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FEATURES 14 18 21 30 34 37
Run Hard Wreaths Across America Best of Irmo-Chapin Winners Martin’s Vintage Music Company Health and Fitness Holiday Gift Ideas Olly Otter - More Than A Mascot
COLUMNS 9 13 47
Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate you taking the time to read Irmo Chapin Life Magazine. We publish six times per year and direct mail to almost 28,000 homes and businesses in the Irmo, Chapin, and Ballentine areas. This month we announce the winners of the 2024 Best of Irmo Chapin Life contest. I know that all the local businesses appreciated you voting, and we are excited to reveal the results inside. Are you and your family planning to have turkey this Thanksgiving? At our house I will be deep frying our family’s gobble gobbler. It is a good bit of prep work to get ready for the turkey fry. The propane tank needs re-filled and frying oil purchased in bulk. The turkey needs to be injected with marinade and seasoned with dry rub which ensures the best fried turkey skin. I enjoy the turkey fry on Thanksgiving because it keeps me busy. With so much responsibility entrusted to me, I am not able to lounge on the sofa and watch television. This usually results in me yelling inside the house for updates on the football game or for someone to bring me something to eat. No matter how you and your family prepare your Thanksgiving feast, I hope you enjoy everything about it, that makes Thanksgiving unique. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees in the Best of Irmo Chapin 2024 competition. Running a small business is not an easy job and these local businesses work extremely hard to earn your patronage and support. Shop local and Happy Thanksgiving!
Faith Matters Tom Poland David Clark
DEPARTMENTS 6 8 11 44
From the Publisher Calendar of Events Lexington Leader Spice of Life
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CONTACT US
Thanks for reading Irmo Chapin Life, Todd Shevchik
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NOVEMBER•DECEMBER Thursday, November 9 Leeza’s Care Connections Dare2Care Gala USC Alumni Center | 900 Senate St. | Columbia | 7 pm – 9 pm Join Leeza Gibbons and special guests to benefit Leeza’s Care Connection, South Carolina’s only comprehensive resource and support center offering free services for families and caregivers caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. For tickets visit dare2careevent.com.
Friday, November 17 – Sunday, January 14 (select nights) Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia | 5 pm – 9 pm Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. Enjoy interactive activities, fun photo ops, and seasonal favorites including nightly snowfall and visits with Santa (through December 23). Advance registration required. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.
Wednesday, November 15 Irmo Ladies Night Blessing Baskets Irmo Craft and Draft | 7583 St. Andrews Rd. | Irmo | 5 pm – 7 pm Unite with your families, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, or church to pack a basket. For more information contact Corrina Thomas at yourkeytosold@gmail.com or 803-590-6654.
Saturday, November 18 Holiday Market Crooked Creek Park | 1098 Old Lexington Hwy. | Chapin | 8:30 am – 2 pm Complete your holiday shopping with oneof-a-kind items including paintings, handmade jewelry, home decor items, and more. Visit icrc.net for more information.
Thursday, November 16 The Heritage Holiday Market The Heritage at Lowman | 2101 Dutch Fork Rd. | Chapin | 10 am – 5 pm Gather your family and friends and join local vendors and artisans at the Heritage Holiday Market. Get a head start on your holiday shopping and enjoy pop-up entertainment, food trucks, and photos with Santa. For more information call 803-732-8800.
Tuesday, November 21 Sleigh Bell Stroll Saluda Shoals Park | 6071 St. Andrews Rd. | Columbia | 6 pm – 8 pm See the Holiday Lights on the River on this unique two-mile, nighttime family fun walk. Pre-registration is required by 11/20/23. Visit icrc.net for more information.
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Daily November 23 - December 31 Holiday Lights on the River Saluda Shoals Park | 6071 St. Andrews Rd. | Columbia | 6 pm – 10 pm Experience the largest drive-through lights show in the Midlands as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in millions of sparkling lights. Journey through more than two miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes. Visit icrc.net for more information. Thursday, November 30 Holiday Oyster Roast Irmo Chamber House | 1235 Columbia Ave. | Irmo | 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Dominion Energy of South Carolina presents the 2023 Holiday Oyster Roast with live music, all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, beer, and wine. For tickets visit greaterirmochamber.com. Friday, December 1 – Thursday December 17 It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Chapin Theatre Company | 830 Columbia Ave. | Chapin This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds one fateful Christmas Eve. For tickets visit chapintheatre.org.
Brian Adleman
Seacoast Church Irmo Campus
As Christmas approaches, I find great joy in pausing to contemplate the events leading up to the birth of our Savior. I hope that this brief reflection serves as encouragement for you as we prepare for the upcoming beautiful season. Luke 2: 4-6 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. When I read the Bible, I try my best to put myself in the situation or think about how I would react. To be honest, when I read this part of the story, this is where my mind goes. First, if this were me…I’d be trying to figure out what we are going to do. We are going to be parents to the Son of God, no less! And now, I have to go register for the census. We plan the trip. We get everything we need to prepare, and we make the journey. But of course, as soon as we get there, it happens. The baby is coming! I wish I could tell you that I would be responding at that moment like Jack Pearson from This is Us, the perfect husband, and dad. Unfortunately, I know myself. I would be full of emotions and frustrations. My wife and I talk about this kind of thing all the time. We cannot control everything, and for me, that is always hard to process. I love to think I am a go-with-the-flow kind of person and most of the time I would say I am. But when I have a mission and it gets interrupted, I can get frustrated. I think that is part of the reason the Christmas season used to be so hard for me. I had this picture from all the Christmas movies and stories that I wanted to happen. Occasionally, they did, but a lot of times, they didn’t. So instead of just going with it, I would be upset. I used to blame that on other people. I would think, “How could you do that? It’s Christmas!” Or I would blame it on how commercialized Christmas was, making me not want to celebrate it as much. Do you know what I learned though? Christmas is about Jesus. God sent his Son because his plan is way better than our plan. God has a pretty good sense of humor, too. He sent me a wife who loves all things Christmas. And now, being a dad, I love watching our family enjoy the season. You don’t have to plan everything and have it all go right for it to be a season of joy and love. Remember, his plan is better than we could imagine so trust in him. I guarantee if you can do that you will see more joy in your life than you think possible. I never knew I could love Christmas the way that I do now. n
irmo-chapin’s
Seacoast Church Irmo Campus 411 Western Lane, Irmo, SC 29063 Service Times: Sundays 9:00 am & 10:30 am www.seacoast.org/irmo The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com | 9
Thank You for voting us Best of Irmo THREE years in a row!
7223 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212 | 803.765.1772 Follow us online: metromc.com
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irmo-chapin by Mary Ann Hutcheson
De’Andre Hugue “I’m Just a Cop Humanizing the Badge.”
Irmo Police Department Staff Sergeant De’Andre Hugue is known as a hometown hero, a “positive creator,” and a dedicated colleague who promotes pride in wearing the policeman’s badge. Hugue has been with the Irmo Police Department for ten years. The thirty-two-year-old hails from Jasper County in the South Carolina Lowcountry. He majored in Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina, with a minor in law enforcement, and served as a detention officer for three years before arriving at Irmo. Hugue’s mother and father have over twenty years of experience in law enforcement. He says, “‘Spare the rod; spoil the child’? They never spared the rod. But they got me where I am. If it weren’t for them guiding me and being in law enforcement themselves, I wouldn’t be where I am in this position today.” Wearing the badge of a police officer is challenging during the best of times. Hugue turns those challenges into something positive. He starts by putting the grace of God into everything he does. The right mental attitude, persistence, and a love for people follow. Hugue’s media presence spreads positivity to a wider audience with the support of friends, peers, and the public. “The support from my department is just beautiful, including that of my chief, Robert (Bobby) Dale,” he says. Hugue has seen negative sentiments grow after the deaths of George Floyd Jr. in 2020 and Tyre Nichols in 2023. “There are a lot of perspectives out there. Most of us representing the badge would do anything to protect and serve. We take pride in wearing those badges. There are a lot of good cops out there. I want my work to encourage people to judge police not by their presence but by their actions,” he says. In addition to his considerable media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Hugue is known for winning first prize among 1,900 United States law enforcement, military, and first responder participants in the June 2023 “Cheer Choice Award.” The award is given to “positive creatives” who make a difference in the world. In 2021, Sergeant Hugue developed the acronym “Hulkrilla.” His distinct musculature and physical presence could definitely qualify him as a Hulk, and he does enjoy working out. But “Hulkrilla” stands for something far more critical in his life. Each letter refers to a characteristic he believes should exist in the hearts and actions of all of us, especially in those who serve and protect. They stand for humanity, unity, love, knowledge, respect, integrity, loyalty, leadership, and accountability. People know him as Hulkrilla. He feels those characteristics should describe what we all look to achieve as we relate to one another. Regarding his future, Hugue says, “I have twelve more years in law enforcement. Eventually, I’ll look to retire and open up a tow truck business called “Hulkrilla Towing.” Law enforcement is in the family. Hugue’s seven-year-old son already likes playing cops, so there may be a Hulkrilla, Jr. someday. Hugue reminds his son to “relax a little” for now. Maybe someday. n
mo-chapin’s
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Voted Best Day Spa! Gift Certiicates Available 1400 Chapin Rd, Chapin, SC 29036 803-575-8404 | www.bluelavenderspa.com
My office is at The Flight Deck Shoppes in Lexington, South Carolina. I am focused on serving the Health Insurance Needs for Individuals of all Ages. I offer guidance and solutions with regards to the needs for Health Insurance and Medicare Insurance. Choosing Health Insurance plans can be Difficult. That is why I make it Easy. The Annual Enrollment for Medicare is October15–December 77. Open Enrollment for Individual Health Insurance is November 1–January 15.Give me a call to get on my Calendar so that we can discuss the best Options for your Individual Health Insurance in 2024. I will be glad to help. You can Call or Text Jeff Howle at 803-678-8121. You can also Email Jeff at jhowle@healthmarkets.com www.jeffhowle.com. or find him online at ww
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Jeff Howle - Sales Leader 214 Old Chapin Road, Lex, SC 29072 Call today! 803-951-2750 www.livingwellfm.com 12 | The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com
Licensed Insurance Agent Health | Medicare | Small Group | Life 803-678-8121 • Fax: 877-714-4421 jhowle@healthmarkets.com • www.jeffhowle.com
As summer fades green chlorophyl retreats, and colors emerge.
Glancing At Leaves by Tom Poland
This time of year I catch myself glancing at leaves. On walks through woods and bike rides along trails, I see the occasional red leaf. I glance again and see a few more leaves turning crimson. Soon red outnumbers green. Autumn’s nigh. I’ve talked to people who live in regions where autumn is a tad bland. They miss a lot. Here in Georgialina, we’re blessed to live where four seasons bring differing versions of beauty. Come March I find myself in peach orchards where daybreak reveals clouds of pink and coral blossoms. I walk over peppermint petals as if kaleidoscopes of pink butterflies touched down to rest. Come May-June it’s uplifting to see the rocky shoals spider lilies. The delicate flowers bring ballerinas to mind amid a concert of river songs. It’s a performance on a watery stage you’ll not forget. Summer’s tulips, roses, foxglove, and emerald mint leaves serve up a good tonic, and winter’s cold flowers—camellias—dazzle us, though most have little to no fragrance. Fall, though, is when we realize just how much grandeur we miss owing to the millions of pines that have displaced maples, oaks, and hickories. Pines, green year-round, are a non-event come fall, but what if each needle assumed a different hue than its neighbors? What a spectacle that would be. Thank you hardwoods for the colors you share. I have my favorite signs that fall is coming. Wild grapes begin to drop along the trails. Sulphur butterflies cross highways as they migrate south toward that state named the “land of flowers.” For me, these yellow beauties signify the coming of fall as surely as the reddening of maple leaves, as surely as purple muscadines and gold, brown-flecked scuppernongs. And here and there flower gardens and fields of sunflowers languish in decline. Spent sunflowers, like old women wearing dirty yellow bonnets, bow in deference to passersby. I know summer’s in retreat as temperatures drop and fall’s palette of red, orange, and gold banishes summer green. Autumn fo-
liage ushers in a pilgrimage to the mountains that captivates pleasure-seekers. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t love fall’s cavalcade of colors. Predicted with accuracy or not, fall’s arrival kicks off leaf-lover season. Colors pull hard at foliage worshipers and all highways lead to the mountains. Without a doubt, fall colors are one of Earth’s better performances. There’s music in the mountains and no resisting the trees’ siren song. But even in the flatlands, we find color. I love an early morning drive along rivers and over lakes where fog mutes colors, giving the land an impressionistic air. Down Lowcountry way another unsung beauty blesses autumn. Marshes turn golden and when you lay all that blue creek-laced gold beneath an indigo sky you get a Lowcountry like no other. Deep-blue skies. They give us an indigo dome of splendor. As fall falls away, here’s another unsung beauty. Frost. Across your windshield its feathery crystals etch intricate designs, upon leaves, it lays down a glaze like rime, and like the thinnest layer of snow, it turns rooftops into wintry slopes. Vanishes as soon as the sun strikes it. Autumn memories … I remember a trip to the mountains with my parents. At an overlook, we beheld a smoky blue land drenched in fall color. The sun glinted off a river and far away a lake looked like a shiny dime. Later clouds set in as we had a breakfast of ham, grits, and pancakes as snow began to fall. Mom and Dad are gone now, but what a memory that morning gave me up in Virginia. I must go, but before I do, I can’t overlook the Coastal Plain. I love to see colonies of pitcher plants, Saracenia flava, in their autumn palette. But this time of year it’s tree leaves that I glance at. “Tell me leaves, what might I expect from all of you this fall? Will you burst into flames or come on slowly, then brown, and return to the earth? Give us a show, please. Rain down your autumn splendor.” n The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com | 13
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HARD by Betsey Guzior • photos by Danni Snaps
Running is not just good for the body, but for the soul. For more than a decade, Jesse Harmon has been trying to spread that message through his nonprofit, aimed at elementary school students. “Running is a great life teacher,” Harmon said. Harmon oversees his Run Hard organization, which teaches elementary students the skills to run a 5K. The former youth minister is passionate about the benefits of organized athletics.
Run Hard aims to reach that goal by exposing youth to the sport of running, which can lead to a lifetime of fitness. You’ll be able to see some of that passion at the next fundraising road race for Run Hard, scheduled for Nov. 11 beginning at the Lexington County Blowfish Stadium on Park Road. Hundreds plan to run to fund scholarships for Run Hard in half marathon, 10K, and 5K races. Harmon began his dream in 2010, delivering newspapers early in the morning
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while he learned the ins and outs of creating a nonprofit and zeroing in on its mission. In 2012, then-assistant principal of Rocky Creek Elementary School Adam Diamond approached Harmon about fulfilling a need for a boy’s running club, with more than 50 students interested. “I remember telling him, ‘I would love to teach them about running, but I would also like to leverage that time to teach him more about life, giving them life concepts that will build a platform for success later in life.’ And he said I love it. Let’s do it.” Another group was formed at Meadow Glen Elementary School, and both programs served as a pilot to work out the kinks. Since then, the program has expanded to other Lexington County schools, along with other Run Hard training in schools throughout the state, as well as Augusta and Florida. Just under 800 students in the Midlands now are enrolled in fee-based programs for the fall running season. Harmon serves as executive director with a staff that oversees the individual programs and their coaches. In December, the kids will run a 5K with an adult running with them. In eight weeks of training, the students learn the
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fundamentals of running, with sessions designed to build the stamina to navigate about the 3.1 miles of the race. The kids also learn the value of positive peer pressure, how teamwork operates on and off the track, and what it takes to be honorable and show respect. “Those are the concepts that we thought were important to building a platform for success,” he said. The 2000 graduate of Lexington High School feels that running can change the direction of one’s life. It certainly changed his. “I was an overweight, unathletic kid and bullied through middle school. Middle school was a tough season of life for me as it is for many kids,” he said. He challenged himself to train after barely running a mile for a Presidential Fitness test. “The next time the test came around the next semester, I thought, I’m going to run as long as I can and see what time I can get. And so, I was at White Knoll Middle School running around the dirt track, and I remember making it one lap and I realized, ‘Hey, I ran a full lap without stopping. I’m pretty proud of myself.’ And then I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to see if I can make it to two, and I made it two.’ And pushed on, ‘All right, I’m halfway there.’ I can vividly remember these thoughts.” That training helped Harmon to break eight minutes in a mile. It led to a lifetime of running, including his first marathon in March 2007 and the Boston Marathon in 2011. Working as a youth pastor after graduating from Columbia International University also helped Harmon develop a passion for teaching life lessons. “I began to understand that running, though tough, teaches you a lot. And if I put work in, I have a little
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bit of potential. So, let’s find out what that potential is.” Harmon remembers so many successes, but the story of Crawford sticks with him. Crawford has been running with Run Hard since second grade. In 2020, a benign tumor on Crawford’s spine returned, prompting a long time of surgery and rehabilitation. In 2022, Crawford ran his first 5K race after surgery. He came in last in his race in Augusta but was happy that he finished. “I think a lot in life can be learned by doing difficult things,” Harmon said. “And running is just a difficult thing to do. It’s hard. It makes us work hard. It requires a lot of effort. But whenever we get finished, whenever you see those kids cross the finish line, you can see it on their faces and the expression, it doesn’t matter if you finish first or last, you still cross that finish line and you get an elevated sense of self-respect or self-accomplishment because it’s like ‘I just did something that a lot of people didn’t do this morning and that’s something to be proud of.’ So that’s why we choose running.” Learn more at runhard.org and runhardhalf.org. n
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REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.
2023 National Wreaths Across America Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 Day The 15th Annual Fort Jackson National Cemetery Wreaths Across America Ceremony will be held on December 16, 2023 at 12:00pm. Please consider sponsoring a wreath and participating in remembering and honoring our veterans by placing memorial wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and saying their name aloud. 18 | The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC 4170 Percival Rd. Columbia, SC 29229 Veteran Graves: 8,721 Coverage Goal: 17,000 Wreaths So Far: 9,440 Ceremony On: December 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm Location Coordinator: Carol B Davis, Denise Askin, Jennifer Berryman Wreaths Across America Radio is a resource for veteran healing through sharing stories of resilience, purpose and success.
WreathsAcrossAmerica.Org
You may not know this, but… A Veteran Dies Twice… First when they draw their last breath… and again when their name is spoken for the last time. You do not have to volunteer to attend the ceremony or place wreaths. Everyone is welcome and will have the opportunity to place wreaths and keep the spirits of the veterans alive. If you would like to volunteer to help work with the setup the morning of the ceremony or other areas, please email Volunteers.waaft.jackson@gmail.com. For all other inquires email waaftjackson@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting Fort Jackson National Cemetery and Wreaths Across America!
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
1. Sponsor a Wreath – Honor veterans in your local community by sponsoring a wreath that will be placed on a veteran’s grave. You choose the location. Groups can get involved as a fundraising project. 2. Add a New Location – Coordinate a wreath-laying ceremony at a cemetery or veteran’s memorial in your town. Determine if this location is already participating by checking the website. There are resources to help you plan your ceremony. 3. Start a Sponsorship Group – Your civic, nonprofit, school or other group can help raise wreath sponsorships for Arlington or your local cemetery. A portion of
the funds can be returned to help your group. We offer resources and assistance to ensure your success. 4. Volunteer – Volunteer to place wreaths on a veteran’s grave at any of more than 3,700 participating locations. Involve your friends and family to honor our service men, women and families. 5. Teach children the value of freedom – Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching younger generations about the value of their freedoms and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed to protect those freedoms. There are learning experiences, interactive media projects, and opportunities for schools, 4-H, scouts, and other youth groups to participate. The TEACH program includes service-based, character building curriculum designed for youth from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Learn more at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TEACH. 6. Donate – Every $17 places a wreath to honor our veterans. You can also contribute to the trucking costs and transportation of wreaths. 7. Give your employees time to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day. Thank you in advance, for helping to bring attention to National Wreaths Across America Day on December 16, 2023, and advancing the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.
Wreaths Across America History n 1992: First wreaths (5,000) donated by Morrill Worcester and Worcester Wreath n 2005: Iconic photo of wreaths in snow became a viral sensation n 2007: Wreaths Across America formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit n Every year since 2008: Congress proclaims a Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day. n 2012: Millionth wreath placed at Arlington National Cemetery n 2014: For the first time, every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery received a wreath. n 2016: 25th year that veterans’ wreaths were placed at Arlington National Cemetery. n 2018: Mission advances overseas with the first placement of 9,387 veterans’ wreaths at Normandy-American Cemetery in France. n 2021: Marked the 30th year that veterans’ wreaths have been placed at Arlington National Cemetery, a tradition started by Maine wreathmaker Morrill Worcester as a gift of thanks. Full Wreaths Across America History: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/our-story The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com | 19
OVER 40 SC ARTISTS ON DISPLAY
Get Ready for the Holidays!
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Don’t let your holidays be a pain in the neck!
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anks for Voting us Best Optometrist! Dealing with dry eyes? Ask us about our brand new state-of the-art dry eye treatments. Don't forget that you can use your ex spending accounts on eyeglasses & contacts 2914 Dreher Shoals Rd, Ste A, Columbia, SC 29212 Hours: Hou M-Th 9am-5pm | Friday 9am-2pm
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For over 25 years, Dr. Daniel Methuselah and the devoted team at Columbia Podiatry have proudly served the entire state of South Carolina. Their dedication and commitment to exceptional medical outcomes have earned them the prestigious Best of Irmo Chapin award for four consecutive years.
7182 Woodrow Street, Suite 105, Irmo, SC 29063 803.781.3500 | www.columbiapodiatry.com
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Martin’s Vintage Music Co. by Abigail Harris
Nestled in the heart of downtown Lexington sits a familiar building you may have passed driving down East Main Street. This building, which neighbors the Old Mill, holds new tenants with a fantastic story. Owned by Kenny and Loni Martin, this new music shop, Martin’s Vintage Music Co., is a beautiful addition to downtown Lexington businesses. The store is a long-time dream of Kenny’s. He saw the benefit of opening a store with various musical instruments and wanted to bring that vision to life. This family-owned store offers a unique shopping opportunity to find sought-after, vintage musical items and a place to connect with like-minded folks. Martin’s Vintage Music Co. provides an array of instruments, equipment, and vinyl records. Each piece in the shop
holds a story and memories from the past. Whether the vinyl records evoke reminders of the past through the music or the feel of a vintage guitar in the hands of a musician ushers in nostalgia for simpler times, almost every item in Martin’s Vintage Music Co. has a tale and scars from a well-lived life. Kenny enjoys the uniqueness of each piece in the shop and says he has difficulty parting with many of them when their new owners take them home.
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Music has been an instrumental part of Kenny’s life for over 54 years. He started playing music at the tender age of 10, and at 14, he played the Ridge Jamboree in a packed house in Batesburg-Leesville, an event he looks back on as a treasured memory. He has had the opportunity to work with the industry’s best during his time in music. Kenny has made many incredible memories and connections, from playing steel guitar with The Marshall Tucker Band from 2011-2016 to playing the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium twice and at the Gaylord Opry five times. Kenny says, “I have wanted to open a vintage music store for many years. Being a touring musician allowed me to visit many family-owned music stores nationwide. Opening my own music store is a lifelong dream that has now come true.
“I get to play music every day. Talk about music every day. Listen to music every day. My average workday is the best day a musician could have, a musician’s dream come true. I get to work at a music store and play everything in the store. Pretty cool!” — Kenny Martin We hope that Martin’s Music Co. can help others enjoy the memories brought back through music and make new memories for the future with musical instruments and records,” he continues. Kenny’s inspiration comes from his wife, Loni, his family, and his love of music. His wife and stepdaughter, Carly, are very musically talented, and Kenny is even a part of Carly’s band, The Show Goats. “I get to play music every day. Talk about music every day. Listen to music every day. My average workday is the best day a musician could have, a musician’s dream come true. I get to work at a music store and play everything in the store. Pretty cool!” The Martin family brings even more entertainment to the community as well. They offer music shows to the community at their farm at Fiddler Branch Road, where they play Bluegrass, Country, and Rock. Most of the events are free to the public, and it is a family-friendly environment. If you are looking for an instrument, classic vinyl record, or maybe you are just in the mood to browse through some vintage items, take a moment to stop by Martin’s Vintage Music Co. located at 605 East Main Street in Lexington. They are open Tuesday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm, or you can visit their website at martinsvintagemusic.com. n
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Is your heating and cooling system old and inefficient? If so, give us a call and find out about how DAIKIN can help you live in the comfort you expect and deserve. With the best warranties of all HVAC equipment manufatures backed by the name you know and trust in the midlands. You can also take advantage of “The Inflation Reduction Act” and receive credits of up to $3200. So put comfort in your home the Kaminer way, call Kaminer right away.
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Health and Fitness Holiday Gift Ideas by Kim Becknell Williams
The December calendar is usually packed full of holiday festivities, office parties, and a lot of gift shopping. Finding the perfect gift for someone can be a tough decision. This year, why not put a healthy twist on gift shopping and buy gifts supporting a healthy, fit lifestyle? Many people make New Year resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, and exercise more. A holiday health or fitness gift supports the efforts of those starting on a fitness journey or tackling a resolution, as well as those who already lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Contributing to someone’s wellness can be very gratifying. Jewelry Forget the diamonds and pearls (well, maybe don’t forget them altogether) and think about fitness jewelry. Look for dumbbell earrings, weighted plate necklaces for strength trainers, and bracelets with motivating quotes for exercise newbies and gym rats. Online stores carry many creative styles. For someone who has completed a marathon, triathlon, or another race, research online for jewelry recognizing their achievement(s) for specific race locations. Most of the big races carry gear and jewelry identifying their races. Charm bracelets are ideal for avid distance runners who might want to add charms designating the completed races. Generic charms indicate running distances, such as 5K, 10K, 13.1 for a half marathon, and 26.2 for a full marathon. Others show the three events for triathlons: swimming, biking, and running. Check running stores and sporting goods stores for these. Fitness Trackers There are lots of options with fitness trackers. Many can be paired with smartphones, computers, and iPads. Prices vary based on brands and features. Some only track steps, like a pedometer. Others monitor sleep patterns, heart rate, number of steps, oxygen levels, and so much more. Sporting goods stores, department stores, and online shops are places to look for these items. 34 | The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com
Exercise-related Combos Wrap two or more related gifts together for a package deal. Five ideas for bundled gifts include: 1. An exercise or yoga mat for stretching and a cushion for floor exercises. Throw in a gift certificate to a yoga and/or stretching class. Go the extra mile and get a mat carrier with a shoulder strap for taking the mat to classes or the gym. 2. Consider a new swim cap, pool towel, and floating weights for swimmers. 3. Those who shower at the gym would appreciate a carrying case or shower bucket filled with things like pool shoes or flipflops, a bath towel, shower wrap, and assorted toiletries. 4. Hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers could use bug repellant, first aid bandages, and GPS trackers. 5. Cyclists might enjoy receiving new bike gear: reflectors, mirrors, helmets, and water bottles. Accessories Perhaps one of the very best exercise accessories is a reusable water bottle. For those who have a hard time tracking their water intake, bottles with times marked on the side serve as reminders to help them keep up with intake throughout the day. Some water bottles fit snugly in car/bike cup holders and need to be refilled once during the day. Larger ones have the convenience of holding a full day’s recommended amount but are much larger and cumbersome to tote around. Wireless earbuds and headphones allow those exercising to listen to podcasts and music. Socks are a great accessory gift idea for those beginning exercise and those who do it every day. A good exercise sock can help prevent blisters and calluses, provide foot support, and keep sweat away from the skin with a wicking fabric. There are lots of fun colors and styles too. Many of the socks are designed for specific sports: hiking, running, training, etc. While it would be difficult to buy someone exercise shoes or apparel since they need to be tried on for proper fit, you can always purchase a gift card/certificate for a specific brand or to a sporting goods store. After holiday sales are a great time to make the most of the gift card. Workout gloves protect hands from blisters and calluses and can help with gripping equipment. Gloves come in a variety of styles, like those that only cover knuckles, those that cover the
hands with fingertips exposed, and those that go higher up on the wrist for added support. Tote bags and backpacks hold all the necessary stuff that gym goers want to carry along. Rucking is a current exercise trend where someone wears a weighted backpack to take a walk or hike to increase intensity. In that case, a backpack could serve two purposes. Exercise Dice or Workout Cards An exercise dice has exercises written on the sides. When it’s rolled, it lands with an exercise on top: ten jumping jacks, five burpees, ten squats, a 20-second plank, a one-minute wall sit, etc. Workout cards do the same thing when a card is selected from the deck indicating a suggested exercise idea. It’s a fun way to shake up a routine. Fitness Journals, Logs, and Books Fitness journals and logs allow space to write down routines and accomplishments. Some offer suggestions, while others are blank with spaces to fill in sets, reps, or weightlifting amounts. Many of these journals also include areas to keep track of macros, calories, and food intake. Although there is a plethora of options online, having something in hand as a reference can be a great motivator. Cookbooks with healthy meal ideas and/or exercise books are other gift options. Stocking Stuffers and Small Gift Ideas Sometimes you just need a small gift idea or a Christmas stocking stuffer. • protein bars • energy gel packs (especially helpful for distance runners) • locks for gym lockers • sweat headbands and wristbands • hair ties Finishing Touches Put the finishing touches on your healthy gift with unique wrapping paper and a sweet, handwritten sentiment. Discount stores and some online retailers sell exercise-related wrapping paper. Enclose an encouraging note for the recipient. Your gift and an attached note might be just what is needed for inspiration long after they’ve been opened. n
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More Than a
Mascot: Masco t: Olly the Otter Brings Hope to Families by Natalie Szrajer
lly the Otter is more than just a mascot for Kid’s Day of Lexington. He is a friend to children going through tough times who need hope and laughter to help them momentarily forget their worries. If there is something Olly believes in, it’s joy. The playful otter brings his high energy and entertainment to help motivate, educate, and heal. “The heart of what we wanted to do was to reach families,” said Jamie Ballentine, the man behind the mascot. Jamie and his wife, Brittany, brought Olly the Otter to life in 2014. Initially, he made hospital visits to kids receiving medical treatment and participated in children’s events such as Lexington’s annual Kids Day. However, in 2020 the pandemic changed everything. Making hospital visits during Covid was not possible, especially with compromised immune systems being an issue. Yet, Jamie knew he could not stay still. “I thought, these kids are shut out enough, and then add the Covid pandemic. Someone mentioned doing home visits,” said Jamie, who knew this was what he needed to do. The home visits started during Halloween when Olly would bring Halloween baskets to kids and then extended to Christmas and Easter. The home visits were the key to implementing Olly’s mission of bringing hope and laughter to children diagnosed with an illness or medical condition. Jamie explains he secured sponsors for Olly’s home visits and his goal is to secure sponsorships to allow Olly the Otter to be his full-time gig. However, even without the corporate sponsors, he is intent on helping spread some cheer and motivation to children and their families going through rough seasons. Jamie calls the young people warriors because of the fighting they must endure to survive their hardships. “These kids and their parents are battling,” explains Jamie. “We can pray and talk with the families on their journey. Siblings have their battles too. We have been asked specifically to come for the siblings.” Jamie says “we” because it’s not just him donning the Olly costume and doing all the work. He has assistance from his
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“ The heart of what we wanted to do was to reach families,” — Jamie Ballentine
wife, Brittany, who joins him on visits and event outings when she isn’t working as a pediatric physical therapist. On average, Brittany says they do about three events a month and four visits a week although it can fluctuate. “For some families, they are walking in unknown territory,” says Brittany. “There are joys and tears for sure. We get close to the families and celebrate and laugh. And sometimes we get bad news, which is hard.” While the visits initially started by visiting kids diagnosed with cancer, it has expanded as they learned about the many other conditions children face. “If someone reaches out, we go,” said Jamie. He says they serve around 60 families across the state with two being in North Carolina. There are a lot of families in and around the Lexington area they serve which they 38 | The Winners Are In! Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2024 at irmochapinlife.com
attribute to the popularity of Kid’s Day and social media. Becoming Olly The otter costume is the second one Ballentine has donned and depending on the event or who he is visiting he will wear a different shirt to suit the need. He has his Kid’s Day shirts and sports outfits among others. But why an otter? Jamie explains that they were looking for an animal that wasn’t an obvious Biblical animal but one that still pertained to faith. Meaningful Play is a faith-based organization so finding one relating to faith was essential. Otters are generally considered playful and friendly creatures. They are also quite curious and feed off social connections. “When I was trying to figure out what to create – because we are faith-based – I
Googled animals of faith and a river otter popped up,” said Jamie. “I researched otter behaviors and habits and I thought, ‘I’m a human version of this.’ I sketched a character and showed my wife the next morning and she said, ‘That’s it,’” he explains. So, the otter stuck around. Meaningful Play When he’s not visiting families in person, he sends messages or calls them. Not only does he interact with the children, but he gets to know the families. Graysen Dychs loves playing basketball and it’s probably his favorite activity to do with Olly when he visits. His mom, Katie Cornelius, says Olly “checks in every two weeks at least.” Checking in comes in the form of a phone call, visit, or text, she explains. It certainly lifts his spirits especially since he’s undergone multiple surgeries in his young life. Graysen has a motility issue that he was born with and sees a specialist in North Carolina frequently from his St. Matthews home. Being able to play basketball with Olly is fun for Graysen and takes his mind off his health problems for a little while. Breanna and Joseph Marra’s nine-
month-old, Salem Emmersyn, was diagnosed with Leigh Syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disorder with an average lifespan of two to three years. The Sumter-based family got to know Olly this year and while Salem is only a baby, Olly makes time for Salem and her older sister. “We see doctors and specialists out of state and have appointments at least once a week,” said Joseph. He says Olly has dance parties and spends time with their oldest child at the park, who feels left out at times. There are many moments of laughter and tears of joy but also moments of sadness when Olly’s warriors end the fight and say their goodbyes. “We’ve lost six warriors since I’ve been doing this. There was one little girl named Maddie. One of the last times she was able to go outside, she became winded very quickly. It’s been hard. She was six. Her family is dear to us,” shares Jamie. Olly continues to bring motivation and healing through play to children facing lifelong illnesses while also looking at ways to expand his mission. Learn more about Olly the Otter by visiting his website at ollytheotter.com. n
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Social Media: Friend or Foe? by Renee Love, Ph.D.
I heard one of my students saying recently that when something happens, for many folks, the first reaction is to share the news on TikTok; even at 18 years old, my student found this trend disturbing. We are increasingly sharing our life stories with “strangers” on social media rather than with friends or family. We know that watching life through screens cannot replace the gaze of love or friendship. The Dark Side of Social Media Social media can provide entertainment, information and other diversions, but when we spend too much time on social media we are straying from real life relationships and even compromising our mental health.
Increasingly, studies confirm the addictive quality of social media and the connection to anxiety and depression. The McLean Hospital shared Pew Research Center statistics on this topic: 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media. This puts a large amount of the population at an increased risk of feeling anxious, depressed, or ill over their social media use.” In “Computers and Human Behavior”, Dr. Julia Brailovskaia found that “Reading all the negative information online and on Facebook fosters anxiety, panic, and stress symptoms.” The MIT Sloan School of Management also reports that “Researchers found a significant link between the presence of Facebook and
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increases in anxiety and depression among college students.” Put directly, “social media use is linked to a decline in mental health” (Dylan Walsh). I understand how reading negative news might spark anxiety, but how could social media usage lead to feelings of depression, panic, or stress? For one reason, some social media users compare themselves to others, perhaps worrying that one’s own life may not “measure up” when compared (through social media posts) to another’s. We tend to forget that social media posts are actually carefully curated images of our “best life,” not our “everyday” life or even our “real” life. We post the highlights, the “shooting stars,” and those “gold medal” posts may prompt unhealthy comparisons. When my son was applying to college, for instance, as I saw others’ posts about college acceptances I started to feel anxious about my own child’s college acceptance letter. What if my son does not get into the school of his choice? He will be disappointed when he sees the posts about others who were accepted into certain colleges while he was not. Thankfully, my son was accepted into college so there was a happy resolution to my anxiety but, for many, social media posts are reminders of what one person has and what another does not. I am not suggesting that we stop posting pictures of our happy times and accolades. I know those college congratulations posts were intended as praise—not to overshad-
ow others’ accomplishments. Still, I worry that some of us are vulnerable to making unfounded comparisons—whether the comparison is about college, travel, body image, or other topics. Another challenge in social media is distinguishing between appearances and reality; this game is tiring and confusing. I routinely encounter images on social media that present fantasies of people’s lives. One of my friends posted some pictures she described as “scenes from [her] mountain cabin.” I don’t begrudge anyone for having a mountain cabin, but when a burned-out RV that lacks heating and air-conditioning is represented as a mountain cabin, such misrepresentations make Facebook “Fake-book.” Social media blurs the boundaries between appearances and reality; just because we see something posted on social media, a post alone does not guarantee a reality. Be mindful about your investments of time in social media; instead, invest your time in real life and in real people. Social media seems to provide glimpses of our loved ones, but depending on the individual doing the posting, these glimpses may range from realistic to falsehood. “Thumbs up” affirmations in social media are not the same as real life connections, though perhaps they are a step in the right direction. More often than not social media creates the illusion of connection, but not the reality of friendship. Mindful Uses of Social Media Despite these concerns we can still use social media positively–if we are mindful, act intentionally, and use moderation. Research in positive psychology by Shawn Achor and others finds that performing random acts of kindness and practicing gratitude help people develop a more positive mindset. I try to use social media to share words of affirmation and support and I hope you will consider sending birthday, anniversary, and congratulatory wishes to your loved ones through Facebook or other platforms. We can also use social media to offer support to those who are suffering or who are in need. For instance, my friend Maxine lives in Ireland and she posted her Father’s obituary on Facebook. When I saw Maxine’s post I reached out to see if I could help. Likewise, many of us have seen prayer requests on Facebook; we can use social media to offer or receive spiritual support.
Additional positive uses of social media include collaborations, participation in mutual causes or sharing hobbies and expertise. We might learn about a fundraiser for an animal shelter or an opportunity to purchase a watercolor from a favorite artist. We can connect with peers who share hobbies from bird watching to poetry. I enjoy following posts about my hometown, Raleigh, through a group devoted to those who “grew up in Raleigh.” The shared cause can be something personal as well. The year my Mother turned 75 I asked Facebook friends if they could help me with a “card party” to send 75 birthday cards to my Mother in honor of her 75th birthday. I did not post my Mother’s address (people contacted me individually for that information), but you can imagine my Mother’s delight to have a surprise “card party” brought to her through the mail and the kindness of so many folks across the miles–most of whom my Mother had never met. I always reciprocate these gestures and when I see friends’ posts about sending cards to parents or grandparents, I am happy to help in those efforts. Sometimes I learn of a need on social media and I realize I have the opportunity to play a small role to make someone’s life better. A teacher friend shared on Facebook that she was seeking sponsors to help purchase board games for her students so that
each child would be able to take home a board game of his or her own. Many students had never played board games, like checkers or Monopoly, and the class enjoyed learning about games people played before the advent of technology. Through Facebook I have learned about opportunities where I could donate gifts for seniors in nursing homes or help children have happier holidays. Any chance we have to make someone’s life a little better is time well spent. We can use social media to help our family, friends, strangers, animals, the community, the environment, and any passion we hold dear. Sometimes we even make a genuine friend through Facebook, as was the case with Melanie, the Mother of one of my friends. I noticed Melanie’s inspiring posts on Facebook and in no time, we began communicating in real life–outside of Facebook. If not for “meeting” Melanie first through Facebook, I might never have had the opportunity to form such a cherished friendship with a kindred spirit. As you can see, if used intentionally and moderately social media can become a source for sharing kindness, gratitude, material and spiritual resources. We can connect with people who share enthusiasm for similar causes and dreams. In some cases, social media may even sow the seeds for future friendships. n
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Holiday Appetizers Cranberry Turkey Sliders 12 Hawaiian Rolls (1 package) 8-oz deli turkey slices 8-oz Swiss cheese ¾ cup cranberry sauce 1 stick butter, melted 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup cranberry sauce 1 tbsp poppy seeds ¼ cup dried cranberries Preheat the oven to 375 °F. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half and place in a casserole dish. Spread ¾ cranberry sauce on the bottom of the rolls, top with sliced turkey and cheese. Add top of rolls on top of the Swiss cheese. Mix melted butter, ¼ cranberry sauce, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds until lumps are gone, and pour mixture over sandwiches. Top with ¼ cup dried cranberries. Bake in the oven for 15 – 20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Cornbread Spinach Wafers 1 box frozen chopped spinach 2 eggs 3-oz melted butter ½ cup blue cheese dressing ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 box corn muffin mix Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix eggs, butter, and blue cheese dressing. Add garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, and corn muffin mix. Fold in the spinach (drained and water squeezed out) and cheddar cheese and mix well. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, make small balls with the dough. Place dough on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn light brown. Cool on a cooling rack and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Sweet Potato Puffs 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & sliced into 1/4” thick rounds 2 tbsp melted butter 1 tsp maple syrup Kosher salt 1 (10-oz) bag marshmallows ½ cup pecan halves Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a large baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes with melted butter and maple syrup and arrange in an even layer, season with salt. Bake until tender, flipping halfway through, about 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and switch the oven to broil. Top each sweet potato round with a marshmallow and broil until puffed and golden. Immediately top each marshmallow with a pecan half and serve. Maple Bacon Carrots 2 pounds carrots, less than ½ inch thick, peeled 1 pound thin-sliced bacon ¼ cup maple syrup Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each carrot (starting at the thick end of the carrot). When wrapping bacon, be careful not to overlap the layers. Arrange the carrots on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the carrots are tender. Remove from the oven and carefully glaze all sides with the maple syrup. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes and serve.
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Mac and Cheese Bites 8-oz elbow pasta 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp mustard powder ½ tsp salt 1 ¼ cups 2% milk 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease two mini-muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, about
7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. Melt the butter, add the flour, garlic powder, and mustard powder into the pot, and stir to combine, for about 2 minutes. Add the milk, season with salt and pepper, and whisk well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese until the mixture is melted. Fold in the cooked pasta and mix until it is evenly coated with the sauce. Scoop about 2 tbsp of the mac-and-cheese mixture into each muffin cup and pack in with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and remaining cheese on top. Bake until the cheese is melted, and the breadcrumbs become golden, for about 20 to 25 minutes. Cinnamon Maple Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 3 cups fresh dried pumpkin seeds ¼ cup butter melted 4 tbsp pure maple syrup 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground cloves pinch of salt Preheat the oven to 275 °F. Put the dried seeds in a bowl, pour the melted butter and the maple syrup over the seeds. Stir to coat well. In a separate bowl mix all the spices together (You can add 2-3 tbsp white or brown sugar to dry spice mix if you want them sweeter). Dump the spices over the seeds and mix well. Spread the seeds onto parchment-lined baking sheets and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cook for 30-45 mins (or until the seeds look golden brown), stirring every 15-20 minutes. After the seeds have cooled, break up with your hands. Store the seeds in an airtight container at room temperature.
Green Bean Casserole Cups 16-oz canned biscuits 8 count 28-oz canned green beans drained 10.5-oz cream of mushroom or cream of celery 3 cloves garlic minced 1 small onion diced 1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded 2 tsp seasoning salt 1 1/4 cup crispy fried onions Preheat the oven to 375°. Spray the muffin pan with nonstick spray. Remove the biscuits from the can and separate each biscuit in half. Place each piece in a muffin cup and press down on the bottom and up the sides. Combine the green beans, cream of mushroom (or celery) soup, garlic, 1 cup of cheese, and onions in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until well combined. Spoon the green bean mixture into the muffin cups, filling up to the top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Remove from the oven, add the remaining cheese and fried onions. Place back into the oven and bake until the cheese melts. n
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Creating Thankfulness A younger friend mentioned how he sometimes felt bad about all the worry he caused his folks. I agreed and added that I felt ashamed of how I caused so much worry. He laughed a wry laugh and said it made him want to cry if he thought about it hard enough. He and I grew up in similar situations -a Mama and Daddy who worked, checked our homework, and took the whole family to church on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. We both had a Mama who could cook up a storm and tear our tails up if we needed it. We both had a Daddy who would listen, who taught us how to throw and catch and fix our bikes, and who called us out when we needed to be corrected by a man who wouldn’t take any guff from a kid. We shared several examples of fire raining down on our behind after some infraction we thought at the time was quite minor. He said: “But you know, now that I look back, those minor corrections are what saved me. It was the right way to do it, even though I hated my folks at the time
for whoopin’ me. I thank God everyday for all those whoopin’s because I wouldn’t be worth a hoot now if I hadn’t gotten them.” We discussed the dinner table, and how there was always some intelligent conversation -- usually about how school was going or what we were learning, and occasionally about something Mama or Daddy had heard from a teacher and just wanted “some clarification.” These “clarifications” were always about things we thought nobody knew anything about. My friend laughed. “Man, we couldn’t get away with anything back then. My parents knew everything I did or was thinking about doing.” I laughed at that. “Yep, it’s hard to imagine they did all the same stuff we did before we came along. Maybe not exactly the same, but the same type of stuff. And you may have noticed we know what our own kids are doing, right?” He said: “Oh yeah. My son is amazed when I describe what he’s doing to a T. And now that we’re talking about real conversations at the table, my wife and I have
talked about making changes at our house. We’re going to all eat together from now on. Nobody will have a phone. I owe these kids the same grilling I got. I think I’m going to call their teachers and get some real information about how they’re doing.” “Well, you know they’re going to hate you for that.” “Yeah, I know, but they already hate me anyway, just like I hated my folks. Who cares? I want them to have something to be thankful for, so my wife and I are going to earn that hatred now, so they’ll be thankful later. It worked with us. I pray to God it works with my kids.” We shook hands. “Happy Thanksgiving.” n
David Clark writes and works in Cochran, GA. Connect with him at cw.w4trj@gmail.com.
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