February 2009 Columbia Metropolitan

2 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN F E B R U A R Y 2009

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 3www.columbiametro.com


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CONTENTS

Volume 19 Number 7

Contents

Features33 2009 Guide to Tying the Knotby Deena Bouknight

DepartmentsPalmetto Business14 Racing Toward Business Success“Backing into” Panic MotorsportsBy Sam Morton

18 Garnet and Black … and Green?The University of South Carolina goes greenBy Sam Morton

Home Style21 Earthy and ArtsyLauri and Martin Moore’s home renovation journeyBy Katie McElveen

26 Reformed “Messes”Tips from your neighbors on making life a little easierBy Meredith Good

30 Tackling the Odd JobsColumbians are turning their hobbies and talents into unique careersBy Katie McElveen21

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CONTENTS

Volume 19 Number 7

Food For Thought60 As Time Goes ByA new beginning for MirageBy Susan Fuller Slack, CCP

Advertising Sections57 Gotta Have It!65 Getting Down to Business

In Every Issue8 From the Publisher10 City Scoop32 New to the Neighborhood?62 Good Eats70 Picture This71 Just Married72 Out & About

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

Henry Clay

EDITOR

Emily Tinch

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Robyn Culbertson

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lindsay Niedringhaus

EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR

Dennis Craighead Design

ADVERTISING SALES

Shawn CowardDenise Floyd

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Robyn Culbertson

OFFICE/PRODUCTION/CIRCULATION

MANAGER

Lindsay Niedringhaus

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Deena Bouknight, Meredith Good, Katie McElveen, Sam Morton,

Susan Slack

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Amberg, Robert Clark, Jennifer Covington, Bob Lancaster

INTERNS

Jessica Berger, Lindsay Brasington

Columbia Metropolitan is published 10 times a year by Clay Publishing, Inc., 3700 Forest Drive, Suite 106, Columbia, S.C. 29204. Copyright © Columbia Metropolitan 2009. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Advertising rates available upon request. The publishers are not responsible for the comments of authors or for unsolicited manuscripts. SUBSCRIPTION price $19.97 a year, $29.97 for two years in the United States. POSTMASTER send address changes to: COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN, P.O. Box 6666, Columbia, South Carolina 29260. (803)787-6501.

About The Cover:Columbians Amanda and Brian Bluestein

were married this past summer.

Photography by www.SteelyKerr.comCourtesy of Bella Vista Bridal

COLUMBIAM E T R O P O L I T A N

My children have often asked, “What is the point in studying history?” This question usually comes in the early teen years right

before or after a grueling exam or paper. As it says in Ecclesiastes, “ ... nothing new is under the sun.” This truth from the Bible becomes readily evident when we see mankind making the same mistakes over and

over again from past ages to the present. If my children gain nothing more than this realization from their history studies, then I will deem it time well spent, and hopefully, they will too someday.

This thought crossed my mind recently when I read two articles on the same day concerning South Carolina and the economic downturn. The first reported on the stellar year the Upstate had experienced with the announcement of over $2 billion in capital investment from new and existing businesses. The second reported on South Carolina mayors, through the U.S. Conference of Mayors, shoving their way for a spot at the federal slop trough where they can feed on infrastructure spending goodies. Charleston’s Joe Riley tops the South Carolina wish list with over $1 billion in requests. Our own Bob Coble wants $374 million, and other mayors in smaller towns would like federal money for pet projects. Noticeably absent from the line of porkers were the mayors from Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson. As Greenville mayor Knox White put it, “The agenda of the Conference of Mayors just isn’t usually our agenda.”

Now, you may ask, “What does history have to do with this?” If you’ve read any of Walter Edgar’s excellent books on South Carolina history, you will recall that the Upstate was settled by independent individualists who prefer to do things their own way. This character trait has served them and their areas well. As the rest of the state is standing in line with their hats out hoping Uncle Sam will put something in them, the Upstate is receiving $2 billion in free market, free enterprise capital investment, which has far more impact dollar for dollar than wasteful and often corrupt government spending. History has also shown us that big government spending programs are short-term Band-Aids at best in healing a sick economy. Long term, they keep us from reaching our true economic potential with their inefficiencies and usual graft. If government spending is the answer to man’s economic problems, why did the Soviet Union collapse?

Instead of looking for a government bailout, the rest of South Carolina’s municipalities should take a page from the Upstate’s playbook and figure out how to create a more attractive business environment. They may find that it has more to do with the fundamentals of free enterprise, such as less governmental interference, and better managed city government.

Sincerely

Henry ClayPublisher



CITY SCOOP

The Columbia Regional Sports Council has announced that

rowing crews from around the nation will once again return to the Richland County Rowing Center for winter and spring training.

More than 200 rowers will enjoy three miles of unobstructed flat-water found on the Broad River. The Richland County Rowing Center on the Broad River is the launching base for these training sessions.

Teams include Georgetown University, Bucknell University, Syracuse University, Tabor Academy and St. Mark’s School of Massachusetts. Georgetown University starts off the 2009 training sessions with its sixth consecutive trip to Columbia.

Hosting teams of this nature generates an awareness of Columbia and provides an economic impact

upon the community. Scott Powers, executive director for the Columbia Regional Sports Council, says, “This is valuable business for our community. We estimate these teams will spend over $300,000 on food, lodging, shopping and entertainment. This program continues to grow as more teams learn about the Broad River, the Richland County rowing facilities and the Columbia Rowing Club, which works hard to be the perfect host for these teams. We look forward to making a friendly and lasting impression on these and future crews.”

For training schedules and to see these teams in action at the Richland County Rowing Center, contact Columbia Rowing Club training coordinator George Park at (803) 429-2597.

The Richland County Public Library will host An Evening with Jerry Pinkney, legendary children’s book illustrator. He will speak at 4:30 p.m. on

Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the Bostick Auditorium of the Main Library. Jerry will sign books after the program, which is free and open to all ages.

A brilliant artist and illustrator of more than 80 titles, most of Jerry Pinkney’s work focuses on multicultural and African-American themes. Jerry has received five Caldecott Honor Medals, five Coretta Scott King Awards and is a two time Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner.

In addition to his work with children’s books, Jerry has had more than 30 retrospective exhibits at major U.S. venues, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. Jerry has illustrated for a wide variety of clients including the U.S. Postal Service, the National Parks Service and National Geographic. He lives with his wife, author Gloria Jean Pinkney, in Westchester, New York.

Jerry is a native of Philadelphia, and he studied at the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts), and, in 1992, he was recognized with the college’s alumni award. In 2003, he received the honorary doctor of fine arts from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.

For more information, visit www.richland.lib.sc.us or call (803) 799-9084.

Legendary Illustrator Jerry Pinkney Comes to Columbia

Rowing Teams Choose Columbia For Training



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If poetry were a team sport, Emily Padget would be captain. The 16-year-old Richland

Northeast High School junior, a student in two of the school’s magnet programs, Horizon and Palmetto Center for the Arts/Literary Arts, won First Place in the South Carolina Young Poets Prize contest. On Dec. 16, she also won RNE’s Poetry Out Loud competition, the first step in the national poetry recitation contest, when she read “Litany” by Billy Collins and “Planetarium” by Adrienne Rich.

At press time, Emily was preparing to compete in the Midlands Regional Competition on Jan. 17 at Morris College in Sumter. She was scheduled to compete against winners from Aiken, Calhoun, Darlington, Dillon, Edgefield, Fairfield, Florence, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry, Richland, Saluda

and Sumter counties. The winner of that phase will compete on the state level in March.

Jasmine James was RNE’s first runner up, and Kenosha Parker was second runner up. Jasmine read “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley and “Salome” by Ai. Kenosha read “Theme for English B,” written by Langston Hughes, and “Insomnia” by Elizabeth Bishop.

Competitors in the Poetry Out Loud contest, which was founded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, choose poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology, then memorize them and present them in a live performance, which can incorporate elements of poetry slam and theatre as well as recitation.

For information on the competition, contact Susan Silverstein at (803) 699-2800 ext. 2742.

Emily Padget Represents RNE at Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition


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PALMETTO BUSINESS



Every successful small business begins with passion – an unquenchable belief that you can take something

you do well and make a living doing it. So it is with Steve and Becca Bertok of Panic Motorsports. Along with business partner Jerry Horn, Steve and Becca have built an auto racing enterprise in the heart of Lexington County.

The way Steve tells it, he sort of “backed into racing.” At the time a parts salesman for a local salvage yard, Steve attended an American Le Mans Series race at Road Atlanta with some friends. “I thought that was really cool, so I came back home, researched it a little and found out we had a local racing organization here, the Sports Car Club of America – South Carolina Region,” he says. The organization is composed solely of volunteers. Part of its appeal for Steve was that if he attended training classes to work the flags or various other safety positions, he could get better-than-front-row, trackside views of the races for free. So he went to a training session in 2000 conducted by Becca Watson, a polite – though no-nonsense – lady who also happened to be a racer.

Steve began racing with the SCCA’s Solo II program in 2000, and in 2001 he won South Carolina Region’s Solo II Driver of the Year Award and the Street

Modified Solo II Championship in the state and in the Southeast Division. Steve and Becca eventually found they had more than a love of cars in common and were married in 2002.

When Steve still worked for the salvage yard, he would buy a Mazda Miata and sell it for parts. “That would fund my racing. But then one day, I thought if I could do that consistently, I could start my own business.” Jerry, a long time friend, was looking to make a career change as well, so he came along with Becca and Steve, and they opened Panic Motorsports in the fall of 2006.

The original idea for Panic Motorsports was (as the story goes) conjured up by a few gear-head friends on a bar napkin. The business, in addition to acting as the umbrella organization for the Panic Motorsports racing teams, sells high-quality, tested salvage auto parts for Mazda Miatas and RX-7s (street cars and race cars alike) as well as custom vinyl decals, Autopower roll bars, Carbotech brake pads and more.

Panic also rents race cars, a widely- practiced approach within racing circles, yet hardly known outside them. “Oh yeah,” Steve says, “a driver could race his entire career and never own a car.” He says the advantage of renting, especially early in one’s career, is that the driver can judge whether he or she has the knack and the commitment for the sport without a tremendous initial investment. “That’s an area of our business I’d like to grow for the future.”

With respect to racing, Panic has grown into a team of 15 drivers and officials. It has members in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, England and Holland. Its members compete and officiate at permanent road courses including Daytona International Speedway, Roebling Road Raceway, Carolina Motorsports Park (outside Kershaw), Road Atlanta,

Virginia International Raceway, Trailway Speedway and Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The team boasts over 10 championships, including Steve’s 2008 Carolina Cup Pro Series championship win, which he took at Virginia International Raceway in October.

Steve admits that part of racing’s allure is the adrenaline rush it provides. “But when I’m out there, I don’t really

Racing Toward Business Success“Backing into” Panic MotorsportsBy Sam Morton / Photography by Robert Clark

Steve and Becca Bertok, along with business partner Jerry Horn (standing), have built an auto racing enterprise in the heart of Lexington County.

Every successful

small business begins

with passion – an

unquenchable belief

that you can take

something you do

well and make a

living doing it.


think about that. I’m just competitive,” he says. “Then I get past the competitive part and realize what great social and family events the races are.”

The Bertoks’ daughter, 3-year-old MariKate, has been to every one of Steve’s races except one. Mom even put on her helmet and competed in a race six weeks after giving birth. “We didn’t exactly tell the doctor, but we had been to see him that day, and he cleared her for anything,” Steve says, his hands outstretched and a “you-didn’t-see-me-do-it” grin.

From NASCAR to Kart racing, part of racing’s appeal historically has been the accessibility of its drivers. The Club Car divisions in which Steve races are no different. “If someone has crash damage, everybody dives in to help. It doesn’t matter if he races in your class or not,” Steve says. “The drivers are competitive. They’re totally different people when they put their helmets on, but they would rather beat you on the track than off. That’s what contributes to the atmosphere.”

From a business standpoint, Steve’s reputation and presence on the circuit have helped him cultivate more out-of-state sales than local for Panic. “We very much enjoy doing business here in the Midlands and would like to get more, but the vast majority is out-of-state with most of it in Florida.” He looks to make his business grow overall. “More cars, more parts sales, more rentals,” he says.

But outside the garage bays, the track also awaits. The new season begins in February and Steve, reflecting on himself and his racing team around the country, utters a similar sentence, “More checkered-flags, more trophies, more fans.”

To find out more about Panic Motorsports, log on to www.panicmotor sports.com. If you’re interested in becoming a member or participant, find out more about the South Carolina Region Sports Car Club of America at www.scr-scca.com.



PALMETTO BUSINESS

Somewhere around the fifth grade, all of us learn about Earth’s natural resources – renewable ones such as water and timber and non-renewable ones like oil and coal. We memorize the information, get

tested on it and, before you know it, we’re in our thirties driving up to a gas pump in our 16-miles-per-gallon SUV loaded with groceries in non-recyclable plastic bags. So much for conservation.

To paraphrase Mark Twain, every-body talks about going green, but nobody ever does anything about it. Not so when it comes to the University of South Carolina. Scientists there conduct world-class “green” research, making Columbia one of the national centers for such work and placing the university at the forefront of this particular burgeoning field of scientific inquiry.

“The University of South Carolina has solid credentials in energy research and is committed to becoming even stronger,” says Harris Pastides, the university’s president. “South Carolina is home to the nation’s only industry/university cooperative fuel cell research center, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and

industry partners. Innovative energy research is crucial not only to America’s sustainable economic development and well-being, but also to the ecological future of our planet. Scientists at the University of South Carolina aim to be at the forefront of that important work.”

One of those scientists is Travis Knight, a mechanical engineering professor working on perfecting the next generation of nuclear reactors

called fast reactors. “Traditional nuclear power plants use water to slow neutrons down and as a coolant. Fast reactors allow us to produce energy more efficiently because we can use more uranium as it exists in nature, and new reactors will use nature’s gravity to cool them,” he says.

Traditional reactors, which produce energy through nuclear fission, use mostly uranium 235, a small fraction of uranium found in nature. “Only one

Garnet and Black … and Green?The University of SouthCarolina goes green

By Sam MortonPhotography by Michael Brown,courtesy of University of SouthCarolina Publications

Travis Knight, a mechanical engineering professor, is working on perfecting the next generation of nuclear reactors called fast reactors.


percent of the uranium needed to make nuclear fuel is used in current reactors. Fast reactors allow us to use 100 percent of uranium found in nature,” Travis says. He has visited prototype reactors smaller than the production reactors that will eventually come into use. “Even the small prototype plants produce enough energy to power 100,000 homes,” he says.

While all reactors − even the new generation − produce radioactive waste, fast reactors enabling recycling are even safer by a factor of 100, says Travis. As the world frets over Iran procuring

nuclear weapons, there are no such worries necessary with nuclear reactors. “By international treaty, we use fuels that are proliferation resistant,” Travis says. Similar to current plants, new plants also will have safety built in. “Takeovers of nuclear plants is a popular movie theme, but the physics on which they operate make it impossible for the plants to become a bomb.”

The United States gets only 20 percent of its energy from nuclear power plants, in contrast to other countries like France, which gets 80 percent. Still, according to Travis, the

U.S. has the largest nuclear plant fleet in the world and leads research and development. “Our ability to innovate and our technology are better than anybody else in the world,” he says.

For just the state of South Carolina, Travis’s research holds great potential, too. “We don’t have coal or natural gas resources here. We have to bring them in, so if we use those sources, three-quarters of what we spend generating electricity goes out of state. Nuclear power should play a huge role. It’s clean and environmentally friendly, and the money we would spend on it would stay right here.”

Another researcher, biological sciences professor Laszlo Marton, is studying the grass plant Arundo – a plant similar to bamboo – as a mechanism for removing toxins from

the environment and as a potential biomass fuel. “Arundo is a giant reed that belongs to the grass family,” Laszlo says. “It is much softer than bamboo or sugarcane and easier to process.”

Biomass fuels are those designed to replace fossil fuels. To be effective, biomass must burn as well or better, must produce more value as a fuel than it takes to create and must leave a smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Arundo meets or exceeds all of those criteria.

Its fibers contain chemicals that repel insects, so pesticides are not necessary to grow it, making it more cost-efficient as a crop. It grows up to 10 meters tall in a year and yields 40 tons of biomass per acre. What’s

“Fast reactors allow us to

use 100 percent of uranium

found in nature ... and are even

safer by a factor of 100.”Travis Knight, USC professor

Biological sciences professor Laszlo Marton is studying the grass plant Arundo — a plant similar to bamboo — as a mechanism for removing toxins from the environment and as a potential biomass fuel.


more, growers do not have to replant it. After it’s harvested, it grows back from the roots. “From Florida to the Caribbean, we can harvest it up to three times a year,” Laszlo says. The plant is also carbon neutral, meaning that existing fields can consume the carbon produced as harvested Arundo is burned to make energy.

“The technology and processing capabilities are ready for a mega-farm, 25,000 acres or more. We’d like to establish a plantation within a year. All we need are projects, and those are on the drawing board. Anytime you start something like this you need major capital investment, but I anticipate our horizon for production is a year or two away,” Laszlo says.

USC is also leading the way in hybrid electric fuel cell technology as it relates to mass transit. The university will soon begin testing a 37-passenger bus, which will run routes on campus as well two routes for the Central

Midlands Regional Transit Authority. Officials with the Federal Transit Administration’s Fuel Cell Bus Program chose Columbia for the test because of the unique geography, temperatures and resident expertise in fuel cells, says Dr. Tom Davis, a chemical engineering research professor at the university.

“The primary focus of our research will be to study the performance of the bus under varying conditions,” Tom says. An electric motor turns the wheels to move the bus. Devices on board will gather data on how much energy is drawn from the batteries to push the bus up hills and how much energy goes

back to the batteries when the bus goes downhill.

Hybrid electr ic fuel cell application is an existing tech-nology. New on this bus, however, is an improved regenerative braking system that recharges the batteries as the driver applies the brakes. “The elec-tric motor actually becomes a generator as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal, putting energy into the batter ies rather than using it,” Tom says. Determining j u s t h o w m u ch energy is captured and the optimum configuration for max-imum yield will be two of the many things the

project will determine.According to Tom, the project also

will be of interest because of the power configuration of the bus. Most fuel cell vehicles have large fuel cells and small batteries. “Ours will have more batteries and a small fuel cell to keep the batteries charged. It’s battery-dominant, meaning the battery is the heart of energy storage,” Tom says. “We’ll establish whether this design works better.” The bus will leave the lot with the batteries charged and a full load of hydrogen for the fuel cells. “Because of the bus’s ability to generate electricity, it can operate for many more hours than it would with just batteries.”

The best part about the operation of the bus will be its exhaust – water vapor.

Tom says it is important to stress the interest and involvement of city and state officials for helping the university become the test site for the bus. “Columbia will have the first permanent hydrogen fueling station in the state and will become a magnet for hydrogen fueled vehicles for quite a while,” he says.

The university also has ongoing projects examining clean coal, solar power and solid-oxide fuels. For its efforts, it has been rewarded by the Strategic Hydrogen Alliance, which has elected to hold its 2009 national conference in Columbia. In the hydrogen economy, university, city and state officials intend for USC and Columbia to lead the way.

For more information on hydrogen and clean energy technologies under review at the university, log on to www.sc.edu/research.

“The University of South Carolina has solid credentials in energy research and is committed to becoming even stronger.”

Harris Pastides, USC president

Dr. Tom Davis, a chemical engineering research professor at USC, is researching hybrid electric fuel cell technology as it relates to mass transit.

HOME STYLE

An oversized entryway in Martin and Lauri Moore’s house opens into the den, creating a great flow for parties.

Earthy and Artsy

www.columbiametro.com COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 21

Earthy and ArtsyLauri and Martin Moore’s home renovation journeyBy Katie McElveenPhotography by Robert Clark

Looking around Lauri and Martin Moore’s recently renovated kitchen, the idea that this striking space was at one point a drab, narrow room is difficult to believe. Today, an oversized entranceway opens into the den, creating a great flow for parties, and light from a large picture window floods the space. Light fixtures, such as the handcrafted capiz-shell chandelier in the breakfast room and the teardrop of amber glass that hangs above the kitchen sink, give the whole room a warm, artsy feel.

When Lauri and Martin bought the circa-1975 home in 2000, they knew it would eventually need work, but they decided to band-aid what they disliked the most with paint and a few other easy fixes while they decided exactly what they wanted to do with the rest. “Changing colors gave us time to see how we lived in the house,” explains Lauri. “We didn’t

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Lauri and Martin Moore’s home renovation journeyBy Katie McElveen / Photography by Robert Clark


want to make a mistake.”They almost did. In an effort to

accommodate a kitchen table large enough for their family of five, the Moores decided to push through the picture window and extend the breakfast area into the yard, where it would adjoin the screened porch. A planning snafu stopped the process before it even started. “It was disappointing but turned out to be the best thing that could have happened,” says Lauri.

Still motivated to get the project going, Lauri invited her friend Cami Hutchinson, who owns In Home Design with Nan Sammataro, over for a brainstorming session. “The three of us stood

in this kitchen, trying and trying to figure out what to do,” recalls Lauri. “Out of the blue, Nan had the idea to take out a closet that was under the staircase and use that space to shift the room to the left. When we measured, we found that it created plenty of room for the table.” They also discovered that the resulting opening under the steps would be perfect for a small, but super deep pantry. “I called Hinson Cabinets, and they were able to make custom pullout drawers that give us access all the way to the back,” says Lauri. “It works perfectly.” Even better, the stylish counter-height table, which is surrounded by swiveling stools instead of chairs, fits perfectly into the sunny alcove. “We started

“We started this whole process so we could have a table in the kitchen that our family could sit around together.” Lauri Moore

Martin and Lauri Moore with their children John Bailey, 7, Lyndsay, 5, and Ross, 9.


The kitchen has a soothing palette of green and topaz.

this whole process so we could have a table in the kitchen that our family could sit around together,” says Lauri. “Not having that was a deal-breaker.”

Layout defined, the trio set to work developing a color scheme, eventually deciding to bring the outdoors in with a soothing palette of green and topaz. Black accents add a modern edge. “It took us a few tries to get just the right shade on the walls,” says Lauri of the true sage green they chose. “But once we had that, the rest came together fairly easily.”

Natural materials – cork for the floor, glass for the backsplash and granite for the countertops – were more than ecologically responsible choices.

Not only do they add a dash of earthy style, but they’re also durable and clean up remarkably well. The cork, which Lauri had requested early in the process, turned out to be an even better choice than they’d originally thought, thanks to the material’s sound-absorbing qualities. “Cork floors are a great choice for families,” says Cami.

To make the room appear larger, the team matched the color of the floor to the cabinetry, which they stained a shade of honey, and extended the cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. A punch of color comes from miniature glass subway tiles in muted shades of green that top the creamy Italian tiles used for the backsplash. “In retrospect, I wish I


would have used all glass for the backsplash instead of just an accent,” says Lauri. “I just love the way it turned out.”

To stay within budget, Lauri worked as her own general contractor, finding subs through a network of friends, co-workers and family members and hiring them herself. She also made smart decisions about when to spend and when to conserve funds. One example is the cupboards. “We saved $10,000 by using standard-sized cabinetry instead of having everything custom made,” she says. “The difference is an inch between the edge of the cupboard and the wall. We can easily live with that, especially if it means we can do something special in another part of the room.”

Happily settled into their new kitchen, it was just a few months later that the Moores called Cami and Nan again, this time for help updating their master bathroom. “It’s always a delight when a client calls you back, but we were particularly happy to hear from Martin and Lauri because they’re so great to work with,” says Cami. “They know what they want and aren’t afraid to make a decision.”

Stepping into the remodeled bathroom is like stepping into a spa at a luxury resort. Constructed

of oversized Italian tiles, a huge shower stall complete with both rainforest and handheld showerheads dominates an entire wall. (“It’s a showerhead or a karaoke microphone, depending on if you’re 5 or 35,” laughs Lauri.) Artful touches abound, such as the chocolate-brown wallpaper decorated with muted floral orbs that lines the walls, a mirror framed in antique silver over the freeform ceramic sink

Earthy colors create a zen-like feel.

Artful touches, such as chocolate-brown wallpaper with muted floral orbs, make the master bath unique.


and the mosaic of tiny limestone subway tiles that tops the counters. Stainless-steel fixtures complete the bathroom, which has a calming, zen-like feel. “The bathroom was quite a transformation,” notes Cami. “The room is small, but the extra-large tiles and pale colors give it a fresh look and also make it feel spacious.” The bathroom doesn’t show dirt either. “The tiles are great because they hide everything, and since the shower stall is totally enclosed, the water stays inside, no matter how crazy the children get in there,” says Lauri. “It’s actually easier for me when they shower in here instead of in their own bathroom, and they have a lot more fun.”

Although Lauri hasn’t started planning her next renovation project, she does know that Nan and Cami will be part of the process. “They’re incredibly creative, and they always kept my budget in mind, finding ways to use the pieces I already own and encouraging me to make smart budget decisions,” she says. “It’s a great partnership.”


Isn’t it a little ironic that an article on home organization ideas comes from someone whose nickname was formerly “Mess?” Perhaps what qualifies me the most to write this

is that I am now a “Reformed Mess.” At one point in time I preferred

to procrastinate. I would make piles of things to file later and would stuff everything I owned into a small purse – it was just what came naturally. Like a pair of old sweatpants, I knew it wasn’t the most becoming style, but it was oh-so-comfortable. Eventually, life got more complex, and since my chaotic default wasn’t working, I found the need to give up the addiction to disorder.

I suspect that if you are reading this article, you somehow identify with me, and just maybe you have an inner Mess of your own to discipline. So, for all of you having a hard time keeping that New Year’s resolution to be more organized (even though it’s only February), this is for you. Read on for some of the best time-saving, money-saving and clever de-cluttering ideas, all from local residents.

Time-Saving Ideas forthe HomeLisa Hammersla, Columbia• Every morning I get up an hour before anyone else in the family to get a head start. It is my quiet time, and I can plan out the day in peace.

• I try to set aside time twice a day to check and return e-mail. On busy days I don’t answer the phone except when I am expecting an important call, and I return voicemails at the end of the day.

• A hands-free headset for my phone helps me multitask at home.

• I invested the time to type up a grocery list form with all of the items I buy every week divided into areas of the grocery store (lots of Web sites offer a template). I print out copies and keep one in the kitchen. When I run out of an item I just circle it or add new items as needed.

Amber Taylor, Northeast Columbia• When folding and putting away towels and sheets, my mother taught me to put

them all together in a bundle, so I’m not searching for a stray washcloth.

• I keep an extra trash bag in the trash can when I change it, so I’ll always have one handy.

• While food is reheating or cooking, I empty the dishwasher or put away dishes from the drainer.

• My sister taught me to keep a bag with my toiletries ready to go for trips, so I’m not waiting until the morning of the trip to put in those last-minute items.

Karen Burton, Columbia• In the pantry, I keep the ingredients to a kid-friendly fast meal that my family loves: quesadillas. All I need is refried beans, tortillas, pre-cooked Mexican rice or some other whole grain, shredded cheese and guacamole or another favorite sauce in a packet (check the deli section). It only takes a few minutes to assemble the ingredients onto tortillas. Then I place them in the oven just long enough to melt the cheese, remove and place two tortillas together like a sandwich. I cut these into triangles with a pizza cutter, and dinner is ready!

A self-proclaimed “Reformed Mess,” Meredith Good enjoys taking care of her husband, Nathan, and her children, Abigail, 4, and Ezra, 2, all while running her own freelance writing business and helping with her husband’s business.

HOME STYLE

Reformed“Messes”Tips from your neighbors for making life a little easierBy Meredith GoodPhotography by Robert Clark


Peggy Angel, Columbia• I have started shopping for my groceries online. By shopping while I am still at home, I am able to check recipes and look into my pantry and refrigerator for necessary ingredients. This way I do not end up buying extra items I do not need. It also allows me to comparison shop easily, which saves me money. With a young child at home, this has been a huge help. We can play together all morning and then drive right up, and the groceries are delivered to our car!

Joanna Weinacker, Columbia• I began teaching my children to clean up after themselves by the time they were 2. It took a little extra time in the beginning, but this simple task has saved time in the long run and taught them a valuable lesson about responsibility at an early age.

Sara Austin, Columbia• When I do not want to take the time to hand-dry the pots I have used for cooking, I simply place them in the oven (usually it is still warm). This way the pots dry quickly, and I am free to do something else.

Jenna Polk, Lexington• By keeping cleaning supplies in each bathroom, I am able to spot clean when it is necessary, and I do not have to run around the house for the things I need.

• I make a menu for two weeks at a time. That cuts down on trips to the grocery store and refines the decision-making process.

• I try to touch each paper only once. If I put it directly where it goes the first time, I don’t end up with stacks of papers, and I can find what I need easily.

Peggy Spann, Columbia• To save time when slicing corn off of the cob, I place the shucked cob into the center of a Bundt pan. Then, with a sharp knife, I simply slice downward, and the kernels of corn fall easily around into the pan.

Advice From a “Reformed Mess”Here are a few tips of my own that

work well for the Good family.

• When cooking, I like to double the recipe, so there is an extra homemade meal to freeze for later.

• When a baby is born in our home, I allow myself a period of time to use paper plates.

• I try to start making dinner the night before or the morning of – i.e., vegetables chopped, sauces mixed, etc. If I get as much as I can ready early, it makes dinnertime feel easy.

• When my children were infants, they had multiple babysitters, including Daddy and Grandma, who did not know their schedules. So I typed up their feeding and sleeping schedules, things they enjoyed and emergency information into an organized format. Then, when it was time to have a sitter, I could tweak the information and print. It made it so much easier to get out of the door.

• Pulling clothing out the night before really does make the next morning easier …

Money-Saving IdeasLisa• I love reading and have recently been using the library instead of rushing out to the bookstore.

• It’s fun to have a jewelry, handbag or clothing swap with a group of friends with similar tastes. We make it into a fun event, and create clear rules ahead of time.

• My husband and I like to eat out, and many times we split entrees, since restaurants usually serve huge portions. Another tip is to meet for lunch rather than dinner. Our favorite fine dining restaurants still serve great food at lunch, just at lower prices.

Amber• I try to re-purpose what I already have (i.e., paint a table a new color, use a short DVD/media holder for shoes at the front door).• I look for decorating inspiration in every type of fabric (i.e., a 72-inch


tablecloth could be used as a shower curtain). Old sheetsthat aren’t good for the bed could be used for a pillow orother decoration. Advice From a “Reformed Mess”• I develop a menu with a rotation of inexpensive dinners, like rice and beans, quiche or homemade pizzas made on flour tortillas. They are easy to prepare and, served with a salad, they are high in the nutrients my family needs. My children actually love it!

• Never underestimate the power of bartering – whether it’s a piece of lawn equipment or a service (like cooking or cleaning for someone), I can sometimes earn what I want rather than buying it.

• One of the easiest ways to save money is to reduce temptation. If this means finding a different pastime than shopping, so be it. If it means turning off the television, just do it. By identifying the sources of discontent in my life, I can replace them with something productive.

• When taking a trip, instead of investing in a DVD player for the car, we started borrowing children’s books on tape from the public library. My children love it, we have one less “thing,” and it costs nothing!

• When shopping online, I search for the item I want plus the words “open box.” I also search on auction sites, like eBay, for wrongly categorized or misspelled items. CONTINUED ON PAGE 72


HOME STYLE

Jack Hodges cuts through the clutter and will organize your attic, basement or garage.Photography by Robert Clark.

By Katie McElveen


Who knows what life holds for us? Children who dream of becoming firefighters grow up to be professional athletes, teachers or lawyers. Someone’s little idea becomes a blockbuster product. An entrepreneur sees a way to reinvent his hobby as a profession.

Tackling the Odd JobsTackling the Odd JobsColumbians turn their hobbies and talents into unique careers

That ability to follow the thread that life gave them and turn it into a business is what ties the following nine people together. Most started their professional lives working traditional jobs but found that they could be just as successful – and a whole lot happier – doing something they truly enjoyed. Even better, one of these people might be just the person you are looking for to help you make that New Year’s resolution a reality.

Jack Hodges – attic, basement and garage organizer

Jack Hodges has always had a knack for organizing, but he didn’t think about turning it into a career until a friend asked him to help clean out his grandmother’s attic. “Since she couldn’t get up there, we brought it all down so she could go through it and decide what she wanted to keep. Those things went back upstairs, and we hauled the rest

to Goodwill.” In the two years since he launched his business, Jack has dug through countless attics, basements, garages and spare bedrooms and has relieved clients of the chore of actually getting rid of things. “It can be hard to throw away items you’ve had forever, even if you know you have no use for them. We make it easier by taking it away so they don’t have to. They’re left with a clean, organized space.”


Lisa Bolick – picture hanging specialist

Let’s face it – hanging artwork can be frustrating. You can try to do it yourself, but that usually results in a maddening search for all the right hardware that ends in a trip to the store, a wall full of holes, bruised fingers and a Ziplock filled with those little metal hangers that you’ll stash away for next time but never be able to find when you need it. Next time you can call Lisa Bolick, who will arrive with all the tools she needs and will hang your artwork in one afternoon. Her talent isn’t just mechanical either; Lisa has a great eye for creating groupings of smaller pieces and finding inspired spots for your favorites. Got a disorganized bookcase? Lisa can decorate and tidy it up as well!

Damon Little – aquarium designer and maintenance man

A part-time job for a local aquarium retailer turned into a career when Damon Little bought into the business after graduating from college. Six years later, he’s out on his own, turning aquariums into living works of art for clients’ homes and businesses, keeping them maintained and making sure the fish – often stunning exotics that can cost several hundred dollars each and come from as far away as the Red Sea – stay happy and healthy. “It’s easy to get attached to the fish,” he says. “They’ve got more personality than you might think.”

Renee Dixon – ironer extraordinaire

“I love it when people say they hate ironing!” laughs Renee Dixon, owner of Renee’s Ironing Board. She should. Since 2001, Renee has made a career out of smoothing the wrinkles from sheets, clothing, tablecloths, handkerchiefs and napkins. Although Renee used to go from house to house to do the ironing, after a few years she found that it was more efficient to pick up clean wrinkled items, iron them at home and then return them. That way, she could better combine working and raising her five children. “You’ve got to enjoy it to be good at ironing,” says Renee, who watches old movies while she works. “And lots of steam and starch helps too.”

John Militello – private chefHosting a dinner party can be

intimidating. Will the potatoes get done at the same time as the meat? How much food should you purchase? Not to mention all of the cleanup! Enter John Militello. With one phone call, John and his staff will arrive with all the necessary provisions in time to set the table, prepare specialties (such as roast lamb with fruit chutney and pancetta-wrapped quail stuffed with Boursin cheese), choose wine, serve and clean up, leaving you free to enjoy the event. “We’ve done everything from constructing a special table for a client who wanted all 24 guests to be able to sit together to creating a romantic bistro for two, lighted completely by candles,” says John. “It’s like having a restaurant in your home.”

Linda Zember – pet sitterSometimes, the hardest part about

traveling is wondering if your pets will be all right during your absence. Linda Zember’s clients never have to worry. That’s because Linda, who has been taking care of animals since the age of 14, takes your pet’s care very seriously. To make sure her charges get the attention they need, Linda will come to your home a few days before your trip to get to know you and your pet and to familiarize herself with the routine and your pet’s personality. “Keeping your pets on a regular schedule in their own homes is key. Knowing a pet’s favorite activities, whether a field trip or a belly rub, makes it fun and stress free,” she says. “By making sure the pet is comfortable and happy, the owners can be comfortable and happy,

Linda Zember makes her human and four-legged clients feel at ease. Photography by Bob Lancaster.


too.” Furthermore, Linda’s trained in pet first aid, so you don’t have to worry about your furry friend’s health.

Tim Gardner – wine consultantTim Gardner will tell you that he’s probably the last person

anyone thought would end up as a wine consultant. “I grew up in a house where the strongest thing on the table was iced tea,” he laughs. But it soon became clear that Tim’s lack of experience was a benefit. “As I studied wine, I tasted wine,” he explains. “Since I had so little experience, I drank what I liked.” Through his business, Cellar Monkey, Tim shares his philosophy with clients, allowing them to learn what they like by tasting. Based on those preferences, he’ll make recommendations not just for what the client might want to purchase, but how long it should age and foods to pair it with. “My goal is for clients to have confidence that when they open a bottle of wine, they’ll like what’s inside.”

Martha Murphy – personal conciergeSomeone of Service, Martha Murphy’s personal concierge

service, got its start when a friend asked Martha if she could possibly sit at her home and wait for a repairman one day. “It occurred to me that there might be a lot of people who could use this kind of help,” she says. Since then, Martha has expanded her repertoire to include shopping for, wrapping and delivering gifts, running errands, grocery shopping, taking pets to the vet and organizing cupboards and cabinets. “My goal is to be flexible, so if you need something done, even if it sounds crazy, I can probably do it,” she notes. “We’re all so busy; it’s nice to know there’s help available.”

Need Help?Lisa Bolick, picture hanging specialist – 422-4508

Damon Little, aquarium designer and maintenance man – 413-8751

Jack Hodges, attic, basement and garage organizer – 351-0508

Renee Dixon, ironer extraordinaire – 665-2175

John Militello, private chef – 772-2910

Linda Zember, pet sitter – 665-6898

Martha Murphy, personal concierge – 730-4095

Tim Gardner, wine consultant –917-8107

“It occurred to me that there might be a lot of

people who could use this kind of help. My goal

is to be flexible, so if you need something done,

even if it sounds crazy, I can probably do it.”

– Martha Murphy

32B COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN www.columbiametro.comF E B R U A R Y 2009

Columbia Metro Area

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 32C

17. Harbour Watch on Lake MurrayPrice Range of Lots: $45,000+Lexington School District 3Harbour Watch on Lake Murray, 732-2411Lawrence Savage, 422-2930www.LakeMurrayLiving.comDirections: Visit our Sales Office at 2618 Hwy. 378, approximately 9 miles west of Lexington, SC.

18. Heritage FarmPrice Range of New Homes: $100,000 - $200,000sLexington School District 1D. R. Horton, 214-2000Community Sales Manager, 359-0244www.DRHorton.comDirections: Take I-20 toward Augusta to Exit #51 and turn right. Turn left onto Augusta Highway/Hwy #1 toward Gilbert. Go pass Lexington

High School and turn right onto Caulks Ferry Road. Heritage Farm is on the right.

19. Heritage ForestPrice Range of New Homes: From the $300,000sRichland School District 2Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, 518-3638April Hiscock, 518-3638www.HeritageForestHomes.com

Directions: Take 277 to I-77 North to Exit #22 (Killian Road). Bear right (east) onto Clemson Road and turn left (north) onto Long-town Road. Follow approximately 2 miles and enter LongCreek Planta-tion. Turn left onto Longtown Road West. Follow 2.5 miles to LongCreek Plantation Drive and left into the community.

20. Hester WoodsPrice Range of New Homes: $113,950+Richland School District 2SB Communities, 699-3312Mary Ann Welsh, Century 21 Bob Capes Realtors, 699-7770Directions: Take 277 to I-77 North to Exit #19 (Farrow Rd.). Turn left. Turn right onto Hardscrabble Rd. Go just past North Brick-yard Road and turn left into Hester Woods.

21. Jacob’s CreekPrice Range of New Homes: $140,000 - $220,000sRichland School District 2Realty and Marketing Services, 744-HOMEBill Guess, 360-0941www.GSHomes.gs Directions: Take I-20 East to Exit #82 and turn left onto Spears Creek Church Road. Jacob’s Creek will be approximately 3 miles on the right. Richland School District 2

22. Jasmine PlacePrice Range of New Homes: $128,750 - $180,850Richland School District 1Shumaker Homes, 787-HOMEDarlene Reese, 754-0674www.ShumakerHomes.comDirections: Take I-77 North to Exit #19 (Farrow Road). Turn left onto Farrow Road and left onto Hardscrabble Road. Commu-nity entrance is on the right.

23. Killian StationPrice Range of New Homes: $123,200+Richland School District 2SB Communities, 699-3312Mike Turner, Century 21 Bob Capes Realtors, 462-1166Directions: Take 277 to I-77 North to Exit #22. Turn right onto Clemson Road. Go approximately 2 miles, just past Killian Elementary School and turn right into Killian Station.

24. Lake FrancesPrice Range of New Homes: From the $160,000sLexington School District 1LandTech, Inc. of SC, Jennifer L. Peak, 217-3935Scot Smith, Stallings & Smith, 205-6334www.LandTecSC.comDirections: From I-26, take the Airport Blvd/Highway #302 exit. Then turn tight onto Ramblin Road. Lake Frances will be on your left.

25. The Lofts at Printers SquarePrice Range of New Homes: $739,000 - $1,410,000sRichland School District 1Coldwell Banker United Realtors, 227-3221Danny Hood, 227-3220www.LoftsatPrintersSquare.comDirections: Go to the corner of Lady St. and Pulaski in the Vista area.

26. Lakeshore at the Grove in Chestnut Hill PlantationPrice Range of New Homes: $190,000 - $260,000sLexington/Richland School District 5Beazer Homes, 779-6063Agent on Duty, 407-7057www.Beazer.comDirections: Take I-26 West to Harbison Blvd and turn left onto Harbison Blvd. Turn right onto Broad River Road, then turn left onto Lost Creek Drive. Chestnut Hill Plantation is 3 miles ahead. Once inside Chestnut Hill Plan-tation, turn right onto Gauley Drive and follow road to the New Home Informa-tion Center.

27. The MillPrice Range of New Homes: $190,000sLexington School District 1D. R. Horton, 214-2000Community Sales Manager, 358-9262www.DRHorton.comDirections: Take I-20 toward Augusta. Take exit #51 and turn right. Go to the 4-way stop and turn right onto Barr Road. The Mill is on the left.

28. Park WestPrice Range of New Homes: $140,000 - $180,000sLexington/Richland School District 5Beazer Homes, 779-6063

Agent on Duty, 345-0251www.Beazer.comDirections: Take I-26 West to Exit #91 (Chapin exit). Turn left onto Columbia Avenue and left onto Lexington Avenue. Lexington Avenue becomes Old Lexington Highway. Park West will be on your right approximately 1.5 miles.

29. Peachtree PlacePrice Range of New Homes: $180,000 - $225,000Lexington School District 1Rymarc Homes, 798-4900Stephany Connelly, 600-3695www.RymarcHomes.comDirections: Take I-20 West to the Longs Pond Road exit and turn right. Go 2 miles to Rawl Road and turn right. Continue 1 mile to entrance on the right.

30. Persimmon GrovePrice Range of New Homes: From the $110,000sLexington School District 1Rymarc Homes, 798-4900Stephany Connelly, 600-43695www.RymarcHomes.comDirections: Take I-20 West to Longs Pond Road exit. Turn right 1 mile to Barr Road. Turn left .5 mile to Persimmon Lane. Bear right onto Persimmon Lane. Go .5 mile to the entrance on the right. 31. The Promenade at SandhillPrice Range of New Homes: $189,000 - $409,000Richland School District 2Kahn Development, 256-7471Sales by Judy Downing, [email protected]: Take I-20 East to the Clemson Road exit. Turn left onto Clemson Road. Follow Clemson Road to the Village at Sandhill on the left. Enter Village and follow the signs to the sales office at 846 Town Center Place.

32. Sandy Glen/CambridgeHills IIPrice Range of New Homes: High $100,000s - $200,000sRichland School District 2D. R. Horton, 214-2000Community Sales Manager, 736-0140www.DRHorton.comDirections: Take I-20 East to Exit #80.

Take left onto Clemson Road. Go to Hardscrabble Road intersection and take a right. Go approximately 2.5 miles to Lake Carolina entrance. Follow directions to the community.

33. South BrookPrice Range of New Homes: $150,000 - $280,000sLexington School District 1Beazer Homes, 779-6063Agent on Duty, 356-4022www.Beazer.comDirections: Take I-20 West to Exit #51. Turn left onto Longs Pond Road. South Brook is 1 mile ahead on the left.

34. StonemontPrice Range of New Homes: $202,800 - $259,000Lexington/Richland School District 5Shumaker Homes, 787-HOMEJeff Graves/Will Moody, 732-1515www.ShumakerHomes.comDirections: Take I-26 West to Exit #101-A (Ballentine/White Rock). Turn right onto Koon Road to the Community Entrance on the left.

35. Summer Seat IIPrice Range of New Homes: $118,000 - $150,000sKershaw County School DistrictJim Podell Realtors, 736-5800Lora Compas, 920-6231Directions: Take I-20 to Exit #87 (Elgin). Turn right onto White Pond Road. Turn right onto Ft. Jackson Road (SC 12/Percival Road). Turn left onto Tower Road and right onto Dry Branch Road. Summer Seat II is on the left (Charm Hill Road).

36. Villages at LakeshorePrice Range of New Homes: $140,000 - $180,000sRichland School District 2Beazer Homes, 779-6063Agent on Duty, 788-0996www.Beazer.comDirections: Take 277 to 1-77 North. Exit at Killian Road. Turn right onto Killian Road and right onto Longtown Road. Villages at Lakeshore is .25 mile ahead.

37. WellesleyPrice Range of New Homes: From $149,900

Lexington 1 School DistrictShumaker Homes, 786-9780 or LandTech, Inc., 217-3935Donna Sue Jones, 786-9780www.LandTecTechSC.comDirections: Take I-20 toward Augusta and exit at Hwy #378. Take a right off of the exit and take an immediate left onto Ginny Lane. The Wellesley community is on the right.

38. Westcott RidgePrice Range of New Homes: $280,000 - $400,000sLexington/Richland School District 5Broad River Developers, LLC, 407-7022Rhonda Jacobs, Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, 781-6552www.WestcottRidge.comDirections: Take I-26 West to Exit #97 (Peak exit). Turn right onto #176. West-cott Ridge is on the left.

39. Willow TreePrice Range of New Homes: $141,150 - $220,600Richland School District 1Shumaker Homes, 787-HOMEAngela Jefferson, 783-7183www.ShumakerHomes.comDirections: Take I-77 North to Exit #9 (Garner’s Ferry Road/US #378). Turn tight onto Garner’s Ferry Road and left onto Trotter Road. Turn left onto Caughman Road and right onto Ulmer Road. Community entrance is on the left.

40. WoodCreek FarmsPrice Range of New Homes: $400,000 - $1,000,000+Richland School District 2Forest Land Sales Co., 865-3276Jim Pobis, 865-3276www.WoodCreekFarms.comDirections: Take 277 to I-20 East to Exit #82 (Spears Creek Church Road). Turn left and go one mile to the entrance on the right (WoodCreek Farms Road).

This listing is provided by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia.

32A COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN F E B R U A R Y 2009

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www.columbiametro.com COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 32D

1. Baneberry PlacePrice Range of New Homes: $160,450 - $223,325Lexington School District 1Shumaker Homes, 787-HOMEMatt Shealy/Amber Davis, 356-1544www.ShumakerHomes.comDirections: Take I-20 West to Exit #51 (Longs Pond Road). Turn left onto Longs Pond Road. Community entrance is on the right.

2. Beasley CreekPrice Range of New Homes: $202,950 - $266,760Richland School District 2Shumaker Homes, 787-HOMEDonna Stevens, 735-1203www.ShumakerHomes.comDirections: Take I-77 North to Exit #24 (Wilson Road). Turn left onto Wilson Road then right onto Turkey Farm Road. Community entrance is on the left.

3. The Bluff II at Chestnut Hill PlantationPrice Range of New Homes: $200,000 - $400,000sLexington/Richland School District 5Coldwell Banker United® Realtors, 318-6888Lori Carnes, 318-6888www.TheBluffatChp.comDirections: Take I-26 to Harbison Blvd. and turn left. Turn right onto Broad River Road then left onto Lost Creek Drive. Turn right onto Bluff Pointe. Continue to second phase.

4. Bonhomme GreenPrice Range of New Homes: $118,000 - $145,000Lexington School District 1Wickersham Homes, Inc., 422-0590Jane Jefferson, 603-5924www.BonhommeGreen.comDirections: Take I-20 West to Exit #51 (Longs Pond Road). Travel north to second stop sign and turn right onto Barr Road. Go .75 mile and turn right onto Bonhomme Richard Road. Continue 1 block and turn right onto Bonhomme Circle.

5. CanalSidePrice Range of New Homes: $179,900 - $550,000

Richland School District 1CanalSide/The Beach Company, (843) 722-2615Dan Dorsey, 461-0465www.CanalSideColumbia.com Directions: From the intersection of Taylor Street and Huger Street, go one city block west toward the river into CanalSide development. Adjacent to CanalSide Esplanade is Riverfront Park and Historic Canal.

6. Churchill Park at Lake FrancesPrice Range of New Homes: $200,000sLexington School District 1D. R. Horton, 214-2000Community Sales Manager, 214-2120www.DRHorton.comDirections: Take I-26 toward Charleston to Exit #113. Turn right onto Edmund Highway and continue for approxi-mately 4 miles. Turn right onto Ramblin Road. The community is on the left.

7. The Courtyard at RidgemontPrice Range of New Homes: $235,000 - $298,500Lexington/Richland School District 5Century 21 Bob Capes Realtors, 730-6492Judy Looney, 730-6492 or Laura Schoonover, 413-9255www.CourtyardatRidgemont.netDirections: Take I-26 West to Exit #102 A. Go west on Lake Murray Blvd. Turn right at the 5th red light onto Ridgemont Drive, then turn right onto Brass Lantern Road.

8. Crescent RidgePrice Range of New Homes: From the low $100,000sLexington School District 1Rymarc Homes, 798-4900Marie Lybrand, 513-3991www.RymarcHomes.comDirections: Take I-20 West to Route #6 exit going toward Pelion. Go 7 miles to Route #6/Route #302 split. Follow Route #6 for .5 mile to the community entrance on the right.

9. Cunningham ParkPrice Range of New Homes: $169,000 - $215,000sLexington School District 1

Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, 957-5566Ray Stoudemire, 960-3083www.RussellandJeffcoat.comDirections: Take Gervais Street (US Hwy #1) toward Lexington and go under I-26. Continue to the right onto Maple Road. Go .2 mile and Cunningham Park is on the right.

10. Deer CreekPrice Range of New Homes: From the low $200,000sRichland School District 2Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, 518-3638April Hiscock, 518-3638www.DeerCreekHomesites.comDirections: Take 277 North toward Charlotte. Continue North on I-77 to Exit #22 (Killian Road). Bear right (east) onto Clemson Road and turn left (north) onto Longtown Road. Follow approximately 2 miles and enter LongCreek Plantation. Go left onto Longtown Road (west). Follow 2.5 miles to Deer Creek Drive and turn left into the community.

11. Eagle PointePrice Range of New Homes: $140,000 - $170,000sLexington/Richland School District 5Realty and Marketing Services, 744-HOMEAgent on Duty, 744-HOMEwww.gshomes.gs Directions: Take I-26 West toward Spar-tanburg to Exit #91. Turn left toward Chapin. Go approximately 1.75 miles and turn left just past Wachovia Bank onto Lexington Avenue. Go approxi-mately 2.5 miles and turn right onto Stucks Point Drive. Eagle Pointe will be .25 mile on the left. Alternately, from Hwy #76 turn left onto Wessinger, right onto Old Lexington at the fire station then left onto Stucks Point Drive.

12. Eagles Rest at Lake MurrayPrice Range of New Homes: $222,400 - $314,540Lexington/Richland School District 5Shumaker Homes, 787-HOMEKristi Oberman/Vickie Proper, 407-3708www.ShumakerHomes.comDirections: Take I-26 West to Exit 101-A (Ballentine/White Rock/US #176). Merge to Dutch Fork Road. Turn left

onto Johnson Marina Road and left onto Richard Franklin Road to the community entrance on the right.

13. Eve’s GardenPrice Range of New Homes: $240,000sKershaw County School DistrictCentury 21 Bob Capes Realtors, 699-2262Novella Taylor, 513-8165www.NovellaTaylor.comDirections: Take I-20 toward Florence to Exit #98. Turn left onto Hwy #521 then right onto Black River Road.

14. Farrow PointePrice Range of New Homes: From the low $100,000sRichland School District 2Rymarc Homes, 798-4900Daniel Hunt, 309-1390www.RymarcHomes.comDirections: Take I-77 North to Exit #19 (Farrow Road). Turn left onto Farrow Road toward Hardscrabble Road. Go .75 mile to the entrance on the left. The community is next to the new county recreation area.

15. Flora Springs ParkPrice Range of New Homes: $200,000 - $400,000sRichland School District 2Coldwell Banker United® Realtors, 518-3410Ken Queen, 600-3361 or Lauren Semino, 518-3410www.LaurenSemino.com Directions: Take 277 to Farrow Road Exit and turn left onto Farrow Road. Turn right onto Hardscrabble and right onto Sloan Road. Turn right onto Flora and Flora Springs Park is on the right.

16. Haigs CreekPrice Range of New Homes: $290,000 - $400,000sKershaw County School DistrictHaigs Creek Development Corp., 600-0527Shelba W. Mattox, 600-0527www.HaigsCreek.comDirections: Take I-20 East to Exit #87 (White Pond Road) toward Elgin. Turn right onto frontage road and left into Haigs Creek.

New Home CommunitiesNEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD?


GUIDE TO TYING THE KNOT

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN’S 2009

guide to TyingtheKnot

In Season, Every Season

One of the South’s major perks is that its seasons are relatively mild, affording ample outside time for that perfect event. Winter has just the right amount of frosted sparkle, and summer’s watermelons will add a freshly sweet smell to any ceremony. Whether your wedding is outside or in, we’ve provided plenty of details to help guarantee it is a success. From Christmas ornament wedding favors to seersucker suits, Columbia’s weddings offer an array of fun and exclusive ideas for any soon-to-be bride. Read on to discover spring soirees and fall festivities and to learn why Columbia’s weddings are in season, every season.

Photography by www.johnwrightenberryphotography.com




WINTER The StoryBy Deena C. Bouknight / Photography by www.MichaelKoska.com

Megan Clark and Richie HaywardSummer was too hot for Richie and Megan Hayward’s wedding, and spring was too close to their December engagement.

Winter seemed ideal, especially since football season was over and guests would not be put in the predicament of having to

choose between their wedding and a game.

“Plus, we just love Christmas time,” says Megan. “It’s a time for friends and family to gather anyway, and everyone is already

in a festive, holiday mood.”

The couple decided to schedule their wedding for Dec. 15, 2007, just 10 days before Christmas. They wanted their wedding to

take place in the historic Boyce Chapel at First Baptist Church, which was the site of the first state convention to discuss secession

following the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States in 1860. It was chosen then because it was the largest

meeting place in Columbia. Megan selected the chapel for her wedding for personal reasons: she grew up in the church, and she

and Richie are currently members there.

Richie and Megan incorporated other meaningful symbols into their holiday wedding. Her

engagement ring and earrings were made out of diamonds given to Richie by his great grandmother.

Around her neck, she wore a necklace made from her grandmother’s engagement ring. “There were a

lot of sentimental touches to the day,” Megan says. “We wanted a meaningful wedding, yet simple

and elegant.”

Megan’s bouquet was all snow-white flowers, and her dress was ivory overall with the train

a slightly darker shade of ivory. Her cathedral-length veil was trimmed in crystals. Bridesmaids wore

black dresses with beige sashes adorned with black beading. They carried bouquets of red and green.

The groom and groomsmen wore black tuxedos.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests gathered nearby at the South Carolina State Museum, where White Tent

Event had handled all the details for a Christmas and winter-wonderland themed reception. Lighted fresh garland was wrapped

around the entry columns to the museum, while a Christmas tree in the entryway was decorated with the wedding favors: orna-

ments with the couple’s names and their wedding date.

Snowflake lights shined on the dance floor; lighting overall was subdued to a warm glow. On the tables were arrangements

of red, white and green flowers and greenery – plenty of holly and winter berries. A wreath hung from the balcony and featured a

giant silver H for Hayward. On the wedding cake were edible snowflakes.

The food at the reception also had a distinct holiday flair. Cranberries added a red touch to the chicken salad. Gingersnaps

were served with a cream cheese rum raisin spread. Beside offerings of fruit, vegetables and cheese, there were comfort food

options such as ham croissants, crab cakes, a mashed potato bar and Megan’s favorite, beef burgundy on toast.

After the wedding, the couple flew to Jamaica to enjoy the warmth of the tropics for a week. They returned on Dec. 23, just

in time to rejoin family for the celebration of Christmas.

“It was the perfect time and the perfect day,” says Megan.

“We just love Christmas

time. It’s a time for friends

and family to gather, and

everyone is in a festive,

holiday mood.”


WINTER The SceneBy Deena C. Bouknight


Location LowdownMany festive spots will already be decorated for the holidays,

such as the zoo, museums, clubhouses and historic homes. Or, con-

sider the coziness and reverence of a church, which is typically out-

fitted with an abundance of poinsettias. Plan in advance, as places

are reserved early for holiday gatherings.

Seasonable Hues• Clear blue, silver, snow white, berry red and deep green

• The regal combination of eggplant and gold

Flowers in Bloom• A striking centerpiece of Amaryllis

• Holly and poinsettias for December weddings

• Cymbidium orchids, tropical flowers and always red and

white roses

Cakes and Such• White cake with pale green accents and crystalline holly

berries or poinsettias

• A pale blue cake with crystalline snowflakes

• A fondue table with marshmallows for dipping in chocolate

Favor It• Snowflake bookmarks or ornaments

• Coffee mugs wrapped up with a pack of flavored coffee or

hot chocolate

• A basket of scarves

• Cinnamon scented candles

Especially You• Velvet or satin table covers

• Clear glass beads or rocks at the bottom of vases

• Candles everywhere

• Clear plastic snowflakes hanging on clear string from

the ceiling

• Artificial trees outfitted with crystal leaves

• The Carillon Carolers – donned in Victorian attire singing

as reception guests arrive





SPRING The StoryBy Deena C. Bouknight / Photography by www.barberphoto.com

Sam Bailey and Jennifer MoonA spring wedding was a natural choice for Sam Bailey and Jennifer Moon. They began dating during the month of

March, so they decided March was the perfect month in which to exchange their wedding vows. They were married at 5:30

p.m. on March 8, 2008 at Saluda Shoals Park in front of 225 guests.

“We wanted an early spring wedding and an outdoor wedding,” says Jennifer, “because we thought early spring

would be the perfect temperature. It turned out to be fairly cold – in the 50s – but we didn’t notice too much during the cer-

emony in the gazebo. Then we all went inside to the River Center for the reception, where they had the fireplaces going.”

During their engagement, the couple perused many venues in and around Columbia before deciding on Saluda Shoals

because of its beauty and abundance of open space for their many guests.

The couple chose to tout the softness of the season by using dusty salmon pink as their wedding

color. The bridesmaids’ salmon strapless dresses were accentuated with ivory sashes. The groomsmen

were presented in ivory tuxes with salmon-hued vests and ties. The bride’s strapless dress and the

groom’s tux were ivory.

Roses in the bouquets were a similar color and were paired with ivory roses, carnations

and daisies.

Besides the consistent color scheme, another predominant theme throughout the special eve-

ning was monogramming. “I’m big into monogramming,” quips Jennifer. “This was an opportunity to

do some fun things with it.”

A ribbon tied to the bride’s and maid of honor’s bouquets featured a B for Bailey. At the reception, guests were greeted

with a giant ice sculpture in the form of a B, and there was a B and an icing bow on the wedding cake – which was stacked

with alternating circles and squares. In addition, the three wedding favors featured monogrammed Bs: shot glasses, koozies

and mint tins. The guest book was monogrammed, and Jennifer even had her garter monogrammed with the letter of her

new last name.

Inside the reception area, the bridesmaids displayed their bouquets on the fireplace mantle. A soloist had provided

music during the ceremony, but a DJ enlivened the reception, and guests danced until after 10 p.m.

Fruit selections surrounded the ice sculpture, while other food choices included chicken salad croissants, beef brisket,

ham, vegetables and a mashed potato bar.

“We had flowers all throughout the reception area, on every table ... everywhere,” says Jennifer. “Since it was spring,

we wanted a lot of flowers.”

After a night’s rest in Columbia, Sam and Jennifer drove to Charlotte to catch a flight to Jamaica for their

weeklong honeymoon.

“Since it was spring, we

wanted a lot of flowers. We

had flowers throughout the

reception area, on every

table ... everywhere!”


SPRING The SceneBy Deena C. Bouknight


Location LowdownBefore the mosquitoes and flies settle in for the hot months,

take advantage of an outdoor venue. Columbia offers plenty of local

parks and beautiful grounds. For church weddings, be sure to plan

around Easter.

Seasonable Hues• Dreamy pastels the colors of mints: pale pink, lavender, green

and yellow

• Popular combinations: green and pink, pink and light brown

• A bold statement: robin’s egg blue, turquoise or lime

Flowers in Bloom• Tulips, of course

• Fragrant hyacinth, lily of the valley, peonies and forsythia

• Freshly cut flowers from your own garden gathered into a

nosegay or a bunch of wildflowers tied with ribbon

Cakes and Such• Edible daisies that look as if they are cascading down the side

of the cake

• Lilting patterns and borders around the edges

• Plates and plates of chocolate-dipped strawberries

Favor It• Beautiful bags of pastel colored mints

• Anything floral themed

• Decorative coasters

• Butterfly-motif bookmarks

• Heart-shaped key chains and frosted frames in subtle hues

• Individual boxes, topped with a silk flower, that hide a special

chocolate inside

Especially You• A harpist playing classical music

• A hint of color for wedding dresses – a baby blue sash, an

allover suggestion of pink or light colorful embroidery

• A lovely wrap in case there is still a chill in the air





SUMMER The StoryBy Deena C. Bouknight / Photography by www.clarkberry.com

Brent McCraw and Amy MobleyBrent and Amy McCraw, both South Carolina natives, were undaunted by the thought of a summertime wedding. Amy, in fact, comes from a

family where two generations enjoyed summer weddings.

“July 26 is my parents’ and my grandparents’ anniversary,” says Amy. “And summer is my favorite time of the year.”

After exploring many options around Columbia, they were even bold enough to choose an outdoor venue – Saluda Shoals Park.

“We knew there was a chance it would be too hot or even raining, but we took it anyway,” says Amy, “because the spot was so beautiful.”

Flowers were in bloom, hardwoods provided some shade, a fountain offered a perfect backdrop and the park’s gazebo completed the setting,

according to Amy.

Just in case, they had a tent constructed and offered their guests ice cold water bottles and programs printed on heavy weight paper to double

as fans. To keep children happy, tables were set up with stickers, crayons and lollipops.

“It was cloudy the whole day and 95 degrees, and then a rain storm came,” says Brent. “Thirty

minutes before the wedding was to begin at 4, the storm clouds rolled away and the sun came out. It

was muggy, but then a breeze blew in and the temperature dropped to 87 degrees just in time for the

wedding. We couldn’t have asked for it to be nicer.”

When Amy approached the gazebo where her husband-to-be and pastor waited, she was

dressed in a simple, white, strapless raw-silk gown. “It was summery and gardenish,” Amy says of

her dress. Since red is her favorite color, she incorporated the hue into the wedding by wearing red

shoes and carrying calla lilies dyed red and paired with Gerber daisies.

Brent wore a light blue and white seersucker suit with a white shirt and white bow tie.

The groomsmen wore seersucker suits as well, but with red bow ties that Brent made with his

mother’s help.

The bridesmaids wore seersucker sashes around their dresses with their initials embroidered on them. They carried white calla lilies and red

berry stems.

At the reception inside the River Center, Men of Distinction played while guests enjoyed a light fare of salads, fruit, chilled vegetables, crois-

sants, chicken salad and lemonade. The wedding cake was made with layers of strawberry, lemon and amaretto.

Before the guests began leaving around 7, the newly married couple handed out white ice cream scoops with their names printed in red on

the handle.

“We wanted to give out a favor that people could actually use, and we love ice cream, so this said something about us as well. And they

weren’t very expensive. It was something fun to do,” says Amy.

The couple put as much thought into their honeymoon plans. After reading books on the subject and talking to married couples, one fact was

clear: newly married couples are exhausted after a wedding.

“We knew we didn’t want to deal with the hassle of flying, going out of the country, passports, packing a lot and all that,” says Brent.

The couple ended up spending the first two nights in Savannah, where they recovered from the busyness of the wedding. “We had no plans.

We were exhausted, so we slept, relaxed and even ordered pizza.”

The next five days they spent on Amelia Island.

“I wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding,” admits Brent. “And I would definitely have it again in the summer. It all worked out so well.”

“I wouldn’t change a thing

about our wedding, and I

would definitely have it again

in the summer. It all worked

out so well.”


SUMMER The SceneBy Deena C. Bouknight


Location LowdownColumbia offers plenty of indoor options such as muse-

ums, churches and historic homes. Plus, courtyards and shaded

parks work especially well for early morning and late afternoon

weddings.

Seasonable Hues• Lime green, fuchsia and sunshine yellow – on the

brighter side

• Pale pink, moss and teal for softness

• Or, go preppy: navy, white and cherry red

Flowers in Bloom• Blue delphiniums, gladioli, snapdragons and columbine

• Mixed bouquets with bright colors

• Roses of any color – try mixing pink ones with lime green

chrysanthemums

Cakes and Such• Bold colors

• Fresh flowers or edible sugar ones bring life to a simple

tiered cake

• Sugar-molded bees or birds add uniqueness

• Something in season for the flavor – raspberry puree filling or

a lemon cake with blackberry filling

• Chocolate with cherry ganache

Favor It• Personalized water bottles, flower vases, seed packet cards,

decorative watering cans

• Personalized flower pots, silk fans and baskets of floral

scented soaps

Especially You• Table arrangements of dried lavender, bowls of fresh water-

melon, a variety of “ades” - lime, lemon, raspberry, strawberry

- and checkered tablecloths for less formal affairs

• Violinists playing soothing music prior to the wedding and

during the reception





FALL The StoryBy Deena C. Bouknight / Photography by www.alldressedupphotography.com

Emily Redmond and Kenny BarberA beautiful garden, trees replete with colorful leaves, a large covered veranda and a spacious reception hall all

provided the ideal ambiance Emily Redmond was seeking when she married Kenny Barber on Nov. 8, 2008 at Wintergreen

Woods in Lexington.

“Fall is my favorite time of the year because the weather is perfect and the trees are beautiful,” she says. “We chose

5 p.m. because it was right at sunset.”

The early evening time slot also enabled the couple to plan a more formal affair. Colors were black, ivory and a

touch of red. The bride wore an ivory lace dress with silver thread and neckline beading as well as red shoes, while the

bridesmaids were outfitted in black satin with ivory sashes. Kenny’s tuxedo sported a red bow tie and

cummerbund.

Once the ceremony under the veranda was over, the staff at Wintergreen brought out tables and

chairs for a relaxing buffet dinner. The menu consisted of garden salad, grilled breast of chicken with

a creamy white wine sauce, sliced beef tenderloin with gravy, green beans almondine, sweet yellow

corn in a buttery sauce and baked potatoes with condiments.

Emily says the main aspect of the wedding that touted fall was the flower selection, which

included natural-looking, hand-tied bouquets of gloriosa lilies, Leonidas roses, green cymbidium or-

chids, flame mini calla lilies, red sweetheart roses, red hypericum berries and seeded eucalyptus. The

boutonnieres and corsages were made of some of the same flowers.

Emily says, “I thought the colors of the flowers were similar to the colors of the trees during this

time. And we just loved the scenic drive down Corley Mill Road.”

Because the weather fell to the mid 40s in the evening, Wintergreen Woods positioned heaters in different areas to

make certain guests were comfortable.

And the Redmonds point out that the location – for guests and the wedding party – was very convenient. “We re-

served rooms for family and out-of-town guests at the Wingate Inn nearby, and we had the rehearsal dinner at Al’s Upstairs

– straight down 378. So there was very little driving for those who came from out of town.”

The less formal, fun aspects of the wedding were the big cookie groom’s cake with bride and groom rubber duckies

on top if it, as well as Hershey bar favors wrapped in black and white polka dotted paper featuring the bride’s and groom’s

names. Bubbles and silk flower petals enlivened the scene when the couple exited the reception to head to the Caribbean

for a five-day cruise.

The newly married couple says that although it may have seemed like a strictly formal affair, the mood was relaxed

throughout the day. “Everyone had such a wonderful time that many said it was the perfect wedding,” says Emily.

“Fall is my favorite time of the

year because the weather

is perfect and the trees

are beautiful. We chose

5 p.m. because it was right

at sunset.”


FALL The SceneBy Deena C. Bouknight


Location LowdownFall in Columbia is an ideal time to take advantage of outdoor

venues, parks, plantation grounds, gardens, barns, orchards,

vineyards and beautiful backyards because there are fewer bugs,

rain storms and hot days.

Seasonable Hues• Burnt orange, gold, pomegranate red, navy and

emerald green

Flowers in Bloom• Mums, Gerber daisies, rananculus, crab apple sprigs, dahlias

and ornamental cabagges

Cakes and Such• A gold cake accented with autumn red

• Flavors: carrot, apple, chocolate or pumpkin spice with cream

cheese frosting

Favor It• Frames or candles accented with leaf cut-outs or prints

• A leaf motif wine bottle stopper

• A maple leaf cookie cutter

• Scented pine cone candles

• Spice scented soaps

• Maple syrup in maple leaf bottles

Especially You• Bowls of scented pinecones, pumpkins galore, cornucopias

on every table, pathways of colorful fall silk leaves and

arrangements with peacock feathers

• Bagpipes and Scottish drums to add a dramatic edge to the

wedding and to welcome guests to the reception







guideResource 2009

BankingBB&T

1901 Assembly Street

Columbia

(803) 251-1400

www.bbt.com

Bridal ShopsBella Vista Bridal & Wedding Boutique

1003 Gervais Street

Columbia

(803) 251-3336

www.bellavistabridal.com

Evelyn’s

28 Townlee Lane

Lugoff

(803) 438-8141

Bridal ShowersSpringtree

200 Springtree Drive

Columbia

(803) 394-1345

CakesTiffany’s Bakery

8502 Two Notch Road

Columbia

(803) 736-2253

Catering, Event Planning, Decorating, Venue403 North Lake Events

Lexington

(803) 808-2992

www.403northlake.com

Buck Ridge Plantation

P O Box 2785

Orangeburg

(866) 869-4868

www.buckridge.com


Carolina Cuisine(803) 256-2694

www.carolinacuisine.com

Carolina Event Consultants3111 Devine Street

Columbia

(803) 929-6650 / (866) 940-6650

www.carolinaeventconsultants.com

City Art

1224 Lincoln Street

Columbia

(803) 252-3613

www.cityartonline.com

The Mitchell House421 N. Lake Drive

Lexington

(803) 359-5325

www.themitchellhouseand

gardens.com

Southern Way Catering100 East Exchange Boulevard

Columbia

(803) 783-1061

www.thesouthernway.com

Tronco’s Special EventsThe Medallion Center

7309 Garners Ferry Road

Columbia

(803) 256-1222

www.troncos.com

White Tent Event(803) 794-4454

www.whitetentevent.com

Dry Cleaning and Gown PreservationTripp’s Fine CleanersCall Kay Benjamin

(803) 261-4721

www.trippsfinecleaners.com

FloristsGarden Tapestry(803) 917-3036

[email protected]

Rosewood Florist2917 Rosewood Drive

Columbia

(803) 256-8351

www.rosewoodflorist.com

Something Special

7011 St Andrews Rd., #3C

Murraywood Centre

Columbia

(803) 407-7123 / (800) 987-7655

www.somethingspecialflorist

andgifts.com

Live Plant RentalPlant Express Rentals

Call Jim Pope

(803) 252-3999

www.plantexp.com

GiftsNon(e)such

2754 Devine Street

Columbia

(803) 254-0772

www.nonesuchltd.com

HotelsThe Whitney Hotel

Woodrow at Devine

Columbia

(803) 252-0845

www.whitneyhotel.com

Inn at USC

1619 Pendleton Street

Columbia

(803) 779-7779

www.innatusc.com


InvitationsBurlap Fine Papers

2912 Rosewood Drive

Columbia

(803) 748-8993

www.shopburlap.com

Nan’s Notes

111 Sparkleberry Crossing

Columbia

(803) 419-4449

www.nansnotes.com

JewelryCarolina Fine Jewelry

8502-A Two Notch Road

Columbia

(803) 736-0415

www.carolinafinejewelry.com

Gudmundson & Buyck Jewelers

2931 Devine Street

Columbia

(803) 799-7223

www.gudmundsonandbuyck.com

PhotographersWrightenberry Photography

(803) 781-2130

www.johnwrightenberryphotography.com

Clark Berry Photography

711 East Main Street

Lexington

(803) 996-5982

www.clarkberry.com

TravelForest Lake Travel

4617 Forest Drive

Columbia

(803) 738-1520 / (800) 554-8758

www.forestlaketravel.net




As Time Goes ByA new beginning for MirageWritten by Susan Fuller Slack, CCP / Photography by Jeff Amberg

M irage is a unique, neighbor-hood restaurant tucked

into a cozy corner of Sparkleberry Crossing in Northeast Columbia. Its attractive foyer, featuring a Syrian tile fountain, is the magic portal to an eclectic dining experience. The menu offers flavor profiles that reflect a confluence of international dishes, several of which are drawn from Mediterranean cultures.

Husband-and-wife team Alan and Miriam Peterson own the upscale, yet casual dining spot. Alan is a local physician affiliated with Peterson and Plante Internal Medicine Associates, PA. Miriam, originally from Puerto Rico, handles the restaurant’s special events. Her vivacious personality perfectly suits her role as hostess and service ambassador.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Mirage’s Seared Ahi-Tuna is served with red skin garlic mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley.

F E B R U A R Y 200960 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN


The Petersons’ son Alan, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, is the general manager. Son Aaron, a recently graduated high school student, is head server. Daughter Andrea has applied to medical school but fills the role of assistant manager when at home.

“Play it again, Sam”

Mirage initially opened in 2005 to a bad start. It was devastated by fire and subsequently closed. The younger Alan encouraged his parents to reopen and expressed a strong desire to have a management role. The restaurant opened again in August 2008. Despite its name, Mirage isn’t an optical illusion; instead, it has become an oasis where guests come to relax, have a drink and enjoy a satisfying meal.

Throughout the interior, visitors will discover an irresistible aura of theatrical glamour and fun, right down to the well-appointed bathrooms. Nearby are portraits of old Hollywood royalty such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Candid shots of present-day customers also decorate the walls.

Reserve-level wines, martinis and specialty drinks like Rock the Casbah, The Thirsty Camel (which is accompanied by a ceramic camel) and Moroccan Mojitos are available from the sleek, Italian-style wine bar. It is flanked by an inviting lounge with leather seating and low tables tucked behind privacy screens. Guests retreat to the hideaway to kick back, eat dinner and soak up the atmosphere.

The Casablanca Room, with its namesake vintage movie posters and memorabilia, pays special homage to screen legends Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It takes on the mythical quality of their 1940s blockbuster film, Casablanca.

“The only thing you owe the public is a good performance.”

All this theater is the background for the excellent fare that comes from

the immaculate open kitchen. This is the stage where executive chef Karl Mann orchestrates his cuisine. The focus is a magnificent wood-burning brick oven, the largest in Columbia. This type of oven has been used in Italy since the time of ancient Pompeii. Karl likes to finish off his grilled fish and chicken in the oven – a treat not to be missed.

Enjoy the authentic taste of wood-fired pizza. Classic Queen Margherita pizza features Roma tomatoes, whole-milk mozzarella and fresh basil. There is “Barabicu” (barbecue) Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian Mauna Loa with Canadian bacon and pineapple and Mirage pizza with feta cheese, basil pesto sauce, red onion and marinated artichoke hearts.

Karl’s son Stephen oversees the pizza and exhibits a natural talent for handling the dough. When the weather is pleasant, guests can enjoy their pies in Mirage’s nicely-planted patio area.

“Round up theusual suspects.”

Menu starters include popular standbys and others with enticing ethnic flavors: tostones (flattened f r ied p lanta ins ) , fa la fe l ( f r i ed chickpea balls with tahini) and hummus – a smooth, full-flavored chickpea spread with warm Brick Oven Mirage Bread, a popular Middle Eastern-style flatbread.

Mirage She-Crab Soup is prepared from an award-winning Charleston recipe. The signature Mirage Salad includes California walnuts, Roquefort and raspberry champagne vinaigrette. Fleur-de-Lys is an appealing medley of spinach, bacon and Gorgonzola drizzled with pancetta honey Dijon dressing.

The restaurant’s nine house specialties include Bogart Marsala (chicken, veal or sirloin with a rich Marsala wine sauce), Piccolo Piccata, Bubba’s Shrimp-N-Grits, Grecian Chicken Penne and Leaning Tower of Ratatouille.

Chop house choices feature boneless pork chops, New Zealand rack of lamb (“the Doc’s favorite!”) and 100 percent USDA choice, hand-cut, aged beef: New York strip, porterhouse, filet and rib eye.

Under “Fin House” offerings, choose from Atlantic salmon, ahi tuna, freshwater tilapia and mahi mahi filet (served grilled, pan-sautéed or fried), and add a tasty Fish House Sauce: Zen Sauce, Lemon Butter Sauce, Mango Salsa Sauce or Tartar Sauce. A Chilean sea bass special comes with a ladle of luxurious she-crab soup poured over the top.

There is an appealing variety of homemade vegetable sides, and don’t skip dessert! Try the homemade key lime pie, macadamia nut brownie, chocolate bundt cake or crème bruleé.

“I think this isthe beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

The Petersons and staff consider themselves one big family and work together as a team. “Everybody’s job is everybody’s job,” says Miriam. Guests enjoy attentive, knowledgeable service from the friendly wait staff.

As one might expect with a doctor in charge, strong emphasis is placed on wholesome dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients. Miriam councils,

“Food is medicine, and medicine is food.” Creative ethnic specials may appear on the menu, which is annotated with historical notes and nutrition tips.

Mirage is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or business gathering. Dinner is often enhanced by the music of Dr. Robert Jones on the baby grand. Dashing in a dinner jacket, the pianist occasionally plays the nostalgic song “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman might always have Paris, but Columbians will always have Mirage!


DOWNTOWN & THE VISTA

AMERICANBernie’s $ B,L,D1311 Bluff Rd., 256-2888

Biscuit House $ B1019 Bluff Rd., 256-0958

Blue Tapas Bar & Cocktail Lounge $ 721 A Lady St., 251-4447Voted Best Cocktail

Damon’s $$ L,D900 Senate St., 758-5880

Finlay’s Restaurant $$ B,L,D1200 Hampton St. (in the Columbia Marriott), 771-7000

Flying Saucer $ L,D931 Senate St., 933-999

Gervais & Vine $$ DVoted Best AppetizerVoted Best Wine Menu620-A Gervais St., 799-VINE

Hunter-Gatherer Brewery $$ D900 Main St., 748-0540

Liberty Taproom & Grill $$ L,D828 Gervais St., 461-4677

Mac’s on Main $ L,D1710 Main St., 929-0037

Ruth’s Chris Steak House $$$ L,DVoted Best Steak 924-A Senate St. (at the Hilton), 212-6666

The Souper Spoon $ L1212 Hampton St., 256-0902

ASIANM. Café $$ L,D1417 Sumter St., 779-5789

Miyo’s Fine Shanghai & Szechuan Cuisine $$ L,DVoted Best Chinese Restaurant 922 S. Main St., 779-MIYO

COFFEE/DESSERTImmaculate Consumption $ B,L933 Main St., 799-9053

Nonnah’s $ L,DVoted Best Dessert 930 Gervais St., 779-9599

DELICool Beans! Coffee Co. $ B,L,D1217 College St., 779-4277

Jammin Java $ B,L,D1530 Main St., Suite D, 254-JAVA (5282)

No Name Deli $ L2042 Marion St., 242-0480

FINE DININGColumbo’s $$ B,L,D, SBR2100 Bush River Rd. (in the Radisson), 744-2200

Hampton Street Vineyard $$$ L,D1201 Hampton St., 252-0850

Hennessy’s $$ L,D1649 Main St., 799-8280

Motor Supply Co. Bistro $$ L,D920 Gervais St., 256-6687

P.O.S.H. $$ B,L,D1400 Main St. (at the Sheraton), 988-1400

Ristorante Divino $$$ DVoted Best Fine Dining Restaurant 803 Gervais St., 799-4550

ITALIANMellow Mushroom $ L,D1009 Gervais St., 933-9201

Villa Tronco $$ L,D1213 Blanding St., 256-7677

NATURAL/HEALTHGarden Bistro $ B,L923 Gervais St., 933-9085

Nice-N-Natural $ L1217 College St., 799-3471

SEAFOODBlue Marlin $-$$ L,DVoted Best Seafood Restuarant 1200 Lincoln St., 799-3838

The Oyster Bar $-$$ D1123 Park St., 799-4484

SOUTHERN300 Senate at the Canal $-$$ L 300 Senate St., 748-8909

Lizard’s Thicket $ B,L,D Voted Best Bang for the Buck Voted Best Family RestaurantVoted Best Grits 818 Elmwood Ave., 779-6407

STEAKLonghorn Steakhouse $-$$ L,D902-A Gervais St., 254-5100

SUSHICamon Japanese Restaurant $$$ D1332 Assembly St., 254-5400

SakiTumi $$ L,D807 Gervais St., 931-0700

WINGSCarolina Wings $ L,D 600 Gervais St., 256-8844

Wild Wing Cafe $ L,D729 Lady St., 252-9464

FIVE POINTS & DEVINE STREET

AMERICANBirds on a Wire $ L,D2901 Devine St., 254-2445

Goatfeather’s $-$$ D, SBR2017 Devine St., 256-3325

Harper’s Restaurant $-$$ L,D700 Harden St., 252-2222

Mr. Friendly’s $$-$$$ L,D2001-A Greene St., 254-7828

Salty Nut $ L,D2000-A Greene St., 256-4611

Yesterday’s $$ L,D2030 Devine St., 799-0196

ASIANBaan Sawan $$$ D2135 Devine St., 252-8992

Egg Roll Chen $ L,D715 Crowson Rd., 787-6820

DELIAdriana’s $ B,L,D721 Saluda Ave., 799-7595

Andy’s Deli $ L,D2005 Greene St., 799-2639

DiPrato’s $ L,D, SBRVoted Best Sunday Brunch 342 Pickens St., 779-0606

The Gourmet Shop $ B,L724 Saluda Ave., 799-3705

Groucho’s Deli $ L,DVoted Best Sandwich 611 Harden St., 799-5708

FINE DININGDianne’s on Devine $$$ DVoted Best Wait Staff 2400 Devine St., 254-3535

GERMANJulia’s German Stammtisch $$ L,D4341 Ft. Jackson Blvd., 738-0630

GREEKDevine Foods $ L,D2702 Devine St., 252-0356

INDIANIndia Pavilion $ L,D2011 Devine St., 252-4355

IRISHDelaney’s $ L,D741 Saluda Ave., 779-2345

ITALIANGaribaldi’s $$$ DVoted Best Restaurant in Columbia2013 Greene St., 771-8888

MEXICANEl Burrito $ L,D934 Harden St., 765-2188

Eric’s San Jose $ L,DVoted Best Mexican Restaurant 6118 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-6650

Qdoba Mexican Grill $ L,D6070-A Garners Ferry Rd., 783-8766

NATURAL/HEALTHMediterranean Tea Room $ L,D2601 Devine St., 799-3118

PIZZALaBrasca $ L,D4365 Jackson Blvd., 782-1098

Village Idiot $ L,D2009 Devine St., 252-8646

Za’s Brick Oven Pizza $ L,DVoted Best Pizza 2930 Devine St., 771-7334

SOUTHERNLizard’s Thicket $ B,L,DVoted Best Bang for the BuckVoted Best Family Restaurant Voted Best Grits 7938 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-0095

SUSHISaky $-$$ D 4963 Jackson Blvd., 787-5307

Sushi Yoshi $ D2019 Devine St., 931-0555

NORTHEAST

AMERICAN5 Guys Famous Burgers & Fries $ L,DVoted Best French Fries460-2 Town Center Place, 788-6200

Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza $ L,D461-11 Town Center Place708-4874

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar $$$ DVoted Best Restaurant in Northeast841-4 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-6966

Village Bistro $$ L,D,SBR498-1 Town Center Place, 227-2710

DELIGroucho’s Deli $ L,DVoted Best Sandwich • 111 Sparkleberry Ln., 419-6767• 730 University Village Dr.,754-4509

Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery $ B,LVoted Best Bakery 8502 E Two Notch Rd., 736-CAKE

Which Wich $ L,D494-1 Town Center Place, 227-2782

FINE DININGArizona’s $$$ L,D150 Forum Dr., 865-1001

GOOD EATS

KEY$ - $10 or less $$ - $11 to $20 $$$ - $21 and up

B - BreakfastL - LunchD - DinnerSBR - Sunday Brunch

The winners of Columbia Metropolitan’s 2009 Best of Columbia contest are in red.

RestaurantGuide


GREEKZorba’s $ L,DVoted Best Greek Restaurant 2628 Decker Blvd., 736-5200

ITALIANTravinia Italian Kitchen $$ L,D101 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., 419-9313

MEXICANHola Mexico $ L,D10014 C Two Notch Rd., 865-7758

Monterrey $ L,D • 114 Afton Ct., 749-5928• 7260 Parklane Rd., 699-6248

Qdoba Mexican Grill $ L, D10136 Two Notch Rd., 788-9842

San Jose $ L,D • 801 Sparkleberry Ln., 419-8861• 420 McNulty St. #C, 735-9787• 808 Highway 1S, 438-2133

SEAFOODBar Louie $$-$$$ L,D 461-4 Town Center Place, 865-2282

SOUTHERNLizard’s Thicket $ B,L,DVoted Best Bang for the BuckVoted Best Family Restaurant Voted Best Grits • 7620 Two Notch Rd., 788-3088• 10170 Two Notch Rd., 419-5662

STEAKLonghorn Steakhouse $-$$ L,D2760 Decker Blvd., 736-7464

Steak Carolina $-$$ L (Sat only), D5 Lake Carolina Way, Ste 170, 661-6424

WINGSCarolina Wings $ L,D 2000-18 Clemson Rd., 419-0022

D’s Restaurant $ L,DVoted Best Wings111 Sparkleberry Crossing, 462-1895

Wild Wing Cafe $ L,D480-2 Town Center Place, 865-3365

IRMO

AMERICANSticky Fingers $-$$ L,D380 Columbiana Dr., 781-7427

ASIANMiyo’s at Columbiana Place $$ L,DVoted Best Chinese Restaurant 1220 E-2 Bower Pkwy., 781-7788

Miyabi Kyoto $$ L (Sun only),DColumbiana Centre, Harbison Blvd., 407-0574

Thai Lotus Restaurant $ L,DVoted Best Thai Restaurant 612 St. Andrews Rd., 561-0006

DELIGroucho’s Deli $ L,DVoted Best Sandwich • 800 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4515• 2009 Broad River Rd., 750-3188

Schlotzsky’s Deli $ L,D529 Bush River Rd., 798-1775

FONDUEThe Melting Pot $$$ DVoted Best Romantic Dinner 1410 Colonial Life Blvd., 731-8500

GREEKZorba’s $ L, DVoted Best Greek Restaurant 6169 St. Andrews Rd, 772-4617

INDIANDelhi Palace $ L,D1029 Briargate Cir., 750-0866

MEDITERRANEANAl-Amir $$ L,DVoted Best Restaurant in Irmo 7001 St. Andrews Rd., 732-0522

MEXICANEl Chico Restaurant $$$ L,D1728 Bush River Rd., 772-0770

Little Mexico $ L,D6164 St. Andrews Rd., 798-6045

Monterrey $ L,D2219 Broad River Rd., 798-9055

San Jose $ L,D• 1000 Marina Rd., 749-9484• 498 Piney Grove Rd., 750-3611

NATURAL/HEALTHSun Ming Chinese Restaurant $ L,D7509 St. Andrews Rd., 732-4488

PIZZACustom Pizza Company $$ L,D6801-3 St. Andrews Rd., 781-6004

SEAFOODBonefish Grill $$-$$$ D1260 Bower Pkwy., 407-1599

Catch 22 $$ L,D1085 D Lake Murray Blvd., 781-9916

SOUTHERNLizard’s Thicket $ B,L,D Voted Best Bang for the Buck Voted Best Family Restaurant Voted Best Grits • 7569 St. Andrews Road, 732-1225• 1824 Broad River Rd., 798-6427

STEAKLonghorn Steakhouse $-$$ L,D171 Harbison Blvd., 732-2482

SUSHIInakaya $-$$ L,DVoted Best Sushi Restaurant 655-C St. Andrews Rd., 731-2538

WINGSCarolina Wings $ L,D7587 St. Andrews Rd., 781-0084

D’s Restaurant $ L,DVoted Best Wings 285 Columbiana Dr., 227-0238

Wild Wing Cafe $ L,D1150 Bower Parkway, 749-9464

Wings & Ale $ L,D125-C Outlet Pointe Blvd., 750-1700

LEXINGTON

BARBECUEHudson’s Smokehouse $ L,DVoted Best Barbecue Voted Best Ribs4952 Sunset Blvd., 356-1070

COFFEE/DESSERTCarvel Ice Cream & Cinnabon $5166-A Sunset Blvd.

DELICafe 403 $ L403 N. Lake Dr., 808-2992

Groucho’s Deli $ L,DVoted Best Sandwich 117 1/2 East Main St., 356-8800

Schlotzsky’s Deli $ L,D5166 A Sunset Blvd.

FINE DININGLexington Arms $$ D314A West Main St., 359-2700

ITALIANTravinia Italian Kitchen $$ L,DVoted Best Restaurant in Lexington 5074 Sunset Blvd., 957-2422

MEXICANEric’s San Jose $ L,DVoted Best Mexican Restaurant 604 Columbia Ave. 957-9443

Monterrey $ L,D5570 Sunset Blvd., 356-8314

Salsaritas $ L,D5135 Sunset Blvd. Suite H, 957-7485

San Jose $ L,D4510 Augusta Rd., 957-5171

SOUTHERNLizard’s Thicket $ B,L,DVoted Best Bang for the BuckVoted Best Family Restaurant Voted Best Grits 621 West Main St., 951-3555

WINGSBuffalo’s Café $ L,D5464 Sunset Blvd., 808-6001

Carolina Wings $ L,D 105 North Pointe Dr., 356-6244

CAYCE & WEST COLUMBIA

AMERICANNew Orleans Riverfront $$ L,DVoted Best Outdoor Dining 121 Alexander Rd., 794-5112

BARBECUEMaurice’s $ L, D1600 Charleston Hwy, 796-0220

COFFEE/DESSERTCafé Strudel $ B,L118 State St., 794-6634

DELIHouse Coffee $ B,L,D116 State St., 791-5663

FINE DININGAl’s Upstairs $$$ DVoted Best Italian Restaurant 300 Meeting St., 794-7404

Terra $$ D100 State St., 791-3443

GREEKGrecian Gardens $$ L,D2312 Sunset Blvd., 794-7552

Nick’s $$ L,D 1082 Sunset Blvd., 794-9240

SOUTHERNLizard’s Thicket $ B,L,D Voted Best Bang for the BuckVoted Best Family Restaurant Voted Best Grits • 2240 Airport Blvd., 796-7820• 501 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-0314• 2234 Sunset Blvd., 794-0923

WINGSCarolina Wings $ L,D 2347-C Augusta Rd., 791-0260

D’s Wings $ L,D920 Axtell Dr., 791-4486

FOREST ACRES

AMERICANTombo Grille $$ D4517 Forest Dr., 782-9665

ASIANMiyo’s on Forest $$ L,DVoted Best Chinese Restaurant 3250 Forest Dr., Suite B, 743-9996

Sakura $-$$ L,D20 Forest Lake Shopping Center, 738-9330

Sato $$ D1999 Beltline Blvd., 782-1064

DELI

Groucho’s Deli $ L,DVoted Best Sandwich 4717 Forest Dr., 790-0801

McAlister’s Deli $ L,D 4710-A Forest Dr., 790-5995

ITALIANItalian Pie $$ L,D3246 Forest Dr., 454-1743

Pasta Fresca $$ L,D3405 Forest Dr., 787-1838

MEXICANCasa Linda $ L,D2009 Beltline Blvd., 738-0420

San Jose $ L,D 4722 Forest Dr., 462-7184

NATURAL/HEALTHZoe’s $ L,DVoted Best New Restaurant 4855 Forest Dr., 782-1212

PIZZAPaulie’s Pizzeria $ L, D4515 Forest Dr, 787-5005


SEAFOODBonefish Grill $$-$$$ D4708 Forest Dr., 787-6200

SOUTHERNLizard’s Thicket $ B,L,DVoted Best Bang for the BuckVoted Best Family Restaurant Voted Best Grits • 402 Beltline Blvd., 738-0006• 3147 Forest Dr., 787-8781

WINGSD’s Restaurant $ L,DVoted Best Wings2005 Beltline Blvd., 787-2595

ROSEWOOD

AMERICANRockaway Athletic Club $ L, DVoted Best Hanburger2719 Rosewood Dr., 256-1075

DELIThe Deli at Rosewood Market $-$$ L,D,SBR2803 Rosewood Dr., 256-6410

ITALIANMoe’s Grapevine $$ L, D4478 Rosewood Dr., 776-8463

PIZZADano’s $ L,D2800 Rosewood Dr., 254-3266

Pizza Man $ L,D341 S Woodrow St., 252-6931

REMBERT

FINE DININGBoykins at the Mill Pond $$$ D84 Boykin Mill Rd., (803) 425-8825

Lilfreds of Rembert $$$ D8425 Camden Hwy., (803) 432-7063

CHAPIN

FINE DININGMark’s $$-$$$ L,D,SBR2371 Dutch Fork Rd., 781-2807

SEAFOODRusty Anchor $$-$$$ DVoted Best Lakeside Restaurant 1925 Johnson Marina Rd., 749-1555

Visit www.columbiametro.com for an extended listing.


GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH

How does natural history affect human culture? How does my heritage define me?

The answers to these questions are explored by sixth graders at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

This past fall, sixth graders spent three days in the South Carolina Lowcountry studying coastal ecology and ecosystems, as well as S.C. history and culture. During the day, students visited Bull Island, the S.C. Center for Birds of Prey, the Seewee Environmental Education Center, Ft. Sumter and other areas of scientific and cultural significance. In the evening, the students attended programs with sweetgrass basket makers and folk dancers.

“The opportunities and hands-on exper-iences presented on the trip enable students to step out of the classroom setting and into the real world to make observations, connections and further explore science, history and human culture,” says Peyton Sasnett, ecology

and earth science teacher who is also the S.C. Middle School Teacher of the Year. “Reading information in class and then experiencing it firsthand makes for a complete and fun educational adventure that nurtures the learning experience of the whole child. The sixth-grade trip is an integrated, cross-curricular, one-of-a-kind adventure that is truly unique to Heathwood Hall.”

As part of a mastery exhibition, Heathwood Hall’s sixth graders also created portfolios to document their knowledge of their family’s history. Students interviewed parents, grandparents and other relatives. The scrapbooks included information about family history, religious practices, travel, recipes, photos and family trees. Each project featured a unique, individual family.

“Intermediate and middle school students often ask the question, ‘Who am I?’ As students research their families, they begin to discover what makes them unique and soon discover

a real sense of identity,” says Helen Summer, who teaches humanities. “Academically, the project teaches students everything from active listening and note-taking skills to writing and oral presentation skills. All in all, the ‘Roots’ project takes students on a hands-on adventure into self-discovery.”

Established in 1951, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School offers an independent, college preparatory curriculum to students from 3-year-old nursery school through grade 12. Heathwood Hall currently is accepting applications for all grade levels. For more information, visit www.heathwood.org or call (803) 231-7718.

Heathwood HallEpiscopal School

Alexandria Hill (L) and Sunaina Kapur (R) enjoy learning about Julian Hennig’s (center) family history as part of the “Roots” humanities project. The students are sixth graders in the Cindy and Evan Nord Intermediate/Middle School at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONwww.columbiametro.com COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 65

66 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN F E B R U A R Y 2009SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION


Southeastern Insurance Consultants

In 2000, Eric Wells and George Routon made a decision to change the way they approached the selling and servicing of employee benefits and formed Southeastern Insurance Consultants. SIC was different from other employee benefit

agencies in that it was founded as a service organization, not one just focused on sales. This philosophy has helped them to build a sales and service team dedicated to creating relationships with clients that are more than the usual agent-customer relationship. This philosophy also has enabled the SIC team to create partnerships with their clients that lead to preserving the profits of the clients’ businesses, as well as loyalty from the clients and referrals to other business owners. By focusing on the clients’ needs more than on the need for sales, SIC has grown into one of the premier employee benefit consulting teams in the Midlands and throughout South Carolina, as well as North Carolina, Georgia and beyond. In 2006, SIC joined forces with Norris Byrd Group Benefits, owned by Ed Byrd, resulting in one of the largest and strongest agencies devoted solely to employee benefits in the entire Southeast.

SIC offers its clients access to all benefits offered in the employee benefit marketplace, including group medical plans, group dental plans, group life insurance plans, individual insurance plans and an array of voluntary worksite benefits such as disability income insurance, cancer insurance and accident insurance.

If you are tired of feeling like just another sale to your insurance agent and would like to discuss innovative ideas for helping to preserve the profits of your business while dealing with the cost of benefits during these trying economic times, the SIC team would love to meet you.

(L to R) Ed Byrd, George Routon, Eric Wells


(standing) James Johnson, Denise Branham, Mark Wild, Crystal Johnson, Manly Hutchinson, Charity Sox, Chris Hutchinson, (second row) Donna Melson, Pam White, Pam Meetze, (front row) Monique Davis

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONwww.columbiametro.com COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 67

Three Rivers Ob/Gyn is one of South Carolina’s oldest and most established ob/gyn practices, offering comprehensive care for every phase of a woman’s life. Patients in the Columbia area have been receiving

care from these compassionate and highly trained physicians for generations. Many women whose mothers relied on Dr. James Johnson or Dr. Manly Hutchinson during pregnancy now entrust their own obstetrical care to Three Rivers.

The Hutchinson family has the longest legacy of practicing obstetrics and gynecology in the state. Dr. Manly Hutchinson, Sr., was the first certified ob/gyn in South Carolina and began the ob/gyn residency program at Richland Memorial Hospital in 1954. His son, Manly Jr., and grandson, Chris, joined him and continued this commitment to providing high quality women’s care in Columbia. The philosophy of Three Rivers – take time with each individual patient and listen to her needs and concerns – remains the same over these many years of practice.

According to Dr. Mark Wild, “Our goal at Three Rivers is to provide the highest level of care in a comfortable environment designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. To do this, we offer the latest technology and an expert staff of highly skilled physicians, nurses and administrative personnel who are committed to providing excellent patient care.” All of Three River’s physicians are up to date with the latest medical advances and are board certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our physicians are able to help patients with many complex procedures such as laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic relaxation surgery,” says Dr. Crystal Johnson.

Three Rivers Ob/Gyn provides a wide range of ancillary services including bone density testing, 3-D and 4-D ultrasound imaging, incontinence testing and therapy, ob education and childbirth classes, and HPV vaccines. The ultrasound unit is accredited by the American Institute of

Ultrasound in Medicine, and all sonographers are certified by the ARDMS. The Skin Care and Laser Center offers a variety of cosmetic procedures including laser hair and spider vein removal and skin tightening. These procedures are performed in a relaxed environment by a professional licensed aesthetician. The physicians at Three Rivers believe that offering a wide array of services at the office enables them to provide the best care possible and enhances their focus on patient comfort by making the services and treatments convenient.

To learn more about the many services Three Rivers Ob/Gyn has to offer, visit their comprehensive Web site at www.threeriversobgyn.com.

Three Rivers Ob/Gyn

68 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN F E B R U A R Y 200968 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN F E B R U A R Y 2009SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION


Travinia Italian Kitchen

Anderson Chambers (L) and sous chef Jared Cooper

T o those who frequent Travinia Italian Kitchen, the prestigious award came as no surprise. Named by Columbia Metropolitan magazine as the Best

Restaurant in Lexington for 2008, Travinia boasts many reasons why it has become the city’s hometown favorite … from the delightful atmosphere and service to simply delicious food.

Opened in April 2007 and nestled in the quaint town of Lexington, Travinia has quickly found its place as the destination Italian restaurant for miles around. Ask the locals why and, without hesitation, they say it’s because the food is delicious, then typically go on to detail

the charming ambiance. The Travinia Italian Kitchen experience promises a genuinely warm atmosphere, where the aromas of Italy sweep you away, and everyone is welcomed with open arms – and often by their first name.

“I love the feedback we’re getting,” says Anderson Chambers, general manager of Travinia in Lexington. “People come here because they expect the food to be great. Now, we’ve been recognized as the best restaurant in Lexington, and we want to thank those who voted and our loyal guests, too.” He continues, “By every indication, we are achieving what we strive for every time a guest visits or dines

here – to serve great food. Some favorites are our fresh chicken, veal and seafood dishes that are crafted with Travinia’s pan sauté method, as well as our delectable pastas that are served with flavorful cream sauces, robust marinaras or a touch of olive oil and a dusting of fresh parmesan. Then, of course, there’s the perfect ending … one of our homemade desserts that few can resist!”

Catering and a private dining area are also available. Travinia has two locations in Columbia: Lexington at 5074 Sunset Boulevard (803-957-2422) and Northeast Columbia at 101 Sparkleberry Crossing Road (803-419-9313).

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 69www.columbiametro.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONwww.columbiametro.com COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 69



PICTURE THIS

Children’s Chance: An Evening with the Gamecocks

Anna Price, Stephen Garcia

Lindsey Spires, Katie WilmesherrChuck LaMark, Jennifer Sigman, Todd Lewis, Katherine Swartz

Dustin Lindsey, Justin Albers, Jordin Lindsey Hamp Thompson, Steve Spurrier

Keely Saye, Andria Dodson

Russ Brown, Ashley Sherry, Preston Grishom

Robin Biro, Ted Crosson, Richard Hutton, Katherine Robinson

Brittney Martin, Samantha Wood, Caroline Fields, Paige Hopewell

Scott Powers, Michael Imperial

Renee Lipson, Rebecca Griggs, Jenna Micklash, Sara Trickey

Paul Blake, Joseph Azar, Erika Blanck, Robbie Butt

Young Professionals Alliance Holiday Party

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Angela Metz and William White Korin Knight and Andrew RogersonWW

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Ellie Stanton and Tripp DavisWW

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Meredith Farley and Adam BugenskeWW

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Helen Wrenn and Mike Pridmore

februaryCentral Carolina Community

Foundation, 254-5601Feb. 16 15th Annual International

Festival of Wines and Food

Chapin Community Theatre, 345-6181

Feb. 12 to 28 Play On, 8pm

Children’s Miracle Network, 765-0305

Feb. 24 IHOP’s National Pancake Day, all IHOP locations, 7am to 10pm

Colonial Center, 576-9200Feb. 6 Blues is Alright Tour, 8pmFeb. 20 Winter Jam, 7pmFeb. 27 Playhouse Disney, 3:30 and

6:30pm

Columbia Museum of Art, 799-2810

Feb. 5 Charles Wadsworth and Friends Concert Series, 7pm

Feb. 20 A Night with Kenny the Poet, 7pm

Feb. 27 Allen University Faculty Concert: Kenneth Green, 7pm

EdVenture, 779-3100through March 1 Snowville exhibitthrough March 1 From Here to

Timbuktu: A Journey Through West Africa exhibit

through March 1 “Brr!” Winter Science Show

Feb. 7 Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit opens

Feb. 7 “Monkey Business” Educational Theatre Show opens

Feb. 7 Big ED Health Team LAUNCH!Feb. 8 Tales for Tots – Going Bananas

for Curious GeorgeFeb. 10 Family Night, 5 to 8pmFeb. 14 Valentine’s Day! Big ED heart-

healthy activities

Koger Center, 777-7500Feb. 4 to 6 Columbia City Ballet

presents Snow White, 9:30 & 11:15amFeb. 6 to 7 Columbia City Ballet

presents Off the Wall & Onto the Stage

Feb. 10 to 12 Broadway in Columbia presents Riverdance

Feb. 14 SC Philharmonic Master Series 5, 7:30pm

Feb. 15 SC Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, 3pm

Feb. 17 USC Symphony Orchestra with James Ackley, trumpet, 7:30pm

Feb. 19 USC Band Clinic Left Bank Jazz Band 8 pm

Feb. 19 Palmetto Pans & USC Percussion Ensemble, 8:45pm

Feb. 20 USC Band Clinic USC University Band, 4:45pm

Feb. 20 USC Symphonic Band, 7:30pmFeb. 21 USC Band Clinic USC Concert

Band, 7:30pmFeb. 21 Palmetto Concert Band, 8:45pmFeb. 22 USC Band Clinic Bands Concert,

2pmFeb. 24 to 25 South Carolina

Philharmonic Young People’s Concert, 9:45 & 11:15am

Feb. 27 Auntie Karen Foundation, 8pm

McKissick Museum, 777-5400Feb. 7 The Life and Times of

Congressman Robert Smalls exhibit opens

Feb. 14 Worth Keeping: Traditions in the Permanent Collections exhibit opens

Newberry Opera House, 276-6264

Feb. 6 5th Dimension, 3 & 8pmFeb. 8 The Lettermen, 3 & 8pmFeb. 12 Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver,

8pmFeb. 14 Shai Wosner, 8pmFeb. 15 Arlo Guthrie, 7pmFeb. 16 to 17 Gilligan’s Island, 3 and

8pmFeb. 20 Newberry Chamber Players,

8pmFeb. 21 Tommy Emmanuel, 8pmFeb. 22 George Winston, 3pmFeb. 23 The Marriage of Figaro, 8pmFeb. 24 The Temptations, 8pmFeb. 26 The Goliard Ensemble, 8pmFeb. 28 Rita Coolidge, 3 & 8pm

Nickelodeon Theatre, 254-3433

through Feb. 4 Trouble the WaterFeb. 4 to 11 The Boy in the Striped

Pajamas

SC State Museum, 898-4921through Feb. 8 Mud, Sweat and

Cheers: Football in the Palmetto State 1889-2000

through March 29 The South Carolina State Museum: 20 Years of Treasures

Theatre USC, 777-2551Feb. 20 to March 1 The Skin of our

Teeth

The Township, 255-2542Feb. 7 51st Annual Ebony Fashion Fair,

8pm

Trustus, 254-9732Feb. 6 to 28 The Glass Menagerie

For an extended events calendar visit www.columbiametro.com.

OUT & ABOUT

F E B R U A R Y 200972 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN

The 5th Dimension

Clever Clues for De-cluttering Griet Atkins, Irmo• My fridgewasovercomewith art andschoolwork from the kids. I decided toscanmyfavoritesandtheneithertossorsharethemwithsomeoneelse(agrandmaorgreat-aunt).Formyfavorites,Iboughtthreeframelesscorkboardsandhungthemvertically over the couch in our familyroom. I rotate thedisplays, and it lookslikemodernart!

• Atmyhouseeveryonedropshisorhershoesatthesameplace.Itlookedlikeagrowingshoeexplosion.Ifinallyboughtanicebasketandtaughteveryonetoputshoesthere.

• Whenmykidswereyounger,Iboughtahugeplastictubandfilleditwithunusedtoys.EveryfewmonthsI’dpulloutthetub

and,forthekids,seeingallofthose“new”toysfeltlikeChristmas.OnceIemptiedit,I’dfillitagainandrepeattheprocess.Jenna• Each child has a large container forschoolwork.Attheendoftheschoolyear,thespecialthingsIwanttokeepgointhebox,andeverythingelsecanbepitched.

• Mygeneralruleofthumb:IfIhaven’tuseditinayear,Ithrowitout!

Advice from a “Reformed Mess”• At least once a year, we look aroundthehouseforanythingwearenotusingorno longerenjoy,andwehaveayardsale.Wekeeparuthlessmindset,askingourselves,“IfIhadmoverspackupandmove me today, would this be worthpayingsomeonetomove?”

• Most anything of which we havemultiples (we seem to get about eight

phone books every year) can be sharedwithsomeoneelse,takentotheofficeorrecycled.

• IevaluatewhatIreallymustkeeponthecountertop.Mostthingscanbehiddenoutofsight(toiletries,dishsoap,trashcans,smallappliancesIdon’tuseoften,etc.).Gettingstuffoffthecountersandoutofsightreducestheappearanceofclutter.

Thereyouhave it– theclever ideasfrom your friends and neighbors, righthere in Columbia. Why look anywhereelse for advice when you can simplytalk to those around you? One place Irecommend you do not look, however,isintheclosetsaroundtheGoodhome.Now there is an unconquered frontier–evidenceoftheformerlydisorganizedwomanwhoonce earned thenicknameof“Mess.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Documents

February 2009 Columbia Metropolitan