Life’s a Sport. Keep Playing.
You lead a full and active life — and that’s the way it should be. Whether you’re exercising or just completing your to-do list, you want to enjoy every moment of the day.
At Lexington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, we know the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Our team of experts provides specialized treatment to help you live pain-free.
So when an unexpected injury slows you down, we’re here to help. We’ll get you back to the things that matter most to you.
FEATURES
The Main Place to Be 16
Music Therapy, Prisma Health 20
Back to School Shopping...........................
Business Spotlight: Michelin
The Sanctuary at Boyd Island
Let the Games Begin! ................................
COLUMNS
Faith Matters
David Clark
FROM THEpublisher
This issue officially marks the 20th anniversary of Lexington Life Magazine. A lot has changed in Lexington since 2004, that’s for sure. Where has the time gone? My kids have developed into young adults, and I have aged into a pre-senior citizen. Our youngest son, Noah, will be a high school senior this month and it seems like just yesterday he was born.
Lexington has grown significantly throughout the past twenty years, and it has been my pleasure to bring our monthly magazine into your mailbox every month. I would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters of Lexington Life Magazine. Lexington is local, that is what makes it special. I encourage local consumers to be diligent in shopping locally and businesses to trade locally too.
Keeping money within the local community ensures a vibrant Lexington economy.
I’m super excited about the Main Street area of downtown Lexington. I’m thankful for Jeremy Addy and his family’s vision and investment which has helped transform the Main Street corridor. The Lexington Amphitheatre has done just what Lexington Town Council intended when it funded the project nearly a decade ago, bringing people downtown.
Thanks for reading Lexington Life over the past 20 years. It has been a pleasure showcasing all that Lexington has to offer. I think of Lexington Life as the common thread weaving together OUR community of churches, schools, governments, businesses, organizations, and most importantly people.
Thank you for twenty years Lexington!
Congratulations to Coach Brian Hucks and the entire Lexington High School baseball team on your 2024 State Championship!
Thanks for reading, Todd Shevchik
Todd Shevchik Publisher & Editor-In-Chief toddshevchik@gmail.com Jan Johnson Editor & Director of Digital Media lexlifeeditor@gmail.com Anne Reynolds Sales Director annerabonreynolds5@gmail.com Bailey Noles Vice President of Sales baileyrnoles@gmail.com Kim Curlee Production Manager kimcurlee214@gmail.com Jane Carter Editorial Designer jcarterdesign@comcast.net
CALENDAR OFevents
AUGUST
Tuesday, August 6
34th Annual Hiroshima
Remembrance Event
120 Pisgah Church Rd.
Columbia | 7 pm – 9 pm
This interfaith peace vigil, organized by Simple Gifts, brings together Midlands’ faith communities to create an energy of peace and promote nuclear disarmament. For more information, please contact Sallie Prugh at 803-780-4197.
Wednesday, August 7
DayONE
Icehouse Amphitheatre | 107 West Main St. Lexington | 9 am
DayONE is an interdenominational, Christian event designed to bring together women believers from multiple Christ-following churches within the community, to join hearts in prayer for Lexington County School District ONE schools. For more information visit dayonelexington.org.
Friday, August 9
Sunset on the Shoals
Saluda Shoals Park | 5605 Bush River Rd. Columbia | 6 pm – 8 pm
Enjoy an interpretive paddle tour on the Saluda River and learn about the unique history of the area followed by a wine tasting. Ages 21 and up. Visit icrc.net to register.
Tuesday, August 13
Career Building: LinkedIn Basics
Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. Lexington | 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Learn all about the online business community of LinkedIn, setting up an account, and how to network to better your career (ages 18+). For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.
Saturday, August 17
Lexington Upscale Consignment Fall Sale
The Wingate Inn |108 Saluda Pointe Ct. Lexington | 9 am – 4 pm
Featuring quality children’s clothing sizes NB to 20, shoes, books, toys, baby gear, and more. Cash, Check, and Venmo only.
Sunday, August 25
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert by the SC Philharmonic
Koger Center | 1051 Greene St. | Columbia | 2 pm and 7 pm
Fans will be able to experience screenings of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by SCP Music Director, Morihiko Nakahara. For tickets visit kogercenterforthearts.com.
faithMATTERS
The Hummingbird
PHIL REYNOLDS Congregational Care Associate
Mt. Horeb Church
1205 Old Cherokee Road Lexington, SC
At a previous home, we had an outbuilding that was my shop. We had multiple hummingbird feeders around the house and the shop. The garage had no finished ceiling, so the rafters were exposed, and I seldom closed the door. One morning, I walked into the garage and a hummingbird was up there banging himself into the rafters. He was doing the same thing over and over, but I suppose the hummingbird expected different results. I decided to get a 10-foot-long PVC pipe and see if the hummingbird would land on the pipe, so I could ease the bird out of the garage. Sure enough, after a while, the bird landed on the pipe, and I started easing the pipe toward the door. After the bird rested a bit, it flew right back into the rafters and banged itself again. I tried the pipe again and the bird went back to the rafters again. Again, and again, but each time I managed to get the bird closer to the door. Finally, I got the hummingbird close enough to the floor that the bird saw the outside light and found its freedom. When I told my older brother Terry the story, he said the hummingbird finally got low enough to see the light.
Many of us had dark seasons in our life just like the hummingbird. We get into darkness in life when we are doing things that are not good for ourselves, our families, or our communities. On our own, we may try to step away from our foolishness for a moment and rest like the hummingbird rested on the pipe. Each time we step away, we rest just a little longer. At some point, we finally get low enough to see the light and then find our freedom from our recklessness.
For many of us, we find that true freedom from our bad behavior is found only in Jesus. In John 12:46, Jesus tells us that He has come into the world as light so that no one who believes in Him should stay in darkness. Once we find the light, then we become a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). n
LEXINGTONleader
by Abigail Harris
Brittany Jones
Brittany Jones, the Director of Lexington County Animal Services, has been working in the animal control field and serving the community of Lexington for over nine years. She started as a part-time attendant at the shelter after graduating from Lexington High School and became a full-time attendant a year later. She progressed to Officer, Corporal FTO, Sergeant, and is now the Director.
The Lexington County Animal Services Department’s main purpose is to prevent animal attacks and control the rising num ber of stray animals in Lexington County. They educate the pub lic about the importance of spay and neuter services and have an active pet adoption program.
As the Director, Jones’ goal is to improve the department’s op erations and serve the citizens of Lexington. She is certified as an Animal Control Officer through Code 3 Associates and recently graduated from South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer. She aims to meet the standard of No-Kill SC and hold irresponsible owners accountable for their actions.
Sharing a funny work story, she said, “We have a tiny bird out side our employee entrance. She is a protective mother bird who lays eggs by our door. One day she had enough of us working and passing through. This tiny bird began to ‘attack’ one of our officers. He ran, her chasing him. He stripped his duty belt and vest to escape her, flapping his arms only to see that it was her, and began laughing at himself along with other staff. He is a fully trained, experienced officer who handles our aggressive animals with ease.”
In addition to her full-time job, Jones is a moth er to her four-year-old son, Keaton, who she describes as “wild with a heart of gold” and a big animal lover who enjoys fishing. When she’s not working, she, her partner Cameron, and their three dogs, Casino and Knox (Great Danes) and Sully (a Chocolate Lab), spend time with Keaton. The family loves outdoor ac tivities, with some of their best memories being on Lake Murray, where they taught their son boat safety and swimming.
Even though her profession is not su per ordinary, their family enjoys the simple things in life. “We love boating, fishing, and sitting on the river. We socialize with our family and friends, either at home or eating together at local restaurants. We like to do yard work together, sit back, and enjoy the progress,” shared Jones. n
The heart of downtown Lexington beats once again in the revitalized retail district
Over the past decade, Main Street in downtown Lexington has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a quiet thoroughfare into a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Once characterized by aging storefronts and sporadic foot traffic, the street now boasts a dynamic blend of businesses that have brought life back into the district. Entrepreneurs have breathed new life into historic buildings; new structures have emerged to house restaurants and local businesses; and public spaces like the Icehouse Amphitheatre and the Market at Icehouse have been built while Virginia Hylton Park was recently completely renovated.
The Main Place to Be
By Chesson Merritt
The revitalization has brought Main Street back to being a great destination for locals and visitors alike. Many minds, hands, and talents have come together to infuse new life into Main Street, drawing on inspiration from what the district once was half a century ago.
In Main Street’s glory days, families would flock downtown to shop at the local businesses and to visit the Lexington State Bank (housed in what is now Bodhi Thai.) There were stores like Sessions’, INC, where you could buy everything from casserole dishes to clothing—It was a sprawling one-story store that rambled on Main Street. Harmon Drug Store was where you’d find your pharmaceutical needs and ice-cold cokes. Addy’s Department Store had clothing and shoes. Lad and Dad had clothing for men and boys and often employed local teenagers to wrap presents during the holiday season.
There was a sense of community along the street. You could walk down the sidewalk, popping in and out of shops and you purchased what you needed. You’d likely run into friends along the way, stopping to catch up with them and ask what’s new.
Over time, Main Street lost its shine and appeal as businesses closed, or moved to other areas of town as Lexington began growing outwards from the city center. It became an area of “nothing” and one that the community had little reason to visit. New businesses didn’t give the location a chance—And, 10-15 years ago, who could blame them?
One entrepreneur, Jeremy Addy, took a chance on the dilapidated district at a time when others turned away from it, noting that “nothing” was there and there was no opportunity to be had on the outdated street.
“While we were developing the concept of our store, Craig Reagin, we decided that we wanted to set our store apart using three components,” said Addy, owner of Craig Reagin Clothiers on Main Street in downtown Lexington. “We would focus on customer service, product selection, and a sense of community. Generations before me used to utilize shopping as an avenue to interact with friends, spend time with family, and create lasting memories.”
Growing up in a family that has lived in Lexington for generations, Addy heard what downtown Lexington used to look like from his dad.
“Before we opened, when I would drive downtown with my dad, he would always mention what had been in each store when he was a kid,” said Addy. “He would share a story about how he remembered buying a coke here, getting his first suit there, and various other fun-filled memories. As he pointed out each place, it was disheartening to me. At the time, each building that he pointed to was either vacant, falling down, or being underutilized.”
Jeremy used the stories and memories
that his dad shared as motivation for what he hoped Main Street could be again, one business and building at a time. He wanted to see a thriving, vibrant downtown shopping and dining district that many neighbors who grew up in Lexington over 50 years ago can recall.
“Because of this, I wanted Craig Reagin to become a spot that would entice people to once again come downtown and create memories like my father had of walking downtown so that I could enjoy the same with my family and friends.”
Jeremy set out and got to work.
“Initially, we had to overcome the stigma that there was ‘nothing downtown’,” said Addy. “For the longest time, people had the notion that downtown was just vacant buildings or lawyers offices, so we had to educate the Lexington community that downtown was growing and that there was a reason to come.”
Other shops and restaurants began following suit, finding Main Street to be the
perfect home for their business. Rerouting traffic through town and providing additional parking has also played a part in bringing more people back to shop, dine, and enjoy time together.
“Since we opened, the parking lot that adjoins the amphitheater and the amphitheater itself has been the most critical improvement,” said Jeremy. “The ability to host events downtown brings people to our area that normally might not come, which exposes them to new stores and restaurants, incentivizing them to come back and try more new places.”
The work on Main Street is far from over, with businesses like The Kindred Boutique renovating existing buildings and turning them into fresh storefronts, and with plans for new ventures, like adding a hotel across the street from Addy’s store.
“I’m very excited to see the hotel started across the street because I think that is the last component that Main Street has needed,” said Jeremy. “The ability to have an event downtown at the amphitheater or even in the event space that the hotel will offer, then have people stay downtown cre-
Jeremy Addy, Craig Reagin Clothiers
ates the ability to market Main Street as a weekend destination rather than just somewhere to come to spend a few hours. This opens up a new level of marketing to allow businesses to prosper and allow residences to have amenities that many other communities cannot offer.”
Business owners on Main Street have an unwavering passion for building a thriving community, driven by a deep desire to restore the original vibrancy and charm it was once known to have. Their dedication inspires both collaboration and innovation, fostering a sense of pride and purpose among all who share their vision for Main Street.
day downtown having breakfast, taking in the fresh air at the local park, shopping at a bunch of fantastic stores, dining at a great restaurant for dinner, and then enjoying entertainment at the amphitheater,” said Addy. “We have everything that any big city offers within two blocks downtown while we maintain the local downhome community that Lexington is known to be.”
The entrepreneurs and shop owners have put in the time, effort, and funds to kickstart the revitalization, but it takes more than that to truly create a thriving economic district where everyone can find something to enjoy. If you love what’s being offered,
“We have everything that any big city offers within two blocks downtown while we maintain the local downhome community that Lexington is known to be.”
“We have a lot of business owners downtown that are passionate about building a community,” said Addy. “I think every business downtown is worth patronizing over the ‘big box’ counterparts because all of us work hard to create a cohesive destination that promotes one another.”
Even just a few years ago, you would need an hour or two in the middle of the week to spend on Main Street to get your full enjoyment out of what was offered there. That has quickly changed as more places have opened up their doors, offering later hours and weekend opportunities to visit.
“At this point, you could spend an entire
let a business know. Tell a friend about it. Share it on your social media pages so that others know about it. If there is something you think is missing, say something and do what you can to help make it a reality. Main Street is for everyone, and it takes everyone to make it a wonderful place to visit.
Many store and restaurant owners have built personal relationships with their customers, readily accepting feedback on how they can improve their store or the area.
“The biggest thing the community can do is voice when you are satisfied with a store,” said Addy. “Most of the time, people only post or talk poorly about stores when they have had a bad experience and never mention the hundreds of other times they have had a good experience. Like any store, local stores need to earn your business by providing great products and great service, but when they do, they should be broadcast on the same platform as when they fall short.”
Everyone, from the businesses to the patrons, has one common goal: Bring Main Street back to the beloved retail district that it once was.
“I hope that in five years, people my parents’ age can be proud that Main Street has returned to its ‘glory days’ of the previous generations,” said Addy. “I would love to see it as a place where the community can be proud to walk downtown, shop, eat, get a haircut, and build relationships with neighbors.” n
Christie Connelly, Kevin Connelly, and Karen Norman, The Kindred Boutique
Music Therapy Program harmonizes treatment at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands
South Carolina’s first children’s hospital might also be its most innovative. Prisma Health Children’s Hospital - Midlands recently opened the state’s first pediatric rehabilitation unit – adding to the more than 30 subspecialties that provide care during over 150,000 children’s visits each year.
Prisma also continues to evolve its existing services. The Music Therapy Program began as a part-time initiative not long after the Midlands Children’s Hospital was established in 1994. Becca Kelly arrived on the scene more than two decades ago, and the music therapist is now the Team Lead in the Child Life Department, which houses the music therapy program.
“Like many other types of health therapy, music therapy has very strict criteria for entering into the profession,” Mitchell says. “You need to have a degree in music therapy from an approved program, become board-certified through the Certification Board of Music Therapists, and complete a six-month internship.”
As the demand for services continued to grow, Kelly was joined by two more therapists, including Janelle Mitchell, who launched the hospital’s Music Therapy Internship Program. It took two years and lots of paperwork to meet the numerous certification requirements, but the team welcomed their first intern in 2023.
Mitchell discovered the field when she was a member of her high school band in Florida. Her assistant band director showed the clarinet player an article about a device known as PAL (Pacifier Activated Lullaby) that – when administered by a music therapist – could reinforce effective non-nutritive sucking for premature infants through operant conditioning.
Mitchell knew she had found her calling, and she attended Florida State University to study music therapy with PAL’s inventor, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor Jayne Standley. After completing her internship, passing the board certification exam, and gaining private practice expe-
rience for several years, Mitchell landed at Prisma Health’s Children’s Hospital-Midlands in 2019.
She was determined to establish an internship program and procure a PAL for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – the region’s only Level III NICU. Mitchell successfully secured a PAL device for their NICU earlier this year after detailing its merits in a grant application.
“Working in the NICU is the reason I started in the music therapy field, and I continue to grow more passionate about it,” Mitchell says.
Working closely with nurses, physicians, and other therapists, Mitchell provides care for patients as young as 28 weeks gestation – an age at which most infants can respond to auditory stimuli. She keeps an eye on various monitors to see how she can help patients improve their vital signs (e.g., increase oxygenation, lower heart rate) through music therapy (often in conjunction with touch and other therapeutic methods).
fants,” Mitchell says. “It is so rewarding to see them learn how to self-regulate and to witness music assist with maintaining vitals in a healthy range.”
The team also works with parents – educating them on the best ways to sing and safely use sound machines and other devices to help their children’s neurological development. This training begins as soon as the babies are old enough to engage in kangaroo care with their parents, which works even better when music is added to the mix.
Every part of the music therapy program is collaborative – from working with patients to parents to other clinical services. Referrals often result from interdisciplinary healthcare meetings, or treatment can come about spontaneously when a clinician, parent, or patient sees Mitchell walking down the hall with her guitar.
It’s all about healing – whatever that looks like.
“I have seen a patient go from oxygen levels in the low 80s to nearly 100 percent in response to positive auditory stimulation of singing with appropriate tempo, decibel level, and vocal range for premature in-
creasing anxiety during these procedures. Child life specialists work closely with clinicians, patients, and families to help them receive care, and music therapists are often called upon to provide their services.
“This little girl was having difficulty adjusting to the hospital environment and self-regulating before the procedure,” Mitchell says. “I brought in a keyboard, and she immediately began playing songs by ear and was able to settle in more. It’s an important component of treatment that helps normalize an unfamiliar experience that is happening in a new environment.”
The music therapists are often seen pushing entire carts of instruments among the various medical units at Prisma Health’s Children’s Hospital. From drums to guitars, they offer an array of options to children –using their extensive training and real-time feedback to engage patients in the cancer and blood disorder unit, surgical recovery, and beyond.
A recent request from the pediatric sedation unit introduced Mitchell to an elementary school-aged girl with autism. Sedation services are a common and critical need for children’s hospitals because they enable kids to receive much-needed healthcare procedures and music therapy can help with de-
A patient in the hospital’s newly opened rehabilitation unit had experienced a significant trauma injury and needed intensive therapy. Working with the occupational and physical therapists, Mitchell addressed goals to improve his balance, core strength, and motor skills – all by pulling out a xylophone.
“He was sitting up and displayed difficulties using both hands at the same time,” she recalls. “We tried shakers and other instruments, but it was the xylophone that really got his attention. He used one hand to hold the base and the other to use the mallet. It was a great moment.”
These strategic interventions improve physical functioning while increasing endurance and motivation. The collaborations result in practical gains while participating in a fun environment. Sometimes the patients are making the music, sometimes it’s the therapists, but often, it’s both.
“We are therapists who use music as a medium for helping patients achieve non-music goals,” Mitchell says. “We vary our methods based on the patient and the healthcare goals, whether that’s rehabilitation, pain management, neurodevelopment, reducing anxiety, or any number of other areas.”
Adopting the field’s emphasis on patient-preferred music, Mitchell follows their lead. Whether it’s Broadway or Taylor Swift, much of this involves singing their favorite songs. She’s even known to rap. Versatility is the key, and Prisma’s innovative music therapists have it in spades. n
OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE, TO PRODUCE TOP QUALITY, LICENSED PROFESSIONALS WITH EXCEPTIONAL KNOWLEDGE FROM A SCIENTIFIC AND CLINICAL LEVEL –IN ORDER TO OBTAIN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THEIR CLIENTS
ESTHETICS MASSAGE THERAPY
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Back to School Shopping Guide
From replenishing your child’s pencil case to purchasing a new pair of shoes, back-to-school shopping can seem daunting. But, with this list of back-to-school essentials, you’ll have everything you need to prepare your child for a successful year at school.
by Jessica Hall
Stationery
School shopping wouldn’t be complete without amassing a new collection of stationery. Some items, such as a ruler, blunttipped scissors, and a pencil sharpener, can be used year after year. However, given how often they are used, pens and pencils should be replaced yearly. This ensures that your child never runs out of ink halfway through a class.
If you have younger children, consider purchasing a pen grip to help them develop their motor skills and handwriting. Adding markers, crayons, and colored pencils to your child’s pencil case gives them all the tools they need to get creative with their schoolwork. Older children can also benefit from adding a scientific calculator and highlighters.
A notebook is a great addition to your child’s backpack. While they can use looseleaf paper to take down all their class notes, a notebook provides a space for them to jot down any homework tasks and plan out their week.
Binders
As your child progresses through school, organization becomes more important. With each grade, they’ll be introduced to new subjects and different teachers. Having a designated place to file their classwork
alongside any homework can be really useful, especially when it comes to revising.
Binders come in a variety of styles, as do subject dividers. Whether your child is dividing their binder between different subjects or different topics within a single subject, dividers allow them to get even more organized. By regularly filing their work, your child will have all the tools they need to prepare for tests and will never lose a piece of work again.
Backpack
With everything they carry around, your child must have a sturdy backpack. It’s unlikely that it will need to be replaced every year, but double-checking the condition of your child’s backpack ensures that their straps won’t break when they’re halfway to school.
A backpack should be large enough to carry all the essentials as well as any additional items your child might need, such as a gym kit or an umbrella.
Shoes
Dress codes vary from school to school, but typically your child will need a pair of casual shoes or boots, depending on the season, and sneakers. It can be tempting to buy less expensive shoes, especially if your child seems to be having a growth spurt every other week. However, given
how much wear the shoes will get, it’s always better to opt for a sturdier, wellmade pair.
Glasses or Contact Lenses
By having your child’s eyesight regularly checked, you can ensure that they have everything they need to achieve the best results in the classroom. If your child does wear glasses, a sturdy case can come in handy. It’ll ensure that the glasses remain safe, even when they’re tossed to the bottom of a backpack.
Clothing
Assess your child’s wardrobe and determine what needs replacing and what still fits. From hoodies to gym shorts, it’s likely that some items of clothing will be starting to show their age. Building a wardrobe consisting of outfits that your child feels comfortable and confident in ensures that there’s never a laundry scramble or days when they’re left with nothing to wear.
Final Thoughts
With this simple list, you can prepare your child for the upcoming school year and ensure that they have everything they need to have fun while learning a handful of new skills. Whether they need a new backpack or to replenish their pencil case, a few purchases will guarantee that they are prepared for their next academic adventure. n
by Tenell Felder
In 2021 Michelin Tires celebrated 40 years of manufacturing in Lexington, producing more than 240 million tires. Today they continue providing the Midlands with excellent products, along with a commitment to community service, through their two facilities in Lexington.
Plant Manager Chris Goumas is the site manager of Lexington’s Michelin passenger car tire facility. “I oversee the facility that manufactures passenger car tires, like what you would drive on daily on your vehi-
ment in the community, they prioritize service. “Michelin believes in giving back in the form of donating or volunteering,” Goumas said.
Education is also a priority for the company. “Michelin is committed to supporting local education. In recent years, Michelin has supported the Lexington County District One Educational District through donations to robotics and Golden Apple Teacher Grant Awards,” Goumas shared. It was announced in April that over
“Michelin is committed to supporting local education. In recent years, Michelin has supported the Lexington County District One Educational District through donations to robotics and Golden Apple Teacher Grant Awards.”
cle. We have another facility at the site that manufactures mining tires,” Goumas said. When it comes to Michelin’s involve-
the next three years, Michelin will donate $10,000 annually to the Lexington County District One Educational District, for a to-
tal of $30,000. “The contribution will help support education, specifically in the area of computer science for middle and high school students,” Goumas explained.
Michelin’s contributions will primarily be directed toward the district’s middle and high school VEX robotics teams, of which there are currently nine. “The VEX robotics program builds students’ STEM skills through designing robots that can compete at local and state level competitions,” Goumas said.
In addition to their community involvement, Michelin’s Lexington facility places priority on hiring local employees and employs more than 1,000 individuals.
“As a company, we believe we need to remain actively involved in where we live. For this reason, we believe in hiring from our local area. Our employees know and love the communities and easily integrate into our culture that continues to support each other,” Goumas said. n
Hidden Tranquility on the Three Rivers Greenway
EXPERIENCE THE SANCTUARY AT BOYD ISLAND
by Chesson Merritt
The grass and leaves are green, flowers are in full bloom, and the great outdoors is beckoning you to spend more time enjoying the stunning natural landscape of our own backyard. Now is the perfect opportunity to explore the best outdoor activities that the Midlands has to offer, especially the ones that provide a tranquil, cool escape from the busyness of everyday life.
Our community is home to a variety of bodies of water that are ideal for enjoying during the hotter months of the year when you’re looking to cool off. We have Lake Murray in Lexington County; Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park; and the famous three rivers—Saluda, Broad, and Congaree—that flow throughout the area. Over the last several decades, through the work of The River Alliance, the rivers have become more accessible to everyone with the addition of new greenways and bridges, opening up areas that were previously only explorable via canoes and kayaks.
“In 1994 and 1995, when we started The River Alliance, you couldn’t get to the rivers,” said Mike Dawson, Chief Executive Of-
ficer and one of the founders of the non-profit organization. “You could do it if you had a machete or if you wanted to beat your way through the brush, but otherwise, it was a natural resource that we did not have easy access to.”
The River Alliance is a regional partnership between Lexington County, Richland County, the City of Cayce, the City of West Columbia, and the City of Columbia whose mission is to help the regional community become more engaged with the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers by making the rivers accessible to everyone while keeping them protected.
“We formed The River Alliance to unlock the potential of the rivers for everybody,” said Dawson. “I think we’ve done a great job of it, too, if you take a look at the work we’ve done through the Three Rivers Greenway.”
The Greenway was one of the first big projects that the non-profit organization proposed after it was created.
“We’ve got about 15 miles now,” said Dawson. “The idea was to propose a public system that was safe and secure for families, for walking and running, for baby stroller pushing and rollerblading,
and everything in between. It’s what people were asking for and we wanted to find a way to make it happen.”
The Three Rivers Greenway today winds its way through Cayce and West Columbia, picks up again in downtown Columbia along the Columbia Canal, and most recently, it stretches along the Saluda River by Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
The Saluda Riverwalk, located just outside of downtown Columbia on Candi Lane, opened in June 2021 and has quickly become a favorite place for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. The path travels parallel to the Saluda River and behind Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, giving you scenic river views along the way. Plus, because much of the path is under a thick canopy of trees and close to the river, it’s a spot where you can cool off during Columbia’s famously hot weather.
As you venture past the Zoo and continue along the path, you’re met with a bridge that connects you with an island in the middle of the river, around where the Saluda and Broad meet to become the Congaree River.
“The Saluda Riverwalk was an idea that had been unfunded for years before we asked Richland County to put the funding of that project into the Richland County Penny Sales Tax,” said Dawson. “When that began moving ahead, Darnell and Susan Boyd—founders and namesakes of the Darnell W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation—asked if they could do a project with The River Alliance.”
Dawson and the Boyds took a canoe ride out to an island in the middle of the confluence of the Three Rivers, got out, and began to explore. What possibilities did this island, owned by the City of Columbia, hold for our community? How could the greenway connect with it to unlock access? The River Alliance, with funding from The Boyd Foundation, put together a proposal to build a bridge from the future Saluda Riverwalk over to the island; to build trails, an overlook, and a pavilion; and to strategically place benches along the way.
“It’s been fantastic to see that not only did we pull off creating The Sanctuary at Boyd Island and that it looks gorgeous, but to see all the people that go out there and enjoy it,” said Dawson. “Every step of building the greenway has proven that as soon as we build something, people are going to be out there exploring it, achieving exactly what our foundation set out to do for the community.”
The Sanctuary at Boyd Island is about a mile and a half down the greenway from the parking and access point at Candi Lane, just down the road from the Zoo.
Exploring The Sanctuary at Boyd Island is like venturing into an entirely different world without ever leaving Columbia. Once you cross the bridge onto Boyd Island, you’re greeted with a pathway that circles the entire island, providing you gorgeous views of the rivers, opportunities to encounter a variety of wildlife from river otters and beavers to blue herons, and a quiet, natural haven to appreciate. As you make your way along the trails, there are gorgeous
sculptures to discover, park benches and picnic tables for resting and enjoying a bite to eat, and an observation deck that offers the best overlook of the natural beauty that comes with the confluence of the three rivers.
“My favorite part about The Sanctuary at Boyd Island is seeing people go out there, have no clue it is there, and to watch their faces when they experience it for the first time,” said Dawson. “You can see river otters, catch a beaver chewing down a tree, and there’s plenty of deer. It’s a great spot to sit and see what animals come wandering by. There’s no way to have a bad day if you find time to sit out there and feel good about the world. Go out there and just take a deep breath.”
It’s a place where everyone can find something different they like, no matter the pace at which you choose to venture around the island. Whether you’re zipping along through the shade on your bike or savoring a slow walk catching up with a friend, you’ll uncover something new each time that you cross the bridge and visit Boyd Island.
“Every piece of the greenway is special in its own way,” said Dawson. “This portion though? This one has rushing water, cool water, it’s right along the rapids, and then when you get to the confluence surrounding Boyd Island, there’s all of these other little islands to see. It’s like you’re in a completely different world. It’s somewhere you can escape for an hour.”
The River Alliance has plans to make The Sanctuary at Boyd Island even more accessible for our community.
“We are working with Riverbanks and the City of Columbia to put some ADA parking spaces fairly close to the island so that those with mobility issues can get to the island to experience it,” said Dawson. “Everything we build is wheelchair accessible, but providing access closer to the island makes it a little bit easier for everyone to get to it.”
One day soon, The Sanctuary at Boyd Island will play a pivotal part in the overall picture of The Three Rivers Greenway. The River Alliance is actively working towards making the dream of connecting the Saluda Riverwalk with the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park a reality. The connection will be made from the overlook on Boyd Island.
“What we wanted to do was run the greenway around the Zoo, which we did, and ultimately we want to connect the Zoo to downtown Columbia,” said Dawson. “You have the children’s museum, EdVenture, and the State Museum right there. You could ride your bike between all three of those area attractions. We’re getting close
to that goal now. You can stand on the platform and look over and see it all. That’s our next project—making that connection.”
The Boyd Foundation is again partnering with The River Alliance and is providing funding for a bridge that will traverse the river and bring both portions of the greenway together. Permits are underway to create a bridge that goes the shortest distance, bank to bank, and give the community access to fully experience the entirety of the Three Rivers Greenway.
Add The Sanctuary at Boyd Island to your bucket list and get out there to explore. It’s a breathtaking, peaceful island waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by you. n
The Downing Group
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The Paris Olympics might be out of reach to attend in person, but you can stage your own games with family and friends while exploring some of the Town of Lexington’s updated recreational facilities.
by Betsey Guzior
Virginia Hylton Park reopened in May with a new entrance, walking trails, and a second pavilion, its first major upgrade since opening in 1991. The playground is also part of improvements that doubled the size of the park to almost 15 acres.
After you’ve invited other families to compete, conduct your Opening Ceremonies at the new smaller amphitheater.
The new equipment includes two tree houses connected by a raised bridge that’s accommodating to any ability for children. It’s the perfect setting for a challenging egg race. Time how long it takes to run across the bridge from one end to the other while holding an egg.
Or create an obstacle course along the play equipment that includes heading down one of the two slides, climbing over the jungle gym, taking a few rounds on the spinner, running over to the swings, and finishing af-
ter running through the tunnel.
Ready for some water games to cool off from the heat? Then use the linear splash pad available at the park for a balloon relay or water balloon pinata.
Use the rope courses on the hill to create a mini decathlon, timing each player to run up and down, finishing with a trip down another slide.
Want some fanfare? Use the musical xylophone built in the playground as your group marches in.
Other games you can play:
• Use a frisbee to simulate a discus throw
• Bring hoops, ribbons, and balls to help kids put together a rhythmic gymnastics competition
• Use a straight line to mimic a balance beam
• Add small boxes or bales of hay to create hurdles for your kids to jump over
Can’t think of any other games to stage? Virginia Hylton Park has an outdoor area that includes a giant game board to play chess or checkers, and a field designed for a game of horseshoes or cornhole. It’s also a place to stage a bean bag toss.
For those not “competing,” there’s plenty of shade and new covered shelters for spectators.
Virginia Hylton Park is behind Lexington Town Hall, between Church and South Lake streets. n
spice OF LIFE
Shrimply Delicious!
Shrimp Tacos
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning juice from half a lemon
8 corn tortillas
1 cup coleslaw mix
Mango Salsa
1 mango, peeled and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped juice from 1 lime
4 green onions, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
½ cup cilantro, chopped salt and pepper to taste
Toss all of the mango salsa ingredients in a bowl and set aside until ready to assemble the tacos. In a large skillet, melt the butter on high heat. Season shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and add shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink, 2-4 minutes. Turn off the heat and squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp. To assemble tacos, start with coleslaw mix, and shrimp, and then add salsa.
Low Country Boil
8 quarts of water
½ cup Old Bay Seasoning Hot Sauce to taste
1 lb red potatoes, quartered
2-3 sweet onions, quartered
1 lb smoked sausage, cut into ½ inch pieces
4 ears of corn, cut into ⅓ pieces
2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined garnish: red pepper flakes, fresh chopped parsley, lemon slices
Fill a large pot with water, add Old Bay Seasoning and hot sauce to taste. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes to slightly soften. Add the onions and smoked sausage, bring to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Add the corn, return to a boil, and cook for
10 minutes. When the potatoes and corn are done to your liking, add the shrimp. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and cooks through. Remove from heat, strain out the liquid, and discard it. Serve on a large platter and garnish with red chili flakes, fresh chopped parsley, and lemon slices.
Shrimp Pasta
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp butter
2 shallots, thinly sliced
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ cup white wine
2 Tbsp lemon juice
½ lb angel hair pasta
2 Tbsp parsley, chopped lemon wedges
Sauté the shrimp in the olive oil, and sprinkle with half the salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are pink and cooked through, and set aside for later. In the same skillet, melt the butter, add the shallots, and sau té for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and the remaining spices to the skillet and stir continuously for 30 sec onds. Add the white wine to the skillet and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Save ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta water to the skillet and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the lemon juice and the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Serve immediately, topped with parsley and lemon wedges. n
Created Equal
I happened to be born into a family led by a good man and a good woman. They worked, did right by all they met, raised us in church, taught us right and wrong, whooped us when needed, encouraged us to do our best, led by example on reading and learning. We had a solid roof over our heads and good non-fancy meals each night. Neither parent drank or gambled.
We lived in the country. Our entire social life consisted of church and school.
The half-dozen people I grew up knowing were all raised in similar circumstances. All of us have made our mistakes as all people do, but we’ve all turned out to be decent folks who contribute to our community in some way.
Before I left home, I believed everyone had the same upbringing I had. That’s what my limited experience had clearly taught me.
But then I left home at 18 years old and moved to a different part of the county and got to know a different batch of people.
Within four years I witnessed some different situations.
One boy’s father gambled the house away on Saturday night and they had to move by Wednesday. This boy overdosed when he was 28.
Another boy’s father backhanded his mother at the supper table. The boy objected and said something to his father. The father backhanded the boy and knocked him over backward in his chair. This boy choked to death on his own vomit at age 35, the result of too many painkillers and alcohol.
Another was a talented kid who loved
barbiturates and alcohol by the time he was 20. I believe he was raised right, but a girl broke his heart. His drug usage ended with him blowing his brains out.
A girl I knew ran off with a traveling construction worker. She had a baby boy and never brought her son to see her parents and didn’t even call her mother when her father died. I have no idea if the girl is still alive.
Daddy told me by the time I was eight years old that God had a purpose for my life, and he’d remind me of this mysterious statement every so often. There was a power in this statement and its effect on me. In hindsight, I can see that many times it caused me to decide one path over another. I believe the hand of God was often protecting me when I didn’t have enough sense to protect myself.
The mystery of the thing is to see my path -- to a great extent still unsure of my purpose in this life yet knowing that I’m at least still here while others are not.
It is as if I am living inside an old Hymn, where I daily ponder how much I owe this mysterious force of all-pervasive Love known to me as God.
We’re all created equal. We can accept or deny it, but God’s purpose remains. n
David Clark writes
