Lexington Life Magazine - March 2025 by Lexington and Irmo-Chapin Life Magazines

The weather is warming up and our daylight hours have lengthened considerably. March has always been one of my favorite months because the temperature is comfortable without being sweltering. The grass begins turning green and now requires more consistent attention than it did over the winter. Spring is here!

My youngest child, Noah, turns eighteen in May and is planning to attend the Citadel in the fall. I can’t believe how time has flown by and now our “baby boy” is about to leave the nest soon. I’m very proud of him and how hard he has grown academically, athletically and most importantly, spiritually.

Life is a journey, filled with different seasons which include both peaks and valleys. I’m excited to watch him and our other kids as they navigate through the game of life and all its unpredictable awesomeness.

What are your plans for Spring? How about a trip to a local garden center to spruce up and refresh your yard’s landscape after a cold winter? Maybe a spring break trip to visit either a warmer or colder climate for some rest and relaxation on the beach or the slopes? How about a staycation with day trips to some lesser known but incredible local attractions?

No matter what you and your family’s plans are for March, I wish only the best experience for you all. Enjoy your time together piloting your ship through the ocean of life.

Thanks for reading Lexington Life Magazine. It has been an honor to bring you Lexington Life for over twenty years. I do not take it for granted and I am grateful to our readers and sponsors that help make it all possible.

Warmest regards,

Todd Shevchik

CALENDAR OFevents MARCH

Sunday, March 9

10th Annual Lexington Shamrock Parade

Main Street | Lexington | 3 pm

Irish dancers, marching bands, floats, pageant winners, characters, and community leaders will travel down Main Street for this community event.

Friday and Saturday, March 14 - 15

Spring Fling

Wingard’s Market | 1403 N. Lake Dr. Lexington

Stock up on all your spring gardening essentials during this annual weekend of specials, giveaways, and supplier showcases. Visit wingardsmarket.com for more information.

Saturday, March 22

Spring Jamboree

Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. | Lexington | 2 pm – 4 pm

This springtime celebration will feature stories, crafts, songs, and games. For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.

Saturday, March 22

Soiree on State

State Street | Cayce | 2 pm – 8 pm

This family-friendly event will feature artists, a kid’s area, food vendors, and a variety of local musicians. For more information visit soireeonstate.com.

Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23

Midlands Spring Arts & Crafts Market

SC State Farmers Market | 3483

Charleston Hwy. | West Columbia

The largest handmade vendor event in the Midlands is back at the South Carolina State Farmers Market. Over 160 vendors, free parking and admission, and pet friendly.

Thursday, March 27

Taste of Lake Murray

Doubletree by Hilton | 2100 Bush River Rd. | Columbia | 6 pm

This “Party With A Purpose” fundraiser supports the Fourth of July Celebration at Lake Murray. For tickets visit lakemurraycountry.com.

Saturday, March 29

Pimento Cheese Festival

Saluda Shoals Park | 6071 St. Andrews Rd. | Columbia | 11 am – 4 pm

This family-friendly event will feature live music, an art and craft fair, outdoor games, inflatables, and more. Visit scpimentocheesefest.com for more information.

Monday, March 31

Lexington Woman’s Club Golf Tournament

Country Club of Lexington 1066 Barr Rd. | Lexington | 10 am

Play golf, have fun, and raise money for community improvement programs, scholarship programs, and initiative projects. For more information visit lexwc.org.

PHIL REYNOLDS

Congregational Care Associate

Mt. Horeb Church

1205 Old Cherokee Road Lexington, SC

Eternal Protection

As you ride through Lexington County’s vegetable growing areas in the colder months, you may notice some green strips that are intentional in an otherwise barren field. The vegetable farmers expect strong winds that might erode the soil which may kill or stunt some younger vegetable plants. For that reason, months before the farmers plant the vegetables, they plant narrow strips of grain alongside where the vegetables will be planted. The grain will germinate and grow a few inches tall before farmers plant the vegetables so the grain acts as a windbreak to protect the cash crop.

God knows that in our lives, we often face adversities that cause us negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, tension, anger, or frustration. If negative emotions are not dealt with, the results often turn out just like unprotected vegetables in a windstorm. In tough seasons, we may walk around with our heads down and bottom lip poked out like we are auditioning for the Gloom, Despair, and Agony On Me skit on Hee Haw. However, we should be singing Why Me Lord written by Kris Kristofferson. We are often quick to forget that God is closer to us than we are to ourselves. In Numbers 22:23-35, a donkey was able to see danger and protect Balaam much like the vegetable farmers protect the crops with windbreaks. God told the prophet Isaiah in chapter 41 verse 10 to not be afraid, for God is with us. God will strengthen us and help us. God will hold us up with His victorious right hand. 700 years after God gave Isaiah that good news, Jesus asked the Father to give us yet another advocate to help us through our storms and be with us forever. God sent us The Holy Spirit.

We should thank God for the protection He sends us through the people He puts in our lives. Thank God for the Holy Spirit that has been sent to help protect us in our daily walk. Most of all, thank God for the Savior He sent to protect us from ourselves. n

LEXINGTONleader

by Abigail Harris

Wayne Rawl

There was a time when dirt roads and fields of crops dominated Lexington County. The small, quiet town was home to a stoplight, a corner store, and a gas station. Over the decades, Lexington has changed and evolved to accommodate the growing population that has come to call it home. Much of the farmland has been sold to developers and infrastructure fills the once vast fields. However, as you drive through the outskirts of town, you may notice signs dotting many of the remaining fields with the name WP Rawl. These fields are not just farms; they represent a thriving, century old, family legacy that has served as a vital component of sustainability for the Lexington community.

In the early 1920s, Walter and Ernestine Rawl established a small farm in Gilbert, SC. Over the years, the farm evolved to focus on leafy greens and specialty vegetables, and it became known as Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc., commonly referred to as “WP Rawl” farms. During the 1940s to the 1960s, WP Rawl was among the largest employers in the area. After the Great Depression, WP Rawl farms provided financial security and stability for its employees. Now, a century later, they proudly

employ 11 family members and 750 ad ditional staff, working together to deliver quality produce while continuing to uphold the principles on which the company was founded: faith, family, and farming.

As a young boy, Wayne Rawl, the son of Walter and Ernestine Rawl, spent his weekends and evenings after school helping on the family farm. After graduating from Lexington High School in 1960, he became a full-time member of the farming team, assisting with growing and harvesting operations. Rawl’s time on the farm has not been without hardships. In 1970, at the age of 35, he lost his father, Walter. In the early 2000s, he lost his mother, Ernestine, and in 2011, he and his two sons, Dean and Ashley, experienced the loss of their beloved wife and mother, Pat. These experiences have shaped him into the resilient and determined leader he is today, deeply committed to preserving the family legacy.

Throughout his time on the farm, Rawl has taken on many roles. Initially, his focus was on growing and harvesting crops. As the company expanded, so did his responsibilities and duties. After working on the farm all day, he would deliver produce to stores in the evenings. His hands-on ap-

proach helped WP Rawl Farms enter the retail market with direct store delivery. During these deliveries, Rawl met with produce managers and took orders in person for the following week. As the supply chain evolved and the shift to distribution centers became more common, WP Rawl adapted by hiring a driver for deliveries, and the office staff grew as phone calls and fax orders replaced in-person ordering. As more family members and community members joined the staff, Rawl’s role naturally shifted to that of a mentor, guiding and leading the next generation.

Rawl still finds joy in his work and said that he is not quite finished with his career, there are still goals he wishes to accomplish before closing this chapter of his life.

On advising the next generation, Rawl said, “Never give up, as bad as something you are facing might look, don’t give up. If you were to give up every time a hiccup comes your way, you wouldn’t get very far.” n

The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center held its annual LEXPO on February 13th, 2025, at the Barr Road Sports Complex. Over 700 people attended the “Commerce at the Corral” themed event.

Counterclockwise from top left:

1. Raymond Jones, Ray Jones, Mary Anne Jones, Ben Olson, and Hannah Jones of Absolute Glass; 2. Ashley Atkinson, Hayden Johnson, Trey Cauthen of Founders Federal Credit Union; 3. Jeff Howle, Luke Howle, and Tamara Howle of HealthMarkets;

4. Pam and Mike Modica, Dakota Bays of Lazy Creek Pet Food Center;

5. Amanda Brand, Best in Show Winner, of Lexington/Rockstar Barbershop; 6. Kimberly Lee of My Pharmacy and Optical;

7. J.R. Scarborough of ISI Elite Training Gym and Melanie Scarborough of Cruise Planners, Cindy and Trey Powell of Mosquito Joe of Lake Murray;

8. Deborah Shull, Branch Manager at Lexington Highway 1, Kelsey Schults, Head Teller at Lexington 378, and Monifa Byrd, Business Development Specialist of State Credit Union

Join us in Celebrating Academic Excellence in Lexington County School District One ’ s Senior Classes of 2025! Each student listed earned this honor by being ranked in the top 10% of his/her high school ’ s senior class.

Margaret Jean Addy

Emory Grace Ballington

Zoe Elisabeth Bart

Emily Celeste Brant

Ainsley Caroline Bryan

Nora Leigh Buzhardt

Emily Katherine Allred

Camden Lucas Armstrong

Faridah Abdulaziz Ashoour

Ruth Maria Isabel Barahona Smith

William Reid Bedenbaugh

Ryann Emily Burnett

Mary Evelyn Carpenter

Angie Valeria Cermeno Pineda

William Hensley Coggins

Audrey Elizabeth Crews

Hailey Elizabeth Crick

Elizabeth Tomlinson Cromer

Lillian Kate Deyo

Abigail Claire Dobson

Virina Dsouza

Gilbert High School

Vikramjit Singh Cheema

Bridgette Bailey Davidson

Matthew Thomas Dawson

Maggie Ann Harmon

Austin Christopher Hucks

Kimberly Loyda Diaz

Montserrath Mancilla Delaluz

Keeley Reese Michael

Carter Andrew Miller

Wilson Boyd Oxner

Lexington High School

Grace Dunn

Nicholas Jay Elkins

Jordan Lee Froese

Juan Felipe Galvis

Andrew James Georgia

Xavier Daniel Gonzalez

Katelyn Mckenna Grubbs

Emmerson Gray Harbert

Matthew William Harman

Avery Jackson Hoffner

Abigail Grace Houston

Lillie Ann Howell

Hailey Madison Jasuta

Ava Katherine Graham Jordan

Ava Maya Kanitkar

Rylan Phillip Barnhill

John Gabriel Berned

Ishaan Bolar

Aubry Ashlyn Bruner

Kaur

Savreen Kaur

Jones Davison Kendall

Maree Grace Kopenhaver

Faith Elizabeth Kowalewski

Patten Elizabeth Lawson

Alexis Lydia Leonard

Hannah Sofia Martinez

Lela Jo McKee

Charlize Mariah Misick Rivas

Evan Luke Moersch

Jesse Ryan Oates

Chloe Rachel Osment

Isabella Josephine Pataky

Rushil Rajendra Patil

Pelion High School

Leo Chen

Rachel Elizabeth Connelly

Anabelle Iris Creech

Abigail Renae Downs

Emma Noel Jackson

Angelica Bonnie Lique

Dray Alister Lorick

Maiti Eibhleann Martin

Jackson David Taylor

Haley Alizabeth Tibai

Caroline Elizabeth Watson

Hudson Lake Williams

Julianne Gracen Wooten

Kate Elizabeth Pierce

Kathryn Joy Prickett

Ignacio Jose Ramis

William Samuel Robles

Lauren Marie Sailer

Isabelle Paige Saville

Callie Elizabeth Schrodt

Tobias Richard Sobieralski

Kensleigh Taylor Spears

Nathan Pearson Stone

Alexandra Michelle Taylor

Elizabeth Joy Van Hamme

Ellison Wade Watkins

Thomas Maximus Werny

Jackson Henry Winston

Lazaro Henry Mejia

Ainsleigh Kay Olsen

Jocelyn Torres

Kaylie Shawn Wooten

Hilda Ibarra Fonseca

Tatyana Haley Carney

Dalton Guerry Taylor

Samantha

Canreen

Robert Gabriel Albetel

Hope Catherine Brock

Cristina Calmis

Mary Taylor Xiao Xiao Campbell

Patton Grace Casto

Nathanael Joseph Caughman

Eunwoo Choi

Annaclare Alaine Coleman

Isabell Rae Cruea

Sophia Eva Dollarhyde

Caelan Stein Edwards

Ryan Holden Ezekiel

Isabella LillyAnne Fryer

Jade Alexandria Blizzard

Wyatt Heath Bowen

Emma Grace Cash

Kenneth Franklin Chandler

Niah Elizabeth Charfauros

Brooklyn Chase Crumpton

Kaniya Armani Davis

Aidan Aubrey Edwards

Adisen Kathleen Eglin

Kali Marie Francis

Elizabeth Rose Ann Freeman

River Bluff High School

Arianna Elizabeth Ganjehsani

John Graham Gardner

Maria Lynne Thuy Gentry

Namya Gupta

Natalie Tu Uyen Ha

Reid Thomas Howell

Sierra Reese Jansen

Dharya Korrapati

Grant Stephen Lohr

Connor Riley Mallett

Madeline Elaine Marlowe

Masyn James McClanahan

Brady Thomas Miller

Elizabeth Grace Morris

Olivia Faith Morris

Carolina Lee Ann Murray

Kylie Nicole Nagle

Drew Alexander Newman

Kaushik Nidigattu

Evan Thomas Nieders

Raghav Pallapothu

Devi Parimal Patel

Maelyn Renae Payne

Chandler David Perry

Ella Kathleen Poles

Vaishnavi Radhadevi Sarikonda

White Knoll High School

Emma McClenny Grace

Emilie Mae Grumley

Asher McClellan Havens

Lani Hernandez

Hailey Danielle Horton

Gabriel Ransom Jeffcoat

Savannah Lynn Jordan

Stephen Michael Leach

Cameron Michael Loch

Alena Mathew

Elizabeth Rose Matthews

Emily Lucille McLeod

Ja'Lise Loraine Mike

Sohaila Saleh Moeman

Autumn Faye Moore

Cynthia Morales Rojas

Shruthika Nair

Anna Grace Newell

Lyric Marie Nicholson

Madison Anaya Putman

Allie Nicole Royer

Trinity Ryland

Elijah Arthur Schor

Tifanne Michelle Warr

Danika Scott Whyde

Sienna Woodley

Lauren Brooke Yarborough

Mason Alexander Young

Evgenia Jane Zheltov

Eileen Zheng

Alexander Minh Ziegler

Anna Haihui Zou

Adam Chase Sheldon

Shayanna Mireya Shell

Owen Michael Sumner

Tatyanna Paula Templeton

Dominique Janelle White

Jayda Alexis Williams

Emerie Brooke Williams

Shepherd North Williamson

Caisey Ann Williamson

Jamie Lynn Yarsinske

Turning Grief into Growth

by Marilyn Thomas • photos by Lola Dee Photography

After just three days of mourning, Kirkland’s employer insisted that he return to work, although he was still grappling with the tremendous emotional strain of such a devastating loss. Because Kirkland had been working part-time independently, he decided to leave that job and step out in faith to grow his own company. “I gave them my two-week notice, and went fulltime for myself,” he said, “and since then, I haven’t looked back.”

His wife, Latrina, who works in the company as well, supported this move. While in that “dark spot,” following his mother’s death, “she’s the one that breathed that life into me,” he recalled. “She’s the one that told me, ‘This is what you prayed for, this is what we prayed for, this is what we fasted for—we got this.’”

Because Kirkland’s business is rooted in his faith, he wanted the name of his new company to reflect this spiritual foundation. “First Priority came from God being my ‘first priority,’” he explained. Additionally, Kirkland says the initial letters in the company’s title (FPLS) also represent “faith, prayer, love, and service.”

While building his business from the ground up, Kirkland was determined to establish a company where employees would feel respected. “I strive to make sure that my guys see how employers should be and that allows them to do better work than most people because they feel valued and appreciated,” he said. “They’re going to give their all when they go to a client.”

“I’m here to serve you,” continued Kirkland, as customers are the company’s other first priority. Although he does aim to meet every expectation of his clients, he also endeavors to educate them based upon his knowledge and experience, so they can “make an informed decision.”

“We believe that by doing the right thing, you’ll get rewarded,” he said, and the returns on this business model have paid back in dividends. Within its four years of existence, the organization has grown from Kirkland working solo to a total of 17 staff members. “I started doing this business in my car,” he recalled, but now the company owns six trucks and 10 pieces of specialized equipment.

“We pride ourselves in being turnkey,” he added. “We don’t sub anything out— we do everything from the top to the bottom.” With this goal in mind, Kirkland

purchased and established the sister-company First Priority Garden Center at 1067 Woodleys Way in Columbia in August of 2024. This resource center is an all-inclusive supply store that stocks a vast selection of landscaping products such as gardening tools; various soils, mulch, and fertilizer; all types of plants and seeds; hardscaping elements like pavers and lighting; and outdoor décor and furnishings.

Dr. Matt Taffoni of Irmo, a very satisfied client, attests to the fine work performed by Kirkland and his team. “First Priority Landscaping has been with me since the time I finished building my home,” he said. “They have done every bit of landscaping since day one with me” with projects such as planting foliage, installing outdoor lighting, setting up and maintaining an irrigation system, and providing ongoing mulching and lawn care.

“It is hard to describe any one experience with First Priority because there have been many,” said Taffoni. “I value people being on time, dependable, and honest. Mr. Kirkland and his First Priority Landscaping are all of those. If anyone wants a service they can trust to do fantastic quality work, along with always being on time, trustworthy, and thorough, they need to give First Priority a call. I would not trust the care of my property to anyone else more than I trust Raymond. I know when I call him that things get done correctly, and I don’t have to ask twice.”

First Priority’s service area covers the greater Midlands and beyond. Call or visit their website to schedule a consultation for a quote. n

of the

The Arc MIDLANDS

Employment, inclusion, and independence

by Erin Bluvas

Founded in the 1950s, The Arc is a 600+ chapter nationwide organization. It has stayed true to its grassroots approach to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities have the best quality of life possible. Each local chapter is supported by national resources and guidelines. They all connect clients and their family members with education/ referral services and engage in advocacy efforts. Every local board must be at least 80 percent composed of individuals with disabilities or their family members.

“...because of the support and preparation they receive, they blow away any preconceptions that they and others might have had about what was possible in terms of their success.”

Otherwise, each of these chapters varies in size, fundraising, and focus areas. Colorado has a $1 billion network of thrift stores across the state that support their efforts to provide employment opportunities for Arc clients. Some chapters are small groups led by parent volunteers in the earliest stages of their work.

Ten years ago, before the Midlands had its own chapter of The Arc, the spark that led to its founding began with tragedy. Melinda Hargrave’s mother had a stroke.

“My dad had passed away, and my sister, who has autism, had always lived with our mom,” Hargrave said. “I became her caregiver and moved her from Illinois to South Carolina to live with me.”

An Army veteran, a Department of Justice employee, and the mother of young children at the time, Hargrave was astounded at how difficult it was to navigate the systems and services required to establish the appropriate support her sister needed. Despite being well-versed in government programs and contracts, she struggled to untangle the path forward.

“I couldn’t believe that services could not be transferred from state to state,” she said. “The waitlist averaged seven to 14 years, and we had to start at the bottom.”

The first organization that was able to truly help Hargrave was The Arc. She grabbed the lifeline with both hands, eventually serving on their board, then as president, and finally on the national board. The challenges in coordinating her sister’s care continued, however, and Hargrave cashed out her federal 401K and applied for a grant to establish The Arc of the Midlands in 2014.

With her professional background, Hargrave knew she wanted to focus on employment and residential – specifically, independent living – at the Midlands chapter. She also knew she wanted to ensure that Arc clients were integrated into the community around them. As part of the trio of chapters that make up The Arc of South Carolina, the Midlands’ concentration areas complement those pursued by the Low Country (i.e., continuing education, family financial planning) and Upstate/Oconee (independence) chapters.

“We work with individuals who have a wide range of abilities and goals,” Hargrave said. “Some of our clients can drive and just want us to help them with their resumes and prepare for interviews. Some of them need much more assistance. We

try to meet them wherever they are.”

The Arc of the Midlands began with Hargrave as the sole employee. Then she was joined by an administrative assistant. Soon after, their first employee with a disability came on board. One year into their five-year lease, they had outgrown their space. So, they moved and quickly grew out of their new location as well. There was clearly a need within the community, and Hargrave was determined to grow as quickly as possible to meet it.

“When space grew tight so early on, I decided to open a coffee shop,” she said. “Not that I knew anything about coffee, but I knew that we needed a public-facing place where we could train our clients in people skills and help them gain job experience. I also envisioned them and our customers surrounded by second-hand books.”

2nd Wave Coffee is named for the presence of these reused books. It’s also the name of the coffee beans they source from Loveland Coffee, a roaster in Irmo with a background in special education and who was happy to help the coffee shop get its start. Hargrave didn’t expect the coffee shop to be a popular spot. She only hoped it would do enough business to stay afloat as a training center.

Then they decided to open a Pumpkin Patch. Located on South Lake Drive in Lexington, the building lease for 2nd Wave came with four acres of land. It quickly became the chapter’s biggest fundraising event – tripling in sales every year – and drawing attention to the coffee shop, which has grown to employ six individuals with disabilities and hosts students from Lexington High School every week.

“The revenue from the pumpkin and coffee sales have enabled us to expand our services,” Hargrave said. “We can provide clients with grants to furnish their independent housing and provide other financial support. It’s also helped us provide more training to establish a diverse workforce in our community.”

With support from job coaches employed by Arc of the Midlands, more than 80 of their clients work throughout the community at places like Lowes, Chicfil-A, and Publix. They also helped bring Project Search – a nationwide employment training program for young adults with disabilities – to the state.

By applying for the initial funding and helping Project Search SC gain its footing, Hargrave and her team brought a

dynamic and impactful organization into the community. The program serves a very specific group and one that is often overlooked during the lifespan of an individual with disabilities.

“We refer to ages 18-21 as a transition period,” Hargrave explained. “Both the services and the funding for individuals change during this time, and it’s important to help these young adults move from adolescence into adulthood.”

Working with large organizations, such as hospital systems, Project Search SC provides a one-year internship for cohorts of five to seven students to prepare them to enter the workforce. They receive support and training from teachers, job coaches, and on-the-job supervisors.

“This program changes their whole life path,” Hargrave said. “And because of the support and preparation they receive, they blow away any preconceptions that they and others might have had about what was possible in terms of their success.”

Armed with employment opportunities and life skills, Arc of the Midlands clients are one step closer to a very important factor in their quality of life and well-being: independent living. In the past – as well as the present in some areas of the country – families have historically taken care of individuals with disabilities. But what happens when those caregivers – often parents – experience significant declines in health or pass away?

“In South Carolina, we have a crisis in aging caregivers,” Hargrave said. “There are more than 10,000 people with disabilities who are living with much older adults in their 70s and 80s, and they are at risk of losing their homes and caregivers at any point. Combine that challenge with the fact that there is very little affordable hous-

ing period, and it is a major challenge.”

Partnering with Southern Vision Realty, who subsequently established the nonprofit organization, We Do Good Work, Arc of the Midlands decided to make their own affordable housing. They took out a HUD loan to build an entirely new development in Lexington, known as Pleasant Place.

The 39-home duplex subdivision is an inclusive community that reserves 25 percent of its homes for individuals with disabilities and 75 percent for other low-income families. Six of the units went to individuals with disabilities, one of them being Hargrave’s sister, who is now 55 years old.

The best part of The Arc’s approach is that it doesn’t stop when employment and housing are achieved. They continue working with their clients indefinitely – checking on them regularly to ensure they are happy in their work/ living situations – and that they are challenged, fulfilled, and successful.

“A cool thing about liv ing in South Car olina is that we can offer what is known as ‘Forever Services,’” Hargrave shared. “This means that once a client is a client, we are connected to them forever and will continue working to support them to achieve their best quality of life and be as involved in the community as possible.”

Learn more about The Arc of the Midlands at arcmidlands.org. n

Thomas and Jayne Falk Franchise Owners

Fun (and Useful) Things You Can Do with a Drone

Drones are every where these days. They’re used to monitor crops, sur vey land, track wildlife, and even deliver packages. For the most part, professionals fly these drones, but anyone can take a drone out for a spin. You don’t have to have years of experience to fly a drone successfully. All you need is some know-how and a little patience while you get used to piloting one of these machines around. Here are some things you can do with a drone.

by Whitney Miller

Take stunning photos and videos from a new perspective.

You can use a drone to capture the beauty of local landscapes: Whether it’s cityscapes or rural areas, drones allow users to take impressive high-resolution images that would otherwise require expensive equipment or dangerous circumstances (like flying planes).

Drones provide a safe and cost-effective way to photograph buildings, city streets, and other locations from unique angles. Drone technology has revolutionized how photographers, marketers, and other professionals capture the beauty of urban landscapes.

Explore nature up close.

Drones are an excellent tool for capturing the world from a new perspective. Whether you’re interested in photographing the beauty of nature, urban landscapes, or people, often there’s no better way to do so than with a drone.

One of the best things about drones is that they allow you to explore nature up close. You can get an aerial view of an animal or plant in its natural habitat and capture beautiful photos and videos of it. You don’t have to disturb them, either; because

drones fly high above the ground, most animals won’t feel threatened by their

Play with your pet in the backyard.

Drones are a great way to keep your pet entertained and engaged, as they provide them with unique experiences that they wouldn’t get with other toys. They can also help you monitor your pet’s activity from afar. To use a drone to play with your pet, first ensure your pet is comfortable with the drone. Once your pet is familiar with it, you can begin to use it to play games with them, such as fetch or hide and seek. You could also use the drone to take them on a “flight” around your backyard.

Check out the view of your roof or windowsill.

If you have a drone, there’s no better way to see the view of your own roof or windowsill. You can take high-quality photos and videos of the surrounding area, which is perfect if your home needs repairs. If one of those repairs is a new roof or windowsill, then footage of what goes on outside will be helpful when asking for quotes from contractors.

Capture special events.

A drone is the perfect tool to record events from a unique aerial perspective and can be used to capture stunning images and videos that you will remember for years. From weddings to graduations to company picnics, a drone can help document memories and create breathtaking content.

As a bonus, you can use a drone to capture unique angles and perspectives that wouldn’t be possible with traditional cameras. Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, a drone can help you create stunning content for special events.

Share drone shots on YouTube and social media. With a drone, you can capture breathtaking aerial shots from angles once impossible to obtain. You can share these amazing drone shots with friends and family, or even on social media, such as YouTube and Instagram. Not only do these images look incredible, but they provide a unique perspective and bring a whole new dimension to storytelling.

If you’re looking to up your photography game, using a drone is the perfect way to do it. With some simple adjustments and a few photos, you can create beautiful images that will impress. Plus, you can even get creative and create short videos and montages with your drone.

Get started.

If you’re interested in getting started with flying drones, here are some things to know:

You’ll need a drone. You can buy one or build your own. Either way, there are tons of resources online that will help you do it right. You’ll also want to learn about airspace rules and regulations for where you live (or travel). If your area has no specific laws regarding drones yet, keep an eye out for updates from local law enforcement officials as they work on updating their policies on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The best way to become a better pilot is to practice. Start small by flying inside before venturing outside into populated areas like parks or beaches--or even just around town if possible. n

Easy Day Trips Your Adventure Awaits

by Betsey Guzior

Are you itching to get away? Here are some day trips out of Lexington County that appeal to every taste, just by heading out one of the classic crossroads, U.S. 21 and U.S. 378.

North

Charlotte is an easy destination, but half the fun is getting there. Bypass the interstate to travel north on U.S. 21, a route that takes you through small towns such as Ridgeway, Great Falls, and Fort Lawn.

Then stop in Fort Mill, where you can see the wonders of nature at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. In 2,100 acres is a permanent nature preserve with 40 miles of trails, lakes for kayaking, and places for mountain biking and horseback riding. There is a children’s farm to interact with animals like alpacas, goats, llamas, pigs, cattle, and working horses. There is an admission charge, but annual memberships make it affordable if you plan to return.

Off the beaten path: Landsford Canal State Park, just off U.S. 21 is along the Catawba River and boasts blooms of rare rocky shoals spider lilies in the spring along its waters. You can still see parts of the canal system built in 1820 to move products up and down the river until 1835.

The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, just off U.S. 321, offers scenic rides through the countryside and special events such as the Bunny Eggspress in April.

South

There’s plenty of adventure just north of Savannah if you take U.S. 321 toward the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Take the 4.5-mile wildlife drive under live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss to observe migrating birds and animals. With more than 31,000 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks, it’s also an ideal ground for hunters, with opportunities to nab everything from turkeys to alligators. Hunting permits and other regulations apply.

The visitor center is open from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday.

Off the beaten path: The Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center in Hardeeville is an educational facility that trains students from SCAD. It has beautiful stables for the horses.

East

Sure, the coast is always calling you, but have you thought about a trip that stops inland to one of the most vibrant art communities in the state? Head east on 378 to Lake City, where artists gather each spring for Artfields, a celebration of creative endeavors in a juried art show. Three affiliated galleries are open throughout the year.

Check beforehand, but the TRAX Visual Art Center, Jones-Carter Gallery, and Crossroads Gallery will all have exhibits. They are open 11 am - 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. There is plenty of public art to see, including murals and sculptures.

Off the beaten path: On the way, stop at the Moore Farms Botanical Gardens, which celebrates the southern garden and honors rural agricultural practices. Stroll the grounds as spring plantings bloom.

West

Aiken, Greenwood, and Edgefield all have their charms. Aiken is famous for horses, Greenwood is growing as a town that welcomes retirees, and Edgefield has a long history of the pottery arts.

So, take those towns in for a visit, but go a little farther to visit Hickory Knob State Park and Resort along the Savannah River just west of McCormick on 378. Mountain biking, kayaking and hiking, and even archery and axe throwing are available. Stay overnight at the resort park or at a historic 1700s cabin on the grounds.

Off the beaten path: Located in downtown Abbeville, The Abbeville Opera House is a Performing Arts Venue that hosts concerts, comedy, and theater year-round. n

Nutrients Your Skin Loves

by Lisa Brown

With so many lotions, cleansers, scrubs, and other things that claim to help your skin look and feel its best, it’s difficult to know what you should use. Skincare should always begin from the inside out. Vitamins and minerals can affect your skin positively through the foods and drinks that you consume. Here are a few nutrients that your skin loves and wants more of.

Vitamin E

You have likely seen skincare products that contain vitamin E. While it can be helpful topically, vitamin E consumed through diet can have an even greater impact on your skin. Sources of vitamin E include avocado, peanut butter, almonds, red bell pepper, fish, whole eggs, mango, and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant, which helps to protect cells throughout your body from damage. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and can even help the skin to correct any damage that has been done. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that is beneficial for the skin as it helps to stimulate collagen production. Healthy skin relies on adequate amounts of vitamin E. If you suffer from dry skin, this powerhouse vitamin may be your next best friend.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in helping you maintain your skin. Like vitamin E, zinc has antioxidant properties. This helps to reduce oxidative stress that can cause skin inflammation and speed up the signs of aging in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. Sources of zinc include seafood, fish, and meat. Beef and poultry are good sources of zinc, but if you’re an oyster lover, they contain more per serving than any other food. Dairy products and eggs are also sources of zinc.

Vitamin D

If you suffer from vitamin D deficiency, it can affect your skin. Vitamin D is essential for warding off dry skin, which can lead to psoriasis and dermatitis. The most wellknown source of vitamin D is the sun, but you can also boost your levels by consuming fatty fish such as salmon or rainbow trout, whole eggs, liver, and bananas. By eating a varied diet, you can help give your skin the vitamin D it craves. Vitamin D can also help reduce inflammation, slow cells that are growing rapidly, and improve wound healing.

Your skin relies on you to provide what it needs to remain soft, glowing, and healthy. By eating a variety of foods, you can give your skin the nutrients it needs to keep you looking and feeling your best for years to come. n

Let’s go to the movies

day, he stopped to look,” recalled Lisa.

by Tenell Felder

One of only three drive-ins in South Carolina, The Big MO provides moviegoers with the nostalgic experience of enjoying the latest movies on a big screen under the stars.

The Big MO Drive-In, located at 5822 Columbia Highway North in Monetta, will begin its 27th season in March.

Lisa and Richard Boaz have been the owners and operators of The Big MO since 1999, after purchasing the property from the wife of the original owner in 1998.

“When we moved to South Carolina in 1997, one of our hobbies was visiting old drive-in sites. Richard had to travel for work and he went to a site of a drive-in near Aiken. There a local told him about the old Monetta Drive-In. On his way home that

“He came home excited and said, ‘I found our drive-in!’ and took me out there that weekend. The roof of the concession stand was caving in, and there was a hole in the screen. I couldn’t see it then, but he had a vision.”

Lisa and Richard discovered that the old drive-in, which opened in 1951, screened its last film in 1986. The wife of the original owner intended to sell the property as a junkyard. That sale fell through, allowing the Boazes to purchase it.

“We had never run a theater. We learned as we went, but we bought it in ‘98 and had it ready to go in March 1999.”

In 2005, the drive-in added a second screen. A third screen was added in 2011.

The Big MO converted to digital projection after the 2013 season and the drive-in’s landmark feature – the giant peach -- was added at the beginning of the 2015 season.

“We are in peach country, and we love roadside attractions – Route 66 type attractions – anything big, original, and unique that you can see from the highway. Our original thought was to have it out by the road. Then, we thought about putting it on top of the concession stand. Finally, when we needed a climate-controlled room for

the digital projector – we decided that the peach would make an excellent stand-alone projection booth.”

For a lot of people, coming to The Big MO is an annual family tradition.

“We do try to mix in some older movies now and then because there are people who want that, but most of our customers want to see the new movies and that’s what keeps them coming back every week.”

The Big MO plans to open on March 7th and run until the end of November or the beginning of December – depending on the movie release schedule. n

High notes about the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra

by Betsey Guzior

The Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra concludes its 21st season with a concert in April.

Not only does the orchestra welcome all interested musicians, but it also helps grow the next generation of violinists, cellists, and other players in its annual LMSO Young Artists competition.

Ten facts about the orchestra:

1. Since its founding in 2004, the orchestra has been instrumental in bringing together musicians who volunteer to play. The orchestra formed after a small group of musicians performing with the Lexington County Choral Society saw a need to expand the classic offerings to people in the Midlands.

2. There are two conductors for the orchestra: Andrew Gowan, who recently retired as executive associate dean and director of graduate students at the University of South Carolina School of Music, and Patrick F. Casey, music director of the Newberry Chamber Orchestra and retired coordinator of music education at Newberry College.

3. The orchestra keeps classical and light pop music accessible to the public by only asking for donations and not charging for tickets. It also allows school and church groups to attend concerts free of charge.

4. Winners of the 2024 LMSO Young Artists Competition: Soren Allen-Grunspan, first place, cello; Kaden Kim, second place, violin; Lena Allen-Grunspan, third place, viola; and Mark Solis, fourth place Honorable Mention, violin. The orchestra has an annual young artist competition which has been run-

ning for 15 years. The winners get to perform with the full orchestra.

5. Many retirees, including Kim Masters, treasurer of the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra, revived their musical passion by joining the orchestra. She has been involved in the orchestra for 17 years, picking up violin after a 30-year hiatus from music. “Friends of mine had an old violin they didn’t want anymore, and I didn’t have a quality violin, so when they gave it to me, I started looking for places I could play,” she said.

6. The orchestra practices once a week and has 5-6 rehearsals before each performance.

7. The orchestra does not have a permanent home and performs at venues like the Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College and the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center.

8. The orchestra plans its season’s performances at least a year in advance.

9. Einar Anderson was the orchestra’s first conductor, heading the LMSO until 2017.

10. The orchestra performs four to six concerts each season, which begins in July. n

Concluding concert of the 2024-2025 season “Concertos & Cookies” Sunday, April 6 3:30 p.m. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College For more information visit lmso.org

MUSC brings art therapy to residents across the state

by Erin Bluvas

Three years at Rikers will change a person. Even if that person is a licensed professional and not one of the prison island’s 15,000 inmates.

For Charleston native Katie Hinson Sullivan, it deepened her resolve to enhance physical healing and mental health through the creative arts, especially for the underserved. She ended up at the 400-acre facility after completing a master’s degree in art therapy (with a specialization in addiction) at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

with Sullivan leading the team as director. Patients and families undergoing care at the MUSC Health Charleston campus have access to art and music therapy – services that can aid in facilitating treatment, managing anxiety, and much more.

As part of becoming a licensed art therapist, Sullivan completed internships with a school that served children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental delays, a camp for youth grieving the loss of loved ones, and a program for individuals diagnosed with HIV.

After taking the national exam to register as a board-certified art therapist, Sullivan gained additional experience working with vulnerable populations who have experienced trauma or who were at risk for child abuse/neglect before treating detainees at Rikers Island through a partnership with New York Health & Hospitals.

“I’ve worked with many underserved groups and individuals, especially in the mental health space,” she said. “My goal is to help communities find ways to make art therapy more accessible.”

Unbeknownst to Sullivan, her decade in New York prepared her for the next phase in her career: founding and leading the Arts in Healing program at MUSC. After moving back to the Lowcountry in 2018, she realized there were very few art therapy services in the area. MUSC offered her the chance to build a program from the ground up.

The project began with inpatient services at MUSC hospitals – quickly growing to include six creative arts therapists on staff

When the pandemic arrived in 2020, the Arts in Healing program was transformed again to meet the needs of the community. The top national pediatric organizations were seeing a huge uptick in mental health care demands for this population, and they placed a call for supported services. A gift from a donor enabled the Arts in Healing program to work with MUSC’s Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness to implement an art therapy initiative in schools.

“The Boeing Center already had a presence in schools with a focus on healthy lifestyles, such as proper nutrition,” Sullivan explained. “They were beginning to expand into the behavioral health space, and we were thrilled to partner with them in their efforts.”

Then the South Carolina Arts Commission reached out. They heard about the program’s success, and they, too, had an interest in improving the mental health of school-age children through art therapy.

Sullivan’s team wrote a grant proposal and received funding from the SC Arts Commission and The Duke Endowment. In 2021, they brought on Michelle Robinson as program manager for outpatient services. After expanding their services throughout Charleston County, they began responding to requests from school districts throughout the state.

“Our worlds aligned,” Sullivan said of partnering with Robinson, who brings an eclectic background of education, office/financial management, and mental health services to the role. “And together we’ve grown the outpatient program from five schools to more than 50 in six differ-

ent counties – serving nearly a thousand students. The demand is there; we’re only limited by the speed and capacity of our growth, which we want to proceed with very intentionally.”

In parallel with the school-based services, the outpatient program has begun working with a diverse and enthusiastic group of community organizations. The dozen-plus partners include addiction recovery groups, assisted living/memory care facilities, a children’s group home based in the Midlands, postpartum mothers, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and MUSC outpatient specialty clinics (such as ASL and sickle cell).

Inpatient services are critical for achieving a variety of goals for those who are receiving medical care in the hospital, such as helping a child manage anxiety or engage in physical therapy. For example, a traumatic brain injury survivor might be able to sing before they can speak, and music therapy helps make this progression possible.

Outpatient therapy mostly works toward longer-term objectives. The addiction recovery group meets every week. We Are Family, a youth support group, convenes twice per month.

“Creative arts therapy is an umbrella phrase that includes drama, dance/ movement, art and music therapies,” Sullivan said. “Based on the needs of each geographic region and each community group, we hire the appropriate therapists to provide custom services – across the lifespan and according to each population’s specific needs.”

It’s not about learning a new skill in terms of creating art, and it’s not about the outcome, according to Sullivan. It’s about the process. Only approximately half of patients’ time is spent engaged in art, dance, or music. The other half is spent working through what their art means to them and

how they can learn from it to continue the healing process.

Another important piece of the puzzle? The group atmosphere.

“Many of our therapy sessions meet as closed groups for around 10 weeks so that the same participants can bond with one another and grow throughout the process,” Sullivan said.

A perfect example of this strategic design is the therapy provided for cancer survivors. These individuals come together at a similar point in their journeys and work through what they have experienced and how to move forward – together.

Other groups benefit from open formats. We Are Family is always open to new participants.

“You never know when someone might come to the group with real-time struggles that need to be addressed immediately,” Sullivan shared. “Our main focus is to create a safe space that is available at the moment it is needed.”

“As art therapists, we are trained to support conversations that go beyond the art directive to help participants experience their emotions and verbalize them,” she said. “Particularly for a young child, it’s often difficult to put words to feelings. However, even scribbling hard during the art-making process expresses something to an art therapist that we can then build on together.”

Once the Arts in Healing team partners

with a school or community organization, the healing can begin. But the collaboration doesn’t end there.

After establishing their services, the team works with their partners to develop plans for sustaining these programs. Private donors and temporary grants help launch the services, but long-term planning ensures that art therapy programs remain in place for current and future participants.

“Our growth over the past few years has been possible through our collaborations with groups like the Arts Commission and the various schools and community groups we serve,” Sullivan said. “This has all been a huge learning opportunity for us, and, ideally, we will continue working with coordinators and therapists across the state to expand our programming to smaller, underserved communities.”

To learn more about the Arts in Healing program, including collaboration opportunities, visit muschealth.org/arts. n

spice OF LIFE

St. Patrick’s Day Delights

Shepherd’s Pie

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, diced ¼ tsp pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

12 oz beef gravy

16 oz mixed vegetables, frozen 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onions, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain off any excess grease and then stir in the gravy and vegetables. Spread ground beef mixture in the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. Spoon prepared mashed potatoes over top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown. Let sit for 10 minutes to thicken and solidify.

Corned Beef Brisket

1 (5 lb) corned beef brisket

1 Tbsp browning sauce

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

6 cloves garlic, sliced

2 Tbsp water

Preheat the oven to 275°F. Brush the brisket with browning sauce on both sides. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown brisket on both sides in the hot oil, 5-8 minutes per side. Place the brisket on a rack set in a roasting pan. Scatter onion and garlic slices over brisket, add water to the pan, and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Roast until meat is tender, for about 6 hours.

Irish Soda Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour

⅔ cup sugar

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup raisins

2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten 1½ cups buttermilk

1 Tbsp canola oil

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the first five ingredients, then stir in the raisins. Set aside 1 Tbsp of the beaten egg. Combine buttermilk, oil, and remaining eggs; stir into flour mixture until moistened (dough will be sticky). Transfer to a greased 9-in. round baking pan and brush the top with the reserved egg. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

Colcannon Potatoes

2 ½ lbs. potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cups cabbage, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

¼ cup butter, softened

1 cup 2% milk

Place the potatoes in a 6-qt. stockpot, add water to cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered for 8-10 minutes. Add cabbage and onion and cook, covered for 5-7 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add salt and pepper and mash to desired consistency, gradually adding butter and milk.

Ginger Whiskey Glazed Carrots

1 tsp granulated sugar

½ tsp black pepper

Pinch of sea salt flakes

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

3 Tbsp unsalted butter

5 large carrots, trimmed and cut

1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled & cut into thin strips

2 Tbsp Irish Whiskey

½ cup chicken stock

Mix the sugar, pepper, and salt and set aside. Heat the oil and half of the butter in a large skillet. Add the carrots in a single layer and sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. When slightly browned on both sides and starting to blacken at the edges, transfer the carrots to a plate. Clean out the skillet with a paper towel. Add the ginger and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, and add the ginger to the carrots. Add the remaining butter, whiskey, and stock and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes or until it is syrupy. Return the carrots and ginger to the skillet, and swirl with the syrup for 1 minute.

Fried Cabbage

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 head green cabbage, cored and cut into 1-in pieces

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp salt

1 tsp celery seed

½ tsp pepper

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Cook the bacon until crisp and remove. Cook onion in bacon grease for about 6 minutes. Add the cabbage, 2 Tbsp water, salt, celery seed, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the cabbage. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove the cabbage from the heat, stir in the vinegar and bacon, and serve hot.

Leek and Potato Soup

4 Tbsp butter

1 onion, chopped

3 large leeks, trimmed, sliced, rinsed, & dried

2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

3 ½ cups chicken stock

½ cup frozen peas

salt pepper

Melt the butter and sauté the onion, leeks, and potato for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the stock to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until everything is tender. Add the peas to the pot just long enough to defrost them. Working in 2 batches, process the soup until your desired consistency - smooth or chunky. Season to taste with salt and pepper, a drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives.

Irish Tea Cake

1 cup white sugar

½ cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ cup milk

¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the sugar and butter together, beat in the eggs, and stir in the vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients alternately with milk, adding 1 to 2 Tbsp more milk if the batter is too stiff. Spread batter evenly into the prepared 9-in round pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let it cool for 20 to 30 minutes and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Irish Coffee

1 oz Irish cream liqueur

1 oz Irish whiskey

1 cup hot brewed coffee

1 Tbsp whipped cream

1 dash ground nutmeg

Combine Irish cream liqueur and Irish whiskey in a glass mug and pour in hot brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg. n

Pines, Pianos, & Chainsaws

by Tom Poland

Several years back I wrote a feature on Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for the Rolling Stones and former member of the Allman Brothers Band. Also, he is a preeminent forester and conservationist. PBS aired his series, “America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell.”

Chuck and I got to know each other and when he felt it was time to expand his 2004 memoir, Between Rock and a Home Place, he asked me to write it with him.

“Why me?”

“Because you’re good, a Southerner like me, and I trust you.”

“Good enough,” I said.

For some time I have been at work on his memoir, which in some ways and places is mine as well. Here, then, is a preview from a chapter titled “Pines.”

The Leavells live among pines and hardwoods. They call it Charlane, Char from Charles and lane from Rose Lane. Charlane Woodland sits squarely in the geographic heart of Georgia where pines aplenty reach for the sun. I grew up in eastern Georgia. We had our share of pines as well. As a boy, I sat on my parent’s screen porch and counted the pulpwood trucks rolling down the Augusta Highway. It was evidence of what some term the green monoculture, the spread of pines. Pulpwood’s reign as a cash crop had begun.

Those days put their mark on me. Like Chuck, I have my own love for trees and music. Through the pines some 200 yards distant my father’s tin chainsaw shop caught the sun. Behind it he tested repaired saws —fixed as we say—on pine logs. To this day the strangely beautiful whine of chainsaws and clean, turpentined smell of felled pines comfort me.

Pine is one of those words that works two shifts. It means an evergreen coniferous tree and it means to long for the return of something. Like childhood. I long for those green monoculture days when I was a boy and life was simple.

Early in life Dad cut pulpwood. He struggled mightily. We were poor but didn’t know it. Dad couldn’t afford to repair his saws. Instead he learned to repair them himself. That led to the shop where I worked as a boy and so did a marvelous man, Sam Turner. Earlier in life he sang in a duet with James Brown. Yes, that James Brown. Sam could sing and whistle as if yodeling. I have never heard anything like it since.

A black church, Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, sits a stone’s throw from Dad’s shop. Google it and you will see my father’s shop to the right, no longer tin thanks to another owner’s upgrade. Many Sundays I listened to the congregation’s music. Through the pines there came drums and guitars and a piano and clapping and foot stomping. I had never heard such glorious live music. I could not know it at the time but pines, chainsaws, and church music were preparing me for what lay ahead. Writing about a piano player who loves trees and music as I do.

Chuck considers himself a student of the environment, forestry, in particular, and, of course, the piano. Georgia’s native pines fall into three major groups: white pine, Southern yellow pine, and jack pine. Chuck knows these things and more. Forestry and music may seem far apart but with Chuck they’re not. Blazing music fills nights. Days are devoted to blazing trees. There are cords and chords, soft wood and hardwood, soft rock and hard rock, marking timber and marking time, and there’s pitch and pitch.

This book covers a lot of ground. There’s the Allman Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Capricorn Records, trees, bobwhite quail, and more. For me it is a pleasant trip down memory lane remembering things like the British Invasion, screaming saws, and pines ... lots of pines. Pianos and music. n

Chuck Leavell at his piano which he donated to Capricorn Records.

Lexington Life Magazine - March 2025