Volume VI
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING
Real WOMEN
Melissa Birdsong What’s cookin’ mama?
Ashley McGuinn Dooley At home with Ashley
Debbie 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
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING
9
Real WOMEN
14
43
From the Editor 3 Melissa Birdsong What’s cookin’ mama?
Ashley McGuinn Dooley At home with Ashley
Things We Love about
Donna Summers
A Lexington pacesetter
Lexington 4
Palliative Care
Hospice Care of Tri-County Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll
Volume VI
Editor-In-Chief:
Lori Samples Duncan (
[email protected])
Project Coordinator: Lauri Truesdale
Let’s Talk
5 6 8 9 11 12 14 16
Continuing to Cruise for Success 2009 My ordeal Future Lexington women to look for! What’s cookin’ mama? Recipes you’ll love Lori Harmon Moroz Debbie Summers – a Lexington pacesetter Lexington Woman loves Lexington men!
Contributing Writers: Ruth Chapman Allen Cook Edna Cox Hima Dalal Dr. Briana Davis Lori Samples Duncan Dr. John Moore Lydia Ramsey Elaine Samples Jody Truesdale Martha Windsor
Cover Photo:
Clark Berry Photography
Publication Layout and Ad Design: Melissa Wates
Education
18 fastFORWARD
Kids
20 Margaret Jones O’Hara – “Maggie” 21 Timbwerwolves cheerleader takes down gator
Health & Wellness
22 24 26 28 30 33 34
Melissa Backman Holiday survival skills Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Assessing the needs of your loved ones Why not tonight? Losing weight with HealthSource Chiropractic Palliative care
Photography:
Angie Roper Photography Cathy Lindner Clark Berry Photography Cynthia Pace Photography Dream Weaver Photos
Woman 2 Woman Enterprises
PO Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 808.0866 | www.woman2woman.sc
Pets
36 When your pet brings home uninvited guests
Professional
38 40 42 43 46
Let it be “Your Style of Success” – Ladies of State Farm Agency Greeting card tango: How to impress, not stress, during the holidays Bathed in color At home with Ashley McGuinn Dooley 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 Team Captains (L to R): Jared Williams, Trey Duncan, Daniel Eichelberger, Aaron Holmes, Hunter Laag, Jordan LeMay, Craig Blakey, and Dusty Moore
www.woman2woman.sc
[email protected] 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 and winter 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
[email protected] (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.
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 favorites 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 thirtyminute 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.
Happy Holidays!
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
Let’s Talk
Continuing to Cruise for Success 2009 by Lori Samples Duncan
photo by Clark Berry Photography
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photos by Clark Berry Photography
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
** 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 was beautiful. Celebrating our third year in Lexington, we wanted to host an event that would be a night of fun and great company. It was a “ladies only” event, and we had a blast. Just as we did in the last issue, we have chosen several ladies who were a part of our Cruisin’ for Success Boat Tour to feature in this edition. I hope you enjoy reading about the
wonderful ladies who joined us that evening as much as we enjoyed spending a few hours with them. Again, thanks to each of these ladies for hopping on board, leaving the world behind for a couple of hours and making the cruise such a special night. Let’s plan to do it again next year! In this issue, you will read articles 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 subdivision for our cover shoot. We had a wonderful time creating the cover, and of course, the model home was amazing. 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 momentous decision. My doctor and I discussed 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-
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 appointment with my OB/GYN and then another pre-op appointment with the anesthesiologist. That was the first time I had ever
Because I was now a work–in patient in an OB-GYN office, 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
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. photo by Clark Berry Photography
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 intentionally 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 vacation planned, and I soon found out that she would not be in town during the surgery. I was very disappointed but determined it
(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 doctor’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 patient. She asked me to sit and she would work it out. A little while later she told me everything was okay, and we were still on.
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
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 room. By the time he came in I was bordering on hysteria. To his credit, he stayed with me, asking me several questions trying to determine the source of my concern. He asked if I had wanted more children. I ticked off, barely able to speak at this point, why I shouldn’t have any more children. I’m 44 years old, I have a daughter about to graduate high school and we have no more room in our house! I also mentioned that my mom was out of town and was not able to be with me during the surgery and that I am Catholic. It was very difficult to talk at this point, and I felt I was blubbering. He finally said that the surgery needed to be postponed at the very least, so that I did not get depressed by doing something I was going to regret. He went over several alternatives to the hysterectomy, but I am sure I did not hear much of what he said. He finally told me to take all the time I needed and we would talk again at another time. 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 crying. 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.
C C
Never have I been more embarrassed about being overly emotional. But, I am a female going through a life changing decision, and I think I am entitled. I was pleasantly surprised to find that no one was at the desk, and except for one nurse I passed in the hallway briefly, my fast walk to the car was uneventful. I cried hysterically all the way home from downtown Columbia to the outer skirts of Lexington. I walked in the house, lay on the bed and cried some more.
Wearing flowers in my hair and taking pictures by the tree at Christmas.
- Zoe P.
At Christmas when I got my glass jewelry box. It made me feel good, and I still have it.
- Savannah R.
Santa brought me a big plastic horse. It was a total surprise.
- Emily T.
Never have I been more embarrassed about being overly emotional. But, I am a female going through a life changing decision, and I think I am entitled. I have come to the conclusion that a hysterectomy is NOT for me. I keep thinking about never being able to have another baby. And even though my husband and I don’t necessarily want any more children, I still want the option left open. Is that crazy?
THE
HAPMAN OMPANY
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
Mallie Bray and Sara Platt
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hrista Danielle Hall is a junior, Honors 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 Secretary 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 orchestra. Christa participated in the People to People Student Ambassadors during the summer of 2008 and spent 3 weeks touring European countries to learn their culture and history. She also participated as an Alumni of People to People Student Ambassadors in President Obama’s inauguration. She is a leader in her community, not only in school but in her faith as well. She is a very 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 community wherever she is. —Norma J. Hall
eautiful, talented, and smart! Mallie Bray and Sara Platt are triple threats. Both of these young ladies attend Northside Middle School and are in the 8th grade. Not only are the girls on the honor roll at school, they also take classes at the Columbia Conservatory 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 Productions of The Nutcracker and Dracula. One of the owners of the Conservatory, Mariclare Miranda says that both Mallie and Sara are well rounded and serious dancers with positive attitudes. Sara Platt was the winner of the 2009 National Photogenic Competition at the Kids Artistic Review in Myrtle Beach. Also, she was Little Miss South Carolina in the year 2007-2008. Not only does Sara dance and do pageants, she also volunteers. Sara volunteers for organizations such as 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 nursing home residents. Mallie Bray was awarded a tap scholarship through the conservatory for the 2009-2010 season. She also accepted an invitation to New York to take lessons with the Radio City Rockettes and Steps on Broadway in 20072008. After graduation Mallie plans to head to New York to pursue her dreams as a professional dancer. Both of these young ladies have bright futures as they plan to pursue dance in their careers. Until then, we are fortunate to watch them perform in local productions.
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
[email protected] for consideration in our next issue.
2009-2010 White Knoll High School JV Cheerleaders Bottom Row (left to right): Brook Montgomery, Madison Moody, Shelby Tasker,Tricia Andrews, Mallory Roberts Second Row (left to right): Kirsten Roland, Lacey Dunaway, Sevanna Aguilar, Brooke Dailey, Cammie Colin, Ginger Milton, Lindsay Smith, Amelia Shirley, Sarah Truesdale, Kaitlyn Grigsby Third Row (left to right): Amber Lee, Kimberly Grubbs, Lora Jackson, Rebecca Howell, Alyssa Eberflus, Madison Lambert, Breanna Knight,Teshauna Smalls, Alexis Armour, Casey Signorino, McKenzie Brown (Not Pictured: Alexis Jones, Queen Norris)
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
Let’s Talk
What’s cookin’ mama? One on one with Melissa Birdsong
It’s not so much the competition I enjoy, but more so challenging myself to see how creative I can get in the kitchen.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
Let’s Talk
I’ve lost over 100 pounds and 8 or 9 sizes depending on the style.
photo by Clark Berry Photography
Before...
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
...After!
Let’s Talk
Recipes you’ll love! by Melissa Birdsong
1
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 minutes or until juices run clear. You can exchange the Rosemary for any herb of your choice. 2. Apple Gingerbread Cake
My favorite specific tradition is spending the night before Thanksgiving with my in-laws. – Melissa Birdsong
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 ½ cup Smart Balance margarine, softened 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 (8 ounce) package fat free or reduced fat cream
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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 butter, 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 ingredients together gradually adding the olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
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Let’s Talk
Lori Harmon Moroz Pine Press Printing
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2W: Please tell us a little about Pine Press Printing and the history of the company. Lori: Pine Press Printing was opened in October 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
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-
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.
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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 Graphics Program. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to intern with Norb Jackie Dream Ad 8/31/09 12:37 PM and Page 2
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 deadlines, the clients, the employees, the equipment! 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 businesses. 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.
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
W2W: How has Pine Press grown over the last five years? Lori: Pine Press Printing has grown particularly in the area of a strong team working together. The employees that are here today were here five years ago. This creates a relationship with clients of trust and stability. It allows me as an owner to work on the busi-
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
Let’s Talk ness instead of in the business on a daily basis. Secondly, our equipment has evolved, today we are an environmentally-friendly printer. Our new digital printers and Heidelberg 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 continue to grow. I am excited about moving 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 attended our Town of Lexington Police 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.
I expect this economy can only stifle us so long and we will continue to grow. I am excited about moving forward, while we have leaned up and become stronger, this will allow us to become more profitable as we grow. I have to mention Nikki Haley, a good friend who is inspiring me daily as I watch her strive for fiscal responsibility throughout our government. I admire her for her charisma and determination as she follows her dream of servitude leadership and making a difference that we as business owners can count on and trust.
My mom had a small tree on a table and it had rainbow candy canes on it for Christmas.
- Leonasia B.
It was the Christmas before my Nanny died, and she gave me a soccer doll and a cheerleader doll. It made me happy.
- Savannah G.
One Christmas I got this yellow car I always wanted. I play with it all the time.
- Kyle S.
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 desire 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.
As our business community continues to feel the economic pressures, www.lexingtonwoman.sc
13
Let’s Talk
Debbie Summers – a Lexington pacesetter
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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 chairwoman. Debbie: Being the first female chairwoman is quite an honor. To have your fellow Coun-
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 another woman to step out of a comfort zone and try something that their heart is leading them to do.
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 allow 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 citizens 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
with the responsibilities of the home, my husband is the one who makes it all possible. 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 wonderful 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!
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
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 accomplish 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 situation, 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 being 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 mission, 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 others at the top of our agendas, then more is accomplished and more people are successful. 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 family night supper, that Bud and the guys cook on the grill. Play with the grandsons while
Let’s Talk 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 Council. 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. Professionally, 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 because we have an excellent sales team. But whether it is Lexington County Council or Sun Printing, I will be more successful if I
surround myself with others who have the same goals and values. That is true in any venture. W2W: This edition is focused on the holidays, share with our readers one of your favorite holiday traditions or memories. Debbie: The one tradition for my family that really makes both Thanksgiving and Christmas special is our tradition of selecting our Christmas tree. For many of the past 26 years, we have traveled to the majestic mountains of North Carolina with special family friends, to find the perfect tree at a tree farm! A real Christmas tree! We normally leave Thursday after we have celebrated Thanksgiving with our respective families and head north! I just love that this tradition is now something my Grandsons look forward to! On our way home after a fun weekend, we reflect on how thankful we are for family, friends, and traditions. We rejoice that our “perfect tree”, decorated in
grand fashion, will be the centerpiece of our homes for the holidays, as we focus on and celebrate, the birth of Jesus Christ!
The one tradition for my family that makes both Thanksgiving and Christmas special is our tradition of selecting our Christmas tree. – Debbie Summers
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
15
Let’s Talk
Lexington Woman loves Lexington men! Meet Bubba Easler – a local “Good Guy”
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illiam L. Easler, better known as “Bubba,” sets the example when it comes to loving other people and building 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.
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 NASCAR 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 doing, or his renters down in Swansea just call-
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!
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. 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 using 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
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, Harriett, 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
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
Another favorite memory is when he was our softball coach and before every game, he would take our whole team to the batting cages in Lexington. We would all get practice 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 anyone! 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
Let’s Talk our lives. It touched us just as much as those that we were helping.” Bubba is a local “good ‘ole boy” because he enjoys spending time with others. Whether it’s having a cookout in his backyard and inviting 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 elementary, 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 destination. 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
him and pass by. He’s got a special nickname for everyone so he loves to yell out a special saying to everyone who passes by and help them start their mornings with a smile. He serves as an usher at St. Stephens’s Lutheran Church and enjoys shaking hands with everyone on Sunday mornings. Bubba is turned 62 on July 31st of this year. He had a lot to celebrate. He survived a massive heart attack two years ago and he believes he survived because the Lord has some more plans for him before it is officially his time to go. In October, his first grandchild, named “William” after him, was born. Bubba Easler truly appreciates life and enjoys building relationships with everyone around him. He’s never too tired or too busy to spend 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 way and he will never forget that. He’s a good 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? Please send us a detailed essay explaining 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
[email protected]. We will notify you by email if your ‘good guy’ is chosen.
When I got my flying Robot my dad gave me for Christmas.
- Colton D.
The Christmas that I got a DS and an iPod.
- Cassidy W.
Playing with my brothers at Christmas. - Lexi M.
At Christmas time because we eat dinner for breakfast
- Theresa B.
Palmetto STYLES
HAIR S AL ON
9 9 6 - 5 5 3 2 •117 E. Main S tr ee t • Lexingt on www.lexingtonwoman.sc
17
Education
fastFORWARD by Martha Windsor
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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, Newberry 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 complete 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 responsibilities 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 challenging 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
“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.”
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.”
fastFORWARD is a forward-thinking program 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.
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.
Unlike other online degree programs, Newberry 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, attended 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,
your money and your experience are highly valued. You can choose when you attend class. Most students will qualify for financial aid, student loans, or perhaps tuition reimbursements. Furthermore, some students may opt to take CLEP* or DANTES** tests. Students who score well on these exams will receive college credit for courses.” Jessie explains, “You earn credit hours at a significantly reduced rate which saves both time and money.” Newberry College won’t promise you’ll keep fit or have a spotless vehicle, but it will help you reach your career goals. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet an exercise buddy and encounter a Greek-sponsored car wash or two as you progress to your degree. Disengage the pause button for your plans; resolve to contact Jessie and move fastFORWARD toward your dreams.
For more information, contact the Director of Adult Education, Jessie Long at 803-321-5691 Email:
[email protected] Website:www.NewberryFastForward.com
_____
* CLEP (College Level Examination Program) is a program run by College Board (producer of SAT.) CLEP testing gives college credit for skills and knowledge gained through internships, independent study and on-the-job training. **DANTES, or DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests,) stands for the US Department of Defense’s Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Program. These are also credit-byexam tests available for eligible military and civilian students.
We offer flexibility.Your time, your money and your experience are highly valued.
I had good times in my Halloween costume — a stormtrooper with a mask and suit.
- Landon W.
accelerated adult degree completion program
Earn a business degree in Organizational Management in as few as 24 months!
There was this Halloween costume on this person, and it looked like it would never come off.
- Chandler G.
program info: t
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www.NewberryFastForward.com
[email protected] (803) 321-5691
The Halloween I got $5 and bought a shirt.
- Adrien E.
Dressing up like the Red Power Ranger and Trick or Treating from the back of cars when I was in Kindergarten. - Justin H.
Halloween at Mimi’s with my cousins. - Caroline V.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
19
Kid’s Stuff
Margaret Joan O’Hara –“Maggie”
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ongratulations Maggie O’Hara! Maggie is a 10 year old gymnast at Sunburst 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 Training Center located at Bela Karolyi Gymnastics Camp. Maggie completed the 2009 USA Gymnastics 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 participate 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 Karolyi. The Karolyi’s coached Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, Kim Zmeskal, Kerri Strug and many other World and Olympic Champions. More than 50% of the current Nation-
al Team and 3 of the 2008 World Championship 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 Accelerated 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
1156 South Lake Drive • Lexington, SC 20
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women
www.sunburstsc.com
Kid’s Stuff
Timberwolves cheerleader takes down gator
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ammie Colin, a sophomore and JV cheerleader at White Knoll High School, became the first 16-year-old female to kill and harvest an alligator in South Carolina. Her alligator weighed in at 353 pounds and was 10-feet, 5 inches long. It was killed at Lake Marion just south of Sparkleberry Swamp. To bag her gator, Cammie had to win one of 1,000 lottery slots available for South Carolina’s annual public alligator harvest. The hunt is allowed by the state as a way to harvest 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 hunting party authorized to shoot the alligator. Cammie was in a boat with four others including: family friend and guide Jay Iadonisi; 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.
Working Studio and Gift Shop
Cammie Colin, a sophomore and JV cheerleader at White Knoll High School, became the first 16-year-old female to kill and harvest an alligator in South Carolina. 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
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