Spartanburg Everyday v1, i3

Volume I, Issue3 - February / March 2012

Complimentary

y a d y r e v e

Joy's Bridal

Exceeding Your Sweetest Dreams

Zarza Eclectic Cuisine Time Honored Traditions

The Carolina Country Club Creating Lifetime Memories WWW.SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM

Spotlight on Pet’s Health

FEATURED ARTICLES

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Did you know that dogs can suffer from a heart disease that is found most often in the southeast? Read Dr. Lambert’s article to learn how this disease is contracted, the symptoms and the treatment. Take care of your dog’s heart and they will thank you with a big wet doggy kiss.

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Then and Now - Zarza

Carolina Country Club

SPARTANBURGday

every

Publication Acknowledgements: Editors:

Joy Mabry Wanda Mabry

Design and Layout: Reid Price, Future’s Graphics, LLC Noah Williams, Future’s Graphics, LLC

Staff Photographer:

Erica Turner, Erica Turner Photography

Contributing Photographers: Carri Bass Photography Erica Turner Photography Jennifer Eleazer Mary Black Foundation Murray’s Photography Sposa Bella Photography Reid Price

Contributing Writers:

David M. Collins, Jr. Stephanie Hazelhurst Joy Jones Beverly Knight Donna Lambert, DVM John Linder Allen Mabry Joy Mabry Patricia Mabry Wanda Mabry Jeanette Mailloux Angie Miller Jay Moore Beth Owens Mitch Shelton J.T. Smith, RN, MSN, BC, CVN-I Erica Turner Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Copyright ©2012.

Zarza is a very special restaurant located on Daniel Morgan Avenue in the old grain district. Many of you will remember the old Spartan Grain & Mill that operated in this area for 70 years. But location is not the only reason this story belonged in our Then and Now Spotlight. Read about the traditions behind the dishes they serve and how their unusual name honors family tradition.

A Bride’s Sweetest Dreams

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Joy’s Bridal shop can make any bride-tobe’s wedding dreams become reality.

Located just up the road from Spartanburg in Forest City, NC, this shop is well worth the short trip.

They will take care of everything from head to toe, literally. Check the center spread for products and services you can get at Joy’s.

Two Wheeling Around Town

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What is red has 2 wheels, a basket, and a bell? What is one of Partners for Active Living healthiest ways to get around town and how can you participate? H.G. Wells said, “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.” Read about the Spartanburg B-cycle program, and then get on one of their red bikes.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

1

Magpie Chatter

CONTENTS

W

elcome to the Winter / Spring Edition of Spartanburg Everyday.

Something old; something new; something borrowed; something blue

Weddings have been a tradition since the beginning of time. As I help my daughter prepare for her big day in May, I am reminded of my big day 33 years ago. So many things have changed; however many traditions have stood the test of time. Regardless, if the couple chooses a traditional church wedding, beach wedding, garden wedding, or Las Vegas wedding, he/she still desires the perfect wedding day.

Many young men will “pop” the life-changing question on the traditional day of love, Valentine’s Day; while other couples are already planning their summer, fall, or Christmas nuptials. In this edition, we have asked the advice of wedding experts in our community for information and ideas to help couples who are at various stages of this tradition.

Each edition of Spartanburg Everyday is a learning experience for us. As we seek people and businesses that give their time, talents, and commitment to the community, we have an opportunity to spend time with them. We learn about the support and the quality services these individuals provide for our community. In this edition, we realized how truly blessed Spartanburg is to have individuals and families in the food and catering industry that take pride in their work. These Picasso’s of the palate pour heart, soul, spirit, and love into every culinary delight, and their creations taste as good as they look.

The staff at Spartanburg Everyday and our advertisers value your comments, suggestions, and ideas. The goal of our advertisers and our publication is to provide you with great service, information, and exceptional products, so please let our advertisers and us know how we can better serve you and our community.

Web Alert

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Find Your Free Editions You can find your free editions in high traffic areas such as: medical facilities, hair and nail salons, realtor offices, the Chamber of Commerce, restaurants, advertisers, and random neighborhoods.

You may also subscribe to receive your hard copy or electronic copy on our website.

Learn About

A New Office Read If you are a physician’s office, hair/ nail salon, restaurant, or business and would like to have copies at your facility please give us a call or email us at: info@spartanburgeveryday.com

Wanda Mabry, editor wmabry@spartanburgeveryday.com

2 •Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

Opera House Calendar ...3 Krispy Kreme ...4 February Calendar ...4

5 Pet Health

Creature Comforts ...5

6 Then & Now

Zarza , Eclectic Cuisine ...6

8 Wedding Planning

Wedding Information ...8 Ashley Hwy Rental ...9 Erica Turner Photography ...10 Skatell’s ...12 Tiers of Joy ...14 Geneva’s Catering ...16 Project Pink ...17 Joy’s Bridal ...18 Carolina Country Club ...20 Hatcher Garden ...22 John’s Cafe & Catering ...23 Coggins Flowers & Gifts ...24 Destination Weddings ...26 Palmetto Palate ...27 Spartan Bakery ...27 Pink Flamingo ...27 C-Spa ...27

28 Home & Garden

AC Landscaping ...28 Carolina Garden World ...29

30 Family life

Rhythm & Dance ...30 Collins Law Firm ...31

S .R.H.S: Your Heart ...32 Partners for Active Living ...34 Trinity Health & Fitness ...36

Joy Mabry, editor jmabry@spartanburgeveryday.com

@spartaneveryday

3 Calendars

32 Health & Wellness

Magnolia Magpies LLC

Follow us on

Featured Articles ...1 Magpie Chatter ...2

On The Cover: Photo by Murray’s Photography & Sposa Bella Photography.

Photography By Erica Turner Photography, LLC

February Calendar Thursday, February 02, 2012 Reading and signing -Hubo City Bookshop-Debut novel, AT THE MERCY OF THE QUEEN, with author Anne Clinard Barnhill. 6-7 pm Thursday, February 02, 2012 Groundhog Day-Will there be 6 more weeks of Winter?

Friday, February 03, 2012 Go Red Day-National Wear Red Day. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Today, wear red and show your support for heart health!

Saturday, February 04, 2012 15th Annual American Red Cross Retro Fest - Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. The South’s Larget Disco Party 6:30 – 11pm Tickets-$50 regular and $70 VIP Saturday, February 04, 2012 Time Capsule and Floor Signing Event (first special event in the new facility). The entire community is invited to join us as we display the 1964 time capsule contents and the items intended for the new time capsule. We also invite you to write a dedication or blessing on the concrete sub floor of the Dewey and Kittie Tullis Gymnasium. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a part of the history of the building!)-Pine Street YMCA Family Center. 10 AM to 12 Noon.

Monday, February 06, 2012 Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. Certified instructor, Leslie Lehman, will be teaching yoga every Monday 11 am to 12 noon (weather permitting) in the Garden of Hope and Healing at Hatcher Garden. $5/person, please bring your own mat. In inclement weather, the class will be held in the Pavillion. “ Tuesday, February 7. 2012 Shag Lessons-Inman Recreation Center. Adults and teens classes on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 for basic shag. Join the fun while you learn the official South Carolina State Dance! Call (864)472-5162 for information or to register.

Thursday, February 09, 2012 Heart and Stroke Screenings -Cardiac Rehab (299 E. Pearl Street). Join us from 7am to 12 noon for this free screening and learn more about your cardiovascular health. Screenings include heart rate, blood pressure, lipid profiles, body mass index (BMI), glucose and carotid artery screenings. To register, call 560-7999-Spartanburg Regional.

February 10-11, 2012 If You Give A Mouse a Cookie-Presented by The Spartanburg Youth Theatre at David Reid Theatre, Chapman Cultural Center. Friday 4:30p and 7 p, Saturday 2pm. This performance will delight young and old.

ment throughout the evening. Patrons will be able to purchase original artwork, as well as themed parties that will be held throughout 2012 in support of the Healing Arts. To support the Community Healing Arts Program, call 560-6727.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Red Shoe Luncheon-First Presbyterian Church 12-1 p.m. Doors open at 11:30-Heart disease is the leading killer of women in the United States. Join us as we learn more about preventing heart disease. Lunch will be served. To register, call 560-7999-Spartanburg Regional.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Music Sandwiched In: Schwamm Family- Spartanburg County Public Library Headquarters Presented by the Music Foundation of Sptbg. The internationally acclaimed Schwamm Family musicians will provide a sneak peak of Masterworks IV, where they will be the featured artists. Brown-bag it, or come early to purchase a box lunch from Panera. Door prizes include tickets to the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra! 12:15-1 pm Thursday, February 23, 2012 Safe Kids Car Seat Inspection-Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health Parking Lot, Spartanburg RegionalFrom 2p to 5p, Safe Kids Spartanburg will have certified child passenger safety technicians available to provide hands-on instruction on installing car seats and booster seats outside the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health facing East Wood Street. Please call 560-6845 to make an appointment.

February 23-26, 2012 Fourth Annual Art & Antique Show-Hosted by the Spartanburg Art Musuem. Showcasing a wde array of fine art and antiques. This fundraising event gives you the opportunity to see, learn about and purchase from dealers.

Saturday, February 25, 2012 SPARTANBURG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: MASTERWORKS IV-Twitchell Auditorium, Converse College. Presented by Music Foundation of Spartanburg. Sinfonia Concertante (Mozart), Sinfonietta (Poulenc), plus Bavarian Folk Music, Fiddle Music, and more. 7PM Sunday, February 26, 2012 Astrology Classes- Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg. Series focuses on astrological symbols and how they can help us understand ourselves and others. This is not fortune telling. 1 – 3pm Monday, February 27, 2012 Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. 11 AM to 12pm.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Happy Birthday to all the Leap Year babies.

March Calendar

Saturday, February 11, 2012 Arts with Heart- The Showroom at HUB-BUB. 7th annual Arts with Heart event showcases local artists and supports the organizations of their choice. 8 local artists will exhibit and sell their work, with 40% Thursday, March 01, 2012 of the proceeds from each sale benefiting the artist and another 40% benefiting the organization of their Piano Lessons-Pine Street YMCA. 30 Minute Lessons, beginning at 5:30pm. Ages 5 & up. Call choice. 6-9 pm.

864.585.0306 to schedule lessons.

Monday, February 13, 2012 Saturday, March 03, 2012 Joshilyn Jackson Literary Luncheon- Two Samuels Restaurant, 351 E. Henry St. Literary Luncheon with James Gregory-Funniest Man in America performs New York Times-bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson. at the David Reid Theatre, Chapman Cultural Center.

The $20 ticket includes an appetizer, entree with two The James Gregory show turns the clock back to a time when life was simpler. His unique brand of sides, dessert and drink. The events begin at noon.

Books will be available for purchase, and the author humor packs the crowds into his sold-out shows.

7:30 PM will sign. 12p to 2 pm.

Monday, February 13, 2012 Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. 11 AM to 12pm Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Happy Valentine’s Day Thursday,February 16, 2012 Art Walk-Artists’ Guild Gallery. Visitors can stroll through all venues using a self-guided map. This event is free and open to the public from 5pm to 9pm.

Saturday, February 18, 2012 Lawson Series: Shining Stars Concert-Daniel Recital Hall, Converse College. 7pm. Admission is free.

Monday, February 20, 2012 Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. 11 AM to 12 noon.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 The 2012 Mardi Gras Carnival will be held on Fat Tuesday at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Arena. The NOTE ROPERS will provide entertain-

Call Glenn Reese & Staff For Fund Raising

864-585-1956

OFFERS EXPIRE APRIL 1ST, 2012

2 Dz. DEAL

Buy Any Dozen at Retail Price & Get 1 Dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for $1+tax 864-585-1956 Spartanburg Location Only Expires 4/01/2012

3 Dz DEAL & 2 Dz. Original Glazed 1Dz. Mixed for $14+tax 864-585-1956

Spartanburg Location Only Expires 4/01/2012

novel. The $20 ticket includes an appetizer, entree with two sides, dessert and drink. The events begin at noon. Books will be available for purchase, and the author will sign. 12p-2pm.

Saturday, March 10, 2012 2nd Annual Great Cake Bake-Denny’s Corporate Headquarters Lobby,203 East Main Street. All proceeds benefit Imagination Library, an early literacy program of United Way of the Piedmont. 10 am-4pm.

Saturday, March 10, 2012 Imagination Library Great Cake Bake-Denny’s Tower, 203 E. Main Street. $10 to enter a children’s book themed cake to benefit Imagination Library.

For all ages! Admission is $5. Kids under 10 get in free & get to decorae a cupcake! Moon Bounce, story time + more! 1p-4pm

Buy Any Single Doughnut(s) & Get One FREE Limit 3 Free Per Visit/Coupon 864-585-1956 Spartanburg Location Only Expires 4/01/2012

1 DOZEN DEAL $4.99+tax Buy 1 Dz. Doughnuts of any Variety for $4.99+tax

*Plus*Buy An Extra Dz Original Glazed For Half Price

864-585-1956

Spartanburg Location Only Expires 4/01/2012

Friday, March 16, 2012 Kids Night Out-Pine Street YMCA. Drop the kids off at the Y and enjoy a night out (or in)! Swim & gym fun activities, pizza, movies. Call for rates.

Saturday, March 17, 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Monday, March 19, 2012 Converse Symphony Orchestra-Daniel Recital Hall, Converse College. Open to the public, admission is free. 7:30 pm.

Monday, March 19, 2012 Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. 11 AM to 12pm

Friday, March 23, 2012 Once Upon A Knight - Gala / Auction -The Piedmont Club. This 2nd annual event is expected to sell out once again. The evenings festivities include live music, delicious food and amazing auction items.

Items in 2011 included Two New York Fashion March 9-18, 2012 Show passes to all events, Trip to Austria, Beach Titanic:A New Musical”-Presented by the Spartanand Mountain trips, exclusive reception party at burg Little Theatre. A Tony award winning musical that vividly depicts one of the most harrowing events the Frank Lloyd Wright house just to name a few!

We are now accepting sponsors for the 2012 Gala. in human history. The central character of this 6:30-10:30 pm musical is the Titanic herself. David Reid Theatre, Chapman Cultural Center. Friday/Saturday-8 PM, Saturday, March 24, 2012 Sunday-3 PM. Expecting Goodness Short Film Festival-The Showroom at HUB-BUB, 149 S. Daniel Morgan March 9-11, 2012 Monday, March 05, 2012 Ave. Expecting Goodness is a collection of twenty H.M.S. Pinafore-Presented by The Spartanburg Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. Certified inSouthern short stories by authors who remarkably structor, Leslie Lehman, will be teaching yoga every Repertory Company at Broome High School’s Com- share the same hometown of Spartanburg, SC. The Monday 11 AM to 12 Noon (weather permitting) in munity Auditorium. One of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most collection is the inspiration for the film festival, the Garden of Hope and Healing at Hatcher Garden. popular operettas about mistaken identity, set in the first of its kind in Spartanburg. 7 filmmakers $5/person, please bring your own mat. In inclement Victorian England on Her Majesty’s Ship, Pinafore. will each use a different story from the collection as Call 583.2776, ext. 518 for ticket information. weather, the class will be held in the Pavillion. inspiration for a 5-10 minute short film that will then Sunday, March 11, 2012 be shown. 7pm- 10pm.

Tuesday, March 06, 2012 Daylight Savings Time Begins--Spring forward 1 Shag Lessons-Inman Recreation Center. Classes for Monday, March 26, 2012 hour at 2 AM adults and teens are held on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. 11 AM to 12 for basic shag. Join the fun while you learn the offiMonday, March 12, 2012 noon. cial South Carolina State Dance! Call (864)472-5162 Petrie Faculty Recital: Douglas Weeks, piano-Daniel Friday, March 30, 2012 for information or to register.

Recital Hall, Converse College. Open to the Public, Expresso Yourself Coffeehouse-Unitarian UniversalFees: In-district residents $50.00/couple or $30.00 Free nAdmission. 7:30 pm. ist Church of Spartanburg.Open mic for musicians, single Out-of-district residents $62.50/couple or Monday, March 12,2012 poets, comics, storytellers, etc. $3 admission. Child$37.50 single Contact Information: lizzie.staggs@ Yoga in the Garden-Hatcher Garden. 11 AM to 12 care available. Always a fun, eclectic mix in a relaxed, spartanburgparks noon. progressive atmosphere. 7pm-9pm Tuesday, March 06, 2012 Thursday, March 15, 2012 Saturday, March 31, 2012 Bret Lott Literary Luncheon- Two Samuels RestauSpartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra: Masterworks rant, 351 E. Henry St. Literary Luncheon with New Art Walk-Artists’ Guild Gallery. Visitors can stroll V-Twichell Auditorium (Converse College) For York Times-bestselling author Bret Lott, as he stops through all venues using a self-guided map. This event is free and open to the public from 5pm to tickets, please call 864-596-9725. 7pm-9pm in Spartanburg on a book tour with a brand-new 9pm.

4 •Calendars • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

E c a is o a e a d o t r t

D m c a h S c ( t h le d m la p m m is e h w c li a

m

l

By Donna Lambert, D.V.M.

Everyone is aware that heart health is crucial to living a long healthy life. This is true also for our canine friends! Heart disease is one of the more common reasons that older dogs die. Although some diseases are not preventable, many are. Those diseases that do occur can be effectively managed so that disease is significantly slowed down and your dog’s quality and quantity of life is improved. There are many conditions that affect heart health but I will just review a few of the more common conditions.

Degenerative valve disease is one of the most common heart diseases seen especially in small and toy breed dogs such as miniature poodles, Chihuahuas, Daschunds, Cocker Spaniels and miniature Schnauzers. In dogs and cats, the most commonly affected valve is the mitral valve (on the left side of the heart), followed by the tricuspid valve (on the right side of the heart). The mitral or tricuspid valve leaflets can become abnormally thickened and develop a nodular appearance. Often you may not notice any symptoms until much later in the disease. Once the disease has progressed to the point where the heart muscle can no longer compensate, you may notice your dog has a chronic cough, is more lethargic and doesn’t want to exercise or play as often and/or is breathing harder or faster. Any of these symptoms warrants a visit to your veterinarian to be checked out. Your veterinarian will most likely listen to your dog’s heart and may also do x-rays. If valve disease is caught

early enough, medications can be given to help the heart pump more effectively as well as lower your dog’s blood pressure.

You will also want to alter their diet to one that is lower in sodium and fat. This is a serious disease but it can be managed with appropriate treatment.

Another serious heart condition in dogs is cardiomyopathy. Unlike valve disease, this actually involves unhealthy heart muscle tissue. Large breed dogs such as Boxers and Doberman Pinschers typically develop dilated cardiomyopathy (the heart dilates and becomes too big with very thin muscle walls). These thin heart walls can no longer pump blood effectively and so signs of heart failure will occur: pale gums, coughing, rapid or hard breathing, fainting or collapse or even sudden death.

This condition is progressive and usually results in death within months or a few years depending on the age of the dog at diagnosis. Screening tests can be done early to try and detect dogs that are at risk. There are medications that will help these dogs but there are no cures at this time. Unfortunately, dogs do not get heart transplants as humans do.

A final disease that affects the dog’s heart, especially in the southeastern United States, is heartworm disease. This is a contagious disease contracted through mosquito bites. Once a dog is infected, it can take months to years before any symptoms occur. Once symptoms are occurring, disease is usually advanced. Symptoms are similar to that of a dog with cardiomyopa-

Pet Health

ff

Heart Disease: Not Just in Humans!

thy or degenerative valve disease: coughing, lethargy, trouble breathing or a distended abdomen. Fortunately, this disease is treatable and preventable! Prevention is best and is easily accomplished by giving your dog a once-a-month preventative tablet. These are available by prescription from your veterinarian. Once your dog is tested for heartworms and is proven to be free of infection, your veterinarian will most likely recommend keeping your dog on the preventative for the duration of his life. Even dogs that live indoors only are at risk due to mosquitoes flying in the house.

The best thing for you to do to insure that your dog is ok is to have her examined at least once a year by a veterinarian and tested for disease as needed. You can also help your dogs’ heart by feeding them a quality dog food, avoiding obesity and getting lots of exercise! Your dog will thank you with a big wet kiss!!

Dr. Lambert can be contacted via email with questions at djlambert10@gmail.com

en

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SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

5

Then & Now

ZARZA! Time Honored Traditions for Some: Fabulous New Traditions for Spartanburg!

By Patricia Mabry

Don’t let the elegance and high class treatment you receive at Zarza’s convince you that it is only for special occasions. Zarza is a special family treat that you can afford often. My fiancé and I first tried Zarza’s on a whim. We were driving by on Daniel Morgan Ave one afternoon and notice a sign saying “Zarza, Eclectic Cuisine.”

Curious as to what exactly “eclectic” food could be and the excitement of a new and different style restaurant in Spartanburg

6 •Then And Now • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

quickly peaked our interest. The first thing we noticed after the unusual name was the elegant décor. With their white table clothes and gorgeous dining room we were thrilled at the prospect of a new place to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions. The staff was attentive, wonderful, and friendly.

We discovered that Zarza’s “eclectic” food is a variety of salads, steaks, seafood, and pastas accompanied by fresh vegetables, rice, and fruits. We were pleasantly surprised to find such a great selection of affordable lunch entrees and many other business/ casual dressed individuals.

One benefit of going in for a late lunch was the opportunity to speak with various family members about the restaurant over the best cup of coffee this side of Columbia, which I am told is only one of the places this special blended

One such dish that has distinct ties to the past is their Wednesday night special, “paella”, which is a combination of seafood, rice, and vegetables. Originally, “paella” was a dish served to Spanish laborers and was prepared with whatever meat was available. Lucky for us, fresh seafood is always available at Zarza. The dish was originally prepared over an open flame and eaten straight from the pan with wooden spoons. Don’t worry, your meal

will be served in beautiful bowls with elegant silverware, so you won’t be “roughing it.” Being fairly well traveled, I am amazed that some of these dishes have been traditional fare in other countries for a very long time and yet Zarza, was the first to introduce them to me, in Spartanburg.

The “paella” on Wednesday night is a true culinary experience with plenty to share!

Wednesday night draws a wonderful crowd of families spending time together and enjoying this

Then & Now

combination is acquired. While lingering to enjoy my coffee, we spoke with the owner, Jose Landa. Mr.Landa stated, “Zarza, is a blend of contemporary and traditional European and South American cuisine and generational family favorites, with a local blend.” Jose explained, “the family vision for Zarza was to bring other families and friends together and provide a dining experience not found anywhere else in the area.” The restaurant uses recipes from different family members that have been passed down through generations, “their traditions.”

Jose, Jacqueline, & Diandra Landa traditional meal passed down from Spain. If you try the paella dinner for two and the Spanish house wine, it is sure to be one of your favorite nights too!

A name as unique as Zarza certainly required further investigation and the story behind it was just as interesting.

Zarza is Spanish for “the vine of a blackberry plant” stemming from the family business of cultivating blackberries. Mr.Landa expressed that the name was, “another way that the family is holding on to their history and traditions.” This also explains the heavy use of blackberries in some of their scrumptious dishes and the extensive selection of European and South American wines.

While Zarza’s was established as a place to go for spending time with friends and family, their “In Home Dining Menu” is also perfect for a quiet night at home or a busy day at the office when your work requires you to take lunch back.

Zarza has fabulous, affordable lunches offering a great reason for anyone shopping or working downtown to drop in. They also have a wonderful catering selection and provide a perfect place for receptions, dinner parties, or business meetings.

So let the time honored traditions of Zarza’s “Landa” family create new traditions for your family. I know that my fiancé and I plan to. Hope to see you there!

149 South Daniel Morgan Avenue Spartanburg, South Carolina 29306

864-699-9619

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

7

Wedding Planning

Planning a Wedding Our Guide to Local Experts

By Wanda Mabry

Weddings are wonderful, stressful, and memorable and if that isn’t enough they take months of planning. Why do brides-to-be put so much time and energy into planning the big day? Because it is the ultimate celebration of her love. Weddings mark the beginning of a new chapter in a bride’s life and she wants this celebration to be perfect in every way. Every bride wants her wedding to be an expression of who she is and the things she loves.

Experts recommend that brides start planning their wedding at least a year before the big day.

One of the biggest decisions a bride-to-be has is if her wedding will be traditional or nontraditional.

Will the wedding be held in a church with a traditional gown and a large wedding party, or will she get married, for instance, on the beach with bare feet and just her immediate family and friends to witness the ceremony? The list of decisions to make for the big day is seemingly endless. She has to pick the date, the time of day, the invitations, a venue for the wedding, a venue for the reception, food for the reception, music for the wedding and the reception, the members of her wedding party, the color scheme for her wedding, jewelry to wear, shoes (if she doesn’t get married in her bare feet), how to wear her hair, her photographer, gifts for the groom and wedding party, and even the color of her nail polish.

We at Spartanburg Everyday hope the information in this special Wedding Edition will be helpful to all the beautiful brides-to-be that are planning their big day. Our local wedding experts have shared their knowledge, products, and services to help couples with decisions and selections for the wedding of their dreams. After all any bride will tell you, her wedding has to be perfect.

8 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

Bridal Gowns--Joy’s Bridal… 18 Project Pink... 17 Bridesmaids, Flower Girls, & Mother’s Dresses--Joy’s Bridal… 18 Caterers--Carolina Country Club… 20 Geneva’s Catering… 16 John’s Cafe & Catering… 23 Palmetto Palate… 27 Zarza Restaurant… 6 Gifts and Accessories--Asheville Hwy Rental… 9 Coggins Flowers and Gifts… 24 Pink Flamingo… 27 Skatell’s Jewelers… 12 Flowers--Coggins Flowers & Gifts… 24 Gifts and Accessories--Asheville Hwy Rental… 9 Coggins Flowers and Gifts… 24 Pink Flamingo… 27 Skatell’s Jewelers… 12 Hair & Nails--C-Spa… 27 Invitations & Itinerary--Asheville Hwy Rental… 9 Futures Graphics… inside back cover Jewelry--Joy’s Bridal… 18 Skatell’s Jewelers… 12 Massage & Spa Services--C-Spa… 27 Men’s Tuxedoes & Suits--Joy’s Bridal… 18 Photographers--Erica Turner Photography… 10 Murray’s Photography… 18 Receptions & Bridal Parties--Carolina Country Club… 20 Hatcher Garden…. 22 Palmetto Palate… 27 Wilkins House… 23 Zarza Restaurant… 6 Tent Rental--Asheville Hwy Rental… 9 Wedding Cakes--Spartan Bakery… 27 Tiers of Joy… 14 Wedding Planning and Rental--Asheville Hwy Rental… 9 Wedding Venues--Carolina Country Club… 20 Hatcher Garden… 22 Wilkins House… 23

Wedding Planning

Two Brides’ Tips for the

Perfect Wedding Day

By Wanda Mabry

Stella planned a large formal wedding while Lisa planned a much smaller, more intimate affair. It is surprising how similar their experiences and their advice are even though their weddings couldn’t have been more different.

Without exception the number one recommendation for wedding planning is to start planning as soon as possible.

Stella chose the large sanctuary of her church for her venue, while Lisa chose a small chapel. Both ladies booked their venues about a year in advance. Venues book fast, especially if the wedding is in a popular wedding month such as May, June or December.

Both brides did a lot of research to help them with their final decisions about their gown, flowers, decorations for the wedding venues, and the receptions. Lisa did most of her research online and read a lot of bride’s magazines. Stella decided to use a wedding planner, but also read a lot of bride’s magazines.

Both brides agreed that the more you research and the more help you get from family, friends and professionals the better your wedding will be.

Lisa said all the planning was overwhelming and the only way she made it through was to occasionally step back from it. These breaks not only kept her sane, it also gave her time to rethink some of her earlier decisions.

She had planned a sit down dinner Visit our website for her reception, www.ashevillehwyrental.com but later decided Visit us on Facebook on a buffet. Both ladies said the buffet was the right choice for them because it allowed their guests the opportunity to mingle. Lisa said that one of her Monday-Friday biggest regrets was that she never ate anything at 7:30am – 5:30pm her reception. She said that all brides should take Saturday the time to eat at their reception, after all you 7:30am-3:00pm planned it. Both brides had something “go wrong” 1101 Asheville Hwy on their wedding days, but said those snafus were Spartanburg SC, 29303 among their most memorable moments.

Stella and Lisa agreed that when it comes to your wedding, you can never have too many candles or Serving Spartanburg, flowers, you can never have too many photographs (candid or professional) and you can never dance Greenville, & too much at your reception. Their final words of advice: try to get some sleep the night before the big the Upstate for over 25 years. day, relax and have a great time at your wedding.

Enjoy Your Day & Congratulations!

We offer: • New & creative ideas for your wedding • Professional party and event planning from start to finish • Tents, tables, chairs, lighting, dance floors • Wrought iron and silver candelabras • Arches in silver, brass, wrought iron and wicker • Fine linens • China, bar setup, catering equipment, flatware & stemware Appointments Welcome!

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

9

Wedding Planning

Wedding Photography Checklist

By Erica Turner

You’ll want to remember every part of this special day! Use this list with your wedding planner and photographer to make certain nothing is left out. Also, personalize this list with your very own special requests.

Before the ceremony: Hair Styling

Make up application The dress Bridal accessories (shoes, veil, garter, rings,...)

Buttoning the dress Bride looking in mirror Family/bridesmaids assisting bride Bride with bridesmaids and Maid of Honor Groom putting on tie and/or boutonniere Groom with groomsmen Leaving for ceremony

At the ceremony:

Outside the wedding venue Guests arriving Honored family members being seated Parents arriving and being seated Wedding party entering Groom awaiting Bride making her entrance Bride and parent walking down the aisle Parent giving away bride Special ceremonies during service Ring Bearer Exchanging Vows Exchanging Rings The kiss Bride and Groom walking down aisle Bride and Groom outside venue

10 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

www.ericaturne

Wedding Planning

urnerphoto.com

Bride and Groom being congratulated Bride and Groom leaving for reception

Portraits:

Bride, full-length Bride and Maid of Honor Bride and bridesmaids Bride and parents Bride and Groom Bride and Groom with parents Bride and Groom with wedding party Bride and Groom with family Bride and Groom with flower girl and ring bearer Groom with parents Groom with Best Man Groom with Groomsmen

The reception:

At the reception site Centerpieces Head table Musicians or DJ Gift Table Bride and Groom arriving Bride and Groom greeting guests Bride and Groom’s place cards Wedding cake Dancing, first dance Dancing, general Dancing with parents Cutting the cake Feeding each other cake Toasts Signing marriage license (sometimes this is following ceremony) Bride throwing bouquet Groom removing garter Garter toss Getaway car Bride and Groom leaving reception (sparkler, petals, bubbles,...)

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

11

Wedding Planning

How to pick the

Perfect

By Beth Owens

Engagement Ring While it is true that engagement rings are valuable because they are made with precious materials like gold, silver, platinum, diamonds and gemstones, the sentimental value they embody often far exceeds their monetary value. For that reason it is important that you give extra consideration to making the ring as meaningful as possible by matching the style to the prospective bride. If a big stone is important to her, for example, then you may want to focus on getting the largest one you can afford. If you know that she would like something other than a simple four-prong setting then you might consider looking at designer settings. Or she may prefer a white metal or want the engagement ring to match the wedding band. As you can see, the options are quite varied. With a little research on your part, you should be able to come up with the “perfect” engagement ring for your bride-to-be.

Consider Your Budget As you are probably well aware, the most important consideration is your budget. In this regard you have to proportion the budget between the diamond and the ring in which it is set. For example, you might want to choose a

12 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

simple mounting in 14kt gold and the biggest and best diamond you can afford or you might opt for a smaller diamond with a more elaborate platinum setting with diamond accent stones to enhance the center stone beauty and durability. Fortunately, the range of choices is so vast that almost anyone can find something within their budget. Here are some factors to consider.

How to Buy an Engagement Ring She’ll Love A critical question when selecting a perfect engagement ring is that whether or not she will like it. As mentioned earlier, a little research will go a long way to getting it right. Consider her lifestyle, ask her friends and relatives for any possible likes and dislikes regarding jewelry or try to discreetly find out from her on your own. Any effort expended in this regard will be worth it, even if you don’t come up with much information. At least that way, you will have made a “good faith” effort.

An alternate, though uncommon, approach is to shop together.

The universal tradition is to surprise your prospective bride with a marriage proposal, but if you feel it’s in your best interest to get some direct input from your spouse-to-be, then you may opt to have an inexpensive, simple ring to present when you “pop the question” and tell her that the “real” engagement ring is something that you two can pick out together. Admittedly, this is an uncommon route to marriage but it may serve you well.

Choosing the right Ring Custom design is our Passion here at Skatells...We specialize in bringing your imagination to life.

A lot of people think that custom designed jewelry is more

is ter d er t, at

r. e st y u is is

n

e

expensive or more time consuming than buying jewelry from a showcase. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We offer an in-house design department to help you create a cherished heirloom. We are here to make your fine jewelry experience a delight.

Wedding Planning

d a o e e-

Why not take advantage of our artisans and craftsmen by designing the jewelry of your dreams at no additional cost?

Wedding jewelry is meant to be worn every day, why not create a unique and beautiful symbol of your love? Don’t pick a ring that is being worn by many other people around the country, instead let us craft a ring specially made for you or your loved one - a ring destined to become a family heirloom that will always remind you of your unique love story.

Choosing the Right Diamond A diamond engagement ring is one of the most important - and often one of the largest - purchases you will make in your life so you will want to be sure you do it right. For many, the choice of a diamond is the most difficult part, but with the help of the information provided here, you will be much more informed and hopefully more confident about the process.

While there is much reason behind the old adage that a diamond engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of enduring love, the guideline of two (2) month’s salary, it is just that, a guideline. But a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important - and often one of the largest - purchases you will make in your life so you will want to be sure you do it right.

For many, the choice of a diamond is the most difficult part, but with the help of the information provided here, you will be much more informed and hopefully more confident about the process. Throughout the process, keep in mind that if you do it right, it’s the only one you will ever have to buy and it will never wear out, never lose its sparkle, and always be a family heirloom to be passed down from one generation to the next.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING BAND 14K Gold ~ Whether yellow, white, rose or any other color, 14K Gold is the most popular metal used in jewelry in the United States today. It is about 58% gold, mixed with other metals to enhance color and strength. It holds up well to daily wear and has the color that most Americans prefer.

The color of white gold is achieved by mixing paladium and other metals with the gold to create the white metal look. White gold is stronger than yellow gold and often used to hold diamonds. Many yellow gold rings still use white gold prongs to hold a diamond, since it is stronger and blends nicely with the diamond. Unfortunately white gold still has a slightly yellow tint to it, so most white gold jewelry is given a rhodium plating. Rhodium is one of the platinum group metals, so when you look at white gold jewelry you are often looking at a platinum

finish. Some of the antique style bands with an oxidized finish don’t have rhodium plating. Generally the rhodium finish lasts for years, but may need to be re-applied again. It is a simple and inexpensive process that is often routinely done by most jewelers along with any white gold ring sizings or repairs.

Both tungsten and titanium are excellent choices of metal for men’s wedding rings, especially due to the rise in the price of precious metals. Tungsten and titanium are both popular choices, largely due to the fact that they are affordable, durable, hypoallergenic metals that come in modern designs. Deciding between the two metals can be pretty tricky so the first things you need to know are the differences between them. Tungsten is more durable than titanium, as it is hard, impenetrable, and has the highest melting point of all metals. Tungsten wedding rings are actually 5 times harder than steel. Such wedding bands are almost impossible to cut, only certain emergency paramedic tools can get through tungsten. So if you opt for a tungsten wedding ring, scratches should be the farthest thing from your mind, as long as it has some carbide in it. Definitely make sure that the wedding ring is made of tungsten carbide and not tungsten cobalt, which can cause allergic reactions in some people, resulting in a green area on your finger where the wedding band was. Titanium wedding rings are also incredibly strong, even stronger than steel. Yet these wedding bands are a lot lighter than tungsten wedding rings.

A wonderful way to customize your band is to engrave a special message inside the band that will be cherished for years to come.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

13

Wedding Planning

by Joy Mabry

Q- What prompted you to start Tiers of Joy? I have a need to give back to the community and I love to put a smile on someone’s face with a cake. I started Tiers of Joy because it allows me the opportunity to do both.

Q-Have you always been a cake designer?

No, actually I’m an RN specialized in pediatrics. I just have a real need to help people in any way that I can.

Q- What is the most unusual request or design you have been asked to prepare?

That would have to be an 80th birthday cake for a lawyer’s Mother here in Spartanburg. I actually took the invitation and duplicated it on the cake. The design was a tree that represented the 4 seasons and everything that this wonderful lady was interested in was on that tree.

Another memorable request came from a bride whose father was dying in the Gibbs Cancer Center. He wanted to see his daughter married. So, I delivered a free wedding cake to his room and she was married right there before his eyes. He died the very next day! I also had a request to duplicate a castle in England where my bride and groom were engaged as their wedding cake it looked exactly like the picture that they took.

Q-I know some brides like to keep the top layer of the wedding cake, what is your suggestion for preserving or storing this layer?

I usually provide a box to put their top tier in. I wrap the box tightly with saran wrap and then it should go into the freezer. I’ve had brides call me back 1 year later to tell me that their cake tasted as good as it did the day they were married.

Q-What advice would you give an engaged couple about the size, design, and content of their wedding cake?

The number of guests determines the size of the cake.

Anything goes with the design and the content can be

14 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

Q-How long does it take to prepare a large wedding cake with several tiers?

A lot of planning goes into large wedding cakes – usually 5-10 tiers will take me anywhere from 4-6 weeks of preparation. A cake with a very intricate design and an abundance of handmade flowers takes several months.

Q-If you were designing your own wedding cake, what would it look like?

Yes, this is very important to me. I want the bride to know just what she is getting, so we have a tasting party with the bride and any quests she wants to invite. They get to taste every flavor, filling and frosting from my menu!

Q-I know you have a heart for the community and a love for others, so I have to ask, how many tears of joy do you experience over each tier and each couple?

Wedding Planning

anything from my menu to family recipes. One bride even requested a peanut butter cake as one of the tiers for her wedding cake. I design the wedding cakes with their individual requests in mind. I strongly believe that each wedding cake should mirror the individuality of the guest of honor.

Thousands! Like I said, I have a real need to give back to the community. So many people have touched my life in a positive fashion and I feel that now it is my turn to touch their lives with a cake that is flavorful, moist and beautiful – just like they want it.

My recipe for life is:

Live, Love, Laugh and Eat Cake!!!!!

I have to say that it would be a traditional white on white stacked cake. Each tier would have a different design, flavor and filling. That is what I do for each bride that I serve.

Q-Do you do have small samplings of cake flavors and icings to help the couple with their final decision on the cake?

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

15

Wedding Planning

Think

Outside The

“Wedding Box”

By Mitch Shelton

Geneva’s Catering & Restaurant is 2nd Suggestion: revolutionizing the food and beverage Budget: Although industry with innovated and fresh ideas your reception is servicing businesses, industries, churches, and one of the most families. Geneva’s creates food from the finest costly parts of ingredients, using traditional cooking methods your wedding not found in today’s commercial food market. day because God has blessed me with a family that gives me all it is your gift the support needed to perform my daily operations to everyone and remain active in the community. Compassion (food), you for others expressed strongly through my mother, must set a Beverly Shelton, and a love for culinary arts budget and from my dad, Joseph Shelton, are the domiremember who nate attributes to my success and ability this day is for! to execute any event with attention to details.

3rd Suggestion: Head-

With such a wide range of count: Your guest should be consumers, I must say that honored to have been invited wedding receptions are one to witness your most sacred vow of our favorite events to caand covenant, that’s the important ter. We bring our couples a part. If the number of attendees at the ceremony cannot be accommodated at your reception there are many solutions. Some brides and grooms bar”, Southern Cuisine Appetizers: tart size macmay choose to have a more intimate aroni and cheese, fried chicken on skewers, bite reception with immediate family and size sweet potato soufflé. Asian inspired spring bridal party members. There are tactful rolls, vegetarian sushi wraps with fillings at ways to handle this situation. each table, chicken and pork adobo. Guests were allowed to create their own authentic 4th Suggestion: Platted vs. buffet: Like delightful and unique dining experience Asian dish. Regardless if the menu calls the bride and groom, these two serving styles by encouraging them to think outside of for Barbeque, Grilled Filet or Corvina are equally yoked. Some people view buffets as the “wedding box” and truly allow this part Sea Bass remember: PRESENTATION, less formal then a platted meal, however when of their day to be their own. I am continuPRESENTATION, PRESENTATION. executed correctly both styles of service have ously seeking new information, products, and If it looks fabulous and is served stunoptions in an effort to increase my knowledge the same continuity of class and elegance. ningly well, your guest will have stellar and ability to help any couple obtain their reviews. wishes and stay within a given budget. Each 5th Suggestion: What to eat: Rest and be wedding season holds a new set of brides and assured that whatever you serve, from back yard grooms that I am blessed to have the opportu- barbeque to the most elegant affair, Geneva’s Geneva’s Catering & Restaurant nity to work with in this amazing journey of will have an unprecedented presentation and 2550 Stone Station Road cooking and presentation. These couples are extraordinarily good food. Remember accomRoebuck SC 29376 plagued with similar issues… budget, head- plished simplicity far exceeds lavishly missing 864.587.1912 (restaurant) count, platted vs. buffet, not to mention what the mark. Some previous brides ideas that were 864.529.5335 (mobile) to eat! cost effective and wonderful were Blackened Genevascatering.com J. Mitchell Shelton My 5 Suggestions for these 4 issues: Chicken with Mango Salsa, Grilled Sirloin Tips with Sherry Mushroom Sauce, Loaded available anytime 1st Suggestion: Whipped Potato Bar with topWednesday – Friday 10:30am -2:30 pm Geneva’s Catering and Restaurant immediately! pings served from “martini Sunday - 10:30am-3:30pm

Call

16 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

By Angie Miller

will sponsor:

technology, professional expertise and an exceptional level of personalized care.

They will be at the Project Pink Inc Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show to educate each guest about breast health.

Project Pink Inc Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show will be held at the Greenville Marriott, One Parkway East, Greenville. This is a 2-day event, Friday, February 17th 2 PM-8 PM and Saturday, February 18th 10 AM – 3 PM.

Project Pink Inc, a Charitable Foundation, is a wish granting program based out of Virginia.

Their mission is threefold: to grant wishes to those living with Stage IV breast cancer, to provide college scholarships to children who lost a parent to breast cancer, and to educate young women about breast health for the purpose of preventing metastatic disease.

FREE ADMISSION!

Held as a fundraiser, Project Pink Inc’s Wedding Gown Sale offers over 600+ gowns at a 50-80% discount off the retail price! Not only can you find your gown, you will have the opportunity to complete your look with tiaras, veils, slips, and shoes. Gowns will vary in styles, sizes (2-40) and price. All gowns are donated from bridal shops and manufacturers like Kleinfeld in NY!

“COUPONS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FIRST 50 BRIDES WORTH UP TO $250 OFF PURCHASE OF GOWN!” Local wedding professionals will be at the show to help brides plan their wedding with a more relaxed atmosphere or “one on one” personal attention. There will be giveaways each day. beLOCAL.us is a locally owned online directory service for local businesses, who work passionately to shop, support, promote and serve local businesses. beLOCAL.us is a sponsor for this event.

Spartanburg Regional Gibbs Cancer Center is a local partner for Project Pink Inc Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show. The Gibbs Cancer Center is a proven leader in providing effective cancer treatment through advanced

Wedding Planning

Project Pink Inc

Project Pink Inc guarantees 50% of your purchase will be used towards their Mission.

COME SEE WHAT A WEDDING GOWN CAN DO! For more info about the upcoming event contact Angie Miller at 864.423.9559 or see how you can volunteer with Project Pink Inc, go to ProjectPinkInc.org Visit www.projectpinkinc.org and read about our local recipient who was granted a wish from our September 2010 show!

Photos by Carri Bass Photography

SAVE THE DATE! PROJECT PINK INC.ORG

Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show Free Admission When

Friday, February 17, 2012 from 2 PM - 8 PM Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 10 AM - 3 PM

Where

Greenville Marriott One Parkway East · Greenville, SC 29615

Additional Info

For more information about this event please visit: www.beLOCAL.us or call Angie at: 864.423.9559

First 50 brides will receive coupons

worth up to $250 off gown purchase!

Daily Grand

Prize Giveaway

Come shop over 500+ gowns! Find the perfect gown at a 50-75% discount off retail price! Gowns will vary in style & size (2-40) SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

17

Wedding Planning

Generations of Tradition

By Joy Jones

Once a tiny store on Main St. in Forest City, after 18 years of business we out-grew our beloved store, and moved to the Tri-City Mall. Our move has allowed us to grow even more. We now offer an even larger selection of bridal and prom lines, and extended our selection to include couture lines that were previously only available in larger cities such as Charlotte and Atlanta. Our goal is to offer every bride exactly what she’s looking for with an amazing gown that fits every budget.

We are based in the beautiful town of Forest City, North Carolina, and we would be delighted to welcome you into our salon, which is stocked with a massive array of gowns and formal wear. But if you can’t get here in person, our online service is second to none, reaching all across the United States, and even customers as far away as Germany!

18 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

Wedding Planning

Wedding gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses by designers like: • Maggie Sottero • Kitty Chen, • Allure Bridals • D’avinci • Eden Bridals • Alfred Angelo • Impressions • Private Collection • Romantic Bridals, • Moonlight • Forever Yours • PC Mary’s • Signature Plus • Private Label by G • Destination Gowns and more.

Dresses: • Mother-of-the Bride/Groom dresses • Pageant dresses • Quinceanera • Prom section with many top designers Tuxedo Rentals: • Jims Formal Wear, • Tuxedo Central • Thomas & Son’s • VIP Accessories: • Make-up line by Leigh Valentine • Jewelry, head pieces/tiara’s and Veils On-site: • Alterations • Gown preservation • Photography by: Murray’s Photography • Carlson Crafts selections

of napkins,

invitations, etc..

for order

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

19

Wedding Planning

The Carolina Country Club

By Stephanie Hazelhurst - Director of Sales

The Carolina Country Club is considered to be one of Spartanburg’s premier wedding destination locations. We value this distinction and promise to host the wedding and reception you have always dreamed of. The Carolina Country Club is the perfect location for various sizes of rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremony site locations, as well as wedding receptions.

Overlooking our beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, the 30,000 square foot clubhouse captures the true spirit of country club living. The elegant traditional interior sets the stage for formal entertaining, yet is equally comfortable for casual enjoyment.

20 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

Wedding Planning

The Milliken ballroom features bright yet classic color palettes to compliment any wedding color scheme.

Floor to ceiling windows overlook the beautiful golf course and the pristine lake that glistens in the moonlight.

Holly Hall is our large banquet facility designed for dances, receptions, meetings and various sized special events. Holly Hall is perfect for a beautiful wedding site, as well as your reception or rehearsal dinner. Holly Hall features large post and beam interior and a large bay window overlooking the classic brick patio and Olympic sized swimming pool.

Chef Stuart Partin and his professional culinary staff will plan your menu to meet your specific tastes and budget.

Our experienced catering team will make sure every detail of your special day is executed precisely as planned.

Enhance your wedding weekend with a post wedding brunch while the groomsmen play a round of golf.

We invite you to add memories of your special day here at The Carolina Country Club! Contact Stephanie Hazelhurst at 864-583-1246 for your personal facility tour and pricing information.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

21

Wedding Planning

T

W

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve offers a beautiful and tranquil setting, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature.

The paved paths meander through 10 acres of woodlands accented by perennial, shade, butterfly and water gardens.

The stone patio and waterfall, gazebo, observation deck overlooking the lower pond and Garden of Hope & Healing with its covered pavilion and large brick terrace with stone step entrance provide a variety of venues for special event rentals.

For details about rental fees and date availability, contact Hatcher Garden Office, 864-574-7724, or www.hatchergarden.org.

Photography By Erica Turner Photography, LLC

22 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

Wedding Planning

The

Wilkins House An Extention of

John’s Cafe

& Catering

Chef John Linder

is a University from Johnson & Wales University, where he received a degree in Culinary Arts. He also received a B.S. in Business Management from the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg.

After seven years of working in the Food Service Industry, John went out on his own in March of 1995, purchasing what is now John’s Café and Catering.

In 2001, John purchased a house built in 1901 on Main Street, Cowpens.

He presently uses this house as a banquet facility for Weddings, Rehearsals, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries, Christmas parties, Sweet 16 parties and just about any type of party you can imagine.

The name of the facility was picked by John to remember the original family, which lived there. Today it is called The Wilkins House. We can accommodate sit down meals for 100 guest and stand up receptions for up to 250 guests.

Call John at The Wilkins House for your next special event!

John’s Cafe & Catering 311 Bennett Dairy Rd Spartanburg, SC 29307

864-579-7969

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

23

Wedding Planning

A History of Wedding Traditions

By Joy Mabry

Coggins Flowers & Gifts has been serving the Spartanburg community since 1956. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, it was not uncommon for The Coggins Family, and staff to set up and decorate up to ten weddings each weekend. Jim Coggins directed his first wedding at the age of ten. During this time, Coggins Flowers & Gifts slogan was “we provided everything for the wedding, except the bride and groom”. By the 1980’s, weekends became less frantic due to emerging market changes. In the 1990’s, rental companies and specialty wedding coordinators made it easier for Lori Coggins (third generation), Jim Coggins and staff to become more specialized in floral arrangements for elaborate weddings planned by these new coordinators and designers.

The “Do It Yourself ” trend of this decade was created when engaged couples started using specialty coordinators and the internet to help them plan their wedding. Non-traditional and destination weddings have replaced many of the customs and traditions associated with traditional church weddings. Some brides today, on limited budgets, will purchase bulk or loose flowers and work with family members or coordinators. Deanna Stottlemyer, Coggins’ on-site wedding consultant assist brides in bringing their bouquet ideas to life, as they watch. Deanna works with brides one-on-one to help ensure all their floral visions are achieved from planning stages to the last minute changes made when the bride and/or groom view the flowers the day before the wedding.

Deanna has two suggestions:

24 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

1. Make a check list of other flowers you may need for the ceremony which should include some of the following:

• Bridal bouquet and a second one for tossing • Bridesmaids bouquets and coordinating hairpieces • Boutonnieres for groom, best man, attendants, and

fathers • Corsages for mothers • Flowers for flower girl and ring bearer • Flowers for grandparents and other special guests • Floral arrangements for the venue • Floral arrangements for the cake • Floral arrangements for the reception • Thank you flowers for parents or other special guest that help make your day special 2. When choosing your flowers, keep these questions in mind: • What is the style of your ceremony or reception? (formal/informal) • What is the color scheme of your wedding?

• What time of year and day is the wedding/reception?

• How much have you budgeted for your flowers?

Coggins Flowers & Gifts has been providing brides with information, quality, and assurance that their day is just as important to them as it is to you for over 50 years. Let our staff at Coggins’ take care of all your wedding flowers and if you’re a “Do It Yourself ” bride we can assist with that with our UpstateFlowerMarket.com wholesale business. Our business has the best of worlds at one location!

Wedding Planning

s

t t f

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

25

Wedding Planning

E lectronic

By Patricia Mabry

Wedding Errors

Planning a wedding in the 21st century has new pitfalls, which “mom” experience cannot guide us through. The vast resources of the internet give us more options than thought possible a few years ago. The options offer great appeal, however they come with their own set of risks. Hopefully I can help some Bridesto-Be by sharing some of the problems that have created trouble The most stressful incident occurred while I was trying to secure reservations online. Destination weddings are trendy and for me.

Online dress shopping can be fun and a good way to get ideas, however buying a gown from a website may not be the best idea.

A dress looks very different on a model than on you. Even if you find a model that favors you, chances are you will miss some quality that could change the look of the dress. Browsing for a gown online, I picked out a dress that flattered a model with a similar build. Excited to try on this same style and color at a local bridal shop, I discovered that I had not considered my dark features and was very disappointed with the washed out look created by the true white color. The dress consultant suggested a gown that I would never chose online or on the rack, however this gown had a black trim which made it absolutely stunning with my complexion and was considerably lower priced than the one online. Trying on dresses is essential to picking the right one. If you are purchasing your gown online, I suggest buying a standard size so that you can return it if necessary. You can always have it altered once you are certain it is your perfect gown.

ideally less stressful; however booking the trip is not

always a piece of “wedding” cake. Travel websites are great for booking vacations because they are quick and easy. Most credit/debit cards have daily limits on how much you can spend which aids in preventing identity theft, however these bank policies can be incredibly frustrating when spending a large amount at one time. If you are booking for a large group traveling together, be prepared to split the charges up between a couple of different cards, or you can contact your bank or credit card company a couple of days prior booking to inquire about raising your daily limit. Another alternative is to leave this “headache” to a reputable travel agent to ensure that your party winds up on the same flights, at the same hotel, and all at the same time.

Online options and conveniences make planning a wedding easier and faster for the modern, trendy “Do it Yourself Bride.”

Take advantage of these tools for research, registries, and budgeting, but some of the older traditions like dress shopping, gift shopping, and working with wedding professionals can help you Registering for wedding gifts online is a great idea and valuable avoid unnecessary stress and cost. I hope that you enjoy plantime saver; however don’t get so high tech that you leave your ning your big day as much as I am, and hopefully avoid these older relatives behind. As tempting as it is for our generation to little “snags” that have caused me unnecessary anxiety. use the one stop Amazon shop, it is important to remember that not everyone is versed in online shopping, or comfortable shopping over the internet. A good alternative is to register online at stores that you know are in the local area of your guests or relatives. Most chain home decor/improvement stores have bridal registries that will allow you to register online so that your loved ones can visit the store and still get the items you have selected. This way you don’t waste time answering phone calls and apologizing for making life more difficult for those trying to wish you well.

26 •Wedding Planning • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

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27

Home & Garden

Spring LANDSCAPING

By Allen Mabry

FOR THE UPSTATE

Summer will be here before we know it, but when we step outside we are quickly reminded that winter hibernation slumbers on. Most days are still cold and dreary, but soon Mother Nature will begin to yawn, stretch, and shake off those winter blues.

That is our signal from nature to start planning & preparing our yards so we can enjoy the warm relaxing summer days that are just a few months away.

We all know that the coming of spring is hard to predict; even that pesky groundhog that comes out of its burrow on February 2nd doesn’t usually get it right.

Spring could awake early or sleep late. Preparing your lawn and gardens in advance for Spring’s arrival means you’re ready no matter the time she finally makes Owner Allen Mabry & grandson Ben her long awaited appearance.

My suggestion for getting started is to check your shrubs, roses, perennials, ‘monkey’ and fountain grasses for any necessary pruning or cutting back that is needed. Pruning helps optimize growth and flowering, and allows you to remove dead branches or limbs. Pruning at this time of year also means you can cut back certain types of shrubs whose growth is over powering its area in your landscape. One thing to always remember; the best pruning on any material is select pruning. Select pruning means that you take out or trim branches and foliage that do not fit the natural shape and form of the plant. If the shrub is

over powering you may need to prune as much as 2 or 3 feet.

Remember, most plants do NOT grow in the shape of a ball or box and they enhance our landscape best in their natural form.

Trees, crepe myrtles and large evergreens fall in this category also.

While you are busy pruning, it is also a good time to take some preventative steps for the health of your plants. Your local garden center will have some good products for disease and insect control that you should apply at this time of year. I find it best to re-apply mulch or pine needles while getting the yard ready for Spring and Summer because it helps brighten up the landscape as we’re waiting for our plants, trees and shrubs to bloom and green up.

This is also the time of year to do some lawn maintenance. Now is the time to be thinking of weed prevention, especially for the prevention of that pesky crabgrass. This is also when you should be adjusting the soils ph if need be. Adjusting the soil ph insures that you get the most out of your fertilizer for that lush green color we all want for our lawns.

While you are outside doing these things, I suggest you check your tools & lawn equipment for any necessary repairs or updates. The biggest benefit of doing this now is that you can get it in for shop repairs before there is a back log of repairs and service ahead of you.

Handling the maintenance of your yard now means you get some good outdoor activity and fresh air to help chase those winter blues away. Remember that February is heart month, so let’s get it pumping while insuring that you have a healthier lawn and “well” landscaped yard this summer.

Not sure how or what method of material to use can be solved by your local garden store or by contacting a professional landscaper of your choice. Remember your goal is to enjoy the beauty of your yard this summer.

Serving Spartanburg, Greenville and Cherokee Counties AC Landscaping & Maintenance

Allen Mabry Professional Landscaper

"Your Personalized Lawn Care" Meeting all you Landscaping, and Lawn Maintenance Needs for Over 30 Years

28 •Home & Garden • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

864-576-6349 (office) 864-680-2601 (cell)

G arden World W ?W ?W ?W ? here

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hat hen

By Jay Moore

Hello, my Name is Jay Moore and I am the President of Carolina Garden World. I want to introduce my business to you.

Where? We are a full service garden center located at 1020 South Pine Street in Spartanburg. (This is near the intersection of Country Club Road and Pine Street) Why am I telling you this? I am always amazed at the customers who come to the store and say; I have lived in Spartanburg for years and didn’t know you were here. Well hopefully everyone that sees this article will know where we are or can find us. For those of you that need help, here is a quick link to a map that shows our location. http://mapq.st/yoyTBz Who? Our staff is comprised of folks who have years of horticultural knowledge and experience. Jackie Tucker has been working in the industry for 35 years. He has a wealth of knowledge and quite a following among gardeners in Spartanburg. Hollie Walker (AS in Horticulture from Spartanburg Com-

What? What do we sale? We pride ourselves on offering the widest selection of gardening products in Spartanburg. We carry a full line of Trees, Shrubs, Groundcovers, Vines, Perennials, Annuals, Vegetable Starts and Houseplants. If we don’t have what you want, we can usually locate it and get it in for you. Our staff prides itself on helping the gardeners of Spartanburg find what they want.

We also carry a wide assortment of decorative planters and garden accessories

I invite you to come visit us when you get a chance.

Whether you are a master gardener or a novice we are here to serve you.

for varying tastes. We offer a complete line of Organic fertilizers and pesticides, as well as many of the traditional fertilizers and garden pesticides. So if you want to maintain a landscape or control a problem you have in your landscape, we can help. Finally, we carry a wide variety of soil amendments to readjust or remedy any soil issues you might face. For the convenience of the Gardeners of Spartanburg, we offer delivery service .

When? Our normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday 8:30-6:00. During the winter and the heat of summer we close at 5:30, so call to check what our closing time is seasonally.

Home & Garden

Carolina

munity College) works with us part time and also plays a vital role at the Cancer Center at Spartanburg Regional with her skills used in horticultural therapy. Judy Truman has been with Carolina Garden World for several years now and has become a vital part of our daily operations. She is the gal that keeps us all in line and helps to organize the daily happenings of Carolina Garden World. Kim Sill does a great job handling the cashier duties. She has been with us less than a year but brings fresh eyes and a great personality to our staff. She also has a passion and love of gardening. J.D. Weeks, Jeffery Young and Robin Barnett are all vital parts of Carolina Garden World and their skills and talents complement the group.

$15 Off Of a

$100

Purchase certain restrictions apply

I invite you to come visit us when you get a chance. Whether you are a master gardener or a novice we are here to serve you.

When?

When? Our normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday 8:30-6:00. During the winter and the heat of summer we close at 5:30, so call to check what our closing time is seasonally.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

29

Family Life

2012-2013 Dance Year Schedule Monday 3:30-4:30 4:00-5:30 4:00-5:00 4:30-5:45 5:00-5:45 5:30-6:00 5:45-6:15 5:45-6:45 6:00-7:30 6:15-7:15 7:15-8:00 7:15-8:00 Tuesday 9:15-10:00 11:00-11:45 3:30-4:30 3:30-4:30 4:30-6:40 4:30-5:30 5:30-7:40 5:00-5:45 5:45-6:15 Thursday 3:30-4:00 3:30-4:00 4:00-5:00 4:00-4:45 4:45-5:15 5:00-6:00 5:15-6:30 4:15-5:15 5:15-6:15 6:30-7:00 6:15-6:45 6:30-7:30

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Rhythms Dance, LLC 200 College Street • Reidville, SC

864-316-0714 - achoper@att.net 30 •Family Life • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

A i c r t

1

I i i

By David M. Collins, Jr. Family Law Attorney Divorcing spouses do not have to “fight it out in court.”

There are better ways to work out the issues that face spouses when they decide to separate and divorce.

Divorce Mediation is one of those ways. Divorce mediation is a series of meetings between you, your spouse and a professional who helps you work through the issues you are facing. Mediation can save you time and money by resolving these issues before you file a separation or divorce case in Family Court. Mediation also allows you more input, more control and a stronger voice in reaching decisions about your separation and divorce.

A couple’s ability to resolve their issues through mediation instead of going to court is directly related to their ability to cooperate, their willingness to compromise and their preparation. There are four things every divorcing couple can do to increase their chances of succeeding at divorce mediation.

1.

Make sure everyone is “on board” with using mediation.

If you are seeing a mediator before you file for a divorce, it is important that both you and your spouse agree that mediation is worth your time and effort. Unless both of you agree to

2.

Family Life

Getting A Better Divorce Through Mediation

give mediation an honest try, you are only wasting your time and money. Discuss it in advance and make sure that you both agree that this is the right way to handle your divorce before you begin.

Think though the issues and topics you need to discuss.

In order to reach a full agreement during mediation you will need to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Preparation is the key to making good decisions and being confident about those decisions. In order to properly prepare and make the most of your time with the mediator, think through the decisions that have to be addressed and the decisions that have to be made then write them down and take them with you to mediation.

3.

Gather the information you will need to make decisions.

You will need information to make good decisions. Once you have identified what you have to talk about during mediation, you need to gather information about those topics. Things you may want to consider gathering include account statements, bills, pay stubs, health insurance costs, daycare costs and school calendars. Armed with this information, you will be able to make better decisions during mediation.

4.

Think through possible solutions.

Once you know the issues that need to be discussed and have the information necessary to make decisions, the next step is to write out possible solutions to all of the issues that have to be addressed during mediation. I usually recommend that each spouse outline three possible solutions. The first solution is what you would ask for if you knew your spouse would not say “no” to anything. The second is the worst you would agree to before telling your spouse “I’ll see you in court.” The third is what you think would be fair to both of you – this one would require that you each make sacrifices in order to reach an agreement. Writing out these agreements will help you decide what is really important to you, what you would like to get if you could and what really doesn’t matter.

If you take the time to work through the four steps above you will be prepared for your mediation and have a much better chance of reaching an agreement that works for you, your spouse and your children now and in the future.

I have created a website about alternatives to traditional divorce litigation at www.carolinadivorcesolustions.com. You can use this site if you want more information about divorce mediation or are ready to schedule your first mediation session.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

31

Health & Wellness

Your Heart Will Thank You - For the Rest of Your Life!

Therefore, risk factor prevention and monitoring your numbers can literally save your life. There are three key numbers that clearly show your present health status and will affect your future: 1- 2- 3-

Your blood pressure Your cholesterol levels Your waist size

Blood pressure

By J. T. Smith, RN, MSN, BC, CVN-I Chest Pain Center Coordinator, Spartanburg Regional

People who “know their numbers” and follow some basic tips to prevent heart disease, now have an added side benefit.

Good news for taking New Year’s resolutions seriously!

Those who follow a heart-healthy lifestyle have a 38 percent lower risk of developing cancer, according to research presented last fall at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting. So now you can reduce your risk of developing the two leading causes of death in the U.S.—heart disease and cancer.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Pre-hypertension is 120 to 139 (systolic) and/or 80 to 89 (diastolic).

Hypertension—also known as high blood pressure—is 140 or higher (systolic) and 90 or higher (diastolic).

Cholesterol HDL (“Happy” cholesterol) should 50 mg/dL or higher, if you’re a woman, or 40 mg/dL or higher, if you’re a man.

Optimal LDL (“Lousy” cholesterol) should be 100 or lower. If you have other major risk factors, like pre-

existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes, your doctor may want your LDL closer to 70.

Waist size You don’t need a screening test to determine the third important number.

If your waist size is equal to or more than 35 inches in women and equal to or more than 40 inches in men, it increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic problems, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol.

Knowing your numbers is an important start to a healthy heart. The next step is achieving and maintaining those numbers.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men. Although you lack the power to change risk factors such as family history or age, there are some key heart disease prevention steps you can take.

Here are five tips to get you started: No smoking Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals; many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels and lead to a heart attack.

32 •Health and Wellness • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

In addition, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Even so-called social smoking — only smoking while at a bar or restaurant or with friends — is

Health & Wellness

dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease.

The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year.

Get active Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease.

Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which can be a factor in heart disease.

Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total.

Eat a heart-healthy diet The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart.

Heart-healthy eating isn’t all about cutting back, though. Most people, for instance, need to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet, with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. Eating that many fruits and vegetables cannot only help prevent heart disease but also may help prevent cancer.

Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one a day for women. At that moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard.

Maintain a healthy weight As you put on weight in adulthood, your

weight gain is mostly fat rather than muscle. This excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

One way to see if your weight is healthy is to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which considers your height and weight in determining whether you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat.

BMI numbers 25 and higher are associated with higher blood fats, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Even small reductions in weight can be beneficial. Reducing your weight by just 10 percent can decrease your blood pressure, lower your blood cholesterol level and reduce your risk of diabetes.

Get regular health screenings Regular screening for high blood pressure and high cholesterol can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.

Blood pressure. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. You may need more frequent checks if your numbers aren’t optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease.

Cholesterol levels. Adults should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years. You may need more frequent testing if your numbers aren’t optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease.

Prevention pays Heart disease is often avoidable, and following a heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. This month give your valentine a healthy heart, and enjoy a healthier life together for years to come.

For more information, please call the Joe R. Utley Heart Resources at 864-560-4472 or visit spartanburgregional.com.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

33

Health & Wellness

Partners for Active Living

By Beverly Knight

Promotes Healthy Lifestyle with B-cycle Program

Photography Courtesy of the Mary Black Foundation

Leading an active life is key to leading a healthy life.

During Abby Fowler’s career as a registered nurse and public health nutritionist, she witnessed firsthand the effects that a sedentary lifestyle can have on a person’s health, especially in South Carolina, which ranks as the 5th most obese state in the country. That’s why when she retired at 58, she was determined to pair an active lifestyle with a healthy diet.

“Obesity leads to so many health problems,” Fowler says, noting that losing just five percent of body weight can help someone get diabetes and blood pressure under control. “I know it’s important to pay attention to diet, but I also know you can’t starve yourself into good health. You have to be active.”

She and her husband, Steve, live at River Falls in western Spartanburg County and get exercise walking the paths at the golf course. But that wasn’t enough for her.

Soon after she retired, she and her sister who lives in Texas signed up for an Elder

Photography Courtesy of the Mary Black Foundation

Hostel (now Road Scholars) biking trip in Europe. They enjoyed the experience so much that they went on to take three more cycling trips together.

Back at home, she found she loved riding in downtown Spartanburg, even though bringing her bike into town was difficult.

She even rented an apartment in Hampton Heights for three years to make it more convenient to keep her bike close to downtown.

When Partners for Active Living (PAL), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make Spartanburg County a healthier community by promoting walking, bicycling and physical activity, initiated its Spartanburg B-cycle program, the first bike sharing system in the Southeast, Fowler immediately bought two memberships, one for herself and a second so she could invite a friend to share her ride.

She can check out a bike at Morgan Square and ride to the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail, sometimes stopping at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Or she might drop in at Ingle’s to pick up a few items before heading back downtown or continuing on to Duncan Park where she meets up with friends who also ride.

“It is so convenient and so inexpensive,” Fowler says of the system that allows her to ride whenever she can get into town.

And as an annual member, she appreciates the fact that she can track online calories

34 •Health and Wellness • Volume 1,Issue 3 • FEB 2012/MARCH 2012

burned, carbon offset and miles ridden through her personalized account.

Fowler admits that she’s become something of an unofficial spokesperson for B-cycle. “People are curious when they see me swipe my card to check out a bike,” she says. “Every chance I get, when I park the bike or check one out, I talk to people.

I tell them that if they pay their $30 like I have, they’ll have a bicycle any time they want to ride.”

Laura Ringo, executive director of PAL and the driving force behind Spartanburg’s Bike Town initiatives, appreciates avid supporters like Fowler and is excited about how the community has embraced the B-cycle Program.

“One of the major perks of the bike-sharing model is that it makes bicycling and physical activity as convenient as possible,”

Ringo says of the program that attracts annual members like Fowler as well as daily members who might rent bikes for a recreational ride or to run an errand.

Photography By Erica Turner Photography, LLC

There are currently two B-cycle stations, one at Morgan Square and another at the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail, with a total of 14 bicycles. Ridership has grown each month since the program was implemented in July, and Ringo says that Partners for Active Living has already raised half the money needed to install a third station which they plan to have in place by spring.

“We hope to follow that with additional stations but are expanding at a manageable speed,” Ringo says.

L s d d d

s s a

, t , s s t y a n

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The program, made possible through support from the Mary Black Foundation, the City of Spartanburg and corporate gifts, has three different membership types: annual ($30), 30day ($15) or 24 hour ($5). Memberships can be purchased with a credit card online at www.active-living.org or at either of the B-cycle stations.

“Partners for Active Living is working to create the healthiest community that we can. Spartanburg B-cycle is one more tool that can help get residents and visitors alike more active,” Ringo says of the organization’s efforts to increase the area’s bicycle friendliness with bike lanes and bicycle events and programs.

“We want physical activity to be as easy as possible in Spartanburg.”

In 1996, the Mary Black Foundation and other community partners commissioned a study to determine the greatest health risks facing the Spartanburg community.

The study targeted five areas, and four community task forces were created.

One of those task forces was the Cardiovascular Disease Taskforce, which in 2000 applied for and received funding from the Mary Black Foundation. The funded community group called itself Heartwise and addressed the dramatic rise in cardiovascular disease in Spartanburg County.

In 2003, Heartwise changed its name to Partners for Active Living and launched multiple initiatives to promote the benefits of a “bikeable” and “walkable” community and to create new opportunities for physical activity on a daily basis.

Ringo came onboard as program coordinator of PAL in September of 2005 when she moved to Spartanburg as a

newlywed to join her husband, Will, who works for Milliken. In the spring of 2006 she assumed her current position as executive director.

“I think that Partners for Active Living, in conjunction with our many community partners, has seen tremendous movement toward a more active community,” the Hampton Heights resident and tireless proponent of active living says. “Active living and creating a healthy community have become important parts of almost all community development conversations.

Our community leaders, both business and elected, understand the importance of a healthy, active community.”

PAL has grown to employ eight people, including Anne Hudak, who serves as active lifestyles coordinator, and Miguel Espina, an experienced bicycle mechanic who services and repairs PAL’s bikes.

While Ringo doesn’t feel that numbers do justice to the momentum of PAL’s programs, she points to the 172 bicycle racks, 31 miles of bicycle lanes and 44 schools in Spartanburg County participating in Walk To or At School as evidence of the buy-in active living has in the community.

PAL hosts more than 80 events annually that encourage activity – from a Friday lunchtime bicycle ride to a ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas scavenger hunt and the annual downtown criterium.

And PAL’s Hub Cycle program, designed to increase the availability of and access to bicycles for recreation and transportation,

Health & Wellness

n y ” k .

I y

had 55 donations of bicycles this past year and 169 rentals and renewals, representing a big increase over 2009.

It’s clear though that B-cycle has quickly become one of the more visible and successful components of PAL’s efforts to get Spartanburg moving.

As of the end of December, B-cycle numbers total 451members, 1,308 trips, 375,102 calories burned (equivalent to the calorie count of 1,885 glazed donuts, 895 chicken biscuits or 223 large chocolate milkshakes) and 9,377.55 miles ridden (the distance between Spartanburg and Sydney, Australia).

Hank Steinberg and his wife Marla were already familiar with the B-cycle program, more common in large cities, from visits with their daughter in Washington, D. C. The couple, who live on Spartanburg’s east side and enjoy coming into town for a ride on the B-cycles, often couple their bicycle outings with a visit to the Hub City Bookstore and other downtown locations.

“We rode all around Duncan Park, over to VCOM (Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine) and had lunch at II Samuels,” Steinberg says of a delightful Saturday lunch date on wheels that came equipped with “a basket, lock, three gears and a bell.”

Photography By Erica Turner Photography, LLC

Laura Ringo is pictured with Brian Wofford, the City of Spartanburg’s parks and recreation superintendent.

SPARTANBURGEVERYDAY.COM •

35

Time to talk?

While you’ve been taking care of everyone else, who’s been taking care of you?

Maybe you’ve noticed your body doing things it hasn’t done before. Maybe you’ve thought about getting it checked out, but just haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe you just want some answers and advice on how to take better care of yourself.

We’re here to help. Our practices are staffed with board-certified OB/GYN physicians who are experienced in all areas of care, from performing minimally-invasive and robot-assisted procedures, to guiding you through the premenopausal phase of life.

If you’ve been meaning to take better care of yourself, please call to talk to us today.

Carolina OB/GYN • East Side • 864-585-3456 1686 Skylyn Drive, Suite 101, Spartanburg

Regional OB/GYN • 864-560-6164 853 North Church Street, Suite 700, Spartanburg

Carolina OB/GYN • West Side • 864-574-4483 2995 Reidville Road, Suite 290, Spartanburg

Village Center for Women • 864-849-9466 2755 South Highway 14, Suite 1200F, Greer

Piedmont Women’s Healthcare • 864-583-4556 853 North Church Street, Suite 600, Spartanburg

Woman’s Clinic • 864-699-5020 475 Heywood Avenue, Spartanburg 1575 East Main Street, Duncan SRPG81L