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FROM THE

inside

FEATURES

Lexington’s New Mayor .......................... 14 BMX Lexington....................................... 18 20 Years of Lexington Life....................... 20 Rock Steady Boxing................................. 30 Setting Up A Home Gym........................ 34 Holiday Party............................................ 38 Kristen’s Kitchen...................................... 42

COLUMNS

Faith Matters......................................... 9 Tom Poland........................................... 17 David Clark.............................................. 47

publisher

Happy New Year! Have you ever used a weird method to track passing time? Maybe I am the only crazy person who does this; however, I use two things to track time gone by. The first is my purchase of Q-tips. My family knows there is no substitute for Q-tips. Generic cotton swabs just don’t get the job done. I always buy the biggest container of Q-tips I can find which is currently the 500 count. I used my last Q-tip this morning and can’t believe that almost a year and a half has passed since my last Q-tip purchase. WOW! A lot has happened over those 500 days and now it is time to refill my supply. The other task that I’m responsible for is changing the air filters in the house. I write the date installed so that when I replace them, I can see how long it has been. I know the filter companies recommend monthly changes, but I tend to swap them out quarterly. Once again time marches forward. I hope you enjoy the look of our rebranded magazine. It has been a long time coming and we don’t want to go the way of Oldsmobile and become your grandparents’ magazine. We are morphing into a multi-media company and a one-stop shop for local businesses to receive quality marketing assistance and production offering graphic design, video production, podcast production, media placement, rebranding solutions, and digital media creation and placement. My goal is to show more personality than we have in the past and promote worthwhile change in our local communities. I can’t do this without your help. If you see or know of something going on in Lexington County shoot us an email or pick up the phone (gasp!) and call us. We welcome, encourage, and need your input. In addition to our monthly magazines, we will be offering videos and different opportunities that keep us all connected throughout each month. Congratulations to Mayor Livingston and the new town council members, Will Allen and Jeannie Michaels. We are excited about the future of the Town of Lexington! Have a wonderful 2024 and for once I am going to get a small box of Q-tips. I don’t want to have to wait another year and a half to revisit my goals and plans for success. Thanks for reading! Todd Shevchik

Happy New Year!

DEPARTMENTS

From the Publisher................................ 5 Calendar of Events............................... 7 Lexington Leader.................................. 11 Spice of Life.......................................... 44

• IRMOCHAPINLIFE.COM

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CALENDAR OF

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JANUARY Saturday, January 13 Lifelong Learning: The History of MLK Day Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. Lexington | 10 am – 11 am Let’s talk about Dr. King’s movement and the foundation of this holiday using our online resources and the library’s book collections. For ages 18+ For more information visit lexcolibrary.com. Sunday, January 14 The Lake Murray Bridal Show Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center 1110 Lincoln St. | Columbia | 1 pm – 4 pm Presented by Hudson’s Classic Catering, Southern Oaks, The Gin on 391, and 104.7 WNOK this event offers brides and grooms-to-be the opportunity to explore the latest wedding trends, taste incredible food samples, win door prizes, and connect with the experts who can bring their dream weddings to life. For tickets visit lakemurraybridalshow.com. Friday, January 12 – Sunday, January 14 Columbia Home Building and Remodeling Expo Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center 1110 Lincoln St. | Columbia This comprehensive home show brings together homeowners and many of the most knowledgeable and experienced remodeling and building experts. Every aspect of the home can be explored, from the smallest

design detail to the largest house addition. Professionals will be on hand to share their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones. For tickets visit homeshowcenter.com. Friday, January 19 – Sunday, January 21 Jurassic World Live Tour Colonial Life Arena | 801 Lincoln St. Columbia Jurassic World comes to life in an actionpacked, live arena show. Experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, the mighty T. Rex, and more. For tickets visit coloniallifearena.com.

Thursday, January 25 Jazz on the River West Columbia Riverwalk | 109 Alexander Rd. West Columbia | 6 pm - 9 pm The talented ColaJazz presents Jazz on the River at the beautiful West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheatre. Live music, good food, drinks – and the best part? It’s free to attend. Dogs and families are welcome. For more information visit jazzontheriversc. com.

Saturday, January 20 Lexington One Teacher Recruitment Fair White Knoll High School 5643 Platt Springs Rd. | Lexington | 8:30 am Join administrative representatives from all schools and district programs for candidates to discuss potential certified vacancies for the 2024-2025 school year as well as opportunities to share resumes. Potential interviews may be scheduled during the event. For more information and to register visit lexington1.net. Monday, January 22 InBeTween: Are You Smarter Than a Librarian? Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. Lexington | 5 pm – 6 pm Put your knowledge to the test in a fun afternoon of trivia where teens will compete against the library staff. For grades 6-8. For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.

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faith MATTERS

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Until last year, I lived almost my entire life in California. I often get asked about the differences between CA and SC. The mild weather is, of course, something all Californians cherish. We brag about it as if we somehow deserve credit. A friend of mine moved from Nashville to San Jose. After seeing how much it cost to buy a home he concluded, “This weather sure is expensive!” That about sums it up. One of the biggest differences between the two states is the roads. Roads in California communities are—by and large—the product of urban planning. They mostly form predictable grids. By contrast, Lexington roads follow the contours of a community that has grown organically throughout hundreds of years. This has led to some heated disagreements between me and the navigation app on my phone. Directions TO are almost always different than directions FROM. The app’s routes are more like circles than there-and-back lines. If people from Maine are famous for saying, “You can’t get there from here,” then we in Lexington can say, “You can get there from here any number of ways!” As we try to navigate through life, it is good to remember that we can get there from here in any number of ways. This is important to remember when we worry that we’ve missed our chance, made a wrong turn, or placed ourselves outside of God’s will. We are too easily convinced that God has some precise and perfect plan and that if we fail to see it (much less follow it to the letter), then we will end up hopelessly lost. The lives of women and men in the Bible suggest otherwise. God sent Abraham on a journey to a new home describing it only as “the land I will show you.” Hagar, the soon-to-be mother of Abraham’s firstborn son, ran away from camp only to encounter God in the wilderness as “the One who sees me.” After he killed a man, Moses spent decades laying low and herding flocks before God got his attention at the burning bush and sent him back to Pharaoh’s court. Paul’s ambitions for being a Pharisee enforcer were completely upended when he met the resurrected Jesus on the Damascus Road. It’s hard to find any person in the Bible whose life took a straight, onward-and-upward path. It’s equally hard to find someone who didn’t encounter God on whatever road they were on. Believe that the road you are on at this moment is the right road simply because God is on it with you. Trust that God’s plans for you can’t be derailed by anything you’ve done or anything done to you. God is on this road. Allow God to show you more of yourself as you let yourself be led. Breathe. Listen. Notice. Then go a little further. n 5503 Sunset Boulevard • Lexington, SC 803.359.7770 • www.saxegotha.org Sunday Worship: Traditional 8:30 am AWE Contemporary 10:45 am, Traditional 11:00 am Livestream: www.youtube.com/user/SaxeGothaPres January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 9

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LEXINGTON

leader

by Mary Ann Hutcheson

Michael Burgess Outstanding Teacher of American History River Bluff High School’s highly respected American history teacher, Michael Burgess, introduces his “Soul of America” speech with this quote from George Washington: “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty is more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” The quote is the solid foundation that guides Burgess’ passion for teaching American History, specifically the American Revolution. Several life experiences helped narrow and shape the teacher’s mission. A 1981 trip with his dad to the opening of the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitors’ Center near Chesnee, South Carolina, set the course for his abiding interest in American history. He witnessed his first reenactment there, which left an indelible impression on him. He occasionally tagged along to watch his mother, a Greenville teacher, interact with her students, and he loved the mutual dynamics he observed. He also credits his eighth-grade English teacher for engaging her students in the 1984 election. During that October, “She jumped the English curriculum and had us do a mock schoolwide election instead. It changed my life and introduced me to Ronald Reagan,” he remembers. The process taught him the art of public speaking and developed his interest in history. “So, my mother and Miss Susan Bramlette; that’s who sent me in my direction!” he says. Burgess received his BA in History from the University of South Carolina in 1993 and his MAT from the same university in 1995. He has won the 2023 SC Daughters lexingtonlife.com

of the American Revolution Outstanding Teacher of American History Award and the 2023-2024 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year Award presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and recognized by the State Department of Education. Burgess says, “Throughout my 28 years, going into my 29th year of teaching, I have and will always believe that history must be taught fully, fairly, and honestly, or else we have a limited understanding of the past, with no way to explain the present, and no hope of building a better future. This means instead of creating a safe space for our students, we are charged with building a brave space for the free exchange of ideas.” Burgess is married to his wife Chrystal, and the couple has four children, all of whom attend or have attended Lexington County School District One schools. Burgess and his family attend the historic St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Lexington. Burgess serves on the Church Council and delivers seasonal talks on the church’s history and its past members. He also speaks and gives tours of battlefields and tours to groups across the state of South Carolina. Burgess’ innovative approach inspires his students, and he leads the way in promoting American History Education in South Carolina. n

January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 11

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January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 13 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CAROLINAPOTTERY.COM

HAZEL LIVINGSTON Meet Lexington’s

NEW MAYOR by Mary Ann Hutcheson | photos by Hope Halfacre Photography

On December 4, 2023, During her time on Town Council, and as Mayor Pro-Tem, the list of improveHazel Livingston was ments to the town has grown long and impressive. Livingston was instrumental in officially sworn in as developing Lexington’s Sign Ordinance, then took the lead in the redevelopment of Lexington’s first female several town parks. Most impressive is the renovation of Virginia Hylton Park. AddiMayor. Having entered the tional improvements in town include the Pat Jeffcoat Serenity Park and The PalTown Council in 1998 metto Collegiate Institute, built in 1881 as a Lexington public school, now a lovely and served as Mayor Pro-Tem venue for parties and wedding receptions. The Beautification Foundation that hosts since 2004, she comes the annual Wine Walk came from another of Livingston and her committee’s with years of experience plans, the proceeds of which fund many of the beautification projects in the Town serving the town of Lexington. Livingston knows how to bring people of Lexington. together, one of the most essential qualities

Will Allen, Gavin Smith, Todd Carnes, Hazel Livingston, Ron Williams, Todd Lyle, Jeannie Michaels

14 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January 2024

of an effective leader. As Mayor Pro Tem, she was instrumental in holding the first joint town and county council meeting to keep communication open and encourage people to work together. She says, “I’m excited; I feel like I’ve got a great team with a lot of excellent qualities. They come with different backgrounds and a lot of different ideas. One of the things I want to do is jump in right off the bat and ask them to list their five priorities for this next year.” “A definite priority will be better communication with our citizens. We’re researching the best way to go about that right now,” she adds. Providing information to various generational groups includes different communication tools, whether they be through texting, email, special apps, or even QR codes. It may entail all of them--as well as restoring the town’s former information network, Channel Two. Livingston is interested in reviewing the landscaping tree ordinance to continue the beautification of our town and its future sustainability. Ideally, she would like to preserve viable green space in our community, not create an urban concrete jungle devoid of its natural landscapes or open spaces. As one of the fastest-growing communities in the Midlands, Lexington’s traffic congestion is an ongoing issue. Again, communication is key. Livingston believes that it is not hard to get people on board with town projects, even if they disagree with you when they know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Livingston has been in South Carolina for 30 years, in Lexington for 26 of them. She says that the town and people of Lexlexingtonlife.com

“A definite priority will be BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH OUR CITIZENS.”

Wes Bleakley, Taryn Holley, Jessica Bleakley, Leslie Holley, Rilee Bleakley, Hazel Livingston, David Livingston, Jewitte Dooley, Rod Dooley, Tucker Dooley, Porter Dooley, and Caughman Bleakley

ington instantly reminded her of her hometown of Fitzgerald, Georgia. “It gave me the feeling that I was home,” she explains. As a young person, Livingston says she was more reserved and less vocal than she is today. During a recent 40th high school reunion, she learned that she was their only elected official. In fact, her friends and classmates told her she was the last person they expected to be doing what she is doing now. Adversity played an unexpected part in Livingston’s trajectory. She lost her husband at an early age, leaving her with two young daughters to raise alone. She chose to raise her daughters to be strong women, the best and most lasting gift she could have given them. In the process, she evolved into a stronger, more vocal person. She recognized that she aspired to serve in some manner. She says, “I had a passion for serving people, not for politics in general. I didn’t know what it was going to look like--maybe becoming a psychiatrist, a counselor, or even working with young children that had adversities.” Once she became a Lexington resident, she knew she wanted to engage in town policy. Livingston enjoys cooking and antiquing. She calls herself a “beach girl,” as she and her husband David enjoy searching for sharks’ teeth to add to their collection. Both enjoy gardening. The Livingstons own Green Earth Services, which also keeps her busy. The couple attends Watershed Fellowship in Lexington, and their blended family includes four daughters and four sons-in-law. There lexingtonlife.com

are ten grandchildren between them. “We have a family of twenty on Christmas morning,” she says with love. When asked about plans for the future, Livingston says, “Let’s talk about this next year first. Life changes so quickly.” Hazel Livingston speaks from experience. Kimberly Campbell describes the friend she has known for 29 years. Livingston, often accompanied by Campbell, shops for gifts for the elderly and stockpiles them in her garage. She says, “On Tuesdays, Dollar General has penny day, where you can buy certain things like socks and gloves for a penny.” A gentleman once approached Livingston, asking, “Hazel, are you up to penny shopping again?” To Kimberly, he added, “You know Hazel; she’s always giving back.” The gentleman gave her twenty dollars with the words, “You give so much; let me give some more!” Some of her grandchildren come to the house at Christmas to join in making bags of necessity items. Afterward, she and her grandchildren visit the retirement homes with their gifts. When Kimberly’s beloved father passed away, she arrived home to find freshly cut garden flowers on her front porch. Sometime later, she learned that Livingston was the benefactor. Livingston told her, “I know you’re hurting, but he’s got wings. You’ll see him again.” Livingston keeps a list of people who have lost loved ones. She leaves an arrangement anonymously without asking for praise because she just wants them to know they’re loved. Campbell adds one more thing: “She is not afraid to tell me what I do wrong. She shoots straight, and I like that!” Hazel Livingston is a strong leader who aspires to serve the town she loves. She is a woman of strength, persistence, and deeply held core principles. We are fortunate to have her on Lexington’s leadership team. n January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 15

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The Work of Hands by Tom Poland

Folks say the future belongs to “Knowledge Workers.” A so-called knowledge worker is someone who manages information within a specific subject area. I suppose I’m a knowledge worker. I’m more at home with a keyboard than I am with a saw or drill, but I’m not unique. Work, today, for many, comes down to pressing plastic keys. I never picked up too many handyman skills. And so, I envy those who work with their hands. More to the point, I admire people who maintain our cars, repair leaks, and build cabinets. They hold the world together. Office workers use tools like PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Word. A landscaper can use those tools too and can even design a rock wall on a computer, but sooner or later he has to work with the earth, a level, stones, and saws. The stonemason’s tools are his hands. The beautiful, tiered walls, flagstone walkways, and patios he builds are functional art. His natural stones and their hues, lines, and textures please the eye. I hope we never run out of people who work with their hands. We need talented hands—carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. We need people who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting dirty. And yet we convince too many young people that earning a living means going to college. Off they go studying philosophy and art appreciation only to find themselves helpless when their sink clogs. Imagine a world without basket weavers, potters, wrought iron gate makers, artists, photographers, and people who build fine musical instruments. People who make collectible brooms, decoys, and fused glass art. People who find joy and beauty in the work of hands, though it can be mighty hard work. Their day often runs from dawn to dusk. For some artisans, the tradition was passed down to them. Life bequeathed them a calling. Not all prosper, but one true joy in life is loving what you do. If you love your work, it’s not work. lexingtonlife.com

As a boy, I used to cross the Augusta Highway and go up to the grove of oaks shading Cap Dunn’s small blacksmith shop. Every day he’d be there hammering molten ingots of iron, cherry-red sparks flying. As rivulets of sweat streamed down his dark face, I could tell he enjoyed the work. Yes, it was smoky, grimy work, and he didn’t make a ton of money, but the man who loves his work is rich in other ways. Five years ago, I spent two afternoons with the Caines Boys over Georgetown way talking about the path that led them to their grandfather’s calling, duck decoy carving. Before carving, Jerry and Roy Caines worked the coastline as shrimpers. “We were married to the sea,” said Jerry. They started carving in 2005. “We both work on decoys,” said Roy. “I do the rough cut and Jerry does the art.” It took six months to make their first decoy. Tupelo gum is the preferred wood although Jerry said they’ve carved some from cedar. Roy passed I heard and that saddened me. I sure hope Jerry is soldiering on. I envy artisans, craftsmen, and tradesmen. They do real work. I wish I could build furniture, repair things, and keep things shipshape. I’m just not cut out for it but thank goodness others are. So, here’s something to think about. What if your son or daughter announces that going to college and sitting at a desk is not an option, that they’d rather make fine furniture or landscape yards? All I can say is this: There’s much satisfaction in designing, building, and finishing something. It can be a beautiful desk or yard or fence, most anything. I like to think that at day’s end, artisans, tradesmen, and craftsmen feel better about their work than the business analyst who runs figures and sees a new BMW is within reach. You see, craftsmen leave us beauty and functional art, a legacy. And the legions tapping computers? Well, they leave work, usually around 5 o’clock. n January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 17

LEXINGTON

B M X

by Abigail Harris

Speed. Wheels. Challenges. Community. These are all the things you might encounter when visiting Lexington BMX. What started in 2007 as a dream to add more non-traditional sports to the area has become a center for BMX racing in the Midlands. James Bagwell, the former track operator for the old Columbia track, initiated the building of the Lexington BMX track and contacted the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission regarding land to make it happen. They explained there was land that would be available soon, and it would be the perfect spot for this type of sport. James contacted Contract Construction in Chapin, who offered him a generous equipment donation to start the project. The county also donated clay, land, and asphalt for the project. Original track director Eddie Sox designed an apparatus to spread asphalt to each turn’s peaks and starting hill. After a month of building the track, James Bagwell, Ricky Sox, and Eddie Sox paved the course in a few days. Sadly, the original registration stand burned down within two months of opening. Ricky Sox took the initiative and rebuilt the stand on his own dime. 18 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January 2024

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Since its beginning in 2007, the Lexington BMX track has held multiple prestigious events and was recently awarded the Southeast Gold Cup Championship for the 2024 season. This event brings around 4,000 athletes and their families each year. It has been over a decade since this event was hosted in South Carolina, and it is an honor to have it here in Lexington. As the new track operator for Lexington BMX, Victor Tomaino prides himself on the sport. He is a certified USA BMX coach who uses that knowledge to instruct the kids on practice nights. He relies on his dedicated support staff for everything to run smoothly during practice and events. During training, you can find Victor riding with other members or talking with the families and parents of riders. He and his children, Victor III (13) and Preston (3) travel around the United States to race. “Our community is growing at a fast pace, and it’s bringing a lot of new opportunities and ideas to the area,” said Victor. “We’re excited about the growth of Lexington and the surrounding communities as it brings new faces to add to our BMX family. BMX Racing is a sport for all ages. We have riders from the age of 2 to 65+. No one sits on the bench in our sport, and it keeps your body moving so it is great for staying in shape.” Victor graduated from Lexington High School in 2006 and immediately went to boot camp for the US Marine Corps, where

lexingtonlife.com

he served on two overseas deployments until 2014. It was then he met his wife, Mariah, at the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run in Columbia in 2014. He proposed to her while on a cruise in the Caribbean, and the couple married in the Valley of Fire in Las Vegas in 2019. His favorite memory is when they visited Dallas to watch her Green Bay Packers and his Dallas Cowboys play. They toured the AT&T area and even announced they were pregnant with their second son, Preston, by taking a photo centerfield holding the sonogram image. When he is not at the track, Victor works full-time, serving the community with the Lexington County Fire Department. At the age of five, a house fire at Christmas resulted in the total loss of Victor’s childhood home. Because of this, he felt called to work in the firefighting service. Assigned as Captain to the firehouse off Corley Mill Road, Victor mentions his location being unique because they are trained in water rescue operations. The family also enjoys taking cruises and traveling to different cities. You can find them in Nashville, TN on Memorial Day and in Tulsa, OK, around Thanksgiving for the USA BMX GRAND Nationals. If you are new to the area or are just looking for a place to try out BMX, check out Lexington BMX at 1159 Nazareth Road in Lexington. They offer a safe, competitive, and fun environment for a non-traditional sport growing like wildfire. n

January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 19

20 T H A N K YO U FO R R E A D I N G

Lexington Life M AGA Z I N E

First Issue

August 2004

20 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January

by Todd Shevchik

This January marks our 20th anniversary of publishing Lexington Life Magazine and what better way to celebrate our 20th birthday than by going back in time to 2004 when Lexington Life was merely an idea filed in the back of my head. I have been involved in media since my days at the University of South Carolina when I worked at the student newspaper, The Gamecock. Working there for five semesters, I learned the ins and outs of advertising sales and management. I learned that working on commission was something that I was comfortable with because my efforts directly contributed to my financial compensation. I loved working at The Gamecock and other than the ridiculous number of parking tickets I racked up trying to hustle in and out of the Russell House, it was an absolutely fabulous experience. Upon graduating from USC in May of 1994, I soon ended up at 104.7 WNOK radio working in advertising sales and quickly realized the “real world” was much different than the “scholastic” one. I was not very successful in radio sales at first, but it was during this time a bright, bubbly, bleach blonde named Donna Clark made her presence known. She showed me how to be successful in radio. She worked at Fox 102.3, and we worked under the same ownership umbrella which she had experience with during her time in Sarasota, Florida. We quickly became friends and began selling 104.7 (female demo) and 102.3 (male demo) together as a combo to clients who benefitted from this new (at the time) groundbreaking synergy. lexingtonlife.com

The Shevchik Family through the years

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January | LEXINGTON LIFE | 21

Lexington Life

Staff

I still think it is crazy that Donna and I started working on the same exact day in radio sales. God made it clear we were meant to be together. During the company’s white elephant Christmas party, she randomly pulled my gift, a giant salami of all things, off the stacked table loaded with presents. We began to date after the New Year’s Party and just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary last September. After a brief stint in law school, I took a job selling advertising on Time Warner cable with CableVantage. I learned much there in four years, doing video production, media placements, and on-air commercials for networks like ESPN, USA, and CNN. Soon, I realized that I was limiting myself, and in 1998, I left CableVantage and started my own advertising agency. I handled and managed creative design and implementation of multi-faceted ad campaigns in newspaper, radio, television, and billboard advertising. My specialty was automotive advertising and busi22 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January

ness was booming. Everything changed when the Twin Towers were attacked in 2001. Ad spending was curtailed after the tragedy as America tried to figure out a “new normal.” Sound familiar? This was a turning point for me, professionally. Yes, I was successful in automotive advertising. However, I questioned myself and whether I was best utilizing my God-given marketing talents by targeting “bad credit” customers to purchase new vehicles for the rest of my life. Thankfully, God clearly revealed to me that it was not His intention. In 2002, I rebranded my business into a public relations and media firm specializing in medical marketing. At that time our kids, Joey and Jenna, were both under 3 years old and we chose Lexington to raise our family. It seems like yesterday when we visited Publix and watched all the customers talking to each other. We knew that Lexington was the special, close-knit community we wanted to become a part of. lexingtonlife.com

Richard Thompson

Two Decades of

Harold Looney

Lexington

Edith Worthy

Leaders

Maro Rogers Soon, I was handling the Oakleaf Village grand opening. I was also working with Palmetto Pediatrics and as their business grew, they rebranded and opened a new location in Lexington. While working with my medical accounts, I reached out to the Lexington Chronicle and met a sales representative named Anne Rabon. She had a wonderful energy and spirit that I was immediately impressed with. I saw a need for local businesses to garner additional exposure in Lexington and while in the shower I had an “AH-HA!” moment that was the idea for Lexington Life Magazine. Lexington Life, a direct mail magazine, would serve as the thread connecting the local schools, churches, businesses, and the people of Lexington. Lexington Life was born, and my partner Mike Burney and I hired Allison Caldwell and Anne Rabon to help with our startup. In August 2004, the first edition of Lexington Life hit mailboxes. There was no Facebook or social media at the time and our recipe for local exposure went gangbusters. The magazine continued to lexingtonlife.com

John Addy

Bob Perry grow, and we added Lake Murray Life, now called Irmo-Chapin Life, as a solution for businesses on the “other side” of the dam. I wanted to protect and serve Lexington, so I ran for Lexington Town Council in 2006 and served through 2016. Losing that election in 2016 was one of the hardest challenges I have ever had to mentally overcome. Until recently, I had no idea how much that loss affected me. I became more introverted and essentially like an ostrich, buried my head in the sand. To quote Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, “You can’t live in your fears.” I was living in my fears and fearful to make the necessary changes for growth and evolution into a digital multi-media brand. With the help of my life coach Dorri Smith, I began to understand why I lived in my fears and how unhealthy it was. She was right and after “floating” through the pandemic it became crystal clear that I had to adapt to survive. As an organization, we needed to offer more opportunities to our customer base. When true January | LEXINGTON LIFE | 23

Twenty years of

Lexington

people and features

lexingtonlife.com

Gina McCuen

Ray and Mary Anne Jones

change happens, tough decisions need to be made. Working with Donna we had all our eggs in one basket. Fortunately, she secured a sales position with WIS-TV 10. Existing staff were offered partnership opportunities and encouraged to bring new ideas to the table. Their empty notebooks provided me a clear sign that after a of decade working together, finding new personnel was essential for the metamorphosis to occur. Stressful would be the kindest way to describe the transitional process as I have worked tirelessly to rebrand Lexington and Irmo-Chapin Life from one-dimensional products to multi-media brands. One of my mottos has always been “You can’t do it for the money” if you want to be successful. I don’t produce magazines to make money, I produce magazines to help customers achieve a significant level of exposure greater than what they could achieve on their own. In essence, having a mutual fund of over 200 customers provides an economy of scale that benefits everyone. I describe that as a win-win situation and any time a win-win develops, good things follow. One of my pet peeves is when businesses are taken advantage of by fly-by-night media companies. They cite exorbitant, inflated readership numbers and attempt to blur the lines, which can be confusing to advertisers. Here are a couple of tips businesses can use to compare apples to apples. First, ask to see a print bill to verify the number of issues printed. Legitimate businesses should have no problem providing this information to you. Secondly, ask to see the USPS postage receipt to ensure that each magazine is mailing the quantity they claim to be mailing. Postage is a significant expense and one that differentiates magazines. What a whirlwind! I can’t believe 20 years have flown by since the first Lexington Life was published. Joey and Jenna are now out of college and our youngest son Noah will soon be a senior in high school. Media landscapes are changing fast and so are we. We are now offering digital and video services unique in the market, at a price that is fair and reasonable. Customers depend on our organization to promote their businesses and provide positive exposure, and community goodwill, while having some fun and laughter along the way. I’m super excited about 2024! I am also only a phone call or email away. In addition to evolving Lexington and Irmo-Chapin Life Magazines, we will be producing social media content and programming (podcasts, videos, news, and reels) for old and new customers who want those services. We are storytellers. Todd Shevchik Consulting has been created to help businesses with media campaigns and purchases, plus political consulting and guidance for anyone needing assistance navigating local municipalities concerning zoning, variances, and other governmental red tape. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Unfortunately, some competition is imitating the 2006 version of our company. I will admit that change is tough, however, change is necessary for survival. I have resurrected a popular saying from my high school days, “No Fear!” This month, I made an extremely sizable investment in the business, so that I can provide additional digital, video, and media solutions to Lexington businesses and non-profits. Twenty years is a long time. Moving forward, I’m adapting to reach both younger and older generations providing a superior product that is second to none.

Come join me, it’s going to be a lot of fun!

lexingtonlife.com

January | LEXINGTON LIFE | 25

Our Business is to Grow Your Business Services: Logo Design & Full Branding Packages Training and Social Media Video Production Commercial Production Podcast Production Digital Ad Placement Cinematic Drone Footage

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Business Consultation and Brainstorming Collaborations Media Budgeting and Salesperson Screening. Save time and let me deal with them on your behalf Guidance for your business navigating the intricacies of municipality variances and zoning changes

Call/Text Todd @ 803-556-6985 • toddshevchik@gmail.com

HEALTH AND

wellness

Dr. Christopher Cooper: A Whole-Person Healthcare Provider by Marilyn Thomas Dr. Christopher Cooper, a native son who was born at Lexington Medical Center (LMC) and spent much of his childhood in the area, says, “I’ve always been intrigued with medicine since I was a kid.” He shares that losing a grandmother to lupus when he was nine years old likely induced this interest, and he continued to feed this growing passion by devouring Physician Desk References as a teen. During his young life, Dr. Cooper developed an independent spirit to overcome family-related difficulties, and eventually, he felt compelled to find a greater purpose for his future when he met Jesus. By studying the life of Christ, Dr. Cooper believed that he, too, could use healing to “love people,” and he pursued that quest by enrolling in and completing the nursing program at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. “I felt like the Lord was telling me that nursing was a great place to start but wasn’t where I was going to end up,” Dr. Cooper says, so while working as an emergency room and intensive care unit registered nurse with Palmetto Health, he pursued an undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology from the University of South Carolina (USC). After this, he continued his education by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine Degree from the USC School of Medicine, followed by a master’s degree in public health, also from USC. Upon completion of his residency at a hospital in Texas, Dr. Cooper returned to his hometown in 2017 to become a hospitalist at LMC. Additionally, he currently works at the Medical University of South Carolina in the same capacity. Throughout Dr. Cooper’s vocational journey, caring for the whole patient has been the impetus of his focus and purpose. “I love relationships with patients,” he says. “I love the one-onone and getting to know them, connecting with them, learning who they are, and being able to help them figure out whatever is going on.”

28 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January 2024

Through careful deliberation and prayer, he has developed a Venn diagram that models a balanced and comprehensive view of the human person, and he refers to this paradigm as a reminder and guide when ministering to his patients. “That’s a culmination of many, many years of bringing spirituality to the forefront of whole-person care,” he explains. This patient-centric approach has been infused in Dr. Cooper’s latest achievement, which is the founding of South Carolina My Care Team, LLC, a concierge medical services practice. “We started the practice here to have a more personal relationship with my patients,” he says, “and to offer a higher quality of care service.” His ultimate goal, says Dr. Cooper, is to “professionally have a good solid service locally in the Midlands,” as well as throughout the state, and to “bring in a good quality service that a lot of people can benefit from. Hopefully, we will continue to grow and build the team and help facilitate healthier, happier people and communities.” n

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Serving the Midlands Allergy and Asthma Needs for 32 Years

Voted Best 14 Years in a Row!

Breathe easy  2024!

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Happy New Year!

WISHING YOU MANY BLESSINGS IN 2024

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January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 29

Pummeling

PARKINSON’S at Rock Steady

BOXING by Erin Bluvas

When he looks at old photos, he can see it now. A lack of expression. A bit of a scowl. The signs of facial masking associated with Parkinson’s disease. “Pictures from holidays, graduations – I don’t recognize myself,” says Chapin native Glen Ross. Then other symptoms began to emerge. Fatigue, confusion, and some behavioral changes. Sixty-four-year-old Glen thought he was experiencing the typical signs of aging, but his wife of 40 years, Danielle, knew something was off. The doctor discovered a thyroid problem, and Glen underwent surgery in June of 2022. After the operation, things got even worse. Glen’s endocrinologist referred him to a neurologist and his sister, a nurse practitioner in North Carolina, advised him on what questions to ask. A thorough examination and an MRI scan resulted in a clear diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease. At work, Glen’s condition seemed to progress even more rapidly. The long hours and multitasking demands of his job as a project manager with an international company were no longer possible. Days starting with two a.m. meetings in different time zones and spent working across multiple computer monitors and programs were taking their toll. “I couldn’t use spreadsheets, couldn’t use keyboard shortcuts, and I couldn’t stop my left hand from trembling,” he says. Meanwhile, Glen and Danielle were work30 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January 2024

ing a new part-time job managing his condition. They saw specialists, sought second and third opinions, tried different medicines to manage symptoms, looked for local resources, and generally tried to understand and adjust to their new life. It was all hands on deck, with family jumping in to help find solutions and a path forward. The members of the Parkinson’s disease group at his mother’s nursing home were resolute in their advice: take boxing classes. Rock Steady Boxing Irmo was ready for them. Answering the call Margi McLeod-Conroy was working as an esthetician when a long-time client and friend, Dona, arrived for her appointment in tears. Her husband, Roger, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. There was a place in Charleston called Rock Steady Boxing that helped tremendously with his symptoms, but they could only go there once a month when they visited his neurologist. It was 2015, and no such place existed in the Midlands area. Margi and her husband, Terry, had been looking for a way to help people – to share their compassion with others. They had found it. “It’s almost as if God picked me for this,” says Margi. “We wanted to do something to give back to the community, and the door just flew open.” A suite had just become available at Athletes Arena where the couple were avid CrossFit participants. Another sign. lexingtonlife.com

tates movement and is found to be low in people with Parkinson’s. It also improves blood flow and endurance. The second half of the class focuses on everyday living. These “functional drills” can include dressing a mannequin, turning around in a circle, heel placement when walking, transitioning between sitting and standing, doing laundry, shaving – anything to maintain and improve independence and quality of life. Mondays and Wednesdays are reserved for fighters who use wheelchairs and walkers, and a Plan of the Week (POW) from headquarters keeps the curriculum fresh. Every class ends with stretching to improve flexibility, breathing, and digestion.

Movement as medicine Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Rock Steady Boxing opened in 2006 and has grown to include more than 900 gyms worldwide. It’s a boxing-inspired physical fitness program designed to improve symptoms and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Scientific research has shown again and again that exercise prevents, benefits, and can even slow the progression of chronic conditions. Rock Steady Boxing builds on this knowledge by targeting specific challenges (e.g., balance, walking) that are often experienced by these individuals. A typical class begins with warm-ups. In lexingtonlife.com

addition to physical exercises, Margi and coach Gwen Taylor lead the group in voice activation activities like call and response to tackle the soft speech often associated with Parkinson’s. The next 30 minutes are the heart of the program and its results. With support from spotters – spouses or volunteers known as corner men/chicks – the participants engage in three-minute stations with 30-second breaks. The high-intensity interval training (HIIT) uses different types of boxing bags (speed, heavy, even water-filled) to get the “fighters’” heart rates up. This type of workout increases dopamine – a chemical in the brain that facili-

Fighters as family Pat Runager was skeptical when he arrived at Rock Steady for his first class two years ago. “I expected to see people moping around, but I found the opposite,” he says. “Everyone was aggressively going after it to make themselves better. There’s an immediate kinship, and I’ve found friendships and a likeness that have created a pretty tight bond that you can feel and see in our interactions.” A consistent presence every Tuesday and Thursday, Pat found Rock Steady Boxing Irmo when he was more than 14 years into his diagnosis. Up until that point, the now-68-year-old had successfully managed his condition with medications. When existing symptoms (e.g., balance) began to worsen and new ones (e.g., tremors) began to appear, his son-in-law discovered Rock Steady Boxing. Pat’s doctor said to go for it. With stairs as a particular challenge, the USC alumnus had stopped attending the away games of his beloved Gamecocks because he didn’t know what hurdles the opposing football stadiums might present. Pat not only regained his ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, but he also found a community. “Gwen and Margi are not just coaches; they are participants,” he says. “They know what we’re going through and have the right tools to help.” Beyond the classroom, those tools include connecting Rock Steady’s roster of fighters with local experts and resources. Many of the participants find the organization through referrals from neurologists and physical therapists, but Margi also invites January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 31

“Going through this stuff is tough, but there’s a great deal of camaraderie and laughter is good medicine.” — Danielle Ross clinicians and other specialists to provide demonstrations and education. There is a close link with the Columbia Parkinson’s Support Group as well. Thomas Falk of Assisting Hands Home Care first learned about Rock Steady Boxing several years ago from a client’s family member. He says, “They do a fantastic service. The exercises are fast-paced and the energy in the gym is electric. At first glance, Parkinson’s Disease and boxing seem to be an odd combination, but it makes perfect sense for physical therapy.” This holistic approach results in improved symptoms, delayed progression of the disease, and a better quality of life for fighters and their families. They see changes in agility, muscle memory, posture, stress, their ability to avoid freezing up, and many other areas. They learn how to safely engage in everyday life to avoid falls and other injuries. “The fighters can feel the difference, and the people around them can see the difference,” Margi says. “Alongside their

balance and coordination, they lose their confidence. Here, they regain it.” Clients and their families are such believers in the program that many continued paying for classes even when the company had to shut down during the pandemic. They wanted to support the coaches, and they wanted to ensure that the program would be there for them when it was safe to return. “Everyone experiences Parkinson’s disease differently, and yet we’re all in this together,” Glen says. “The social aspect of the class is good because we get to be together and so do our spouses.” “We share things and it’s really helpful to talk with the other spouses so we can understand each other’s experiences but also, so we know what to look for and expect in the future,” Danielle adds. “Going through this stuff is tough, but there’s a great deal of camaraderie and laughter is good medicine. We think the best of Margi, Terry, and Gwen and are grateful for their passion to help people with Parkinson’s disease.” n

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January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 33

Setting Up a

Home Gym

in a Small Space by Kim Becknell Williams

Finding a place to exercise can be challenging depending on schedules, locations, membership fees, and business hours. Rather than going out to a gym, setting up a home gym in a small space might be the solution. A home gym stays open every day, all day and night, and offers the most convenient location without any drivetime. Having exercise equipment readily available has proven to be an effective way to keep working out continually. By keeping things set up or at least within reach, it prevents deterrents and distractions. Not sure if you have enough room? You might be surprised to find you have adequate space in your home to create your gym. It doesn’t require a lot of room or a lot of money unless you choose. Think out of the proverbial gym box.

34 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January 2024

Small spaces can be easily converted to workout areas. The location might be a corner of a room, a garage, a walk-in closet, or a single room dedicated to working out. Determination to make it work and a little imagination is all it takes. Cindy Barringer started with a treadmill gradually adding equipment over time. “I began with a treadmill in a corner of my bonus room,” Barringer said. “I started working out with my trainer via FaceTime during Covid. As I progressed, I added basic items, such as a stability ball, a bender ball, dumbbells, a medicine ball, and bands.” She didn’t stop there. “I eventually added a BOSU ball and a weight bench. For cardio workouts, I also use online videos.” In this space, she also has her home office, so it works for both purposes. And it

has its rewards. “All of my equipment combined takes up very little space and allows versatile exercises,” she said. “Working out at home has allowed me to remain consistent and maximize my time.” Starting with small pieces of equipment is the simplest way to begin. They are typically low in cost, transportable, and easy to tuck out of the way when not being used. Equipment for Small Spaces Pieces of equipment that do not require a lot of space include: • Yoga strap • Dumbbells • Kettlebells • Bender ball • Sliders/gliders • Balance pods • Balance discs • Medicine ball • Looped band • Exercise band • Yoga blocks • Jump rope So where does the equipment go? The next step is to find a location suited best for your home and your lifestyle.

lexingtonlife.com

Creating the Workout Space Survey the areas in your home that might be small gym possibilities. Look up, down, and all around for movement considerations. Low ceilings can be limiting for overhead exercises. There should also be enough room to move around comfortably. Many people find workout areas in garages, but cement floors can be tough on joints. Rubber gym mats are an option to add cushion. They can be found in many sporting goods stores and online retailers. Exercise/yoga mats are another option for adding comfort to other types of floors. Since the mats roll up, they can be tucked out of the way when not in use. A corner of a room can be an ideal location without disrupting the decor. Hampers, bins, and baskets store equipment out of sight. Add shelving or cabinets for extra storage. Organize bands and straps by hanging them on hooks. Debbie Polk has created an exercise space in a small area in her family’s great room, so she has access to her TV for streaming workouts. The location in the center part of the house provides the ultimate convenience. Plus, the stored exercise equipment serves as a helpful reminder to exercise. “I love the flexibility and convenience of working out at home in my great room. I use my television for Jazzercise on Demand which offers many options for dance mix, sculpting, and stretching in different time segments such as 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60-minute sessions,” she said. “I also use YouTube for yoga and walking videos.” The equipment stays out of sight when she isn’t exercising. “I have my exercise props: dumbbells, exercise band, bender ball, yoga blocks and strap, gel knee pads for yoga, and yoga mat in an attractive wicker basket next to my fireplace,” Polk said. “The basket of props makes it convenient for working out and serves as a reminder to work out if I haven’t yet.” Using a home office? Keep a limited amount of equipment tucked away under a desk for quick exercise breaks during a workday. If you go into an office, check with your supervisor to see if it’s okay to keep some things at work for exercising. Many people find staying active allows them to be more mentally alert.

• • • • • • • •

BOSU ball Step Weight bench Suspension cables A rack for dumbbells Battle ropes Mounted workout bar Over-the-door pull-up bar

For even bigger areas: • Rower • Treadmill • Stationary bike • Punching bags • Tires Décor and More The right decorative touches provide motivation aside from their aesthetic value. Personalize the space by hanging motivating pictures of others or yourself. Try peel-and-stick inspiring quotes to hang on the walls. Paint the space with your favorite color. Use chalkboard paint if you want to write your WOD (workout of the day), keep track of reps and sets, or write your inspiring messages in chalk. Consider hanging a mirror on the wall to ensure proper form while working out. The mirror also makes a small space look bigger. Seeing visual progress is another motivation. Don’t forget the music. Gyms are rarely quiet places. Whether you use your smartphone, a TV, radio, iPad, or another device to listen to music or podcasts, make sure you have it set up as well. Amplify the sound with a small wireless speaker. Ultimately, your gym space is what you want it to be. With or without a gym membership, it provides a place and the opportunity to add exercise in the most convenient location…your home. n

A Little More Room If you find you have more space, consider adding other equipment: • Stability/balance ball lexingtonlife.com

January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 35

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We rang in the holidays island style with a Tribute to Jimmy Buffett Christmas Party. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us! Special thanks to: Always Eventful by Kaylee • @always_eventful_by_kaylee Danni Snaps Photography • dannisnaps.mypixieset.com Big Tuna’s Kitchen and Krafts • jeff@bigtunakraft.com Hudson’s Smokehouse • hudsonssmokehouse.com

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January | LEXINGTON LIFE | 39

Stunning Home in Saluda River Club

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lexingtonlife.com

by Kim Becknell Williams

The start of a new year finds many people looking for healthy lifestyle changes which often include focusing on a healthier diet or food plan. With busy schedules, this isn’t always easy. Daily life has a way of getting in the way. Kristin’s Kitchen steps up to the food plate to make it possible.

42 | LEXINGTONLIFE | January 2024

Kristin Tyler said she was always cooking for people. That hobby turned into a food business offering healthy choices paired with convenience. Her inspiration stemmed from family dinner time growing up and with her own family. “I would say I found it very important when my kids were young to make sure I had a well-balanced meal on the table every night by 6 pm. It was important to me that we all ate together and still had some time together before bedtime,” Tyler said. “I grew up with my mom always cooking our food and rarely eating out. My kitchen helps families do just that.” The concept is meals to go with already prepared fresh and frozen options. Orders can be placed online, or customers can stop in during business hours to see what meals are available. The menu varies each week. “It’s a healthier option than going through fast food,” she said. “Food for yourself and your family…getting families back together at the dinner table.” All food is prepared in-house. “Made 100% by us,” Tyler said. She tries to buy locally as much as possible. “Since we cook everything in our kitchen that means low sugar, low sodium, and no preservatives.” Healthy ingredient options and a home-cooked meal that’s ready-made provide meal options for individuals and/ or families. While Tyler does most of the cooking, she does have a staff to help her. “My employees are made up of moms, grandmas, and a preschool teacher. All women,” she said. “We would love to expand if I had more help in the kitchen cooking. I do the primary cooking and my employees assist with salads and wraps.”

The menu varies weekly, and often the recipes for dishes come from what she ate growing up. “I try to pull stuff from my childhood,” she said. “The zucchini muffins are my mom’s recipe. The peanut butter granola bars are my dad’s recipe.” Customers rave about the food. Main dishes, soups, sides, salads, wraps, and sweet treats offer a lot of choices depending on the week’s menu. Tyler said the most popular dishes include chicken pot pie, turkey chili, and chicken parmesan. “We always have a seasonal salad,” she said. Sometimes they have vegetarian and vegan options. Senior meals are prepared in smaller portions and delivered once a week. Deliveries are also made to USC. “Many outof-state parents find it comforting to know their kids are getting a home-cooked meal a few times a week,” Tyler said. For business hours, menus with meal descriptions, prices, customer comments, and more information visit their website at kristins-kitchen.com. n

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Life Lives Better at The Village at Southlake Enjoy Superior Service • Independence • Companionship • Safety • Exceptional Cuisine • Maintenance Free Lifestyle • Diversified Engaging Activities

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123 GIBSON ROAD, LEXINGTON, SC 29072 • (803) 356-1158 • villageatsouthlakeseniorliving.com lexingtonlife.com

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spice OF LIFE Less Sugar. More Taste.

Diabetic Friendly Recipes Garlic Butter Shrimp and Zucchini 2 tsp olive oil 2 medium zucchini, spiraled or grated into noodles 5 medium-sized portabella mushrooms 1 tbsp butter 1 tsp garlic, minced 1 lb raw shrimp salt and pepper ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded parsley, chopped Heat olive oil in a skillet and add squash noodles and mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender and season with salt and pepper as desired. Remove from the pan. Place the pan back over medium heat, melt butter, and add garlic and shrimp. Cook and stir as needed until the shrimp is fully cooked. Add squash and mushrooms back to the pan and stir to heat. Sprinkle with parmesan and garnish with chopped parsley.

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Caprese Casserole 16-oz whole-wheat penne 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 8-oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar| Freshly ground pepper Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and keep warm. Heat the oil, and add onion, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara and cook until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with spoonfuls of ricotta and half of the tomato slices. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining tomato slices and mozzarella. Bake until bubbling on the edges, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with basil, drizzle with vinegar, and garnish with pepper.

Steak Taco Bowl 1 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 tsp minced garlic ½ small onion, sliced thinly 8 small portobello mushrooms, sliced 1 small poblano pepper or bell pepper salt and pepper 10-oz steak, sliced thinly 1 tbsp taco seasoning mix ¼ cup queso melting cheese Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add garlic, onions, mushrooms, and peppers. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the skillet. Add taco mix to sliced steak. Add olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Add steak and stir fry until brown and cooked, about 1-2 minutes depending on the thickness of slices. Add cooked veggies back to the skillet with steak and stir. Heat queso and pour over the steak mixture.

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Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Breasts 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 bunch of asparagus ½ cup olive oil 2 tsp garlic, minced 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional) ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce Juice of ½ lemon 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper 2 tsp onion powder 1 tbsp parsley, minced Red chili pepper flakes, crushed Slices of lemon To prepare the grilled chicken skewers, slice chicken breasts into 1-inch-sized cubes. In a bowl combine olive oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Reserve ½ of the sauce and marinate the chicken in the remaining sauce from 15 minutes to overnight, in the refrigerator. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then soak in ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside. Thread the chicken onto metal or bamboo skewers. Grill the chicken kebabs (on an indoor or outdoor grill), brushing with olive oil. Throw asparagus on the side and grill until you see charred marks. Remove the chicken skewers and asparagus from the grill and serve immediately sprinkled with red chili pepper flakes, parsley, slices of lemon, and the reserved sauce.

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Roasted Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Broccoli 8 cups broccoli florets with 2-inch stalks attached 2 cloves garlic, sliced 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided ¾ tsp salt, divided ½ tsp ground pepper, divided ½ cup salted pistachios, coarsely chopped 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped Zest of 1 medium lemon, plus wedges for serving 4 tsp mayonnaise 1¼ pounds salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions Preheat the oven to 425ºF and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine broccoli, garlic, 2 tbsp oil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Combine pistachios, chives, lemon zest, the remaining 1 tbsp oil, and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Spread 1 tsp mayonnaise over each salmon portion and top with the pistachio mixture. Move the broccoli to one side of the baking sheet and place the salmon on the empty side. Roast until the salmon is opaque in the center and the broccoli is just tender, 8 to 15 minutes more, depending on thickness, and serve with lemon wedges.

Stuffed Peppers 3 bell peppers 2 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 lb ground beef 2 cups riced cauliflower 1 cup chunky marinara sauce (sugar-free) 1 tsp fresh thyme ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp pepper, freshly ground 1 cup mozzarella, shredded and divided Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise, remove inside, and place in a casserole dish cut side up and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté onions in oil for 3-4 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat. Set aside in a bowl. Cook riced cauliflower on medium heat and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until softened. Add marinara sauce, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper and mix. Turn the heat down to medium-low for 2 minutes until completely heated through. Transfer the ground meat mixture back to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute or until heated through. Take off the heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese. Spoon the meat and sauce mixture into the halved peppers and top each pepper half with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 5 minutes. n January 2024 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 45

Happy New Year!

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Steady Progress

ne summer morning after the third grade, Mama busted into my room barking. “Get up. You’re going to town.” She didn’t ask my opinion. She didn’t care what I thought. We climbed up on our old Brontosaurus and ambled into town so Mama could go to work. She parked the old Brontosaurus at the corner of College and Washington, and we went into the Junior Room of the Washington Memorial Library. Mama presented me to Mrs. Middlebrooks and vanished. Mrs. Middlebrooks ran the Junior Room and told me about the Summer Reading Program. She put my name on a big poster board. “You’re first on the list. Get a book you want to read. When you finish, bring it back to me and I’ll put a Gold Star by your name and you can read another one.” She took me over to a long shelf where the biographies were. It was almost as if she and Mama had talked this over before our meeting. She talked about these interesting people who had done great things, pointing out books about Thomas Edilexingtonlife.com

son, George Washington Carver, Madame Curie, Nathaniel Bowditch, and Clara Barton. She explained how to find books, and how the Library card catalog worked. “OK, get started. Let me know if you have any questions. Have fun.” I got one of the first books on the biography shelf and sat down. I have no recollection of which book that was, but what I do remember is several hours later I was done. I took the book up to the counter and watched Mrs. Middlebrooks put a shiny gold star next to my name. “You got the first star.” I was so proud I almost exploded. I made steady progress day after day, learning about electricity, plants, celestial navigation, battlefield medicine, how airplanes fly, discovering radium, microscopes and microbes, radio transmission, tornadoes, weather prediction and radar, and how steel is made. I gave a report at the supper table each night about what I had learned that day. Daddy always said: “Good job, son. Keep at it.” I liked that feeling. I’m thinking about this because several times I’ve run into guys wondering about

some basic topic. The guy would ask me if I knew anything about it. I’d give him the answer he was looking for. Each man would inevitably ask: “How did you know that?” “I read about it the summer after the third grade down at the Library. You should read about it, it’s fascinating.” Quite often the startling response has been: “I haven’t read a book since college, and I’m proud of it.” I ask them: “Do your kids read?” “Nope, I’m trying to give them a better life than I had. I didn’t like to read, so I don’t make them do it. They’re into computer games.” This variation of steady progress reminds me of the old saying: “Behold! The progress of man.” n

David Clark writes and works in Cochran, GA. Connect with him at cw.w4trj@gmail.com.

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