Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Aiken, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Aiken, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
Published: Jan. 14, 2025 at 6:49 AM PST|AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Aiken County school officials say no student or staff data was compromised in a recent data breach.Also safe from the breach was the Edgefield County district.The Aiken County Public School District told parents and guardians Monday night that no student or staff data was compromised by the breach of the PowerSchool system....
Published: Jan. 14, 2025 at 6:49 AM PST|
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Aiken County school officials say no student or staff data was compromised in a recent data breach.
Also safe from the breach was the Edgefield County district.
The Aiken County Public School District told parents and guardians Monday night that no student or staff data was compromised by the breach of the PowerSchool system.
S.C. attorney general pushes to protect students’ speech rights
Attorney General Alan Wilson announced he is co-leading a 23-state brief that was filed aimed at protecting students’ First Amendment right to free speech.
“While Aiken County Public Schools use PowerSchool, our own investigation indicates that no student or staff data in their district was compromised,” the district told patrons Monday night. “We understand you may have concerns. we want to assure you that we take this matter seriously.”
The district said it’s working with PowerSchool and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to monitor the situation and we will keep parents informed with any updates.
The South Carolina Department of Education said the data breach occurred the night of Jan. 7.
It said an “international incident” caused those with “unauthorized access” to obtain customer data from PowerSchool’s Student Information Systems, including personally identifiable information.
In addition to Edgefield County, only three other South Carolina school districts were not affected by the data breach:
S.C. lawmakers discuss using lottery funds for school vouchers
State lawmakers are preparing for a new legislative session, and one of their top priorities involves South Carolina’s private school voucher program.
Leaders with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs released a few tips to keep in mind for parents to safeguard their children’s information and avoid cyber threats:
If you believe someone is using your child’s information, call 800-922-1594 or visit https://consumer.sc.gov/identity-theft-unit/id-theft.
by submitting an Identity Theft Intake Form by clicking here.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
What makes celebrating Christmas in the South special is the gracious nod to holiday tradition, year after year, whether we're talking town squares draped in twinkling lights and garland or carols sung at the town tree lighting. For those looking for a taste of these Southern yuletide revelries all wrapped up in a setting prettier than any pict...
What makes celebrating Christmas in the South special is the gracious nod to holiday tradition, year after year, whether we're talking town squares draped in twinkling lights and garland or carols sung at the town tree lighting. For those looking for a taste of these Southern yuletide revelries all wrapped up in a setting prettier than any picture, there's a small town more than worth the trip: Aiken, South Carolina.
Known already for its iconic archway of live oaks and impressive collection of Thoroughbred champions, Aiken makes Christmas a festive and time-honoring affair. Here, you won't find tourist traps or horse-themed gimmicks; you'll find a historic community full of equestrian tradition and small-town charm.
The stunning South Carolina town embodies the low and slow way of small-town living; but at Christmastime, it turns up the volume and charm with a holiday extravaganza packed to the brim with festive events that are both community-oriented and welcoming to short-term visitors. If you're ready to see authentic horse-drawn carriages in the downtown parade or perhaps schedule one of Santa's elves to tuck in your little ones at bedtime, there might just be something in Aiken for you and your family.
Here are some highlights that show why you need to plan a visit to Aiken this year during Christmastime.
It's not officially Christmas in Aiken until the first weekend of December when the massive tree flickers to life on Newberry Street in downtown Aiken. The town's cozy shops follow suit with twinkling lights and garland, while storefronts showcase their most cheerful displays and wares. Caroling tops off the evening with some entertainment.
Sometimes when your town is serious about the season, just one Christmas parade won't do. The first weekend of December, attend Aiken's Christmas Parade packed with vintage cars, dressed-up dogs, and themed floats. Over the season, you might catch old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages, dressed-up horses with caroling riders, and tinsel-draped dogs roaming town.
Ever thought you might be just perfect at judging decorated Christmas trees? Well, here's your chance. Take a trip to the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum to vote for "Best in Show." (In this equestrian town, that's no joke.) A thoughtfully curated (read: over-the-top decorated) Festival of Trees is on display and awaiting your vote for top honors.
If you're a crafter, decorator, or just really appreciate handmade art, this event is one you shouldn't miss. The Annual Christmas Craft Show will be held at the very start of December, bringing artisans from many places and cultures to Aiken. The two-day event is typically on the first weekend of December.
Book a few nights at a stately, but not stuffy hotel, The Willcox; and tailor your stay with as much Christmas cheer as you want. Make your kids' Christmas season better than ever by booking the hotel's signature Elf Tuck-In, and watch their faces light up as one of Santa's elves knocks on the door—milk and cookies in tow—and reads them a bedtime story. With these yuletide amenities and a spirited atmosphere, The Willcox makes the most of your holiday visit.
When it comes to Christmas, Aiken says go big or go home. On the Night of 1,000 Lights, Downtown Aiken is lined with a thousand luminaries that come together to cast a magical glow over the charming streets. The downtown shops stay open late and offer holiday treats, drinks, and music for a fun and festive evening out on the town.
For over 25 years, Christmas in Hopelands has given visitors a magical experience with over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens while sipping on a warm cup of apple cider or hot cocoa. Stroll through over two miles of the walk-through exhibit, complete with lighted pathways and illuminated displays. Caroling and live music will stud the month-long exhibit during the weekends, so make sure to bring a blanket! The 10-day event runs in mid-December.
It's hard to be this South's best small town when it comes to celebrating Christmas. Make this year the most festive yet by grabbing your family and heading to Aiken for some true Southern merrymaking.
For the second time in less than a month, a couple has experienced difficulties getting their downtown home approved by the Aiken Design Review Board.Professional golfer and Aiken native Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brit...
For the second time in less than a month, a couple has experienced difficulties getting their downtown home approved by the Aiken Design Review Board.
Professional golfer and Aiken native Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany, reached an agreement earlier this year to purchase property near 525 Laurens St. S.W. upon which they wished to build a home.
"We love the community of Aiken," Brittany said Dec. 3. "We love the history of Aiken. We love Hitchcock Woods. We've been fortunate to live in the historic district… If anything, we feel lucky to have the opportunity to purchase a piece of property like that and build a beautiful home for our family."
Tara and Charlie Bostwick own 525 Laurens St. S.W.
"It's only been the Hitchcocks, the Bostwicks and now the Kisners," Tara said Dec. 3. "We've always been looking for like-minded neighbors. Remember we're living where we're living and look forward to the opportunity for Brittany and Kevin to raise their children there."
Two members of the Hitchcock family blessed the plan, Tara added.
The Kisners' plans for the property also require Design Review Board approval. Specifically, 525 Laurens St. S.W. lies within the city's Historic Overlay District which gives the Design Review Board oversight of the visible portions of the property.
The Kisners plan to submit two applications to the Design Review Board: one for the home they plan to build and one to make renovations to two barns on the property they plan to purchase.
They have not yet submitted the first application.
The Kisners submitted the second application June 27 but have met with several Design Review Board delays.
Specifically, consideration of the application was continued Aug. 15 to allow for an Aug. 22 site visit. The application was not on the agenda for either of the board's September meetings.
The board's October meeting was postponed to Nov. 5. Then, the Nov. 5 meeting was moved to Nov. 14 to avoid conflicting with the election. The Kisners' application was delayed at that meeting, too.
Another factor in the delays could be that some members of the community are concerned about the Kisners' plans for the barns.
The barns are known as the Hitchcock Stables.
The Hitchcock Stables are historic, said Lucy Knowles, president of the Preservation Foundation of Aiken, in an Aug. 5 letter to the Aiken Design Review Board.
"Horses were of paramount importance to the Winter Colony, especially the Hitchcock family, and the Stables were at the center of this activity," Knowles said.
The Hitchcocks brought many traditions to Aiken, Knowles added. These traditions include Hitchcock Woods, Palmetto Golf Club, polo and the Aiken Preparatory School, she said.
Knowles said that she and other members of the community are concerned that too much of the stables will be demolished.
"The owners clearly have failed to demonstrate that stabilization or rehabilitation of the Stables is not feasible," she said in her letter to the board. "The engineering report they have submitted outlines some issues with the Stables but does not and cannot conclude that stabilization and rehabilitation are not feasible."
A more detailed report, prepared by the Kisners' engineer, Josh Stewart, in response to Knowles's concerns says the stables are not in good shape.
"In general, the front half of the North barn appears to be in the best state of repair…," Stewart said.
"The back halves of the barns facing west toward Hitchcock Woods, as well as the two connecting porticoes are all in various stages of active collapse," Stewart wrote in an Oct. 8 report. "This is despite what appear to be repair, replacement and stabilization which continues to today."
The front half of the south barn has subsided into the soil and is 8 inches below grade at the east end, Stewart said.
The roof decking on the back half of the south barn is in various levels of decay, Stewart said. And the decking on the roof of the north barn has completely decayed and collapsed, he added. The decking is a total loss on the eves, Stewart continued.
The perimeter portico structure has separated from the roof in several places, Stewart said.
The stables lack adequate foundations and that's virtually impossible to fix now, Stewart said. And the structure continues to move due to the clay soil in which it sits, Stewart added.
Meaning the stables will eventually collapse, said Jeffrey Burden, the Kisners' consultant and a retired architect.
As such, the Kisners sought to preserve what they could — the front of the original barns — as part of their plan for the property.
Burden said he's worked on more than 40 projects in Aiken and planned to follow the requirements and guidelines set up on the federal Department of the Interior while working on the stables.
Chairwoman Faith Hawks submitted an application in early November — without consulting the Bostwicks, Tara said — to change the designation of the stables to landmark status within the city's historic register.
However, this creates problems for the board and for the Kisners.
Burden said the application was irregular because the Department of Interior's guidelines generally want the original structure to be preserved, not additions like have been made to the stables.
The landmark application must be heard before the Kisners can proceed.
"I don't know where we go past that," Brittany said. "We'll have to see how they rule on the landmark status application. But, I think that citizens of this community… should be aware of this."
Kevin said they want the board and the community to hear their application and determine whether their plans are appropriate for the property.
The Design Review Board is scheduled to meet Dec. 5.
The historic designation application is on the agenda for the board's 5:30 p.m. worksession. At the worksession, the board will decide whether to place the application on a future regular meeting agenda.
The Kisners' difficulties getting their application heard comes after the Design Review Board voted to reject Scott and Kimberly Gudith's application to convert a Whiskey Road church into a home Nov. 14.
Kevin and Brittany Kisner aren't looking to fight with the Aiken Design Review Board over the Hitchcock Stables but they're prepared to do so if necessary.The Kisners want the effort to change how the stables are design...
Kevin and Brittany Kisner aren't looking to fight with the Aiken Design Review Board over the Hitchcock Stables but they're prepared to do so if necessary.
The Kisners want the effort to change how the stables are designated on the city's historical building registry to be stopped, said their lawyer, Ross Appel, in a Dec. 13 letter.
They also want their own application to demolish part of the stables to be heard Jan. 7, Appel continued in the letter to Board Attorney Laura Jordan.
"If the meeting moves forward and the legal status of the stables is changed, that decision will be appealed to the Circuit Court and my clients will assert all available legal and equitable claims against the City and those acting outside the scope of their official duties," Appel said.
If the board votes to recommend a change at its Dec. 17 meeting, it will be violating city code, established legal precedent, state law and its own by-laws, Appel added.
First, the board has already violated city code and its own bylaws by delaying the Kisners' own application to demolish part of and retain part of the stables, Appel implied.
The Kisners submitted their application June 27.
"Section 5.2.4(A)(2) [of the city's zoning code] states the DRB 'may delay the granting of the certificate for a period up to 60 days from the time of filing of the application,'" Appel said.
The 60-day period to consider the application expired Aug. 26.
The only action taken by the board on the Kisners' application so far is to announce that consideration would be postponed Aug. 15 and Nov. 14 and to visit the site — 525 Laurens St. S.W. — on Aug. 22.
"The DRB's bylaws allow for 'a' continuance — not multiple continuances — Section V(E)," Appel said.
Second, the board will violate the time of application rule, an established legal precedent, by making a recommendation to change the designation first, Appel continued.
The time of application rule "prohibits local governments from changing the rules in the middle of the development review process," Appel wrote.
And by voting to recommend a change to the designation of the stables first, "this is precisely what the DRB is attempting to do," Appel continued.
Since the Kisners' application came first, the board must review the Kisners' application under the current designation — non-contributing — before it can consider changing the designation, Appel said.
The board's involvement in potentially changing the stables' designation also likely violates legal precedent, Appel continued.
"The DRB is a quasi-judicial, non-legislative body lacking authority to perform this function by delegation or otherwise," Appel said. "Bauer v. S.C. State Housing Authority... confirm[ed] the South Carolina Constitution prohibits the delegation of legislative authority to non-legislative bodies."
And changing the historic designation of the stables is a legislative function because the Aiken City Council, a legislative body, will make the final decision of whether the designation should be changed, Appel added.
Third, Board Chairwoman Faith Hawks's involvement in the application to change the stables' designation and her refusal to recuse herself from the board's votes on it violates the South Carolina Ethics Act, Appel continued.
Historic Aiken Foundation President Linda Johnson said Hawks requested the foundation prepare the application for her after the board's Aug. 22 visit to the Hitchcock Stables.
Hawks said she recognized the historic nature of the stables and wanted to address that potential problem before the board considered the Kisners' application.
The stables are considered historic because of their association with two prominent Aiken families: the Hitchcocks and the Bostwicks.
It's possible that the stables were built around 1900 for Thomas Hitchcock Sr., the man who brought polo to Aiken, Johnson wrote in the application.
The Hitchcock family is also associated with many Aiken traditions including Hitchcock Woods, Palmetto Golf Club, polo and the Aiken Preparatory School, said Lucy Knowles, president of the Preservation Foundation of Aiken, in an Aug. 5 letter.
Pete Bostwick bought the stables — and the rest of 525 Laurens St. S.W. — in 1947, Johnson said.
Bostwick was a famed horse trainer and a world-renowned polo player.
"The Hitchcock stables are highly unusual in three ways: their shingled exteriors, their rounded corners, and their especially high ceilings allowing for excellent air flow," Johnson continued. "While there are other stables from that period still in Aiken, the Hitchcock stables stand out."
The design is also flawed, said Engineer Josh Stewart in an October report.
"The structural design of the two original barns ... is not that of a conventional pole barn in that there is a central free-standing stall block that supports the surrounding portico," Stewart said.
The load bearing walls of the block are resting on soil because a hand-made leveling course of three bricks has deteriorated, he continued.
"Both barns are compromised by their original construction which neglected adequate foundations..." Stewart continued.
And it's virtually impossible to fix a lack of foundation where the stall blocks are, Stewart said.
The lack of an adequate foundation has caused the stables to deteriorate, leading the Kisners to apply to have part demolished so that some of their history can be preserved.
Despite these problems, Johnson recommended the stables be designated a landmark which would make changing them difficult.
However, Hawks changed the application to contributing to give the Kisners some ability to make changes but also requiring part of the stables to be preserved.
State law prohibits a person from representing a party before the same body that the official serves on, Appel said.
In other words, as a member of the board, Hawks is supposed to be a neutral decision-maker and not involved in the process.
"Section V(J)(2) of the DRB's bylaws contains a procedure whereby 'any individual' can lodge a formal conflict of interest claim against a board member," Appel said. "Please consider this letter a formal complaint under Section (V)(J)(2)."
The Kisners aren't the only ones to threaten an appeal if the board doesn't vote their way.
Luis Rinaldini, one of plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging Project Pascalis, said Dec. 5 if the board votes to approve the Kisners' application that it would be appealed to the Second Judicial Circuit.
An activity unavailable in Aiken since 2017 will be returning late this week.Park Avenue Lanes will be back in business Dec. 6 after an extended break.An open bowling session is scheduled to begin “after” 7 p.m., according to the Park Lanes Avenue page on Facebook.“It’s been a long time in coming,” said Danny Zielinski, who owns the facility with his wife, Dottie.Park Avenue Lanes has been closed since the collapse of a roof in 2013. ...
An activity unavailable in Aiken since 2017 will be returning late this week.
Park Avenue Lanes will be back in business Dec. 6 after an extended break.
An open bowling session is scheduled to begin “after” 7 p.m., according to the Park Lanes Avenue page on Facebook.
“It’s been a long time in coming,” said Danny Zielinski, who owns the facility with his wife, Dottie.
Park Avenue Lanes has been closed since the collapse of a roof in 2013.
The other bowling alley in Aiken, Strikehouse Bowl on Whiskey Road, shut down four years later, and a Taco Bell fast food restaurant was constructed on its former site.
Zielinski faced a variety of challenges during his efforts to revive Park Avenue Lanes, which included the replacement of the area where the 16 lanes are located with a metal structure.
“The insurance took 28 months to settle,” Zielinski said.
Among the other setbacks were the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting supply chain problems, contractor-related issues and a delay involving the certificate of occupancy.
“I could have walked away from this,” Zielinski said. “When the roof collapsed, I could have taken the insurance money and left. But that’s not what I wanted to do. My mom would have wanted me to keep it open.”
Zielinski’s mother, Patricia “Grandma Pat” Chapman, and his stepfather, James “Papa Jim” Chapman, opened the bowling alley in 1971 and operated it until 1978.
Zielinski worked there as a pin chaser when not attending school.
After his parents sold the business, Park Avenue Lanes was known for a while as Strike and Spare Lanes and also as Family Bowl. But Zielinski’s association with the facility continued through his employment as a mechanic.
Zielinski has owned Park Avenue Lanes since 2005.
His family’s legacy wasn’t the only reason for Zielinski’s determination to reopen the bowling alley.
He said he felt a responsibility to the community because Aiken “needs something for kids [to do]… in a positive family environment.”
The projected cost, however, was daunting.
Based on an estimate that Zielinski received, he was going to have to pay $100,000 per lane, or $1.6 million for 16, to build a new bowling alley.
Fortunately, Zielinski said, he was able to save a lot of money by purchasing equipment “seven or eight years ago” from a bowling center that had been shut down in Georgia.
He stored it in a warehouse so it could be installed eventually at Park Avenue Lanes.
Another step in the reopening process was a major renovation of the section of the building that wasn’t replaced by the metal structure.
“Along with longtime friend Allan Morgan Jr., we gutted it," Zielinski said. “We remodeled everything and designed it ourselves. We put up sheetrock and insulation. The bathrooms had old 1960s tiles. We ripped them out and put in new tiles.
Wood from the old lanes was used to make an island and counters where the snack bar and front desk are located.
In addition, "everything was brought up to code," Zielinski said, and he made sure that the bowling alley met ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) requirements.
Zielinski’s daughter, Dani Roberson, will be in charge of the snack bar and also will serve as “kind of a general manger,” her father said.
Roberson is excited about Park Avenue Lanes’ revival.
“My little girl (5-year-old Brodi) can grow up here like I did,” she said.
Zielinski plans for Park Avenue Lanes to be open seven days a week, but Sunday operating hours won’t begin until early 2025.
Interest in bowling leagues has been high, said Zielinski, who works at the Savannah River Site.
The bowling alley’s address is 1100 Park Ave. S.E.
For more information, call 803-648-9227 or visit parkavelanes.com.
Call Now: 843-705-1515
