Lexington Woman Magazine (Vol 8, No 1)

VOL 8, NO 1

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

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An Unexpected RESOLUTION Kelly Clinger, Old Mill Brew Pub co-owner, shares her journey

Meet the LADIES of

MAIN STREET Learn more about the fascinating business owners of Main Street in Lexington

Custom Portrait Photographer Call or check out my new website for all of your custom photography needs!

In this Issue

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lori Samples Duncan (loriduncan86@gmail.com)

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

DeAnna Balestrero Cathy Williams (info@lexingtonwomanonline.com)

From the Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kay H. Barlow Ruth Chapman Briana Davis, DVM Lori Samples Duncan Randy Halfacre Ashby Jones Amy Pittsenbarger Chris Powers Ashlea Seagraves Rebecca Vigné Stacey Watts Rachel-Elise Weems

COVER PHOTO Robert Patrick Image Design

PHOTOGRAPHY Charlotte Ashley Photography Clark Berry Photography Felicity Photography Oh Schmidt Productions Rob and Jon Photography Robert Patrick Image Design

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Lexington Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073

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. © 2014

34 Meet Chris Powers

2 It’s a New Year!

Events

3 What’s Happening?

Let’s Talk

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8 10 11

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Happily Married and Happily Parenting...You CAN Have Both!

The Ashby Chronicle: Just a Few More Minutes Era of Meanness The Garden of My Life The Art of Learning: Educational Programs at the CMA The Aiken Trials: Where Champions Start

Health & Wellness

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Same Day/Next Day Surgery Puts Patients “Back in the Saddle” Quickly What’s Keeping You from Getting Fit?

Business & Web Directory 43 Contact our Advertisers

Personal Note

44 The Gift of Children

Pets

14 Traveling Tips for Cat Owner

Professional

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Building Your Personal Palace Meet the Driver of SAMSON Allison Patrick – Female Monster Truck Driver It’s All in the Family for JDM Building Group Ladies of Main

Celebrating the Survivor in You! 32 An Unexpected Resolution

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

W

e have had some crazy weather to start 2014. I know it causes some issues in the transportation Industry, but I do enjoy a good old snow day. Maybe it’s the kid in me. At any rate I am glad you are all safe and sound and reading the latest issue of Lexington Woman Magazine. It is always a blessing and a privilege to bring you guys another issue filled with great women and men around the midlands. This issue was especially fun to bring to you because so many really fascinating women are featured on the cover. In the upcoming issues of this year, you will see many of these faces again. We certainly had fun writing about them and visiting with them.

After Christmas, as many of you are aware, Lexington lost a very special young woman, Miss. Kennedy Branham. We published many stories about Kennedy and the lives she touched in the last couple of years and we want to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.

In honor of Kennedy and all that she continues to mean to this community, we published a different kind of survivor story for the current issue. It’s a story about a sister who found a way to grieve her lost loved one by creating a way to give back to other women who are fighting cancer. I hope this story inspires and brings some comfort and peace to each of us. As we move through our daily lives, may we always be mindful of the gift of life and the gift the presence of a loved one is to us. No two stories are ever the same. This is simply a story that moved me and I wanted to it share with you.

I hope you read this issue cover to cover! It is filled with great information and businesses who appreciate your patronage. Don’t forget to tell them you saw them in the pages of Lexington Woman Magazine; they will be glad to see you!

God Bless and may 2014 be filled with many blessings!

Lori Samples Duncan Editor-in-Chief

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Real Women

I do believe we’re all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world. And I believe in taking care of each other.

—Harvey Fierstein

Events

What’s HAPPENING? Unplugged: Family Fun Night February 2, 6 p.m.

Lexington Public Library

The evening will incorporate a variety of activities, which may include storytelling, games, crafts, and more! Please call 785-2630 for more information

My Big “R” Plan, 65 Now What?

February 11, 6–7 p.m.

1260 Bower Parkway

Join us to make sure you are taking the right steps toward retirement - presented by South Carolina BLUE Are you making the right decisions when it comes to retirement? Join us to make sure you are taking the right steps toward retirement.

The Friends Gala – A Night at the Silver Screen February 14, 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

Leeside Conference Center, Columbia

The Friends of Epworth are proud to announce the Second Annual Friends Night Gala benefiting Epworth Children’s Home. Join us for a fun-filled night unlike any other as we celebrate the promise of bright futures for children who once had little reason to hope.

Dress in your finest and channel your inner Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart or Henry Fonda as you take a stroll down the red carpet. Imagine what it’s like to “dream” big and reach for the stars.

Tickets are now available ($100/person, $150/couple) and include a full night of spirited dancing to the sounds of Tokyo Joe, heavy hors d’oevres and an open bar for all guests.

Lexington Race Against Hunger February 22, 8:15 a.m., 8:20 a.m., and 8:25 a.m.

Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church

This Lexington event is expecting 1400 runners and walkers – don’t miss your chance to participate! The 5k Fitness-Walk starts at 8:15AM, the 10K Run starts at 8:20AM and the 1-mile fun run begins at 8:25AM. This Lexington race will start and finish at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church.

Celebration of Excellence in Education - Educational Foundation Event February 25, 5:30 p.m. / ends at 9 p.m.

Brookland Banquest and Conference Center

This Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation’s event is held annually to honor the top 10% of the graduating seniors in the district’s five high

schools: Gilbert, Lexington, Pelion, River Bluff, and White Knoll. These students will be inducted into the Old English Society during the event. The host school for this year’s event is Pelion High and the guest speaker is Dalton Freeman. Dalton is a graduate of Pelion High, Clemson University, and currently plays center for the New York Jets. Prior to the event, in the lobby area, art by high school students will be on display and for sale, and several senior projects will be available for viewing.

Sponsorships of this event help fund the meal for the honored students and their two guests. 803-821-1009

Valentines from France February 26, 3:30 p.m.

Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, Irmo

Join Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra as we present the second of three among our Sunday Concert Series. Hear beautiful, romantic and exciting classical music centered around french composers and themes.

Featuring Cello Soloist, Amy Goto.

Discover Lexington Lecture Series: THE INDIAN HEAD, South Carolina’s Ancient Meeting Place March 11, 6:30 p.m.

Lexington County Library (Main Branch-Downstairs Meeting Room) If you like history, you will not want to miss this presentation of an exciting new discovery in Lexington County by Michael Jeffcoat, forensic historian and researcher-member of The Big Pond Branch Historical Research Society. The Indian Head, located in The Congaree Cone, is perhaps South Carolina’s most ancient meeting place. The colonial settlement still exists today, in part, in Lower Lexington County.

Aiken Trials March 15, Gates open at 10 a.m.

Aiken Training Track, Aiken

Begun in 1942 as a way to give young horses in training the enlightening opportunity to experience every aspect of live racing, the Aiken Trials has become a time honored tradition as the first leg of Aiken’s Triple Crown events, held annually for three consecutive Saturdays in March.

year. Occasionally a trainer has brought in a licensed jockey to compete; making some exciting competition for the exercise riders! www.aikentrials.com

Oyster Roast...Down by the River March 27, 6 p.m.

The Chickawa Outdoor Center in the Saluda River Club

Juicy oysters anchor this lively spring event at the national award-winning Saluda River Club. Live music, libations, and an array of food have made it one of the most popular in the area. It’s fun, it’s fantastic, and it’s the Chamber’s premiere event. This year’s 5th annual Oyster Roast...down by the river. Features steamed oysters, libations, music and more!

Lexington Woman’s Club 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament March 31, 6 p.m.

Country Club of Lexington

The entry fee of $160.00 is for a two-player team (men/ women) and includes the green fee, cart, lunch and cocktail party. First and second place prizes awarded in each flight plus closest to the pin #4 and #17 and longest drive #5 and #14, with a chance available to participate within the circle on #2. Sponsorship Levels are also available. For additional information, please contact: Susan Herndon at (803) 413-4526

Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission sponsors 3rd Annual Pet Pawty May 3 Red Bank Horse Arena

A pet friendly, Meals on Wheels fundraising event benefiting seniors and their pets. Enjoy agility and flyball demonstrations, pet contests, Blessing of the Animals, Cow Bingo, vendors, food, kids’ activities and more.

Visit the website below for more information. www.lcrac.com

There are six races on the program consisting of five races for two year olds and maidens (horses that may have started in a race, but have never won), running a ¼ mile to 4 ½ furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won.

The jockeys are local exercise riders who have an afternoon in the spotlight after paying their dues exercising horses each morning (in all weather) throughout the www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Happily Married and Happily Parenting…

YOU CAN HAVE BOTH!

by Stacey Watts

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on’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

--Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)

Do your eyes widen, and does a smile spread across your cheeks as you think of the possibilities of the word new? We all love something new: a new book, new clothes . . . and how about the thrill of transforming something old into something new? But new comes with a price. New shoes don’t come free, and even making something new out of something old comes with a price: hard work.

Does your approach to parenting need a little transforming? Perhaps you’ve fallen into the trap of being the “good” mother, and in doing so, you’ve suddenly found yourself exhausted, your marriage in dire straights, and no idea what it means to have a peaceful home. By today’s definition, being the good mother means being available to your children 24/7, regardless of their ages. Women are so focused

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on their children that their marriages are being put on hold—and in some cases, the damage is irrevocable. Children are more disobedient than ever, and you’re asking, “What did I do wrong?”

Guilt comes when we choose to put something—anything—before our children. But here’s the truth: your children will have a better chance of happiness when YOU are happy.

...your children will have a better chance of happiness when YOU are happy.

They will thrive when they have happily married parents. Joy and peace have a greater chance of reigning when God’s plan for the family is carried out.

After the first two years of life, the time when your precious angel needs you to care for his every need, has come to a close—THAT is when most mothers fail to return to their husbands. He needs a partner, a companion, a lover, a playmate, and a friend. You need each other to witness the other’s life, to parent as a team, and to make memories that you can replay to each other long after the youngest one has left the nest. By placing this relationship above all others in the home, you give your children security, peace, and ultimately happiness. When marriage takes a back seat to a relationship with a child, the balance is thrown. You should love your children but not be “in love” with your children.

All is not lost, dear friends. If your priorities are a little out of whack, don’t bemoan the past—but don’t continue this pattern either. Here are some ways that you can restore the order that God intended for your home: If your children are over age two, encourage their independence.

Let go of the lie that boundaries are bad. Children must learn to do for themselves in order to desire doing for others. Esteeming a child to the point that he still believes he is the center of your world beyond age two produces the opposite result most well-intentioned parents want.

Your goal is to foster self respect, which grows respect for others.

Holding on to your image of that sweet babe (who, just yesterday was swaddled so tight!) and believing you must continue to do all for him, keeps him and YOU from much happiness and growth.

If you’ve stopped dating your husband, please start again!

Dates don’t have to cost a thing.

Something as simple as an early bedtime for the kiddos, no matter their ages, might be all you need. Let your children see how important you are to one another and that your relationship is worth your focus. By dating and respecting one another, setting aside time each day just for the two of you, you’re showing your children the kind of man or woman you want them to one day have, as well as modeling how to treat that future spouse.

Let your children fail. There comes that guilt again! Whether it stems from wanting your child to “like” you, terror over seeing him hurt (no matter how minor), or fear of how their failures will make YOU look, if you always come to his rescue—well, how will he learn to deal with adversity or know the value of hard work? Some of the greatest joys come about because of the greatest trials. Don’t be constantly available to your children to correct or prevent every failure. Use this time to be available to your husband and not fail his need for your attention.

So let’s try a new approach. Let 2014 be the year that you shower your husband, not your children, with endless attention. Remember your wedding day? You didn’t marry your children; you married your husband, and you married him for life. Mothers, I know you’ve thanked the Lord a million times for that beautiful bundle of joy that the doctor placed in your arms. Make 2014 the year that you thank Him just as often for the gift of your spouse.

Stacey Watts is a leadership parenting coach, speaker, and teacher. Learn more at www.happilyparenting.com.

CALL TODAY and SCHEDULE YOUR YEARLY EYE EXAM 803.996.2020 Like Us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/envisionfamilyeyecare 803.996.2020 • 5166 Sunset Boulevard, Suite J, Lexington www.EnvisionFamilyEyeCare.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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JONES

LLC

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

Let’s Talk photo by Clark Berry Photography

THE ASHBY CHRONICLE:

Just a Few More Minutes

by Ashby Jones

Ashby Jones

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spent some time with my Dad a month ago. He had recorded an old Johnny Carson show and was desperate for me to watch just one interview – the 1976 interview of Doris Day. Dad explained Doris Day really puts Johnny Carson in his place, she really calls his bluff and it is hilarious.

I was skeptical. Dad makes me watch Alien I, II and III when he’s not making me watch No Time For Sergeants or The Thing.

I think about 2 minutes and 13 seconds into the interview, I realized I was bored. I had already noted Doris Day’s pale pink pantsuit and shimmery matching lipstick. I tried to discern how old she actually was and wondered how advanced plastic surgery was back then. She’d already reported multiple marriages and no intention to remarry. Then, there was a commercial break.

After the break I was surprised to see Ms. Day was still sitting on the sofa. They had already covered everything important! What more was there to say? The conversation with Johnny Carson had moved on to boring topics like what Ms. Day did in her free time, and whether or not Ms. Day was as innocent as the characters she portrayed (which only caused my mind to leap to a famous Britney lyric). I had completely lost interest, and I wondered how this Johnny Carson person was ever famous for conducting interviews.

Times sure have changed. No audience could sit through that type of interview today. Now, we really only want to know a few things about our movie stars. If we learn

too much, it might humanize them, which would make it hard to harshly judge them when they get really huge and pregnant. We want limited information presented in short sentences and tight little lists.

Why read a book when the internet can report the 8 Things Your Brain Does Wrong Every Day, the 11 Most Attractive Things Men Do Without Realizing, and 15 Juicy Secrets About Your Favorite Reality Show.

Our short attention spans impact our everyday relationships. With the constant interruptions from cell phones, compulsive Facebook checking, and the “ding” sound the phone makes when you receive an email, it’s a wonder we know anything about one another at all. There is even a popular song right now called Say Something, wherein a curly-headed fellow is asking Christina Aguilera to say something, because he’s giving up on her. She occasionally chimes in to harmonize with him, but is mostly distracted by her Candy Crush game.

I know it is difficult to break free from the distractions, I am the worst offender. But, have you noticed the unexpected moments of companionship are so meaningful?

Next time you are standing around

on a soccer field with other parents, or waiting in a hospital lobby, try to quiet your mind and allow something genuine to break through all that noise. Actually speak, out loud, with words (not via text) to a person. Try to listen, with your ears, to their response. And when you feel that compulsion to take one more glimpse at TMZ or the WeatherApp, try to pay attention just a few more minutes.

You will be so glad you did.

about it, I will put it in a format we can all understand. I present to you 4 Things You Will Know If You Pay Attention for Just a Few More Minutes: (1) she has a wicked sense of humor and you are going to be crying with laughter any minute now; (2) you are not the only one that thinks this way; (3) he has wanted to ask for your help before, but did not know how; and (4) next time you are in a kid crisis, she would be the perfect person to call.

There are so many benefits to having meaningful human interaction. No need to read a book

We can talk about the others later, I’m in the middle of a challenging Words With Friends game.

With the constant interruptions... it’s a wonder we know anything about one another at all. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Let’s Talk

An Era of MEANNESS

by Kay H. Barlow

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arely do we look into the crib at that precious newborn and see a child who will become a bully, be bullied or stand by and watch another person bullied. Yet, statistics show that bullying takes place every 7 minutes on our playgrounds and goes unreported a majority of the time.1 Bullying is a learned behavior. It is meanness, a quality we do not want to see in ourselves and especially not in our children. In view of recent suicides throughout the country, we must recognize bullying as a serious problem, with serious repercussions and in need of serious attention. As parents, we are our children’s greatest teachers.

We must model kindness and show that bullying will not be tolerated.

According to Olweus, a bullying prevention program, a person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more person, and has difficulty defending himself or herself. 2 Bullying comes in many forms, both direct and indirect.3

Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, shoving and spitting with the intention of causing physical harm and fear. Physical bullying is most often done by boys to other boys.

Verbal bullying includes namecalling, teasing and making insults or threats to embarrass and intimidate.

Social or relational bullying is mental harassment by teasing, excluding or humiliating. Threatening gestures, body language, dirty looks and gossip are used to isolate individuals and destroy status within a peer group. Social bullying is most often done by girls to other girls.

Cyber bullying is the newest and perhaps the most harmful type of bullying our children are experiencing. Text messages, voicemails, e-mails and social networking sites are used to threaten, intimidate and spread false rumors about a victim. Our children are tech savvy but often emotionally insensitive to the feelings of others. In today’s world of immediate connection, one photo upload or derogatory post can go “viral,” causing great harm and hurt almost instantly.

As parents, we must stay connected with our children. Talk with them, listen to them and get to know their friends. Let them know that bullying is wrong, unacceptable and carries serious consequences.

Watch for signs that your child is being bullied. If he or she no longer wants to go to school or ride the bus, begins losing his or her school supplies or lunch money, has unexpected cuts and bruises, you may have a problem and you need to investigate. Go to the proper authorities. Start at the school, but do not stop there if the issue is not resolved.

As parents, we must stay connected with our children. Talk with them, listen to them and get to know their friends.

Bullying is not only about the bully and the victim. Bullying also impacts those who witness such acts. Many simply stand by and do nothing, often resulting in years of emotional distress and guilt. We must teach our children empa-

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thy. We must show them how to treat others and encourage them to seek help when needed. In the simplest words, we must foster love and kindness. Love and kindness should be taught early and often, as no one wants their child to grow up in an era of meanness.

Midlands Education and Business Alliance is a local nonprofit working to connect students, parents, educators and employers to education and career opportunities in the Midlands through programs and partnerships of business, school, college, faith and other community leaders. MEBA fosters community collaboration between business and education to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life in the Midlands. For more information on bullying, please visit our website at www.mebasc.com/your-child for tips and links to other great organizations and resources.

Pepler, Craig & Roberts, 1998.

Olweus. Retrieved from http://www.- olweus.org/public/bullying.page 3 Bully Free Program. Facts About Bullying. Retrieved from http://www.bullyfree.com/free-re- sources/facts-about-bullying 1 2

About Kay H. Barlow Kay H. Barlow is the Parent and Community Education Director for Midlands Education and Business Alliance.

Ms. Barlow has over 20 years experience working with students of the nine school districts of the Midlands and with various parents and community.

Much of her time is spent working with educators, social workers and businesses dealing with the growing issue of poverty in South Carolina and its effect on the families of this state. Ms. Barlow holds an undergraduate degree from Missouri Baptist College and a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina.

It’s Heart Month!

Don’t Become a Statistic

More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Make it your mission to learn all you can about heart attacks and stroke — don’t become a statistic. CALL 9-1-1.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

• As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or dis comfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1...Get to a hospital right away.

National Heart Association, www.heart.org

w w w. t a p s n a p. n e t

L E T ’ S C R E AT E L A S T I N G M E M O R I E S contact { CHIP GRANT • 8 0 3 . 5 1 8 . 5 5 3 5 • chipg@tapsnap.net } to learn more

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The Garden of My Life

by Ruth Chapman

A

fter doing some yard work recently it occurred to me that my life is like a beautiful rose garden. You know how much work a rose garden requires. I have rose bushes signifying everything important in my life.

I have a rose bush for each of my children. The youngest requires the most care because he is still tender and young. He has to be nourished, fertilized and weeded daily. The older two require a little less care, although the 16 year old requires a modicum of weed killer and insecticide to keep the bad influences at bay and just enough fertilizer to nurture his spirit. The oldest is a stable and established rose, but still needs a few hours weekly of my time for encouragement to bloom and a little fertilizer that is my sage advice. Regardless of their age, they all need fertilizer, love and nurturing to grow.

I have an insurance rose bush. That is my career, insurance. For a year it lay dormant, neither growing nor producing. Right now, though, this rose bush threatens to overtake the garden because I am working fulltime again. Apparently I over fertilized it sometime in the past and it currently needs some pruning so that it will not overshadow some of

the other beauties in the garden.

I have a jewelry rose bush. It, too, threatens to consume my garden at times and requires regular pruning. At Christmas it all but consumes every waking hour. It will be interesting to see how the insurance and jewelry bushes do this year at the same time. Hopefully one will require less care while the other flourishes.

I have a house/yard work rose bush. While it should be happy and healthy, it is currently suffering from neglect. With all the rain we’ve had a little fertilizer is necessary, before it dies from malnourishment. I’d like to transplant this bush into someone else’s garden for a while, but for now I’ll continuing trying to make time to nurture it.

I have a marriage rose bush.

It’s a beautiful, robust bush that requires some fertilizer and

How does your garden grow? Are you tending where you should, pruning where you can and providing TLC when you’re able?

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pruning, but right now is blooming so we must be doing something right.

I have a health rose bush. It’s requiring some fertilizer, too right now. It needs more sunshine and nutrients (read exercise) to flourish, and it definitely needs about 40 lbs of pruning, but overall, it’s doing okay.

My friends have a rose bush. It, too is suffering right now. Since the holidays are over, I’m hoping to have more time to devote to this bush. There are branches for each of my friends and they all need some tender loving care. But there are so many branches I can’t get to them all. Soon I hope to be able to pay each branch its own version

of my time and then I’ll watch it flourish.

Finally, there’s my hobby rose bush. Now that’s my favorite bush, outside of the family bushes, and it is suffering. It needs nourishment, fertilizer and love. In fact, this is my way of spending a few minutes nurturing my bush now.

How does your garden grow? Are you tending where you should, pruning where you can and providing TLC when you’re able? Your garden will reward your efforts; just don’t let any one bush choke out the others. It takes work to grow your garden, but it will reward you with beautiful blooms if you nurture it!

Let’s Talk

The Art of Learning:

Educational Programs at the CMA

by Amy Pittsenbarger

T

he Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) is a well-respected and established part of the culture of the Midlands. As a lifelong lover of art, in all its forms, I believe very strongly in the importance of preserving art for future generations. Artwork is one of the main ways that we communicate and express our beliefs. In a world where fine arts programs are being cut for the sake of budget, less and less children are able to experience the benefits of viewing and interacting with art. Which is why I was thrilled to hear about all of the amazing programs that the CMA offers for children and families.

“The Museum has put significant emphasis on the growth of family programs in recent years with the goal of developing lifelong learners with a passion for the arts,” explains Kerry Kuhlkin-Hornsby, Director Education at the CMA. She went on to explain the importance of getting children and teens involved in art so that they can grow and develop specific interests.

The Museum offers programs for ages two and up, and encourages families to grow along with them! “It’s exciting to see a family that has been coming to the museum for years and enjoying all the programs we have to offer, they become lifelong learners and part of the CMA family” says Kuhlkin. She says that she herself grew up in a creative household, and was exposed to art at an early age. In college, Kuhlkin worked with local museum educational programs, and her career grew from that.

Some of the educational programs they offer are Passport to Art, “a free studio program for artists of all ages features hands-on projects based on themes found in the exhibitions and museum collection”; Gladys’ Gang, “a free program for participants (ages 2-5) and their caregivers explores art and literacy through the introduction of elementary art terms such as color, line, shape and texture during story time,” and Art Explorer Backpacks, a program designed for “families to have fun in the gal-

leries with interactive activities that make the galleries accessible and welcoming, with matching games, sketch books, gallery hunts and more.” They have also recently updated and re-opened the Wells Fargo Interactive Gallery, a space designed for families to learn about art together! Their mission is as follows: “Emphasizing creativity and excellence, we reach out to South Carolina teachers, students, parents and the public to develop a dialogue based on works from our permanent collection and special exhibitions. This work coupled with our interactive components, give our visitors a visual arts language by fostering their ability to think critically and creatively.”

The Museum also offers programs such as artthemed birthday parties, summer camps for ages four through 18, and student workshops held during school break. Coming just in time to be your valentine, is Sweet on CMA, one of the family fun days designed to connect with the holidays of Halloween and Valentine’s Day. “You don’t have to have a degree in Art History to enjoy an art museum. Come and enjoy the programs, take a tour, make your own work of art in the studios, attend a lecture, art museums are for everyone!” exclaims Kuhlkin. The CMA offers many wonderful ways to get children, teens, and families involved. To find out more about what they have in store for you and your family, check out their website at www.columbiamuseum. org/learn/family-friendly. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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We invite you to visit our new website as we celebrate 20 years of homebuilding.

Thank you Lexington!

Essex Homes The key to better living.

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THE AIKEN TRIALS:

WHERE CHAMPIONS START

by Rebecca Vigné

T

he Aiken Trials are fast approaching and the thoroughbreds have been running all year to prepare for the races. The Aiken event will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014. The Aiken Trials is the first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown, the three-weekend-long celebration of horse sports that includes The Aiken Trials, The Aiken Steeplechase and the USC Aiken Pacers and Polo match.

This year will mark the 72nd running of the Trials. This Aiken tradition is a family friendly event suitable for any age. The Aiken Trials draws upwards of 10,000 spectators who enjoy a day of outdoor fun that includes extravagant tailgating spreads, assorted vendors, and good-natured side betting. A Mariachi band will travel throughout the tailgates to play songs on request. Food vendors will also be available for those who do not bring a full lunch spread, and shops will be set up for those looking to get some shopping done in between races.

Local Aikenite, Julie Stevens, enjoys the races because she says, “We have family come in from out of town, and we invite our friends out as well. We have a wonderful time watching the races with food, fun and fellowship. It is also a great time to see the two-year-old thoroughbreds react to the crowd and react to being in a race. It is great

practice for them for the future!”

The Aiken Trials is also full of fun contests such as the Best Tailgate Contest and the Hat Contest. This year’s Trials Hat Contest, sponsored by Woman 2 Woman Publishing, will be held between races at the Paddock. The contest will feature a wide array of creativity, and one winner will walk away with a gift basket full of goodies. Aiken Trials Treasurer, Nikki Bargeloh says, “The hat contest is always a blast. We’ve had everything from homemade hats to ones that were special-ordered from Paris.” Anyone in attendance is invited to participate.

Six races complete the program including five races with the younger thoroughbreds, running a ¼ mile to 4 ½ furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won.

Bargeloh encourages the public to come out to the event. “The Trials are always an exciting day. You

never know when you might see the next Classic Winner come through Aiken, like Palace Malice.

It’s a fun, family event where everyone really gets an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and personal,” Bargeloh comments.

a carriage parade will kick off the races at 1 pm, and the first race will begin at 2 pm.

Tickets to the Aiken Trials are available at www.aikentrials.com.

Tickets are also available at the Aiken Training Track office, AllStar Tents and Events, Aiken Saddlery, H Odell Weeks Activities Center, Floyd and Green Jewelers, Boots Bridles and Britches in Aiken and Grovetown.

The Aiken Trials are on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AikenTrials keeping fans up to date with event information. Aiken Trials Text Club provides members with up to date information on the Trials plus giveaways and may be joined by texting the word Trials to 95454.

Pack a picnic, bring your hat, and see the horses at this year’s Aiken Trials!

‘ We’ve had everything from homemade hats to ones that were specialordered from Paris.’

Tickets for the Aiken Trials are $10 for parking and $10 for individuals in advance. Tickets for the VIP Tent are $75 per person and include the best vantage point near the finish line, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a great atmosphere.

Gates for the Trials open at 10 am,

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

13

Pets

TRAVELING TIPS for CAT OWNERS

by Briana Davis, DVM

O

ur feline friends are an important part of our family. However, statistics show cats visit the veterinarian about half as often as dogs. Routine exams are just as important to cats as they are to dogs, so why the lower number of visits? Often, it is the unique challenges cats present to traveling that give owners the misapprehension that the risks of a veterinary visit aren’t worth the benefits!

It is common for our kitties to disappear as soon as the pet carrier appears. These reclusive cats are often found in the deepest, darkest recesses of their homes (ie, under the bed, in the closet, in a cabinet).

Wrangling them out of their hiding spots can be as challenging as manipulating them in to the carrier. These processes pose no small risk to the owner as swatting claws and biting teeth are often involved.

Once contained in their carrier and in the car, these unhappy kit-

ties change their defense tactics.

Using the sound-enhancing enclosed space of the car, the cats yowl at the top of their lungs to convey their displeasure. The only pauses from this auditory assault occur as the cats release previously ingested material from various orifices of their body. The culmination of this distressing journey occurs at the veterinary hospital.

Here the cat is exposed to all sorts of strange smells and noises. It is also subjected to strangers with

Often, it is the unique challenges cats present to traveling that give owners the misapprehension that the risks of a veterinary visit aren’t worth the benefits.

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bright lights and sharp objects poking and prodding it. So, it is with little surprise that such a trip can make for frightened, ferocious felines and frazzled owners.

Luckily, there are some steps that can be taken to lessen the stress of routine veterinary exams for both cats and their owners. The first step is to take the fear out of the carrier.

Have your cat associate the carrier as a fun and calm environment.

Start with placing the carrier in a room your cat likes to be in. Put a soft blanket or article of clothing from your cat’s favorite person in carrier. Place treats and toys in the carrier to encourage your pet to go in and out voluntarily. Eventually work up to closing the door of the carrier with your cat in it, give them a treat, and then open the door. Once your cat is comfortable with this step, move the carrier a few feet with your cat in it. Gradually increase the distance you move them until you are able to place them in the car. Then start taking short trips with your cat in the car.

All of these steps need to be taken slowly and gradually, with the primary goal being to keep your cat calm and happy during the process. Go back to the previous step if your pet becomes anxious with the current one.

Other tools that may help your feline friend remain calm include the use of synthetic pheromone sprays (Feliway) in the carrier ½ an hour prior to your trip. You can cover the carrier with a blanket, creating the dark, protected haven many cats desire. Traveling on an empty stomach lessens the likelihood of your cat developing nausea during the trip. It also increases the likelihood your pet will take a treats while at the vet, making the experience a more positive one. Carriers with removeable tops can allow the veterinarian to start their exam with the patient still comfortably in the bottom half of the carrier.

Try to schedule fun social visits to the vet (where the only purpose is to give kitties treats to positively reinforce the experience). If these steps aren’t enough to reduce vetvisit anxiety, your veterinarian may prescribe medication that can help.

Our feline friends can pose several challenges when traveling to the vet. However, the importance of a routine health exam shouldn’t be compromised because of those challenges. Taking the time to teach cats to relax in the carrier and during travel can help take the fear and trauma out of the vet visit for both the cat and its owner.

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

15

Building Your PERSONAL

PALACE

by Amy Pittsenbarger photo by Clark Berry Photography

T

here is an emotional attachment to one’s home, and passing over the building of your house to somebody else can be tough. That’s where LCB Construction, Inc. comes in. Jenny Nettles is the president of this 13-year old family-owned construction company. Within the past three years, they have converted from modular home building to stick building, although they have worked hard to incorporate some of the best features of modular homes into their current building practices. LCB is an “on-your-lot custom home builder” and they typically build houses in the $100,000-$350,000 range. They occupy a different niche than other building companies, not least because the company’s owners personally visit the job site at least once a week.

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Jenny has been in the construction industry since she was 16 years old. Since then, she has pursued a variety of training, both on and off construction sites. While we talked, she expressed her plans to possibly pursue an architectural degree, as well as a desire to move the company towards becoming more “green”. “It’s an art giving people what they want…to give her what she wants, and keep him in his budget,” Jenny laughs. Jenny herself does most of the initial planning for homes, including drawing up the sketches. “It’s like a math problem. We have to inform the homeowner how the process [of homebuilding] works,” Jenny

explains of the process she takes to arrive at a plan for her customers.

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

“I love the fact of a local businessyou get more of a genuine touch and its more hands on. If I have the opportunity to shop local, I do it in a heartbeat!” Jenny went on to say. But sometimes, her clients live out of town, which presents an added challenge to coordinating the building of a home. Robert and Ethel Marshall, from Virginia, are two such out of town customers; they are currently having a home built on family land in Summerton, South Carolina.

“They came to me three or four

years ago. It’s a lot of driving long distances to meet them, but email is a wonderful thing, we take pictures on the iPad, we have scheduled walk-through,” Jenny says. Her efforts have not gone unappreciated by the Marshalls, who say of Jenny: “She strives to make the material manifestation of the dream more esthetically appealing, more functional, and more livable than the holder of the dream imagined,” Robert and Ethel write in a glowing review.

Jenny discussed the difficulties that she sometimes runs into when

working as a woman in a maledominated field. “Often, I have to prove myself to most men that I come in contact with that I can do the job right,” she says. Her advice to other women, both in leadership positions and otherwise?

“Believe in yourself, stand firm in your beliefs and don’t let yourself be steamrolled!” LCB is dedicated first and foremost to building both quality homes and relationships.

“I want you to invite me over for barbeques, not for service visits!”

Jenny exclaims. For more information on building your dream home, contact LCB Construction at (803) 996-5757 or visit their website at 500down.net.

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Professional

Meet the Driver of SAMSON Allison Patrick – Female Monster Truck Driver

by Lori Samples Duncan

A

llison Patrick is the daughter of Monster truck legend, Dan Patrick. After driving for twenty-five years, Dan found the perfect replacement in his daughter, Allison, when he decided to semi-retire last year.

Allison says that it was difficult at first being the daughter of a legendary driver, knowing the expectations were high and feeling that all eyes were on her. Now she has embraced that legacy and says her only regret is not starting to drive eight years ago. Out of all the second generation drivers, we believe Allison is the only female driver. There are only five or six female drivers out of more than a hundred competitors.

I think it’s fair to say Allison is well equipped to deal with whatever may go wrong out there.

“I am a fulltime ICU nurse. I joke and say if I get hurt, I know how to fix myself.”

says, “The pit parties and the crowd are my favorite part. [All the] little girls get so excited, because they are sometimes dragged along with their families, and then when they see a “girl” driving that big truck and they are like, ‘Wow, you drive that?’”

No doubt Allison has helped some of those little girls dare to dream of being a Monster truck driver themselves. In five years Allison would like to be a full time Monster Truck Driver. Currently they participate in about ten events in the winter, and ten events in the summer. Allison enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Titan, when she isn’t working. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and she enjoys crafty things as well. “My dog is like my child. When I am home he is going with me somewhere.”

‘I am a fulltime ICU nurse. I joke and say if I get hurt, I know how to fix myself.’

Allison says she travels with her dad, her crew chief, Rick, and herself when she ventures out for her Monster Truck gigs.

I asked Allison what it was like being in such a mostly male sport but she was quick to say that having known a lot of the drivers for a very long time, it is like one big family when they are not actually competing on the track.

The wheelie competition and Freestyle are her favorite areas to compete in.

Allison says that she likes, “doing my own thing.” As far as being a female driver in a male dominated sport she

Now, ladies, you know I had to ask if Allison was a girly girl or if she would consider herself more of a tomboy. “I like to get all dolled up, with cute dresses, my jewelry, and cowboy boots – but I also like to just pull my hair back and wear jeans and a t-shirt without a lot of make-up too. I can do both ends of the spectrum it depends on the day and what I am doing.” Here’s to celebrating women who don’t let anything hold them back!

Allison Patrick www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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It’s all in the Family for

JDM BUILDING GROUP

by Ashlea Seagraves

photos by Charlotte Ashley Photography and Felicity Photography

F

or Suzanne and Michael Johns, building custom homes is in their blood. Both had fathers in the construction field. Michael leads their company as president and CEO. He brings 26-plus years’ experience in new home construction having built in Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Suzanne Johns The three-year old company, JDM Building Group, is named for Michael and sons Jason and David. It also employs Suzanne as Interior Designer & Events Planner. Their daughters Ashlea and Chelsea make up the Marketing & Social Media team at JDM. Jason brings to the family business his 14-plus years of Home De-

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

sign and Sales experience, while David is putting to good use his degree in business finance overseeing Accounting and Estimating for the company.

The realization of Suzanne’s dream of one day seeing each member of her family working to-

Real Women

gether in a family business came to be when the company incorporated in 2011. “As wife and mother of such a talented group of people, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with pride. I am forever thankful to God for what He has done in each of our lives. It thrills me to know that we have been given the opportunity to serve our

Professional community while honoring the legacy of the generation before us.”

Michael believes that the core values of both his family and his business are based on a culture of honor and respect. “The values that our parents taught us by their example were meant to be followed and passed down to future generations. Our heritage of hard work, trust in God, and doing business on a personal level, all while delivering excellence, has been very rewarding to impart as a father and mentor.”

‘It thrills me to know that we have been given the opportunity to serve our community while honoring the legacy of the generation before us.’

JDM offers to its clients a truly custom experience that begins with Jason sitting down with the homeowner and, together with our architect, begin designing their home plan.

He takes their ideas, concepts, and even hand-drawn sketches, and implements them into the beginning stage of a truly unique plan. “Our homeowners come away from that planning meeting with an excitement that they are a part of a freeing adventure that is heading toward the fulfillment of the home of their dreams “ Jason says.

The JDM design studio, located at 106 East Main Street in Lexington, houses everything to aid the homeowner in selecting their interior and exterior finishes. Suzanne really enjoys working with the homeowners and takes all the time needed to insure the home reflects the personality and lifestyle of that family household.

JDM Building Group has a tag line that captures the motive of the heart and attitude of each member of the Johns family…

“It’s not just business… It’s personal.” www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Ladies of MAIN

by Lori Samples Duncan photos by Robert Patrick Image Design

Front row (left to right): Linda Sledge, Nitsa Trifos-Isola, Dr. Cameron Barkley, and Melanie Sandor Second row (left to right): Mandy Summers, Sharon Belec, Chris Metz, Sondra Gettys, and Belinda Osborne Third row (left to right): Kelly Clinger, Suzanne Johns, Becky Logan, Connie Cook, Tia Williams, Haylee Anderson, and Leasa Collins Back row (left to right): Elizabeth Tonelis, Sandra Hebert, Kaye Gerrald, Laura Reid, and Tracy Fredrychowski

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I

hope you saw some familiar faces on the cover of this issue of Lexington Woman Magazine. You may have wondered “what do all these women have in common?”

The one thing every single one of them have in common is they work on Main Street in Lexington. (We stretched it down to the Flight deck and included some of those businesses as well because they are literally off of main.)

This group also cares about the businesses on Main Street continuing to thrive. Other than some great personalties, a few hair and eye color similarities, that may be the end of their commonalities. However, there is one other thing that the majority of these women have in common – they are small business owners or co-owners. I want to tell you a little about each of them.

you bleed, sweat, and shed tears for. Now don’t get me wrong, the reward is you have something you can be proud of. Something you can say, “I did that.” If you love what you do that is a reward in its self. There are many trials to being a small business owner and these women have started or purchased a business; dug in and did what they had to do to make it work. I encourage you to support all the businesses on Main Street.

Don’t you just love what they have done with it so far? The new store fronts look so beautiful.

Our town and beautification committee has worked really hard and are still working on Main Street. In the upcoming months we are going to tell the stories of a lot of these ladies, but until then here is a little information about each of them. Stop in and see them and tell them Lexington Woman Magazine piqued your interest or just tell them you read about them in our pages. They are amazing women and they choose to open their business in our community. Let’s support those efforts.

There are many trials to being a small business owner and these women have started or purchased a business; dug in and did what they had to do to make it work.

Unless you have ever owned your own business you may be under the impression it is all glamor, glitz and glitter. Having started my own business nine years ago I can tell you, the struggles of a small business owner are real. There are not usually big deep pockets of disposable money ready to bail you out in any given situation and typically every dollar that comes in the door is one that

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

23

LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T Laura Reid (Remax Purpose Driven)

Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, and RE/MAX agents collectively hold more professional designations than agents at any other national real estate brand. Laura Reid is an inspiration to many other female business owners. She is a dynamo lady and an asset to Main Street businesses.

Kelly Clinger (Old Mill Brew Pub)

Kelly and her husband John are not only Main Street Business owners, but Kelly’s story can be found in this issue of Lexington Woman. She is a cancer survivor. Kelly is a hard working mom who is hands on with her family business as well. With an infectious smile and an open heart, Kelly is a true survivor.

Elizabeth Tonelis (Tonella’s Bistro)

You may know that the Lexington Tonella’s isn’t Elizabeth and her husband Tony’s only restaurant in Lexington County but it is my personal favorite. Elizabeth is a mom and a gracious host when she isn’t working behind the scenes. If you are looking for great authentic Italian cuisine try Tonella’s at the Flight Deck. If you are eating light they have wonderful salads, if you are on your cheat day try some pasta or brick oven pizza. You will not be disappointed.

Tia Williams (SERVPRO)

Tia Williams is the co-owner with her brother, Taylor Williams. SERVPRO of Lexington Professionals provide fire and water damage restoration services. SERVPRO of Lexington proudly serves Lexington, Batesburg, Leesville, Cayce, West Columbia, and surrounding areas.

They are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure.

Sandra Hebert

Sandra is a former DSS Attorney and is experienced and knowledgeable in family law throughout South Carolina. She will provide an honest evaluation of your case and will strive toward achieving the best result for your needs.

Sandy Webb (McDonalds)

Sandy Webb is a Lexington Business Leader.

Sandy has a strong commitment to our community and employees a large number of our local high school students in several areas in Lexington. Sandy loves to promote other females in our community who are working hard and

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Real Women

LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T

THE BISTRO IS BACK! In the Shoppes at Flight Deck

Fresh Daily Specials Great Wine List • Courtyard Dining New Southern Italian Cuisine Brick Oven Pizza 109 Old Chapin Road, Suite J • Lexington, SC (803) 785-8663 Open Monday through Saturday from 11am - until Book your holiday party in our private dining room!

Join us at our sister location in Ballentine!

1349 Dutch Fork Road • Ballentine, SC • (803) 749-7901 www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T

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LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T trying to grow their own businesses. Even though McDonalds is a name we know nationwide, Sandy Webb is the owner of eight local McDonalds.

Suzanne Johns (JDM Builders)

Suzanne Johns and her husband, Michael, run this family owned business along with their children Jason, David, Ashlea, and Chelsea.

“There is no budget too small to get a ‘custom’ home built for you!”

Kay Gerald ( The Classy Cruet)

The Classy Cruet is a locally owned and operated purveyor of over 50 varieties of premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

We also offer a line of gourmet chocolates, choice pastas and sauces, and other specialty food products. Drop by, enjoy free samples, and learn about the health benefits of these products as well as how to enhance the flavor of your everyday meals!

Connie Cook (Hello Gorgeous)

Connie Cook is the owner/cosmetologist with over 37 years experience in hair care.

Connie knows her way around the salon. It is important to her to offer quality services to her clients and she is now offering Vibra Stim pain therapy. Vibra Stim is Non-invasive and you will feel terrific!

Nitsa Trifos-Isola (Main Street Cafe)

Nitsa Trifos-Isola is co-owner with her brother, George Trifos. Greek Unique- you must taste it to believe. Family owned and operated since 1998. Local bands are often found preforming live at Main Street Cafe.

Sabrina Trotti (Studio B)

Sabrina Trotti is the owner of this full hair salon and airbrush makeup. She specializes in weddings and pageants hair and makeup. She is located at the Old Mill suite Z (old location for Lexington Hair Studio).

Call (803) 646-6889 for an appointment.

Cameron Barkley, DVM (Millcreek Animal Hospital)

Cameron Barkley, DVM has been the owner since 2005. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.

Becky Logan (Decorative Fabrics)

Becky Logan, owner, works with her daughter, Michelle Johnson, at Decorative Fabrics. You can find quality drapery and upholstery fabric, decorative trim, foam, thread, pillow forms and drapery hardware. What a great way to give an old room a new look – just by making a few simple changes with some great fabrics.

Chris Metz (Chris Metz Interiors)

Chris Metz is an experienced Interior Designer who has been in the business for 25 years. If you have been in Lexington for very long in the business community you have probably seen her face or know her name. Her formal education includes a BA in Studio Art with an emphasis on Interior Design from the University of South Carolina.

Belinda Osborne (Styles by Belinda)

Belinda Osborne has been a Master Barber for 30 years. She has been in the Lexington area for 25 years. Formerly of the Razors Edge, Belinda says, “I took barber training under one of the best, Glenn Wessinger.”

Sharon Belec (Handyman Services)

Sharon Belec is the owner of Handyman Services with her husband, Stephan Belec.

“Handyman Service has HIGH standards of service and satisfaction. We do what YOU want, WHEN promised!”

Mandy Summers (M. Gallery)

You may remember Mandy from one of my favorite covers of Lexington Woman two years ago. Mandy is a woman who started her business from the ground up and has had a hand in decorating a lot of local business and homes. She has a strong sense of community and loves to offer her help to local charities. Mandy also can work with any budget!

Leasa Collins (Lashes by Leasa at Cho on Main)

Leasa Collins is helping keep Lexington beautiful in her own way with manicures and pedicures, nail enhancements, eyelash extensions, and professional teeth whitening.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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LADIES OF M A I N S T R E E T

Fresh New Finds

at McDonald’s

®

The New Egg White Delight® breakfast sandwich takes wholesome to a whole new level – made with an egg white, Canadian bacon, white cheddar cheese on a whole grain English muffin, it’s a feelgood way to start your day. Substitute egg white on any item that has egg!

Try one of these NEW

wholesome options today!

Try McDonald’s® NEW Premium McWraps®– 10-inch flour tortillas stuffed with grilled or crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and available in three tasty combinations.

More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

In honor of Heart Month,

do your heart a favor

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chicken & bacon sweet chili chicken chicken & ranch Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Prices and participation may vary. ©2013 McDonald’s.

and learn the risk factors for heart disease!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

31

An Unexpected Resolution

by Rachel-Elise Weems photos by Rob and Jon Photography

2

013 was meant to be a year of possibilities for Kelly Clinger. Or at least that had been the plan in December 2012 for this Lexington wife and mother of two. Her career as a case manager for Community Long-term Care was on course along with arrangements for the upcoming holidays with her family. Preparations for the long-awaited launch of the restaurant, The Old Mill Brew Pub, she and her husband would be opening together in the new year were also finally falling together.

Life was moving along at a charming pace.

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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

Celebrating the

That pace began to change, however, after Kelly received an unexpected call back from a routine mammogram. Inconclusive results required additional testing and further consultation. After spending the holiday awaiting the results with her family, she received the news directly after Christmas day: Breast cancer.

Following a biopsy, Kelly and her husband met with a surgeon on January 2. They learned she was suffering from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in stage 2 and that she had also tested positive for HER2, a protein in her body promoting the cancer cell growth. With full details of her diagnoses and an overview of treatment options swimming through their minds, Kelly and her husband left directly for a business appointment to pick up the keys to their new restaurant. “We came over and got the keys and everything was a whirl from there,” said Kelly.

What had originally been anticipated as an exciting day quickly shifted into an overwhelming one. “There was so much going on that I said ‘I am going home’.”

News of her illness marked the onslaught of many difficult changes to come, including a medical leave from her career and eventual reduction to part-time schedule while she juggled cancer treatment and the new restaurant. But nothing was worse than sharing her diagnoses with her children. “The hardest part was telling the kids,” said Kelly. While her 14-year-old son met the news with spunky optimism, it was a far more painful process for her 9-year-old daughter. “She had a friend whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and she saw her lose her hair so she was picturing me without any hair,” said Kelly. “That broke her heart.”

Despite the arduous road ahead of her, Kelly knew admitting defeat wasn’t an option. “I knew from the beginning I was going to make it,” said Kelly, who claimed the stories and strength of other survivors had been fueled her motivation to fight. “I thought if other women can do this, then I can too. I have a lot to live for and was not ready to give up.”

After a lumpectomy and a final plan to undergo a bilateral mastectomy, Kelly’s surgeon advised her to reconsider her options when margins became unclear after removing 6cm of her tumor.

The new recommendation was to forgo the mastectomy for a second re-incision with radiology. “About two weeks before we were going to my surgery, I woke up with this overwhelming anxiety,” said Kelly, who couldn’t shake the feeling that the change in treatment was a mistake. “I was thinking ‘I have to get a bilateral mastectomy’,” she said, although uncertain why she felt so fervently.

As difficult a choice as it was to reconcile with over the following weeks, Kelly was determined to follow her gut. It turned out to be a decision that would save her life. “When I got the call back from the surgeon on July 4, he said the pathology report came back from my surgery and they found more cancer in that same breast,” Kelly said. He also told her that she was now cancer-free.

On the road to recovery, Kelly looks forward to every step along the way. “January 20 will be my last treatment,” she said. “I am very excited.”

Despite the once unimaginable hurtles of opening a new business, maintaining a career

Survivor in You!

and managing a family while fighting for her life, Kelly believes the experience has actually been an enriching one. Not only has it drawn her closer to her faith in God, but in the days since her diagnoses, Kelly’s marriage has grown in unexpected ways. “I cannot imagine going through this without my husband; he was always there for me,” said Kelly. “We became closer through this experience and it happens without you thinking it can.”

Kelly’s children have been an equally incredible support throughout the process –from her son’s unwavering faith in her recovery to her daughter’s wholehearted acceptance of her baldness.

“I told her I was going to her school and said ‘do you want me to wear a hat?’” said Kelly, recalling the first month of her chemotherapy. “She said ‘no mom, you can go as bald as you want’.

She really became my biggest fan.”

When she reflects over her journey with cancer, fraught with fears and hardships as it was, Kelly asserts she wouldn’t change a thing. “I am not going to lie, I thought ‘why me?’ The feeling you have after cancer is mind blowing,” confessed Kelly. “It really is a blessing when you’re going through it.”

As another year approaches, Kelly once again sees it as a world of possibilities. But this time, she views it in an even brighter light than she would have before last December. “I have learned never to waste a day,” she said, encouraging other women, whatever their circumstances, to resolve to do the same in the new year. “Every day that you feel good, enjoy it.”

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Meet CHRIS POWERS In Her Own Words...

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Real Women Women

Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

H

ave you ever known someone whose influence on you impacted everything you would do in life? That is how it was with me and my sister, Jean Powers. Her knowledge, grace and strength were just a few attributes of this amazing woman and it became more evident in her final years as she battled brain and breast cancer. Feeding tubes, tracheotomies, brain surgeries, code blues and countless times in the ICU and never a complaint, never a “why me” attitude, rather the resolve to keep fighting to get better.

Sadly cancer, once again took the life of someone far too soon.

How lucky I was to have someone like her as my best friend and role model. She taught me to live life to the fullest and we talked so often about our dream of owning a horse farm and the possibility of doing something with horses and healing.

And so it was twelve years ago in the summer of her passing and in my deepest pain that I decided to bring our dream to fruition.

by Chris Powers

photos by Oh Schmidt Productions

I woke up one morning that summer and started driving North from Florida and while I was actually headed to North Carolina the drive was just too long so I stopped in Aiken. I pulled right up to The Carolina Company Real Estate Agency without an appointment and asked to see some horse farms. They had several to show me, but the very first one was what I ended up choosing. Down a one mile easement through the Aiken State Park, the farm sits on fifty lovely acres. I saw a pond down the hill on the property and wandered off alone to see it. There I felt my sister telling me to go for it and so in a puddle of tears I stood there resolved to make our dream come true. I named it Two Sisters Farm.

zine in 2005 and it stated this 501c non profit organization was looking for locations around the country for long weekend retreats for women battling cancer. Eureka! That is what I knew my farm was meant to be. A safe haven for women to rest, relax and re-energize. Their premise was whether a woman was recently diagnosed or years out of treatment, if she felt the need to get away, then these retreats were available to her free of charge.

And so it began, Two Sisters Farm became a retreat location and I ended up becoming the Chairwoman of Women Beyond Cancer. While there are other locations in the country where we have hosted retreats in the past, Two Sisters Farm has become the main retreat center. There are a host of volunteers who have been with me since the beginning including famed photographer Shelly Schmidt who does photo shoots with each woman during the retreat so they may have a beautiful keepsake of their time on the farm.

The Volunteer Coordinator Pamela O’Neil meets and greets the ladies at the airport as they come from around the country to experience a WBC retreat. She spends time during the retreats just “being there” for the ladies and doing whatever is called for at that particular retreat. We also offer complimentary mas-

There I felt my sister telling me to go for it and so in a puddle of tears I stood there resolved to make our dream come true.

I bought the farm searching for my own peace and happiness. Little did I know it would evolve to bring such joy and comfort to others as well.

I read about Women Beyond Cancer in a maga-

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

35

sages and therapists Mary Sheehy and Susan Lott, both of Aiken, offer their services which are held down by the pond, not far from where I felt my sister telling me to “go for it”. Also available at our retreats is the amazing Julie Robins of The Aiken Horsemanship Academy. She is such an added gift to the retreats as she has skillfully incorporated the healing energy of horses. If I were to say what I bring to the retreats it is my sense of humor and commitment to ensure a great time is had by all. I have always looked at the retreats as more of an adult girl scout camp where we come and play together in this brief moment of time. We even do sing-a-longs around the campfire with the help of SPCA dog trainer and American Idol hopeful Ann Kinney. My vision has always been the it takes a village approach to the success of these retreats and for the difference they have made in the lives of women dealing with their cancer and recovery. I am grateful to the Aiken community for their continued support and for the many outstanding women who walk this journey with me.

living in the moment that causes the retreats to be so life changing as I have heard it time and again.

I have one woman’s ashes spread down at my pond as that was her dying wish to be scattered in what she felt was her tiny slice of heaven on Earth. I have also been asked to speak at a past attendees funeral.

Before she passed she asked if I would be an honorary Pallbearer

The beauty of the retreats is that we have no agenda, no schedule to go by.

We don’t do any advertising to promote our retreats, rather we simply have a website, www.womenbeyondcancer.org. Women find us by word of mouth of others who have attended a retreat in the past or by Googling Women + Cancer + Retreats as we are the first to pop up.

The beauty of the retreats is that we have no agenda, no schedule to go by. One attendee while on horseback the first day told me how scared she was of what we were going to do to her. I kind of giggled and politely told her not to worry as I had no idea what we would be doing the next hour.

And that I believe is the key to the success of our retreats, to just be present. I think it is the freedom of

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women Women

at her service and to speak before her congregation. Her sister called me and said the family wanted to understand what it was that caused her dear Bev to be so impacted by the retreat, so I just read to the congregation from the Guest Book she signed before leaving my farm.

It went something like this, “As I sit here in my rocking chair on the porch watching the horses graze in the early morning dew, I faintly hear the footsteps of a fellow camper as she readies for the new day.

The dogs have come to greet me before they tear off into the woods for their morning romp. I am filled with joy and gratitude to Chris, Shelly and Pamela and the others this weekend whose paths in our brief life have crossed for this precious moment in time…and I am at peace”.

Perhaps I should consider changing the name of the farm every time another woman battling cancer comes through my door, from Two Sisters to Three Sisters to Twenty Sisters to One Hundred Sisters. But it shall remain Two Sisters Farm in honor of my sister, the woman who has impacted the lives of so many even in her passing.

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37

Same Day/Next Day Surgery Puts Patients

“Back in the Saddle” Quickly

Andrew and Donnell Allen riding horses on their Lexington County farm

A

ndrew and Donnell Allen love to ride their horses on their Lexington County farm. But a few bad moves during a ride in September left Andrew in serious pain.

A trip to his doctor revealed it was a hernia – with recommended surgery.

“I’m 44 and I never had surgery before – except having my tonsils out in high school.”

And then it did. In October, Andrew slipped and fell at a horse show, hurting himself even more.

“I said, ‘Oh – no, no, no.’”

Donnell said Andrew kept putting off the surgery.

“The women precipitate our men going to the doctor,” Donnell said.

“He kept saying, ‘It’s just sore.’ He was in denial.”

The thought of surgery terrified Andrew.

38

“I was a nervous wreck,” he said.

“My husband thinks he’s He-Man,” she said. “He would have lived with it until it got much worse.”

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

After another trip to the doctor,

Andrew’s family practice physician referred him to Dr. Raymond Fryrear at Southern Surgical Group, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice.

Dr. Fryrear told Andrew and Donnell about Lexington Medical Center’s Same Day/Next Day Surgery program. This first-in-the-

Midlands program gives patients a convenient option for surgical treatment. Consultations are scheduled daily with procedures performed that afternoon or the next morning at Lexington Medical Center or the hospital’s Outpatient Surgery Center in Irmo.

Dr. Fryrear scheduled Andrew for surgery the very next day in Irmo.

was also top-notch and state-ofthe-art.”

Same Day/Next Day Surgery also includes procedures for melanoma, superficial wounds, soft tissue tumors, diagnostic procedures for muscle, temporal arteries and oncology, vascular port placement, and surgeries for gallbladders, breast cancer and anorectal conditions. Other

‘Same Day/Next Day Surgery keeps a patient’s time, expenses and care at the forefront.’

Dr. Raymond Fryrear

“I was a nervous Nellie,” Andrew said.

The surgery began at 6:30 a.m.

Andrew and Donnell were home by 11:00 a.m. And it all took place just one day after Andrew had his first visit with the surgeon.

The ease and quick nature of the process calmed Andrew’s fears and changed his perspective about having surgery in the first place.

“For anyone up for Same Day/ Next Day Surgery, do it,” Andrew said. “It eliminated a lot of the downtime for anxiety to build up. I didn’t have a chance to fret about it.”

Donnell called the experience efficient, quick and convenient.

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procedures may be available in Same Day/Next Day Surgery, too. Patients can talk about that with their doctor.

“Same Day/Next Day Surgery keeps a patient’s time, expenses and care at the forefront,” said Dr. Fryrear.

After surgery, there was a six week healing period. Today, Andrew feels well and he and Donnell are back to riding horses, glad to be “back in the saddle” again.

Call 866-560-4415 to register for our free seminar.

Or visit scobesity.com for more information.

For more information on Same Day/Next Day Surgery, visit Southern Surgical Group’s website at www.southernsurgical.com.

Or, call 803-936-8901.

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43

A Personal Note

I

can tell already 2014 is going to be a great year. It has started off just the way a I like it – surrounded by family and close friends. In the last three weeks, three out of my four children had a birthday! Can you believe it? Trey and Abby are exactly two years and one week apart. He turned 18 and Abby turned 16 years old. Ryan, my sweet baby, just turned 7. He still likes to cuddle but not every day, and it is selective cuddle time – only when he needs it.

On those days when I ask to cuddle, he might say – “Mom, I am big boy now.” Time flies. When I started the magazine, Colton was our baby. He was only two. He is our only summer baby, and is eleven now.

It seems like yesterday Trey and Abby were babies. I can remember carrying a diaper bag and a car seat, while trying to hold a little two year old hand all at the same time. I wonder now how did we do that? Yet, I also remember loving every single moment. I try not to think about Trey’s upcoming graduation and how Abby is beginning to assert her own independent spirit, or the way my younger boys aren’t little babies any more. I heard someone say once that all parenting really is - is the process of letting go. From the first moments the umbilical cord is cut, we are teaching them to be independent of us. Every milestone is one day closer to the day they will have their own homes and families.

Recently I was thinking of the time in our country when people lived in family homes and children lived on adjoining land. I think I was meant to live in that time period, where I could keep them close all their lives. Maybe it seems silly, but as a parent, do you ever stop worrying? Do you ever really feel comfortable going to bed at night when they are no longer living in your house?

Of course when I shared my desire to buy land and deed a parcel to each of them locally, Trey and Abby were appalled …. (I am sure I don’t know why) and Colton and Ryan had different responses. Colton said,” I don’t need my own house, Mom. I am going to live with you and Daddy forever.” (My cup runneth over.) And Ryan said, “That is great! I want to live beside you and Daddy forever with my wife, and our five children.” (He has always wanted to be a dad one day.)

I have to smile at moments because they are all so uniquely and wonderfully created. Four puzzle pieces that fit into our family frame so perfectly. I am so blessed to call them mine and to have this opportunity to share them with you. I hope as parents we all consider the gift each of our children are to our families and appreciate that gift daily. Who knows what tomorrow brings? If I leave my house one morning and never make it back home, what will be the last words my children heard me say? Will they be kind? Will they be loving words? Will my children be filled with the knowledge they are loved and cherished? I hope so.

God Bless and may 2014 be filled with many blessings!

Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Lori Samples Duncan

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