Lexington Woman

VOL 8, NO 4

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

TM

Lexington

Medical Center Earns Highest Rating Possible for Heart Program

Lexington Women in Politics Cayce, Chapin, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, & White Knoll

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

In this Issue TM

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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

Ladies of Main Street

Events

30 Main Street Cafe Bar & Grill

28 The Fabric Of My Life

2 Life is Full of Changes

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Samples Duncan Ashby Jones Amy Pittsenbarger Hima Dalal Patti McGrath Peggy O’Neal Elliott

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lindsey Duncan

COVER PHOTO

Clark Berry Image Design

PHOTOGRAPHY

Clark Berry Photography Robert Patrick Image Design Joe Willis Photography

3 What’s Happening?

Pets

4 Tips to Help Ensure Pets Stay Healthy

31 Purpose Driven

Health & Wellness

35 Sports Injury Rehab

Lets Talk!

6 Meet Gin Warf

8

How Physical Activity Helps Foster Healthy, Smart Children

10 The Ashby Chronicle

Our Little Miss!

Professional

42 Sarah- Katherine Cantrell & Gracie Bowers Get Crowned

12 Insuring The Good Life

14 Beautiful Windows

Business & Web Directory 44 Contact our Advertisers

16 Ladies in Politics 17 Taking People Where They Want To Be Find us on facebook!

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

38 Generating Smiles One Patient at

a Time 39 Lexington Medical Center Earns Highest Rating Possible for Heart Program

Personal Note

45 The Gift of Children

18 Meet Senator Katrina Shealy 20 Meet Debbie Summers

Celebrating the Survivor in You! 23 The Clark Family

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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T

his issue of Lexington Woman is one of my favorites! We have three really strong women on the cover; Women who represent Lexington County very well. This issue isn’t meant to sway you politically or make you love these three women but to say “Hey!- we need a few more women in politics. Lexington has a strong female presence now, but we want to encourage some other qualified candidates to jump into that arena themselves.

I hope when you read their articles it piques your interest. Go Ahead. Consider stepping out of your comfort zone and daring to make a difference.

For the softer side of us, if you don’t want to cry don’t read the story about the Clark family. It’s a heartbreaker. It’s also a story of survival. Statistics say that losing a child is one of the most life shattering events a family can endure. I can not possibly imagine. I pray to God I never know what that is like. What I found so incredibly amazing about this family is their ability to find joy, to encourage laughter, to choose every day to live with their four children instead of dying with one. I know Cassidy is proud of her family.

Life is very full of changes and as I write this to you, I am always surprised at how fast time seems to fly. I can’t believe half of 2014 is over. I encourage you to make the most of what is left of this year. Go somewhere with your family. Have a cook out for no “special” reason. Enjoy a few moments with the people you love right now, while you are able to do it.

I always want to offer a reminder that the businesses within Lexington Woman Magazine have made a commitment to you the reader, to offer quality services and products. Please visit them online or in person and tell them where you found them, it is through their support we are able to bring you the stories of real Lexington Women in every issue.

As always I hope you enjoy this issue. If you would like to send a story or suggest someone in our community you feel should be featured in Lexington Woman Magazine feel free to email me personally at loriduncan86@ gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

“Encourage, lift and strengthen one another. For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all. For we are connected, one and all.”

-Deborah Day

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Events

What’s HAPPENING? FREE QUICKBOOKS SEMINAR August 5, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Lexington County main library 5440 AUGUSTA ROAD LEXINGTON, SC 29072 Start using your QuickBooks software to its full potential so your business can become more successful and stay out of IRS trouble.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN SETUP QUICKBOOKS (EASY STEP INTERVIEW) CUSTOMIZE QUICKBOOKS TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

Fashion with Compassion August 7, 2014 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Village at SouthLake 123 Gibson Road Lexington

The Village at SouthLake in Lexington presents its inaugural ‘Fashion with Compassion’ fashion show benefiting LICS! Join us for an exciting evening, complete with entertainment, Special guest Emcee Tony Clyburn from B106.7, food, wine and beer bar, prizes, and of course- fun! All proceeds from the evening will benefit Lexington Interfaith Community Services, your local social services ministry.

Dixie Youth World Series August 8, 2014 - August 14, 2014 exington Sports Complex 501 Ballpark Rd. Lexington, SC 29073

Lexington will host a baseball and softball tournament in 2014 that will bring 8,000 to 10,000 people to the Lexington area

Lexington Kangaroo Express Salute Our Troops ROO Ride August 23, 2014 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Kangaroo Express 3950 Augusta Rd Lexington, SC 29073 Ride to Salute Our Troops this August! Ride registration takes place at the Kangaroo Express at 3950 Augusta Rd. in Lexington, before continuing on a military appreciation route. Ride will include: - Free t-shirts, custom Salute Our Troops patches and more for the first 50 riders to register at the starting location - 2-hour scenic route with stops at local Kangaroo Express stores - Opportunities to meet and hear from military support organization representatives - Finale party at Anthony’s Bar at 1100 Calkes Ferry Rd. in Lexington Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the ride leaves at 11:30 a.m. (with the finale party starting at 2 p.m.). Donation at time of registration is $20 for riders and $10 for non-riders.* In addition to the Fisher House Foundation and Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, donations for this ride will support South Carolina service members and their families through the South Carolina Military Family Care Association. *Anyone under 18 years of age participating in a Salute Our Troops Motorcycle ROO Ride must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Children’s Trust of South Carolina - Benefit Gala and Silent Auction August 23, 2014 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Children’s Trust of South Carolina - Benefit Gala and Silent Auction. Celebrating 30 Years, at the Columbia Marriott: Live music by “Men of Distinction”; Heavy hors d’oeuvres; Silent auction featuring the “Wall of Wine” and “Heads or Tails”; Black tie optional; Com-

plimentary valet and open bar. An evening celebrating 30 years of prevention and honoring 30 extraordinary individuals who have significantly impacted our work.

Bluegrass Series August 23, 2014 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Haynes Auditorium; 423 College Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070

The Haynes: 4th Saturday Bluegrass Series. Every 4th Saturday from January to August.

For more information please see: www.haynesbluegrass.com

Chapin Labor Day Festival Sept. 1, 2014 9:30 am

3-day event includes parade, vendors, food, talent contest, car show, 5K, children’s carnival. Classic Car Show Children’s Carnival, Vendors Galore on Beaufort & Clark Streets, Chapin Branch Library Annual Book Sale, & Chapin Champions Talent Contest. For more information please visit www.chapinsc.com

Martha’s Market September 13, 2014 9am-2pm Union United Methodist Church Family Minstry Center, 7582 Woodrow Street, Irmo SC 29063 Third annual Martha’s Market featuring over 45 vendors selling crafts, jewelry, art, homemade goods, soaps, boutique clothes, scarfs, etc. Free event! Kids Activities! Lunch may be purchased to benefit church missions. More information? Go to www. unionunitedmethodist.org or call 781-3013. ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Accommodations Memberships Dining Weddings Vacation Rentals Fifty- Fifty Watersports Jet-Ski Rentals Boat Rentals & MORE! Spinner’s Resort is the perfect place to gather with family, friends, or associates for a unique lake vacation experience!

101 Sandalwood Road Leesville, SC 29070 Phone: 803-532-5300 www.spinnersresort.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Pets

Tips to Help

Ensure Pets Stay Healthy M any of us are wrapping up summer with that much needed vacation time. For families with pets, this means boarding time as well. Boarding facilities can provide a fun environment for pets while their families are on vacation. Here are some tips to help ensure your pets stay healthy and safe while boarding.

Pets need to be up to date on their vaccines. Like children receiving vaccines prior to starting school, pets also need protection against the common diseases that may be carried by other pets. Different boarding facilities may have different vaccine requirements. Be sure your pets vaccine history meets those requirements prior to checking in to the facility. If vaccines need to be updated, its best to have them done at least 1-2 weeks prior to boarding so that the vaccines have time to become protective. Your pet also needs to be current on their flea/tick control, heartworm prevention, and intestinal dewormer.

Many pets are prone to developing vomiting and/or diarrhea secondary to sudden diet changes. Bringing their own food so their diet will be consistent will help prevent that. Our cats, picky eaters that they often are, may be more likely to eat their own food rather than a food that they aren't used to. Maintaining a good appetite is especially important in our overlarge kitties. If an obese cat goes without eating, it can lead to a debilitating liver disease called hepatic lipidosis.

Therefore its especially important to encourage a good appetite by providing their regular diet. Make sure to also bring 4

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

any medications your pet needs with the directions for use clearly labeled.

Though boarding staff are skilled and knowledgable about taking care of animals in general, its important you let them know about your pet's tendencies in particular. If you have a little dog that is prone to leaping from tall heights into your arms, let them know. That way they can be prepared to catch your pet when they open the cage door, or, better yet, place them in a floor level cage. This will help prevent a vacation-ending phone call that "Fluffy" has a concussion or broken leg. If your dog’s favorite pastime is digging to China or scaling Mt. Everest, let the boarding staff know. They will be able to closely monitor to make sure your pet isn't climbing over the fence or tunneling their way to freedom. If your dog tends to chew on things that aren't digestable, the boarding staff can take precautions to make sure your pet doesn't eat their bedding. Many boarding facilities also have group play time for their boarders. Its important to let the boarding staff know if your pet doesn't play well with others so potential fights can be avoided.

Some pets are very anxious in new

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surroundings. Their anxiety may be to the point that they will quit eating, bark non-stop, or stay curled in a ball trying to hide. For these guys it may be best to keep them in their regular environment.

There are several pet-sitting/house-sitting services available. However, most pets do well with boarding. Following the above tips will help them to enjoy their vacation as their family is enjoying theirs!

COMPLETE, COMPASSIONATE CARE From Your Other Family Doctor

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803.808.PETS (7387) www.gracepets.com

Dr. Tim Loonam Dr. Briana Davis Dr. Jennifer Potts

147 Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072

Full Service Pharmacy Durable Medical Equipment Full Service Pharmacy CPAP and Supplies Durable Medical Equipment Incontinence Supplies Full Service Pharmacy CPAPAuthorized and Supplies Durable Medical Equipment Dealer of Costa CPAP Supplies and Supplies Incontinence Incontinence Supplies Authorized Dealer of Costa

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Business Hours: Business Hours:

Monday-Friday: 9-6pm Monday-Friday: 9-6pm Saturdays: 9-1pm Business Hours: Saturdays: 9-1pm Sundays: CLOSED Monday-Friday: 9-6pm Sundays: CLOSED 1239 D Avenue Tri City West Columbia, SC 29169 Saturdays: 9-1pm 1239 D Avenue Tri794-4840 City WestFax: Columbia, SC 29169 Phone: (803) (803) 791-7776 CLOSED Phone:Sundays: (803) 794-4840 Fax: (803) 791-7776

1239 D Avenue Tri City West Columbia, SC 29169 Phone: (803) 794-4840 Fax: (803) 791-7776

White Knoll Automotive Transmission & Repair Service 1735 Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29073 Manager: Andrew Warf (803) 957-7920 www.whiteknollautomotive.com CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE!

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:30pm www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

5

Let’s Talk

Meet Gin Warf

Owner of White Knoll Automotive By: Lori Samples Duncan

I

recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Gin Warf of White Knoll Automotive. If you saw Gin on the street the thought, “I bet she owns an automotive repair shop!”,probably would not come to mind, but that

is why I loved doing this interview. She Does!!! I personally have used their services and found them to be honest as well as provide quality services.

W2W: Tell us a little about your business.

Gin: I have an automotive repair business. We specialize in transmissions and heavy mechanical repair. We can also change your oil and rotate tires for our regular customers.

W2W: Please tell us what being a business owner means to you: Gin: It means that I can provide an honest, respectable service to our community; which is not something commonly associated with the automotive repair business. Often women get taken advantage of when it comes to auto repair or at least that is the perception. We can service men and women and know we have treated our customers as we would want to be treated.

Gin: My greatest professional accomplishment to date is that the business is growing. There is great satisfaction in knowing we must be doing something right.

from LWM of course!)

W2W: When I told a few of my friends that we were doing a feature on you, they all had really great things to say about Andrew and White Knoll Automotive.

W2W: Women do love to share good information. It says a lot about your business that others are referring people to you.

W2W: What is the best advice you received in business?

Gin: Keep moving forward.

W2W: What has been your most affective marketing tool? (Aside

Gin: No matter what be true to yourself. At the end of the day you have to be able to sleep at

Gin: We just added another bay door to our bottom shop!! This will help us service more vehicles at the same time- making service quicker and more efficient for us and our customers.

W2W: What do you do for fun and relaxation?

Gin: Fish and cook... a good combination.

Gin: Our business goal is to keep growing and providing quality service to the community.

W2W: If you could write a book what would it be called?

Gin: From day one my husband, Andrew , has been my friend, my rock, my everything. We have a two year old daughter I take pride in knowing that I can show her that women are capable of anything they put their mind, labor and heart into.

Gin: I want to write a book called: “Things Everyone Should Try At Least Once” 803-957-7920 1735 South Lake Dr. Lexington, SC 29073

W2W: What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

W2W: What is the best advice as a female and a business owner you have received that you would like to share with our readers?

W2W: Tell us something new and exciting that is happening at White Knoll Automotive.

W2W: What is your number one goal moving forward?

W2W: Who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

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Gin: The most effective marketing we have used so far is word of mouth.

night and you have to look at yourself in the mirror the next morning. Always be honest no matter what the situation.

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We Want you to

Reference photo for Norman Rockwell’s After the Prom, 1957 (Detail).

From the permanent collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Stay connected with Lexington Woman on facebook. Be the first to comment on your content, weigh in on upcoming story ideas, and even share topics you’d like to see us cover! Tell us what you want to see more of!

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Behind the Camera

After the Prom, 1957 (Detail). Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, May 25, 1957 ©1957:SEPS. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections

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Organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts

October 17, 2014 – January 18, 2015 1515 Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC | 803-799-2810 | columbiamuseum.org Supported by HL

AND C O U

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Gold Sponsors

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Presented by

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For all your insurance needs, please contact us at ---------.

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How Physical Activity Helps Foster Healthy, Smart Children By: Little Gym

At The Little Gym, we take a whole child approach that uses physical activity as a conduit for Three-Dimensional Learning, a philosophy that helps children develop new skills in a non-competitive setting. We build confidence in children by helping them develop skills that will benefit them at home, in the classroom and throughout life.

The first tenet of Three-Dimensional Learning is “Get Moving.” This helps build flexibility and strength, and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy activity. Studies have shown that young children who acquire “fundamental movement skills” such as running and hopping, catching and throwing, and balancing and twisting are more likely to get and stay physically active. It should come as no surprise that active children are more likely to become active adults!

Our second tenet, “Brain Boost,” fosters listening skills, sustained concentration, and decision-making. A study published in Preventive Medicine in 2011 demonstrated that physical activity helps boost children’s mental functioning. Young children’s brains undergo tremendous growth and change, and participation in structured and repetitive physical activities help foster this intellectual growth.

Rounding out Three-Dimensional Learning is an element we call “Citizen Kid.” These activities focus on helping children develop skills like cooperation, listening, sharing and taking turns.

Groundbreaking studies conducted by Columbia University have tracked the leadership success of children who developed the ability to take turns and wait for a reward. These children grew into adolescents who were better able to handle frustration and stress, pay attention and make plans, and generally perform better in both school and social situations.

P

arents looking to help young children achieve their best later in life may find

that physical activity programs, such as at The Little Gym of Columbia will do more than just teach children how to tumble. New research suggests that creative physical activity may be the key to fostering confident, successful kids.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

After 10 1/2 years of working with children at The Little Gym of Columbia, we can say with confidence that children who keep active, build their concentration skills, and learn to positively engage with others are certain to be champions in life.

For more information, including a white

paper, “Raising Future Well-Adjusted Adults,” that further discusses how three-dimensional learning helps foster healthy, smart children, please visit www.TheLittleGym.com/ ADifferentApproach.

Gym Director Emily Duncan has worked at the Little Gym of Columbia for 10 of its 10.5 years. In August, they will be moving to Rosewood to the old Sounds Familiar location, and you can join them for an open house at their new location on Sunday, September 14. Check them out before the fall, when they begin two new programs: Sporty Beasts for ages 2 ½ to 3 years and a Tumblers class for ages 6 to 12 years. Find out more about the gym and all of its classes at www.thelittlegym. com.

SUMMER CAMPS

Whether you're looking for the perfect summer quest for your little adventurer or a way for your child to perfect some seriously thrilling skills, The Little Gym Summer Camps have something for everyone! Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to schedule several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time!

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER AND SEASON CAMPS AND CLASSES!

Call or schedule a free introductory class online.

Columbia 738-1115 Lexington 915-7235 803-951-7235

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Let’s Talk photo by Clark Berry Photography

THE ASHBY CHRONICLE:

Professional Googling

by Ashby Jones

Ashby Jones

I

was recently on the second floor of the courthouse, reading the list of the cases for the day, when I noticed something strange. A dozen or so cases on the docket were identified by the parties’ names only. There were no lawyers associated with either party to the case. In other words, all of these people were attempting to represent themselves in their divorces. I sat on the hallway bench in amazement. How did these people think they were going to pull off domestic litigation without help? How did they think they were going to bypass a law degree and successfully get something accomplished inside a courtroom? Why did these people not realize they needed someone like me, or any of the other competent lawyers in town?

The answer was easy. They googled it.

I am as guilty as anybody. Why would you want to stop what you are doing and reach out to someone who was actually trained in a certain field when you have a wealth of valuable information on your Ipad? Why would you want to get in your car and drive to someone’s office when you can find out all you need to know and simultaneously watch Big Brother?

A few years ago I had a dull pain behind my left shoulder. Because I am so smart and the child of a doctor (and thus genetically pre-disposed to understand all things medical), I googled “pain under left shoulder.” The results ranged from mundane to absolutely terrifying. I text messaged all of my friends for their non-medical input. They, in turn, googled it. I emailed my sister Ginny, who googled it. As weeks went by my coven of friends and sisters gradually determined that I had to go see a real doctor.

Wow was I reluctant to do this. First of all, you have to stop what you are doing 10

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

and call the office. Then you have to put an actual appointment on your calendar, set for a time when you would normally have gotten your nails done or had lunch. Then, there’s the actual gettingin-the-car-and-driving-there part that is so annoying, and then the waiting room with all those cool magazines.

So I went to see Leslie, who is smart and wonderful and possibly technically trained to practice medicine. And I reported to her that I had a tumor. I knew this because WebMD told me I had a tumor. This was why my shoulder was aching. I would have only a few months to live. I would need to make arrangements. Leslie nodded grimly. We would run a few tests. She probably went back in her office to laugh at me and google “pain under left shoulder” while I participated in a few tests. All I know is about 30 minutes later Leslie reappeared and, in her best Arnold Schwarzenneger voice, stated: “It’s not a tooma.”

Why do we do this to ourselves? Are we really that lazy and mistrusting?

Real Women

Wouldn’t it be better to pay the local designer for an hour of her time so you do not purchase the plaid sofa that you will promptly hate? Is it possible the Lexington Woman who sells life insurance actually knows a thing or two about life insurance? Could it be, dare I say it, that the people with Master’s Degrees in Education know a thing or two about educating our children? These are questions we need to ask ourselves when we need expert information. You, Lexington women, need to ponder this for a while.

While you are pondering these questions, please excuse me. You see, my tankless water heater is not heating one of the upstairs bathrooms properly. I found a video on YouTube that shows a guy, I think he lives in the United Kingdom or something, unscrewing the top of his heat pump so as to adjust the temperature with a screwdriver. I think he mentioned to turn off the electricity so you don’t electrocute yourself. I will need to rewind that part of the video – got distracted for a minute watching The Bachelor.

KINARD

JONES

LLC

Attorneys at Law

RESPECTED LEXINGTON ATTORNEYS WHO CARE

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

803-359-1003

kinardandjones.com 303 South Lake Drive

•

Lexington, SC 29072

•

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

11

Professional

Insuring the Good Life: State Farm Insurance By: Amy Pittsenbarger

M

isty Stathos is the classic definition of a do-it-all woman: a full-time businesswoman, mother, and wife. She works as a State Farm agent, providing Insurance and Financial Services to Lexington and the surrounding areas. Misty, a Florence SC native, first moved to Lexington in 2008 to begin her career as an agent with State Farm. She is married to her best friend and husband of 8 years, George, and together they have a beautiful daughter, Catherine Anne. Her pathway to a State Farm career has been more than a decade in the making. She began working at her stepfather’s agency in 2000, and in 2001 she moved to a job as a Fire Underwriter in Atlanta. After working in operations for a few years, she decided to gain experience on the agency side of the business. She fell in love with the face-to-face client interactions, which Misty says, “was a far cry from the cubicle that I had worked in as an underwriter.” She ultimately picked this as a career path and after many extensive interviews and months of training, she finally opened her own agency in 2009.

Misty is quick to name as her favorite part of the job the relationships that she has developed through the years. “Whether we are working with clients who are newly married, new parents, or on the retirement side of life, we help fill the needs that arise with life changes. When it comes to planning for the “what ifs” in life, we 12

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

are actively involved every step of the way,” Misty says, “We celebrate with our clients when they have joyous life events. However, we are also there to pick them up when they have auto accidents, an illness, or a house fire.”

One of the most beloved memories Misty has of a client relationship is of a marriage that she got the chance to

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perform for a local couple. They were engaged, and Misty jokingly said that she could marry them, since she is a notary public. And that’s just what they did! “They came to my office one Monday and asked me to marry them. We wanted to make sure that it was nice, so my team baked some fresh cookies, put together a

bouquet from some flowers that we had in the office and took pictures of the happy couple. I performed their wedding ceremony on the back balcony of my office and we signed their marriage certificate at my desk,” Misty says with a smile, saying that being able to help customers is what truly makes her job special.

Misty is an incredible woman who has worked hard to get where she is, and has risen from the very bottom to create her business. “It takes grit, determination, and passion (to start a business), with a whole lot of prayer and faith,” she explains. Her job isn’t always easy though, and sometimes the challenges she faces are out of her hands-and outside of normal office hours. “Our office hours may be 9-5, but my team and I work many extra hours behind the scenes on many nights and weekends (to fix things for clients),” she says.

Misty A. Stathos LUTCF, Agent 5175 Sunset Blvd, Suite 1 Lexington, SC 29072 Bus: 803-951-9151 www.stathosagency.com It can also provide for today.

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can Insurance Companyneeds. help your familySate withFarm bothLife long-term & short-term (Not licensed in MA, NY, or WI) We put the life back in life insurance. TM CALL ME 1311023 TODAY! State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI); IL Sate FarmBloomington, Life Insurance Company

Misty and her team also work hard to serve as a local (Not licensed in MA, NY, or WI) Sate Farm Life Insurance Company resource for clients just relocating to the town of (Not licensed in MA, NY, or WI) Lexington, whether it’s recommending a new hair1311023 1311023 stylist or choosing a daycare for their children. “We Sate Farm Life Insurance Company State Farm Life and Accident Assurance want to be more than their insurance company, we (Not licensed in Company MA, NY, WI) State Farm Lifeorand Accident Assurance (Licensed in NY and WI); want to be the people they come to whenever they Bloomington, IL Company (Licensed in NY and WI); have a need,” Misty explains. For more information 1311023 Bloomington, IL on how she and her State Farm team can help meet State Farm Life and Accident Assurance your family’s insurance needs, call (803) 951-9151 or Company (Licensed in NY and WI); visit www.StathosAgency.com.

Bloomington, IL

Misty Stathos

You’re not fully dressed without your accessories! www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

13

Professional

Marrion Baker

Beautiful Windows

By: Patti McGrath

W

hen Jamaican born Marrion Baker came to the United States thirteen years ago, she probably would not have foreseen the direction her career would take. She was a seamstress by profession, making clothing, when she arrived on American soil and has grown to become a business owner on a much larger scale.

Baker got her college degree from St. Leo University in 2005 in business administration. It was there she learned about the business world. For Baker, knowledge was power. Upon moving to the Columbia area eleven years ago, she decided to open her own company called Beautiful Windows.

Beautiful Windows began in Baker’s garage. She sold fabric, and made draperies and curtains. “I opened Beautiful Windows when my youngest son was a year old. I wanted to be able to be with 14

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

him and be at my children’s activities,” the single mother of two boys states.

Fortunately, she has developed many friendships over the years that have helped her balance her home and work life. “I am thankful for the large group of wonderful, supportive women who have encouraged me and have helped me in difficult times,” she says. With this support, her business has grown over the years.

She moved Beautiful Windows out of

Real Women

her garage in 2007 to the company’s first location at Two Notch Road. “It was great to have my own business because I was able to take my children to work with me,” Baker says. “And, we were able to have more services with a larger space, so we expanded the business to include blinds, shutters, and shades in addition to the draperies and fabric shop.”

Today, Beautiful Windows is located at 428 North Brickyard Road, and is no longer just a window treatment store.

“We have an interior designer, seam-

Professional stress, painter, carpenter, electrician and installer,” Baker states proudly. “Now we can do renovations that may be needed for a job.”

Her goal, however, is to do total building renovations for her customers. The company is already part of the Home Builder’s Association, so steps are being made to help her reach this goal.

“I have a passion for this work,” Baker says.

She also loves having a business in Columbia. “People here are willing to give new businesses a chance if they see you are working hard and making every effort to succeed,” Baker explains. “I have been able to build my business through networking and it’s been easy because the people here are so warm and friendly. I love the people and the area. It’s a cool place to be, and I am so happy that I’ve been able to develop amazing friend-

ships.” She looks forward to the future, both with her family and her business.

She continues to be involved in her sons’ lives. Michael, her oldest, is eleven years old and Matthew is nine. They have grown up as her business has grown.

Baker says her advice to anyone in business is to put God first, set goals, get an education, and be dedicated.

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o you know a student, 16-19 years of age, whose home or community environment impedes their school progress? The state-certified teachers and award-winning JROTC program at Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School can help them move beyond life’s obstacles by focusing on academics, leadership and career planning.

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

15

I am Woman It is an exciting time to be a woman. The year is 2014 and we are at the top of our game.

Who would have thought twenty years ago that the great state of South Carolina would have a female Governor? Yet Governor Nikki Haley holds the highest elected office in the state. Just typing that sentence makes me smile. As women, we can dream like we have never dared to dream before and so can our daughters. Not only can Lexington County boast of a female Governor who lived in Lexington but we also have the only female currently serving as a SC Senator, the first ever female Mayor of Cayce and for the first time in 25 years we have a female serving on

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

the Lexington County Council.

It is because of women like Governor Haley, Elise Partin, Katrina Shealy, and Debbie Summers who have courageously burst through the glass ceiling, regardless of the opposition, that we have no excuse to sit idly by and let the men make all the decisions for all people.

Three of the nine US Supreme Court judges are women. Who knows? Lexington’s own Ashby Jones might be sitting in one of those seats. There is even a lot of talk about the 2016 presidential election where we may find

Real Women

By: Lori Samples Duncan

ourselves with a female President. So, ladies, if you are interested in holding an office, there is no time like the present to step out and make a difference. I hope reading the articles about three of our very own influential women will inspire you to take a leap of faith and achieve your dreams.

Governor Haley, Elise Partin, Katrina Shealy, and Debbie Summers are just four of the incredible women that make up our community. I am proud to know they have roots in Lexington.

Professional

Taking People Where They Want to Be

S

By: Amy Pittsenbarger

So often, we sit around and talk about how "We could run this country better,” but how much do we really take politics into our own hands? Elise Partin, mayor of Cayce, is a woman who has done just that. A longtime resident of Cayce and graduate of the public health program at USC, Partin has been mayor since 2008.

She also serves as an adjunct professor in USC’s School of Public Health. As mayor, Partin’s job involves, in her own words, “setting the tenor of the city, with policy making and development.”

She grew up the daughter of a mother who worked for the mayor of Charleston, so she was exposed at a young age to municipal workers. “I knew that sidewalks and parks didn’t just happen. Somebody had to make that happen,” she explains. Partin has recently announced her intention to run for re-election, continuing her time as Cayce’s first female mayor, and to continue implementing her series of very successful initiatives. “If it’s right for my family and if I can help, I’ll continue to put my name in to serve,” she says proudly. Her service has not gone unnoticed - Columbia Business Monthly magazine the Girl Scouts of South Carolina, and the Leadership Columbia Board, as well as many other organizations have recognized her as an outstanding leader.

Partin says her goals for Cayce are always turned towards making sure the city reaches its full potential. Cayce as a city has a lot to offer, perhaps best shown by it's 60% of residents who have lived there for 20 years or more. One of her biggest goals is to make sure that Cayce retains its small town charm and community, while still growing and thriving with the Midland’s up-and-coming younger generation. One of Partin’s proudest accomplishments as mayor has been to incorporate

excellent customer service into the operations of Cayce.

She has also worked tirelessly to make wise monetary decisions, resulting in the lowering of property taxes and insurance premiums.

Partin knows better than most just how desperate the need for female representatives is in politics. Although it is more common for women to serve in local politics than at the county, state, or federal levels, there is still a huge imbalance in the number of female representatives. Partin's advice to women looking to get involved in politics is simple:

Do it! We need you!

Women know when they are needed and will step up and serve. We are helpers and problem solvers by design.

She also pointed out that women tend to second guess themselves or think they're lacking in the qualifications they need to serve in public office, but this couldn't be further from the truth. "We need people of all genders, races, ages, and backgrounds," Partin explains. Cayce's city council is made up of people from a variety of back-

Elise Partin grounds, ages, and races, and that is exactly what makes them work together so well.

Even in the six years since Partin was elected, she says she has seen changes in the number of women represented in local politics. She encourages any woman interested in politics to reach out to their local representatives, where they can be sure they will receive all of the support and advice they need.

Finding a balance between your career and family can

be tough for the best of us, much less someone with Partin’s schedule. “I think I’ve learned to compartmentalize.

With age, I have gotten more wisdom to be in the present.

I’m present with my family and with my job, whatever situation I’m in at the time.” She says. When she isn't helping out in her many civic duties, Partin enjoys spending time with her husband, Gene, an environmental site assessment services department manager with Terracon, and their two children. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

17

MEET Senator

By Peggy O’Neal Elliott

Katrina Shealy W

hen Glamour magazine named Senator Katrina Shealy among the top 15 women in politics in 2012, Shealy attributed much of her success to a pair of Wonder Woman sneakers. Miles of footsteps went into that campaign, when Shealy fought back from a 2008 loss by knocking on 20,000 doors to collect signatures and become a petition candidate. With the resulting win, she became the only woman serving in the South Carolina State Senate, and over the last two years bringing attention to child welfare, women’s issues, and veterans’ support, among others. Moving social issues to the forefront requires that she listen intently when the men are talking.

“I have learned that asking questions, finding out how others feel on the issues and then taking my stand always works better than just jumping out there head first,” Shealy said. “We work well together. As for the men treating me any different – they don’t.

They are all very respectful and have actually said it is a much kinder and gentler place with me here.”

The hardest job, she said, is dividing her time between her “real” job and the Senate. Being a Senator is supposed to be a part-time job, “but we all know that constituent issues are not from January till June and don’t 18

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

just happen on Tuesday through Thursday,” she said.

To accommodate this, she has set up a Columbia office of her insurance business so she can work somewhat simultaneously on both state issues and client services.

“I also have family time I need to fit in, and with two grandsons ages 6 and 10, I have to find time to fit them into the schedule too! Sometimes you just have to learn to say ‘no’ to things and hope that people understand,’ Shealy said.

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Shealy started in the insurance business when her father bought an interest in an agency and made her a customer service representative at the age of 16. In 1983, she went to work with Davis-Garvin and became an underwriter for both the forestry and the hunting divisions. “I really became interested in the natural resources and hunting as a result,” she said.

She also became involved in her community. She is an active member of the Advisory Board and former Chair of the Board of the S.C. Friends

Professional of Juvenile Justice. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Lexington County Department of Social Services and the Girl Scouts of the Congaree.

for 2012, and in 2013 received the Lexington County Republican Party Stateswoman of the Year Award and the 2013 Republican Party Terry Haskins Award.

Local healthcare is also a sincere interest. Sen. Shealy serves on the Advisory Board of the Women of Hope, an outreach of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation. Her work has resulted in the Lexington Medical Foundation’s Mission Achiever Award and being named a Foundation Ambassador. She and her husband, Jimmy, also are regular contributors to the American Cancer Society.

Being recognized by your peers is always important, but I think being recognized by the citizens is really important.

Since her election, Shealy has also been honored as one of S.C. Midland’s 50 Most Influential People

“I was given the Community Leadership Award this year by the Woodmen of the World, and that was not only an honor but a big surprise.

Also being named the Conservationist of the Year by the South Carolina Wildlife Association was a great honor,” she said.

Keeping family, business and political needs is a constant juggle. Earlier this year, her husband was having surgery, and she stayed on the Senate floor as long as she could while he was being prepped, “but I made it to the hospital in time to be there before he went back,” she said.

“You don’t want to miss that vote, but you have to learn that your priorities should always be God, family, and then everything else,” she said.

It also helps to have a pair of Wonder Woman sneakers.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Debbie Summers By: Patti McGrath

T

en years ago Debbie Summers became interested in government while assisting a friend with his campaign. “It allowed me to better understand and appreciate the need for citizens of character, who loved their community, to step up and take an active role in local government,” she states.

So, when she decided to run for the District Four seat on the Lexington County Council, she knew she wanted to serve her community and she felt the public deserved another option with the candidates. “I ran for County Council because I didn’t believe the only other person running was someone that I wanted to represent me,” Summers recollects.

The public agreed. Her community involvement had gained the respect of her fellow citizens and she won the election.

Since taking office her focus is to help the citizens of Lexington county. “It comes down to customer service - with my 20

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

customers being the citizens,” Summers explains. “One must have a willingness to be available to assist citizens with problems and questions.” The problems she faces include road repairs, traffic issues, and storm water maintenance.

She also attends meetings and functions on behalf of Lexington county. “It is important to have a presence in the local community, participate in regional boards and commissions, and having an awareness of statewide issues is imperative,” she says. “The citizens of Lexington County deserve nothing less.”

Real Women

Summers stays extremely busy, not only with her work at the County Council, but through her career with the non-profit organization Harvest Hope Food Bank which is responsible for meeting the needs of hungry people in 20 of South Carolina’s 46 counties.

“The work at Harvest Hope Food Bank is very challenging but very fulfilling,” Summers says. “I am the Director of Volunteers. My responsibilities include bringing in new individuals to help with the day to day needs of the food bank as well as recruiting groups to provide assistance with other projects.”

Professional With so much activity in her professional life you may wonder how she balances her work responsibilities with her home life.

She has been married to Bud Summers for 31 years, with three children, and she is soon to be a grandmother for the fourth time.

“It takes a strong marriage to balance all of the responsibilities of family, work and politics. My commitment to Harvest Hope and to the citizens of Lexington County is very important. But the most important thing to me is my faith and my family. If I keep my priorities in order, every aspect of my other responsibilities will fall into their respective places.”

When she says the word ‘politics’ when discussing her responsibilities, she also states, “I do not love the word ‘politics’ as most of the time as it takes on a negative connotation, but ‘politics’ are real in local government. For those who want to do the right thing, it can be challenging. Not impossible...but challenging. And I love the challenge.”

As for her political career, she wants the citizens of Lexington county to know how she came to her decisions. “I want them to know I made informed decisions and that I care about every region of Lexington County,” Summers explains. “I listen to every opinion that is brought to the table, but in the end my vote represents the citizens of my District - not what I personally think should happen. I want people to remember me as a person of integrity who wants only the best for my county.”

I am blessed,” she summarizes. “I have an amazing family and I live in an amazing community in South Carolina. I am proud to call Lexington County my home, and humbled and proud that the citizens of my District elected me to serve them.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

21

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Real Women

Trusting HIM The Clark Family

by Lori Samples Duncan photos by Joe Willis Photography

Aiken Woman Lexington Woman cel ebr ates the sur vi vor i n you

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

23

W

hen I asked Jennifer and Chad to talk to me about their daughter Cassidy Leanne Clark, I had no idea the affect it would have on me. I have often heard it said there is no greater pain than outliving a child. When I learned of their loss and the courage and strength they had to face it together, I felt it would be a perfect fit for Lexington Woman Magazine. If you are reading this and you have suffered a loss, I hope this article brings you some measure of comfort.

W2W: What has enabled you to go through such a terrible loss and find joy in your life again?

Jennifer: The only way we were able to survive losing Cassidy was because we have God and our faith in Him is what gives us the strength every day.

and die. Now watching your daughter get diagnosed... How do you continually trust a God who you believe allowed all that to happen?” I explained to him,

W2W: When was Cassidy diagnosed?

Jennifer: She was diagnosed with Leukemia at 3 and lost her battle at age 8 in 2011.

We talk about her every day at home. We try not to make it where we can’t talk about her.

W2W: How many children do you have?

Jennifer: Cassidy is one of 5 children. McKenzie, a fifteen year old daughter, Savannah, a thirteen year old daughter, Cassidy would have been ten now, Ansleigh is two and we have a four month old son Hayden.

W2W: How have you helped your children deal with the loss of a sibling?

Jennifer: Her birthday and the anniversary of her death are about a month apart. We take balloons on her birthday to the grave site. We talk about her every day at home. We try not to make it where we can’t talk about her. We talk about her almost as if she isn’t dead – but more like she just isn’t here.

W2W: Many would say “how do you keep your faith when something like this happens?”

Chad: The truth is I could write a book on that one question. There are two things: First, when I lived in LA where Myndi was from and I was a student pastor at a church there, my next door neighbor and I were out shooting basketball and he just brought it up. He said, “Man, I don’t believe in God.” He had worked for the LAPD and he continued to tell me, “If you have seen the things I have seen it makes it hard to believe in God. Now as a Private Investigator, I am always investigating people who are doing what they shouldn’t be doing. I have seen you wheel your wife away and take her to doctor appointments, and I have slowly seen her waste away

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

“This would be a whole lot more difficult for me to go through if I thought this was just some random act of nature and there was no purpose behind it. But I believe God does everything for a purpose. First and foremost, I believe he loved us with his whole heart and he showed us he loved us by sending Jesus to the cross. Just knowing there is a purpose in this and I believe God has a purpose- I can live with it because of that trust.

The other thing is the gospel. When you think about the gospel, so many times you can narrow it down to death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel is so much fuller than that. The truth is God wanted a relationship and fellowship with us so much he created us knowing what would take place in the garden; knowing Adam and Eve were going to sin and that he would have to send his son to die in our place. If a God was willing to do that for me he is a trustworthy God. He is a God who loves me.

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I find great confidence in knowing that because God loved me so much, he took on flesh and died for me.

There is a passage in John where many were offended and they “walked no more with them.”

So he looked at the twelve and said, “Will you also go?”

Peter looked at him and said, “Where am I going to go? I am sure you are the Christ and you have the words of life.”

I have told people (during this process) if I thought something else was better, I would have gone to it. But I am sure who Christ is and

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

(Matthew 5:4)

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

because I am sure of that, I can put my faith in Him.” Another important part is gratitude. “For us, early on when Myndi was sick one of the things we started doing and discovered it brought us a lot of comfort: we just praised God, praising him for who he is, what he was doing, I kinda learned when you are going through a trial, you get tunnel vision and all you see is what is right in front of you. That problem may be huge. But that is not the only thing going on in life. If you take your eyes off the problem and put your eyes on God then you realize this situation isn’t hopeless You take your focus off the problem and put your focus on Christ you realize God is working and there are a lot of things you can

be thankful for no matter how bad that one thing is. There is always so much to be thankful about.”

W2W: Was there was an incident with Cassidy or something she did that gave you peace?

Chad: She had already gone through three bone marrow transplants and we had just gone to Orlando with the Make A Wish Foundation. We had gone to Disney and SeaWorld and while we were there, she started running a fever. I wasn’t really concerned because I thought her immune system was low. After a visit to her doctor when we returned home, Dr. Collen Mcdonough was slightly concerned and sent us to Saint Jude. While we were there, they did blood work and let us know it didn’t look good and that it looked

like a relapse.

So I was lying in bed with Cassidy and we were waiting on them to get the test results… and it just seemed like a good time to bring it up, so I said, “Cassidy you know you took your tests and the results are supposed to be here tomorrow.

They think the leukemia is back.”

She looked at me, and just kinda paused and I said, “You know if it’s back, there is nothing else they can do, but they can give you some medicine that will cause you to live a little longer.” She just looked at me and said, “Daddy, please don’t make me take more medicine, let me die and go to heaven.”

Up to that point she fought she fought hard! She wanted to fight and wanted to survive. Test after test, they thought she wouldn’t

survive and she did.

Cassidy had a personality where she just cared about everybody.

One night it was late into the process, probably a month or so before she passed. She couldn’t walk anymore and she slept in the room with her sisters. We kept a monitor in the room so I could hear her if she needed something. So one night she was laying there and as we were sleeping, she started calling and saying she needed to go to the restroom. She slept on the bottom bunk of the bunk bed and as I bent to pick her up and she said, “Daddy, don’t hurt your head.” She wasn’t much more than a skeleton at this point and she was worried about me. On the way back to bed, she started rubbing my back and said, “Daddy I don’t want your back to hurt.” I laid her back down www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

25

and the thought never crossed her mind as I returned to my room that I could hear her on the monitor. She just began to pray. She started praying for her friends at St. Jude who had can-

She had a heart for others and she wanted every single person to know her Jesus. cer and ask God to heal them. She began to ask God to be with their families and then she began to pray and ask that God would work in the hearts of those weren’t saved and they would learn to know Jesus the way she knew Jesus.

Then she finished it up with, “Lord when I die, please help my mama and daddy not to be real sad. Tell my mommy I am coming and when I get there we are going to have a picnic.” She just sang herself to sleep with a Christian song she loved. (Her mama is Jennifer and her mommy is Myndi who had lost her battle to a rare sarcoma when Cassidy was very young.)

Just seeing her peace, the way she dealt with three bone marrow transplants, the doctors nicking a main artery in her heart by accident and bleeding out on the table; and she was in ICU for about five weeks. She endured full body chemo and so much more.

W2W: Is there anything else you want to share about her life?

Jennifer: She had a heart for others and she wanted every single person to know her Jesus.

She would ask all the time, “Do they know Jesus?” She just loved life, she was fun and we called her Sassidy because she was so sassy.

There were laughter and tears as I talked with her parents about her short life. It was apparent that Cassidy knew she was loved and she knew she would get her healing. I wish God would have chosen to heal her in this life. My reasons are selfish. I would have loved to meet the brave little girl who fought so valiantly for five years and when she knew the time to fight was over, she gave in to grace and went home to be with her Jesus and her mommy.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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LAD IES OF M AIN S TR E E T

The Fabric of My Life By: Amy Pittsenbarger

B

ecky Logan grew up in a family of women who knew quality fabric. “My grandmother and mother were fabulous seamstresses and I learned from them,” she says. After first working in the public sector for 20 years and after she had spent time as a stay at home mom, Decorative Fabrics became available. Almost 25 years ago, at her husbands urging, Becky bought Decorative Fabrics from its previous owner.

Decorative Fabrics has over 1,000 bolts of fabric in stock, plus a huge selection (perhaps the biggest in town) of trims, cords, tassels and braidings. This is all in addition to the 5,000 fabrics that can be special ordered (which typically takes 7-10 days). Becky is the owner of the shop and runs it on a daily basis, along with the occasional help of her daughter, granddaughter, and a few other designers. She, as well as most of the associates who work there, has had formal design training.

Consultations for customers who aren’t sure what fabric they need for their home or design projects are available to help clients achieve a happy conclusion.

Everybody thinks it’s glamorous to have your own business, but it’s a lot of work and responsibility, 28

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Becky says. After selling you the fabric of your dreams (chances are, Decorative Fabrics has it) they are also able to refer reliable local seamstresses and upholsterers. “It’s a lot of fun. There’s always something to do,” Becky says with a smile. In her free time, she enjoys reviewing books and fabric styles from both national and international decorators.

Customers come from all over the state and country, each with its own unique style. “One of my favorite parts of my career,” Becky says excitedly, “is meeting twice a year with designers in individual preview show rooms, at the High Point International Market in Charlotte. After viewing thousands of fabrics, selections are made.”

It’s clear that Becky is enthusiastic about both fabrics and her business. Every fabric that comes into the shop is inspected for quality, no matter the amount. Com-

Real Women

mitted to one-on-one and personalized customer service, redecorating clients are encouraged to choose their fabric befroe they paint. Most paint stores can match your paint to a color from your fabric.

Clients may also utilize a check-out policy to take fabric swatches home for a week to view them in their own home.

Seeing these swatches under in-home lighting is extremely important!

There is no end to the number of items that can be refreshed, redone, or completely refurbished with help from Becky and her team at Decorative Fabrics.

For more information about Decorative Fabrics, call (803) 359-4577 or visit them at 105 East Main Street in downtown Lexington.

LADIES OF MAIN S TR E E T

MISSED AN ISSUE? See all of our past issues of Lexington Woman online at www.lexingtonwomanonline.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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LADI ES OF MAIN S TR E E T

Main Street Café Bar & Grill

By: Amy Pittsenbarger

G

eorge Trifos and his sister, Nitsa Isola, are the owners and operators of Main Street Café Bar & Grill in downtown Lexington.

In 1998, their retired parents first saw that the location on Main Street was up for sale. They suggested to George and Nitsa that they open a restaurant, and their business grew from there. At the time, Nitsa was working as a banker in Canada, but she decided soon after to make the plunge into being an equal business partner with her brother. About 11 years ago, they went on to expand the bar side of the restaurant into the space it is today.

They specialize in Greek food (Spanakopita is their most popular entree), and make particular use of George and Nitsa’s mother’s recipes from her home in Greece. They also offer a variety of other European dishes, as well as traditional American fare, all of it being made from scratch in house.

In the time-honored fashion of true mom and pop restaurants, they have a close knit staff, which Nitsa lovingly refers to as “one big happy family.” This family also includes their regular customers, some of whom have been coming on a regular basis since the restaurant opened its doors almost two decades ago. Nitsa and George make a habit of buying local ingredients, in order to support other local businesses.

As with any career path, Nitsa says there are ups and downs.

“Most people have no idea of what all is involved. It takes a lot of stamina and a lot of patience to run a restaurant,” she explains. When she and I sat down to talk, she told me that she was leaving for a weeklong vacation, which she hadn’t done in a full ten years.

But there are also incredibly rewarding aspects of her job.

“The best part of my job is the people I get to meet, and the ways that those people become

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

a part of our personal lives,” she says. “It is our commitment and willingness to treat people right that keep customers coming back to see us,” Nitsa explains.

Part of what makes Main Street Café so special is its location.

Nitsa admits that she was hesitant at first to move from Canada to Lexington, but she quickly made a home for herself. That’s also one of the beauties of their location on Main Street.

Newcomers to Lexington tend to seek out the downtown area, Nitsa explained to me, and they come upon Main Street Café.

And once they do, they discover the southern charm that has kept Nitsa here for the past two decades. “It’s just a wonderful state to be in and a fantastic location. You couldn’t pay me a million dollars to move somewhere else,” Nitsa laughs.

Main Street Café offers a huge variety of daily specials and events for their loyal customers.

They have open mic nights on Wednesdays, live local bands on Fridays, and a DJ on Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, stop by 131 East Main Street or check out their Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/mainst.cafebargrill. They make daily posts about their food and drink specials!

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LA DI ES OF MAIN S TR E E T

RE/MAX PURPOSE DRIVEN

Coffee Break with Laura Reid

W2W: Why did you decide real estate as your career?

Laura: Housing, networking, people – it’s what I was prepared to do. My family owned a construction business, and in college I double majored in business administration and marketing. I also have a love of and interest in people and being a steward of change.

W2W: Why did you decide to purchase a RE/MAX franchise?

Laura: To invest in the next 30 years of my 8 year long real estate career! This business is not for everyone. It takes a lot of drive, ethics, and time to be successful in Real Estate. I want to be the best, surround myself with the best in the industry and align my career with the number one real estate brand in the world. RE/MAX is currently in 89 countries worldwide, and generally has the most productive/successful agents in the world.

Laura: Out of 157 RE/MAX offices in the Carolinas we were awarded the Eagle award last year for the fastest growing office!

W2W: So, what's behind the name of your office- RE/MAX Purpose Driven?

Laura: Well, the RE/MAX name is based on a 40 year old company started out of Denver, Colorado for Real estate brokers who wanted maximum commissions for their agents and the Purpose Driven is the way that we want to live our lives both profession-

W2W:Tell me about this eagle award that your office won.

W2W: What is the best piece of advice for a buyer?

Laura: Hire yourself a buyers’ agent instead of going through the listing agent. Listing agents represent the seller not you as the buyer. Your best bet is to have your own agent who is knowledgable of the market, is a good negotiator, and has your best interest at heart. Be aware of For Sale By Owners- they are typically unmotivated and overpriced..

W2W: Where do you see yourself and the RE/MAX Purpose Driven organization in the next 5yrs? 20?

W2W: How many people are in your office? Who is the Broker in Charge?

Laura: There are 13 of us stellar agents!

We have over 50 years of combined experience and so much talent- we are Purpose Driven. Our goal is to serve our industry with top of the line customer service, marketing, and professionalism. Our BIC-Broker in charge is my business partner Terence Smith who has over 16 years experience and has closed over 500 home sales in the greater Columbia area. He always has the answers for our agents’ guidance and is an amazing captain of our ship!

and then reduce. I say price it right the first time so you come onto the market strong, with a good reputation, and get it sold. It still is a buyers’ market in many price ranges, so be prepared to take less than you would like. There is a chance you can make it up on the flip side.

ally and personally.

W2W: What is your best piece of advice for a seller?

Laura: Over the years the advice changes just like the market. But at the moment..."interview for the best agent to represent you and give you the most marketing and experience. List to sell not to reduce! Too many sellers put their house on the market too high

Laura: In the next 5, an office of thirty to fourty of the best agents in Lexington and greater Columbia area, as well as an office giving back to the community through our commitment to Children's Miracle Networks (CMN) and making a difference in the standards of the real estate industry. Leading the way!

In 20 years I would love to maintain our office growth and reputation, and be able to spend more time traveling and on Lake Murray!

Come Visit Our PD Team for all your real estate needs at our Cafe Office! 955 E Main St. Suite R Lexington SC 29072 www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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LA DI ES OF MAIN S TR E E T Fresh Daily Specials Monday - Saturday

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Largest Bridal Store within the Columbia Area

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Real Women

Sports Injury Rehab With Hima Dalal: Combining Eastern Therapy with the Latest Technologies

By: Amy Pittsenbarger

T

here is nothing quite like the pain of a sports injury. Imagine during the joy of playing a game you love, you injure yourself, perhaps quite seriously. It can obviously be damaging both physically and emotionally, and Hima Dalal, owner of Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center with 34 years of sports rehab and healing experience, wants to help. She treats a wide range of patients and sports injuries of all kinds (muscle pains, spasms, broken bones, sprains, strains, hematomas, head concussions, post-surgical rehab, and sports specific rehab – acute & chronic). She has treated everybody from young little leaguers to professional athletes, including professional rugby teams, soccer teams, tennis players, NFL and college football players, nationally and internationally. Vital Energy is a unique combination of traditional occupational and physical therapy mixed with alternative treatments in order to heal sports injuries much faster. This method of healing uses muscle energy treatment, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, aqua therapy, Reiki therapy, trigger point release, mediation and relaxation, just to name a few.

Part of what Hima does is help people with sports injuries rewire their neuro pathways.

When you have an injury, your muscles remember the pain from that injury, particularly when your body moves into the same position it was in at the time of injury. The problem with this, of course, is that it can stop you from playing a sport you love, or it can compromise your precision of skill. This is where Hima

steps in. She utilizes therapy that stimulates the nerves, thus changing your neuro pathway to normal again. In this way, a person with a sports injury can get their body back to its original state and prevent the reoccurrence of injury.

The most important thing to remember about sports injuries, Hima explains, is to immediately utilize the motto of “RICE,” rest, ice, compres-

sion, and elevation. If pain and swelling still continues or worsens in the next 24 hours, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room. After 35 hours of an injury, if pain persists you should consult your doctor or an occupational/physical therapist. By doing so, this will make the healing process much quicker and easier. For each person who comes to Vital Energy, Hima and her team will sit down and create

a specialized plan to address your unique needs. One of the main treatments that they utilize is Hydroworx pool therapy with an underwater treadmill and jets for resistance as well as a massage hose to help with blood flow and soreness. They also give you a home exercise program that you can follow at home on your own in order to speed up the healing process.

The number of ways that Hima www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Health & Wellness and her associates can treat sports injuries is vast. One such case is Megan, a high school volleyball player, whose injuries were so severe by the time she came to Vital Energy that she was barely able to walk. When Hima and I sat down to talk, she recounted to me Megan’s story. Megan suffered from an extreme type of sports injury and was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome.

“It was six months before she came to us. She had gone from doctor to doctor, but nothing helped with the pain in her ankle. She lost the ability to control her body temperature, and she was suffering with paralysis in her left foot. The only way she could walk was with a foot brace, and even then, she limped. It was all about neurological pain that increased with swelling. The doctors had no answers for her suffering, and medicine wasn’t helping.

Occupational Therapy

Even though she was taking several of them daily, the pain still was uncontrollable, and her parents decided to take her to a neurologist in Augusta.

Here, they recommended Vital Energy as a resource of relief.

She’s been with us for about two and a half months, and she has since stopped taking all medications. The goal is always to have patients be non-dependent on medications. Now she can walk normally and play volleyball again. Megan’s story is just one example of the many successes we have had here at Vital Energy.”

For more information on the sports rehabilitation that Vital Energy offers as well as their many other treatments, visit their website at www. vitalenergytherapy.com. “[Pictured] Dr. Jeffrey Guy from USC Sports Medicine and team physician for the USC Gamecocks football team. Dr. Guy strongly supports Vital Energy and has often worked closely with them to treat his patients with sports injuries.”

Physical Therapy

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

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Occupational Therapist • Reiki and Myofascial Release Consultant • Fibromyalgia Consultant

Main Location:

163 Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072

FM/CFS Support Group Meets Monthly Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

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

NEW Location: 450 Killian Road Columbia, SC 29203

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Riverside Surgical Group Welcomes

M. SHIRIN SABBAGHIAN, MD M. Shirin Sabbaghian, MD, a board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in surgical oncology, has joined Riverside Surgical Group.

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice

Now Accepting New Patients

The minimally invasive surgical specialists at the practice perform general and oncologic procedures, including treatment for reflux; breast, gastrointestional and lung cancers; gallbladder; hernia; and colorectal disease. And as a part of the Lexington Medical Center Network of Care, these board-certified surgeons are supported by state-of-the-art technology, advanced medicine and the region’s only Duke Medicine-affiliated cancer program.

Lexington Medical Park 2, 146 North Hospital Drive, Suite 430, West Columbia, SC 29169 • (803) 791-2828 • RiversideSurgical.com

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Health & Wellness

GENERATING SMILES One Patient at a Time

E

By: Amy Pittsenbarger

very now and then in life, you meet somebody who teaches you what it means to be happy and blessed. Dr. Gretchen Pawloski, Doctor of Dental Surgery, is just such a person.

She has been the residing doctor at South Lake Family Dental since October of last year, and she has embraced and loved every second of her time there. “I look forward to going to work everyday, and seeing my patients,” Dr. Pawloski says with a smile. She, along with a devoted and friendly staff of front desk receptionists, hygienists, and assistants, work to provide a variety of dental services to the greater Lexington area. As Dr. Pawloski explains it, they are a bit of a “Jack of all trades practice.”

They perform in-office surgeries, including root canals, veneers, and fillings. They offer Invisalign, a way to correct your smile without traditional metal braces, as well as in-office whitening treatments and custom bleaching tray. Whenever possible, they try not to refer out, because Dr. Pawloski and her associates believe strongly in keeping people comfortable within their own dental practice.

Trips to the dentist can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, but South Lake Family Dental aims to be the exact opposite of this. “The best way to move forward with your dental care is to trust your doctor and be comfortable,” Dr. Pawloski explains. Patients at South Lake Family have the option to choose their own music to listen to during dental procedures, as well as television shows. Dr. Pawloski says she knew from a very young age that dentistry was her calling, perhaps due in part to watching her own mother undergo a long series of dental work. “I liked helping people, l liked working with my hands, and I liked the medical field, so this was pretty much the perfect job for me!”

Dr. Pawloski says with a grin.

As a child growing up in Ohio, Dr. Pawloski vacationed at Myrtle Beach every summer which sparked her dream of living a few hours away from the beach in SC when she grew up. That dream never died, and as she progressed through her schooling at Ohio State Dental School, she began to realize that moving south was her future. After completing

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

her general residency program in Augusta, GA, Dr. Pawloski decided to take the plunge and leave her life in Ohio behind for SC. She says she’s grown accustomed to people’s surprise at learning that she is a young woman in an older, male dominated field. But this has never stopped her from working to fulfill her goals; in fact, it’s motivated her to break the mold of what people expect from going to their dentist.

“I want people to stand up from the chair, and hug me or smile, and say ‘That was the best dental experience I’ve ever had!’”

Dr. Pawloski explains. And it’s safe to say that her patients feel the same way: “Going to Dr. Pawloski has been a very pleasant experience. She uses the most modern methods in providing dentistry services, and I don’t think I have ever been to a dentist who is this excited about dentistry before.

It is refreshing to see a young professional so involved in their work,” David Fulmer, a patient of Dr. Pawloski’s, says.

Dr. Pawloski’s advice to other young women just getting started in their careers: “Accept

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that you stand out for a reason, and that’s a good thing. I’m different…I break the mold.

But I’ve owned it and looked at it in a positive light. Just to own and believe in yourself.”

For more information on South Lake Family Dental, and how they can work to brighten both your day and your smile, check out their website at http:// southlakedmd.com/.

Health & Wellness

Lexington Medical Center Earns Highest Rating Possible for Heart Program

L

exington Medical Center’s cardiovascular program has earned the highest designation given to hospitals – a three-star rating for heart surgery – from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). For the year 2013, only 15 percent of heart programs nationwide have achieved this prestigious level, which is a designation that recognizes quality and clinical excellence.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has developed a comprehensive rating system for the quality of coronary artery bypass surgery among hospitals across the country. Lexington Medical Center ranked in the highest quality tier for 2013, earning the three-star rating. The STS 2013 analysis included more than 1,000 heart programs nationally.

“The three-star designation shows that patients who undergo cardiac surgery at Lexington Medical Center receive outstanding clinical care along with the wonderful caring environment that the community has come to expect,” said Dr. Jeffrey Travis, Lexington Medical Center heart surgeon. “The three-star rating is widely regarded by clinicians as the gold standard by which to evaluate cardiac surgery programs.”

A Duke Medicine affiliate, Lexington Medical Center began its complete cardiac care program in 2012. The hospital expected to perform about 100 open heart surgeries each year. But the program has far exceeded expectations. To date, the hospital has performed more

than 500 open heart surgeries. As reflected in the three-star rating, patients have experienced excellent outcomes.

Lexington Medical Center has also earned full chest pain accreditation with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC). To receive this accreditation, Lexington Medical Center demonstrated its ability to quickly assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. By becoming an accredited chest pain center, Lexington Medical Center has enhanced the quality of care for cardiac patients and showed its commitment to the highest standards.

The hospital has continued to build its heart program by offering a variety of new services. This spring, Lexington Medical Center began to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement, known as TAVR. This state-of-the-art cardiovascular technology allows doctors to replace the aortic valve without open heart surgery.

TAVR is the most significant advancement in cardiology since coronary angioplasty said Dr. Robert Leonardi of Lexington Cardiology, who performs TAVR at Lexington Medical Center.

Currently, TAVR is for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are highrisk candidates for open heart surgery because of their age, history of heart disease, or other health issues.

Patients with severe aortic stenosis have a narrowed aortic valve that does not allow blood to flow efficiently. As the heart works harder to pump enough blood through the smaller opening in the valve, the heart eventually becomes www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

39

Health & Wellness weak. Over time, that can lead to life-threatening heart problems.

To replace the diseased aortic valve with TAVR, the new aortic valve is compressed into a catheter. Doctors thread the catheter through the body to the inside of the diseased aortic valve. Then, they deploy the new valve inside the diseased aortic valve, which becomes the anchor for the new valve.

The new valve is functional immediately and normal blood flow is restored.

Lexington Medical Center performed the first fully percutaneous TAVR procedure in South Carolina. With this minimally invasive technique, doctors deployed the new aortic valve through just a small puncture in the femoral artery in the leg.

Additionally, Lexington Medical Center now offers non-surgical closure for holes in the heart called atrial septal defects (ASDs) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Like TAVR, this minimally invasive procedure eliminates the need for open heart surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Patients with ostium secundum ASD, a birth defect that is one of the most common ASDs, have a hole in the wall of the heart that separates the upper two chambers. This causes blood to flow across the opening from the left atrium to the right atrium. While those with small atrial defects may never have symptoms or complications, people with larger defects are at greater risk for heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.

Many of these patients aren’t identified until adulthood when they begin to develop symptoms, such as shortness of breath.

During the procedure, the physician makes a small incision, typically in the groin, and inserts a catheter to reach the defect. The physician guides the device through the catheter and slowly pushes it out to cover the defect, sealing it closed. LMC offers this non-surgical option to adults.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Lexington Medical Center has also begun to use insertable cardiac monitors, commonly known as loop recorders, to diagnose heart rhythm problems.

These small devices, placed under the skin with a small surgical procedure, monitor heart rhythms around the clock. While versions of this technology have been available for years, new loop recorders are as small as a paper clip and require an incision of just a few millimeters.

Importantly, quality oversight is part of LMC’s affiliation with Duke Medicine for cardiovascular care. Twice each year, Duke cardiologists and heart surgeons come to LMC to review heart surgery and catheterization cases with physicians. The Duke physicians also provide ongoing peer review and evaluate new procedures for both the open heart and Cath Lab programs. When the hospital

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performs new procedures for the first time, a Duke representative is usually present for support.

Lexington Medical Center’s work with cardiovascular care extends into the community with a robust heart education program. Heart disease is an epidemic in South Carolina. One out of every 3 people in South Carolina dies of cardiovascular disease. Lexington Medical Center is working to teach our community about risk factors, prevention and cardiac technology.

For more information about Lexington Medical Center’s heart program, visit LexMed.com.

Carolina Women’s Physicians welcomes Jennifer Greene, MD, FACOG. A former assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Dr. Greene is a board-certified OB/GYN with special interests in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, cervical cytology and histopathology, and pediatric and adolescent gynecology. She is also a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Greene proudly joins the highly skilled physicians of Lexington Medical Center’s Network of Care.

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice

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Sarah-Katherine Cantrell crowned Wee Miss South Carolina and Little Miss SC Overall Princess 2014!

The Little Miss & Teen Miss South Carolina Pageant was held in Hartsville, SC on July 12, 2014. The pageant had 126 contestants from across South Carolina compete during the week. The winner of Wee Miss South Carolina and LMSC Overall Princess was Sarah-Katherine Cantrell of West Columbia! She is the daughter of Joshua & Kayce Cantrell. Sarah-Katherine won $5250 in scholarships, round crown, trophy, monogrammed banner and a BICYCLE! She was also the black and white and cutest baby face winner in her age division, first runner-up in color and the Overall Cutest Baby Face Winner for ages 3-6.

For more information, please visit the pageant website at www.littlemisssc.com.

Little Miss South Carolina State Royalty Crowned!

The Little Miss & Teen Miss South Carolina Pageant was held recently in Hartsville, SC, with 126 contestants from across South Carolina competing during the week. Over $30,000 in scholarships were awarded along with other prizes.

The pageant also presented a check for over $30,000 to Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. For more information, please visit the pageant website at www. littlemisssc.com.

Gracie Bowers, the daughter of Hal & Gina Bowers of Lexington, was crowned Little Miss South Carolina! She is a rising 4th grader at Pleasant Hill Elementary School and is involved in many school and community related activities. Gracie received a $2000 savings bond and will travel the state this year representing the pageant. Little Miss South Carolina promotes community service, academics and friendships!

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Real Women

Columbia’s Care Services LLC

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We provide the following services: 24-Hour Care, Personal Care, Companionship, Medication Reminders, Light Housekeeping, Respite Care, Alzheimer's Care, Monthly Nurses Visit, Transportation/ Errands, Meal Preparation & Laundry

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CENTA HEARING CENTER a division of Columbia Ear, Nose & Throat Associates

803-256-2483 • www.centamedical.com Our team of experienced physicians and audiologists offer comprehensive hearing healthcare services to meet all your needs.

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Specializing in: • Pediatric and Adult Hearing Loss • Pediatric and Adult Hearing Aid Services • Implantable Hearing Devices

Columbia Office 9 Richland Medical Park Dr., Ste. 510 Columbia, SC 29203

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Adult Care Columbia’s Care Services LLC.................... 43 www.columbiascare.com Art and Entertainment

Health Markets – Jeff Howle....................... 37 www.healthmarkets.com

Colonial Life Arena...................................... 43 www.coloniallifearena.com

State Farm...................................................... 13 www.stathosagency.com

Columbia Museum of Art............................. 7 www.columbiamuseum.org

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Robert Patrick Image Design.................................. Inside Front Cover www.rpimagedesign.com Joe Willis Photography..................................27 www.joewillisphotography.com Real Estate Remax – Laura Reid..................................... 31 www.lakemurraylaura.com

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Spinners Resort & Marina............................. 3 www.spinnersresort.com

Attorney Kinard & Jones.............................................. 11 www.kinardandjones.com Automotive White Knoll Automotive............................... 5 www.whiteknollautomotive.com

Pets Grace Pets Animal Hospital.......................... 5 www.gracepets.com

Tonella’s Hand Tossed NY Style Pizza....... 33 www.tonellasbistro.com Salon Dw Headquarters......................................... 13 www.dwheadquarters.com www.jaasthings.com

Millcreek Animal Hospital.......................... 33 www.millcreekanimalhospital.com

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

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Dentist Northwood Dental....................................... 41 www.northwooddentalsc.com Education Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School............ 15 www.willougray.org Eye Care Envision Family EyeCare............................. 41 www.envisionfamilyeyecare.com Health Services Centa Hearing Center.................................. 43 www.centamedical.com Lexington Medical Center...........41, 37, Back Cover www.lexmed.com Triangle Pharmacy......................................... 5 Vital Energy Rehab Center.......................... 36 www.vitalenergytherapy.com Home Services JDM Building Group................................... 29 www.jdmbuildinggroup.com

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Insurance Johnson & Associates Insurance Inc............ 7

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

A Personal Note

W

hen I thought about my personal note to you this issue, I thought about it months ago. I thought about how I was going to write to you about how excited I was that Trey is headed to Furman. I was going to tell you how pleased I am that Abby is a Junior and how Colton is now (I can’t even believe it) a middle schooler.

I was going to tell you about the fact Ryan has grown five inches in six months and how sweet it is that he still will let me hug him and read to him. Then something terrible happened.

It was just a regular evening. I was getting ready to go to bed when I heard an alert on my cell phone and as I sometimes do- even though it was 10:28 at night I picked up to find it was a Facebook notification.

It was from a dear high school friend. She and I had been friends for years. Angie and I went on trips together with our church youth group, we reconnected on Facebook and I had really enjoyed watching her children grow and hearing about her life. She was always athletic and funny. She coincidentally married my second cousin. This particular night Angie was requesting prayers, her son had been in a motorcycle accident. She didn’t know the details. I stopped and prayed. Not because I knew Jacob personally, but because I had always loved his mother and because of that love, I by extension, love her children. After that prayer I went to bed. I charge my phone in my bedroom. Shortly after I laid down it went off again. It was another childhood friend. She asked me to pray for Angie and Shannon. Jacob didn’t make it.

When Trent came into the room he was scared to death to hear me crying.

He didn’t know what had happened. I tried to explain my grief to him. As a mother of three sons, one of which is the same age as Angie’s son, who had just been taken so abruptly from her at the tender age of 18. How can you explain that? I didn’t weep for Jacob. I believed Jacob went straight to the arms of our heavenly father when he left his earthly body. I cried for his mom and dad. I cried for his brother, Drew and his sister Ellie. I cried for my cousins and for Jacobs aunts and uncles. I cried for all the hopes and dreams that Shannon and Angie had for this sweet-life loving-boy who simply took a curve too fast and it cost him his life. He was wearing his helmet. He wasn’t partying or showing off. It just didn’t seem fair.

July 8th is my cousin Kevin’s birthday. Now it is the day that Jacob Bullock was called home.

I write this to you, my Lexington community about a boy you probably never met for a couple of reasons. The first one is I want my friends son to be remembered. He was a baseball playing, four wheel driving, fun loving young man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He loved his family. He loved his motorcycle. His favorite scripture was on his instagram “ Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” His mom said, “Which is fitting, since his motto was “90 or nothing.” His visitation was so well attended mourners had to wait two hours just to speak to his parents. What a testimony to this family and their impact on the Commerce community.

Another reason I share this with you is to tell you to cherish every single moment. We are not promised tomorrow. Love on your babies, and everyone else who means something to you. Be a blessing to someone. Lastly, I share this story with you to encourage my home of Lexington, South Carolina to do what I know they are so well known for doing; pray for The Bullock family. Pray that God will wrap his arms around them and show them his faithfulness in a time of great sorrow. Pray they will still be able to find joy in life. Pray they will chose to live even though they may not want to at this moment in time.

Sometimes in life we get wrapped up in the silliest, pettiest things. Don’t allow the little things to rob you of what is truly important.

God Bless and Keep you,

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

ne w th e si t

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(No appointment necessary.)

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When you visit the new LexMed.com, expect an optimal experience with every tap or click. You’ll find more of what you’re looking for, fast. Same URL, now more patient friendly than ever.

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