Issuu

2 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 3

4 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 5

Here When You Need Us Now Open Daily 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Lab • X-Ray • CT

6 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

URGENT CARE

irmochapinlife.com

FROM THE

19 inside FEATURES

High School Football . .........................13 Clemson and Carolina.........................15 Chapin We Care Center......................16 SC Career Kids....................................19 Roy’s Grille...........................................22 Best of ICL Nominees..........................25 Happy Wheels......................................36 Needlepoint..........................................39 Kids Glued to Screens?........................43

publisher I tightly clutched my packed box and entered the post office. Quickly, I was greeted by a friendly postal employee and shipped the box off. I excitedly shared with her that the contents of the box contained old 8mm home movies that my Pap Pap had filmed between 1975 and 1984. I had no idea what was on the videos and left the post office with a sense of accomplishment and eager anticipation. Two weeks later, the package arrived with everything transferred to digital media. In a world that binges on Netflix, I hustled home, nuked some popcorn, and jumped into bed. I was about to binge watch my life as a pre-teen filmed through the lens of Joseph Toth,

my beloved Pap Pap. It was a surreal experience seeing my mom and grandma sunbathing at the lake, then realizing that Mom was only 35 at the time. Dad always recounts a story of when we lived in Bradford, PA (think tons of snow) in 1975, and he dove in front of my brother’s sled so that it wouldn’t crash into the creek. It is legendary Shevchik family folklore. Sure enough, Pap Pap’s footage captured Dad’s diving rescue on film. I was awestruck as I rewound and watched Dad’s diving save over and over again. The videos were glorious! Seeing actual footage of Mom and I smiling together and waving to Pap Pap was priceless. Mom, Grandma, and Pap Pap have moved on from this earth and into Heaven. However, last week we were all together again, enjoying Easter egg hunts, baseball games, Christmas, the beach, and most importantly, precious times shared together. I anxiously await the return of some brisk, crisp, cooler, autumn air. How long it will take until that happens is anyone’s guess. I am hoping for sooner versus later. What about you? I want to congratulate all the businesses nominated for the 2027 Best of Irmo-Chapin competition. These businesses and owners work tirelessly providing the best products and services for our community. Today’s world is constantly changing and keeping up with the present while working towards the future is a never-ending challenge. Voting for Best of Irmo-Chapin is LIVE! Vote online for your favorites at irmochapinlife.com.

COLUMNS

Enjoy autumn with those you love and remember, hugs are still free!

Faith Matters........................................... 8 David Clark..........................................42 Crossword Puzzle.................................45

Thanks for reading Irmo-Chapin Life, Todd Shevchik

DEPARTMENTS

From the Publisher................................. 7 Calendar of Events................................. 9 Irmo-Chapin Leader............................11 Spice of Life..........................................46

Todd Shevchik Publisher & Editor-In-Chief toddshevchik@gmail.com Jan Johnson Editor & Director of Digital Media lexlifeeditor@gmail.com Anne Reynolds Sales Director annerabonreynolds5@gmail.com

Kim Curlee Production Manager kimcurlee214@gmail.com Jane Carter Editorial Designer jcarterdesign@comcast.net

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 7

faith MATTERS CHUCK MCALISTER

Pastor, HomePlace Church

Elk and Obsessions One of the most unique sounds you will hear in God’s country is the bugle call of the bull elk in early fall. In late September or early October, the bull becomes obsessed with one thing: leading his harem of cows. He does everything he can to attract his little harem. He paws the dirt, he snorts, and he bugles. Many times, you will see two bull elk calling to each other ferociously from different ridges, determined to challenge one another, and often confrontations do occur. It’s said that you can hear their battle from up to a mile away. These bull elk become obsessed with their desire for their potential herd and to reproduce, even to the point of doing ridiculous things to obtain their obsession, even risking their own lives. I’ve known people like that. Their lives seem to lose focus. They become obsessed with one thing, and before long everything about their life begins to unravel. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Do you know what that means? It means when you put God first by coming to know Him through His Son, Jesus, and receive the righteousness He offers, then everything else falls into place. You don’t have to have obsessive behavior or get upset with people because they step on your obsession. Just like obsessive people, these bull elk occasionally find themselves locking horns. It means certain death. If you’re not careful, you will find yourself locking horns with something that could cause your demise as well. It could destroy your dreams, your potential, and your opportunities, all because you became obsessed with something that really didn’t matter. It is all about putting God first. It is about coming to know Him. Maybe it’s time you set that example for your family. When was the last time you took your family to church? When is the last time you let them know that knowing God was really important? You really can know Him through His Son, Jesus. Question: Is your relationship with the Lord the priority of your life, or are you currently distracted by something that has become your obsession? Prayer: Lord, help me to make you first and foremost in my life in all things. n

102 Lexington Ave., Chapin, SC homeplaceministries.org • Sunday Services 11 am

Thanks for nominating us Best Interior Design Firm Lisa Jurgensen Interior Designer (803) 960-5935 www.vieelaninteriors.com

8 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

irmochapinlife.com

CALENDAR OF

events

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Saturday, September 12 Holistic Health Fair Crooked Creek Park | 1098 Old Lexington Hwy. | Chapin | 10 am – 2 pm This free event brings together local health care professionals, integrative wellness practitioners, and healing arts vendors. For more information visit icrc.net. Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20 Columbia’s 39th Annual Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | 1931 Sumter St. | Columbia Enjoy the music, atmosphere, food and drink, and learn a little about Greece. Visit columbiasgreekfestival.com for more information. Saturday, September 19 Lake Sweep River Sweep Lake Murray | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Help Keep the Midlands Beautiful by cleaning up litter on the islands and shorelines around Lake Murray. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt, lunch, and a thank you gift. Register at keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org. Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26 Irmo Okra Strut Moore Park | 7473 Church St. | Irmo Enjoy family fun, live music, and all the goodness that is Okra. Visit okrastrut.com for the full schedule. Thursday, October 1 Chapin Chamber Fall Golf Classic Charwood Golf Club | 222 Clubhouse Dr. | West Columbia Enjoy a wonderful day on a beautiful course while connecting with local business leaders, colleagues, and friends. For more information visit chapinchamber.com.

Meet Buzzy... the New Face of Pest-Free Living!

The votes are in, and our mascot has a name! Congratulations to our winning entry. Trust Buzzy and our team to protect your home year round!

Monday, October 12 Lifelong Learning: Homebuying 101 Chapin Library | 129 Columbia Ave. | Chapin | 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Thinking about buying a house? Learn the key steps, requirements, and financing basics with Safe Mortgage Sales Manager Nell Brace (ages 18+). Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information. Thursday, October 15 Irmo Food and Wine Festival Moore Park | 7473 Church St. | Irmo | 5 pm – 8 pm Sip, savor, and celebrate with live music from The Time Pirates 3. For tickets visit greaterirmochamber.com. Saturday, October 17 An Evening For Education River Center at Saluda Shoals Park | 5605 Bush River Rd.| Columbia | 7 pm The District 5 Foundation will host their annual fundraising gala with a DJ, dancing, food, fun, and an auction. For tickets visit district5foundation.org. n

THANKS FOR NOMINATING US BEST EXTERMINATOR!

Our family has been taking care of what bugs your family since 1993!

Call 803.359.2774 | pestmanagementsystems.com

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 9

THANKS FOR NOMINATING US BEST MARGARITA!

Come see why we are nominated BEST Jewelry Store again! 1068 Lake Murray Blvd Irmo, SC 29063 (803) 736-0415 CarolinaFineJewelry.com

Family owned for two generations

2736 N Lake Dr #106, Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 708-8675 @hermanosybeer

Discover your new home at the Heritage at Lowman. The Lifestyle—Care-free Living & Support When Needed. Spend your days active, engaged, or at ease. Walk to dining, wellness, and the chapel. Enjoy fitness classes, pool, social gatherings, and lifelong learning. The Homes—Move-in ready. Open, modern interiors. Easy, single-level living.

Now Available! The Right Home, Ready for You.

Come see what feels like home.

803.451.7446 or Outreach@theHeritageAtLowman.org

2101 Dutch Fork Rd., Chapin 10 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

theHeritageAtLowman.org irmochapinlife.com

IRMO-CHAPIN

leader

by Mary Ann Hutcheson

Anna Maria Hinson

LEXINGTON-RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE 2026-2027 TEACHER OF THE YEAR Spring Hill High School English teacher Anna Maria Hinson has been named the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year for Lexington-Richland School District Five. Hinson finished her sixth year at the school last May and currently teaches English I College Prep, English I Honors, and English 2 Honors for grades 9 and 10. Hinson’s resume reflects a strong conviction that long-term learning matters for both teachers and students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Teaching for Secondary English. She is Gifted and Talented Certified and has earned her National Board Certification— an advanced teaching credential, considered a benchmark of excellence in teaching.

“It has been a whirlwind and an honor that is still sinking in. It was absolutely unexpected, and I am still laughing at how my students told me they have never seen me so red in the face and at a loss for words.” — Anna Maria Hinson

Hinson’s distinction as Teacher of the Year is not just about her credentials. Her passion for teaching and her dedication to helping students succeed stand out as her true mission. Hinson has always felt called to be a teacher. As a child, she read to her stuffed animals, a rapt audience. Her younger brother was also drafted, although he sometimes remembers it as “not getting a word in edgewise.” Her dream to teach a certain grade someday matched whichever grade she was in, and she loved them all. Growing up in District Five, Hinson was inspired by her teachers, especially her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Trevett, who encouraged her love of reading, writing, and English. Their relationship continues today. Recognizing Hinson’s passion and irmochapinlife.com

potential for teaching, Mrs. Trevett invited a young Hinson to help instruct her students at her writing workshop. Hinson has also served as a coaching teacher for student interns. For Hinson, the greatest rewards of teaching come from seeing her students grow and find their voices. Watching students that she first met as freshmen, graduate and transition to the “real world” is particularly meaningful. She said, “There is no other job in the world that meets that passion. I love the questions, the self-discovery, and the fun. Knowing that I can make a lasting impact before the students go out into the world is very rewarding.” She acknowledges that teaching is both challenging and worthwhile because each day and every student is different. Adapting your teaching style to meet students’ needs requires teachers to be lifelong learners. “Teaching asks a great deal of you. We invest our hearts in our students, and while that can be exhausting, it’s what makes this profession so rewarding,” she said. She credits her coworkers and the sense of shared purpose among teachers for helping one another through challenging times. Hinson shared advice for future teachers: “Only you can be the teacher that you were meant to be. There will always be a student who needs who you are to be their teacher. Celebrate the small successes and focus on the good moments, especially in your early years.” Outside the classroom, Hinson enjoys traveling with her husband, visiting coffee shops and reading, doing anything outdoors, and playing tennis, her favorite sport. As if this year has not been momentous enough, the Hinsons are expecting a baby boy in December. n September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 11

Thanks for nominating us best piza! (803) 667-9853 • cheesypintsc.com Tuesday nights buy any large pizza and get a small cheese pizza FREE 2742 North Lake Drive, #104, Columbia, SC 29212 Hours: Tues–Sunday 11am–9pm, Closed on Monday

Thank you for nominating us BEST Chiropractor again!

803-932-9399 • henningchiro.com 203 Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin, SC 12 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

irmochapinlife.com

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS IRMO YELLOW JACKETS August 21 August 28 September 4 September 11 September 18 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30

Rock Hill @Spring Valley @Lower Richland Wilson @Dorman North Augusta @South Aiken @Midland Valley Aiken Fox Creek

DUTCH FORK SILVER FOXES August 28 @Ridgeview September 4 @Spartanburg September 11 @Lucy Becham September 18 Sumter September 25 Gray Collegiate October 2 @Lexington October 9 @Chapin October 16 River Bluff October 30 White Knoll

CHAPIN EAGLES

BEN LIPPEN FALCONS

August 21 @Lugoff-Elgin August 14 @Spartanburg Christian August 28 Brookland-Cayce August 28 @Great Falls September 4 @Aiken September 4 Thomas Sumter Academy September 11 Airport September 11 @Cardinal Newman September 18 Spring Valley September 18 Northwood Academy September 25 @Gilbert September 25 @Healthwood Hall October 2 @River Bluff October 2 Pinewood Prep October 9 Dutch Fork October 8 Hammond October 16 @White Knoll October 23 TBA October 23 Lexington October 30 Augusta Christian

l a c o L r u O l l A to k c u L Best of High School Teams! irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 13

A Legal Partner You Can Count On

Thanks for nominating us Best Adult Dentist!

(803) 345-5526

803.828.7661 | dgr.law

250 Berryhill Road, Suite 210, Columbia SC 29210 Responsible Attorney: Chad Dial, Dial Grimm and Rupert

14 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

FIND US ONLINE!

Call for an appointment today!

425A Lexington Avenue, Chapin, SC 29036 www.chapindental.com Facebook: @Chapin-Dental-Associates

irmochapinlife.com

TIGERS GAME COCKS 2026 Clemson University Football Schedule

September 5

LSU

September 12

Ga. Southern

Baton Rouge, LA

Clemson, SC

September 19 North Carolina Clemson, SC September 25 California Berkeley, CA October 3

Miami

Clemson, SC

October 17

Charleston So.

Clemson, SC

October 24

Virginia Tech

Clemson, SC

October 31

Florida State

Tallahassee, FL

November 7

Syracuse

Syracuse, NY

November 14

Georgia Tech

Clemson, SC

November 20

Duke

Durham, NC

November 28

South Carolina

Clemson, SC

irmochapinlife.com

2026 University of South Carolina Football Schedule

September 5

Kent State

Columbia, SC

September 12

Towson

Columbia, SC

September 19

Mississippi St.

Columbia, SC

September 26 Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL October 3 Kentucky Columbia, SC October 10

Florida

Gainesville, FL

October 24

Tennessee

Columbia, SC

October 31

Oklahoma

Norman, OK

November 7

Texas A&M

Columbia, SC

November 14

Arkansas

Fayetteville, AK

November 21

Georgia

Columbia, SC

November 28

Clemson

Clemson, SC

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 15

Chapin WE CARE CENTER Celebrates 40 Years

Neighbors helping neighbors by Abigail Harris

Long before the doors open each morning, there’s already a purpose waiting inside Chapin We Care Center. A family struggling to keep the lights on. A senior who needs help putting food on the table. Someone simply trying to get enough gas to make it to a doctor’s appointment. Every day yields a different story, but each one begins the same way: with a neighbor in need and a community willing to help. For nearly 40 years, Chapin We Care Center has become one of the community’s greatest examples of what can happen when churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations, volunteers, and neighbors come together with a shared mission. Incorporated on September 30, 1986, Chapin We Care Center was founded to meet the basic living needs of people facing emergencies. What started as a group effort among a few local churches has grown into a reputable resource for countless members of the Chapin community.

16 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Originally, We Care Center operated out of the old Chapin United Methodist Church. As the community grew, so did the ministry. Local supporters came together to build a permanent home on property leased by St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. Through generous fundraising efforts—led in large part by the Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club—the building was paid for in full, leaving the organization without a mortgage or lien. In March 2014, the ministry moved next door into a newly renovated building that had previously housed the St. Francis Thrift Store, where it continues serving neighbors today. Now, the center serves as a single point of assistance, coordinating resources so people can receive help in one place. Whether someone needs food for their family, gas to get to a medical appointment, or assistance with utilities, every service is provided free of charge. And as for the Executive Director, the buildings

used to carry out this ministry tell only part of the story. The real story is found in the generosity of the people who make the mission possible. The organization is led by Executive Director Alecia Klauk, who has served in the role for the past 10 years, and includes one part-time paid administrator. Everything else, from welcoming visitors at the front desk to stocking pantry shelves, interviewing clients, picking up food donations, and completing special projects, is made possible by volunteers and a dedicated Board of Directors. The generosity of the volunteers and the community has allowed the organization not only to continue its work in Chapin but also to expand it. An exciting recent development has been the creation of the Mobile Pantry, which now serves locations throughout Newberry County once a week, bringing food directly to more people in need. At the heart of everything We Care Center does is a simple philosophy: people should be served with compassion and dignity. This mindset is woven into ev-

irmochapinlife.com

erything the staff and volunteers do. Community members looking to support the ministry have many opportunities to become involved. Financial gifts help meet the organization’s day-to-day operating needs and ensure emergency assistance remains available. Food pantry donations are always needed, and volunteers are essential to nearly every aspect of the ministry’s work. Chapin We Care Center is continually looking to speak with local organizations, Sunday School classes, and community groups. Being able to talk with groups of people helps spread awareness of the services available while encouraging others to become part of the mission. Groups interested in completing community service hours are also invited to serve alongside the volunteer team. For nearly four decades, Chapin We Care Center has shown that compassion is most powerful when a community chooses to share it. Every service provided and every volunteer hour given represents something larger than assistance; it represents compassion and love. In a world where many people wonder how they can make a difference, Chapin We Care Center offers a simple answer: start by caring for the person next door. To learn more, volunteer, donate, or schedule a presentation for your organization, visit chapinwecare.org. n

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 17

Lisha Whitaker, DVM

Thanks for nominating us Best Veterinarian and Best Pet Hospital! Oﬃce Hours by Appointment: Mon-Th 7:30AM–6:00PM and Fri 7:30AM–5:00PM

417 Chapin Road, Chapin SC 803.941.3650 info@russellmassey.com

119 Amicks Ferry Road Chapin, SC 29036 (803) 941-7030 www.laketownvet.com Holly Hodges, DVM

18 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Thanks for nominating Melody Herring Best Insurance Agent

irmochapinlife.com

skilled in observation and assessment, and collaboration is essential. Without a playground, children built objects outside and developed problem-solving skills. SC Career Kids’ goal to connect students with industry partners and link classroom learning to real-world careers through hands-on activities was taking form.

SCGrowingCareer Kids Talent for the Future by Mary Ann Hutcheson

In March 2025, Katy Wiggs was honored by Hillstock Consulting as a “Trailblazing Woman Leader” for founding SC Career Kids, a program that introduces students to career opportunities early. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a shortage of critical-skills workers in fields like nursing and public safety. Wiggs was inspired to address the gap: 45% of jobs are considered “critical needs,” but only 29% of people have the right skills. irmochapinlife.com

Developing the Program Wiggs, a former classroom teacher, believes in exposing students to career options early. She launched SC Career Kids at the Irmo Chamber of Commerce, working with local partners to create supervised learning pods for remote learners. The team engaged local business owners, who provided real-world lessons – such as a baker connecting fractions to baking and an agriculturist making activities fun. All program instructors and group leaders are experienced, certified teachers

Growing the Vision A Department of Education grant helped launch a successful after-school club at Irmo Elementary, drawing full groups and experts to teach essential skills. The team also launched a summer camp that quickly sold out and soon outgrew its venue. Wiggs was inspired by her childhood experience at “Safety City,” a program that taught traffic safety through hands-on play. She felt that a similar model would have a positive impact on their kids. As a result, SC Career Kids launched “Safety Town”, featuring mini businesses, roads, and a lake for exploration. Children interact with tools used by safety experts and participate in purposeful play to learn about community careers like farming, public service, and grocery work. Safety Town partners with organizations like the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and over a dozen others. Experts lead small-group rotations where children play, dress as professionals, and learn firsthand about various careers. Activities include riding bikes to practice safety, role-playing in professions, and exploring a miniature airport and hospital. Another SC Kids’ goal is to empower children to make safe choices. In partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, they use a makeshift “blue lake” and a small rubber boat to teach water safety. Children practice with life jackets and whistles and learn not to go near water without proper supervision or a life jacket. Wiggs emphasizes that empowering kids to make these decisions is central to SC Kids’ mission. Wiggs remembers that although their first year was challenging, the group agreed it was one of their best educational experiences. She considers her dedicated Career Kids team the best she’s ever worked with. Partnering The program aims to adapt to the needs of the community, students, and educators. Since their curriculum is unique and cost-prohibitive to run daily, they focus September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 19

on partnerships to extend their reach. SC Kids partners with programs like the Irmo/ Chapin Recreation Commission, which operates after-school programming in Lexington/Richland 5. Through these partnerships, SC Kids now serves Lexington/Richland 5, Lexington 1, Richland 2, Spartanburg, and Career & Technical Education programs. Their “Safety Town” initiative now reaches schools statewide. They take their programs directly to schools or partner organizations such as MUSC in Charleston, ETV, and SC First Steps. Without a physical base, staff rely on technology for collaboration and communication. Their business infrastructure includes support in social media, accounting, and document preparation. Wiggs said, “SC Kids prides itself on the fact that the majority of the funding goes back into the program. The Town of Irmo has been wonderful to us, a huge supporter. SC Kids work with both Chapin and Irmo Chambers, who have been a huge help.” The program has collaborated with the Department of Education and held workshops, focusing on continuous Pre-K elementary solutions that bring communi-

20 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

ty, curiosity, and collaboration into classrooms—not just during career days, but year-round. A virtual Career Quest map on their website highlights businesses and organizations across the state, aimed at elementary and early middle school students. They hope to expand this resource, which features video excerpts and interactive explorations. Anything is Possible Wiggs believes in exposing young people to career possibilities. Her family’s background in education and business shaped her as a decision-maker with a broad out-

“

Our mission is to begin career exploration

at a formative time so that South Carolina’s future leaders and future workforce are exposed to future opportunities

right here in the Palmetto State.

This will give South Carolina an opportunity to develop and retain top talent.” — Katy Wiggs, Founder of SC Career Kids

irmochapinlife.com

look. She always wanted to be a teacher - in part through time spent helping her grandmother, the first kindergarten teacher in Tipp City, Ohio. Her father ran his own business, and Wiggs showed an inherent interest in business as well. As the Founder of SC Career Kids, Wiggs enjoys being able to think big, while her expert team helps bring her vision to life. In effect, she has merged the strengths she absorbed as a child, combining her love of teaching with her natural talent for business. Her own journey exemplifies an important goal of the SC Career Kids program. Wiggs believes the SC Career Kids message is that anything is possible. Exposing

children to new experiences helps break stereotypes and empowers them to see all opportunities. In short, the program is growing talent in their community. SC Kids is always looking for volunteers and sponsorships to help support their programs and make them accessible to all. Wiggs and her husband, Barkclay, work remotely and have two children--son, Eli, and daughter, Ellis. Eli already shows an interest in engineering but also demonstrates essential people skills. Developing these skills is the key goal of SC Career Kids and for the Wiggs children as well. For more information, visit their website at sccareerkids.com. n

(803) 391 - 4604

VISTAROOFINGINC.COM VISTAROOFINGINC.COM 2237 Leaphart Leaphart Road, Road, Suite Suite A, A, West West Columbia, Columbia, SC SC 29169 2 irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 21

GOOD

eats

by Tenell Felder

Roy’s Grille 7971 N Woodrow St., Ste D Irmo, SC 29063 roysgrille.com

22 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Chef Christopher Williams discovered two things from an early age – that he enjoyed cooking and that he had what it took to be an entrepreneur. “I knew I wanted to have my own business. I just didn’t know what that was going to be, and it ended up being a restaurant,” said Williams, owner of Roy’s Grille in Irmo. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit – from working odd jobs and cutting grass in the summertime with my grandfather, to selling candy in school, and then getting my first job at 15. I have been working ever since,” said Williams. Williams is now an award-winning chef and has been in the food business for nearly 13 years. He named his restaurant after his grandfather, Leroy, and got his start at a gas station in Lexington before moving to his current location in Irmo. Roy’s Grille offers a variety of dishes ranging from turkey wings and ribs to brisket grilled cheese sandwiches. “We specialize in barbecue. We also have burgers, cheese steaks, and I experiment with different specials. I like to create barbecue fusion dishes - whatever my mind can come up with.”

When asked about what his personal favorite food is, Williams said that is like asking him which of his kids is his favorite. “I love Asian flavors. I love Caribbean flavors. I also love Italian; I love a good lasagna,” Williams shared. Williams particularly enjoys creating dishes that incorporate an unexpected blend of Southern BBQ and Asian flavors for his restaurant. “We’ll combine BBQ with egg rolls. We will do different things with tacos, like maybe smoked pork belly tacos. It just depends. I like to experiment with different cultures and flavors, then infuse them with our Southern culture.” Southern food culture is important to Chef Williams. He recalled learning to cook with his grandmother in rural South Carolina while he was in elementary school. “I grew up in a small rural town, growing some of our own produce and raising some of our own animals. It was a lifestyle to a certain extent. Rice was one of the first things I learned how to cook,” said Williams. “I also learned how to cook fried chicken, black-eyed peas, yellow rice, Chicken Perlo - a lot of different things with my grandmother.” Looking back, Williams now understands the importance of what he was learning while cooking with his grandmother. “I didn’t realize it then, but I learned a lot about cultural dishes that I didn’t really understand at the time. You can experience culture through food. You have ingredients and techniques that have been passed down for centuries,” said Williams. “To be able to take somebody back to their childhood with a bite of food, that’s empowering.” Williams also acknowledged that owning and operating a restaurant is difficult, especially when first starting off. “The restaurant business is very volatile; the margins are razor thin.” He advises those interested in owning a restaurant need to have resilience to push through difficulties. “Don’t get into it expecting instant gratification, instant success, or an instant bankroll. It might take a while to build momentum. It might take you a while to figure out your stride as a restaurant owner or as an entrepreneur. I’ve gone through every emotion with owning this business. Ups, downs, irmochapinlife.com

“To be able to take somebody back to their childhood with a bite of food, that’s empowering.”

irmochapinlife.com

happy, sad, depressed. What am I doing? Did I make the right decision? But this is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.” Today, Williams has seen his perseverance pay off in building a successful business. As a South Carolina Chef Ambassador, he speaks on behalf of the state and the governor’s office at different engagements and cooking demonstrations. Williams has also competed in many barbecue competitions, placing second in the BBQ category in the World Food Championships. In his latest venture, Williams will be a contestant on Food Network’s Pitmasters competing for the top prize. “I’m very excited about that coming out,” said Williams about the show, which was filmed in April. Williams wants to remind people that food can be a uniting element as it is present in all of life’s major moments. Everyone enjoys a good meal. “There’s a commonality that we all share through food. It lets us know that we’re not as far removed from each other and as disconnected as we think. Food’s the ultimate equalizer. It doesn’t matter what the situation or the occasion is. Food is present, whether it be a repass, a wedding, or a baby shower. The beginning of life, the celebration of love, the end of life, and everything in between. Food is present.” n September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 23

Thanks for Nominating us Best Meat Store and Best Butcher Shop!

925 N Lake Dr, Lex, SC 29072 | (803) 358-6848 6352 St Andrews Rd, Cola, SC 29212 | (803) 772-3602 710 Main St, West Cola, SC 29170 | (803) 755-3171

Need help with managing the Big, Beautiful Tax Bill Legislation? We are here to help.

Thank you for nominating us Best Window Tint!

• Reduces glare by up to 91% • Lowers utility bills • Increases comfort levels • Protects furniture, flooring & artwork from fading • Includes lifetime warranties • Gift certificates available

ROBERT A KEISLER CPA PA

Don’t Delay! Call to schedule your appointment Serving Irmo, Columbia, Lexington, Chapin, Cayce, Elgin and West Columbia

1492 D Lake Murrary Blvd Columbia, SC, 29212 (803) 749-9293 robert@rakcpa.com

www.rakcpa.com 24 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

BLOCK THE HEAT, NOT THE VIEW

with Energy Saving Window Film LEXINGTON: 803-359-7731 4319 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073 DOWNTOWN: 803-667-9692 1700 Taylor StreetColumbia, SC 29201 NORTHEAST: 803-708-6088 10227 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29229

Visit us online at www.palmettoprotint.com irmochapinlife.com

Congratulations to the 2027 Nominees for the Best of Irmo-Chapin Life Magazine Contest!

Vote for your favorites today at irmochapinlife.com. The deadline to vote is September 17, 2026. The winners will be announced in the November/December issue of Irmo-Chapin Life Magazine.

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 25

Best Accounting Firm Robert Keisler To The Moon and Back Williamson & Associates

Best Attorney: Elder Law Firm Harrell, Martin & Peace Law Office of Laura H. Huggins Lawyer Lisa

Best Attorney: Real Estate Firm Blair Cato Pickren Casterline Collins Law Dial, Grimm & Rupert

Best Aesthetic Practice About Face Aesthetics & Wellness Glõ Skin Bar & Medical Spa Vivid Aesthetics

Best Attorney: Family Law Firm Lisa Lee Smith Law Firm Parker Law Warner Law

Best Attorney: Workers Comp Johnson, Toal & Battiste Law Office of Carter Martling Law Office of Kenneth Berger

Best Allergy/ENT Practice Centa Medical Group Lexington ENT & Allergy Palmetto Allergy & Asthma

Best Attorney: Litigation Firm Maynard Nexsen Pope Parker & Jenkins Studemeyer Law Firm

Best Auto Body Paint Ace Auto Refinishing Auto Shop of Chapin Colors On Parade

Best Assisted Living Facility Brookdale Harbison Harbison Shores Oakleaf Village

Best Attorney: Personal Injury Marc Brown Law Firm Stanley Law Group The Jeffcoat Firm

Best Auto Repair Shop Christian Brothers Automotive Eurowerkz Royson’s Chapin Automotive

Best Attorney: Criminal Defense Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr. Marc Brown Law Firm Tommy Thomas

Best Attorney: Probate/Estate Firm Amy Cofield Law Law Office of Laura H. Huggins Lawyer Lisa

Best Auto Service Dealership Hendrick Chevrolet Jim Hudson Toyota Steve Padgett’s Honda

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

Thanks for nominating us Best Assisted Living Facility

990 Columbia Ave. Irmo, SC 29063 • 803-839-1876 • harbisonshores.com

Best Workers Compensation Law Firm Nominee! “That Dam Lawyer”

Serving Injured Workers in Irmo, Chapin Lake Murray, and beyond since 2006. FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CLAIM EVALUATIONS Mention ICL Magazine!

(803) 888-HURT Workers Compensation Certified Civil Court Mediator 803.888.HURT cartermartlingpc.com

7347 College Street, Ste. 103, Irmo, SC | cartermartlingpc.com 26 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Thanks for Nominating us Best Accounting Firm 113 Executive Pointe Blvd, Ste 102 Columbia, SC 29210-5681 (803) 254-0029 | www.williamsonai.com irmochapinlife.com

Best Bank First Community Synovus Wells Fargo

Best Breakfast Bakon Southern Eatery Eggs Up Grill Luzianna Purchase

Best Coffee Shop Coffee Shelf Dutch Brothers Coffee Loveland Coffee

Best Bar with Live Music BoHo Links Martin’s Landing Outpost at Driftwood

Best Burger Higher Ground Silver Fox Grill The Shack

Best Coin Dealer Gilbert Coin Golden Eagle

Best Butcher Shop Caughman’s Meat Plant Ole Timey Meat Market Teague’s Meat Market

Best Concierge Medicine Abundant Life Concierge SC My Care Valor Health

Best Charter School Grey Collegiate SC Virtual Charter School SC Whitmore School

Best Consignment Shop Magnolia Resale Palmetto Thrift Plato’s Closet

Best Bath/Kitchen Fixtures Bath & Bronze Capital Kitchen & Bath Gateway Supply Best BBQ 518 Smokehouse Farm Boy’s BBQ Maurice’s Piggy Park Best Boat Club Carefree Boat Club Freedom Boat Club Nautical Boat Club

Best Chiropractor Align Chiropractic Family Practice of Chiropractic Palmetto Spine & Pain

Best Cosmetic Surgery Prisma Health Plastic Surgery The Art of Aesthetics Virtu Cosmetic Surgery

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

Thanks for nominating us Best Coﬀee Shop! 130 Amicks Ferry Rd A-2 Chapin, SC 29036 (803) 932-2660 www.thecoﬀeeshelf.com

Thanks for nominating me Best CPA again! BETH GIERHART CPA, CFP®, CTP

2024 Certiﬁed Tax Coach of the Year 803-575-0195 | www.gierhartcpa.com

Thanks for Nominating us Best Chiropractor! Dr. Ashley Bills 910 Chapin Road, Units C&D Chapin, SC 29036 803-941-0020

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 27

Best Counseling Services Irmo Counseling Jill Smith & Associates Lindsay M. Amburn Counseling

Best Day Spa Aquarius Spa & Salon Lake Murray Head Spa & Salon WellSoul Spa & Salon

Best Doggie Daycare Chapin Pet Lodge Pet Vacations The Woods Canine Resort

Best CPA Barbara Kelly Beth Gierhart Robert Keisler

Best Dentist: Adults Chapin Dental Associates Irmo Smiles Lakeside Dentistry

Best Esthetician Angela Lim, Bedazzled Salon Kaitlyn Morales, WellSoul Spa Reese Krueger, Glõ Skin Bar

Best Credit Union: Banking AllSouth Federal Credit Union Palmetto Citizens SC State Credit Union

Best Dentist: Cosmetic Chapin Dental Associates Fulton Family Dentistry Irmo Smiles

Best Event Venue Southwind Acres The Gin on 391 The Meech House

Best Credit Union: Loans AllSouth Federal Credit Union Palmetto Citizens SC State Credit Union

Best Dentist: Kids Collins Children’s Dentistry Irmo Kids Dental Lake Murray Pediatric Dentistry

Best Exterminator Jeffcoat Pest Control Palmetto Exterminators Pest Management Systems

Best Custom Home Builder Black Walnut Construction Build On Your Land Mungo Homes

Best Dermatologist Collo Rosso Dermatology Columbia Dermatologist Columbia Skin Clinic

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

Best Family Entertainment Anchor Lanes Riverbanks Zoo Stars and Strikes

EVENT VENUE

2401 Highway 378, Gilbert (803)-647-4518 southernoaks378@gmail.com

Thank you for nominating us!

^Not available for internal refinances. *Auto loan rates range from 3.95% APR to 16.75% APR and are subject to term, credit union relationship, and credit worthiness. Auto loan rates as low as 3.95% APR on vehicles 5 years old or newer with less than 60,000 miles. Auto loan rates as low as 5.75% APR for used vehicles with a maximum age of 10 years with less than 125,000 miles. Income subject to verification. Must use auto-pay to obtain the lowest interest rate. Rates, conditions, and programs subject to change without notice. Federally insured by the NCUA.

VOTE

111 Boyd Satreet, Prosperity (803) 206-8907 ginon391@gmail.com

Thanks for nominating us Best Event Venue!

TODAY! irmochapinlife.com

28 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

irmochapinlife.com

Best Family Practice Lexington Family Practice Ballentine Prisma Health Ballentine Three Rivers Medical Associates

Best General Contractor Complete Solutions Contracting Dutch Fork Renovations Master Construction Co.

Best Happy Hour Anchor Lanes George Roberts Wine & Raw Bar Lucky’s Burger Shack

Best Fine Dining 518 Smokehouse Chophouse of Chapin George Roberts Wine & Raw Bar

Best Glass Store ACE Glass Co. Bigger Glass Co. Binswanger Glass

Best Hearing Healthcare Affordable Hearing Lake Murray Hearing Midland Hearing Associates

Best Fitness Center Club Fitness Irmo Sozo Family Fitness YMCA Ballentine

Best Gym Anytime Fitness Club Fitness Irmo Flex Supergym

Best Heart Doctor Dr. Dan Bouknight, CCVA Dr. Garrison Morgan, MUSC Dr. Robert Malanuck, LMC

Best Furniture Store Ethan Allen Little Mountain Home/LUX Home Poore House Furnishings

Best Hair Salon 193 Hair Bedazzled Salon Hyde Salon

Best Heating & Air Cool Care Heating & Air Cottrell & Co. Richardson’s Heating & Air

Best Garden Center Botanica Nursery & Landscape First Priority Garden Center Seven Oaks Plant Shop

Best Hairstylist Brooke Leupold, Studio Meraki Cindy Shultz, Infinity Hair Salon Kimberly Meetze, Bedazzled Salon

Best Home Décor/ Accessories Knick Knacks & More Little Mountain Home/LUX Home The Houston House

Thank you for Nominating Dr. Morgan Best Heart Doctor

L. Garrison Morgan, MD | | 803.356.0949 MUSC Health Heart & Vascular 108 Palmetto Park Blvd, Suite C, Lex, SC 29072

irmochapinlife.com

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

THANKS FOR NOMINATING US BEST HEATING & AIR

IRMO-CHAPIN’S FAMILY-OWNED HVAC COMPANY | 803-345-5221 September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 29

Best Home Builder American’s Home Place Birch Home Builders Celtic Works

Best Insurance: Home Owner’s Hutson Insurance Irmo Insurance Shannon Rikard, State Farm

Best Investment Firm Black Bridge Financial Preservation Specialist Sturkie Wealth Management

Best Hospital System Lexington Health MUSC Prisma Health

Best Insurance: Life Chapin Life & Health Farm Bureau Insurance Gibson & Associates

Best Jewelry Store Carolina Fine Jewelry David’s Fine Jewelry TAG Jewelers

Best Insurance Agent Melody Herring, Russell-Massey Scott Hanners, State Farm Victoria Ares, Allstate

Best Internal/Holistic Medicine Expect Wellness Palmetto Primary Care SC Internal Medicine

Best Landscaping Company Elite Lawn & Landscape First Priority Landscaping South Ground Supply

Best Insurance: Auto Farm Bureau Insurance Lake Murray Insurance Victoria Ares Agency

Best Interior Design Firm Haven & Harbor Interiors The Houston House Vie Elan Interiors

Best Landscaping Supply Miner’s Landscape Supply South Ground Supply Willingham & Sons

Best Insurance: Health Jeff Howle, HealthMarkets Lowery Consulting Agency Murdock Insurance

Best Internet Service Provider AT&T Carolina Connect Verizon

Best Margarita Brothers & Beer Chapala Tavern on 6

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com As jewelers we oﬀer an expansive list of jewelry repair services, including:

Thanks for nominating us Best Jewelry Store! 10100 Broad River Rd, Suite 2, Irmo, SC 29063 (803) 205-1207 tag.jewelers25@gmail.com M-F, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM Closed Sat and Sun

• Custom jewelry and engagement ring designs • Jewelry Repairs Including: ~ Ring sizing/soldering together ~ Chain Repairs ~ Earring and Bracelet Repairs • Diamond and gemstone setting • Ring and vintage jewelry restoration • Watches: ~Battery replacement ~ Strap adjustments ~ Polishing/refinishing • Eyeglass frame repair

Thank you for nominating us Best Landscaping Company!

LETS GET DIRTY! 440 JAMIL RD • 803-361-3769

30 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Thanks for Nominating us Best Landscape Company! Contact Us! (803) 814-7834 www.elitelawn.us

Thanks for nominating us Best Interior Design Firm Lisa Jurgensen Interior Designer (803) 960-5935 www.vieelaninteriors.com

irmochapinlife.com

Best Massage Lotus Mind & Body Wellness Massage & Aesthetics Spa WellSoul Spa & Salon

Best Mosquito Control Co. Jeffcoat Pest Control Lake Murray Mosquito Mosquito Joe of Lake Murray

Best Orthopedic Practice Midlands Orthopedic Palmetto Bone & Joint Prisma Health Orthopedics

Best Meat Store Caughman’s Meat Plant Ole Timey Meat Market Teague’s Market

Best Ob/Gyn Practice Chapin Women’s Care Kraemer Women’s Care Lexington Women’s Care

Best Painter Certa Pro Painters Cola Town Painting M&A Painting

Best Medical Spa Art of Aesthetics Medical Spa Glõ Skin Bar & Medical Spa Refine Facial Aesthetics

Best Oil Change Mavis Tire & Breaks Royson’s Chapin Automotive Taylor’s Auto Service

Best Pediatric Practice Ballentine Pediatrics Chapin Pediatrics Sandhills Pediatrics

Best Men’s Health Practice Alpha Male Men’s Clinic Gameday Men’s Health The Men’s Clinic

Best Optometrist Eyecare Center Chapin Eyes on the Lake Vital Eyes Chapin

Best Personal Training Club Fitness Irmo Elite Personal Training Sozo Family Fitness

Best Mortgage Company Atlantic Bay Mortgage Metro Mortgage Corporation Total Mortgage

Best Orthodontist Carroll Orthodontics Davis Orthodontics O’Leary Orthodontics

Best Pet Groomer Chapin Pet Lodge Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

Celebrating 10 Years!

Thank you for Nominating us Best Wigs/Hair Pieces!

130-C Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin, SC 29036 | (803) 298-5213 | merlenormanchapin

Thank you for Nominating us Best Optometrist 506-A Old Lexington Hwy Chapin, SC 29036 (803) 345-3170

Dr. Robert Branch | Dr. Karen Wint Dr. Maria Dickerson

irmochapinlife.com

Thanks for Nominating us Best Massage!

Medical Massage • Eminence Facials Manicures & Pedicures Cryotherapy • Organic gifts

104 East Boundary Street, Chapin, SC 29036 | 803.575.9175 September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 31

Best Pet Hospital Chapin Veterinary Care Center Lake Town Animal Hospital Well Pets Veterinary Clinic

Best Pilates/Yoga Instruction Club Pilates Namaste Yoga Pilates Sculpt Studio

Best Place to Buy Carpet/Flooring Floor Boys Lake Murray Floor Covering Premier Flooring

Best Pet Kennel/Boarder Chapin Pet Lodge Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat The Woods Canine Resort

Best Pizza Cheesy Pint Pizzeria Lil’ House of Pizza Tonella’s Pizza Kitchen

Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses Cardinal Vision Eyecare Center Chapin Eyes on the Lake

Best Pharmacy Chapin Pharmacy Irmo Drug Lake Murray Drug

Best Place to Buy a Boat Captain’s Choice Marine Cove 2 Coast Marine Marine 360

Best Place to Buy Hardwood Floors Floor & Décor Floor Boys Kirkland’s Flooring

Best Photographer Katie English Photography Nikki Morgan Photography Samantha Kilgore Photography

Best Place to Buy a Car: New Jim Hudson Toyota Steve Padgett’s Honda Stokes Trainor

Best Place to Buy a Pool Contemporary Pool Works LMR Pool & Spa Mint Pools

Best Physical Therapy Practice Chapin Rehabilitation Clinic Drayer Physical Therapy Institute Forged Physical Therapy

Best Place to Buy a Car: Used Global Automotive HomeTown Motors Love Chevrolet

Best Place to Buy Tires Christian Brothers Automotive Royson’s Chapin Automotive Taylor’s Auto Service

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

Looking for a used vehicle you can rely on? Chris has the best makes and models that will last! ● ONLY CLEAN TITLES ● FREE CARFAX

● WE DO YOUR DMV ● FINANCING AVAILABLE

Proudly serving the community for 11 years! HomeTown Integrity Driven Motors 1628 Chapin Road ( just past Hardees on the right) 803.932.2001 | www.iwoulddrivethat.com

Thanks for nominating us Best Pet Hospital! 1201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC 29063 803-732-3883 | www.wellpetssc.com

32 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

anks for Nominating us Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses and Best Optometrist! 2914 Dreher Shoals Rd, Ste A, Columbia, SC 29212 803.233.1774 M-Th 9am-5pm | Friday 9am-2pm irmochapinlife.com

Best Place to Get Botox Glõ Skin Bar & Medical Spa Lake Murray Aesthetics Radiant Med Best Place to Work Irmo Chapin Recreation Lexington Health Newberry Health Best Plumbing Company Cassell Brothers Homans Clearwater Co. Smooth Waters Plumbing Best Pressure Washing Southern Pride Softwash Squeegee Clean Not Your Average Joe Best Private School Ben Lippen School Chapin Academy Northside Christian Academy

Best Real Estate Agency: Commercial Century 21 803 Realty David Brock, ERA Realty NAI Columbia Best Real Estate Agency: Residential Exit Palmetto Real Estate ReMax Purpose Driven The Downing Group Best Real Estate Agent: Residential Olivia Cooley Real Estate Randy O’Dell, ReMax at the Lake Terri Bauerlin, Keller Williams Realty Best Roofing Company Crosby Roofing Premier Roofing Vista Roofing

Best Salad Doza Rizen Café S&S Destination Texas Roadhouse Best Sandwich Shop Mathias Sandwich Shop S&S Destination Substation II Best Seafood Restaurant Catch 22, Chapin George Roberts Wine & Raw Bar Wild Crab Seafood Best Senior Home Care Assisting Hands Home Care Brook Health Care McLeod Homecare Best Senior Living Community Generations of Chapin Lakeview Retirement Community The Heritage at Lowman

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

Thanks for nominating us Best Veterinarian and Best Pet Hospital! Lisha Whitaker, DVM Holly Hodges, DVM Ofﬁce Hours by Appointment: Mon-Th 7:30AM–6:00PM and Fri 7:30AM–5:00PM

119 Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin, SC 29036 (803) 941-7030 | www.laketownvet.com

Thanks for nominating us best piza! Tuesday nights buy any large pizza and get a small cheese pizza FREE 2742 North Lake Drive, #104, Columbia, SC 29212 Hours: Tues–Sunday 11am–9pm, Closed on Monday

803.667.9853 | CheesyPintPizzeria.com irmochapinlife.com

Thanks for nominating us Best Pet Groomer 1221 Chapin Road, Ste C Chapin, SC 29036 803-941-7159 woofgangbakery.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 33

Best Steak Chophouse of Chapin Legends Steakhouse LongHorn Steakhouse

Best Towing Company Pro Tow of Columbia Schroeder’s Towing Wingard Towing Service

Best Wait Staff Chophouse of Chapin Tavern on 6 Tonella’s Pizza Kitchen

Best Sushi Restaurant Inakaya Watanabe Koi Asian Fusion Cuisine Tsunami of Harbison

Best Tree Removal Alfonza’s Landscape & Trees Mid-South Tree Service Sox & Freeman

Best Wealth Management Co. Beckett Financial Group Relational Wealth Management Sides Financial Strategies

Best Sweet Tea Groucho’s Deli Maurice’s Piggy Park San Jose

Best Unique Gift Shop Joni’s Merle Norman Cosmetics Knick Knacks & More Treasures of the Heart

Best Wedding Venue Cotton Press Old Barn Farm Venue 817

Best Tacos Brother’s & Beer Chapala La Fogata

Best Urgent Care Chapin Urgent Care Lexington Health Urgent Care Prisma at Parkridge

Best Weight Loss Program Collaborative Healthcare Glõ Skin Bar & Medical Spa Physicians Weight Loss Center

Best Thrift Store Magnolia Resale Palmetto Thrift Poore House Furnishings

Best Veterinarian Chapin Veterinary Care Center Friarsgate-Ballentine Lake Town Animal Hospital

Best Wigs/Hair Pieces Bedazzled Salon Carolina Beauty Merle Norman Chapin

Vote online at irmochapinlife.com

803-796-1467

Celebrating 10 Years!

Thank you for Nominating us Best Wigs/Hair Pieces!

130-C Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin, SC 29036 | (803) 298-5213 | merlenormanchapin

34 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

irmochapinlife.com

Best Window Tinting Palmetto Pro Tint Spectacle Tinting Ziebart of Irmo Best Wings Carolina Wings & Ribhouse East Room Lucky’s Burger Shack

Thank you for voting!

Best Women’s Clothing Boutique Southern Stitches of Chapin Treasures of the Heart Westmore Land of Gifts Best Write In Closets By Design Go Glow Harbison Lake Murray Boat Tours

Thanks for nominating us Best Wealth Management Company! 201 Ministry Drive, Irmo, SC 29063| (803) 781-2922 | sidesfinancialstrategies.com *

Securities oﬀered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services oﬀered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Best of Irmo-Chapin Life 2027. Nominations are open to a public vote. The top three nominees in each category will be listed on the 2027 Best of Irmo-Chapin Life Magazine ballot in the July/Aug and Sept/Oct 2026 issues. Results are based on voting. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of any financial professional by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.

Than yo fo Nominatin u Bes Weddin Venu! 199 W. Church Street, Little Mountain, SC 29075 Email: BirchberryPlace@gmail.com www.thecottonpress.com | 803.546.2494

Thank you

for nominating us Best Consignment Shop & Best Thrift Store

Irmo Location: 6224 St. Andrew Rd. | 803.750.6858

Thanks for nominating us Best Consignment Shop and Best Thrii Store!

We have a huge selection of men’s, women’s and kid’s items! 5140 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 2, Lex, SC | (803) 520-0011

irmochapinlife.com

Chapin Location: 1304 Chapin Rd. | 803.941.7800 We donate to Midlands Orphan Relief Need a free pick up? Send us an email at Palmettothrift.cl@gmail.com

www.palmeeothriistore.com September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 35

Happy Wheels

brings a delightful distraction for young patients by Betsey Guzior

The little boy stared from his hospital bed, his eyes fixed not on April Rish, but on the cart she was rolling outside his room. Taller than the door opening, the cart was stuffed with colorful playthings: Some that will soothe his mind, some that will keep him calm for hours, others that would make him squeal with delight. Rish told the boy he could pick one of them to play with. And keep. The boy walked to the open door, his eyes wide with wonder with an expression only a 4-year-old can make when faced with a world of possibilities. He could only say “wow.” “It just does something for you,” recalled Rish, who is a volunteer for Happy Wheels. Rish is a nurse in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia. She also teaches there, and once a month, rolls a cart through pediatric wards for Happy Wheels, a South Carolina nonprofit that provides free books and toys for children undergoing treatment. Happy Wheels, created as a nonprofit in 2012, was originally founded by Larissa and Jim Allison to provide children at MUSC Children’s Hospital with a distraction from medical tests and procedures. Happy Wheels now operates at three South Carolina children’s hospitals. You’ll see volunteers making rounds with a colorfully decorated cart, either filled with toys or books, at Prisma Children’s Hospital each week. “When families and kids are in the hospital, they get no choices,” said Executive Director Tracey Rankin. “But we provide a knock on the door and an experience during that time in their journey.” Volunteers deliver a cart filled with toys or books to children who are staying at the hospital for treatment or undergoing procedures that take all day, such as chemotherapy. 36 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Rankin, who lives in Lexington, began as a volunteer, then moved onto the staff and now oversees programs that serve more than 400 children weekly in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville. “Most of the knocks on the door are not great news,” Rankin said. “There are things that are unpleasant for the kids. ‘I need to take your vitals. I need you to take this medicine.’ We started doing it to do something happy for the kids, but we have seen the power of a choice for them.” It’s not only a distraction for a child, but it also offers relief for parents and caretakers, who also feel a lack of control over their circumstances. Coordinating Happy Wheels requires extensive logistics. Rankin supports a group of 40 volunteers who serve more than 13,000 children annually at the state’s three children’s hospitals. Then there’s the gathering of the toys and books to be distributed, along with fundraising events. Rankin, who was named a “Southerner of the Year” in 2024 by Southern Living magazine, especially appreciates the constant support of the volunteers, who have to be super organized and work at a fast pace. “It’s a very big ask,” she said. Lee Riser of Chapin is another volunteer at Prisma. She was motivated to volunteer even before she retired as a Lexington-Richland District 5 teacher by her experience with her son’s friend who was treated for leukemia when he was a third grader. Most Tuesdays, you’ll see her taking a cart through inpatient wards, waiting

“ These children are so joyful...they are really my heroes because they just have such resilience and joy.” irmochapinlife.com

rooms, and units where children are waking up from sedation. The patients she sees in the oncology-hematology units are toddlers, elementary school kids, and even those in their 30s who have been treated for years for sickle cell anemia. “These children are so joyful,” she said. “They are really my heroes because they just have such resilience and joy. They will come up with their little IV poles and just wheel on over to the cart.” With needs all over the state, more than $1 million is needed in donations each year. The organization encourages people to donate money rather than materials so they can purchase what’s needed. It’s primarily to accommodate allergies and other specific needs of immunocompromised children. For instance, toys that have a scent can’t be used for a child undergoing chemo. The organization’s wish list on Amazon lists specific items for babies, such as teethers, toys with blocks, and baby blankets. Another big need is for teenagers, who are usually harder to please with gifts. Happy Wheels suggests crafts, card games, Nerf sets, Lego kits, and remote-control toys. No need for books: Barnes and Noble donates all the books for Happy Wheels. Other local sponsors include Vulcan Materials, Prisma Health, and Midlands Gives. Riser often sees kids and their families at their worst, but the delight on the children’s faces knowing they can pick a toy or a book to keep makes up for it. She is also thrilled to see a child who is getting better. “I remember one little girl I saw maybe six months ago, and I had not seen her for a while, and her hair had grown back. She had gotten so much taller, and I was so thrilled,” she said. n Happy Wheels, Inc. P.O. Box 406 • Lexington, SC 29071 HappyWheels.org

Amazon Wish List

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 37

Before

(803) 310-3194 TheGroutMedic.com Our Services:

After

• Tile & Grout Cleaning • Regrouting & Grout Repair • Grout Color Sealing • Tile Repair & Replacement • Recaulking

$50 off $500 or more

$25 off $499 and under

(up to $200 dollars)* *Special pricing is only available for this location. Not valid at any other location.

America's Trusted Residential and Commercial Glass Company

SERVING YOU FOR 150 YEARS!

747 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 803-731-4034 binswangerglass.com *Mention code “magazine” for 10% Oﬀ*

38 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Anchored in Family

Call today to ﬁnd out about our Labor Day Sale! 3050 US-378, Leesville, SC 29070 850 Marina Way, Prosperity, SC 29127 Call 803-310-5355 or email us @ anthony.viola@freedomboatclub.com

irmochapinlife.com

One stitch at a time

Needlepoint attracts a new generation of crafters by Betsey Guzior The time-honored craft of needlepointing has found its time again. Thank TikTok and Instagram for needlepoint’s latest moment, in which Gen Zers are discovering the soft art of needlepoint, which simply is using thread to create designs on cloth printed with a pattern. What seems like a task produces art. For hundreds of years, needlepoint has been the meditative practice enjoyed by generations of women, often in a wealthy household. This time, whimsical designs featuring Taylor Swift quotes and pop culture memes are selling alongside those of elaborate Victorian-like floral tableaus. As seen in the Netflix streaming series “Bridgerton,” needlepoint attracted a new generation of fans. Taylor Swift herself has made small pieces for friends such as singer Ed Sheeran. Celebrities like Kelly Ripa began displaying their works in progress. Luxury bag designer Fendi has sold one of its iconic Baguette purses with a canvas to decorate. Some call them “Grandma hobbies.” Others would rather call them analog activities, luring them away from doomscrolling on their phones and tablets. And like knitting and other crafts, needlepoint resurged post-pandemic by women who wanted the soothing satisfaction of a handmade item that can be treasured forever.

irmochapinlife.com

Now it’s estimated as a market that’s worth more than $2 billion, with a projection to reach $3 billion by 2035. In the Midlands, a needlepoint store is helping a new generation of crafters. Forest Acres Needlepoint, which opened in 2021, has a variety of patterns and an inventory of high-end threads and patterns that appeal to both beginners and veteran stitchers, as they’re called. Kenzie Newton, who has been doing needlepoint for the last 20 years, began earnestly thinking about a shop that helps customers personally, rather than randomly finding something online. Business has been brisk since she opened the store on North Beltline Boulevard. “We’ve gotten so many young stitchers,” Newton said. “It’s just been incredible to see that so many people are wanting to learn.” Forest Acres Needlepoint considers itself a full-service store, selling 20 lines of thread and canvases, and offering services to complete unfinished projects with the help of local stitchers. “The one-on-one interaction is huge in a craft,” Newton said. What the store doesn’t sell is kits. “We can help create a kit for you,” Newton said, by finding the right kind of thread, needles, gauging a good starter canvas, and specialized canvas holders and lights.

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 39

Want to begin needlepointing? Needlepoint involves using stitches to create a pattern covering a canvas. Needlepoint uses a tightly woven cloth, while cross stitch employs a looser weave. Embroidery is stitching found on clothes and accessories, and cross stitch often features designs with less coverage by stitches. The materials you need include a canvas with a pattern on it, tapestry needles, and instructions. Much of needlepoint depends on learning stitches, and the traditional tent stitch is a good place to start. Start small, with an ornament or a small piece. And give yourself time to learn and make mistakes.

Canvases can be of all sorts of subjects, from holiday themes to landscapes, sayings, and even collegiate logos. Enjoy off-beat canvases with patterns such as a LaCroix beverage can, or a bunch of avocadoes, or even a jaunty gathering of witches. They can be used in pillows, ornaments, holiday stockings, or framed on a wall. DeDe Ethridge of Lexington is one of the regulars at Forest Acres Needlecraft. Her obsession, like others, began with her mother. Ethridge grew up learning cross stitch but liked the way needlepoint items looked. So, she began learning and buying

Thanks for nominating us BEST Sushi Restaraunt

40 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

kits at The Needler, a store in Lexington that closed in 2017. “I absolutely loved it,” she said. And after taking a break, in 2022 she found she needed to keep herself busy. She picked up the hobby once again, this time with the help of Newton and Forest Acres Needlepoint. And as her children grew up and married, Ethridge would plan to make holiday stockings, even for future grandbabies. “I have one stocking in case somebody comes up pregnant with a little boy,” Ethridge said, laughing. Now she meets with her friends reg-

ularly to work on stocking, pillows, and ornaments. “It is so therapeutic,” she said. “There’s something about the color change and the fun threads they have now.” Like any hobby, it can cost a little or a lot. Some canvases can cost up to $100, along with different price points depending on the kind of thread. You can spend just a few hours a week or make it all-consuming. “It’s an addiction, because when I see something that I love, I’m like, ‘I want that,’” Ethridge said. Right now, she’s making a Santa pillow. n

655 St. Andrews Rd. (803) 750-9392

Lunch: Fri 11:45 am-2:00 pm Dinner: Tues–Sat 5:00-10:00 pm Facebook.com/inakayawatanabe

irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 41

I’ve recently crossed paths with several young men who are soon to turn 40 years old. I turned 40 years old in May twenty-seven years ago, and Daddy died that following October. I still learn every day of his importance as I journey into the gaping hole he left behind. Several of the young men wanted to talk about turning 40. I told them to let me think on it before we talked. It strikes me that our twenties are often a rehash of our high school years with a little more “street smarts.” We begin having real responsibilities as we move into our thirties. I felt that older men began taking me halfway seriously when I turned 35. As we ease closer to 40, life can become serious in a different sort of way than it ever has been. I’ve observed that for many people, the decade of the forties is almost like being a bullheaded teenager again. People often go crazy. Sometimes it’s a divorce or other situation that sends people out on a wild goose chase but armed with more knowledge and 42 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

forty

greater tolerance levels of their vices. This can be a bad combination. A man that’s been drinking or getting high since he got out of high school now has twenty-odd years of all those bad decisions piling up. It can be overwhelming, and many people end up digging such a deep hole they’ll never get out. Forty is like the last chance to get off the crazy train. Sometimes a man’s life simply falls apart at 40. Sometimes it’s not vices but just life, much like me losing my Daddy at 40. It’s like one’s life is built of a bunch of small pieces that get swept into a box and dumped over a railing, crashing into a big mess below. So, then our forty year old can go crazy, or he can start paying attention to things he’s never noticed before. My guys will want to know what those things are, and my answer is simple: “If you’re paying attention, you’ll see them.” The old story says Moses killed a man when he was 40 and then spent 40 years herding sheep in another land. Moses had

seen it all in the desert, but one day he saw a burning bush. I’d bet any of us old guys can say we’ve seen a burning bush of some sort. The key thing to notice is that the bush won’t stop burning, but yet the bush is not consumed. If the bush won’t stop burning but doesn’t burn up, one can count on the fact that they are in the presence of God. It’s safe to say a man will come into the presence of God in his 40’s. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a Living God. One must make a simple choice when he sees The Burning Bush. Listen, or run. That choice determines what happens thereafter. n

David Clark writes and works in Cochran, GA. Connect with him at cw.w4trj@gmail.com.

irmochapinlife.com

Kids Glued to Screens? Boundaries That Actually Work by Thomas Carter Parents everywhere know the strain of daily screen battles: constant negotiating, frustration, and worry that too much time online is starting to shape your child’s routines. Screens can be helpful, but without clear boundaries around screen time, they quickly overwhelm healthier routines. You deserve a calmer, more predictable rhythm at home. Here are boundaries that genuinely support healthy screen time habits. Establish a Device-Free Hour Before Bed A device-free hour before bedtime helps your child’s brain shift out of stimulation mode. Blue light delays melatonin release, making it harder for kids to fall asleep and stay asleep, so setting clear bedtime screen rules protects their natural rhythm. This simple boundary also creates a predictable wind-down routine, which reduces evening tension and supports healthier sleep habits. Set up a shared “parking station” where devices rest for the night, and offer calm alternatives like reading, light stretching, drawing, or quiet conversation. A 15-minute warning can ease resistance, especially for kids who struggle with transitions. One overlooked benefit is how better sleep improves mornings and focus. Framing this boundary as protective rather than restrictive helps your child understand that screen time management isn’t about control; it’s about supporting their energy, mood, and wellbeing. Keep Bedrooms Tech-Free Removing devices from the bedroom removes the strongest late-night temptation kids face when self-control weakens. A techfree bedroom supports healthier sleep and reinforces the idea that this space is meant for rest, not constant entertainment. It also strengthens digital boundaries for children by giving them a clear physical limit they can understand and follow. irmochapinlife.com

Set up a family charging station in a shared area and replace phone alarms with a simple clock. If your child says they need their device for homework, encourage them to work in a common space where you can stay aware of what they’re doing without hovering. Many parents are surprised by how much this one shift reduces secret late-night scrolling. It also gives you a more accurate sense of how much time your child is truly spending online, which helps you reduce screen addiction in a sustainable way. Put Away Screens During Meals Turning off devices at mealtimes rebuilds face-to-face connection. Screens can distract from conversation, and without boundaries, they often replace meaningful interaction. Following this rule encourages healthy screen habits and reinforces tech-free family time, supporting both emotional well-being and communication. Have everyone - including parents - place devices out of reach during meals. Make the table engaging with conversation starters or involve kids in preparing food to keep attention on the shared experience. Starting small, maybe just dinner if three meals feels overwhelming, still makes a noticeable difference. Kids who eat without screens tend to recognize their natural hunger and fullness signals, while mealtimes become calmer and more connected for the whole family. This simple boundary offers a consistent, positive moment of connection in the day. Schedule Three-Hour Screen-Free Periods on Weekends Designating three-hour screen-free blocks on weekends gives kids a break from constant device use without feeling like a full-day deprivation. These blocks encourage creativity, problem-solving, and active skills that often get overlooked when screens dominate free time. Framing it as “adventure time” in September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 43

ward earned through responsibilities teaches kids accountability and cause-and-effect. When children see that completing tasks like homework, chores, or reading leads to screen time, they naturally start managing their usage and making better choices. This approach reinforces positive habits without making technology feel like a punishment. Use a clear chart or checklist to connect age-appropriate responsibilities to minutes of screen time. Avoid taking away already-earned time for unrelated issues, which can feel unfair and breed resentment. Over time, kids learn to “own” their screen time, reducing the need for constant enforcement. This boundary combines parenting and technology in a practical way, making it easier to enforce screen time limits while encouraging independence and responsibility.

stead of “no screens” keeps the boundary positive and exciting. Plan engaging alternatives such as trips to the park, arts and crafts, or cooking together. Making it a predictable part of the weekend routine helps kids anticipate and enjoy the experience. It’s normal for kids to resist at first, but many quickly get absorbed in the activities and don’t want to stop. Being flexible with timing - Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon, or whichever fits your family rhythm - ensures the rule works for everyone while still reducing screen time. Link Screen Time to Responsibilities Shifting screen time from an automatic entitlement to a re-

44 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

Why These Boundaries Work Together Each of these boundaries targets a key area - sleep, family interaction, imaginative play, and personal responsibility - so together they create a balanced approach to screen time. Introducing one or two rules instead of all at once makes it easier for your family to adjust and keep the routine going. Resistance is normal, but consistency over time helps these habits stick. Small, realistic changes compound into smoother routines, calmer evenings, and more engaged children. These boundaries aren’t about taking away joy; they teach balance while improving healthy screen time habits. Over time, you’ll notice fewer conflicts, more quality family interaction, and kids naturally exploring screen time alternatives that keep them active, engaged, and fulfilled. n

irmochapinlife.com

crossword puzzle

Across 1. Bit to split 5. Hall's partner 10. Mountain route 14. Fluid rock 15. Send payment 16. Involving the ear 17. Alimony recipients 18. January, to a 19-Across 19. Mlle., in Puerto Rico 20. Like a naturalized citizen 23. "Bali ___" (South Pacific song) 24. Nagasaki natives 25. Clairvoyance 30. Geisha's garment 31. Be encumbered to 32. Nabokov novel 35. Throw violently 36. Party to a 1993 peace accord 37. Justifiable 39. Simple resting place 40. My follower, in Vietnam 41. Count (on) 42. Harsh interrogation 45. Clear from accusation 48. Words with distance or glance 49. Time 56. "Put a sock ___!" 57. Swallows hastily 58. Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid 59. Teeter 60. Genesis 61. Wildlife refuge 62. Punta del ___, Uruguay 63. Models 64. It takes two?

Down 1. Hebrew alphabet start (Var.) 2. Maneuver on an apron 3. Higher in authority 4. Type of production 5. Pizza sauce enhancer 6. Virgil epic 7. Govt. investigators 8. Cork location 9. Attic function 10. Type of note 11. Skylit courts 12. Withhold release of 13. Glances at 21. Narrow leather strip

22. Vesuvius output 25. Missile housing 26. Give off 27. Pull a fast one 28. Kind of geometry 29. ___ Jima 30. Place for a bucket of food 32. Mariner's direction 33. Wine partner 34. Use an abacus 36. Average score for Tiger 37. Human herbivore 38. Financing factor, initially 40. "3rd Rock from the Sun" star

41. Loathes 42. Chelonian 43. Producer's dream 44. Piano pedal 45. Flaming 46. Dairy Queen purchases 47. Hospital caution 50. Frank Herbert novel 51. Ingrid Bergman role 52. It's often passed 53. Building beam 54. Award sponsored by the "Village Voice" 55. Not a one

Find the answer key at irmochapinlife.com irmochapinlife.com

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 45

spice OF LIFE exceptional

Eggs

Mediterranean Omelet 6 eggs 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup bell pepper, diced ½ cup zucchini, diced ¼ cup red onion, chopped ¼ cup olives, sliced ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper Whisk the eggs with salt and black pepper until smooth. Sauté tomatoes, pepper, zucchini, onion, and olives in the olive oil until just tender. Pour the eggs over the vegetables and cook on medium-low until mostly set. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top and gently fold the omelet. High-Protein Frittata 6 eggs ¼ cup whipping cream 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp butter 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded ¼ cup feta cheese 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup bell pepper, diced 1 cup arugula 1 Tbsp fresh herbs 1 tsp spicy red pepper flakes Preheat the oven to 400°F. Whisk the eggs, cream, and salt until smooth and well combined. Melt the butter in a skillet, then distribute your vegetables and greens evenly across the bottom. Pour the egg mixture gently over the fillings and sprinkle the cheeses over the top. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until the center is set. Broccoli Cheddar Quiche 1 pie crust shell 1 package broccoli florets 1 ½ tsp olive oil 1 cup sweet onion, chopped 4 large eggs ½ cup evaporated milk ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded ¾ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the pie crust until 46 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | September-October 2026

lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes and then let it cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Cook the broccoli according to the package directions until tender-crisp, then chop any larger pieces. Sauté the onion in olive oil until light golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Whisk together the eggs and evaporated milk, stir in the broccoli and onion along with cheese, salt, and pepper and pour the mixture into the cooled crust. Bake until the center is just set and the edges are golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Sausage Quiche 1 pie crust shell ½ Tbsp all-purpose flour ¾ cup roasted red peppers, chopped ¼ cup scallions, chopped ⅓ cup sausage, cooked & crumbled ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded 5 eggs 1¼ cup half and half ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper ½ tsp ground mustard 2 Tbsp parsley Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the crust for about 6 to 8 minutes or until it’s just beginning to brown, then remove and cool. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the bottom of the crust. Mix the peppers, scallions, sausage, and cheddar cheese, and pour the mixture into the crust. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, half and half, salt, pepper, and parsley together. Pour the egg mixture over the filling in the crust and bake for 50-55 minutes or until the quiche is set. Brie and Bacon Omelet 3 eggs 3 strips bacon 3 slices Brie cheese 1 tsp butter salt and pepper, to taste Cook the bacon and set it aside. Whisk the eggs until they are well combined. Pour the eggs into the pan with heated butter and season with salt and pepper. Loosen the edges of the egg from the pan and cook until done to your preference. Add the sliced bacon and cheese to the omelet, then fold over before removing. irmochapinlife.com

Ham and Green Onion Frittata 8 eggs ¼ cup whole milk ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper ¼ tsp garlic powder 1 cup cooked ham, diced 1 cup green onions, chopped 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 2 Tbsp olive oil Whisk the eggs with the milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Sauté the onions in olive oil for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 3 minutes until warmed through. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and onions and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let the eggs cook on medium-low for about 5 minutes — the edges will start to set, leaving the center slightly runny. Preheat your oven broiler to high and broil for 3-5 minutes, until the top is golden and fully set. Philly Cheesesteak Omelet 8 eggs 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced ½ lb sirloin steak cooked, sliced thinly 4 provolone cheese slices ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tomato, diced Sauté the onion and pepper in olive oil until soft, then add cooked steak for just a minute to warm. Remove from the pan. Whisk the eggs and pour into the skillet, add steak and veggies to one half of the omelet and top with provolone. Fold half of the egg on top and then flip. Let cook for 1-2 minutes and top with salt, pepper, and tomato. n

September-October 2026 | IRMO-CHAPIN LIFE | 47

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets Garage Cabinets Home Offices Wall Beds Wall Organizers Pantries

Laundries Wall Units Hobby Rooms Garage Flooring Media Centers and more...

40 Free

% Off

Plus

Installation 15% Off PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $980 or more, 30% off any order of $680 or more, on any Everyday™ Closet, Garage, Home office, or other products with any complete unit purchase. Take an additional 15% off any order of $980 or more. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to change without notice. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer Expires on 9/27/26. Offer not valid in all regions.

SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 18 MONTHS!

With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate

803-916-2209

www.closetsbydesign.com

Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured.

ICL