may 2009 columbia metropolitan

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2 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN M A Y 2009

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 3www.columbiametro.com


CONTENTS

Volume 19 Number 10

Contents

Features42 Columbia Makes the GradeOur city is ranked among the best in the countryBy Janey Goude

46 Motherly MantrasTaking a second look at Columbia mothers’ adviceBy Anne Postic

DepartmentsHealthy Living14 Does Fad Equal Bad? The skinny on fad dietingBy Sam Morton

Palmetto Business17 On the EdgeNew medical technologies deliver increased quality of life

to Columbia-area patientsBy R. M. Lee

Home Style24 Mutual Friends, Mutual DesignSteven Ford helps design the Flowerses’ new homeBy Margaret Gregory

32 South Carolina Winemaking 200 years of traditionBy Susan Fuller Slack, CCP

Community49 Junior Achievement Propels Youth toward SuccessBy Vicki Patterson Cannon

Local Seen59 Teaching (Without Teaching)Three fun, untraditional

teachersBy Deena C. Bouknight

Food For Thought68 Buon Appetito!Rosso’s rustic Italian cuisineBy Katie McElveen

Advertising Sections57 Getting Down to Business63 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

In Every Issue8 From the Editor10 City Scoop23 Spread the Word38 New to the Neighborhood?65 Good Eats70 Picture This71 Just Married72 Out & About

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FROM THE EDITOR

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, Vicki Cannon, Janey Goude, Margaret Gregory,

R. M. Lee, Katie McElveen, Sam Morton, Anne Postic, Susan Slack

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Amberg, Robert Clark, Jennifer Covington, Lochlan Kennedy,

Bob Lancaster

INTERNS

Julie Behr, 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:A collection of vintage postcards illustrates

Columbia’s progress over the years.

Photography by Dennis Craighead Design

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

M others’ words of wisdom – take them or leave them, but nine times out of 10, Mom is usually right. Growing up, my mother guided my brother

and me toward independence at fairly early ages. As much as we grumbled about taking on the chores of packing our own lunches, washing our own clothes and helping with the yard work, her persistence in teaching us these simple tasks enabled

us to appreciate our surroundings as well as gain confidence in ourselves. But along with rules and guidelines came a lot of laughter. She taught us not to take life so seriously and to enjoy the day-to-day affairs. I treasure all that my mom taught me over the years and hope to instill in my own children many of the life lessons that came from her words of wisdom.

In this issue, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, I am thrilled to have Anne Postic join our team. Anne’s unmatched wit yields just the right slant to her article, “Motherly Mantras,” in which she asks various Columbians what they learned from their own mothers. Their advice will make you laugh as you nod your head in agreement. As Anne says, “Like death and taxes, motherly advice is a sure thing.”

Mothers are often the best teachers, but we also look to schools and educational programs to help teach our youth how to be upstanding citizens in the community. We are fortunate here in the Midlands to have a thriving Junior Achievement chapter that mentors our young children every day. And with today’s economy, JA programs are more critically needed than ever. Writer Vicki Cannon describes JA as “a hands-on program that prepares young people for the ‘real world’ by showing them how to successfully create and manage a company, how to create jobs that will contribute to the economy and how to make sound financial, ethical and entrepreneurial decisions.” I applaud this organization and the many community volunteers that give their time in order to help Columbia’s children have a brighter future.

Some of our community’s unsung teachers have found that kids learn best when they’re having fun. Writer Deena Bouknight uncovers three Midlands teachers who are getting kids excited about learning in very untraditional ways. Meet Keith Kargel of the Nature Learning Company, whose goal is “to inspire children, to make them informed and aware, to teach them respect for nature, to give them a love for science and a lifelong joy of learning.” Also meet Russell Unthank of Mad Science who teaches science through experiments such as creating a chemical change with a polymer (like slime) or making a bubbling potion or doing the burp taste-test. And then there’s Sarah Straney who teaches kids about art, drama, magic and make-believe all through her own dramatic performances that are filled with silliness and laughter.

I hope you’ll join me this month in celebrating the mothers, teachers and mentors who have shared their wisdom with you and your family every day in their own unique ways. Enjoy the issue, and Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Sincerely,

Emily S. TinchEditor


The second annual Urban Tour returns to the Midlands to showcase Columbia’s vibrant downtown this month. Join Columbians for a family-friendly evening of free food, drinks and even beer (for those over 21) as you guide yourself down Main Street. Participating shops will keep their doors open into the evening for the event. Come browse the community and hear some stories behind many of Columbia’s historic buildings.

Live entertainers wil l perform throughout the evening, including The Heart of Columbia Chorus, The Adam Gardner Trio, John English, Dr. Christopher Lee, Elizabeth and Mike Cameron, Adam Whitehead, Chip Mosteller and Tom Coolidge, Columbia Alternacirque and Soul Food Jazz.

The following sponsors and vendors will provide special offers and giveaways: City Center Partnership; CarterTodd & Associates; Edens & Avant; Budweiser; CRI, Inc.; M&J Wilkow; Capitol Places; Scott McElveen, LLP; Holder Properties; Mac’s on Main; King’s Jewelers; Columbia Marriott Hotel; Columbia Museum of Art Gift Shop; WXRY; WACH Fox; Free Times; Franklin’s Printing; Kickstand Studio; Cultural Council; The WHIG; Uptown; Chick-fil-A; Granger Owings; Kendall’s Café & Bakery; Frame of Mind; Hennessy’s; Villa Tronco; Vista Grill; Dingo Digital Design; Sheraton Downtown Columbia Hotel; and Touch Me Salon.

The 2009 Urban Tour will take place on May 7 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free shuttles and horse carriage rides will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will go on rain or shine, as the various entertainers will have indoor and outdoor locations to accommodate the weather.

Urban Tour is a great place to preview Columbia af ter 5 p.m. Catch a g l impse of shopping, entertainment and nightlife in our own downtown. The entire event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact City Center Partnership at 779-4005, ext. 2042 or visit www.citycentercolumbia.sc.

CITY SCOOP

Bringing May Flowers in StyleBy Lindsay Brasington

Urban Tour Keeps Downtown Open After 5Columbia’s Downtown FestivalBy Lindsay Brasington

Every Thursday in May join Riverbanks Zoo for Rhythm and Blooms. Have a glass of wine and a picnic while enjoying live entertainment and local artists, surrounded by the beauty of the Botanical Garden’s spring flowers.

Several vendors, local artists and musicians will be featured each week. Live bands will include Stillhouse on May 7, Corner House on May 14, The Fossil Record on May 21 and J’Ouvert Steel Band on May 28.

Picnic dinners for two can be purchased ahead of time on the Riverbanks Zoo Web site. Baskets must be preordered the Tuesday before the evening you plan to attend. Menus include focaccia sandwiches, fruit, dessert and water.

A cash bar and tapas also will be available for purchase for those who do not preorder meals. Each week will feature a different tapas theme: Spanish, French, Italian and Southern. Check the Web site for specific dates.

Rhythm and Blooms takes place rain or shine each Thursday in May from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will move to the Magnolia Room in the Visitor’s Center in case of bad weather. Families with children are welcome to attend. The cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members.

For more information, contact Riverbanks Zoo at 779-8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.


Columbia’s Downtown Market Returns This SpringBy L indsay Bras ington

D o w n t o w n C o l u m b i a w e l c o m e s C i t y C e n t e r Partnership’s Spring 2009 Main Street Marketplace during May and June. The outdoor market features fresh produce, flowers, home baked goods, handcrafted items, specialty gifts, art and more, available for sale every Friday from May 1 through June 26.

The marke t , p rev ious ly known as the Magnolia Market, first began in 2003. Vendors from all over the Midlands come to sell their homemade and home-grown items. Vendor Kathleen Updale travels all the way from Orangeburg to sell her produce. Ben’s BBQ is also sure to make an appearance along with numerous other Columbia favorites.

Come shop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art, on the corner of Main and Hampton streets. Admission to the market is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 779-4005, ext. 2042 or visit www.citycentercolumbia.sc.


Spring is not all that’s in the air at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Blooming Butterflies, EdVenture’s new permanent exhibit, opens May 9 in the museum’s recently created, enclosed outdoor pavilion.

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe hundreds of butterflies in a recreated natural environment of flowers, trees and foliage. The garden also includes a shed with a viewing window where guests can watch as the butterflies display the various stages of their m e t a m o r p h o s e s from caterpillars. Stations throughout the garden explain the habits, life cycles and divers i ty of butterflies.

B l o o m i n g Butterflies will allow visitors to witness and learn the unique characteristics of butterflies. Guests w i l l h a v e t h e opportunity to learn how butterflies use their antennae to smel l , why they don’ t grow and a t w h a t b o d y temperature they fly best. Feeding stations are also set up throughout the garden to provide front row seats to the distinctive way that most species of butterflies use their straw-like proboscides to sip nectar.

EdVenture’s newest tenants will consist of 10 to 15 different species native to the Southeast. The butterflies displayed will vary, but the exhibit will house such types as the Black Swallowtail, Cloudless Sulphur, Great Southern White, Gulf Fritillary, Monarch, Sleepy Orange, Julia, Queen and Zebra Longwing.

For more information, visit EdVenture Children’s Museum’s Web site at www.edventure.org or call 779-3100. Due to limited space within the pavilion, EdVenture advises making reservations if you plan to visit the Blooming Butterflies exhibit during opening weekend.

New EdVenture Exhibit Takes FlightBy Jessica Berger

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The annual Tour of Homes, Co-lumbia’s largest open house, is back for more house inspecting and perus-ing May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 from noon to 6 p.m. This year’s lineup of available properties includes 54 new homes in nine featured communities within the greater Columbia area.

The Tour of Homes allows Mid-lands house-hunters to explore properties within an assortment of areas and price ranges. This year’s tour includes a variety of dwellings to call home, including both condo-

miniums and houses. Visitors have the opportunity to experience an ar-ray of creative floor plans, designs and special features created by local builders and developers. This year’s tour will feature 27 local artisans.

Though the current state of the economy may not exactly inspire house shopping, The Home Build-ers Association of Greater Columbia reminds buyers that a new home is still one of the most sound invest-ments to be made. The organiza-tion also points out that interest rates are still significantly lower than at any other time in the last 25 years, mak-

ing now one of the best times to buy. The 2009 Tour of Homes fea-

ture communities including Adesso, Cobblestone Park, Crickentree, Deer Lake, Lake Carolina, Lakeshore at the Grove, Peach Grove Villas, Sa-luda River Club and Wescott Ridge. Guidebooks of the homes and neigh-borhoods on the tour will be available at all of the featured communities as well as at Russell and Jeffcoat Real-tors offices.

For more informat ion about the 2009 Tour of Homes, v is i t www.columbiabui lders.com.

Beauty for Any BudgetThe 2009 Tour of Homes shows off Columbia neighborhoodsBy Jessica Berger


HEALTHY LIVING

Does Fad Equal Bad? The skinny on fad dieting

By Sam MortonIllustration by Julie Behr


So what exactly is the problem with losing weight? We have endless diet options: the lemonade diet, the grapefruit diet, even the chocolate diet.

On television just the other night, an advertisement for a dietary supplement claimed to detoxify your system to jump-start weight loss. And if that doesn’t work, there’s even a brand of green tea that melts away the fat. Comedian James Gregory used to joke that we are a nation of people willing to do anything to lose weight … except stop eating. Even that turns out to be bad advice.

The simple facts are that fad diets do not work. According to Teri Marriott, a certified health education specialist with Doctor’s Wellness in Columbia, the only two keys that work are making healthier food choices and exercising regularly. Think of them as the two keys required to launch a nuclear missile – one generally won’t work without the other. “There is no magic bullet or magic pill that will cause you to lose weight,” Teri says.

Kay MacInnis, a registered dietician with Providence Heart and Vascular Institute, acknowledges that choosing one of the two keys might lead to some early weight loss. But, she cautions, “Eventually without the other component, it will come right back on. The motto is, ‘Move more; eat less.’”

The craziest fad diet Teri ever heard of is the cabbage diet. “You’re supposed to eat cabbage three times a day, and the diet is advertised as having negative calories. No food has negative calories,” she says. Kay points out that a current popular diet, the apple-cider vinegar diet, requires its adherents to consume relatively large quantities of the liquid before each meal. Like the green tea, it’s supposed to burn off the fat.

Wrong, Kay says. “In all fairness, researchers are conducting trials to determine whether the apple-cider vinegar diet might have some positive affect on lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, but melting away fat? No way.”

A recent survey from the National Center for Health Statistics finds that two-thirds of Americans are overweight, obese or morbidly obese. Kay also points to studies that indicate we consume 300 more


calories per day than we did 30 years ago and expend 200 fewer calories, largely due to changes in technology and work habits that now require less physical exertion. Incidences of newly diagnosed cases of diabetes have skyrocketed. The cure for all of these conditions begins with shedding pounds. But according to nutritionists and dieticians, using a fad diet to accomplish that or to even jump start the process may actually make problems worse.

“Actually, we have an epidemic in this country of a disorder called Metabolic Syndrome – or pre-diabetes,” says Colleen Wracker, a registered dietician who now works with Berkley Heart Labs. “I have found through practice that a majority of my patients end up with this because of years of skipping meals. This in turn lowers the metabolism and puts an individual into starvation mode where the brain says, ‘You won’t feed me, so I will turn food that you do give me into fat stores.’”

“The trouble with fad diets or those that rely on just one or two food categories is that when food groups are eliminated in the diet, you lose essential nutrition,” Colleen

says. “No one food provides all your daily needs. This is why we need a variety of foods and food groups to provide the proper nutrition.”

Those groups include fruits , vegetables, grains and proteins. “You can take pills or drink shakes, but there’s nothing better than real food,” Teri says. Kay agrees, saying you should try to keep your food as close to natural as possible. “I tell people to eat their calories, not to drink them. What I mean by that

is instead of drinking apple juice, eat an apple – peel and all. Eat more chicken and fish. Stick to wheat bread, wheat pasta and brown rice, and drink more water. Limit red meat and fried, greasy foods, and eat more fiber. The more fiber, the more satisfying.”

Some dieticians disagree that fad equals bad. They simply say fad means “popular at the moment.” But a reasonably certain way to identify an improper diet plan is to determine whether it eliminates food groups, promises a quick fix, offers lists of good or bad foods or is designed around selling a product.

Both Kay and Teri stress that proper weight loss entails a series of modest changes. “Dieting is not about deprivation. It’s about doing things in moderation,” Kay says. Both of these professionals say people should incorporate small changes, get comfortable with them, and then make more changes later. “The biggest mistake I see people make is starting a diet on Monday with grand, sweeping changes and great intentions, and then giving up on

Friday because the changes were too drastic and unrealistic to stick with,” Kay says.

Now that we know what not to do, what are some steps toward reasonable weight loss? Dennis Kennemur, co-owner of Metabolic Medical Centers of Columbia, says a good weight loss program has at least the following three elements:

1. A plan that is proven to work and motivates you to stick to it. The weight loss program should protect the body’s lean muscle mass while creating a calorie deficit and providing adequate nutrition.

2. The program has accountability, including regular visits with weigh-ins, plus a support system that helps keep you on track and offers solutions to various lifestyle and plateau issues.

3. The program has regular measurement of weight, body fat, blood pressure and blood profile for risk factors.

Dennis says for the extremely obese, individuals who cannot lose weight on their own or individuals on medications or with health risk factors, they would be foolish not to use a physician-supervised weight loss program.

Kay also points out another online resource, the National Weight Control Registry at www.nwcr.ws. According to the site, the center was developed to identify and investigate the characteristics of individuals who have succeeded at long-term weight loss. It tracks more than 5,000 individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight and kept it off for long periods of time. The center uses questionnaires and annual follow-up surveys to examine the behavioral characteristics of weight maintainers, as well as the strategies they use to maintain their weight losses.

In the end, it all boils down to personal choice. You can go on the acai berry diet or the ADHD diet – yes there really is an ADHD diet – or a host of other food limiting plans. Or you can take small steps toward permanent weight loss and a healthier you. Bon appétit!

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“We need a variety of foods and food groups to provide proper nutrition.”

- Colleen Wracker (left), registered dietician


PALMETTO BUSINESS

Surgery without a knife or incision? Yes, and it’s already here in the Midlands, only one of a number of cutting-edge medical technologies

delivering increased quality of life to elated patients, as well as deep satisfaction to their physicians. At area hospitals and private medical practices, clinical personnel wield new technological tools that can restore what was thought lost forever, or they can painlessly correct an abnormality that formerly brought unavoidable pain and trauma to the patient.

Visian ICL Implants at Columbia Eye Clinic, P.A.

When Columbia Eye Clinic began serving the Midlands more than 40 years ago, the medical staff never expected to see the day they’d be able to restore excellent

vision sans glasses or contact lenses to patients with severe myopia. With the advent of Visian Implantable Collamer Lens, or Visian ICL, that day has arrived.

“Visian ICL wearers are our happiest patients. They are the folks who, without their glasses, were truly blind before surgery,” says Dr. William Cain, Jr., comprehensive ophthalmologist at Columbia Eye Clinic.

Best candidates for the Visian ICL are between 20 and 50 years old. During the 15-minute procedure, the lens is inserted through a tiny incision and placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The implanted lens is not felt, requires no maintenance, the patient seldom needs stitches, and downtime is very short. Wonderfully, the implant cannot be seen by anyone other than a professional observer. Alas, however, insurance companies deem this

surgery elective and cosmetic and so will not cover it, but many patients find the relief from strict dependence on their glasses worth the expense.

In a note of encouragement to astigmatism sufferers, Dr. Cain says the developers of Visian ICL are working on a version that will correct astigmatism as well, but it is a year or two away from release.

Three-Dimensional Echocardiogram at Providence Hospitals

The first operating room in South Carolina to use the real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), Providence Heart and Vascular Institute sees this technology as revolutionary. Dr. Andrew Weisinger, cardiac anesthesiologist at Providence Hospitals, says, “This improved ultrasound helps us do a much better

By R. M. Lee

ON THE EDGE

New medical technologiesdeliver increased quality of lifeto Columbia-area patients P

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(L to R) At Columbia Eye Clinic, Dr. William Cain, Jr., assisted by Jim Sirhal, restores excellent vision to patients with severe myopia by implanting Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses.


job of repairing the valve. After a patient goes to sleep, we can put an ultrasound probe down the patient’s esophagus to get three-dimensional ultrasound images of the heart.”

Dr. Weisinger continues, “Before this technology, the cardiac surgeon viewed multiple two-dimensional TEE images from various angles in order to have an understanding of a patient’s cardiac anatomy prior to surgery. The new, three-dimensional TEE presents surgeons with a singular image of the valve that looks identical to what they will see once the heart is open.”

While the three-dimensional TEE technology, which requires extensive training and expertise to operate, is helpful to cardiac surgeons, it ultimately benefits patients.

“Understanding the anatomy of a patient’s valve means we can often repair it rather than replace it completely,” says Dr. Weisinger.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery at Palmetto Health Richland

You’ve probably seen the billboards around town announcing, “Gamma

Knife: The safest alternative to whole-brain radiation and surgery.”

According to Dr. Burke Dial, Gamma Knife neurosurgeon at Palmetto Health Richland, this technology allows him to destroy benign or cancerous brain tumors with no incision and little or no discomfort to the patient, a matter of one low-stress treatment and

four to eight hours in the hospital. Its workings are fairly easy for laymen to understand, too. After a stereotactic frame is placed on the patient’s head and an MRI scan is done, 192 beams of low-energy gamma rays focus on the site of the tumor. The result is a lesion composed of dead, inert tissue that cannot grow – with no harm done to

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This three-dimensional echocardiogram at Providence Heart and Vascular Institute presents surgeons with a singular image of the valve that looks identical to what they will see when the heart is open.

The Gamma Knife technology at Palmetto Health Richland allows surgeons to destroy benign or cancerous brain tumors with no incision and little to no discomfort to the patient.


What a Difference!

Appreciative patients share

thoughts on the results of their

state-of-the-art treatments.

Gamma Knife

“I was impressed by this alternative

to surgery. I was back at work the

next day. I’m glad the Gamma Knife

was a treatment option for me.”

– David Hunt, Columbia

microWave ablation

“In 2008, an inoperable tumor

appeared in my liver. That’s

when microwave ablation was

recommended. The procedure was

very easy for me, and I had no

pain before or after the procedure.”

– Lula Mae Price, Lexington

three-Dimensional echo

“From the time I came home, people

couldn’t believe I had had surgery

by the way I could move around.

I’m doing really well.”

– Betty Jeffords, Hartsville

visian icl

“It is so wonderful to wake up each

morning and see the alarm clock

without the assistance of glasses. I

no longer have to make sure

they’re on my nightstand because

I can see! It ’s a blessing I will never

take for granted.”

– Deborah West, Batesburg

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Dr. David Knight of Lexington Medical Center uses microwave ablation to destroy primary liver, lung, kidney and bone tumors without incisions and with quicker recovery times.


surrounding tissue, no scarring and little risk of infection since the patient’s skull is left intact. The whole procedure is done under local anesthesia.

Palmetto Health has the newest iteration of Gamma Knife, the Perfexion Unit, and it is a distinct improvement on the previous version, as Dr. Dial explains. “What the Perfexion Unit does better than anything else is make the treatment more comfortable, faster and easier for the patient. And because we can use a multitude of shots from imaging tests now, we’re able to make somewhat better plans, but the primary benefit is the increased comfort to the patient during treatment.”

As the only such center in South Carolina, the Gamma Knife Center treats patients from near and far. Those with tumors no larger than four centimeters are candidates for Gamma Knife surgery, and insurance covers it with no problem.

Microwave Ablation at Lexington Medical CenterNew as of September 2008, microwave ablation destroys

primary liver, lung, kidney and bone tumors without an incision and offers quick recovery time. Lexington Medical Center is the first hospital in South Carolina to perform this treatment, and interventional radiologist Dr. David Knight is the man for interested patients to see. “Microwave ablation,” he points out, “lets us cook a little bigger tumor compared to radiofrequency ablation, the previous technology. Typically, we treat tumors up to about five centimeters with the ablation. For up to three lesions, this modality is a good option, and insurance does cover it.”

What goes on during treatment? With the assistance of a local anesthetic, a thin needle is inserted into the site of the tumor. Microwave energy flows through the needle into the tumor at a frequency that causes the tissues to vibrate and spin at such a high speed that frictional heat causes cell death. Then, the tumor material contracts, shrinks and forms a small area of scar tissue. The tissue around the tumor is not affected because the heat comes out very close to the tip of the needle.

As with all the technologies mentioned here, success stories abound. Dr. Knight details one close to home: “The mother of a co-worker here already had one kidney removed

At area hospitals and private

medical practices, clinical personnel

wield new technological tools that

can restore what was thought to be

lost forever, or they can painlessly

correct an abnormality.


when she developed a four-and-a-half-centimeter tumor on her other kidney. If she had had to have that kidney removed, she’d have been on dialysis the rest of her life. We treated her with radiofrequency ablation, which killed part of the tumor but wasn’t powerful enough to destroy the whole thing. We then applied microwave energy, and it zapped the tumor completely without hurting her remaining kidney. She’s not having dialysis and is doing well.”

While most laymen look with admiration and gratitude at the physicians who employ these new technological tools, Dr. Weisinger holds a different point of view. “People look at me and say, ‘Wow, Dr. Weisinger, this is amazing, you’re a genius.’ But you know what? I’m a peon compared to the scientists who work for the companies that developed these technologies. The people who developed these things blow my mind. And they never get credit. They are the unsung heroes of medicine.”


SPREAD THE WORD

Wanda LongTony GoodlettSteve Baudo Kelly Barbrey S. Hunter Howard, Jr.Brett FrantzMary Evelyn Kalutz J. Donald Dial, Jr.

I. Jenkins Mikell, IIIBrantley ButlerJoAnn M. TurnquistKristy Stone Barnes Bob CobleBradley L. Lanford Samuel M. MokebaElizabeth Van Doren Gray

Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA has chosen its new practice group leaders: William C. Barnes, Jr., R. Gerald Chambers , Cynth ia C . Dooley, Julie Jeffords Moose and Michael G. Roberts. The office managing shareholders are: Michael G. Roberts, Jimmy C. Powell, Jr., Walter H. Barefoot and Vernon F. Dunbar.

Cohn Construction Services LLC has moved its office to 912 Lady Street, 2nd floor.

Breon C. M. Walker has joined the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group at Ellis, Lawhorne and Sims, P.A. as an associate attorney.

Reggie Murphy of Asset Realty has won the Central Carolina REALTORS® Association President’s Excellence Program Award.

Pulliam Morris Interiors has opened its new location at 906 Harden Street at Village Five.

Ducks Unlimited (DU) in Lexington has been named one of the top 100 highest habitat conservation work fundraising DU chapters in the nation.

Carolina Event Consultants, in conjunction with B. Sheppard Consulting, Inc. have been honored at the Homebuilders Association Regal Awards for their promotion of the Saluda River Club. Mary Evelyn Kalutz has joined Saluda River Club as Lifestyle Director.

Steve Baudo of Baudo & Associates Home Builders, Inc. has won a Home Builders

Association of Greater Columbia’s Regal Award Ceremony Community Service award.

Retired U.S. Ambassador Edward B. O’Donnell of American B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t Group has joined the U.S. State Department as acting deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs.

Kelly Barbrey has been chosen as the 2008 employee of the year at the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism.

Tony Goodlett has been promoted to retai l banking executive at First Citizens Bank. Wanda Long has been promoted to vice president. Brett Frantz has joined the City Center Partnership board of directors.

J. Alexander Hay, MS, MCSE has joined Atlantic Executive Consulting Group, LLC as an information technology consultant in Columbia.

ADCO won two awards from the SC chapter of the International Association of Business Com-municators.

J . Donald Dial , Jr . and G. Dewey Oxner, Jr. of Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. have been honored by Best Lawyers in America.

Ryan Foster and Dewayne Kaufholz, CPA of Scott McElveen, LLP have been chosen to serve on the SCACPA Young CPA Leadership Cabinet. Jonathan Phillips has earned his SC Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

S. Hunter Howard, Jr., CPA has joined as partner, Corporate Advisory Services.

Elizabeth Van Doren Gray of Sowell Gray Stepp & Lafitte, LLC has been named Best Lawyers’ 2009 “Bet-the-Company Litigator of the Year.”

Bob Andrews Motors has relocated from 1111 Harden Street to 5601 Two Notch Road.

Kristy Stone Barnes has joined Lake Carolina Development as director of marketing. Brian Boyer has joined as senior vice president of commercial real estate.

Bradley L. Lanford and Samuel M. Mokeba have been named partners at Baker, Ravenel & Bender, LLP.

Southern Strutt has been recognized by Dancer Universe as the second most competitive dance studio in North America and first in South Carolina.

City Year Columbia’s corporate headquarters has relocated to 1919 Hampton Street.

The Erik Rutherford Agency has been named Allstate Insurance Company’s Rookie of the Year for South Carolina.

The USC Law School Alumni Association has selected Mayor Bob Coble of Nexsen Pruet as a Platinum 2009 Compleat Lawyer.

JoAnn M. Turnquist has been chosen as President and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Brantley Butler has joined Columbia Metropolitan

Convention & Visitors Bureau as a sales manager.

I. Jenkins Mikell, III of New Life Insurance Company has been chosen president of the Columbia Estate Planning Council.

Applause Cater ing and Reneé’s Custom Catering and Cakes have merged at 1208 Laurel Street.

Kumar Pathak has merged with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

James M. McQui l la o f Professional Buyers Ad-vantage, LLC has been named to the Board of Visitors of The Citadel by Gov. Mark Sanford.

Congratulations to all of the winners of the American Advertising Federation of the Midlands ADDYGala Addy Awards: ADCO,12 ADDYs; Chernoff Newman, 26; Palmetto Health, 5; USC Publications, 1; Mad Monkey, Inc., 10; Sage Creative Group, 1; RIGGS, 12; AAF of the Midlands, 1; The Adams Group, 4; Clear Channel, 1; Colonial Life, 2; Genesis Creative, 1; BlueCross BlueShield of SC, 5; Unlimited Marketing Solutions, 4; Mustard Graphics Studio, 2; WrayMedia, 3; Fisher Communications, Inc., 3; ConstantNow, 1; WLTX-TV; 1; USC Students, 15.

The Columbia YMCA has been chosen to participate in the Action Communities for Health, Innovation and EnVironmental ChangE (ACHIEVE) program.


HOME STYLE

The wood that will be used for the decking has been treated with a new copper-based/organic fungicide solution from PhibroWood that has received highest rating from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, a leading not-for-profit environmental certification services and standards company.

Mutual Friends,Mutual Design

Elise Flowers first met Steven Ford when they worked together on fundraising projects for McKissick Museum at

the University of South Carolina. Elise knew from the first time she saw his award-winning table groupings in Mais Ouis that she wanted him to design her home.

Some 18 years later, Steven is still designing for Elise as she and her husband, Dr. Charlie Flowers, moved into their new home in King’s Grant. Even though they’ve only been in the house since December 2008, guests arrive into comfortable surroundings that look and feel as though the house has been waiting to welcome them forever.

That’s the beauty of working with someone as well organized as Elise, says Steven. Elise, who owns

Organizing Women, a company that specializes in helping people organize their lives, echoes the same sentiment about Steven, whom she claims can work magic with colors and light.

“I was working with a client who was moving to Virginia about the time that my husband and I had been thinking of downsizing our home,” she says. When she visited her client’s house, Elise didn’t hesitate and made an offer on it. Charlie’s only stipulation was that they sell their existing house first. “It sold in a week,” laughs Elise. That was in October 2008.

Things really got interesting when Elise told Steven that he would only have about six weeks to get the new house ready. “The buyers for our house wanted it immediately,” she recalls, “and Steven made it happen.” Steven credits Elise with helping

Steven Ford helps design the Flowerses’ new homeBy Margaret GregoryPhotography by Robert Clark

Charlie and Elise Flowers


make the move so easy, saying, “Elise’s organizational skills and my design skills made it possible for us to get in here and get it looking like the family has always been here. Elise had everything so together. We pretty much knew where everything was going to go, and she had the movers so organized.”

Because Steven had helped decorate Elise’s previous house, he was quite familiar with her furnishings and, more importantly, her taste. “I don’t think I have ever not liked anything that Steven has chosen for me,” says Elise. “I trust him implicitly. Sometimes he has to

beg me to come by the design studio to approve something he’s picked out. My husband simply refers to him as ‘a genius.’”

While a few of the furnishings are new, the majority came from Elise’s prior home, but Steven says the look is as though it’s all new. “We recovered some things and added new bar chairs and a sofa, but other than that, everything is the same.” Elise prefers to call Steven’s talent for design ‘magic.’ “I’m amazed at how he took what was in our other house and made it work here.”

The Flowerses’ dining room features

a traditional mahogany table and chairs with complementing sideboards, while a beautiful fern sits atop a tall plant stand that belonged to Elise’s grandmother. Steven selected terra cotta-colored draperies to accentuate the high windows and ceilings.

The kitchen was nearly perfect. “We only had to add a few accessories to personalize it,” says Steven. Some of that personalization comes from two pendant lights from One Eared Cow Glass that were moved from the previous house to the new one.

A cozy sitting area flanks the large

Elise’s collection of pottery and art from her many travels warms up the living room.


eat-in bar, and large columns set off the more formal living area, adding a nice flair without eliminating space. Large built-ins on each side of the fireplace highlight Elise’s collection of pottery from her many travels. Elise also has a wonderful collection of art put together over the years from traveling and from local artists in South Carolina, a trait that Steven admires. “It’s a pleasure to work

with from a design standpoint.”Steven was even able to use the

same décor from the master bedroom. “We had just redone the master a year prior, and I truly didn’t want to have to redo it because I liked it so much,” says Elise. The crème linen spread with chocolate trim, along with the headboard accentuated by furniture nails that Steven had custom made, looks as though it

was made just for the room. Because the previous bedroom had two windows that were shorter than the three tall windows in the new master, Steven extended the existing window treatments by adding a band of silk to the bottom.

A little more work went into the master bath, which originally featured a small vanity with a dressing table. Steven worked with a cabinetry company to design a double vanity more suitable for Elise and Charlie’s needs. Two tall mirrors are framed in white wood trim with a middle section of drawers dividing the sections, thus creating more usable space.

(Top) In the kitchen, two pendant lights from One Earred Cow Glass were moved from the previous home to the new one to add some personality.

(Left) The crème linen spread with chocolate trim, along with the headboard accentuated by furniture nails that Steven had custom made, looks as though it was made just for the master bedroom.

(Facing page) The Flowerses’ dining room features a traditional mahogany table and chairs with complementing sideboards, while a beautiful fern sits atop a tall plant stand that belonged to Elise’s grandmother.


The existing paint scheme in the house blended well with Elise’s furnishings, which was a great bonus. Only a few rooms needed to be repainted or wallpapered. “When I first came over to the house, I saw immediately why Elise fell in love with it,” says Steven.

Over the years, Elise and Steven have moved from a designer/client relationship to a true friendship. “Elise has introduced me to many of the friends that I now have,” says Steven. Steven even did a special wedding design project for Elise’s daughter. The mutual respect and collaborative effort shows in their teamwork. “I consider him one of my best friends,” says Elise. And Steven reciprocates, “I feel exactly the same.”

A cozy sitting area flanks the eat-in bar in the kitchen.

“I trust Steven implicitly. My husband simply refers to him as ‘a genius.’”–Elise Flowers


HOME STYLE

South Carolina Winemaking


200 years of tradition By Susan Fuller Slack, CCP

Phil Moore’s interest in wine fermentation began six years ago. In that short span, he has already won eight top wine medals from various wine associations.

South Carolina wines made with indigenous American grapes left a musky, unpalatable taste in the mouths of 18th century

European colonists. Imported grapes were considered superior, but disease and parasites made them nearly impossible to cultivate.

This legacy of failure began to diminish after Nicholas Michel Laurent Herbemont (1771-1839) fled France during the French Revolution and settled in Columbia in 1805. He became the leading experimental viticulturist of his time, sparking his own revolution in American winemaking. Author David S. Shields says aspiring winemakers of the period studied Nicholas’s methods. “He was widely considered the ‘finest practicing winemaker’ of the early United States,” he writes.

Nicholas was the first French language instructor at the South Carolina College, established in 1801. In the Southern environment of his adopted home, he experimented with old-world winemaking techniques learned in the Champagne district of France. Through trial and error, he devised a system of vine management largely free from European practice.

He experimented with more than 350 varieties of European, native and hybrid grapes in his lush city garden and at Palmyra, his Columbia plantation. The garden was the size of a city block, within walking distance of the college located in an area that is now bordered by Gervais, Bull, Pickens and Lady streets. Palmyra was located on Camden Road in the Sandhills area of Richland County.

At a time when American wines were often fortified with brandy, Nicholas was the first winemaker to create quality, French-style vintages. He believed civilized-tasting wine should be made exclusively from grape juice. The taste and smell of wines similar to those of his youth were portals to a sense of familiar place and time – a forgotten season captured in a glass.

Although Nicholas’s French Vitis vinifera vines had no genetic resistance to insects and disease, he realized the European/native hybrids had enough to survive and even flourish. In his experimental gardens, he popularized several hybrids, including the Lenoir, the Arena (a Sandhill native) and the famous Herbemont’s Madeira (Warren grape), which is still in demand. It rivals European varieties for winemaking and is excellent for the table. Nicholas felt these hybrids could be successfully grown in the poor, sandy soil of the Midlands, creating a new industry for South Carolina.

In 1818, Nicholas became a founder of the South Carolina Agricultural Society. In 1829, he was awarded a gold medal for successful agricultural practices that included crop rotation, high-trellising, soil replenishment and the successful management of plant disease and insect infestation. David writes that Nicholas was “a notable proponent of agricultural reform in the South.”

One of the vintner’s significant achievements in vine culture arose from experiments with systematic grafting of European vine cuttings to native grape root stocks. He noticed the grafted

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plants were disease-resistant and advocated the method as an antidote to crop failure. After his death, the important grafting technique was successfully adopted in France around 1860 to save the wine industry from a devastating blight caused by phylloxera (Phylloxera vitifoliae), an insect infestation.

David has edited a collection of Nicholas’s most significant works in a new vo lume , Pionee r ing Amer i can Wine : Writings of Nicholas Herbemont, Master Viticulturist. David notes, “His treatise, ‘Wine Making,’ first published in American Farmer in 1833, became for a generation the most widely read and reliable American guide to the art of producing potable vintage.”

From Grape to Glass

Statistics say home winemaking is

on the rise. For dedicated enthusiasts Phil Moore and Joye Mabry, home wine production is a labor of love. It requires hard work, patience and a measure

of good luck – the same qualities needed in antebellum Columbia. Both appreciate the complexities of the vine and consider the art of winemaking a good counterpoint to our fast-paced lives.

Phil, assistant provost for assessment and compliance at the University of South Carolina, is also a gentleman scholar cut from the same ilk as Nicholas Herbemont. He is very congenial and generous to share knowledge and a bottle of wine with friends or any interested party. Phil believes patience and self-discipline are key – one should not interfere with the wine prematurely. “Sherry requires an incredible amount of patience,” he says. He adds

that there is a delayed gratification when making wine, so the craft may not appeal to everyone.

Although Phil has been producing fine historic beers for 20 years, his interest in wine fermentation began just six years ago. In that short span, he has already won eight top wine medals from various wine associations who work to develop and encourage the growth of home winemaking and brewing.

Phil’s 2007 vintage of excellent cabernet sauvignon sports his own private label, Moondance Magic Brews. It features a charming drawing of his pet Corgi, Barley. Summertime is Phil’s favorite season for making Spanish sherry, a complex, fortified wine versatile enough for an apéritif or after-dinner wine. A glass of his delicious Barley’s Bristol Crème Sherry, a 2006 vintage, contains a smooth, creamy, nutty and complex flavor. This particular sherry won a coveted Best In Show award.

Juicy Secrets Phil advises beginning winemakers,

“You might have the greatest recipe, but without the best ingredients, your wine will be mediocre. Order fresh grapes at your own risk. The type and color of grapes will determine the appearance and flavor of the finished wine. Frozen juice


concentrates are a consistent, easy way to make outstanding wine. Buy them at reputable sources like Bet-Mar Liquid Hobby Shop on St. Andrews Road.”

Phil has extensive experience making wine with his own recipes but recommends using high-end wine kits, especially for beginners. The kits are foolproof and contain everything you need from juice to labels. After a first attempt, the winemaker can adjust the recipe to personal taste. Bet-Mar provides a variety of basic and deluxe (award-winning) kits.

Phil’s Winemaking Tips Good sanitation can’t be over

emphasized. Sanitize winemaking equipment to eradicate microorganisms and prevent microbial spoilage in wines. Wear disposable plastic gloves. Special acid sanitizers are available.

If a kit says to “top up” so the wine won’t get stale, it is preferable to use an inert gas like carbon dioxide to protect it. Buy carbon dioxide where wine and beer making supplies are sold.

Water can have a huge impact on the finished wine. Choose pure spring water with just enough trace elements to feed the yeast. Distilled water is fine for sanitation needs.

Stay in touch with your wines and check on them once or twice a day only for the first two weeks.

Keep fermentation at the proper temperature (70 to 72 degrees). If too warm, off-flavors and smells can develop. For primary fermentation, Phil uses a handsome, antique, insulated oak ice box. The wine ferments uncovered.

Wine kits require a winemaking process of 30 to 40 days before bottling. After six months, the wine is passable, but not quite ready. Prime drinking time is one to one and a half years. Optimum flavor disappears after 2 years.

Message in a Bottle Joye Mabry, a Lexington County

master gardener, clearly understands the laws of nature and knows how to manipulate them. Her custom 10-


foot by 17-foot climate-controlled wine house allows for ample work space and storage for wine bottles. The walls and doors are heavily insulated to maintain an optimum wine storage temperature of 50 to 60 degrees. The carefully designed structure was clearly intended to facilitate each step of wine production. Larry Mabry built the wine house for his wife when their kitchen overflowed with winemaking paraphernalia.

Conjuring Up BubblesJoye was inspired to make wine by her good friend

Geneva, whose name she bestowed upon one of her grape varieties. Using the trial and error method, Joye used blueberries for her first batch of wine. She says, “You can make wine from anything that will ferment.”

Wine is basically nothing more than liquid, fermented fresh fruit that seems to magically turn into wine. A dog-eared copy of the Winemaker’s Recipe Handbook lies on a table in Joye’s wine house where she practices the alchemy of winemaking. Five-gallon glass carboys of wine always sit nearby, aging gracefully for periods of at least one year. With the speed of a wizard, Joye presses, squishes and mashes fresh fruit to conjure up a vat of bubbling, fermenting pulp. When it is finally ready to drink, her tasty elixir will rival the complexity of any quality store-bought wine.

The Mabrys’ yard is a virtual Eden with fruit trees and 30 native muscadine and scuppernong cultivars. Assorted berries, apples, pears, Oriental persimmons and figs cover the land. Joye picks the lush, ripe fruit daily and uses it in 75 percent of her wine. Her most unusual wine to date is a hot and sassy jalapeño wine. She serves this one in small portions.

After joining a local chapter of the American Wine Society several years ago, Joye entered her wines in the South Carolina State Fair wine competition and walked away with 13 ribbons. To date, she has won 110 ribbons, including four for Best of Show (peach, Bartlett pears, blueberry and a reisling/gewurztraminer blend). She also took home a Quality Award from the AWS national competition for her mead, a wine made with pure local honey. Mead could be considered dessert in a glass – it has a delightfully sweet finish.

Nicholas Herbemont would be proud of Phil Moore’s and Joye Mabry’s zest for winemaking in the Midlands today.

David S. Shields is the McClintock Professor of Southern Letters in the Department of English at the University of South Carolina and director of the Southern Texts Society. His most recent book, Pioneering American Wine: Writings of Nicholas Herbemont, Master Viticulturist, examines the works and deeds of America’s first great winemaker.

Special thanks to David Shields and Sonja Burris, owners of Bet-Mar Liquid Hobby Shop, for information and research materials.


PALMETTO BUSINESS

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.

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 approximately 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 5

Century 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 1Russell & 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 Char-lotte. 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 Spartan-burg to Exit #91. Turn left toward Chapin. Go approximately 1.75 miles and turn left just past Wachovia Bank onto Lexington Avenue. Go approximately 2.5 miles and turn right onto Stucks Point Drive. Eagle Pointe will be .25 mile on the left. Alter-

nately, from Hwy #76 turn left onto Wess-inger, 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 2Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, Inc.779-6000Laurie Craven, 767-0707 or Judy McPherson, 414-4500www.russellandjeffcoat.com/communities.aspx Directions: From Columbia, take Farrow Road North, turn right on Hardscrabble, right on Sloan, and right on Flora.

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.

17. Harbour Watch on Lake Murray

Price 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 past 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.comDirections: Take 277 to I-77 North 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. 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 CapesRealtors, 699-7770Directions: Take 277 to I-77 North to Exit #19 (Farrow Rd.). Turn left. Turn right onto Hard-scrabble Rd. Go just past North Brickyard 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.

22. Jasmine PlacePrice Range of New Homes:

New Home Communities NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD?

indicates a natural gas community


$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. Community 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, Kevin Steelman, 803-540-3474Bumgarner Construction, Carroll Development, CA Builders, Benchmark Builders

www.LandTechSC.comDirections: From I-26, take the Airport Blvd/Highway #302 exit. Then turn right 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 Plantation, turn right

onto Gauley Drive and follow road to the New Home Information 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, 779-6063Agent 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.rymarc.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.rymarc.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]


Directions: 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.com

Directions: Take I-20 East to Exit #80. Take left onto Clemson Road. Go to Hard-scrabble Road intersection and take a right. Go approximately 2.5 miles to Lake Caro-lina entrance. Follow directions to the community.


33. South BrookPrice Range of New Homes: $150,000 - $280,000sLexington School District 1Hurricane Builders, 803-461-1802or 803-309-9527www.HurricaneBuilders.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-HOME

Jeff 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.


FEATURE

“Columbia established itself as a trendsetter 200 years ago when the downtown

streets were laid out in a grid. It was a planned city. We are now seeing a rebirth of that desire to plan for growth in the Vista,” says Michael Covington, SCDOT director of administration, a Columbia resident for more than 30 years.

Ike McLeese, president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, reflects, “When I look out over the city from atop the Wilbur Smith building, I’m amazed at Columbia’s growth – especially when I think of how it looked when I was a student at USC in 1964.”

Hannah Horne, news reporter and anchor for WIS-TV, says, “I’ve

had the unique opportunity to cover Columbia’s burst of growth over the past nine years. I remember when The Village at Sandhill was a cow pasture; The Botanical Gardens Parkway was a rock garden; Liberty Tap Room was a dingy pool hall; the Children’s Hospital was on a single floor; and the hottest ticket in town was inside the Coliseum. It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened. We are a thriving, growing city.”

Ric Luber, president and CEO of Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism, shares Hannah’s enthusiasm. “When I heard about this job, I couldn’t get here fast enough,” he says. “I was the head of the Convention Bureau in Austin, Texas, in 1997 at the inception of its

growth explosion. Columbia today reminds me very much of Austin in 1997. We need for Columbia residents to recognize the quality they have here. Columbians should take great pride in their community.”

Reports confirm Ric’s passion. Columbia is ranked in the top 50 cities in a number of reports, including being named the best mid-sized college town in the country, the eighth hottest city for entrepreneurs and 21st for business relocation and expansion. Columbia came in among the top 100 cities in several other reports. These studies looked at such factors as social compatibility, lifestyle, recreation, parkland, the arts, culture, safety, crime, climate, number of technology clusters and transportation.

Columbia Makes the GradeColumbia Makes the GradeOur city is ranked among the best in the country

By Janey Goude

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Social CompatibilityOne of the most commented-on

aspects of Columbia is its friendly people. “Visitors can’t believe how helpful and friendly people are here,” Ric says. “People say hello, greet you and make eye contact. That gives visitors a positive feeling about the city.”

Jacqueline Lee, community relations manager for Books-A-Million, couldn’t agree more. “There is a real Southern charm here,” she says.

LifestyleIn 2006, the Greater Columbia

Chamber of Commerce began a movement called “Good to Great,” based on Jim Collins’s best-selling book by the same name. “The concept of the book is that a company should refuse to accept being good and demand greatness,” says Ike. “We thought if a company could do that, then we could do it with our region.” Through a $3.3 million grant, “Good to Great” addresses eight key issues that make Columbia great, including transportation, utilizing the river for quality of life and business retention and expansion.

The Chamber and Midlands Authority have worked with community leaders to develop a cutting edge branding and marketing campaign that defines the essence of Columbia and showcases its greatness. As you drive around Columbia, browse magazines and surf the net, you will see Columbia

referred to as “The New Southern Hot Spot” and “Famously Hot.”

“We are using branding and marketing campaigns to advertise our community, both locally and nationally,” Ric says. “We want to get people’s attention.”

Once tourists are here, pioneering programs are in place to keep them coming back. Hospitality Hot Spotters is an innovative program that consists of six educational training sessions provided annually to 12,500 Hospitality Hot Spotters employed by Columbia’s tourism industry. “Tourism is South Carolina’s largest industry, bringing in $1 billion a year to the Columbia area alone,” Ric says. “We are training everyone from managers to waiters to cab drivers – everyone on the front line of the hospitality industry – to put their best feet forward. We equip them to be good ambassadors for our city.”

Recreation and Parks, Arts and Culture

As a relative newcomer to Columbia, Jacqueline says, “I have only lived in Columbia for three years, and I’m still discovering all the great things this city has to offer.” Ric says, “Columbia’s best kept secret is the quality of our attractions. Visitors say they didn’t expect to find so much here.”

During March, the Columbia Museum of Art and the S.C. State Museum each debuted the first U.S.

“If you’re bored, it’s your own fault!” says Hannah Horne, news reporter and anchor for WIS-TV, of Columbia’s diverse recreational opportunities.

Columbians enjoy entertainment that runs the gamut.

USC Athletic Eventsbaseball, football, basketball

Get Outdoorsrunning, golfing, river kayaking

through downtown, Finlay Park,

Quinine Park, Three Rivers Greenway

Get CulturedPhilharmonic symphony, ballet,

theater, galleries, concerts, HBC

(Historically Black College) events

See ItColumbia Museum of Art

S.C. State Museum

S.C Confederate Relic Room and

Military Museum

Hear Itlocal bands, acoustic shows at

Delaney’s, back parking lot at El

Burrito on Thursday nights during the

summer months, Five Points after Five

and music in the Vista

If that’s not enough...Wine tastings, Riverbanks Zoo,

Festivals, Richland County Library

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Ric says. Michael concurs, saying, “It’s the best zoo in the country.” The Southeast Tourism Society also agrees, having designated the Riverbanks Zoo its Top Travel Attraction of the Year not once, not twice, but three times.

Many Columbians, including Mayor Bob Coble, enjoy Three Rivers Greenway. This system of parkways and walkways along Columbia’s three rivers was first proposed by the River Alliance in 1996. In 1998 a site on the Congaree River served as a pilot project, and the first one-half mile segment of the 12-mile linear park system was opened. “The Esplanade along the canal is a wonderful new addition,” Bob says. While not yet finished, Three Rivers Greenway continues to offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Michael and his wife particularly appreciate the kayak access. “I love the rivers,” Michael says. “Angela and I often paddle the Congaree, right in the middle of town.”

Hannah encourages Columbians to investigate their city. “People will be surprised at the diverse activities this city offers,” she says.

Safety vs. Crime“My goal is for Columbia to be the

safest city in the United States,” says Columbia city police chief Tandy Carter. When Tandy came to Columbia one year ago, he stepped into a police department that was understaffed. “Because we didn’t have enough police to do it right, we had to set priorities. Our number one goal had to be to reduce violent crimes and to get repeat offenders off the streets.” To target violent crimes, Tandy uses intelligence-based policing: unique criminal activity patterns that emerge in a particular region are met with tailored responding forces. In 2008, Columbia violent crime dropped to a 14-year low.

Columbia boasts the most diverse police organization in South Carolina and one of the top in the nation. The department just completed its fourth accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a distinction held by less

How’re we doin’?Sperling’s Best Places (www.bestplaces.net) reports how Columbia compares to other southern capital cities.

Columbia Montgomery Raleigh RichmondPopulation 119,961 201,998 356,321 192,913

Median age 30 33 32 35

Male 49% 47% 50% 47%

Female 51% 53% 50% 53%

Married 45% 51% 50% 38%

Single 55% 49% 50% 62%

White 47% 44% 60% 38%

Black 47% 53% 29% 58%

Asian 2% 1% 4% 1%

Hispanic 3% 1% 9% 3%

Democratic voters 57% 50% 49% 70%

Republican voters 42% 49% 51% 29%

Religious 42% 51% 44% 53%

Households 44,210 79,862 145,389 82,539

Household Size 2.9 2.4 2.3 \2.2

Median Home Cost $179,900 $130,300 $360,000 $227,800

Household Income $35,338 $41,676 $52,976 $35,914

Cost of Living 82 77 106 87

Commute Time 19 min. 22 min. 24 min. 24 min.

Climate 30 26 36 41 Comfort index – higher = better

Doctors 385 266 225 461 per capita

High School graduates 83% 82% 88% 75%

Pupil/teacher ratio 15/1 16/1 16/1 15/1

Violent Crime 8% 6% 5% 8%

Property Crime 6% 6% 6% 7%

NOTE: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

44 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN

appearances of exhibits. Both exhibits will go on U.S. tours when they leave Columbia in June. “These exhibits open up opportunity for more types of events and set the stage for other premieres,” Ric says.

William Calloway, executive director of S.C. State Museum, is also excited about a permanent addition coming to Columbia in 2010. “Windows to New Worlds is a $23.5 million capital

campaign that will transform the museum’s capacity to engage, educate and inspire visitors,” he says. It will include construction of an observatory with an outdoor viewing platform, a digital dome theater, a 4-D theater and a teacher resource center.

Riverbanks Zoo also draws families from far and wide. “I’m not sure people realize that we have a premier zoo here that draws one million visitors a year,”


than four percent of police departments nationwide.

Tandy says, “We have a very dedicated police force that is in tune with the needs of the community. Despite staff and equipment shortages, they have exceeded expectations.”

Climate“Famously Hot” says it all. Jacqueline

confesses, “The weather is one thing I had a hard time getting used to. The heat almost takes my breath away.” Jim Gandy, chief meteorologist at News 19 WLTX, says, “The heat and humidity are particularly oppressive in July and August. We owe our sultry summers to the Bermuda high, a quasi-stationary feature that sits off the coast of South Carolina in the summertime.”

But Columbia is not alone. A Southeast hot zone about 100 miles wide encompasses five states and four capital cities. “The weather is similar in all of the cities in this zone,” Jim explains. “This zone doesn’t get the cooling effects of the ocean or the mountains, so the area bakes under the summer sun.”

Columbians take the heat in stride and focus on the positive. “I like the weather 10 months out of the year,” Ike says. After living in cities with colder weather, Ric appreciates Columbia’s accommodating year-round climate. He says, “Any week of the month you can explore the outdoors. And you don’t have to worry about travel delays due to bad weather.”

Technology ClustersThe National Institute of Science

has designated USC as the Official Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research Laboratory

for the Nation. “As we turn to nuclear and other alternative forms of energy as part of the mix, South Carolina – and Columbia in particular – will be leading the way,” says Ike. Bob agrees, saying, “Columbia has a strong ability to attract companies in alternate energy.”

In addition to clean energy technology, Columbia is also attracting insurance technology companies. “Columbia is a pro-business community,” Ike says. “Companies see that local and state governments appreciate the role businesses play in the economy.”

The City of Columbia and USC are partnering with individual business owners to make the concept of the InnoVista Research Campus a reality. “InnoVista will be a mecca for young professionals, and it will change the face of Columbia economically, aesthetically and culturally,” Ike says. Bob adds, “InnoVista is a place where companies can bring their professionals to interact with researchers.” Ric is already planning for this influx. He says, “Midlands Authority is working closely with USC and InnoVista to bring conventions to Columbia that meet the educational and technical needs of professionals.”

TransportationColumbians enjoy a relaxed

commute, nearly eight minutes shorter than the national average. William, who lived in Houston and Atlanta before coming to Columbia seven years ago, says, “Traffic here is a breeze.” Bob agrees, saying, “Columbia has the best commute and traffic of any medium-sized city.”

While driving times are stellar, there still are some areas of concern.

“Our biggest challenge is to maintain quality of life while we grow,” Ike says. “Columbia struggles with the ability to move people and product in, out and around the region.”

“All fast-growth areas across the Sunbelt are experiencing growing pains. Columbia is no exception. We have our challenges – especially in northeast Columbia, the area around the city of Lexington and the famous ‘malfunction junction’ area,” Michael says. But for all its growing pains, Columbia does have a structural advantage. “Columbia sits at the convergence of three interstate highways, making it a perfect hub for freight distribution. Atlanta and Nashville are the only other southern state capitals that can say the same.”

Tandy shares Ike’s concern that Columbia’s infrastructure has to expand simultaneously to support the city’s growth. “We need a well-designed transit system that provides access to the city without a car,” he says. “That will allow Columbia residents to take full advantage of this beautiful city and all of its resources.”

Leading the Way“I’m a history buff, and Columbia

has such a rich history,” shares Jacqueline. “We must know where we came from to understand where we are going.” Columbians respect their history. From restaurants like Villa Tronco, Columbia’s original Italian restaurant now managed by third and fourth generation family members, to the careful preservation of roadways and historical landmarks like the Gervais Street Bridge, Columbians know where they came from.

They also know where they are going. “I see Columbia as a great incubator for future growth,” predicts Tandy. “We have the space and the buildings. Our residents have access to 12 universities, and we are surrounded by three rivers. Our downtown is in a great rebuilding phase. This is a great place to expand. We are ripe for growth opportunities with the right kind of leadership.”

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FEATURES

WMotherly Mantras


hen my first son was a baby, my own mother, cringing as I struggled with an over-tired ball of infant rage, ordered me to get him on a schedule. With the voice of motherly experience, she gently mocked my inability to get things under control. A few months later, after I had taken her advice – grudgingly,

as daughters will do – she asked us over one evening. I explained we couldn’t go, as that would run into Perfect Baby’s bedtime. Her response?

“You can’t let that baby run your life. Schedules for babies are ridiculous.”“But, Mom! Two months ago, you told me to put him on a schedule, and I did!”To her credit, she laughed and acknowledged that maybe, just maybe, she liked to disagree with me for sport. In all honesty, my mother is a fountain of wisdom, whether I like it or not. Like every mother in the history

of the world, I find myself sounding more like my own every day, which bothers me less and less. After all, wasn’t

she the one who gave me the best parenting advice I’ve ever received? Advised Mom, “As soon as your baby is out of the womb, look him in the eye and repeat ‘dadadadada.’ That way, in the middle of the night, when you’re sleeping soundly, the baby will call for his daddy.” Brilliant. She also told me to keep a bathrobe beside the door for at least a year post-partum to throw over my clothes when someone knocked. Who can clean when they haven’t yet recovered from childbirth? Your visitors might even do the dishes!

Like death and taxes, motherly advice is a sure thing. In many cases, different mothers give very similar warnings, but if there’s a manual, no one gave it to me. The passing on of advice is strictly an oral tradition, which is why mothers have to say it over and over and over …

Cloud Nine Market owner Ray Murray’s mother offered plenty of sound life lessons. “You only get what you

give back.” This is excellent advice, although I wonder if it applies to chocolate. If I give someone chocolate, will they give it back? Or will they give me different chocolate? Or a cookie? Perhaps I’m being too literal. But what would happen if I gave someone a beach house? Ray’s mother also said to him, “Charity begins at home.” Mothers like this one, as it applies to helping them put away the dishes and caring for younger siblings. In my case, I found it did not extend to buying me stuff I really wanted, like fancy jeans. Ray’s mom also advised, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Good one and, as Ray notes, far easier said than done. My mother usually offered a version of this one when she wanted me to do as she said (not, of course, as she did), which made me threaten to run away … not the best plan when one is but 13 years old. Ray’s mother’s final piece of advice is one every 13-year-old should consider. “This, too, shall pass.” Yes, it will indeed. But your mother will never quit with the advice.

Stay-at-home mom Deb Sonefeld’s mother is a genius. She managed to give conflicting advice without actually contradicting herself. “Put your children on your schedule, because when they start going to school, you’re on

their schedule.” This is true. Have you ever worn workout clothes all day with the intention of carving out an hour at the gym, but it never happened because the children’s activities were inconveniently scheduled with only 30 minutes in between each one? This left just enough time to pull through the drive-thru for fries. Again.

Taking a second look at Columbia mothers advice

By Anne Postic

“You only get what you give back.”

“You can’t let that baby run your life.”

W

“If you take a parking place on Hampton, you’ve lost your chance for Main.”

Motherly Mantras

‘


WACH-TV marketing executive Kacey Liles Mattox was lucky enough to be advised by more than one mother. Her Nana wisely reminded her, “People are too busy worrying about themselves to worry about you. If you’re happy, do as you please.” This is true. I once fell face-first to the ground during a step aerobics class. No one noticed, because they were all staring at themselves in the mirror. Kacey’s stepmother had plenty of sound nutrition advice. Kacey explains, “She is a lovely, beautiful woman who raised me and then went on to have two more children.” Not a morsel passed their lips without commentary. “Do you know what chemicals are in that?” or “Red dye No. 6 kills rats, you know.” Kacey describes this as a harrowing

experience for any kid trying to enjoy a push-up or lollipop. True, but Kacey still eats healthy food and has lovely skin, so her stepmother must have had a point. My own mother advised us not to eat dessert so fast – presumably so she could steal bites for herself.

Representative Anton Gunn’s mother must have attended parenting classes with mine. Anton’s mother advised him to “always remember where you came from.” My mother worded it as “Remember who you are.” For the record, I have never had so much bubbly that I couldn’t remember who I was. Please. Anton’s mother also told him, “Never take yourself too seriously.” This is excellent advice if you want people to like you. No wonder he got so many votes. Maybe all politicians’ mothers gave appropriate advice. Mayor Bob

Coble’s mother always reminded him to be nice to everyone. Can’t argue with that, now can we?Mothers also offer plenty of concrete, practical advice. Lenora Marterer, age 7, was advised by her

mother Angela to “tell those boys, ‘You’re not my friend, so leave me alone.’” Ladies, commit this one to memory. Any boy who is not a friend has no place in your life. He’s just not that into you. Really. Sarah and William Axson, 16 and 15, respectively, have a mother who is fond of reminding them to clean up their rooms and do their homework. Similarly, Brice Hall, 7, claims his mother constantly reminds him not to leave clothes on the floor. When Brice was 5 or 6, he informed my son with a world-weary voice that he would never get married, because “it was a hard life.” Why? “Because once you get married, you just start having all them kids and they make messes and you just have to clean ‘em up.” I do hope, for the sake of his parents’ union, that Brice picks up his clothes now. He should also make his bed and put his dishes in the dishwasher. Wow. I really do sound like my mom.

Don’t you like it when your mother makes comments about your appearance? I know I do! My mother was fond of such tidbits as, “Put on a little lipstick and pinch your cheeks. Then you won’t look so run-down.” While I do support lipstick as a cornerstone of good health, I do not support cheek-pinching, which can lead to unsightly broken capillaries. Just rub a little lipstick on your cheeks instead. She also advised us to suck in our stomachs while we still could. She would then lift her shirt to show what would happen if we didn’t. We would scurry out of the room. This advice was cryptic. What she was really telling us was this: Once you have children, the quickest way to get them to leave you alone is to do something gross. I do it all the time. Speaking of gross, she always told us to wear nice underclothes when we went on a trip. This is because if we were in an accident, everyone in the hospital would be seeing our underclothes. Alrighty.

Columbia It Girl Kristy Ray Quattrone’s mother told her, “Check out the rear view when you’re getting dressed,” while her grandmother advised, “Always look your best, because you never know who is looking at you.” Interestingly, Kristy always looks fabulous, even from the rear view.

The advice that wins the prize for being the most practical by far comes from Jane Dreher Emerson’s mother: “If you take a parking place on Hampton, you’ve lost your chance for Main.” This piece of advice is surely a metaphor for something deeper. “Don’t settle,” she seems to be claiming. “Wait for the best thing.” She could be telling Jane never to give up hope. Or maybe she was just talking about parking.

“People are too busy worrying about themselves to worry about you.”

“Always remember where you came from.”

“Check out the rear view when you get dressed.”

Junior Achievement Propels Youth Toward SuccessBy Vicki Patterson CannonPhotography courtesy of Junior Achievement

C olumbia Metropolitan magazine is pleased to present this special tribute to the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame and Junior Achievement.

Every year thousands of school children benefit immensely from the practical instruction about the free enterprise system taught by hundreds of JA volunteers. Junior Achievement fills a tremendous need in the education of our children.

From learning the basics between “needs” and “wants” (something many adults struggle with) to the challenges of running a small business, JA students receive the benefits from an interactive and fun curriculum that they never forget. It’s debatable, however, who receives the greater benefit from JA – the students or the volunteers.

Junior Achievement introduces children to the business world, and the Business Hall of Fame illustrates the rewards that result from hard work and persistence. The laureates exemplify strong character, discipline and the importance of giving back to the community. We hope you enjoy this special publication honoring the 2008 S.C. Business Hall of Fame award recipients and the great work Junior Achievement is accomplishing with South Carolina’s youth.

Compliments of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine


Financial l i teracy. Work readiness. Entrepreneurship. T h a t ’ s w h a t J u n i o r

Achievement is all about, and today’s smart students are all about Junior Achievement (JA). They know JA programs can best prepare them for success in today’s uncertain economy. Take a look at the facts:

Financial Literacy• America’s teenagers each spend approximately $5,400 annually, which is about 98 percent of what they earn. • 49 percent of teens are eager to learn more about money management, but only 14 percent have taken a class on the topic. • In 2005, the national savings rate fell to -0.5 for the first time since the Great Depression.

Work Readiness• 80 percent of Americans believe students are being passed through the public high

school system without the skills they need for work or college.

• 42 percent of employers rate the overall preparation of high school graduates for entry-level jobs as deficient.

Entrepreneurship• Only 39 percent of young people say their education made them interested in becoming entrepreneurs.• On the other hand, 59 percent of young

people agreed that their school education helped them to better understand the role of entrepreneurs in society.•Furthermore, college entre-preneurship programs have increased sevenfold since 2001.

During this severe economic downturn, JA programs are more critically needed. Its hands-on programs prepare students for the real world by showing them how to successfully create and manage companies, create jobs

that will contribute to the economy and make sound financial, ethical and entrepreneurial decisions.

Mary Grimball, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina, Inc. (JACSC), says, “JA Worldwide® is the largest organization dedicated to educating students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. As one of 137 area offices in the United States operating


under the JA Worldwide® umbrella, JACSC covers 22 Midlands area counties and offers 21 multi-faceted programs.”

The success of the programs rests on the shoulders of volunteer business and community leaders who go into classrooms and teach the programs. “They transform written lesson guides into meaningful classroom experiences that inspire students to become responsible business leaders,” says Stephanie Stuckey, vice president of JACSC.

Volunteer teachers follow a set program while also bringing their business experiences into the classroom. They help students expand their thinking and feel confident about becoming economically successful.

“We provide a kit of materials for each program, and train volunteers to present them,” Mary says. Volunteers can be business leaders, parents or college students and typically teach a program over a period of weeks. All JA programs correlate with standards set by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Dr. Stephen W. Hefner, super-intendent of Richland School District Two and JA board member, wants more JA classes for students. “Our role is to get JA volunteers into our classrooms. If we had enough business people, we

could place a JA volunteer in every classroom. For now, a relatively small percentage of students receive financial literacy t r a i n i n g , ” h e explains.

“ We k n o w we cannot keep

the students’ attention by lecturing. In JA classes, lessons are interactive and encourage student participation, requiring them to move around the room. This aids those who are visual learners and also keeps everyone’s attention,” says Courtney Leathers, JA volunteer and National Bank of South Carolina branch manager.

Henri Baskins, chair of JACSC and regional director of external affairs for AT&T, says, “What caused our economic downturn is arguable, but one thing is for certain: either financial literacy was not there or financial literacy was ignored. The students in high school JA classes are learning to balance checkbooks and make and adhere to reasonable budgets; these are real life projects. We promote financial literacy all along the way with the information becoming a little more sophisticated at each grade level.”

Steve says that financial literacy is definitely one of the reasons he is such a big supporter of JA. “We need as many people as we can have carrying the message to awaken students to the need to become financially literate and incorporate it in their daily living,” he says.

Amazingly, JA programs are offered at no cost to the schools or students. Mary explains that they raise all of their money – through corporate and personal giving campaigns, fundraisers and grants – every year. JA constantly works to cultivate new donors because the need for financial support is never ending.

Many find it rewarding to see students learn about finances. Henri says, “I have talked with students who believe they will graduate from high school, get a job at a fast food restaurant and buy a new BMW. This provides a grand opportunity to talk with them about their expected salary, car payments and deductions from their paycheck, such as taxes and social security.

After a few JA classes, they realize that buying a new car is not the financially responsible thing to do. We want them to make reasonable decisions and live within their means.”

Dr. Janice Poda, deputy state superintendent for administration at the S.C. Department of Education and JA board member, has had similar experiences. “I can’t tell you how many students want to become pro football players! Of course, a few people will realize this goal. But, for most, I have to steer them back to reasonable goals and lifestyles. I once talked with a student who wanted to have eight children. After realizing what it would take to raise them, she decided to have two children. Her final thought was that possibly she would have one child,” Janice explains.

Jennifer Harding, JA board member and a real estate agent, arranged for her son’s school, Center for Knowledge, to celebrate JA for one week in February. They had a parent volunteer in every

Bo ArmstrongChief Charles Austin, Sr.

William C. BarkerHenri Etta Baskins

Robbie BarnettCharlotte Berry

J. Scott Blackmon, Jr.Dr. Frank K. Brown

Lee BussellJim Cantey

Dawn Catalano Holt Chetwood

Chris ChristiansenDr. Allen Coles

Karen Crawford Tameika Isaac Devine

Jimmy DixonG. Daniel Ellzey

Randy EptingRobert Ferrell Chuck GarnettMark Garside Jack Goettee

Willis “Trip” Gregory, IIIMary Grimball

Dr. William Gummerson Jennifer A. HardingDr. Linda Hawkins

Dr. Stephen W. HefnerCarl Hoefel, Jr.

Annaclair Kiger Lanneau Lambert

Athena LeventisPhillip E. Love, Jr.

Dr. Percy MackKevin B. Marsh

Scott McClellandBill McElveen

Richard J. MorganCraig L. NixJerry Odom

David S. PankauDr. Janice PodaAndrew Pope,

Dennis RamseyC. C. “Curt” Rone, Jr.

Linda Salane, Jasper Salmond

Chief M. E. “Gene” Sealy, Jr. Jeff H. Selig

Mel Stebbins Dr. Sonny White

Mze WilkinsBarbara Willm

Dr. Karen WoodwardBraxton Vick

Dr. Charles YoungDavid Zalesne

2008-09JACSC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

www.columbiametro.com

kindergarten through fifth grade class. Jennifer taught her son’s fourth grade class. “Each student worked independently to select a business and study natural resources to determine where the business should be located,” says Jennifer. “One student wanted to open a surf shop, so he chose Miami for the location. Each student paid business taxes, ordered equipment and figured profits and losses.”

Dr. Jo Lane Hall, lead teacher at this magnate school, is thrilled with the programs. “This was a phenomenal week. We hope to have JA in our classrooms every year,” she says.

Jacob Harding, Jennifer’s 10-year-old son, had the opportunity to see Jennifer as a businesswoman. “She taught us how we rely on other businesses and other people to keep our business alive; we need resources and raw materials to succeed,” he says. “JA is preparing me for life after college. Every year that I have JA, I will be better prepared.”

Bill McElveen, shareholder at Ellis, Lawhorne and Sims, PA, and JA board member, says, “In my class, we played board games to learn financial literacy and prepare for work. We talked about what could happen if the person having the most money spent it all on video games. We discussed the consequences of making poor decisions. Surprisingly, while they were getting it, I was also getting it. I realized we can do a better job in our own homes with our children, particularly in light of our faltering economy. This is where the rubber meets the road,” he says.

Janice agrees with Bill, saying, “It’s a win/win situation. Students have the benefit of learning from responsible

adults who are successful in their work place. Conversely, we adults have the opportunity to identify the areas in which students might need more training.”

“Ethics classes are more important to teach this year,” says Richard J. Morgan, shareholder at the McNair Law Firm and JA board member. “When I talked with the students about ethics in business, I told them a real-life story – a situation I had faced at work. They began to understand that they will be challenged with ethical dilemmas, and they need to be prepared. This generated a lot of ‘what ifs.’ We had a great conversation about morality and ethics.”

Some students get actual hands-on experience in workplace settings through JA Job Shadow. In central South Carolina, AT&T hosts students who learn about careers and see firsthand the educational background and skills they will need to succeed on the job. Henri says, “We have a national partnership with JA. Our goal is to help curtail the high school dropout rate. South Carolina will be at the end of the economic trail if we don’t do something. This is just one of many ways to challenge and reward our students.”

Bill concludes, “These are tough times in our economy. But we are committed to our children. I can’t think of a better call than supporting programs that enhance our children’s future. JA should be at the top of the list when considering where to give or volunteer.”

A number of options are available to get involved with JA. You can volunteer in a classroom, participate in a special event or make a donation or pledge. For more information, call JACSC at 252-1974.


Induction into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame is the highest honor that a business man or woman can receive. Since its creation in 1985 by Junior Achievement and The State newspaper, the Hall of Fame has honored 87 business leaders with South Carolina ties.

Inductees are exemplary visionaries who have demonstrated commitment to our state and whose legacies are inspiring today’s young people to become the business leaders and role models of tomorrow. This year, Joseph Allen Edens, founder and chairman of Edens & Avant; William Hayne Hipp, former CEO of The Liberty Corp. and founder of The Liberty Fellowship; and the late Robert Evander McNair, founder of the McNair Law Firm and former governor of South Carolina, will be inducted. They will be honored during the 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame banquet on May 21 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Joseph Allen EdensJoe Edens was born July 4, 1941, in

Columbia. As a boy, he was surrounded by successful business leaders. “My parents inspired me to do my best. They instilled in me a sense of right and wrong and a strong work ethic. By the time I was 8 years old, I was earning a reputation as a hard-working entrepreneur, spending 20 hours a week bagging groceries in my father’s grocery store, Edens Food Stores, for a weekly paycheck of $4.65. This early experience taught me how to relate to the public – a skill I still use today,” Joe says.

According to Joe, his minister at Main Street Methodist Church, Rev. A. B. Ferguson, reinforced his parent’s

teachings to live by the Golden Rule. Joe continues, “My Scoutmaster there, Johnny Elliott, also passed along his values to me. Our troop was 300 strong; it was a dynamic group to be a part of at such an early age. We marched in town parades and performed in drum and bugle corps. He gave all of us the opportunity to experience success.”

Joe’s high school football coach influenced him a great deal. “He instilled in all of us that you never quit; you win by following the rules and preparing,” says Joe. During Joe’s senior year, his team won the state championship during the final five minutes of the game.

After attending The Citadel, Joe secured a $500 bank credit and opened his first real estate office in 1965 – two rooms and no secretary. This venture into commercial real estate eventually evolved into Edens & Avant, one of the country’s largest and most well respected owners, operators and developers of shopping centers.

From its corporate headquarters in Columbia and with regional offices in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Miami, today, Edens & Avant is one of the leading private retail real estate companies in the nation. With more than 140 shopping centers in 14 states, 225 employees and more than $3.5 billion in assets, Edens & Avant is consistently ranked by trade publications and business journals as a leading developer and owner in the fast-paced, competitive retail real estate industry.

Edens & Avant has not only contributed to the state with its many real estate developments, but it has also impacted our state’s well being with contributions of both dollars and volunteers. The company Joe built has provided excellent career opportunities for employees and influenced their dedication to the Columbia community and to our state. “We built one heck of a good business. And we did it playing by the rules,” Joe says.

He and his wife, Carolyn, have three adult children: Joe, Michael and Kim.

William Hayne HippHayne Hipp was born March 11,

1940, in Greenville. “I was fortunate to get a good education. After I graduated from Washington and Lee University and served a stint in the US Army, I received my MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. I moved my young family to the west coast where I got my first taste of the insurance business at Metropolitan Life in San Francisco,” Hayne says.

In 1970, Hayne brought his family back to Greenville, accepting a position in marketing and investments at Liberty Life. In 1979, he became president and chief executive officer of The Liberty Corporation. The next year, Liberty Properties merged into Liberty Life and success continued. “In 2000, we sold our insurance businesses and repositioned ourselves as a media company. By 2002, we owned and operated 15 network-affiliated television stations – all of them successful in their market. Three years later, Raycom Media bought the media company.”

“Then it was time to do something different, so I did,” says Hayne. He founded a leadership training platform – Liberty Fellowship – the most significant mentoring program in the state. Conducted in partnership with the Aspen Institute and Wofford College, the program draws primarily from the business and nonprofit sectors. Hayne explains, “This two-year program is critical to the ongoing well-being and continued success of South Carolina.” Now in its sixth year, the statewide program provides rich experiences for young leaders who want to become exemplary statewide leaders.

S C B U S I N E S S H A L L O F F A M E N A M E S 2 0 0 9 L A U R E A T E S


“The standards we set for Liberty Fellows are high, and we are committed to maintaining them. As Liberty Fellows graduate and go forth, we hope each will be an archetype of values-based leadership. My goal for the very near future is that our South Carolina community will become an incubator of exemplary leadership,” he says.

Hayne continues to leads an active civic life. He is married to Anna Kate Reid, and they have three adult children: Mary, Reid and Tress.

Robert Evander McNairBob McNair was born on December

14, 1923, in Cades. As a boy growing up on the Santee River plantation, he learned the value of hard work. But he also enjoyed the opportunities for fun, such as hunting and fishing, and developed a deep and abiding love for South Carolina. He learned to lead and mentor by watching his no-nonsense father advise neighbors.

Bob wanted to help South Carolina succeed and make his beloved state a better place for all. The best way he could do that, he determined, was through politics.

He earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina and then served 22 months in the Pacific during World War II. He was credited with rescuing 35 people from a stricken ship, earning a Bronze Star.

Just four years out of law school, Bob won a seat in the S.C. House of Representatives. He took the lead in passing pro-business, right-to-work legislation and spearheaded the forerunner to South

Carolina’s Technical Education System. As governor, he enforced the new

Federal Voting Rights Act, enabling black people to register to vote. His response to this monumental legislation was to calmly, but firmly, lead South Carolina through troubled waters. “But for Gov. McNair, our state could have taken a lesser turn and never come back on track,” says Claire Fort, Director of Business Development at the McNair Law Firm.

He proposed and got legislation to establish a single state agency from three – the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism – to promote what is now South Carolina’s billion-dollar tourism industry.

With the tools for a trained work force and tourism in place, he set out on recruiting trips to attract business investment to South Carolina. Even then, he understood the importance of global commerce.

“He believed our state had to establish

beneficial alliances and partnerships, so that’s what he set out to do,” says Claire. “One of the things he did very early on was to take advantage of economic programs offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. State Department which allowed special benefits to states that attracted foreign investments.”

Upon leaving office, Bob saw an the need for a business-oriented law firm so companies could get quality corporate legal work in-state rather than having to go to Atlanta or New York. In 1971, he opened the McNair, Konduros and Corley Law Firm, now known as the McNair Law Firm, PA. Today, the firm has 1342 lawyers and 9 offices.

Our governor with a true heart for public service died Nov. 17, 2007. His wife, Josephine, and two of their four adult children, Robert and Claudia, died shortly thereafter. He is survived by daughters Robin and Corinne.

Edwin F. Averyt Gayle Owen Averyt*Mercer Silas Bailey Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. William Barnet, III*P. Henderson Barnette Bernard M. Baruch Charles J. Bradshaw*Bennett A. Brown W. Melvin Brown, Jr. Franklin G. Burroughs Wofford B. Camp J. Willis Cantey William T. Cassels, Jr.*John Kelley Cauthen Hugh M. Chapman James A. Chapman, Jr. H. William Close Robert E. Coleman Charles W. Coker*David Robert Coker James Lide Coker Charles E. Daniel Robert S. Davis Frederick B. Dent*William J. Detyens Charles E. Fraser Ambrose E. Gonzales William Gregg

Lawrence M. Gressette, Jr.*John M. Hamrick James M. Henderson Francis M. Hipp Joseph William Holliday Martha Rivers Ingram*George Dean Johnson, Jr.*W.W. “Hootie” Johnson*Irwin Kahn Ira McKissick Koger Hugh C. Lane Joseph James Lawton Herman Warden Lay I.S. Leevy David S. Lewis, Jr. Guy Fleming Lipscomb, Jr.*John H. Lumpkin, Sr. Hugh L. McColl, Jr.*A. Foster McKissick Ellison S. McKissick, Jr. Buck Mickel Roger Milliken*Robert MillsWalter S. Montgomery Darla Moore*Ben Rankin Morris William J. Murray, Jr. J. Wilson Newman Joseph Turner Newton, Jr.

Franklyn D. Owen, Jr. George W. Park Roger C. Peace R. Roy Pearce Tom B. Pearce J. Roy Pennell Eliza Lucas Pinckney Jerry Richardson*John M. Rivers Edwin Wales Robertson Bill Rogers*Robert V. Royall*Edwin G. Seibels James C. Self James C. “Jim” Self G. Richard Shafto Robert Small Joel A. Smith, III*Wilbur Stevenson Smith Elliott White Springs John Eldred Swearingen Elizabeth Timothy E. Craig Wall, Sr. E. Craig Wall, Jr. John A. Warren*Charles S. Way, Jr.*A. Lee M. Wiggins Arthur M. Williams, Jr. Joseph H. Williams*

L A U R E A T E S

* Living

S C B U S I N E S S H A L L O F F A M E N A M E S 2 0 0 9 L A U R E A T E S

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Lite House

The Lite House began lighting the Midlands of South Carolina in 1973 when Jerry Mackey enlisted the help of his family to start a

lighting showroom on Bush River Road in the newly developing St. Andrews area. His wife Blanche, son J.J. and daughter Jan began a Mom and Pop business that grew into one of the largest residential lighting showrooms in the Southeast with three locations. The extended family includes Carole Haltiwanger, who is celebrating her 30th year, and Steve Foster, the vice president who looks over all three locations and has been with the company for 16 years.

“We definitely don’t have a corporate atmosphere around here,” says J.J. “I think that one of the reasons we’ve been around for 36 years is that we have changed with the times throughout the years.” In 1982, The Lite House opened its second location on Two Notch Road. “I remember when we opened, we were the last business on Two Notch. Now I call it ‘Downtown Two Notch’ because the growth has overtaken us in the last few decades.” In 2001, The Lite House branched into Lexington with a huge 18,000-square-foot showroom on Highway 378.

Staying in touch with the times, The

Lite House has one of the better lighting Web sites: www.thelitehouse.com. J.J. continues, “I believe that sites should be useful but also simple to navigate. Our site has ‘The Search Lite,’ which lets our users search over 40,000 lighting fixtures by size, style and finish. It makes it easy to narrow the search to find the right fixture. A very popular section is the Parade of Homes which features hundreds of local Parade of Homes pictures. There are also videos and information on how to light your home. I’m very proud of our site.”


(L to R) Steve Foster, Carole Haltiwanger, Jerry Mackey, Sr., Jan Bonniville, J.J. Mackey, (seated) Blanche Mackey

BB&T

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH

BB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT) and its subsidiaries offer full-service commercial and retail banking and additional financial services. From personal, small business and commercial banking to insurance, investments, retail brokerage, corporate finance,

asset management and trust, BB&T is large-scale in its financial scope and human-scale in its client relationships.

BB&T’s theme line, “Best Bank in Town since 1872,” reflects its longevity, stability and unyielding commitment to always do what’s in the best interest of its clients – in good times and in difficult ones.

BB&T realizes its vision – “To Create the Best Financial Institution Possible” – by meeting its responsibilities to clients, employees, shareholders and communities. The company strives to help clients achieve financial security; create a workplace where employees can learn, grow and be fulfilled in their work; optimize long-term rewards to shareholders; and help make its home communities better places to live and work.

BB&T has increased its cash dividend for 37 consecutive years and has paid a cash dividend to shareholders since 1903. It was named the 2008 Dividend Achiever by Mergent, a New York City-based provider of global financial information.

BB&T is consistently recognized by Fortune magazine as one of America’s “Most Admired Companies” and is among the nation’s top three “small-business friendly” financial holding companies, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2008, BB&T ranked highest in customer satisfaction among primary mortgage servicing companies by J.D. Power and Associates. And BB&T Wealth Management was ranked the Most Prestigious Regional Bank Wealth Managers by high-net worth customers in the Luxury Institute’s Brand Status Index survey.

With $152 billion in assets, Winston-Salem, N.C.-based BB&T Corporation is the nation’s 11th largest financial holding company. Founded in 1872, it operates 1,511 financial centers in 11 states and Washington, D.C. More information about the company is available at BBT.com.

M A Y 200958 COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN

Mike Brenan, State President, BB&T of South Carolina

LOCAL SEEN

TEACHINGWithout TeachingThree fun, untraditional teachers

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By Deena Bouknight

The following three Columbia residents can be identified as teachers, but to squeeze these entertaining educators into a box labeled “traditional teacher” would be to miss aspects of their personalities and techniques that make each of them unique. They all share a common goal: to get kids excited about learning in untraditional

settings.

Sarah DippityAt first glance, Sarah Dippity (aka Sarah Straney) doesn’t look much

like a teacher. In her pink shimmering fairy costume with wings, she looks as if she’s vying for the role of Tinkerbell in Peter Pan. On her many regular appearances at places like Chick-fil-A or Moe’s, little girls make such requests as, “Sarah Dippity, will you sprinkle me with more fairy dust?” and “Sarah Dippity, will you paint a flower on my face?”

One little girl asks, “Sarah Dippity, how did you learn to draw?”“When I was a little fairy, I went to fairy art school,” she replies. The

tiny girl smiles up at her. “I like pretending,” admits Sarah, whose bent toward drama has

established her as the area’s only magician, face painter and fairy


Sarah Straney, the area’s only female magician, performs under the name Sarah Dippity.


extraordinaire. She is also an independent drama performer and teacher at Excelsior Academy. Besides making regular appearances around Columbia at area restaurants, she is invited to perform at birthday parties and special events. She has been featured on SCETV with the John Tudor Magic Theater, and she has performed a number of times at EdVenture. She also teaches magic to children, holding summer camps with the YMCAs around town.

“In high school and college I studied drama and the classics. I was in some performances. I began to experiment with magic and I loved it, as well as teaching children through magic and drama. I enjoy being a character and teaching others at Excelsior to be characters. Seeing children smile, and then sometimes really laughing hysterically, and seeing the parents enjoying themselves ... that’s special.”

To continually update and enhance her craft of magic and acting, Sarah attends an annual conference. She is often one of only a handful of women

to attend, as conferences that focus on magic are mostly attended by men. Being a woman, in fact, makes performing magic more difficult. She has no pockets in her fairy dress. Sarah also attends a workshop each year in May, sponsored by the USC Theater Department, to continue her training as an actress.

Sarah comes up with many of her own props and works with a local seamstress to develop new costumes. “I like them to be flowery and pastel-colored,” says Sarah. “I think that softens the effect.”

Sarah says that teaching drama is challenging. “When I’m performing, I’m the fun one, the comedian. But when I teach, I have to show them how to perform. Either way, though, I really enjoy what I do, whether it’s making kids smile with my drama skills or teaching those skills to others.”

Nature Learning CompanyBlinky the corn snake slithers

through the fingers of Keith Kargel while preschool children at Eastminster Presbyterian Church enthusiastically call his name. Keith is a professional

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Keith Kargel (and Blinky) of Nature Learning Company

Russell Unthank, president of Mad Science of Columbia

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naturalist, conservationist and science and nature teacher, and Eastminster is just one of his many weekly stops for instruction on everything from bugs to rocks to dinosaurs.

Keith has a bachelor’s degree in environmental education and a master’s degree in non-formal education. He travels in a climate-controlled nature mobile he calls Eco-Express, which features the brightly colored Nature Learning Company logo on the side. Often, any number of creatures travel inside: birds, snakes, roaches, lizards, fish and assorted bugs.

The preschoolers at Eastminster, whose parents signed them up for this extracurricular activity, jump up and down excitedly as Keith enters the room. He immediately engages them in a song – complete with hand motions – that they have been practicing at each of his visits. When he takes them outside to hammer geodes inside a sock to study the rocks’ insides, he exclaims to the students, “It’s going to be awesomely fun!”

“I’ve been a naturalist since 1982,” says Keith, who founded Nature Learning Company, Inc. six years ago. “My hope is to inspire children, to make them informed and aware, to teach them respect for nature, to give them a love for science and a lifelong joy of learning. I realize every time I teach that I may have little naturalists, scientists or environmentalists on my hands.”

Keith engages approximately 100 children ages 2 through 12 weekly at area preschools and private schools. Each week he focuses on a different theme and lesson. “Candy Catapults,” for example, teach children about machines, forces and levers. “Bug-a-Boo Bash” teaches them about snakes, lizards and insects.

Besides meeting regularly with school children, Keith offers up his sense of humor and knowledge for birthday parties, home school groups and special occasions. He will even take groups on educational nature hikes to explore nearby woods, swamps or caverns. And though his hand gestures, sound effects and facial expressions often elicit giggles from both children and adults, Keith is serious about his calling to teach.

“If we make real differences in the lives of children and families, hopefully we can have a positive impact on society in general,” he says.

Mad Science Russell Unthank, president of Mad

Science of Columbia, says, “We like


to get kids excited about science.” Indeed, students who experience learning through Mad Science are not likely to forget his antics.

“For an after-school science enrichment program, we might start off with a magic trick and talk about the differences between magic and science. We might do an experiment such as a chemical change with a polymer, like slime. Kids love to make and take home their own slime. Or we make a bubbling potion ... or do the burp taste-test. So many things we do are big hits. It’s a form of ‘edutainment.’”

Mad Science is a distinctive learning experience for children, providing a novel assortment of hands-on programs, live presentations, theatrical productions and innovative products. It was founded by two brothers in the 1980s and today has more than 200 franchises worldwide. Russell started the Columbia franchise six years ago.

“I helped run another franchise in a different area with a friend of mine for about eight years,” he says, “and I really felt that it would have a positive impact on this community – to entertain and educate at the same time.”

Whether students come to programs, parties, after-school clubs, workshops, summer camps at the Lab in West Columbia or the Lab comes to their area or school, the goal is to show children how much fun science can be. “We want to make learning enjoyable so that it doesn’t seem like a chore,” says Russell.

Russell says he has entertained all his life, performing in plays, show choirs and musicals, and he has been part of a gospel group for 13 years.

“I’ve always had a passion for entertaining children,” says Russell, who has three children of his own as well as nieces and nephews. “I try to make learning fun and interactive. It’s personally rewarding because we’re providing the children with something that’s positive, entertaining and fun, but they’re also learning about science. It’s nice for me to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and see them get excited in an area of study by which many of them are intimidated.”

The Mad Science staff provides after-school science enrichment programs in over 60 schools in the Columbia metropolitan area. “Our research and development departments are phenomenal,” he adds. “They focus on making sure the programs and experiments are scientifically accurate.”

To learn more about Nature Learning Company, visit www.naturelearning.com. To learn more about Sarah Dippity, visit www.sarahdippity.com. To learn more about Mad Science, visit www.madscience.org/columbia.

CHARITY


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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

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

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

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,D 1213 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

AMERICANGoatfeather’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

GOOD EATS

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

B - BreakfastL - LunchD - DinnerSBR - Sunday Brunch

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

Restaurant Guide


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mint Julep $-$$ D120 Sparkleberry Crossing Dr., 419-7200

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

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

ITALIANAlodia’s Cucina Italian $-$$ L,D2736 N. Lake Dr., 781-9814

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,D1082 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 $$ D3405 Forest Dr., 787-1838

Rosso $$ D4840 Forest Dr., 787-3949

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

PIZZA Paulie’s Pizzeria $ L, D 4515 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 Hamburger2719 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.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Buon Appettito!

Rosso’s rustic Italian cuisineBy Katie McElveen/ Photography by Bob Lancaster

wood-grilled local swordfish with tomato-fennel agrodolce


A suburban shopping center seems like an unlikely place to open a hip, stylish restaurant, but for Kristian Niemi – the restaurateur

who brought crispy garlic fries, pimiento cheese-topped filet mignon and the whole concept of small-plate dining to Columbia – following the path less taken has had a way of working out.

At his first endeavor, Mr. Friendly’s, Kristian arrived with his new staff minutes after the last diner (and the old owner) had left. They quickly began prepping for the next day, when the restaurant would reopen with an entirely new menu and décor. “We were up all night to get ready, but it worked,” he laughs.

His next venture was Gervais & Vine, which he and his partners opened in 1998 as a wine bar and wine shop. “It was difficult at first,” he says. “We were bringing a totally new concept to Columbia. Some nights there was so little business that the bartender and I would run remote-controlled cars around the empty back parking lot. When a customer came in, someone would come out and get us.”

Kristian found inspiration for Gervais & Vine one evening while eating tapas in Spain with his wife, Heather. “The stove was right there behind the bar, so you could watch the chef at work while you sipped wine. It was a great concept – one that I thought would work at Gervais & Vine. My only fear was that our bar space would be too small for a stove.” Returning from his trip, Kristian did the measurements and found, to his delight, that there was ample room for a range. A few weeks after firing up the new stove behind the bar, the restaurant took off.

Rosso, which opened in February in Trenholm Plaza, has followed an equally untraditional path. Instead of relying on market research to tell him what type of restaurant to open, as many restaurateurs do, Kristian went with his gut – literally. “I love rustic Italian food, and until Rosso opened, I couldn’t find it anywhere in Columbia. This isn’t red-sauce and meatballs Italian,” he notes, “but the kind of Italian you find in the countryside. Just a few high quality ingredients with very little done to them.

It’s not complicated, but since there aren’t a lot of embellishments, everything needs to be fresh and perfectly prepared.”

A tasting tour of Rosso’s menu proves that Kristian has succeeded. Cooked over a wood-burning grill, swordfish topped with a bright tomato relish is infused with smoky flavor, yet has remained remarkably moist. Mussels, which are steamed with white wine, fennel and a few other aromatics, still taste of the sea.

Pastas are hand-made, and the pizza dough is kneaded into compliance each morning by the strongest person in the kitchen that day. Traditional greens like arugula, which adds a pleasing bite, show up on a number of dishes. Garlic, when used, is always subtle enough to let other flavors shine through.

Dishes like whole roast chicken, which emerges from the restaurant’s wood-burning oven with crispy skin and a succulent interior, and pizza, a crispy-chewy disk topped with a stretchy veneer of flavorful cheese and a handful of mushrooms or sausage, are the kind of comfort foods that, until now, were nearly impossible to find outside of Italy or New York – simple but perfect. “The challenge is being able to find ingredients of high enough quality that they can stand on their own,” notes Kristian. “It took a lot of digging, but we eventually got what we were looking for.”

Although Rosso’s food feels fresh and modern, the surprising source for many of the recipes was Kristian’s collection of vintage Italian cookbooks. “This is how they’ve been cooking in Italy for generations,” he explains. “It’s deceptively simple – since there aren’t a lot of sauces to cover up your mistakes, you need to do it perfectly.”

Expect to find interesting choices in a variety of price points and lots of wine by the glass on the Italian-themed wine list. To share his love of Italian wine, Kristian will also begin scheduling tasting dinners at Rosso. “We’ll start with regional specialties paired with wines from the same area and work from there,” he says. “Tuscany isn’t Italy’s only great wine producing region, and it will be fun to experiment with flavors from other locales.” There’s plenty to experiment with; along a rear side wall, hundreds of bottles of wine, displayed on

racks and encased in a glass cellar, are a visual reminder that, at Rosso, the wine is as important as the food.

Rosso’s food isn’t the only unique aspect of the restaurant. With its deep garnet walls, lava lamp-inspired chandeliers and curvy banquettes, the dining room could easily be a glamorous supper club in New York’s Meatpacking District. The glossy granite-topped bar, which is located in the back of the restaurant near the open kitchen, draws guests in with a trio of crystal-encrusted panels that hang from the ceiling and sparkle under the recessed lights. Throughout the space, rustic patches of distressed cypress offset the sleekness. “We did the interior piece by piece,” explains Kristian. “We did make a few mistakes. I’ve got a warehouse full of red glass chandeliers. They’re fabulous, but when we hung one it was just too much red. So we found these black and crystal ones and really like the look.”

Diners have their pick of places to enjoy their meal – either at the bar, in the dining room or at one of the tall communal tables that sit between the two. “The bar tables have been incredibly popular,” notes Kristian. “Most nights they fill up first.”

Since day one, Rosso has been packed. Kristian couldn’t be more pleased. “We didn’t even have a full menu when we opened, but it actually worked out well because we were able to develop new dishes based on customer feedback. One of the biggest requests has been for some more American-Italian classics, which we’ve introduced in the form of an incredible chicken parmigiana and our take on spaghetti and meatballs – Lobster Spaghetti. Of course, we’re also working on the ultimate meatball. How can you not have meatballs? One thing is for sure: Columbia was definitely ready for this kind of restaurant.”

With the success of Rosso, Kristian is already looking ahead to his next culinary challenge – a French brasserie. “Before we had decided on Rosso, I gave a lot of thought to opening a French brasserie. We went with Italian instead, but I’m still ready to eat some good French bistro food without having to go to France, and I’ll bet other people are too.”

www.columbiametro.com COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN 69


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Erin Ledbetter, Carl Greb, Whitney WattsBlaine Ellisor, Brannon Taylor, Danny McElmore

Nicholas Baughman, Ivan Baughman

2009 March for Meals 5K

A.W. Richardson, Anne Marie Gibbons, Carlos Gibbons, Jr., Leeza Gibbons, Carlos Gibbons, Sr., Kelly Gibbons, Taylor Gibbons

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Wings of Love Gala

Dottie and some fellow runners Hannah McCrary, Peyton Unger John Baker, David Martin

Columbia St. Baldrick’s Event 2009 in support of children’s cancer research

Sarah Williams, Amanda Goucher, Melinda Williams

Roberta Claas, Amanda Goucher

Kenneth Jorgenson

Susan Saleeby, Kansas Cassidy

Susan SaleebySusan Yeatts, Thomas YeattsTodd Goucher, Nathan Goucher


United Way of the Midlands Humanitarian of the Year Awards

JUST MARRIED

Katherine Gantt and Keith Gettys

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Martha Scott Smith, Charletta Felder

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mayAiken County Historical

Museum, (803) 641-6777May 8 & 9 The Aiken Garden Show,

9 to 5pm

American Heart Association, 806-3022

May 7 Columbia Go Red For Women Luncheon

Celebrate Freedom Foundation, 237-7308

May 16 Thunder at Fort Jackson, 9am to 4pm

Chapin Community Theatre, 345-6181

May 7 to 23 Enchanted April

City Center Partnership, 779-4005

May 1 to June 26 2009 Main Street Marketplace, Fridays 10am to 2pm

May 7 2nd Annual Urban Tour, 5 to 8:30pm

Colonial Life Arena, 576-9200

Through May 3 Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy

Columbia Museum of Art, 799-2810

May 3 Lecture: The Contours of Life and Death in Medieval China as seen in Tomb Furnishings, 3pm

May 8 Film: J.M.W. Turner: The Sun is God, 11:30am

May 9 Film: An Artist’s Montmartre, 2pm

May 10 Art of Music Series: Impressionism and the Colors of Music, 3pm

Eau Claire Community Council, 454-0088

May 30 Ribs & Renaissance

EdVenture, 779-3100May 16 Big ED Health Team Event,

Drew Wellness Center

Historic Columbia Foundation, 252-1770

May 8 to Sept. 4 Monthly Moonlight Cemetery and Lantern Tours, 8 & 8:30pm

May 9 & 10 Behind Closed Doors Tour with Collections Manager, 1pm

Keep the Midlands Beautiful, 733-1139

May 2 Crickentree Cemetery Cleanup/Beautification

May 14 Midlands Makeover Volunteer Celebration, 5:30pm

Koger Center, 777-7500May 2 SC Philharmonic Master Series 7,

7:30pm

May 3 SC Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, 3pm

May 4 USC String Project, 6:30pm

May 10 An Evening with Gordon Lightfoot, 7pm

May 15 & 16 Southern Strutt

May 19 Palmetto Performing Arts, 6:30pm

May 20 V.V. Reid Dance Recital, 6pm

May 24 Palmetto Concert Band, 4pm

May 29 & 30 Dance Dept. of Irmo

Lake Carolina, 865-5452May 7, 14, 21 & 28 Farmers Market,

2:30 to 7pm

The Little Gym, 463-6310May 26 to 29 To Infinity…and Beyond!

Camp

McKissick Museum, 777-2876Through Aug. 1 Worth Keeping!

Traditions in the Permanent Collection

Newberry Opera House, 276-6264

May 1 Tom Paxton, 8pm

May 8 John Brown Jazz Orchestra, 8pm

May 9 The Hot Club of San Francisco, 8pm

May 15 Jim Brickman, 3 & 8pm

May 16 Rick Alviti, 8pm

May 17 Tammy Johns, Dance Recital

May 22 Mid Carolina High Band

May 30 Caesar and the Sugar Bees, 3pm

Nickelodeon Theatre, 254-3433

Through May 5 Gomorra

May 6 to 12 Two Lovers

May 20 to 26 The Great Buck Howard

May 27 to June 2 Everlasting Moments

Riverbanks Zoo, 779-8717May 7, 14, 21 & 28 Rhythm and

Blooms, 6pm

May 10 Mother’s Day Brunch, 10:30am to 1pm

SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, 737-8287

May 1 to Aug. 2 No Holier Spot of Ground: Confederate Memory in

SC’s Cemeteries, Monuments and Museums

May 16 and 31 Beyond Museum Cases Tour: The SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum and Elmwood Cemetery, 2pm

SC Philharmonic Symphony League, 771-7937

May 2 Run for the Roses, 3:30pm

May 17 Hot Dogs & Wine, 4:30 to 7pm

SC State Museum, 898-4921May 16 Beach Music Day

St. Lawrence Place, 256-3999May 1 Angel’s Tea, 11:30am to 1pm

The Township, 255-2542May 28 The SC Legislative Black Caucus

2009 Annual Gala, starring Clarence Carter and Miki Howard, 7pm

May 29 Columbia Firefighters Association presents James Gregory, The Funniest Man in America, 8pm

Town Theatre, 799-2510May 8 to 30 Guys and Dolls

Trustus, 254-9732May 1 to 23 Elephant’s Graveyard

Village Artists Gallery, 699-8886Through June 15 Spring Fever show

Woodley’s, 788-1487 or 407-0601

May 1 to June 12 Six weeks to a Butterfly Garden

May 10 Mother’s Day Event

May 22 Hydrangea Seminar, 6:30pm

May 25 Mean Mr. Mustard Cookout

OUT & ABOUT


Gordon Lightfoot

John Malkovitch and Colin Hanks in The Great Buck Howard

may 2009 columbia metropolitan

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