Our Town Magazine (Vol. 2. Ed.5.) is a bi-monthly magazine published by RIT Media LLC. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced without written authorization from the Owner of RIT Media. The publisher is not responsible for the authors’ opinions or comments or the advertisers’ promotions of their individual businesses.
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
(L,R):
Kristi Antley, Tracy Tuten, Paige Youmans
Fall brings a wealth of opportunities to engage in seasonal activities. There is so much going on with school settling in, football games, fall festivals, and Halloween. This year, as the temperature starts to cool down and the amazing scent of autumn fills the air, I am also enjoying the familiar melody of wedding bells!
When Stacy Dooley, one of my best friends from childhood, called me during the middle of a workday, I knew she had good news for me. She called to announce she is getting married on Halloween day! Yes, she’s always been quirky this way, but that’s just part of her unique charm. She is marrying Tommy Cantara, and I am over the moon excited for them! I was asked to officiate their wedding and I can tell you that a few tears spilled when we went to pick out her dress. So… instead of the saying “fall is in the air”, I’m going to say, “love is in the air this fall”.
Stacy, being Stacy, always wanted to get married at the yellow house in Lexington known as the Cinnamon Hill House, and me being me, I called to ask if that was a possibility. While the ceremony grew substantially and will now be held elsewhere, that initial call led to several ghost stories within the house, some of which you will read in this edition.
In the Real Men Wear Pink article, our goal is to highlight and acknowledge the men who share in the battle of breast cancer with the most important women in their lives. Most of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another, and we must continue to unite and fight the good fight. Continuing with the theme of formidable women, we share the stories of four female pioneers who lead interesting and uncommon roles as women. These women represent determination, innovation, self-sacrifice, and the desire to serve others. I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as we did.
Thanks again for reading Our Town Magazine and as always…
We hope to see you out and about!
Tracy Tuten, Publisher
Local Events: September/October
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Lexington Police Department Foundation’s Fall Festival
Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington, 5:30pm-8:30pm
This family-friendly event benefits the Lexington Police Department Foundation, which supports the work of officers, the department, and community-focused programs. Tickets cover all activities: games, rides, food, music, and a costume contest with prizes. Admission is $5 per person; children under 5 years old are free. LexSC.gov
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
“New Frontiers” Chapin Labor Day Festival and Parade Beaufort St., Chapin, various locations and times
Grab your partner, a cowboy hat or boots, and head to Chapin! Enjoy live music at the “Boots on Beaufort” concert, 6pm, Sunday, Sept. 1st, then return on Monday for the signature event: a western-themed parade, beginning at 9:30 am on Chapin Rd. Stay after the parade for amazing Chapin Labor Day Festival activities, including a classic car show, a children’s carnival area, and tours of the train museum. ChapinSC.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Fallapalooza ’24, Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute Experience Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington, 6pm
Enjoy the brisk fall weather with tunes by Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute Experience, Glide: A Tribute to Stone Temple Pilots, and Hey Johnny Park Presents: Foo Fighters Unplugged. Freestanding chairs, outside food, and drinks are prohibited. Tickets are $18.
Cure your BBQ craving at this friendly and fun annual competition with prizes, live entertainment, and incredible food! Sampling begins at 6:30pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday. The Jamil Shrine Center is a non-profit organization supporting hospitals and initiatives to improve the lives of critically ill children.
JamilShrineCenter.com
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Rotary Club of Lexington’s 26th Annual Golf Tournament Country Club of Lexington, 1066 Barr Rd., Lexington, 12:30pm registration & lunch
Join the effort to support the Chris Myers’ Children’s Shelter, the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter, and other local charity organizations. Register a team, become a sponsor, or just come out to support your community! For tickets and details, contact Baxter Donaldson.
Baxsal@gmail.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Real Men Wear Pink American Cancer Society Benefit Show
Wings N Ale, 186 Ellis Ave., Lexington, 8pm
Join the fight against breast cancer as you sit back for a night of live entertainment with The Fringe Benefits band. This event is free, 50/50 tickets will be available; donors receive a special signature drink during the event!
AllEvents.in
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
– SATURDAY, 28
The Irmo Okra Strut Festival
Irmo Community Park, 7473 Church St. Irmo SC 29063
Come out and celebrate the 50th year of the Irmo Okra Strut! This family fun festival will have it all: live music, festival rides and amusements, tasty food, and all the goodness that is Okra. Okrastrut.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER
4-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
Chapin Theatre presents “The 39 Steps” Chapin Theatre, 830 Columbia Ave., Chapin, various times
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you get an outrageously hilarious murder mystery! Discounts for advance tickets, military members, and students.
ChapinTheatre.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Tony Howard’s Motown and Elvis Revue
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo, 7pm
This Las Vegas-style lineup will have you singing, toe-tapping, and shimmying on the edge of your seat! Tickets are $45.
HarbisonTheatre.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Lindsey’s Fearless 5k
Strictly Running, 2515 Devine St., Columbia, 7am registration, 8am race time
This race is more than just a run; it's a stride toward empowering and uplifting
women of all ages. Men and women are invited to compete, rain or shine, with an awards ceremony at 9am. Early packets will be available October 3rd and 4th, from 11am-5:30pm. The Lindsey Pilkington Memorial Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides resources to prepare and strengthen women in abusive situations.
StricklyRunning.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
7th Annual Fall Art Festival Chapin Town Hall, 157 NW Columbia Ave., Chapin, 9am-4pm
Mingle with local artists as you browse diverse vendors, explore food options, and enjoy live music for the whole family! A wide and eclectic array of expressive selections will be featured to share Chapin’s passion for the arts.
ChapinSC.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Fall Festival at The Corley Mill House and Gardens Corley Mill House and Gardens, 221 Corley Mill Rd., Lexington, 11am-4pm Load up the family for hands-on activities, live entertainment, shopping, a pumpkin patch, sweet treats, prizes, and more! Participants enjoy free admission and free parking. CorleyMillHouse.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Town of Chapin’s Fall Night Out
Chapin Town Hall, 157 NW Columbia Ave., Chapin, 6pm-8pm
Gather the whole family for mouth-watering food, games, specially curated local vendors, and a chance to meet local law enforcement officers who serve the Chapin community and beyond!
ChapinSC.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Gala for Growth, a District 5 Foundation Fundraiser Cooperative Conference Center, 169 Laurelhurst Ave., Columbia, 6pm-9pm Entertainment for this elegant night will be provided by Gary “Thrills” Mills! Proceeds will support the mission of District 5 Foundation, to enhance education experiences, fund innovative programs, and meet the diverse needs of students, teachers and staff. District5Foundation.org
Real Men Wear Pink
By Bret Carter, Co-Chairman, Real Mean Wear Pink
My involvement with Real Men Wear Pink (now going on four years) is deeply personal. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. She underwent a mastectomy and thankfully, lived almost another 20 years. In 2011, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy that same year, and we were fortunate that it was caught early. She has been cancer-free since then, but the diagnosis hit close to home. Coping with the fear and uncertainty of my mother's diagnosis was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Each annual checkup brings a mixture of hope and anxiety, as our family holds their breath and prays for good news. Being a part of the Real Men Wear Pink group has been a source of strength and comfort for me. The camaraderie and support from the other ambassadors within the organization is invaluable. It's more than just a group of volunteers; it's a brotherhood. The guys in this group have become a part of my extended family, and their passion and dedication constantly inspire me to be better as a person and to be an active volunteer for
the American Cancer Society. We share our stories, our "whys," and support each other through the highs and lows. This collective strength of gentlemen and a shared purpose drives each of us to make a more significant impact on the fight against cancer.
Real Men Wear Pink has 40 Ambassadors stepping up in the Midlands, utilizing the power of wearing pink to raise funds
and draw attention to the breast cancer fight. Every dollar raised helps the American Cancer Society save more lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, breakthrough breast cancer discovery and research, and lifesaving patient support. When communities unite to fight breast cancer, great things happen. By tapping into the “power of pink”, Real Men Wear Pink of the Midlands has raised more than $850,000 since its inception. This also fuels a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support, breakthrough breast research, and so much more. Every dollar raised helps the American Cancer Society end breast cancer as we know it by funding innovative breast cancer research, providing education and guidance to help people reduce their risk, and offering comprehensive patient support to those who need it most so that no one faces breast cancer alone.
One of the things I love best about being an ambassador is that each year the Real Men Wear Pink campaign becomes a brotherhood of men united with one common goal: to wear pink and bring smiles to people’s faces. Whether it's wearing pink tutus, pink socks, dyeing our hair or beards pink, or even having a few pink gorillas running around town, we do whatever it takes to raise funds and awareness for families in our community. I stand firmly by my motto, “We will do whatever it takes!"
Every year a core group from the previous year begins networking and recruiting as early as possible. By the time the campaign officially starts, we have a diverse group of men who relate to one thing in common: fighting cancer. We come from various walks of life: business owners, lawyers, doctors, plumbers, sales reps, real estate agents, and home builders—the list goes on and on and differs yearly. Our goal is to have an existing ambassador who can relate to and mentor any man interested in helping the campaign. Together, we can raise more money and increase awareness of the cause more than we could individually.
New ambassadors are prompted with thought-provoking questions: “What is your why?” and “Who are the people that got you invested in being an ambassador?” Once we share our “why” with the rest of the ambassadors, it becomes part of the collective “why”. Howie Mason, Co-Chairman of Real Men Wear Pink, agrees wholeheartedly, “The bigger and stronger the collective “why” gets, the stronger we get, and the more impact we can make in the fight against cancer.”
We all desire to do our part to raise funds for cancer research, treatment, and awareness and quickly learn that we also fill many other roles, not the least of which is support. We not only help support cancer patients, survivors, families, and
caregivers, but we also support each other.
The money raised locally gets put to work right here in the Midlands. The American Cancer Society can assist with rides to treatment, lodging, 24/7 patient and caregiver support, and access to care. They also provide funds for lifesaving research to The University of South Carolina, The Medical University of South Carolina, and Clemson University.
There are plenty of places to get involved and be part of the team. Throughout the fall we have a golf tournament, poker tournament, cornhole events, live band performances, trivia nights, and our annual Gala on November 14th at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Columbia. If you are interested in coming alongside Real Men Wear Pink of the Midlands or would like more information, please reach out and let us get you plugged in. It only takes a few minutes to contact Whitnei Jeffcoat at our local chapter or to visit the Real Men Wear Pink of the Midlands webpage hosted by The American Cancer Society.
Real Men Wear Pink of the Midlands
Whitnei.Jeffcoat@Cancer.org
The American Cancer Society
24/7 Cancer Hotline
1-800-227-2345 Cancer.org
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The Heritage lifestyle offers a robust calendar of activities, pool, fitness room, classes, chapel, dining and people to enjoy them with.
any of us have heard of senior living communities, but few of us are aware that for as little as $45 a month ($70 for couples), adults 55+ can enjoy the amenities of senior living without the commitment of making a move.
The Heritage at Lowman is a wonderful community that embraces the Lutheran Homes of South Carolina’s “BeWellSM” philosophy of taking charge of your health and fitness while minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing enjoyment and positive behavior modifications.
At the Heritage at Lowman in Chapin, monthly Wellness Center Membership includes access to:
Our Aquatic Center featuring an indoor, heated pool and multiple water-aerobics class offerings
Our Aerobics Studio hosting our land-based group exercise classes. Equipment located in this area includes free weights, balance balls, steps, & mats
• Our Fitness Center, which includes various cardiovascular machines including treadmills, elliptical & NuStep machines, and free weights for muscle strengthening
• The Heritage Bistro Dining Room during scheduled hours of operation
• Lowman’s Active Lifestyle Resident programming; each month, our Life Enrichment Team publishes a listing of upcoming social events, concerts, trips, classes, & other activities.
To learn more about Wellness Center Membership at the Heritage at Lowman, please contact our team at 803-451-7411 or visit TheHeritageatLowman.org/wellness-center-community-programs
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Pioneering Women Willpower, Resilience and Respect
By Kristi Antley
Successful female leaders possess the same basic traits as any good leader: assertiveness, determination, accountability, creativity, and adaptability. Long-term positions of authority require more than just skill, tenacity, and education; these pioneers must have the capacity to view the complete picture as it pertains to the company as a whole while maintaining a level of compassion to protect dedicated employees, affiliates, and clients as well as partners and investors. Studies and detailed research from the past few decades have proven that companies with intentional female representation in leadership and within the workforce are not only more likely to flourish, but are also more likely to dominate their competitors. That doesn't happen by accident.
LOU KENNEDY
“We must invest in the youth of Lexington County, particularly females, to ensure a prosperous future for our children, their children, and our community in general,” says Lou Kennedy, President and CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation based in Lexington County. “A strong foundation needs to be established early in life to show these bright, young girls that they can be whatever they want to become and that there are no limits.”
Lou has been an integral part of Neph-
ron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, since 2001 when she accepted the enormous responsibility of forging a national pharmaceutical sales team. She has been crucial in the company’s amazing development, unprecedented growth and expansion. Being a female entrepreneur in a male- dominated role has not always been easy for her and she encourages other women not to give up. “Do not be afraid to fail; if you are too cautious, you will never get to where you want to be. Keep pushing-failure is where
you learn the most.”
Entrepreneurs are expected to wear many hats; it is the nature of business. However, managing the responsibilities of a family unit alongside the demands of a thriving business is a monumental undertaking. “I admit that I do not always balance the demands of home and work very well, but I do the best I can,” Lou explains. “Family is important to me; my husband, Bill, is still working for the company and his mother, Elizabeth (Lib) Kennedy, worked for Nephron until the golden age of 96. We collectively have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren ranging from 9 months of age to 17 and have had the joy of working alongside one of our daughters and her husband.”
First and foremost, she believes that having an exemplary role model is the key for any female interested in owning a business. “Finding a successful businesswoman that you can reach out to as a mentor is priceless. There aren’t many available in this area and their time is very limited,” she says. “Guidance, constructive criticism, and suggestions from these leaders will point you in the correct direction and save time and effort.”
As for the future, Lou wants to “pay it back” to Lexington County as much as possible. When she is not working or attending meetings, she can often be found volunteering at various fundraisers and charity events to benefit residents and programs within the community. “I am so thankful for Lexington County and everything that the good Lord has blessed us with.” In her small pockets of free time, Lou enjoys her grandchildren, following USC Gamecock Women’s Basketball, and boat riding on Lake Murray.
SUZI AGNE
Prosperous and adventurous leaders know when it is time to upgrade, change strategies, move on, or “switch gears” to keep the fire alive. Change can often be quiet and personal, unnoticed by others; other times it is bright and loud, reaching for a deeper purpose, or accommodating a change in economic status or lifestyle. Suzi Agne, owner of Moose Diesel LLC in Lexington, recognized this need in her life about 3 years ago. “The main deciding factor for me was retiring from teaching and doing something completely different from my comfort zone,” Suzi explains. “I realized I had a passion for learning new skills that I could teach myself how to do.” Moose Diesel LLC is a steadily growing business that rebuilds, remanufactures, and repairs diesel fuel injection pumps, injectors, and turbochargers. Suzi repairs all of the injectors that come through the shop herself.
Although her children are grown and her spouse supports the venture one hundred percent, her rise in the diesel realm has not been without challenges. Suzi offers this advice to like-minded women: “Join SCORE (a volunteer organization that assists small businesses with classes, information, and mentors) before you open or purchase a business. They can instruct you on how
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to avoid many pitfalls.”
Owning a business is not for the lighthearted, it takes blood, sweat, tears, unlimited patience, money, and training, as Suzi confirms, “I became not only an owner but a salesperson, receptionist, parts inventory manager, accountant, shipping expert, as well as a licensed diesel technician.” As for the future of Moose Diesel LLC, she remarks, “I want to continue to serve our local community in increasing numbers until our company name is well known and people seek it out as a first choice.”
AMY DANTZLER
Amy Dantzler, CEO of The Original Landscape Supply in Chapin, explains that she had subtle, early indications that she would become involved in the landscaping arena in some capacity, “As a late teen, I would drive by the "Landscape Supply" company that was on the same lot where my current business resides; I thought that it was an interesting business. Life went on, and I became a nurse,” she continues.
“However, after ten years of nursing, I decided it was time for a change. I returned to the place where I felt my true passion has always been and opened my company in the same, exact spot.” Amy maintains a great working relationship with the previous owner of the site and, in his honor, she named her business "The Original Landscape Supply."
Recognizing an immediate need in the community for high-quality landscaping supplies, products, services, and materials, Amy happily answered the call. She has been extremely successful and loves her customers. “It has been an honor to be a part of this community and to fill those shoes for over 14 years, and it is my goal to continue to deliver exemplary customer service,” she explains. “I want my customers to know that I appreciate them.”
Although her schedule can be stressful and filled with work-related commitments and tasks 6 days a week, Amy encourages enterprising females to step out of their comfort zone and follow their hearts. “Find your passion and pray about it. If you love what you do, take pride in your business, and believe in your product, it becomes enjoyable to work your business,” she continues. “Research the best options to make your business succeed and set out to make it happen. Talk to others who may mentor you and take sound advice from those who have been successful. Once you meet a certain goal, you make another one. That allows your business to evolve and continue to grow without becoming stagnant in the marketplace.”
As you can imagine, finding downtime when operating a thriving business can be difficult, if not impossible. “Free time is a rare luxury when you own your own business,” Amy says. “Sundays are my days to recuperate. I attend church, do what needs to be done around my home, and sometimes, I even find time to have dinner
with a friend. If I retire someday, I hope to be found weeding, sowing and pruning my garden on my homesteading oasis.”
HAZEL LIVINGSTON
Regardless of the location, situation, or timeframe, women bring a unique perspective to political leadership. Candidates with the necessary characteristics and qualifications should be included at every level for a balanced perspective. Slow, quiet, and focused progress stimulates productivity and promotes diversity as women teach and demonstrate courage. These tireless pioneers stand up for people, principles, and improvements in their communities, counties, states, and nationwide programs and initiatives. Hazel Livingston, the first female Mayor of the Town of Lexington, was initially drawn to local politics to more effectively serve the community and make it a better place to raise her children and future grandchildren. “When I first moved to Lexington, I was a single mom of two daughters,” she explains. “I came here to create a better life for them; I knew I couldn’t let them down. My family has always been my rock through the journey on Town Council and, now while operating as Mayor. They have always supported and encouraged my passion to serve others.”
When asked what advice she would offer aspiring leaders, Hazel remarks, “Never give up; no matter if you think the odds are stacked against you, there is always a way to achieve your goals. I have had to have thick skin and I always remind myself when I am talking with other people that I haven’t walked in their shoes,” she continues. “It’s important to remember that no matter how far you’ve come, there will always be people who
question your ability to succeed, but that’s when you have to take that opportunity to prove them wrong and make lemonade out of lemons!”
Although she has been pivotal to many expansions, improvements and projects while on Town Council, one of the most recent and most celebrated developments is the reopening of Virginia Hylton Park and the opening of the Old Mill Pond Trail. “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot but there is also a substantial amount of work still to be done,” Mayor Livingston says. When she is not attending meetings or events, supervising outreach projects, or actively volunteering at her church or within the community, she can be found playing with her grandchildren, gardening, and searching for shark teeth on the beach.
As you can see, the representation of women in the business realm is a powerful catalyst for change and improvement. As Lexington County grows and evolves, keep your eyes on the pioneers listed above as well as those on the forefront, just beginning to get their feet wet. Offer a helping hand, a cup of coffee, or a few kind words of encouragement.
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation 4500 12th St. Ext. West Columbia, SC 29172
NephronPharm.com 800-443-4313
Moose Diesel, LLC
3820 B Augusta Hwy. Gilbert, SC 29054
MooseDiesel.com 803-892-0164
The Original Landscape Supply 2815 Dutch Fork Rd. Chapin, SC 29036
TheOriginalLandscapeSupply.com 803-960-7729
Town of Lexington 111 Maiden Lane
Lexington, SC 29072
LexSC.gov 803-359-4164
SCORE Midlands 1225 Laurel St., Suite 410 Columbia, SC 29201
SCORE.org 803-545-3826
Small Business Administration 1835 Assembly St., Suite 1425 Columbia, SC 29201
SBA.gov 803-765-5377
LEXINGTON HISTORY
Tales and Legends of The Cinnamon Hill House
By David Kohen Photos: S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, NRHP
Have you ever wondered about the prestigious, creamy-yellow colored Queen Anne-style house that sits by the railroad tracks on South Lake Drive in Lexington? This local landmark of Southern charm and sophistication called the “Cinnamon Hill” house was built in 1892 by Charles Edward Corley (1866-1943). It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the “C.E. Corley House” in 1983 and boasts many ornate, original features of the period including wood floors, a gigantic porch with enormous columns, corbeled chimneys, hand-blown glass windows, and several inviting fireplaces. One can only imagine the fancy balls, meetings, dinner parties, celebrations, and elite entertainment that may have taken place on the intimate estate grounds.
Corley, a reputable builder, farmer and public official in Lexington County, served as the county supervisor and magistrate. Charles and his wife, Emily, had six boys and two girls (Annie and Vera) who are all buried at St. Stephens Lutheran Church Cemetery. Annie, who was always afraid of the dark, died in May of 1969; her husband Paul Barr, erected a lamppost near her grave with a memorial plaque. Her sister, Vera never married and remained in the house that would later be known as “Cinnamon Hill” for her entire life, passing in 1969, close to the time that the house was initially sold. The last Corley child was Christopher who died in 1995.
Are you wondering why the house is called the Cinnamon Hill House? Donald and Sharon Marchant bought and restored the home in the early 1970s. Sadly, Donnie passed away after a brief illness at 40 years of age, leaving Sharon with two
young boys, Andy and Will. When Melissa Kyzer opened a gift shop on Columbia Avenue in Lexington in 1986, she arbitrarily selected “Cinnamon Hill” for the name. One day Sharon visited the store and she and Melissa instantly became friends. Sharon proposed they become business partners and move the shop into her house on South Lake Drive. They made a few renovations; the house perfectly accommodated the gift shop and maintained the name of Cinnamon Hill.
Andy and Will, Sharon’s two sons, spent their childhood on the grounds of Cinnamon Hill, where several original structures remain in addition to the house such as a smokehouse, a woodshed, and a one-room cabin where a groundskeeper once lived. Although the two boys enjoyed exploring the property and playing, Andy recalls a frightening situation that gave them quite a scare. Upon opening a closet door for the first time, a creepy white nightgown hanging from above presented the appearance of a dead person, a spirit, or an apparition. That experience could have possibly started the tall tales and legends we hear today of the house being haunted.
Melissa Kyzer vividly recalls an unsettling experience while trying to close the gift shop one day. Her two daughters, Lane and Lacy, were upstairs; when Melissa went to call them downstairs, she saw the figure of a petite person with large eyes at the top of the stairs. She can only describe the vision as a “person made of fog.” When she climbed the stairs, it disappeared. When Sharon saw Melissa, she said she looked like she had seen a ghost—was it Vera? There were many other unexplained events reported, such as the sound of dishes being washed through the intercom system and finding cabinets open that were previously closed.
Andy Marchant became a well-known restauranteur and was a former chef for Governor Mark Sanford. In 1988 he and his friends Cole Taylor and Mike Fusco had the idea implanted in their minds by Sharon that they should open a restaurant at Cinnamon Hill along with the existing gift shop. Builder Nick Pizzutti remodeled the back part of the house and added a commercial kitchen. The restaurant was extremely successful at fine dining in Lexington for 11 years until it closed in 1999; the gift shop closed in 1993. Today Andy runs a catering and event business called the “Cinnamon Hill Kitchen” on North Church Street in Lexington.
Sharon sold the house to Stan and Donna Miller in 2007 where they lived upstairs and opened their gift shop, “Miller’s
LTD at Cinnamon Hill.” Their son, Joel Miller, and Denise Kendrick opened “Vera’s Veranda”, a lunch café. However, the mysterious occurrences continued while the Millers occupied the house. Donna speaks of a lighted display case in their shop that contained a glass nativity scene. On multiple occasions when they opened the shop and turned on the display case, one of the shepherd figurines was facing backward. Donna also saw a “white foggy cloud” pass by the balcony window. She said that when they first bought the house, aware of the tales, someone told her, “You’re okay with Vera as long as you don’t bring hard liquor into the house.” They never did! Vera’s Veranda operated from 2014 until the Millers sold the house to an investment firm, KPJ (Kinard/Patrick/Jones) in 2016.
Several years later, Dawn LaRocque established the elegant “Cinnamon Hill House & Gardens” as a bridal event venue for a few years; local attorneys Murry Kinard and Ashby Jones opened an office there in 2019. The Kinard Law Group (Murry Kinard, Katherine Fisher, Rebekah Mandeville, Alyssia Iglesias) is currently located at Cinnamon Hill. Murry recalls several mysterious events as well. One day a client came in and said he dreamed that an animal had died in the house. Later that same day another client was in the house and happened to glance into a room with a fireplace and randomly blurted out, “A dog died in that fireplace.” Sometime later Murry said he heard a dog and then saw a dog lunge itself at the front door. When he went to investigate, it was gone. During another occurrence, Ashby had a fan on her desk and when she left the room and returned, the fan was on the floor. She put it back on the desk, walked to another room, and returned to find it on the floor again. Perhaps one of the most disturbing elements of the house is featured in a 2022 motion detector video portraying a white, cloudy orb flowing and moving within one of the rooms.
The strange happenings, weird sounds and amazing sightings at Cinnamon Hill have subsided over the past several years; maybe Vera is now happily resting in peace! Our Town Magazine is delighted to bring you informative and entertaining articles featuring properties from the National Register of Historic Places. We ask that you join us in respecting the privacy of the owners as most of these sites are not open to the public. Please remember that not all properties retain the same integrity as when originally documented and listed due to changes, restorations and modifications. We will always cherish Lexington County’s rich history and the intriguing tales passed from generation to generation that cause us to pause and ponder the past.
The Humane Society South Carolina
By Kristi Antley
“Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”
~Unknown Author
While animal shelters and rescue efforts across South Carolina reflect the values of their respective communities, they each share the fundamental goal of helping vulnerable animals and seeking resources and support to help accomplish that goal. As inhabitants and protectors of our planet, we share an innate responsibility for the care and protection of innocent domestic, exotic, and farm animals. A collective initiative must be taken within our local region to become familiar with neighbors (especially the elderly), extended family and distant relatives, friends, and co-workers to recognize the warning signs of a lack of basic necessities, which often includes pet supplies and care.
The Humane Society South Carolina is one of many animal welfare groups in the Midlands, all of which perform a vital role in addressing many problems we face. This non-profit entity identifies with two of the most crucial issues of today: animal cruelty and overpopulation. Animals (domestic, wild, and livestock) are
generally covered by each state’s animal cruelty laws, which vary widely by state and county. Education and prevention are the keys to properly caring for animals and preventing unpleasant situations that lead to animal cruelty and neglect. In addition to assisting law enforcement with investigations, programs, and initiatives, and networking with local entities to remedy immediate, life-threatening emergencies, the Humane Society South Carolina also offers low-cost medications, procedures, preventative services, and healthy solutions to the public. They firmly believe that the mistreatment of animals and the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals is unacceptable and must be put to an end.
The Humane Society South Carolina 405 Greenlawn Drive Columbia, SC 29209 HumaneSC.org 803-783-1267
Enjoy the view
Don’t let cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, or seeing faded colors keep you from taking in the scenery.
The board-certified and fellowship trained doctors at Columbia Eye can tell you if it’s time for cataract surgery.
Even seniors who have worn glasses all their lives have options as part of cataract surgery that can allow them to perform most of their everyday tasks glasses-free.
National Slow Down Move Over Day
October
19, 2024
by Anna Wingard, Business Operations Manager, Wingard Towing Service
50states have “slow down move over” laws mandating motorists to reduce speed and safely change lanes when approaching flashing emergency vehicle lights. This is a collective effort to reduce secondary collisions on our nation’s highways by giving those working on the roadways extra space to perform job duties. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fewer than 30% of Americans are aware of these laws.
The Move Over law originated in Lexington, South Carolina in 1996 when James Garcia, a paramedic, responded to a roadway collision and was struck by a vehicle passing the emergency scene. Oddly, Garcia was listed as contributing to the collision as the at-fault party causing the secondary wreck. Thus, the Move Over law was created in South Carolina to protect emergency vehicles and their respective operators while working on public roads by mandating safer driving habits, specifically slowing down and moving over when approaching an emergency scene.
Before May 2024, tow trucks were covered under this South Carolina law, but their respective tow truck operators were not. Odd, right? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined. This translates into more tow truck driver deaths while working on public roadways than firemen, EMS, and police combined, according to the South Carolina Traffic Incident Management organization.
This is personal for me. My husband, Greg, is a third-generation tow operator and now manages Wingard Towing Service. Many years ago, he was hit by a distracted driver. The vehicle he was actively loading became airborne as a speeding vehicle drove up the flatbed tow truck. Greg can recount numerous near-miss incidents in his 20+ years as a tow truck operator. Back in 2008, one of Wingard Towing Service’s tow truck operators was killed while loading a wrecked vehicle in response to a South Carolina Highway Patrol wrecker rotation call.
I, along with several other advocates, recently succeeded in changing South Carolina legislation to reduce the injury and death rate statistics in the towing industry. I realized that if I wanted to reduce injuries and death incidents within my own business, I would have to utilize my role as the President of the Towing and Recovery Association to make positive changes for all towing businesses in South Carolina. I recently
partnered with Representative Chris Wooten, District 69 of Lexington County, to ensure that tow truck operators were fully covered under the Move Over law. Again, tow trucks were covered under the Move Over Law but not tow truck operators. Therefore, if a tow truck operator was struck but not the tow truck, the police officer responding at the scene could not cite the at-fault driver with a ticket for failing to slow down and move over.
Representative Wooten was quick to support the towing industry with House Bill 4436 which ensured that both tow trucks and their respective operators were included in the Move Over law along with fire trucks and firemen, EMS vehicles, and paramedics/EMTs, as well as police vehicles and policemen/police women. Wooten, a former South Carolina State Trooper, is very familiar with roadside dangers. Other notable Lexington County lawmakers at the State House who held significant roles in ensuring House Bill 4436 was passed into law include Representatives Paula Rawl Calhoun, District 87, Micah Caskey, District 89, Cal Forrest, District 39, and R.J. May, District 88. Communities across the United States observe National Slow Down Move Over Day on the third Saturday of October. Now that you are aware of the Move Over law and its origins, ask yourself:
“Have I been slowing down and moving over when I see flashing lights? And, am I doing this for ALL emergency flashing lights, not just red and blue? Tow trucks display amber and white flashing alternating lights, fire trucks display red lights, and police vehicles display blue lights. If you cannot change lanes safely, please significantly reduce your speed; you may save a life.
Flavorful One-Sheet Fall Meals
Take the work out of weeknight meal planning with these simple and DELICIOUS “one-sheet and repeat” dinners from the staff at Our Town Magazine! These are some of our favorite cozy dinners bursting with squash, Brussels sprouts, and even a little apple. We believe that your family will ask for them again and again. Go ahead and add these easy fall recipes to your regular menu rotation and enjoy them all year long!
Savory Sausage and Harvest Veggies
INGREDIENTS:
1-12 oz. sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
1 kabocha or butternut squash, seeded and diced (no need to peel!)
2 or 3 c. Brussels sprouts, halved
1 large apple, diced
2 shallots, sliced
DRESSING:
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. coconut aminos or soy sauce
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. maple syrup
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees; whisk together the ingredients for the dressing and set aside. Add the remaining ingredients to a parchment paper lined sheet pan and toss with the dressing until well coated. Spread into a single layer and cook for 30-35 minutes or until veggies are browned.
Note: Try microwaving the whole squash for 3 minutes to make slicing easier.
Chicken, Veggies, and Brown Rice
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. butternut squash
1 lb. chicken breast
3 c. broccoli florets
1/2 medium red onion
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
3/4 tsp. ground sage
3/4 tsp. dried parsley
3/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper, ground
1 c. brown rice, raw
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped
1/3 c. cranberries, dried
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Peel and cut squash into 1/2 inch cubes, cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, broccoli into smaller florets, and onion into slices. Add to a large dish and toss with olive oil and seasonings. Pour onto a large baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Toss halfway through roasting— veggies should be tender, and the chicken should have no pink inside. While roasting, cook rice as directed on the package. Once you remove the veggies and chicken from the oven, stir in the walnuts and cranberries.
Serve over rice and enjoy!
Pork Tenderloin with Honey and Seasoned Veggies
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. pork tenderloin
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. fresh rosemary, divided and finely chopped
2 c. Brussels sprouts, halved, outer leaves removed
3 golden beets, peeled and cut into eighths
1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 medium red onion, skins removed and cut into wedges
salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a glass measuring cup, combine the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic cloves, and 1 3/4 tsp. of fresh rosemary; reserve the other 1/4 tsp. Whisk well, set aside. Unpackage the pork tenderloin, season with black pepper and roasted garlic, then pat it dry and place it on a large baking sheet. Arrange the Brussels sprouts, golden beets, parsnip, carrots, and red onion around the pork. Using a silicone pastry brush, baste approximately 2 tbsp. of the balsamic mixture over all sides of the pork tenderloin. Then, sprinkle the top of the pork with the remaining 1/4 tsp. of fresh rosemary. Drizzle the remaining balsamic vinegar over the vegetables and toss to coat, seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Place the sheet pan on the middle rack in a preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is completely cooked and the vegetables are tender. Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Is Your Cup Empty? Recharge
By Heather Bedford, Columbia Counseling Center, MA, LPC, NCC
We’ve all heard the analogy that “we have to put on our own oxygen mask before we can help someone else”, but what do you do when there is no oxygen flowing? When your cup is empty, your plate is full and you’ve nothing left to give? In the counseling world, we call this “compassion fatigue.” However, compassion fatigue is not limited to the world of psychotherapy. Pastors, nurses, teachers, first responders, coaches, parents, (and more!) are on the front lines of the hurting, the broken, and the lost.
I’ve seen this so many times in my own practice, with clients who are some of the bravest people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. In Greek, the word paraklētos means “to come alongside someone else” and often refers to that person as a comforter or helper. While that is my professional privilege as a therapist, many of you have the same role as a friend, neighbor, parent, coworker, or even someone on the prayer chain at church. So, what do you do when your oxygen isn’t flowing? When your cup is empty?
My “counselor” questions to you are: “Where do you go to plug in and recharge?” and “Who walks alongside you?”
The answer is going to be different for every person reading this article. For some of you recharging means turning off your phone, for others it may be going for a walk or a run, and some of you may truly need a nap! (Can I get an AMEN, tired mamas?) Whatever you find yourself doing to recharge, do it, and do it without guilt or shame. Recharging is not selfish. Recharging is not avoidance. It is necessary for your body, mind and spirit.
Do it in this order: rest/recharge, process it with clarity, and find someone who can walk alongside you. That person who walks alongside you may be a friend, a pastor, a sibling, or a parent. Sharing the burden of life with a trusted source after you’ve had time to rest is the key to being able to tackle that full plate and empty cup.
From this counselor to you: turn off that phone, watch that movie in your NETFLIX queue, go out with your friends, grab that book and read a few chapters, or go take that nap! Whatever you choose, do it with the intention of recharging and refilling, then find that trusted source and share your heart. You’ll be amazed at the results!
