Guard wives will be pampered

Military families often are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, having to undergo periods of joy and happiness while also experiencing fear, sadness and uncertainty.

Many of these feelings have been experienced by local residents while loved ones are off risking life and limb to protect our country.

To help take their their minds off the conflicts as well as get them away from the daily pressures of being military wives and mothers, two organizations and a Gaffney hair and nail salon have joined forces to provide these women with a day of discount pampering in a stress-free environment.

Beauties on the Boulevard will open Saturday to at least 40 wives of South Carolina National Guard members, offering services including manicures, pedicures and massages.

"Each of our workers will be on hand and are excited to be giving the best possible service to these ladies," Rita Spencer of Beauties on the Boulevard said. "It is definitely great to be taking part in an event such as this one."

The idea to become part of such an event was merely a coincidence, said Spencer, who received a phone call a few weeks ago about the salon possibly being able to provide half-priced services.

"It was something that was not expected," Spencer said. "But by talking to them we were able to come up with some ideas that would maximize the enjoyment of the women who came to the shop."

While the wives and mothers are being spoiled, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary will babysit their children - along with making gifts in preparation for Mother's Day on May 13. The organization, which supports troops and their families, volunteered their services. Children ages six months to 10 years will be in the care of these ladies, who believe this is part of their line of duty.

"As an organization, we will do whatever it takes," Linda Brown, president of a local VFW Ladies Auxiliary post said. "We will go to any length when there are opportunities to help the families of troops."