Lexington Woman Magazine

VOL 6, NO 5

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

TM

Meet Dr. Tim Loonam of GRACE ANIMAL HOSPITAL and PET LODGE

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Month!

A local breast cancer survivor, Kelly Bauer, shares her story with us

JUDGE HATCHETT

Meet the successful TV personality and motivational speaker — Judge Hatchett

In this Issue

TM

18

22

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lori Samples Duncan (loriduncan86@gmail.com)

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

Crystal Poston Cathy Williams (info@lexingtonwomanonline.com)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Judy H. Cook Lori Samples Duncan Ashby Jones Rodney W. Lumpkins Beth McCrary Elaine Samples Lauren Spain Matthew Spain

From the Editor

4 Wear Your Pink this Month!

Events

5 What’s Happening?

Things We Love!

COVER PHOTO

6 Things We Love about Lexington!

Robert Patrick Image Design

Let’s Talk

DESIGN

Melissa W. Morris

PHOTOGRAPHY

Chris Varnadoe Clark Berry Photography Erik Olson Photography Katie Hart Robert Patrick Image Design

7

8

11

12

14 16

Talk of the Town with Mayor Randy Halfacre One on One with Judge Glenda Hatchett Turn Over a New Leaf and Reveal Timeless Results The Ashby Chronicle: Forget Function, It’s Fashion!

Villa Tronco: A Family Tradition Meet a Good Guy: Lexington’s Own Ken Riley

Celebrating the Survivor in You!

22 24

Fight Like a Girl!

Lights, Camera, Dance!

Lexington Medical Center Films Pink Glove Dance 2012 Video

Health & Wellness

26 Pain and Physical Therapy 29 Tech Talk: Meet the O-Arm

Professional

30

32

Thank You! Computer Paramedics Celebrates 2 Years of Service Sneak Peak at Steven Ross and Home Maintenance Services

Business & Web Directory 33 Contact our Advertisers

Personal Note

36 The Blessing of Children

Meet the Vet

Find us on facebook!

Lexington Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (803) 785-4475 602 Northwood Road Lexington, SC 29072

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2012

18 Meet Dr. Tim Loonam of Grace Pets Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge

October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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From the Editor

A

mong other things, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I am proud of the job we have done in this country raising the banner for breast cancer and the determination to save the lives of women and even men who face this dreaded disease.

In the last seven years, Woman 2 Woman has done many things of which I am proud. It is personal to me to make sure each issue is filled with good information that celebrates, motivates and educates you, our reader, about the wonderful people who live in our community. The thing I am most proud of is our commitment to bring you a survivor in every single issue. Including our fashion shows, we have featured over sixty women who have faced various types of cancer. Not only have they faced it, they have fought and often times won.

When I met Diane Conyers of Lexington, I realized cancer is not a death sentence. Women like Diane, Paulette Criscione, and Amy Kinard taught me how strong and wonderful we are. I am the great granddaughter of two women who lost their lives to breast cancer. I am the niece of an aunt who lost her life to breast cancer, and now I am the niece of a woman who is a one year plus survivor!

A few years ago, I was asked to speak to a group of fourth graders on career day at Carolina Springs Elementary School. I asked this group of children how many of them knew someone with cancer, and every single child raised a hand. I asked if anyone had ever lost someone to cancer or knew someone who was fighting right now; again, every hand was raised. Then I posed the question, “What do you think would happen if you read a story about someone who survived cancer?”

A little boy’s hand shot up as soon as I asked the question. “I would think I could survive too.” I don’t know his name, but I will never forget his light brown hair and his bright green shirt. If a class of fourth graders understand why Lexington Woman tells the story of survivors, then surely our readers do as well.

Cancer happens 365 days a year. It is not a respecter of persons. Nor does it discriminate based on age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Cancer doesn’t know how strong we are, or how committed we are to eradicating it. Let’s not get lazy, let’s wave a banner for ovarian, cervical, kidney, and prostate cancer. Let’s wave a banner for all cancers. Let’s find a cure.

Have a beautifully pink October! Don’t forget to attend our Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show on November 8th at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Suites in West Columbia. We are going to have a great time and raise some money for the Lexington Medical Center Cancer Care fund.

Don’t forget to support our advertisers. They are committed to quality care, quality service and quality products.

Thank you for reading Lexington Woman Magazine.

Until next time… your friend,

Lori Samples Duncan Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

“The Human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.”

— C.C. Scott

Events Carolina Behavior & Beyond, LLC is a home-based early intervention provider serving children with special needs ages birth to five

What’s HAPPENING? Clean Out for a Cause October 1 - November 30 Creative Tile

Your Journey is Our Passion Services available: One on one early intervention services Service coordination Behavior planning • Potty training Parent support groups Free developmental screenings Play groups • Infant massage

Adrianna Kleckley (803) 446-8113 Suzanne English (803) 447-8449 Office Fax (803) 808-7951

Serving these counties: Calhoun • Lexington Newberry • Richland • Saluda www.carolinabehaviorandbeyond.com

The children at Carolina Children’s Home in Columbia are in need of bags: tote bags, duffle bags, travel bags, toiletry bags, etc. These children are often taken from their homes in a moment’s notice and arrive at Carolina Children’s Home with their belongings in a trash bag. Any bag will do! Please clean out your closets and bring your bags to either of Creative Tile’s locations between October 1 and November 30. Creative Tile is located in West Columbia at 149 Queen Parkway (off Chris Drive) and in Northeast Columbia at 1051-B Sparkleberry Lane Ext. For more information, contact Becca Bertok at 796-4861 or becca@creativetilessc.com.

2012 Justice for Kids Gala October 13, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Woodside Plantation, Aiken

Judge Glenda Hatchett, chief presiding judge of one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country and star of the Emmy-nominated Judge Hatchett syndicated television show, will speak. A variety of sponsorships are available for the event, which will feature cocktails, food, a silent auction, and music by the Calvin Edwards Trio. Emcee is Courtney Khondabi of NBC Augusta 26. Kinder Kids provides comprehensive services and family support to children who are medically fragile, developmental delayed, physically challenged, and have behavior disorders.

Proceeds from the gala support the group’s mission.

Semi-formal dress is suggested. Cost is $50 per ticket.

For more information, call (803) 341-3746. www.kinderkidscsra.com

Lexington Oktoberfest October 27, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Lexington

Lexington’s Oktoberfest celebration is a great opportunity to come out and support our wonderful community, meet your neighbors, and enjoy all our town has to offer! Itching to wear your ever stylish lederhosen? Well, here is a perfect opportunity to strut your German stuff and get in the spirit of this most famous of fall festivals! Oktoberfest has something for everyone. For the little ones there will be activities such as face painting, rides, bouncy castles and more! Adults will enjoy the free givaways and, of course, the activities that Oktoberfest is known for — live music, authentic German food, drinks and good times! Come out and experience a taste of Germany with various German favorites such as schnitzel, bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, and more!

Oktoberfest will feature a selection of imported Germany beers, brewed in the tradition of Oktoberfest and the Reinheitsgebot (also called the German or

Bravarian Purity Law) that has kept German beers true to their roots for hundreds of years. www.lexingtonoktoberfest.com

2012 JDRF Columbia Walk to Cure Diabetes November 4, registration at 1:00 p.m., walk starts at 2:00 p.m.

Colonial Life Arena, Columbia

The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes brings people together in a healthy activity for a worthy goal. The Walk is fun for families and builds camaraderie among company employees. It provides hope, empowerment and a sense of community. Your participation shows your commitment to the large scale movement to conquer type 1 diabetes one step at a time.

Your personal contribution and fundraising efforts support JDRF-funded research that will help those living with the disease to look forward to longer, healthier lives. Take your first step by registering today at the website below! www.jdrf.org

Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show November 8, 6:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn & Suites, Lexington

All 20 models are cancer survivors, and they will be wearing clothing from Craig Reagin and Mae’s on Main. This event is co-sponsored by Lexington Medical Center, and all proceeds will benefit the LMC Foundation. There will be food and drinks and the ticket cost is minimal. Visit us online for more details, or see our ad on page 17. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

THIS is NATIONAL

BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS MONTH!

Don’t forget to perform self-exams and schedule your annual mammograms!

Visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org today to create your personal Early Detection Plan. Take control!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Things We Love!

Author Spotlight

Things We

About Lexington!

by Lori Samples Duncan Staci Holland Pealock

Where I Belong A sweet children’s book about a little girl named Sandi, who is trying to find a place where she and her heart belong. Staci Pealock is the author, and she hosts a radio program called Your Heart Matters. She speaks at women’s conferences in the Southeastern United States and is also the author of Back Porch Blessings. photo by Katie Hart

a movie with your girl pals and getting each other’s feedback on what is currently front page news of your life! Treat yourself ladies!

Call your girlfriends and plan a night out soon.

The way little boys love their mommies!

My youngest son, Ryan, asked me to marry him this week. <3!!! I remember when I used to be the most important woman in Trey’s life too, and Colton has had a girlfriend since kindergarten. I pray every night for their future wives.

Family Pictures!

Lexington Medical Center’s Pink Glove Dance!

Last year Lexington won the national completion with a great dance in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Read the article on page 24 to find out how you can support this year’s efforts!

Ladies Night Out I am a fan of LNO whenever possible. There is nothing like just having dinner or seeing

I know I am mental the day they are to be taken and the week leading up to it. Choosing the right color and the right look for the season makes you crazy!!! Then, looking back three or four years later at how the children have grown and how well your husband has aged, and the memories of that moment in your mind…everytime you pick that photo up — it’s priceless. (Call my favorite photographers to schedule yours — Clark and Becki of Clark Berry Photography and Patrick Mooney of Robert Patrick Image Design.)

photo by Robert Patrick Image Design

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Staci Pealock is on a mission to share and show the love of the Lord to everyone that comes into her life. For many years she felt discarded and unlovable, but through gaining victory over many hurts, heartaches and habits, Staci is experiencing life full of joy as an overcomer. She believes that we all have a God- given calling and purpose that is individual and unique, and that those who God calls He equips!

Staci has published two books, Back Porch Blessings in 2010, and her most recent publication in April of 2012, a children’s book Where I Belong. Staci is known for her quick wit and her “Staci-isms”, one of them being: “God is LARGE and in CHARGE!” Staci is a licensed minister and the founder and Director of LAMBS ministry. This ministry hosts a weekly radio show called “Your Heart Matters”. They have a traveling conference team that presents the “Mission Himpossible Women’s Conference”. Through LAMBS ministry they make Bible study resources available for individuals as well as churches. Staci has a mentoring outreach called “Friday Friend”, and other endeavors as the Lord leads. The ministry recently opened LAMBS Ministry Women’s Resource Centre located in Turnerville, Georgia. This will be a gathering place for all women to come and get “Spiritual Fitness!” They will offer individual mentoring, small group Bible studies and special interest classes. In addition, they will make Bible study resources available for individuals or any church group.

Staci and her husband, Todd of 26 years, reside in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. They have two grown children Ansley and Andrew who make her heart beat a little faster.

Let’s Talk

THE MITCHELL HOUSE & GARDENS

TALK

of the town

with MAYOR RANDY HALFACRE

LEAP YEAR WEDDING SPECIAL

Marry the Love of Your Life

E

veryone knows that first impressions are lasting impressions. The Town is taking truth to that old saying and creating new “front porches” as part of Phase I of the VisionLexington Plan. The first “front porch” will be the I-20/Sunset Blvd. (US 378) Interchange Beautification Project.

rate improved or new sidewalks. Our goal for the future is to have new, raised medians that will divide the boulevards with street trees, flowers, shrubbery, streetlamps and banners which will give a pedestrian scale to the front porches as well as exchange the aesthetic appeal and quality of life for the town.

The ‘grand’ entrance corridor of Lexington is being funded by a $620,000 grant from SCDOT, Lexington County and the Lexington Beautification Foundation with construction slated to begin in November 2012.

As the town expands its boundaries, the front porches can evolve to new locations, reflecting the small town charm and the rural, yet progressive, character of Lexington. These centerpieces will help nurture the vision plan by providing reason and confidence for more investments in the Town of Lexington

This project, and subsequent locations will be the Town’s way to welcome, invite and share a bit of the character and values that make Lexington a wonderful hometown.

The front porches will be beautifully landscaped with new plantings, an entrance gate and fountains. This will be the model used for the smaller locations that will focus on new curbing and planted buffers that sepa-

2012 Leap Year Special Only $500 Includes: Beautiful intimate wedding ceremony, Professional Offician and Director, Romantic Wedding Music, Wedding Cake, Champagne Toast, Punch Fountain, Bride’s Bouquet, Romantic Candles, seating for 25 guests in the Camellia Room

(803) 359-5325

We are ready to welcome residents and guests alike with open doors and beautiful front porches.

Randy Halfacre, Mayor Town of Lexington

New Members of the Chamber (As of August 2012) 2108 State Bar & Grill (803) 200-2108 A Step Change Now (803) 530-7767 AppleOne Employment Services (803) 699-9941 Assisting Hands Home Care of the Midlands (803) 661-7557

Discipline Financial Management (803) 788-2030

Sheperd’s Center of Lexington (803) 359-6838

Dynamic Health & Fitness, LLC (803) 931-6989

Starnes Electrical Co Inc (803) 359-5394

Edward Jones (803) 808-5993 Floor Boys (803) 359-0507

Bricks 4 Kidz (803) 422-3054

J&K Services LLC (803) 206-8172

Children’s Trust of SC (803) 744-4041

Lakeside Construction (803) 358-0109

Complete PC, LLC (803) 414-0841

Lexington Referral Group (803) 413-9700

Dawn’s Bridal Boutique (803) 315-3105

RH Construction, Inc (803) 957-5245

Wingard Towing Service (803) 796-1467 Zeescapes, LLC (803) 951-8477 Ziff Properties, Inc (803) 724-3500

WWW.MITCHELLHOUSEANDGARDENS.COM www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

ONE ON ONE with

Judge Glenda Hatchett

by Rodney W. Lumpkins

I

recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Judge Glenda Hatchett, the highly successful Judge, single mother of 2, author and motivational speaker. Although she is known by most for her syndicated daytime courtroom television show that ran for 10 years, there is so much more to her. Indeed, my interview with Judge Hatchett revealed how her passion as a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocate was born, her thoughts on leadership, parenting tips, as well as key take aways from her newest book Dare to Change.

Judge Hatchett grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, in a household with nurturing parents who challenged her to aim for excellence and cheered her on to live her dreams. Her parents invested deeply in their community, giving their time, resources and the little money that they could to help young people outside of the Hatchett home. Her father was the Board Chair at the local YMCA and he taught a Vacation Bible School. Her mother taught elementary school in a poverty-stricken neighborhood. Her parents lived by the simple notion that to those who much is given, much is required.

With such positive and encouraging parents as role models, it is no surprise that Judge Hatchett carried their determination for excellence.

Judge Hatchett graduated from Emory School of Law and became a very successful litigation attorney at Delta Air Lines. She also carried on her parents sense of community. Even as a young adult, Judge Hatchett developed a deep respect for the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Defense Fund. However, it was when

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women Women

Let’s Talk she went to work on the bench in the Fulton County Juvenile Court it became clear that her career, her purpose and her passion had intersected. This is where she was supposed to be. It was in this position that she really had a chance to do things beyond the bench and to advocate through policy and law for people to be more involved in opportunities to support children and families.

One such opportunity is Kinder Kids. This group provides family support and services to children that have physical and behavioral challenges. Judge Hatchett is the guest speaker for the Kinder Kids 2012 Justice for Kids gala this October in Aiken. This is a black-tie fundraiser, scheduled for October 16, 2012. Judge Hatchett respects the work that the Kinder Kids organization does in its support of families dealing with physically and behaviorally-challenged kids, and knows that parenting special needs children requires work of a special patience and a special heart.

Judge Hatchett also noted, when asked about advice for parents and caregivers dealing with challenged children, that caregivers must take time to re-charge their batteries, noting that you can’t just keep giving and giving without stopping to take a breath.

One personal note, when I told my wife that I’d be interviewing Judge

Hatchett, she lit up and began to tell me about hearing Judge Hatchett speak at a leadership conference in Atlanta 2006. My wife took less than two minutes to ruffle through an old file to share with me her handwritten notes on the back of a folded flyer to show me the 7 rules

me that this was one of her favorite topics to speak on. She broke the idea down into 3 steps. The first step is to ask the child what his/her dreams are and be clear that the sky is the limit. Step two is to write that dream down boldly on a piece of paper. The third step, and her favorite part, is to then post that paper on the ceiling above the child’s bed. The idea is that this dream will be the last thing that child sees before he or she closes their eyes to sleep at night, and the first thing the child sees when they awake. The Judge noted that she has seen first hand as a mother and as a Judge in the Juvenile Courts that if our children focus on their dreams, then they are less likely to be distracted by the craziness in the streets. As parents, we have to cheer for our children and let them know they can achieve greatness, and that greatness is expected from them.

...it became clear that her career, her purpose and her passion had intersected. of leadership that the Judge spoke about that day. Rule #4 stood out to me, it read: “be willing to go where you lead”. I told Judge Hatchett this story and she was flattered, and excitedly responded that you can’t lead where you are not willing to go and that true leaders never ever point. You can’t just point the way, you must lead by example. A true leader really sets the example for others to follow.

Prior to the interview, a close friend told me about Judge Hatchett’s posting dreams versus posting bail strategy. When asked about her idea of children writing down their dreams and posting them on the wall, the Judge’s excitement was obvious. Judge Hatchett told

I also asked the Judge about key points that purchasers of her new book Dare to Change, should walk away with. She responded: “it’s the dare”. Judge Hatchett explained that in the book, she double-dogdares her readers to live their lives with passion and purpose, with the understanding that your past does not have to dictate your future. She went on to say that the book is for

everybody and is about what we do with what we have now and here.

There is also a chapter that challenges readers to stop focusing on what they don’t have and to take inventory of and maximize all the wonderful gifts in their lives that they already have in order to make their lives full. Dare to Change is interactive and it challenges readers to look deep within themselves to decide whether they want to be victims or victors.

Today, Judge Hatchett tells me that she wishes she had more time to work with organizations like Kinder Kids because the work they do is so important. These days, she re-charges her own battery by working out at the neighborhood YMCA. Along with her work as the National Spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) helping children all across the country in foster care, Judge Hatchett’s weeks are filled with traveling, doing motivational speeches, book signings and working on her new media production company. She also has plans to return to practicing law on an exclusive part-time basis.

You can follow Judge Hatchett on Twitter or Facebook (she does her own tweets). Her Twitter account is @JudgeGHatchett, and on Facebook, go to her fan page “Judge Glenda Hatchett.”

Kinder Kids Academy • Translation/Interpretat Early Intervention • Service Coordination

Physical Therapy • Occupation Therapy • Speech Therapy

AIKEN (803) 226-0525 P.O. Box 5158 Aiken, SC 29804

“Making the world a little bit KINDER one kid at a time”

CHARLESTON (843) 452-5933

P.O. Box 736 Summerville, SC 29484

www.kinderkidscsra.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Timeless and Tasty

In this moment . . .

It doesn’t matter if you saved money in 15 minutes.

It doesn’t matter if your neighbor has the same insurance you do.

What matters right now is that you get to enjoy the little things in life - feeling completely at ease - because your independent insurance agent and the company that stands behind them have you and your entire family covered.

Call or visit us:

PERFORMANCE INSURANCE AGENCY 1070 South Lake Drive • Lexington • 803-996-0401

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Real Women

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Let’s Talk photo by Clark Berry Photography

Turn Over a New Leaf and Reveal Timeless Results LOOK YOUR BEST AT ANY AGE

by Judy H. Cook

Judy Cook

W

hen it comes to health and the rate of aging, we used to think that our choices were limited — it’s all in the genes. Yet only 36 percent of aging is due to factors beyond our control — the rest is up to us. So, what’s the secret to achieving beauty at any age? Good health, quality of life and, of course, great skincare.

In our 20s the body and skin show little change in our twenties, but external factors such as sun exposure, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits and smoking can wreck havoc further down the road. Make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare regimen and limit risky lifestyle choices to prevent premature aging.

Our thirties can bring on a variety of different stressors — from hormonal fluctuations to work-related tension. Undergoing a series of non-wounding peels in conjunction with an at home resurfacing

regimen can dramatically reduce the look of stress-related blemishes, wrinkles and sun spots, helping you to hold onto your youth.

As we enter our forties, our skin begins to lose elasticity, revealing lines an sagging areas. Encouraging cellular turnover and stimulating collagen production is central to promoting healthier, more youthful looking skin. Look for products infused with vitamins A, C and E and load up on fruits, green vegetables, seeds and nuts.

After 50, internal changes com-

Only 36 percent of aging is due to factors beyond our control — the rest is up to us. promise the skin’s abilities to retain moisture and heal properly.

Skincare treatments containing essential vitamins, emollients, soy

isoflavones, vitamin A and epidermal growth factor are essential for rejuvenating tone and texture and firming sagging skin.

Judy Cook is the President of Aloette of Central South Carolina and has been in the business for 30 years. She is the mother of two and grandmother of 3.

She has always believed in her mission for her company to empower women to reach their full potential financially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Her office is located at 4721 Sunset Boulevard in Lexington, and you can reach her at (803) 808-1818.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

11

Let’s Talk photo by Clark Berry Photography

THE ASHBY CHRONICLE:

Forget Function, It’s Fashion!

by Ashby Jones

Ashby Jones

L

ast night Maggie asked me to buy her UGG boots. If you do not recognize this brand of boot, it is probably because you do not have a 12 year old girl living with you. First, they are hideous. Sorry if you have some, but they just really are. They are rounded across the toes, a weird calf length, not fitted or feminine or particularly special, and lined with some kind of thermal heavy insulated fleece stuff. And, they are over $100. (Crazy expensive, ridiculous to purchase for a child, evidence of immense spoiling, absurd in every way).

I told her she could have them for Christmas.

Waiting until Christmas was unacceptable because: (1) they are so cute (not the plain ones, the ones with the buttons); (2) she is the ONLY girl she knows who does not have them; and (3) she needs to wear them now. As in today.

(Today it is 82 degrees).

When it comes to fads, we lose the ability to form rational thoughts.

Even the most measured Lexington woman becomes impulsive, unreasonable, obsessed. We cannot competently assess the comfort/ style/longevity of the fad item. An intoxicating fog descends, blocking the part of the brain that says NO! DO NOT BUY THIS!! (FYI, this is also the part of your brain that helps you pick a husband).

If you do not believe me about the drunken brainfog, consider the Crocs you bought a few years ago. Don’t lie, we know lots of you did this. Recall that you bought little multi-colored plastic animal shaped gadgets to plug into the Croc holes. No, it was not

12

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

cute. You were a grown woman.

A fad-drunk grown woman. You thought: They are adorable! They are so comfortable! My toes have never been properly aerated until now! With these Crocs, I have all the comfort of a flip flop and the combined benefit of a hobby (collecting multi-colored animal shaped gadgets)!

Do not be embarrassed. Admitting you have a problem is the first step towards fad-sobriety. It is not your fault. You have become this way because of your childhood. It started when you were the 12 year old. Do you remember leg warmers? Of course you do. I recall explaining to my mother in great detail how particularly cold my calves were at school. Then there were the Guess jeans with the zippers on the side. You needed to unzip them so you could . . . whatever. The zippers had no function.

The need to impulsively buy items that completely lack function and are also visually repugnant is not genetic. We probably pass this trait down to our daughters through conditioning. When our daughters pine for a particularly ridiculous

Real Women

item, we only briefly pause. This pause-before-purchase is so minute it cannot be detected with the naked eye.

And then we cave. We cave on both an intellectual and a financial level.

Do you disagree? If so, ask yourself if you know a cheerleader. No, not YOU. You are no longer a cheerleader. An actual present-day cheerleader. Perhaps one lives in your house. Have you noticed anything interesting about the cheerleader?

No? Let me unpack it for you. The cheerleader has an ENORMOUS hairbow on her head! Not a particularly lengthy hairbow. Not a particularly beautiful hairbow. A monstrous freestanding feat of cotton workmanship, propped on her head. Not in the back – so as to support a ponytail. This white

sheet of grosgrain fabric is just behind the cheerleader’s eyebrows.

It is located where your flower bangs used to PEAK before they descended into Aquanet hairfeathers.

I assure you, the cheerleader’s mother has not only purchased the hairbow, she has educated herself so that she may assist with proper hairbow positioning. (Sometimes it takes two or three tries, ahem).

Will we ever be able to sustain fad sobriety? I am not optimistic. I have been fad-sober for less than 24 hours. See, there were these 6 inch calf-hair, cheetah print, platform shoes . . . and cheetah prints are the THING right now . . .

KINARD

JONES

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Attorneys at Law

RESPECTED LEXINGTON ATTORNEYS WHO CARE

• Auto Accidents • Injury • Divorce • Custody • Criminal Defense

803-359-1003

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Fax (803) 359-1378 www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

13

VILLA TRONCO

A Family Tradition

by Lori Samples Duncan photography by Robert Patrick Image Design

I

talian food is comfort to me. Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because I can never resist the mouth watering bread that graces the table everywhere I go, so I end up in a food coma. But the bottom line is, when I eat it, I think of home. One would be hard pressed to find an Italian restaurant more laced with tradition than Villa Tronco, located at 1213 Blanding Street in Columbia.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Sadie Tronco, born to Charles and Anna Serio Carnaggio, on February 18, 1901, moved to Columbia with her parents and siblings around the year 1910. Her father owned one of the first fruit stores in Columbia, close to Seaboard Railway Station.

During World War I, James Tronco was sent from his home in Philadelphia to Camp Jackson as a medic. There he met Sadie in her father’s fruit store and they were married in 1918. They moved to Philadelphia and lived there for a few years before moving back to Columbia in 1930. They had four children – Joe, Charlie, Carmella and Anna Rose. Sadie and Jim opened a fruit store at 1901 Main Street, and a few years later, they opened another fruit store. It was during World War II, when so many Northern soldiers of Italian descent were stationed at Fort Jackson and becoming homesick for their own mother’s cooking, Sadie began cooking spaghetti and meatballs for a few of them who had become friends of the family. And from that was born the first Italian restaurant in Columbia. Sadie, or Mama Tronco, as she was affectionately called by her friends, introduced pizza to Columbia and actually had to give it away because virtually no one knew what it was. Can you IMAGINE?!

Today, Villa Tronco is still serving Mama’s treasured recipes. Mama Tronco, at age 87, was still active and came to the restaurant every day to see her friends until her death in 1988. Today, Mama’s granddaughter Carmella and her husband Joe run the business rich in family and tradition.

A newly engaged couple in the “Hideaway” booth inside the sometimes overflowing restaurant.

With Cork walls and the green wine bottled chandelier to say it is charming would be a gross understatement. Many time couples will call Carmella and ask for this private booth for special news, or to propose, even enticing her at times to participate by bringing the ring to the table in the bread basket or some other creative way.

This charming booth affords its occupants a private setting inside the sometimes overflowing restaurant.

The building has been declared a historic landmark and the back dining room was restored to preserve as much of the original building as possible, including the floor, brick, skylight and stable doors. The facade was restored in August 1983 and renovated again in June 2012.

I was unaware of the Hideaway booth until I first met Carmella. I had to visit for myself to see how she could hide this charming little spot in the corner of her restaurant. Wouldn’t it be romantic ladies, to have a first date at Villa Tronco and then return when he “pops” the question? Trust me you won’t be just coming for the booth, the food is delicious! We found something for most everyone on the menu and for those of us like myself trying to watch our weight, they even made whole wheat pasta cooked to order!

When they began renovations Carmella said they decided to bring back the “hideaway” booth where many locals became engaged or celebrated special occasions. This charming booth affords its occupants a private setting

Whether you are bringing the whole family to celebrate a birthday, or sample the rich Italian fare, or if you are looking for the Hideaway booth, Villa Tronco is definitely a downtown must.

SERVING THE MIDLANDS

(803) 356-8080

www.midlandslandscape.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

15

Meet a good guy: LEXINGTON’S OWN

KEN RILEY

by Beth McCrary photography by Chris Varnadoe

T Ken Riley Ken is currently a volunteer coach for the White Knoll Middle School Football C-Team where his son Justin is an 8th grader. Delvin, a senior at White Knoll High School is the starting quarterback for the Varsity Football team.

Raised in Swansea, South Carolina, Ken Riley is an original Lexington County good guy. Ken is a graduate of Swansea High School where he wrestled and played football. He has a Marketing Degree from South Carolina State College where he also wrestled. While he is a quiet man and small in stature, Ken is a giant when it comes to giving back to his community.

16

me what it means to be a man and the importance of God, family and giving back.”

Most weeknights after putting in a full day of work as the owner of a maintenance service company

here are three seasons at Ken Riley’s house… football, basketball and baseball. His two sons, Delvin age 17 and Justin age 13, play all three sports and Ken has been volunteering as a coach for their teams for the past 13 years. Many times throughout the years that has meant helping with more than one team at a time.

as either the scorekeeper or equipment manager for their teams.

High School Athletic Booster Club where Sheila serves as Board President. Both Ken and Sheila feel extremely blessed to be able to do what they do and spend time with their boys. Ken adds, “Another blessing for me is seeing how all my players develop in the sport and as young men. My family and I have made some great friendships through our involvement in youth sports. It’s truly a blessing to have these young men recognize you when you are out in the community. They come up and shake my hand…it’s a great feeling that they still remember me. It’s true that kids never forget their first coach.”

Ken and his wife, Sheila have been married for 21 years and there is no place they would rather be than supporting their boys. They are both members of the White Knoll

Beth McCrary is a freelance writer from Lexington, SC. The McCrary family is blessed to call the Riley family friends since 2002.

Lexington Youth Football, Lexington Dixie Youth Baseball and Lexington Youth Basketball Leagues.

Ken has also helped coach numerous travel baseball and basketball teams that his sons have played on.

When not coaching, he has served

While he is a quiet man and small in stature, Ken is a giant when it comes to giving back to his community.

“I had many influences while growing up, but I would have to say that my Uncle Charles Lee Riley was my biggest influence. He was my father figure. He taught

for commercial buildings, Ken Riley can be found giving back to his community on a playing field somewhere in Lexington County.

By his count, he has coached a total of 15 teams in three different sports over the years. His volunteer coaching resume’ includes

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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17

Meet DR. TIM LOONAM GRACE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND PET LODGE

by Elaine Samples

photography by Robert Patrick Image Design

18

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

I

f you are impressed by a resume, you’d be hard pressed to find a more notable one than Dr. Tim Loonam. Attending college on an Army ROTC scholarship, he spent six years as a line officer, mostly with assignments in the Pacific. A member of the prestigious Airborne Rangers, Dr. Loonam commanded a company in the 25th Infantry Division. Later, he earned a health professions scholarship from the United States Army Veterinary Corps to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where he received awards for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery and Equine Surgery and Field Services.

His very first assignment in the Veterinary Corps brought him and his family to Lexington via Ft. Jackson. In 2004-05, Dr. Loonam deployed to Iraq for thirteen months with an airborne veterinary detachment out of Ft Bragg, NC, where he traveled extensively throughout Iraq caring for Military Working Dog teams and assisting with nation rebuilding and public health projects. He was awarded Bronze Star Medal for his service near Fallujah.

When a HUMVEE in which he was traveling was blown up in Iraq, Dr. Loonam’s family thought it best for him to end his military career on a high note. Owning their own practice had always been a goal, so they purchased property in a growing area on Charter Oak Road near Lexington High School. In an effort to learn more about veterinary facilities and various ways in which they are run, Dr. Loonam and his wife, Betsy, visited many practices in the southeast and kept notes about things they found impressive. “Also, the Army had sent me to a nationwide veterinary hospital design conference as part of my responsibility to design the new veterinary hospitals at Shaw AFB and Ft Jackson,” recalls Dr. Loonam. “We came home with pages of notes and folders full of ideas

and pictures. We worked with a local architect and got lots of input from two successful colleagues, Dr. Walt Gregg and Dr. Amy Spies, on designing Grace Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge.”

Grace Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge is a full-service veterinary hospital providing medical, surgical and dental care for both small and large animals. Their Pet Lodge offers clean, spacious, climate-controlled boarding for dogs and cats

maintain a comfortable and attractive facility, employ highly trained and compassionate health team members, educate the public about the benefits and responsibilities of pet ownership, and expand our knowledge and capabilities.”

Since we believe that behind every good man is a good woman, we asked Dr. Loonman to tell us a little more about his wife, Betsy.

She works very closely with him at Grace, running the day-to-day

on every visit. Betsy drives this at Grace while at the same time managing the practice’s finances, our staff of 20+, marketing, vendors and maintenance. I enjoy working with her because we share an identical vision for Grace and our staff and we both have the same passion for our work.”

A dedicated family man, Dr. Loonam speaks proudly of his wife and children: “I married way above myself when Betsy said yes at a weak

The mission of Grace is to ‘provide our patients with the highest quality, modern, compassionate veterinary care...’ while clients are away from home.

The Large Animal Haul-in Facility is fully equipped for safe, comfortable treatment of horses, goats, or llamas. The mission of Grace is to “provide our patients with the highest quality, modern, compassionate veterinary care that exceeds our clients expectations, and provide our employees with the opportunity for personal and professional growth. We pledge to

operations. His appreciation for Betsy is evident as he gushes about his beautiful bride, “Betsy is amazing; she truly is the glue that holds our practice together. As a former airline flight attendant for 20 years, Betsy has a ‘Ph.D. in customer service’! It doesn’t matter how nice your facility is or how much stateof-the-art equipment or training you have if your clients do not see compassionate, personal care

moment 22 years ago in Hawaii,” he jokes. “She was a flight attendant for Delta Airlines and besides Hawaii, we lived in Tallahassee, Asheville, and Athens before settling in Lexington. We have two children who are both proud products of Lexington Schools and Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.

Jack is a sophomore ROTC cadet and football player at the University of Georgia with plans to go www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

19

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

COMPLETE, COMPASSIONATE CARE

Small Animal Dentistry

From Your Other Family Doctor

Equine Services Pharmacy and Laboratory

Dr. Briana Davis Dr. Tim Loonam Dr. Jacinda DeRoy

Grace Animal Hospital

and Pet Lodge

147 Charter Oak Road • Lexington, SC 29072

Behavior and Training Consulation Goats, Sheep and Llama Services Nutrition and Retail Products Referral and Consultation Services Pet Lodge

803.808.PETS (7387) www.gracepets.com

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“We LOVE dirty dogs” Louise Jorgensen, Owner Professional Dog Groomer

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Portion of proceeds benefit shelter and medical care of local strays

Subscribe online and see all of our past issues at www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

on active duty as an Army officer upon graduation. Katie is a senior at Lexington High and captain of the competitive cheerleading team.

She plans to pursue a career in the medical field and cheer in college.”

Dr. Loonam enjoys working in Lexington because he feels it is “about as close as you can get to the perfect Southern town: proximity to a progressive city, the State’s capital, and a major university; excellent schools, a variety of activities locally, and easy day trips to both the mountains and

the beach. The area has weathered the economy better than most, as well.” But, notes Dr. Loonam, “The main reason Betsy and I settled here is the people. Even though we were transiently assigned here because of Ft. Jackson, we never felt like outsiders. Lexington has a great mix of old families and ‘new blood,’ and the community and schools really supported my wife and kids while I was deployed in Iraq. Since joining the Army in 1984, I’ve lived in many different towns but this is the only one that has felt like home.”

Lexington has a great mix of old families and ‘new blood,’ and the community and schools really supported my wife and kids while I was deployed in Iraq.

We tend to agree with Dr. Loonam. And if you think of your pets as family, go by and visit him, his wife, and their staff off of Charter Oak Road. They will give your ani-

mals the tender loving care they need, and you can leave with peace of mind. You can also learn more at www.gracepets.com.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

21

F GHT Like a Girl

by Elaine Samples

photography by Erik Olson Photography

22

Real Women Lexington Woman c e l e b r a t e s t h e s u r v i vo r i n yo u

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

F

or my first scheduled phone interview with Kelly Bauer, I was running late. My flat iron stopped working while getting ready that morning, and I had to make a stop on the way to the office in order to make myself presentable. I apologized to Kelly and told her why I was running behind. “I understand,” she said. “I’m just staring to use a flat iron again myself.”

And I felt silly. Silly because I had made such a fuss over my hair when this woman had just bravely fought the ugly disease we know as cancer (she won, by the way), and lost all of her hair. Later, I would learn that the most difficult part of Kelly’s experience with cancer was losing her hair. “It’s not really a vanity thing — but our appearance sometimes defines us as women.

I’ve had thick, curly dark hair my entire life. People always commented on how pretty it was, and how lucky I was to have it.”

Kelly decided to take control of the things that she could actually control, and the way in which she handled her hair loss was one of them. She had been warned that she would lose her hair about ten to fourteen days into treatment and on Day 10, she started noticing large amounts falling out. “Day 12, I had a hair cutting party with two of my best friends, a pair of scissors and a bottle of wine,” remembers Kelly. “We cut it all off while my dogs watched, and we laughed…a lot!” Kelly went from the major haircut to a wig, which looked natural though very different from her regular hair, and she received a lot of compliments.

“That sort of attention was uncomfortable for me and I have not gotten used to it - even now that I have my hair back. I would never have cut my hair this short, but have to admit that it’s pretty easy and low maintenance…To this day, there are people that do not know I went through treatment until I tell them - they think I just changed my hair.

I take that as a compliment, since it must mean I handled my treatment pretty well.” We’d say so, Kelly.

Kelly was due for an annual OB/

GYN exam and needed to get her mammogram before she went in, but she “just hadn’t gotten around to it.” While discussing it with her friend and manager at work, Jackie Vose, Jackie picked up the phone and made the appointment, and “she literally saved my life,” proclaims Kelly. On August 15, 2011, she found out that she had breast cancer, and “it felt like everything stopped for a moment.” But she immediately called one of her best friends, then another, and another.

They were all in her front yard “for a group hug” within the hour.

The prescribed treatment was aggressive and it went by very quickly for Kelly, “almost like an out of body experience.” She experienced many different feelings, emotions, fears and questions. “From the very beginning.” remembers Kelly, “it was one appointment and test after another, and a whirlwind of activity.

I took a week off between all the tests and starting chemo just to have a few minutes to breathe.”

Kelly requested from her oncologist that all chemo be scheduled so that she could keep riding horses and fox hunting on the weekends.

Yes, you read that right.

thing into my day and my life. And certainly you can’t do that when you are just plain tired.

“I really learned balance and to take things one day at a time.

Sometimes just an hour at a time.

It brought me closer to my friends and family and made me realize how much I am loved. My Aunt June knitted six stocking caps to keep me warm (hair keeps you warm and without it, it gets cold at night). She sent many care packages and was one of my greatest encouragers. My mom was also a part of Team Kelly. Her church made a blanket and prayed over it. The infusion room was always

I really learned balance and to take things one day at a time.

I always ask survivors how their experience changed them, because it is my belief that a person cannot go through something so harrowing and not be different as a result.

Kelly responded with something that I hear a lot. It made her more willing to accept help from people.

“I’ve always been so independent,” she explains. “But I learned to rely on others. It made me slow down just a bit; I was always incredibly busy and trying to cram one more

freezing, and I took the blanket to chemo with me every time. It kept me physically and spiritually warm!

My friend, Kari Ward, took me to my first chemo and I still have the notes she wrote for me as the nurse went over everything. She sat there and held my hand, the love flowing from her to me was almost visible.

She served as my taxi service the last four cycles because the Benadryl shots made me sleepy, and while I probably could have driven myself, her taking me and being there for me was just amazing.

She and my friend, Robin Huber, met me as I walked out of my last chemo treatment and we shared an amazing group hug.

I got a card, a note or token almost every single day from people (even some I did not know). I received regular Prayer-grams from a church and those lifted me up so much. Just knowing people were praying for me was a real comfort.”

Kelly remembers someone saying to her, “You have cancer; it doesn’t have you.” And she never let cancer define who she was. She rode horses, worked hounds or fox hunted every weekend. “The horses and riding kept me centered and gave me a goal to get through those bad chemo days,” says Kelly. “Just one day at a time to get to the weekends.” Kelly’s dogs helped her, too.

“They give unconditional love and just seem to know when you’re not feeling well. They kept me moving and we walked almost every day, which I know helped to keep me fit and strong. They are such great company when you feel pretty alone. And they certainly don’t care what your hair looks like.”

And a word of advice from Kelly to our readers? “Pray. Every. Single.

Day. And then thank God. Every.

Single. Day.” I enjoyed speaking with Kelly Bauer and hearing her story of how she bravely faced her prognosis, stayed positive, and won the battle. If you know a survivor that you would like to nominate, please email us at info@lexingtonwomanonline.com.

This article is brought to you by Dems Fine Jewelers. Visit www.demsjewelers. com or call (803) 407-5290. See their ad on page 25. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

23

Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

Vote at www.pinkglovedance.com

Lights, Camera, Dance!

LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER FILMS PINK GLOVE DANCE 2012 VIDEO photo by Katie Hart

L

exington Medical Center recently filmed the finale of its 2012 Pink Glove Dance outside on the hospital campus. For the second year in a row, Lexington Medical Center is entering the international Pink Glove Dance video contest sponsored by Medline Industries, Inc. The project honors cancer survivors and raises awareness about breast cancer.

The film features more than 500 Lexington Medical Center employees dancing to the Katy Perry song “Part of Me” outside the North Entrance of the hospital while wearing pink gloves. In addition to high energy, Broadway style choreography, there were special effects, smoke, strobe lights and more. Importantly, the dance features several LMC employees who are breast cancer survivors.

They are wearing special T-shirts and dancing on a stage surrounded by supporters.

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In 2011, with more than 60,000 votes and 110,000 You Tube views, Lexington Medical Center clinched the first-ever Pink Glove Dance contest. The hospital beat more than 130 other health care organizations from around the United States and Canada with a dance featuring hundreds of Lexington Medical Center employees dancing with pink gloves. You can view the video on the hopsital’s You Tube channel, www.youtube. com/lexingtonmedical

“It’s bigger, better, bolder and over-the-top,” said Mark Shelley, director of Marketing at Lexington Medical Center and supervisor of the hospital’s Pink Glove Dance, about the hospital’s 2012 dance.

The dance became so popular, it was featured on national television including ABC World News Tonight and Fox & Friends on the FOX News Network. To date, the 2011 video has received more than 192,000 views on You Tube.

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Lexington Medical Center’s 2012 video features the compelling story of a Lexington Medical Center nurse who is also a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed at the young age of 34. The theme of this year’s video is “Survivor from Day 1,” noting the strength and courage of breast cancer patients right from the time of their diagnosis.

also view the hospital’s blog, http:// blog.lexmed.com

“It’s more than a video or a contest.

It’s a show of support for everyone in our community who is fighting cancer,” said Shelley.

Lexington Medical Center is the only Columbia area hospital entering the competition. Voting for the Pink Glove Dance 2012 is from October 12th to October 26th. You can vote for Lexington Medical Center’s video during that time by hitting “Like” on our video using your Facebook account at www. pinkglovedance.com.

You can follow the progress of Lexington Medical Center’s Pink Glove Dance during voting on the hospital’s Facebook page (Lexington Medical Center) and Twitter account (#LexMedCtr). You can

“If the Gamecocks can win backto-back national baseball championships, maybe we can win back-to-back Pink Glove Dance championships,” said Mike Biediger, President and CEO of Lexington Medical Center.

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25

Health & Wellness

Pain and Physical Therapy LIVE WITH PAIN or LEAVE YOUR PAIN The Choice is Yours People with pain struggle too often to validate and appreciate the body’s natural way of informing us that something is wrong in the body.

Physical/Occupational Therapists at Vital Energy Occupational Therapy & Wellness Center encourage people with pain to address it, not ignore it or just medicate it. With the latest techniques and approaches, along with alternative therapies, we address the impact of pain at the physical and emotional level to maximize rehab potential.

their pelvic pain. There are a number of different conditions which can cause pain in the pelvic floor area. Some serious- low back sacroiliac bone injuries, whiplash, fall, poor posture, weak musculature, fascial restriction, arthritis, herniated disc, nerve pinching or just poor flexibility in joints and ligaments are a few examples.

Additional Pain Issues — If you have an injured hamstring or have piriformis tightness from sciatica or persistent pain, do-it-yourself treatments may do more harm than good. Physical and Occupational Therapists are trained to treat

stretching and fascia manipulation using FRAMS. A FRAMS tool is extremely effective new treatment to relieve deep fibrosis by bringing fresh blood flow to the area of pain and drain lymphatic accumulation which improves freedom of motion and decreases pain.

Pain & Physical Therapy Decide what is important to you – living with pain or leaving pain. To relieve pain, fascial stretching has been discovered to be a very effective tool at Vital Energy Therapy. Fascial stretching can improve flexibility and help

We address the impact of pain at the physical and emotional level to maximize rehab potential.

Caroline came to our clinic with unexplainable nagging pain in her pelvic region. The spot was tender to sit on, painful for bending, reaching and gym/yoga exercises. Caroline kept pushing herself with physical activity, exercise and medicine to overcome pain, resulting in lengthy rehab of 8 to 9 months to regain her strength and say goodbye to pain.

Sadly, this type of complaint is heard quite often. People get more aggressive with their activity and exercise and keep masking pain with pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicine for

your injury or problem to expedite the healing of nerve, muscle fiber/tendons/ligaments. To increase blood circulation in the injured area, muscle strength, range-of-motion, and endurance using manual therapy, body mechanics, and modalities (e.g., laser therapy, electrical current, ultrasound, computerized traction, therapeutic exercise, muscle energy treatment such as relaxation, meditation, breathing), aqua therapy, home exercise program education, to name a few.

Myofascial pain is treated using myofascial

prevent pain and injury for athletes, dancers, cheerleaders, industrial worker, dentists, surgeons, nurses, housewives, and even teenagers.

Activities like gentle yoga, walking, biking, and running will help to develop hamstring strength and pelvic floor mobility to have the benefit of pumping life-giving blood through the muscles.

Underwater treadmill therapy is a blessing for so many chronic pain conditions.

Our goal is to help our patients achieve maximum recovery from pain, injury, physical, emotional, or mental problems and enjoy life independently and fully for work, leisure and daily living activities.

Our various alternative therapy services have proven effective in producing results for the following diagnosis: • Arthritus • Carpal Tunnel • Fibromyalgia • Hip/Knee/Ankle/Feet • Pediatrics • Scoliosis • TMJ

26

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

• Back Pain • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Geriatrics • Neck Pain • Post-Surgery Rehab • Shoulder Rehab • Work Injury Rehab

Real Women

• Cancer/Lymphedema • Chronic Pain • Headaches/Migraines • Neurological Dysfunction • Rehabilitation • Spasm/Spasticity • Cardiac Rehab

• CVA (Stroke) • Head Trauma • Neuropathy • Restricted Motion • Sports Injuries

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Our goal is to achieve mental and physical wellness through our combination of Complementary/Alternative therapies with traditional Occupational Therapy.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy

Pediatric Therapy

Aquatic Therapy

• Sports Physical Therapy • Reiki Therapy • Pediatric Therapy • Aqua Therapy

• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Chronic/Acute Pain • Migraine Headache Treatment • Yoga/Personal Fitness • Neuro/Ortho Injury Rehab

• Scoliosis Rehab • Myofascial Release Treatment and Craniosacral Therapy • Rheumatoid/Osteoarthritis Therapy Underwater Treadmill

Hima N. Dalal

Reiki Treatment

Occupational Therapist Reiki and Myofascial Release Consultant Sports Personal Fitness Consultant

• Work Reconditioning

• Hand Therapy

• TMJ Therapy

• Cancer Rehab

www.vitalenergytherapy.com FM/CFS Support Group Meets Monthly

803.359.1551

163 Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072

COME IN AND SEE OUR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY

5143 Platt Springs Road (803) 359-8944

World Famous Hot Dogs and Coldest Beer in Town FRESH, MADE-TO-ORDER BREAKFAST, LUNCH, and DINNER Handmade Biscuits, Fresh Fried Chicken and Sides, Delicious Ringside Pizza, Soft Serve Ice Cream, Sundaes and Shakes, plus MUCH more www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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More than 4,000 successful bariatric surgeries.

One patient at a time. www.scobesity.com Phone: (803) 791-2828

Providing Psychological Services throughout South Carolina

Assessment. Consultation.

Evidence-based treatment.

803.358.9410 A. Nicholas “Nick” DePace, Ph.D

123 Library Hill Lane Suite B Lexington, SC 29072

www.ThePalmettoCenter.com 28

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There’s No Place Like Home!

Helping People Maintain Affordable, Quality, Independent Lives 1 — 24 Hours • Infants to Seniors

803-358-8315

4768 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 7 Lexington, SC 29072

www.brightstarcare.com

Health & Wellness

Tech Talk: MEET THE O-ARM

I

magine a machine that can take real-time, 3-D, HD images of the inside of your body during surgery. Doctors can see exactly what’s going on inside of you and make sure every step is correct throughout the surgical procedure.

You probably wouldn’t want to have surgery without it. And now – you don’t have to.

Lexington Medical Center is the first hospital in the Midlands with the technologically advanced OArm, a new imaging system for spinal surgery.

The O-Arm is a machine placed around a patient on the operating table. Before surgery, doctors use the O-Arm to capture images of the patient that help them develop a precise surgical guide. During surgery, the O-Arm images allow neurosurgeons to confirm proper placement of instrumentation.

After implants are placed, neurosurgeons use the O-Arm again to confirm correct placement of instruments in the spine and address anything further that needs to be done. Images are displayed on a large, digital flat screen at a view station next to the operating table.

Before O-Arm technology, patients would have an MRI or CT scan before surgery and doctors would use 1or 2-Dimensional images to guide them. They would place instruments and implants by using their best educated guess based on standard anatomy. But in back surgery, doctors are working through a small opening and it can be difficult to know where you are in the spine. Margins of error are millimeters – and implants must be placed with a great deal of accuracy.

Manufactured by Medtronic, the O-Arm improves safety for surgeons and staff members, lowers the chance of revision surgeries

Lexington Medical Center is the first hospital in the Midlands with the technologically advanced O-Arm...

An O-Arm image of instrumentation spine surgery

and can enhance patient outcomes.

Spinal problems can be chronic and debilitating. The O-Arm gives patients a great opportunity for excellent results.

Lexington Medical Center began using the O-Arm this summer.

For more information, visit www. lexmed.com/O-arm

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Professional

THANK YOU! COMPUTER PARAMEDICS Celebrates Two Years of Service

A

s we enter our second year in the Lexington area, we would like to thank our wonderful customers and the community. We would not be in business without your continued support. Supporting local businesses is crucial to maintaining a thriving business community. We want you to know that you are a valuable part of the Computer Paramedics family.

In the past year, we have grown exponentially. We required five times the space of our original office within the first three months of being in the area. That significant achievement would have been impossible without you.

We have assisted individuals by saving their computers from viruses and malfunctions. A few months ago, we received a hard drive that most computer companies would have deemed a complete loss, but we were able to recover our customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information, which saved years of family pictures and files that were irreplaceable.

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them on the best way to back up their information so they would not have to worry about their files being in jeopardy again.

Our turn-key IT solutions have allowed businesses to save precious time and become more productive. One virus or breach of security can bring a business to a grinding halt. By setting controls

by Matthew and Lauren Spain

deem work-related. We have been able to go into a business that may have only had one computer and transform it into a productive operation that could operate efficiently and perform tasks in a fraction of the time that it took them originally.

In the upcoming year, we plan on opening at least one or two new lo-

Our turn-key IT solutions have allowed businesses to save precious time and become more productive.

While we can repair most computers, this particular laptop was not repairable. We assisted our customer during the purchase of a new computer and instructed

on networks, our business customers were able to eliminate time mismanagement by employees on websites that the owners did not

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

cations to better serve the needs of the community. Please be praying that we continue to prosper and exemplify God in everything we

do. He has blessed us more than we could have ever imagined!

Thank you for welcoming Computer Paramedics into the community! We have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to serving you for many years to come. You may see us as we drive around town. We would love to meet you! If you have any suggestions, please let us know. We are always looking for ways to provide you with the best service possible.

From Our Family to Yours, Matt and Lauren Spain

If you have problems or questions about your computer, call (803) 3540074 or visit Computer Paramedics at 602D East Main Street in Lexington or online at www.computerparamedicsofsc.com.

803.354.0074 602D East Main Street • Lexington ON-SITE REPAIR FOR YOUR COMPUTER EMERGENCY

WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF COMPUTERS! RESIDENTIAL & BUSINESS COMPUTER SALES & SERVICE • IT Consulting Services • Network & Server Management • Wired and Wireless Networking • Virus, Spyware, ETC. Removal • Upgrades

• Diagnostics • Data Backup • Data Recovery • Laptop & Netbook Repair • New Computer Setup

WWW.COMPUTERPARAMEDICSOFSC.COM www.sandlapperart.com

PROFESSIONAL PICTURE FRAMING FOR OVER 16 YEARS Art prints for sale • Both residential and commercial picture framing

Located west of Lexington near Lexington High School and Publix 239-B Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072 • 803-996-2700

The Midland’s Best Kept Secret in Retirement Living LIFE IS A LUAU at The Columbia Presbyterian Community The Columbia Presbyterian Community has been serving seniors of all faiths for over 35 years!

Residency options from patio homes and apartments to assisted living, health care and memory support.

Come and experience the friendship, fellowship and fun!

Also offering Rehabilitation Therapy custom designed for seniors delivered in a quiet, comfortable setting by a caring professional staff. Call today for a complimentary lunch and tour.

700 DaVega Drive Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 227-8342 • 1-866-315-4722

Visit us online at www.preshomesc.org www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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HMS is a full service home maintenance company. Our One-Stop approach will save you money and help avoid problems with multiple contractors.

HMS is locally owned and operated as well as licensed and insured.

Please call on our team to get started on any of your home improvement needs and repairs.

(803) 687-0447

Visit our website for more info and to see samples of our work

www.myHMSpro.com

SNEAK PEEK at STEVEN ROSS and HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICES

After many years of working for corporations, Steven Ross found himself jobless due to a company wide layoff. The job market had tanked and his efforts to find a job were fruitless. The only positions he found would require him to relocate, and after moving ten times before finishing high school, Steve had been in his home for twenty years. He just wasn’t up for moving, so he decided to start his own business.

From this decision, Home Maintenance Services, LLC was born.

“My dad moved us around a lot growing up,” says Steve, “And maybe that is why I have such a knack for fixing up houses. My brother and I would help Dad take care of rental properties, so we acquired extensive handyman skills through the years.” Steve is licensed for siding, carpentry and painting, and carries General Liability insurance. Being a home owner for over 30 years, Steve appreciates the importance of spending money wisely to maintain and improve your home. Steve has 25 years of manufacturing experience, 10 of those 25 years were spent as a Quality Manager, and has a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Steve’s wife Gloria helps with interior design and color selections, painting and impressive cleaning services.

Since he started his business in 2009, Steve has had many repeat customers who call him for all of their upgrade and maintenance needs. Look for more information on Home Maintenance Services in the next edition of Lexington Woman.

Bouknight Pumps, LLC Pump & Water Conditioning Sales & Service Serving the Midlands for over 60 years

• Pump Installation, Service and Repair • Well and Irrigation Systems • Softeners and Filters • Reverse Osmosis Systems • Home Remodeling Services

(803) 309-9646 224 Turbeville Circle • Leesville

www.bouknightpumps.biz

HARDWOOD • CERAMIC • CARPET • VINYL • LAMINATE

(803) 794-1220

5343 Sunset Boulevard Ste N • Lexington

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Real Women

Mon-Fri: 10am to 6pm Sat: 10am to 2pm Locally Owned and Operated www.faflooringcenter.com

Business & Web Directory

C C

Accountant Newsome & Company, PC.......................... 17

THE

HAPMAN OMPANY

FINE JEWELERS

After School Programs Rhythmics Performing Arts & Athletics... 34 www.rhythmicsonline.com

Bouknight Pumps......................................... 32 www.bouknightpumps.biz

The Range........................................................ 2 www.therange811.com

Home Maintenance Services, LLC............. 32 www.myhmspro.com

Art and Entertainment EdVenture...................................................... 10 www.edventure.org

Sandlapper Art & Frame............................. 31 www.sandlapperart.com Assisted Living The Columbia Presbyterian Community......................................................31 www.preshomesc.org Attorney Kinard & Jones.............................................. 13 www.kinardandjones.com Beauty Aloette............................................................ 11 Children’s Therapy Carolina Behavior & Beyond........................ 5 Kinder Kids..................................................... 9 www.kinderkidscsra.com Computer Repair Computer Paramedics................................. 31 www.computerparamedicsofsc.com Health Services Bee Healthy Medical Weight Loss................ 3 www.beehealthyclinics.com BrightStar Care............................................. 28 www.brightstarcare.com Lake Murray Hearing Associates................. 2 www.lakemurrayhearing.com

803-996-5530 903 North Lake Drive Lexington

(look for the black awning)

Home Services Attic Attack.................................................... 20 www.atticattack.org

Apparel Craig Reagin Clothiers.................................. 3

M. Gallery Interiors, LLC............................ 34 www.mgalleryinteriors.net

Specializing in On-Site Repair and Custom Design

Home Builder Essex Homes......................Inside Back Cover www.essexhomes.net

Lexington Medical Center...................................25, 28, Back Cover www.lexmed.com South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation............................................2 www.ovariancancermidlands.org

Flooring America......................................... 32 www.faflooringcenter.com Gateway Supply Center.................................. 3 www.gatewaysupply.net Insurance Davis Insurance Agency................................ 2 Performance Insurance Agency.................. 10 Jewelry Dems.............................................................. 25 www.demsjewelers.com The Chapman Company.............................. 33 www.thechapmancompany.com Landscaping Midlands Landscape.................................... 15 www.midlandslandscape.com Taylor’s Quality Landscape Supply............. 35 www.taylorspinestraw.com Pets Bark Art Purrfect Pet Portraits................... 20 Dog-Gone Clean Grooming....................... 20 Grace Pets Animal Hospital........................ 20 ww.gracepets.com w Photography Robert Patrick Image Design...................... 34 www.rpimagedesign.com Restaurants McDonald’s (South Lake Drive)................. 35 McDonald’s (Sunset Boulevard)................. 10 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt............................. 35 www.menchies.com The Village Store........................................... 27 Salon Cost Cutters................................................... 10 www.costcutters.com

The Palmetto Center.................................... 28 www.thepalmettocenter.com

Weddings Dawn’s Bridal Boutique............................... 35

Vital Energy Rehab Center.......................... 27 www.vitalenergytherapy.com

The Mitchell House and Gardens................. 7 www.mitchellhouseandgardens.com

www.thechapmancompany.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Rhythmics Performing Arts & Athletics Building Active, Creative Kids Is Our Passion!

Over 20 local artists’ work on display “Design Your Own” rug programs Home accessories from around the globe Unique gifts and hand-made jewelry Vintage architectural pieces

Are looking for a whole new look, or just some fresh ideas, in your home or business?

• Art • Break Dancing/ Hip Hop • Dance • Drama • Karate • Music • Parties & Special Events

Call Mandy Summers!

803.785.4620

803-356-3063

mgalleryinteriors.net 711 E Main Street, Suite i, Lexington • mandy@mgalleryinteriors.net GALLERY HOURS: Mon & Tues − by appointment only • Wed - Fri − 11am - 6pm • Sat − 11am - 3pm • Sun − Closed

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www.rhythmicsonline.com 1106 Two Notch Road • Lexington, SC 29073

www.taylorspinestraw.com

(803) 446-6525

5400 Augusta Road, Lexington

Assorted Rocks • Bag Products • Decorative Rock • Firewood/Railroad Ties • Fire Pits • Natural Stones Pinestraw and Mulch • Plants • Playsets • Sod • Soils, Sands, and Gravel • Trailers • Trampolines

Let’s CeLebrate!

There’s a New McDonald’s® in Lexington.

Grand Opening Celebration

Saturday, September 1, 2012 t 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

1770 South Lake Dr. t Lexington, SC 29073 Join us for an afternoon of family fun before the Carolina game! Plus, you’ll receive a free ice cream cone if you come dressed in Gamecock gear! *

Bridal • Prom • Tuxedo Rentals • Shoes Veils • Tiaras • Jewelry • Invitations

% Special appearance by Ronald McDonald® % Face painting % Live music by WNOK % Fire truck tours and police demonstrations % Prizes from Dr Pepper® and Coca Cola®** % Large electronics raffle % Free family fun for the whole Lexington community!

(803) 315-3105

*While supplies last. **Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Door prizes are valid only for children 16 years and under while supplies last. McDonald’s®, Coca-Cola® and Dr Pepper® employees and families are not eligible to win.

1787 Southlake Dr. Suite H • Lexington, SC 29073 Grand Opening in Mid-October ©2012 McDonald’s

Thank you to all of our loyal readers!

Stay connected with us on Facebook!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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A Personal Note

O

ne of the wonderful things about being a mother is all the things that children teach us. I think one of the most important lessons is simply the way we love them. I think it makes the concept of God’s love for us a little more real because we know what it is like to love our children with a depth that surpasses anything we have ever known. I love my husband. I love him with every fiber of my being. I love him more with every year that passes, and he will not be upset with me for saying to you that I love my children more. They are the very beat of my heart. I would venture to say you feel the same about yours. There is little we can do for them that we do not. One of the blessings for me about having four children is that each of them is so very unique. One such way is the manner in which they speak.

Trey is very fact oriented. When he tells a story, it is all about A + B= C. This is how his brain operates. When I say to him, “How was your day?” His response is always “Good.” Occasionally he will say, “It was okay.” At that point, I must make the decision to dig deeper or just wait on him to tell me what’s up. If Trey doesn’t think it is really important, he simply doesn’t say it. I believe this is a trait he inherited from his father. Trey is thinker more than a talker.

Abby is more like me. We like to talk because we enjoy talking. She loves to tell me about her friends — what they are doing and who they are dating.

She enjoys sharing her match-making efforts and their success or failure. She loves to tell me about her teachers and what happened at school that day.

She talks about what projects she is working on, and when they are due. If I ask Abby how her day was, it will be a ten or fifteen minute long conversation. I love that our conversations give me unfiltered information about what is going on in my daughter’s world. Abby is a talker and a helper.

Colton is a mixture of the two. There are days when he really wants to share, and then there are days when after his homework is done, he disappears in his room to read a book or play a video game until dinner. For Colton, it depends on the subject matter as well. He loves baseball, basketball and football, and is likely to be more engaged in a sports or history related topic than just a simple, “How was school today?” He has a group of friends with whom he sits at lunch every day, and if I pop into school while they are lunching to deliver cupcakes or have lunch, you can find him with the same young men, talking about what sport they played at recess or what instrument they are going to play when they create a band one day. Colton is my dreamer and my encourager. (What a gift!)

Ryan started slow. He didn’t talk much until he was three and half years old. I was terrified something was wrong. However, when Ryan hit his stride, he has not stopped talking. A 3.5 hour car ride (unless a DVD is playing) is a 3.5 hour monologue featuring Ryan Alexander Duncan. He will talk about the weather, the color of the passing cars, dinosaurs and their eating habits, an angry bird video he watched on YouTube — anything to fill the empty space. Ryan will tell you what he wants to be when he grows up, what he wants for breakfast, lunch and dinner tomorrow, and what his brothers and sisters want as well. Ryan will also vocalize his displeasure at your response to those suggestions. Ryan is a protector. He uses his words to get what he wants, and to get other people what they want. Ryan also loves his big brothers and sister. This is how a recent conversation with Ryan went: Ryan: Mama, I don’t want Colton to get baptized.

Me: Ryan do you know what baptism is?

Ryan: Yes, it means you give your heart to Jesus and if Colton gives his heart to Jesus he will be dead. I don’t want Colton to die.

Me: (after hugging and consoling him) Jesus doesn’t take your heart out of your body when we give it to him; he comes to live inside of us in our hearts.

Colton isn’t going to die. Colton is making a decision to make an outward expression of his inward faith. He is saying to the world that he wants to try and make good decisions and follow the rules of the Bible. One day when you get older and understand, maybe you will want to ask Jesus in your heart and be baptized, too.

Ryan: I don’t want to get baptized. I get enough of following rules at school!

They are each so precious to us. They are spread out, so we are able to experience Colton and Ryan as little sponges soaking up everything we say, even as Trey and Abby are getting older and starting to make their own decisions about things such as what kind of music they want to listen to and what colleges may be good choices for them. No matter how old they are, they will always have us. We belong to them. The same way they belong to us. As the years pass, I may have a situation where one of them will disappoint me because of a choice they may make, but I will never stop loving and believing in them or wanting them to come home and tell me how their day was, or if they are states away, to pick up the phone and talk to me. No matter what they are saying, I love to hear the sounds of their voices. I wonder how my heavenly father feels when I don’t talk to him?

God Bless you,

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Lori Samples Duncan

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Real Women

I can’t imagine having back surgery anywhere else.

My doctors use exclusive, new, technology that takes 3-D, HD images during surgery. They can see exactly what’s going on and confirm that the procedure is right before they finish. I would never have surgery without the O-arm system.

It’s the assurance I needed and it’s only at Lexington Medical Center. Ask your doctor about it, and get your life back.

For details, visit LexMed.com/O-arm