I can’t believe my youngest son, Noah, is about to head off to college in a couple of weeks. Where did the time go?
For 21 years, I have included a family picture in my editor’s/ publisher’s letter. I’ve included the one where Donna is pregnant and we are “pampering” her. Now, that God given bundle of joy is about to leave the nest.
Do you have anyone heading back to school this fall? Squeeze and hug your young ones. They grow up so fast.
Now, my wife Donna and I allow our beagle, Daisy, to occasionally sleep in our bed. Last night she started shaking and tremoring in her sleep. I placed my hand on her back and just left it there. I didn’t speak to her or pet her, just touched her. Very shortly, her breathing returned to normal levels, and her body stopped convulsing. I was stunned.
It just goes to show the power of the human touch and how a simple gesture of comfort can make a world of difference to both canines and human beings.
I’m giving out lots of hugs today. You never know who might need one. Hug your kids tightly as they head back to school. Pretty soon they will be young adults and leaving the roost.
Thanks for submitting your nominations for the Best of Lexington 2026. Local Lexington businesses truly appreciate your support. The 2026 nominees will be unveiled in next month’s edition. Thank you for reading Lexington Life Magazine.
I sincerely appreciate it.
Todd Shevchik
CALENDAR OFevents
AUGUST
Friday, August 1
Brew at the Zoo
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia | 7 pm
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of craft beer, live music, and wildlife set against the backdrop of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Visit riverbanks.org for tickets.
Saturday, August 2
Floatchella Lake Murray
Fat Frogs Marina
1701 Dreher Island Rd.
Chapin | 11 am
Close out the summer with a bang! Enjoy live music, floating, dancing, cold drinks, and great vibes. Visit eventbrite. com for tickets.
Thursday, August 7
Author Talk: Karen White
Lexington County Library
5440 Augusta Rd.
Lexington | 6 pm
The New York Times bestselling author Karen White will read from her new novel, That Last Carolina Summer. Copies will be available for purchase and signing (ages 18+). For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.
Thursday, August 14
Nate Bargatze
Colonial Life Arena
801 Lincoln St. | Columbia 7 pm
The comedian brings his 2025 Big Dumb Eyes World Tour to town. For tickets visit coloniallifearena.com.
Friday, August 15
Paddle and Pint
Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Rd.
Columbia | 6 pm
Enjoy a scenic paddle on the Saluda River, enjoying peaceful surroundings and natural beauty.
After your adventure on the water, unwind with a craft beer tasting with a selection of local brews. Visit icrc.net to register.
Thursday, August 21
Fringe Benefits Band Icehouse Amphitheatre
107 West Main St.
Lexington | 6:30 pm
Kick off the Live Fall Concert Series with music from the Fringe Benefits Band performing popular songs, including 80s, 90s, Motown, and current hits. For more information visit icehouseamphitheater.com.
Saturday, August 23
Tapestry of Sound Harbison Theatre
7300 College St. | Irmo 7:30 pm
Celebrated local performers
Stann Gwynn, Clayton King, and Tracy Steel, along with Carolina Bluegrass Style, join forces with Ensemble Eclectica to present a new signature production. For tickets visit harbisontheatre.org.
Saturday, August 30
Deep Dive Course by Bottom Time Charters
Jakes Landing
225 Jakes Landing Rd.
Lexington | 8:30 am
This course advances your ability to explore more sites and will teach you how to plan your dives safely. For more information visit bottomtimechartersllc.com. n
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faithMATTERS
CLAY FAULK
Lead Pastor Red Bank Fellowship
Someone once asked me, “Why do you think Paul was inspired to write so many letters in the New Testament?” Paul is not just focused on eternity, but on history. Paul is excited to tell us the good news that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. He is the one foretold of in the Old Testament. He is the one who came to save us. And Paul also sees one very important concept that we often miss: Jesus is not PLAN B.
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Sadly, we humans sometimes fail to see God as One, yet three persons in community and harmony. I like to use the analogy for the Trinity of Neopolitan Ice Cream, three distinct flavors together in one box. The coming of Jesus is not simply a sacrifice to right the wrong. Before creation, it was decided that the Son would cross every chasm between the Triune God and humanity and establish a real and abiding relationship with us.
Jesus was the one within the Godhead to be the Mediator, the one in and through whom the very life of the Triune God would enter human existence. And through Jesus, we are invited into that three-person Godly relationship. Can you imagine? Is it even conceivable? God with us, but also, us with God.
When Adam and Eve rebelled, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit never abandoned us, but it was expected and planned for. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had incorporated our brokenness and sin into the fabric of history itself through the coming birth of Jesus.
That is incredible. Isn’t it mind-blowing how much God loves His children? n
LEXINGTONleader leader
by Mary Ann Hutcheson
Dr. Keith Price
After serving as Superintendent-Elect of Lexington School District One since July 2024, Dr. Keith Price began his official position as Superintendent on July 1, 2025.
The former superintendent at Georgetown County School District recounts what attracted him to Lexington One. “Lexington One has a tremendous reputation throughout our state: great schools, committed educators, wonderful students, involved parents, an engaged community, and a collaborative and supportive school board. All of those reasons make Lexington One a wonderful place to be associated with.”
Price’s background as an experienced teacher, administrator, and district leader, and his involvement in community activities and professional organizations, underscores his deep and enduring passion for education.
“A superintendent has an incredible responsibility,” he said. “You’ve got the task of providing leadership for all stakeholders while also shouldering the accountability for safety, learning, and well-being.”
His vision for the school district is closely aligned with what he traces back to his core values as a teacher. In his classroom, Price felt it was his responsibility to ensure that every student was cared for, challenged, supported, heard, celebrated, and prepared for success. This aligns perfectly with the needs and goals of the Lexington School District, making him an ideal fit for the superintendent role.
As principal, he applied that vision to a broader audience — every classroom in the school. As district superintendent, his core values apply to all the schools and departments in the system. A superintendent
assumes additional responsibilities, including financial oversight, instructional leadership, student services, human resources, and communication, all for an organization with 4,000 employees.
He said, “It would be impossible to oversee every function. This is where servant leadership, collaborative leadership, an improvement mindset, and a listening ear come in handy. You’ve got to be self-aware of the things you consider your strengths and the areas where you may have gaps. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people whose strengths fill in your gaps. We’ve got some amazingly talented educators and leaders. All of that helps to make the school district what it is.”
Price is inspired by the amount of talent he gets to work alongside every day in the schools and throughout the Lexington One District.
How does one juggle a family life while serving as a superintendent? Price shared, “Having a role like a superintendent is a family commitment. I have parameters in place for when I turn off work. Any emergency or any urgent item at any time could interrupt that.” His family and faith are very important to him, and he tries to protect both as much as possible. Having an understanding family support system when you move into a position like this is key because it is a family commitment.
Price and his wife recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. They have four daughters and one granddaughter. The couple, along with three of their four daughters, are Clemson alumni. Their youngest daughter is a rising Junior at Clemson and hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps as an educator. n
HEALTH & wellness
JILL SMITH & ASSOCIATES COUNSELING
426 S Lake Drive, Lexington jsacounseling.com * 803-814-5559
Mental Health Checkup
It’s August, and the phrase “Back to School” is ringing out everywhere we turn.
But one of the best ways to prepare for going back to school can’t be purchased and stuffed into a shiny new backpack. Rather, it is the practice of tuning into mental health and giving thought to how you feel, how you are responding to stress and problems, and how often you feel present and happy.
We all know that modeling behaviors is the best way to get our children to embody what we value. So, talk about your mental health with your family. Are you feeling good today? Do you feel worried today? Are you unusually down and sad? Share it! Not just with your spouse, but with your kids.
Consider openly reading - and sharing key takeaways - about depression or anxiety with your family. Start meditating or do some journaling and report how rewarding this is. Make an appointment with a therapist (and go routinely!) and let your family know how it is going for you. Put down your phone, talk to friends, and your spouse about what you are feeling. And, yes, talk to your kids. I don’t recommend oversharing, but some sharing and modeling is great.
“Hey, I’m feeling low lately, and I’ve decided to do something about it. I’m going to limit my doom scrolling, walk every morning, and call the therapist my doctor recommended. I’m looking forward to feeling better. If these things don’t work, I’ll try other tools.”
Talking openly about your mental health is just as natural as talking about a headache, a sore knee, or the gallbladder surgery that awaits. Mental health is not something scary that should be hush-hush. It is our inner world, our inner voice (critic or cheerleader? judge or acceptor?). It is the rules (many that no longer fit) about how life should go and how we behave when curveballs come. It is the things we automatically do when anger or disappointment, grief or disbelief, joy or exhaustion creep in.
Show your kids that being aware of how you feel is the most critical step to feeling better emotionally. They will follow your lead. And that wisdom should be on every back-to-school supply list out there.
We would love to be your family’s go-to for therapy. We see all ages and stages and have been since 2003.
Happy school year to all! n
An Evening of Hope with Hayes’ Heroes Spreading awareness and advancing treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
by Erin Bluvas
Hayes Wingard is part of a new generation of individuals living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The 11-year-old Lexington resident was born before newborn screenings for SMA existed; now they are a standard practice in all 50 states. He was diagnosed before there was treatment available; now there are three options on the market.
Hayes’ family, which includes his parents, Kayla Cooper and Tyler Wingard, and brother, Judson, had never heard of the condition when he began losing some of his large motor skills (standing, crawling) as he approached his first birthday. When Hayes’ tiny hands began to shake and he became increasingly sedentary, the family sought medical advice.
“We got a lot of opinions, ranging from some experts saying that Hayes was just lazy to others suggesting that we were being overprotective,” said his grandmother, Kathy Cooper. “By the time he was 15 months old, we knew something was wrong, and we kept going back. At 20 months, he was diagnosed with SMA by a neurologist.”
With no known treatment and no predictable progression of symptoms, the unfamiliar neuromuscular disease was frightening for the family. They learned all they could and found their biggest source of support in a nationwide nonprofit organization that Kathy’s other daughter, Keri, came across: Cure SMA.
With more clinical trials taking place than ever before, researchers are working to figure out how to best treat each individual who has SMA.
Founded in 1984 by volunteers dedicated to promoting research into the cause and cure of SMA, Cure SMA has 37 chapters, including Cure SMA Carolinas, across the United States. During its 40year history, Cure SMA has funded more than $82 million in SMA research and is devoted to supporting individuals with SMA and their families.
Cure SMA helps families and other supporters understand the condition,
which can be present in an infant if both parents are carriers of a mutation in the survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1). The typical role of the SMN1 gene is to produce a protein that enables nerves to control muscles. Lower levels of this protein impact muscle-dependent activities, such as eating, breathing, crawling, and walking, but do not affect intelligence or other cognitive functions.
About one in every 50 Americans is a genetic carrier of the SMN1 mutation, and approximately one in every 15,000 U.S. births are diagnosed with SMA as Type 1 (most severe), Type 2 (intermediate), or Type 3 (mild). Historically, babies born with Type 1 SMA died before the age of two, with those born with Type 2 or 3 living longer but with uncertain life expectancies.
Hayes’ family was relieved and hopeful when Hayes, diagnosed with Type 2 SMA, was cleared to receive the first approved treatment for the condition, Spinraza. It was Cure SMA – always at the forefront of research and advocacy efforts – who told them to hang in there when he was diagnosed, that this life-changing treatment was in the works.
Hayes received his first dose via a spinal injection in March of 2018. After an initial loading phase, he continued to receive his “Superman medicine” every four months. In the meantime, two additional treatments have been approved by the FDA. Evrysdi is a daily tablet or liquid available to people of all ages. The second treatment, Zolgensma, is a form of gene replacement for children under two.
With more clinical trials taking place than ever before, researchers are working to figure out how to best treat each individual who has SMA. This includes making gene replacement available to older patients, exploring new treatment options, and combining existing ones.
“Will Hayes ever have the opportunity to walk? It’s all unknown territory at this point,” Kathy said. “His current medication has helped slow the progression of his SMA, and right now we are focusing on supporting him as he grows into a teenager and then an adult.”
Hayes and his family face challenges beyond his treatment related to inclusion and accessibility, such as the presence of covered ramps to protect his high-tech wheelchair from bad weather, the steep cost of a handicap accessible van, and participating in activities most of us take for granted: swimming, parties, sports, fishing, riding a bike. Hayes works hard in his physical and occupational therapy sessions and faces each day with courage and optimism.
Through their lobbying and fundraising efforts, Cure SMA helps Hayes and families like his retain their hope for a better future – one with even more milestones than the ones they have already seen in the decade since Hayes was diagnosed.
Their signature event, Cure SMA Car-
olinas Evening of Hope featuring Hayes’ Heroes, is in its 10th year and will be held on Saturday, August 16, at The Country Club of Lexington. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the evening kicks off with a cocktail hour, followed by a presentation on the future of SMA, a live auction, and then dancing and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at https://curesma.ejoinme.org/2025carolinaseoh, with proceeds supporting Cure SMA research and programs that benefit Hayes Wingard and others who have SMA. You can learn more about Hayes and SMA by following the Hayes’ Heroes Facebook and Instagram pages.
Thanks to the advances made by Cure SMA and its supporters, Kathy has every reason to believe that her grandson will live a long, full life. As a rising seventh grader, he hardly has a career picked out, but she can imagine him in a service position with the police or fire department, as he has always been drawn to helping others.
“Hayes may continue to need some sort of assistance as he grows older, but there is great hope for his future and the future of the SMA community,” she said. n
Senior Living Choices offered by Liberty Senior Living
Friendship and fun happen at mahjong table
Mahjong is easy to learn, but hard to master.
But in Lexington County, mahjong is much more than a game. It’s been a way for dozens of people to connect with one another.
You can join a group playing just about every week, thanks to a group of women who began organizing mahjong games about three years ago. You can find them in area country clubs, coffee shops, or even a brewery.
Filomena Heaton is one of the organizers and teaches new players.
“I was looking for something to help with my mind,” Heaton, who works in human resources, recalled how her curiosity in 2024 took her to play mahjong online, which usually can be done solo. Later, she got instruction from Mary Ellen Barnwell in Columbia and eventually became an organizer of a weekly game. She also helped begin a league that runs for six weeks.
“It’s a great time to meet other people, develop your skills, and sharpen your skills all at the same time. We welcome all levels,” Heaton said.
There is a stake in playing — often the winners pay a fee to get into a game or league and win prizes, but increasingly the games are set as fundraisers for local charities, like one organized to support Alzheimer’s research, or another being created to raise money for scholarships for University of South Carolina students.
It’s a game that is played everywhere and yet difficult to understand. How do you play mahjong?
Simply, it’s a matter of finding matching tiles out of 144 used in the game, with the aim to discard some and pick others to get all your tiles into four sets and one pair of identical tiles. It is similar to rummy and requires three to four players.
Mahjong originated over 300 years ago in China, is played worldwide, and appeared in such movies as “Crazy Rich Asians” and the comedy series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
Betsey Guzior
Mahjong sets usually have Chinese characters, and new sets come out every year with different designs, coveted much like Pokémon cards. There are various rules, but the Lexington County group follows regulations by the National Mah Jongg League.
“I will say you need patience to learn,” Heaton said. “There are a lot of rules, so I think it takes a little bit of learning. But once you grasp the concept and you are familiar with the card (the scorecard listing winning combinations), I think it’s pretty easy to master.”
People are initially intimidated when by
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aug. 14: Fall league begins
Sept. 7: Mahjong for scholarships
March 4-6, 2026, Virgin Voyage cruise
they hear all the rules — and there are lots of them — but you can learn the basics in an evening. Then it takes practice, but to Heaton and others, it’s not about the game, but the people they play with.
“While you’re playing, you’re socializing and you know you’re forming your relationships,” she said. In June, 36 players showed up for a social.
“For me, it’s the people, and it’s the community of people that I have met through playing mahjong,” Heaton said.
For Marni Latterman, mahjong was a family tradition back in Pittsburgh. She remembers watching her mother play with a group back in the 1970s. “I can still remember the names of her friends that she played with,” she said.
When Marni moved to Lexington County a year ago, she got a housewarming gift from her parents: her own mahjong set. When she started looking for connections in the community, she found it at the mahjong table.
By spring, she was participating in a league and helping to organize a network of at least 90 people through an app, which facilitates open play — much like a pick-up game — any weeknight. They’ve staged
games at an interior design gallery, Craft and Draft in Irmo, and Loveland Coffee, along at members’ homes.
“I have met so many people doing this. It’s phenomenal,” Latterman said. “I did not realize how much of a bond I would create with these women.”
Want to join?
The Carolina Mahjong Social League is gearing up for events in the fall. Beginners can join a game in which they will be instructed on the rules.
The group’s Instagram handle is @CarolinaMahjongSC. Click in the bio for information about how to join the club. n
moneyMATTERS
CHARLES M. CROUCH, JR., CFP
955 E. Main Street, Lexington 803-606-2218
cmcwealthmanagement.com
Q&A with a Certified Financial Planner®
Q: Why should I work with a Certified Financial Planner® for asset management and financial planning?
A: Great question and one that more people are asking as their finances grow more complex. A CFP® professional brings more than investment advice to the table. We take a holistic, personalized approach to your financial life and help align your money with your goals, values, and future needs.
A few key benefits:
n Comprehensive Planning: CFP® professionals are trained to examine your entire financial picture, including investments, retirement, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and more.
n Fiduciary Duty: We are required to act in your best interest, not ours. That means objective advice focused solely on helping you succeed.
n Customized Strategy: Whether you are building wealth, preparing for retirement, or managing risk, we create a plan tailored to your specific situation. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
n Ongoing Guidance: Life changes and your plan should too. We work with you over time to adjust strategies as your goals evolve. Partnering with a CFP® gives you clarity, confidence, and a structured path forward so you can focus less on market headlines and more on what really matters.
Q: Isn’t financial planning just for people with a lot of money?
A: That is a common myth, but the truth is that financial planning is for everyone. Whether you are just starting out, mid-career, or nearing retirement, a CFP® can help you make the most of what you have—no matter your level.
Financial planning helps you:
n Create a realistic budget and spending plan
n Manage debt wisely
n Save for goals like a home, college, or retirement
n Protect your family with the right insurance
n Invest with purpose, not guesswork
You don’t have to be wealthy to make smart financial decisions. Working with a CFP® early can help you build wealth more effectively over time.
Q: What can I expect during a first meeting?
A: The first meeting is all about understanding you. We will talk about your goals, concerns, and current financial picture. There’s no pressure, no jargon, and no fee, just a straightforward conversation. From there, we will decide together whether a planning relationship makes sense.
Have a question about your financial future? Let’s talk. n
by Lisa Wright
Being organized is crucial to getting stuff done, no matter a person’s age. While adults certainly need to be organized, the same rule applies to kids in school. Success in the classroom depends upon organization. Plus, the earlier age at which someone learns this crucial life skill, the better. While teens might not have a reputation for discipline and self-control, they are in fact much more capable of being organized than is often assumed. Here are seven essential tips for how students can get more organized.
Keep Materials Organized
A backpack is an important tool for students. Organizing a backpack is an important part of the larger project of being an organized student. The multiple compartments of a backpack should be used to divide notebooks, textbooks, and anything else needed for school into a few different broad categories. Papers, class information, and assignments must be organized by subject. Each subject should have its own binder or folder, to avoid wasting time searching through disorganized, loose papers and notebooks. A backpack should be cleaned out regularly too.
Work
In the Right Space
At school, kids are required to work at desks in an environment conducive to being efficient and productive. At home, matters can be very different. Though doing homework while lounging in bed might seem like an attractive prospect, it’s a terrible idea. Working at a desk or table is much more sensible and will lead to efficiency and productivity. There should be plenty of room at the desk or table to spread books and papers out.
Keep Track of the Schedule
A crucial aspect of being organized is knowing when things are happening. In the context of school, that means knowing when homework assignments are due, when tests are scheduled, and the like. This sort of awareness is vital to avoiding having to cram for tests, or to ensuring homework gets completed. One good idea is to use a calendar to track due dates and other impending events. A planner can also be an invaluable tool for schedule tracking.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions make getting work done much more difficult. Humans are simply not designed to focus deeply on more than one thing at once. Even multitasking isn’t a good idea. Allowing distractions to interfere with schoolwork is not a recipe for efficiency or success. With the rise of digital technology, the problem of distraction has become even worse. That’s why students should put their phones away and turn off music when attempting to focus on schoolwork.
Get Parental Encouragement
Parents play an important role in helping students find success in school. Teen students are at an age where it is still crucial for parents to guide them, instruct them, and correct their errors. When it comes to being organized and efficient, parents should help. Teachers can only do so much since students spend a considerable amount of time at home. While micromanaging teens rarely works, parents can still nudge students in the right direction.
The years during which a person is growing up are when the stage is set for the rest of life. Success as an adult reliably has its origin in good habits that are formed in childhood. Success in school is certainly important for its own sake, but getting organized is also simply valuable in preparing for life more generally. n
Literacy SC LEARN More. EARN More. DO More.
by Abigail Harris
Reading is an essential foundation for personal growth and cultural development, yet many people still face challenges with it. In a world filled with streaming videos and audiobooks, traditional reading often takes a back seat. However, the ability to read, comprehend, and learn from text is crucial for our intellectual development. Embracing reading can open numerous doors and enhance our lives in incredible ways. This is where Literacy SC comes in. Established in 1968, Literacy SC is a grassroots nonprofit organization created to teach adults and families practical skills in reading, writing, and math to build confidence in daily life.
Lisa Cole, a wife and mother of four, published author, and CEO of Literacy SC, grew up in West Columbia. She attended Grace Christian School, Midlands Technical College, and holds an MBA from Western Governors University. She recently graduated from Leadership Columbia, a competitive 10-month City of Columbia Chamber of Commerce program for established professionals. Cole has served on several local, regional, and global boards and advisory groups, with a special passion for grassroots organizations.
“We serve four counties in central South Carolina through free one-onone tutoring and low-cost workshops,” said Cole. “Our flagship program, the Turning Pages Adult Reading Program, meets learners where they are—at local libraries, shelters, and partner sites in Richland, Lexington, Aiken, and Saluda Counties—with a simple promise: anyone can move up and ahead through the power of reading.”
Literacy SC’s Turning Pages Adult Reading Program is free for English-flu-
ent adults reading below a 9th-grade level. This program provides over 50 hours of private reading tutoring annually, along with all necessary books. Additionally, Literacy SC offers other programs at a low cost, such as Path to Math, Modern Study Skills, and Workforce
ESOL, which help adults and families acquire practical skills for work and life. Without government funding, the organization maintains a lean staff consisting of a CEO, Senior Trainer, and Senior Wellness Coordinator, alongside their AI data director, “Readie Page.” The nonprofit relies on grants, donations, and volunteers—committed individuals who believe in second chances and the transformative power of literacy. Since 1968, Literacy SC has trained over 1,750 volunteers who contribute their time. Volunteers assist in various roles, including tutoring, packing curriculum kits, conducting wellness check-ins, and supporting instructors. Supporters can also sponsor curriculum kits for $100, funding a full 24-week program for one learner. Many
dedicate just a few hours each month, but those who consistently show up truly form the backbone of the program.
Cole reflected, “There are so many memorable moments. This work is full of sacred, surprising moments. One of the first learners we enrolled after the pandemic was a 66-year-old reading at a pre-K level. Within a few months, with phonics instruction and support, he was checking
“Our
than the last. Her joy was contagious. And a widowed gentleman in his late 60s applied for his first-ever library card after reaching a 2nd-grade reading level. He proudly told me how he had begun reading closed captions on TV.”
These stories represent just a glimpse of the impact Literacy SC is having on lives throughout South Carolina. “Anyone can volunteer, we would love to train
flagship program, the Turning Pages Adult Reading Program, meets learners where they are—at local libraries, shelters, and partner sites in Richland, Lexington, Aiken, and Saluda Counties—with a simple promise: anyone can move up and ahead through the power of reading.” — Lisa Cole
out early readers from the library and identifying road signs he used to ignore. When he was interviewed on Hometown Heroes radio, he said, ‘It’s never too late to learn to read.’ That still gives me chills. A 44-yearold mother who had not read a book in 25 years completed six novels over her 18 months with us, each one more difficult
you and match you with a local learner,” shared Cole. “Civic groups and churches can invite us to speak, and you can also refer someone to us, since so many people don’t know where to start. Just one hour of tutoring a week can truly change a life.” For more information on how to get involved, visit literacysc.org. n
Skating is more than rolling around a rink
by Betsey Guzior
Lace up! It’s time for an allskate! You probably heard these words while at a local skating rink. And thanks to the re-emergence of the activity all around the world, you can find a nearby rink in Lexington County.
For many enthusiasts, roller skating is a way to express themselves with dancing, friendship, or fellowship. In the Midlands, you can find indoor roller skating rinks to beat the heat or take lessons to learn how to skate outdoors or in groups.
Steve Ware, the owner of Sports and Skate Station USA and Three Fountains Skating Rink and Fun Center, said they are part of his mission to provide wholesome activities to children who need the distraction from turbulent lives.
Ware bought Sports and Skate Station, located at 129 Oak Drive in Lexington, after the pandemic when he got the opportunity to buy it from the longtime owner, adding an activity center that’s in use when the rink isn’t operating on weekends.
Three Fountains is the most recent acquisition, with its grand opening in the spring. It is located at 2724 Emanuel Church Road.
The rinks host summer camps, provide free activities, and support local vendors.
Where else to skate?
Skaters can roll on special nights, including Gospel Skate Night and Late Night Glow Night. There is even a junior roller derby team that teens can enjoy.
Ware, a former car dealership owner, found a new calling when he became a Christian.
He founded the River’s Edge Retreat to help underserved and homeless kids in the Midlands. It’s been operational for 12 years on the grounds of the former Gardendale Swim and Racquet Club.
Game Changers, the name of the nonprofit, distributes more than 10,000 Christmas gifts and school supplies.
He is actively involved in working with teenagers, often meeting with them to focus on confidence-building and personal development.
His mission to break negative cycles is accomplished through the structured support offered in activities.
Ware spent his childhood in foster care, having lived in 32 different homes. After achieving career success, he decided to pursue a new direction in life following his religious conversion.
“It was important for me to start pouring into other kids’ lives so that hopefully we could break the cycle for them quicker than it was for me,” Ware said. n
Let’s Get Rollin’ SC, a skating community that offers classes for street roller skating for adults and kids. Events include roller skating at the Lake Murray Dam in Irmo and Seven Oaks Park. Learn more at letsgetrollnsc.com.
Skateland Fun Center, 800 Bookman Road, Elgin, (803) 736-0606, skatelandfuncenter.com.
Celebrations Skating Rink, 6704 Augusta Highway, Leesville, (803) 532-6379, available for private events.
The Downing Group
Dream Riders
Dream Riders is a therapeutic horseback riding program designed especially for those with special needs. Jennifer Stoudemire, along with her family, was inspired to start it in October 1998. She serves as Program Director and Head Riding Instructor to this day. Her mom, Corky Dyer, is the Assistant Riding Instructor.
Located at Sunrise Farm in Lexington, SC, 15 riders participate in weekly lessons. Most lessons are group instruction, but there are limited individual lessons offered. The horse farm is open year-round, and over 1,000 hours of equine-assisted activities are held each year.
The program serves students of varying ages from four years old to those in their seventies. There are six trained horses, two instructors, and various volunteers. Volunteers participate in orientation and training.
Both instructors are certified and have a genuine love of horses. Horses have always been a part of Stoudemire’s life. She took her first ride on a horse when she was about nine months old, riding in the saddle with her dad. When she was five years old, she began formal Hunt Seat lessons, competing a year later.
Stoudemire continued to ride horses. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Sociology and was a member of the USC Varsity Equestrian team. She said it was during her senior year of college that she felt a calling to combine her love of horses with a passion for people with special needs. Through the years, she had seen the difference horseback riding had on her brother’s special needs development. “All of the elements fell into place for Dream Riders to come alive,” Stoudemire said. “It was a beautiful day in October when the first therapeutic riding lesson took place with eight excited students.” A dream became a reality and
Therapeutic Horseback Riding with Purpose
by Kim Becknell Williams
continues to inspire decades later. And the beautiful days at Sunrise Farm continue with the help of an important person.
Her mom is an integral part of the program and has been involved since it began. She has spent a lifetime around horses. “Mom inspired the love of horses in our family,” Stoudemire said. “Horses have long since been an enjoyment of the family even for ‘Lew’, her special needs son, my brother.” Stoudemire said they call her the mom of Dream Riders. Dyer not only helps with the riders but also serves as a
mentor to many of the riders’ parents.
“We feel like Dream Riders is our purpose in life and is powered by God,” Stoudemire said. “The change it makes in our participants’ lives confirms that what we do does make a difference, which in turn gives us more reason to continue.”
The two instructors have seen a lot of benefits and progress in the riders since the therapeutic riding program began nearly 27 years ago. Increased balance is one of the potential benefits.
“The natural movement of a horse’s gait recreates human movement, so just sitting astride helps strengthen a person’s muscles,” she said. “The balance it requires to stay centered in the saddle enhances a person’s balance walking or sitting. Helping with the sensory system is another potential bonus. The movement of the horse activates the sensory system, which has a positive effect
on people with autism and sensory integration disorders,” she continued. “We have seen participants progress from not being able to sit tall or centered for long periods of riding, to riding the full lesson while maintaining proper balance and posture.
Many of the horseback riders also gain a sense of independence while they meet goals and learn new skills. Some have competed in the Special Olympics.
Between the movement of the horse, the interaction with the volunteers, and the lesson activities there, is an abundance of motivation for better focus and behaviors, increased speech, and use of motor skills.”
Lessons involve more than riding a horse, allowing for plenty of interaction. “We have expanded our lesson format to include time for the participants to brush and lead their horse, along with a warm-up on our donated Equicizer, which is a mechanical horse that is non-motorized and controlled by the rider,” Stoudemire explained. “This has increased our riders’ physical strength, balance, and understanding of proper use of aids while riding. Adding the brushing and leading gives them the opportunity to connect with their horse and get in sync before they mount.”
For more information and to get involved with Dream Riders, visit their website dreamrider.org and follow them on Facebook. n
Caughman’s Famous Onion Sausage • Fresh cuts of Beef, Pork & Poultry
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Combine the olive oil and minced garlic, add the tomato slices, and marinate for 15 minutes. Brush the crust with the olive oil/garlic mixture, add both cheeses, and place tomato slices on top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges of the pizza are golden brown. Sprinkle on the torn basil leaves before serving.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
1 large pizza crust
1 cup chicken, shredded
½ cup barbecue sauce
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded fresh cilantro
Preheat the oven to 475°F. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce. Spread a layer of the chicken mixture evenly, then place onion slices and cheese on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Hawaiian Pizza
1 large pizza crust
½ cup pizza sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
6 oz Canadian bacon
3 strips of bacon, cooked & crumbled
½ cup pineapple chunks
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Preheat the oven to 475°F. Lightly oil the edges of the crust, top evenly with pizza sauce, cheese, bacon, pineapple, onion, and bacon crumbles. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges of the pizza are golden brown.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
1 large pizza crust
4 Tbsp butter
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 lb shrimp, shelled & deveined
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup mozzarella, shredded ¼ cup parmesan, grated parsley
Preheat the oven to 475°F. Melt the butter, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and shrimp, and cook until the shrimp is just cooked through, about a minute per side, before adding the lemon juice and removing from the heat. Spread the shrimp and the lemon butter-garlic sauce over the crust and top with the cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges of the pizza are golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Veggie Pizza
1 large pizza crust
½ cup pesto
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ bell pepper, sliced
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup fresh spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Preheat the oven to 475°F. Spread a layer of pesto on the crust and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. n
American History
A 23-year-old John Joseph Merten took a roundabout journey from the Holy Roman Empire in 1714. We now call his birthplace Musen, Germany. He traveled with 39 other men via Belgium and England, finally arriving in the colony of Virginia. These men worked as indentured servants for Governor Spotswood at a place called Germanna. Spotswood intended to find silver. What they found was iron ore, and they cast the first pig iron in North America.
After serving out their five year indenturement period, they all picked up and walked 40 miles to land they’d filed claims on. They founded a little village called Germantown.
Some years later, John’s son Peter packed up with his wife and kids to walk over to a wild, unsettled land called Kentucky. They walked down to Cumberland Gap and back up through Boonesboro, ultimately settling at Clay Village in Shelby County.
We can easily imagine Peter’s friends saying, “You can’t do that.”
About 20 years later, a couple of Peter’s sons packed up and claimed land in the new territory of Indiana. They wanted to
start their own town. It’s certain they were told they couldn’t do it, but Martinsburg, Indiana, still exists today.
Another 20 years later, and a son named Gilbert said: “Welp, me and the wife are walking to western Illinois.” Ignoring being told they couldn’t do it, they went to Chili, Illinois, and started a farm from scratch. A young helper told Gilbert he wanted to marry Gilbert’s daughter, Betty. Gilbert said, “You might as well, I can’t do a damn thing with her.”
Mr. and Mrs. Randall set out to walk to Kansas, then up to Iowa, then to Nebraska, then back to Kansas. At some point they had a daughter named Stella. Stella grew up and married Boland Clark, having several kids. Joe was born in 1917.
Joe grew up, went to Denver for Business School to learn how to type and take shorthand, and joined the Army Air Corps on December 7, 1941. He was sent to Camp Wheeler in Macon, Georgia. From there, he went to Cochran Field outside of Macon and was in the first group that moved to a cotton patch where they were building a new base that would become Warner Robins Air Force Base.
Joe married Pearl, and they had a 4th child in 1959 named David. That’s me, writing to you today.
Someone in my bloodline has fought in every war that’s ever been held up until Vietnam. Countless members of my line have been told they couldn’t do something, and did it anyway. Sometimes they failed, sometimes they succeeded.
Most of us could say the same thing about our family lines. This stubbornness and ability to “stick to it” is one of the main defining pieces of what we call “the American idea.” Our ancestors worked for it, fought for it, and stood for it.
Now it’s our time. A lot has slipped away. What do we do now? n
David Clark writes and works in Cochran, GA. Connect with him at cw.w4trj@gmail.com.
