Lexington Life Magazine - May 2024

Happy Mother’s Day! None of us would be on this planet if we weren’t birthed by a mom. That is true of every single person in the world. After we are born, we all have different maternal relationships. Some of these relationships are traditional and some are untraditional. There are moms who adopt or foster children for example.

Sometimes moms can be adopted into a family. Our family adopted Miss Gail Cone. She worked in the Saxe Gotha Presbyterian daycare and my wife Donna, and I took an instant liking to her. She was from Boston and would call me TAWD. Her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and warm smile always made me laugh. I always was in a better mood after spending time with her. She and her husband Larry helped us raise our family. She would pick them up from school and spend afternoons with them playing cards, telling stories, and just being Miss Gail. She was a strong woman who had suffered and persevered through the death of her 18-year-old daughter being shot by an ex-boyfriend, only years later to meet him in jail and forgive him. She was an unofficial grandma to the kids and a wise trusted soul who offered sage advice to a young couple trying to manage three kids, two jobs, a business, and a household without any immediate family nearby. Miss Gail passed away, unexpectedly, in Boston last week at the age of 77. After the initial shock, I told the kids the news, one by one. It was awful.

I’m so thankful God brought her and Larry into our lives. We shared so many moments together and I’m thankful for all the wisdom and love she poured into our family. She was truly a blessing from God.

Happy Mother’s Day and thanks for reading. Todd Shevchik

CALENDAR OFevents

MAY

Friday, May 10 – Saturday, May 11

Midlands Coin, Currency, and Collectibles Show

Embassy Suites | 200 Stoneridge Dr. | Columbia

Buying and selling all types of coins, currency, tokens, metals, gold, and silver with hourly door prizes and membership specials. Parking and admission are free. For more information visit midlandscoinclub.com.

Thursday, May 9 – Saturday, May 11

South Carolina Poultry Festival

101 Main St. | Leesville | various times

This free 3-day family event has something for everyone. Enjoy a parade, live music and entertainment, cooking contests, tractor and car shows as you browse food and craft vendors. For the schedule of events visit scpoultryfestival.com.

Saturday, May 11

Lexington Wine Walk

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

Join the Lexington Beautification Foundation for the 13th Annual Wine Walk. The event will feature unlimited wine tastings, live music from Going Commando, and food for purchase. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older to participate and have a valid ID to enter. For more information visit lakemurraycountry.com

Saturday, May 18

South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

SC State Fairgrounds Gate #6 | 901 George Rogers Blvd. | Columbia | 12 pm – 5 pm

FTFA is bringing the ultimate food truck and craft beer experience featuring some of the area’s most popular food trucks and offering dozens of regional and national brews. For more information visit foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/columbia.

Saturday, May 18

2024 Spring Festival

The FARM | 1127 Corley Mill Rd. | Lexington | 10 am – 5 pm

It’s springtime on the farm. Flower crown and bouquet making stations, children’s play area, barnyard bounce house, Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo, new chicken yard, spring selfie station, live music, and vendors. Visit thefarm1780.com for more information.

Friday, May 24

Lexington County Blowfish Opening Night

474 Ball Park Rd. | Lexington | 6 pm

Join the Blowfish for their 2024 home opener against the Macon Bacon. Stick around for fireworks after the game. For tickets visit goblowfishbaseball.com.

Friday, May 31

The Best of Everything – Tribute to Tom Petty

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

Join Tokyo Joe and members of The Root Doctors for an evening paying tribute to the great Tom Petty. Presented by O’Hara’s Public House, the show will feature the

greatest hits of Tom’s long and illustrious career. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for ticket information.

Saturday, June 1

Uplift Resource Education Day

415 Barr Rd. | Fellowship Hall | Lexington | 10 am – 2 pm

This community event connects people with resources for those living with a chronic illness or disability. 20+ vendors will be on hand to talk and answer questions. For more information visit upliftencouragement.com.

Saturday, June 1

Drift Jam on Lake Murray

Spence Island | 11 am - 5 pm

Join the world’s largest floating music festival. Thousands of boats and tens of thousands of guests attend this annual Lake Murray festival. For more information visit driftjam.com.

Thomas and Jayne Falk Franchise Owners

faithMATTERS

Rhythm

BRYCE HOLDMAN

Mt. Horeb Church

Evangelism & Outreach Pastor

1205 Old Cherokee Road Lexington, SC

We as people are creatures of rhythm. I’m not talking about our ability to stomp our feet or clap our hands to a certain beat of a song. What I mean are the rhythms of our lives. I believe wholeheartedly that the rhythms of our lives directly influence our overall well-being. Last year, I took some time dedicated to self-reflection. I felt as if my life was moving at an unsustainable pace. What I found was that certain rhythms in my life simply needed to improve. For example, in every moment of downtime I had, my go-to was social media. In and of itself, social media can be very good. However, was it the best use of my downtime? Probably not. Similarly, I found that I was always looking ahead to the next thing on my calendar. While it pays to be prepared for what’s next, I was not fully invested in each present moment. These examples from my own life may sound similar to the rhythms in yours. So, the question is, how do we consistently prioritize healthy, sustainable rhythms in our lives? I am convinced that the answer is found in the Bible. The words of Jesus Christ share with us how we are to live, if we hope to be the greatest version of ourselves, the “us” that God created us to be. He says, in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven.” Now, this may sound like a simplistic, over-spiritualized answer to an important question. But here’s what I believe: if we hope to be healthy overall, we must stay in sync with God Himself. Maybe you would say that this is already a priority of yours and you have come to understand it as necessary. Or maybe, you aren’t quite sure about this. You have heard about this Jesus, you have heard about the Bible, but you just are not convinced you can fully trust them. Years ago, I wrestled with this dilemma as well. That is, until I took a leap of faith, giving my life fully to Jesus Christ. I discovered that the healthiest I could be was found in a personal, committed relationship with Him. And I have simply never looked back. Today, may this be the rhythmic reality in your life as well.

LEXINGTONleader

by Tenell Felder

Danyele Gardner

When Danyele Gardner started the South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC), she did so with the goal of training students in the art that she loved.

“In my late twenties, I felt God was calling me to do more, and I wanted to open a business in Lexington, my hometown of 40 years. I had very little money in my bank account and said, ‘I’m going to open this dance studio.’ When you get a conviction, you have to act on it,” Gardner shared.

Two decades later SCDC has grown to two locations, hundreds of students, and approximately 30 staff members.

“Dance has always been my passion. I started dancing as a young child, competed in dance competitions and pageants, and then started performing and teaching professionally,” Gardner said.

She continued, “I taught for studios and had many mentors who helped me develop my love for dance. I had people I truly looked up to, and I still look up to this day, who put the love of dance in my heart. And that’s what I want to do for these kids. For the kids who love ballet, we are going to guide you to become a ballerina. Or if they want to be a Rockette, we want to help them accomplish that - whatever their dream is.”

SCDC offers a variety of dance classes – including jazz, acro, tumbling, contempo rary, hip hop, lyrical, tap, all boys hip hop, ballet, and pointe. Classes start for students as young as toddlers.

“We have classes for all ages and abil ities and a wide variety and range of dis ciplines. Maybe you started dancing when you were younger. Maybe you didn’t start until you were a teenager, or maybe you’re an adult now wanting to learn how to dance. There are opportunities for all ages,” Gardner explained.

Gardner credits her amazing staff, stu

dents, and family for SCDC’s twenty years of success. Regarding her family, Gardner’s mother, late father, and husband have been there from the beginning.

“My mom and dad have always been the backbone of my career and my life. They knew my opening a dance studio and having a family was going to be hard, but they were always there to help me. And my husband is a great father and supports me one hundred percent. I could not have done this without him … It takes a village to make this great studio run,” she shared.

A part of that village is her dedicated staff – some of whom have been with SCDC for fifteen years. “I have the best staff, some of them I’ve trained as students here,” she said. “They are the best staff and friends a woman could have. I couldn’t do this without them.”

Gardner beamed, “My students are so

• photos by All American Imaging

As summer approaches in South Carolina, anticipation grows for the iconic memories and traditions it brings. From evenings spent on Lake Murray to gatherings at ballparks, military bases, and along the coastline, one cherished tradition stands out: fabulous firework displays. But have you ever wondered what goes into creating these breathtaking spectacles?

According to Brent Munnerlyn, owner of Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics, the answer is simple: a lot of hard work. As South Carolina’s largest professional firework display operator, Munnerlyn and his team are gearing up to ignite over 200 shows across the Carolinas this year alone.

School in ‘04. Alongside his commitment to improving community health as one of the owners and pharmacists of My Pharmacy and Optical in Lexington, he found his passion for fireworks.

His venture into the world of fireworks began with a simple yet pivotal opportunity from Ben Satcher in 2006. Tasked with selling retail fireworks at the bustling Hwy 378 and Hwy 1 split—a location still beloved by fireworks enthusiasts today— Munnerlyn found himself at the crossroads of fate. It was here that destiny intervened, connecting him with Bill Shanahan of the Lexington Blowfish baseball team, then based in Columbia, SC.

by Chesson Merritt

Munnerlyn’s journey into the world of pyrotechnics is as fascinating as the displays themselves. A native of Lexington, Brent graduated from Lexington High School in ‘98 and earned his PharmD from the University of South Carolina Pharmacy

“Bill asked me if I could shoot his shows,” recalls Munnerlyn, his humility evident in his tone. Without hesitation, he embraced the opportunity, immersing himself in the world of pyrotechnics. With his trademark determination, he rolled up his sleeves and dove into the task at hand, laying the groundwork for the remarkable journey that awaited him.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to catch a fireworks show in and around Columbia over the past 15 years, chances are you’ve experienced Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics in action. Munnerlyn and his dedicated team have lit up the skies across the region, from electrifying displays at Blowfish and Fireflies games to enchanting spectacles in the Town of Lexington, Peach Festival, Fort Jackson, and Shaw Air Force Base. They have even added a touch of magic to the New Year’s Eve festivities downtown. Yet, it’s their legendary show on Lake Murray, staged the Saturday before the 4th of July, that truly steals the spotlight.

“That show is the most challenging one we undertake, but undoubtedly the most fulfilling when it dazzles,” explained Munnerlyn. “It’s a labor of love that demands over 800 hours of hard work to bring to life. Our dedicated crew practically become residents of the island for an entire week, meticulously preparing every aspect of the display. We transport the fireworks out to the island on a barge, and from there, they work their magic.”

In straightforward terms: It’s a massive event. It’s the biggest display in the Southeastern United States on that specific summer day. In South Carolina, it’s the most spectacular fireworks show of the year. Lighting up the skies over Lake Murray, it’s a beloved tradition for many, especially on the Fourth of July.

“My second favorite shows would definitely be the ones for the military,” shared Munnerlyn. “Fort Jackson and Shaw Airbase provide fantastic venues, and there’s something truly special about honoring those who serve our country. It’s always a joyous occasion.”

Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics plays a pivotal role beyond their spectacular shows. “We’re proud to be the largest distributor of fireworks in the Southeast, from a wholesale perspective, for displays,” Munnerlyn revealed. “Fireworks showcased throughout the Southeast often originate from products brought into South Carolina through our company.”

Given his involvement in the fireworks industry, it’s natural that Brent collaborates closely with state and local fire marshals. As the Vice President of the South Carolina Fireworks Association, he champions awareness around fireworks safety and advocates for sensible regulations. The recent passage of firework regulations by the Lexington County Council has spurred Brent

to embark on his next venture: a candidacy for the Lexington County Council.

“One of the key motivations behind my decision to run for County Council stems from recent efforts by all council members to restrict fireworks usage after 9 pm,” expressed Munnerlyn. “While there’s an exception allowing fireworks until midnight on July 4th and New Year’s Eve, it’s limited to just those two days. I’ve voiced my concerns in public forums, highlighting how these restrictions can be discriminatory and should be addressed under current noise ordinances. Many ethnicities and religions celebrate holidays and special occasions with fireworks on various days throughout the year. Imposing a blanket 9 pm curfew overlooks this diversity and unfairly impacts these communities.”

“There are other days that people celebrate,” Munnerlyn continued. “For instance, during Diwali, fireworks are an integral part of the festivities. Then there’s Juneteenth, where the tradition of shooting fireworks is gaining popularity. However, the issue arises when considering holidays like Juneteenth, which occur during periods when the sun sets later in the evening. This means it’s not dark enough to shoot off fireworks before 9 pm, posing challenges for communities wanting to celebrate responsibly. These communities are being impacted unfairly.”

Armed with his business acumen and a steadfast commitment to defending citizens’ rights, Munnerlyn aims to make a meaningful impact through his candidacy for the Lexington County Council. He faces an incumbent who has held the seat for eight years—an extended tenure that Munnerlyn believes is excessive. He believes fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are vital to address pressing issues

beyond fireworks, such as traffic congestion, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth. By advocating for change and prioritizing the community’s needs, Munnerlyn hopes to bring about positive transformations that will benefit all residents of Lexington County.

Love fireworks? You’re in luck! You can

The July 4th fireworks show depends on the community coming together to support events like the Taste of Lake Murray, organized by Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, to raise funds. You can help make the magic happen by attending the Taste of Lake Murray each spring and visiting lakemurrayfireworks.com to donate.

purchase fireworks at any of Munnerlyn’s stands or store locations across Lexington County. His retail businesses, Joe Dirt Fireworks and Bada Boom Fireworks, offer a wide selection of dazzling displays to light up your celebrations. Visit JoeDirtFireworks.com for a comprehensive list of retail stand locations. n

Show your support for Brent Munnerlyn’s candidacy for Lexington County Council by visiting VoteBrent.com. With your support, he aims to bring fresh ideas and positive change to the community, addressing crucial issues like traffic, infrastructure, and growth.

DEBBIE SUMMERS ENDORSEMENT

The County Council emphasizes the importance of managed growth, fiscal responsibility, and economic development. However, there is disagreement among members regarding the best approach to achieve these goals, leading to hasty decision-making. As an elected body comprised of nine ordinary citizens, it’s essential to seek expertise before making decisions that impact our county. Collaboration with the business community, traffic engineers, professional planners, developers, farmers, school districts, municipalities, and others is crucial. By allowing diverse voices to contribute ideas and express concerns, the Council can make informed decisions that pave the way for our future. Currently, ordinances are being rushed without providing detailed explanations of the direction we’re taking. This approach resembles shooting from the hip, hoping to hit the target without careful consideration. Our citizens deserve well-thought-out decisions to avoid unintended consequences that may burden our communities. Fortunately, it’s not too late to change course. By inviting stakeholders to the decision-making table and fostering meaningful conversations, we can ensure that our county’s future is built on sound and inclusive governance.

Join me in supporting Brent Munnerlyn for County Council! I am confident that this Lexington native has the skill set and business experience to tackle issues in the county through careful collaboration and mindful decision-making. Together, let’s work towards a brighter future for our community

Paid for by Brent Munnerlyn

Remembering Cale Yarborough

by Tom Poland

The breaking news alert held just 29 words.

“Cale Yarborough, a NASCAR great, dies at 84. Known for his fierce toughness and grit, Mr. Yarborough won the Daytona 500 four times and the Southern 500 five times.”

His death brought back memories from two of this writing cat’s nine lives. In the 1960s, before NASCAR races were routine TV broadcasts, you listened on the radio. Many a Sunday afternoon, Dad and I sat by the radio pulling for King Richard. Among Petty’s competitors was one William Caleb Yarborough. I would meet Cale many years later.

Back when I had dark hair, I worked at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as a scriptwriter and cinematographer. Cale Yarborough, a friend of the boss-man, agreed to do a TV spot—a public service announcement—on the importance of responsible outdoor recreation: not littering, not shooting holes in road signs, observing game limits, those kinds of things.

And so, one blistering hot summer day, my partner and I packed up our gear and drove off to a backroad near Timmonsville, South Carolina, a place in the country not that far from Darlington Raceway, “the lady in black, the track too tough to tame.” We filmed Cale leaning on a cedar-post fence near his driveway. No cue cards needed. He memorized his lines.

After many takes, we wrapped things up. Yarborough invited us inside to his trophy room, a long rectangular space of glass cases filled with glittering trophies. Three Winston Cup Championships and 83 career victories had made him a legend, but he was just a friendly man of the South that day. His wife served us iced tea.

Back in Columbia, we placed the film magazine in a changing bag—a portable darkroom—to unload it. There was no film.

We’d been shooting on an empty magazine. All those takes wasted. A week later we called Cale and scheduled another shoot, telling him the lab had gotten air bubbles on the film, a problem that sometimes ruins prints. (We had to save face somehow.)

Back we went. Again, it was brutally hot. Again, we put Cale through all the takes. Again, he and his gracious wife served us iced tea, and again we headed back to Columbia confident we had what we needed.

A week later, the film returned from the film lab with the aforementioned air bubbles, which show up as “craters” on processed film. The print was useless. Again we called Cale and rescheduled a third shoot. As soon as we set foot on his property, he walked up.

“You fellows sure you know what you are doing?”

The public service spot with Cale Yarborough was a simple assignment, though we and bad luck botched the shoots. The third time, however, was the charm. We dubbed in the sounds of wild birds, and soon TV stations across South Carolina and along the Georgia border were televising the NASCAR legend touting responsible outdoor recreation, complete with birdcalls.

It’s been 44 years since I met Cale. As of December 31, 2023, he went to that racetrack in the sky. I no longer make films. Dad left us in 2003, and I no longer follow NASCAR.

I’m sure NASCAR drivers still make public service spots, but I don’t see any. Maybe Cale told them TV spots were a lot of trouble. Maybe he told them they fake the birdcalls. I’ll never know, but I remember a legend from the days when Dad and I glued our ears to the radio most Sundays.

They named a highway after Cale. Whenever I drive it, I remember three afternoons with a legend, a man who helped put NASCAR on the map. n

Valid on full-priced merchandise only. Not valid on previous purchases, sale items, or in conjunction with any other coupons or offers. Excludes: red and blue tag merchandise, food, wine, cemetery memorials, pre-made floral wreaths and arrangements, and custom floral orders. Other exclusions may apply, see store for details. Coupon must be redeemed at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per household per day. Discount only applies to one item. Expires 05/31/2024.

Nurturing Generations at Southeastern Esthetics Institute’s Child Care Center

In today’s fast-paced world, working mothers face the challenge of juggling professional goals with the demands of parenthood.

Southeastern Esthetics Institute (SEEI) understands this problem and attempts to help solve it.

The Child Care Center at SEEI stands as a testament to their commitment—supporting not only the families within the institute but the entire community.

Established with the foresight of nurturing both career and family, Southeastern Esthetics Institute’s initiative is an assurance to every parent pursuing their ambitions. Whether building a career or expanding knowledge through adult education, the Child Care Center at SEEI provides a haven where children are supported in an environment rich with care and possibilities. With both hourly and weekly rate rates, there are options to fit any schedule.

The Child Care Center at SEEI surpasses the traditional concept of support. It fosters a burgeoning community fabric woven with bonds of empathy, collaboration, and mutual progress. Recognizing the challenges scholarly parents face, this center serves as a pillar, allowing them to

pursue their educational goals with peace of mind, knowing their children are just a stone’s throw away, engaged and delighted in a stimulating, compassionate setting.

Chief Administrative Officer and Licensed Esthetics Instructor, Courtney Sykes, shared, “Our commitment to childcare is a vow to collective advancement. Through empathy, understanding, and direct support, we create a place where children laugh, learn, and thrive while their parents realize their full potential without reservation.”

Sykes continued, “In the spirit of community growth and individual achievement, we invite everyone to acknowledge the crucial role such services play—in the lives of our families, within our workplaces, and throughout the fabric of our society.”

Southeastern Esthetics Institute is the premier beauty and wellness educational institute in the Midlands. Their programs include an Esthetics Licensure Course, an Advanced Esthetics Academy, a Cosmetology Program, a Nail Technology Program, and a Massage Therapy Program. They also provide CEU Courses for professionals in Esthetics, Cosmetology, and Nails –as well as a wide array of professional development opportunities and Certification Courses.

By integrating childcare within its organizational architecture, the Child Care Center at SEEI establishes a vision where career growth and parental responsibility work together. It is an environment that breathes vibrancy into the saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ The Child Care Center at SEEI not only uplifts the morale of working and learning parents but also resonates through the productivity and contentment it brings to the entire community.

The facility is engineered to be a place of diversity and learning, where future leaders are shaped. The Child Care Center at SEEI echoes the belief that supporting children is part of crafting a beacon of hope—the light that guides us toward a

collective and prosperous future.

Launching the Child Care Center at SEEI symbolizes a stronger, more connected tomorrow. It is a place where occupational pursuits and academic achievements of parents unite with child-rearing responsibilities. It’s not just about aiding; it’s about nurturing relationships that grow and prosper, opening unprecedented doors for mothers forging paths in both work and study.

By initiating a conversation around support systems like those at the Child Care Center at SEEI, the team hopes to inspire others to follow suit—a movement to strengthen communities through the empowerment of working parents and the well-being of their children. n

Spirit of Lake Murray

“Is that a cruise ship on the lake?”

Sort of.

For nearly a decade, the Spirit of Lake Murray, an eighty-foot dinner and event yacht, was a staple on the horizon of Lake Murray, and she has once again set sail, with an all-new look and service.

The 1994 Skipperliner, which would become the Spirit, was originally named The Jacksonville Princess, and served in the Jacksonville, FL area for many years before she was purchased by the Colten Family, who brought her to Lake Murray in 2009. She sailed from the Sunshine State to Charleston, then was disassembled and trucked to Shealy’s Landing, reassembled, and floated in Miss Murray. After some upfit and work, she set sail on the Lake in

2010, offering dinner cruises and private events for several years, until 2019, when she was docked in Leesville in need of service required by the United States Coast Guard.

While she wasn’t “in service” as a touring vessel, she was used, for a short time, as a venue for bands and acted as a “beer garden” in Leesville, off of Highway 378, however, Covid, like so many venues, closed her doors…or gangplank, as it were, leaving her fate in question.

The Spirit sat in the waters at the Hollow Creek Marina for a few years, until two longtime lake residents, Norman Agnew (Yes, of Agnew Lake Service) and Rick Crout, saw the vision of what she could be. Together, they created Lake Murray

by Tyler Ryan

Tour Partners, LLC, acquired the eightyfoot Skipperliner, and set about to change history and her future.

“I felt like there was a need and an opportunity,” says Crout, whose background includes operating a successful aviation business for many years, buying, and selling jet airplanes, along with working in Charleston Harbor as a boat captain. “I remember being on a boat for events, and always loved the experience.” Agnew also had a connection to the Spirit, as she was docked just across the cove from his family dock building business in Ballentine…oh, and then there was the boat he operated with his father, The Southern Patriot

In November of 2022, the Partners came to terms with the Coltons, acquired

the Spirit, and sailed her from Leesville to what would become her new home, in the very cove where she started her career on Lake Murray, and then the real work began - breathing new life into the boat that had made so many memories for guests over the years.

The plans included replacing some of the hull, which, over the years, and partly because the first half of her life was in salt water, was in bad shape. They also planned to create a true bar down the starboard (the right for you landlubbers) side of the interior.

“There was such a missed opportunity,” Agnew says, “The bar was in the bow (the front) of the boat, which meant that guests were missing some of the best views of the lake, out of the front window.

Other plans included creating a full working galley (kitchen), that could actually prepare food, as in the past, everything was catered into the prep kitchen that was on board. The fully operational galley would also allow for the boat to have a full

liquor license, enhancing the onboard experience for guests who wished to partake in an adult beverage.

Other additions included reconfiguring the heads (bathrooms), ensuring that at least one could accommodate wheelchairs. On the top deck, the team wanted to redo the Admiral’s Room, an intimate private area, as well as remove a metal roof near the stern (the back) which obscured the night sky.

“We knew she needed some work, but it turned out she needed a lot of work,” notes Crout, pointing out that as they peeled each layer off, they learned of more repairs she needed. As they began the renovation process, they learned that many of the key support beams were unsafe, and replacing a few panels of the hull became a complete rebuild. “Cutting corners wasn’t an option,” Agnew says, pointing out that they took the extra time and expense to not simply make it “good enough,” but “right.”

Over the next twelve months, the Spir-

it was basically built from the ground up, working step by step with the Coast Guard, which issues a “certificate of inspection” to allow for more than six paying passengers, per federal law. She was gutted inside, and a team of welders spent countless days cutting out the old steel and putting in new steel. The motors were overhauled, and a new generator was installed, and construction on the 25-foot bar was completed.

All the while when the welders were well, welding, plans for the experience side were being developed. Steve Price joined the team as the General Manager, bringing many years of restaurant and hospitality experience. “At the end of the day, it is a restaurant, and the guest’s experience is the number one concern,” he says, with Crout following up with, “Right after safety.”

The final float tests and inspections were completed in December, along with the issuance of an A card from DHEC, and the new and improved Spirit of Lake Murray was ready to set sail.

And sail she has, already…The “new” Spirit of Lake Murray has already created a splash in the lake, offering an amazing array of public dinner cruises, with tasty creations originating in the onboard galley, along with amazing cocktails with some of the best service around.

The Spirit of Lake Murray offers public dinner cruises, can be booked for private events, and when she isn’t sailing, she is open to the public as the coolest happy hour spot around, sitting on the dock, but open for business, offering food, drinks, and a gentle breeze in the air.

Get ready to set sail and make your reservations at SpiritofLakeMurray.com. n

Summer Adventure at the Lexington County Library

by Tenell Felder

This summer, those looking for adventure may not have to go much further than their local library’s summer reading program.

“Traditionally, our summer reading program was just for kids, but we have expanded it for all ages. Anyone in Lexington County can sign up – adults, teens, children, and even babies who aren’t reading yet, you can sign up your infants. Anyone in Lexington County can sign up whether or not they have a library card,” said Lexington County Public Library Youth Services Coordinator, Jennifer Smith.

June 1 is the kick-off date for the Lexington County Library System’s summer reading program. Each of the Lexington County Library branches will host a kick-off party that patrons can attend the first week of June.

– those can be adventures,” said Smith. Summer reading program participants can use a paper log or the online tracking system, Beanstack, to keep track of their reading or summer adventures.

For the reading portion, participants will receive a free book to get them started.

“Because we are asking people to read, what better way to get started than by giving them a book? We have board books for babies and chapter books for younger readers, teens, and adults to choose from,” Smith shared.

This year’s theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library, will help kids and adults alike find new experiences to try this summer.

“This year’s theme focuses on adventures. Visiting a park, going for a walk, and writing about it, trying a new recipe

If participants choose the reading track, they will log 20-minute increments daily.

“The daily 20-minute increments of reading equals 12 hours of reading over the summer. Research has shown that 20 minutes of daily reading can prevent summer slide. Children who don’t read over the summer are behind their peers who have kept up with 20 minutes,” said Smith.

Smith added that listening to books through audiobooks also counts towards the daily goal.

“I’m a big audiobook fan. We have the Libby and Hoopla audiobook apps. You can listen for 20 minutes, and when it’s done, you’ve finished your 20 minutes of reading. I like to do this when I’m housecleaning or in the garden.”

If summer reading program participants choose to take the activities track, they can log 36 quests.

“Our different activities are called quests, and they are really fun. They can be listening to new music, trying a new recipe,

coming to a library program, or getting a library card. We also have adventure passes that we check out for our state parks. So, you can check out a state park adventure pass and go to any state park for free with an adventure pack,” explained Smith.

She continued, “We also have passes to local museums. You can get into the Lexington County Museum or the Columbia Museum of Art for free if you check out an adventure pass from us.”

August 10 will be the last day of the summer reading program. Prizes will be awarded for different categories to those who complete and log their summer reading. For more information on Lexington County Library System’s summer reading program, visit lexcolibrary.com. n

Three-time brain cancer survivor shares message of hope

by Erin Bluvas

Juliana Smith’s parents couldn’t believe it when their four-year-old showed signs of puberty and wore a size seven shoe as a kindergartener. The experts at Vanderbilt University Medical Center could not detect any abnormalities and diagnosed her with precocious puberty.

A couple of years went by, and Smith began experiencing severe headaches. She also had a virus nearly every other week – feeling like she was constantly sick. The pediatrician agreed to do a CAT scan even though he didn’t expect they would find anything.

“The radiologist had tears going down her face when she was looking at the scan,” Smith remembers. “But she wasn’t allowed to tell us anything in person. We had to drive home and listen to a message on our answering machine saying that I had a huge mass behind my eyes and nose.”

It was January of 1998, and Smith was only seven years old. The Madisonville, Kentucky-based family made the two-hour drive to Vanderbilt the next week. Smith needed surgery to remove the cancerous tumor (Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma), but the doctors first inserted a shunt to relieve the intense pressure that had built up over the years.

The doctors believed the first grader had been born with the tumor and couldn’t believe she had made it this far. They removed 88 percent of the golf ball-sized mass – afraid to go any deeper – and prescribed 18 months of chemotherapy.

Fortunately, the chemo didn’t make her terribly sick, and Smith was able to attend school every day except Thursdays when she received her treatments. Unfortunately, the remaining tumor didn’t shrink, and when the chemo stopped, it began to grow again.

Smith underwent her second brain surgery in 2000 when she was in fourth grade. The neurosurgeon hoped he had gotten it all and that there was only scar tissue left. A year of more difficult chemotherapy followed, including numerous platelet transfusions and large doses of Benadryl to allow her body to accept the treatments.

“I spent so much time in that infusion room, but I have good memories of the place,” Smith says. “My little brother was a toddler at the time, and I can still see my neuro-oncologist picking him up and carrying him around with his coat swinging. He grew up with a lot of acceptance – playing with kids who had lost their hair or had an eye swollen shut due to their cancer treatments.”

The mass (which turned out to not be scar tissue) stayed the same size for five years until it began growing again when Smith was 15. This time, her surgeon, who had moved to the Cleveland Clinic, thought he could get all of the tumor and was optimistic about a new type of radiation that was less likely to cause other types of cancer.

The good news was that the surgery and radiation worked. The bad news is that the latter put Smith into early menopause before she could even drive.

It has been 25 years since her first diagnosis at age seven and nearly two decades since Smith was declared cancer-free. Her only long-term symptom is short-term memory loss. The biggest outcome of this experience is her positive attitude.

“I might not be able to tell you what I ate

“When you get down, take a day to be sad and then do what you need to do to start again tomorrow”

for dinner last night, but I have an aptitude for math and an optimistic outlook,” the long-time tutor says.

Smith counts her blessings every day – starting with a trip of a lifetime (which she has since repeated twice) to Germany as a Make-A-Wish recipient in 1999. Her grandmother migrated from a Bavarian town to the United States, and the Smiths were thrilled to meet their extended family.

The experience has kept the immediate family close as well. Thirteen years ago, they moved to Indiana, where Smith used her associate degree as a chemistry and high school teaching assistant for more than a decade. After visiting her brother in South Carolina, they moved here two years ago to reunite the family once again.

Now a Chapin resident, Smith loves her job at Auten’s Loft Boutique. Her tutoring services have never been in higher demand.

“Somebody above knows what they’re doing when they put something in your path,” she says of her job, which is the perfect fit.

Every summer, Smith devotes a couple of weeks to a place that is near and dear to her heart. Camp Horizons is a children’s

oncology camp located outside of Nashville, Tennessee. A newly diagnosed Smith attended during the summer between first and second grades and then every year after that until she aged out at 18 and became a volunteer.

“I confess to being the cheesiest kid when it comes to camp songs – even at age 33,” says Smith, who helps with arts and crafts and notes that campers can even get chemotherapy treatments during their stay.

Giving back is important to her because brain tumors continue to be a major health challenge for many Americans and their families. The National Brain Tumor Society estimates that more than one million Americans (13K+ of them children) are living with a brain tumor, with nearly 100,000 individuals diagnosed each year.

Fortunately, more than two-thirds of tumors are benign; however, even nonmalignant tumors are more likely than any other

cancer to have lasting and life-altering impacts on physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects of a patient’s life.

Each year, an estimated 18,000+ patients lose their lives to malignant brain tumors. Those who persist face a discouraging 35.7 percent survival rate.

These last facts are the ones that make Smith’s story so inspirational. She manages any lingering symptoms with medications and a positive attitude. Her recent 25th anniversary is a special one for Smith, who tries to share hope, light, love, and joy wherever possible.

“When you get down, take a day to be sad and then do what you need to do to start again tomorrow,” she says. “Even if you take 10 medications a day and have to visit the doctor twice a week, do what you have to do. It just becomes your new lifestyle as you count your blessings and make the most of the life you are given.” n

by Abigail Harris

People all over America are trying to pinch their pennies by finding great deals. One great way to save money and find quality items is to visit the CostLess Outlet Store located on Columbia Avenue in Lexington.

“CostLess Outlet Store is Lexington’s destination for discounted food, clothing, housewares, furniture, and more,” said David Heffron, co-owner of CostLess. He and Sandra Walton work together to make sure customers are receiving the very best. “We stock name brands at unbeatable low prices. Our merchandise consists of overstock, out-of-season, floor models, damaged boxes, open boxes, and customer returns, which means we have perfectly good products at very low prices.” Their mission is to provide the best discount shopping in the area while upholding exceptional standards and high-quality customer service.

After relaunching in August 2015, the company has significantly grown. What started as a small 5,000-square-foot store with two employees has expanded into an 18,000-square-foot store with over 20 staff members as of today. A few tweaks have been made, but the owners strive to fulfill the original co-founder, Joe Grimaud’s, legacy by living and serving the Lexington community with the “Law of Certainty,” which states: “Diligent effort, consistently applied, in a specified direction, over a long period, will bring results certain”—Joe Grimaud.

CostLess has three core values, also referred to as the 3 C’s of CostLess: Culture, Communication, and Consistency.

Heffron shared, “At CostLess, culture is hemmed in through all we do. It’s the face of our place. It’s who we are. This means that no matter what time a customer walks through the doors of CostLess, they receive the same cultural experience. Sure, specifics may change, but the overall culture is the same, no matter who is working that particular day. The faces of leadership and staff change day to day, but culture never changes.”

Communication at CostLess focuses on both fairness and strength. People who assert themselves can stand up for themselves while remaining sensitive to others. These people are relaxed and easy going and this is the best style of communication for minimizing stress and maintaining long-standing relationships with both customers and coworkers.

Consistency focuses on dependability. Consistency is the anchor of CostLess, and as Joe Grimaud stated above, consistency applied over a long period gives dependable results. While items in the store vary and inventory fluctuates due to the nature of the store, customers value consistency in how the business is run and the customer service they will find. Shoppers know that stepping into CostLess will result in the thrill of bargain hunting while experi-

encing great customer service. Heffron’s biggest inspirations are his two girls. They are constantly teaching him something and helping him to become a better version of himself. They motivate him to work harder, which fuels his desire to create a workplace where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Sandra’s inspiration comes from her girls. As an immigrant to the United States, they are her source of motivation to live the American dream. Sandra enjoys interacting with CostLess customers and helping to serve them during their time in the store.

Every month, an expert in communication and workplace relationships comes and trains the staff on various subjects relating to workplace scenarios, such as emotional intelligence in the workplace, self-regulation, and stress management. These trainings boost employee morale and help them feel comfortable in the workplace, giving them the tools to have an enjoyable time at work.

The CostLess Guarantee states that they will beat any advertised price by 20%. Some criteria must be met, so talk to a team member for specifics. CostLess is a great resource for finding deals on items while supporting a locally owned business. n

Punt, Pass & Kick

by Abigail Harris

YOUNG FOOTBALL LOVERS, THIS IS FOR YOU!

Punt, Pass & Kick (PPK USA), is a free skills competition for girls and boys ages 6-15. PPK USA is the only youth football skills challenge competition that hosts a National Finals Event. Categories include punting, passing, kicking, running, and broad jumping skills.

There are two competitions held during this yearly event: local events and a national championship.

At the local level, these community competitions are held nationwide from August until October. The top two scorers in each local age group, both individual skills and overall totals, advance to the National Finals event for the National Championship. The National Finals event is held either the last Saturday of January or the first Saturday in February each year. Location varies depending on the facilities.

To compete, parents or guardians must register their children for the local event through the ppkusa.com website and show proof of age on the day of the event. Currently, Midway Elementary School offers a closed event, meaning participants must attend Midway to participate. Thanks to Laura Gates, a PE teacher at Midway, and the support of school leadership, Midway currently has over 300 students competing in the event. One of them, 4th grader Porter Temple, received first place for the entire 4th-grade boys’ class. He attended the National Finals event in Las Vegas and placed 1st in three of the five events and 2nd overall.

“I enjoyed the thrill of being on a large football field, surrounded by mountains and a crowd of people watching me compete in five differ ent events with kids from all over the US,” says Porter. “I was able to meet and compete against a lot of great kids and will hopefully have the opportunity to see some of them again next year at the National Finals in McAllen, TX.” Porter will compete in a district finals PPK USA competition at Lexington High School’s Wildcat Stadium on May 17th at 5:30 pm. The event is open to the community and is a great way to see what PPK USA is about.

These events require support to be successful, schools or hosts of the event need volunteers to help run the various stations. Jacob Smith, principal at River Bluff High School, recruits his football players to help run the stations for Midway’s event. The high school football team volunteering helps build experience for the football players and encourages the students participating in PPK USA by having role models to look up to. Not only are volunteers needed, but having schools offer this event would give more children the opportunity to participate. If you would like your child to participate in PPK USA, check out their website at ppkusa.com to register or apply to host an event. n

by Heather Wilson

Gifts for Mom on Mother’s Day

figures) in our lives. It is an ideal time to thank them for all they do. If you have a special mother in your life, you should not only spend time with her but offer her a small gift to show your appreciation for all she does for you throughout the year. Here is a list of some gift ideas to celebrate the mother in your life.

Spa Day Gift Certificate

Nobody needs a spa day more than a mother with a busy routine. Whether she’s been talking about needing a massage or pedicure, tailor the spa treatment to her needs and give her the day off she deserves.

Bath Gift Basket

You can personalize your gift by making a gift basket of relaxing bath favorites. Bath bombs, bubble baths, fancy soaps, or face masks can all make excellent additions to a bath gift basket. You can pair this basket with a bathtub tray for added convenience.

Annual Pass to Local Spot

One of the best gifts you can get your mother is an annual pass to a local spot that she loves. It could be an art gallery, museum, zoo, or garden. This gift is something that will keep giving all year long and allow her to remember you every time she goes.

Flower Seeds

Flowers are a great gift for moms (no kidding!). Instead of gifting a bouquet of flowers, you may want to give your mom

some seeds. If your mom loves gardening, this is an ideal gift. You can spend time planting them together and enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer. Your mother will surely think of you when the flowers start to bloom.

Portable Charger

For the mom who forgets to charge her phone, this is a great gift idea. She will love how easy it is to charge her phone while she is on the go.

Car Detailing

While most people will think about their dad when it comes to cars, mothers love a clean car just as much as fathers do. You can choose to detail the car yourself if you are looking for a budget-friendly gift, or get it done professionally. Either way, your mother will be excited to get into a clean and fresh-smelling car.

Kitchen Gear

If your mother loves to cook, get her a new set of kitchen utensils along with new potholders and an apron. Not only will your

spending time with you if you choose to cook together.

Pajamas

Pamper your mom with a nice pair of pajamas. You can get her a comfortable and soft pair of pajamas bundled with a new pair of slippers.

Digital Photo Frame

Make sharing memories easy for everyone. You can send photos and videos directly to her and they will show up on her digital frame. She can even import all of her photos from Google, Facebook, and Instagram and have a running slideshow. This is an ideal gift for moms who simply love photos.

Perfume

Perfume is a great gift for mothers on their special day. Get her favorite brand of perfume or surprise her with something new.

Travel Accessories

Everyone needs their go-to bags for traveling. Think beyond just suitcases for clothes but for bags for makeup, jewelry, and shoes. Throw in travel water bottles, coolers, and totes for the mom on the go.

Every mother wants a gift that means something to her and reminds her of her family. These gifts will not only remind her of you every time she sees them but will also bring added joy on Mother’s Day. n

Mother’s Day Brunch spice OF LIFE

Classic Shrimp and Grits

2 ½ cups chicken stock/broth, divided 2 cups whole milk

4 tbsp butter, divided ¾ cup stone-ground grits

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 4 bacon strips

1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined salt and pepper green onions

Bring 2 cups of the chicken broth, milk, 3 tbsp butter, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil. Add the grits and whisk together. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the grits are soft and creamy, whisking every few minutes and set aside off heat. Cook the bacon strips until crispy and set aside. Once cool, chop into small pieces and drain all but 2 tbsp of the bacon grease from the skillet. Rinse the shrimp with cold water, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper. Cook in the bacon grease until only just cookedabout 2 minutes per side. Add the remaining tbsp of butter and ½ cup of chicken broth to the shrimp and stir until melted and broth is heated. Stir the cheese into the grits until melted. Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits, add some of the liquid from the skillet over the grits, and sprinkle with the bacon pieces and sliced green onions.

Spinach Quiche Muffins

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 cups baby spinach

7 eggs

8-oz package mushrooms, sliced

¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced

¼ cup onion, finely diced

¼ cup shredded cheese pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat coconut oil in a skillet and sauté the mushrooms, onions, and peppers for about 5-6 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for about 4 more minutes or until tender and drain the excess liquid. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs

until combined. Add the cooked mushrooms, spinach, onion, red pepper, and cheese and mix well. Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

8-oz Gruyere, shredded

12 slices prosciutto

1 egg, beaten

salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry out to a large rectangle about double the original size. Square off edges and cut into 6 squares. Toss asparagus in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. To make the bundles, place a slice of prosciutto on top of the square. Follow with 3-4 stalks of asparagus and 1-2 tbsp of cheese. Lift two opposite corners of the puff pastry squares, wrap them around the asparagus, and press to seal. Brush puff pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper and bake until puff pastry is golden and puffed, about 12-15 minutes.

Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

3-4 tomatoes, diced small

½ tsp salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

1 baguette sliced on a diagonal in ½ inch slices

extra virgin olive oil

½ cup balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp brown sugar parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine tomatoes and salt in a bowl and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Drain tomato juice, add garlic, basil, and pepper; stir gently to combine. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil, stir gently to coat, and let sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil, bake for 5 minutes, and then flip the toast and bake for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Assemble by spooning the tomato topping onto the toasted baguette slices, lightly drizzle with the balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Fruit Pizza

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

6 tsp butter, melted

4-oz cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp granulated sugar

4-oz frozen whipped topping, thawed

cream cheese, sugar, and whipped topping. Scoop mixture into graham cracker crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours. Once set, top with your choice of fruit.

Lemon Blueberry Swirl Bundt Cake

Blueberry Swirl:

⅓ cup blueberries

¼ cup granulated sugar

Cake:

1½ cups butter

8-oz cream cheese

2½ cups granulated sugar

1 box (3.4-oz) lemon instant pudding mix

6 eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

Glaze:

3 tbsp milk

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat the oven to 325 °F. Combine blueberries and ¼ cup granulated sugar and mash the berries until sugar is dissolved, creating a syrup-like consistency with berry chunks, and set aside. Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth and then slowly add in instant pudding powder and sugar and mix light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and add in the eggs, one at a time, and mix until just incorporated. On low speed, add flour, one cup at a time, until just incorporated. Transfer half the batter to a prepared bundt pan. Spoon in the prepared berry mixture and top with the remaining cake batter. Bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 1520 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling. Prepare the glaze by combining ingredients and whisking until smooth and drizzle over the cake before serving.

Peach Bellini

1 bottle sparkling wine, chilled

1 can peach nectar, chilled simple syrup as desired for extra sweetness

Pour ¼ cup of chilled peach nectar into a champagne flute. Pour in ¼ cup chilled sparkling wine and add in a splash (about ½ tsp) of simple syrup. Gently stir with a spoon to combine. Add another splash of wine to top off the drink and garnish with a peach slice. n

The Old Uncle’s Home

Long ago folks got together and built a big house. The old house still stands. The casual observer sees a big, dilapidated structure with broken windows and large pieces of missing roof. Big gaping sections of missing exterior walls show once stout but now questionable structural members.

A crowd in the weedy yard cries out: “This old house ain’t what it used to be. It never was much good anyway. Heck, let’s burn it down.”

The mob gets a fire going. People begin to chant and holler. “Burn it! Burn it!”

The crowd hears a loud, piercing whistle and looks up. An old man stands at an upstairs window. The crowd gets silent. The old man hollers out: “Whoa now! What are you folks doing down there? I’ll be right out.”

The old man made his way out and slowly approached the crowd. “What’s going on here?”

The mob’s apparent leader spoke up: “We think this old, ragged building serves no useful purpose. We intend to burn it down.”

The old man’s eyes got a little misty. “Well, several families live here. Been liv-

ing there for generations. Were you planning to burn it down on top of us?”

The mob leader screamed: “If you can’t keep it up any better than this, you need to burn along with it. And you can’t stop us!”

The old man leaned and put his hand out. “Well, how about we introduce ourselves first? I’m Sam.”

The mob leader scoffed. “I ain’t shaking hands with some old Uncle like you.”

“Well, how about I tell you a little bit about this house then.”

The crowd eased closer to hear the old man.

“An interesting group of our ancestors fought an eight-year battle to wrangle this piece of ground loose from the British. A good number of them died. Once the fight was over, they spent six years designing and building this big house to hold several large families. They designed it so it would withstand any storm. It was stoutly made, though you may not think so today.”

“Successive generations of men and women moved in, added on, made improvements, fixed doors and windows and time-worn places. My own father worked

on the roof with other men of his time. The plans are in the upstairs library where we can study them.”

“I’m ashamed to admit that in the last few decades, a lot of residents haven’t taken care of the place like they should have. I assure you the foundation and structure are still good, but you can see we’ve let some things go.”

“Now I’m the oldest. Those are my nieces and nephews in there. I’ve been trying to find help fixing it up, but we can’t let you burn this house down. We just can’t allow it.”

“You can help fix it or leave us alone. But you’ll pay dearly for burning it. It’s our home, and there’s a few remaining men and women who’ll defend it.” n