Lexington Life Magazine - March 2024

March Madness is here! Yes, the term used to describe the NCAA basketball tournaments has taken over mainstream culture. With the success of the Carolina Gamecocks men’s and women’s basketball programs, our local community is a huge part of the March basketball hoopla.

Madness is the keyword for March, with St. Patrick’s Day and most importantly Easter, it’s a very busy month. In my opinion, Jesus would call his crucifixion “madness” and St. Patrick’s Day in 5 Points is a different form of madness. Add in the presidential primaries, politics in general, and the rapidly changing world we now live in, MADNESS seemingly reigns supreme. None of this large-scope madness even accounts for the personal madness going on within our lives.

Wow! That is a lot to unpack. Personally, I can be overwhelmed at times by the chaotic madness and have been seeking solutions to settle myself down at the end of each frenzied day. The first thing I realized is that I have no set plan to relax and chill. Do you have one? If so, I am open to suggestions. I have tried the “stiff” drink route and found that it didn’t work for me. Currently, I am “unplugging” at night to distance myself from work and the world. I started journaling every few days and that has helped me transition my anxiety from brain to paper. I was skeptical at first, but I must say it works. Anne Frank was on to something. I find it releases my stress in a constructive versus destructive manner. Madness subsides at least until the next day comes.

Thanks for reading the magazine. Enjoy a brief respite from the world. Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day and Easter with those you love. I am thankful God saw the madness and sent His son Jesus to save us. Soon He will come again. Alleluia!

Todd Shevchik

CALENDAR OF

MARCH

Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10

Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

SC State Fairgrounds | 1200 Rosewood Dr. Columbia

Turn your dream home into a reality with the finest construction, remodeling, and gardening experts from across the Midlands all at Columbia’s original Home Show. For more information visit homeshowcolumbia.com.

Saturday, March 9

Shamrock Festival

Icehouse Amphitheatre | 107 West Main St. Lexington | 10:30 am

Join O’Hara’s Public House for this free event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Shamrock Festival Kids Zone. Featuring face painting, balloon animals, a bounce house, a giant slide, and an obstacle course. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Saturday, March 9

9th Annual Lexington Shamrock Parade

Main Street | Lexington | 2 pm

Irish Dancers, bands, floats, pageant winners, and even a Mountain Dew drinking Camel as Abraham makes an appearance as the Redeemed Band performs. Irish eyes will be smiling.

Saturday, March 9

Spring Fling

Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. Lexington | 2 pm – 4 pm

This multicultural springtime celebration will feature stories, crafts, songs, and games. Presented in partnership with the Lexington County School District One Family Center. For more information visit lexcolibrary.com.

Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16

Spring Fling

Wingard’s Market | 1403 N. Lake Dr. Lexington | Fri. 9 am – 6 pm & Sat. 9 am – 5 pm

Stock up on all your spring gardening essentials such as shrubs, trees, flowers, and decorations. See what’s new for 2024. Visit wingardsmarket.com for more information.

Saturday, March 16

Lexington Race Against Hunger

Lexington High School | 2463 Augusta Hwy. Lexington | 8 am

This 8K race and 1-mile Fun Run supports Mission Lexington financially and helps spread the word about food insecurity in the community. To register visit lrah.org.

Thursday, March 21

Taste of Lake Murray

Doubletree by Hilton | 2100 Bush River Rd. | Columbia | 6 pm

This “Party With A Purpose” fundraiser supports the Fourth of July Celebration at Lake Murray, offering bites from over 20 restaurants and voting for the next chef to join Team Lake Murray Country at the 2024 World Food Championships. For tickets visit lakemurraycountry.com.

Saturday, March 23

Soiree on State

State Street | Cayce | 2 pm – 8 pm

Soiree on State will include artists, a free kid’s area, bounce courses, face painting, a balloon artist, food vendors, and a variety of local musicians. For more information visit soireeonstate.com.

Friday, March 29

Good Friday Service

Icehouse Amphitheatre | 107 West Main St. Lexington | 6:30 pm

Come join the community, worship, and contemplate the crucifixion of Christ through scripture and song. Hosted by Christ Community Church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Covenant Community Church, Lexington Presbyterian Church, Rivercrest Presbyterian Church, and Watershed Fellowship.

Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Clinton Sease Farm | 382 Olde Farm Rd. Lexington | 9 am – 1 pm

Bring your basket and hop on over to this annual Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets include the egg hunt, prizes, a cow train, wagon rides, bubble mania, playgrounds, an obstacle course, and photos with the Easter Bunny. For tickets visit clintonseasefarm.com.

faithMATTERS

Blessings We Keep

PHIL REYNOLDS

Congregational Care Associate

Mt. Horeb Church

Mt. Horeb Church

1205 Old Cherokee Road Lexington, SC

Timely water is essential to the proper growth of any crop whether the water comes from irrigation or rain. Here in Lexington County, much of our soil is sandy and porous making frequent irrigation necessary for the high-quality vegetables the consumer expects. Some of the land may be as long as 3 miles from the irrigation pump so the procedure is to continue to irrigate one section until the valve is opened for the next section. If there is no outlet for the water while we continue to pump, pressure will build and eventually the pipeline will blow apart.

The blessings God showers upon us are much the same way. God gives us blessings so that we can bless others. Whether the words of grandma or Jesus, “it is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). Most of God’s blessings come in the form of time, treasures, or talents, and eventually most of us learn that we miss the blessing we waste but we never miss the blessing we give away. We slowly but eventually learn that the blessings we waste become a curse so the blessings pipeline from God becomes much like the irrigation pipeline if we try to keep all God’s blessings to ourselves. When we learn to “give more will be given to us. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into our lap. For with the measure we use, it will be given to us” (Luke 6:38).

Most of us in Lexington County are extremely blessed way beyond what we deserve. We are called to share our blessings with the least of these. The more we give, the more we receive. “A generous community will prosper and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). n

Traditional: 9 am and 10:45 am

Contemporary: 9 am and 10:45 am

mthorebchurch.org

www.facebook.com/mthorebchurchsc

Stepping

by Mary Ann Hutcheson

Margaret Fisher

Lexington County Coroner

Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has always loved people and knew she would someday have a job that served the public.

Born in Blythewood, Fisher grew up in Columbia, where she attended Eau Claire High School. She moved to Lexington at twenty-two, became a permanent resident, and never looked back.

Fisher describes herself as a workaholic. As a young mother of two, she was working four jobs when she decided it was time to make some serious career moves. She decided to pursue a nursing degree. She entered Midlands Technical College and earned her Associate in Health Science degree in Nursing. During downtime, while waiting for her clinicals, she also pursued and soon earned an Associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology. She thought she might work in a jail as a nurse, a great way to make use of her dual degrees. That plan did not pan out, but something else was in the works.

Fisher often credits God for placing people in her path to help her along throughout her life. He was about to do just that. She was working for her husband, Clifford, running a tractor and his office at Owens Fisher Construction, when God came along with the perfect plan.

When her friend, Richland County

Sheriff Leon Lott, asked if she would be a reserve deputy for him, she fell in love with the job, going full-time a year after graduating from the reserve program.

Fisher decided to run for and was elected as coroner in November of 2014 after longtime Lexington County Coroner Harry Harmon died. Nine years later she is just as happy as the day she started. She gives God credit for supporting her and giving her a nurturing, supportive, and loving staff as well as the right words to say to families. She says, “I am now working my dream job. It is the most rewarding and exciting job.”

Fisher’s job includes conducting investigations and performing autopsies. She adds, “But the most important part of this job is taking care of families who are going through the worst times in their lives. There is not much that can happen to you worse than losing somebody that you love. Especially children, or your spouse that you have been with forever,” she says.

“Answering their phone calls, their questions, and making sure they know who, when, and where to turn to is the most important part of the job. The words we say, the actions that we choose, and the

questions we ask will affect them for the rest of their lives. You have to love people and you have to love what you do. If it does not affect your heart, you are probably not the right person to do this kind of job.”

Fisher says husband Clifford’s unwavering support is the reason she can do her challenging job, and above all, to be there to help others. She did not know how she would serve others someday, but our Lexington community is fortunate that she found her calling here.

The Fishers are members of Northside Baptist Church in Lexington. They are the parents of Clifford, IV., Timothy, Tiffany, and Justin, and the couple especially enjoys spending time with their five grandchildren. n

by Marilyn Thomas

by Lola Dee Photography

Christopher Cooper, MD, MPH, draws from his personal and academic experiences in the healthcare field to develop a big-picture perspective of high-quality and compassionate patient care. This understanding coupled with a sincere concern for the individual’s whole-person well-being and his desire to build genuine and respectful relationships with patients are the reasons he established

South Carolina My Care, a concierge internal medical practice, in the heart of Lexington.

Dr. Christopher Cooper with SC My Care: Customized, Comprehensive, and Compassionate Healthcare

With more than two decades of experience in the healthcare field – as a registered nurse, a medical school and public health student, and an accredited physician – Dr. Christopher Cooper opened South Carolina (SC) My Care, a concierge healthcare practice, to better meet the patient needs of the local community. A South Carolina native, Dr. Cooper says, “I chose here; I live here. I was born at Lexington Medical Center and grew up in West Columbia and Orangeburg and moved back here after residency, so this was my community and my home.”

After working as a hospitalist at Lexington Medical Center, “I was looking to take care of friends, family, and people in my community and didn’t want to do the

assembly-line medicine of 20-30 patients a day,” says Dr. Cooper, “so I was looking around at different business models and felt like the concierge model was perfect.”

“It stemmed from me just wanting to help people,” he adds, “and I needed to figure out a way to do what I was already naturally doing in a way that made sense in a more organized way.”

Established in October 2021, SC My Care has a patient-centric focus that intentionally and attentively revolves around the needs of Dr. Cooper’s clientele. With a kindly bedside manner, this internal medicine physician endeavors to build a close and confidential doctor-patient relationship with those in his care. To illustrate the concierge approach, he explains, “Instead

photos

of an hour in the waiting room and five minutes with the doctor, we flip it around, and no more than five minutes in the waiting room and [then] spend an hour with the doctor.”

Furthermore, when specific issues arise, instead of applying the common approach of completely shifting the case to a specialist, Dr. Cooper prefers to “oversee and manage everything and then rely on the subspecialists more for recommendations. If we are consulting other physicians, it is because we want an added perspective or another opinion, or they are doing a procedure or something that I cannot personally do (like a colonoscopy or heart catheterization).”

In addition to conventional internal medicine, which involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses in adults, SC My Care also partners with South Carolina Elite Physicians at the same location to offer “aesthetics like Botox and fillers,” explains Dr. Cooper. “We have a medical weight loss program with Ozempic and Mounjaro medicines, and we provide intravenous [IV] fluids, hydration, vitamins, minerals, and hormone optimization.”

“We’re always growing, evolving, always making sure we are honing in on quality and efficiency, clinically and administratively,” he says. One of the practice’s most recent developments has been the opening of a new office at 201 Caughman Farm Lane in Lexington, and plans are under consideration for finding a second satellite “medical spa” facility in North Myrtle Beach.

Dr. Cooper describes his comprehensive approach as “whole person” healthcare, and to model his method, he has thoughtfully developed a unique diagram that illustrates the “biological, psychologi-

cal, and spiritual” and “functional, social, and emotional wellbeing” components that make up a human being.

He explains, “I teach my patients to look at their lives and analyze each of those individual areas of wellbeing and to help me find, as a team with them, areas that they can improve. It’s very much a partnership with my patients,” he continues. “We work together – whatever’s going on in their life, is my job to help them find help where they need it.”

When explaining the motivation behind his humanity-centered perspective, Dr. Cooper recalls life-altering moments that occurred while he was working as a nurse and later studying in medical school. “I’ve had a couple of people that our paths just have seemed to randomly cross, and I was able to help guide them into deeper spiritual walks and help them in ways that were life-changing,” he says.

“I truly believe for me,” he concludes, “the meaning of life is just love and relationships. All we have is the moment, and life is so precious, to know that people are willing to trust me and want to share their lives with me, being able to know the families, to be a part of people’s lives – that is such an honor, and I am always amazed at that.”

Dr. Cooper invites potential patients to

consider his services, “if someone is looking for relationship, family, love – not just being a number, but being treated like a person. I want people to feel at home when they are here and take care of whatever we need to take care of, and I think that is the way it should be. We meet a lot of people who say, ‘Oh, I’ve never really heard of this before, but this is awesome.’”

More information about SC My Care and their customizable concierge services are detailed on their website at scmycare. com or the practice can be contacted directly at (803)771-1993 or admin@scmycare.com. n

Lemonade Day Lexington:

by Abigail Harris

Think back to when you were eight years old. It’s a warm summer day and you are eager to earn money. Did you ever set up a lemonade stand or a bake sale? Do you remember how it felt to have someone stop and purchase something you were offering? Now, imagine doing that on a larger scale within an organization that helps build and foster young entrepreneurs.

Lemonade Day is a strategic, lesson-based program that takes the dream of a business and creates a legitimate business plan while teaching the principles required to start a company. This free program is available for children aged K-12 and for teachers to utilize in their classrooms. The program teaches participants how to start, own, and operate their own business in a fun and experiential way by, you guessed it, owning a lemonade stand. Kids are inspired to work hard and make a profit while being taught how to spend, save, and share by giving back to their community. Each year children can tangibly experience entrepreneurship through this program. Today’s youth are eager and enthusiastic about business but need more skills and experience to succeed.

The founder of Lemonade Day, Michael Holthouse, envisioned an opportunity where children can be empowered to become future entrepreneurs by learning the fundamentals of starting, owning, and operating their businesses. “Lemonade Day was founded on an important American principle that entrepreneurs

take risks, believing they can realize their dream if they work hard, take responsibility, and act as good stewards of their resources,” says Alene Willingham, City Director of Lemonade Day Lexington. She and her Event Coordinator, Michaela Luther oversee a Lemon Council made up of volunteers who understand and appreciate the value in providing this program to children.

Since launching back in 2007 in Houston, Texas, Lemonade Day has grown from 2,700 kids in one city to one million kids in over 100 licensed markets in the United States and Canada. “Lemonade Day sparks the spirit of entrepreneurship and empowers youth to set goals, work hard, and achieve their dreams,” says Willingham.

Nicole Weldon, parent of a Lemonade Day entrepreneur, shares, “I wholeheartedly endorse Lemonade Day as an extraordinary initiative that offers children a unique, practical introduction to entrepreneurship. The experience has left a lasting impression on my son, Andrew, and we are excited about participating in future events. For any parent looking to nurture their child’s business expertise, creativity, and confidence, Lemonade Day is a golden opportunity,” says Weldon.

Lemonade Day isn’t just a day; it is a season. Registration opens in January and continues through March. The official kickoff day is March 28th. After registering, each participant receives a Welcome Packet with all the information and paperwork needed for the season, such as a loan application, “Best of the Zest” application, and grand opening and pitch competition invitations.

On Kickoff Day, parents and entrepreneurs can meet the staff of Lemonade Day Lexington in person and ask questions. It is also a chance for anyone who has yet to register, the chance to meet the staff, ask questions, and decide to join while onsite. Throughout the remaining months, entrepreneurs participate in many different events including Loan Day in partnership with First Community Bank, Business Photography, provided by Eric House with Free Talk Media, Best of the Zest Pitch Competition, Marketing Week, Lemonade Day Lexington, Payback Loan Week, and Business Results Celebration.

“Lemonade Day sparks the spirit of entrepreneurship and empowers youth to set goals, work hard, and achieve their dreams.”

–Alene Willingham

On Loan Day, young entrepreneurs learn how to ask an investor for a loan. This activity allows children to gain real-life experience by conducting business in person at the bank. First Community Bank and Lemonade Day decide the dates participants can sign up for to apply for a loan.

Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to sign up for professional headshots to use on business cards, social media, and flyers. They will also be able to sign up for a Best of the Zest Pitch Competition, which is similar to Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs prepare

a business pitch to present to three judges. The entrepreneurs are then given a numerical score and ranked. Winners are announced after an intermission, and the Fan Favorite winner will be announced during Lemonade Day Lexington. The entrepreneurs will take part in a Marketing Week, which gives them a chance to show off their digital creativity by producing a commercial or flyer for Lemonade Day Lexington’s social media channels. These flyers and commercials act as their “paid advertisement” for a business.

Lemonade Day Lexington’s grand opening takes place May 4, 2024, from 9 am to 2 pm. This event allows entrepreneurs to open their businesses and make mon ey. They get to put their skills into action and see the reward for working hard on communication and business building. This event is held like a festival, with everyone having a numbered spot to set up their stand. Voting begins at 10 am and will run through 1 pm. The contests are Best Tasting Lemonade and Best Stand, where judges walk around judging stands and lemonade. The third vote will come from all the fans/ customers. Winners will be announced at 1:45 pm that day.

After the hustle and bustle of preparing for the Lemonade Day Lexington is over, students visit their assigned branch of First Community Bank to pay back the loans they borrowed at the beginning of the program. This portion of the program ends the season of Lemonade Day.

“At the end of Lemonade Day on May 4, just like every business, the entrepreneurs will fill out a report and submit their results,” says Willingham. “On a local level, results will be judged, and a Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 will be named. The local winner’s results will be sent to the National level and judged. If chosen by National, the winner will attend the Lemonade Day National Conference in Houston, Texas, in September 2024.”

Newberry’s Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 10-yearold, Gracie Lowder, placed 2nd runner-up on the National level. “I heard about Lemonade Day from a friend and wanted to learn how to run a business while raising money to donate to the Courage Center,” Lowder explains.

Lemonade Day is a free program and support from community sponsors is vital to keeping it running. Visit lemonadeday. org/lexington for program details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities. n

by Tom Poland

QUARTET The Million Dollar

I go back now, back to August 1, 2012. That’s the day the University of South Carolina Press published Save The Last Dance For Me. Strange circumstances united me with the Society of Stranders, those dedicated shaggers. Together, we wrote the history of the shag. For me, it meant an education and a discovery.

I began the work. In researching the blues and music in general I stumbled across a photograph of four musicians that haunted me. I intended to get it but never did. It wasn’t the Beatles. It was a quartet that preceded them—Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. George Pierce took it on December 4, 1956. Something about that Sun Studios photo haunts me still.

My niece, Benton Cunningham, heard me talking about that photo. She gave it to me for Christmas. Some title it “Legends,” others “The Million-Dollar Quartet.” When I look at Pierce’s photo and I do so often, memories rise like ascending notes in some sad ballad. There they are, three unknowns on the brink of stardom and all the good and bad things it brings. And Elvis. Yes, Elvis who already had a taste of stardom.

An impromptu jam session took place and Pierce, and his camera were there. His photo is subject to interpretation. Elvis sits at the piano, a puzzled Jerry Lee Lewis looks on, and a calm, sleepy-eyed Carl Perkins holds his guitar. Dreamy-eyed Elvis, seeking approval it seems, looks up at Perkins. Johnny Cash looks down at the keyboard. Make of it what you will.

That session has been described as “a convergence of genius, of talent at the time of unimaginable potential.” It was unplanned. Perkins was there for a recording session. Cash had stopped by to get an advance for Christmas shopping. Lewis was there as a studio musician for Perkins’s session. Elvis, a star on the RCA label, dropped in to visit with Sam Phillips.

The four men each had a Southern Christian heritage. They

sang gospel songs … “Just A Little Talk With Jesus,” “Jesus Walked That Lonesome Valley,” “I Will Not be Moved,” and “On The Jericho Road.”

Lewis of Louisiana went on to be rock ‘n’ roll’s first wild man. His nickname? “Killer.” Perhaps you remember “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” Erratic behavior, alcohol and drugs, tax debts, wild escapades, and six marriages made for a rocky road for Lewis.

Perkins of Tennessee went on to be a rockabilly star. The Beatles covered his songs “Honey Don’t” and “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby.” “Blue Suede Shoes” was a huge hit, but bad breaks and personal problems plagued Perkins. In his biography, Perkins, a quiet, self-effacing man, said, “I felt out of place when ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ was number one. I stood on the Steel Pier in 1956 in Atlantic City and the Goodyear blimp flew over with my name in big lights. And I stood there and shook and actually cried. That should have been something that would elevate a guy to say, ‘Well, I’ve made it.’ But it put fear in me.”

Perkins was prophetic. Be careful what you want; you just may get it. We know how things went for Elvis, and the Man in Black from Arkansas had his demons too. Drugs and alcohol amounted to a ring of fire.

In writing the shag history I reflected on something quite obvious: most young people think their era is everything. Well, it isn’t. I had the same problem. You probably did too. Never forget, those you worship put their pants on one leg at a time too. Sooner or later trouble comes calling. I can’t name one of Taylor Swift’s songs. I’m a tad proud of that. It proves I overcame Beatlemania, but if I were Swift, I’d study the bios of recording stars. Behind the stage demons gather. And wait. And wait for a chance to pounce. n

L-R, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash

photo by George Pierce

Evening Caregivers Support Group

Oakleaf Village hosts a monthly gathering for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s. Gain valuable insights, find encouragement, and receive help in navigating the challenges of the disease with a sense of understanding, support and community.

First Thursday of Every Month | 6:00 PM

800 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072

OakleafVillageLexington.com

Sponsored By:

alz.org

Senior

The Ultimate Outsider:

A Passion for Parks

by Kim Becknell Williams

The Ultimate Outsider program is just what the name implies. It’s ultimate and it’s outside. The program is designed for those who love the outdoors and enjoy visiting the S.C. state parks. Participants explore each of the 47 parks with a chance to earn perks. The benefits include the opportunity to participate in planned events and challenges, as well as the gratification of know-

ing you completed the program. Many park explorers continue with the program even after finishing it the first time.

What started a little over ten years ago in 2013 when the first person completed the program has grown to nearly 4,000 members, according to Sarah Pardue, the former operations manager. Pardue worked with the program until a recent

change in roles. She explained that the program is point-tiered with rewards. Official program guides, like booklets, can be ordered online or picked up at a state park. The guides list the parks, show photos of what to expect, and provide information on each of them such as what to see, things to do, and addresses. Once participants complete exploring a park they can get an ink stamp as proof that they have been there, like a passport. There is no specified time limit in which to complete the visits. Once a participant finishes visiting all the parks and has all the stamps, it is verified by a park ranger and the member can get a T-shirt by mail.

Jean Burke-McIntyre has been in the program for about ten years. “I started my journey to be an Ultimate Outsider in early 2014 and completed it in July 2016 at Hunting Island State Park,” she said. “My favorite hike is the Table Rock trail in Table Rock State Park. This is a strenuous hike and I feel quite accomplished when I am done.”

Sheila Frame is another member who visited her first park, Table Rock Park, in December 2021. She finished the program in June 2023 at Poinsett State Park. “It took me approximately a year and a half. I am sure some people complete the program quicker, but I tried to spend time at each park to get to know more about what each park had to offer,” Frame said. “Plus, I enjoyed walking in the parks that had trails.”

Each park varies from another based on what it offers. It might be green space, open air, campsites, trails, hilly terrain, historical sites, or coastal views. Activities include paddling on lakes, rivers or the ocean, hiking, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, and geocaching. Or simply curl up with a book under the shade of a giant oak tree. You can look for native wildflowers, photograph a South Carolina sunset, and embrace Mother Nature. “Each park has something different and special,” Frame said. “The parks along the coast have beach areas and interesting wildlife including shore birds and turtle hatchlings.” The list goes on with so much to offer and many ways to make memories while exploring the parks.

Ultimate Outsider members have the benefits of participating in park events, like the first-day hikes and ranger-guided hikes. “I enjoy the first-day hikes held on January 1st of each year, and the ranger-led hikes throughout the year. Typically, the hikes

guided by a ranger are more interesting because they are so knowledgeable about the historical significance of the park and/ or special one-of-a-kind features of the park,” Frame said. “For example, Landsford Canal State Park has the rare spider lily which blooms in May. It is the largest growth of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily in the United States. Three of the state parks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Table Rock, Poinsett, and Sesquicentennial.”

Parks are located throughout the state. Once all 47 parks have been explored and verified, the fun does not have to stop. A scavenger hunt creates a little adventure and a way to further explore. “Once you complete the program, it is not over. You become eligible to download the Goosechase app where participants have a chance to go for a hunt at parks around the state to find features, people, and animals,” Frame explained. “From finding a picture of a ranger leading a hike, or a reenactment of South Carolina history, to finding a sign in a park, the app gives you challenges that will help you learn more about the parks as you visit. Every time you find and complete a challenge, you submit your proof, either by taking a picture or having your location geotagged via the app to earn points. Once you reach a certain level of points in the app, you receive recognition either by earning South Carolina State Park swag, or credit towards the State Park gift shops.”

Since the parks can be explored at the participant’s own pace and time, it is feasible for anyone who appreciates the beauty of South Carolina’s state parks. Frame suggests not rushing things and taking the time to genuinely enjoy being outside. “Go with friends or family to make it more

memorable. If they like to hike, the trails are not too difficult,” she said. “There are children who have finished the program, and most parks have plenty of recreation for children aside from hiking.” n

Learn more, get directions to parks, and see what is happening at southcarolinaparks.com/ ultimate-outsider.

5 Proven Tips to Get a Great Night’s Sleep

by Jessica Philipps

Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep to feel fully rested, but this varies with age and health. You can get away with the odd late night or early start if required, but missing sleep over extended periods will eventually impact you. Lack of focus, reduced productivity, lack of energy, and poor judgment are signs you may be sleep deprived.

If you regularly find yourself tossing and turning all night, it’s time to make some changes. Over-the-counter drugs can help with sleep problems, but they aren’t always necessary or advisable as long-term solutions. The following tips can help you get a full night’s rest.

1. Avoid caffeine five hours before bedtime

Caffeine is excellent for keeping your mind sharp and enhancing mood during the day, but it can interfere with sleep patterns if consumed too close to bedtime. As well as making it harder to fall asleep, caffeine can reduce the length of time you sleep and make it feel less satisfying. If you enjoy a hot drink before bedtime, look at caffeine-free varieties or try alternatives such as rooibos tea or hot water with lemon.

2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine

Most young children have a set bedtime routine to help them relax at the end of the day, and the same can work for adults. Consistency is vital, so starting at the same time each evening is a smart step toward improving your sleep pattern. Turning down lights and reducing the temperature in the bedroom help to set the body’s natural rhythm to sleep mode. Spending time slowing down and relaxing makes you look forward to bedtime and reduces anxiety after a busy day.

3. Avoid screen time before bedtime

Light emitted by smartphones, laptops, and televisions stimulates the body’s internal clock and can inhibit sleep. Switching off electronic devices with screens half an hour before bed -

time is another step towards a better night’s rest. Some families go as far as banning computers and gadgets from the bedroom. Watching YouTube videos and episodes of Netflix in bed may seem like a good way to relax, but it can have the opposite effect.

4. Check your physical environment

Many sleep hygiene experts suggest that environmental changes in the bedroom are key to improving the quality of your rest. Exposure to light can trick your body’s natural hormone processes into staying alert and delaying sleep, so darkness is key. Curtains or blinds are a sound investment for the bedroom. Blackout window shades can also be worthwhile if you need to rest during daylight hours.

Noise is another barrier to rest, affecting valuable deep sleep cycles. If you live in an environment where noise exposure can’t be avoided, try using earplugs. They can also provide relief if your partner snores or suffers from a sleep disorder. The physical environment of your bedroom can also impact how many hours of rest you benefit from each night. The distraction of clutter, including clothes, stacks of books, and paperwork, can make it hard for your brain to switch off.

5. Invest in a comfortable mattress

Choosing the right mattress can be confusing but getting it right can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. As well as the type of mattress and material it’s made from, the firmness can affect how well you sleep. Pocket spring mattresses consist of individual springs housed in their own fabric pocket. Each spring moves independently, providing more support than traditional spring mattresses. Memory foam varieties help to maintain posture and align your spine when sleeping horizontally, but they can get warm due to the lack of airflow.

Just like a healthy diet and physical activity, getting enough sleep is critical to maintaining physical and mental health. n

The curtain rises on the next season of

As the stage remains dimmed, audience members trickle into the Village Square Theatre’s seats, ready to see the Feb. 4 matinee performance of “Bell, Book, and Candle,” a romantic comedy with a touch of magical whimsy.

The theater is about half-full, with friends and family of the cast members holding flower bouquets to reward them for their roles onstage over the past few weekends.

After the performance, the stage will be struck, and another production will begin. The show never ends at Village Square, which has been entertaining audiences in Lexington County for more than 60 years.

Next, rehearsals begin for “Finding Nemo Jr.,” debuting March 8, and onto “Mary Poppins,” beginning May 3.

Meanwhile, spring classes have begun, including new offerings

on tap and stage dancing and Disney-focused acting. Workshops are scheduled for improv, auditioning, and makeup, offered to both adults and children.

And the mostly volunteer staff is readying itself for the 202425 season, which includes its first staging of the musical “Rent” and a junior version of “Mean Girls.”

Village Square, located at 105 Caughman Road, remains ambitious with a combination of volunteers, longtime benefactors, and support from advertising and sponsorships.

This year, Village Square is offering its first preschool program, said Ashely Lackore, who serves as head of the public relations committee. “Village Square is an all-year-round community theater,” she said.

Lackore has been with the theater for six years, when her

daughter, Chappell Lackore, auditioned for her first show, “Alice in Wonderland.”

Now Ashely not only serves as the PR head but also produces some of the shows. “There’re so many different things you can be a part of. It’s basically like our second family,” she said.

The hope is to extend that family with newer productions, such as “Rent,” drawing on talent at nearby universities, such as South Carolina.

Volunteers and board members also want to raise the pro file of the theater, housed in a back lot of a strip mall, found mostly by a historic sign touting the theater on Columbia Avenue. You might have seen them at the Snowball Festival or other events around the community. “We’re constantly try ing to figure out new ways to be more known in the communi ty,” Lackore said. n

Ezekiel Ministries:

Mentoring Today’s Youth

Children throughout the Midlands face challenges that could hinder their ability to succeed in life. The challenges are not necessarily financial as much relational. Homes of low income do not ensure wayward children, but homes low on parental time to spend with their children certainly can. Almost a quarter of children in the US under the age of 18 live with one parent and no other adults. That one parent being employed leaves many children without adequate critical adult interaction and guidance. More specifically, 1 in 3 children in America will reach age 19 without a mentor.

In 2009 a group of men and women served in a downtown Columbia community called “The Gates.” The community was so neglected that it was often called “The Gates of Hell.” After building relationships with some of the kids in the neighborhood, they knew they could not stop there. There was so much

by Dan Williams

potential among those children, yet no one was taking the time to invest in them. Out of that experience, Ezekiel Ministries was born.

In the Bible, the prophet Ezekiel had a vision of a valley of dry bones coming to life by the hand of God. Ezekiel’s vision was a prophetic promise about the restoration of the Children of Israel as a great nation. The imagery of God breathing life into dry, hopeless bones became the vision for Ezekiel Ministries. Ezekiel Ministries can give children hope, someone in their corner, and a chance to live with purpose. Sometimes the most important thing an adult can give a child is undivided attention. When that time is given by someone who is not paid to do it but does so out of a heart of love, the impact on that child is immeasurable.

In 2023, 98 children ages 6-16 received an Ezekiel Ministries mentor. Children with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college, 92% more likely to become

a volunteer themselves, 22% more likely to experience a powerful sense of belonging growing up, 46% less likely to start using drugs, and 27% less likely to start drinking.

Ezekiel Ministries looks for Jesus-following adults who will make an initial commitment of one year to provide one hour a week. This can simply mean showing up for events in a child’s life throughout the school year. It can also mean taking a child

I love working with Ezekiel’s after-school program because it provides a safe place for children to play, learn, and grow in an atmosphere of love and truth. — Leona Criswell

to a sporting event or a movie, helping a child with his homework, teaching him/ her to play an instrument, or how to fish. The possibilities are endless, as are the success stories from Ezekiel Ministries. For example, Devon was five years old when he began asking for a mentor every day. He is

now in college on a band scholarship, and his mentor was with him for 10 years.

Ezekiel volunteer, Leona Criswell, shares, “Childhood is under attack in our culture. Children are bombarded with messages that are unhealthy for the body and the soul. I love working with Ezekiel’s after-school program because it provides a safe place for children to play, learn, and grow in an atmosphere of love and truth. Throughout the afternoon, there are many opportunities to practice conflict resolution and other relationship skills. All

of this combines to provide hope for children so they can break out of those hard places and live successful, happy lives.”

Director and Founder of Ezekiel Ministries, Josh Whitlock, shares, “Over the past 11 years, the mentors that have made the most difference are the ones who did not quit, even when the relationships got hard or changed drastically. Children go through many seasons, and many of them are navigating those seasons alone. I’ve had the privilege of seeing hundreds of people selflessly continue to show up for children as

mentors through all of those seasons. They are there on the good days, the bad days, and the in-between. They are not superheroes, they are average people who decided to be there for a child and not quit, even when they do not know if it is making a difference. They are inspiring people, not because of their talent, or skill, but because of their hearts and their perseverance.”

There are several ways you can get involved in Lexington. Ezekiel Ministries utilizes local churches in after-school programs where you can volunteer an hour each week as a teacher, teacher’s aide, or mini-bus driver (CDL not required). If you have a specific gift or hobby, you can teach a 6-week Enrichment Course such as fishing, music, or cooking. If you want to become a mentor with an individual child, there is a process that includes screening, a background check, and training on abuse. You can always be involved by supporting Ezekiel Ministries with tax-deductible contributions. And you can pray for the empowerment and growth of this ministry which is unique to Lexington and the Midlands of SC.

Visit ezeministries.org for information, volunteer, and donation opportunities. n

Cut the Cord

Stop Paying a Fortune for Cable

by Sean Wise

Does your monthly cable bill seem to be too high? Many people are paying a lot of money for content they don’t even watch. Is there anything that you can do about it? The answer is yes! You can easily cancel your cable service and continue to watch the content you enjoy for less money, or sometimes even no money at all. Sixty percent of Americans have already canceled their cable, wouldn’t you like to save money and join them?

But how?

First steps

The first thing to do is figure out what programming you are watching. This may seem like common sense, but it will be helpful to list the programs and channels you are watching. When you drop your cable, you will need to access some of your programming from different sources, having this watch list will be very helpful.

Next, you’ll need to know how many TVs and/or devices you are going to watch your programming on. This will help to determine the appropriate amount of internet speed you will need. Watching simultaneously on more devices equals more internet speed needed. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 20-25 mbps of speed for each device you are using. If you have cable, you may already have internet service with it, so make sure it is fast enough for when you make the switch.

Next, you’ll need to buy a digital antenna which is very affordable. An indoor antenna will be ideal for bringing in at least 30-50 channels without any interference. You can watch all of your regular local programming “over the air” with your antenna for free. Start crossing things off of your watch list already.

Streaming free content

There is a limitless amount of programming you can watch over the internet. Watching programs delivered to you through the internet is known as streaming. To watch this content on a phone, tablet, or computer will simply require you to log on to a website or download an app. Some services like Pluto, Tubi, and Roku offer a lot of free content, a good place to start is by Googling these services and reviewing their programming. Check

your watch list again.

To access these services, you will either need a Smart TV or a device that connects your TV to the internet. Most Blu-Ray players will do this, or PlayStation, Xboxes, and the like can be used. If you don’t have these a streaming box like the ones made by Roku, Amazon, or Apple will work. All of these will allow you to stream a lot of free content straight to the TV. Cross more shows off of your list.

Subscription services

By now, you’ve probably crossed a lot of programming off of your list and you aren’t paying a dime yet. Most likely there are a couple of things left and for this programming, you will need to think about subscription services.

If you watch movies, I’d bet most of you have heard of Netflix, but there are many others. If you are an Amazon Prime member and you are already subscribed to their video service, it is included in your membership. Others like Disney, Hulu, Peacock, and Starz are also available. They are all pretty affordable too, around $8-10

a month. Most offer free trial periods so you can try them out first. Again, Google is your friend, so do some shopping.

Most sports programming will require you to subscribe to a service to watch it. The good news: all of these services are also just a fraction of what the cable bill was. ESPN is available as a standalone service, and services like Fubo, Amazon Prime, and YouTube TV offer a wide variety of programming in addition to sports programming. This is where your watch list and Googling will be invaluable again, do some shopping to get the best value.

Now Cut That Cord!

You’ve done it! You’ve got the antenna, you are streaming, and you have crossed everything off of your watch list. Time to call the cable company and cancel your service. Even with the subscription services you will be using, you will have to cut your monthly cable bill in half or more. You will still be enjoying your favorite programs, and you will now have access to more content than you would have ever imagined. n

COMPORIUM

is a local internet service provider (ISP) that provides fiber-to-thehome-based internet to neighborhoods throughout Lexington County. Comporium is also partnering with the State of South Carolina to bring FTTP service to rural areas.

“In addition to making sure they have enough bandwidth to watch multiple streams simultaneously, we recommend that our customers make sure that they have a strong Wi-Fi signal at the location of each set.

We offer a managed Wi-Fi product that ensures a strong signal wall-to-wall and also includes parental controls and other home network management tools.”

Matthew Dosch, Comporium

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Munch Madness Recipes for your watch party

Baked Chicken Nachos

2 sweet red peppers, diced

1 can (15-oz) black beans, rinsed and 2 ¼ cups rotisserie chicken, shredded 8-oz pepper jack cheese, shredded ¼ cup green onions, sliced ½ cup fresh cilantro, minced

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, sauté peppers in 1½ tsp oil for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender and transfer to a small bowl. In the same skillet, sauté the beans, garlic, oregano, and cumin in remaining oil for 3 minutes or until heated through. Meanwhile, combine the chicken, lime juice, salt, and pepper. In a greased 13x9 baking dish, layer half each of the tortilla chips, pepper mixture, bean mixture, chicken, cheese, onions, and cilantro. Repeat layers. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and serve with sour cream.

Roast Beef Sandwiches

1 (12-ct) package King’s Hawaiian Rolls ¾ lb deli roast beef, thinly sliced 3 tbsp creamy horseradish sauce, divided 8 slices white cheese

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Split each dinner roll and spread a small amount of creamy horseradish sauce on the bottom of each roll. Make a sandwich of roast beef, cheese, and dinner rolls. Arrange the sand-

wiches in a 9×13 pan. In a small saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, 1 tbsp horseradish sauce, Worcestershire, and poppy seeds. Bring to a boil and pour over sandwiches. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and crispy.

Sausage and Beer Cheese Dip

14-oz cooked sausage, crumbled 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 5 green onions, thinly sliced

1 packet ranch seasoning

¾ cup beer

2 packages (8-oz) light cream cheese

Dipper options: pretzels, corn chip scoops, bread, pita chips

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brown sausage in an oven-safe pan on medium heat. Add cream cheese, ranch packet, ½ chopped green onions, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir frequently with a spatula to melt, then slowly pour beer into the pan, and mix into cheese. Top with remaining cheese and green onions. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded 4-oz cream cheese, cubed

½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tbsp prepared ranch salad dressing

2 tbsp Buffalo wing sauce

2 tubes (8-oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls

⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a small saucepan, combine chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and wing sauce. Cook and stir over low heat until the cheeses are melted, about 5 minutes, and remove from the heat. Unroll tubes of crescent dough; separate into 16 triangles. Place 1 tbsp chicken mixture in the center of each triangle; sprinkle with 1 tsp blue cheese. Bring corners of dough over filling and twist; pinch seams to seal (filling will not be completely enclosed). Bake on ungreased baking sheets until golden brown, 15-20 minutes, and serve warm.

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

16 chicken wings

½ tsp salt

¼ cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, grated

1 tbsp water

1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Wash wings in cold water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Lay wings onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch of space between each. Sprinkle half the salt and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the wings over, sprinkle the remaining salt, and bake for 20 more minutes. In the meantime, add the following ingredients to a skillet – honey, garlic, ginger, and water. Over medium-high heat, whisk the ingredients together and allow them to come to a low boil until the sauce has thickened. Remove the wings from the oven and add to the skillet with the sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Toss together, cooking over medium-high heat until the wings have absorbed all of the sauce, and the wings start to char.

S’mores Dip

1 bag milk chocolate chips

1 bag mini marshmallows

Graham crackers

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Pour chocolate chips into an oven-safe casserole dish until they are covering the bottom. Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the top of the chocolate chips until the chocolate chips are covered. Bake for 4 minutes, or until the marshmallows are nicely golden on top. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

2 cans refrigerated biscuits

8-oz pepperoni

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder

⅓ cup olive oil

2 cups marinara sauce

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut biscuits into ¼ pieces. Combine biscuits, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil in a large bowl and toss together. Add mixture to a non-stick sprayed bundt pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. If the biscuits start to turn brown, cover the pan with aluminum foil. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Party Bars

1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1⁄4 cup cocoa

1⁄4 cup sugar

1⁄4 cup butter, melted

1(14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated

12-oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups

3 1⁄2 oz flaked coconut

1 cup nuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine crumbs, co coa, sugar, and butter. Press firmly on the bottom of a 13x9 baking pan and pour the condensed milk evenly over the crust. Top evenly with remaining in gredients in the order listed and press down firmly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool, chill thoroughly if desired. Cut into bars, and store loosely covered at room temperature.

Ranch Oyster Crackers

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 tsp dried dill

½ tsp garlic salt

1 (9-oz) package oyster crackers

1 (1-oz) package ranch salad dress ing mix

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Place the vegetable oil in a large bowl and stir in the dill, garlic salt, and ranch dressing mix. Add the oyster crackers and toss gently to combine. Spread the oyster crackers onto a large sheet pan, and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden. Serve on their own as a snack, or on

Mysterious and Real

We’re all born with a broken heart after being separated from our Mama.

Then Ol’ Doc whoops our butt and off we go.

Fast-forward through childhood heartbreaks to seemingly endless battering rams slamming into our hearts.

Next thing you know, we gain gray and wrinkles and lose youthful abilities. We look around and cry: “What is the point to all this, exactly?”

I began having “issues” with my chest last fall. Ol’ Doc says: “Welp, you’re probably having heart problems. We’ll get you checked out.”

About this time, I changed restaurants. After eating raw onions every meal of my adult life, I began eating cooked onions only. Then I switched to another restaurant, and they used no onions at all. I gave this no thought at the time.

Christine and I began attending a nearby church at about this same time. The people are nice, and the preacher is a great teacher who’s really lived. I haven’t been involved in a church in decades. We joined this church at the beginning of January. It was humbling to realize a

sizable number of people were glad we joined. I had built a pretty stout wall made of stones chiseled from the hard examples of nobody caring much about others. Once I removed some of those stones and looked out, I saw I was wrong. A big chunk of my old, cracked heart healed up.

I had a chemical stress test in mid-January. Beforehand, several people said: “Welp, you ain’t gonna like where this leads.” I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing, but I knew people were praying for me.

Christine and I had discussed getting married in the past but hadn’t yet gotten around to it. We had a long talk in early January and talked about onions and getting married. She said: “What have you been doing differently that might have affected your heart?” After careful thought, I realized I hadn’t eaten raw onions in five months. Then we decided to get married on the first pretty Saturday. I immediately began eating raw onions daily and also began walking every day.

Last Thursday, I went for a follow-up with the Ol’ Doc. He says: “Well, sir, I

have good news. You have no blockages. There’s nothing at all wrong with your heart.” I hadn’t expected that news. Christine and I cried and prayed together in the parking lot. A little more of my old, cracked heart stitched back together.

The weather forecast predicted the following Saturday would be perfect. The forecast was correct. Christine and I were joined in Holy Matrimony in front of her Mama and a few others. The last few stitches were looped through my old heart’s cracked place, and the casual observer would never know I’d ever had a broken heart to begin with.

I’m the luckiest man I know. I don’t deserve any of it. Thankfully, deservin’s got nothing to do with it.

God’s Ways are mysterious.

And God’s Grace is real. n