Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day! I can’t believe you’ve been gone sixteen years already. Thanks for keeping an eye on us from above. My appreciation and love for you continues to grow as my seasons of life evolve and change. I wish there was an old touch-tone phone with a super long cord to heaven so that I could have one more conversation with you to say thank you and tell you I love you, one more time.
Your youngest grandson, Noah, is graduating high school and will attend the Citadel like your oldest grandson did. Your granddaughter reminds me so much of you in so many ways. Selfishly, I wish you were able to spend more time with them here on earth. God keeps your spirit and love in their souls daily. What a blessing!
Congratulations to all the mothers who make an invaluable difference in the world through their dedication and unwavering love for their families. I’m giving you a BIG virtual hug right now.
Thanks for reading Lexington Life Magazine. It’s been 21 years, and it still feels like yesterday when it all began. Take an opportunity to nominate your favorite businesses for the Best of Lexington 2026 competition. You can do this online at www.lexingtonlife.com. These businesses really appreciate your support. Shopping local helps keep Lexington vibrant in today’s economy.
Happy 18th Birthday Noah Millan Shevchik! I am very proud of the man you are becoming and will continue to develop into. I love you.
Happy Mother’s Day and God Bless! Todd Shevchik
CALENDAR OFevents MAY
Thursday, May 8 – Saturday, May 10
South Carolina Poultry Festival
101 Main St. | Leesville | various times
This free 3-day family event has something for everyone. Enjoy a parade, live music and entertainment, cooking contests, tractor and car shows as you browse food and craft vendors. For the schedule of events visit scpoultryfestival.com.
Saturday, May 10
The Grand Pour on Main Main St. | Lexington | 4 pm – 7 pm
Enjoy expertly curated wine samples poured by professional bartenders, all while savoring delicious hors d’oeuvres and the soulful sounds of the Reggie Sullivan Band. For tickets visit coladaily.com.
Friday, May 16
Jerry Seinfeld
The Township Auditorium 1703 Taylor St. | Columbia | 7 pm
America’s favorite comedian, author, and actor performs live. Don’t miss his hysterical new set. Visit thetownship.org for more information.
Saturday, May 16
The Best of Everything –Tribute to Tom Petty Icehouse Amphitheatre
107 West Main St. | Lexington | 6 pm
Join Tokyo Joe and members of The Root Doctors for an evening paying tribute to the great Tom Petty. Presented by O’Hara’s Public House and Floor Boys, the show will
feature the greatest hits of Tom’s long and illustrious career. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for ticket information.
This meal is crafted using farm-grown and farm-raised ingredients. Cocktail hour and table service wine to complement the meal is included. For more information and tickets visit thefarm1780.com.
Saturday, May 24
Spring Bluegrass Festival
Fiddler Branch Farm
232 Fiddler Branch Rd.
Lexington
12 pm – 8 pm
Presented by Martin’s Vintage Music Co. and featuring IBMA award winners Authentic Unlimited, Starlett Boswell, and more. All profits will be donated to Samaritan’s Purse to assist with US Disaster Relief. For more information visit martinsvintagemusic.com.
Friday, May 30
Lexington County Blowfish Opening Night
474 Ball Park Rd. Lexington | 6 pm
Join the Blowfish for their 2025 home opener against the Macon Bacon. Stick around for fireworks after the game. For tickets visit goblowfishbaseball.com.
Saturday, May 31 –
Sunday, June 1
Lake Murray Palooza Music Festival
Fat Frogs Marina 1701 Dreher Island Rd. | Chapin 11 am – 7 pm
This two-day festival will welcome all genres of music from Country, Southern Rock, Rock ‘n Roll, Reggae, and a DJ. Food options and beverages will be available. For tickets visit reggaetronicsc.com.
Thurman Callaway “Cale” Reynolds, Jr. Clarendon Hall Class of 2025
Attending The Citadel as a Cyber Security major in the fall
Cale is the grandson of Terry and Anne Reynolds
faithMATTERS
REV. JOEL BRANTNER
Senior Pastor Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church
“Is Faith Taxed Like Everything Else?
I’ve experienced a familiar kind of heartburn lately—not from food, but from finances. With tax season in full swing, the reality of self-employment as a pastor hits hard. In our household, we make quarterly self-employment tax payments, and let me tell you, when you’re the one writing those checks, it’s impossible not to feel it.
I think back to my first job at a grocery store. Back then, taxes were just numbers on a stub—something quietly taken out before I ever saw the money. But now? Now, I notice every cent. As the paperwork piles up each spring, I find myself bracing for the inevitable: tax season is rarely full of pleasant surprises.
That financial weight made me reflect on something deeper. I wonder—do some of us feel this way about faith? About God? Does our spiritual life sometimes feel like a burden, a bill always coming due? Maybe we feel like no matter how much we give—our time, our service, our devotion—it’s never quite enough. Like we’re always behind with God, never quite measuring up.
There is good news. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul offers a beautiful reminder for anyone feeling spiritually overdrawn: Ephesians 2:8–10
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
This passage flips the script. Faith isn’t something taxed. Salvation isn’t something we earn. Grace doesn’t come with a price tag or a payment plan. Jesus paid it all. And because of that, we are free—not to strive endlessly for approval, but to live fully in His love.
Imagine a world where taxes didn’t exist—no forms, no filings, no payments. While that dream might never come true on earth, in heaven, it already has. For those who have placed their faith in Christ, the debt has been canceled. The books are closed. The balance reads: Paid in Full.
So, take a breath. Let grace do what it was always meant to do— free you. No more heartburn. Just peace. n
Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church 5503 Sunset Boulevard Lexington, SC 29072
803.359.7770 • saxegotha.org
Livestream: youtube.com/user/SaxeGothaPres
Nominate your Favorite Local Businesses online at lexingtonlife.com or scan the QR code.
The top three nominees in each category will be listed on the 2026 Best of Lexington Life ballot in the Lexington Life Magazine. The nomination deadline is July 4th.
LEXINGTONleader
by Abigail Harris
Nate Gibson
Nate Gibson is a versatile individual deeply embedded in the Lexington community. His journey began in Covington, Ohio, where he graduated from Covington High School in 1999. He then pursued his passion for accounting and business, earning an undergraduate degree from Heidelberg University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. During this time, he also passed the CPA exam and started auditing local municipalities, school districts, and other governments for the State of Ohio Auditor’s Office.
Then he pivoted careers and transitioned into full-time ministry, serving as the executive pastor at Ginghamsburg Church. His leadership at Ginghamsburg Church concluded in 2016 when he and his family moved to South Carolina to assume a similar role at Mt. Horeb Church. After serving at Mt. Horeb from 20162019, Gibson felt called to plant a church in Irmo.
Gibson’s friend Nick Cunningham, whom he had served alongside in Ohio, moved to South Carolina to study at CIU and become an ordained pastor. They worked together to open Emmaus Church at the end of 2019. Gibson currently serves as the Director of Business Operations at the church.
While starting the church, Gibson needed a steady income to support his family. Wade McGuinn of McGuinn Homes was looking for a CFO. Gibson met McGuinn on the mission field in Haiti and again while doing disaster recovery work. He offered Gibson the position, was promoted to COO, and then again three years ago to CEO.
Gibson said, “I didn’t know a thing about the homebuilding industry when I started at McGuinn – that’s probably one of the most exciting things for me at work – I get to learn every day and bring a fresh perspective to the homebuilding veterans in the organization. My favorite part of my role is building a culture of meaning for
the employees, partners, customers, and other stakeholders of the organization.
We have
been fortunate to watch McGuinn Homes expand from building and selling around 225 homes per year in 2020 – to over 1,000 homes this year.”
When he is not working Gibson enjoys running, a sport he began when he ran competitively in college. He also likes to hike and ski with his children. He spends a lot of his time at Mission Lexington, where he has been a board member for seven years and the board chair for the last three years. “Honestly, this place has my heart,” he said. “I have been around and started a lot of nonprofits, and I have never been a part of one as dynamic and impactful as Mission Lexington.” n
Lexington and RocksStar Barbershops
Taking Care of Business
Business entrepreneur, K!M Lawson, has taken an everyday, American tradition—the local barbershop—and rocked it out! Because she’s all about caring for her customers, the barbershops offer easy-to-access, walk-in service; open doors seven days a week; and a full staff of experienced Barbers to provide exceptional men’s grooming.
Something to Talk About
“My biggest thing, and the reason I think our shops are successful, is customer service and of course, great haircuts,” said K!M. “We want to make everybody feel important, when you come through that door you’re recognized, you’re taken care of, it’s very important to us.”
They have been recognized as one of the Top Ten Barbershops in the state and have won Lexington Life’s Best Barbershop for nine consecutive years. They are very involved in the community. They donate to charities, such as St. Jude, and participate in St. Baldrick’s each year. They support local schools, sports teams, and local concerts when they can. You will see their Rockstars at many local events.
We Are the Champions
The experienced team of professionals are trained in the fine art of Barbering. When you step into their exceptionally clean facilities, you get the Rockstar treatment from start to finish. Another reason the shops are successful is the dedicated Barbers. They want to be there, and you can tell they enjoy their work and where they work. When you sit in a Rockstar’s chair, you know you found your Barbershop.
Where Have All the Good Times Gone
K!M, who has been a business owner in Lexington for more than three decades, claims her diligence and customer-centric attitude took root during her youth when she began working at the age of 15. “I’ve always been a hard worker,” she said, “and I put 100% into whatever I do.”
K!M channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into launching a delivery service, a precursor to today’s “DoorDash, Instacart kind of company,” she said. Then, she took a spin at the pizza business, which she had prior experience in. It was during those years that she first hired Amanda Brand. Although her pizza business thrived and grew to two locations, K!M wanted
to investigate other career opportunities. K!M learned the fine art of barbering and earned quite a following.
Soon thereafter, she learned about some barbershop owners who wanted to retire, so she bought their shop, the Bel Air Barbershop in Columbia. Although she kept the name, K!M breathed new life into the business when she remodeled its dated, smokestained interior.
She Works Hard for the Money
Being the sole, female owner of an allmale, traditional barbershop did not come without its share of challenges. “Being there for 45 years and being old school like they were,” K!M recalled, “you never saw a woman come in that shop. It was all men, and they had been cutting generations of hair there.”
“As a musician, looking the part is just as important as playing it –and Rockstar Barbershop keeps me stage-ready every time. K!m and her crew are absolute legends, bringing killer skills and rockstar energy to every cut. They don’t just style hair –they craft the look of a headliner!”
— Chris Pack Jr.
“The first day I took over,” K!M continued, “people started coming in the door, and they looked around and saw a woman behind the chair and they walked out. I struggled, but I stayed with it,” she said. “My reputation grew, and after a while, the shop got busy and they were like, ‘Well, this is the best haircut I’ve ever had.’”
Don’t Stop Believin’
Within two years, K!M sold that shop and set her sights on working in the Lexington area. She purchased a shop originally founded in the shopping center once anchored by K-mart. After growing that shop for many years, K!M began looking for a new site to relocate the shop when she learned the large chain would be closing.
“When the first Lowes Foods broke ground in Lexington, across from Lex ington High School, I was like, that’s it!” she said. “That changed my whole world, going to that shopping center. I was able to expand and grow more than I could have imagined.”
Lexington Barbershop
2440 Augusta Highway
Lexington 803-356-6060
lexingtonbarbershop.com
RocksStar Barbershop
2916 Emanuel Church Road
West Columbia 803-868-6060
“We want to make everybody feel important, when you come through that door you’re recognized, you’re taken care of, it’s very important to us.”
In 2017, the Lexington Barbershop opened in its new location, and the Rock ‘N’ Roll theme was born.
A few years later, in 2020 they opened a second location, in the Three Fountains area of West Columbia. They now have over 20 amazing Rockstar Barbers who excel in the Artistry of Barbering.
It’s Still Rock ‘N’ Roll to Me
“When you walk into my shops, I hope you like rock ‘n’ roll,” K!M said. “I grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the best genre of music.” The hand-picked décor includes some of my collection of guitars, records, CDs, and posters of famous musicians, and of course, rock music is playing in the background.”
“We are busy, and we’re open seven days a week,” she said. When other shops were closed on Sundays and Mondays, they started the trend of being open those days.
That’s What Friends Are For
In 2018, Amanda Brand, K!M’s former employee from the pizza days, entered her barbershop, and by the end of their “hair-apist” conversation, K!M had invited Amanda to join the Rocks Star team. After accepting the offer, “Amanda started from the bottom, earned her barber license, and soon worked her way to Vice President of Operations. “Today, she helps manage the entire business and is an Ambassador for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce,” K!M shared. “She runs the shops exactly the way I would. She has brought in her own knowledge and creativity to help build the shops to where they are today,” she said.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Will Never Die!
The Rockstar Barbers encourage you to check them out at either of their two locations.
K!M concluded, “Thank you, Lexington, for supporting LOCAL! ROCK ON!” n
Premier Learn-to-Swim Program opens in Lexington
The swim and water safety experts at the new Goldfish Swim School - Lexington share practical tips for families for National Water Safety Awareness Month
lessons can reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%.
Is your family ready for a safer summer in 2025? Water and swimming safety are topics that need to be at the forefront of families’ minds all year round. Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death for children ages one to four and the summer months (May-August) account for two-thirds of annual childhood drowning incidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children get started in regular, high-quality swim lessons starting by age one.
Tiffany Keyser, Regional Manager, and her team at the new Lexington location share key water safety tips for National Water Safety Awareness Month:
✱ Enroll in Swim Lessons: Studies find that consistent, high-quality swim
✱ Swap Out Floaties & Puddle Jumpers for U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets: Floaties and puddle jumpers give children a false sense of security in the water. They can easily come loose or deflate, and they teach children to float in a vertical position which is the opposite of how our bodies float.
✱ Seek out Bright Colored Swimwear: Choose swimsuits with bright colors. They will stand out in the water and make it easier to spot a swimmer needing help.
✱ Designate a Water Guardian: Designate an adult “Water Guardian” and change guardians every 30 minutes so he/she is alert and refreshed. Vigilance is key – no chatting, no checking your phone, no distractions.
Interested in a FREE Water Safety Presentation for your school, church, club
or community group? Contact Tiffany at tiffany.keyser@goldfishss.com to book a presentation.
W.A.T.E.R. Safety Day at Goldfish - Lexington is Saturday, 5/17. Enroll on Eventbrite for the FREE event.
Located in Lexington, Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction for children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a safe, fun, and family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes and a shiver-free 90-degree pool. Goldfish offers convenient scheduling options and families can easily book makeup classes when necessary. n
Maybe it is because it is just “Lake Life,” or maybe five days between an afternoon off is simply too long, but there is no mistake that for about fifteen mid-week afternoons every summer, Sandy Beach looks more like a Saturday afternoon than you would think a Wednesday would, with over one hundred boats beached, anchored, or just floating along on a lazy afternoon. “Wacky Wednesday” has become a “thing” over the last several years, and not only offers an often-needed work-week distraction but also helps raise money for a special organization that looks after foster children.
The whole thing was started by lifelong lake resident and founder of AquaFun Boat Rentals, Ken Jones, who just wanted a midweek break from life. “We got tired of the weekend hustle and bustle,” Jones said, pointing out that the enormous influx of people to the area can make Saturday and Sunday on the Lake not as alluring to people in his “age group,” referencing the fact that many people who stop by are retired or have a flexible schedule.
It initially was as simple as that - about eight years ago, Jones grabbed some hot dogs and hamburgers, threw a grill on his boat, and told a few friends he was going to go hang out for the afternoon. This simple intimate affair was the norm for the first year, people would float by, stop in, grab a hot dog, and head out with the promise to return the following week.
As the calendar reached May the following year, he decided to keep the tradition alive, with many of the same “regulars” stopping by to enjoy some fellowship. Jones was seeing a trend, however, and thought about how Wacky could become more than a break from life. He reached out to Carolina Wings owner Rob Schoolmeester and asked if he would sponsor the event with some food, which he agreed to do, and he started promoting it, and then what was ten or fifteen weekly visitors continued to grow exponentially.
having fun and servingothers
by Captain Tyler Ryan
By year three, other food sponsors like Jimmy John’s wanted to get in on the action, seeing a unique opportunity to promote their businesses, who would bring food, tents, koozies, and other giveaways to an attentive group of hungry boaters.
photos by DA Photography
“It was probably in the fourth year,” recalled Jones, that using Wacky as a vehicle to help raise money for a local charity made sense. He and his wife started a non-profit and partnered with Homeless No More, an organization that seeks to stabilize shelters and house vulnerable families. Jones started asking for small donations from people who stopped by for a snack or a game of corn-hole, and it added up. In fact, during that Wacky season, $10,000 was raised and donated to the organization.
Unfortunately, the pandemic had quite an impact on the world, including the orbit surrounding Wacky Wednesday. “As soon as I had the momentum rolling, COVID-19 hit and tore things down,” he said.
You might recall that although you could go out fishing, you couldn’t tie up to other boats or stop on an island, something that The Department of Natural Resources took seriously. Coming out of that lovely time, he decided to ramp things up a bit, having a DJ come to provide a soundtrack, and even had a certain weather-predicting television host to emcee, and like a field in Iowa, people came.
Jones has always had a passion for the lake, having been on Miss Murray his entire life, recalling that he would catch brim with his grandmother and fry them up together, and of course, there were the days tubing and boating with his dad. “Back then there wasn’t the same traffic, but it has always been a passion. The water, the lake life,” he said. He also works hard to keep the lake clean, being very involved with organizations like Keep the Midlands Beautiful. Over the last of couple years, Wacky Wednesday has grown from ten or so boats each week to a place now where it is not unusual to see one hundred or more boats, which if you do some fancy math, factoring three to four people per boat can mean several hundred people all living the “lake life.”
The group works closely with The DNR and other law enforcement to make sure that Wednesdays offer a safe, family-friendly environment. “DNR is right there,” he said, pointing out that their Marine Unit is literally steps away from the beach. As the weekly tradition continues to grow, so do opportunities to attract more people, and raise more money, through the use of promotion, activities, live performances, and even aircraft flyovers…really!
Last year, the Wacky Wednesday Foundation partnered with Nancy K. Perry
Children’s Shelter in Lexington. Founded fifty years ago by the Lexington County Delegation, the group home that caters to foster kids is a stand-alone non-profit that relies on donations to operate. Executive Director Ryan Taylor said that the shelter works hard to create a family environment for children who likely haven’t ever had one…or a safe one. “We eat together, do activities together, we teach them life skills,” he shared. He said that running a home with fourteen teenagers means tons of cereal and meat is devoured, as well as laundry, bedding, and all the other things that take the limited funds. Taylor said that about fifty percent of the funding is through grants, with the rest coming from the community.
So, when Ken reached out wanting to help raise money through Wacky, it was an easy yes. “We impacted his heart somehow,” he said. Taylor said that money raised through events like Wacky goes to the bottom operational line, buying food, clothes, and paying the power bill, but it also helps cover things like vacations and special events for the kids in the program.
Jones said that although it started with people who didn’t have to worry about the regular “workday,” people will often change their schedules so they can attend. “Get there early,” Jones said, “people start getting there around eleven, and it is safe to say space is limited. The 2025 Wacky Wednesday Season kicks off on May 7 at 11:00 am.
If you find yourself free on a Wednesday or fifteen of them this summer and want a fun safe afternoon on the water, all while helping children, hop on a boat - or find friends with a boat, and join the Wacky-ness! n
Health& WELLNESS
Medical Weight Loss Update
by Dr. Christopher Cooper, SC My Care
Weight loss medications (GLP-1 agonists) are not new, they have been on the market since 2005.
We have seen a surge in the use of GLP1s since the introduction of Ozempic/ Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro/Zepbound (Tirzepatide). They became popular when we started to see a notable amount of weight loss in diabetic patients taking these medications.
As these medications grew in popularity, the demand quickly rose and the brand-name patent-holding companies, such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, could not keep up with the supply. When a new drug comes to market, the manufacturers can hold the patent for 4 to 12 years or more depending on various factors. This is why generics are not typically available for some time when a new medication is introduced to the market.
pharmacies, and the FDA regarding the supply/ demand and use of the generic versions.
Whatdoesthismeanforus?
This means that we are continuing to provide generic medications for our patients until either the FDA stop dates or courtdecisionssettlethematter.Theycould be cut off relatively soon, or they could be delayed even longer based on the court’s decisions.
In my opinion, the court will rule in favor of Big Pharma, and soon we will not be able to obtain generic medication. I hope to be surprised but feel we must prepare for this outcome.
In this case, the demand quickly exceeded the manufacturers’ ability to keep up with the supply of the product. As a result, the FDA stepped in and allowed generic versions of the medicine to be available on the market for a period of time. Unfortunately for many people, the FDA has stepped back in and announced the time for generic medicine is over for Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. There is currently a series of ongoing legal battles between the drug manufacturing companies, professional organizations representing the compounding
Fortunately, for our private patients, we have been able to stock up on patient-specific generic Semaglutide and we will be able to continue providing high quality medication with our weight loss program for as long as supplies last and as we are legally able to do so.
At SC My Care, we are continuing to grow and expand our medical weight loss program. We will soon welcome renowned chef, Jonathan Cooper. He is currently working with us to create wonderful options for dishes, snacks, and desserts that are not only in line with our weight loss program guidelines but are extremely tasty.
Call us today for more information about the evolving landscape of medical weight loss and see how we can help you on your journey to better health. n
Mother’s Day Gift Mother’sIdeasDay
by Allison Wright
Mother’s Day is the best time to celebrate the moms (and mother figures) in our lives. It is an ideal time to thank them for all they do. If you have a special mother in your life, you should not only spend time with her but offer her a small gift to show your appreciation for all she does for you throughout the year. Here is a list of some gift ideas to celebrate the mother in your life.
Bath Gift Basket
You can personalize your gift by making a gift basket of relaxing bath favorites. Bath bombs, bubble baths, fancy soaps, or face masks can all make excellent additions to a bath gift basket. You can pair this basket with a bathtub tray for added convenience.
Car Detailing
While most people will think about their dad when it comes to cars, mothers love a clean car just as much as fathers do. You can choose to detail the car yourself if you are looking for a budget-friendly gift, or get it done professionally. Either way, your mother will be excited to get into a clean and fresh-smelling car.
Digital Photo Frame
Make sharing memories easy for everyone. You can send photos and videos directly to her and they will show up on her digital frame. She can even import all of her photos from Google, Facebook, and Instagram and have a running slideshow. This is an ideal gift
for moms who simply love photos.
Kitchen Gear
If your mother loves to cook, get her a new set of kitchen utensils along with new potholders and an apron. Not only will your mother enjoy this gift, but she may enjoy spending time with you if you choose to cook together.
Spa Day Gift Certificate
Nobody needs a spa day more than a mother with a busy routine. Whether she’s been talking about needing a massage or pedicure, tailor the spa treatment to her needs and give her the day off she deserves.
Perfume
Perfume is a great gift for mothers on their special day. Get her favorite brand of perfume or surprise her with something new.
Annual Pass to Local Spot
One of the best gifts you can get your mother is an annual pass to a local spot that she loves. It could be an art gallery, muse-
um, zoo, or garden. This gift is something that will keep giving all year long and allow her to remember you every time she goes.
Portable Charger
For the mom who forgets to charge her phone, this is a great gift idea. She will love how easy it is to charge her phone while she is on the go.
Flower Seeds
Instead of gifting a bouquet of flowers, you may want to give your mom some seeds. If your mom loves gardening, this is an ideal gift. You can spend time planting them together and enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer. Your mother will surely think of you when the flowers start to bloom.
Pajamas
Pamper your mom with a nice pair of pajamas. You can get her a comfortable and soft pair of pajamas bundled with a new pair of slippers.
Travel Accessories
Everyone needs their go-to bags for traveling. Think beyond just suitcases for clothes but for bags for makeup, jewelry, and shoes. Throw in travel water bottles, coolers, and totes for the mom on the go.
Every mother wants a gift that means something to her and reminds her of her family. These gifts will not only remind her of you every time she sees them but will also bring added joy on Mother’s Day. n
Backyard Beginnings to Lake Murray’s Favorite Wakeboarding Event
by Chesson Merritt
Weekend With The Pros returns this June
Twenty years ago, a summer tradition on Lake Murray started when a group of college students with a shared passion for watersports created a grassroots event that evolved into one of the biggest wakeboarding traditions in America. Together they set out to introduce people to the best of lake life and they ultimately built a community of watersports enthusiasts that gather together annually to celebrate wakeboarding.
The event, dubbed Weekend With The Pros, would never have come to be if it had not been for Chris Farr’s parents, Ed and June Farr, and the birthday gift they gave him when he turned 13. Instead of sending him to a wakeboarding school, they arranged for professional wakeboarder Johnathon McDonald to come to Lake Murray and give him private lessons. It was an experience that sparked Farr’s lifelong love of the sport.
Farr was hooked from the moment he saw McDonald land his first trick behind the boat, learning to wakeboard himself and going on to compete in competitions throughout high school and college.
While in school at the University of South Carolina, Farr and several of his friends decided to pool their resources and create the same experience that Farr had when he was younger and first fell in love with watersports. They decided upon a name for their group—South Carolina Rough Riders—and went to work putting together the very first Weekend With The Pros, inviting pro riders Gerry Nunn and Shaun Murray to come to Lake Murray and teach wakeboarding lessons. Their goal? To not only learn from a world-class riders, but to also show their friends who had not grown up on the water what it was all about. They set up in the backyard of Farr’s parents’ house and by the end of the weekend, everyone was all in and they began to set plans in motion to repeat the event again the following year.
Weekend With The Pros had been born and everyone who was there that weekend would tell you that they never imagined that their inaugural event would ever grow
to as big as it is today. Too popular to host in a backyard after the first few years, it moved to different spots around the lake before settling at Captain’s Choice Marine in Leesville.
Whether you’ve been shredding on the lake for years or you’re dipping your toes into the wakeboarding waters for the first time, Weekend With the Pros is an event for everyone and it’s easy to get involved with it. The lessons with the pro riders are tailored to each individual’s needs and skill level, aimed at improving confidence for beginners and fine-tuning skills for advanced riders. More interested in seeing the action rather than participating? Drive your boat right on over to Captain’s Choice Marine, drop your anchor, and raft up for the day— You’ll have front row seats to the Pro Wakeboard Show where you’ll catch all the incredible tricks and be able to get autographs from the pro riders after the show finishes.
The Pro Wakeboard Show is a family-friendly event, geared at highlighting all the fun that can be had on the lake. The reach of the event extends beyond the shores of Lake Murray, bringing in individuals and families from around South Carolina to the lake to enjoy.
The weekend’s most unique feature is the chance for riders to learn directly
Whether you’ve been shredding on the lake for years or you’re dipping your toes into the wakeboarding waters for the first time, Weekend With the Pros is an event for everyone
from top-tier professional wakeboarders who come to Lake Murray each year. Not only do participants receive lessons from the best in the sport, but they also get to ride behind the latest high-performance boats, courtesy of event sponsor Captain’s Choice Marine.
Weekend With The Pros has hosted such riders as Shaun Murray, a 4-time World Wakeboard Champion who has been wakeboarding for over 30 years; Bec Gange, a 2-time World Wakeboard Champion who currently rides for Hyperlite and Axis; and Massi Piffaretti, the first Italian World Wakeboard Champion and a sponsored RedBull athlete. Other notable riders that have participated in prior years include Dallas Friday, Chad Sharpe, Parker Swope, Josh Palma, and Steel Lafferty.
The one-on-one lessons give riders the
opportunity to talk with the coaches, show them their strengths and the areas they are looking to improve, and to receive direct feedback as they take sets behind the boat. Riders also get to hang out with the athletes that they look up to, as well as get autographs and take photos together.
Weekend With the Pros has always been about more than simply inviting a pro rider to come in and teach lessons to wakeboarding enthusiasts. It’s been about growing a community that loves to be out on the water and “passing the handle” on to the next generation of riders. Passing the handle is a beloved tradition throughout watersports—It’s a phrase to describe the act of introducing wakeboarding or wakesurfing to someone who has never tried it before. You’re physically handing them a handle connected to a rope that
connects them to the boat that will tow them around as they learn the sport.
The South Carolina Rough Riders have passed the handle to hundreds of riders over the years, but it’s always extra meaningful when one of the new riders to come into the fold is one of the founding members’ own children.
Farr and his wife Brynley’s three oldest children—W.H., Jack, and Christopher—have inherited their parents’ same love of watersports and have each taken up wakeboarding. They too participate in the weekend’s festivities between taking lessons themselves and wakeboarding in the kickoff of the Pro Wakeboard Show each year. It’s a family event that now spans multiple generations, something that the South Carolina Rough Riders are immensely proud to have achieved.
The longevity of the event is also something else that the group takes great pride in. According to the World Wakeboard Association, with the exception of the annual WWA Regionals and WWA Nationals, Weekend With The Pros is the world’s longest running annual wakeboard event. It all came from a thoughtful birthday gift plus the ingenuity of a group of college kids that were looking to have a fun weekend on the water some 20 years ago.
The 2025 edition of Weekend With the Pros will be held on June 6-7 on Lake Murray at Captain’s Choice Marine in Leesville, SC. Friday will feature full day lessons with pro riders from 8 am until 4 pm. Saturday begins with half day lessons from 8 am until 12 pm followed by a Pro Wakeboard Show at 2 pm that will feature pro rider Shaun Murray as well as local Lake Murray legends.
For the South Carolina Rough Riders, Weekend With The Pros isn’t just an event; it’s a tradition that brings together generations of wakeboarders and enthusiasts. Whether you’re learning to ride for the first time or catching a glimpse of pro riders in action, the weekend is all about community, sharing the love for the sport, and passing the handle to the next generation. Join them this June to experience the magic for yourself.
For more information on this year’s event as it becomes available, including the announcement of this year’s second pro rider and how to purchase wakeboarding lessons for yourself or as a gift, be sure to follow SC Rough Riders on Instagram (@ scroughriders) and on Facebook. n
What to Do If You Are Struggling with Your Mental Health
A lot of people struggle with their mental health at some point during their life. Many people are often embarrassed about it and there is no need to be. There are many different tips and resources available that can help if you are struggling. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and here are some options that can help people who are having difficulties with their mental health.
Talk to someone that you love or trust
Bottling up the negative feelings and worries you are having is never a good thing. It tends to lead to a continuous cycle of negativity that can be difficult to escape from. Keeping it all to yourself can make things seem far worse, so sharing the burden and getting things off your chest may be a benefit. Someone else that you love or trust may be able to see things from a different perspective. People can sometimes feel like they are a burden by offloading their worries onto others; it is a natural response but often unfounded in the end. Take some time for yourself
Whether it is just a few minutes or even a few days, taking some well-deserved time for yourself is extremely important. Things
by JA Hale
such as breathing exercises to center yourself and meditation to calm yourself down and clear a busy mind can be beneficial. Take the time to do the things that you love and indulge yourself in what you enjoy. Self-care can look like different things to different people. It could be something as simple as spending time with a pet or a loved one or just doing something that you enjoy. Attempting to take yourself away from the things that are bothering or worrying you is always a great first step to dealing with mental health struggles. Try and figure out why you are feeling this way
It can sometimes be extremely difficult to pinpoint exactly why you are struggling. Mental health is a complex thing, and the
causes and symptoms are often different for everyone. Writing down the things that you know are bothering you may help to bring some clarity and organization to these feelings. Try to think of some possible solutions to the problems if you can. It can be helpful to identify why you are feeling like this but don’t worry if you are not able to. Sometimes there is not a straightforward explanation; it can be extremely frustrating at times, but it is natural.
Make some lifestyle changes
Finding the energy and the will to make some simple changes can be extremely difficult, however, some easy little changes in life can be beneficial to mental health. One change that you could make is to try and eat healthier meals if you can. The old say-
ing ‘a healthy body, a healthy mind’ is often true. Eating well and having nice fresh food can aid in having a more positive mindset. Exercising more may also help. Try and incorporate a little more physical activity into your life. It can help to relieve some stress and work out some of the worries. Exercise releases positive endorphins which is a feelgood chemical in the brain. You could also try adding some routine to your life. Being in control of day-to-day life can help. Having a routine allows you to focus on what you should be doing rather than worrying about forgetting things that you need to do. Routine is important to bring some order into life when things may seem to be crazy all around you.
Seek help from a professional
This is often one of the most difficult things for someone to do. Seeking help from a doctor or a therapist can be beneficial when it comes to coping with mental health worries. Various treatments may be available to you if you feel that you may need them. Treatments may include medications that are targeted to treat specific mental health issues, cognitive therapy, referral to a therapist or a psychiatrist, and in severe cases inpatient treatment at a specialized
hospital. There are many different options to help if you are struggling with your mental health and many resources available to aid with any difficulties you may be having. Overall, there are many options to help with dealing with mental health struggles and these are just some of them. Finding out what works for any individual would be trial and error but ultimately worth it
in the end. The key thing to remember is that you are never alone and coping with these struggles is important. The Lexington County Community Health Center, which is an outpatient facility of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, is an excellent resource. If you or someone you know needs help, call (803) 996-1500 or visit their website lexingtonmhc.org. n
businessSPOTLIGHT
Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo
The zoo comes to you
by Abigail Harris
Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo, based in Gilbert, South Carolina, was established in March 2023 by Kelsey Odom. This locally owned petting zoo features a delightful blend of furry and scaly companions that bring joy to all who encounter them. With a growing family of 42 pets and counting, Odom has created an enchanting experience that connects people of all ages with animals in an unforgettable way.
Odom explained that she started the business to help share her love for animals with others. For her, animals have been a source of comfort and joy amidst her struggles with depression and anxiety. This led her to create a mobile experience that was accessible to everyone no matter their age or ability. Whether at daycares, retirement communities, churches, or birthday parties, Odom brings the magic of animals to the people. She offers them an opportunity to interact with these wonderful creatures up close and personal in a safe and inclusive environment.
Her philosophy centers on connecting people with animals, fostering community bonds, and creating lasting memories. Odom’s mission is to ensure everyone can meet and enjoy animals they have not seen before or only seen from a distance. For many children, this is the first time they will have such an up close and personal encounter. Odom has heard children exclaim “I’ve never seen a cow before!” and seeing them experience something new is the best part of her job. “This isn’t just my business–it’s my passion, and the animals are more than typical farm animals,”
Odom shared proudly. She continued, “I have made it my mission to give my animals love and a great home while creating a unique opportunity where people can interact, learn, and develop a deeper appreciation for them.”
The animals also love it. She makes sure the animals do not feel overwhelmed or act in any way that might cause discomfort. She said, “Each one of my animals has such cool, interesting, and individual personalities. It makes me happy to be able to share them with others.”
Odom’s biggest inspiration comes from her dad. She said, “My business would not be what it is today without my dad. He has helped me through the blood, sweat, and tears. He is so helpful, and everybody loves him because he is very personable, and I think this is keeping him young.”
Odom expressed her thanks to the community and everyone she has had the chance to meet so far. “I appreciate everyone who has supported me over the years, there are too many to name,” she said. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to hear a child say, ‘This is the best day of my life, nothing will ever top this birthday.’”
Check them out at odomsmobilepettingzoo.com. n
How to Master Sunrise and Sunset Photography
by Rachel Chapman
Everyone loves the flickering red and gold of a beautiful sunset photo when the setting sun’s colors transform the skies. It’s not only romantic but creates cherished memories of holidays and memorable moments. Sunrises and sunsets have different light than harsher midday conditions, so you can be creative. Here’s how to get some beautiful sunrise and sunset scenes.
Do your preparation
Sometimes, a sunrise or sunset scene will be spontaneous. However, you should prepare your photography session as much as possible. Research your location using online maps and try to visit in advance to check out potential viewpoints. You will probably be arriving or leaving in the dark, so it’s helpful to know where you are going
and be aware of potential hazards in the area. Check which direction is east for a sunrise and west for a sunset so you know where you’ll need to be to get the best shots.
Arrive early
Try to arrive an hour before sunrise or sunset. Coming early gives you time to set up and get a good position, especially in a popular location. Websites such as AccuWeather give you the precise time of sunrise or sunset in a place, which is helpful if you are overseas. AccuWeather also gives hour-by-hour forecasts to check weather conditions and prepare for a clear sky or cloudy conditions. Another excellent planning tool is Photo Ephemeris, which helps plan photography using natural light.
Take the correct equipment
Taking the right gear when photographing a sunset or sunrise is crucial. Pack a torch to give you some additional light. A wide-angled lens is helpful for landscape shots, whereas a zoom is ideal for capturing detail once the sun has risen. Smartphones are also great for capturing a sunrise or sunset, and most modern devices produce good-quality photos. A smartphone is lightweight and easy to use if you are heading somewhere hard to get to. A tripod is helpful for sunrise and sunset photography as it helps maintain a still and steady camera when the light conditions mean your shutter speed slows. Finally, filters are helpful for photographing sunsets. A Neutral Density Graduated filter has a dark area at the top and a lighter space at the bottom. By aiming at the darker section of the sky, the filter helps balance the light.
Make the most of silhouettes
Avoid taking generic sunrises and sunset pictures; instead, look for points of interest that make the composition more interesting. Boats, trees, castles, people, and mountains make interesting silhouettes as the light changes. At sunrise, you may get
mist, adding to the atmosphere. Look for movement if you are near water, as it adds more effects and depth to the photo. Adding a silhouette also adds a sense of place, especially if it is a recognizable feature such as a landmark or animal.
Manage the white light
The color temperature is important when shooting sunrises and sunsets. Light may appear white, but it is a bundle of differing wavelengths from blue to yellow and red on a spectrum. Varying light conditions have different color temperatures. At sunrise, there are more red wavelengths, changing through the day to become increasingly rich in red as the sun sets. Cameras have an in-built facility for adjusting to white light. Sometimes, this automatically filters out some wavelengths, so your sunrise or sunset picture appears paler than anticipated. By setting your white balance facility to the manual, you can capture some of the richer red colors as the light changes at sunset and at sunrise.
Shoot in RAW
When you are taking lots of photos of sunrises and sunsets, it’s essential to consider how the pictures will be processed.
Using the RAW facility allows you to edit the picture, perhaps focusing on an aspect of the photo without making the scene blurred with lack of pixelation.
Don’t stop at one shot
When you are photographing a sunrise or sunset, take several photos. If you have a smartphone and digital SLR, use both cameras for different effects. As the light changes, you’ll get more texture and features in a well-composed photo. And with photography, you’re continuously determining which image will be the most captivating, so you’ll be able to keep the best ones by taking lots. Don’t focus on one perfect shot; take several with the changing light and colors.
Be Careful
Be careful if you are shooting towards the sun, especially if you have an optical viewfinder. Direct sunlight can seriously damage your eyesight, so always protect yourself against damage from rays.
Finally, practice makes perfect, so take time to experiment with different scenes and shots to hone your photography skills and technique so you capture that perfect sunrise and sunset. n
Pilots N Paws flies high for rescued animals
by Betsey Guzior
ery as a pilot for
It was a mixed-breed dog heading for its forever home. Allison remembers he was nervous that his canine passenger would be shaken up by the noise of his airplane, but the dog got through the two-hour flight unscathed.
Allison, 69, still has a photo of the pooch, ready to end his journey from a shelter in Raleigh, North Carolina to Charleston, South Carolina just a few days before Christmas. The dog was a present for two boys there, from their mother, who had recently gone through a divorce.
“That was really cute, and he was a good boy,” Allison said of handing off the dog to the woman.
As a volunteer pilot, Allison has done four flights so far and hopes to do more once he fully retires.
Allison has been flying formally for five years, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being in the sky since his days in the Navy.
And he found a mission in Pilots N Paws, a national organization with a simple aim –
volunteer pilot.
About 70 percent of dogs entering shelters in the South are euthanized, but programs such as Pilots N Paws shipping them elsewhere raise their odds for adoption.
The organization was founded by Debi Boies, who was a retired nurse living in upstate South Carolina rescuing Dobermans from shelters and suspected dog fighting. She was trying to get a dog from Florida when a friend, John Wehrenberg, offered to pick it up and transport it via his plane. Shortly after, Boies and Wehrenberg began creating a network through website forums to match pilots with rescue groups.
“I knew nothing about aviation. He knew nothing about a rescue, but he informed me about how pilots work,” Boies said.
Now over 6,000 volunteer pilots fly more than 16,500 rescue animals each year. To date, Boies estimates that Pilots N Paws has flown more than 215,500 animals. In the South, pilots transport animals from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to places such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and other places in New England.
“My hope for the future is the day we are no longer needed.”
— Debi Boies
to connect dogs and cats to a brighter future through flights around the country.
Not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, pigs, and even reptiles have taken a ride thanks to a
Pilots such as Allison log onto a website forum and look through requests from rescue groups. Depending on the weather, availability, and the capacity of the aircraft, pilots then arrange for pickup and delivery.
Pilots N Paws supplies crates, collars, or leashes for the pilots, who are not paid for the service, but can write off expenses working for the 501(c)3 organization.
In the Southeast, some animals are
David Allison remembers his first deliv-
Pilots N Paws.
Pilots N Paws
flown from overcrowded shelters to ones in the Northeast that can accommodate them. Others are flown to their future homes, making it easier for a short flight instead of a long journey by car or van that often takes several days and volunteers.
The work is important and sometimes dangerous. Seuk Kim, a volunteer pilot for Pilots N Paws, crashed in November 2024 in rough weather just outside Albany, New York. Kim died of his injuries. One dog also died, but two others survived the crash.
In his honor, Seuk’s Army was formed to provide on-the-ground help with rescues and veterinary needs of animals.
Volunteer coordinator Sydney Galley of Greenville, whose husband, Jerry Stephens is a Pilots N Paws volunteer, is a frequent flier, bringing dogs and cats from places in North Carolina and Georgia to shelters in the Northeast.
While many of the dogs are mixed
breed, Galley said she’s seeing more that are part of a “doodle” mix, hastily bred but then discarded or found as a stray. She also remembers the rescue of two bloodhounds who were “skin and bones” and dumped in the woods. Now, the two are in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and their futures are bright.
Boies serves now as president of the organization. She sees her role as letting pilots be in charge so they can find the best opportunity.
Pilots N Paws hopes to reach out to a younger generation through its children’s book and programs, in the hope that they will push for better regulation and oversight of domesticated pets in the South.
And while the popularity of the organization has grown, Boies is longing for the day when there are no more flights to schedule.
“My hope for the future is the day we are no longer needed,” Boies said. n
About Pilots N Paws
Founded in 2008, the organization coordinates with 6,000 and dozens of rescue organizations nationwide to move dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals to new homes or no-kill shelters, increasing their odds of getting adopted. You can help the organization, pilotsnpaws.org, by donating or purchasing merchandise, or connecting with a rescue organization.
Keeping It Tidy
by Jessica Brown
Effective Habits for a Clean and Uncluttered Digital Space
Just like physical spaces, our digital world can become overwhelmingly cluttered without regular and intentional cleanup. From stuffed inboxes to messy PC folders overflowing with duplicate snaps of the kids, the dogs, and downloaded memes, digital clutter impacts both productivity and mental clarity. The good news is that with consistent habits and clear routines, you can maintain a clean digital environment that enhances your workflow, especially if you are a busy parent, professional, or business owner.
Start with these tips that hopefully will turn into full-fledged habits.
Schedule Weekly Email Purges
Your inbox isn’t a storage unit. Dedicate 20 minutes each Friday for email cleanup. Sort by sender or subject to quickly delete unnecessary messages. Create action-based folders like “To Reply,” “To Read,” and “To Archive.” Unsubscribe from newsletters you haven’t opened in three months. For important emails, either handle them now or move them to your task system. Consider using an email management tool like Mailchimp that can automate some of the process.
Implement the “Digital Touch-It-Once” Rule
Handle digital files only once. When downloading a file, immediately decide: delete if temporary, move to a designated folder if needed, or process it right away. Create a simple folder structure with categories like “Work,” “Personal,” “Finance,” and “Projects.” This prevents your downloads folder from becoming a digital junk drawer. The key is making quick decisions and sticking to your organization system.
Conduct Monthly Cloud Storage Audits
Review your cloud storage on the first of each month. Delete
duplicates, remove outdated versions, and consolidate similar files. Focus on photos and videos which take up the most space. If you are a parent, you probably have a lot of duplicate photos of your kids. Use tools to identify duplicate photos or unusable videos that you can delete in batches. Purge and curate regularly. Empty your cloud trash - these files still count toward your storage limit. Consider setting up automatic file sorting rules to maintain organization between audits.
Practice Regular App Assessment
Every quarter, review your installed apps. Remove those unused in the past three months especially duplicate apps or game apps that you use to waste time. For kept apps, clear caches, and temporary files. Check app permissions - many request unnecessary access that can slow down your device. Keep a list of essential apps and their purposes to make future assessments easier.
Maintain a Digital Asset Inventory
Keep a spreadsheet of important digital assets: subscriptions, cloud accounts, software licenses, and domain names. Streamline so that you only have one app for one purpose. Review quarterly to cancel unused services and handle renewals. This prevents you paying for forgotten services and helps track your digital footprint. Include renewal dates and costs to better manage your digital expenses.
As our lives become more digital, maintaining clean virtual spaces is as important as keeping tidy physical ones. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress toward a more organized digital environment. Start with these habits and enjoy the benefits of an uncluttered digital space for an intentional and efficient digital life. n
Perfect Pineapple
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 cup pineapple, cubed
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, grated salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup green onions, sliced
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Add the cubed chicken to a heated olive oil pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened. Add the cubed pineapple to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly and heat through. Serve the dish garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Hawaiian Quesadillas
1 Tbsp butter
8 flour tortillas
½ cup barbecue sauce
16 oz ham, diced
1 cup pineapple, diced
½ cup red onion, sliced
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
olive oil
Coat one side of each tortilla with a thin layer of butter. Lightly spread barbecue sauce on the other side. Layer ham, pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and cheese. Place a second tortilla on top, with the butter side up. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Place an assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. When the bottom starts to crisp and the cheese has melted, flip it over and crisp the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan, keep warm, and repeat the process to make the rest of the quesadillas.
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp chili oil
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups pineapple, diced
1 cup cucumber, diced ½ cup red onion, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Whisk together the honey, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, chili oil, and salt. Add pineapple, cucumber, onion, and cilantro; toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Stir, taste, and adjust seasonings, if needed.
Teriyaki
Pineapple Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into cubes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne
¼ tsp cumin powder
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
Marinate the shrimp in smoked paprika, cayenne, ground cumin, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes. Thread pineapple cubes and marinated shrimp alternatively on skewers. Generously rub teriyaki sauce over it. Grill on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through the process.
BBQ Pork Chops with Pineapple
6 boneless pork loin chops
salt and pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup pineapple juice
¼ cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried minced onion
1 cup pineapple tidbits
Season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Mix the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, sea salt, ginger, garlic powder, and minced onions until blended and set aside. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and pork chops, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer pork
chops to a platter, and cover with foil. Add sauce to the skillet and stir to release any brown bits from the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Add pork chops back to the skillet, and simmer in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in reserved pineapple before serving.
Pineapple Salsa
3 cups of pineapple, chopped
1 red pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
½ red onion, chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup lime juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
Add pineapple, both peppers, red onion, and cilantro to a bowl. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, and salt. Pour dressing over salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Hawaiian Chicken
1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups pineapple, cubed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp canola oil
1 Tbsp coconut palm sugar
1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp lime juice
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place chicken, pineap ple, peppers, and potatoes onto a prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with sesame oil and canola oil and then sprinkle with sugar and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat all ingredients. Bake for 15 minutes, stir, and return to the oven for an addi tional 10 minutes or until lightly browned and chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with coconut and drizzle with lime juice just before serving.
Mango Pineapple Smoothie
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 banana
1 cup coconut milk
½ cup orange juice
1 Tbsp honey (optional)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup Greek yogurt
ice cubes
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey if needed. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
1 cup whipped cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1 cup pineapple
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 (13½ oz) can full-fat coconut milk
Whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, pineapple purée, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat over low-medium and bring to a low simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until
¼ cup melted butter
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of a serving dish to form the crust. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream and crushed pineapple until evenly incorporated. Spread the cream mixture over the crust, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. n
Nailing Down A Mystery
by Tom Poland
Old doors rife with nails. Rows and rows of nails. Studs. Like handsome lads, all in a row. All in precise order. I’ve come across two such doors. Brenda N. Bancroft, historian and co-founder of the North Augusta History Park, has come across three. Each door is the same. Row after row of nails at precisely the same height in age-darkened boards. It’s a bit of a mystery. What’s their story?
I reached out to some folks who keep up with the old days and ways. One fellow conjectured, “I’ve seen these kinds of doors covered with tar paper and asphalt shingles that look like brick. I grew up in a house with this siding. Maybe the siding decayed and all that remains are the nails.”
Said a lady, “I saw on Mountain Men, a TV reality show, where nails were put in doors on the entrance way of houses to keep bears out.”
One reader told me she saw studded doors in Africa that keep elephants out. “It’s a cross-cultural thing.”
I researched this matter, hoping to hammer out an answer. One theory said nails were expensive back in the day, and rows of nails in your front door proved you were affluent. In other words, a way to show off. Having an outhouse with multiple seats provided a way to flaunt wealth too, but I find this nail theory to be unbelievable. When I read that nails were not expensive back in the day that theory fell apart.
The first time I came across this mystery was in Lincoln County, Georgia—an out building at the old Wright House site. Nails studded its door in fine fashion, same as other nail-studded doors. A stagecoach inn prior to 1840, more than a few strangers
came through there. I’d think anyone able to travel by stagecoach and afford an inn would not turn to crime.
Brenda N. Bancroft, backroad explorer, visited the Wright House. “The Wright House in Lincolnton has a detached structure with a nailed door. It was the kitchen. Near the Butler Historical marker in Saluda County, similar doors are on a two-story store. They are beautiful and I would consider them art now. The nails are placed perfectly in heart pine wood. They have worn well, and the person who nailed them would be very happy about the workmanship.”
Michael Bedenbaugh has helped preserve a lot of old structures. A former executive director of Preservation South Carolina proposes a theory that makes sense.
“Tom, these types of doors were usually created for places that had valuable goods stored, like a store. The wooden door filled with nails was an attempt to thwart, or at least slow down, any would-be robbers from cutting into the door. All the nails holding multiple layers of wood together also helped it hold up better to a large sledgehammer.”
I believe Michael nailed it.
The portals to our homes have long given rise to superstitions. Carrying a bride across the threshold of the new home is said to bring good luck. Back in the days of multi-nailed doors snagging the wedding dress was probably easy to do. A few careless husbands risked becoming “dead as a door nail.” That old superstition takes on ominous meaning here ... old doors studded with nails portend of a massacre, but keeping thieves and bears at bay and elephants afar seems to be what they did. Those mysterious nail doors? They do one other thing for sure. n
