Lexington Life Magazine - November 12' by Todd Shevchik

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 1

2 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 3

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

It’s time to start preparation for the annual Thanksgiving Day feast. In our house, there are two ways to prepare. The first is to pack our bags, because we’re going to eat somewhere else. There are no actual food preparation worries, just the hustle and bustle of travel prep: packing, getting the car ready, and figuring out what my best TV viewing location might be on someone else’s sofa. The preparation process is different for Option 2, when company comes to our house. Now we have to prepare the food and the table, fortify my TV viewing spot, and ready

sleeping accommodations for our guests. After quite a few years of being the travelers, we will be hosting Thanksgiving this year. Since I introduced deepfried turkey to my family, I have earned a certain level of culinary respect from both my immediate and extended family members. For some unknown reason, I am not satisfied with this respect and continually try to push the bar higher. Since the peanut oil is in the fryer, I will fry dinner and even lunch while our guests are visiting. Turkey, chickens, Cornish hens, and shrimp

will be meticulously prepared and injected with various secret marinades to ensure their delectable, mouthwatering juiciness. Rubs will be concocted with various seasonings to bring life to the succulent, crispy skins and the taste buds that will devour them. Fine china will be dug out of who knows where, and the silver will be polished. Thanksgiving will be served. Thanksgiving in Lexington—now that’s truly something to be thankful for. Best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful holiday season.

contents FEATURES

18 100 Issues of Lexington Life 40 The Write Stuff 44 The Thank You Project 52 The Language of Heaven’s Edge David Clark 54 Art in the Garden 60 2012 Holiday Events

COLUMNS 8 Chamber Chair Mike Flack 15 Speaking of Health Jennifer Wilson Publisher & Editor -In-Chief Todd Shevchik toddshevchik@gmail.com Sales Manager Anne Reynolds lexliferabon@yahoo.com Account Executive Annette Sudduth annettesudduth@gmail.com

EDITOR Allison Caldwell allison.caldwell@live.com Editorial Assistant Tiffanie Wise GRAPHIC DESIGN Jane Carter Staff Writer Kevin Oliver

16 Faith Matters Pastor Ken Jumper

DEPARTMENTS 4 5 6 7 36 48 58

From the Publisher Events Financial Strategies Greg David Lexington Leaders Randy Halfacre Best of Lexington Life Ballot Spice of Life Thanksgiving Recipes Faith in Action Lexington Presbyterian

Contributing Writers Allison Caldwell, David Clark, Ann Marie Hubbard, Kevin Oliver, Jackie Perrone, Charissa Sylvia, Marilyn Thomas, Julie Smith Turner Contributing Photographers Blink357 Photography, Allison Caldwell,Grant Digital Media, L.Z. Harrison, Jr. Website Designer Paul Tomlinson

Your Lexing

ton Life Staf Tiffanie andf: Annette, Allison, Anne

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 3

RE FRE PA E IR ON ES LIN TIM E AT ES

OF D E NE

? R I EPA

R N O I S I L L S O T C R CALL THE

E P EX

Y A D O T

7433 Broad River Road Irmo, South Carolina

ph: (803) 407-5288

5215 Sunset Boulevard Lexington, South Carolina

“Three Generations Of Commitment”

ph: (803) 957-4900

www.bakercollisionexpress.com

Paintless Dent Repairs / Auto Glass Replacement / Auto Detailing / Fleet Services / Enterprise Rental Cars www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com Wash & Vacuum / ACRB Registered Warranty / www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com Light Mechanical Work

4 || Free 5 LEXINGTON LEXINGTON LIFE || November November 2012 2012 Pick UpLIFE & Delivery / Complimentary

November November 2-18 Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. Village Square Theatre More than 80 young cast members star in this production based on the 2008 Broadway musical and the 1989 animated film. Four performances each weekend: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. $10 children, $12 adults. 359-1436 or VillageSquareTheatre.com.

sic car show, food and fun for the whole family! Proceeds benefit SC Synod’s Growing God’s Mission ministry.

November 3 19th Annual Moving for Meals March, Country Fair & Food Drive Shoppes at Flight Deck, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Proceeds from this two-mile fitness walk through beautiful downtown Lexington support Lexington County Meals on Wheels. The 9 a.m. walk ($20 registration includes a t-shirt) is followed by a Country Fair from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and a canned food drive from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. LCRAC. com or 356-5111.

November 10 Cooking Class & Farm to Fork Dinner Big Moon Farm in Leesville, 160 Holley Ferry Rd. Chef Chris Rawlings will lead an interactive cooking class before a multi-course, chef prepared meal featuring farm fresh meats and vegetables. $10 per person for the class (5:00 p.m.); $40 per person for dinner (6:30 p.m.). Limited space available; call 422-4718 to reserve a seat. BigMoonFarm.com.

November 4 Hope and Remembrance Service Saxe Gotha Presbyterian, 3-4 p.m. A service of comfort and hope for those grieving a loss of a loved one; those in attendance will be invited to light a candle in their memory. 359-7770.

November 10 Run Hard 5K Starts at Radius Church on Main Street, 8 a.m. About 500 boys (grades 2-5) will take part in this 5K through downtown Lexington as part of the Run Hard after school running club, currently operating in 10 elementary schools in Lexington County. Anyone in the Greater Lexington community is also invited to participate (or just come cheer them on), at no charge. Learn more at RunHard.org.

November 4 Lutherfest Zion Lutheran Church, 3-6 p.m. Live music, silent auction, craft show, clas-

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 9 LCRAC’s Free Movie in the Park Gibson Road Soccer Complex, 7 p.m. Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends for The Avengers (PG-13, 143 minutes). Food and drinks allowed, but no alcoholic beverages. 359-9961 ext. 227

November 11 All-American Concert featuring the Dick Goodwin Quintet Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 3:30 p.m. Join the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra and the Dick Goodwin Quintet for an afternoon of incredible music, including original scores to honor our Veterans. Free. (803) 400-3540. November 21 4th Annual C.O.P.S. Thanksgiving Eve Dinner FBC-Lex Fellowship Hall, 6-8 p.m. Hosted by the C.O.P.S. ministry of First Baptist of Lexington (415 Barr Road), this evening of food and fellowship is a gift to local law enforcement officers and their families, especially those who may have to work on Thanksgiving Day. Open to active or retired officers and immediate family members of all town, city, county or state agencies. Questions? Email copslifegroup@ gmail.com.

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 5

Greg David Founding Partner & Wealth Advisor

Return of the “marriage penalty”? Tax changes that were originally made to address a perceived “marriage penalty” expire at the end of 2012. If you’re married and file a joint return with your spouse, you’ll see the effect in the form of a reduced 2013 standard deduction amount, as well as in lower 2013 tax bracket thresholds in the tax rate tables (i.e., couples move into higher rate brackets at lower levels of income). This is one of many tax changes we are due to see in 2013. Overall, after December 31, 2012, we’re scheduled to go from six federal tax brackets (10, 15, 25, 28, 33, and 35%) to five (15, 28, 31%, 36, and 39.6%). The rates that apply to long-term capital gains and dividends will change as well. Currently, long-term capital gains are generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. And, if you’re in the 10% or 15% marginal income tax bracket, a special 0% rate generally applies. Starting in 2013, however, the maximum rate on long-term capital gains will generally increase to 20%, with a 10% rate applying to those in the lowest (15%) tax bracket (though slightly lower rates might apply to qualifying property held for five or more years). And while the current lower long-term capital gain rates now apply to qualifying dividends, starting in 2013, dividends will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Other provisions expiring at the end of the year: 2% payroll tax reduction. The recently extended 2% reduction in the Social Security portion of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll tax expires at the end of 2012. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions. Beginning in 2013, itemized deductions and personal and dependency exemptions will once again be phased out for individuals with high adjusted gross incomes (AGIs). Tax credits and deductions. The earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, and the American Opportunity (Hope) tax credit revert to old, lower limits and (less generous) rules of application. Also gone in 2013 is the ability to deduct interest on student loans after the first 60 months of repayment. Qualified charitable distributions. A popular provision allowing individuals age 70 1/2 or older to make qualified charitable distributions of up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualified charity expired at the end of 2011. These charitable distributions were excluded from income, and counted towards satisfying any required minimum distributions that you would have had to take from your IRA for the year. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., a registered investment advisor and a separate entity from LPL Financial.

Jim David, Greg David & Stephen Sturkie 5080 Sunset Boulevard, Suite A Lexington, SC 29072 (803)386-0307 6 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 7

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

by Jackie Perrone

Randy Halfacre

. Randall Halfacre took office as Mayor of Lexington in November 2004, three months after this little magazine made its debut. He already had 10 years of public service on his record, having served on Lexington Town Council since 1994, and ousted a two-term incumbent mayor to take the reins of town government. Known to all as Randy, this community leader seems to have been headed toward public service all his life. His education and experience have equipped him to plan, oversee and inspire those around him, and he hopes to see Lexington grow and thrive far into the future. Halfacre grew up in Newberry and has fond memories of his Boy Scout days, as well as high school sports. “Rather than the Eagle Scout designation, I chose to work for the God and Country award,” he remembers. “And I played golf and football on the high school varsity teams.” He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Carolina in 1970 and started a career in state government, rising to become Deputy Director of the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and overseeing six statewide programs. In 1980 he graduated from the Executive

Celebrating 100 issues!

Leadership Institute of the State Budget and Control Board, and in 1998 from the State Municipal Association’s Institute of Government. He retired from state government in 2000 and went to work for Lesesne Industries, where he specialized in Corporate Accounts Development and Sales. In 2004 he became Mayor of Lexington, and, in an unusual move, became President and CEO of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2007. He is believed to be the only person in the U.S. who is heading up a municipal government and a local chamber of commerce. “I researched the situation very carefully,” he says. “I found there is no legal or ethical conflict in filling both jobs. I avoid conflicts of interest by recusing myself whenever an overlapping issue involving the Chamber comes up in Town Council.” Halfacre is in a unique position to marshal all of Lexington’s resources for future development. He regards the arrival of Amazon Industries and Nephron Pharmaceuticals as vitally important steps forward for the community. He has reached out to Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia and Ike McLeese of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce to initiate steps toward forming a Midstate Chambers Coalition,

encompassing 11 counties in the Midlands to promote economic development. His list of activities and awards is a long one, including involvement with EngenuitySC and the Midlands Business Leadership Group. He is past president of the Lexington County Municipal Association and a current board member of the Central Midlands Council of Governments and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He served the Sertoma Club and the Lexington Jaycees, and is current Vice Chair of the Lexington County Joint Water and Sewer Commission. In the 1970s, he was named Most Outstanding State Employee. In 2011, the Silver Crescent and Regional Ambassador award. 2012 marked South Carolina Chamber Executive of the Year. The State newspaper named him one of 12 persons who will change the future of South Carolina, and Greater Columbia Business Monthly has listed him as one of the 50 Most Influential People in the Midlands. Randy’s wife Angela is a retired educator, and they are parents of three daughters: Michelle, Hope, and Brittany, all teachers. Their grandchildren are six-yearold Elijah Drake and one-year-old Gabriella Holland Giovannone. Harper Elizabeth Bryant is due later this month. n November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 7

Mike Flack Chamber Chair

Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas can’t be far behind. ‘Tis the holiday season! So much to do: rush, rush, rush. But there is good news. These holidays give us the opportunity to pause and give thanks for our many blessings. As we gather with family and friends, we remember all the things for which we can be truly grateful. There is also a lot of good news for our Chamber and our community. First, we have completed the move to our new building, and all I can say is “Wow!” This is a great building for a Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. The Town of Lexington has a new landmark. Of course, staffers are still unpacking and arranging, so if anyone has a little time and would like to stop by, any help would be appreciated. We have ribbon cuttings galore: it is a rare week with less than two or more. Such activity reflects a robust local economy and good work by our Chamber staff. Everyone is invited to attend these events. The more, the merrier. Been to a Business After Hours lately? Check the calendar on our website for details. It’s always a party! Chamber membership is up, now more than 925 and climbing. Our goal is to have 1,000 members by year’s end. Our thanks go out to those members who worked so hard on our total resource campaign. The slogan says it all: “Let’s Live It Up!” NEW MEMBERS

2108 State Bar & Grill

A Step Change Now AppleOne Employment Services Assisting Hands Home Care of the Midlands Bricks 4 Kidz Children’s Trust of SC Complete PC Dawn’s Bridal Boutique Discipline Financial Management Dynamic Health & Fitness

Edward Jones Floor Boys J&K Services Lakeside Construction Lexington Referral Group RH Construction Shepherd’s Center of Lexington Starnes Electrical Company Wingard Towing Service Zeescapes Ziff Properties

Ambassador Spotlight Jay Scurry is an independent insurance agent representing Aflac. Founded in 1955, Aflac is a Fortune 500 company that leads the industry in offering voluntary group insurance products distributed by agents at the worksite. A graduate of Lexington High School, he attended the University of South Carolina and majored in History and Pre-Law. Outside of the professional realm, Jay currently serves as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves with the 4th Marine Logistics Group in Greenville. Along with fiance Lauren Till, he serves as an Ambassador for the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center. Jay is a member of Lexington Young Professionals and the Gamecock Club, and enjoys hunting, fishing on the coast, and attending as many USC sporting events as possible.

8 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 9

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

www.piggiepark.com

Piggie Park: The Next Generation

Lloyd and Paul Bessinger Carry On the Family Tradition For more than half a century, Maurice’s Piggie Park has reigned supreme as the gold standard of barbecue in the Midlands of South Carolina. Lloyd and Paul Bessinger and their sister Debbie Bennett, along with their children, work together to carry on the slow-cooked, hickory smoked, mustard-based family tradition. “We are catering events every day, and our restaurants are open for lunch and dinner every day” says Chris Bennett, vice president and USC graduate. “We’re all working together to serve the best barbeque through our unique wood-fired, pit-cooking techniques.” Maurice’s Piggie Park has grown to 15 locations statewide, with extended family using similar recipes in Charleston. Whether it’s pork, chicken, ribs, wings, brisket, turkey or whole hams, Piggie Park barbecue is still cooked the old fashioned way: nice and slow, over hickory wood. “Pitmaster” Paul and his staff fire the pits and stir the hickory coals 24

hours a day at the original Charleston Highway headquarters in West Columbia. “Our goal is to provide the freshest, highest quality food every day for all our customers,” he says. “We cater events, lunches and parties—large and small—in Augusta, Aiken, Lexington, Columbia, Irmo, Chapin and everywhere in between,” says Bennett.“We have a large selection of meats, sides and desserts at great prices.” He also coordinates most catering requests, which can be picked up from the store or delivered and served by their full-service catering staff. “Cooking barbecue the right way takes time. You have to watch it closely, constantly—that’s what makes the difference,” says Lloyd. “In any business, the same goes for your product and your customers. We’ve been a local, family-owned business for more than 50 years, and we’re still small enough to spend time with our customers and listen to them. That’s one thing that will never change.”

Maurice’s Southern Gold® Sauce Visit Piggie Park’s newly renovated website for the restaurant menu, catering information or to ship sauce or barbeque nationwide. “Our BBQ sauce is often shipped to our military overseas. We like to send our love and sauce to our brave troops as a simple taste of home.”

tt Adams

. Cpl. Garre

Photo by Lt

/MauricesPiggiePark

Patriot Guard

10 || LEXINGTON 11 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

d Riders I

Heroes on Wheels

f you have attended a military funeral or seen the coverage on television, you have seen them. Dozens of motorcycle riders with American flags serving as an escort for fallen soldiers and their families—an inspiring sight, and a reminder of the respect that everyday people have for the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make for their country.

These escorts don’t happen spontaneously. They are coordinated by a national group of riders called the Patriot Guard, which in six years has grown to over a quarter of a million members. As stated on the group’s official website (patriotguard.org), their mission is “to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family, to show sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities, and to shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors. We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.” For Lexington area Senior Ride Captain Wayne Lamon, the key parts of that mission are honoring and protecting the families. “We don’t seek invites. We’re there at the family’s request,” he says. “At this point they tend to hear about us through word of mouth, or from seeing us at other funerals.” The national group began six years ago in Topeka, Kansas, in response to protestors who were using mili-

Celebrating 100 issues!

tary funerals to advance their own agendas. “The American Legion heard about the protests and decided not to let it happen,” Lamon says. “They surrounded the protestors with their backs turned to them, so the family couldn’t see them. When the protestors started spewing their hateful slogans, the riders recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang songs, then finally drowned them out with the sound of their motorcycles.” From that beginning, the group spread nationwide. Lamon estimates that there are 1,000 to 1,500 riders in South Carolina now. Last month marked the sixth anniversary of the national organization. “The biker community has a strong spirit of patriotism. I think they’re more patriotic than the general public,” says Lamon. “I was on a Harley Davidson online forum and saw someone mention it, and I’ve been involved for four years now.” As for the protestors, Lamon has a pragmatic view of their role in the Patriot Guard’s formation.

by Kevin Oliver Photos courtesy of L.Z. Harrison, Jr. and Allison Caldwell

“There are a lot of people out there who hate these folks. Personally, I actually appreciate them. If it hadn’t been for what they did, Patriot Guard Riders wouldn’t exist. Out of the bad came a great organization.” The group has expanded to cover more than just military funerals. Patriot Guard flags have been sent by request to troops overseas through their

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 11

Flags In The Sand program, and “challenge coins” have been delivered to wounded servicemen and women in VA hospitals throughout the U.S.

Patriot Guard Riders repeatedly turn out in force to support veterans and their families. They welcome back World War II veterans returning from Honor

the fort or the armory, and then mingling with soldiers and family members before the planes take off. Just seeing the denim and leather-clad bikers deep

who realize what the veterans do for us,” he says. Even those who might be put off at first by the biker stereotypes come to understand the deep commitment and respect felt by the Patriot Guard. “Every family I’ve ever talked to has expressed how deeply they felt comforted by our presence around them, seeing us and the flags,” Lamon says. “Some started out not so sure because of the motorcycles, tattoos, and leather image. After experiencing the Patriot Guard’s services, even though we might look a little rough, they find out that we have a true heart. As a group, we can provide comfort to help them get through this.” The Patriot Guard Riders is an all-volunteer organization that is coordinated primarily via the Internet and the group’s website. They don’t advertise for members or support, and

“Every family I’ve ever talked to has expressed how deeply they felt comforted by our presence around them, seeing us and the flags.” The Fallen Warrior Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to surviving family members in the pursuit of higher education. One-year scholarships at a minimum of $2,000 are awarded annually. Throughout the Midlands,

Flights to visit the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. They attend special events like 9-11 remembrance services and memorial dedications. They escort the almost monthly deployments that depart from the Columbia airport, riding with the buses full of soldiers from

12 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 13

in conversation with fully uniformed, battle-ready soldiers is an oddly inspiring sight. Lamon agrees that it’s just one of several unexpected benefits of the Guard riders involvement. “This whole organization has a lot to do with assisting the turnaround of more people

they don’t have a physical meeting space. Over 19,000 missions were registered on the Patriot Guard website as of 2011, an impressive number that includes serving not just soldiers but also fallen heroes in the firefighter, police, public service and EMT ranks.

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Riders come from all over and show up regardless of the time, date, or location of the service, Lamon says. “There are several times I’ve been a ride captain for a mission, and it was a funeral for a Vietnam veteran in the middle of the day and the middle of the work week. I thought I’d be the only one there, but it never fails that we end up having 20, even 40 bikes,” he says. “Here in Columbia we get riders that come in from Spartanburg, Charleston, even North Carolina and Georgia, and they show up even for those midweek services.” “Our mission is to stand in honor and respect for any fallen veteran,” he says. And stand they do, escorting the funeral processions most recently here in Lexington for the services honoring 1st Lt. Ryan Rawl of Lexington and Spc. John David Meador II of Columbia, who were both killed in a suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan on June 20. It is for the sacrifices that the Rawl and Meador families made, along with countless other military families across the country, that the Patriot Guard Riders not only exist, but are growing. As they do, this committed group of patriotic volunteers will be able to show even more support and thanks to our men and women in uniform—not just on Veteran’s Day, but every day. n

Local Resources for Veterans and Family Members VA BENEFITS Lexington County Veterans Affairs www.lex-co.com/departments/VeteransAffairs • (803) 785-8400 VETERAN EMPLOYMENT Kyle Caldwell, Lexington County Employment Advisor J1.1 Service Member & Family Care Directorate, SCNG (803) 359-6131 x. 250 HOMELESS VETS Central Midlands Transitional Retreat www.CentralMidlandsRetreat.org (803) 221-2823

America’s Home Place, Inc. The BUILDER You Can Trust

PROPER U.S. FLAG DISPOSAL Redd Reynolds (803) 892-2765 EMOTIONAL HEALTH Hidden Wounds www.HiddenWounds.org 24-7 Emergency Hotline: 1-888-4HW-HERO (449-4376) info@hiddenwounds.org

The H art $134 ford C ,757 *

Call Amy!

Columbia Building Center 1410 Colonial Life Blvd, Ste 140 Columbia, SC 29210

803-772-4169

Celebrating 100 issues!

*Prices are base price only and do not include closing cost, land, or site improvements to land Prices subject to change without notice. Pictures may show upgrades not included in price.

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 13

Saturday, December 1

Sunday, December 2

8am Town of Lexington Snowball Festival 5k Race

2pm Town of Lexington Cell Phone Walking Tour in conjunction with Lexington County Museum. This free tour will promote historical sites in downtown Lexington.

Proceeds will benefit Patty Packs, a 501c3 assisting families with Congenital Heart Disease. www.pattypacks.org

“Because CHRISTMAS is for the Kid in ALL of US”

6pm Town of Lexington Snow “Ball” Lexington Municipal Complex Conference Center

3:30pm Christmas Parade on Main St. 5pm Merry Mingle on Main and Craft Corner 5:30pm Concert at Lexington Square featuring Tara Scheyer & The Mud Puppy Band

Tickets $30 per person - Limit 200 Heavy Hors D’oeuvres and Libations Proceeds will benefit the Chris Myers Children’s Place www.chrismyerschildrensplace.com

6:30pm Tree Lighting at Lexington Square To register for the 5K race, please visit www.pattypacks.org.

For more information on the Snowball Festival or to purchase Snow “Ball” tickets, please contact Jennifer Dowden, Events and Media Coordinator at 803-356-8238 or jdowden@lexsc.com.

14 || LEXINGTON 15 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

by Jennifer Wilson

Public Relations Manager, Lexington Medical Center

Scott

ADAMS Lexington County Council District 3

My priorities:

Women’s Health Through the Decades Women’s health requires attention throughout the many seasons of life. Here are some tips for what women should be thinking out when it comes to care through the decades. 20s. If you’re planning a pregnancy, visit your doctor to talk about weight, general medical conditions, genetic concerns and immunizations. Begin taking folic acid. Have recommended gynecologic screenings, and don’t smoke. 30s. Have a baseline mammogram between age 35 and 40. Keep watch on your Body Mass Index (BMI). Eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. Enjoy the time you have with your children, because they grow up fast. 40s. Begin having an annual mammogram at age 40. Have a lipid profile (cholesterol) every five years, beginning at age 45. Continue gynecologic screenings. At age 45, have a diabetes screening every three years. African American women should begin colonoscopy screening at age 45. Remember to keep exercising regularly. 50s. Prepare for menopause by educating yourself. Ask your doctor for advice about the risks and benefits of hormonal therapy. Be aware of the preventative options you have to protect your bone health. Have a colonoscopy. Take that long-planned trip to whatever destination has been in your dreams. 60s. Stay active with exercise including walking, running, swimming, biking, dance and yoga. Talk to your provider about pap smears. You may be able to stop pap smears after age 65 or 70 if there have been no prior abnormal results in 10 years, and if your last three pap smears have been normal. Continue mammography, colonoscopy, diabetes, lipids and thyroid screenings. Discuss with your children your wishes in the event an illness prevents you from voicing your personal values at any critical time. Compiled from P.D. Bullard MD, FACOG, FACS gynecologist at Lexington Medical Center, and Janis Keeton, MD, at Lexington OB/GYN, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice. www.lexmed.com Celebrating 100 issues!

• Safe Neighborhoods • Growing Small Business • Constituent Service • Restore Integrity • Education and Quality Schools • Managing Lexington’s Growth For Lexington County to continue to grow and prosper, we must restore honesty, integrity and positive, proven leadership to County Council. We must have a proactive plan to address responsible growth, roads, and safe neighborhoods, and a County Council representative that works for you! Quality schools, business development and low taxes are key to making Lexington a great place to live, work and play and I am committed to achieving these goals.

Please Vote PETITION on November 6th

adamsforcouncil.com November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 15

Pastor Ken Jumper The Harvest

I’m writing this month’s article from Isiolo, Kenya, and hoping I can keep an Internet connection long enough to finish. This morning, I had the unique opportunity to travel an hour and a half north and visit the Sambolo tribe. What an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience! I was living a National Geographic moment for sure. There’s something about seeing elephants and giraffes in the wild (as we did this morning) and then greeting people who live in a hut village among the bush land of Africa that causes you to rethink and reconsider—well, everything! Everything: life and love, living and dying, the rich and the poor, and all of the why’s and why not’s you could ever ask. Why was I born where I was born? Why do I speak the language I speak? Why is my skin the color it is? As for the conclusions to my mutterings: there were none. Life is truly a mystery. It is beyond the scope of a man’s mind to answer such unanswerable concerns. Yet while being beyond the scope of knowledge, it is not beyond the reach of faith. Today, I was reminded that when my understanding sits down, my faith stands up. Yes, I found the place for faith once again. A place beyond human rationale and reason. A place where you cast your unknowns and unanswerables upon the Lord and say, “Yes Lord, somewhere in the grand scheme of all things, You exist, You rule, You watch over. Yes Lord, I believe!” By the way, do you believe?

Follow Pastor Ken on Twitter at @pkharvest www.twitter.com/pkharvest

The Harvest • 4865 Sunset Blvd. Lexington, SC 29072 • 808-6373 • www.the-harvest.org Saturdays: 6 p.m. (378 campus) Sundays: 378 campus 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and Noon Whiteford and Northeast campuses, 10:30 a.m.

Order your Holiday Cards and 2013 Calendars TODAY and SAVE BIG!

603 Columbia Ave. Suite A-1 Lexington, SC 29072 (Hwy 378 In the Ultra Tan Shopping Plaza)

803.951.3499 lex@minutemanpress.com

16 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 17

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 17

20 From the Publisher 100th Issue Edition

22 Then & Now Eight Years of Lexington Life

Nonprofit & Community Highlights

27 People of Lexington Life

30 Satisfied Customers In Their Own Words

34 In Pictures Highlights from 2004-2012

18 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 19

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 19

as happened, in h t lo A e! n zi ga fe Ma e e of Lexington Li August 2004. There was only on su is th 0 0 1 r u o oxes in now, this is t here at home? t issue hit mailb gh rs ri As you know by fi r th u w o o gr ce t n u si o , at say ab Lexington ago. What does th s the world and in ar ye t gh ei n o ne Lexingt a daily basis. An middle school in n o h it w rk o e. w d get to ing ri has a It’s been an amaz ut Lexington Life is the people I each issue, and to in l u so d an o her heart uly loves The best part ab mily, and she tr magazine, pours fa e th ed t d n ar te st ex e m er ntent, including Augu s. They are h er co Reynolds helped m al o ri st o it cu r ed u r o u o h st 2005 ip wit y viding rt for communit rumental in pro special relationsh st ea h in d is l an el s w ie d it il al C ab ding llison ers them as such. A uncanny proofrea duth enjoys helping her custom er H s. re u at fe elivers. al d n es. Annette Su Lexington Life d su at is most of our origi th 0 s 0 lt 1 t su as re p d e ership an rward th editor who have paced us fo s, and is still amazed at the read ssomed into a potential future r esse igner Jane Carte and has blo es d rn te ic h in l ap grow their busin o gr o , h es sc the scen ted as a high onth out. Behind m d Tiffanie Wise star an in th n o s and job done m from both reader ge fe. li e iv to helps us get the s ce re re u e at w fe s d er vera d lett ly ads an ls, phone calls an I attended a funeral and their co es I ai brings our month em ly ai d e th y e db e tim the tim I’m truly humble ill bumps, like th e heavy stuff. Or m ch t so ge as I w es at h m and T ti ! e w e ar e casket. Wo nsitive financial th se to to t in advertisers. Ther ex g n in is ed rt am ve om ad . Again, ader was fr rsation moved fr offer my opinion ve d n as a Lexington Le an co e ay th st d to an e , m asked customer cuse myself, they have met with a ex to d ie tr I k en h es. W on Life. Faceboo gt n xi Le business strategi g in sh li b has ted pu ved. efore. The world sly since we star b u o er d ev en I was deeply mo an em th tr en ed h lv of your e, and w has evo spending some who, what, wher Communication u w o yo n e k at to ci re er p si s ap ea make it d bustle, we r responsibilitie an u o le e st k u ta h e e and Twitter now W th e. In ls magazin smaller place. u to valuable dea ond to our little yo sp g re n ti d become a much er an al e ad il h re w ntent ch month to ght-provoking co u o th valuable time ea g, in st re te ging you in ily of four. She m fa a e er w seriously in brin e w s. local businesse ork together and , and Donna now 7 0 0 2 in y and services from magazine, Donna and I didn’t w il m fa ful e Noah to our g wife, a wonder n vi When I started th ars at Lexington Life. We added lo a is e Sh . possible five ye f this would be o e later worked for n o n , er h t u V. Witho d who choose y life. an m s, u in in er h ve t ie u works at WLTX-T p el b d o s who 0 fortunate that G ers and supporter just as much. Thank you for 10 is rt ve ad l mother, and I’m ca lo e s in them e to thank th ness that believe si I’d especially lik u b ed n w o y ll st in a loca to trust and inve s to 100 more! issues, and here’ August 2004

October 2012

April 2011

20 || LEXINGTON 21 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

June

2007

April 2010

December

2011

a better way of building. Visit essexhomes.net/ebuilt to see just how many ways Essex Homes is working harder and smarter to make your life better, healthier, and more affordable.

essexhomes.net Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 21

THenEight&YearsNow of Lexington Life

GROWth

Population 2004: 12,893 Population 2012: 17,870 (approximate) Since 2000, Lexington has had a population growth of 52.03 percent.

22 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 23

Personally, professionally and community-wide, much has changed since August 2004. We thought youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d enjoy a Then & Now look at some of our cover photo subjects, along with some interesting stats reflecting continued growth throughout the town and county of Lexington. Greg Woerner (first annual High School Football Season Preview, September 2004) is now 25 years old. After graduating from White Knoll, he attended North Greenville University and played on the 2006 NCCAA championship football team. He graduated with a degree in history in 2009, and then earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Converse College. Greg has returned to Lexington, teaching U.S. History

and coaching varsity football at Swansea High School. John Paul and Mary Jane (Sligh) Zwart (Letters from Lexington, November 2004) were married October 2005. Their first daughter was born in May 2008, and a second daughter in April 2009. John is still in the Army National Guard, and just returned from his second tour in May 2012.

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Audrey Kneece (Baby Photo Contest, January 2007) is the daughter of Melissa and Brad Kneece. She is now six years old and a first grader. She is still a big Gamecock fan, on her fourth belt in Karate, plays soccer and loves to read. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.

Celebrating 100 issues!

Dottie Gantt and Bonita Strickland (A Fine Art, February 2008) are still involved in artistic pursuits. Dottie continues to create new fiber art, art quilts, and mixed media for private collectors, but says her perspective and her art have changed since her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Still a cancer survivor, Bonita con-

tinues to provide individual classical guitar instruction, workshops and master classes, and is also available to perform for concerts, corporate events, parties and weddings. Ryan Unumb (Living with Autism, October 2008) is 11 years old and attends the Autism Academy of South Carolina (Help & Hope for Autism, April 2012), a nonprofit school founded and chaired by his mother, Lorri Unumb. She is also Vice President in charge of State Government Affairs for Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism research and advocacy organization. Now through Nov. 29, support the Academy’s efforts to win a $100,000 donation at www. NASCAR.com/award. n

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 23

Nonprofit & Community Highlights All year long, we seek out the best local stories and events to share with our readers. While we can’t cover every worthy cause, we do our best to promote as many community programs and happenings as possible. Our best success stories are when we share a need, and our readers respond in force to meet it. It’s one of our favorite things about Lexington Life.

R YOUTY FROM N PARR KITCHaEy gatheriangl s su d OU r Holi s us-ca

s u o ke yo pontane d effortle. a m s s s n Let u nned or s lovely a ur guest o y pla r mal-a ll as or fo ou as we for y 24 || LEXINGTON 25 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

We Offer Catering & Private Dining. Call Wendy, Our Catering Director Today! 888-745-1171

catering@travniaitaliankitchen.com Lexington • Columbia

Our Gift Cards Make Great Christmas Gifts! www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

2004 *Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter Harvest Hope Food Bank Toys for Tots Hope Ferry Road Families *This Man Called Jesus Operation Santa (Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative) *Blue Star Mothers 2005 *Lexington Interfaith Community Services *Lexington K.E.Y.S. (Keeping Every Youth Safe) *Lexington County Museum *Kid’s Day of Lexington B-25C Bomber Recovery from Lake Murray *Lexington School District One *The Lake Murray Dam: Past, Present & Future *Lexington’s Race Against Hunger *Bethany Christian Services 2006 *Pets, Inc. Remembering Gibson’s Pond *Art in the Garden for LICS Lexington One Community Coalition 2007 *Chamber Diamond Gala Ducks Unlimited *Junior Women’s Club One Way Skate Park Cuts for Cancer Families Helping Families *Lexington County Meals on Wheels 2008 Dream Riders MADD

Celebrating 100 issues!

*Lexington’s MLK Parade Lexington Jaycees Lexington 9-11 Memorial Autism Awareness Oliver Gospel Mission Columbia Swim League Red Hat Society Relay for Life Samaritan’s Well Child Evangelism Fellowship Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Lexington County Guardian ad Litems Lexington Civic Groups: Civitan, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Sertoma

*The Ta-Tini’s Chris Meyers’ Children’s Place *Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center Special Needs Theatre at Village Square *Lexington Wine Walk

2009 YMCA *Calvary Chapel U-Turn for Christ Central Midlands Transitional Retreat ABATE of Lexington *Dixie Youth Baseball *Lexington County Library Citizen’s Police Academy

*Indicates multiple editorial coverage from 2004-2012.

2012 *The Dickerson Center for Children Lexington County Girl Scouts Autism Academy of South Carolina Pray 4 Kennedy Rugs for a Reason Girls on the Run Hiring Our Heroes

2010 Locks of Love *Zion Lutheran/Saxe Gotha Thanksgiving Meal Miss Lexington Pageant Lexington Technology Center *Lexington Wine Walk Lexington County Soccer Club Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Lexington Young Professionals *C.O.P.S. Life Group *Lexington Chamber’s Small Business Celebration Southern Savers 2011 *Special Olympics Children’s Chance Camp Kemo

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 25

Say goodnight to sleep problems. The solution to getting a good night’s sleep isn’t warm milk or a hot bath – It’s a sleep specialist at Lexington Sleep Solutions. We’re proud to have five board-certified physicians with specialized training in sleep medicine and diagnostics. With an individualized treatment plan for insomnia, apnea and other disorders, you can return to sleep-filled nights and regain your health.

A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice

Start sleeping better. Call Lexington Sleep Solutions today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.

(803) 791-2683

26 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 27

www.lmcsleepsolutions.com

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

People From pillars of the community, to elected officials, to local citizens making a difference, Lexington Life is proud to have featured hundreds of people on our pages since 2004. Here are just a few of the folks we’ve introduced to our readers through the years.

Bob Fulton

Redd Reynolds

Dr. Charles Crews

Virginia Hylton

Daisy Harman

Lexington Leaders In place since our first issue, this original monthly feature highlights past and present leaders who have contributed to Lexington’s strong sense of community. 2004 Raymond Caughman Eli Mack Blondelle Harmon Edith Worthy Harold Looney 2005 Bob Perry Bob Matthews J.W. Ingram Hamp Caughman Virginia Hylton Raymond Boozer Buck Harmon Edna Bedenbaugh Wes Rhoten Bert Dooley Gene Jackson Mae Buzhardt 2006 Howard Rawl Willie Caractor George Boozer Dr. Charles “Will” Harmon Charles Dooley Celebrating 100 issues!

Dr. James Liverman Hugh Rogers Bob Wilkins Bob Fulton Robert Hendrix Zu Martin Dr. Gray Macaulay 2007 John Addy Maro Rogers Judson & Marjorie Wingard Ted Hoover Andrew Gates Tim Driggers Majorie Harmon Sharpe Murray Price Everette & Martha Kneece Billy Caughman Rountree Sessions Jack Hendrix 2008 George Nye Colene Smith Hook Roscoe Frye Eunice Medhurst

Martha Pridgen Ted McGee Doris Burkett Harriet Easler 50th Edition Tribute David Frye Gina McCuen Redd Reynolds 2009 Dr. Charles Crews Charles Monroe Alama Harmon Dr. James Steele Gene Rountree Annie Laurie George Russell Landers Dr. Carl White Ben Moye Miriam Ford Dee Arrants Mike Flack 2010 Richard “Chief” Ward Herbert Hucks Frank Mogan Kenneth Shuler Richard Thompson Gary Baker Tommy Harman Mike Roth

Ted McGee, Jr.

Eli Mack

David Perry Harry Harman Doris Rawl Reynolds Dr. Karen Woodward 2011 George Rentz Elsie Rast-Stuart Arno Froese Daisy Harman Russell Rawl Otis Rawl Bill Hatfield Carroll Metts Dan Hennigan Arthur “Pie” Mack Sheri Kimball Fred McCurdy 2012 Ruth Hook Louise Plott Ann Moye George Corley Sam McCuen Rose Wilkins Richard & Ella Wingate Frank Stover Sylvia Looney Preacher John Griffith Randy Halfacre November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 27

Elected Officials These columns ran from 2004-2010, offering a public platform for elected officials.

Mike Till Barbara Willm

Chris Harmon

Bob Ferrell

Lori Moroz

Mayor Dan Breazeale Mayor Randy Halfacre James R. Metts, Lexington County Sheriff Smokey Davis, Lexington County Council Rep. Ted Pitts Rep. Nikki Haley Judge Marc Westbrook Congressman Joe Wilson Bill Rowell, Lexington County Treasurer Chris Harmon, Lexington County Auditor Todd Cullum, Lexington County Council

Chamber Chairs As a free public service, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve offered a monthly column to the Chair of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce since 2005. Mike Till, 2005 Bob Ferrell, 2006 Harry Deith, 2007 Lori Moroz, 2008 Scott Adams, 2009 Glenn Martin, 2010 Barbara Willm, 2011 Mike Flack, 2012

From the Front Lines We featured letters home from CPT Peter Burke and SSG Michael E. Carnes in this feature that ran in 2005 and 2006. Both men were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively.

continued next page

28 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 29

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

August 2005

Kids View This fun feature upped the cute quotient from 2004-2007, where we interviewed four- and five-year-olds from preschools and daycare centers throughout Lexington. Gateway Academy, Heritage Christian Academy, Happy Time Child Development Center, South Lake Child Care, Whiteford Christian Day Care, and St. Stephen’s Preschool were just a few of the places we visited.

Faith Matters Pastor Ken Jumper from The Harvest has inspired readers with a monthly column since 2006.

Faith in Action Started in January 2012, this feature highlights unique community outreach programs of local congregations. Calvary Chapel St. Alban’s Episcopal Mt. Horeb UMC St. Peter’s Lutheran First Baptist of Lexington Northside Baptist Lexington UMC Lexington Presbyterian

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 29

Satisfied Customers

1 Page 4 PM

:0 2 12

5/21/1

As much as we love providing meaningful editorial content, we simply wouldn’t exist without our advertisers. Their monthly investment allows us to produce and mail each issue, and our direct-mail distribution to more than 20,000 households (plus a few thousand more placed in local businesses, offices and waiting rooms) offers more bang for every advertising buck. A huge THANK YOU to each and every local advertiser who has supported us since 2004! ren’s

hild e&C

us •

Men

ring •

Cate

Priva

g Dinin

n Fre

Glute

ys esda es - Tu d Win dnesdays Bottle We FF All artinis O Blvd. % 25 FF M Sunset g Rd. 1/2 O • 5074 erry Crossin eb 7-2422 ok 803/95 • 101 Sparkl on Facebo N O GT 9313 Like us • m LEXIN 803/419hen.co IA liankitc UMB COL w.traviniaita ww

An a w cente ard winn r i mak with ex ng Alzhe cepti es th is a u onal imer’s Every n inch ique care o Cam place pbell f Lexingto . n Me Place comf d

was d ical C ort in It loo mind fo esigned w enter’s Ca r r k ature s and fee the Alzh ith care a roll eime nd s suc ls lik r h e ’s a a r vate s room an abun home wi esident. th sp danc s wit t hall e ecia h o s f way ooth ing c windows l ns w s to disco , larg o l o u ith r sc ra e more fountains ge wande hemes, r . i and w ng, b eauti ater w ful alls, and

’s no t ding just th faci at l ace. ity it deep ’s high ly ly staf f for t as ere e.

Congratulations on the 100th issue of the magazine! Our patients enjoy keeping up with local events while passing the time in our office during visits or allergy shots. We are always getting positive feedback from folks who have seen our ads! —Ty Coleman, MD, Allergy Partners of the Midlands I can’t say enough about Lexington Life Magazine and my sales representative! We’ve been able to reach potential customers who want the services that we offer. Our ads are always informative and educational about hormone replacement therapy. Thanks to the entire staff, on the streets and behind the scenes. —Henry Robbins, Carolina Hormone & Health Center Lexington Life has been a great publication for increasing the awareness of our business in the Lexington community. I think families throughout Lexington look forward to reading the magazine every month, as does mine. If you do business in this area, I highly recommend adding this publication to your marketing plan! —Grady Marsh, Carolina Pottery Lexington Life’s circulation is perfect for my local business—I don’t need to spend money advertising to readers in Forest Acres or Northeast Columbia. Great personalized ads and easy-towork-with staff gives me opportunities to share advertorials on topics that are important to my clients. —Betsy Loonam, Grace Animal Hospital Gateway Supply recently added a new location in Lexington. We chose to advertise with Lexington Life because of their excellent customer service, along with the coverage area and demographic this publication serves. We know as soon as the magazine hits mailboxes, because our phone starts ringing and the parking lot fills. Thanks for helping Gateway Supply become a household name in Lexington! —Meredith Elliott, Gateway Supply Advertising in Lexington Life has helped educate the local community about our business. People know now that there’s a storefront glass company in Lexington, that we participate in community events, and that we’re locally owned and operated. —MaryAnn Jones, Absolute Glass Advertising in Lexington Life Magazine has and will continue to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my business career. It has allowed me to develop friends and customers that we are truly grateful for. —Sandy Webb, McDonald’s Over the years, Lexington Life has given our office exposure to numerous Lexington residents, old and new. They have helped our business grow by sharing our story and our experiences, giving us a personal connection to the Lexington community. —Dr. Brad Pitts and Team, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Ads featuring our Dementia 101 class have connected us with more than 40 local families who have a loved one with a dementing illness. Thanks to Lexington Life, we’ve been able to educate, encourage, and empower those families as they care for their loved ones and themselves. —Janet Altman, Oakleaf Village

Lexington Life has been a blessing to our growing business in Gilbert. With each new month we have new faces in the store, and almost all report that they saw our ad in Lexington Life Magazine. The advertising staff is always helpful, and we love the way they work with us to make our ads say just what we want. Congratulations on your 100th issue, and we wish you many more! —Lisa Emmer, Gilbert Coin & Collectible Exchange

Advertiser Hall of Fame Featuring 50 or more paid ads since 2004

Absolute Glass Ace Three Fountains Hardware Allergy Partners of the Midlands Carolina Pottery Caughman-Harman Funeral Home

Celebrating 100 issues!

Charter Oak Dentistry Dermatology of Lexington Grace Animal Hospital Lexington Medical Center The Meat’n Place

Oakleaf Village Dr. Brad Pitts Travinia’s Vacuum Shop Wingard’s Nursery & Garden Center

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 31

32 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 33

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 33

In Pictures 2004-2012

34 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 35

Nominate the Best of Lexington Life! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year againâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;time to submit your nominations for the Best of Lexington Life! Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday, December 14, and winners will be announced in our February 2013 issue. At least 15 categories must be filled in for a ballot to be considered eligible. Fill out and mail this form, or nominate online at LexingtonLifeMagazine.com. From restaurants to retail to service providers, help others discover the Best of Lexington Life! Best Aesthetic Physician___________________________________________

Best Dance Company______________________________________________

Best After School Program_________________________________________

Best Day Spa _____________________________________________________

Best Allergist_____________________________________________________

Best Daycare_ ____________________________________________________

Best Alterations__________________________________________________

Best Deli_ ________________________________________________________

Best Apartment Complex__________________________________________

Best Dentist______________________________________________________

Best Appliance Store______________________________________________

Best Department Store____________________________________________

Best Assisted Living Facility________________________________________

Best Dermatologist_______________________________________________

Best Audiologist__________________________________________________

Best Dessert______________________________________________________

Best Auto Body Shop______________________________________________

Best Dietician_____________________________________________________

Best Auto Repair Shop_ ___________________________________________

Best DJ___________________________________________________________

Best Auto Insurance_______________________________________________

Best Dry Cleaner__________________________________________________

Best Auto Rental Service__________________________________________

Best Electrician_ __________________________________________________

Best Auto Service Department (Dealership)_ ________________________

Best Emergency Room_____________________________________________

Best Bank_ _______________________________________________________

Best Exterminator ________________________________________________

Best Barber Shop_ ________________________________________________

Best Facial________________________________________________________

Best Bartending Service_ __________________________________________

Best Family Attorney______________________________________________

Best BBQ Restaurant______________________________________________

Best Fast Food____________________________________________________

Best Bicycle Shop_ ________________________________________________

Best Fitness Center________________________________________________

Best Bookstore_ __________________________________________________

Best Florist_______________________________________________________

Best Breakfast____________________________________________________

Best Frame Shop__________________________________________________

Best Bridal Store__________________________________________________

Best Frozen Yogurt________________________________________________

Best Buffet_______________________________________________________

Best Funeral Home________________________________________________

Best Burrito_ _____________________________________________________

Best Furniture Store_______________________________________________

Best Cardiologist__________________________________________________

Best Garden Center (local)_________________________________________

Best Carpet Store_________________________________________________

Best Garden Center (national)______________________________________

Best Carwash_____________________________________________________

Best Glass Store___________________________________________________

Best Catering Company___________________________________________

Best Golf Course__________________________________________________

Best Cell Phone Company__________________________________________

Best Greek Restaurant_____________________________________________

Best Chicken Wings_______________________________________________

Best Grocery Store________________________________________________

Best Chinese Restaurant___________________________________________

Best Gym_________________________________________________________

Best Chiropractor_________________________________________________

Best Hair Salon for Adults_ ________________________________________

Best Local Clothing Store for Men__________________________________

Best Hair Salon for Kids_ __________________________________________

Best Local Clothing Store for Women_______________________________

Best Hair Stylist___________________________________________________

Best Coffee House ________________________________________________

Best Hamburger_ _________________________________________________

Best Coin and Collectible Dealer____________________________________

Best Happy Hour__________________________________________________

Best College (two-year)___________________________________________

Best Hardware Store (local)________________________________________

Best College (four-year)_ __________________________________________

Best Hardware Store (national)____________________________________

Best Online College_______________________________________________

Best Heating & Air Company_______________________________________

Best College for Working Adults_ __________________________________

Best Home Builder________________________________________________

Best Cosmetology School__________________________________________

Best Home Cleaning Service_ ______________________________________

Best CPA_ ________________________________________________________

Best Hospital_____________________________________________________

Best Craft Store___________________________________________________

Best Hot Dog_____________________________________________________

Best Credit Union_________________________________________________

Best Hotel________________________________________________________

O T S E B

36 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 37

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Best Ice Cream Shop_______________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Paint____________________________________________

Best Insurance Agent______________________________________________

Best Place to Buy a Pool___________________________________________

Best Interior Design Company_____________________________________

Best Place to Buy an RV____________________________________________

Best Italian Restaurant_ ___________________________________________

Best Place to Buy a Sprinkler System_______________________________

F O

Best Japanese Restaurant__________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Tires_____________________________________________

Best Jewelry Store________________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Tools____________________________________________

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant_______________________________________

Best Place to Sell Gold_____________________________________________

Best Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meal_ __________________________________________________

Best Plumber_____________________________________________________

Best Landscaping Company________________________________________

Best Private School________________________________________________

Best Litigation Attorney___________________________________________

Best Radio Personality ____________________________________________

Best Lake Murray Boat Touring Service_ ____________________________

Best Radio Station ________________________________________________

Best Makeup Store________________________________________________

Best Real Estate Attorney__________________________________________

Best Manicure/Pedicure_ __________________________________________

Best Realtor______________________________________________________

Best Massage_____________________________________________________

Best Ribs_________________________________________________________

Best Mattress Store_______________________________________________

Best Roofing Company____________________________________________

Best Meat Store___________________________________________________

Best Salad________________________________________________________

Best Mexican Restaurant_ _________________________________________

Best Senior Living Community_ ____________________________________

Best Milkshake_ __________________________________________________

Best Shoe Store___________________________________________________

Best Movie Theater_ ______________________________________________

Best Shopping Center_____________________________________________

Best Neighborhood_ ______________________________________________

Best Siding Company______________________________________________

Best OB/GYN_____________________________________________________

Best Sign Company_ ______________________________________________

Best Office Supply Store___________________________________________

Best Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center________________________________

Best Oncologist___________________________________________________

Best Sporting Goods Store_________________________________________

Best Ophthalmologist_____________________________________________

Best Steak________________________________________________________

Best Optometrist_________________________________________________

Best Monument Designer__________________________________________

Best Orthodontist_________________________________________________

Best Southern Cooking____________________________________________

Best Painter_ _____________________________________________________

Best Subs_________________________________________________________

Best Park_________________________________________________________

Best Sushi________________________________________________________

Best Pediatrician__________________________________________________

Best Sweet Tea_ __________________________________________________

Best Personal Trainer______________________________________________

Best Tanning Salon________________________________________________

Best Pet Groomer_________________________________________________

Best Temporary Employment Service_ ______________________________

Best Pet Hospital__________________________________________________

Best Towing Service_______________________________________________

Best Pet Kennel or Boarding Facility________________________________

Best TV Anchor___________________________________________________

Best Pet Supply Store_ ____________________________________________

Best TV News (local)______________________________________________

Best Physical Therapy Practice _____________________________________

Best TV Sportscaster_ _____________________________________________

Best Pizza________________________________________________________

Best TV Weatherperson ___________________________________________

Best Place for a Birthday Party_____________________________________

Best Unique Gift Shop_____________________________________________

Best Place to Buy a Boat___________________________________________

Best Upholstery Shop_ ____________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Collegiate Merchandise___________________________

Best Veterinarian_ ________________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses_______________________________________

Best Wait Staff___________________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Hardwood Floors_________________________________

Best Wedding Photographer_______________________________________

Best Place to Buy a Car (new)______________________________________

Best Wedding Planner_____________________________________________

Best Place to Buy a Car (used)______________________________________

Best Wedding Venue______________________________________________

Best Place to Buy a Motorcycle_____________________________________

Best Weight Loss Program_________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Organic Products_________________________________

Best Wine Selection_______________________________________________

Best Place to Buy Outdoor Furniture________________________________

Best Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym_ ______________________________________________

Mail form with at least 15 completed categories to Best of Lexington Life, 225-B Columbia Avenue, Lexington, SC 29072 or visit LexingtonLifeMagazine.com. Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 37

Cheddar & Bacon & Onion,

Oh My! new

CBO

™

{cheddar bacon onion} *

Grand re-OpeninG

Of Our Oak GrOve LOcatiOn

cOme ceLebrate and meet rOnaLd mcdOnaLd ! ®

Join us for an afternoon of family fun before the Carolina Game! 4364 Augusta Road; Lexington, SC Saturday, November 17 • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Festivities: Face Painting • Ronald McDonald • Giveaways • Much More!

Congratulations

from McDonald’s to Todd and Donna on the 100 th issue of Lexington Life Magazine! ®

38 | LEXINGTON 39 LIFE | November COne 2012 if yOu COme dRessed in GameCOCk GeaR!www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com ReCeive a fRee iCe-CReam (WhiLe suPPLies LAst)

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 39

The

Write Stuff:

Advice for Aspiring Authors by Marilyn Thomas

Celebrating National Novel Writing Month

Long gone are the arduous writing efforts of yesterday that usually involved a manual typewriter, reams of paper, bottles of Wite-Out, and an overflowing trashcan. In this modern information age with accessible technology that is ripe and ready for producing a printed page, there’s no better time to write. In fact, November is recognized as National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short), and several Lexington County writers have actually achieved the noble goal of becoming a published author. Bill and June Bowen As their sixtieth wedding

40 || LEXINGTON 41 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

anniversary approaches, Bill and June Bowen have much to celebrate. Of the many milestones and memories worth celebrating, one is that these octogenarians are both newly published, first-time authors. “We hope to inspire people who want to write to go ahead and do it now, no matter how old you are,” states Mr. Bowen. Both he and his wife are born storytellers. While their books have some similarities, each is unique. The settings of June’s novel, Island Girl, and Bill’s book, Gleanings of an Old Geechee, open up in the Lowcountry area near Charleston, the region of both their childhoods, and depict the era surrounding World War II. However, that is where the parallels end and the fictionalized story lines diverge onto distinctive paths. Bill’s exposition includes a collection of “stories, anecdotes, poems, and home-grown philosophy,” while his wife’s narrative entails a historic, romantic drama. True to form, they follow their own philosophy: “Write to please yourself, using your own style.” Emily Cooper Also a student of South Carolina history, Emily Cooper delved into the antebellum archives of the Confederacy to select a worthy character, Lucy Holcombe Pickens, as the subject of her latest book, Queen of the Lost. While working as a newspaper editor of the Aiken Standard, Cooper stumbled upon this legendary figure almost 40 years ago. She “toyed with the opening pages of a book about her for decades,” until she eventually produced this fascinating biography in 2011.

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Over the years Cooper developed a love for research and writing, and advises aspiring writers: “Reading good books is the novelist’s best classroom. It improves your vocabulary and helps you explore different ways to develop the story.” This is only the beginning, however. Cooper adds that today’s authors must “consider whether or not they want to be in the bookselling/ promotion business,” since they are often called upon to speak to groups about their work.

unearth the more “engaging tale” that “percolated beneath them.” Because the yield was sometimes disappointing, she decided to transition “from magazine articles to novels so I could spin my own stories.” Currently, she is working on her fifth novel, a suspenseful thriller to be released in 2014 as the third book in the Red Returning trilogy. This threebook saga offers the reader an exciting, fast-paced journey of conspiracy and espionage that traverses the globe and pauses in intriguing locations such as Israel, Moscow, and Charleston. Duffy has learned much from her personal success. “The most critical thing an author can do to promote his work is to write an amazing story in clear, compelling language. He needs to inhabit his characters, hear them speak, watch them move, and know what stirs inside them.”

More about NaNoWriMo

www.nanowrimo.org Since its inception in 1999, this website has grown from 21 participants to more than 256,000. At no cost, it offers an online program for amateur authors that tracks word count progress during November and provides networking support with like-minded scriveners. Local connections and related year-round activities can also be found on the ColaWriMos Facebook page. With a sliver of determination and discipline, perhaps these creative places could potentially cultivate a hobby into a fulfilling career.

Sue Duffy Because “story is everything and everywhere,” Sue Duffy, a former journalist, scrutinized the facts to

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 41

the shag, and the Society of Stranders. According to Poland, the secret to successful writing is to “…work hard on your craft and get a publisher who will promote your work for you, because ‘real’ writing takes all the time you have.”

Tom Poland For Tom Poland, the creative-writing fires were first stoked in childhood when, at the age of nine, he received special recognition in an essay contest. That interest grew throughout high school, and he decided to major in journalism in college. Since that time, he has written a number of “southern flavored” books with several more in the final publishing stages. Released in August 2012, Save the Last Dance for Me is his latest work. It chronicles a history of beach music,

42 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 43

Synithia Williams “I’ve always been a writer,” declares Synithia Williams. Her proclivity for creating manuscripts started at the early age of six, when she fashioned her first book with a piece of wallpaper for its cover. Recently, that childhood dream was publicly realized with the debut of her first novel, You Can’t Plan Love, in August of 2012. She describes the plot of this eBook as a “classic love triangle,” but weaves within it the complex issues that most

women face in today’s society: juggling a career and a family, dealing with physical and emotional abuse, and building healthy relationships. Columbia is the setting for the book. “The Capital City makes a perfect backdrop to a spicy romance.” Williams encourages budding authors to “keep writing and learn everything you can. Join writer’s groups and organizations, and attend workshops and conferences. Learn about traditional publishing, e-publishing, self-publishing and choose what’s right for you.” n

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 43

The Thank You I had a few goals when I started my own writing business last year. I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny. I wanted freedom. I wanted to fix a decent supper for my family every night. What have I learned? Owning a business is hard. There’s no flexibility without late-night work sessions. Let’s not even get into weeknight family meals. I was so busy, I even found it difficult to write for my blog.

Then one day last fall, I paid a visit to Jason, the service manager for our car repair shop. We’d seen Jason a lot in 2011. The last time it had been expensive. Really expensive. So when the check engine light appeared one morning, I all but came unglued and headed to the car shop. Jason was so kind and helpful that day, I remember driving away thinking how different the conversation could have been had he

not been there. Jason was such an asset to his employer, I thought they needed to know. I should write a letter, I thought. Then I thought about the millions of Jasons out there — people who do great work, unnoticed and certainly underappreciated. There are so many, I could write a thank you letter once a week for a year and barely make a dent, I thought. And that’s how my Thank You Project began. It wasn’t fancy. I’d write a thank you letter, mail it and post it on my blog. And that’s just what I’ve been doing for the past eight months. As weeks passed, interest grew. People said they read the letters and looked forward to them. Friends, followers and associates thanked me for reminding them to be thankful. More than a few people told me my project inspired them to write a thank you letter. Then I started to hear from letter recipients. continued

Elect > Companionship > Bathing & Oral Hygiene > Light Housekeeping > Medication Reminders

Rutu

> Transportation/Errands > Respite Care > RN oversight on all cases > LIVE support available 24/7

1 HOUR FREE with the first 3 hours purchased Limit one per person. New clients only.

803 358 8315 brightstarcare.com/lexington-west-columbia 44 || LEXINGTON 45 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

Independently Owned & Operated

Lexington One School Board November, 6th Invest in Education www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Project

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 45

I got thank you notes back from a small garage, a community group and local philanthropist. I saw incredibly humble Facebook statuses acknowledging the letters and enjoyed the showers of shares and likes as others echoed my appreciation and magnified it. Aris Demetrios, the son of children’s book author Virginia Lee Burton, called me from California to thank me for my letter and share memories of his mother,

46 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 47

writer and illustrator of my favorite childhood stories, Mike Milligan and the Steam Shovel and The Little House. One night a Publix deli employee put two and two together and asked me if I’d written the letter they received. I was thrilled to learn their letter had been read aloud at a store staff meeting and is framed and hanging in the back of the deli. The letters have been sent, received, read and shared by many. Others have done thank you projects of their own. One writer in Australia loved it so much she and her friends did a project on the Twitter hashtag I’d been using (#thankyouproject). Looking back, I never expected the letters to have much impact. It didn’t matter if anyone else read them. The goal was to shine a spotlight on someone who gives with little expectation of receiving anything in return. That the Thank You Project would resonate with so many has been a complete surprise. My fresh blog content ended up changing my perspective — and that of many others — in so many different ways. For that I am truly grateful. n

Julie Smith Turner is writerin-chief at Wordsmith, a content strategy and copywriting services company in Columbia, SC. She has more than 20 years of marketing and advertising experience, a pink concrete Sasquatch in her front yard and couldn’t possibly choose between bacon and cheese. You can read the thank you letters on her blog, scwordsmith.com. Reprinted with permission from the author (2012, August 10). Philanthropy Friday: The Thank You Project on AnotherJennifer.com.

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

NMLS#851805

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 47

T hanksgiving RECIPES

Pumpkin Pear Crisps Streusel 1/4 c. old-fashioned oats 1/4 c. shelled pumpkin seeds 1/4 c. walnuts 1 large egg white 1/4 c. dark brown sugar, packed 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2” cubes 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp. whole wheat flour 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon Compote 2 c. peeled, seeded, cubed sugar pumpkin or butternut squash (about 1/2 lb., cut into 1/4” cubes) 1/4 c. pure maple syrup 1/4 c. golden raisins 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp. dark brown sugar, packed 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 3 large pears: peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4” cubes (4 cups, or about 2 lbs.) 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat oven to 375. To prepare streusel: bake oats, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet until light golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to a food processor. Add the remaining six ingredients and pulse until crumble forms. Spread on rimmed baking sheet and bake 18–20 minutes until 48 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 49

golden and crispy, occasionally breaking up lumps. Let cool. To prepare compote: Over medium heat, bring first seven ingredients and 1-1/2 c. water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Cover and simmer until pumpkin is just tender, about seven minutes. Add pears and vanilla; cook uncovered, stirring often, until pears are tender (about 10 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer pumpkin-and-fruit mixture to a medium bowl. Simmer syrup in pan until reduced to 1/2 cup (3–5 minutes). Arrange eight 6-oz. ramekins or heatproof bowls on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide compote among ramekins. Drizzle each with 1 Tbsp. reserved syrup. Bake until filling is bubbling at edges, 25– 30 minutes. Top with streusel and serve.

Cranberry, Cherry & Walnut Marmalade 3/4 c. sugar 1 c. water 1/2 c. port, or other sweet red wine 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 c. dried tart cherries 1 (12-oz.) package fresh or frozen cranberries 2/3 c. chopped walnuts, toasted 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest To toast chopped walnuts, place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and

lightly browned (2-4 minutes). Combine sugar, water, port (or wine), cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium, nonreactive saucepan (stainless steel, enamel-coated or glass); bring to a boil. Add cherries and cook for one minute. Stir in cranberries; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until about half the cranberries pop, 1012 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in walnuts and orange zest. Let cool completely; the marmalade will thicken as it cools. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Cover and refrigerate up to three days.in a small dry skillet and cook over mediumlow heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Acorn Kisses 1/2 bag mini chocolate chips, melted 1 bag chocolate candy kisses Mini peanut butter sandwich cookies (or plain, round, bite-sized crackers*) Remaining mini chips for garnish Melt the 1/2 bag of mini chips at five-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring well each time. Dip the flat end of a chocolate kiss into melted chocolate, and top with a bite-size cookie (*or cracker, if you’re worried about peanut allergies). Dip the flat end of a mini chip into the melted chocolate, and stick it to the top of the cookie as an accent. Perfect for keeping little chefs busy!

Follow LexLifeMag on

for these and other recipes, editorial hints, and much more! www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 49

Live { Survivor from Day 1 }

A cancer diagnosis is not only scary, it’s something we all take personally. At Lexington Oncology we understand the physical and emotional impacts of cancer and are pursuing better ways to fight it — side-by-side with you. Our affiliation with Duke Medicine, our participation in clinical research, and our experienced staff help us provide state-of-the-art treatments, support and education here, close to home. It’s simply a better way to care.

www.lexoncology.com 50 || LEXINGTON 51 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 51

Heaven’s Edge The Language of by David Clark

ew families avoid Alzheimer’s. When Mama forgets you, illusions of control are ripped from guts you don’t even know you have. When our foundation-stones of loved ones crumble, our faith scatters like a lifetime of dust blown from unused shelves. This horror is the beginning of finding Alzheimer’s blessings. People shake their fist at the idea of Alzheimer’s containing blessings. The Siamese twins of denial and anger are joined at the hip of grief. My Mama knew nothing. One day we sat holding hands. My mind wandered during her blue-streak of nonsense. For some reason I remembered a classmate from thirty years ago. We never discussed him, but Mama knew his mother. Suddenly Mama said: “Dave, honey, have you talked to Bobby Smith?” Mama’s beautiful old eyes gazed

52 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 53

into mine for a few seconds. Then she resumed babbling. A week later, my mind again wandered while Mama babbled. She stopped: “Dave, honey, what do you think of this?” Then she talked about exactly what I was thinking. Her gaze was the same. This woman who didn’t know anything was letting me know she could read my mind. We complain that Alzheimer’s victims are not connected to the real world. Whose world is real? Who’s not connected to whose world? Mama began mentioning things I pondered when I was at home. Mama knew me even when I wasn’t with her. Our conversations about fears and regrets helped Mama die, and they helped me live. These conversations consisted of holding hands and stroking her arms and hair the same way every time. We created a new

foundation allowing us to communicate in ways beyond comprehension. I learned to trust this communication. Sometimes I thought something, and she would gaze at me and say: “I think you’re right.” I haven’t told many people these things because it sounds nuts. If someone you love has Alzheimer’s, give yourself and them a gift: believe they know you. And keep telling them you believe. They haven’t forgotten you. They’ve forgotten how to communicate they know you. You cannot change their forgetting, but you can learn the language of a world where God moves and angels attend. The person with Alzheimer’s has one foot in heaven. We cry because they don’t know us. Learn to know them instead. All it takes is learning the language of heaven’s edge. I cannot tell you how to do this. I only know it can be done. The question of how belongs to God. Get on your knees and ask. Then be still and listen. Don’t be surprised if the person who doesn’t know anything is the one who teaches you how to listen to God. God answered my prayer through a babbling woman who didn’t know my name— except when she really wanted to get my attention. The journey of Mama’s Alzheimer’s was the hardest thing I’ve ever known. But Mama spoke to me from the edge of heaven, and taught me how to believe in listening to God. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. For resources including a 24/7 helpline, visit www.alz.org. David Clark is a nationally known writer, musician and organic vegetable farmer in Cochran, GA. For permission to reuse, please contact the author at dclark@outofthesky.com.

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Join us for worship! 9:15 a.m. “Blended” Service Powerful worship songs and hymns set to new arrangements.

10:45 a.m.

“Contemporary” Service Contemporary worship led by our Worship Band in a high-energy environment.

4347 Sunset Blvd. • Lexington www.northsidebaptist.org

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 53

Art in the Garden VII Wingardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery & Garden Center October 5, 2012

Featuring food, drinks, a silent art auction and the sounds of Motown by The Total Package, this annual event raised $15,000 for Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS). Art in the Garden has raised more than $70,000 for LICS in the past six years.

Wally and Delores Steinhauser of Wingardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery thank attendees for their support.

54 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012

Photos by Grant Digital Media grantdigitalmedia.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 55

56 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 57

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Vote for

Best of Lexington 2013 www.lexingtonlife.com Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 57

by Charissa Sylvia

Lexington Presbyterian 246 Barr Road LexPresChurch.com (803) 359-9501 Sundays 8:15 a.m. Early Worship 9:30 a.m. Christian Education Hour 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship 6:00 p.m. Evening Worship

58 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 59

Simple beginnings are beautiful beginnings. That’s something the congregation of Lexington Presbyterian Church (LPC) knows firsthand. The church was founded in 1974 when 40 people met in the basement of Lexington Elementary School. That meeting led to their first official service, which was held a few weeks later. Over the next several years their congregation and facilities continued to expand, and they purchased land to construct a building in their current location on Barr Road. Today the congregation is led by Pastor Clay Werner. He describes the church as multi-generational, with “folks ranging from nine days to 97 years old!” LPC wants to be known as a place that is “grace-centered and Gospel-driven.” They are passionate about reaching men, women and children who don’t know “the life-transforming power and breathtaking beauty of the gospel.” There are two Sunday services at LPC, held at 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. The church website describes a typical service as

having a “blended style, incorporating a broad range of music within a historic, reformed liturgy. Services include a scriptural Call to Worship, the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and Apostles’ Creed, a time of blended music, corporate and silent confession, special music from the LPC choir or children’s chorale, a scripture reading and a 30-minute sermon.” The congregation at Lexington Presbyterian would love to have you join them for a service! A variety of programs and ministries are also available at LPC, including Christian education classes, Bible studies and music programs. Pastor Werner and his congregation want to be people equipped to go into their neighborhoods and workplaces and make a difference. Their desire is to have a “significant Gospel impact in Lexington as they seek strategic and culturally relevant ways to communicate the Gospel and live out its implications.” The congregation also has a passionate desire to see their church members grow spiritually, which is why they strive to create meaningful small groups where individuals and couples get to know each other and grow together in light of God’s grace and truth. Other outreaches include LPC’s monthly Share the Harvest ministry. The congregation spends every third Saturday of the month preparing and hosting an evening meal for low-income families in the Lexington area. They love having the opportunity to connect with people outside their church in a meaningful way. The leadership and members of LPC would love the opportunity to serve you. If you have any questions please contact them, or just show up for a morning service! n www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Memory Care You Can Trust. The Lexington Medical Center Network of Care proudly welcomes board-certified neurologist Donald E. Schmechel, MD, and Southeastern Neurology and Memory Clinic. Dr. Schmechel, a magna cum laude graduate of both Yale University and Harvard Medical School, provides neurological and nervous system care with advanced specialization in Alzheimer’s and dementia. Highly personalized health and memory care backed by years of compassionate expertise.

Now aCCepTiNg New paTieNTs. A Lexington Medical Center Physician Practice

MoSt iNSuraNCe aCCePteD.

Phone: (803) 936-7076 • www.seneurologyandmemory.com Lexington Medical Park 2 • 146 N. Hospital Dr., Suite 500 • West Columbia, SC 29169 Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 59

2012 Holiday

Preview

Mark your calendar for these upcoming holiday events, and check December’s issue for more festive family fun! Nov. 17 – Dec. 30 Lights Before Christmas Riverbanks Zoo, 6-9 p.m. Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for more than 20 years. Includes nightly visits with Santa through December 23. November 19-20 Sleigh Bell Stroll & Trot Saluda Shoals Park; Check-in 5 p.m., Race 7 p.m. Register now for the Sleigh Bell Stroll Family Fun Walk (Monday, Nov. 19; $5 per person; free for ages 6 and under) or the Sleigh Bell Trot, a certified 5K race (Tuesday, Nov. 20, $20 per person early bird [11/15]; $30 from 11/16-22). These unique, nighttime events are held amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River. 772-3369 or email jcantey@icrc.net.

60 || LEXINGTON 61 LEXINGTON LIFE LIFE || November November 2012 2012

Nov. 21 – December 31 Holiday Lights on the River Saluda Shoals Park, 6-10 p.m. Enjoy over 400 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the park! As a special treat from Dec. 14-23, make plans to attend Nights of Wonder: eight fun-filled nights of family activities including the Red-Nose Express Hayride and the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo. Concessions, crafts to make and take home, roasting marshmallows and a visit with Santa are additional highlights. Nominal fees ($1-5) apply for concessions and activities. icrc.net/events/holiday-lights. Nov. 22 – Jan. 1 3rd Annual Hite Christmas Light Show to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation 200 Dupre Mill Road, Park Side subdivision, Lexington Enjoy more than 65,000 lights synchro-

nized to music and support the S.C. chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation: 100 percent of voluntary donations benefit this worthy cause. This year’s show includes 10 tunes and lasts 30-40 minutes. Lights will run continuously from 6-11 p.m. on Fri-Sat, and 6-10 p.m. SunThu. Prepare to be amazed, and help the Hite family make a child’s dream come true! Follow Hite Christmas Light Show on Facebook. November 30 Caroling Along the Cayce Riverwalk N Avenue Entrance, 6:00 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of Christmas at the Cayce Riverwalk, where several area church choirs will be located throughout the first half-mile of the park. Visitors can wander from choir to choir and enjoy holiday musical selections. The Riverwalk will be lighted with luminaries, and hot apple cider will be served free of charge. Sunday, December 2 Surviving the Holidays Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Welcome Center, 3-5 p.m. This special seminar offers practical, actionable strategies for making it through the holiday season for those in grief after the loss of a loved one. You don’t have to go through this time alone. 359-3380. Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Winter Fest  South Carolina State Museum Take a break from the holiday crowds with two weeks of family activities celebrating the winter season! Highlights include holiday movies, seasonal Star Labs, a scavenger hunt, nature crafts, board games, and several visits from the jolly old elf himself. scmuseum.org.

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Celebrating 100 issues!

November 2012 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 61

62 | LEXINGTON LIFE | November 2012 63

www.lexingtonlifemagazine.com

Opening November 2012 Free Medical Care Facility

Ted McGee Director of Development & Sponsorships

Please call Ted McGee 803.730.8879 For Complete Information Christ Central Ministry Medical Care Team: Dental Division Director Ted Ravenel, DDS Rick Jackson, DDS Pharmacy Division Director Davis Hook, R.Ph

Medical Director Dr. James Stands CEO Christ Central Pastor Jimmy Jones Nurse Director Phyllis Raynor

Optometry Division Director Jim Dixon Director of Volunteer Service Angela Schmidt

Christ Central Ministries Medical Care – 108 Park Terrace Drive – Columbia, SC 29212

Life { Survivor from Day 1 }