Familiar Face. New Place.
For over 40 years Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery has been home to some of the most experienced physicians, providing easily accessible care to our community.
We are now pleased to announce that Dr. Alaric Van Dam is making our practice his home too!
Dr. Van Dam is a Board-Certified Physician trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. His interests include diagnostics and conservative interventional procedures of the spine and joints.
As an experienced doctor living and practicing in Columbia for many years, he is excited to continue serving his community at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
With his familiar smile and holistic approach, Dr. Van Dam welcomes you to his new home.
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Dear Mom, Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day! I can’t believe you’ve been gone sixteen years already. Thanks for keeping an eye on us from above. My appreciation and love for you continues to grow as my seasons of life evolve and change. I wish there was an old touch-tone phone with a super long cord to heaven so that I could have one more conversation with you to say thank you and tell you I love you, one more time.
Your youngest grandson, Noah, is graduating high school and will attend the Citadel like your oldest grandson did. Your granddaughter reminds me so much of you in so many ways. Selfishly, I wish you were able to spend more time with them here on earth. God keeps your spirit and love in their souls daily. What a blessing!
Congratulations to all the mothers who make an invaluable difference in the world through their dedication and unwavering love for their families. I’m giving you a BIG virtual hug right now.
Thanks for reading Irmo-Chapin Life Magazine. It’s been 16 years, and it still feels like yesterday when it all began. Take an opportunity to nominate your favorite businesses for the Best of Irmo-Chapin 2026 competition. You can do this online at www.irmochapinlife.com. These businesses really appreciate your support. Shopping local helps keep Irmo, Chapin, and Ballentine vibrant in today’s economy.
Happy 18th Birthday Noah Millan Shevchik! I am very proud of the man you are becoming and will continue to develop into. I love you.
Happy Mother’s Day and God Bless! Todd
CALENDAR OFevents
MAY-JUNE
Thursday, May 1 – Thursday, May 15
Exit Palmetto Realty Food Drive
1720 Dutch Fork Rd. | Irmo
This effort has a goal of 1000 lbs of food to help support Sharing God’s Love in Irmo and We Care in Chapin. Drop off Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm at any Ballentine Village Business Donation pickup available, call 803-764-7968 to arrange.
Friday, May 9
Irmo Town Limits Spring Concert Series
Prisma Amphitheater at Moore Park | 7473 Church St. Irmo | 6 pm
Live music by Hijacked Duo and 90210 Radio. Come for dinner, drinks, and a good time For more information and tickets visit townofirmosc.com.
Wednesday, May 28
Social Scene: Murder Mystery Lock-In Chapin Branch Library | 129 NW Columbia Ave. Chapin | 5:30 pm
Ready for a night of suspense, clues, and fun? Solve this year’s thrilling mystery by channeling your inner Sherlock. (ages 18+) For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.
Saturday, May 31
KMB Spotless Service Saturday Rawls Creek Park | 1113 Friarsgate Blvd. | Irmo | 9 am - 12 pm
Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) will host a litter cleanup with snacks and supplies provided. For more information visit kmbsc.org
Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1
Lake Murray Palooza Music Festival
FatFrogsMarina|1701DreherIslandRd.|Chapin|11am-7pm
This two-day festival will welcome all genres of music from Country, Southern Rock, Rock ‘n Roll, Reggae, and a DJ Food options and beverages will be available. For tickets visit reggaetronicsc.com.
Saturday, June 14
Season Finale ft. Trumpet Star, Sean Jones Harbison Theatre | 7300 College St. Irmo | 7:30 pm
The renowned trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator joins the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble for an explosion of big band sounds. For more information visit harbisontheatre.org.
Saturday, June 28
Fourth of July
Celebration Lake Murray | 9:30 pm
South Carolina’s largest fireworks show will launch at dark from two lake locations: Spence Island and Dreher Island. For more information visit lakemurrayfireworks. com. n
faithMATTERS
BRIAN ADLEMAN
Campus Pastor
Seacoast Church, Irmo
STAYING SPIRITUALLY GROUNDED IN A BUSY SEASON
As warmer weather arrives, life picks up speed. Calendars are filled with sports, vacations, and endless to-do lists. It’s a season of movement, a time of running from one activity to the next. But how do we stay spiritually focused? How do we ensure faith doesn’t take a backseat?
Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33 reminds us of what happens when we lose focus. At first, Peter steps out in faith, eyes on Jesus. But when he notices the storm, he begins to sink. It wasn’t the storm—it was his distraction. Isn’t life like that? The busier we get, the harder it is to keep our eyes on what truly matters.
So, how do we stay grounded when everything else pulls us in different directions?
One key area is making space for our faith in the middle of the chaos. Church is important—not just as a routine, but as a source of community, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Yet, the world makes it incredibly difficult to keep church at the center. There are always reasons to miss—a weekend trip, a game, or an event that feels too important to skip. The question isn’t just about whether we attend church, but rather, how do we adjust when life pulls us away? If a Sunday morning at church doesn’t happen, do we simply move on, or do we take a moment to intentionally bring church into our home?
Imagine gathering as a family that evening, setting aside time to worship, read Scripture, and talk about faith. These moments, though different from a traditional church setting, can be just as powerful. A relationship with Jesus isn’t just at church; it is something we carry with us at all times. While home church should be a meaningful way to stay connected to God when schedules make attending in person difficult, it shouldn’t become a habit. Instead, it should be a way to ensure faith remains a priority when life gets in the way. Prioritizing faith in a busy season means being intentional about how and when we connect with God, making room for both church community and those sweet moments of worship at home.
Beyond attending services, carving out personal time for faith is essential. Warmer weather brings late nights, full days, and plenty of distractions, but it also offers an opportunity. Set times in your day that are non-negotiable for your spiritual life, like reading Scripture in the morning or praying in the car for a few minutes before you go into work or head home. These moments don’t have to be complicated, just consistent.
Life will always be busy. The waves will rise. But if we keep our focus where it belongs, we won’t sink—we will stand firm, walking forward in faith. n
IRMO-CHAPINleader
by Mary Ann Hutcheson
Bobby Dale
IRMO CHIEF OF POLICE
Robert (Bobby) Dale, a man deeply dedicated to his profession, was pro moted to Chief of Police of the Town of Irmo in August of 2021 after 18 years with the Irmo Police Depart ment. His love for the job is palpable, and he refers to it as a passion. As a fifth-generation law enforcement offi cer, Chief Dale’s commitment to the profession is not just a personal choice, but his family’s legacy that includes a great-great-grandfather, US Deputy Marshal Sidney Marion Dale.
Once Dale’s plans changed from becoming a NASA astronaut (they didn’t take six-year-olds at the time) to becoming a major league player (he was eight and loved base ball), the lure of the family profession came calling.
At eighteen, Dale became a South Carolina Highway Patrol Explorer. “It was like a cadet program but done through the Boy Scouts of America. You get to wear a uniform and look like a cop, but you’re not a cop,” he said. A few months after 9/11, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport added four police officer divisions. The airport hired three officers from different agencies but wanted an Academy-trained applicant.
Dale was hired and attended the Police Academy from January to March 2002. After a successful year and a half at the airport, he felt it was time for the next step in his career. He applied to the Irmo Police Department and was hired in November 2003.
Over the years, Dale has held various positions, gaining a comprehensive understanding of policing. He said, “I still learn every day. We have good people here, which makes my job easier.”
As Chief, Dale has had to learn to deal with politics. He feels fortunate that Irmo has a very supportive town council, which he thanks in part to Mayor Danielson’s efforts in getting the town council in tune with the police department. Dale said, “Many Chiefs say the shelf-life for a Chief of Police in South Carolina is only three years. I’m in a good spot here and hope it continues.”
Dale was born in Alabama. His dad’s job in the Army involved moving, once taking the family to Berlin, Germany, for four years. Between here and Georgia, Dale attended three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Those experiences undoubtedly impacted the Chief’s ability to interact comfortably with people wherever he worked. By the time he became the Chief of Police in Irmo, Dale knew the business of policing well and was the right fit.
Dale and his wife have three boys. He shared, “My wife, Karen, has played a huge role in the success of my career by making sure the ‘trains are on time’ (so to speak). She pretty much does everything for our day-to-day routines…. I just work!”
Might we have a sixth-generation police officer down the road? His 11- and 13-yearold boys are in the Explorer program he was in as a young man. “When I’m at home, sometimes all I hear is sirens because my son watches police chases on TV. Man, I can’t get away from those sirens,” Chief Dale said. n
The top three nominees in each category will be listed on the 2026 Best of Irmo-Chapin Life ballot in the Irmo-Chapin Life Magazine.
The nomination deadline is May 21st.
Backyard Beginnings to Lake Murray’s
Favorite Wakeboarding Event
by Chesson Merritt
Weekend With The Pros returns this June
Twenty years ago, a summer tradition on Lake Murray started when a group of college students with a shared passion for watersports created a grassroots event that evolved into one of the biggest wakeboarding traditions in America. Together they set out to introduce people to the best of lake life and they ultimately built a community of watersports enthusiasts that gather together annually to celebrate wakeboarding.
The event, dubbed Weekend With The Pros, would never have come to be if it had not been for Chris Farr’s parents, Ed and June Farr, and the birthday gift they gave him when he turned 13. Instead of sending him to a wakeboarding school, they arranged for professional wakeboarder Johnathon McDonald to come to Lake Murray and give him private lessons. It was an experience that sparked Farr’s lifelong love of the sport.
Farr was hooked from the moment he saw McDonald land his first trick behind the boat, learning to wakeboard himself and going on to compete in competitions throughout high school and college.
While in school at the University of South Carolina, Farr and several of his friends decided to pool their resources and create the same experience that Farr had when he was younger and first fell in love with watersports. They decided upon a name for their group—South Carolina Rough Riders—and went to work putting together the very first Weekend With The Pros, inviting pro riders Gerry Nunn and Shaun Murray to come to Lake Murray and teach wakeboarding lessons. Their goal? To not only learn from a world-class riders, but to also show their friends who had not grown up on the water what it was all about. They set up in the backyard of Farr’s parents’ house and by the end of the weekend, everyone was all in and they began to set plans in motion to repeat the event again the following year.
Weekend With The Pros had been born and everyone who was there that weekend would tell you that they never imagined that their inaugural event would ever grow
to as big as it is today. Too popular to host in a backyard after the first few years, it moved to different spots around the lake before settling at Captain’s Choice Marine in Leesville.
Whether you’ve been shredding on the lake for years or you’re dipping your toes into the wakeboarding waters for the first time, Weekend With the Pros is an event for everyone and it’s easy to get involved with it. The lessons with the pro riders are tailored to each individual’s needs and skill level, aimed at improving confidence for beginners and fine-tuning skills for advanced riders. More interested in seeing the action rather than participating? Drive your boat right on over to Captain’s Choice Marine, drop your anchor, and raft up for the day— You’ll have front row seats to the Pro Wakeboard Show where you’ll catch all the incredible tricks and be able to get autographs from the pro riders after the show finishes.
The Pro Wakeboard Show is a family-friendly event, geared at highlighting all the fun that can be had on the lake. The reach of the event extends beyond the shores of Lake Murray, bringing in individuals and families from around South Carolina to the lake to enjoy.
The weekend’s most unique feature is the chance for riders to learn directly
Whether you’ve been shredding on the lake for years or you’re dipping your toes into the wakeboarding waters for the first time, Weekend With the Pros is an event for everyone
The Pro Wakeboard Show is a family-friendly event, geared at highlighting all the fun that can be had on the lake. The reach of the event extends beyond the shores of Lake Murray, bringing in individuals and families from around South Carolina to the lake to enjoy.
The weekend’s most unique feature is the chance for riders to learn directly from top-tier professional wakeboarders who come to Lake Murray each year. Not only do participants receive lessons from the best in the sport, but they also get to ride behind the latest high-performance boats, courtesy of event sponsor Captain’s Choice Marine.
Weekend With The Pros has hosted such riders as Shaun Murray, a 4-time World Wakeboard Champion who has been wakeboarding for over 30 years; Bec Gange, a 2-time World Wakeboard Champion who currently rides for Hyperlite and Axis; and Massi Piffaretti, the first Italian World Wakeboard Champion that is a sponsored RedBull athlete. Other notable riders that
have participated in prior years include Dallas Friday, Chad Sharpe, Parker Swope, Josh Palma, and Steel Lafferty.
The one-on-one lessons give riders the opportunity to talk with the coaches, show them their strengths and the areas they are looking to improve, and to receive direct feedback as they take sets behind the boat. Riders also get to hang out with the athletes that they look up to, as well as get autographs and take photos together.
Weekend With the Pros has always been about more than simply inviting a pro rider to come in and teach lessons to wakeboarding enthusiasts. It’s been about growing a community that loves to be out on the water and “passing the handle” on to the next generation of riders. Passing the handle is a beloved tradition throughout watersports—It’s a phrase to describe the act of introducing wakeboarding or wakesurfing to someone who has never tried it before. You’re physically handing them a handle connected to a rope that connects them to
the boat that will tow them around as they learn the sport.
The South Carolina Rough Riders have passed the handle to hundreds of riders over the years, but it’s always extra meaningful when one of the new riders to come into the fold is one of the founding members’ own children.
Farr and his wife Brynley’s three oldest children—W.H., Jack, and Christopher— have inherited their parents’ same love of watersports and have each taken up wakeboarding. They too participate in the weekend’s festivities between taking lessons themselves and wakeboarding in the kickoff of the Pro Wakeboard Show each year. It’s a family event that now spans multiple generations, something that the South Carolina Rough Riders are immensely proud to have achieved.
The longevity of the event is also something else that the group takes great pride in. According to the World Wakeboard Association, with the exception of the annual WWA Regionals and WWA Nationals, Weekend With The Pros is the world’s longest running annual wakeboard event. It all came from a thoughtful birthday gift plus the ingenuity of a group of college kids that were looking to have a fun weekend on the water some 20 years ago.
The 2025 edition of Weekend With the Pros will be held on June 6-7 on Lake Murray at Captain’s Choice Marine in Leesville, SC. Friday will feature full day lessons with pro riders from 8 am until 4 pm. Saturday begins with half day lessons from 8 am until 12 pm followed by a Pro Wakeboard Show at 2 pm that will feature pro riders Shaun Murray and Massi Piffaretti as well as local Lake Murray legends.
For the South Carolina Rough Riders, Weekend With The Pros isn’t just an event; it’s a tradition that brings together generations of wakeboarders and enthusiasts. Whether you’re learning to ride for the first time or catching a glimpse of pro riders in action, the weekend is all about community, sharing the love for the sport, and passing the handle to the next generation. Join them this June to experience the magic for yourself,
For more information on this year’s event as it becomes available, including how to purchase wakeboarding lessons for yourself or as a gift, be sure to follow SC Rough Riders on Instagram (@scroughriders) and on Facebook. n
Premier Learn-to-Swim Program opens in Lexington
The swim and water safety experts at the new Goldfish Swim School - Lexington share practical tips for families for National Water Safety Awareness Month
lessons can reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%.
Is your family ready for a safer summer in 2025? Water and swimming safety are topics that need to be at the forefront of families’ minds all year round. Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death for children ages one to four and the summer months (May-August) account for two-thirds of annual childhood drowning incidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children get started in regular, high-quality swim lessons starting by age one.
Tiffany Keyser, Regional Manager, and her team at the new Lexington location share key water safety tips for National Water Safety Awareness Month:
✱ Enroll in Swim Lessons: Studies find that consistent, high-quality swim
✱ Swap Out Floaties & Puddle Jumpers for U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets: Floaties and puddle jumpers give children a false sense of security in the water. They can easily come loose or deflate, and they teach children to float in a vertical position which is the opposite of how our bodies float.
✱ Seek out Bright Colored Swimwear: Choose swimsuits with bright colors. They will stand out in the water and make it easier to spot a swimmer needing help.
✱ Designate a Water Guardian: Designate an adult “Water Guardian” and change guardians every 30 minutes so he/she is alert and refreshed. Vigilance is key – no chatting, no checking your phone, no distractions.
Interested in a FREE Water Safety Presentation for your school, church, club
or community group? Contact Tiffany at tiffany.keyser@goldfishss.com to book a presentation.
W.A.T.E.R. Safety Day at Goldfish - Lexington is Saturday, 5/17. Enroll on Eventbrite for the FREE event.
Located in Lexington, Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction for children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a safe, fun, and family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes and a shiver-free 90-degree pool. Goldfish offers convenient scheduling options and families can easily book makeup classes when necessary. n
DR. JAMES LOGING
A Life of Healing, Adventure, and Inspiration
by Mary Ann Hutcheson photos by Dr. James Loging
Dr. James Loging is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, widely recognized as one of America’s Most Honored Doctors. He earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, as well as a member of the South Carolina Orthopedic Association. His reputation for excellence in the medical field is well-deserved, but his professional accomplishments are just one part of his extraordinary story. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Loging is an adventurer, a photographer, and a man driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep desire to help others.
Early Life and Inspiration
Dr. Loging grew up in the small town of Pomaria, located in Newberry County, South Carolina. Despite leaving home to pursue his medical career, he eventually returned to be close to his parents and raise his family nearby. Looking back, he appreciates the decision to return home, as it allowed him to have lunch with his parents every Monday and give his children the chance to grow up near their grandparents. “You don’t get that time back,” he reflected.
to give that gift to other people, just as the doctors had given to our family,” he said. Initially, Loging considered specializing in cardiothoracic surgery because of his father’s experience. However, he ultimately felt more drawn to orthopedics. “You’re not necessarily saving lives like a heart surgeon,” he explained, “but you’re changing them for the better.” Through orthopedic surgery, he helps patients reduce pain, regain mobility, and lead more active, fulfilling lives. “Being able to give someone that gift—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
A Natural Drive for Excellence
From a young age, Loging was drawn to practical, hands-on work. He admired the skills his father demonstrated while working on projects around the house and developed a strong sense of confidence and self-reliance through those early lessons. This practical foundation, combined with his natural drive and energy, shaped his approach to both medicine and life.
His path to becoming a physician was influenced by deeply personal experiences. When Loging was just eight years old, his father suffered a severe heart attack that required surgery. Years later, during Loging’s high school years, his father experienced another life-threatening heart attack. Witnessing the medical care that saved his father’s life sparked a desire in Loging to provide that same gift to others. “I wanted
Loging attributes much of his success to the “tremendous amount of energy” he feels is a gift from God. “I work a lot, but it doesn’t bother me because I have so much energy for it. I love helping people and being able to change their lives,” he said. His relentless drive and passion have allowed him to excel in multiple fields, from medicine to adventure photography, and even aviation—yes, he’s also a licensed pilot.
Capturing Nature’s Gifts
One of Loging’s deepest passions is photography — a pursuit that began with underwater shots during his scuba diving
trips. His photography eventually expanded to landscapes and wildlife, where he developed a particular fascination with bears.
“Bears are amazing animals,” Loging said. He has traveled extensively to photograph them in their natural habitats. In Alaska’s Katmai National Park, he captured images of brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. He also visited Lake Clark National Park, where he could get remarkably close to grizzly bears thanks to platforms established by the park service. “The bears have become habituated to people,” he explained. “They came within two feet of me, but I never felt like I was in danger.”
One of Loging’s most memorable experiences was photographing polar bears in the Arctic Ocean. He traveled to Norway, boarded a ship, and sailed into the ice-covered waters. “That was an amazing experience,” he recalled. “I had always wanted to see polar bears, and we had some remarkable encounters with them.”
Recently, Loging traveled to Mexico to photograph striped marlin. His collection also includes captivating shots of turtles in the Caribbean, grizzly bears, and other wildlife.
One of his most breathtaking photos is titled The Hand of God, taken during a trip to see the Northern Lights. The formation of lights resembled an outstretched hand. “It’s obvious that God has his hands in all the beauty the world and nature have to offer,” Loging said. “This was not random. It was an amazing gift that God gave us to see.”
His photography is more than just a creative outlet — it’s a way to share the beauty of nature with others. “It’s about letting other people experience the beauty that’s out there in nature that God created,” he said.
Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Adventure
Loging’s adventurous spirit extends far beyond photography. He is an accomplished mountaineer, having climbed Mount Aconcagua in Argentina—the tallest peak in both North and South America. He modestly described the climb as “an interesting experience,” though it’s clear the challenge left a lasting impression.
His next adventure? Storm chasing. “As a kid, I always wanted to be a storm chaser,” he said. His upcoming trip to Oklahoma and Kansas will give him the chance to fulfill that childhood dream. A meteorologist will accompany him as he photographs
tornadoes and storm systems. “I want one of a big tornado,” he said with excitement.
Facing Fear and Learning from Failure
When asked if he’s ever truly been afraid, Dr. Loging paused thoughtfully. “Is there ever something that frightened you or made you say, ‘I can’t do this?’”
Following a long pause, he replied, “Not really. In cat lives, I’ve probably used eight of my nine lives.”
But there was something. He used the term “unnerved,” which wasn’t exactly “frightened,” but counts, nonetheless.
“The only thing that made me kind of unnerved was when I was doing cave diving. My instructor had me go into a particular tunnel that you could barely fit through, which had a muddy bottom. You couldn’t see well, and it was so tight. I didn’t really enjoy that part of it.”
His approach to life is rooted in the belief that failure is just a learning experience. “If you don’t succeed at something, you learn from it and try again,” he said. “I’m not afraid to try or do things.”
He reinforces this belief with a story about a NASA astronaut he met during a Zero-G flight experience. The astronaut applied to NASA 14 times before finally being accepted. “If there’s something you’re passionate about, be persistent,” Loging advised. “People should get out and experience the beauty that’s out there. Nature is amazing. It makes you realize that things are not random.”
Living with Gratitude
Dr. Loging’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering faith. He has faced challenges head-on, embraced new experiences, and remained committed to helping others along the way.
“You only get one life,” he said. “Make
the most of it.”
For Dr. Loging, life is not just about achieving success—it’s about sharing experiences, helping others, and appreciating the beauty in the world around him. His journey is a testament to the power of courage, persistence, and faith.
Through his work as a surgeon, he restores mobility and relieves pain for his patients, helping them reclaim their lives. Through his photography, he captures and shares the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. And through his adventurous spirit, he pushes boundaries and inspires others to explore their own potential.
Whether standing on a mountain peak, swimming alongside sea turtles, or capturing the Northern Lights through his lens, Loging approaches each new challenge with curiosity and determination. He views fear not as a barrier but as an opportunity for growth. “Fear is just a chance to learn,” he says. “If you’re afraid to fail,
you’ll never try. And if you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible.”
Dr. Loging’s story reminds us that life is not defined by a single path. It’s about embracing every opportunity, pushing through discomfort, and finding joy in the process. His life reflects a powerful blend of professional excellence, creative exploration, and personal fulfillment—a rare and inspiring combination.
From the operating room to the Arctic ice, from the mountains of Argentina to the storm-filled skies of Oklahoma, Dr. James Loging’s journey is far from over. Guided by faith, fueled by energy, and driven by a deep desire to give back, he continues to write his story—one remarkable chapter at a time.
For more about Dr. Loging’s professional work, visit palmettoboneandjoint. com. To see his photography and follow his adventures, check out his Facebook page @drjamesphoto. n
ProStart A recipe for success
by Tenell Felder
High school students in Lexington County schools are getting the opportunity to gain real-world experience in restaurant management and culinary arts through ProStart – a two-year program under the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) that trains students on the intricacies of food service and culinary arts.
There are currently more than 2,100 schools nationally that participate in the program, with more than 214,000 students involved. ProStart provides these students a bridge into the practicalities of the restaurant industry and is currently offered at
Lexington Technology Center and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies.
Danielle Mize is the culinary arts instructor at the Lexington Technology Center.
“Lexington Technology Center is a ProStart school which means that we are a member of the National Restaurant As sociation, and we are also a member of the South Carolina
Restaurant and Lodging Foundation. ProStart is made for high school students to join, start networking, and learn skills for their future endeavors,” said Mize.
Students have an opportunity to earn a certificate of achievement by completing industry hours and passing two exams on the foundations of restaurant management and culinary arts.
“Being a ProStart school means that students have the opportunity to become ProStart certified. You must take two different tests and complete 450 hours within the industry so that through ProStart you can obtain an industry certification,” explained Mize.
Mize noted that not all students decide to try to obtain the certification, but that the opportunity is presented to interested students.
“Not all students take that opportunity, but for students that want to go into the industry and want to continue with their education, we
try to push them in that direction. A lot of times ProStart gives vouchers so we can get students certified and help offset the cost through our schools,” she shared.
Mize has appreciated seeing the growth that her students experience as they pursue their certifications.
“When they achieve certifications, growth comes with it. We started at point A and now we’re at point B. Seeing these kids being able to enter the industry already with ProStart certifications is great,” she said.
Mize also said that some of her students have had the opportunity to participate in events to gain experience catering and managing events.
“In addition to certification, we have participated in some ProStart events. We take part in the Hall of Fame dinner in Columbia every year in November. The students get to attend and prepare hors d’oeuvres and things like that for a couple of hundred people. So, they are getting industry level experience,” she explained.
Mize says that getting industry experi-
ence is what prepares her students for life after they have completed high school.
“We are preparing to cater a job for 150 people, so my students get to do another hands-on activity and are able to learn the industry from a real-life scenario. These kids are graduating from high school ready and prepared for suc cessful careers,” she said.
This gained experi ence also places ProStart students in a better position to enter into the industry ready to begin work. Through the program, students have the opportunity to test for their food handler and safe manag er certifications.
restaurant you will have to have that certification. So, it is already putting those students ahead of the game even while they are still in high school,” she said.
Mize also noted seeing how having those certifications boosted the confidence of her students.
“Programs like ProStart are a great way of getting students the base knowledge they need to be successful.”— Patrick Duggan
“Already having that certification and knowledge under their belt takes them to a higher level of being employed and builds their confidence of saying ‘I can do this, I can go into the industry, I have this base level of knowledge that puts me ahead of a lot of people,’ ” she said.
Patrick Duggan is a chef instructor at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies which also participates in ProStart. He noted the program’s training on the practical and academic side of the restaurant industry.
“Some of the things ProStart provides are business modules, like how to open a corporation, the history of food … the academic side of the culinary arts,” he explained.
Duggan first heard of ProStart while attending Johnson and Wales University College of Culinary Arts, when he assisted with the program’s culinary competition.
“My level one students take the food handler test and my level two students take the safe manager test. If you are going to be the manager of a
He was reintroduced when he started teaching at the high school level about 10 years ago and saw more that the program had to offer to students.
Today, Duggan and his students have participated in ProStart competitions which allow competitors the opportunity to showcase culinary and management skills.
“The ProStart culinary competition is a 4-to-5-person team where they have a couple hours to cook a three-course meal in front of judges. That is the culinary side of the competition,
but there is also a management side where they create a restaurant and build it from the ground up. They talk about floor plans, their business model, how they will run the restaurant, and what equipment they will need,” Dugan said.
Competition winners have the opportunity to receive scholarships as well as networking opportunities.
Like Dugan, Mize’s background is in the culinary arts. Her career has spanned 25 years and she has used her knowledge of the industry to help guide her students through their anticipated careers.
“I’ve had multiple jobs from corporate catering to owning several restaurants. I have been fortunate enough to see all sides of the industry,” she said.
Mize shared that it is rewarding when she hears from former students who are well prepared for their college courses.
“I have a former student who is at Johnson and Wales in Charlotte, NC in her first two semesters. She told me that she already knows 90% of the material presented in her classes. That is great to hear that she felt well prepared,” said Mize.
When reflecting on the program, Dug-
gan credits it for adequately preparing students for a career in culinary arts.
“ProStart gives them a leg up if they are looking at college and thinking about being
in the industry. Programs like ProStart are a great way of getting students the base knowledge they need to be successful. It’s a strong program,” Duggan said. n
Maybe it is because it is just “Lake Life,” or maybe five days between an afternoon off is simply too long, but there is no mistake that for about fifteen mid-week afternoons every summer, Sandy Beach looks more like a Saturday afternoon than you would think a Wednesday would, with over one hundred boats beached, anchored, or just floating along on a lazy afternoon. “Wacky Wednesday” has become a “thing” over the last several years, and not only offers an often-needed work-week distraction but also helps raise money for a special organization that looks after foster children.
The whole thing was started by lifelong lake resident and founder of AquaFun Boat Rentals, Ken Jones, who just wanted a midweek break from life. “We got tired of the weekend hustle and bustle,” Jones said, pointing out that the enormous influx of people to the area can make Saturday and Sunday on the Lake not as alluring to people in his “age group,” referencing the fact that many people who stop by are retired or have a flexible schedule.
It initially was as simple as that - about eight years ago, Jones grabbed some hot dogs and hamburgers, threw a grill on his boat, and told a few friends he was going to go hang out for the afternoon. This simple intimate affair was the norm for the first year, people would float by, stop in, grab a hot dog, and head out with the promise to return the following week.
As the calendar reached May the following year, he decided to keep the tradition alive, with many of the same “regulars” stopping by to enjoy some fellowship. Jones was seeing a trend, however, and thought about how Wacky could become more than a break from life. He reached out to Carolina Wings owner Rob Schoolmeester and asked if he would sponsor the event with some food, which he agreed to do, and he started promoting it, and then what was ten or fifteen weekly visitors continued to grow exponentially.
having fun and servingothers
by Captain Tyler Ryan photos by DA Photography
By year three, other food sponsors like Jimmy John’s wanted to get in on the action, seeing a unique opportunity to promote their businesses, who would bring food, tents, koozies, and other giveaways to an attentive group of hungry boaters.
“It was probably in the fourth year,” recalled Jones, that using Wacky as a vehicle to help raise money for a local charity made sense. He and his wife started a non-profit and partnered with Homeless No More, an organization that seeks to stabilize shelters and house vulnerable families. Jones started asking for small donations from people who stopped by for a snack or a game of corn-hole, and it added up. In fact, during that Wacky season, $10,000 was raised and donated to the organization.
Unfortunately, the pandemic had quite an impact on the world, including the orbit surrounding Wacky Wednesday. “As soon as I had the momentum rolling, COVID-19 hit and tore things down,” he said. You might recall that although you could go out fishing, you couldn’t tie up to other boats or stop on an island, something that The Department of Natural Resources took seriously. Coming out of that lovely time, he decided to ramp things up a bit, having a DJ come to provide a soundtrack, and even had a certain weather-predicting television host to emcee, and like a field in Iowa, people came.
Jones has always had a passion for the lake, having been on Miss Murray his entire life, recalling that he would catch brim with his grandmother and fry them up together, and of course, there were the days tubing and boating with his dad. “Back then there wasn’t the same traffic, but it has always been a passion. The water, the lake life,” he said. He also works hard to keep the lake clean, being very involved with organizations like Keep the Midlands Beautiful. Over the last of couple years, Wacky Wednesday has grown from ten or so boats each week to a place now where it is not unusual to see one hundred or more boats, which if you do some fancy math, factoring three to four people per boat can mean sev-
eral hundred people all living the “lake life.”
The group works closely with The DNR and other law enforcement to make sure that Wednesdays offer a safe, family-friendly environment. “DNR is right there,” he said, pointing out that their Marine Unit is literally steps away from the beach. As the weekly tradition continues to grow, so do opportunities to attract more people, and raise more money, through the use of promotion, activities, live performances, and even aircraft flyovers…really!
Last year, the Wacky Wednesday Foundation partnered with Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter in Lexington. Founded fifty years ago by the Lexington County Delegation, the group home that caters to foster kids is a stand-alone non-profit that relies on donations to operate. Executive Director Ryan Taylor said that the shelter works hard to create a family environment for children who likely haven’t ever had one…or a safe one. “We eat together, do activities together, we teach them life skills,” he shared. He said that running a home with fourteen teenagers means tons of cereal and meat is devoured, as well as laundry, bedding, and all the other things that take the limited funds. Taylor said that about fifty percent of the funding is through grants, with the rest coming from the community.
So, when Ken reached out wanting to help raise money through Wacky, it was an easy yes. “We impacted his heart somehow,” he said. Taylor said that money raised through events like Wacky goes to the bottom operational line, buying food, clothes, and paying the power bill, but it also helps cover things like vacations and special events for the kids in the program.
Jones said that although it started with people who didn’t have to worry about the regular “workday,” people will often change their schedules so they can attend. “Get
there early,” Jones said, “people start getting there around eleven, and it is safe to say space is limited. The 2025 Wacky Wednesday Season kicks off on May 7 at 11:00 am. If you find yourself free on a Wednesday or fifteen of them this summer and want a fun safe afternoon on the water, all while helping children, hop on a boat - or find friends with a boat, and join the Wacky-ness! n
The Downing Group
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Simple Techniques to Feel CONFIDENT in Any Room
by Daniel Moss
Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers and instantly felt your heart race? Your mind scrambles for the right words, and suddenly, you feel small - unsure how to blend in. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many people struggle with social confidence, whether at networking events, casual get-togethers, or even among friends.
The truth is, confidence is not something you are just born with – it is a skill you can develop. With the right approach, you can overcome social anxiety, improve your conversation skills, and feel more at ease in any setting. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to boost your confidence and feel comfortable in any room. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue
Social anxiety often starts in your head. That little voice says, “I’ll say something stupid,” or “They won’t like me,” and before you know it, self-doubt takes over, making conversations feel even more stressful.
The trick to breaking this cycle is cognitive reframing - a simple yet powerful way to shift negative thought patterns into more supportive ones. Instead of thinking, “I always come across as awkward,” try, “I’m learning to feel more comfortable in social situations.”
A great way to practice this is by writing down your most common social fears and rewording them into confident, positive statements. The more you do this, the more your brain starts believing it, helping social interactions feel less intimidating.
Build Confidence One Step at a Time Avoiding social situations might feel like
a quick fix, but it actually makes anxiety worse. The more you dodge interactions, the more intimidating they become. The best way to build confidence is through progressive exposure - starting small and working your way up.
Begin with low-pressure interactions, like making eye contact and offering a quick smile to a stranger. Then, try casual small talk with a barista or a brief conversation with a shop assistant. As you step outside your comfort zone, your brain adapts, making socializing feel more natural and less overwhelming.
There will be setbacks, and that is okay. What matters is the progress you are making - no matter how small. Every positive interaction strengthens your confidence.
Shift Your Focus to Others
Social anxiety often comes from overthinking how you sound, how you look, or whether people like you. The quickest way to break this cycle is to shift your attention outward. When you focus on being genuinely curious about others, you naturally feel less self-conscious.
Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?” or “Has anything exciting happened in your life lately?” Showing interest not only keeps conversations flowing but also makes people feel valued.
Active listening is just as importantnod, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully to show you’re engaged. The more you focus on others, the less time you will spend overthinking.
Adopt Confident Body Language
The way you stand, move, and make eye contact can influence social interactions. With open, relaxed body language, you will not only appear more confident, but over time, it will help you feel that way too.
Stand tall with your shoulders back, keep your chin up, and maintain an open stance. Avoid crossing your arms or looking down, as these can make you seem closed off or uneasy. Eye contact matters, but don’t overdo it - try the “triangle technique” by shifting your gaze between a person’s eyes and mouth to show you are engaged without staring.
Before stepping into a social setting, take a moment to reset with a “confi-
dence stance” - stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, keep your hands relaxed, and take a deep breath. This simple technique signals to your brain that you are in control, helping you feel at ease.
Prepare Ahead
Walking into an event without a plan can heighten anxiety, but a little preparation can go a long way. Knowing what to expect gives you a sense of control, making interactions feel more manageable.
Before heading out, take a moment to
research the setting, the crowd, and possible conversation topics. Visualizing positive interactions - seeing yourself feeling relaxed, smiling, and chatting with easecan also boost confidence.
It helps to have a few go-to conversation starters in mind, like current events or recent experiences. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, stepping outside for fresh air or taking a deep breath can help you reset and feel more composed.
Applying These Techniques to Dating
These techniques are just as effective for first dates and romantic encounters. Reframing negative thoughts can help calm your nerves, curiosity keeps the conversation flowing, and confident body language can create attraction.
If dating anxiety holds you back, progressive exposure can be a game-changer. Start with low-pressure situations - like group outings or casual meetups - before moving to more personal, one-on-one dates. The more you practice, the more naturally confident you will feel, turning dating into something exciting rather than stressful.
Your Journey to Lasting Social Confidence
Building social confidence takes time –it is all about steady, consistent progress. These techniques work best when practiced regularly, and the key is being patient with yourself. Even small wins add up.
Start by focusing on one technique today - whether it is reframing your inner dialogue, initiating a small social interaction, or improving your body language. Each step builds momentum, and before you know it, walking into any room will feel more natural and comfortable. n
Randy Odell
Perfect Pineapple
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 cup pineapple, cubed
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, grated salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup green onions, sliced
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Add the cubed chicken to a heated olive oil pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened. Add the cubed pineapple to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly and heat through. Serve the dish garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Hawaiian Quesadillas
1 Tbsp butter
8 flour tortillas
½ cup barbecue sauce
16 oz ham, diced
1 cup pineapple, diced
½ cup red onion, sliced
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded ¼ cup cilantro, chopped olive oil
Coat one side of each tortilla with a thin layer of butter. Lightly spread barbecue sauce on the other side. Layer ham, pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and cheese. Place a second tortilla on top, with the butter side up. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Place an assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. When the bottom starts to crisp and the cheese has melted, flip it over and crisp the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan, keep warm, and repeat the process to make the rest of the quesadillas.
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp chili oil
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups pineapple, diced
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Whisk together the honey, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, chili oil, and salt. Add pineapple, cucumber, onion, and cilantro; toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Stir, taste, and adjust seasonings, if needed.
Teriyaki Pineapple Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into cubes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne
¼ tsp cumin powder
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
Marinate the shrimp in smoked paprika, cayenne, ground cumin, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes. Thread pineapple cubes and marinated shrimp alternatively on skewers. Generously rub teriyaki sauce over it. Grill on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through the process.
BBQ Pork Chops with Pineapple
6 boneless pork loin chops
salt and pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup pineapple juice
¼ cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried minced onion
1 cup pineapple tidbits
Season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Mix the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, sea salt, ginger, garlic powder, and minced onions until blended and set aside. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and pork chops, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer pork
chops to a platter, and cover with foil. Add sauce to the skillet and stir to release any brown bits from the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Add pork chops back to the skillet, and simmer in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in reserved pineapple before serving.
Pineapple Salsa
3 cups of pineapple, chopped
1 red pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
½ red onion, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup lime juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
Add pineapple, both peppers, red onion, and cilantro to a bowl. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, and salt. Pour dressing over salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Hawaiian Chicken
1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups pineapple, cubed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp canola oil
1 Tbsp coconut palm sugar
1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp lime juice
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place chicken, pineap ple, peppers, and potatoes onto a prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with sesame oil and canola oil and then sprinkle with sugar and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat all ingredients. Bake for 15 minutes, stir, and return to the oven for an addi tional 10 minutes or until lightly browned and chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with coconut and drizzle with lime juice just before serving.
Mango Pineapple Smoothie
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 banana
1 cup coconut milk
½ cup orange juice
1 Tbsp honey (optional)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup Greek yogurt
ice cubes
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey if needed. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
1 cup whipped cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1 cup pineapple
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 (13½ oz) can full-fat coconut milk
Whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, pineapple purée, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat over low-medium and bring to a low simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until
¼ cup melted butter
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of a serving dish to form the crust. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream and crushed pineapple until evenly incorporated. Spread the cream mixture over the crust, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. n
Nailing Down A Mystery
by Tom Poland
Old doors rife with nails. Rows and rows of nails. Studs. Like handsome lads, all in a row. All in precise order. I’ve come across two such doors. Brenda N. Bancroft, historian and co-founder of the North Augusta History Park, has come across three. Each door is the same. Row after row of nails at precisely the same height in age-darkened boards. It’s a bit of a mystery. What’s their story?
I reached out to some folks who keep up with the old days and ways. One fellow conjectured, “I’ve seen these kinds of doors covered with tar paper and asphalt shingles that look like brick. I grew up in a house with this siding. Maybe the siding decayed and all that remains are the nails.”
Said a lady, “I saw on Mountain Men, a TV reality show, where nails were put in doors on the entrance way of houses to keep bears out.”
One reader told me she saw studded doors in Africa that keep elephants out. “It’s a cross-cultural thing.”
I researched this matter, hoping to hammer out an answer. One theory said nails were expensive back in the day, and rows of nails in your front door proved you were affluent. In other words, a way to show off. Having an outhouse with multiple seats provided a way to flaunt wealth too, but I find this nail theory to be unbelievable. When I read that nails were not expensive back in the day that theory fell apart.
The first time I came across this mystery was in Lincoln County, Georgia—an out building at the old Wright House site. Nails studded its door in fine fashion, same as other nail-studded doors. A stagecoach inn prior to 1840, more than a few strangers
came through there. I’d think anyone able to travel by stagecoach and afford an inn would not turn to crime.
Brenda N. Bancroft, backroad explorer, visited the Wright House. “The Wright House in Lincolnton has a detached structure with a nailed door. It was the kitchen. Near the Butler Historical marker in Saluda County, similar doors are on a two-story store. They are beautiful and I would consider them art now. The nails are placed perfectly in heart pine wood. They have worn well, and the person who nailed them would be very happy about the workmanship.”
Michael Bedenbaugh has helped preserve a lot of old structures. A former executive director of Preservation South Carolina proposes a theory that makes sense.
“Tom, these types of doors were usually created for places that had valuable goods stored, like a store. The wooden door filled with nails was an attempt to thwart, or at least slow down, any would-be robbers from cutting into the door. All the nails holding multiple layers of wood together also helped it hold up better to a large sledgehammer.”
I believe Michael nailed it.
The portals to our homes have long given rise to superstitions. Carrying a bride across the threshold of the new home is said to bring good luck. Back in the days of multi-nailed doors snagging the wedding dress was probably easy to do. A few careless husbands risked becoming “dead as a door nail.” That old superstition takes on ominous meaning here ... old doors studded with nails portend of a massacre, but keeping thieves and bears at bay and elephants afar seems to be what they did. Those mysterious nail doors? They do one other thing for sure. n
