Lexington County Holiday Guide
Curbside or Recycling Centers
Paper
Cardboard
Aluminum Cans
Plastic Bot tles & Jugs
ONLY Accepted at Recycling Centers
Used Cooking Oil/Grease
String Lights/Cookie Tins (Scrap
Metal)
Flocked, Plastic or Decorated
Trees (Yard Trash)
How to Compost Natural Trees
Remove all decor
Break down wood pieces so they are not greater than 4' in Length or 4" in Diameter. (If unable to get to this size, please bring to the Edmund Landfill Composting Facility.)
*NOTE-not all centers accept clean wood waste. See below for a list of locations .
Bring to any of these locations and place in clean WOOD WASTE .
1. Augusta Rd- 4765 Augusta Rd, Lexing ton
2. Ball Park Rd- 301 Ball Park Rd, Lexing ton
3. Bush River Rd- 6109 Bush River Rd, Columbia
4. Chapin- 103 Distant Lane, Chapin
5. Edmund Collection Center- 325 Landfill Lane, Lexing ton
6. Edmund Landfill- 498 Landfill Lane, Lexing ton
7. Sandhills- 3241 Charleston HW Y, Cayce
At the age of ten, I regarded Thanksgiving as an occasion that lacked excitement. There was always a bustle of activity in the kitchen, where Mom and Grandma would be extremely busy preparing the meal. Dad and Grandpa would be watching football, meanwhile my brother and I would be left to keep ourselves occupied as we waited for the turkey to be finished. I did not look forward to consuming a meal which consisted of cranberries, stuffing, sweet potatoes/ yams, broccoli, and dry, baked turkey. Yuck!
What a difference in perspective an additional fortyfour years of life can give a person. Older Todd would give younger Todd quite the spanking for disrespecting his mother’s turkey by calling it “dry.” Now, Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays. I have learned the magic of the deep-fried turkey and all the juicy deliciousness that comes with the tender meat and crispy, mouthwatering, crunchy skin. The “boring” time I “suffered” through as a kid is now a heartwarming time where I catch up with my own children, who are now out of the house, living their best lives. Time slows down over Thanksgiving and my wife Donna and I thoroughly enjoy the holiday break it provides within the increasingly hectic world we live in today.
How will you spend your time this Thanksgiving? Will you be hosting family at home? Will you be visiting family? Will you be serving others who may be less fortunate? Whatever you choose to do this Thanksgiving, I wish you and your family the best Thanksgiving filled with memories, for each generation, that last a lifetime.
Thanks for reading Lexington Life Magazine!
Todd Shevchik
DAN WILLIAMS
Senior Adult Pastor
Travel Light Through Life
Now that all of the major airlines are charging extra for checked luggage, many travelers are trying to learn how to get by with only carry-on bags. Traveling light is not always easy, but consider this: 1.8 million bags are lost by the airlines annually, and 880,000 are delayed, damaged, or pilfered each year. Picture the anxiety of those who turned their luggage over to strangers, only to have their bags lost and then wish they had traveled light. Traveling through life with extra baggage is also perilous and costly. Sometimes you can literally see the countenance of people weighed down by worry with a load of care or a burden that is sucking the life out of them.
One of the heaviest bags many people carry through life is unforgiveness. The Bible teaches a lot about the dilemma of our need for forgiveness and our unwillingness to forgive others. You can’t have it both ways. Jesus’ words are pretty clear on this: Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Have you ever prayed “The Lord’s Prayer”? In it there is the phrase, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” If there is a person that you just cannot forgive for something, you should not pray this prayer because you will be asking God not to forgive you in the same way that you are not forgiving that person who wronged you.
Don’t confuse forgiveness with pardon. You can always forgive, but you may not have the authority to pardon someone if their sin against you also has legal repercussions. Forgiveness is your choice. When you choose to forgive someone for a wrong against you or a loved one, it releases you from an emotional tie to that person that could lead you into bitterness. Holding a grudge is harmful; forgiving is healing. n
CALENDAR OFevents
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 7 - Saturday, November 8
6th Annual Mistletoe Market
Tom’s Den | 5062 Augusta Rd. | Lexington
Shop locally for food, fashion, beauty, and home goods. Over 30 vendors, a coffee truck, and a food truck to get your holiday shopping started. Visit mistletoemarketsc.com for more information.
Saturday, November 8
Annual Fall Bazaar and Garage Sale
Shiloh United Methodist Church | 1000 Spring Hill Rd.| Gilbert | 9 am – 2 pm
Crafts, bake sale, fresh produce, local vendors, and more. For more information email eaddym799@aol.com.
Friday, November 14
Mission Lexington Oyster Roast for a Reason
Icehouse Amphitheater | 107 W. Main St. | Lexington | 6 pm - 9 pm
Get ready for a shuckin’ good time and indulge in oysters, southern sides, live music, and a whole lot of fun. For tickets visit missionlexingtonsc.org.
Friday, November 14 - Saturday, November 15
Jingle Bell Bash
Wingard’s Market | 1403 N. Lake Dr. | Lexington
Kick off your holiday shopping with specials, raffles, and refreshments. For more information visit wingardsmarket.com.
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23
57th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show
Jamil Shrine Temple | 206 Jamil Rd. | Columbia
The family-friendly event will have jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver, and tools for sale. For more information visit cgms.rocks.
Saturday, November 22
Come to the Manger: A Celebration of the True Spirit of Christmas
Beulah Methodist Church | 161 Beulah Church Rd. | Gilbert | 10 am – 2 pm
Experience the wonder of Christ’s birth through a beautiful collection of nativity scenes. For more information visit beulahmethodistgilbert.org.
Tuesday, November 25
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Saluda Shoals Park | 6071 St. Andrews Rd. | Columbia | 6 pm – 8 pm
See the Holiday Lights on the River on this unique two-mile, nighttime family fun walk. Pre-registration is required. Visit icrc.net for more information.
Monday, December 1
Lexington Community Band Winter Concert
Lexington High School | 2463 Augusta Hwy. | Lexington | 7:30 pm
Free 2025 Holiday Concert with guests Rossano Galante and Anthony Maiello. Visit lexcommunityband.org for more information. n
LEXINGTONleader
by Tenell Felder
Jennifer Jeffcoat
Lexington County Department of Social Services County Director Jennifer Jeffcoat resides in Lexington with her husband Brent and sons Brady and Grayson.
“I love the people. Everybody is very friendly. It still has that hometown feel even though it’s grown by leaps and bounds,” said Jeffcoat, adding that much of her family’s free time revolves around their sports activities.
“My husband is the head coach for lacrosse over at White Knoll, where my boys play. We definitely keep busy.”
Jeffcoat began her path towards her career when she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Psychology and a minor in Social Work.
“I started out pursuing nursing because I really wanted to help people. My mom was a nurse, and that felt like it was a natural step, but as I started into my classes, I started taking social work classes and psychology classes,” said Jeffcoat.
“That spoke to me more because understanding and meeting people where they were really appealed to me. I wanted to understand people’s journeys and why they are who they are.”
Jeffcoat began her career in social work as an Eligibility Case Manager for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
She became a Child Welfare Case Manager and then supervised Intake Operations and Adult Advocacy for Lexington County.
“Originally, the counties would main-
tain their own intake process. So anytime the community would call in with reports of abuse or neglect, we would handle all of those calls. Sometimes individuals would call, and they weren’t necessarily making a report but really needed to connect with resources, and we would help to connect them with those resources.”
Jeffcoat said that helping people find the resources they need is one of the things she most enjoys about working with DSS.
“DSS is here to help support families and strengthen them. I’ve been able to see the fruit of our labor. We’ve seen a lot of successful families that came to us in crisis, and we were able to provide services to help them.”
Jeffcoat also acknowledges that it can be emotionally demanding working in social work, especially with seeing difficult cases.
“The work that we do is heavy and emotional, but there are always rewards, and that’s what keeps us going,” said Jeffcoat.
For those interested in following a career path in social services, Jeffcoat advises
building time management and organizational skills. She also stressed the importance of making sure that there is a passion to help others. “The Department of Social Services is always looking for good candidates for employment if you are interested in a career of the heart,” said Jeffcoat.
“It’s not easy work, but it is rewarding work. It certainly has to be in your heart to be called to this. We are advocates, whether it’s being able to advocate for a vulnerable adult or for a child. Our job is to help,” she shared. n
DayBreak
Adult Care Services
Holidays for the
by Marilyn Thomas photos by The Inspyre Group
There’s truly no place like home, especially during the holidays. Since 2001, DayBreak Adult Care Services has made it possible for seniors across the Midlands to remain where they feel most comfortable, surrounded by the people, traditions, and memories that make this season so special.
Founded by Coker Day, DayBreak provides compassionate, customized in-home care that helps aging adults maintain independence and dignity—so they can continue living life on their own terms, right where they belong.
“As the holidays approach, families want to be together,” said Day. “With DayBreak, you can be home for the holidays. Our goal is to help people stay at their desired level of independence as long as possible, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”
Growing up in Batesburg-Leesville, Day was surrounded by a family deeply rooted in healthcare. That early influence shaped his lifelong calling to serve others. After graduating from The Citadel’s School of Business, he began his career working with software for retirement communities. When
that position was eliminated, a friend suggested he consider starting an in-home care service in Lexington—a place where none yet existed.
In 2001, he took that advice and opened DayBreak in a small office on East Main Street. At the time, non-medical home care was virtually unheard of in South Carolina. “When I started, it was just me and five caregivers,” he recalled. “I went out and provided care myself, often on call 24 hours a day. We grew one client at a time, one caregiver at a time.”
Over the past two decades, that steady commitment has turned DayBreak into one of the Midlands’ most trusted names in senior care. Today, the company has more than 150 caregivers serving clients throughout the Midlands and Aiken from its main office on Library Hill Lane in Lexington. “Lexington is our home,” Day said. “This is where it all began, and we’ve always taken pride in being part of this community.”
That sense of family extends beyond the clients they serve—it’s at the core of everything DayBreak does. “We treat everyone like family—our clients and our caregivers,” Day said. “It’s not just something we say, it’s who we are.” Many staff members have been with the company for years, a testament to the caring culture that has become one of DayBreak’s hallmarks.
DayBreak’s mission is simple but powerful: to make life easier, safer, and more fulfilling for older adults while providing
peace of mind for their families. The team provides everything from companionship and meal preparation to bathing assistance, dressing assistance, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and 24-hour live-in care. Each care plan is thoughtfully tailored to the individual client’s needs, allowing families to find the right balance of independence and support.
“Our caregivers help with things like transportation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping,” Day explained. “But what really makes the difference is the personal connection they form with each client. They’re not just there to help, they’re there to listen, to laugh, and to make each day a little brighter.”
Those personal connections take on even greater meaning during the holidays. Requests for care often increase in November and December as families balance work, travel, and full social calendars. DayBreak caregivers step in to make sure their clients can enjoy the season in ways that are meaningful to them. Whether that means baking favorite Christmas cookies, shopping for gifts, or simply sitting together to watch classic holiday movies.
“During the holidays, our caregivers bring a sense of calm and comfort to families,” said Day. “It’s about helping people focus on what really matters—spending meaningful time together, knowing their loved one is in good hands.”
Caregivers often help clients prepare for gatherings, assist with decorating, or provide transportation to church services and family events. They can even help tidy up
the home before guests arrive or accompany clients to local holiday outings. For many families, that extra support makes the difference between feeling stressed and truly savoring the joy of the season.
The holidays also bring a unique opportunity for families to reconnect, and sometimes, to notice subtle changes in their loved ones’ health or routines. “It’s often during this time of year that families realize Mom or Dad might need a little extra help,” Day said. “Maybe they’re moving a little slower, forgetting small things, or struggling to keep up with daily tasks.
We’re here to provide that support whenever it’s needed—whether that’s a few hours a week or full-time care.”
Some families even choose to give the gift of care itself. “We’ve had people gift our services to their parents for Christmas,” he said. “It’s a thoughtful, meaningful way to show love and support.”
What sets DayBreak apart is its responsiveness and commitment to personal service. The team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with real people answering the phone—never an automated system. “When someone calls DayBreak, they’re speaking with a real person who cares,” Day emphasized. “We always have a supervisor on call after hours. We want people to know that help is just a phone call away.”
Every new client begins with a personal visit from one of DayBreak’s care coordinators, such as their social worker, Paulette Freeman. She meets directly with families to learn about their loved ones’ needs, an-
DayBreak Adult Care Service 123 Library Hill Lane, Suite A Lexington, SC 803-356-4451 • daybreakcare.com
swer questions, and guide them through each step of the process with warmth and compassion. Together, they create a care plan that feels comfortable, supportive, and completely personalized.
That personal approach has earned DayBreak a reputation built on trust and reliability. Many clients have remained with the company for years, and a significant number of new families come through word-of-mouth referrals. “People know they can rely on us,” Day said. “That’s something we take great pride in.”
As DayBreak prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, the company is planning a year of community partnerships and charitable giving. “We’re going to be doing some exciting things all year long,” Day shared. “We’ll be partnering with organizations like the Lexington Health Foundation and giving back to the community that’s supported us for so many years.”
Reflecting on the journey, Day is grateful for the thousands of families who’ve trusted DayBreak to care for their loved ones. “It’s been amazing to see how far we’ve come,” he said. “But what means the most is knowing that we’ve helped so many people stay where they belong—home.”
Because at the heart of every holiday memory, every shared meal, and every quiet moment, one truth remains: there’s no place like home, and with DayBreak Adult Care Services, home is exactly where you can stay. n
spotlight
by Tenell Felder
Caughman’s Meats
This November, Caughman’s Meats will celebrate 70 years of providing quality meat products to the Lexington area.
“We started out as a wholesale and processing plant in November 1955,” said Caughman’s Meats co-owner Alacia Quinton. The Meat ‘n Place opened in 1992 to serve the public.
Quinton’s parents Billy and Marguerite Caughman started the business in 1955. Of the Caughman’s children, Alacia and her brother Ronnie run daily operations for the business.
“We’ve gotten much, much bigger,” Quinton said about the growth of her parents’ business. “I’m sure our parents would be proud.”
Quinton noted how much Lexington has grown since her parents founded Caughman’s Meats.
“The first actual slaughterhouse was in downtown Lexington, but my daddy thought that it would be better to move it out of the town limit as a courtesy, so he moved it two and a half miles from the town limit at that time. Now the town limit has grown and comes up to our facility.”
In the span of its 70 years, Caughman’s Meats has expanded its products and services. Today, they offer fresh cuts of pork, beef, poultry, as well as smoked items, deli items, seafood, and cheeses. Hash, pudding,
and scrapple are also made fresh and sold. One of their most popular products is their onion sausage.
“We make our own sausage – anywhere from 10 to 15,000 pounds a week. Sausage is our big product all year round. It used to be more of a winter product, but now people grill it all year. It’s really popular for tailgating.”
Quinton believes that the success and longevity of her family’s business reflect customers’ desire for fresh cuts of meat.
“Things have gotten so commercialized now, there are not a lot of real meat cutters in grocery chains. But customers can walk into our meat market and get their meat freshly cut any way they would like. Grocery store meat is usually precut,” Quinton said.
“We take pride in our product. Our dad used to say we can sell our product the first time, but we depend on our product to sell itself the second time. We want people to know that we appreciate their business, and we hope to be able to serve them for a long time. Ronnie and I would also like to thank our employees, past and present, for their service and dedication. We are a great, big family at Caughman’s,” Quinton shared. n
by Betsey Guzior
Goldfish Swim School
At Goldfish Swim School, time in the pool is more than just about learning to swim.
With vibrant, tropical-inspired spaces and a playful approach rooted in safety, families discover a spot where fun floats to the top and every child is celebrated for diving into new skills.
The Lexington location opened earlier this year and is the second for South Carolina. For children from 4 months to 12 years, the school offers step-by-step instructions that build critical swimming skills like floating, paddling, and breath work. More than 600 students enrolled in programs when the school opened in February.
Tiffany Keyser is the regional manager for both the Lexington and Greenville locations. Keyser has a daughter who is an elite swimmer at the age of 13.
“I’m around a pool deck for fun and for work all the time,” she said.
Keyser’s background in early childhood education and recreation gave her the perfect combination to run both locations of the swim school, a franchise concept created by Jenny McCuiston and her husband Chris, who saw the need for a more playful approach to swim instructions with an emphasis on safety. They opened
their first swim school in 2006.
There are several reasons Goldfish Swim School has grown to more than 200 locations in North America.
The instruction is personalized — the goal is to have one certified instructor for every four students. The pool used is slightly smaller than a regulation pool, allowing small spaces for simultaneous instruction.
Students are not only learning swimming skills, but water safety, an important life skill in South Carolina, where rivers, lakes, and the ocean are a big part of life outdoors.
Learning to swim is an adventure, not a chore. Interiors are bright and colorful, almost tropical, with tiki huts hair dryer stations and individual family changing huts. “It’s an immersive experience for children and their families, where swimming is celebrated and the experience is top notch,” Keyser said.
And for parents and caretakers, the program offers flexibility to easily find a class that matches a family’s busy schedule, with makeup sessions available.
But more importantly, the school’s instructors spend time building confidence and teaching through fun and engaging swim lessons. The 90-degree pool and an emphasis on fun and socialization make Goldfish a choice for teaching little ones how to swim.
But why would you want to teach a 4-month-old baby to swim? “We feel passionate that they come in at the earliest age, so not only does the baby start to feel comfortable in the water, but the parent also learns to feel comfortable and can work on safety skills,” Keyser shared.
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children in the United States, according to the American Red Cross, and the No. 1 cause of death for children under the age of 5. And children younger than 1 are more likely to drown at home. Taking formal swim lessons can decrease that chance by 88%. “We talk about safety hazards around your house, even what to look for, such as run-off drains, leaving the baby pool, making sure you don’t leave toys in the backyard pool that are eye catching to children, that you’ve got to put those away,” Keyser said. n
South Carolina Military Museum
by Tyler Ryan
It comes as no surprise that South Carolina is a very pro-military state. In fact, according to WalletHub’s website, the Palmetto State ranks number one as a military-friendly state for several key reasons. With no taxes on military pensions, property tax exemptions, and employment practices, it is a clear choice when it comes to our men and women in uniform.
According to Colonel Saddler Taylor, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Military Museum, our connection to the military goes a lot deeper than great veterans’ programs. “South Carolina has a long history of service that was rooted in protecting the borders of the State, and of course, beyond,” said Colonel Taylor, who has also served in the South Carolina National Guard for twenty-eight years. “It is a legacy that carries forward when it comes to the sense of pride and service to the Community.”
“South Carolina was key in the success of the U.S. Revolution, and the State is
credited with turning the tide of the war,” he said. Although many people think more of the northeast when it comes to the Revolution, it turns out that, according to the Museum’s website, there were more battles and skirmishes fought in South Carolina than in any other start, with 30% of the war’s casualties happening here.
Colonel Taylor said that after getting smoked in New York State, the British looked to the Carolina Colonies, and places like Charleston, to make inroads. “It started out very positive for them, after taking Charleston, and of course, the Battle of Camden,” he said, continuing to say that
it was men like Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter, and Andrew Pickens who turned the tide for our victory.
An interesting point he makes is that although the Civil War started at Fort Sumter, most of the war was not fought in South Carolina.
The State has also played important roles in the Spanish War, and of course, both World Wars. Colonel Taylor points out that it was “Camp Jackson” that turned out thousands of troops during World War I, and of course, Lake Greenwood, Lake Murray, and several other places were training grounds for young flight crews learning how to fly the B-25 “Flying Fortresses” in World War II. Even the famed Tuskegee Airmen trained in Walterboro, he added.
It was for many historically significant reasons, from a military standpoint, and a passion for history, that in 1981, South Carolina National Guardsman Colonel Hugh McLaurin III secured a 900 square foot building and founded the South Carolina
National Guard Museum and State Weapons Collection in Sumter.
McLaurin operated the museum on a volunteer basis, in addition to his full-time duties with the Guard, and did so in Sumter until 1998. That was when the then Adjutant General, Stanhope Spears, wanted to give it more visibility and centrally locate it to the Guard Headquarters (The TAG), in Columbia. Over the next several years, the footprint of the renamed “South Carolina Military Museum” grew to a much larger facility, having taken over a maintenance shop designed to work on large wheeled military vehicles.
Fast forward another few years, and the museum had added another building, which brought it to about 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, collections, and even a classroom.
Colonel Taylor said that just about all of the artifacts come through private donations. This means that most of the things you will see at the museum aren’t just things from the past, but come with a specific story, something personal that belonged and was used by a parent, grandparent, or even son or daughter and all with a memory and meaning. “These are things that people are really connected to, so it is a very personal thing.”
The Colonel explained that because these aren’t just garage sale items, it allows the collection to not only represent a tool but also tell a specific story about a specific military member.
Colonel Taylor shared that the drive of his five-member paid staff also plays an important role. “They each bring their own professional expertise and perspective, and have a passion for ways to engage and tell the stories of the Community members who have served both State and Nation.”
The Colonel is proud of the ways they
can connect with the community, especially in the area of historical education programs aimed at schools. He said their programs are all tied to curriculum standards, to ensure that education time is not only enlightening, but also going to play a role in education. With the focus on the future by teaching the past, the museum does not charge K-12 schools to visit the facility, and will also go to a school if it is difficult for a school to come there, also free of charge. “Sometimes schools can’t come to us, whether it’s a money issue or scheduling issue, we make it not an issue.” He said they want to be a dynamic part of the Community, not just a place for people to go.
Although there is 20,000 square feet of footprint, the Museum is also always looking for ways to expand and provide more services, and something Colonel Taylor is looking forward to is a large exterior space, where kids can run around, families can enjoy, and programs can be facilitated.
The Museum is funded through various sources, including being a line-item on the operating budget of the Guard, but also a recipient of County funds, educational grants, and of course, private donations, which are accepted through a 501(c)3 Foundation, to ensure that monies that are donated go specifically to one of the missions of the Museum.
All-in-all, the South Carolina Military Museum is an amazing way to learn about history, but not only on the surface level. It is a place where you can gain an understanding and an appreciation for the many men and women who have contributed to Community and Country over 250 years. “It will take the rest of my life to scratch the surface of the number of South Carolinians who have served over the years, but that is what drives us,” Colonel Taylor said. n
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Mead & Hunt
Southern Steel Engineers
Timmerman Engineering
Best Esthetician
Gillian Pavan, Orion Skin Studio
Jodi Munkascy, Vivid Aesthetics
Zoe McDowell, Girl Find Your Glow
Best Event Venue
Corley Mill House & Gardens
Icehouse Amphitheatre
Southern Oaks
Best Exterminator
Modern Exterminating
Pest Management Systems
Rocket Pest
Best Family Entertainment
24 Hour Pickleball
Flight Deck Restaurant
Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo
Best Family Practice
Lake Murray Family
Lexington Family Practice
Pinner Clinic
Best Fence Company
Bring It Back Exterior Concierge
Kyzer Custom Fences
Palmetto Pros
Best Fine Dining
Cork & Cleaver
Ember Lexington Private Property
Best Fitness Center 24 Hour Pickleball
HOTWORX
Powerhouse Pilates
Best Florist
Lexington Florist
Storey’s Florist
Tim’s Touch
Best Furniture Store
Marty Rae’s of Lexington
Scott’s Furniture Company
Wood & Fabric
Best Garden Center
First Priority Garden Center
Seven Oaks Plant Shop
Wingard’s Market
Best Gastroenterologist
Carolina Colonoscopy Center
Columbia Gastroenterology
Consultants in Gastroenterology
Best Glass Store
Absolute Glass
Bingswanger Glass
Sheppard’s Glass Shop
Best Golf Course
Charwood Country Club
Country Club of Lexington
Golden Hills Golf & Country Club
Best Group Fitness Studio
Club Pilates Lexington
HOTWORX
ISI Elite Training
Best Gun & Ammunition Store
JCs Outdoors
McCoy Ace Hardware
Palmetto State Armory
Best Gym
ISI Elite Training
Planet Fitness
StrongHER
Best Hair Salon: Adults
Charlie Mack Salon
Palmetto Roots Salon
Raven Salon & Bridal
Best Hair Salon: Kids
Dye Hard Barber & Beauty
Lexington Barber Shop
Snip-its Haircuts for Kids
Best Hairstylist
Angie Williams, Palmetto Roots Salon
Raven Wright, Raven Salon & Bridal
Victoria Enell, Charlie Mack Salon
Best Handyman Service
Bring It Back Exterior Concierge
Dean & Done
Mr. Handy
Best Happy Hour
Barrio Taco
O’Hara’s Public House
Twisted Roots
Best Hardscaping/Lighting Services
Elite Lawn & Landscape
South Ground Supply Co.
Wonderly Lights
Best Healthy Eating Restaurant
Clean Eatz
Momma Rabbit’s
TakoSushi
Best Hearing Healthcare
Affordable Hearing
Lake Murray Hearing
Palmetto ENT & Allergy
Best Heart Doctor
Dr. Garrison Morgan, MUSC
Dr. J. Kevin Baugh, Prisma
Dr. Will Brabham, LMC
Best Heating & Air Company
All American Heating & Air
Cassell Brothers
Palmetto Air Conditioning
Best Home Accessories
Ivy House Antique Mall
M Gallery Interiors
Wood & Fabric
Best Home Builder
Blythe Custom Homes
Conquest Homes
Mungo Homes
Best Home Furnishings
La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings
Marty Rae’s of Lexington
Scott’s Furniture Company
Best Home Health
Assisting Hands Home Care
Hands & Hearts Home Care
Wellhaven Home Care Columbia
Best Hospice Care
Agape Care SC
Amedisys Home Health Care
Medical Services of America
Best Hospital System
Lexington Medical Center
Medical University of South Carolina
Prisma Health
Best Ice Cream Shop
Cold Stone Creamery
Lick’s Ice Cream
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Insurance Agent
Brent Herring, Herring Ins.
Chris Tidwell, The Tidwell Agency
Hal Girard, State Farm Ins.
Best Insurance: Auto
Farm Bureau Insurance
Herring Insurance Services
Misty Stathos State Farm
Best Insurance: Health
Brandon Hill, Beckett Financial
Jeff Howle, Health Markets Ins.
Misty Stathos, State Farm Ins.
Best Insurance: Home Owner’s
Hal Girard, State Farm Ins.
Laurie Griner, Allstate Ins.
Misty Stathos, State Farm Ins.
Best Insurance: Life
Brad Tyner Mutual of Omaha
Brandon Hill, Beckett Financial
Thrivent Financial, Lexington
Best Interior Design
DBT Interiors
Mason Alexander Interiors
Paige Butler Interior Styling
Best Internal Medicine
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
Carolina Internal Medicine
Mid Carolina Internal Medicine
Best Internet Service Provider
Carolina Connect
Comporium
Spectrum
Best Investment Firm
Beckett Financial Group
Blake Insurance & Financial Group
CMC Wealth Management
Best Jewelry Store
Barnes Jewelry
Traditions Fine Jewelers
The Chapman Company
Best Karate/Martial Arts Studio
Legacy Martial Arts
Lexington Jiu Jitsu
Vitali Family Karate
Best Kid Friendly Restaurant
Boho Pizza & Brew
Clara & Ray’s Ristorante Italiano
Flight Deck Restaurant
Best Landscaping Company
Elite Lawn & Landscape
First Priority Landscaping
Saluda Hill Landscapes
Best Landscaping Supply
First Priority Landscaping
Richbourg’s Landscape Supply
South Ground Supply Co.
Best Learning Center
Brain Balance of Lexington
Kumon Math & Reading Center
Mathnasium
Best Manufactured Housing Co.
Clayton Homes
Home Max
Lexington Discount Homes
Best Margarita
Barrio Tacos
Brothers & Beer
San Jose
Best Marina
Jakes Landing
Lake Murray Marina
Southshore Marina
Best Massage
FLOW Massage
Hand & Stone Massage
Soothing Sessions Massage
Best Mattress Store
Best Mattress
BoxDrop Mattress
Michaelis Mattress
Best Meat Store
Caughman’s Meats
Four Oaks Farm Country Store
Old Timey Meat Market
Best Medical Imaging
Advanced Diagnostics Inc.
LMC, Saluda Pointe
Palmetto Imaging
Best Medical Spa
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
Glo Skin Bar & Medical Spa
Lexington Aesthetics Medical Spa
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Big Oak Farms Boutique
Craig Reagin Clothiers
JCs Outdoors
Best Men’s Health Practice
Alpha Male Men’s Clinic
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
The Men’s Clinic
Best Microbrewery
Angry Fish Brewing Co.
Hazelwood Brewing Co.
The Dales Biergarten
Best Milkshake
Cookout
Freddy’s
Rush’s
Best Mobile Car Detailer
Beebe Luxury Auto Detai
Fenter’s Detail
Luxe Auto Detail
Best Mortgage Company
Chapman Mortgage
Guild Mortgage
Movement Mortgage
Best Mosquito Treatment
Jeffcoat Pest Control
Mosquito Joe of Lake Murray
Pest Management Systems
Best Moving Company
Gamecock Moving
Gentlemen Movers
Two Men & a Truck
Best Music School
Freeway Music
Lexington School of Music
Musician Supply
Best Ob/Gyn Practice
Carolina Women’s Physicians
Elite Gynecology
Lexington Women’s Care
Best Oil Change
Christian Brothers Automotive
Cox Tire
Rev Automotive
Best Ophthalmology Practice
Cardinal Vision
Columbia Eye Clinic
Palmetto Ophthalmology
Best Optometry Practice
Eye Associates of Lexington
My Pharmacy & Optical
Vision Therapy Institute
Best Organic Products
14 Carrot Whole Foods
Clean Juice
Garner’s Natural Life
Best Orthodontist
Davis Orthodontics
The Braces Place
Whitehead Orthodontics
Best Orthopedic Practice
Lexington Orthopaedics
Midlands Orthopaedics
Palmetto Bone & Joint
Best Outdoor Furniture
Carolina Pottery
Costless Outlet
Farmhouse Market & Antiques
Best Outdoor Equipment
A-Z Outdoor Equipment
Carolina Power Equipment
Sparrow & Kennedy
Best Painter
Cola Town Painting
Endless Possibilities
M&A Perfectionist Painters
Best Patio Dining
Nicky’s Pizzeria
O’Hara’s Public House
Old Mill Brew Pub
Best Patio/Sunroom Installers
Carolina Sunrooms
Elite Lawn & Landscape
Patio Enclosures
Best Pediatric Practice
Lexington Pediatric Practice
Palmetto Pediatrics
SouthernMED Pediatrics
Best Periodontist/Endodontist
Palmetto Endodontics
Southern Roots Periodontics
Sunset Periodontics
Best Pet Groomer
Bows & Bandanas
Paws & Relax Petcare
Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat
Best Pet Hospital
Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital
Grace Animal Hospital
Lake Murray Animal Hospital
Best Pet Kennel/Boarder
Paws & Relax Petcare
Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat
Whiskers & Paws Pet Resort
Best Pet Sitting
Gilbert’s All Paw’s Pet Sitting
Lexington Dog Walk
The Leash Connection
Best Pet Supply Store
Hollywood Feed
Horse Sense Tack & Feed
Lazy Creek Pet Food Center
Best Pharmacy
Medicine Mart Pharmacy
My Pharmacy & Optical
Riley’s Drugs
Best Photographer
A.E. Photography
Cynthia Pace Photography
Lola Dee Photography
Best Physical Therapy Practice
Forged Physical Therapy
Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center
Inshape Physical Therapy & Wellness
Best Pilates/Yoga Instruction
Pink Lotus
Stretch Zone
WRKT
Best Pizza
Bellis House of Pizza
Clara & Ray’s Ristorante Italiano
Libby’s of Lexington
Best Place for Date Night
Barrio Tacos
Bodhi Thai
George Robert’s Wine & Raw Bar
Best Place for Girl’s Night Out
Barrio Tacos
O’Hara’s Public House
TakoSushi
Best Place to Buy a Boat
Captain’s Choice Marine
Doss Marine
Marine 360
Best Place to Buy a Car: New
Herndon Chevrolet
Honda Cars of Columbia
Jim Hudson Ford
Best Place to Buy a Car: Used
Golden Motors
Jim Hudson Ford
Turnage Auto Care Center
Best Place to Buy a Pool
Cannonball Pool
Pete Alewine Pool & Spa
S&S Pools
Best Place to Buy an RV
Blue Compass RV
Brown’s RV Superstore
Camping World
Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses
Envision Family EyeCare
My Pharmacy & Optical
Vision Therapy Institute
Best Place to Buy Hardwood Floors
Floor Boys
Floor Mart West
Kirkland’s Flooring
Best Place to Buy Paint
e.d.’s Paint & Decorating
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Sherwin-Williams Paint Store
Best Place to Buy Propane
Barnes Oil & Propane
Palmetto Propane, Fuels, & Ice
Southern Flame Propane
Best Place to Buy Tires
Old School Automotive & Tire
Rev Auto
Roadrunner Tire & Repair
Best Place to Buy Windows
Central Glass
Pella Window & Doors
Stroud Supply
Best Place to Get Botox
Glo Skin Bar & Medical Spa
Lexington Aesthetics Medical Spa
Savvy Aesthetics
Best Place to Sell Gold
Gilbert Coin & Collectible
Jeweler’s Studio
The Chapman Company
Best Place to Work
Assisting Hands Home Care
Michelin Tires
Squeegee Clean
Best Plumbing Company
Delta Plumbing
Howell Plumbing
Smooth Waters Plumbing
Best Pressure Washing Co.
Not Your Average Joe’s
Spray Day
Squeegee Clean
Best Private School
Ben Lippen School
Hammond School
Northside Christian Academy
Best Produce
Four Oaks Farm Country Store
Senn Brothers
WP Rawl
Best Property Management
Company
Rogers Property Management
Scott Properties
Southern Dreams Realty
Best Real Estate Agency: Commercial
Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty
RE/MAX Purpose Driven
Trinity Partners
Best Real Estate Agency:
Residential
Century 21 803 Realty
RE/MAX Purpose Driven
Southern Dreams Realty
Best Real Estate Agent: Commercial
Angela Cash, Southern Visions
Ben Kelly, NAI Columbia
Scott Davis, Coldwell Banker
Best Real Estate Agent:
Residential
April Stroud, Century 21 803 Realty
Brent Downing, The Downing Group
Danielle Burke, RE/MAX Purpose Driven
Best Residential Contractor
BLB Homes
Bring It Back Exterior Concierge
Hidden Oaks Custom Homes
Best Ribs
Carolina Wings & Rib House
Hudson’s Smokehouse
Maurice’s Piggy Park
Best Roofing Company
Crosby Roofing
Heritage Roofing
Vista Roofing
Best Salad
Momma Rabbit’s
O’Hara’s Public House
Root Cellar
Best Sandwich Shop
Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop
Momma Rabbit’s
Sully’s Steamers
Best Seafood Restaurant
Catch Seafood
Catfish Johnny’s
George Robert’s Wine & Raw Bar
Best Self-Storage Facility
Covered Up Storage
Devon Self Storage
Gilbert Self Storage
Best Senior Home Care
Assisting Hands Home Care
Hands & Hearts Home Care
McLeod Home Care
Best Senior Living Community
Lake View Retirement Community
Still Hopes Episcopal
Wellmore of Lexington
Best Skilled Nursing Center
Lexington Extended Care
NHC HealthCare
Still Hopes Episcopal
Best Smoothie
Clean Juice
Smoothie King
Tropical Smoothie Café
Best Southern Cooking
Hudson’s Smokehouse
Lizard’s Thicket
The Farmhouse Grill
Best Steak
Mediterranean Café
Outback Steakhouse
Private Property
Best Sushi
Antai Asian Dining
Ganbei Japanese
TakoSushi
Best Sweet Tea
Groucho’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli
Rush’s
Best Tacos
Barrio Tacos
Brothers & Beer
El Jimador
Best Temp. Employment Service
Intersolutions
Roper Staffing
Snelling Staffing
Best Towing Service
Diligent Towing
Freedom Towing Wingard Towing
Best Tree Removal
Boozer’s Tree Service
Pioneer Tree Service
Sox & Freeman Tree Expert Co.
Best Unique Gift Shop
Blush Boutique & Home
Ivy House Antique Mall
Tenfold Collective
Best Urgent Care
LMC Urgent Care
Novant Health Urgent Care
Veritas Urgent Care
Best Veterinarian Practice
Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital
Grace Animal Hospital
Lakeside Veterinary
Best Wait Staff
Barrio Tacos
Libby’s of Lexington
TakoSushi
Best Wedding Venue
Heron Hill
Southern Oaks
Twelve Oaks Estates
Best Weight Loss Program
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
Collaborative Healthcare
Glo Skin Bar & Medical Spa
Best Wigs/Hair Pieces
Becky’s Place Boutique LMC
Merle Norman Chapin
Shimmery Hair & Beauty Bar
Best Window Tinting
Palmetto Pro Tint
Solar Solutions
Tint World
Best Wings
Carolina Wings & Rib House
Goodfellas Grill & Bar
Wings & Ale of Lexington
Best Women’s Clothing Store
The Kindred Boutique
Tulip Boutique
XYZ Boutique
Best Write In
Carolina Tan Factory
Flagship Signs
Hot Rod’s Upholstery
Thanksgiving Dinner?
Try These Etiquette Tips to Be a Great Thanksgiving Guest
by Max Christie
Being a great Thanksgiving host can be very hard work; however, being a great Thanksgiving guest can take effort, as well. It’s easy to believe that showing up with flowers and a bottle of wine is all you need to do to appear friendly and appreciative. Nevertheless, there’s more that may be called for. Keeping the following thoughts in mind could help you avoid mistakes and make gestures that feel meaningful to your host.
Whatever you do, think about whether you’re creating extra work
Bringing flowers can seem like a gesture that you can’t go wrong with. However, flowers make it necessary for the host to look for a vase and prepare it. A bottle of wine may be nice, except that it can burden the host with the task of arranging for an ice bucket or at least looking for extra space in an already crowded refrigerator. Bringing a dish of your own can seem thoughtful, but the host might need to make space in the oven for it. Bringing ice cubes can seem helpful, but the host would need to find room in their freezer. If you can bring your own vase, ice bucket, slow cooker, or cooler, it would require less work. Workfree contributions like gourmet crackers or a wheel of quality cheese could actually be the best kind of contribution. You could also ask the host what to bring ahead of time.
Come in prepared to help
There’s always too much for the host to do as they prepare Thanksgiving dinner, serve it, and clean up afterward. Help is always appreciated, even if it’s just circulating with a bottle and making sure everyone’s glass is topped up. However, it could be even better to arrive prepared to put yourself to work. This means bringing your own apron and not wearing an outfit that you would have to worry about while helping (an outfit with long, loose sleeves would be a bad idea, for example.) Additionally, you need to stay alert to make sure you don’t become more trouble than you’re worth while trying to help: for example, unless absolutely necessary, you wouldn’t want to get in everyone’s way in the kitchen while helping.
Bring your own containers for leftovers
Thanksgiving dinners usually end with more leftovers than the hosts know what to do with. Sending guests home with those leftovers is always an idea, but the host often doesn’t have enough containers to pack them in. Bringing your own set of easyto-carry containers could make things far easier for the host. However, you don’t want to make it appear to the host as if you are demanding leftovers or even that you would prefer specific items. You should simply mention that you’ve come equipped with containers should there be leftovers that the host wishes to get rid of.
Bring a stain remover
When there are lots of people gathered around the table handling food, there’s
Don’t say anything negative
You may feel that no Thanksgiving dinner is ever complete without a particular
Be Thankful
Finally, before you leave, make sure that you thank your host for a great
The Importance of Gutter Cleaning in the Fall
by Matthew Hue
When autumn arrives, trees put on a colorful show. But as those leaves begin to fall, they bring extra work for homeowners. One of the most important tasks of the season is cleaning gutters. While it may not be the most glamorous chore, keeping gutters clear of leaves and debris is essential to protecting your home from costly damage.
Why Gutters Matter
Gutters are designed to channel rainwater and melting snow safely away from your home’s roof, walls, and foundation. When gutters become clogged, water can overflow and pool in places where it doesn’t belong. Over time, this can cause roof leaks, basement flooding, and even structural issues. Clean gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage.
Fall Brings Extra Debris
Autumn is the season when gutters face the most stress. Falling leaves, pine needles, twigs, and seed pods quickly collect in troughs and downspouts. Add seasonal rainstorms, and you have the perfect recipe for blockages. Even if trees aren’t close to your home, wind can carry debris that ends up in your gutters. That’s why fall cleaning is especially critical; waiting until spring may be too late.
Risks of Neglecting Gutter Cleaning
Clogged gutters can cause a surprising range of problems:
• Roof damage: Standing water can seep under shingles, leading to leaks and rot.
• Foundation issues: Overflowing water often pools around the base of the house, eroding soil and stressing the foundation.
• Pest problems: Damp leaves make the perfect nesting spot for insects, rodents, and even birds.
• Landscape erosion: Water spilling over gutters can wash away mulch, plants, and soil, ruining landscaping efforts.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
Making gutter cleaning part of your fall routine offers peace of mind and long-term savings. Clear gutters:
• Extend the life of your roof and siding.
• Prevent basement flooding and mold growth.
• Protect walkways and driveways from water damage.
• Keep pests from nesting near your home.
• Reduce the risk of expensive repairs later on.
A couple of hours of maintenance can save thousands of dollars on home repairs.
Preventative Options
If you want to minimize seasonal buildup, consider installing gutter guards or screens. While no system is completely maintenance-free, guards reduce the amount of debris that enters gutters and make cleaning easier. Regular inspections, at least twice a year, in spring and fall will help you catch problems early.
Protecting Your Home Investment
Your home is likely your biggest investment, and gutter maintenance plays a surprisingly large role in protecting it. Water damage, foundation cracks, and pest infestations are far more expensive to fix than seasonal cleaning. By taking time in the fall to clear out leaves and debris, you safeguard your roof, walls, basement, and landscaping.
A Small Task with Big Rewards
It’s easy to overlook gutters until something goes wrong, but preventive care pays off. Fall gutter cleaning is a small, manageable task that prevents major problems. Whether you tackle the job yourself or hire a professional, the effort ensures your home is ready to face the wet and icy months ahead. A clean gutter today means fewer headaches tomorrow, and a home that stays strong and secure through every season. n
spice OF LIFE
slow cooked & simple
Hawaiian Chicken
4 chicken thighs
2 cups pineapple, cut into 1” chunks
1 yellow onion, cut into 1″ chunks
3 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp soy sauce
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1″ chunks
Lightly brown the chicken and then add it to the slow cooker with the pineapple and onion. Mix the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. Add the cornstarch to a tablespoon of water, mix, and add to the slow cooker with the bell peppers and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Sausage, Spinach, & White Bean Soup
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 (12.8 oz) package sausage, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled & diced
2 celery ribs, diced
2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained & rinsed
½ tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken broth
salt and pepper
3 cups baby spinach
½ cup Parmesan, shaved
Lightly brown the sausage and then add it to the slow cooker with the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, beans, oregano, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir in the spinach until it is wilted and serve topped with Parmesan.
Honey Pork and Apples
1 (3-4 lb) pork loin
2 large apples, sliced
½ cup honey
2 Tbsp cinnamon
Slice slits in the pork loin and place 1-2 apple slices per slit. Layer the remaining apple slices in the bot-
tom of the slow cooker and drizzle with ½ of the honey. Place the pork on top of the apple slices and sprinkle cinnamon over everything. Put the remain ing apple slices on top, drizzle the remaining honey, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Gumbo
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1” pieces
1 lb sausage, cut into 1” pieces
1 lb shrimp
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 jalapeno pepper
3 ribs celery, diced
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
3 tsp garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp cajun seasoning
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 ⅓ cups rice, cooked
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, except for the shrimp and the rice. Cook on low for 6 – 7 hours, stirring occasionally. In the last hour of cooking, salt the shrimp lightly, and then add them to the slow cooker. In the last half hour of cooking, add the rice and stir.
Italian Chicken
2 lbs chicken breasts
½ lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 ¼ lb red potatoes, diced
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp onion powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
Place the chicken, green beans, and potatoes in the slow cooker. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, and gar lic cloves. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, green beans, and potatoes. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours. n
crossword
ACROSS
1.“M*A*S*H” wheels
5.Declines slightly
9.Nebraska tribe
14.Wheel rod
15.A Baldwin
16.“ Room,”Foster film
17.Florist’s vessel
18.Historic vessel
19.German painter Max
20.TURKEY: 2 wds.
23.Blushing
24.Sea nymphs of myth
28.Precinct
32.Pea jackets?
34. volente, God willing: Latin
35.Big shrimp
36.Garr or Polo
37.Not quite closed
38.TURKEY: 2 wds.
41.Lyricist Sammy
42.Noble Norwegian name
43.Reveals
44.Parisian season
45.“Damn Yankees’” Verdon
46.Claim
47.Philosopher Jean-Paul
49.Impress greatly
50.TURKEY: 2 wds.
57.Seeped
60.The Phantom’s coverup
61.State firmly
62.Misdeed
63.Make eyes at
64.Central part
65.On the run
66.Eager
67.Be well-informed
DOWN
1.Indonesian island
2.Physical, e.g.
3.Alternative
4.Squint (at)
5.11-Down, for one
6.Troy story
7.Sean of “IAm Sam”
8.Picket-line crosser
9.“Manon” and “Mignon”
10.Tuesday, in Tours
11.Broadway’s Reinking
12.“To Each — Own”
13.Pretense
21.Actor Jeremy
22.Nehru’s nation
25.Request solemnly
26.More costly
27.Most angry
28.Wide open
29.Publisher’s mistakes
30.Writer Willa
31.Castor, to Pollux
32.Butter , ice cream
33.“Carmina Burana” composer
36.Floor square
37.Word of sorrow
39.Pisa tourist site
40.“Hedda Gabler” author
45.Feeling of ill will
46.Stir from sleep
48.Many mall habitués
49.Bridal party path
51.One way to run
52.Wise one
53.Not have
54.Mary Kay rival
55.Notorious Roman
56.Teen sleuth Nancy
57.“Screech” bird
58.Pizarro’s pursuit
59.San Diego attraction
