I believe October has un-officially been declared Pumpkin Month by American retailers. Every product comes in some type of pumpkin flavor or spice. Personally, I enjoy eating pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top and the smell of a pumpkin candle makes any room smell like warm, autumn wonderfulness.
The traditional carving of the family’s pumpkins started when I was a young boy. Back then we didn’t have fancy pumpkin sculpting tools available to modern-day jack-olantern artists. As a youngster, I successfully convinced mom and dad to allow me to use a very long, sharp knife to cut the top open. With the top opened, the messy job of scraping out the seeds and pulp is next, so that the inside of the pumpkin is clean and smooth for the candle. Next, I draw a face on the front and use a steak knife to stay within the lines I drew. Usually, I end up slicing a few teeth off, which end up making my jack-o-lantern look like a hockey player who took a few pucks to the face.
Finally, the crowning moment arrives when I light the candle and get to see my handy work under the flickering glow of the candlelight dancing inside the smiling pumpkin. Even though my age slowly creeps into my fifties, somehow lighting the pumpkin always brings me back to feeling like a 10 year-old boy.
Congratulations to all the nominees for the Best of Lexington 2026 competition. Please take the time to vote for your favorites online: lexingtonlife.com. Enjoy autumn and all the found memories from the past and the exciting future ones you are about to enjoy.
faithMATTERS
ROCKY PURVIS
Senior Pastor
Northside Baptist Church
It’s that time of year again - football season. All across the country, stadiums are filling, bands are playing their fight song, teams are suiting up, and fans are wearing their colors with pride. There’s something about the start of a new season that gets people excited. Every team starts with a clean slate. The mistakes of last season are gone, and every team starts at the same place, 0-0.
But what most fans don’t see is the price that’s already been paid before the first kickoff. For the players, their season started months earlier— with training, practice, conditioning, and preparation. Every sprint, every drill, every hour in the weight room, every moment watching film and reviewing plays was in preparation for their moments on the field.
Our Christian life is much the same. Paul often compared following Jesus to an athlete in training. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul said, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” Just as a football player can’t expect to succeed without discipline, neither can we expect to reach our full potential in Christ without commitment and discipline. Prayer, time in God’s Word, worship, and fellowship with other believers are like the practices that strengthen us for the “game days” of life—moments of testing, temptation, and trial.
Football also teaches us about teamwork. A quarterback can’t throw a touchdown without his linemen blocking, receivers running routes, and coaches calling the plays. Every position matters—even the ones that aren’t in the spotlight. In the same way, God calls us to be part of His team—the church. Each of us has a role to play in His Kingdom, and when we work together in unity, we see His mission move forward.
But there’s another lesson from football: sometimes you fumble. Sometimes you miss the tackle. But the game isn’t over after one mistake. The question is, will you stay down, or will you get back up and keep moving forward? Our walk with Christ is full of moments where we stumble. But God’s grace allows us to start fresh, to get back in the game, and to keep pressing on toward the ultimate prize—eternal life with Him. n
4347 Sunset Blvd.,Lexington, SC 29072
803-520-5660 • northsidebaptist.org
Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am
Life Groups: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am
CALENDAR OFevents
OCTOBER
Friday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5
Midlands Fall Plant and Flower Festival
SC State Farmers Market | 3483 Charleston Hwy. | West Columbia Shop seasonal plants, flowers, pumpkins, gourds, décor, and more. Wagons will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own due to the limited quantity.
Saturday, October 11
Garage Sale and Boston
Butt Sale
Pilgrim Lutheran Church 1430 N Lake Dr. | Lexington 7 am - 1 pm
Shop Pilgrim Lutheran Church’s annual garage sale and also pick up a Boston Butt. For more information visit wearepilgrim.net.
Thursday, October 16
Fall for Lexington Corley Mill House 217 Corley Mill Rd. | Lexington 6 – 9 pm
This event highlights the best of Lexington while raising funds for the Lexington Medical Center Foundation. Enjoy live music, local vendors, silent auction, and more.
Friday, October 17
One Enchanted Evening
SC State Museum | 301 Gervais St. Columbia | 6 – 10 pm
Enjoy a fairytale-inspired black-tie gala offering a unique opportunity to connect with state leaders, philanthropists, and museum supporters. For tickets visit scmuseum.org.
Saturday, October 18
Fall Festival
Hidden Creek Stables
1122 Rawl Rd. | Lexington 11 am – 4 pm
Enjoy a day full of farm fun, laughter, and memories. Inflatables, animals, Halloween hunt, hayrides, games, and more.
Thursday October 23
Witches Night Out
Main Street | Lexington | 6 – 9 pm
Grab your brooms and your best ghouls for a fun night of shopping and more. Visit lexsc.gov for more information.
Friday, October 24
Tokyo Joe’s 5th Annual Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser
Icehouse Amphitheatre 107 West Main St. | Lexington 6 pm
Join Tokyo Joe with their friends The Root Doctors and Prettier Than Matt. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for ticket information.
Saturday, October 25
12th Annual Go Leo Halloween Run
Saluda Shoals Park | 6071 St. Andrews Rd. | Columbia | 8:30 am This family-friendly fundraiser will consist of a 5K run through the park, along with a 1-mile fun run/walk/roll and Lionheart Dash. Postrace festivities include trick or treating, games, and more. Visit leospride.org for more information.
Saturday, October 25
Fall Craft Fair
Corpus Christi Catholic Church 2350 Augusta Hwy. | Lexington 9 am – 2 pm
30+ local artisan vendors will offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted and seasonal gift items. The proceeds will benefit the Knights of Columbus Council #11325.
Tuesday, October 28
Lexington Police Department Foundation
Fall Festival
Icehouse Amphitheatre
107 West Main St. | Lexington 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Come and enjoy games, rides, food, and music at this ticketed event benefitting the LPD Foundation. Visit lexsc.gov for more information. n
Caregiver’s Support Group
LEXINGTONleader
by Mary Ann Hutcheson
Elizabeth Ancone
Elizabeth Ancone, recognized as Lexington District One’s Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 academic year, initially aspired to a career as an occupational therapist specializing in children with disabilities. Her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina was in exercise science, with an emphasis in motor development. Ancone’s involvement in USC’s perceptual motor development lab for children with disabilities drew consistent positive feedback from students and parents and kindled a passion in her to pursue teaching. She earned her Master of Arts degree in teaching in special education from the College of Charleston in 2003 and began her career as a teacher.
Although Ancone is not practicing as a therapist, many of her current classroom practices still incorporate elements of occupational therapy, such as instruction in handwriting, adapting the classroom environment for accessibility, and accommodating the diverse needs of her students.
Having dedicated 22-1/2 years to teaching, Ancone has accumulated extensive experience across various educational levels. Prior to joining Lexington One, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students within the Saluda, Richland One, and Newberry school districts. At Deerfield Elementary School in Lexington, Ancone teaches self-contained special education students across the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades; her students remain in her classroom for a three-year period.
Ancone expresses deep admiration and respect for her classroom paraprofessionals, emphasizing their indispensable role. She states that without the support of a quality team, even the most innovative teaching ideas would be unfeasible to implement. The effectiveness of the classroom relies on the team’s collective effort, consistency, and shared understanding, which directly impacts student learning and development.
Ancone’s commitment to her students is described as inspirational, and she actively embraces challenges when students are deemed incapable of achieving certain tasks. She proves doubters wrong by demon-
strating her students’ capabilities and successes.
Known as “MacGyver” for her problem-solving skills, Ancone excels at finding solutions for obstacles. Her ultimate goal is to provide her students and their families with opportunities for a fulfilling life, enabling them to grow, achieve goals, join society, secure em ployment, or live independently in set tings like group homes.
Ancone identifies a significant challenge facing education today: the difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified teachers in classrooms. She offers advice to aspiring young teachers, suggesting options for engagement with students with disabilities, such as partic ipating in South Carolina’s Unified and Special Olympics programs or as student leaders or peer buddies. She strongly rec ommends that students interested in teach ing gain early exposure to the classroom en vironment. She promotes taking advantage of high school teacher cadet programs and actively seeking opportunities to spend time in classrooms, whether through volunteer work or valuable teacher education programs, to foster a realistic understanding of the teaching profession.
When she’s not teaching, Ancone enjoys traveling, gardening, spending time at the beach, and reading. She also practices yoga. She will compete at the state’s annual conference in November for the title of South Carolina Teacher of the Year. She is also a board member of the district’s charity arm, the LEAP Foundation. And she adds, “In a few short years, I’ll be reaching retirement age, which I guess will include more travel.”
In November, she celebrates 21 years of marriage to Kris. The couple has a 14-year-old daughter, Kaylee, a 20-year-old son, Kristopher, a dog named Cooper, and a cat named Buttons n
GAVIN J. SMITH
Building Business and Community
by Marilyn Thomas
“I always tell people that, while I’ve certainly worked very hard, my career has also been a series of very fortunate events, and I am very blessed,” said Smith, who serves on Lexington Town Council, leads Inspyre Group, and recently co-founded Brand Bros. That sense of gratitude—and a relentless work ethic—has guided him from childhood ventures to The White House, and ultimately back home to invest in Lexington’s future.
From a young age, Smith recognized and channeled the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit within. “I was absolutely fascinated by The Apprentice, the show that Donald Trump hosted,” he recalled. Third-grader Gavin, enamored with possibility, reached out to Trump, sending a letter and proposal directly to Trump Tower for his uncle’s company to provide signage for a project featured on the show. In response, he received some memorabilia and a prophetic reply from Trump, who stated that “he hoped one day, when I grew older, I’d consider bringing my entrepreneurial spirit to work for him.”
Soon thereafter, the youngster founded “Gavin’s Lawn Care,” with about a dozen yards to maintain, and later went on to work in the family business, Steve’s Deli, during high school and as a student at the University of South Carolina (USC).
But for most of his life, Smith, despite his business spirit, aspired instead to become a pediatric oncologist – ultimately hoping to work for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. These plans, however, changed shortly after he enrolled at Carolina and took on the challenge of organic chemistry, where he said it became abundantly clear that “medicine just wasn’t in the cards.”
Instead, Smith pivoted into the marketing and management degree programs,
where he said it was immediately clear he was right where he was meant to be. “I quickly fell in love with marketing, and I think that’s what drove me, ultimately, to start my own agency and to work with the clients I have the privilege of working with today,” Smith said.
It was at this same time that one of Smith’s friends invited him to volunteer on then-State Representative Nikki Haley’s gubernatorial campaign. What started as a simple opportunity quickly became a turning point. “I didn’t know what to expect at first, but I was immediately drawn to the energy of the campaign and the chance to be part of something bigger than myself,” Smith recalled. He went on to intern for the campaign, join the transition team after Haley’s victory, and later work in the Executive Office of the Governor.
Following about a year working for Haley, Smith was hired as the youngest paid staffer across any Presidential campaign during the 2012 Presidential campaign cycle, serving as a field director for Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and Speaker Newt Gingrich’s campaigns. Smith accomplished all this while still studying full-time as a student at USC and while also taking on the challenge of developing the Student Ambassadors Program for the Darla Moore School of Business.
Shortly before his senior year, Smith experienced what he now refers to as the turning point of his career. “I was walking out of Russell House in March of 2015 when I got a phone call saying Donald Trump was considering a presidential run,” he recalled. “His South Carolina staff wanted me to join the team.” At first, he thought it was a prank—but soon after, he became one of the first four people hired to launch Trump’s South Carolina campaign.
Smith worked on the South Carolina campaign for about a year, leading digital communications, field organization, and building a statewide college-age coalition to support Trump. After graduating, he took a
job with Trump on the national staff where he was responsible for media logistics for Trump, members of the Trump family, and the traveling press pool. Smith described the experience as “absolutely incredible –especially at only 23 years old.”
After Trump’s victory in 2016, Smith helped lead press logistics for several inaugural events before receiving a Presidential Appointment as press secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor. In that role, he advanced key Presidential priorities, including the Buy America, Hire America, and Apprenticeship USA initiatives. He was later appointed Deputy Communications Director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where one of the defining moments of his career came through helping launch a $100-million opioid-prevention campaign with the Ad Council and the Truth Initiative.
Nearly five years later—and after traveling to 48 states with President Trump and
the administration—Smith was ready for a new chapter. “I had served on the campaign and in the administration for nearly five years, and while I loved the opportunities I was given in Washington, D.C., there was always a part of me that missed home,” he said. “One morning, I decided it was time to return to South Carolina, harness the skills I had gained working for President Trump, and start my own company.”
Right away, he was met with success. In 2018, Smith returned home to Lexington and founded the Inspyre Group, a boutique marketing and public relations agency. His first client was Dominion Energy during its merger with SCANA—work he valued, but which quickly showed him where his true passion lay: helping small businesses. “I realized that my heart wasn’t in serving large corporations,” he explained. “It was in supporting small businesses, which I believe are the backbone of our community.”
Since then, the Inspyre Group has grown into a full-service firm, working with clients across industries on everything from media relations and ad campaigns to digital strategy and social media. “Our goal is simple: give businesses every tool they need to succeed in marketing and PR,” Smith said. As president, he credits both his professional experience and his talented team for the company’s success: “Inspyre Group wouldn’t be what it is without our team, and I’m lucky to have them.”
While building the agency, Smith also earned a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University and, in a full-circle moment, returned to USC’s Business School as a faculty member teaching Marketing Strategy and Planning. “One of the coolest things I get to do as a professor— and I know my students enjoy it—is bring-
ing in real-life examples from the clients I work with today,” he said. “It has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so grateful to the Dean and especially my department chair and friend, Kealy Carter, for entrusting me with the opportunity of teaching at my Alma Mater.”
That spirit of growth and innovation also extends to Smith’s businesses. Alongside his brother, he recently launched Brand Bros, a sister company specializing in branding and premium promotional products. At the same time, Inspyre Group is refreshing its own identity, positioning itself as a leading marketing agency in the Midlands. “It’s important to have fresh, professional branding that reflects who we are and where we’re headed,” he explained.
Through it all, Smith says one thing hasn’t changed: relationships come first. “Our clients will never be numbers to us or just ‘accounts,’” he said. “Their success is our success, and that personal connection is what sets us apart.” With a retention rate of nearly 90 percent, Inspyre
Group’s track record backs that up.
“The Inspyre Group has been a game changer for me,” said Attorney Amy Cofield, a thrilled client and friend of Smith’s. “I was hesitant at first to spend money on marketing, but the difference was almost immediate. I started gaining new business right away, and I still have people bringing up the Taylor Swift–inspired billboard they created—it even made Parade Magazine and went viral on TikTok! Simply put, since Gavin and Inspyre Group took over my marketing, my business has more than tripled, and I highly recommend them.”
That same commitment to helping small businesses thrive also shapes Smith’s work in public service. Elected in May 2023 during a special election, Smith is currently running for his first full term on Town Council and is up for election on November 4, 2025. In his short time on Council, Smith has already spearheaded founding the Town’s first Small Business Advisory Committee, supported more than $60 million in traffic improvement projects, supported responsible development, helped launch the Town’s Youth Ambassadors Program, and pushed for greater transparency through the launch of the Town’s new online transparency center.
For Smith, those initiatives are just the beginning. “Whether it’s supporting small businesses, mentoring students in the classroom, or serving on Town Council, I see it all as part of the same mission,” he said. “It’s about building relationships, solving problems, and leaving things better than I found them.”
And as he looks ahead—to the future of his business, his students, and his hometown—Smith remains focused on what has guided him from the start: a belief that hard work and genuine relationships can change lives and shape communities for the better.n
spotlight Southern Urogynecology Celebrating 15 Years with New Surgery Center
by Erin Bluvas
When Dr. Andrea Pezzella opened Southern Urogynecology in 2010 with just three staff members, she could never have imagined that 15 years later she would be leading a team of over 20 and celebrating the opening of a state-of-theart surgery center.
Her journey began after traveling from New England to observe how a fellow physician integrated a new procedure into his practice. “I realized there was a real need for urogynecology services in this region, and we made the move to South Carolina on a leap of faith,” recalled Dr. Pezzella, a double board-certified Urogynecologist (Obstetrics & Gynecology).
That leap transformed women’s health care in the Midlands. The Center for Incontinence and Female Pelvic Medicine—Southern Urogynecology’s flagship facility—quickly became a trusted destination for women seeking advanced, specialized care. The practice offers both
non-invasive and surgical treatments for urinary incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and other complex conditions that were once difficult to access in the Columbia metropolitan area.
But Dr. Pezzella’s mission extended beyond medical expertise. Southern Urogynecology was founded on a “For Women, By Women” philosophy. “From the moment you walk through the door, every space and interaction are designed with women in mind,” said Dr. Jessica Rueb, a double board-certified Urologist and Urogynecologist who joined the practice in 2023. “We’re always thinking about how to make women feel more comfortable, empowered, and cared for—both our patients and our all-women staff.”
Patients agree. “I cannot say enough about the exceptional care I received from Dr. Rueb and Dr. Pezzella,” one patient shared. “The entire staff was outstanding—kind, attentive, and supportive
throughout my experience.”
Unlike many women’s health centers that focus primarily on childbearing years, Southern Urogynecology specializes in serving women entering and beyond menopause. “Fifty is the new 30,” said Dr. Pezzella. “Our patients are active, vibrant, and want to feel their best. Our role is to help them maintain that freedom and confidence.”
Growth Beyond Expectations
The overwhelming demand for specialized women’s care led to rapid expansion. Just seven years after opening, Southern Urogynecology launched its Wellness and Aesthetics Division, offering hormone replacement therapy, sexual wellness treatments, microneedling, and laser procedures.
This blend of medical and aesthetic care wasn’t accidental. Patients had been asking for these services, and Dr. Pezzella recognized her team’s expertise could meet those needs while maintaining the same women-centered approach.
From the beginning, innovation has been at the heart of the practice. Traditional urogynecology often involved invasive surgeries with long recoveries and limited success. Today, though leaders like Drs. Pezzella and Rueb are shaping the future of the field, advancing minimally invasive techniques that improve outcomes and quality of life.
Their commitment to progress extends beyond patient care. Southern Urogynecology frequently hosts physicians, medical students, and residents who come to learn the latest robotic and reconstructive tech-
niques while also experiencing the clinic’s pioneering model of women-focused care.
A New Chapter: SU Surgical Associates
This dedication to innovation and patient comfort has earned the team multiple Centers of Excellence certifications and the trust of thousands of women each year. To meet growing demand, Drs. Pezzella and Rueb are opening SU Surgical Associates, a new stand-alone surgery center set to debut this fall.
Conveniently located next door to the main clinic, the new center is designed to deliver the same women-centered experience in a surgical setting. Patients will benefit from shorter anesthesia times, faster recovery, and a more comfortable environment—without compromising safety or quality of care.
“We often meet women who are just beginning to take care of themselves after years of caring for others,” said Dr. Rueb “Our goal is to provide a spectrum of treatments that restore confidence and quality of life. This new surgery center is another way we can continue doing that.”
After 15 years, Southern Urogynecology has not only transformed women’s health care in the Midlands but has also created a model of care that inspires providers nationwide. With the launch of SU Surgical Associates, Drs. Pezzella and Rueb are setting the stage for the next chapter—where innovation, compassion, and female-focused care remain at the heart of everything they do. n
JILL SMITH & ASSOCIATES COUNSELING
426 S Lake Drive, Lexington jsacounseling.com * 803-814-5559
MENTAL HEALTH CHECKUP
Picking Your Therapist
We make important health choices all the time. Choosing doctors, pharmacists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and surgeons. But picking a therapist? That can stop us in our tracks. For one thing, there are suddenly so many therapists to choose from. Therapy is now accepted as part of routine health care. Our colleges are graduating many new professionals. Once the licensing test is passed, new grads often begin in private practice. Two years of supervision are required, but this can be gained while being an independent therapist.
Also, the therapist/client relationship is such a personal one. Relationship drives the comfort, the feeling of being validated, and the healing. It’s normal to worry we will choose a therapist that we don’t vibe with. And if we don’t, the idea of starting over is cumbersome and expensive, both emotionally and financially.
Consider choosing a group practice for your therapy home. Here’s why. At a group like Jill Smith and Associates Counseling, we vet, supervise, support, and deeply know our therapists. They are not independent contractors; they are employees. This means they are held accountable to adhere to our company values, our core beliefs, our policies, and our procedures - all of which have been honed and tweaked over 23 years. We closely supervise their cases, and we talk through stuck places, review cases and consult daily. We provide in-house training and learn about up-to-date approaches and trends. Lastly, our leadership is here and we stay connected with all our clients. You are engaging with a company with deep roots and solid experience
Don’t do it alone. We are here, ready to work with you, and ready to answer any questions you have. n
Tee off with Disc Golf
by Betsey Guizor
This sport is booming in Lexington County. Several places to play have been built over the last 10 years. There’s a growing interest in getting out and having a leisurely time spent with friends.
And it’s not pickleball.
It’s disc golf, a sport that mimics golfing by using a Frisbee.
In disc golf, players aim to land their disc in metal baskets stationed across various terrains, combining the precision of the traditional game with the laid-back fun of tossing a disc through open fields or dense woods. What makes disc golf particularly appealing is its accessibility — anyone can play, regardless of age or athletic background, and courses are often free or low-cost to use.
Communities throughout Lexington County are embracing this pastime, with local clubs organizing casual rounds, tournaments, and even family-friendly league nights. For newcomers, most courses offer clear signage and beginner-friendly layouts, while seasoned players can challenge
themselves with tricky doglegs, narrow fairways, and unpredictable breezes.
The social aspect is just as important as the game itself; friends gather for friendly competition, laughter echoes through the trees, and it’s not uncommon to spot families with children learning to throw their first disc.
few with a water hazard, placed over rolling wooded hills and meandering creeks. It was created this year as part of Northside’s mission to connect with the community.
“It doesn’t take a lot of time just to go out and play with your friends or by yourself. It can grow from there.”
“It’s you against the course,” said professional player Alan Beaver of Chapin. “You can start out with one frisbee, or disc, as we call them. It doesn’t take a lot of time just to go out and play with your friends or by yourself. It can grow from there.”
Charlotte, NC, is considered an epicenter for disc golf in the Southeast, but Lexington County has several courses created near schools, churches, and other popular places.
The newest is Blessed Creeks at Northside Baptist Church with 18 holes, a
Northside Family Pastor Stephen McNeill said there are still some parts under construction, but both church members and the public have been using it.
“What’s beautiful about our property was the way it was sloped,” McNeill said, adding that trees, a creek, and trails through the woods made it ideal and just challenging enough.
The idea for the church-adjacent course came from member Gordon Moore, a disc golf player who had an idea to start a course behind the church grounds, McNeill said.
“The first time I walked the course with (Moore), it had rained for like, three days
in a row, and we were trapping through mud and all that. And I was like, ‘Gordon, I don’t know, this is going to be a challenge.’ And he said,’ No, Steven, we can do it.’ And man, here it is.”
Now he sees weekly games played out there. Beaver, who has been playing disc golf for 45 years, calls it the hardest course in Lexington County.
At Pisgah Park, 1350 Pisgah Road in Lexington, there are 18 holes in a mostly wooded area, with a walking trail along 20 acres behind Pisgah Church. It was established in 2020 and is considered one of the hardest courses in the area, with some challenging holds.
Beaver designed the course at Red Bank Elementary School in 2018. It is a course with a variety of holes, only open after school hours and closed at sunset.
Crooked Creek Park at 1098 Old Lexington Highway in Chapin is heavily wooded with 27 holes and has some holes accessible to those with limited mobility.
Grace Point Church, 11241 Broad River
Road in Irmo, is challenging with a heavily wooded area, built in 2024. It’s only closed on Sundays during church services.
Meadow Glen Middle School, 440 Ginny Lane in Lexington, has a nine-hole course created on the school campus used to introduce students to disc golf. Built in 2022, it is designed to be beginner friendly. It is closed during school hours.
Deerfield Elementary School, 638 Long Ponds Road in Lexington, has nine holes and is open daily after 3 pm and on weekends.
The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission operates Seven Oaks Disc Golf Course at 200 Leisure Lane at the intersection of St. Andrews and Piney Grove roads.
Saluda Shoals has 18 holes and was built in 2022 near Saluda Shoals Park near Bush River Road.
How to start disc golf
Beaver, who has been playing professionally for 45 years, says it’s easy to begin playing.
He suggests not using a regular Frisbee, which is too lightweight for throwing. He said a starter pack of three discs is all you need to begin. They consist of a driver, putter, and mid-range disc. One disc is all you need to begin, but the three give you a chance to figure out what’s best for each hole.
You can play alone or as part of a team. “You can just go out and play and laugh and have fun,” Weaver said.
Disc golf has tournaments in the fall, including one on October 4 at Blessed Creek, featuring both pro and amateur divisions.
Resources: Check udisc.com to find local courses; visit pdga.com for rules and additional information. Lexington Frisbee Golf has a group on Facebook. n
by Betsey Guzior
It’s the life cycle for him and his family at Clinton Sease Farm, a family farm that ramps up outdoor entertainment with an amazing maze, spooky events, and pump kin picking in autumn.
It’s part of the farm’s foray into agritourism, which supplies supplemental income for the Sease family, who have been creating memories for generations of kids and their families.
To be sure, the farm operates all year long, with cows, a donkey, a pig, and other animals. But the work is also year-round to prepare for the fall activities.
In 1940, Armand and Roselyn Sease purchased 20 acres near Olde Farm Road and started growing sweet potatoes and peas. They added Southern staples such as collard greens, mustard, and turnip greens. Green onions gave the family a year-round harvest.
Their son Clinton, along with his wife, Shirley, took over the farm in 1978, when Lexington County was just starting to grow into a suburban area.
The farm operated for years, but its transition started thanks to the enthusiasm of a bus of people with the American Farmers Direct Marketing Association (now called NAFDMA) who stopped by the farm’s produce shed wanting to see how a farm is run. They were on their way to a conference in Charlotte, and Clinton talked with them about agritourism.
An idea was planted in daughter Carrie: Why don’t you create a corn maze and
open the farm to visitors?
That led Clinton and his wife to learn more about agritourism and created the first maze in 2004, an African elephant. They have worked with a company to create the patterns for the maze and also came up with their own ideas.
Fall events last up to seven weeks, but preparation for it “takes a year,” Clinton Sease said, “because when we’re not open and going, we’re redoing, changing, repairing, whatever we have to do.”
Running until Nov. 2, the corn maze reflects the commitment of the family to the farm, usually employing a farm-related theme, this year, Barnyard Animals.
There’s also a pumpkin picking area, an education tour on pumpkins, wagon rides, a playground, and food trucks.
The farm also is a hit for influencers, who come with a photographer to have endless opportunities for social media.
Clinton Sease Farm also has expanded to fun other times of the year.
Early in September, the farm opens for its sunflower display. This year, the display was a little delayed because of crop issues,
In the spring, Sease Farm offers strawberry picking in an event designed for families. School groups are also invited to join in the spring fun.
The success of events depends on good weather, better planning, and a lot of help.
For more hours and pricing visit clintonseasefarm.com. n
The Citizens Academy
by Tenell Felder
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s (LCSD) Citizens Academy is gearing up for its fifty- eighth session – providing residents a unique opportunity to experience first-hand how the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department operates.
The eight-week immersive program has different sessions covering a variety of topics, ranging from crime scene investigation to firearm safety.
“Basically, it’s an opportunity for citizens to come to our agency to learn more about their sheriff’s department. It’s great knowing that we have a vested interest in our community,” LCSD Lieutenant and Community Action Team lead Lee Barrett said.
According to Lieutenant Barrett, the Citizens Academy aims to promote mutual understanding between the sheriff’s department and Lexington County citizens. By the time they graduate from the pro-
gram, academy participants will understand the intricacies and operations of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
The LCSD is a nationally accredited law-enforcement agency under the Commission on Accreditation for Law-Enforcement Agencies.
During the first session of the LCSD’s Citizens Academy, participants get an overview of the Sheriff’s department and are given a tour of the complex.
“On the first night, participants are introduced to one another and then the Sheriff introduces his command staff. We also introduce ourselves as the community action team,” Lieutenant Barrett shared.
The following topics are covered throughout the sessions: history of the sheriff’s department, gang and narcotics enforcement, blood spatter and crime scene, community services bureau, detention center operations, K-9 team, SWAT team, special operations, marine patrol and dive team, and domestic violence.
Each of the topics allows participants to get a close up, and at times a hands-on, look at police work. For example, the section on Crime Scene Investigation allows
Lexington County Sheriff, Jay Koon.
participants to process crime scenes. Participants also have the opportunity to meet the K-9 patrol team.
“You learn that what you’ve seen on television shows does not actually happen in one hour. The investigation process can actually take a couple of weeks or two to three months.”
Lieutenant Barrett noted that county councilmen, councilwomen, and business leaders have been through the program stating that it offers an opportunity for them to see the needs of the sheriff’s department.
“You build relationships with other citizens that you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet any other way. It offers the opportunity for people to get to know one another.”
The program is open to Lexington County residents or business owners.
“It’s a simple application. You have to be 18 years of age, have no criminal record, and be a resident of Lexington County or a business owner,” Lieutenant Barrett explained.
The academy concludes with a graduation ceremony where certificates of completion are distributed to participants.
“The eighth week is our graduation ceremony where the Sheriff presents participants with a certificate to thank them for taking the time out of their schedule to be part of the program.”
For more information on participating in the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Citizens Academy program, visit lexingtonscsheriff.com/citizens-academy. n
Best Accounting Firm
Deese & Company
Dooley & Company
Rish & Enzastiga
Best Aesthetic Practice
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
Lexington Roots Salon & Bridal
Vivid Aesthetics
Best Aesthetic Spa
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
Enhance Image Med Spa
SC My Care
Best Afterschool Program
Empire Gymnastics
Palmetto Athletic Center
Safari After School
Best Allergy/ENT Practice
Allergy Partners of the Midlands
CENTA ENT & Allergy
Palmetto ENT & Allergy
Best Ambulance Service
First Priority Medical Transport
For Life Medical Transport
MedTrust Medical Transport
Best Apartment Complex
Langley Pointe Apartments
Lullwater at Saluda Pointe
York Woods at Lake Murray
Best Art Classes
AR Workshop
Canvases with Candace
Lexington Paint & Pour
Best Assisted Living Facility
Oakleaf Village of Lexington
The Village at Southlake
Wellmore of Lexington
Best Attorney
Amy Cofield, Amy Cofield Law
Kirk Morgan, MSH
Rick Hall, The Rick Hall Law Firm
Best Attorney: Criminal Defense
Kinard Law Group
Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr.
Saluda Law
Best Attorney: Elder Law Firm
Amy Cofield Law
McCutchen McLean
Stratton & Reynolds
Best Attorney: Family Law Firm
Jewitte Dooley Law
Moore Bradley Myers
The Farley Law Firm
Best Attorney: Litigation Firm
Bland Richter
Morgan, Slaughter, & Hatliwanger
Salley Law Firm
Best Attorney: Personal Injury
Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr.
Lyle Law Firm
Salley Law Firm
Best Attorney: Probate/Estate
Amy Cofield Law
Clarke Law Firm
Lawyer Lisa
Best Attorney: Real Estate
Amy Cofield Law
Blair Cato Pickren Casterline
The Templeton Law Firm
Best Attorney: Workers Comp
Atkins Law Firm
Salley Law Firm
Smith & Jones Law
Best Auto Body Shop
CarStar Lexington Collision
Ellison Collision & Customs
Gilbert Paint & Body
Best Auto Performance Shop
CarStar Lexington Collision
North Lake Auto Repair
Rev Automotive
Best Auto Repair Shop: Domestic
North Lake Auto Repair
Old School Automotive & Tire
West Main Auto
Best Auto Repair Shop: Foreign
Christian Brothers Automotive
Das Autohaus
German Autowerks
Best Auto Service Dealership
Herndon Chevrolet
Jim Hudson Ford
Peter Boulware Toyota
Best Bank
First Citizens Bank
First Community Bank
First Reliance Bank
Best Bar with Live Music
Murphy’s Grill
O’Hara’s Public House
Savage Craft Ale Works
Best Barber Shop
Lexington Barber Shop
Rock Star Barber Shop
Southern Cuts Barber Shop
Best Bath/Kitchen Fixtures
Bath & Bronze
Gateway Supply Co.
Stroud Supply
Best BBQ
Hudson’s Smokehouse
Maurice’s Piggy Park
Willie Jewell’s Bar-B-Q
Best Breakfast
Creekside Restaurant
Eggs Up Grill
O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe
Best Burger
O’Hara’s Public House
Ramblin’ Mule
Rush’s
Best Car Wash
Mad Dog Mobile Detailing
Marty’s Car Wash
Take 5 Car Wash
Best Carpet Store
Door to Door Floors
Floor Boys
Floor Mart
Best Catering Company
El Jimador
Hudson’s Classic Catering
Maurice’s Event Catering
Best Charter School
American Leadership Academy
Gray Collegiate Academy
Odyssey Online Learning
Best Chiropractor
Bigbie Chiro/Carolina West Clinic
Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Old Mill Chiropractic
Best Coffee Shop
Krafty Koffee
Loveland Coffee
O’Hara’s Bakery Café
Best Coin or Collectible Dealer
Gilbert Coin
Golden Eagle
Palmetto Cards
Best Columbia Attraction
Edventure
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
SC State Museum
Best Commercial Contractor
Absolute Roofing Solutions
Carolina Gold Construction
Hill Construction Company
Best Concierge Medicine
Accel Health MUSC
Living Well Family Medicine
SC My Care
Best Consignment Shop
Ivy House Antique Mall
Lexington Antiques
Magnolia Resale
Best Counseling/Therapy
Clements Counseling & Consulting
Jill Smith & Associates
Moonbug Pediatric Therapy
Best CPA
Ann Lang, CPA
Deese & Company
Dooley & Company
Best Credit Union: Banking
Founders Credit Union
Palmetto Citizens
SC State Credit Union
Best Credit Union: Loans
Founders Credit Union
Palmetto Citizens
SC State Credit Union
Best Custom Home Builder
Epic Homes
Magnolia Custom Homes
Tytan Homes
Best Dance Company
Dance One Studio
South Carolina Dance Company
Stepping Out Dance Studio
Best Day Spa
Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics
Enhance Image Med Spa
Girl Find Your Glow
Best Daycare
Creative Beginnings
Learn 2 Grow
Pisgah CDM
Best Dentist: Adults
Sherry Powell Dentistry
Southern Shores Dental
Sunset Dental
Best Dentist: Cosmetic
Palmetto Dental Associates
Robinson Dental
Southern Shores Dental
Best Dentist: Kids
Midlands Pediatric Dentistry
Palmetto Smiles
Wild Smiles
Best Dermatologist
Columbia Dermatology
Columbia Skin Clinic
Palmetto Dermatology
Best Dessert
Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop
Crumbl Cookies
O’Hara’s Bakery Café
Best Discount Store
Costless Outlet
Dollar General
Five Below
Best Dog Friendly Rest./Bar
Goodfellas Grill & Bar
O’Hara’s Public House
Old Mill Brewpub
Best Dry Cleaner
Lexington Dry Cleaners
Tripp’s Fine Cleaners
Zebra Cleaners
Best Electrician
All In Electrical
Cassell Brothers
Starnes Electrical
Best Employee Benefits
Beckett Financial Group
Signum HR
Theresa Boynton, Aflac
Best Engineering Firm
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
Fantastic Fall Fun
With the cooler weather comes fun outdoor activities. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite activities for all ages.
2nd Wave Coffee
Pumpkin Patch September 20 –October 31 facebook.com/ 2ndWaveCoffee
The patch is not just a place to buy a pumpkin, it’s a family destination. A fun time for all with great coffee and an adjoining beer garden. There are tons of children’s activities and a beautiful outdoor space for perfect pictures.
Deceased Farm
382 Olde Farm Rd.
Lexington September 19 –November 1 deceasedfarm.com
Experience this self-guided haunt through 6 terrifying buildings, 3 intense outdoor areas, and creepy corn fields. Deceased Farm is an intense haunted attraction and is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Oktoberfest
Columbia 3005 Devine St
Columbia October 10 – 12
oktoberfestcolumbia.com
Incarnation Lutheran Church offers an authentic German experience with German beer, homemade German food, and entertainment for all ages.
The park has been fully transformed for a Halloween celebration to commemorate 25 years of fear. Terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, exhilarating live shows, and specialty food and drink. Not rec ommended for children under the age of 13.
Riverbanks Zoo Boo at the Zoo
500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia October 17 – 30 riverbanks.org
Put on your costume and join this popular Halloween spooktacular. Treat or treat through the zoo with all kinds of fun activities and treats along the way.
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park Fall Festival
219 Salem Lane, Salley Weekends in October eudorafarms.net
At this safari drivethrough, the fall festival will include pumpkin patch activities, a corn maze, games, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
Dark Castle Haunted Attractions
The Farm 1780 Pumpkin Patch 1127 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington September 22 –October 25 thefarm1780.com
Weekdays feature a U-pick pumpkin patch, U-pick fall flowers, and FARMstand Bar featuring craft beer and wine. Enjoy activities such as pumpkin putt-putt, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and a fall selfie station. Saturdays offer additional activities and food and vendor items for purchase.
Sara’s Farm Adventure
100 Greenhouse Rd. Trenton September 19 –November 16 sarasfarmadventure. com
Celebrate the season with unforgettable fall fun including Pumpkin Town, wagon rides, corn maze, petting zoo, hayrides, specialty fall treats and drinks, and so much more. Make memories and experience fall like never before.
Anti-Inflammatory Eating Everyday Food Choices for Better Health
by Jennifer McKenzie
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of health concerns, from heart disease to arthri tis and diabetes. Medication plays an import ant role in treatment, but diet can also make a significant difference. Anti-inflammatory eating focuses on everyday food choices that can reduce stress in your body, supporting your long-term health and well-being.
Understanding Inflammation and Food
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection, but if the inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause damage to tissues and organs. Certain types of food can fuel this process. If your diet is high in processed sugar, refined grains, and saturated fats, it might be contributing to increased inflammation. Thankfully, there are other foods that can actively help to reduce inflammation. Adjusting what goes onto your plate can be an effective way to support your body’s natural balance.
Foods that Fight Inflammation
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help to reduce inflammation. Leafy greens, berries, and crucifer ous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are especially beneficial. Other anti-inflammatory compounds include omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Olive oil is another valuable source of anti-inflam matory fats. Whole grains, beans, and nuts add fiber and nutrients that support healthy digestion, which in turn helps your system deliver anti-inflammatories to where they are needed.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Some foods have the opposite effect and should be avoided if you have issues with inflammation. Processed meats and fried foods are common triggers. Increased blood sugar levels can also lead to inflammation, so sugary snacks can be a problem, as can the refined carbohydrates in foods like white bread and pastries. Inflammation can be worsened by excessive alcohol or heavily processed foods. By gradually reducing these foods, you can adjust to healthier eating habits for the long term.
Practical Ways to Build an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Making lasting and beneficial changes does not require strict or complicated rules. Identify the highest-risk elements of your diet and find ways to reduce your intake. If you drink a lot of sugary soda, for example, switch to sugar-free alternatives. You could also try to remove some fizzy drinks altogether and swap them with wa-
ter or herbal teas. Similarly, a diet with a lot of white bread can be adjusted to include more wholegrain bread. Adding a small portion of vegetables to a meal is a quick and easy way to add fiber and antioxidants to your diet.
None of these modifications is a radical change to your diet. Gradual shifts are more sustainable. Cooking at home more often is a good way to reduce your reliance on processed foods. Planning meals with fresh ingredients helps turn meals into a source of healing. It may not be feasible to do this for every meal, but a small change can still make a big difference. You can add healthy flavor to your meals using spices like turmeric and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-inflammatory eating is about balance and consistency. By adding more fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains while cutting back on processed and sugary foods, it is possible to support your body’s defenses and reduce the risks associated with chronic inflammation. Small, everyday food choices are a simple but powerful tool for better long-term health. n
by Abigail Harris
Uplift Encouragement Group
Scheri Force and her husband, Al, a local barber in Lexington, South Carolina, relocated from Columbus, Ohio, over two decades ago. Their move marked a significant transition in their lives. However, years earlier, in the late 1990s, Scheri’s life changed when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She refused to allow the new diagnosis to control her or restrict her from doing the things she loved. She worked diligently each day to make sure her life was full of purpose. Her determination to live fully through her diagnosis inspired her to create something that would extend support to others struggling with chronic illnesses. She knew there was a need and realized she was uniquely qualified since she, too, was walking the path of a chronic illness herself.
In 2018, Force felt called to resign from her current job, where she had worked for many years, and start a nonprofit to help those in similar health situations as her own. From there, the Uplift Encouragement Group was born. The nonprofit organization dedicates itself to fostering relationships and building a support network for individuals navigating the challenges of living with chronic illnesses. The mission is simple, said Force, “provide support networks for people living with chronic illnesses/disabilities that educate, empower, empathize, and encourage. Uplift is a place to be understood and accepted, where we are the same because of our differences.”
Force’s commitment to the nonprofit exemplifies her desire to build a community where members feel accepted and valued, regardless of their diagnosis. “Through the efforts, advocacy, support, and contributions of this 501(c) group, not one person will be isolated, rejected, or neglected due
to a chronic illness or disability,” Force said. The Uplift Encouragement Group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6-8 pm in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Lexington, located at 415 Barr Road. There is no sign up so come as you are, when you are able. The Uplift Encouragement Group meetings host leaders and speakers from the area who cover a variety of topics, helping people manage their conditions and live their most fulfilling lives.
Force believes that education is power and the more that people learn about their conditions and the resources available to them, the better equipped they are to thrive. Her desire is that by bringing in speakers, their discussions will shine a light on issues that matter in regard to chronic illness. In addition to regular meetings, the Uplift Encouragement Group provides opportunities for members to engage socially through fun activities and participate in community projects tailored to those living with chronic illnesses. These events help grow and strengthen friendships and foster a sense of belonging for those who
often feel isolated by their conditions. “The goal for every Uplift member is to become a positive, valuable, and productive resource as we encourage others along our paths,” shared Force.
Despite the incredible work happening through Uplift, the nonprofit currently faces the challenge of spreading the word about who they are, their mission, and what they can offer to others. Force emphasized the need for more volunteers to help get Uplift’s mission shared through word of mouth and social media channels. Funding is also a top priority for the non-
profit, and she would like to find a grant writer who could help her with the process as Uplift begins to expand into new counties, including Charlotte and Asheville, in the upcoming year. Currently, Uplift has established chapters in Lexington, Greenville, and Charleston, South Carolina, with a new chapter in Raleigh, North Carolina, set to open soon.
Force is grateful for her husband’s support. He has been by her side throughout this whole journey and seen her grow in her leadership and continued determination. “He is my rock and partner with the Uplift Encouragement Group. We have been married for 31 years, and I can’t imagine going through all of this without him,” she reflected. Their relationship is a reminder of love and support in the face of adversity, echoing what Uplift stands for in its mission to bring people together to celebrate the differences that link them to each other.
If you, a loved one, or a friend face the challenge of a chronic illness or disability, the Uplift Encouragement Group invites you to join them and become a part of the community. For more information, visit upliftencouragement.com. n
Spook Up Your Space
by Matthew Hue
Whether you want your home to look playful and festive or eerie and haunted, homemade Halloween decorations can set the mood without draining your wallet. With a mix of creativity and a few common household items, you can transform any room, porch, or yard into a space that feels ready for trick-or-treaters and parties.
Pumpkin Magic Beyond Carving
Carved pumpkins are a Halloween staple, but there are many ways to decorate them without touching a knife. Try painting pumpkins with chalkboard paint and drawing spooky designs that can be changed each day. Metallic spray paint in gold, black, or silver gives pumpkins a modern, dramat-
ic look, especially when grouped together. For a whimsical effect, wrap pumpkins with gauze to create “mummy pumpkins” and add googly eyes for personality. These simple projects keep pumpkins fresher longer than carving while still making a big impact.
Windows and Mirrors with a Haunted Touch
Few things create a spooky mood like eerie windows. Cut silhouettes of bats, witches, or ghosts from black construction paper and tape them inside your windows. From the street, the glow of indoor lights will bring the shapes to life. If you want an even creepier effect indoors, smear a small amount of washable red paint across a mirror to create a “bloody handprint” look. Writing short phrases like “Help!” in soap or washable markers can give guests a quick fright before they laugh at the trick.
Lighting That Creates Atmosphere
Lighting is one of the simplest ways to transform a home for Halloween. Replace regular light bulbs with orange, purple, or green ones to cast an otherworldly glow. Mason jars filled with glow sticks or small LED candles can be lined along walkways for a safe, creative path. To make them extra eerie, paint the jars with black silhouettes before placing the lights inside. Indoors, string fairy lights behind thin black fabric to create a flickering, haunted effect.
Spiders, Webs, and Creepy Crawlers
Stretchy synthetic spider webbing is inexpensive and versatile. Pull it thin across doorways, porch rails, or furniture for a webby effect. For a homemade twist, use white yarn to create giant spider webs on walls or fences. Add plastic spiders for a finishing
touch or craft your own spiders using black pipe cleaners and pom-poms. Positioning a few oversized spiders near entryways makes a bigger statement and is sure to get a reaction from visitors.
Front Porch Displays
The porch is often the first thing trickor-treaters see, making it the perfect spot to show off homemade decorations. Stack hay bales or crates as a base, then add pumpkins, cornstalks, and lanterns for a welcoming yet eerie scene. Old sheets can be draped over chairs to create ghostly figures that sway in the wind. If you enjoy DIY projects, paint old tin cans with monster faces, poke holes in the sides, and place a candle or LED light inside for a homemade lantern effect.
Creepy Indoor Touches
Inside the house, little details can make all the difference. Fill glass jars with peeled grapes, gummy worms, or olive “eyeballs” for a gross-but-fun display. Place plastic rats, snakes, or bugs along shelves and tabletops for guests to stumble upon. For a low-cost centerpiece, gather bare tree branches, spray paint them black, and place them in a
vase. Add orange or purple ribbons, miniature bats, or dangling paper ghosts to tie it into the Halloween theme.
Using Everyday Items for DIY Decor
One of the best parts of homemade Halloween decorations is how often you can repurpose what you already own. Black garbage bags can be cut into strips and hung in doorways as a makeshift haunted curtain. Empty milk jugs become glowing ghost lanterns when painted with faces and filled with LED lights. Even toilet paper rolls can be turned into glowing “eyes” by cutting holes, inserting glow sticks, and tucking them into bushes. These projects cost little but add plenty of spooky charm.
Why Homemade Decor Works
Homemade Halloween decorations do more than save money. They bring creativity and personality to your home and often end up being more memorable than storebought pieces. Crafting decorations with kids, friends, or neighbors also turns the preparation itself into part of the fun. The result is a space that feels unique, inviting, and full of the playful spirit of Halloween.n
spice OF LIFE
Crisp Cobblers
Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ Tbsp baking powder
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup evaporated milk ½ cup butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup pecans, chopped
2 cups brown sugar
3 cups hot water
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 dish. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice and set it aside. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until well combined. In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and pecans and spread evenly over the top of the batter. Pour the boiling water evenly over the top and bake for 50 minutes or until the middle is set. Cool slightly before serving with additional pecans and optional vanilla ice cream.
6 cups apples, peeled & sliced
1 Tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp baking soda
½ cup milk
6 pears, peeled & sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup butter, cut into pieces
¼ cup milk
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare an 8x8 dish. Toss the pears with ½ cup sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg and pour into the baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until it is just combined to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving with optional vanilla ice cream.
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp cornstarch
½ cup rolled oats
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup butter, cubed
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 dish. Combine the apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch and toss until the apples are well coated. In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the baking dish and drop spoonfuls of the topping over the apples. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Cool slightly before serving with optional vanilla ice cream.
Pecan Cobbler
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pecans, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1 ½ cups boiling water
ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla until just combined and pour the mixture evenly into the pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, then brown sugar evenly over everything. Pour the boiling water over the top. Do not stir. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set in the middle. Cool slightly before serving with optional vanilla ice cream. n
Pear Cobbler
Apple Cobbler
The Gospel of Joe
I began really paying attention in church around nine years old. A new preacher talked of Moses and other characters like he grew up with them. He made the teachings from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John come alive.
It began one Sunday when the preacher told us, “God is no respecter of persons.” On the way home, I asked Daddy what that meant. Daddy looked at me in the rearview mirror. “What it means, son, is nobody’s better than you, and you’re no better than anyone. Every man puts his pants on one leg at a time just like you do.”
“His eye is on the sparrow” was made personal: “God has a plan for your life, son.”
Daddy illustrated the Good Samaritan story when he stopped the car to move a turtle out of the road. “Always help someone when you can, son. You never know when you might need help yourself.”
I “went riding” for the first time at 14 with my friend Steve who’d turned 16. Daddy let me go because he knew Steve’s parents. Before we left, Daddy shook my hand. “The Devil never sleeps, son. Remember the Lord has a plan for you.
Think about what you’re doing. Have fun. Be home at nine.”
Daddy shook my hand because he was sending me off into the wild for the first time. He knew he might not see me alive again. He also knew if we thought of getting into any trouble -- which we weren’t -that his comments would be sticking in my craw the whole time -- which they did.
When I was 18 and worried about something out of my control, Daddy told me to pray about it. I said, “I’ll be praying all the time!” Daddy said, “That’s not a bad thing, son. Jesus told us to pray without ceasing.”
He told me to pray for patience. Small but bothersome things began happening, but I indeed grew in patience. One day I calmly told Daddy of a dead battery or similar nuisance problem. Daddy said: “Son, did you pray for patience like I told you to?” I told him I had. “Well, son, you’re learning patience. Stop praying for patience and trust God.”
On my 40th birthday in May of 1999, I asked Daddy if he remembered the old preacher’s sermon called “Life Begins at 40.” Daddy said: “Yep, sure do. That’s
right now, ain’t it, son?”
He died the following October. We’ve all observed the old Scripture verses we’ve read for years reveal more meaning because we’ve grown.
As I’ve gotten further and further from Daddy’s physical presence, I’ve gained an increasingly deeper understanding of the simple things he said over the years. His small, wiry frame casts a steadily growing shadow.
Growing up I was blessed to have received the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
But I stand in grateful knowledge in the gray hair of today knowing the greatest blessing of all was The Gospel of Ol’ Joe. n
