Holiday season is here!
We are offering Cluster Eyelash Extensions for $30, Infinity Spray Tans for $25,
& Lip/Brow wax $15.

Be sure to book your appointment @ our Eastside location today!
 
We have gift certificates & lots of gift ideas.
We even have gifts under $20!
You may visit us @ 200 E. Main St (Downtown), or 300 E. Blackstock Rd (Westside)
 
598-9832 / 576-8015 

 


Hospice Care of South Carolina Receives Governor's Quality Award
 
Hospice Care of South Carolina (HCSC) was presented with the Bronze Achiever Governor's Quality Award from the South Carolina Quality Forum for the company's progress and leadership in the state on November 14th, 2012. Hospice Care of South Carolina is the first hospice care provider to ever win this award.
 
"As the leading hospice provider in the state, we continually strive to provide superior care to our patients," said Dawn Michele Teachey, CEO of Hospice Care of South Carolina. "We specialize in providing compassionate care with a highly trained staff focused on expert pain management and symptom control. Receiving this award only confirms that we truly work our hardest to provide specialized and high-quality care."
 
Frank Fusco, Chair of the Quality Forum Advisory Committee, presented the Bronze Achiever Awards to Hospice Care of South Carolina and also to Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands South Carolina. Bridgestone America's Tire Operations received a Quality Award in the Explorers category. The reception was held at the It-oLogy Center in Columbia, S.C.
 
The process for choosing the Governor's Quality Award winners is extremely selective and names only those organizations that show progress worthy of recognition based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. These criteria include leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis, knowledge management, workforce focus, operations focus and results.
 
Those who wish to be considered for the Governor's Quality Award submit a written application, which is reviewed by a team of examiners who later perform a site visit to the organization. These examiners represent a variety of fields in South Carolina, including the medical, education and private sectors.
 
HCSC also is promoting National Hospice and Palliative Month that runs the entire month of November. The awareness campaign brings attention to the more than 1.58 million people who receive care from hospice palliative care providers in the U.S. every year. HCSC has the broadest range of care of all hospice providers in South Carolina and is also the only hospice provider with both crisis care and a pediatric care program.
 
Hospice Care of South Carolina  is South Carolina's leading hospice provider with 35 local offices that serve all 46 counties. For more than 15 years, HCSC has been devoted to enriching life and making a difference for every patient who is touched by advanced illness. HCSC is the only South Carolina hospice provider that trains other providers in every curriculum of the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), a nationally accredited course in all areas (CORE, Critical Care, Geriatric, Veterans and Pediatrics).
 
Earlier this year HCSC was named Employer of the Year by Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association for Board Certification for employing 37.5 percent of all Certified Hospice and Palliative-care Licensed Nurses and 34.65 percent of all National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses in South Carolina.



Calling all Santas!
Remember your loved one this season with the gift of yoga.
We offer gift certificates in any denomination. 
Pair that with a mat or yoga wear to
make the perfect gift!
 We also have lots of great stocking stuffers!


The YOGAlicious student who attends the most classes between now
and Dec. 23 will receive a Monthly Unlimited pass
as well as a travel mat.
Come experience a calm mind and strong body this holiday season.
Sign up in the studio for a little healthy competition!

YOGAlicious Yoga Studio
147 E. Main St.
Downtown Spartanburg
YOGA-licious.com



Chapman Cultural Center's December Calendar
 
 
Open on Sundays... Chapman Cultural Center is now open on Sunday afternoons, 1-5 p.m. The public can visit Spartanburg Art Museum, Spartanburg Science Center, Spartanburg Regional History Museum, as well as the Artists' Guild of Spartanburg Gallery and the Student Galleries, both of which are free. Free Wi-Fi is available in The Green Room, which is a public lounge. Also, Carolina Foothills Artisan Center in Chesnee is open on Sunday, 1:30-5:30 p.m. from Thanksgiving to Christmas. For more information, please call 542-ARTS.
 
Student Art Work... The students from local private schools and the COLORS program are featured in the monthly Student Art Exhibit at Chapman Cultural Center for December 2012. The schools are St. Paul The Apostle Catholic School, Spartanburg Day School, Oakbrook Preparatory School, Montessori Academy, and Spartanburg Charter School. COLORS is an after-school program for inner-city kids, presented by Spartanburg Art Museum. The exhibit is free and open Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Ends Jan. 6. Call 542-ARTS.
 
Ballroom Dancing... Ballet Spartanburg offers ongoing ballroom dancing classes every Monday evening, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Chapman Cultural Center. Taught by Marian Norman, the classes in December will be on the 3rd and 10th and will focus on the nightclub two-step. For more information, please call 583-0339.
 
Dance Parkinson's... Ballet Spartanburg offers ongoing dance classes for patients with Parkinson's Disease. The free class meets normally the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at Chapman Cultural Center. This month, it will meet Dec. 13 only. For more information, please call 583-0339.
 
Ladies' Night Out... Carolina Foothills Artisan Center in Chesnee will host "Lady's Night Out," Thursday, Dec. 6, 5:50-7:30 p.m. Guests will receive a 20 percent discount on all purchases and will be eligible for a $100 gift certificate. Call: 461-3050.
 
Art Exhibit... Spartanburg Art Museum continues its showing of Tarleton Blackwell's work through Feb. 16, 2013. Blackwell is a living South Carolina artist, who is known for his large and complex collage paintings of icons representing the rural South. Many of the works on display are from his "Hog Series," which depict pigs and other farm animals in the garb of royalty, as well as being slaughtered. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call 542-ARTS.
 
Art Exhibit... Spartanburg Art Museum continues its showing of Jim Harrison's work through Dec. 29. Harrison is a living South Carolina artist, who is known for his realistic paintings of old barns and beaches in South Carolina. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call 542-ARTS.
 
Christmas Art Classes... Throughout the Holiday Season, Spartanburg Art Museum will offer a wide variety of art classes that emphasize making and giving creative gifts. Time and prices vary, as do the media and age groups. Call: 582-7616.
 
Spartanburg's Christmas Dioramas... For decades, Spartanburg citizens window-shopped on Main Street to see the locally made dioramas, depicting scenes from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Those boxes of creativity and Holiday cheer can be seen once again, presented by Spartanburg Art Museum and Spartanburg Regional History Museum. James 'Buck' Buchanan: The Night Before Christmas & Other Gifts is on display in the History Museum Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. through Jan. 5. Call: 596-3501.
 
Audition Workshop... Spartanburg Youth Theatre will offer an audition workshop to help children and teenagers cope with the challenges of auditioning to be in the upcoming production of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Theworkshop will meet Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to noon in the Black Box Theatre at Chapman Cultural Center. The cost is $25, and is open to students in grades3-12. Pre-registration is required. Call: 585-8278.
 
Madeline's Christmas... Spartanburg Youth Theatre presents Madeline's Christmas, a delightful children's musical based on the popular Madeline children's books. Shows on Friday, Nov. 30, 4:30 and 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 and 4:30 p.m. in the David W. Reid Theatre at Chapman Cultural Center. $9-12. Call: 542-ARTS.
 
A Colonial Night Before Christmas... Walnut Grove Plantation will offer candlelight tours of its historic site Saturday, Dec. 1, every hour from 5-8 p.m. Decorations will be colonial-style, and wassail and cookies will be served by the fire. $4-6. Reservations required. Call:576-6546.
 
Benefit Concert... The First Presbyterian Chamber Singers will present Tidings of Comfort and Joy, a Christmas benefit concert for Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, Sunday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the David W. Reid Theatre at Chapman Cultural Center. This well-established and much-loved ensemble is regionally known for its high quality and traditional performances. $15. Call: 573-7684.
 
Chorus Concert... Spartanburg High School Chorus will present its Christmas concert, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Monday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. in the David W. Reid Theatre at Chapman Cultural Center. This free concert will include an evening of seasonal music by the Viking Voices, Men's Choir, Women's Choir, and the Corporation. Call (864) 431-1205.
 
Sing-a-long Messiah ... The public is invited to sing the well-known parts of Handel's Messiah at Chapman Cultural Center Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Lyman, Messiah is George Frideric Handel's most popular and widely performed oratorio, composed in 1741. Its most famous movement is the Hallelujah Chorus, which traditionally ends the performance with the audience standing. During the one-hour long event, only Part I and Hallelujah Chorus will be performed with the church providing alive orchestra and local soloists. There is no charge to participate in thesinging or to just listen in the 500-seat David Reid Theatre. The Rev. Jim Carey, minister of music, suggests that participants dress casually and bring a copy of the score (words and music, which can be found online). For more information, please call Rev. Carey at 439-8721, ext. 104, or (205) 534-9205.
 
Shopping Spree... Artists' Guild of Spartanburg will host Holiday Art Shopping Spree, Dec. 3-21, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Chapman Cultural Center. All of the merchandise will be locally produced byGuild members. Includes ornaments, paintings, jewelry, books, pottery, and notecards. Call: 764-9568.
 
Mobile Mammograms... Carolina Foothills Artisan Center in Chesnee will be a host site for the Bearden-Jorsey Mobile Mammography on Wednesday, Dec. 5. For details, please call 461-3050.
 
Music Sandwiched In... The Music Foundation of Spartanburg's Music Sandwiched In program will present two free mini Christmas concerts at Spartanburg's main library in December. The Arbor Winds woodwind trio will play on Wednesday, Dec. 5, and the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra's Brass will play on Wednesday, Dec. 19. All MusicSandwiched In concerts are live and free and start at 12:15 p.m. Bring your lunch or buy one there. Call: 948-9020.
 
Coffee with Artists... Every Thursday morning, Carolina Foothills Artisan Center in Chesnee hosts "Coffee with Artists," a social event for the public to meet local artists. Meet at 10 a.m. for free coffee, the opportunity to see what's new at the Center, and to meet artists. Meet Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Call 461-3050.
 
Songs of the Season... Students from Spartanburg School District 1 will present a free holiday concert-"Songs of the Season"-Friday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. at Chapman Cultural Center.Performing will be the Middle School Chorus with students from Landrum Middle, Mabry Middle and Campobello Gramling. There will also be a men's choir, treble choir and mixed chorus, singing a variety of traditional Christmas carols, modern holiday songs, and ethnic pieces. Admission is free, but reservations are required by calling 278-9693.
 
A Different Xmas Story... The Spartanburg Little Theatre presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (AndThen Some) at The Showroom at Hub-Bub Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8, and Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 13-15 at 8 p.m. It's a madcap romp through the holiday season, pulling from every Christmas story ever told, plus seasonal icons from ancient times to current pop-culture. This production is rated PG-13. $15/advance; $20/at door. Call: 585-8278.
 
The Nutcracker... Ballet Spartanburg presents its annual production of the classic ballet, The Nutcracker, presented in Twichell Auditorium at Converse College. Threeshows: Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, at 3 p.m. Tix: $20-$32. Call 596-9725 or 583-0339. On Line: converse.edu/arts/twichell-auditorium.
 
Robots Compete... Spartanburg Science Center will attend the FIRST FLL Robotics Regional Competition Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 a.m. at The Spartanburg Day School. The public is invited to attend, too. For more details, visit www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org.
 
Holiday Concert... Carolina Vocal Palace in Boiling Springs presents its annual Holiday Concert on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., featuring the music of the season.  Admission is $5 at the door. Call 542-ARTS.
 
Make a Gingerbread House... Carolina Foothills Artisan Center in Chesnee will host a Children's Holiday Workshop Saturday, Dec. 15, 10-11:30 a.m.  Children, ages 6-11, are invited to make their own gingerbread house.  Cost $3. Reservations are required, and seating is limited Call: 864-461-3050.
 
Community Band's Christmas Concert... The Spartanburg Community Band, a group of volunteer musicians, will perform its annual Christmas concert at in the David W. Reid Theatre at Chapman Cultural Center, Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. Concert will include a hand bell performance in the lobby before the show. A reception will follow the concert. Adults/$6; Children/free. Call: 357-3929.
 
ArtWalk... On the third Thursday of each month, the art galleries and museum in Spartanburg stay open late for the public to see what's new. On Thursday, Dec. 20, be sure to stop by Chapman Cultural Center, 5-9 p.m. to visit Spartanburg Art Museum, Artists' Guild of Spartanburg Gallery, and the Student Galleries. It's all free. Call: 542-ARTS.
 
Closed for the Holidays... Chapman Cultural Center is closed for Christmas on Monday, Christmas Eve; and Tuesday, Christmas Day. It is closed for New Years on Monday, Dec. 31, and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Chapman Cultural Center is now open every Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call: 542-ARTS.
 
Holiday Science Camps... Spartanburg Science Center will offer science camps for kids out of school and looking for something fun to do. Camps will be meet Thursday and Friday, Dec. 27 and 28, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., featuring WeDo Lego Robotics (grades 1-3) and Exploring the Past and Wacky Weather; Jan. 2 and 3, 9 a.m.-noon, featuring WeDo Lego Robotics (grade 1-3) and 1-4 p.m., featuring Star Light, Star Bright; and all day Jan. 4, featuring It's Electric and Star Light, Star Bright. Open to kids age 6-11. For more information call 583-2777 or visit SpartanburgScienceCenter.org.
 


With end of year coming up and many companies getting ready
 for performance reviews, I wanted to share this recent article with you (see below).

With only 4 weeks between now and the end of the year, if you have an accounting role where you need someone in the seat by year end, our process can make it happen for you!
 
Thank you for choosing to work with Robert Half, I look forward to hearing from you!
 
Best Regards,
Brandon Clark
Recruiting Manager
864.232.4253   

Once-a-year performance reviews? So old-school
Give employees feedback more often to head off problems.
November 15, 2012
By Robert Half International

The annual performance review is a venerable tradition among companies of all sizes and types. But is it really the most effective way to evaluate your employees' work and help them fine-tune their skills?

How relevant is it to discuss projects or activities that are almost a year old? And frankly, unless you keep very good notes, how well can you remember important details of something a staff member accomplished more than a few weeks or months ago?
What's more, the once-a-year review can be unduly influenced by events immediately preceding it. If an employee is performing well, for example, the manager may overlook problems that occurred in the "distant" past. But if the individual has recently hit a difficult patch, this can unfairly overshadow previous peaks.

Instead of the static annual model of performance reviews, why not make them more frequent and dynamic? After all, there's no rule that says you can only offer feedback to your employees once every 12 months. By keeping closer track of employee performance and providing more timely input (either encouragement and praise or tactful correction and guidance), you can help your staff perform more consistently and effectively.
In addition, you'll be able to nip problems in the bud, rather than waiting until they blossom into chronic issues. Conducting reviews more often will also help you with staffing challenges. You'll be able to identify skill gaps or work overloads so you can quickly address them by bringing in temporary staff. Finally, a more frequent review schedule will also give you the chance to touch base with your employees about their most current career aspirations, so you can determine how to provide appropriate professional development opportunities.

If you would like to shift from the old-style performance review model to a new, fresh approach, the following suggestions may help ease the transition.

Aim for "frequent" but not too frequent. Don't try to switch from annual to monthly reviews, for example. The changeover will be more manageable if you aim for a quarterly timetable. This is frequent enough to gain an accurate picture of employee performance without creating an administrative burden for you and your team.

Develop flexible criteria. In collaboration with staff members, most managers identify key objectives for each employee and for the team as a whole. More frequent reviews allow you to ascertain whether these benchmarks are still appropriately targeted. A more dynamic review process may also mean you will evaluate performance differently, for example when an employee is midway through a project versus when he has completed it and the outcome is known, or when an employee is transitioning into a new role.

Don't try to do too much. Avoid the temptation to use the new timetable to micromanage employee behavior or work habits. It's not necessary to fine-tune every single detail of your workers' performance. The goal is to give timely feedback, not make your staff feel as if they're constantly under a microscope and subject to relentless analysis.

Help them avoid overreacting to a "bad grade." More frequent reviews are like progress reports in school-they provide an interim rather than final "grade." This has benefits as well as drawbacks. Make sure your employees know that a single "bad" review is not fatal and they have plenty of time to turn around performance.

Provide concrete opportunities for improvement and growth. It's not helpful to employees if you suggest they work on their communication skills but fail to give them the chance to do so. Whenever you give constructive feedback, be prepared to brainstorm with people to devise ways they can develop needed skills or experience. The relative success of such skill-building opportunities will then become the focus of the next performance review.

 

 

Members receive free and reduced cost advertising both individually and collectively in the Association's marketing campaigns and through member to member communications.

 

Members network at bi-monthly meetings and socials with other downtown stakeholders.

 

To learn more about the many benefits of SDA or to join, contact Kathy Chandler at 864-494-9621 or kathydowntown@charter.net.