Volume VI

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING Real WOMEN

Melissa Birdsong
What’s cookin’ mama?

Ashley McGuinn Dooley

At home with Ashley

Donna Summers
A Lexington pacesetter

Palliative Care
Hospice Care of Tri-County

Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll
 In this Issue

Volume VI

9 14 43
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING Real WOMEN

From the Editor 3

Melissa Birdsong
What’s cookin’ mama?

Ashley McGuinn Dooley

At home with Ashley

Donna Summers
A Lexington pacesetter
Things We Love about Lexington 4
Palliative Care
Hospice Care of Tri-County

Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll

Volume VI Let’s Talk

5 Continuing to Cruise for Success 2009
6 My ordeal
Editor-In-Chief: 8 Future Lexington women to look for!
Lori Samples Duncan
(ld@woman2woman.sc)
9 What’s cookin’ mama?
11 Recipes you’ll love
Project Coordinator: 12 Lori Harmon Moroz
Lauri Truesdale 14 Debbie Summers – a Lexington pacesetter
16 Lexington Woman loves Lexington men!
Contributing Writers:
Ruth Chapman
Allen Cook
Education
Edna Cox 18 fastFORWARD
Hima Dalal
Dr. Briana Davis Kids
Lori Samples Duncan
20 Margaret Jones O’Hara – “Maggie”
Dr. John Moore
Lydia Ramsey 21 Timbwerwolves cheerleader takes down gator
Elaine Samples
Jody Truesdale Health & Wellness
Martha Windsor
22 Melissa Backman
24 Holiday survival skills
Cover Photo:
Clark Berry Photography
26 Are contact lenses a good choice for kids?
28 Assessing the needs of your loved ones
Publication Layout and Ad Design: 30 Why not tonight?
Melissa Wates 33 Losing weight with HealthSource Chiropractic
34 Palliative care
Photography:
Angie Roper Photography
Clark Berry Photography
Pets
Cathy Lindner 36 When your pet brings home uninvited guests
Cynthia Pace Photography
Dream Weaver Photos Professional
38 Let it be “Your Style of Success” – Ladies of State Farm Agency
40 Greeting card tango: How to impress, not stress, during the holidays
Woman 2 Woman Enterprises
PO Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073 42 Bathed in color
(803) 808.0866 | www.woman2woman.sc 43 At home with Ashley McGuinn Dooley
46 Portrait of the artist
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. © 2009

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 
In this Issue

Services
48 Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission
49 Meet a Rockette – Jessica Park
50 Trends for 2009

Celebrating the Survivor in You

51 About our Survivor section
52 Daddy didn’t deserve it
54 Aqua Power
57 Joan Robinson
58 Toni Kelly

Business & Web Directory 59

A Personal Note 60

Look for the silhouette throughout the

magazine for articles on women who were
a part of Cruisin’ for Success 2009!

photo by Clark Berry Photography

Lexington Men love Lexington Woman!

Call To Advertise With Us

(803) 808-0866
A special thanks to the Carolina Springs Middle School coaching staff and team captains!
Coaches (L to R): Jason Rowe, Chris Folsom, Matt Hall, Wayne Crosby, Dan Smith, and Wayne Hall
www.woman2woman.sc
Team Captains (L to R): Jared Williams, Trey Duncan, Daniel Eichelberger, Aaron Holmes, woman2woman@woman2woman.sc
Hunter Laag, Jordan LeMay, Craig Blakey, and Dusty Moore P.O. Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073

“We know what an exceptional business you are,

let us help you get that message to Lexington women”

 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 From the Editor

T hank you for choosing to take the time to read this edition of Lexington Woman. I am continually amazed at how blessed I am to share
my thoughts and referrals to the women of Lexington. We of course believe the businesses in these pages are the best of the best. This
year has seen many new and exciting things for us in Lexington and nationally. It has brought many challenges and triumphs for us as well. I
personally have learned many things about myself this year. I am making it a point to discover those things and to also clear my life of some
things that were quiet frankly long over due. I invite you all to do the same.

I am excited about the upcoming holiday season, and we here at Lexington Woman are especially excited about this holiday edition. I hope
you find it filled with fun and tradition. We love the fall. My children and I talk about the many changes that are all around us, and the way
that the cool weather and the color explosion of fall looks like God repainted for the holidays on the canvas of our lives. The smell of fires
burning in fireplaces and wood stoves fill the crisp autumn air. Wearing scarves and blowing icy air at each other before heading off to school
are just a few of life’s simple pleasures.

Fall always meant that my own father would go hunting on the weekends, and I remember hearing his truck and waiting excitedly with my
siblings to see what Daddy or an uncle had brought home from the hunt. Camouflage and orange vests remind me of pick-up trucks filled
with big, outdoor smelling men and how their smiles seemed to span their faces as they talked excitedly about the one that got away. Happy
laughter from October until January with all the excitement that started at Halloween and ran straight into the new year was something we
always counted on.

I hope that in the Duncan home we have continued those traditions, from making ghouly goodies to a Christmas wish list. I love this time
of year and all the love and laughter that it inspires.

We invited Mrs. Williams’ first grade class to share a favorite memory with us for our holiday issue; I hope
you enjoy reading them as much as I did. I want to encourage you to take a moment as you read to ask
your children to share with you some of their own holiday memories and put them somewhere safe
for your family to enjoy again someday.

We want to wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season from all of us at Lexington Woman.

May God bless and keep you,

Lori Samples Duncan
ld@woman2woman.sc (Look us up on Facebook!)

Hebrews 13:15
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips
that acknowledge his name.

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 
Things We Love about Lexington
Things we love about Lexington!
by Lori Samples Duncan
H ere are some of the things we love about Lexington:
We love “This Man Called Jesus” at Lake Murray Baptist Church. I
think everyone should take their families to this community event.
It is moving and beautifully depicted by men and women who put
on this performance every year.
We love the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Colonial Life Center,
and the beautiful sounds and vibrant colors make me want to wrap
presents when I get home. The crisp weather is the perfect setting
for this wonderful holiday concert. I encourage you to take your
family this year. You will be impressed.
We love The Studio in Lexington for hand made gifts and gifts that
will be cherished for lifetimes. The artist, Karen Petta, and her staff
have a wonderful way of embellishing your child’s handprint or
footprints, or even fingerprints to make lovely gifts and keepsakes.
Last year, we made Christmas plates for the children, and we plan to
eat on them at Christmas dinner for years to come.
We love the M. Gallery at the Old Mill where you can
find prints from local artists like Melony Stuckey.
Read about Melony in this edition. Melony also has
note cards made from her art that make a great gift
for yourself or a favorite gal pal.
Happy Holidays!
 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
We love Sugar Cookie Dolls. These are creations
by cancer survivor, Toni Kelly, and she lives right
here in Lexington county. They are a must have
this season for your girlfriends and your little
girls. They are precious. You can find out how to
order from this locally owned business at www.
sugarcookiedolls.com.
We love Aeto Botanica Hair Products. You can
find them on Main Street at Palmetto Styles. You
will not be able to use anything else again! They
make your hair look thick, lustrous, and soft as silk — great for color
treated hair.
We love Harmon’s Tree Farm and The Corn Maze. These great fa-
vorites are two traditions that my family and I partake in every year.
There’s nothing like getting lost together in a corn maze for some
good fall laughs. It’s wonderful to wrap yourself in tradition new
and old.
Aqua Detox at Vital Energy Therapy cleanses your body through
your feet, which is the most porous part of your body. It’s a thirty-
minute detoxification that purifies and releases toxins from your
entire system. While you are ‘detoxing’ the water changes colors to
signify which part of the body is being purified.

Continuing to Cruise for Success 2009
by Lori Samples Duncan
photo by Clark Berry Photography
O n May 28th over 50 local ladies
joined me for one of the best events
Lexington Woman has ever hosted, our
“Cruisin’ for Success Boat Tour.” We spent
two hours cruising around Lake Murray on
the Southern Patriot. Clark Berry was on
site to photograph the evening and a host
of fabulous Lexington women showed up
to support Lexington Woman. Chemo with
Style provided refreshments, and Dupre
Catering put together a delicious menu
that was complimented by Bliss Gourmet
photos by Clark Berry Photography
Let’s Talk
** Look for the silhouette throughout the magazine for
articles on women who were a part of the cruise!
Cupcakery cupcakes…mmmm delicious.
Heidi Black of Bringing You Baskets also
provided wonderful fudge, and the weather
wonderful ladies
who joined us
that evening as
was beautiful. much as we en-
joyed spending a
Celebrating our third year in Lexington, few hours with them.
we wanted to host an event that would be Again, thanks to each
a night of fun and great company. It was a of these ladies for hop-
“ladies only” event, and we had a blast. ping on board, leaving the
world behind for a couple
Just as we did in the last issue, we have chosen of hours and making the
several ladies who were a part of our Cruisin’ cruise such a special
for Success Boat Tour to fea- night. Let’s plan to do
ture in this edition. I hope it again next year!
you enjoy reading about the
In this issue, you will read ar-
ticles featuring Debbie
Summers, Lori Moroz,
and Ashley McGuinn
Dooley.
Debbie and Ashley are also featured
on the cover of this issue, along with
guest Melissa Birdsong. Clark and
Becki Berry joined us at a McGuinn
model home in the Pleasant Hills sub-
division for our cover shoot. We had a
wonderful time creating the cover, and
of course, the model home was amaz-
ing. Call Ashley McGuinn Dooley to
inquire about it.
I want to thank these ladies and all of the
ladies who participated in our Cruisin’
for Success Boat Tour — it was a lovely
evening.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 
Let’s Talk
My ordeal
by Ruth Chapman
I n May of this past year I made a mo-
mentous decision. My doctor and I dis-
cussed a partial hysterectomy, and I was all
for it. I have been having trouble with heavy
periods and cramping my entire mature life
and I was ready for it to be over. I’m 44 years
old, and my husband and I have decided
that we are happy with our family size. So,
it seemed fitting that I would undergo this
procedure.
Because I would not be able to swim or get in
the water at the beach, I put off the surgery
until September. That was mistake number
one. I spent all summer trying NOT to think
about the upcoming surgery. One of the big-
So, I came out of the
bathroom and the first
thing I saw was a bulletin
board with pictures of
the doctor holding
newborn babies. It hit me
like a ton of bricks.
gest issues that went through my mind was
what if I don’t wake up from the anesthesia?
Or what if I’m down too long and become a
vegetable? Who will take care of my family?
I didn’t want my husband to have to make
any hard decisions about whether to remove
me from a ventilator, etc. I tend to dwell and
overthink things sometimes. So every time
an issue came up about the surgery, I inten-
tionally did not think or talk about it and
pushed it back in my mind.
In fact, I told relatively few people. I only
told my mom in July. Unbeknownst to
me, my mom and dad had a 3 week vaca-
tion planned, and I soon found out that she
would not be in town during the surgery. I
was very disappointed but determined it
 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
would not be a problem. She even asked me
several times to reschedule, but I was tired
of worrying about the surgery and could not
put it off any longer.
Finally, the summer was over, the kids were
back in school and Labor Day had come and
gone. I began having tremendous headaches
over the Labor Day weekend and worked
like crazy to get a few projects around the
house completed, just in case….On Tuesday,
September 8, 2009, I was to have a pre-op ap-
pointment with my OB/GYN and then an-
other pre-op appointment with the anesthe-
siologist. That was the first time I had ever
photo by Clark Berry Photography
(left to right) Ruth Chapman with her mother, Beverly Abdalla,
and daughter, Christine Chapman
heard about a pre-op with anesthesia, but it
made sense. So, I arrived on time, by myself,
driving up to the 6th floor parking garage,
taking the elevator to the 7th floor, walking
through the large waiting room to my doc-
tor’s small waiting room. I signed in and sat
down. That’s when the trouble began.
When I signed in the secretary asked me
why I was there. I told her I was there for my
pre-op. She said, “Don’t you remember, we
cancelled your surgery.” WHAT??? I had no
idea what she was talking about. Long story
short, she had me confused with another pa-
tient. She asked to sit and she would work it
out. A little while later she told me everything
was okay, and we were still on. Because I was
now a work–in patient in an OB-GYN of-
fice, I became low priority. Several pregnant
women came into the waiting room and sat,
only to be taken back relatively quickly. My
appointment was around lunch time and of
course I had not eaten yet. An hour and a
half later I was called back.
The nurse pricked my finger and took
my blood pressure, and I asked her if she
thought the doctor would examine me. Her
response was that he would simply talk to
me to see if I had any questions and to make
sure I had not changed my mind. That was
not something I had even considered. In
fact, her words rang through my mind for
next fifteen minutes.
I was finally taken back to the room, asked
to empty my bladder and have a seat on the
table. I was pretty nervous and starving by
this time. So, I came out of the bathroom
and the first thing I saw was a bulletin board
with pictures of the doctor holding newborn
babies. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Next, I
sat on the table and sitting directly in front of
me on a small table was a magazine with two
very pregnant women on the cover. Trying
to block the images from my mind, I looked
to my left at a blank wall except for a picture
of a dock leading out to the water. I took it as
a sign, and I began to tear up.
 Let’s Talk

Four tissues later, the doctor came in the Wearing flowers in my

room. By the time he came in I was bor- hair and taking pictures
dering on hysteria. To his credit, he stayed Never have I been more by the tree at Christmas.
with me, asking me several questions trying
to determine the source of my concern. He embarrassed about being - Zoe P.
asked if I had wanted more children. I ticked overly emotional. But, I am
off, barely able to speak at this point, why
I shouldn’t have any more children. I’m 44 a female going through a At Christmas when
years old, I have a daughter about to gradu- I got my glass
ate high school and we have no more room life changing decision, and I jewelry box. It made
in our house! think I am entitled. me feel good, and I
I also mentioned that my mom was out of still have it.
town and was not able to be with me dur- - Savannah R.
ing the surgery and that I am Catholic. It I was pleasantly surprised to find that no one
was very difficult to talk at this point, and I was at the desk, and except for one nurse I
felt I was blubbering. He finally said that the passed in the hallway briefly, my fast walk to Santa brought me a big
surgery needed to be postponed at the very the car was uneventful. I cried hysterically all plastic horse. It was a
total surprise.
least, so that I did not get depressed by doing the way home from downtown Columbia to
something I was going to regret. the outer skirts of Lexington. I walked in the
house, lay on the bed and cried some more. - Emily T.
He went over several alternatives to the hys-
terectomy, but I am sure I did not hear much Never have I been more embarrassed about
of what he said. He finally told me to take all being overly emotional. But, I am a female
the time I needed and we would talk again at going through a life changing decision, and I
another time. think I am entitled.

He closed the door, and I burst out crying! I
cried hysterically for several minutes. I feel it
necessary to explain that I am NOT an overly
emotional person, but I could not stop cry-
ing. I also realized that I couldn’t hide in this
room forever. I tried to “dry it up” as best I
could, rinsed my face in the sink and tried to
muster the courage to walk out of the room
to face whomever was out there.
I have come to the conclusion that a hyster-
ectomy is NOT for me. I keep thinking about
never being able to have another baby. And
even though my husband and I don’t neces-
sarily want any more children, I still want
the option left open. Is that crazy?

CC HAPMAN
OMPANY
THE

FINE JEWELERS
Specializing in On-Site
Custom Repair and Design www.thechapmancompany.com
803-996-5530  903 North Lake Drive, Lexington (look for the black awning)
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 
Let’s Talk
Future Lexington women to look for!
Christa Danielle
Hall
C hrista Danielle Hall is a junior, Hon-
ors student at Lexington High School.
She has a passion for life and others. Christa
has been taking piano for 9 years, clarinet
for 6 years, and taught herself to play oboe
and the flute. She is now taking private oboe
lessons and plays oboe in the concert band
and marches with the clarinet. She is Secre-
tary of the Lexington High School Marching
Band and loves the camaraderie of the band
family dearly. She is also Vice President of
Future Business Leaders of America for the
Lexington Technology Center. She won first
place at state competition this past year in
the Business Communications category
and went to the National Competition in
Anaheim, California this past summer to
compete. She is a member of Lake Murray
Baptist Church and has participated in the
drama “This Man Called Jesus” for the past
six years. She also sings with the youth choir
“Priority” for Mt. Horeb United Methodist
Church and plays oboe in their church or-
chestra. Christa participated in the People
to People Student Ambassadors during the
summer of 2008 and spent 3 weeks tour-
ing European countries to learn their cul-
 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
ture and history. She also participated as an
Alumni of People to People Student Ambas-
at the Kids Artistic Review in Myrtle Beach.
Also, she was Little Miss South Carolina
sadors in President Obama’s inauguration.
She is a leader in her community, not only in
in the year 2007-2008. Not only does Sara
dance and do pageants, she also volunteers.
school but in her faith as well. She is a very Sara volunteers for organizations such as
fun, loving, caring, and giving person.
I know Christa will go on to do great things
with her life and will become a leader in the
Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital and
First Ladies’ Walk for Life. She is also the
founder of GrandPals, a volunteer group
that provides pen pals and visitors to nurs-
community wherever she is. ing home residents.
—Norma J. Hall Mallie Bray was awarded a tap scholarship
through the conservatory for the 2009-2010
season. She also accepted an invitation to
Mallie Bray and New York to take lessons with the Radio City
Rockettes and Steps on Broadway in 2007-
Sara Platt 2008. After graduation Mallie plans to head
to New York to pursue her dreams as a pro-
fessional dancer.
B eautiful, talented, and smart! Mallie
Bray and Sara Platt are triple threats.
Both of these young ladies attend Northside
Both of these young ladies have bright fu-
tures as they plan to pursue dance in their
careers. Until then, we are fortunate to watch
Middle School and are in the 8th grade. Not
only are the girls on the honor roll at school, them perform in local productions.
they also take classes at the Columbia Con-
servatory of Dance six days a week. Both girls
have a passion for ballet,
but their other dance
classes also include jazz,
lyrical and tap. Mallie
and Sara take part in the
Annual Ballet Produc-
tions of The Nutcracker
and Dracula. One of the
owners of the Conserva-
tory, Mariclare Miranda
says that both Mallie and
Sara are well rounded
and serious dancers with
positive attitudes.
Sara Platt was the win-
ner of the 2009 National
Photogenic Competition
Know a young lady who should be featured here?
If you know any local young ladies who are working hard toward their future goals, please email
your submissions to ld@woman2woman.sc for consideration in our next issue.

What’s cookin’ mama?
One on one with Melissa Birdsong
W 2W: Melissa, we all want to know
about your weight loss of course,
but…I really want our readers to know
about your accomplishments in the kitchen.
Can you tell us about some of the awards
you have won?
Melissa: I started competing about 5 years
ago. My first competition was the peach
recipe contest at the Lexington County
Peach Festival. I won first place with a Peach
photo by Clark Berry Photography
Melissa Birdsong
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with a Dijon Bran-
dy Sauce. I was hooked from then on! The
next year I placed with Goat Cheese and
Peach Filled Wontons and Peachy Tortel-
lini Salad. That year I also won the Farmer’s
Shed Peach Cook-off with a Peach & Mas-
carpone Stuffed French Toast. Over the past
five years I have won the SC State Spam
Championship, the Farmer’s Shed Collard
Contest, and various peach recipe contests.
I placed in the top three of the National
Fleishman’s Bake-Off, The National Pork
Board Recipe Competition, KC Masterpiece
Recipe Competition, Malt-O-Meal Recipe
Competition, Hidden Valley Ranch Recipe
Competition, SC State Nutritious Cookie
Competition, and the Epicurious National
Tailgating Recipe Competition. Currently
I’ve won over 120 ribbons at the SC State
Fair in breads, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes,
brownies, candy, jams, jellies, preserves and
pickles. It’s not so much the competition I
enjoy, but more so challenging myself to see
how creative I can get in the kitchen.
W2W: Where do you think your love of
cooking comes from?
Melissa: I can honestly say without a doubt…
I have NO earthly idea! It just happened out
of the blue. When my husband and I met I
could not boil water and that is the gospel
truth! I actually spot welded a pot to my
burner! Not only that, but my first attempt at
It’s not so much the
competition I enjoy, but
more so challenging
myself to see how creative
I can get in the kitchen.
homemade pizza resulted in an uncooked,
soggy dough crust, with so many things
piled on top of it, you had to eat it with a
spoon! Horrible. It literally took me years to
go back into that kitchen. And even then it
wasn’t by choice, but by necessity. My moth-
er passed away 10 years ago this past March
28. After her death my sister and I realized
neither of us were blessed with kitchen skills.
The thought of no more Mama’s Chocolate
Pound Cake or Banana Pudding, no more
LiverNips, no more of her homemade Ham
with Coca Cola glaze was unbearable! So,
back in the kitchen I went, but this time on
a mission to recreate all of mama’s special-
ties. I have no idea what had changed, but
all of a sudden, I could cook. I mean really
cook! It was more of a surprise to me than
anyone, but sure enough everything started
to turn out….right. More importantly, ed-
ible! The passion was born! The dishes went
from mom’s ye old southern comfort faith-
fuls to original, creative appetizers, cheese-
cakes, you name it, out of nowhere I seemed
Let’s Talk
to be able to make it. I still laugh every time
I think of about it. The first difficult recipe I
tried was a Smoked Salmon Mousse and I
remember running into the hall yelling, “My
Mousse, Moussed! My Mousse, Moussed!”
All I can tell you is I think my mother is still
SOMEWHERE in that kitchen, putting her
special touch on everything made there.
W2W: How difficult was it to lose weight
when you love to cook?
Melissa: First, I have an extremely supportive
husband who also likes to cook…and eat!
He gladly agreed to finish all the extra pasta
and mac and cheese for me! Portion control
has been a major factor in this journey. I
like to eat. A lot. I’m a self labeled foodie!
Seriously, part of my joy in cooking is the
challenge. So what better challenge than
to turn the things I loved into light dishes.
Who says healthy food has to be boring. I
can promise you that not only have some of
those lightened recipes turned out amazing,
but no one could even tell the difference. It
was just another way to challenge myself in
the kitchen. Also, after creating these recipes
I was chosen to be a Field Editor for Healthy
Cooking Magazine which allowed me to use
my passion for writing and my passion for
cooking together. I will say again, healthy
and nutritious does NOT have to be boring!
W2W: Tell us what your total weight loss is
and how you achieved it.
Melissa: I began this lifestyle at 298 pounds
and a size 28. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and
8 or 9 sizes depending on the style. I wish I
could say that I woke up one morning and
decided that I wanted to be thin or healthier.
Or that I wanted to live longer for my family
or something heart felt like that. But for me it
didn’t happen that way. I woke up one morn-
ing and simply said, “enough.” Maybe it was
seeing that little black hand on the scale so
very close to 300 pounds. Really, other than
that there was no reason or life altering thing
causing that decision. I’ve never had self es-
teem issues or poor health. I’ve always been
comfortable in my own skin. Just like my
love for cooking…totally out of the blue. So
I went online and started to research healthy
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 
Let’s Talk
I’ve lost over 100 pounds
and 8 or 9 sizes depending
on the style.
nutrition. The big picture was very scary
and seemed impossible. I needed to lose 150
pounds. I knew that I did not want to have
surgery or go on any medication. Although
that is a viable option for some people, I
wanted it to be all natural and most impor-
tantly realistic. I began developing weekly
menus focused around 1600 calories a day
and started walking on my lunch breaks. I
cut out all white pasta, potatoes, breads and
rice and added all whole grains. I had no
sweets in the beginning except once ounce
of dark chocolate in the evening. I drank
water and sometimes Crystal Light. A Diet
Mountain Dew was my treat once a week. I
also joined a free online fitness service called
Livestrong that allowed me to track my ca-
loric intake daily along with protein, carbs,
fat, etc. It began there by setting small, rea-
sonable, achievable goals. I lost 15 pounds
the first month and that gave me motivation
to keep going. Before I knew it, the first year
had passed, I had lost almost 100 pounds.
One of my goals was that if I achieved the
100 pound mark, I wanted to do a cartwheel.
They’re FUN right? So on that day, I did my
first cartwheel in almost 20 years!
W2W: What has changed about your life
since you have lost the weight?
Melissa: I’m the same person now as I was at
298 pounds, and truthfully I don’t see myself
any different until I see pictures. Someone
asked me if it was hard to see myself as the
person in the photos now and I say no, it
was harder to see myself in the old photos
because I never saw myself that size. I guess
the biggest change other than that is I look
at food differently. I know that I am still a
food addict and that I will always have to be
mindful of what I eat. Not to say I don’t take
a break once in a while, like for my favor-
ite fair food! But as a rule of thumb, I have
promised myself that I will maintain nutri-
tious daily eating habits and that I will main-
tain my regular workout schedule. No ex-
cuses. That has been my motto through this
entire experience. No excuses. Lord knows
we all have them or can create them. Don’t
get me wrong, I have had MAJOR slip ups
10 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
photo by Clark Berry Photography
Before...
like the night now known as the Spaghetti
and Red Wine Incident where I enjoyed
several glasses of red wine….and two plates
of spaghetti! One of my tricks has been to
look at food, think of the calories in that
food, and ask myself if eating that would be
worth the time it takes to burn the calories
off on what I affectionately call the Devillip-
tical (Elliptical). Most of the time I can say
no. That night I said a resounding YES! So,
chalk it up to being human and move on!
W2W: What has been your favorite change?
Melissa: My pair of size 10, Express Stella de-
stroyed blue jeans! Oh my goodness I love
those things! Really, it is so nice to not have
to special order clothes. It is an absolutely
amazing feeling to walk into a store and
KNOW I can wear their clothing. It’s also
nice to know I can wear clothes without the
huge flower prints designers insist on using
for larger clothing. I will never wear another
huge floral print again as long as I live!
Another thing that was one of the worst
experiences of my life was the year I had to
ask my husband to ride the rides at the fair
with my daughter. I was afraid I wouldn’t
fit. That is tough to admit. You learn to be
honest with yourself through experiences
like this. The honesty keeps you motivated.
For the first time last year I rode every single
ride there was to ride and for the first time in
years, had absolutely no worries if I would fit
in them. That was fantastic change! I know
that’s silly. But it really meant a lot to me…
just like the cartwheel!
...After!
W2W: Is there anything about your journey
you would like to share with our readers?
Melissa: Wow. Other than what I’ve said,
I want people to know this is possible and
worth it. I tried diet after diet after diet and
failed time and time again. This time I found
the RIGHT thing. I believe the right thing is
out there for all of us no matter what addic-
tion or hardship we face. I’ve realized there
is a solution for every problem we just have
to find it. I love the way my daughter tells
me how proud of me she is. I love the way
my husband has supported me every step of
the way, being kind and sincere and just lov-
ing me no matter what size or weight I was. I
love the way my daughters friends say I’m a
sexy mom! (Giggling about that one) I sure
never thought I’d ever hear THAT again!
I love the way my sister and I can trade
clothes! And I have made some amazing on-
line friends along the way who have had the
same nutrition goals; Kim, Lacey and Nikki
who have become not only my best friends,
but like sisters to me even though we all live
so far apart. At the end of the day it is great
to do things for others. For your family and
friends and even complete strangers, but
weight loss and lifestyle changes are some-
thing you have to do for yourself. You have
to really want it. You have to accept it will
be hard and trying at times and be willing to
hang in there and move past that point. It’s a
way to help yourself so you can help others.
You have to be good to you first. Having a
good positive support system like I do with
my husband, my daughter, my sister, and my
girls is also worth its weight in gold.

I started this not being able to walk
a mile. Now I can kickbox, I can
do hours of step aerobics, I can run
for five miles, I can do cartwheels! I
have been able to discontinue several
asthma meds as I have the best lung
capacity I’ve had in 20 years. I still
have about 25 pounds to go to reach
goal, but I feel this amazing sense of
accomplishment and I want others to
feel it too. No matter your circum-
stances, or your lifestyle, where there’s
a will, there’s a way and YOU CAN
DO THIS. Just take baby steps….and
be good to yourself.
W2W: What is your favorite holiday
tradition?
Melissa: COOKING…ANYTHING!
DUH! I think my favorite specific
tradition is spending the night before
Thanksgiving with my in-laws. (YES,
I really do love my in-laws!) Then
getting up at 4am with my father-in –
law to perform the turkey rub down!
We have coffee, I rub the turkey with
butter and sing how you have to love
your turkey, he makes jokes about
the manner in which I rub the tur-
key, and we laugh. That’s always a
really cool morning. Then we have
a great thanksgiving meal with the
family, watch my favorite sport in the
world, football of course and plan out
our shopping adventures for the next
day as my mother-in-law proclaims,
NEVER again! You will NEVER talk
me into THAT again! You people are
insane!!” Oh I am so excited already!!!
Come on Thanksgiving!!!
My favorite
specific tradition
is spending the
night before
Thanksgiving
with my in-laws.
– Melissa Birdsong
Recipes you’ll love!
by Melissa Birdsong
1 2
1. Rosemary Roasted Cornish
Hens with Root Vegetables &
Fingerling Potatoes
 
4 cornish hens
1 bag baby carrots
1 small bag fingerling potatoes
1 container mushrooms
2 onions, quartered
2 celery stalks rough chopped
1 apple quartered
¼ cup melted Smart Balance margarine
salt & pepper
chopped fresh Rosemary
 
Wash hens. Sprinkle the cavity of each hen
with salt, pepper and half of the rosemary.
Fill each cavity with one quarter apple, one
quarter onion and celery. Place hens in a
pan with vegetables and potatoes. Brush
each hen, veggies and potatoes with melted
margarine and sprinkle all with additional
salt, pepper and remaining Rosemary. Roast
at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes; reduce
heat to 350 and continue roasting 30 min-
utes or until juices run clear.
You can exchange the Rosemary for any herb
of your choice.
 
2. Apple Gingerbread Cake
¼ cup Smart Balance margarine 
3 chopped apples
¾ cup Smart Balance margarine - warmed 
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup Splenda
½ cup Splenda brown sugar
3 egg whites or eggbeaters
2 cups all-purpose wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup skim milk     gredients together gradually adding the olive
½ cup Smart Balance margarine, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 (8 ounce) package fat free or reduced fat cream
Let’s Talk
3
cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Melt ¼ cup of margarine in a large skillet
over medium heat. Add the apples; cook and
stir until tender. Set aside and allow to cool.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and
flour a bundt cake pan. In a large bowl, mix
¾ cup of margarine, honey, brown sugar and
white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the
egg whites until blended. Combine the flour,
baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice,
cloves, ginger and salt; stir into the batter,
with the milk. Stir in the cooked apples.
Pour into cake pan. Bake 30 minutes or until
toothpick is clean.
 
To make the frosting, mix together the but-
ter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and cream
cheese until smooth. Drizzle over cake.  
3. Walnut & Goat Cheese Mixed
Green Salad with Raspberry
Balsamic Vinaigrette
 
Salad:
1 bag mixed greens
½ cup walnuts
½ cup crumbled goat cheese
½ cup cranberries
¼ thin sliced red onion
 
Toss in salad bowl.
 
Dressing:
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
½ c. balsamic vinegar
3 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. parmesan cheese
½ cup mashed raspberries
salt and pepper to taste
Mash raspberries through a sieve to remove
seeds if desired. In blender, combine all in-
oil. Salt and pepper to taste.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 11
Let’s Talk
Lori Harmon Moroz
Pine Press Printing
W 2W: Please tell us a little about
Pine Press Printing and the his-
tory of the company.
Lori: Pine Press Printing was opened in Oc-
tober 1979 by Norbert Simpson and his wife,
Jackie. Norb and Jackie moved to Lexington
to be closer to her family after Norb retired
from managing the Classified Department
at the Cleveland Press in Cleveland, OH.
The original location was on North Church
It challenges me everyday
– the deadlines, the clients,
the employees, the
equipment! They are all
a wonderful parts of this
career.
Street in downtown Lexington. We moved to
our new location in 1988 on Ellis Avenue.
W2W: When did you start the business or
purchase it?
Lori: I was a senior at Gilbert High School
in October, 1984, as well as, a student of the
Lexington Technology Center in the Graph-
ics Program. During my senior year, I had the
PP opportunity to intern with
Dream Ad 8/31/09 12:37NorbPM and Jackie
Page 2
so vivid you could eat it up!
Now offering full color indoor or outdoor banners
www.PinePressPrinting.com
120 Ellis Avenue • Lexington, SC 29072 • 803.359.9162
12 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
at Pine Press Printing. They were two of my
first mentors in life and I felt like part of the
family. After working in every department
over the next 15 years, I had the opportunity
to purchase the business in November, 1999.
Now ten years later, we are still thriving, sur-
photo by Clark Berry Photography
Lori-Harmon Moroz
viving and growing stronger.
W2W: How did you go about making your
dream a reality?
Lori: Making any dream a reality take a lot
of hard work. Then you need to find the find
personnel for the team. It takes a lot of team
work, determination and getting involved in
the community. A daily prayer doesn’t hurt
either.
W2W: What do you love about this career?
Lori: It challenges me everyday – the dead-
lines, the clients, the employees, the equip-
ment! They are all a wonderful parts of this
career. I like to be challenged and printing,
which encompasses so much more than ink
on paper, greets me and the entire team at
Pine Press Printing with challenges daily. I
also love working with people and finding
solutions for the clients that we are able to
help through marketing their own busi-
nesses.
W2W: What do you find most challenging?
Lori: On this particular day – the economy!
On every other day, the challenge is staying
on the cutting edge of technology with our
equipment, training and software. These are
all integral parts of staying up to date to help
with solutions for our clients.
W2W: How has Pine Press grown over the
last five years?
Lori: Pine Press Printing has grown particu-
larly in the area of a strong team working
together. The employees that are here today
were here five years ago. This creates a rela-
tionship with clients of trust and stability. It
allows me as an owner to work on the busi-

ness instead of in the business on
a daily basis. Secondly, our equip-
ment has evolved, today we are an
environmentally-friendly printer.
Our new digital printers and Hei-
delberg digital 4-color press allows
us to be chemical free and waterless
providing a safer and greener work
environment.
W2W: What is your vision for the
future?
Lori: I expect this economy can only
stifle us so long and we will contin-
ue to grow. I am excited about mov-
ing forward, while we have leaned
up and become stronger, this will
allow us to become more profitable
as we grow. Pine Press Printing will
continue to support the community
that we live and work in, by giving
back, getting involved and shopping
locally.
W2W: What do you love about
Lexington?
Lori: There is so much to love about
Lexington – the people, the places,
the atmosphere and even the traffic.
I grew up attending Gilbert High
School one of the wonderful schools
in Lexington School District #1,
and now have the opportunity to
live and work within the Town of
Lexington. I have personally felt
the safety that our award winning
police department maintains and
would suggest if you have not at-
tended our Town of Lexington Po-
lice Citizen Academy – you should.
You won’t regret it.
W2W: Share with us a favorite
quote or something about another
female who has inspired you.
Lori: My mother raised me with a
loving and gentle spirit. She would
be the angel that instilled in me
the value of nurturing and taking
care of those around you – family,
friends and the community. I am
so lucky to still have her in my life
and continuing to support me and
love me.
As our business community contin-
ues to feel the economic pressures,
Let’s Talk
I expect this economy My mom had a small
can only stifle us so tree on a table and it had
rainbow candy canes on it
long and we will
for Christmas.
continue to grow. I - Leonasia B.
am excited about
moving forward, while
we have leaned up It was the Christmas
and become stronger, before my Nanny died, and
this will allow us she gave me a soccer doll
and a cheerleader doll.
to become more It made me happy.
profitable as we grow. - Savannah G.
I have to mention Nikki Haley, a
good friend who is inspiring me
One Christmas I got this yellow
daily as I watch her strive for fis- car I always wanted. I
cal responsibility throughout our play with it all the time.
government. I admire her for her - Kyle S.
charisma and determination as she
follows her dream of servitude lead-
ership and making a difference that
we as business owners can count on
and trust.
W2W: Also, what male has played
the most significant role in who you
are today?
Lori: My Dad would be my first role
model in my life, followed by Norb
Simpson, the owner who hired me
to work at Pine Press Printing. Both
of these men were very influential
in who I am today. My dad was a
masterful salesman and instilled in
me some of those great qualities.
Norb pushed me to become more
involved in the community and
give back. He also saw in me a de-
sire to work hard and never give up.
He gave me the opportunity to use
my skills and took the time to train
me so that I could continue what he
started back in 1979.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 13
Let’s Talk
Debbie Summers – a Lexington pacesetter
W 2W: I know that choosing to run
for chairwoman of the County
council was not about gender for you, yet
as the first female chairwoman you are an
inspiration to other women. Tell us what it
means to you, to be the first female chair-
woman.
Debbie: Being the first female chairwoman
is quite an honor. To have your fellow Coun-
photo by Clark Berry Photography
Debbie Summers
cil members elect you to represent them is
humbling. Serving as Chair is so much more
than a title, it is an opportunity to serve in a
position that is more challenging. I asked my
fellow Council members if they would al-
low me to serve in that capacity. It was eight
men, five of whom had previously served
as Chair, who gave me that chance. They
know that the opportunity afforded me to
serve as Chair will help me to be a more
effective, better informed Council member.
The most meaningful benefit of serving as
Chair of Lexington County Council, is the
opportunity to meet some of the finest citi-
zens and to better understand their love of
the place they call “home”. It is awesome
to know that I may have inspired another
woman to step out of a comfort zone and try
something that their heart is leading them
to do. But it is I who am inspired on a daily
14 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
basis by women who take on challenges that
are far greater than I have ever encountered.
W2W: I know Debbie you are a family
woman. How have you balanced being a
mother, wife, grandmother and many other
roles with being a career woman as well?
Debbie: The only reason that I am able to
consider serving is that I have a tremendous
husband and family. They are so supportive
of my desires to serve as a public servant to
the citizens of Lexington County. Whether
it’s working with my campaign or helping
It is awesome to know that
I may have inspired an-
other woman to step out
of a comfort zone and try
something that their heart
is leading them to do.
with the responsibilities of the home, my
husband is the one who makes it all possi-
ble. Our family is blessed to have him as the
leader of our family. Finding the balance is
not always easy. Some days it is a challenge.
I laugh at the fact that I have to check my
phone every night to remind myself where
I have to be the next day! Not all days are
long, but all days are busy! I have wonder-
ful kids and grandkids, too. We get together
a minimum of once a week. We call it family
night and we’ve done it for years. It thrills
me that my children, daughter Misty (32)
and son-in-law Lee, Taylor (25) and Bryson
(22) look forward to getting together. Being
a grandmother is, well, how can one explain
– it’s the best! Tradd and Jackson, 3½ year
old twins, call me Gigi. I am blessed to be
in a family that understands the importance
of supporting one another as we pursue our
various dreams. My family is everything to
me, and I look forward to being there for
each of them as they continue to pursue
their dreams!
W2W: What personal characteristics do
you feel help attribute to your success, both
as Chairwoman and in printing with Sun?
Debbie: I love meeting new people. As a sales
person for Sun Printing in West Columbia
I have the opportunity to meet new clients
every day. Being Chair offers me that same
opportunity. Engaging in conversation with
others and learning more about them, their
company or community and their needs,
allows me to know how I can help them ac-
complish their goals. Being a good listener
is a characteristic that any successful sales
person or public servant should have and I
try very hard to do that.
I believe my strongest attribute is staying
positive. When faced with any difficult situ-
ation, we can choose to look at the glass as
half empty or half full. My glass will be half
full! That is a choice I make.
W2W: What do you find most rewarding
about being Chairwoman of Lexington
County Council? What do you find most
rewarding in your career at Sun Printing?
Debbie: What I would find most rewarding
would have to be the opportunity of be-
ing in a position to help others - whether
it is a citizen or a client. Helping someone
else to be successful is something that Sun
Printing uses as part of their overall mis-
sion, so it was a compliment to my position
as a Council member in helping Lexington
County citizens and businesses be more
successful. When we place the needs of oth-
ers at the top of our agendas, then more is
accomplished and more people are success-
ful. By far the most rewarding thing we do
in this world is what we do for others.
W2W: Tell us about your best day.
Debbie: The ideal day begins with a meeting
where I have the opportunity to reconnect
with someone that I haven’t seen in a long
time, or meet someone new! Calling on a
potential client to form a new relationship,
or having the opportunity to deliver a print
job to an existing client and know that they
will love it! Spending quality time at fam-
ily night supper, that Bud and the guys cook
on the grill. Play with the grandsons while

the big “kids” clean the kitchen, check my
email, watch the news and call it a day. A
great day because I chose to make it a great
day!
W2W: What can we expect to see from
Debbie Summers in the future?
Debbie: Never say never, but I love being at
the local level with my position on Coun-
cil. Starting my second term, I can say with
confidence that I am a better representative
today because of the learning curve that I
experienced as Chairman. So much still
to learn, but I want to continue to learn as
much as I possibly can so that my service
to the citizens will be more efficient. Profes-
sionally, I want to be the top sales person at
Sun Printing. Having been with them less
than a year, I continue to work to attain that
goal. The competition at Sun is tough be-
cause we have an excellent sales team. But
whether it is Lexington County Council or
Sun Printing, I will be more successful if I
Let’s Talk
surround myself with others who have the grand fashion, will be the centerpiece of our
same goals and values. That is true in any homes for the holidays, as we focus on and
venture. celebrate, the birth of Jesus Christ!
W2W: This edition is focused on the holi-
days, share with our readers one of your fa-
vorite holiday traditions or memories.
Debbie: The one tradition for my family
that really makes both Thanksgiving and The one tradition
Christmas special is our tradition of select- for my family that
ing our Christmas tree. For many of the makes both
past 26 years, we have traveled to the majes-
tic mountains of North Carolina with spe- Thanksgiving and
cial family friends, to find the perfect tree Christmas special is
at a tree farm! A real Christmas tree! We our tradition of
normally leave Thursday after we have cel-
ebrated Thanksgiving with our respective selecting our
families and head north! I just love that this Christmas tree.
tradition is now something my Grandsons
look forward to! On our way home after a – Debbie Summers
fun weekend, we reflect on how thankful we
are for family, friends, and traditions. We
rejoice that our “perfect tree”, decorated in
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 15
Let’s Talk
Lexington Woman loves Lexington men!
Meet Bubba Easler – a local “Good Guy”
W illiam L. Easler, better known as
“Bubba,” sets the example when
it comes to loving other people and build-
ing relationships in his community. He loves
people and people love him. He can bring a
smile to anyone’s face and he’s never met a
stranger. You would think he’s a celebrity if
you ever joined him to eat breakfast at the
Lizard’s Thicket in Lexington. He stops to
speak to everyone, young and old, before
finally sitting down at a table to eat. His
positive energy just radiates and his smile is
contagious.
Bubba and Harriett Easler with their first grandchild, William
Two of his favorite mottos in life are “Hard
work pays off!” and “Don’t ever give up!”
He has lived by these words and enjoys us-
ing them to motivate others.
From his humble beginnings here in South
Carolina, he learned that there is a price
to pay for everything and the Lord will be
there for you through the thick and thin of
life. He is a self made man in a lot of ways
and a hero in our community by the way he
helps others and takes time to get to know
people. He loves to see others succeed. He is
never one to forget where he came from or
to judge others by what they have or don’t
have. He never looks down on other people
and he’s the first to lend a helping hand to
those in need.
16 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
I guess it’s these qualities that make his
phone ring constantly with people calling
him from all over the country. Whether it’s
people he currently works with on the NAS-
CAR circuit, or those he worked with on the
S.C. Probation and Parole Board before he
retired calling to just chat about life, or old
friends and coaches from Eau Claire High
School calling to reminisce about the “Good
Ole Days” when he was a football legend
and track star back in the 60’s, or the elderly
in the community to just see how he’s do-
ing, or his renters down in Swansea just call-
He’s always got
a story to tell
and can give you
examples of how
the Lord has
looked out for
him many times
in his life.
ing to check on him, they all want to share
their life with him because he truly cares for
others and their well being. He’s always got
a story to tell and can give you examples of
how the Lord has looked out for him many
times in his life. People can easily relate to
him and his great sense of humor and fun
loving spirit are a magnet to others.
He is a loyal husband and father and he
always puts his family first. His wife, Har-
riett, teaches kindergarten at Lexington
Elementary School. She has been teaching
at Lexington Elementary for 38 years and
started her 39th year in August. He has one
daughter, Leah, who is an interventionist at
Carolina Springs Elementary School and is
also a real estate agent in Lexington. His son
in law is Steven Fitts, who is the president
of The Fitts Company in Lexington where
they manufacture signs, ATM buildings,
and commercial millwork. Bubba also has a
pet teacup Chihuahua named Max. Some of
Leah’s favorite memories with her Dad are of
him coaching her recreational league soccer
teams and softball teams, and teaching her
Sunday school class.
“He was always involved in whatever I was
doing, whether it was coaching the teams
I played on, teaching my Sunday school
class, teaching me and my friends
how to ski on Lake Murray, taking
clothing and food to the poor, or
helping me with school projects. I
remember him helping coach our
first ever girls rec league soccer
team here in Lexington County.
We were undefeated and unscored
on one year. Our team’s name was
the Lady Bugs and after every
game, it was our tradition to make
a circle at center field around Dad.
We would sing cheers while he did
a victory dance! We loved it!
Another favorite memory is when
he was our softball coach and be-
fore every game, he would take our
whole team to the batting cages in
Lexington. We would all get prac-
tice batting before the game, but the best
part was when we left the batting cages. We
would all pile in Dad’s little Ford Escort GT
and head to the softball field singing cheers
with Dad blowing the horn the entire way!
We were so motivated by the time we started
the game, we believed we could beat any-
one! Dad taught our Sunday school class
at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church from the
time I was in 2nd grade until about 5th or
6th grade. Every Christmas, we would pack
a church van full of clothes and food, and
Dad would drive us to poor areas in South
Carolina where there was a lot of need. He
would let us pick out the homes that we
thought were the neediest, and we would get
out and hand the families food and clothing.
I can’t tell you what an impact that had on

our lives. It touched us just as much as those
that we were helping.”
Bubba is a local “good ‘ole boy” because he en-
joys spending time with others. Whether it’s
having a cookout in his backyard and invit-
ing everyone he knows, or taking some fresh
tomatoes out of his garden to people in the
community, he loves to visit with them and
share life with them. He spends time giving
talks about NASCAR to all the local elemen-
tary, middle and high schools. The children
just love him and call him “Mr. NASCAR.”
He has just as much fun as they do.
You might catch him in his “Sanford and
Son” green truck hauling loads of stuff for
his wife, daughter, and other teachers in
the community as they move to different
classrooms or helping friends move in to
their new homes. He’s also a popular choice
among young couples getting married who
need a get away car (his ’57 Chevrolet) to
drive them away on their wedding night.
You can hear him revving up the engine and
blowing the horn all around Lexington as
he drives the newly weds off to their desti-
nation. He loves talking with children and
handing out high fives or helping the elderly
with their needs around town. You might
see him taking his neighbor, Mama Jackie,
to get her hair done or occasionally to the
bank and then to eat a hot dog for lunch.
He can be seen walking the dam or walking
around town 3 mornings out of the week.
Horns blow and hands wave as people see
Palmetto
HAIR S AL ON
9 9 6 - 5 5 3 2 •117 E. Main S tr ee t • Lexingt on
Let’s Talk
him and pass by. He’s got a special nickname When I got my flying
for everyone so he loves to yell out a special Robot my dad gave me
saying to everyone who passes by and help
them start their mornings with a smile. He
for Christmas.
serves as an usher at St. Stephens’s Lutheran - Colton D.
Church and enjoys shaking hands with ev-
eryone on Sunday mornings.
Bubba is turned 62 on July 31st of this year.
He had a lot to celebrate. He survived a mas-
sive heart attack two years ago and he be-
lieves he survived because the Lord has some
The Christmas
more plans for him before it is officially his that I got a DS and an
time to go. In October, his first grandchild, iPod.
named “William” after him, was born. - Cassidy W.
Bubba Easler truly appreciates life and enjoys
building relationships with everyone around
him. He’s never too tired or too busy to spend
Playing with my brothers
time getting to know a new friend or helping
out an old one. He says there have been a lot
of people who have helped him along the at Christmas.
way and he will never forget that. He’s a good - Lexi M.
guy that has touched many lives and believes
in giving back to his community.
Do you know a local “good guy”
who should be featured here?
At Christmas time
Please send us a detailed essay explaining because we eat dinner
for breakfast
why you feel your nominee deserves to
be featured as our next “Local Man of the
Hour.” Emails can be sent to our editor at - Theresa B.
ld@woman2woman.sc. We will notify you
by email if your ‘good guy’ is chosen.
STYLES
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 17
Education

fastFORWARD
by Martha Windsor

D o you remember the resolutions

you made last January? If you’ve
told yourself that you’d walk every night after
supper, or that you’d wash your ride weekly,
your good intentions have probably been
sidetracked at some point. Life does that.
Beatle John Lennon was right, “Life is what
happens while you are making other plans.”
If you’re one of hundreds who feel you’ve hit
the pause button on your plans, then you
may have admitted to yourself, “I need to go
back to school.” If that sounds familiar, New-
berry College challenges you not to go back,
but to go forward- and in a hurry.
fastFORWARD is a new program designed
for busy, ambitious adults who want to com-
plete their degree. Program Director, Jessie
Long has first-hand understanding of trying
to juggle career and family. She can relate
to the young adults who have responsibili-
ties as spouse, parent, chef, chauffeur, and
_______. Fill in the blank with your choice
of duties. You can think of a few, right? “As a
full-time employee, mother of two, wife and
often a student myself, I know how chal-
lenging it can be to return to school. But in
today’s society education is more important
than ever.”
Like it or not, we are often defined by our
jobs. For most of us, our jobs determine our
income. Better financial rewards demand
better jobs. Better jobs demand degrees.
Many of us are on a human version of a
hamster wheel. We work hard and are always
If you’re one of hundreds
who feel you’ve hit the
pause button on your
plans, then you may have
admitted to yourself,
“I need to go back to
school.”
busy, but we aren’t making the progress we
desire. We’re trying hard to make our time
and our money count. Frustration builds; we
know where we’d like to go, but can’t see how
we can get there.
“There are many things in life we wish we
had taken the time to do. Now even full-time
parents and employees have the opportunity
to earn their bachelor’s degree at a highly
accredited institution” Jessie is proud of the
opportunities fastFORWARD provides.
“Newberry has a long history of more than
150 years. Even with record enrollment,
we’re still small enough for the students to
receive individualized attention. ‘We bring
out the best in you’ is more than a slogan;
it’s our goal.”
fastFORWARD is a forward-thinking pro-
gram that offers students a choice. There is
a blended program which is 90% online and
requires minimal trips to the campus. The
other option includes one class one evening
per week. Both provide a completed degree
within 18-24 months.
Unlike other online degree programs, New-
berry is a real mortar and brick institution.
We offer fastFORWARD students perks that
traditional students receive. For example, a
person could participate in sports, attend
cultural and sporting events, join a fraternity
or sorority, and take advantage of a host of
student-sponsored programs.
Most of the jobs in a seven-county radius
require a degree, yet ironically we live in
an undereducated area. Of the more than
170,000 people in the Midlands who began
but did not complete their degree, 41,000 are
in Lexington County. If you are one of those
folks who started college, earned credits, but
for some reason didn’t finish, Jessie urges
you to contact her.

About Jesse Long

Jessie is a Lexington County native. She was born in Gaston, attend-
ed Swansea High School and received her B.A. in education from
USC, Aiken. She is a former high school teacher who now lives in
Newberry with her husband, Daniel, and her preschool children.

While son Daniel II, age four and eight month-old daughter Marley
keep Bud, the Rottweiler and Sunny, the orange tabby on their toes,
they all keep Mom busy. When Jessie isn’t working you may find her
playing church league softball, relaxing at Lake Murray or busy with
her favorite pastime, her children.

18 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 Education

About the Author

“We offer flexibility. Your time, I had good times
your money and your experience in my Halloween
are highly valued. You can choose
when you attend class. Most stu-
We offer flexibility.Your time, your costume — a
dents will qualify for financial aid, money and your experience are stormtrooper
student loans, or perhaps tuition re-
highly valued. with a mask and
imbursements. Furthermore, some
students may opt to take CLEP*
suit.
or DANTES** tests. Students who - Landon W.
score well on these exams will re-
ceive college credit for courses.”
Jessie explains, “You earn credit
accelerated adult degree
hours at a significantly reduced rate completion program
which saves both time and money.” There was this
Newberry College won’t promise
Halloween costume
you’ll keep fit or have a spotless ve- on this person,
hicle, but it will help you reach your and it looked like it
Earn a business degree in would never come
career goals. And who knows, may-
be you’ll meet an exercise buddy and
off.
Organizational Management
encounter a Greek-sponsored car
wash or two as you progress to your - Chandler G.
degree. Disengage the pause button
for your plans; resolve to contact in as few as 24 months!
Jessie and move fastFORWARD to-
ward your dreams. program info:
t
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bought a shirt.
rector of Adult Education, Jessie Long at
803-321-5691
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Email: fast.forward@newberry.edu
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Website:www.NewberryFastForward.com
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gives college credit for skills and knowl-
edge gained through internships, inde- t
$MBTTFT
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pendent study and on-the-job training.

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cars when I was in
**DANTES, or DSST (DANTES Subject



DMFBS
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UP
HSBEVBUJPO Kindergarten.
Standardized Tests,) stands for the US
t
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GPS

- Justin H.
Department of Defense’s Defense Activ-
ity for Non-Traditional Education Sup-
TVCTUBOUJBM
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port Program. These are also credit-by-
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Halloween at
Mimi’s with my
cousins.
www.NewberryFastForward.com - Caroline V.
fast.forward@newberry.edu
(803) 321-5691

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 19
Kid’s Stuff

Margaret Joan O’Hara –“Maggie”

C ongratulations Maggie O’Hara! Mag-
gie is a 10 year old gymnast at Sun-
burst Gymnastics. She qualified for the 2009
USA Gymnastics TOPs Testing which took
place September 25-27, 2009 in Houston,
Texas at the Women’s National Team Train-
ing Center located at Bela Karolyi Gymnas-
tics Camp.
Maggie completed the 2009 USA Gymnas-
tics TOPs Testing and was one of the 27 girls
chosen.
TOPs is a Talent Opportunity Program for
female gymnasts ages 7-11 and their coaches.
During the summer, gymnasts are evaluated
on physical abilities at the State and Regional
level. From the more than 2,700 participants
that tested, 300 gymnasts qualify to partici-
pate in the National TOPs Testing. From
here, these athletes hope to qualify to the
TOPs National Team. Those who qualify to
the TOPs National Team will be invited back
to attend a training camp this December in
Houston, TX at Karolyi’s Gymnastics, home
of well-known coaches Bela and Marta Kar-
olyi. The Karolyi’s coached Nadia Comaneci,
Mary Lou Retton, Kim Zmeskal, Kerri Strug
and many other World and Olympic Cham-
pions. More than 50% of the current Nation-
al Team and 3 of the 2008 World Champi-
onship Team members have been National
TOPs team members, marking the success
of the program.
She has maintained
straight A’s throughout
her schooling while
training upwards of 20
hours per week.
Maggie also attends the 5th grade at New
Providence Elementary and is in their Ac-
celerated Math and Eagles Programs. She
maintained straight A’s throughout her
schooling while training upwards of 20
hours per week.
Maggie is coached by Mike and Cassandra
Krotchko at Sunburst who have coached her
to 4 State Titles and one of 8 spots on the
2009 Level 8 SC Regional Team.
Keep up the great work Maggie! Maggie O’Hara

Preschool, Parent/Child, Girls/Boys Classes • Tumbling • Birthday Parties

(803) 359 - 2420 www.sunburstsc.com

1156 South Lake Drive • Lexington, SC

20 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 Kid’s Stuff

Timberwolves cheerleader takes down gator

C ammie Colin, a sophomore and JV
cheerleader at White Knoll High
School, became the first 16-year-old female Cammie Colin, a sopho-
to kill and harvest an alligator in South Car-
olina. Her alligator weighed in at 353 pounds more and JV cheerleader
and was 10-feet, 5 inches long. It was killed at White Knoll High
at Lake Marion just south of Sparkleberry
Swamp. School, became the first
To bag her gator, Cammie had to win one of 16-year-old female to kill
1,000 lottery slots available for South Car- and harvest an alligator in
olina’s annual public alligator harvest. The
hunt is allowed by the state as a way to har- South Carolina.
vest some of the 100,000 estimated alligators
habitating South Carolina.

Over 3,700 people applied for permission to
hunt, but Cammie was one of the lucky 1,000
chosen. She was the only person in her hunt-
ing party authorized to shoot the alligator.
Cammie was in a boat with four others in-
cluding: family friend and guide Jay Iad-
onisi; her father, Emil Colin III; her uncle,
Ian Beck; and her 13-year-old brother, Emil
Colin IV.
Hunters must use a crossbow or a harpoon
(something with a line) so the alligator does
not get away when shot.
So, prior to going out, Cammie was trained
on how to use the crossbow (pictured right)
that weighed more than 10 pounds. When
Cammie shot the crossbow at the alligator,
she struck the tail, and the alligator pulled
the boat for more than an hour.
Cammie gained interest in alligator hunting
when her Dad went last year, so she decided
she wanted to give it a try. Cammie thought
it looked “interesting and fun.”
Here in the midlands, we are all about taking
down gators. Way to go Cammie! Cammie Colin

Working Studio   

'ANTT3TREETs,EXINGTON
and Gift Shop WWWTHESTUDIOLEXINGTONCOM

$ROP)NAND#REATE4HURSDAYn3ATURDAYAM PM

!RT#LASSESs#ERAMICSs"EADINGs3TEPPING3TONESs'LASS&USIONs#LAY
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 21
Health & Wellness
Melissa Backman
White Knoll Dentistry
W 2W: Please tell us a little about
what it means to grow up in Lex-
ington One and graduate here, and now own
a business here.
Melissa: Growing up in Lexington One was
a wonderful experience. I attended Red
Bank Elementary, White Knoll Middle
School, and Lexington High School. The
education I received prepared me for col-
lege and dental school and I look forward to
having the opportunity to give back to the
community.
W2W: Will you share a little about your vi-
sion for White Knoll Dentistry?
Melissa: My vision for White Knoll Dentist-
ry is to provide quality dentistry in a caring,
comfortable environment while respecting
the needs and desires of our patients. I be-
lieve it is important to teach patients how
to maintain a healthy smile. I look forward
to treating the whole family and getting to
know each person.
W2W: Your new facility is beautiful I love
the beveled glass and the White Knoll letters
at the top, how does it make you feel to come
to work at a place that you have dreamed
about from the ground up.
Melissa: White Knoll Dentistry is a dream
come true for me. God has blessed me with
a beautiful office and a wonderful staff. I
look forward to going to work every day!
Dr. Melissa Backman and staff
22 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
Dr. Melissa Backman
W2W: What do you love about dentistry?
Melissa: Dentistry is a great career. A person’s
smile is often one of the first attributes that
is noticed by others. It is a rewarding experi-
ence to be able to help someone who is in
pain or who is unhappy with their smile. By
helping patients obtain the smile they desire,
every aspect of their life can be affected, such
as improving their self esteem and boosting
their self confidence.
W2W: What are some of the advantages of
having your own practice?
Melissa: Starting my own business from
scratch has been a fulfilling experience. It
is has allowed me to have the opportunity
My vision for White Knoll
Dentistry is to provide
quality dentistry in a
caring, comfortable
environment while
respecting the needs and
desires of our patients.
and freedom to be creative, innovative, and
make all of my own decisions. Also by start-
ing my own practice I was able to provide
input on designing my office to better serve
the needs of my patients in a more efficient
and effective manner.
W2W: What are some disadvantages?
Melissa: As with starting any business there
are always risk that the business will not
succeed. Starting a new business requires
investing a lot of time, energy, and money.
To run a practice you must have knowledge
about many things beyond just being a den-
tist to be successful.
W2W: What do you hope to accomplish in
the next five years?
 Health & Wellness

Melissa: Professionally, I have achieved most of my goals

like becoming a dentist and starting my own practice. I have
achieved more than I ever dreamed possible and feel blessed
to be a part of a profession which I enjoy so much. Over the
next five years I want to focus on growing my practice and
developing skills and techniques to better serve my patients.
In regards to my personal life, I hope to start a family of my
own in the near future.

Dentistry for the Whole Family!

Children are welcome! (ages 1 and up) Become a Lexington Loser!
www.whiteknolldentistry.com
Lexington Woman is committed to telling your story with integrity
and with the sole intent of inspiring others to feel they can accom-
plish their own weight loss goals.

Call today Along the way, we will help supply incentives and goals to help you
(803) 359-3245 not only meet your personal goals but win some fun stuff as well.
for an This program is designed to change you and your families’ lives.
appointment Although you are the participant, all that you learn through the
upcoming year will be things you can implement in the lifestyle of
your family.
5545 Platt Springs Road
We will be featuring the winner of the our twelve-month challenge
Lexington, SC 29073 on the front cover of the January 2011 edition of Lexington Woman.
You will also receive a makeover by a renowned makeover artist
here in Lexington, along with a photo shoot with master photog-
Dr. Melissa Backman raphers, Clark and Becki Berry. You will be featured in all media
blitzes for the next six months following your success, including
radio and television spots.

Lexington Woman will be helping to host events throughout the year,

where you will be featured as a group of women. You are invited to
many events hosted by Lexington Woman; these events are optional
and not required for inclusion in the program. Lexington Woman
will also offer many forms of support (i.e. websites, monthly meet-
ings, and educational tools) to help you in your weight loss effort.
New Contact Vital Energy at 803.359.1551 to become a contestant of
Patients Lexington’s Biggest Loser. We look forward to seeing less of you!
Welcome!

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 23
Health & Wellness

Holiday survival skills

by Edna Cox

O n average, Americans gain 2 pounds

during the holidays, but these 2
pounds are not shed. One study showed 14%
of those studied gained 5 pounds or more.
Those participants who were overweight
or obese gained more holiday pounds than
those who were normal weight.
This research showed that holiday weight
gain explained over half of the annual weight
gain for those who were in the study. This
weight gain is probably one cause of weight
that creeps up from year to year.
On average, Americans
gain 2 pounds during the
holidays...
Surviving the holidays requires a new mind-
set. Rather than focus on continuing to lose
weight, focus instead on not gaining weight.
Consider yourself successful if you contin-
ue to exercise regularly and don’t gain any
weight.
At the party, focus on more than eating.
Holidays are for connecting with family and
friends. This is a great time to catch up with
them. If it is a business related party, net-
work. Focus less on the food and more on
the fellowship.
10 Holiday Survival Skills
1. Scan the buffet before filling your plate.
Decide what foods are worth eating and
what can be ignored. Why waste calories
on foods that don’t bring you pleasure?
2. Eat a snack before you leave home. If you
are starving, you’re more likely to over-
indulge.
3. Eat your calories instead of drinking
them. Stick to lower calorie or calorie-
free drinks (diet soda, water, light beer
or wine spritzer) instead of punches, egg-
nogs, and mixed drinks that can have up
to 500 calories per cup.
4. Sip a large glass of water between every
alcoholic drink or non-alcoholic punch pecially when it comes to holiday sweets
or eggnog. This will help keep you hy- and alcoholic beverages, less is better.
drated and you’ll drink fewer calories. 7. Leave a few bites of food behind, espe-
5. Stand away from the buffet table. You’ll cially if you’re eating something you don’t
be less tempted to keep eating if it’s an ef- really like.
fort to fill your plate. 8. When you are the host or the hostess, in-
6. Watch your portions. In most cases, es- clude nutritious and lower calorie foods

Registered Dietitians will help you achieve your personal health goals
for your Physical and Emotional Well Being

Carolina Nutrition Consultants, Inc. offers individual Call (803) 996-0312 to schedule an appointment in our
nutrition counseling for: office or for your convenience in the comfort of your office.
• Weight Loss • Digestive Disorders
• Heart Health • Eating Disorders 4881 B Sunset Blvd Learn more at
• Bariatric Surgery • Senior Nutrition Lexington, SC 29072 www.CNConWeb.com
• Diabetes Management • Health & Wellness

“Nutrition Designed for the Lifestyle you Desire” FEEL BETTER LOOK BETTER LIVE BETTER

24 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 Health & Wellness

like fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Serving Size: 1 cup Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
When you are a guest, bring along a low- Calories: 88
Fat: 2 g
er calorie dish to share. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat and all
Sodium: 350 mg
9. Avoid feeling deprived all evening long. Carbs: 11 g purpose flour, no calorie sweetener, brown
Allow yourself one holiday dessert per Fiber: 0 g sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and
event. Sugars: 5 g pumpkin spice (all dry ingredients).
10. Switch out of holiday mode when the Protein: 6 g
party’s over. Don’t turn Thanksgiving In a medium bowl, mix canned pumpkin,
through New Year’s into one long binge. Pumpkin Bread (traditional) egg substitute, and vanilla extract. Then add
Pumpkin bread is loaded with eggs, sugar this mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir
Bad Egg and butter, sometimes even nuts making this until just blended.
Traditional Eggnog contains 460 calories treat loaded with fat and calories.
and 20 grams of fat per cup. And that’s with- Slowly sprinkle in the craisins, mix to dis-
out the rum. Add 65-100 calories for each Serving Size: 1 slice tribute them.
Calories: 370
ounce you add. Fat: 16 g
Sodium: 360 mg Spray a large loaf pan (9” x 5”) with nonstick
Serving Size: 1 cup Carbs: 51 g spray. Spoon batter into pan. Bake for 50
Calories: 460 Fiber: 1.5 g minutes or until the top of the loaf is firm
Fat: 20 g Sugars: 26 g
Sodium: 640 mg
to the touch. Allow to cool. Cut into 8 slices.
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 58 g Makes 8 servings.
Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 58 g Perfect Pumpkin Bread Serving Size: 1 thick slice
Protein: 12 g This is a delicious low fat, high fiber holiday Calories: 143
treat. Fat: 0.5 g
Sodium: 281 mg
The Good Egg
One-15 oz can canned pumpkin Carbs: 31 g
5 cups light vanilla soy milk
1 small package (4 servings) Jell-O sugar free/fat free 1¼ cup whole wheat flour Fiber: 4.5 g
instant pudding, mix, vanilla ¼ cup all purpose flour Sugars: 9 g
6 packets no-calorie sweetener products ½ cup fat free liquid egg substitute Protein: 5 g
1 tsp rum extract ½ cup no calorie sweetener (Splenda)
½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ cup brown sugar To make muffins, pour batter into muf-
¼ cup craisins fin pan sprayed with nonstick spray. Makes
2¼ cup baking powder
In a blender, combine all ingredients and about 8 standard sized muffins. Cook for 35
1½ cup cinnamon
blend on high until mixed thoroughly. Re- 1 tsp vanilla extract minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool. Enjoy!
frigerate for a few hours to allow it to thick- ½ tsp salt
en. Makes five 1 cup servings. ⅓ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Creative Therapy
• Self-work to change emotions and patterns
• Learn how to heal with your own creative strength
• Professional psychological service
• Wellness and positive psychology

Robert D. Phillips, Ph.D. (803) 360-9698

By appointment only

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 25
Health & Wellness
Are contact lenses a good choice for kids?
A common question many parents
have about contact lenses and kids
is: “When is my child old enough to wear
contact lenses?”
Physically, your child’s eyes can tolerate
contact lenses at a very young age. Some ba-
bies are fitted with contact lenses due to eye
conditions present at birth. And in a recent
study that involved fitting nearsighted chil-
dren of ages 8-11 with one-day disposable
contact lenses, 90% had no trouble applying
or removing the contacts without assistance
from their parents.
Contact lenses can do
wonders for some
chidren’s self-esteem.
Many kids don’t like the
way they look in glasses
and become overly
self-conscious...
Envision Proudly Offers
The Vera Bradley Breast
Cancer Awareness Frames!
803.996.2020 ∙ www.EnvisionFamilyEyeCare.com
5166 Sunset Blvd, Suite J ∙ Lexington, SC 29072
26 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
A matter of maturity
So the important question is whether or not
your child is mature enough to insert, re-
move and take care of their contact lenses.
How they handle other responsibilities at
home will give you a clue. If your child has
poor grooming habits and needs frequent
reminders to perform everyday chores, they
may not be ready for the responsibility of
wearing and caring for contact lenses. But
if they are conscientious and handle these
things well, they may be excellent candidates
for contact lens wear, regardless of their age.
Contact lenses for sports
Many kids are active in sports. Contact
lenses offer several advantages over glasses
for these activities. Contacts don’t fog up, get
streaked with perspiration or get knocked
off like glasses can. They also provide bet-
ter peripheral vision than glasses, which is
important for nearly every sport. There are
even contact lenses with special tints to help
your child see the ball easier.
For sports, soft contact lenses are usually
the best choice. They are larger and fit closer
more securely to the eye than rigid gas per-
meable (GP) lenses, so there’s virtually no
chance they will dislodge or get knocked off.
Controlling nearsightedness
If your young son or daughter is nearsighted,
rigid gas permeable (GP) contacts may be
the best choice an alternative. In some cases,
GP contact lenses may slow the progression
of myopia in children. (Soft lenses don’t of-
fer this potential benefit.) Also, GP lenses are
more durable, healthier for the eye, and often
provide sharper vision than soft contacts.
Cosmetic contact lenses
Contact lenses can be used as fashion acces-
sories. Much like scarves, necklaces, hats, or
shoes, colored contact lenses can be used to
achieve a desired look. Almost any eye color
can be found. Colored contacts are a great
option for the fashion conscious teen.
Building self-esteem with
contact lenses
Contact lenses can do wonders for some
children’s self-esteem. Many kids don’t like
the way they look in glasses and become
overly self-conscious about their appearance
because of them. Wearing contact lenses can
often elevate how they feel about themselves
and improve their self confidence. Some-
times, even their school performance and
participation in social activities improves
after they switch to contact lenses.
 Health & Wellness

Glasses are still required

If your child chooses to wear contact lenses,
they still need an up-to-date pair of eye-
glasses. Contact lenses worn on a daily ba-
sis should be removed at least an hour be-
fore bedtime to allow the eyes to “breathe.”
Also, there will be times when your child
may want to wear their glasses instead of
contact lenses. And contact lenses should be
removed immediately any time they cause
discomfort or eye redness.

Don’t push contacts on your

kids
Motivation is often the most important
factor in determining whether your son or
daughter will be a successful contact lens
wearer. If you wear contact lenses yourself
and love them, that still doesn’t mean they
are the right choice for your child. Some
children like wearing glasses and have no
desire to wear contact lenses.
We can usually tell at your child’s contact
lens consultation if they really want to wear
(left to right) Gretchan Reynolds of Envision Family Eyecare with her
daughter, Andy, and sons, Ryan and Colby
contact lenses. If it appears that they would When your child is ready to try
rather stay in glasses, we will certainly re- contacts
spect their decision – and you should, too. When you and your child agree it’s time for
contacts, call our office to schedule a contact
Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing. Often, lens consultation. We welcome the oppor-
a child may feel they don’t want contacts, but tunity to help kids of all ages enjoy wearing
a year or two later, they do. There’s always contact lenses.
time to make that decision.

A
History
of
Caring
James E. Estes, M.D.
G. Patrick Gallery, M.D. • Nine physicians and six certified midwives
William E. Plyler, M.D.
O. Henderson Powell, M.D.
Robert W. Silverio II, M.D.
• 25-year history in Lexington County
Valerie A. Skinner, M.D.
David J. Stallard Jr., M.D.
• Comprehensive gynecologic and obstetric services including
Frederick B. Thompson, M.D. well-woman care and pre-conception counseling
Miriam A. Wilcox, M.D.
Pamela Alligood, CNM • Lexington Medical Center voted “Best Place to Have a Baby”
Marie Bridges, CNM
Deborah Holland, CNM by Palmetto Parent ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.
Beverly Nedbalek, CNM
Terre Shankle, CNM www.lexingtonwomenscare.com
Jessica Simmons, CNM
Misty Sawyer, CFNP
West Columbia: 2728 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 201 Irmo: 7033 St. Andrews Rd., Ste. 305
Susan Wells, PA-C
Kristy Wolff, CFNP
(803) 936-8100 (803) 749-9920

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 27
Health & Wellness

Assessing the needs of your loved ones

by Allen Cook

M illions of Americans are faced

with a common dilemma: how to
decide if their aging loved ones are mentally
and physically capable of providing for their
own well-being. While aging is a natural
process, it can be an unpredictable and po-
tentially traumatic one. As parents or other

While aging is a natural

process, it can be an
unpredictable and
potentially traumatic one.

family members become less and less active

and able, their need for assistance becomes
more and more pronounced. In many cases
significant changes can occur overnight.
With other individuals, a marked decline in
health is gradual and can be imperceptible
to casual observers.
When is the threshold crossed? Family
members struggle with this question for long
periods of time before deciding that inter-
Melba Allard,Veronica McMahan, Betsy Sippel, and Suzanne Tarrant
vening action must be taken for the safety of • Inadequate grooming and personal
an aging parent or other loved one. It is im- hygiene
portant to know and recognize the signs that • Decreasing appetite, altered eating and
a person may no longer be capable of living cooking habits
at home: • Keeping food past dates of expiration
• Unpredictable/unreliable driving ability
• Increasingly unsteady walking, with • Decreased interest in favorite activities
potential for falls • Hesitancy to socialize

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Celebrating, 1Motivating and Educating Real Women

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 Health & Wellness

• Loss of focus or sound judgment to enter the home?

• Loss of memory - forgetfulness, confusion • When he or she is hungry, is he or she
• Improper administration of medications able to prepare nutritious food? After It is important to know
• Energy loss and fatigue using the stove, does he or she remember
• Irritability with sudden mood changes to turn it off? and recognize the signs
• Failing to open/process important mail • Is he or she able to get to the bathroom that a person may no
and use the toilet without assistance?
In evaluating your loved one’s capabilities • Are you uncomfortable leaving him or her longer be capable of living
and functionality, there are several ques- alone for an hour or more? When
tions to ask. These questions should be con- caregivers leave, does he or she become at home.
sidered and revisited regularly as situations clingy and call frequently?
change:
If and when the family does decide that the
• If there was an emergency, does he or aging loved one should be placed in an as- • Are there a variety of organized activities
she know how to exit the home quickly sisted living facility, another series of ques- conducted by trained staff?
and safely? tions should be addressed: • Does the community offer on-site
• Has he or she begun to wander away from entertainment and religions actives?
the safety of the home and yard? • Are the grounds and the building well • Is there adequate transportation for the
• Can he or she recognize signals for cared for? residents?
potential dangers such as fire alarms? • Are you comfortable with the staff? • Would you stay there?
• If there was an emergency, would he or • Do you like the food and food service?
she know how to access emergency • Does the facility smell clean? Choosing the appropriate time for the tran-
services? Does he or she know how to • Do the residents appear to be content and sition is a major decision for the family. The
utilize 911? Is he or she able to use friendly with each other? second major decision will be finding the
the phone? • Are the residents treated with dignity? facility that is best-suited for your loved one.
• Does he or she have medical conditions • Are there sprinklers, fire alarms, and fire Both decisions should be deliberate and
that might cause vulnerability requiring drills? well-informed. Solicit expertise from medi-
immediate medical attention? Does he • Is the security and lighting of the cal professionals well-versed in geriatrics.
or she have access to all necessary community adequate? Friends and associates who have recently
medications? Can he or she easily follow • Are you welcomed by the staff if you been through this transition may also be
a prescribed medication regimen? make an unannounced visit? helpful as will clergy members who are fa-
• Does he or she make good choices • Do the families of other residents appear miliar with your family’s situation.
regarding who should or should not be to be comfortable with the facility and
let into the home? Would he or she staff?
recognize family, friends, and/or • Is the facility near medical offices, stores,
emergency respondents and allow them entertainment and recreation?

Dr. Steven J. Hutchinson, DMD

Jennifer P. Hutchinson, RDH
Cosmetic | Restorative | Preventive
(803) 359-0566
209 West Main Street | Lexington, South Carolina 29072 Now Accepting New Patients

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 29
Health & Wellness
Why not tonight?
by Dr. John Moore
Up to 40% of women
complain of a low sex
drive at some point in
their lives...
“M y sex drive is too low. What can I
do to increase it?” This is a ques-
tion frequently addressed by all primary
care physicians, and it is not an easy one to
answer. Low sex drive, also referred to as low
libido or hypoactive sexual desire disorder,
is defined as the persistent or recurrent lack
of interest in sex that causes you personal
distress. But what is a normal libido? That
is much harder to define as your sex drive
normally fluctuates over your lifetime and
what is normal for you may not be normal
for other women. Even leading medical re-
searchers cannot agree on what constitutes
a normal libido or how to measure it! Even
when desire is present, sexual activity may
be affected by fatigue, stress or even lack or
absence of a partner.
Up to 40% of women complain of a low sex
drive at some point in their lives, and since a
woman’s desire for sex is influenced by many
factors including physical and emotional
well being, previous experiences, beliefs and
current relationship status, there are also
many possible causes for low desire:
• sexual problems such as painful history. This may allow identification of cer-
intercourse or inability to achieve orgasm
• medical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, a potential cause. A thorough physical exam
hypertension, STD’s among others
• medications used to treat hypertension, medical conditions such as hypertension
depression, and insomnia
• excessive alcohol or illicit drug use
30 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
• anxiety or depression
• financial or work stress
• poor body self imagine or low self esteem
pist to screen for underlying emotional or
relationship causes. Blood testing for thy-
roid hormone, estrogen and testosterone
• a history of physical or sexual abuse levels may also be needed.
• unresolved conflict or poor
communication with your partner Pinpointing a cause for low libido can often
• infidelity be difficult, and therapy can be as well. There
• and, as any mother with young children is no one treatment which increases sex
knows, FATIGUE! drive in all women. Treatment may include
lifestyle changes, relationship counseling,
Hormonal changes are another potential sex therapy and/or medication. The single
factor. The increase in estrogen production lifestyle change which can have the most
at puberty helps to prepare the vaginal tis-
sues for future sexual activity. Estrogen lev-
els begin decreasing in most women by the
late thirties. In the forties, when most wom-
en begin the transition to menopause, estro-
But what is normal libido?
gen levels drop precipitously which can lead That is much harder to
to decreased vaginal lubrication, thinning
of the vaginal tissues and, in some cases, define as your sex drive
decreased sexual desire. Testosterone levels
also drop in this period which may further
normally fluctuates over
reduce desire. your lifetime and what is
The first step in evaluating you for low libido normal for you may not
should be a careful review of your medical
be normal for other
tain medications or excessive alcohol use as women.
should help to uncover any undiagnosed
and diabetes. If necessary, you may be re- profound positive effect in most women
ferred to a licensed counselor or sex thera- (and men!) is 30 or more minutes of aerobic
 Craving quality care?
Take care of that craving and we’ll take care of you.

tending to the unique nature of women

1301 Taylor Street, Suite 6-J, Columbia, SC 29201

803-254-3230
columbiawhc.com
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 31
Health & Wellness

exercise daily. This promotes general good
health and may enhance libido through
reduced stress, weight loss and improved
mood and body image. Meditation and re-
laxation techniques, such as yoga, may also
help alleviate stress. Open and honest com-
munication with your partner is also one of
the best, but not always the easiest, ways to
maintain your emotional bond to your part-
ner, which may greatly improve desire. It is
very important to include communicating
about sex, such as discussing likes and dis-
likes, in these talks. Sometimes professional
counseling is required, and your caregiver
should be able to refer you to an appropri-
ately licensed counselor or sex therapist de-
pending on your unique situation.
Medical therapy usually begins if blood test-
ing reveals thyroid abnormalities or a defi-
ciency of estrogen or testosterone. Thyroid
abnormalities occur in up to 15% of women
in the reproductive years between puberty
and menopause. These are usually fairly eas-
ily corrected with thyroid hormone supple-
mentation and, less commonly, with surgery. giver’s attention if he or she does not address
Estrogen deficiency can lead to significant it at your annual visit. A healthy and satisfy-
hot flashes and night sweats as well as vagi- ing intimate relationship with your partner
nal dryness and painful intercourse, all of is an important part of your overall health
which may inhibit desire. Estrogen therapy and well being and needs to be included in
may be given to treat the whole body in pill, your wellness visits!
patch, or shot form. It may also be given lo-
cally to the vaginal tissues in cream, ring, Dr. John Moore is 1 of 7 physicians at Colum-
or suppository form, depending on your bia Women’s Healthcare. These physicians
specific symptoms. Testosterone therapy is also own and operate SC Clinical Research
more controversial as it is not approved by - doing clinical trials.
the FDA for use in women with low libido. It
may still be prescribed for you by your physi- We are currently enrolling for several studies
cian, but needs close follow up and frequent on low libido. Call 803.988.1438 if interested.
monitoring blood levels of testosterone. Side
effects of testosterone therapy, such as deep-
ening voice and unwanted hair growth can
be particularly troublesome if normal female
levels of testosterone are exceeded. Unfortu-
nately not every woman will respond to all,
or even one, of these therapies.
Despite the frustration and embarrassment columbiawhc.com
which may be caused by having low desire, (803) 254-3230
it is important that you bring it to your care-

Lake Murray Baptist Church in Lexington presents

“This Man Called Jesus”
The 22nd Annual Christmas Drama

Over 429,000 people have seen the drama since 1988. This is a free event!

Sunday, November 22 Saturday, December 12

2:30pm 2:30 and 6:30pm
Friday, December 4 Sunday, December 13
7:30pm 2:30 and 6:30pm
Saturday, December 5 Friday, December 18
2:30 and 6:30pm 7:30pm
Sunday, December 6 Saturday, December 19
2:30 and 6:30pm 2:30 and 6:30pm
Friday, December 11 Sunday, December 20
7:30pm 2:30 and 6:30pm

For more info, call (803) 356-3334

or www.thismancalledjesus.org

32 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 Health & Wellness

Lose weight with HealthSource Chiropractic

B rittani Bunce gives her take on Health-
Source’s new weight loss program.
W2W: What kind of results are people see-
ing with this HealthSource line of products?
Brittani: We started our program at Health-
Source several months ago and so far we
have seen GREAT RESULTS! It has been so
exciting to be a part of our clients’ success.
On average, our patients are losing three
pounds each week. We have had patients
lose seven pounds in the first week alone!
 
W2W: Have you personally used this prod-
uct and what kind of results did you person-
ally see?
Brittani: I’m not on the weight loss plan; how-
ever, I do eat the protein bars daily basis for
energy to make it through the day, and I take
the entrees to school. They are easy to heat,
and I can store them in my desk drawer.
W2W: We know there are thousands of
products out there promising results. Brit-
tani, what sets this program apart from the
other weight loss programs?
Brittani: HealthSource has taken pieces
of a variety of weight loss programs and
combined them into one program which
produces awesome results. The program is
a doctor supervised, high protein, low car-
bohydrate diet. We have weekly “weigh-ins”
with the doctor and the weight loss spe-
cialist. Every client who comes into the of-
fice has tried at least two diets. Most of the
diets they have tried produced some level
of weight loss; however, none of these diet
options have given the clients the tools they
need to keep the weight off and stay healthy.
We believe the missing link to keeping the
weight off and maintaining a healthy life-
style is the BRD (Behavioral Repatterning
Device). This device, similar to an iPod®, can
be used in the comfort of your own bed. It is
a wonderfully relaxing series of guided vi-
sualization to help us change our thinking
about exercise, portion sizes, snacking and
many other topics which can inhibit or aid
weight loss.
W2W: I know you and Adam really care
about the overall health of your patients.
How do you feel this product line can help
you, help them?
Brittani: It makes so much sense to pair chiro-
practic and weight loss. Many of our weight
loss clients were chiropractic patients first.
They are finding as they reach their weight
loss goals, their other health issues are allevi-
ated. A major benefit of the program is bet-
ter health on the inside, while looking great
on the outside is just a wonderful perk!

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NOT about going to meetings or embarrassing public weigh-ins

NOT about counting carbs, calories, glycemic indexes, points
NOT about “rabbit food” or a “liquid diet” in a can or one food
NOT about the latest fad’s ‘magic pill’—Hoodia, seaweed, etc.
NOT about skipping meals, arduous exercise, or willpower
NOT about losing fast then putting it all back on again
NOT about weight loss that throws health out the window

Are you Embarrassed and Weary of Being Overweight? Are You Tired of Hyped-Up
Weight Loss Programs? We Can Help — Call Us Today!

G. Adam Bunce, DC
803.520.4615
5225-B Sunset Boulevard
www.HealthSourceChiro.com Lexington, South Carolina 29072

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 33
Health & Wellness
Palliative care
by Martha Windsor
M edical terms have become part of
our conversational vocabulary.
Thanks to TV, we’re familiar with doctors
ordering a CBC (complete blood count)
STAT. We know about a trach tube, etc.
Yet, the lingo can be confusing. Would we
be alarmed or annoyed by the person who
clutches his or her chest and wails, “I’m suf-
fering from ‘functional dyspepsia,’ what shall
I do?” Some readers may begin Googling
while others search for a Tums to offer.
Linda Knight and Stacey Rowlette
We’ve seen ads for hospice; home health care
is a growing business, and pain management
is an industry unto itself. Now it’s time to
gain a better understanding.
Hospice and home health care are related,
but not identical. Briefly, hospice is sup-
portive care provided in the final stages of a
terminal illness. Generally, the care is given
at home or in familiar surroundings. Home
care is also known as skilled care. It includes
more than what a nonmedical primary care-
giver can provide.
This article deals with palliative care, a com-
ponent of both hospice and home health
care. Palliative care focuses on a person’s
symptoms, not on the disease itself. “We
help guide the patient through the process of
34 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
living with a life-limiting illness,” Edna Mc-
Clain the Regional Administrator for Hos-
pice Care of Tri-County explains.
The Palliative care program at Tri-County
Home Health and Hospice Care of Tri-
County is a program of cross trained nurses
for patients that need a skilled service pro-
vided by home health and also need the
experience of special trained nurses in pain
and symptom management.
‘We help guide
the patient
through the
process of
living with a
life-limiting
illness,’ Edna
McClain explains.
Hospice Care of Tri-County is a network
of 13 offices across South Carolina. It was
licensed in 1996 and is a sister company to
Tri-County Home Health which began in
Lexington County more than 25 years ago.
The palliative care program serves patients
in Richland, Lexington and Saluda counties.
According to McClain, the Palliative care
nurses are not only experienced in acute
care, home and hospice care; they also have
additional training in pain and symptom
management. “Patients must meet certain
criterion: have skilled need (nurse or thera-
pist,) home-bound, unable to leave home
without extended support and a doctor must
order home health services.”
Nurses Linda Knight and Stacy Rowlette
have more than 30 years of combined expe-
rience in hospice and acute care.
How does the palliative care program work?
“The doctor refers a patient to palliative
care. One of our palliative nurses becomes
the patients nurse and will remain his/her
nurse, even following the patient to hospice,
if necessary.” McClain stresses the impor-
tance of the continuity of care. “The patient
may be new to home health care. Building
a relationship and developing rapport with
one nurse is helpful because it increases the
emotional comfort level of the patient. Trust
is essential. The nurse learns the patient and
the family and unique individual needs.
McClain is a registered nurse who worked
in acute care “for years.” She says hospice
is the Lord’s path for her. “It’s where to put
an old nurse who can no longer manage a
12 hour shift in the hospital, she modestly
jokes.” After she received her M.N., she was
asked if she was interested in becoming a
home health manager. That was long before,
but nevertheless the first step down the path
toward meeting Ron Young and Jim Hard-
man owners of Medical Services of America
(located in Lexington) and creating Hospice
Care of Tri-County.
“Palliative care is an option for people that
need help. We can manage their pain. The
right medicine prescribed for the right rea-
son is not addictive, a fear many have. The
individual may think they have to be sedated
to be pain free and that is not true. If it is
the right medication for the right pain at the
right dose the person can be kept comfort-
able without sedation. Suffering isn’t neces-
sary and most symptoms can be controlled.
There are many fears associated with pain
management and our nurses are there to
help you understand pain management and
education about medications.”
For more information, call Tri-County Home
Health at (803) 561-7680 or Hospice Care of
Tri-County at (803)-400-1177.
 HOSPICE CARE OF TRI-COUNTY
Another Service of Medical Services of America

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• Local Offices and Staff

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• Award-Winning Administrator
• Chemo With Style
• Life Span Consulting
• GRACE Program
• Hospice Charity Thrift Store
• Palliative Care Program
Affiliate Companies:
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www.lexingtonwoman.sc 35
Pets

When your pet brings home uninvited guests

by Dr. Briana Davis

P ets enrich our lives in count-

less ways. They provide com-
panionship, comfort, devotion, and Fleas thrive in hot,
entertainment. In exchange for enjoy-
ing these attributes we find ourselves humid climates
cleaning muddy paw prints off the (sound familiar?)
floor, nose smudges off the windows,
litter-boxes, and hair off furniture so odds are, if you
that’s supposedly “off-limits”. We love
our pets. That does not mean however, are a South
that we love the pests that sometimes Carolinian with a
accompany them.
pet, you are going
Fleas are considered at best a nui-
sance, but they can pose a serious to have a run-in
threat to the health of a pet. Fleas with fleas.
can cause tapeworm infestations,
skin conditions, and in severe cases,
life-threatening anemias. Fleas can
also transmit diseases to humans, the best have 4 stages of development: eggs, larvae, continue to have fleas emerge after you’ve
known of which is the plague. Fleas thrive pupae, and adults. Female fleas can lay up sprayed the house with insecticide if they
in hot, humid climates (sound familiar?) so to 40 eggs per day in your pet’s coat. Some were in the pupae stage at the time of spray-
odds are, if you are a South Carolinian with of these eggs fall off of your pet into the en- ing. These life stages are also important to
a pet, you are going to have a run-in with vironment (which may be your house!). The know because not all products created for
fleas. eggs develop into larvae, which prefer dark, flea control are effective against all stages of
moist areas outside and deep in the fibers the flea.
What can be done to prevent or treat a flea of rugs/carpet inside. As the larvae develop
infestation in your pet? The first rule to hav- into pupae it produces a protective cocoon. Now that you know your enemy, you now
ing a successful campaign against these pes- This allows the pupae stage to be resistant need to pick where to have your battles and
ky parasites is to know your enemy. Fleas to many insecticides. This means you may what weapons to use. The where is easy; you

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Small Animal Dentistry Nutrition and Retail Products
Equine Services Referral and Consultation
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Behavior and Training
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Animal Tim Loonam, DVM

Owner/Veterinarian
Hospital 803.808.PETS (7387) | www.gracepets.com
and Pet Lodge 147 Charter Oak Road | Lexington, SC 29072

36 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 Pets

need to treat for fleas not only on

your pet but also in your pet’s envi-
ronment. Choosing what products
to use for flea control may be a little When I got a toy
that I really wanted at
more complicated. Your veterinar-
ian can help you decide which flea
control is best for your pet. Christmas, a Spiderman
Doobie-board. I still have it.
Flea products are available as either
topical products (applied to skin) or
- Jonathan H.
oral products. Topical products in-
clude spot-ons, sprays, dips, sham-
poos, and collars. Oral products are
either tablets or liquid. Your pet’s
lifestyle is an important consider- At Christmas time when
ation when choosing an effective I was playing with my
flea control product. For instance, Dr. Brianna Davis
Grace Animal Hospital friends in the snow.
a pet that swims daily or is bathed
- Monteil H.
frequently may benefit more from
an oral medication versus a topical bedding. Foggers, sprays, dusts, and
that may be washed off. powders are available to help con-
trol flea infestations in the house.
Also take into account your pet’s Washing your pets bedding will

environment. If the environment is
heavily infested with fleas then flea
baths and dips may be of limited
value. Though they may be effec-
tive in killing the fleas on the pet
they have little residual effect. This
means the pet is rapidly re-infested
when it goes back to its environ-
ment and continues to have an in-
festation until the next bath/dip. In
heavily infested environments it is
better to use products that have a
residual effect, such as many of your
spot-ons, sprays, and oral products.
A common misconception is that
these products major mode of ac-
tion is repelling fleas from getting
on your pets. In actuality the pri-
mary way these products work is by
having the flea bite the pet, thereby
ingesting the medication
that then kills the flea. So,
when owners see fleas on
their pet, it doesn’t neces-
sarily mean the product
isn’t working, but it can in-
dicate a very heavy infesta-
tion in the environment.
At Christmas when
also help. However, one of your
strongest tools is the vacuum. Vacu-
uming stimulates the tough pupae I can hear bells
to emerge as the more fragile adult, from Santa’s sleigh and
reindeer footsteps on the stairs.
which the vacuum then sucks up, as
well as ridding the carpets of eggs
and larva. Just be sure to change - Austin M.
your vacuum bag afterwards. You
may want to consult a professional
pest control company for flea con-
trol outside. If you are doing it your-
self, concentrate on shady, moist Getting a remote control
areas of the yard.
Monster Truck for my
Pets bring a lot of joy and fun into 4th Christmas.
the home. Instituting an effective - Ford P.
flea control program for your pet
and your pet’s environment helps
ensure that’s all they bring to the
home!

This brings us to our next

topic, your pet’s environ-
ment. In the house, flea
larvae and pupae tend to
migrate towards rugs, up-
holstered furniture and Toby and Jacob
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 37
Professional

photo by Clark Berry Photography

(left to right) Kelly O’Brien, Agent; Connie Shealy, Agent; Theresa Miley, Agent; Sandy Khan, Agent; Terri Brock, Agent; Amy Masincupp,
Agent; Wanda Witherspoon, Agency Field Executive; Denise Thomas, Agent; Marilyn Wilson, Agent; Misty Stathos, Agent;
Veronica Isaac, Agent; Andrea Ulmer, Agency Field Executive; and Morgan Faulkenberry, Agent

Let it be “Your Style of Success”

Ladies of State Farm Agency

T here is no one quite like you. Your

style is a reflection of the people you
care about, the places you’ve been, and the
experiences you have gathered along the
way. It’s about putting yourself in a position
to make a difference in the lives of those your
touch along the way.
Running your own business isn’t easy. Noth-
ing worthwhile ever is. But State Farm® agents
are driven—driven to do work that matters
and helps people. It’s work that contributes
to your community in positive ways and
puts you at the center of important events.
It’s not just about earning a living. It’s about
building something great, expanding your
It’s not just about earning
a living. It’s about building
something great, expanding
your earning potential,
and giving back.
earning potential, and giving back. Few
things are more fulfilling and energizing
than doing meaningful work that makes a
difference in the lives of others. That’s what
being a State Farm® agent is all about!
If you want to build a successful career while
balancing work and family, helping others,
and giving back to your community, you can
do that too! Who says you can’t have it all?
Makeover yourself in a new career as a State
Farm® Agent! Who says you can’t have it all?
This is Where Dream Meets Opportunity!

38 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

“ Let Me Introduce
you to the
State Farm® Agency
Opportunity
“

www.sfyourstyle.com Julie McDowell

Agency Recruiter

Call 803.935.3725 today and ask

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www.lexingtonwoman.sc 39
Professional
Greeting card tango:
How to impress, not stress, during the holidays
by Lydia Ramsey
W hen it comes to holiday greeting
cards, to send or not to send is of-
ten the question. Once you have decided in
the affirmative, you then have to determine
who to include on your list, what kind of card
to choose and how to address the envelope.
There are lots of reasons for sending those
holiday cards. You might want to enhance
your current business relationships, attract
new customers, remind old clients that you
exist or show appreciation to those who have
faithfully supported you during the year.
What is obviously a well-meaning gesture
can actually offend the people you want to
impress when it is not done properly.
The most elegant cards
should still have your
personal signature and a
short handwritten
message or greeting.
The first place to start is with a good quality
card to show that you value your clients and
colleagues. Skimping on your selection can
be interpreted in a number of ways. Your re-
cipients might take it as a sign that business
has not been good or that they aren’t worth a
little extra investment on your part.
Make sure your list is up-to-date with cor-
rect names and current addresses. If you do
this on a regular basis, it does not become
a dreaded holiday chore. As you gain new
clients and contacts, take a few minutes to
add them to your database and mark them
for your greeting card group. This way you
won’t overlook anyone or embarrass yourself
by sending the card to the old address.
Sign each card personally. Even if you have
preprinted information on the card such as
40 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
your name—which is an impressive detail—
you need to add your handwritten signature.
The most elegant cards should still have your
personal signature and a short handwrit-
ten message or greeting. Sound like a lot of
trouble? If the business or the relationship is
worth it, so is the extra effort. This is your
chance to connect on a personal level with
your clients and colleagues.
Take the time to handwrite the address as
well. If you are ready to throw up your hands
at this point and forget the whole project,
then have someone else address the enve-
lopes for you.
Whatever you do, don’t use computer-gen-
erated labels. They are impersonal and make
your holiday wishes look like a mass mail-
ing. You may save time and even money, but
lose a business associate in the process.
You may mail your greeting to the home if
you know the business person socially. Be
sure to include the spouse’s name in this in-
stance. The card is not sent to both husband
and wife at the business address unless they
both work there.
Whether you are addressing the envelope
to an individual or a couple, titles should al-
ways be used. It’s “Mr. John Doe,” not “John
Doe,” or “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, rather that
“John and Mary Doe.”
Be sensitive to the religious beliefs of the
people to whom you are sending your cards.
Find out whether they observe Christmas,
Hanukkah or Kwanzaa and make sure your
message is appropriate for each individual. If
you decide to go with one card and a single
message for all, choose a generic one that will
not offend. “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy
Holidays” are both safe bets.
Mail your greetings in time to arrive for the
designated holiday. If you find yourself ad-
dressing the envelopes on Super Bowl Sun-
day, keep the cards until next year and send
out a high-quality note thanking people for
their business during the previous year.
The best way to avoid the last minute greet-
ing rush is to have all your envelopes ad-
dressed before Thanksgiving. Then during
December you can write a short message—
one or two lines are all that is necessary on
each card, sign your name and have them in
the mail with a minimum of hassle.
You should now have all the time in the
world for the shopping, baking, decorating
and celebrating that accompanies the holi-
day season.
7 Additional Tips for Addressing
Envelopes
If you are about to address your holiday
greeting cards or the invitations to the com-
pany party and you are confused about the
correct way to do it, you are not alone. There
are situations that we have not had to con-
sider before. There are more women with
professional titles, increased numbers of
women who retain their maiden name after
marriage, and couples choosing alternative
living arrangements.
The simple act of addressing an envelope has
become quite complicated. Here are a few
tips to cover the majority of those demand-
ing dilemmas.
1. Always write titles on the envelope. The
card or invitation goes to “Mr. John
Smith,” not “John Smith.” It is addressed
to “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith,” instead of
“John and Mary Smith.”
2. When you address a couple, use titles,
rather than professional initials. It’s “Dr.
and Mrs. John Smith,” not “John Smith,
M.D. and Mrs. Smith.”
3. If both the husband and the wife are doc-
tors, you write, “The Doctors Smith.”
However, if they use different last names,
you address the envelope to “Dr. John
 Professional

Smith and Dr. Mary Brown.” The
husband’s name is placed first.
4. If the wife is a doctor and the hus-
band is not, you send your invita-
tion to “Mr. John Smith and Dr.
Mary Smith.”
5. Try to get it all on one line. When
the husband has an unusually
long name, the wife’s title and
name are indented and written
on the second line.
6. When a couple is not married
and share a mutual address, their
names are written on separate
lines alphabetically and not con-
nected by the word “and.”
7. When the woman outranks her
husband, her name is written
first. It’s “Major Mary Smith and
Lieutenant John Smith.”
Note: The man’s name is always writ-
ten first unless the wife outranks him
or if the couple is unmarried and her
last name precedes his alphabetical-
ly. So much for “Ladies first.”
About the Author
Lydia Ramsey
Lydia Ramsey, business etiquette exert,
professional speaker and nationally-
recognized author knows workplace
manners inside and out. She can work
with you and your staff to polish those
inter-personal skills that will set you
and your organization apart from the
crowd. Discover the details that will
help you outclass and outlast others in your field. Visit Lydia’s
website at www.mannersthatsell.com, e-mail Lydia at Lydia@
mannersthatsell.com or call (912) 598-9812.

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Nancy Ogburn, President
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Email: nogburn@tomatopalms.com www.midlandspromomktg.com
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 41
Professional
Bathed in color
by Jody Truesdale
M elony Stuckey has been intrigued
by color since she was a little girl.
Early on, she told her mother she wanted
to be a coloring book artist. Even though
her middle school art teacher attempted to
dampen her love for art, Melony continued
to be intrigued by color and art. As she ma-
tured, she began to find opportunities to ex-
press her love for art.
A snapshot of Melony’s life today exemplifies
that love. She is simultaneously a painter, a
glass artist and a customer service represen-
tative for Pine Press Printing. The theme for
all of Melony’s art could be “capturing some-
thing and keeping it forever.” Her paintings
are primarily flowers, while her glass art
revolves around using old, recycled glass
and creating something new. As a customer
service rep, she concentrates on creating the
best, most colorful work for her clients.
I asked Melony why her paintings concen-
trated on flowers. She said, “A flower’s life
is short. When I paint a flower, it lives on.”
One look at Melony’s flower paintings and
anyone would agree; they truly look alive.
One of my favorite paintings, a sunflower,
literally shines like the sun. The vibrant yel-
low she uses is vividly contrasted by the teal
My art has
always been
my passion
allowing me
to give the
gifts of color.
42 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
photo by Cathy Lindner
Melony Stuckey
background. One could easily envision this
sunflower, joined by hundreds more, sway-
ing gently in a warm summer breeze.
Another facet of Melony’s art also intrigued
me. She is a glass artist. Melony takes stained
glass, fused glass, mosaic glass, any recycled
old glass, and creates a new work of art with
the old glass. Rebirth.
Melony concentrates on wind chimes and
glass mosaic windows, but has done fused
glass pieces for clients. The vibrant colors
in her glass pieces are a continuation of her
painting. Melony’s vibrant color and art “in-
spires the mind to dream and enjoy every
moment in life.”
Melony Stuckey, Columbia Artist
(803) 532-8582 | Art Can be seen at the M Gallery at the Old Mill
Melony’s vibrant
color and art ‘inspires
the mind to dream
and enjoy every
moment in life.’
Understandably, when Melony needs to de-
compress, she and her husband frequently
choose the beach as a favorite getaway.
Melony says her heart is at the beach. It is
appropriate; the beach contains such vibrant
colors, smells and examples of nature, and it
is a favorite getaway of Melony’s.
Melony’s work can be seen at M. Gallery, at
the Old Mill in Lexington, or at Wink’s on
Lady Street. Do yourself a favor; add some
color to your life by buying one of Melony’s
paintings or pieces of glass art. You will be
happily reminded daily of nature’s beauty.

At home with Ashley McGuinn Dooley
W 2W: Ashley, Tell us a little about
yourself.
Ashley: Not sure what to tell! I am a local gal;
I went to Airport High School! After Airport
I accepted a soccer scholarship and attended
North Greenville College, a small school in
the upstate. I had 4 great years there! After
college I worked for the department of the
Navy as a civilian auditor in Washington,
DC. While I was in DC, my father’s business
was evolving from strictly large scale cus-
tom homes to real estate development and
subdivision construction. DC life was crazy
and I am a southern gal and was homesick.
I knew I could never be a ‘builder’ but the
new track the company was taking was one
I knew I wanted to be a part of! So I said
goodbye to the fast paced life of the BIG city
and my cubicle (ha) and headed home to
jump headfirst into the wild world of con-
struction and real estate! When I returned to
Columbia, I was blessed to meet the love of
my life, Christopher, who I’ve been happily
married to for 3½ years now!
W2W: How is your work rewarding?
Ashley: As cheesy as it may sound, there is
just nothing better than to see someone SO
excited about their new home! It is amaz-
ing to see a raw piece of land become trans-
formed into a community within a few
short years. It’s great to know that you are
helping someone with one of the largest
decisions of their life! You are directly af-
fecting people and can see the direct result
of how the work you do impacts someone’s
life, and that’s what I love! I just felt lost and
bored in my past cubicle life!
W2W: What are three things you attribute
to your success?
Ashley: I thought of four things!
I wouldn’t be where I was today if it weren’t
for my parents. They never accepted any-
thing but 100% effort out of everything I
was doing: Grades, sports, work, you name
it. I was always pressed to be better and work
harder. A strong work ethic is second nature
in my family. You MUST have a job as soon
as you’re old enough to work and you’re out
on your own supporting yourself at 18!
Definitely my husband. In my line of work
it’s easy to get overwhelmed with your
workload and responsibilities. The stress
level is definitely on high 6 our of 7 days a
week (sometimes 7!). He constantly helps to
keep me focused on the issues at hand, pre-
pared and relaxed. He’s the “wizard behind
the curtain” of my day to day operations!
I think my background as an athlete has
played a major role in my success - to be a
great athlete you have to be disciplined and
most of all you have to be COMPETITIVE
- and I definitely am competitive!
Great peers and mentors are a must have!
When I left the wild world of auditing (ha!)
and obtained my real estate license no one
at our company had the time to train me!
Our vision is to continue
to grow our company in
an innovative way that
supports our community,
our family and God’s work.
We turned to my father’s mentor Ray Stou-
demire and he patiently taught me the real
estate business for two years. Ray taught
me how to have integrity and kindness in
tandem with being successful. There aren’t
many people in the business world like Ray
and I was grateful to have him as a mentor!
Ray still takes time when I call to help me
through this crazy career!
W2W: What is your vision for your com-
pany in the future?
Ashley: Being in the development and con-
struction business we have definitely seen
ups and downs. I’ve joked with my dad be-
fore that I have seen the best of times and the
worst of times all before I was 30 years old!
I have been very blessed to be involved
in a ‘family business’. My brother recently
Professional
graduated with his Masters in Real Estate
Development (MRED) and has joined my
parents and me at McGuinn Homes. ‘My
vision’ is really ‘our vision’ since we all work
together! Our vision is to continue to grow
our company in an innovative way that
supports our community, our family and
God’s work. We’re looking forward to what
God has in store for our family and our
business!
W2W: Tell us about your family.
Ashley: I have a wonderful husband who
was born and raised here in Lexington. He
is still showing me the ropes of the town
photo by Clark Berry Photography
Ashley Dooley
since I am from ‘the other side of town’ (ha!
We joke about that all of the time, that I am
not an ‘original Lexingtonian!’)
I have a great family and am blessed to see
most of them on a daily basis at work, well
almost all of them, with the exception of my
sister who lives in Georgia with my three
gorgeous nieces! I try to see them as much
as I can! Seeing your family everyday makes
work fun – and definitely keeps it interest-
ing! There isn’t much ‘personal’ informa-
tion in a family business! Everyone knows
everything!
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 43
44 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

photo by Clark Berry Photography
Ashley Dooley with Melissa Birdsong (left) and Donna Summers (right) in a McGuinn model home in Pleasant Hills
W2W: What male role model has played
the biggest part in who you are today?
Ashley: I would definitely have to say my fa-
ther. Not only is he my ‘boss,’ he is a great
leader in our family. He has taught me to
give freely and dedicate myself 100% to
whatever I do. The best part is that he doesn’t
just tell you to do it - he shows you, through
the way he lives his life. There’s nothing he
commits to that he doesn’t commit 100%
to. That’s the best way to live because you’re
definitely not promised tomorrow!
W2W: What female role model has made
the biggest impact on who you are today?
Ashley: I would have to say it’s a tie between
my two grandmothers! One was the most
patient, loving and caring woman. She
taught me unconditional love and patience.
My other grandmother is a true fighter - a
cancer survivor. She has taught me how to
be strong and courageous!
W2W: What is a favorite quote that helps
you get through difficult days or situations?
Ashley: There is a poster in our office by
Charles Swindoll that reads: “The longer I
live, the more I realize the impact of attitude
on life. Attitude, to me, is more important
than facts. It is more important than the
past, the education, the money, than cir-
cumstances, than failure, than successes,
than what other people think or say or
do. It is more important than appearance,
giftedness or skill. It will make or break a
company, a church, a home. The remark-
able thing is that we have a choice everyday
regarding the attitude we will embrace for
that day. We cannot change our past. We
cannot change the fact that people will act
in a certain way. We cannot change the in-
evitable. The only thing we can do is play on
the one string we have, and that is our at-
titude. I am convinced that life is 10% what
happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.
And so it is with you. We are in charge of
our Attitudes.”
Also, here is a great one from Ray Stou-
demire: “If you’re ever going to get out of
the real estate business, quit on the day of
a closing, you’ll never want to quit!” (I love
that one, and too funny too!)
W2W: Share with us one thing that most
people may not know about you.
Ashley: That’s a tough one! I would have to
say I am deathly afraid of heights! Some-
times even standing on a chair can make my
knees shake - HA!
Professional
W2W: What is one holiday tradition that
you plan to make part of your family’s tradi-
tion or some tradition that you have brought
to your marriage?
Ashley: Thanksgiving is always fun! Instead
of the traditional turkey and fixin’s, we have
homemade chicken enchiladas, with fresh
tortillas sent in from our family in Phoe-
nix with homemade refried beans and rice.
My husband and I will definitely carry that
tradition on with our own family! It’s the
Thanksgiving fiesta! There’s plenty of tur-
key to go around at all of the other holiday
stops! Now I just have to convince my dad
to pass along the top secret recipe!
Thanksgiving is
always fun! ...It’s the
Thanksgiving fiesta!
– Ashley Dooley
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 45
Professional
Portrait of the artist
by Jody Truesdale
T he portrait was mesmerizing. The
more I gazed at it, the more I real-
ized just how perfect, how beautiful it was.
The attention to detail was amazing. Each
child wore a matching pearl bracelet and
their gowns literally blended into one. As
the younger sister slept, older sister serenely
watched over her, almost as if whispering in
her ear, “sleep little sister, I’ll protect you.”
That attention to detail, that perfect posi-
tioning, that beauty, they all are hallmarks
of Cynthia Pace Photography. The owner,
Cynthia Pace has loved photography since
she took a photography class at University of
South Carolina while she was still in middle
school. As her love for photography grew,
so did her professional aspirations. Cynthia
earned her undergraduate degree in studio
Cynthia Pace
art, and then her Master’s degree in art edu-
cation, both from USC. Cynthia taught art to
school students early in her career, but as her
family grew, the camera became a more inte-
gral aspect of her art. It started as she photo-
graphed her own children, then her children’s
friends. The natural progression for Cynthia
was to turn the photographs into portraits.
When this happened, Cynthia’s passion truly
blossomed. Cynthia says it best, “You have
46 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
to love doing what you do to succeed, and I
love taking pictures of people.”
To truly experience Cynthia’s passion, you
have to visit her studio on Sumter Street
or her website, www.cynthiapacephotog-
raphy.com. At either location, you will see
extraordinary portraits of individuals and
families, infants, maternity portraits and
beach scenes. My personal favorite, the one
described above, came from Cynthia’s Heir-
loom and Signature Portraits gallery. Re-
gardless of your favorite portrait, a common
theme runs through all of Cynthia’s work.
Cynthia describes it as sharing God’s work
with her family friends and clients.
“I am constantly amazed at the beauty and
inspiration that surrounds us. It overwhelms
me, and my heart overflows with apprecia-
tion for what God has blessed us with. If I
can share just a fraction of that joy and ela-
tion, I have done what I believe I was put on
this earth to do.”
You have to love doing
what you do to succeed,
and I love taking pictures
of people.
A common theme throughout Cynthia’s
website is an awesome reverence for God
and His creations. This love is obviously
what also led Cynthia to her “Angels and
Sweethearts” charity event. The charity event
began as a promotion that Cynthia held in
the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. Pace
turned her annual promotion into a fund-
raiser for the March of Dimes. The idea for
the charity was to hold a portrait special and
then use the images in a calendar. The key
to the program’s success however, was cre-
ating multiple revenue streams. Pace raised
funds for the charity not only through ses-
sion fees and calendar sales, but through
sponsorships, charity auctions and addi-
tional print sales. One of the key additions
to the promotion was instituting an online
voting competition for the calendar images.
The project kickoff was held in November,
2008 at a banquet for the March of Dimes.
Pace raised $1,000 for the march of Dimes
immediately by auctioning off one of the
calendar spots. In January, Cynthia held 25
“Angels and Sweethearts” sessions over the
course of several weekends. Indoor sessions
had a sitting fee of $80. Outdoor sessions
cost $100, with all of the sitting fees going
directly to the March of Dimes. The intro-
duction of the online voting truly increased
the donations to the March of Dimes. After
the 25 images were posted online, friends
and family could vote, for $1.00 per vote,
for their favorite images. The top 11 images
would join the original auction winner to
create the 12 calendar images. In one month,
participants cast more than 15,000 votes for
the different images. That gave the March of
Dimes $15,000 from the voting alone! In all,
Cynthia’s charity event raised nearly $20,000
for the March of Dimes. The calendars will
be sold at Cynthia Pace Photography and
through local boutiques, with all proceeds
going to the March of Dimes.
“To raise that much money with only 25 ses-
sions is amazing,” says Pace. “But we think
we can do better. For next year, we’d like to
book 100 sessions. Just imagine what we can
contribute with those numbers!”
Whether she is raising money for worth-
while charities, taking pictures of her friends
and family, or creating “one of a kind” life-
time memories through her portraits, Cyn-
thia pace truly feels blessed. She loves what
she does, and what she does captures loving
memories, for a lifetime. Cynthia says it best
when she states, “It’s our life’s work, and we
wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have that love for
what we do.” Go by Cynthia Pace Photog-
raphy, or visit her online at www.cynthia-
pacephotography.com. You will be intrigued,
awed and humbled at the “celebrations of
God’s creations” she creates.
Cynthia Pace Photography
“An Artist Celebrating God’s Creations...”

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A beautiful Heirloom or Signature
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www.cynthiapacephotography.com
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 47
Services
Lexington County Recreation
and Aging Commission
by Elaine Samples
T he mission of LCRAC is to improve
the quality of life for all citizens
through creative and meaningful life enrich-
ing experiences. LCRAC was created by an
act of the South Carolina Legislature in 1968
as a Special Purpose District to serve com-
munity residents living in Lexington School
Districts 1-4 and officially absorbed into its
operation the existing senior citizen pro-
gram in 1980. The Commission currently
owns and operates over 45 parks and facili-
ties, including seven multipurpose Senior
Centers, three leisure and wellness centers,
gymnasiums, a tennis complex, ball fields,
sports complexes, horse arenas, bike track,
soccer complexes, and multiple parks with
playground equipment, walking trails, ball
fields, soccer fields and tennis courts.
Lexington County Tennis Complex
LCRAC offers a wide range of programs,
classes, and services for residents of all ages
including art, dance, karate, exercise and fit-
ness, sports camps, gymnastics, and tennis
tournaments. It also hosts a variety of local,
regional, and national soccer, football, and
tennis tournaments, and runs an after school
program and summer day camp for children
ages 5 through 12. Aside from the basic
physical benefits of team sports and calorie
burning, children can benefit in other ways,
including social, emotional and physical
ones. Involvement in team sports also helps
reinforce the three “P’s” – practice, patience
and persistence, which translate into more
important life lessons as well.
Programming and special events offered
48 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
throughout the year are centered around the
needs and requests of the local communities
where the various facilities are located and
the groups using them. For example, all sev-
en Senior Centers offer the same core group
of services, but they vary greatly on types
of recreations and educational activities of-
fered. LCRAC’s Council on Aging offers
a variety of programs and special services
for the elderly adults in Lexington County.
Service provisions for senior adults include
Meals on Wheels, Home Care, transporta-
tion to/from senior centers, Medical Escort,
Information and Referral Assistance, Noon
time meals at the Senior Centers and an an-
nual service project for home repair. The
LCRAC Council on Aging has programs of-
fered Monday through Friday at each of the
LCRAC offers a wide
range of programs, classes,
and services for residents
of all ages...
seven senior centers located throughout Lex-
ington County. These assorted programs are
expanded to include nutrition and wellness
information, physical fitness classes, health
screenings, local trips, crafts, educational
programs, and recreational/socialization op-
portunities. Through the LCRAC, seniors
are also able to enjoy special events such as
the annual Luau, Senior Sports Games, holi-
day projects (i.e., Tree of Blessings and Holi-
day Goody Bags), volunteer opportunities,
Classic Travelers program and much more.
LCRAC also regularly partners with other
agencies and groups to provide additional or
coordinated services for clients.
The Commission receives 73% of its budget-
ing operating revenue from property taxes
approved by the taxing authority of Lexing-
ton County Council. Additional revenue
Jay Criscione –
The baton is passed
Ted Stambolitis, owner of the Flight Deck
in Lexington and Community Leader
said of Jay Criscione, “Because of his vi-
sion, hard work and diligence, sporting
events and facilities have grown tenfold
in Lexington County.”
Mr. Criscione was the Executive Direc-
tor of the Lexington County Recreation
and Aging Commission (LCRAC), and
he was also a cancer survivor for several
years. In 2006, he was diagnosed with
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the throat
which he battled successfully, but then
was diagnosed later with Cholangiocar-
cinoma, or cancer of the bile duct, which
he ultimately lost his battle with it earlier
this year.
“The quality of life in Lexington has in-
creased to the better substantially because
of Jay,” said Mr. Stambolitis.
Paulette Criscione, Jay’s sister, had this to
say about Jay’s impact on our community:
“He was very proud that his vision helped
the county and that it had an economic
impact on everyone. He was proud of his
staff and all the employees that helped
with making his vision possible.”
As Randy Gibson steps into the role of
Executive Director, the baton is passed.
Randy shares the same vision and com-
mitment to the community as Jay. Lives
of children as well as those of Senior Citi-
zens have been impacted by the legacy of
work that Randy will continue.
“Because of his vision,
hard work and
diligence, sporting events
and facilities have
grown tenfold in
Lexington County.”

comes from program fees, grants,
and fundraising. LCRAC maintains
an “AA-” rating from Standard and
Poor’s on its outstanding general
obligation bond debt for capital im-
provements that is guaranteed by
the taxing authority of Lexington
County Council. The leading chal-
lenge facing LCRAC today is the re-
cent and continued rapid growth in
requests for services, especially that
of Group Dining and Home Deliv-
ered Meals. Every year, the number
of meals served increases by several
thousand. Lexington, Tri-City and
Batesburg-Leesville Senior Centers
are regularly serving more than 100
meals per day, with the other Se-
nior Centers experiencing similar
growth. This demand will escalate as
the Baby Boomers move into their
60’s and beyond. The challenges lie
not only in funding the services, but
in managing the logistics of provid-
ing the services: staffing, volunteers,
space, equipment, vehicles, etc. LC-
RAC has been proactive in planning
for these challenges by acquiring
funds to build additional facilities
or expanding existing ones, increas-
ing the frozen meal program, and
actively seeking funding to pay for
additional meals and staff. If you or
someone you know can help in any
of these areas, please contact LC-
RAC through its website provided
below.
LCRAC and its programs have en-
joyed recognition for its excellence,
including the 2003 Agency of the
Year Award from SC Recreation
and Parks Association and several
program awards from the South
Carolina Office on Aging. From its
directors, front line staff to part time
employees, LCRAC prides itself
with a staff that works hard to en-
hance the lives of others, especially
those it serves, through creative and
enriching life experiences.
To learn more about the sites, programs
and special events offered by LCRAC,
please visit its website at www.lcrac.com
or call (803)359.4048 to be placed on its
quarterly newsletter mailing list.
Meet a Rockette – Jessica Park
W 2W: What lead you down the path
to becoming a Rockette?
Jessica: I’ve been taking dance lessons since
I was 2 and 1/2 years old. I started out at
Miss Marion’s School of Dance in Spartan-
burg SC. My tap and jazz teacher, Lori, was
a former Rockette, and I remember seeing
her Rockette photos hanging on the studio
walls. I remember looking at those beautiful
ladies in their glamorous costumes thinking
“I’m gonna be one of those girls one of these
days.” I took lots of ballet as well. I spent sum-
mers away at summer ballet programs one of
which was Columbia City Ballet’s summer
program led by William Starret. After high
school I went to the University of Oklahoma
where I received my B.F.A. in Dance. Then I
moved to NYC and started auditioning!
Jessica Park
W2W: How does it feel to be performing so
close to home?
Jessica: Well, I’m actually going to be per-
forming in NYC this year but I think it is
fantastic that the Radio City Christmas
Spectacular is coming to my home state and
that people from the Columbia area will get
to see this fabulous holiday tradition right in
their own backyard! We will be performing
at the Colonial Life Arena on December 6th
for two dazzling performances!
W2W: What is one of your favorite memo-
ries of holidays at home?
Jessica: I remember sleeping in my bed when
I was a little girl at home in SC on Christ-
mas Eve and I heard reindeer bells ringing. I
knew Santa had landed on my roof and was
about to drop all my presents off. I was very
excited and didn’t get out of bed because I
remembered my mom telling me that Santa
wouldn’t leave my presents if I got out of bed
Services
and he caught me snooping around. It makes
me laugh because now as a Rockette I’m one
of Santa’s reindeer dancing on stage and pull-
ing his sled! Oh, and because I was a good
girl and didn’t get out of bed, Santa had left
all kind of presents for me when I woke up
Christmas morning!
W2W: How much do you rehearse?
Jessica: The Radio City Rockettes rehearse 6
hours a day 6 days a week for about 4 weeks
to perfect our precision dance routines. One
of which is the parade of the wooden soldiers
which has been in the Radio City Christmas
Spectacular since 1933.
W2W: Where all do you travel?
Jessica: With the Rockettes I have performed
in Nashville, Denver, Detroit, and New York.
The arena tour is visiting 31 cities starting in
Canada and traveling all up and down the
East Coast including, of course, a stop in our
state capitol of Columbia.
W2W: What is your favorite venue that you
have performed in?
Jessica: I have to say my favorite venue that I
have performed in is Radio City Music Hall
because it is such a beautiful example of Art
Deco style and grace. It is huge theater with
almost 6,000 seats. I love the fact that Rock-
ettes for over 75 years have been entertain-
ing audiences on the Great Stage just like I
do now.
W2W: What would you say to someone else
who may aspire to become a Rockette?
Jessica: Live your dream. If you have a goal,
work hard to achieve it. Don’t ever listen to
anyone at anytime tell you that you can’t do
something. Also know that hard work and
persistence will get you farther than you ever
can imagine. I loved dancing and took dance
classes almost everyday growing up but I was
never the favorite. I never picked dance steps
up the fastest. I never had the most flexibility
or the prettiest feet but I knew what I wanted
and went for it. These are the people who are
currently out there making it in the world of
professional dance!
The Rockettes will perform at the Colonial Life
Arena on December 6th. (See their ad on page 32.)
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 49
Services
Trends for 2009
by Ruth Chapman
T he name of the game in jewelry for
2009 is value. With the state of the
economy women are looking for more
bang for their hard earned buck. Accord-
ing to the August 2009 issue of Modern
Jeweler, a trade publication, the following
is a compilation of some of the top ten na-
tional trends in jewelry for 2009.
1. Silver is a big item this year. With gold
prices hovering around $1000.00 per
ounce and silver prices about $17.00 per
ounce it only makes sense. The trend is
bold geometry and sculpture. The chunky
bangle, the long beaded necklace, these
are what’s hot this year.
2. “Blackground”, this is a blackened finish
added to distinguish silver designs and
is a good companion to other metals as
well. It makes the colors “pop” and really
adds depth to jewelry.
3. Retails under $500.00. Again this makes
sense with most of America’s disposable
income dwindling. Look for affordable,
yet bold.
4. Rocks and minerals are big this year. Col-
orful, patterned ornamental gems give a
pretty stylish look at an affordable price.
5. Organic gem shapes, for instance fire opal
are in vogue. Pull out those pretty stones
you found on your family trip to the gem
mines while visiting in the mountains.
We can set the stone in a mounting for
a pendant or ring that is unique, but af-
fordable.
6. Peace and love symbols are big this year
with the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.
Also words written in or on jewelry such
as love, peace, bliss, etc. Zodiac signs are
also making a comeback.
7. Collectible beads from many manufac-
turers are big this year. The most popu-
lar and recognizable name is Pandora.
However, as the trend has blossomed
50 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
other manufacturers have begun making
their own brand of beads. Many times the
lesser known brands of beads are made to
fit rival brand bracelets. Beads range from
silver to glass and are usually very color-
ful, ranging in price from $6.00 to $45.00
and up for the more exotic beads. They
are typically found on bracelets, but ear-
rings, necklaces and purse adornments
have emerged from this new trend.
The trend is bold
geometry and sculpture.
The chunky bangle, the
long beaded necklace,
these are what’s hot
this year.
8. Personalization is popular this year.
Again, using the bead example above,
some beads are lettered so monograms
or spelled out names are a possibility. The
slider bracelets are usually value priced
and can be designed to fit a personal
taste.
9. Transformers are not only showing at
the box office but are found in some of
this year’s trends. Rings that turn into
pendants, earrings that become bangle
bracelets, and interchangeable jewelry,
are some of the newest styles, again to get
the biggest bang for the buck.
10. Compound cuts are popular. This is tak-
ing multiple smaller stones and grouping
them together in a familiar shape to give
the appearance of a larger stone. For ex-
ample a ring that looks to be a 1.00 carat
solitaire upon closer inspection is actual-
ly a multiple diamond ring weighing .66
carats. Can’t afford 2.00 carat diamond
earrings? Try compound cut style ear-
rings to get the look at a more affordable
price.
These are some of the national trends,
showing up on the runways and red car-
pets around America and the world. In
our neck of the woods, we are seeing the
collectible beads, mentioned in number 7.
We are also seeing the popularity of silver
products and have added a jewelry case
marked ‘Gifts under $100’ that includes a
number of silver items. We are seeing more
chunky style fashion bracelets and neck-
laces for the fall. For a little pricier item
that is classic yet stylish, we have the in-
side/out hoop earrings. These hoops have
diamonds on the outside of the hoop as
well as the inside of the back. So the hoops
really sparkle when they catch the light,
whether it’s sunlight or subdued restaurant
style lighting.
As with the green movement that our new
president has spearheaded, botanical jew-
elry is in vogue. Leaves and flowery designs
with colored stones either real or synthetic
are popular this year.
Finally, when choosing a special piece of
jewelry, (consider this a Christmas hint,
guys) classics like pearls, traditional shaped
diamonds and three stone anniversary
bands are always in style and can be worn
dressed up or down, depending on the oc-
casion. Just like clothing, you should invest
in a few really nice, classic pieces that will
be in fashion for years to come.
C
C
THE
HAPMAN
OMPANY
Visit The Chapman Company at 903 North Lake
Drive in Lexington for the latest trends in jewelry.
(See their ad on page 7.)
 L e x i n g t o n Wo m a n c e l e b r a t e s t h e s u r v i vo r i n yo u
T he following Survivor stories are a
little different than previous issues.
One is about a lady who turned her fight
into a blessing in her own life she is a cancer
Survivor. Another story is about a Survivor
who didn’t have cancer but survived the loss
of someone she loved who was an 8 year
survivor.
I hope the next few pages of Lexington Wom-
an will do more than inspire you. I want them
to encourage and motivate you. I hope they
will make you believe in the strength that
is inside you when something horrible and
frightening looks you in the face and dares
you to stand up and move forward. This
magazine is not about cancer. This magazine
is about Survivors. I believe it is wonderful
that so many people come together in the
month of October to focus on breast cancer;
however, women get diagnosed every day of
the year with all types of cancer. That is why
Lexington Woman will highlight at least one
Survivor in each edition.
This magazine is dedicated to the belief that
you are capable of many things that you
yourself don’t even realize you’re capable
photos by Clark Berry Photography and Angie Roper Photography
of and one of those things is the amount
of fight that is inside of you. It isn’t impor-
tant if your fight is against cancer, diabetes,
high blood pressure, COPD, physical abuse,
sexual abuse, mental abuse, infidelity, low
self esteem, depression, and the list goes on.
What is important is how hard you FIGHT.
I saw a flyer for a fundraiser for a group of
ladies who are incredibly precious to me the
‘Ta-Tini’s and you can buy one of their T-
shirts at Merle Norman in Lexington, that
said this, “Fight Like A Girl.” Let’s do that.
Let’s fight like girls — strong, motivated, un-
stoppable girls.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 51
Celebrating the Survivor in You
Daddy didn’t deserve it
by Elaine Samples
I remember the day they told my fa-
ther he had six months to live. I can
close my eyes today, four years later, and
feel exactly what I felt at that precise mo-
ment. I was sitting in my office and my sur-
roundings suddenly became very surreal.
As people walked up and down the hall
self absorbed and full of life, I wanted to
shout, “How can you be normal? How can
you walk around and talk about contracts
and due diligence and what you are having
for lunch? Don’t you know that my father is
dying?” I closed my door and cried. I wept
and sobbed and trembled and asked over
and over, “Why? Why? Why? Please, God,
no. Don’t let it be.”
My father and I always had a very good
relationship. In fact, my father had a good
relationship with most everyone he en-
countered. Slow to anger, quick to forgive,
ready with a smile, people wanted to be
around my dad. Cliché as it sounds, he’d
give a stranger “the shirt off of his back.”
In fact that very giving personified in his
life and that of my mother angered me as a
kid, even more so as a teenager. I couldn’t
understand the selfless nature of it and I
made countless excuses as to the many
things they could have done with their
time and resources that were more produc-
tive and fruitful. As an adult, I understand
now more than ever how important their
giving was to so many people and how it
has enriched my life in more ways than can
be quantified.
So, how could this man who was everything
good in this world be falling victim to that
nasty, vicious, EVIL disease called cancer?
He didn’t deserve this. Give it to the peo-
ple who abuse little children, or to those
who had no patience for the elderly, or to
the racist people who foolishly believed
that theirs was the “superior people” and
all others were less human. Or the CEOs
who stole from hard working Americans
and caused people to lose their homes and
everything they had ever worked for. Yes.
Give it to those people. But not my daddy.
52 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
His entire life was about giving. He never
took much of anything. Certainly noth-
ing he didn’t deserve. He was a doer and a
giver and the world would simply not be as
good without him. My dad did not deserve
to die. Not so young.
I had never been married, didn’t have chil-
dren. Oh, my God. Who would walk me
down the aisle? And suddenly this became
an obsession of mine. Approaching thirty
years old, focused on my career and mak-
ing my own way, I had never been one of
those girls who fixated over her wedding
and dreamed of the white dress and pink
So, how could this man
who was everything good
in this world be falling
victim to that nasty,
vicious, EVIL disease
called cancer?
flowers, the fairy-tale day all about her.
Never. But suddenly, every single day I
thought about how empty and sad my
wedding would be without my father there
to give me away. It’s the silliest things that
consume us during times of such uncer-
tainty and pain.
Subsequently, I set out to see him every
moment that I could, tell him every good
thing I’d ever thought about him, bestow
upon him the very best way I possibly could
the insane amount of love my heart held
for him. I started making the hour drive to
my parents’ house after work some days. I
spent weekends there. Every Sunday after
church, we watched football in his hospital
bed. I walked with him to the garden and
I picked the weeds that he could no longer
pluck as he sat on the bucket at the end of
the row and watched me with pride. I felt
guilty that only in his death had I made it
important enough to work in his beautiful
garden. I felt like my heart would explode
sometimes as I struggled for the words
that would convey to him what he meant
to me. But how could I ever really tell him
with words? They seemed so inadequate.
Or even the sincerest of actions. How do
you say “thank you” to the man who sac-
rificed over and over and over and over so
that your life could be better? How do you
tell him that you credit all of the good stuff
you are to him and your mother and how
do you tell him how sorry you are for every
time you ever disappointed him, made him
cry, stayed out too late, said a bad word,
didn’t study hard, kept his change, forgot
to clean the toilet, yelled at your mother,
fought with your brother?
Many times, I was brave and strong and
light hearted and fun as I kissed him good-
bye, but as soon as the door closed on my
car, I would slump my head over the steer-
ing wheel and cry and beg God to help me
through it. Sometimes, I would be forced
to pull over on the side before I reached
the end of the road because the tears were
flowing and my vision was obstructed.
Other times, I would lay and cry with him.
I didn’t want to cry. He didn’t want me to
cry. He didn’t want to cry. I didn’t want
him to cry. But we knew it was okay. And
we soothed and patted and comforted and
rested in the love we had for each other.
A bond between father and daughter that
was stronger than the most durable chains
and deeper than all of the oceans com-
bined. A love that would remain, no matter
if he outlived me in this temporal realm or
if I remained on the earth fifty years after
he was gone.
He lasted about eight months. The end was
very painful. It was difficult for him be-
cause he was an intensely proud man and
he never desired that his wife (my mother)
or his children witness him as anything
but the man of strength, bravery and cour-

age that he was. Always an active man, he
was no longer able to “get up and go” like
he’d always done. He relied heavily on my
mother for his daily care and it was very
agonizing for him. But he lived with dig-
nity and heroism until he drew his last
breath. He fought so hard. He was ready to
go, but he damn sure didn’t want to.
In the last weeks, the house was literally
never empty. People came from all walks of
life to pay their respects to my dad. Some I
had never seen before. Many that I vaguely
remembered. Others that were very famil-
iar. Not one person departed with dry eyes
or without a heavy heart. As we sat at the
kitchen table one night, people parading
through the house and into his room to say
goodbye, my pastor of childhood turned to
me and said, “Kid, it’s been since I was a
little boy that I have seen so many people
come to pay their respects to one person at
the end of his life. This is a testament to the
man your father is. Be very proud of that.”
I couldn’t have been any more proud of my
Daddy.
As he passed from this world and into the
next, the years literally lifted from his face.
It was as though the clock was rewound
thirty years and it suddenly became very
clear to me just how hard he had fought.
For us. Not for him. He was in a better
place now. He knew very well that he was
Celebrating the
headed to the land where there is no sick-
ness, no sorrow, no sad goodbyes. But he’d
fought so valiantly to remain on this earth
because he knew we weren’t ready for him
to go. Right then, I think I was even more
proud of him, even though I hadn’t thought
it possible.
The days and weeks that followed were
emotionally challenging. For as long as I
could remember, I had telephoned my fa-
ther during my commute to work in the
mornings. I knew he was awake, probably
just watching the news, and it was “our
time.” Who knew what the rest of the day
would hold and this was a sure way to talk to
him every day. I remember the first morn-
ing I picked up the phone and punched in
his speed dial number on my cell phone. I
waited for it to ring and with sudden real-
ization, I threw the phone to the back of
my car. How stupid. No one was going to
pick up the other end of the phone. I want-
ed to call him many times. I wanted to hug
him, talk to him, watch football with him
and jump up and down and scream at the
TV, eat one of his fresh tomatoes, take him
a new pair of tennis shoes and see the look
of excitement I was responsible for (it was
the little things he enjoyed), watch Meet the
Press together, have him tell me stories of
his own father, listen as he sang the songs
of my childhood, simply sit in his presence
and bask in his love. But I knew those days
were over. The “firsts” were hard, of course.
Survivor in You
‘...it’s been since I was a
little boy that I have seen
so many people come to
pay their respects to one
person at the end of his
life. This is a testament to
the man your father is. Be
very proud of that.’
I couldn’t have been any
more proud of my Daddy.
First Father’s Day, birthday without him,
planting season, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
I still think of him every single day. And at
first, when I thought of him, I cried a lot.
But then one day I realized that I smiled
more than cried when my thoughts drifted
to my father. I am not sure when it hap-
pened. But I can promise you this, it does
happen. And when it does, you realize that
you’ve overcome a hurdle and life gets a
little easier. Because the truth is, life does
go on. It has to. And that is just the way my
daddy would want it.

• Custom fittings for wigs, breast prosthetics,

mastectomy bras and non-mastectomy bras for
hard to fit women, lymphedema garments
• In Home fittings
• Host support group meetings
• Educational Resources; Learning is power!
• “I’m healthy and sexy” seminars
• Speakers Bureau – for your staff, group or faith
based organization
www.alala.info • We accept VISA, Mastercard and Discover:
We will gladly help you file Medicare and most
other insurance

803.545.4373 • 1225 Laurel Street, Suite 103 • Columbia, SC 29201

Monday through Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm • By Appointment 7 days a week 8:00am - 8:00pm

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 53
Celebrating the Survivor in You

Aqua power
Vital Energy Occupational & Physical Therapy Center helps
patients to perform rehab through Aqua Therapy
by Hima Dalal

A quatic Classes vs. Aquatic

Therapy?
A recreational facility may provide aquatic Vital Energy is the only
classes for people with a variety of disabili-
ties, but our program and pool is unique. At rehab center in the
Vital Energy they provide an aquatic therapy Columbia/Lexington
experience through their Hydroworx Pool.
area to offer a
A licensed therapist will provide individu-
alized exercise in the pool according to the Hydroworx pool with a
medical necessity of individual patients. state of the art
Patients who have previously been unable
to start treatment with land-based exercise underwater treadmill.
photo by Clark Berry Photography
may be able to tolerate a water program
more quickly and more effectively. This Hima Dalal

Underwater Treadmill Power Hose Jet

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

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Power Jets • Occupational Therapy • Aqua Detox
Shoulder Rehab Sports Rehab
• Physical Therapy • Women’s Health Issues
– Chronic/Acute Pain
• Reiki Therapy
• Yoga/Personal Fitness
• Pediatric Therapy
• Weight Loss/Toning
• Aqua Therapy
• Ayurvedic Diet
• Myofascial Release Treatment
and Craniosacral Therapy • Permanent Cosmetics
Chair Lift Aquatic Push-ups

Hima N. Dalal 803.359.1551

Occupational Therapist
Reiki and Myofascial Release Consultant
www.vitalenergytherapy.com 163 Charter Oak Road
Sports Personal Fitness Consultant
Lexington, SC 29072

54 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

 Celebrating the Survivor in You

Thank you!
I wanted to take this opportunity to give a little rec-
ognition to a giving woman. As someone who tries
always to think of others, I sometimes jokingly refer
to her as the ‘gift lady.’ She is always quick with a thank
you. Allow me to tell you a little about the co-founder
of Chemo With Style, Mrs. Terry Vann-Schon.

For the last two years, we have had the pleasure of

co-hosting Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show, a
fundraising event for Chemo With Style, which is an
organization that helps women (and now men) with
any type of cancer who may be going through chemo
Hydroworx Pool at Vital Energy therapy or radiation therapy as a treatment for their
cancer. They provide wigs, turbans, accessories, a soft
place to land, and a number of other things for anyone
could allow a patient to heal more • Balance and gait disturbance who is going through chemo.
efficiently than without an aquatic • Neurological disability
option. • Obesity Terry is an incredible woman who has such a heart for
• Sensory impairment for pediatric our community. It is hard to have a conversation with
In addition, the pool features the conditions and sensory her without eliciting tears in some form or fashion.
following to assist in patients treat- impairment She cares so deeply for the vision she shares with her
ment: • Lymphedema co-founder Paulette Criscione. Sometimes in life we
meet people who are doing exactly what God created
• An integrated variable speed Why Aquatic Therapy? them to do — Terry is one of those people.
treadmill The water is a unique exercise envi-
• Resistive jets ronment because it decreases pain, Terry’s contagious generosity is the perfect fit for her
• Massage hose muscle spasms and allows increased role as Director of Volunteer Services for Hospice
• Removable grab bars mobility. This permits earlier treat- Care of Tri-County. Terry appreciates and values each
• Water temperature at 92˚ ment of people who are unable to of the volunteers at Hospice as well as every person
• Entry into the pool can be gained tolerate a land based exercise pro- who has contributed to Chemo With Style.
through steps with handrails or grams. In the water, a patient can
Hydraulic chair lift for easy access work on: I am very pleased to be affiliated with this organization
and all it does, and specifically with a woman who is
Vital Energy is the only rehab center • Strength so passionate about helping to improve the quality of
in the Columbia/Lexington area to • Endurance lives of others.
offer a Hydroworx pool with a state • Posture
of the art underwater treadmill. • Mobility Thank you Terry, for your many contributions to our
• Sensory Integration community.
The Hydroworx pool is ideal for • Body Mechanics
those suffering from: • Cardiovascular Training
• Chronic pain • Balance
• Arthritis management • Range of Motion
• Fibromyalgia
• Neck, shoulder, lower back, knee, Contact Vital Energy at (803) 359-
hip, groin and ankle injuries and 1551 to see if Aquatic Therapy is the
pain right option for you, or please visit
• Post-op conditions (e.g. ACL, our website at www.vitalenergyther-
TKA, laminectary, rotator cuff apy.com.
repair, joint replacement)
• Scar management
• Sports and work related injuries

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 55
 Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show, November 2008
Learn more and see other photos at www.chemowithstyle.com

“Chemo with Style” was founded in November, 2005 by Paulette Criscione and Terry Vann-Shon and through all the
heart felt volunteers who have dedicated their time and belief in this class to help others. It's a class that invites all
types of cancer survivors to participate in a fun evening to learn about different headwear fashions and other
personal appearance tips. It helps to retore their sense of worth, which is crucial to help with their fight against
cancer. The class meets every other month, and since its beginning, it has helped many people. This class is no cost
to the survivor. Visit www.chemowithstyle.com for our class schedule.

The “Chemo With Style” events have been made

possible by the donations of many caring, loving
people.

Sponsors:
South Carolina Oncology Associates

Hospice Care of Tri-County

“Chemo With Style” Volunteers

Graciously accepting Donations

Please call Terry Vann-Schon
Paulette Criscione and Terry Vann-Schon

Contact Terry Vann-Schon for more information

803.400.1177 | 166 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100 | Columbia, SC 29210 | www.chemowithstyle.com

56 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

“Chemo Real isWomen
with Style” a © copyrighted program with Hospice Care of Tri-County.
 Celebrating the Survivor in You

Joan Robinson
Hair To Stay, LLC

W 2W: What is Hair to Stay, LLC?

Joan: I started Hair to Stay LLC in
2007 because I saw a need for men, women,
of hair. Sometimes, less stress can also en-
hance new growth of hair.

and children experiencing hair loss who
needed my services at affordable prices.
W2W: What is the vision for your company?
Joan: My vision for my company is to be able
to help children and young adults with all
types of hair loss to look their best without
feeling self conscious.
W2W: Tell me three things that you find re-
warding about your career.
Joan: What I find rewarding is to see the
smile and confidence that my work allows a
child to regain, to hear that a child I’ve had
the pleasure of assisting is now more active
in school, sports, or everyday life activities,
and to know that my work helps to make
someone’s wedding day or special occasion
a day of beauty and remembrance.
W2W: What can you help women with re-
lating to hair loss, or growth?
Joan: Women take pride in their hair, so hair
loss affects not only their physical appear-
ance, but also their emotional well being and
physical health. I can help make their life a
little less stressful due to the thinning or loss
W2W: I know that you are a supporter of
our fashion shows and specifically Chemo
With Style. How did you get involved?
Joan: I went to a church luncheon where
I met a young woman who was an admis-
sion nurse with Hospice Care of Tri-County.
While conversing, I told her that with my
profession, I specialize in hair replacement.
She then began to inform me about Chemo
with Style and all that they do with women
who are experiencing hair loss due to being
a cancer survivor or currently going through
treatment. Knowing that this was a group
that strived to help these women, I thought I
could offer my services as well.
W2W: What is your favorite memory relat-
ing to your work?
Joan: My favorite memory is of a seven year
old who was born with Androgenetic diabe-
tes. She was getting ready to start 2nd grade,
but didn’t want to go due to being picked on
and made fun of because she did not have any
hair. She always kept her head held low and
never made eye contact. Once I put on her
hair piece, which had pigtails, she seemed to
have just come alive. She smiled and smiled
Christmas is my
favorite holiday because
it is the birth of Christ.
– Joan Robinson
and smiled. I saw the joy in her eyes.
W2W: Can you tell us some attributes you
have that help you as a business owner?
Joan: Being that I am a hair wearer, I have
compassion. Due to the current status of the
economic situation, I am also understanding
and can be very flexible with my prices. I
am not only business minded, but I am also
mindful of my client’s personal needs.
W2W: Will you share with our readers your
favorite holiday memory or tradition?
Joan: Christmas is my favorite holiday be-
cause it is the birth of Christ. This is a time
to celebrate and worship him and to thank
God for my family and clients, who are also
like family.

TO STAY Before

HAIR REPLACEMENT CENTER

Specializing in hair replacement for men, women & children

(803) 731-5370 or (803) 731-5367

Fax (803) 731-5365 or 1-877-8TOSTAY (886-7829)
100 Ashland Park Lane • Suite D • Columbia, SC 29210 After

www.lexingtonwoman.sc 57
Celebrating the Survivor in You
Toni Kelly
Sugar Cookie Dolls & Jewels
I am a 39 year old stay at home mother
of two, running a successful cottage in-
dustry and here’s my story:
About six years ago, I was in desperate need
of some “me time” so I struck up a friend-
ship with a glue gun and before you knew it,
a fairy doll was born! Sadly, my grandmother
passed away around that time. While help-
ing my mom clean out my grandmother’s
closet, I had an “ah ha!” moment. You see,
my grandmother was anything but typi-
cal, she was foxy! She always had her hair
beauty shop perfect, makeup flawlessly ap-
plied, wearing something fancy and due to
a height complex, she ALWAYS wore heels.
Of course, she would be carrying a match-
ing handbag and wearing all the right ac-
cessories. I guess just looking into her closet
and seeing all of her things together like that
made me really reflect on her personality.
I thought about how she would dress ev-
eryday as if anticipating something special
would happen. She was so happy, funny and
positive. It’s hard to explain it exactly, but I
left my grandmother’s house that day feeling
somehow inspired.
I ended up inheriting a vast collection of
costume jewelry, fabric, handbags, shoes,
Handmade, one of a kind whimsical
Fairies • Angels • Dolls • Christmas Ornaments • Keepsake Boxes
Mermaids • Pixies • Elves • Witches • Jewelry
www.sugarcookiedolls.com
Toni Kelly: (803)732-9348 or tonibkelly@hotmail.com
58 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
etc. When I say vast, I mean that she appar-
ently NEVER threw anything away. It has
something to do with growing up during a
depression; I guess we could all learn a les-
...when someone orders a
pink ribbon doll from my
website, I donate $5 to
the Susan G. Komen for
the Cure organization.
son from that! Anyway, with my newfound
inspiration, I started incorporating those
inherited items into my craft projects. It
was like a floodgate was lifted and all this
creativity came flowing out. I started mak-
ing lots of little whimsical dolls and orna-
ments with her costume jewelry and other
odds and ends. The reaction that I received
from my family and friends was just enough
to make me decide to start my own business
that I named Sugar Cookie Dolls. I named it
that in honor of my late grandma, Margaret
Cooke Milam aka: Cookie.
In the summer of 2005, I was diagnosed with
breast cancer. Luckily, it was caught before it
had spread. That experience left me with a
strong sense of “so glad to still be here” and
with a strong urge to tell every woman that
I know to get a mammogram. It also gave
my creations a new and important focus. I
started adding a pink ribbon to most of my
dolls and when someone orders a pink rib-
bon doll from my website, I donate $5 to the
Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.
In January of 2006, I started making jew-
elry. I would have never pictured myself as
a jewelry designer, it just sort of accidentally
happened. That’s when my business became
Sugar Cookie Dolls & Jewels. I have recently
been incorporating some of my grandma
Cookie’s jewelry into my jewelry creations.
I sell from the 3 websites listed below, check
it out if you want. People tell me that my
pixie dolls make them feel happy or that see-
ing what I have created makes them laugh;
People tell me that what I’m doing has in-
spired them. That to me is the biggest com-
pliment that I could receive. I guess my goal
is to remind women to get a mammogram
and to also encourage everyone to celebrate
their life! Be Happy! Stay Positive!
 Business & Web Directory

Animal Hospital Hospital

Grace Pets Animal Hospital...........................................36 Lexington Medical Center.................. Inside Back Cover
www.gracepets.com www.lexmed.com

Arts & Entertainment Hotels

Art Imitating Life.............................................................15 Country Inn & Suites......................................................41
www.art-imitating-life.com www.countryinns.com
Melony Stuckey................................................................42 Wingate by Wyndham....................................................15
www.lexingtonwingate.com
Sugar Cookie Dolls & Jewels..........................................58
www.sugarcookiedolls.com
Insurance
The Studio.........................................................................21 State Farm.........................................................................39
www.thestudiolexington.com www.sfyourstyle.com
Assisted Living Jewelry
Agape.................................................................................28 The Chapman Company...................................................7
www.agapesenior.com www.thechapmancompany.com
Boutique for Surviving Women New Homes
Alala...................................................................................53 McGuinn Homes.............................................................44
www.alala.info www.mcguinngroup.com
Cable, Internet, and Phone Services Nutrition Consultant
Time Warner Cable.........................................Back Cover Carolina Nutrition Consultants, Inc.............................24
www.twcsc.com www.CNConWeb.com
Children’s Sports OB/GYN
Sunburst Gymnastics......................................................20 Columbia Women’s Healthcare......................................31
www.sunburstsc.com www.columbiawhc.com
Dentist Lexington Women’s Care................................................27
www.lexingtonwomenscare.com
Palmetto Comprehensive Dentistry..............................29
White Knoll Dentistry....................................................23 Photography
www.whiteknolldentistry.com Clark Berry Photography..................Inside Front Cover
www.clarkberry.com
Education
Cynthia Pace Photography.............................................47
fastFORWARD at Newberry College............................19 www.cynthiapacephotography.com
www.newberryfastforward.com

Eye Care Printing Services

Pine Press Printing..........................................................12
Envision Eyecare..............................................................26 www.pinepressprinting.com
www.envisionfamilyeyecare.com
Promotional Marketing
Green Services and Products Midlands Promotional Marketing.................................41
Tomato Palms...................................................................41 www.midlandspromomktg.com
www.tomatopalms.com
Salon
Hair Replacement Palmetto Styles.................................................................17
Hair To Stay......................................................................57
Therapy
Health Services Creative Therapy..............................................................25
Chemo with Style.............................................................56 www.mytherapycentercolumbia.com
www.chemowithstyle.com
HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab........33 Travel and Entertainment
www.healthsourcechiro.com Colonial Life Arena.........................................................32
Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center.....................54 www.coloniallifearena.com
www.vitalenergytherapy.com

Hospice
Hospice Care Of Tri-County..........................................35
www.medicalservicesofamerica.com
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 59
A Personal Note

I would like to dedicate this edition of Lexington Woman to survi-

vors. You inspire me. You inspire all of us.

I have met so many men and women in the last five years who have
overcome insurmountable odds and found the strength to believe in
themselves sometimes when no one else did. Men who have survived
lung cancer over twenty years, men who have survived the death of a
spouse. Women who have survived breast cancer, colon, kidney, skin
cancer, women who have survived abusive spouses, women who have
survived abusive parents, men and women who have survived brutal
forms of child abuse and abandonment. I applaud each of you. You
make me want to be a better me.

Sometimes I worry about how ‘sentimental’ this page of the magazine is;
however, the older I get the more I realize that time is a gift and saying
what we mean is the only thing of any real importance that we say at all.
Let’s believe in ourselves, to achieve what people tell us is unachievable
and to be the best ‘us’ we can be. Last year I had the privilege of speaking
at a local elementary school to a group of fourth and fifth graders.

I asked those students, “What do you think would happen if you found
out you had cancer, and then you read a copy of my magazine about
cancer survivors?”

A young man raised his hand and answered, “I would think I could
survive too.” 

I had to fight back the tears as I smiled at him, because he got it. He got
what Lexington Woman is all about – sharing good information and
inspiring others to believe in themselves just because you are worth it.

I believe that all we need sometimes is to be reminded of what God can

do. The only limitations on our lives are the limitations we put on Him.

Thank you for letting me share positive stories of encouragement.

Thanks for continuing to read Lexington Woman from cover to cover
and for emailing us with your own stories. I look forward to seeing you
soon. In the mean time, be kind to each other.

Your friend,

Lori Samples Duncan

Psalm 105:1-2
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his
name; make known his deeds among the
peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!

P.S. I know you like pictures, so I wanted to show you how my children
have grown. Email pictures of your family for us to share soon.
photos by DreamWeaver Photos

60 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

We wouldn’t have been voted best hospital ten
straight years without people like Nina.

For ten consecutive years, readers of The State newspaper have voted us
the area’s best hospital. But a hospital is only bricks and mortar; it’s the
people working here who have earned us that honor, dedicated people
such as Nina, our volunteer coordinator. Thanks Nina, and thanks to more
than 5,000 of our Lexington Medical Center employees, each committed to
serving the people in our community with the highest degree of excellence.

www.lexmed.com