discreet glamour. ◼ 54 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

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Etiquette

Formal Fashion Dictionary Black Tie This invitation is implying that you and your date should look seriously sophisticated. There is a strong suggestion of a full-length gown. If you choose to wear a shorter dress make sure that it hits at the knee or below and that it is constructed of a more formal fabric, like taffeta, with a fuller skirt. Although many people will tell you that you don’t have to wear full-length to black tie anymore, length should determine fabric. If you are wearing a full-length dress you can get away with a more casual cut and fabric (jersey), if you are wearing a shorter dress it must be constructed of a more formal fabric (taffeta, silk) and the cut needs to be more formal.

Black Tie Optional These are truly the three most useless words ever printed on anything. It means: We would like you to dress in formal attire if it is not too much of an inconvenience. Please do the right thing and wear formal attire. See above.

Cocktail This implies fun and colorful. Garment choices can range from elegant short dresses to swanky pantsuits. Feel free to use a little creativity here; just don’t get too carried away.

Casual Please do not show up in jeans or shorts unless the invitation says “backyard barbecue” and BYOBS (bring your own bug spray) at the bottom. Wear a maxi dress, trousers with a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater with an embellished skirt. Just look like you made an effort.

Accessorizing Accessories can be used to make a look more or less formal (this also includes hair and makeup). Evening bags should be constructed of satin, silk, velvet, vintage lace or exotic skins. They can also be beaded or jewel-encrusted.

Shoes should also be satin, silk, lace or jewel-encrusted. Leather shoes are inappropriate for dressy affairs with the exception of metallic or patent leather.

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Hair and Makeup Evening makeup is always so much fun to apply. I like smoky eyes (with pale lips) or red lips (with soft, neutral eyes).

The key is for us to see your beautiful face, not for you to look like you are entering a beauty contest. For evening, try a little something different with your hair. If you have long locks, try an updo and if you have short or medium length hair, try some hot rollers a la Hollywood.

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Gents Guide

Black Tie Men must conform to the dress code by wearing a traditional black tuxedo. In summer months, a white dinner jacket with tuxedo pants, cummerbund and bow tie are fabulous. Get creative with your cuff links or pocket-square, but otherwise go for a traditional look. If you don’t own a tux there are plenty of places to rent one. If you are over 30 and don’t own a tux, you should consider investing in one.

Cocktail Attire This requires a black or navy suit and a tie with the exception of a beach wedding in which you can opt for a lighter hue.

Add your personal touch and have fun with a colorful shirt and tie.

Casual Trousers, dress shirt and sport coat are the uniform tonight. You can be a little more creative with your color choices in this setting. www.TheFrameShopSC.com

In my pocketbook... When attending weddings and evening affairs, I always carry the following items: my driver’s license, $20 cash, Hollywood Fashion Tape, lipstick, Q-tips, blotting paper, one safety pin, breath mints and a beautiful handkerchief. This covers most crises with ease. A final thought... Turn off your cell phone, or better yet, leave it in the car.

Photos last forever (especially wedding photos as they are frequently looked at).

3100 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29205 803-256-1601

July/August 2014 | 55

Interior Designers Use their skills to help you develop a sense of personal style.

Understand that sometimes, your grandmother’s velvet and mahogany chair is going to stay in your home, regardless of the decor.

Have an innate sense of color and placement.

Take the time to find the accessories to brighten any room.

Look at lifestyle, budget, and preferences. Learn to listen, share information and adapt.

Have their own, unique personalities and experiences that have shaped them -- just like you.

Here’s how four of Columbia’s top designers are working with families to update and enhance midlands homes.

V

erandah Interiors is a full service interior design firm that provides consultations, custom interiors, furnishings, fine art and accessories for commercial and residential properties, including new construction. Whether decorating or building a home or office, Verandah Interiors offers a broad spectrum of design services while portraying the personalities of our clients.

In May, thousands came out to Atlanta, GA to celebrate PinkEggshell’s 2014 African American Top 20 Interior Designers. This year’s celebration included an Awards Party, Panel Discussion, visit to ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center), Sheila Bridges “The Bald Mermaid” book signing, Atlanta Symphony Show House Tour led by show house participants and AATop20 Michel Boyd and Janice Palmer, and several private honorary parties.

The 2014 African-American Top 20 Interior Designers awarded, and celebrated are: Joan Goodwin, Michel Boyd, Lisa Turner, Robin Wilson, Sheila Bridges, Roderick Shade, Cecil Hayes, Darryl Carter, Elaine Griffin, Lorna Gross, Marian Akinloye, Alicia Lamar, Erin Shakoor, Janice Palmer, Nile Johnson, Joy Moyler, Anishka Clarke, Rae Revelle, Ron Woodson, and Tiffany Brooks. These designers work with A- list clients and offer services for both commercial and residential projects. Founder Kimberly Ward’s PinkEggshell’s list of the AfricanAmerican Top 20 Interior Designers has been recognized by The Huffington Post, Uptown Magazine, The Editor At Large

and countless other blogs and online media.

Check out www.pinkeggshell.blogspot. com to get more information on each designer.

If possible choose a black shade for your lamp to add a little bit of drama. Proper accessory selections can turn an ordinary room into a show stopper.

Trends I believe that interior design is a personal journey, therefore I tend not to follow trends. I prefer classic designs, quality furnishings and warm inviting colors, which always stand the test of time.

How to integrate old, inherited pieces Integrating old inherited pieces can be quite a challenge, especially if you are not that into antiques. However, a modern or contemporary fabric on an upholstered chair or sofa could turn your old piece of furniture into something stunning. And of course there is always paint, which can transform just about anything. Depending on the condition and sentiments, allowing your piece to remain in its original condition could increase the value in the long run.

Current favorite colors Even though I was not always a fan of grey; it has proven itself as an absolutely fabulous color. It adds grace and style to just about any color that is partnered with it. The color grey is forgiving, easy on the eyes, and easy to work with. I also look to Pantone to provide the latest colors for the year ahead. Here is a sneak peek at a few of the colors that will be everywhere next year: Etherea 15-1506, Biscotti 13-1009, Azure blue 17-4139, and Cantaloupe 151239. There are actually 72 colors in all.

Current favorite accessories Currently, my favorite accessories are art, custom pillows and, lamps. A piece of art can always be used as a source of inspiration. You can create your color palette for the entire house from one very fabulous painting. I prefer over-sized art because it really makes an impressive statement.

Pillows, especially custom made with down feather inserts and lavish brush fringe, add lasting luxury to your sofa or bed. The right lamp adds pizzazz and style to any room.

Most exciting trends Turn your closet doors into a design fashion statement. Almost every room has a closet, and they are always either white or whatever color you are using for your trim. By using hand painted wallpaper, a mural, or commissioning an artist to paint something unique, that boring white door can become a canvas for your favorite art theme, adding style and color. This is sure to become a conversation piece.

Note: Verandah Interiors’ Behind the Window display can be seen downtown at the Tapps Art Building in Columbia.◼ -Joan Goodwin, Verandah Interiors, 586.9563

July/August 2014 | 57

I

’ve been a Designer with Ethan Allen for a total of 18 years. The great thing about working for EA is the loyalty of our clients! I have clients that I have worked with since my early days with EA when we were on Forest Drive and that was over 30 years ago!

We offer investment quality classic furnishings that we still manufacture in our own plants. Our Professional Design Service comes at no charge to our clients.

Our clients trust our quality service and expertise. The Trust that we evoke makes my job as a Designer more of a partnership with my clients.

Trends Eclecticism ... the Art of blending pieces from different periods and cultures and creating a dramatic composition. This look can add instant sophistication. We are steering away from “collections” or “suites of furniture and creating spaces that reflect a more personalized style. Great design never looks like it came out of a box!

Current favorite colors My favorite colors are the colors of the Natural Elements ... wood, stone, earth and metal. I love blacks, grays, bronze, copper and taupes. You can easily add the Fire or Water color elements to these palettes if you want more “spark.”

When selecting a color palette for your home, always go with the colors that suit your personality and style. Dress your home the way that you would dress yourself, and you will feel at home.

58 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

God hasn’t made any NEW colors.

Follow your own personal color palette, not today’s color trend.

Current favorite accessories Large-scaled artwork and wellappointed subtle lighting can transform a room. Different levels of light allow textures and colors to come to life. Large statement accessories have more impact than lots of small items.

For one of my recent design projects we filled the client’s china cabinet with specimens of natural crystals and quartz.

Crystals represent healing; he works in the medical field so this seemed appropriate.

The crystals complement the crystals of the chandelier ... the effect is stunning, personal and unexpected.

How to integrate old, inherited pieces This goes back to Eclecticism. Every home needs a personal touch. It could be Aunt Mary Beth’s old wing chair that is i[dated in a wonderful teal velvet in her niece’s new home. Integrating collections that a client has inherited or collected over

time brings soul to the room.

Doing rooms in stages Sometimes you may decide that you need to do a room in stages. A Master Plan will insure that you know where you are going and that you avoid any wrong turns along the way.

Instead of buying all of the upholstery first then the accents for phase 2 consider an alternate phase plan.

Having a Backdrop to a few core pieces can make the room instantly more dimensional. A piece of Artwork and a tailored window treatment in Phase 1 can make the room feel more complete. Pieces sitting in a room without a Backdrop is like a stage with no background. The pieces may feel unconnected. The upper half of the room should balance the lower half ... textiles of art and fabric can provide this visual link.

Great Design takes time and should evolve over time as you live in the space. ◼ -Connie Kelly, Ethan Allen 407.1500

V

erve Interior Design

Q: What trends are you seeing for 2014 and beyond?

A: The biggest change we’ve seen is how televisions are moving away from conventional spaces and showing up everywhere—in bookcases, hanging above a fireplace or perched on a buffet in the den with a great lamp. Since they have no depth, they almost disappear and can go anywhere.

Clients also seem to be more focused on comfort than ever before. We’re doing a lot of sectionals and sofas that sit deep, with big soft cushions, but are covered in gorgeous fabric that also happens to be durable. With these new fabrics and washable slipcovers, you really can have that white sofa you’ve always wanted!

By far the most common trend is Pinterest, which we love. It can be difficult for some people to articulate their style.

Pinterest lets them show us. We can also help them refine their style. Someone may think that their decorating style is traditional, but when we look at the rooms they love, we can see that they might be more contemporary than they realize.

Q: What are some of your favorite accessories?

A: Mirrors! With so many gorgeous choices out there right now, mirrors can work like art in a room. They’re very dramatic, too. If you’ve got a large wall, consider hanging three tall mirrors side-byside. It’s striking and interesting. Starburst

mirrors are a great way to jazz up a room that’s filled with antiques or traditional furnishings.

We also love the look of coffee table books—you can stack them almost anywhere—and big chunky candlesticks.

Anything that’s natural and interesting to look at will make a great accessory, from a carved marble bowl to an oversized piece of coral.

Don’t forget about lamps. These days, they’re more than a source of light—they’re pieces of art that can add to the look of a room. They’re also functional, adding a pretty glow to a room in the evening.

Q: How do you integrate old or inherited pieces into your home?

A: Antiques add weight and depth to a room, and they’re also incredibly versatile, so if you’ve got them, consider yourself lucky! If you’ve still got the armoire that held your television before you got a flat screen, consider putting it in the guest room to use as a dresser or in the dining room to hold china or linens. An old chest or buffet can take on new life with a piece of contemporary art hung above it and a modern lamp on top.

In dining rooms, we’re mixing up the seating a bit, with a pair of host chairs at each end, a bench along one side of the table and regular dining chairs along the other. It’s a stylish way to use those three chairs that your grandmother left you.

A: In my experience, decorating several rooms a little at a time can be overwhelming! Instead of going from room to room, picking up accessories and changing artwork, I’d suggest focusing all your energy on one room, getting it right, then moving on to the next. A beautiful, finished room will motivate you to start on the next one!

Q: Is there a unique South Carolina decorating style?

A: Not necessarily, but we love to hang works by local artists. The scenes are often recognizable, which brings a nice visual dose of South Carolina wherever they are. Sea and mountain-grass rugs also seem to be associated with Southern style, although they work in a number of decors.

Q: What are the special challenges of outdoor rooms?

A: The elements! It’s really hard to keep things looking good when they’re outside 24/7. The trick is to choose fabrics and other pieces that are made to be outside since they’ll be easier to keep clean. The choices are almost endless—you can’t even tell outdoor fabrics from regular fabrics anymore, and they’re doing amazing things with outdoor rugs. ◼ -Stephanie Abernethy Designer, Verve Interiors 799.0045.

Q: What’s your advice on decorating a room in stages?

July/August 2014 | 59

M

ack Home

Q: What trends are you seeing these days? How can readers incorporate them into their homes?

A: Mid-Century modern furnishings and accessories have been popular for the last few years—they’re characterized by organic curves and splayed legs on furniture—but lately we’re seeing pieces that are more modernist. That means more polished metal, metal mixed with glass, acrylic and Lucite. Oh, and brass is back! But not the shiny brass from the 80s and early 90s. Today’s brass is burnished, which is a softer look. Switching out your hardware for burnished brass is a good way to add this detail.

Black and white is very popular right now, even black painted walls, which we used to see only in the most stark, contemporary homes. To make it work with more classic elements, try mixing the black with a rich white to soften it and accessorize with warm mellow woods and creamy linen upholstery.

Shagreen—which is shark or sting ray skin—has moved out of jewelry and into the home in the form of cocktail tables and headboards. If you have an ultra-traditional house, you may just want to put a shagreen or snakeskin box on your coffee table.

Q: What colors are popular right now?

We’re seeing a move away from tan and toward cooler shades of grey. They’re especially pretty with lavender and lilac.

Pink gives a nice pop, but it works best with natural fabrics and soft neutrals.

Q: What are your current favorite accessories?

A: Bowls are a terrific accessory; 60 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

look for mixed materials, glass, mercury glass and wood. Irregular curves are appealing because they mimic the shape of nature.

You can do a lot with hardware, too. We recently installed pulls made from old geodes—rocks with gorgeous crystals on the inside—and they lifted the piece up to a new level.

The trick with accessories is to use them purposefully: You want to stay loyal to your aesthetic so your room remains unified. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun! Instead of a jarring mix, like a bunch of contemporary accessories in one place in an otherwise traditional room, add elements here and there.

Q: What ’s your advice about decorating a room in stages?

A: If you want to re-do a room, but you can’t afford to do the whole thing at once, the best strategy is to start by choosing the major pieces of furniture you want for the room and saving for them. Once they’re in place, you’ve created the base for your look. From there, it’s just about building on that foundation. You’ll end up with a room that you feel good about because it’s really pulled together. And don’t buy something you think you’ll just use for a year. They have a way of sticking around and not adding much to the mix!

Q: What trends have become classics?

A: Remember the floral upholstery from the 80s and 90s? It’s long gone. What replaced it, the neutrals and heavy linens that still look clean and fresh, have become classic. Using concrete indoors has moved

beyond a cutting edge trend. It’s showing up on countertops and tabletops, especially in outdoor rooms. We’re also found that abstract art is replacing traditional still life and landscape paintings. It works so well in any décor.

Q: How do you integrate old or inherited pieces into your home?

A: We were all told never to paint our old wooden pieces, but, unless it has great sentimental value the way it is, or it’s a museum-quality piece, don’t be afraid to change it up. Lacquer or paint can do wonders for an old chest and can help it work in a variety of decors.

Q: What advice do you have for spouses who have very different decorating styles?

A: Get help! A designer can help find ways to blend the different styles in a way that looks artful and works with the aesthetic of the house. I’d also suggest that both spouses bring pictures of rooms they like—spouses often find that their tastes are more similar than they think. ◼ -Anna Kemper & Marnie Clayton Mack Home 790.9911

health senior living

Celebrating Life !

Don’t believe that old chestnut about Wisdom coming with Old Age. Sometimes Old Age comes all by itself.

By Jackie Perrone

IStock.com/Ebstock

RR

eal wisdom involves planning for that old age which is, indeed, coming. These days, it seems there are more choices and decisions than previous generations have enjoyed. Easy? Not exactly, but a blessing to those who might have faced their declining years in loneliness and confusion. The options are plentiful and varied.

Nowhere is the retirement-living industry thriving more than here in the Sun Belt. Today’s retirees are throwing away their snow shovels and moving south in amazing numbers, and here in the Midlands they find plenty of choices as they debate the future. Retirement communities have proliferated along with the rising population, with comfortable accommodations nestled into leafy campus settings.

Still Hopes was the name of the Guignard family estate in West Columbia even before it was given to the Episcopal Church for use as a retirement center. Close to main traffic arteries but secluded on 39 forested acres, this elegant center is home to almost 350 residents, served by a staff of 250. Expansion is under way as more cottages are under construction.

At Still Hopes, residents and staff focus on wellness. Plenty of wholesome nutrition, and exercise opportunities at all levels, are provided in a professional setting which includes a beautiful fitness center with swimming pool and gym equipment.

An added benefit: the shopping, entertainment and dining resources of Uptown Columbia beckon just a short drive across the Blossom Street bridge.

Out Highway 378, about half-way between West Columbia and Lexington, the Presbyterian Community of Columbia offers carefree retirement on the banks of the Saluda River. As a fully certified Continuing Care Retirement July/August 2014 | 61

senior living

62 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

up to the explosive growth which continues there.

Okay, so much for a sample listing of what the Midlands has to offer. Anyone considering a move to a CCRC has lots of questions. Answers exist, and can be achieved.

For instance: “When is the right time to move into a retirement center?”

Of course that varies with the individual. Consider these points: your health cannot last forever, and no one knows when medical issues may limit your ability to care for a house or drive a car. Giving up a home and moving into smaller quarters is never easy, and the older you get the more daunting that task becomes. Ideally, the move will be made while you are still able to carry out your plans and enjoy everything offered at your new quarters.

Commonly heard from prospective residents: “I don’t think I am ready yet.” What is it you are not ready for? The pleasure of a carefree existence? Another common remark after a person moves in: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

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Community (CCRC), it offers the full range of independent living, assisted living, nursing care and a special unit for Memory Care. No matter what sort of medical need may occur, a resident never has to worry about how to deal with it, as all the necessary resources avail.

Although this community was organized and is supported by the Presbyterian Church, residents of all faiths or no mainstream faith are welcome. Many have come from other areas of the country, often because their children now live in the Midlands.

If proximity to Lake Murray is important to some, a visit to The Heritage at Lowman will reveal plenty of services and amenities in the White Rock, S.C. area just off I – 26 northwest of Columbia. This facility was known for many years as The Lutheran Lowman Home. It has blossomed into a spacious campus with many buildings and services.

Oakleaf Village stands in the heart of downtown Lexington, close to the bustling activity of schools and businesses but with a modicum of privacy just off North Lake Drive. Like most of today’s Lexington, it’s fairly new, catching

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“How do I decide on the right place?”

By researching, asking around, and most of all, visiting any that are under consideration. You need to know all the options. One CCRC may be the most convenient to your familiar haunts; another may provide such amenities as a workshop or a pool which can be important to you. Does it matter if a golf course or a hospital is close by? Maybe boating and fishing should be factored in. You should be able to continue to spend your time doing what you like. That’s what retirement is all about, isn’t it?

“What are the financial considerations?”

Here’s where some popular impressions may prove false. When the dollar amount of retirement community fees is stated, it sounds like Uh – Oh, too much money.

In reality, after careful analysis, many residents find that costs are comparable to that of continuing to live at home.(See Sidebar Box).

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| AM 2/3/14 10:47:37 July/August 2014 63

health senior living Remember, in your old age you are likely to be paying other people to do many of the things you have always done for yourself.

From lawn care to household chores, even before any nursing element is factored in, service is an expensive luxury in today’s world.

The sale of your house can be your ticket to freedom from worry and responsibility.

“Will there be anything to do with my time?”

That one’s easy. Count on the services of an activity department with more going on than any one resident can do. On site: games, movies, visiting lecturers, classes for art or creative writing, woodworking. Off campus: transportation to scheduled activities such as out-of-town trips, in-town shopping, museums and theaters and concerts. One resident expresses it this way: “You keep your privacy in your home.

People don’t bother you there. When you step out the door, there’s something going on with your neighbors.”

“What about medical problems?”

That’s where the comparison skews to favor your move away from the house you have depended on for so long. Alone at home, sick or injured, helpless and frustrated, you’ll wonder why you didn’t recognize the wisdom of moving away sooner.

Your fees at a retirement facility buy peace of mind along with the medical support. No matter what happens, the resources exist to handle it.

In your exploratory visits, you’ll probably find that each place has a distinctive difference from the others. At Oakleaf, if you prefer not to bring your own furniture, your apartment will include furnishings at no extra cost. Presbyterian Community salutes retired military pensioners with a 10 percent discount on rates. Look closely for the extras.◼

“What It Doesn’t Cost to Live In A Retirement Community” Here’s a good mental exercise: make a list of all the expenses incurred with owning a house (one with a paid-off mortgage). For instance: county or city taxes, house and flood insurance, sewer, water and waste bills, cable TV, yard care and house maintenance, heating/air contracts, pest control contract, electrical and plumbing and carpentry repairs, the occasional new roof or furnace or dishwasher.

Maybe you didn’t know that at some retirement centers, you are entitled to a big income-tax deduction for the portion of your fees which goes to support the medical service at that community.

Housekeeping and laundry services are included with the fees. Transportation is available to local events and shopping and doctor appointments.

What’s not to love about a carefree life? Plan it now.

Adapted from an article by Judy Williams, resident, The Village at Summerville

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Register at T2TRun.org 64 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

southern drawl

Magna Carta’s Next 800 Years William Hubbard has given enormous time, talent and resources to Columbia, the state and the country. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

TT

By Jackie Perrone

iming has always been one of William Hubbard’s strong says. “I gained context for the law, and an understanding of bigger points. Being in the right place at the right time is a concept issues that I had not necessarily focused on. It gave me a better feel he emphasizes to young lawyers as they embark on their for the justice system. It helped me develop judgment and wisdom careers. Opportunity may respond to your knock, as it were. about what it means to be a lawyer.”

So perhaps he is not even amazed that his tenure as President He makes a substantial point of this kind of of the American Bar Association will encompass the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

2015 will be a big year for this South Carolinian, for all American lawyers, and for the justice system worldwide.

He welcomes the timing.

“Magna Carta was the basis of our due process as we know it,” he says, “and to an extent, equal protection as we know it. We have events scheduled starting now through August 2015 to emphasize the importance of the Magna Carta on our American justice system …

We need to be anchored to the fundamental principles that guide the legal profession today.”

On June 15, 1215, the Magna Carta was sealed under oath by King John at Runnymede, near Windsor, England. Never before had a monarch acquiesced by document to a limitation on his powers, proclaiming the right of ‘a freeman’ to justice through the law of the land. What followed in England, and later in the United States, was a protracted process which led to the rule of constitutional law that anchors our government.

A dedication to fundamental rights under the law has brought William Hubbard from the public schools of Florence, SC, through undergraduate and law school degrees at the University of South Carolina, to his current position as business litigation attorney at Nelson Mullins in Columbia. He is the first South Carolinian to hold the office of ABA President, where he plans to address the importance of ensuring the rule of law as “our burden and privilege.”

From his first years in the practice of law, he heeded the advice of his firm’s partners to attend the Young Lawyers Division of the ABA, in Dallas in1979. He demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to serve, tackling assignments and moving up the ladder of leadership in the YLD through the council and eventually Chair of the YLD. Thirty-four years later, he accepted the nomination as president-elect of the ABA in that same Dallas hotel. “A meaningful symmetry,” he calls it.

Hubbard attaches great significance to Top to bottom: With his family; William Hubbard with USC Athletic Director, Ray Tanner. that active participation in the YLD. “It was a broadening experience professionally,” he July/August 2014 | 65

southern drawl

Top to bottom: Hubbard received the Order of the Palmetto from SC Governor Jim Hodges; Walking with Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayer and Robert M. Willcox, Dean of South Carolina School of Law; William Hubbard and his wife, Kappy (center), with former governor Richard Riley and his wife, Tunky.

networking to the young lawyers beginning their careers today, to take advantage of the resources available to them in the ABA. “I want the ABA to be the place where young lawyers can go to 66 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

get the kind of mentoring they need, the skills development they need, to be successful lawyers. We will be looking at ways that we can take better advantage of technology … The small investment in dues can have an enormous return. We can deliver those programs and that content on their smart phones and desk tops and iPads.”

What may the ABA expect during the tenure of its South Carolina president? William Hubbard has specific goals he wants to see undertaken by the Association. “One thing that concerns me is that we haven’t seemed able to make a lot of progress on the ‘justice gap.’ The poor and the lower middle class, in this country, have a lack of access to the courts. There’s about an 80 percent unmet need for legal service in our country. … Jim Silkenat (previous president of the ABA) initiated a program called the Legal Access Job Corps.

I am committed to continuing that.

“In addition, there’s a lot of inequity in incarceration, and there’s a lot of over-incarceration in this country. Domestic violence is a scourge in our society. One out of four women will be either raped or beaten during their adult life by a spouse or significant other. We need to shine the light on that problem and try to do something about it.

“I want to address the election laws of this country. The right to vote is the most fundamental right in the country and we have to be vigilant that we protect that right.

“Initially, the primary emphasis will be a task force named ‘Future Justice/Now.’ The purpose of this task force is to get the best innovative minds around the table together with bar leaders, practicing lawyers, judges, and legal service providers to come up with a blueprint for how we can make our legal system more efficient, more modern, more innovative, so that we can reach more people and provide better access to our justice system.

“We have to go to where the people are. We have to look at smart phones, iPads, and other delivery mechanisms to help people access our justice system … easier access … unbundling legal services … limited-license legal technicians.”

After taking office in Boston on August 11, 2014, his first months as president will include travel to Canada and then to China. There’ll be plenty more world and national travel by the time his term ends in August 2015.

“This generation of young lawyers will be the generation that can fundamentally change the legal system as we know it …

Create a justice system that perhaps we won’t recognize 20 years from now.”

That’s a kernel of the philosophy which brought William Hubbard to the top leadership position of the ABA. He looks back to his early days as a lawyer, and repeats the theme of timing: “Show up and introduce yourself. There are people out there that you can’t get an appointment with. But go to a bar meeting or a civic club meeting or a reception, and don’t just talk to your friends, but introduce yourself to new people. Those spontaneous conversations often lead to the most promising opportunities.” ◼

William Hubbard

» Birthplace: Florence SC

» Family:

Wife Kappy Daughters Katharine and Mason Son Coleman 1Grandchild

»

Education: University of South Carolina, B.A. 1974, J.D. 1977

» Career:

Partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

» Affiliations

Eastminster Presbyterian Church University of South Carolina Board of Trustees Midlands Business Leadership Group NBSC Board of Director

» Awards

Received the American Inns of Court’s Professionalism Award for the United States Fourth Circuit (2007) John F. Williams Award, Richland County Bar’s highest honor (2008) Received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award given by a South Carolina Governor (2002) Awarded the University of South Carolina’s highest recognition, the Honorary Doctor of Laws (2010) University of South Carolina’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2009) USC School of Law Compleat Lawyer Platinum Award (2010) Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® Listed in South Carolina Super Lawyers Inaugural recipient of the Leadership in Law Award

by SC Lawyers Weekly (2009)

» Philosophy:

Do right and do the best you can.

July/August 2014 | 67

health

Nutrition and Diabetes What you need to know now

DD

iet is essential in the prevention,treatment and control of diabetes. Many people associate diabetes with avoiding sugar, but it involves so much more than simply steering clear of sugar alone. In fact, sugar is not all bad; sugar or glucose is the body’s preferred choice of fuel for energy. Glucose is crucial for the body’s health and wellness, and provides energy to the brain, muscles and tissues. Diabetics are unable to use and metabolize sugars and starches, causing increased blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia.

Type 1 Diabetes, formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is needed to take glucose into the body’s cells to produce energy. Type 2 Diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, also impacts the way the body utilizes sugar. With Type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin or resists the effectiveness of insulin. Untreated, either type of diabetes can lead to serious health consequences.

Today, 26 million Americans – children and adults – have diabetes. It is more prevalent and striking at any age; one in 400 children and adolescents has diabetes. South Carolina ranks 10th

68 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

highest in the nation in the percent of population with diabetes.

Diabetics are increased risk for other serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and amputations.

Preventing diabetes can often be as easy as following a healthful diet and maintaining a desirable body weight. Being overweight is a primary contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes; more than 3 out of 4 diabetics are overweight. Weight loss alone can have a big impact on diabetes prevention and control; every pound of weight lost counts. Participants in one large study lost around 7 percent of their body weight and exercised regularly; they reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 60 percent. Staying at a healthy weight is a weight that is right for you. Experts now assess obesity and overweight by using body mass index (BMI). Check your BMI at www.bmi-calculator.net.

Deciding when, what and how much to eat can be a challenge for anyone, but are key to managing diabetes. There’s no such thing as a “diabetic meal plan,” but planning does make a difference.

Deciding when, what and how much to eat can be a challenge for anyone, but are key to managing diabetes. There’s no such thing as a “diabetic meal plan,” but planning does make a difference.

istock/dml5050

By Edna Cox Rice RD, CSG, LD

Some Tips to Remember: Eat at regular times Include foods high in fiber; eat whole-grain breads and cereals instead of refined breads, cereals and sugars Drink water or sugar-free beverages Snack on raw veggies or fruit At meals – cover half of your plate with vegetables; one quarter of your plate with starchy foods; one quarter with protein Set a goal to eat 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily (other than white potatoes, corn, or peas) Reduce total fat intake to less than 30 percent of total calories; choose unsaturated fats rather than saturated Walk briskly or engage in some form of physical activity at least 30 minutes daily

Having diabetes doesn’t mean a low-carb diet or avoiding carbohydrates altogether is necessary. It’s all about balance. Research shows that many types of eating patterns can work to manage diabetes. Carbohydrates can be worked into the overall diet. Choosing healthy carbohydrate foods, eating regular meals and portion control are helpful tools to keep your carb intake consistent. When choosing carbohydrates for meals focus on fiber and portion. The best carb choices include:

Fresh, frozen or fruit canned without added sugars Whole grains such as 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal and quinoa Starchy vegetables like potatoes, winter squash, pumpkin, corn, parsnips and plantains Beans, legumes and peas Non-fat dairy such as 1% milk, skim milk and non-fat yogurt Be vigilant about the portions

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best to avoid sugary drinks all together and stick to zero-calorie beverages like water or unsweetened tea. Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame and sucrolose can be an effective tool for diabetics. No sugar substitute is risk free and studies have shown they are not very effective aids for weight loss. Sensitive people have experienced a variety of symptoms when using some sugar substitutes, but used in moderation they are considered relatively safe.

Everyone, not only diabetics, should eat a healthy diet and stay physically active. Managing diabetes is a life-long responsibility. A few lifestyle changes can be big steps toward preventing or delaying diabetes and complications associated with the disease – it’s never too late to start! ◼

Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots are relatively low in carbohydrate, about 5 grams in one half cup (this may vary). So including a full cup serving of any of these veggies is an excellent source of carbohydrates to include on your plate.

Most important to the diabetic diet is including a variety of healthy carbohydrates.

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Special diabetic foods are not necessary; diabetics can enjoy the same wide variety available to the non-diabetics. Sugary foods, like most sweets and desserts, prepared with table sugar, dextrose, corn syrup, “natural “sugars or brown sugar should be limited or avoided. It’s

July/August 2014 | 69

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” Pablo Picasso

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By MELISSA SPROUSE BROWNE Photographs by Jay Browne

tour of the Williams home is more than a simple walk through of the typical mid-century ranch. It’s a delight of the senses, with a total immersion in the world of custom and commissioned works of fine art. The cohesiveness of the interior design and the paintings is remarkable.

“We started our art collection in 1999 and made it a point to collect local Midlands artists,” said Beth Williams, home owner.

“We have works from eight local artists that we really enjoy.” The year after the collection began, Beth and her husband Jimmy moved to their current home. Its original condition was less than desirable.

“It had never been touched, with all wood paneling, carpet, very

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closed-in spaces, and eight foot ceilings. My husband looked at me and said, ‘we are not buying this house.’”

Having the vision to see what the property could be, the Williams family took the leap, bought the house and hired a remodelor with the ability to make this old style home into a modern masterpiece. The same footprint was kept, entryways were widened, and the ceiling was vaulted in the den. A master bath and pool were added several years later.

The evolution of Beth and Jimmy’s home has been a labor of love over a number of years. Beyond the constructed physical changes, the soft work of interior design was led by Christy Edens

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from Verve. Beth’s relationship with Verve spans several years, yet only began working directly with Christy just over two years ago. “She came in and designed a home we envisioned and made it a reality,” said Beth. “She built off my ideas, brought her own and it was a perfect match. If I said I wanted something on that wall or something here, she really took my style from a more traditional look to something that has a modern component.”

First Stop: The Den The painting from artist Mike Williams is the inspiration for the entire room. “The feeling the painting evokes, with its colors, and by featuring it alone on the wall, gave us a center point for the design,” shared Christy. This artwork is hailed as the showpiece of the home, and was placed in the position of honor by the artist himself. The painting depicts a Southern swamp in a fairly abstract nature, which allows the observer to find many different things in the viewing.

All the furnishings are new to go with the painting. Beth selects pieces she likes, regardless of the period from which they’re associated. Christy’s sage advice on choosing new pieces: “Buy what you love, and you will always love it.”

Beth’s boldness extends to both pattern and color. “I love bold patterns and really love having something unexpected in the house.

This den was problematic with furniture placement because it’s long and narrow. Christy had the brilliant idea to put the game table in the corner so the kids can play games there or eat a snack and be part of the family space,” said Beth.

The family spends time in the den frequently, either watch television, sitting by the fire or entertaining guests. At any given time, you may see a teenager lounging on the sofa. “We totally live in this space. I’m a Type A person, so I go around and clean the fluff all the time, but everything in here is useful and was chosen for its utility,” shared Beth. “The little tables hold drinks, everything is used. Even when we move into the living room, the family makes a point of sitting all over the house and enjoying the space.”

The natural light makes the den particularly striking. The original ceilings were eight foot, traditional height with the popcorn finish that was so common forty years ago. Now, the room is bathed in light with the skylights from the new vaulted roof line.

The contractor from the beginning of the many renovations planned by the Williams family has been Billy Reynolds. Christy and Beth applaud his work. “He bumped up the ceiling, added the skylights, which brought such an element of light, volume and space that the house didn’t have before. The house didn’t come with many great architectural features, so we’ve had to add those all along the way. Typically, mid-century houses didn’t have a lot of character and Billy was instrumental in creating those great 72 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

elements,” explained Beth.

Scattered throughout the house are a variety of rugs, including Oushak Turkish rugs, natural weave grass floor coverings and hide rugs that ease the transition from one room to the next.

Next, The Outdoor Living Space The porch was one of the distinctive features of the house that led the Williams family to commit to this home. A large, screened-in porch, it’s bathed in morning sun, yet doesn’t get hot.

In 2007, a fireplace was added, allowing it to serve as a threeseason outdoor room.

“Because we went out on that side of the house with the renovation, we chose to close in that part of the porch,” said Beth.

“Jimmy and I sit out there every evening with a glass of wine. In the mornings, we have coffee there.” The functional draperies are made with Sunbrella fabric, giving it much more of a room effect than that of a simple porch. There’s a feeling of intimacy here, making it easy to see how it could employed in days beyond those of a typical summer.

Christy suggested four slip-covered chairs instead of a traditional grouping of a sofa and chairs. “There are four people in their family and this arrangement gives everyone their own space and it’s more conversational,” she said.

Keeping with the theme of featuring local artists, a huge painting on plywood provides another focal point for the outdoor room. The image was made just for that space, and represents their family and two dogs. This commissioned piece was created in just one weekend. “I didn’t want it on canvas because it wouldn’t

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weather well. It was for an outdoor space and once again, made a porch a room,” said Beth. “Even on our porch, we have artwork.”

The Formal Living Room Located to the right of the main entry is the formal living room. A smaller space, this room welcomes you with a small baby grand piano. The Stephen Chesley painting is here; clearly this room is all about the artwork. Even the antique English pine doors are artistic in form, if not function as they are decorative only.

Christy points out the individual pieces that compliment the neutral palette: the Burts Cason lamp, the Michael Clemmons vase, the pillows created from antique textiles found at the Paris flea market; everything is unique. The columns situated between the living room and the dining room were added, with the entryway expanded all the way to the ceiling. “The living room and the dining room were originally separated by louvered doors, which was not a good look,” Beth recalled.

Christy did a beautiful job of featuring the original bay window and making it important in the room. “Every year, we put our Christmas tree in the window and the draperies are just perfect. Every room I say is my favorite room, but this room is just a reflection of me. It really reflects my personality and it’s the 74 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

know that many people who would’ve put a banquette around their table,” said Beth.

Art is important here, too, with a Steven Whetstone painting he created for this space. He is a former baseball player for the University of South Carolina and the Chicago White Sox. It’s easy to see how guests love the dining room, as it delivers a “wow” moment.

The chandelier is a beautiful centerpiece.

A beaded glass light, it’s reminsecent of a Parisian upscale hotel. “It’s an art piece, in and of itself. The screen of mirrors was positioned to reflect that chandelier,” said Christy.

The custom silk draperies from Jim Thompson silk and the cinnamon velet pillows top off the design. “I appreciate my husband, who just allowed our imaginations to really take us to where we needed to be without cutting corners or being restricted.

He trusted our vision and we both trusted Christy,” enthused Beth. “With her cute little personality, she blows in and then when she leaves, everything is better than when she came.”

Come in Through the Foyer One of the showpieces of the home’s physical style is the front door, a custom design from Southern Custom Doors made of metal and glass. Beth and her husband Jimmy chose this style as a way to give a glimpse of what’s to come with the interior design. The wallpaper is very graphic with colors that are modern. The sconces were found in the showroom at Verve, and a Burts Cason lamp greets you as you enter the home. “The room evolved over time, starting with the wallpaper and an older mirror and then as things were added, it came to be what I really wanted as an entryway,” Beth said.

The Guest Room and Beyond

room where I’m most comfortable. I just love it,” shared Beth. The art over the sofa is also a commissioned piece with an abstract representation of the members of their family.

Shall We Gather in The Dining Room?

While the dining room is small, it packs a big visual punch.

The chandelier transformed the room from traditional to something that is chic, swanky and sophisticated. It’s not your mother’s dining room, with the long table and straight chairs. Instead, they chose a very non-traditional approach with a banquette and chairs around the table that can easily seat six. The mirrored screen is striking and adds to the romanticism of the space.

“The curved white leather banquette is unexpected for a dining room and just very appealing to my aesthetics. I don’t

The guest room is a composition of neutrals with varying textiles and an upholstered headboard. Planned as a sanctuary for guests, this room incorporates a desk from their former home office. A beautiful Moroccan mirror, lamps chosen by Beth and Christy together and a collection of things they already had turned it into a retreat for their guests.

Sometimes you don’t need to add to make your design great, you may need to edit instead. “Christy brough such an artful eye and was right on so many things. She always told me not to worry,” said Beth.

“This home is a collection of Beth’s favorite things – art, beautiful objects and her family – and it just all came together,” said Christy.

“You know your design plan is working when your husband asks, “did Christy bring us anything today?” said Beth. “Rarely is a process like this fun but I was ready to embrace change. I appreciate everything. I appreciate beauty and I just love every room.” ◼︎ July/August 2014 | 75

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Food+Drink dining review

in the kitchen

best burgers

restaurant guide

A Jewel of a Place Pearlz operating partner Mike Evans offers almond encrusted mahi mahi with watermelon salsa. Divine!

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Food+Drink dining review

Pearlz Oyster Bar An entire strand of Pearlz: way more than just oysters

PP

earlz is purposefully written uniquely, ending with a z, to tip diners off they are in for an inimitable experience when they enter the distinctive restaurant on the corner of Gervais and Park streets.

As the z stands in for an s, which would make Pearlz plural, the branding also conveys there may be more than one pearl awaiting discovery in this historic twostory structure in the heart of The Vista.

Operating Partner Mike Evans will tell you right up front: what is in store is more like an entire Strand of Pearls. And, like the stroke of good fortune in finding a pearl in your oyster, a visit to this restaurant is about discovery.

“It is gratifying that more and more Columbians are realizing Pearlz is way more than an oyster bar,” said Evans, who had been leading the growth and success of this full-service restaurant for more than four years. “What our oyster bar logo actually implies is freshness, and that translates to all our offerings, not only to our seafood.”

Evans gestured upward, toward Pearlz Upstairs Lounge, a space with a Speak-easy feeling and a jazz vibe. But wait for it …

Evans, who began in Charleston with Homegrown Hospitality Group, is happy Columbia’s dining culture can reap the same immediate benefits of very fresh seafood demanded by diners at Port City restaurants.

The restaurant is thoroughly invested in the Sustainable Seafood Initiative, and holds itself to standards of impeccable freshness.

“Our Fresh Catch program is designed to bring the very best fish seafood from the boat to the plate in as short a time as possible,” Evans said. “Our aim is always to offer selections from the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts. Chef Mikey Orel, along with his team, creatively constructs feature dishes each afternoon that bring together a fresh piece of fish, a locally-grown vegetable or starch (or both), and a uniquely house-made sauce – two or three variations are offered every day.

Our guests have become accustomed to ordering entrees from our ‘Daily Feature’ sheet because they know those choices are ever-evolving and one of a kind dishes.”

On a given day the ‘Daily Feature’ sheet

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By Rachel Haynie Photographs by Sally Taylor

showcased two fresh catches.

An almond and pankoencrusted Mahi was served over a garlic parmesan orzo with a vegetable medley of zucchini and squash topped off by a fresh-made watermelon salsa. Another choice was a twist on the South’s beloved Shrimp and Grits – with a respectful and flavorful salute to General Tso. The dish combines lightly fried shrimp served over an Adluh grit cake, with an Asian ponzu sauce along with carrots, bok choy, and chili peppers. This dish takes on new nuances every day as well.

As a plate heads through the restaurant, on its way to the guest who ordered it, culinary artistry goes on view as well.

Guests in the process of making their selections often Ooh – “What was That?” Sous Chef Terry O’Toole said, “We care a lot about presentation

at Pearlz – we know diners eat first with their eyes.” If every person at a table orders the same entrée, each plate will each be the same in composition, but like original paintings, “they may vary slightly in visual appearance.” Perhaps O’Toole is more a sculptor than a two-dimensional artist because he builds plates from the base up.

And a grit cake provides him a very reliable foundation upon which to build.

When the restaurant opens at 4pm each day, including Sundays, it is not unusual for guests to be waiting at the old wooden front door. “Orders for appetizers and drinks, from our expansive selection of beers to hand-crafted cocktails, are first up,” said O’Toole. And Evans estimates that about half the time, those who come in early for appetizers and drinks continue enjoying themselves, ultimately extending their evenings by ordering from the dinner menu. “We have given a lot of thought to making our patrons feel comfortable enough to stay as long as they like. We have a long, linear building to work with and play that up with high-top tables centering the space. Sensing that people would want to be at the same levels, whether standing, sitting at the comfortable bar stools, or in booths that line the wall, we structured the interior with that dynamic in mind.”

For success formulas, Evans drew from the corporate canopy founded as TBonz in 1985, and that now also includes, here in

Top: Your favorite libation; Middle: Schezuan shrimp; Bottom a cozy gathering spot.

Columbia, Liberty Tap Room and Liberty at the Lake, as well as Rioz on Harbison.

Beginning with the raw bar, other appetizers and drinks, and beyond the full and changing menu, the strand of Pearlz has lengthened through requests for private parties upstairs. With so many special events being hosted in the Capital City, the uniqueness of Pearlz Upstairs Lounge has steadily enhanced its popularity.

Evans smiles when he calls the upstairs lounge the property’s most cloistered pearl, its piece de resistance. “It is a completely autonomous space. It’s perfect for private parties or functions, with its 110-inch projection screen, its full bar centered by comfortable seating areas. Our research on the building confirmed this floor was once a brothel, right here in this warehouse district we now call The Vista. We left the little fireplaces in place as reminders of another time – they still even have their glow, as though there are still embers in them.” But, it’s very cool in the lounge.

Sound from downstairs dining cannot make its way into the lounge. It has its own sound. “Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday nights, we have live jazz here,” explained Evans. “Friday nights are anchored by the Robert Gardiner Group; performers for the other two nights change, and those schedules can be found on our website.”

Evans is like a proud papa of this space.

“Columbians have discovered this as a great place to cap off their evenings, whether they drop by following some other event or occasion, or drift up the stairs after an enjoyable meal in the street-level dining room,” Evans said. “We like hearing that the vibe the lounge gives off makes guests feel they are in some far-more metropolitan city, even though the dome of the Capitol is just a couple of blocks away.”

Soon Evans will be announcing the newest pearl to the strand – and suggests “if you have even been to Kaminsky’s bakery in Charleston, think how much you’d enjoy there being such an establishment right here in The Vista. Keep reading; we’ll be telling you all about it soon. Meanwhile, join us at Pearlz for an evening of discovery.”◼︎ Pearlz Oyster Bar 661.7741 pearlzoysterbar.com Hours: Mon-Sun, 4pm until

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Food+Drink in the kitchen

Recipes and Photographs By Kim Byer

Can seasonal summer salads be spectacular and virtuous at the same time? These beauties manage to deliver the goods. Enjoy!

Sweet June with her sun-kissed shoulders and berry-stained lips, passes the summer baton to the her

brassy sister, July, who stomps into town like a twirling, sparkling drum majorette towing a parade of patriotic celebrations, pop songs and potluck goodness in her wake.

The party has arrived.

Few things in life match the excitement of a waterside gathering, where friends and family pile out of the car,

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carrying fireworks, neon floats and homemade desserts. The celebration won’t be authenticated without fried chicken, hotdogs, BBQ or rows of hamburgers sizzling on the grill.

Cold salads, chips and sides spread out across the Carolinas atop picnic tables, beach blankets and boat hulls. Indeed, nothing tastes finer than a summer meal in sunny Carolina.

Inside my air-conditioned kitchen, my countertop looks like I’m preparing to feed the block: a woven basket

filled with peaches, a paper bag bulging with banana peppers, another with okra, a dozen jalapeños, a small seedless watermelon that thumps like a drum, a cantaloupe, pickling cucumbers, Silver Queen corn, crook-necked squash, and a platter of homegrown, vinescented, fist-sized-to-tiny purple and ruby-hued tomatoes.

And although I may not can or freeze much of it, I’m trying hard not to waste a single sweet peach.

Salads are my savior on hot summer weekends and weeknights. Whether it’s the main event, or an accompaniment to a grilled piece of fish or chicken, salads keep me motivated to peel fruit and chop vegetables all summer long.

This recipe collection celebrates our July and August bounty. The Fresh Corn Salad with Sheep’s Milk Feta uses raw corn, straight from the husk, cooked in citrus juice. If you don’t have fresh corn on hand, cook it for a minute or two first. The peach salad is a great way to use those firm, but not-quite-ripe peaches in your basket. And it’s a standout main course salad. A two-minute toss in a hot skillet makes tomorrow’s ripe peaches all the more sweet tonight. Prosciutto is also a wonderful way to cut back on meat. Like bacon, it packs a wallop of taste into a morsel.

Another spinning star of the lazy Susan is the Bacon, Spinach and Tomato Salad. Not that we’ll ever tire of summer BLTs (or just Ts) slathered in Duke’s mayonnaise

on thick slices of fresh, white bread, but this salad expands that goodness into a weeknight meal. Add avocado, blue cheese, walnuts or boiled egg to it and it’s impolite not to invite the neighbors over. For side salads, try the Chopped Garden Slaw with your next BBQ. Inspired by the master vegan cook Mimi Kirk’s Chop-Chop Salad, this tahinicashew dressing is great, no, glorious; you may find yourself sneaking a straw into it when you think no one’s watching.

And for a super quick side salad, take a few zucchini and slice them into ribbons with a handheld peeler. Add lemon juice, dill, cured olives and ricotta salata (a milder, mellower cousin of feta) and savor one of zucchini’s most sublime summer moment.

1. Chill salad plates and bowls before serving 2. Use a salad spinner to rinse and dry your lettuce.

3. Fruit and vegetable rinses make cleaning a breeze.

4. Homemade dressing means no unnecessary preservatives and can be as easy as drizzling extra virgin olive oil and squeezing a lemon.

5. Toss a variety of freshly picked herbs (parsley, basil, dill) in with your lettuce.

6. Lighten up your daily vinaigrette: in a mason jar, use one part oil to two parts vinegar; add a spoonful of Dijon mustard and a pinch of sugar, salt and pepper. Shake!

7. Leftover bacon from your weekend breakfast is a great way to add a punch of flavor without adding a lot of meat or firing up the stove in the heat of the day.

8. Chop day-old bread into cubes and freeze for handy croutons.

9. Before tossing, pour salad dressing around the rim-- never directly onto the lettuce.

10. Even on a hot night, a quickly grilled or pan-fried ingredient (meat, fruit or cheese) transforms a simple salad into a main course.

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Food+Drink in the kitchen

Serves 2 to 4

Fresh Corn Salad with Sheep’s Milk Feta 3 ears sweet corn, shucked and sliced off the cob

This recipe calls for very fresh corn since no cooking is involved.

1 cup (20-25) red grape tomatoes, sliced lengthwise

1. Toss first six ingredients (using 1/2 of feta cheese and chill for one hour or overnight, stirring occasionally.

5 ounces sheep’s milk feta cheese, divided Juice of one lime (2 tablespoons) Juice of one lemon (2-3 tablespoons) 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and minced 4 large leaves basil, torn or cut into fine strips using your best chiffonade technique Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

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2. The feta should blend in and coat the corn.

3. Before serving, crumble remaining feta and top with basil, salt and freshly ground pepper.

Serves 2 to 4

Pan-fried Peach and Prosciutto Salad 4 large handfuls of baby arugula, washed and dried 1-2 firm peaches, thinly sliced and freed from pit (freestone are easiest) 1 8-ounce round of Brie or blue Brie

1. In a hot buttered skillet, quickly fry prosciutto, and then tear into small pieces.

2. Next, fry the peach slices in the same oil. Add honey to help caramelize peaches, if desired.

2-4 slices prosciutto

3. In a dry, non-stick skillet, toast the pine nuts until golden.

2 tablespoons pine nuts

4. Gently warm the uncut Brie in the same dry skillet.

1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey (optional) Butter or oil for frying

5. Combine all ingredients, except Brie, in a medium sized bowl.

6. Toss gently until the arugula glistens. Plate and serve salad, chilled or at room temperature, with triangles of warm, melting Brie.

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Food+Drink in the kitchen

Serves 2 to 4

Chilled Zucchini Ribbons with Cured Olives, Lemon and Ricotta Salata 3 medium zucchini, unpeeled and washed 4-5 ounces ricotta salata cheese, crumbled 1 green onion, chopped

2. Add cheese, onion and lemon juice. Chill for up to eight hours before adding olives and olive oil.

Zest and juice of one lemon

3, Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Handful of pitted and cured black olives, sliced Salt and freshly grated pepper, to taste

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1. With a wide cheese grater or vegetable peeler, slice zucchini into ribbons.

Serves 6- 8

Bacon, Spinach and Tomato Salad with Basil Mayonnaise Dressing 1 large salad bowl full of spinach, rinsed and dried 2-4 tomatoes, sliced into wedges 1-2 slices of cooked bacon per person, cut into 1-inch strips 1 cup of day old, crusty bread, cubed 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Add tomatoes and bacon to bowl. In a small skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add garlic and bread cubes and toss until garlic begins to smell.

2. Remove before garlic begins to turns brown. Add croutons to salad.

3. To make dressing, combine all ingredients except water and chop with an immersion blender. When liquefied, slowly add water while still blending until desired thickness is achieved.

4. Pour dressing around the rim of the bowl and toss just before serving. Add salt and pepper, if desired.

Basil Mayonnaise Dressing: 1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise 4 large leaves of basil, roughly chopped 11/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 strips of cooked bacon, fat removed and roughly chopped 1/4 teaspoon sugar or sweetener of choice 1-2 tablespoons water Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

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Food+Drink in the kitchen

Serves 12

Chopped Garden Slaw with Tahini Cashew Dressing 3 medium carrots 2 yellow squash 2 zucchini 1 small crown of broccoli 1/2 cup red cabbage 1/4 cup raw cashews as garnish Sprigs of fresh dill, tarragon or mint (optional) Tahini-Cashew Dressing: 1/2 cup oil, such as grapeseed or extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup tahini 1 large fresh handful Italian parsley, most of the stems removed 1/3 cup raw, unsalted cashews 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup tamari 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons agave or sweetener of choice 1 clove garlic, peeled Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 2/3 cup water

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1. To make dressing, place all ingredients (except water) into a blender and liquefy. Slowly add water and blend until the dressing is thick, but pourable.

2. Chop all vegetables either by hand or in a food processor.

Immediately before serving, pour at least one cup of the dressing over the salad.

3. Garnish with cashews and dill or other herbs. Serve remaining dressing on the side. If chilling chopped ingredients for a few hours or overnight, wait and add the dressing immediately before serving. â—ź

Restaurant Guide Ready to Eat?

Use our restaurant listings to find the best eating and drinking in Columbia.

Locations: (C) Chapin ; (D) Downtown; (DS) Devine Street; (F) Five Points; (FA) Forest Acres; (I) Irmo; (L) Lexington; (N) Northeast; (R) Rosewood; (V ) Vista Area; (W ) West Columbia

Liberty Tap Room & Grill 828 Gervais St., 461-4677. Also at 1602 Marina Rd. (I) Handcrafted brew-pub with rich ethnic cooking styles serving seafood, steak, chicken, burgers, soups and salads.

11am daily.

The Oak Table (D), 1221 Main Street, 803.563.5066The restaurant serves modern American cuisine with a high level of hospitality, service and excellence inspired by sister restaurants, Oak Steakhouse and The Macintosh in Charleston and features classic American staples, from steak to seafood.

Open for Lunch, Mon-Fri: 11:30am2:30pm. Open for Dinner Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm. Fri and Sat: 5-11pm. Sun: 5-9pm Open for Brunch Sun, 11:30am-2:30pm

American Cellar on Greene (F) 2001 Greene St., 343-3303. Unique combination of wine shop by day and wine bar by night. Offering 3 course meals with steak, seafood or duck as well as pizza and desserts. Dinner, Tue-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm.

Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries (D) 931 Senate St., 799-0441; (FA) 4751 Forest Dr., 787-3178; (I) 285 Columbiana Dr., 407-6443; (N) 460-2 Town Center Place, 788-6200. Hamburgers, with an array of other options available. Daily 11am-10pm.

City Center Grill (D) 1200 Hampton St. (in the Columbia Marriott), 7446940. Traditional American favorites with regional fare. Breakfast, Mon-Fri 6:30-10:30am, Sat-Sun 6:30-12, Lunch daily,11:30am-2pm, Dinner, Mon-Sat 5-10pm.

Harper’s Restaurant (F) 700 Harden St., 252-2222. Enjoy casual dining with an array of American cuisine, including steak, chicken, seafood, BBQ, burgers and salads. Lunch and Dinner, Mon-Thurs 11:15am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:15am-11pm, Sun 10:30am-10pm.

Cola’s Restaurant (V) 1215 Assembly St., 803.451.0051 The menu is eclectic and evolvng, located in an historic and recently modernized building. Menu items include lamburger, beef short ribs, shrimp succotash.

Bar open daily 5pm-unitl. Dinner, Monday Thursday, 5:30pm-10:30pm. Friday-Saturday, 5:30pm-11pm.

Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House (D) 900 Main St., 748-0540. English-style brew pub with a variety of fresh homemade dishes. Brewhouse serving continental fare and regional favorites. Handcrafted beer made in-house. Lunch, Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner, Mon-Sat 4-11pm.

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar (N) 841-4 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-6966. New American grill with extensive wine list. Serving seafood, pork, chicken, salads. Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Dinner, Mon-Thurs 5:309:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm.

Tombo Grille (FA) 4509 Forest Dr., 782-9665. Forest Acres hotspot serving incredible food, wines, and high-gravity beer.

Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30 10:30pm.

Yesterday’s (F) 2030 Devine St., 799-0196.

Relaxed family atmosphere serving up regional dishes made fresh daily. Menu items include beef stew, BBQ, lasagna and chicken.

Lunch and Dinner, Sun-Thurs 11:30ammidnight, Fri-Sat 11:30-1am.

Asian Baan Sawan Thai Bistro (DS) 2135 Devine St., 252-8992. Quaint bistro offering traditional Thai dishes with seafood, chicken and beef. Choose from a variety of Curry flavors. Dinner Tue-Thurs 5:30-9pm, Fri 5:30-10pm, Sat 5:30-9pm.

Take out is available.

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Restaurant Guide Basil Thai (D) 702 Cross Hill Rd. Suite 300A, 803.782.0716. It’s been called fresh, sophisticated and creative. Award-winning cuisine with a welcoming feel. Lunch, MonFri 11:30am- 2:30pm, Dinner, Fri & Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun, 12noon-9pm M Café (D) 1417 Sumter St., 779-5788.

Fresh Asian cuisine and Mandarin tea room.

Lunch and Dinner, Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 5-10pm.

M Grille (V) 530 Lady St.; 708.8881; Fresh Asian and American cuisine and sushi. Lunch, Mon-Fri,11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner, Mon-Thur, 5:30-9:30pm, Fri & Sat, 5:30-10:30 pm Miyo’s (D) 922 S Main St., 779-6496; (FA) 3250 Forest Dr., 743-9996; (I) 1221 Bower Pkwy., 781-7788; (N) 715 Fashion Dr., 788-8878; (V ) 701 Lady St., 255-8878.

Unique Asian flared foods, sushi, fine teas and specialty entrees. Hours vary by location.

SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar (V) 807 Gervais St., 931-0700. Serving up award winning sushi with fresh ahi tuna. Grill menu includes steak, chicken and beef.

Dinner, Mon-Wed 4:30-10pm, Thurs-Sat 4:30pm-midnight.

Bakery Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery (N) 8502 Two Notch Rd., 736-2253. Full service delicatessen and custom bakery. Specialty is wedding cakes. Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-3pm.

BBQ

Enjoy craft brews and delicious and unique entrees while relaxing in the atmosphere of the historic Lexington Old Mill overlooking the beautiful Mill Pond.

Hudson’s Smokehouse (I) 301 Park Terrace Dr., 661-7533; (L) 4952 Sunset Blvd., 356-1070. Voted some of the best BBQ in all of Columbia, offering full menu or Southern buffet with all the sides.

Lunch and Dinner. Mon-Thurs 11am9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am3pm.

Sun-Thur 11am-11pm & Fri-Sat 11am-2am

“Best Of” 13 years in a row Wine List & Best Place for a 1st Date

◆ ◆ ◆ WINE TASTINGS EVERY WED 5:30-7:30PM

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm ❘ Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm, Drinks 4:30pm www.gervine.com ❘ 803-799-VINE (8463) ❘ 620-A Gervais Street, Columbia, SC (Ample free parking behind restaurant accessed from Pulaski St.)

88 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

DiPrato’s (F) 342 Pickens St., 779-0606. New York style delicatessen serving Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with signature sandwiches, soups and salads.

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sat brunch 10am1pm, Sun brunch 10am-4pm.

Good Life Café (D,W) 1614 Main St., Columbia, 726.2310; 3681-D Leaphart Road, West Columbia, 454-3516. Raw, vegan, juice drinks. Downtown: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm; Sun 10am-5pm. West Columbia: Mon-Thurs 7am-10pm; Fri-Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 10am-9pm.

The Gourmet Shop (F) 724 Saluda Ave., 799-3705. A local favorite, serving homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. Menu items include turkey pesto, reuben, chicken salad, and smoked salmon. Mon-Fri 9am3:45pm, Sat 9am-4:45pm, Sun 10am-3:45pm.

Groucho’s Deli (F) 611 Harden St., 799-5708; (N) 111 Sparkleberry Ln., 419-6767; 730 University Village Dr., 754-4509; (I) 800 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4515; 2009 Broad River Rd., 750-3188; (FA) 4717 Forest Dr., 790-0801; (L) 117 ½ E. Main St., 356-8800. A local favorite featuring made-to-order sandwiches, low-fat options, soups and salads. Lunch and Dinner.

Hours vary by location.

Le Peep (D) 1701 Gervias St., Suite 110, 254-1200. Great breakfast, brunch and lunch food. Mon-Fri 7am-pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Closed Sunday.

Rosewood Market and Deli (R) 2803 Rosewood Dr., 256-6410. Wide variety of menu selections such as coconut shrimp, gumbo, pasta, soups and salads. Low carb healthy dishes available. Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, Sun 10am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 5-7:30pm.

711 E Main Street • Lexington 803-785-BEER • oldmillbrewpub.net

LIVE MUSIC WED & THUR

Deli/Café

Dessert Café Strudel (W) 118 State St., 794-6634. European style café serving an array of sandwiches, soups, salads, and burgers. Breakfast and Lunch Mon-Wed 8:30am-3:30pm, Thurs-Sat 8:30am10:30pm, Sun 10am-2:30pm.

“Our fixed-price menu features hand-cut beef, poultry, pork and lamb. The salad buffet selection, which includes fresh seafood and sushi, rivals any other in the Carolinas.

We invite you to come enjoy the feast.”

OPEN DAILY 4PM DINING WITH UNLIMITED SERVINGS PERFECT FOR LARGE PARTIES PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AVAILABLE

410 Columbiana Dr. Columbia, SC 803.708.3151

RIOZ.COM

South Carolina’s Premier Churrascaria

July/August 2014 | 89

Restaurant Guide Nonnah’s (V) 930 Gervais St., 779-9599. Offering a lite lunch and dinner menu, with some of the best desserts in Columbia. Relaxed, yet upscale atmosphere wonderfully decorated with original artwork from local artists. Lunch MonFri 11:30am-2pm; Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12:30am.

Fine Dining Al’s Upstairs (W) 300 Meeting St., 794-7404. Romantic and elegant Italian restaurant overlooking the Columbia skyline.

Entrees include fresh fish, steaks, chops, pasta and lamb. Dinner, Mon-Sat 5-10pm.

Arizona’s (N) 150 Forum Dr., 865-1001.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily, SunMon11:30am-9pm, Tue-Thurs 11:30am10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm.

Columbo’s (D) 2100 Bush River Rd. (in the Radisson Hotel), 744-2200. Unique Italian cuisine, prime steaks and a superior wine list served up in a casual intimate atmosphere.

Breakfast daily, 6:30-11am, Lunch and Dinner daily 11am-midnight.

Much More Than A Burger

Garibaldi’s (F) 2013 Greene St., 771-8888.

Sophisticated neighborhood café with an art deco bar, serving classic Italian fare and delectable seafood. Dinner, Mon-Thurs 5-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm, Sun 5-10pm.

Hampton Street Vineyard (D) 1201 Hampton St., 252-0850. Offering an array of cuisines with seafood, pastas, beef and chicken.

Menu changes quarterly. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm.

Momo’s Bistro (DS) 2930 Devine St., 252-2700. Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Choose from seafood, steak, pork, chicken, lamb and salads. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:30-10pm, Fri 5:30-11pm, Sat 5:30-10pm, Sun Brunch 10:30-2:30pm.

Motor Supply Bistro (V) 920 Gervais St., 256-6687. Serving up innovative food with a menu that changes twice daily. Lunch, Tue-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, Sun Brunch 11am-3pm, Dinner, Tue-Thurs 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm, Sun 5:30-9pm.

P.O.S.H. (D) 1400 Main St. (in the Sheraton Hotel), 988-1400. Breakfast only, Mon-Fri 6:30-10:30am, Sat-Sun 6:30-11am.

Ristorante Divino (V) 803 Gervais St., 799-4550. Authentic Northern Italian cuisine, serving homemade pastas, seafood, duck and beef. Reservations suggested.

Dinner, Mon-Sat 6pm-until.

Terra (W) 100 State St., 791-3443. Great neighborhood restaurant serving wood-oven pizzas, quail, red drum, steaks and salads.

Dinner, Tue-Sat 5pm-until.

Greek Grecian Gardens (W) 2312 Sunset Blvd., 794-7552. Authentic Greek cuisine including an excellent wine list. Menu selections include chicken, seafood, steaks, Greek pizza, salads and sandwiches. Lunch and Dinner, Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm.

WEEKNIGHT SPECIALS AT TOMBO Join us during the week for these great specials:

MONDAY!

Try our homemade salad dressings, munchies, and much more.

Mon-Fri the Bar is open until the last customer leaves, Sat 11am-12am Brunch Saturday from 11am-3pm

2108 State Street • 803-200-2108 Mon-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Kick off your week with a burger & a beer for only $9, plus great local live music.

TUESDAY: GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT! $5 Pizzas and $15 Bottles of Wine

Billy Sloan 7–10pm every

WEDNESDAY!

THURSDAY! Date Night: Three-course dinner for 2 for $49, plus $10 off any full bottle of wine.

803.782.9665 4517 Forest Dr.

We cater weddings, rehearsal dinners, and birthday parties. Call us today so we can help with your next event!

90 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

(across from Trader Joe’s)

Go to tombogrille.com to sign up for our email list!

Italian

Mediterranean

Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar (DS) 2406 Devine St., 521-5063. Experience Italy first hand at this authentic pizzeria & wine bar. Made in-house panini, pizzas, pasta, mozzarella & desserts. Lunch and Dinner, Tues-Thurs, 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 4-11pm.

Closed Sun-Mon.

Gervais & Vine (V) 620-A Gervais St., 799-8463. Spanish-styled Mediterranean wine and tapas bar offering a wide selection of beers, outside seating and a menu with culinary influences from across the Med. Dinner, Mon-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm.

Moe’s Grapevine (R) 4478 Rosewood Dr., 776-8463. Casual and personal dining experience with an Italian flare. Lunch, Tue-Fri 11am-2:30pm, Dinner Tue 5-9pm, Wed-Sat 5-10pm.

Rosso Trattoria Italia (FA) 4840 Forest Dr., 787-3949. Elegant casual Italian food fare serving up local, seasonal products, Menu boasts an array of pastas, grilled meats, steaks, and excellent wine list. Dinner, MonThurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm.

Travinia Italian Kitchen (L) 5074 Sunset Blvd., 957-2422; (N) 101 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., 419-9313. Contemporary Italian cuisine serving fresh pasta, soups, chicken, pizza, veal and seafood. Lunch and Dinner Mon-Thurs 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12-9pm.

Villa Tronco (D) 1213 Blanding St., 256-7677. Enjoy casual fine dining in Columbia’s oldest Italian restaurant.

Old world charm with authentic recipes.

Lunch, Mon-Fri 11:00am-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 5-10pm.

Japanese Camon Japanese Restaurant (D) 1332 Assembly St., 254-5400. Hibachi-style cooking with seafood, steak and chicken.

Dinner, Mon-Sat 5-9:30pm.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant (FA) 4827 Forest Dr., 738-9330. A local favorite serving up an array of tasty seafood and sushi dishes prepared fresh daily. Lunch, Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:309:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10pm.

Sato Japanese Steak & Seafood (FA) 1999 Beltline Blvd., 782-1064. Authentic Japanese cuisine prepared at your table with the finest chefs. Dinners include appetizer, soup, and salad. Choose from steak, chicken or seafood. Lunch Tue-Fri 11am-3pm, Dinner 4:30-10pm.

Seafood Blue Fin (N) 461-4 Town Center Place, 865-7346. An upscale yet casual atmosphere with a full bar. Dishes include seafood, pasta, chicken, soups and salads. Lunch daily 11am-2:45pm, Dinner Mon-Thurs 3-10pm, Fri-Sat 3-11pm, Sun 3-9:30pm.

Blue Marlin (V) 1200 Lincoln St., 7993838. Serving dishes with a Cajun and Creole influence. Menu includes seafood, steaks and chicken. Lunch, Mon-Fri 11:302:30, Dinner Mon-Fri 5:30-10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-11pm.

Bonefish Grill (FA) 4708 Forest Dr., 787-6200; (I) 1260 Bower Pkwy., 407-1599.

Great seafood dishes prepared on a woodburning grill, all within a relaxed casual atmosphere. Dinner Mon-Thurs 4-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 4-11:30pm, Sun 4-10pm.

Catch 22 (I) 1085 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4700. A fine-dining seafood restaurant with an array of seafood dishes, steak, chicken, sandwiches, soups and salads. Kids menu available. Dinner Tue-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm.

The Oyster Bar (V) 1123 Park St., 799-4484.

Columbia’s original oyster bar, serving the freshest Gulf oysters, steamed or raw, soups, and shrimp and grits. Mon-Sat 4-until.

Pearlz Oyster Bar (V) 936 Gervais St., 661-7741. Fun, eclectic restaurant serving the freshest seafood in a casual dining atmosphere. Daily 4pm-until.

Southern

Mr. Friendly’s (F) 2001 Greene St., 254-7828. Serving new Southern cuisine including seafood, chicken, beef and wild game. Sophisticated and casual atmosphere, extensive wine list and a wide variety of micro-brew beer. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm.

Steaks and Seafood Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse (D) 1508 Main St., 728-0887. A unique, all you can eat Churrascaria located in the historic Kress Building. Featuring a full salad bar, Brazilian hot dishes and 16 different types of meats sliced at your table. Full bar and wine cellar. Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun Lunch 10-4pm, Dinner 4-9pm.

Reservations suggested.

Rusty Anchor (C) 1925 Johnson Marina, 749-1555. Located on Lake Murray the restaurant offers a picturesque and unique lake side dining experience. Specializing in fresh seafood, with favorites such as cedar plank salmon, broiled scallops, and chicken and steak. Outside dining available, full bar.

Thurs 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (D) 924-A Senate St. (in the Hilton Hotel), 212-6666.

U.S.D.A. prime beef, chops, chicken and fresh seafood. Reservations recommended.

Breakfast daily 7-10:30am, Lunch daily 11am-3pm, Dinner Sun-Thurs 3-10pm, Fri-Sat 3-11pm. European style café serving an array of sandwiches, soups, salads, and burgers. Breakfast and Lunch Mon-Wed 8:30am-3:30pm, Thurs-Sat 8:30am10:30pm, Sun 10am-2:30pm.

Saluda’s (F) 751 Saluda Ave., 799-9500. Rich mahogany and white linen tables is what you can expect at this fine dining eatery. Located in the heart of Five Points, featuring Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences.

Entrees include Fish Du Jour, shrimp & grits, steaks, chops, and an excellent wine list.

Dinner nightly, 5:30-10pm.

Mint Julep Bistro & Lounge (N) 120 Sparkleberry Crossing Dr., 419-7200.

Mediterranean style “small-plate” dining with traditional Southern ingredients.

Selections include shrimp & grits, gumbo, BBQ, chicken dishes, soups and salads. Full wine and liquor bar. Dinner Mon-Thurs 4-10pm, Fri-Sat 4-11pm.

July/August 2014 | 91

Signature Chefs Auction Thursday, November 13, 2014 Columbia Marriott Help us continue working for stronger, healthier babies!

Gourmet samplings from the area’s finest chefs, lively cocktail reception and exciting silent and live auction packages.

Event Chair: Cathy Novinger

Event Sponsors

For sponsorship opportunities and event information contact Sarah Travis: (803) 403-8521 or STravis@marchofdimes.com

travel

So Close, Yet So Far Away A trip to Bald Head Island means a relaxing time on the beach or a fun day of golf, but also a step back in time with its commitment to nature conservancy

By JAMIE PENN Photos by GARY BREECE

Old Baldy Lighthouse.

July/August 2014 | 93

travel

W W

hen climbing onto the Bald Head ferry in Southport, North Carolina, looking back toward the parked cars of passengers and down at the few belongings brought aboard, a sense of mystery hangs there. In a time where connection is everything, and the race from commitment to commitment prevails, just getting on a slow-moving boat, knowing that there are no cars, no chain grocery stores, no big box shops, no busy streets awaiting these passengers, can feel a bit like clicking your heels, because there just aren’t many places like this glorious island.

Island Time One of many nice things about the once deserted island, while tranquil and maximally preserved, is that Bald Head’s not so deserted anymore. 18th century pirates had a tough time escaping the perilous frying pan shoals that protect this barrier island.

But, today, the transportive trip by ferry from Southport is a quick twenty minutes.

Visitors from Wilmington, Carolina Beach and many surrounding areas can step onto the island within a couple of hours.

And, once they arrive, hours are no longer so defined.

“When you hop off the ferry, a tram whisks you away to your accommodations, where a golf cart is waiting for you. No traffic on the island means you can kick back and be on island time,” said Christi Golder, with Previous page: Old Baldy Lighthouse. Above: Luxury shops offer the latest designs. The passenger ferry Bald Head Island Limited. leaves Southport.

Andrea Pitera, resident and co-owner of Mojo’s On the Harbor, a casual-dining restaurant less than a block from the ferry landing and Old Baldy, Bald Head’s famous lighthouse, said the “I stepped off the ferry and felt I had come home,” Pitera said. allure of the island is both easy to understand and hard to explain.

“Bald Head feeds something in my soul. It was totally a decision Whatever “it” is led her and her husband, Joe, to sign a contract made in my heart. I have never regretted it.” on a piece of property within the first 24 hours of setting foot Charlotte Dunlap, one of the first 19 residents to inhabit on the island. the island in the 1970s, told Michael Kruse, writer for Our State magazine, that once she landed here, there was no decision to be made. Dunlap was part of the “generator generation,” inhabitants that lived sans electricity on the island in the “powerless” years.

She said, that even without navigable roads, or anywhere to buy anything, this diverse little island, with its jungle-like maritime forests and ten acres of beaches just did it for her. She simply knew, she said, that she must live there.

“I loved it from the minute I stepped on the island,” Dunlap said.

Preservation is Key Development, anywhere, is generally not that limited as a result of the potential impact it could have on the existing flora.

On Bald Head, though, it’s quite the contrary.

Deep in the heart of the island in the maritime forest, it can be hard to see the houses for the trees. Houses only occupy as much space as construction requires, so existing natives, such as the red cedar, native hollies, loblolly pines, live oaks, and cabbage palmettos growing within a foot of where the house will be built, 94 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

conservation-based programs throughout the year.

Community is Everything While there are only 200 year round residents on the island, there is an airof communal welcome that greets visitors. Locals, like MoJo’s On the Harbor owners, Joe and Andrea Pitera, have an authentic calm about them that’s not particularly common in restaurant owners. Their essence mirrors their surroundings and infuses guests with intrigue and comfort.

Joe Pitera said it’s pretty easy to feel comfortable here.

“The community here is amazing. If you need help here, they come out in droves. In the winter, if somebody sneezes, someone will call them up to say ‘bless you’,” Pitera said with a big, broad smile.

Until the last few years, nothing on the island was privately owned. One by one, the developer has sold businesses to private owners, adding to the tight weave that already exists among residents.

Joyce Nelson, resident and coowner of All About Art, a local art gallery featuring works of local artists like Pam Toll, Peter Quinn (an architect who lives on Bald Head), and Michelle Conolly, says that privatizing businesses has only enhanced a sense of community.

“It just makes supporting each other that much more important,” she said.

All About Art hosts “Wining About Art” meet-ups for locals Top to bottom: There’s always something going on amongst the close-knit community; shanty on the river; ten and visitors, and hosts many acres of beach. classes and summer camps for all stay. For good. adults and children.

“It’s one of the most environmentally sensitive developments A community favorite, in place for years, is the monthly, on the East Coast,” Golder said, “where nature takes center stage.”

“Howl at the Moon” party. The community pitches in to provide Gucci bags and haute shoes have undoubtedly made their a potluck style dinner and beverages. Families come out in droves. way to the island. But, flip flops, hiking shoes and tank tops still “We’ve had 60 people in January,” Joe Pitera said. “We’ve take precedence, and all visitors, couture-clad, or otherwise are had as many as 600 in June and July. It’s on East Beach at access encouraged to tread lightly.

39. And believe it or not, when the moon comes up, they actually Cars are not allowed on the island, cutting down on noise howl.” pollution, and decreasing toxic emissions.

Bald Head’s history injects it with character; it’s diverse, Strict ordinances are in place to keep non-native planting well-revered habitats enhance a relationship to nature; and its and native plant removal in landscapes to a minimum. sense of community lays out a welcome mat.

Avian and turtle nesting areas are guarded by the BHI Whether it be for endless nature exploration, days on the conservancy, which is not only a huge advocate for island wildlife and beach, 18 holes of golf on the 7th top golf course in the state, its habitats, but a leader in nature education. The conservancy hosts or all that and more, Bald Head Island is the closest thing to bird watching tours, nature tours, camps for children and several paradise so close to home. ◼ July/August 2014 | 95

Courtesy of Mckissick Museum. Photo by Tom Peach

last reflection

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Traditions, Change & Celebration: Native Artists of the Southeast McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina FolkFabulous, August 23, 2014 10am-4pm, on the Horseshoe Music and Art Festival Yearlong Exhibit August 8, 2014 – July 25, 2015 2nd Floor Gallery http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/mckissickmuseum/upcoming

96 | ColumbiaLivingMag.com

]

Belly laughs. New friends. And long lunches.

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Morning coffee in the cafe, art class, cocktails with friends in the piano bar before dinner, and then the theatre. Now you’ll know your best days are still ahead. And they are here.

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COUNTRY COOL

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