Thanks for reading Lexington Life Magazine! Autumn is in full swing, and everyone is selling something with pumpkin spice. Fortunately, they don’t have pumpkin spice steaks. I bring up steaks because at a restaurant last week, my youngest son Noah shocked me when he ordered a steak.
The brief back history here is that when Noah was like 3 or 4 years old, he choked on a piece of steak and his sister Jenna gave him the Heimlich Maneuver and was able to dislodge the trapped carnivorous material. Since then, over the past 14 years, Noah has not eaten steak. He has chosen chicken tenders and hot dogs over a mouthwatering, delicious cut of steak. In the end, Noah’s fear of steak probably saved my wife and me a few dollars. However, we constantly tried to encourage him to, “give it another shot” and were always denied by Noah because of his fear of choking once again.
So, there we were. He had just ordered his very first steak in over a decade and was laughing at the exaggerated, shocked expression wrapped all over my face. Our steaks arrived and Noah devoured his and kept commenting on how good it was and how he couldn’t believe how he had been missing out all this time. I couldn’t believe my ears, plus he gave me a fatherly parenting opportunity. I steered our conversation to other things he might not have tried due to fear and that maybe it would be worth it to give them another shot.
It was a very mature father and son conversation and as the discussion steered back to beef, he began asking about the different cuts and tastes of beef. I could see the sparkle of excitement in his eyes, knowing he was about to experience something new. Wow! What more could a father ask?
Granby Gardens Park |1800 12th St. Cayce | 12 pm – 6 pm
This family-friendly event will have fun festivities including live music, a DJ, great food and beverages, a kid’s area that includes face painters, balloon artists, a petting zoo, inflatables, a hayride, and more. Visit caycesc.gov for more information.
Friday, October 11
Murders and Mysteries Walking Tour
Icehouse Amphitheatre
107 West Main St. | Lexington | 8 pm
Offered by the Lexington County Museum, this free tour is a great way to learn about the town’s history and hear some fascinating stories along the way. For more information, please call 803-359-8369 or email museum@ lex-co.com.
Friday, October 11
Pumpkin Camp
The Farm 1780 | 1127 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington | 8 am – 5 pm Camp for elementary and middle school children on this Lexington One School District day off. Campers will experience the fall season on the FARM. Visit thefarm1780.com for more information.
Saturday, October 12
Garage Sale and Boston Butt Sale
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
1430 N Lake Dr. | Lexington | 7 am - 1 pm Shop Pilgrim Lutheran Church’s annual garage sale and also pick up a Boston Butt. For more information visit wearepilgrim.net.
Saturday, October 12
33rd Annual Walk for Life and
Saturday, October 12
Fall Festival
Hidden Creek Stables | 1122 Rawl Rd. Lexington | 11 am – 4 pm
Support this family-owned farm and get in the fall spirit. Enjoy hayrides, inflatables, sweet treats, animals, food trucks, and more. Follow @hiddencreekstablesllc for more information.
Saturday, October 12
So the Story Goes
Virginia Hylton Park | 111 Maiden Ln. Lexington | 7 pm
Gather your friends and family, along with blankets and snacks, for an evening of spooky tales. Beware, the event gets scarier as the night goes on. This free community event is presented in partnership with the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission and the Town of Lexington. Follow @LCRAC for more information.
Dive into a realm of spooky delight with 30+ artisans, mouthwatering goodies, enchanting tunes, chilling photo ops, and more. Visit floraandfaunasc.com for more information.
Sunday, October 13
Fall Fido Festival
Melvin Park | 370 A Eptings Camp Rd. Chapin | 1 pm – 4 pm
Grab your furry friends and celebrate one of the most anticipated dog-friendly events of the year. A percentage of ticket sales will go directly to rescue and nonprofits. Visit fallfidofestival.com for more information.
Saturday, October 19
Ivy House Indoor Flea Market
Flip Event
4211 Augusta Rd. | Lexington 10 am – 6 pm
Ivy House has 70+ booths inside the block building and the shopping is completely spectacular, you never know what you will find when you visit Ivy House. Follow @ivyhouseantiques for more information.
Thursday, October 24
Saturday, October 19
Fall Craft Fair
Gala for Growth Cooperative Conference Center 169 Laurelhurst Ave.| Columbia 6 pm – 9 pm
The District 5 Foundation for Education Excellence will host their annual fundraising gala with a silent auction, live auction, and DJ. For more information visit district5foundation.org.
Thursday, October 24
Casting Crowns: The Awakening Tour Colonial Life Arena | 801 Lincoln St. Columbia | 6 pm
Join the Casting Crowns in concert with We The Kingdom, Mac Powell, Katy Nichole, Terrian, and David Leonard for an evening that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and encouraged. For tickets visit coloniallifearena.com.
Friday, October 25
Tokyo Joe’s 4th Annual Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser
Icehouse Amphitheatre
107 West Main St. | Lexington | 6 pm
Join Tokyo Joe with their friends The Root Doctors and Prettier Than Matt. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for ticket information.
Saturday, October 26
11th Annual Go Leo Halloween Run
Saluda Shoals Park (East Entrance) 6071 St. Andrews Rd. | Columbia 8:30 am
This family-friendly fundraiser will consist of a 5K run through Saluda Shoals Park, along with a 1-mile fun run/walk/roll and Lionheart Dash. Post-race festivities include trick or treating through Leo’s Landing, games, food, and beverages. Visit leospride.org for more information.
Tuesday, October 29
Lexington Police Department Foundation Fall Festival
Icehouse Amphitheatre
107 West Main St. | Lexington 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
This ticketed event benefits the LPD Foundation. Come and enjoy games, rides, food, music, and a costume contest. Visit lexsc.gov
Pro
BRYCE HOLDMAN Pastor | Evangelist | Speaker @bryceholdman
Chances are, you have a favorite time of year. Maybe, like me, it is right now! Fall is a special season when, at least here in Lexington, it is not too hot or cold. The leaves are changing, school is in full swing, and it is truly a special time. However, regardless of which season you enjoy most, they remind us that life is ever-changing. The Bible says that there is a season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” The author continues, reminding us that our lives change in and out of each season.
Today, maybe you find yourself in a season of disappointment after receiving some tough news from a doctor or loved one. Perhaps you are in a season of doubt, unsure about the way forward. Or maybe you are living in a season of excitement, ready for the new chapter about to begin. The reality is, that no matter our present season, we can be assured that we have a God who is never changing. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” God’s character is never modified. We don’t have to be frightened that in the hardest of seasons, we must walk through them alone. Who has God provided alongside you in your current season of life? Do you know that God wants to walk with you each step? These questions help us maintain the proper posture of faith in each unique season of our lives. Today, may we have the eyes to see how the Lord Jesus Christ is with us here and now. n
In Memorium
LEXINGTONleader
by Tenell Felder
Amy Lanier
Lexington Medical Center Foundation (LMCF) provides hope to patients, their families, and community members during some of life’s most vulnerable moments – a responsibility that LMCF Executive Director Amy Lanier has helped lead for the past eight years.
“The mission of the hospital is to provide the best patient care and access throughout our community. The Foundation enhances this mission through coming alongside and providing services to those who need them,” said Lanier.
LMCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established nearly 35 years ago in 1990. Today the Foundation’s programs have expanded to Cancer Care, Mother-Baby Care, Cardiac-Care, Patient Care, Community Care, and Employee Care – each program providing resources, support, care packages, and other services to those who need them.
“The Foundation can step in and assist if there are any barriers. It is our honor to fulfill those needs. I get emotional about this, but we want to help patients realize that others care, pray, and are there for them,” said Lanier.
Throughout her years with the Foundation, Lanier has seen first-hand how its programs have benefited both patients and employees.
“When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they’re given a care bag that is completely funded by the foundation’s donors. I recently received a message from someone who was diagnosed, and they said, ‘In this dark valley, this is something I needed. It gave me hope.’”
In another instance, she recalled, the Foundation was able to help grant a wish of a cancer patient whose daughter was graduating from high school.
“Our patient wanted to go to his daughter’s graduation, and we were able to plan so that he would be healthy and safe while not at the hospital. He was able to go and now that he’s passed on, the family has talked about what a treasure it was to give him that gift of time with his family.”
Hospital employees also benefit from the Foundation’s Employee Care program which includes providing counseling when it is needed.
“If we have an employee in crisis – they may have had a catastrophic event with a diagnosis of cancer, or their home might have burned down. We are able to assist those with qualified requests by helping with household bills to help them get through their difficult journey.”
Lanier explained that a unique aspect of Lexington Medical Center she wants to emphasize is that the hospital handles operations costs.
“Our hospital makes sure that they handle our operating costs, salaries, and ongoing operational needs. So that means that we get to utilize 100% of do nors’ gifts.”
Lanier said she looks forward to continuing to lead the Founda tion in serving the community.
“My biggest duty is mentoring our team. I’m proud to be able to support them and have tools for the employees in my area to be able to talk to donors and board members about the mission of the hospital -- to provide the best patient care to the community.”
Lanier and her husband, Robert, have three children, two grand children, and two dogs. They enjoy spending time with family and boat ing at their vacation home in St. Helena, SC. n
Fabulous Fall Fun
With the cooler weather comes an abundance of outdoor fall activities. We have rounded up a few of our favorite things to do for all ages.
SC State Fair
1200 Rosewood Ave
Columbia
October 9 – 20 scstatefair.org
Hot dogs, funnel cakes, rides, animals, and more. The iconic SC State Fair is back with the theme, “46 Reasons to Celebrate SC”. Bringing rides, vendors, entertainment, and pure family fun.
Midlands Fall Plant and Flower Festival
SC State Farmers Market
3483 Charleston Hwy West Columbia
October 4 – 6 agriculture.sc.gov
Shop seasonal plants, flowers, pumpkins, gourds, décor and more. Wagons will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own due to the limited quantity.
Riverbanks Zoo Boo at the Zoo
500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia October 18 – 30 riverbanks.org
Put on your costume and join this popular Halloween spooktacular. Treat or treat through the zoo with all kinds of fun activities and treats along the way.
2nd Wave Coffee Pumpkin Patch
529 S Lake Dr. Lexington facebook.com/ 2ndWaveCoffee September 21 –October 31
The patch is not just a place to buy a pumpkin, it’s a family destination. A fun time for all with great coffee and an adjoining beer garden. There are tons of children’s activities and a beautiful outdoor space for perfect pictures.
The Farm 1780 Pumpkin Patch
1127 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington September 23 –October 26 thefarm1780.com
Weekdays feature a U-pick pumpkin patch, U-pick fall flowers, and FARMstand Bar featuring craft beer and wine. Enjoy activities such as pumpkin putt-putt, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and a fall selfie station.
Saturdays offer additional activities and food and vendor items for purchase.
Deceased Farm
382 Olde Farm Rd
Lexington September 20 –November 2 deceasedfarm.com
Experience this self-guided haunt through 6 terrifying buildings, 3 intense outdoor areas, and of course creepy corn fields. Deceased Farm is an intense haunted attraction and is NOT recommended for children under the age of 12.
Clinton Sease Farms
382 Olde Farm Rd Lexington September 20 –November 3 clintonseasefarm.com
Enjoy hayrides, a playground, an obstacle course, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch and so much more. There is so much fun to be had at the farm, everyone in the family is sure to have a great time. n
CARSTARLexington Where Local Care Meets Quality Auto Body Repair
by Katie Gantt photos by Lola Dee Photography
When you need auto body repairs, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your vehicle is in the right hands. At CARSTAR Lexington, you can rest easy knowing that not only will your car receive top-quality care, but you’ll also be supporting a locally owned business that values its community and employees.
Located on Augusta Highway, CARSTAR Lexington has been a trusted name in auto body repair since it opened in 2016, and the owner, Ryan Ouvry, couldn’t be prouder of the impact his shop has made on the local community.
A Local Business with Deep Roots
Unlike many other auto body shops, CARSTAR Lexington is locally owned and operated. Ryan Ouvry, who has been in the auto industry for over 23 years, including 17 as a technician, saw the need for a locally run auto body repair shop where customers could receive personalized, high-quality service. Since opening, CARSTAR Lexington has grown from a modest two-person operation in a 7,000-square-foot facility to a bustling team of 23 employees working out of a 14,500-square-foot space.
“CARSTAR is the only major locally owned auto repair shop in Lexington. All the others have been bought out by huge billion-dollar companies,” Ouvry explained. “I’ve worked hard to build a shop that reflects my values—stability for the staff, excellent service for the custom-
ers, and a deep commitment to the Lexington community.”
Ouvry appreciates the trust and support he’s received from the community over the last eight years and credits much of the shop’s success to the relationships he’s built with both his staff and customers.
Personalized, Start-to-Finish Service
At CARSTAR Lexington, every customer is treated like family. One of the key advantages of being locally owned is the ability to provide personalized service. Ouvry and his team take great pride in handling every step of the repair process, ensuring customers receive the care and attention they deserve.
From the moment a vehicle arrives, CARSTAR Lexington’s team works closely with insurance companies to streamline
the claims process. “We deal directly with the insurance companies,” said Ouvry “And we work with all insurance companies. I really want to emphasize that. We also handle 99% of our repair jobs inhouse, which allows us to maintain strict quality control and ensure every repair meets industry standards.”
CARSTAR Lexington offers a wide range of services, including collision repair, paintless dent repair, and hail damage restoration. The collision repair services cover unibodyandframerepairs,expertpainting, and the use of high-quality parts to ensure the vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition. The paintless dent repair is an affordable solution for minor dents, while the hail damage repair service helps restore vehicles affected by severe weather.
“I have an in-house mechanic with 40 years of experience,” said Ouvry. “He can handle anything mechanically that other shops do. We’ve been working together along with our production manager for 18 years now, and having people with that level of experience is a huge asset to our team and our customers.”
A Strong Team with a Commitment to Excellence
Building a reliable and skilled team has been one of Ouvry’s top priorities since day one. “I’ve previously worked with most of my guys,” he said. “These are not random employees hired off the street. It took four to five years to build the team we have now, and I believe we have the stron-gest team in the area.”
He has worked hard to create a positive workenvironmentwithstrongmoraleand a
great work ethic. He believes that the atmosphere he’s built among his staff translates directly into better service for his customers.
Open communication is one of the shop’s guiding principles. From the moment a customer brings in their vehicle, they’re kept informed throughout the repair process. Whether it’s providing a clear estimate, working with insurance companies, or simply updating customers on progress, Ouvry’s team ensures there are no surprises.
“I’m not in the front office as much as I used to be,” Ouvry admitted, “but when I do interact with customers, I find it extremely rewarding. There’s nothing better than seeing someone drive away happy with the service they received.”
A Growing Business, Rooted in the Community
While CARSTAR Lexington has grown significantly since its humble beginnings,
Ouvry remains focused on serving the Lexington community. “We’re here because of the people of Lexington, and I’m so grateful for their support over the years,” he said.
Ouvry’s commitment to the community goes beyond just serving customers— he’s actively involved in the area and looks for ways to give back. CARSTAR Lexington also participates in the National Auto Body Council’s “Recycled Rides” program, which repairs and donates vehicles to people in need.
Looking ahead, Ouvry has plans to expand his business even further. He’s already acquired real estate adjacent to the Lexington location for future growth, although he’s not in a rush to make immediate changes. In addition to running CARSTAR Lexington, he also operates a satellite location in Cayce and owns a towing business, Big Jerk Towing, which provides valuable support for his auto body repair services. n
Soccer
by Abigail Harris
The non-profit organization provides an opportunity for people with disabilities ages 4 to adult to participate in a needs-focused soccer league free of charge. Their vision is to offer a sport to those who may not be able to take part in other mainstream sports leagues.
Handell grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School. She attended Erskine College, where she played soccer and received a degree in Special Education. She has taught in Lexington District One for 17 years. Handell and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Mary Scott and Jackson. Handell has always had
a dream to combine her passion for soccer and special needs, and Soccer Superheroes has opened the door for her dream to come alive.
Moore is a sophomore at Gilbert High School. She is part of the Varsity Soccer team and Varsity Tennis team. She has always had a heart for serving the community. At just 16 years old, Moore has already been involved in several non-profits. She started her first organization, Backpacks 4 the Homeless, when she was nine years old. Through this initiative, she collected over 700 gently used backpacks from local schools and filled them with essential toiletries to distribute to people experiencing homelessness. Now, working alongside Handell, she is dedicated to making Soccer Superheroes an invaluable program for the community.
Family friends Katy Handell and Calahan Moore are making a remarkable impact on the Lexington community with their league, Soccer Superheroes.
While Soccer Superheroes was born from the dreams of Handell and Moore, its success relies on the support of sponsors and dedicated volunteers. The league operates without paid staff, making community involvement essential. Their top priority is to ensure that the league remains accessible to all participants and families, free of charge. Their goal is to eliminate financial barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate. The program is made possible through the generous contri-
disabilities, so much so that I plan to pursue a path in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, specializing in helping children with developmental disabilities. Working alongside Katy to create Soccer Superheroes, from designing our logo to watching the first season take place, has been an incredible experience. I love getting to know the athletes and their families.”
Handell and Moore work hard to make sure all the athletes feel comfortable during their time in the league. Handell remem-
“One of my favorite moments was watching a dad cheer for his son and his team and watching the joy on his face when his son scored a goal! I love watching the parents and how much they enjoy watching their child get to participate in a sport that they normally would have difficulty accessing.” Katy Handell
bution of time and financial support from the community. Being part of the Soccer Superheroes community is not only rewarding for the players and their families but also for the donors and volunteers. The impact of their time and donations is profound, as it provides children with disabilities with the chance to participate in a sport that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
When asked about their favorite moments with Soccer Superheroes, Handell shared, “One of my favorite moments was watching a dad cheer for his son and his team and watching the joy on his face when his son scored a goal! I love watching the parents and how much they enjoy watching their child get to participate in a sport that they normally would have difficulty accessing.”
“My favorite part about Soccer Superheroes is how much I’ve learned from the players and Katy,” expressed Moore. “The empathetic and joyful personalities of our Soccer Superheroes athletes put smiles on everyone’s faces during every Soccer Superheroes event. Our athletes confirmed my true passion for serving children with
bers an athlete, Ryder, who was having a tough time during the league’s very first session and refused to play. To get him motivated, the leaders promised that he could pick out the song the DJ would play after the game. This motivated Ryder to get out on the field and enjoy the game. Afterward, he was so excited to play the Cupid Shuffle, and he danced his heart out. The league now plays the Cupid Shuffle after every older kid’s session, and they affectionately refer to the song as “Ryder Shuffle” in honor of Ryder. The athletes all wait around after the game so they can dance to the music, and everyone gets to end the game with a joyfilled moment.
The league is always looking for volunteers as it strives for each athlete to have a one-on-one mentor. High school students and older are encouraged to volunteer. The league is open to younger students volunteering in a peer player system to assist with the flow of the game.
For volunteer and sponsor information or if you have a student who would benefit from participating in Soccer Superheroes as an athlete, visit soccersuperheroes.com. n
One Sad Thing About Fall
by Tom Poland
I look forward to fall’s crisp air, college football, and colorful foliage, but with the good comes the sad. Hummingbirds take leave of us.
It’s been a good hummingbird season. I’ve had many visitors to my feeders, far more females than males. All swoop and squeak as they battle for a seat at the table. In an era when some harbor delusions of a unified, world order, that will never happen. Families can’t even get along, and it’s long been that way. You know that old saw, “You can choose your friends, but not your family.” Families fall apart for various reasons, some silly, some serious.
This hostile existence extends to hummingbirds. Like fifth-generation fighter jets they engage in dogfights, squeaking and darting about as their feathers clash like a new deck of cards being shuffled. All summer two females went at it. Then about two weeks ago they signed a truce. Each would sit on the same feeder as far apart as possible warily eyeing each other. When one ate, the other ate. When one looked up, the other looked up. Both flew away at the same time in their choreographed truce. Now and then a luckless male would dart in and in a self-serving alliance the females sent him packing. He was my first hummingbird to head to Mexico or Central America, wherever he overwinters.
It’s work. All spring and summer I keep my feeders full of fresh nectar water. I don’t mind the work, but I do mind the squirrels who raid my feeders spilling sugar water everywhere, their sticky mess attracting ants, bees, wasps, and other opportunists.
A few consider hummingbirds too much work, all that preparation of nectar water, changing out the feeders, and keeping them clean. It’s worth it. The little birds put on a show, one of nature’s spectacles. When you think about it, a good many people have little contact with nature, but hummingbirds fill that void.
If there’s a downside, it’s guilt. Making an extended trip, say a week at the beach, makes me worry the feeders will go dry while away. The day I leave, I fill the feeders to the brim. I hang them where the sun and squirrels have a hard time reaching them. The shade minimizes mold, but outwitting sugar-craving squirrels is nigh impossible.
Hummingbirds and their high jinks make good conversation starters. One lady told me she pins trumpet flowers in her hair and trains hummingbirds to circle her head. Her reward? A crown of glittering feathers. She showed me a video as proof. I’ve seen videos too of hummingbirds feeding from people’s hands via ring feeders, a ring with a red plastic flower on it. The directions state: “Train your hummingbirds to feed from the ring by placing it in the Trainer and Ring Rest and use the Ring Feeder Easy Fill Syringe to fill the ring with just the right amount of nectar. Once hummingbirds are feeding from the ring, simply place it on your finger and wait for the action to begin.” Marketing literature. You know it won’t be that easy.
I’ve had hummingbirds hover before my face as if they have a message, and sometimes they do. The ant trap is dry. A rogue squirrel has knocked the cover slightly askance. Get rid of that mold. Trim back the shrubbery.
All things considered, I enjoy hummingbirds, and it’s a sad day when the last one flies south. I can see that day coming. They begin to feed heavily. And then one day, they’re gone. I keep the feeders up, but stragglers never come through. I look and hope and hope and look. Nothing. Finally, come November I clean the feeders and put them away until March 26. Soon, I spot the season’s first hummingbird, and the spectacle begins anew. I never tire of it. n
serves athletes, inspires students at River Bluff High School
Sports Medicine Program
by Erin Bluvas
photos by Lilly-Kate Bowling and Sophia Geary
Cally Gault, an elder at George Wham’s childhood church, was sympathetic when the seventh grader told him that a knee injury meant he couldn’t play middle school football. As the athletics director at Presbyterian College (PC), Gault connected Wham with the newly hired PC athletic trainer, Nelson Jones. This laid the foundation for Wham’s career interest in the profession of athletic training (AT).
Fast forward nearly four decades and Wham is in his 28th year as a high school athletic trainer. At River Bluff High School, he works closely with his co-head athletic trainer, Stacey Baynham, Skylar Rodgers, Julie Sandy, TJ Marsh, and a cast of other Prisma Health health care providers and students, from high school to master’s level, who provide sports medicine services at the 465 home games River Bluff hosts each year.
A typical day for the team begins with the start of school. The flexible modular scheduling at River Bluff means that students can use their Independent Learning Time to schedule appointments with the staff athletic trainers as early as 8:40 a.m. The athletic trainers treat patients throughout the morning and then again from 2 p.m. until 4:50 p.m. In between appointments, they teach sports medicine classes.
“We have a good model at River Bluff with an AT staff consisting of a combination of school-based ATs, AT services contracted to us from Prisma, and a parttime AT. All are nationally certified and state-licensed,” Wham explained. “Our school-based ATs each teach a couple of sports medicine classes that go beyond basic anatomy to help students understand the connections between the human body and certain injuries. As athletic trainers, our role is to prevent, diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and coordinate the next steps in terms of health care for River Bluff athletes.”
Outside the classroom, students have an opportunity to apply course concepts to
the cascade of athletic training treatment by participating in the internship program. Any given afternoon, evening, or weekend, up to 28 students will show up to provide an extra set of hands and have an insider’s view of the sports medicine profession.
“While we’ve had the sports medicine student aide program for many years, this is the fourth year of the current version of
the internship where students may earn academic credit for their experiences assisting the AT staff, and we are starting to see our students go on to pursue careers in sports medicine or other health care professions,” said Wham, whose 21 years as an athletic trainer at Pelion High School included the mentorship of 19 future nurses as well as many physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, dentists, and pharmacists.
A critical component in this pipeline is the school’s support in allowing students to gain academic credit for their sports medicine internships. Carole Farrar, a career specialist at River Bluff, helps make this happen. Seniors even have the option to take a class that provides an additional opportunity for clinical experiences off campus at sites such as Prisma Health or Lexington Medical Center.
Dr. Mickey Plymale, team physician at Prisma Health Orthopedics shared, “The Sports Medicine Program at River Bluff is one of the few in the state that is on par with most power five college programs. You will not get any better care at the college level.”
“Our school-based ATs each teach a couple of sports medicine classes that go beyond basic anatomy to help students understand the connections between the human body and certain injuries.”
Brooks English, RBHS ‘20, said, “My time in River Bluff’s Sports Medicine Program was my first experience with athletic training and the importance of what an AT does. As a student aide, we were treated with respect and were an important part of the athletic training staff. These experiences inspired my passion for this profession and led me to pursue further education as a professional athletic training student at the University of South Carolina.”
Research, including some led by Wham himself, has demonstrated the need for athletic trainers for sports at every level. Even middle school athletics benefit from the presence of an AT. EMS vehicles and personnel were once a common sight at Friday night football games. While not always common in many places around the country, at River Bluff and the other
Lexington 1 schools, AT services are being extended to these younger athletes with increasing frequency.
“A new strain on the profession is the demand for athletic trainers for non-traditional populations, such as manufacturing facilities and military settings,” Wham stated. “We rely on partners like Prisma Health, whom we’ve worked with for 15 years, to help us provide as much coverage as possible to our many athletic events.”
The process to join the program, which has grown to 28 student aids in just four years, begins after spring break. The athletic trainers interview every applicant, following up on references from teachers and coaches. The students are given a trial period to help with spring practice to determine if their interests match the program’s needs. Then the school year kicks off with
orientation and the newest cohort, as well as returning students, are off and running to support the season’s myriad athletics.
In late August, River Bluff had their first JV football scrimmage of the year – playing against Spring Valley High School on a Thursday night. Five student aides were on hand to assist Julie Sandy, the AT on duty that night.
Elyse Williams, RBHS ‘21, shared, “The River Bluff Sports Medicine Program offered me invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning that have given me an educational advantage during my undergraduate education. The unique experiences and amazing teachers and mentors helped build not only my educational foundation but also my confidence in knowing what path in health care I wanted to take. My time in the program sparked my initial interest in the medical field and has shaped the career choice that I am currently working toward during my final semesters at the University of Oklahoma.”
Previously open only to upperclassmen, the student program recently opened its doors to freshmen. It began when a middle school athlete suffered two significant knee injuries and needed a place to stay involved in athletics. Sound familiar?
After Wham experienced his middle school knee injury back in 1986, he spent the next two years setting up the field and helping the athletic trainers and aspiring students. Wham’s injuries healed, and he went on to play four sports in high school while also taking sports medicine classes at Presbyterian College. After graduation,
he completed his degree there while gaining additional experience as a student athletic trainer.
A one-year internship at Clemson University confirmed Wham’s passion for the field, and he enrolled in USC’s Masters in Exercise Science program while serving as a graduate assistant for Gamecock Athletics. Three years later, he returned to USC to earn an EdD in Health Education Administration, graduating in 2006.
Influenced by his time in academia, Wham continues to stay involved in research, teaching (he’s been a preceptor at USC since 2007), and especially service. Though his priorities have shifted to building the student aide program and meeting the demands of the school’s athletic training needs, he continues to serve state and national athletic training and coaching organizations.
These career-long connections have led to mutually beneficial partnerships that result in better care for athletes and more promise for the future of the profession. Their partnership with Prisma Health Orthopedics, for example, means that TJ Marsh is onsite full-time. As a hospital-based outreach athletic trainer, she can expedite treatment for athletes, such as the student who broke his wrist at a morning scrimmage and was in surgery with Prisma Health by 2 p.m. that afternoon – a sequence of events that would normally take days or weeks without this type of partnership.
“Things that we used to take as a given, such as adequate sports medicine staffing
and the presence of EMS at higher-risk sporting events, are now leaving a void because of the changing landscape of health care,” Wham said. “We are fortunate to have the systems and partners we have in place so that we can benefit from the contributions of our talented students while providing excellent, timely care to athletes, and mentoring the next generation of health care professionals.” n
In Memorium
businessSPOTLIGHT
Theresa Adams, founder and owner of Adams Apple Company, recalls one of her earliest memories of apple butter.
“I grew up in Morton, Illinois where I was fortunate enough to learn a little bit about farm life. My aunt’s farm was where I learned how to ride a horse, snap beans, and of course, witness apple butter cooking in a big copper kettle for the first time,” Adams shared. Little did she know that this vivid memory would play a big part
community was amazing. She decided to form a company to take her apple butter to consumers around the country, and she quickly learned the ins and outs of starting a business.
“I’m thinking of writing a course about what to do and what not to do when starting a business. When I first started, I would buy 80 pounds of apples and do 10 hours of work … only to end up with eight cases of product,” said Adams.
Adams was 15 when her family moved to Lexington, South Carolina, where she graduated from Lexington High School.
“While I was in college,made’ Christmas gifts were the only thing in the budget, I reflected on my memories of-
resa met and married Shannon Adams after college. Her annual-
Adams continued to give her apple butter as gifts until their youngest son needed a way to sador trip. The support of the
Adams has learned many lessons and is grateful to be celebrating 10 years in business this year.
“I’m so thankful for the support of the community. Everywhere I go people say, ‘It’s the apple lady!’ Wingard’s Market in Lexington was the first place that sold my product. They took my little jar of apple butter, and they’ve been selling it ever since. Today, our product is in about 800 stores around the country,” said Adams.
Adams Apple Company offers a variety of products including butters, jams, marinades, and gift sets. Adams says that the product closest to her heart is the one that started it all – her original apple butter.
“People say it’s the best apple butter they’ve had and that it tastes like memories. That’s the biggest compliment I could get.” Adams said.
See what they have to offer at adamsappleco.com. n
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Costless Outlet
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Aunt Caffey’s Furbaby Care
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Kleen Kare
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Mead & Hunt
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Modern Exterminating
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Country Club of Lexington
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Solina Golf Club
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Bellis House of Pizza
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ISI Elite Training
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WRKT Lexington
Best Gun and Ammunition Store
JCs Outdoors
Kilo Charlie Shooting Range Shooters Choice
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Steel Magnolia’s Salon
Best Hair Salon: Kids
Salon 1704
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Angela Greco, Studio 192
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Adorn Interiors
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Marty Rae’s of Lexington
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Lexington Orthopaedics
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A-Z Lawnmower
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Coach Lindsey, Bodyshop
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Kristi’s Fancy K-9
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Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat
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Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital
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Medicine Mart Pharmacy
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Clark Berry Photography
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Drayer Physical Therapy Institute
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Cove2Coast Marine
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Mountain Top Marine
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Herndon Chevrolet
Jim Hudson Ford
Best Place to Buy a Car: Used
Carolina Motors 378
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Sunset Motors of Lexington
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Cannonball Pools
Pete Alewine Pools & Spa
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Dazzles Pageant & Prom Apparel
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Bath and Bronze
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Company
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Palmetto State Armory
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Still Hopes Episcopal
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Jimmy John’s
Sub Station II
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Carolina Tan Factory
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Spherion Staffing
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Freedom Towing
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Gunn’s
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Nordan & Foster
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Doctors Care
LMC Urgent Care
Veritas Urgent Care
Best Urology Clinic
Carolina Urology
Lexington Urology
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Grace Animal Hospital
Lakeside Veterinary
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Best Wait Staff
Bodhi Thai
O’Hara’s Public House
Private Property
Best Wedding Venue
Southern Oaks
Tin Roof Farms
Twelve Oak Estate
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Bigbie Chiropractic
Cardinal Wellness
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Best Wigs/Hair Pieces
Becky’s Place Boutique LMC
Merle Norman Chapin
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The Kindred Boutique
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WRKT Lexington
Fostering Young LEADERS in Lexington
by Abigail Harris
Unmatched energy, uncorrupted hope, and unlimited potential make teenagers ideal candidates to train as leaders. Teens believe in their ability to change the world, they put in the effort to make that change a reality. Encouraging and nurturing the ambitions and enthusiasm that they have for their future can be a powerful way to pave the path for their success.
“The majority of the teens you see in your communities aren’t troubled, immoral problem causers. Most of them are good kids who simply lack the confidence or the knowledge of how to influence others to make good decisions,” said Michael Sims, Founder and President of Teen Lead 360. The idea behind this new program is to empower teens to take the lead in creating change and combat negative trends that surface among their peers. “Our purpose is to commission teenagers to intentionally take on the problems of the world with compassion, boldness, kindness, and strength, empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and a moral compass needed to emerge as influential leaders capable of driving positive change in their communities and beyond,” explained Sims.
After serving in ministry in various Lexington Country churches for the past 23 years, coaching youth sports for 22 years, working in the Lexington One school district, serving on the Board of Lexington Girls Softball, coaching football at Pelion Middle School, and parenting a teenager, Sims has a wealth of knowl-
edge concerning youth dynamics and what drives teens to be successful in their confidence and leadership.
While the program aims to serve the younger generations in various ways, its flagship initiative is the 9-month Intensive Leadership Development Program designed for 9th-12th graders. This program, known for its exclusivity and competitiveness, is reserved for the brightest students who demonstrate exemplary leadership skills. It is here where students are put on the fast track to success as they grow into the next generation of leaders. The goal is to lay the foundation of this program in Lexington County, expanding into other areas and states surrounding Lexington, SC. They hope to expand to Richland and Greenville counties next year, South Carolina’s coastal towns in the third year, and neighboring states as the program continues to grow.
Regardless of their age, titles, or life circumstances, the mission of Teen Lead 360 is clear-to equip and encourage youth to grow into transformational, multidirectional leaders in every aspect of their lives and influence people all around them, changing the trajectory of youth all over the country, hence the ‘360’ in their name. This mission is the driving force behind the program, and the leadership in Teen Lead 360 is committed to nurturing the next generation of influential leaders.
For more information on how to get involved, visit teenlead360.com. n
Fall into Fun at Eudora Wildlife Safari Park
by Chesson Merritt
Grab your family and friends, load up the car, and take a scenic drive through the countryside for an adventure this October. Put the city in your rearview mirror as you head down the road less traveled, looking for the first signs of the leaves beginning to change to the vibrant hues that welcome in the fall season. Soak in the views over the lush meadows while rolling down all the windows to catch a crisp, autumn breeze, but be sure to watch out for the llama sneaking his head in for a snack. Wait—what? A llama poking his head through your car window?
At Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, that’s exactly the type of up close and personal encounter you can enjoy while driving
through their expansive property that over 300 exotic animals call home. Located in Salley, South Carolina, the park opened its gates in the summer of 2020 and quickly became a must-do on everyone’s bucket list. From curious children just beginning to learn about animals to inquisitive adults who have always wanted to know more about a particular species, everyone can find something that makes this safari memorable.
The park was built to provide an educational drive-thru safari experience that would also address preservation, conservation, and the protection of wildlife and their environment.
The three-mile drive-thru safari gives
visitors a hands-on, interactive way to see bison, antelope, alpacas, llamas, ostriches, and more. To get the most out of your visit, you can also purchase a bucket of food that you can feed the animals with as you explore their habitat. This allows for upclose interactions with the wildlife, giving you an immersive way to appreciate the beauty and behavior of each animal you come across. Many animals will happily walk up to your car to grab a snack straight out of your feed bucket and say hello while some of the shyer animals amble along beside you, scooping up the animal food that you toss out your window. You have the option to drive your car through the park, rolling down windows to interact with the animals, or you can purchase tickets for a wagon ride through the park. Wagon rides can hold up to 25-30 people and include both a bucket of feed and a safari guide to give you the inside scoop on all of the animals you come across. Perfect for school field trips and large groups, the open-air rides give you the extra educational benefit and additional space to interact as much, or as little, as you’d like with the sociable animals.
Whether you’ve been to Eudora Wildlife Safari Park or if it’s still on your list to do someday, now is a prime time to plan a visit.
“This year, we’ve increased the trail ride an additional mile up into another section of the park,” explained Mark Nisbet, founder of Eudora Wildlife Safari Park. “There are also quite a few babies still roaming around for you to meet. We are working right now to get our giraffe observation deck completed before the end of the year. It will be really nice once it is done. People will be able to go up on the deck, be eye-to-eye with the giraffes, and sit down at a picnic table to enjoy their snack or lunch while overlooking the giraffes.”
Need another reason to visit this fall? The park offers more than their drive-thru safari during October. Each year, they put on a Fall Festival for visitors to enjoy before or after their safari ride. The festival is open each weekend, Friday through Sunday, and is becoming an annual tradition for many families in our community.
“The main focus of our festival is that it
is an activity that families can do together,” said Nisbet. “We have a pumpkin patch, a variety of fall-themed festival games to play, a petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin painting, visits from live animals, and delicious food and ice cream available for purchase.”
Admission to the fall festival is free, but a $5 wristband gets you a few of the extra activities like pony rides and the pumpkin catapult. Also included in the free admis sion are surprise visits with their black-andwhite ruffed lemur.
“She will be coming out and doing some unannounced stroll ing around the festival,” said Nisbet. “She is really friendly and is an ambassador for us, giv ing us a chance to provide even more educational opportunities for visitors.”
Nisbet started the Fall Festival during the park’s first year of op eration, when people were looking for outdoor activities, and they have continued it as a tradition. Each year, they try to add a few different activities to keep the festival fun and entertaining for visitors who come
back each October. It’s a great way to get outside in the beautiful South Carolina fall weather and have some fun with your kids while making memories along the way.
The biggest adventure at Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is yet to come though as they have big plans for 2025 and beyond.
“We’re building treehouses,” shared Nisbet. “They’ll be at the top of the park where you can overlook everything, and people will be able to rent them out like an Airbnb. They will be very nice on the inside with windows all around so you can view the entire park and see the sunset. We will offer after-hours activities like behind-the-scenes experiences with the giraffes, private chef-catered meals, and things like campfires in the evenings. The most important part is overnight guests will have the chance to truly feel like they’re out on a safari.”
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is currently planning to build out a model treehouse first before adding another 2-3 to round out their overnight accommodations. Nisbet and his staff
are hoping to bring a one-of-a-kind adventure to their park that will attract visitors from across South Carolina and beyond. Overnight guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in the park in a way that typical daytime visitors aren’t able to do.
“It’s what people are looking for when they stay at an Airbnb—an incredible experience,” said Nisbet. “Our future accommodations will offer an unforgettable getaway for everyone that comes to stay with us, which is what travelers want.”
Plan your epic adventure at eudorafarms.net. n
Scary Good Deals on Decor!
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 10/31/2024.
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Do You Need?
by Kim Donovan
One of the most important steps you can take to prepare for the future is to have an emergency fund. Life throws lemons at you when least expected. These things may include an extended illness, a major plumbing emergency, a car accident, a layoff, and more. Your emergency fund provides financial stability during those trying times. More than that, it prevents you from going into debt.
While it’s clear that you need an emergency fund, how much do you need? This is something that you cannot afford to get wrong, but there isn’t a single sum of money that is right for everyone. Walk through these steps as you build your emergency fund.
Consider Your Essential Expenses
An emergency fund is most commonly used to cover everyday living expenses when you cannot work. During those times, eliminating extras from your budget requires your attention. Consider eliminating frills like streaming video services, those sodas and snacks that inflate your grocery bill, and impromptu Amazon shopping trips. Review your budget today to determine what your bare-bones budget looks like. Using this figure, you can calculate how much money you need to pay for one, three, or six months of living expenses.
Think About Worst-Case Scenarios
How many months of living expenses should your emergency fund cover? Initially, focus on saving a full month of expenses. Then, build your fund until it covers six months to a year. The actual amount you save depends on your comfort level and your other income sources. Your emergency fund should ultimately grow to cover a worst-case scenario. What does your worstcase scenario look like? Think about things like natural disasters, the loss of a loved one, and the inability to work. How long would it take you to recover from these events? Then, think about what happens if life whammies you with two of these scenarios at once.
Focus on Your Insurance Deductibles
Often, the need to tap into your emergency fund is tied to an insurance claim. An illness or injury, for example, comes with expensive medical bills. Know what your health insurance deductible is and have that amount available to pay immediately if the situation calls for it. The same holds for your auto insurance and property insurance. To benefit from your insurance coverage, you need to cover your deductible. Factor these sums into your emergency fund as well.
Build Up Your Emergency Fund Today
After tallying up all of these expenses, you could be looking at a four or five-figure number. Saving such a large sum seems unrealistic at this point but remember that every extra dollar you save for a rainy day will help. Determine how much money you can reasonably save in your budget and create an automatic funds transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Automating your savings takes the stress and hassle out of building your emergency fund. n
Fall Flavored Cookies
Caramel Apple Snickerdoodles
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
¾ to 1 cup apple, peeled and diced small
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
20 caramels, unwrapped
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the butter with ¾ cup of sugar, add egg and vanilla, and mix until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, salt, and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined, then fold in the diced apple. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup sugar and 1½ tsp cinnamon. Scoop cookie dough balls, roll them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, and place them on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until brown on the edges and allow to cool. Heat caramel squares in the microwave for short bursts of 15 seconds at a time until just melted. Place in a zip-top bag and cut off the corner. Pipe a zigzag of caramel over the tops of the cookies and allow to set.
Pumpkin Cookies
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp salt
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 ¼ cups canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
cream cheese frosting
cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, bak ing powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt and set aside. Cream the butter, granulated sug ar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture, and mix. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Drop on a prepared cookie sheet then flatten slightly with a spoon. Bake for 15-20 minutes and allow them to cool.
Coat with cream cheese frosting, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 bag of chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until fluffy. Add the baking soda and salt and mix, then gradually add the flour and mix until it is completely incorporated. Separate the cookie dough into three equal portions. Use food coloring to color one portion orange and one portion brown. Add chocolate chips to each portion. Create a 2 oz. cookie dough ball out of orange, brown, and white dough. Slightly press the cookie ball onto the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
¾ cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
2 ⅓ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp ginger
½ cup sugar
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Whip butter and 1 cup sugar together until creamy. Add egg and molasses and mix. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger and mix until well incorporated. Roll dough into balls and roll in ½ cup sugar. Place sugared dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing to form a dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Mix the additional brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling and sprinkle this mixture over the rolledout dough. Roll the dough tightly, then slice the log into rounds. Place the cookie rounds on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
Butterscotch Shortbread
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
½ cup butterscotch chips, finely chopped
½ cup milk chocolate English toffee bits
the butter mixture, mixing just until combined, and stir in the pecans. Using a small cookie scoop, place scoops of cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 1012 minutes or just until starting to brown around the edges.
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup cranberries, chopped
1 Tbsp orange zest, grated
1 package white baking chips
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt then gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in butterscotch chips and toffee bits. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with a floured 2 in. fluted round cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Pecan Spice Cookies
2 cups unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
5 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground cloves
1 cup pecans, chopped
Mix butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cloves. Gradually add the flour mixture to
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the oats, raisins, cranberries, and orange zest. Stir in baking chips. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. n
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Got to Get Busy
Ihave written about “the old guys” who crossed my path when I was a young kid, and how some of those men affected me in a positive way. Bear in mind this was a million years ago, and things were different back then. Children were to be seen and not heard.
Some of these “old men” at church completely ignored us kids. I remember being sort of scared of these men.
There was another man who’d come up and put his hand on top of your head and whack the top of his hand and then laugh. I have no idea why he did that, but it scared me. I avoided him at all costs.
I thank God for the good men who crossed my path. A couple of people have asked about these men and what they did that was so important.
I think about these men every Sunday morning. We have a time in Sunday service when we all break out of our pews and go shake hands with other people around the sanctuary.
I have noticed young men -- eight to ten years old or so -- getting drug along by their Dad. They’re always shy and hanging back.
I’ll shake hands with the Dad, and say: “Hey, who’s that guy behind you?” He’ll turn around and there stands his nervous son. The Dad introduces me to the young man. We shake hands. I ask him about what grade he’s in, how he’s doing in school, and so forth.
What’s funny to me -- and what made me begin thinking about the old men of my youth -- is the next Sunday I see that same kid and he’s looking around now instead of being bashful. I’ll make my way over to him, shake hands with his Dad, and the young man puts his hand out and grins.
It’s a silly thing in a way, but I’m imagining how I was at that time of my life. I’d avoid those men who didn’t speak or who banged us on top of the head, but it always made me feel good to shake hands with old Mr. Leggett, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Green.
The men of that era were wired differently than we are today. Part of it has to
do with living through the Depression and the War. Those men knew what it was like to work and to work hard at finding work. I’ve heard stories about one man hopping freight trains to find work when times were hard.
The old guys of my youth gave us something to live up to.
I wonder if my simple act of shaking the young man’s hand at church will have even a smidgen of the impact that this same thing had on me when I was growing up.
If I can make ten percent of the difference in somebody’s life that the old guys made in mine, then I’ll have done something good.
Time is short. We got to get busy. n
Go with the Home Team!
We live where you live. As a local South Carolina company, we’re not like some insurance companies that are based in another state or only have an online presence. We are local and have been serving families in the Lexington area for almost 70 years. Most importantly, we are never far away when you need us most. Call one of our local agents today for all your Auto, Home and Life insurance needs or scan below to get a no-obligation quote.
