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2 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 3

The Lexington School of Music is part of South Carolina’s largest music school, teaching over 1,600 students—ages 4 to adult. Whatever you or your child want to play, chances are we teach it: Piano, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, Voice & Singing, and Violin—all under one roof! Come see why so many Lexington families have chosen us year after year! Lessons are first come, first serve, so contact us today to arrange your first lesson!

We’ve Earned More Awards Than Any Other Music School in the Midlands!

EXPIRES 10/31/26 4 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 7

8 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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FROM THE

24 inside

FEATURES

Ever Little Boutique......................................16 High School Football....................................21 Clemson and Carolina..................................23 Charles Kennedy..........................................24 Festivals Around SC......................................27 Guitar Strings................................................30 Best of Lexington Life..................................33 LavaQuest.....................................................48 Cybersecurity................................................51 Cancer of Many Colors...............................53 Green Cleaning.............................................56

COLUMNS

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 Lexington 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 Lexington is LIVE! Vote online for your favorites at lexingtonlife.com.

Faith Matters.................................................13 David Clark...................................................59 Crossword Puzzle..........................................63

Enjoy autumn with those you love and remember, hugs are still free! Thanks for reading Lexington Life, Todd Shevchik

DEPARTMENTS

From the Publisher..........................................9 Calendar of Events.......................................11 Lexington Leader..........................................15 Spice of Life..................................................60

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 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 9

The Farley Law Firm LLC

Thanks for nominating us Best Family Law AAorney 137 E Butler Street, Lex, SC 803.359.0428 | www.afarleylaw.com

(803) 391 - 4604

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

Thank You for Nominating us Best Property Management Company 102 Gantt St, Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 920-2321

Thank you for nominating us Best Ribs and Best BBQ!

Thank you for nominating us Lexington’s Best Discount Store Again!

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FOOD~CLOTHING~HOUSEWARES~FURNITURE Restaurant:803-356-1070 Catering: 803-356-1118 hudsonssmokehouse.com 10 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

523 Columbia Ave, Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 996-0594 | costlessoutlet.com lexingtonlife.com

CALENDAR OF

events

SEPTEMBER Wednesdays, September 9 & 23 MomCo Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church | 5503 Sunset Blvd. Lexington | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm This Mom Community encourages and equips moms to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders. For more information visit themom.co/join (code HIBT) or contact Kristin Brantner at 804432-0767. Thursday, September 10 – Sunday, September 20 Lexington Restaurant Week This is your passport to a culinary adventure. Explore unique dishes and special menus at the town’s best eateries. For a list of participating restaurants visit lexscweekofrestaurants.com. 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. Friday, September 18 90’s Fallapalooza Icehouse Amphitheatre | 107 West Main St. Lexington | 6 pm Relive the sounds that defined a generation with three incredible tribute and party bands celebrating the best of 90’s alterna-

tive rock, hip hop, and R&B. For tickets visit icehouseamphitheater.com. Friday, September 18 Zoofari 500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia | 7 pm Enjoy an unforgettable evening of cocktails, cuisine, and conservation set against the stunning backdrop of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Visit riverbanks.org for tickets. 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. Saturday, September 26 Local Children’s Author Expo Lexington County Library | 5440 Augusta Rd. Lexington | 2 pm Discover books for readers ages 0–12 and connect with the writers behind the stories. Browse author tables, purchase books, and have them signed. For more information visit lexcolibrary.com. n

Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 Midlands Fall Arts and Crafts Market SC State Farmers Market 3483 Charleston Hwy. | West Columbia Over 150 of the best craft vendors the Midlands has to offer. Free parking and free admission. Sunday, September 20 Soggy Doggy Day Saluda Shoals Park | 5605 Bush River Rd. Columbia | 1 pm Bring your canine friends out to enjoy a fenced version of Saluda Splash after it closes for the season. Barking lot members receive free admission to the splash pad. Visit icrc.net for more information.

Thanks for nominating us Best Glass Store! Locally Owned for over 60 Years!

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 11

faith MATTERS

DAN WILLIAMS

Sr. Adult Pastor at Lexington Baptist Church

A Cause Worth Dying For There are two powerful drives that keep us going forward in life. One is easy, and one is hard. One is like swimming downstream, the other is swimming against the current. One is more defined by preferences which are negotiable, and the other comes from convictions that are absolute and unbending. One drives us toward things worth living for, and the other compels us to stand for things worth dying for. The things in life worth living for are those things that bring happiness and contentment. Some find life worth living every football season or every family vacation. But most people go through life not knowing or caring about what they would be willing to die for. Many will get up every morning thinking only about what they need to do to keep living in pursuit of happiness. This year we celebrated our nation’s 250th birthday. Our nation won its independence from Great Britain because many believed it was a cause worth dying for. And about 25,000 Americans out of a population of 2.5 million died for that cause. John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” That is a cause worth dying for. This became the cause for the 344 firefighters who lost their lives trying to save people in the World Trade Centers 25 years ago in New York on 9/11/2001. Those who die for righteous causes are the ones we should honor and remember. Do you know that God considered you worth dying for when He gave His only begotten Son to pay the death penalty for you? To God, you became a cause worth dying for. A relationship with Him is both worth living for and dying for. n

Lexington Baptist Church 308 E. Main Street Lexington, SC lexingtonbaptist.org

HEALTHY MIND COUNSELING AND WELLNESS, LLC 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.

12 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

Therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, substance use disorders, grief, and relationship challenges. Flexible schedule • Telehealth available Blue Cross/Blue Shield Accepted

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Call us at 803-738-5108 or click the QR code to visit us online lexingtonlife.com

“I’m truly honored to be nominated. Thank you.”

BEST ATTORNEY Stephen Samuels, Samuels Reynolds Law Firm BEST ATTORNEY: WORKERS’ COMP Samuels Reynolds Law Firm

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SERVING THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1987

14 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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LEXINGTON by Tenell Felder

leader

Jamie Gunter You could say that Lexington Soil & Water Conservation District Chair Jamie Gunter has deep roots in Lexington. “I’m about as local as you’re going to get. I was born here, and my family goes back several generations. I grew up on the land that my grandparents had and farmed,” said Gunter, who was born and raised in Gilbert. “I went to Lexington High School and took agriculture and natural resource classes. Future Farmers of America was a big part of my time in high school too.” Gunter attended Clemson University to earn his degree in forestry. “Today, I’m a registered certified forester and arborist. I’ve been involved in tree care and natural resource management for about 20 years.” Now, Gunter uses his background in forestry and natural resources to help him serve as chair of the Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) as one of its three elected commissioners. “It’s all about giving back. When I found out about the Conservation District, I thought maybe I could get involved and that it could be a way to use my education and knowledge to help others,” said Gunter. The Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District was founded in 1939 as a part of the Congaree Soil & Water Conservation District and is a part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The LSWCD serves Lexington County through educational outreach, community events such as its Ag+Art Tour, and by awarding scholarships to high school students who plan to major in agricultural or environmental related fields. The mission of the LSWCD is to promote the wise use and care of natural resources for the benefit of Lexington County residents. “Lexington County has wonderful natural resources, and we want to be able to sustain them,” said Gunter on the LSWCD’s lexingtonlife.com

goal to help the Lexington community learn how to care for the environment. “We do what we call ‘locally led conservation,’” explained Gunter. “We interact with property owners, farmers, and people in the natural resource management industry. We do a lot of outreach and education for the community. We are also active in schools promoting agriculture. Whether you eat, drive your car, or you order something off of Amazon, and a truck comes to your house to deliver it – somewhere there was agriculture involved.” A common misconception about conservation that Gunter sees is that people are unaware of how seemingly small actions can positively impact the environment. “We want people in Lexington County to know they can help with conservation on a small scale. They don’t have to own a lot of land. If you have a small backyard, you can put up a feeder to attract bees or other pollinators. That’s something small that people can do that magnifies out on a big scale.” The LSWCD also hosts workshops to provide ideas on ways to improve the environment. “We have public educational workshops, like rain barrel workshops or ‘what’s in my backyard’ workshops. We have a seed library where folks can go and get some seeds for free and take them home to plant.” Gunter has two daughters, Grace and Madeline, who both attend Clemson University. They enjoy eating and fellowship with family and friends, being on Lake Murray, and appreciating the local flora and fauna.n September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 15

Ever Little Boutique

celebrates one year of cherishing children and building community by Erin Bluvas photos by Lola Dee Photography

If there’s one thing that Alyssa Shull has always been passionate about, it’s working with children. The lifelong Lexington resident is marking the first anniversary of her children’s clothing store, Ever Little Boutique, on October 4, and she also works part-time in the children’s ministry at Lexington Baptist Church. Shull can point to a single summer when she discovered her calling – a hectic threemonth period when her dreams came together at a pace that surprised and delighted her. Having the opportunity to blend all of her interests was another unexpected yet welcome aspect of her new career. Growing up in Lexington, Shull found herself drawn to serving others in her parttime and volunteer work – whether at clothing stores like The Kindred Boutique or her 16 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

church. Again and again, these themes kept showing up. After graduating from River Bluff High School, Shull attended USC – graduating a semester early with a degree in public health. She leveraged the program’s flexibility to take business management and child behavior classes. In her free time, she worked at a men’s clothing store and nannied for a local family. “At the time, I thought of these courses and this part-time work as just part of my life in that moment,” said Shull, who found herself mentally shopping for clothing for the little boy she nannied or for her younger cousins. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was actually combining my interests and experiences in preparation for a career I never imagined was possible.” l

By the summer before her final semester, Shull began really thinking about what she would do next. Her years of volunteer work with the children’s ministry at her church had turned into a summer internship, and her faith told her that continuing to work with children was an absolute must. Then a beautiful retail space above The Kindred Boutique became available, and she began brainstorming ideas about what type of business she could build there. Shull and her dad, who owns a dental practice in town, visited local businesses to imagine the possibilities together. Her mother, Pansy, quickly joined in on the planning, and within a whirlwind few months, they had opened the doors to Ever Little Boutique. Every discussion had returned to blending Shull’s passion for children and clothing, and her path became clear. With her firm belief that every little one is a child of God, “Ever Little” became the store’s name and its mission. “That was something I wanted to make known – through both my words and actions, when I interact with families who come into the store,” Shull said. “I wanted it to be clear that everyone is a child of God, and that’s the biggest blessing we could ever ask for.” After a tasteful renovation to showcase the building’s exposed brick, natural light and functional balcony overlooking downtown Lexington, Shull invited members of her church to pray over the space on the day before the store opened. “It definitely set the tone for what this journey has become,” she said. With unwavering support from Pansy, who is often accompanied by her mini goldendoodle, Monty, Shull opens the doors to Ever Little Boutique every Tuesday through Saturday. From traveling to market together to running the store on a day-to-day basis, the mother-daughter pair are truly a team. “We have different styles, and so we balance each other,” Shull said. “It’s been a blessing to work together and pour wisdom into each other.” Shull spends her two days off – Sundays and Mondays – along with Wednesday evenings, in her church ministry role. “I love it at Lexington Baptist Church, where I’m able to mix two things I’m passionate about: faith and kids,” Shull said. “It has been amazing to be a part of the children’s ministry and community while also building Ever Little.” Inspired by the community around her

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 17

and the countless connections she’s made over the years, Shull knew from the start that she wanted her boutique to be more than a retail store. She wanted to bring people together while also celebrating the various seasons of life. When children walk into the boutique, many of them immediately look for Monty, who has his own space in the back but is often welcomed into the main area by customers – parents and kids who love dogs or perhaps want to become more comfortable with them. Many kids also head to the reading corner, Every Little One Has a Story, where Shull has created a cozy space for them to peruse their favorite books. During story time, they can listen to community members, such as a local police officer and her K-9 counterpart. Sensory play pop-ups and other special events also provide engaging opportunities for kids while moms shop or catch up with friends. Ever Little also offers baby registries, gender reveals, and baby showers – making their boutique a one-stop shop for welcoming new arrivals into the community. Monogramming and embroidery services round out the offerings. When Shull has a new idea or needs some advice, she just pops into the elevator and rides down one floor to chat with the owners of The Kindred Boutique – her former employers and close family friends. “They’ve been mentors to me for a long time,” Shull said. “That’s another reason why opening Ever Little felt like it was meant to be. The location above The Kindred Boutique and the focus on children’s clothing complemented what they were already doing so well.” For Shull, it’s all a part of the magic that makes the Lexington community so special. She said she can’t imagine living anywhere else and is proud to contribute to the growing town. As Shull reflects on the past 12 months, there’s a single thought that plays on repeat in her mind: gratitude. She’s thankful for the support she’s received from her friends and family – and most especially the Lexington community. “It makes me speechless and emotional that my dream has turned into a reality and that Ever Little has been able to resonate and connect with so many families,” Shull said. “It’s more than just selling clothes. At the end of the day, it’s about the relationships we’ve been able to create, and that’s an important part of my heart.” g 18 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

136 E Main Street, Suite B Lexington, SC everlittleboutique.com @everlittle.boutique

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 19

Thanks for Nominating us Best Meat Store!

Thank you for nominating us Best Home Owner’s Insurance & Best Insurance Agency

MISTY STATHOS

Misty Stathos Ins Agcy Inc 1207 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072 803-951-9151| www.stathosagency.com

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

We’re honored to be nominated. Now we need your vote!

Assisted Living | Memory Care

Because of you, we’ve been nominated for Best Assisted Living

Visit llandiclife.com to vote!

Voting is open September 1st - December 15th. Every vote is a reflection of the community we’ve built together, and we would be honored to have yours.

Retirement Living Options offered by Liberty Senior Living

20 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

OakleafVillageLexington.com | 803.808.3477 800 N. Lake Dr, Lexington, SC lexingtonlife.com

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RIVER BLUFF GATORS August 21 August 28 September 4 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 2 October 16 October 23 October 30

Cane Bay Gray Collegiate @Spring Valley @Midland Valley Keenan AC Flora Chapin @Dutch Fork White Knoll @Lexington

LEXINGTON WILDCATS August 21 August 28 September 4 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 2 October 9 October 23 October 30

Midland Valley @North Augusta @Swansea Spring Valley Emerald @Blythewood Dutch Fork @White Knoll @Chapin River Bluff

WHITE KNOLL TIMBERWOLVES August 21 August 28 September 4 September 11 September 18 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30

@AC Flora @Sumter TL Hanna North Augusta @Goose Creek Ridge View Lexington Chapin @River Bluff @ Dutch Fork

GILBERT INDIANS August 21 August 27 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30

@Nation Ford @AC Flora @South Aiken Batesburg-Leesville Chapin Camden @Brookland-Cayce @Airport Swansea Lower Richland

NORTHSIDE CRUSADERS August 14 August 21 August 28 September 4 September 18 September 25 October 2 October 9 October 23 October 30

Greenwood Christian Thornwell Charter @Thomas Sumter Academy Spartanburg Day Spartanburg Christian @Trinity Collegiate Westminster @Cardinal Newman Florence Christian @Wilson Hall

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

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 21

22 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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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

lexingtonlife.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 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 23

Lexington County family shares struggles and triumphs battling rare kidney disease by Erin Bluvas 24 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

outh Carolina State Senator Carlisle Kennedy’s son, Charles, turned two this August – beating the odds to outlive what doctors once described as a fatal diagnosis. Kennedy and his wife, Brooke, were in the early months of pregnancy and preparing for his first state election campaign when they learned that their unborn child had Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). “It is said that God will never give you more than you can handle, but no one thinks this phrase could ever become the center of their life,” Kennedy said. “My wife and I have always been faithful, but it wasn’t until recently that we learned how deep and fulfilling faith can be.” A rare genetic condition that affects one out of every 20,000 children, ARPKD claims the lives of 30% of those who have it within their first week of life. This was what doctors expected for baby Charles; in fact, they predicted he wouldn’t live past birth – giving the couple a 10% chance of survival even after they had reached the third trimester. However, Charles beat the odds to live weeks and then months and has a good chance of making it to adulthood with the right care. One-third of ARPKD cases are diagnosed by age one, with some symptoms detected during pregnancy as a result of routine prenatal care. Ultrasound imaging can identify the enlarged kidneys and liver scarring caused by the fluid-filled cysts that characterize the condition. Another onethird of cases are diagnosed by age 10, with the remaining third discovered after age 20. Because the condition is present at conception, early diagnosis can improve prognosis by enabling continued monitoring and early intervention. The early onset of ARPKD causes its own problems, however, including poor kidney function, difficulty breathing and restricted lung development, limited growth overall, and lower levels of lexingtonlife.com

amniotic fluid. Kidney and breathing challenges persist for children who survive birth, with poor lung development serving as the most likely reason for death in the first days and weeks as infants work to breathe on their own. High blood pressure often accompanies the condition, which can further damage kidneys while increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Severe liver disease is more of a long-term concern, but all infants with ARPKD are born with scarring and decreased liver function. Many children who survive pregnancy and the months following birth will experience kidney failure before they reach adulthood. As expected, Charles was born prematurely with kidneys that did not function to support his tiny body. Against the odds, he survived those early days – with his parents struggling to determine the best path forward. “The conversations we had before and right after birth were harrowing to say the least,” Kennedy said. “This was meant to be a time of joy and celebration; instead, we were talking about how far we would go or if we just wanted to hold him and give him comfort in his final moments.” Surgeons removed Charles’ kidneys to allow his lungs to expand. Then they put him on peritoneal dialysis (which filters blood inside the body), but he was too small for it to work properly. The Kennedys watched helplessly as their son’s health continued to worsen, and he was placed on a ventilator. When it seemed there was nothing more that could be done, renewed hope arrived in the form of a hemodialysis machine (which filters blood outside the

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body through an artificial kidney) that had become available a full month ahead of schedule. It had been donated just before they found out they were expecting by the Log a Load for Kids Foundation. “Charles was named after my wife’s grandfather, who was a logger, and loggers provided the very machine that saved his life,” Kennedy said. “Where some might see a coincidence, we see the hand of God. We are deeply thankful for the machine and medical professionals that preserved Charles’ life and infinitely more grateful for Christ Jesus, who offers eternal life to us all.” Charles spent his first seven months in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units at MUSC in Charleston and a total of over 300 days in inpatient care. In recent months, the trio has been trekking to Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital, which specializes in complex cases like his. Back home in Lexington, they perform peritoneal dialysis for 12 hours every night. They lean on their faith as well as unending support from both sets of grandparents in providing their son with 24-hour medical care. “Our brave little warrior has endured more than most of us will in a lifetime. This has been a long and difficult journey, and even with such a devoted family, it would not have been possible without God’s constant blessings. We have seen firsthand the power of prayer, and watched God answer, over and over again.” Kennedy said. For many children with ARPKD, the reality of needing a kidney transplant is not a matter of if but when. That’s certainly the case for Charles, who had to have both of his removed to survive his first days. As the Kennedys prepare for a transplant and pray for a living donor,

they focus on their blessings thus far – as evidenced by Charles’ delayed but consistent growth and development as well as his ability to smile, laugh, and light up the room whenever he has the strength. n

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming involved in the kidney donation process, contact the National Kidney Foundation’s South Carolina office at 1643 B Savannah Hwy, Box 120 Charleston, SC 29407 (803) 799-3870 nkfsc@kidney.org kidney.org/offices/nkfserving-carolinas facebook.com/NKFSC

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 25

April Stroud

Thanks for nominating me Best Residential Real Estate Agent AGAIN!

803-920-6899 | Email: southerntwistgroup@gmail.com

Your Honest, Reliable & Hardworking Agent

Because real estate matters shouldn’t be ‘Ruff Thanks for voting us Best Real Estate Attorney!

We handle residential and commercial real estate matters, inclu including contracts, closings, title searches and title curative matters

2464 Mineral Springs Rd, Lex | (803) 358-7207 | www.propertylawyersc.com

26 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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Fun

v i a t s l e s F

around South Carolina Beer Fest at Moore Farms September 12 | Lake City, SC moorefarmsbg.org Local and regional craft breweries will be represented on the scenic grounds, offering a variety of beers and ciders. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, and games. South Carolina Apple Festival September 10 – 12 Westminster, SC scapplefestival.com Celebrate the start of the apple harvest season in Oconee County, the state’s largest apple-producing area. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, local crafts, and homemade apple treats.

BBQ Cook-Off September 11 – 12 Mauldin, SC mauldinbbq.com This annual festival is a showcase of the Mauldin community, from its food to its music. It features more than 20 cooks from all over the Southeast, competing to bring the best BBQ to Mauldin. lexingtonlife.com

Rock The Ranch September 26 | Seneca, SC rocktheranchmusicfest.com This charity music festival is held at the historic Charlie B. Ranch Arena. This beautiful farm boasts rolling hills that form a perfect natural outdoor amphitheater. Upstate Renaissance Faire September 18 – 20 Wellford, SC upstaterenaissancefaire.com Break out your finest Renaissance regalia and enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations, vendors, ax throwing, candle making, and more.

Island Jam Songwriter Festival September 17 – 20 Hilton Head, SC hiltonheadislandjam.com The writers behind country and pop music’s biggest hits come to the Lowcountry for this four-day, multi-venue festival of original music.

We’ve rounded up some of our

favorite festivals Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival September 25 – 27 Murrells Inlet, SC atalayafestival.com This event features over 100 artisans against a background of natural beauty. Enjoy fine art, quality crafts, and local food, along with the musical offerings of several of the area’s finest musicians.

around the state. From food and music to crafts and cosplay – get out there, travel, and have fun!

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 27

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Are you tired of this eyesore serving as Lexington’s gateway to the city?

Do something about it!

p e e K s ’ t e L Lexingtounl! Beautif il. il ma

Call, email, sna

5500 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, SC 29072 Property Owner Info: Em AlNour of SC LLC c/o Nouria Energy Corp. 326 Clark St. Worcester, MA 01606

Nouria Energy President Tony El-Nemr 1-774-253-7407 cell 1-508-762-3700 office tony.elnemr@nouriaenergy.com

Lexington Mayor Hazel Livingston 803-463-6575 • hlivingston@lexsc.gov

It’s ironic that on Nouria’s Facebook page they explain the word Nouria means, “illumination,” “glow” and “light.” Most Lexington residents think it means incomplete, plywood boarded up, broken signage, weed-overgrown, suburban blight.

Lexington deserves better!

Guitar String Materials Bronze, Nickel, Steel and More by Travis Henderson

Guitar strings can all look quite similar at first glance, but the materials they are made from can have a significant effect on tone and feel. Guitar strings use a steel core, but they can have different metals wrapped around that core. From the warmer tones of phosphor bronze to the crisp response of stainless steel, string material is a key factor in shaping the sound of both acoustic and electric guitars, including basses. Knowing the options can help you tailor your tone without making very expensive changes to your gear. Acoustic Guitar String Materials Acoustic guitar strings are typically made using bronze alloys. The two most common are 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze. 80/20 bronze is made from 80 percent copper and 20 percent zinc. It produces a bright, sparkling tone but with solid bass notes. The high copper content means that 80/20 strings are prone to corrosion. Phosphor bronze includes about 92 per30 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

cent copper and 8 percent tin, but it also has a small amount of phosphorus included in the alloy. Despite their even higher copper content, the inclusion of tin and phosphorus makes phosphor bronze strings slower to tarnish, which prolongs their lifespan. These strings also have a longer tonal life, and their sound is warmer than that of 80/20 equivalents. This quality of sound makes them a popular choice for fingerstyle and folk music.

Players of traditional classical or flamenco styles will use nylon or sometimes even gut strings. Some blues and folk players will use silk and steel sets. In these, the three treble strings are generally unwound steel or nylon, but the other strings will have silk incorporated into the winding. The addition of silk gives the strings a softer, more mellow sound and lower tension. This makes them a good choice if you play a vintage instrument or are seeking a gentler touch. Electric Guitar String Materials Electric guitar strings are available in a range of materials that interact with magnetic pickups to produce varied tones. The strings used typically share a common core of steel wire, but the materials used for winding will vary. The material choice aflexingtonlife.com

fects not only durability but also the character of the sound produced. The most common choice is nickel-plated steel, which delivers a bright but balanced sound that works well across many genres. Pure nickel strings offer a warmer, smoother tone. This is often favored in blues, jazz, and classic rock. Stainless steel strings, on the other hand, are known for their bright attack and resistance to corrosion. They also have a slick feeling that some players prefer for fast or aggressive styles. Bass Guitar String Materials If you are a bass player, you can also choose from nickel and stainless-steel options, with similar trade-offs in tone and texture. Nickel-wound strings tend to be warmer and more forgiving under the fingers. They produce a rounded, versatile sound. Stainless steel strings will provide more brightness and have a more pronounced attack. These characteristics mean stainless steel strings are often used for heavy metal or hard rock. Steel strings tend to have lower finger noise, and they are less inclined to corrosion than other materials. One down-

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side of this resilience is that stainless steel strings can cause more wear to frets than softer options. Some bassists also use tapewound strings, which feature a nylon wrap around the metal string. This gives a mellow, deep sound with minimal finger noise and a softer feel. Coated versions of these materials are available across acoustic, electric, and bass strings. A coated string has an outer layer of polymer added to the metal winding. This improves resistance to corrosion, dirt, and general wear, which enhances the longevity of the string. A coated string will have a smoother feel than an uncoated equivalent. Some players find that coating strings takes the edge off their sound, but any slight difference may be worth it for the practical benefits. The guitar string material that you choose will play a major role in shaping tone and touch. Whether you are looking for warmth, brightness, or a specific feel, material choice gives you an accessible way to customize your sound. Trying different alloys and coatings can reveal new tonal possibilities and help make a familiar instrument feel fresh again. n

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 31

Thanks for nominating us Best Chiropractor! We are focused on serving the Health Insurance Needs for Individuals of all Ages. We 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 we make it Easy. Best of All, Our Services are Free to You! Give us a call or text to get on our Calendar so that we can discuss and plan the best options for Your Coverage.

You can Call or Text Jeff Howle at 803-678-8121. You can also Email Jeff at jhowle@healthmarkets.com or find him online at www.jeffhowle.com. Our office is at The Flight Deck Shoppes in Lexington, South Carolina.

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Jeﬀ and Tamara Howle Licensed Insurance Agent Health | Medicare | Small Group | Life Located at The Flight Deck Shoppes jhowle@healthmarkets.com 803-678-8121 • www.jeﬀhowle.com

32 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

We treat the root cause of pain and injury to provide long lasting health and happiness! Webster certified for pregnancy care and pediatric certifed. We treat patients from pre-conception to the golden years! INSURANCE ACCEPTED. FAMILY PLANS. WELLNESS PLANS.

Dr. Eric Nazarenko, DC Dr. Andrea Nazarenko, PhD 711 E Main St Ste. L2 Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 808-0711

www.oldmillchiropractic.com

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Congratulations to the 2027 Nominees for the Best of Lexington Life Magazine Contest!

Vote for your favorites today at lexingtonlife.com. The deadline to vote is December 15, 2026. The winners will be announced in the February 2027 issue of Lexington Life Magazine.

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 33

Best Accounting Firm Deese & Company Dooley & Company Thomas, Watson, & Company

Best Allergy/ENT Practice Allergy Partners of the Midlands Lexington ENT & Allergy Palmetto ENT & Allergy

Best Attorney: Family Law Firm Gorski Law Office Kinard Law Group The Farley Law Firm

Best Aesthetic Practice About You Aesthetics Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics Covet Aesthetics

Best Assisted Living Facility Oakleaf Village of Lexington The Village at Southlake Wellmore of Lexington

Best Attorney: Litigation Firm Bland Richter Morgan, Slaughter, & Hatliwanger Salley Law Firm

Best Aesthetic Spa Allie’s Spa Enhance Image Med Spa La Belle Apotheca

Best Attorney Amy Cofield James McCutchen Stephen Samuels

Best Attorney: Personal Injury Jeffcoat Law Firm Leddy Law Firm Moore Bradley Myers

Best Afterschool Program Empire Gymnastics First Baptist Church of Lexington Palmetto Athletic Center

Best Attorney: Criminal Defense Dayne Phillips, SC Criminal Law Kinard Law Group Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr.

Best Attorney: Probate/Estate Dial, Grimm & Rupert McCutchen McLean Stratton & Reynolds

Best Airport Charleston International Charlotte Douglas International Columbia Metropolitan

Best Attorney: Elder Law Firm Amy Cofield Law Lawyer Lisa McCutchen McLean

Best Attorney: Real Estate Amy Cofield Law Blair Cato Pickren Casterline The Templeton Law Firm

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

The Farley Law Firm LLC Thanks for nominating us Best Family Law AAorney 137 E Butler Street, Lex, SC 803.359.0428 | www.afarleylaw.com

LEXINGTON COLLISION Thanks for Nominating us Lexinton’s Best Auto Perfomance Shop Again! 1840 Augusta Highway Lexington, SC 29072 Call us at (803) 359-9455 or scan our QR code to visity us online! EXPERIENCE. TRUST.RESULTS

Thank you for nominating us Lexington’s Best Litigation AAorney Kirk Morgan: kirk@mshhrm.com

Chuck Slaughter: chuck@mshhrm.com Dan Haltiwanger: dan@mshhrm.com 135 E Main Street Lexington, SC 29072 803-359-6195 www.mshhrm.com

34 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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Best Attorney: Workers Comp Lyle Law Firm Samuels Reynolds Law Firm Smith & Jones Law

Best Auto Service Dealership Herndon Chevrolet Jim Hudson Ford Peter Boulware Toyota

Best BBQ Hudson’s Smokehouse Maurice’s Piggy Park Midland Cooking Company

Best Auto Body Shop CarStar Lexington Collision Color Addix Gilbert Paint & Body

Best Bank First Citizens Bank First Community Bank Security Federal Bank

Best Boat Club Carefree Boat Club Freedom Boat Club Nautical Boat Club

Best Auto Performance Shop Ellison Collision & Customs Ultimate Audio Xtreme Customs

Best Bar with Live Music Big Tuna’s Kitchen & Krafts Hazelwood Brewery Skyline Club

Best Breakfast Another Broken Egg O’Hara’s Bakery Café The Hangar Provisions

Best Auto Repair Shop: Domestic North Lake Auto Repair Rev Automotive Superior Auto

Best Barber Shop Circa Barbershop Lexington Barber Shop Paul’s Barber Shop

Best Burger Libby’s of Lexington Old Mill Brewpub Ramblin’ Mule

Best Auto Repair Shop: Foreign Abbott’s Auto Care & Tire Cottman Transmission Whetzels Automotive

Best Bath/Kitchen Fixtures Bath & Bronze Creggar Company Gateway Supply

Best Carpet Store Floor Boys Floor Mart West Lake Murray Floor Covering

Because real estate matters shouldn’t be ‘Ruff Thanks for voting us Best Real Estate Attorney!

We handle residential and commercial real estate matters, inclu including contracts, closings, title searches and title curative matters

2464 Mineral Springs Rd, Lex | (803) 358-7207 | www.propertylawyersc.com

Imagine. Design. Install. Thanks for nominating us Best Place to Buy Bath/Kitchen Fixtures!

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

James L. McCutchen, Robin R. McLean Claire Y. Dorbandt, Cameron DeBoy

1250 LAKE MURRAY BLVD IRMO, SC 29063 (803) 830-5591 BATHANDBRONZE.COM

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Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

106 East Main Street, Lexington 111 Columbia Ave, Chapin

(803)-785-4529

www.McCutchenMcLean.com

LEXINGTON TRUSTS MCCUTCHEN MCLEAN! September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 35

Best Catering Company El Jimador Hudson’s Classic Catering Maurice’s Event Catering

Best Coin or Collectible Dealer Gilbert Coin & Collectible Palmetto Cards Random Fandom Collectibles

Best Consignment Shop Ivy House Antique Mall Magnolia Resale Mission Lexington

Best Charter School American Leadership Academy Gray Collegiate Academy SC Whitmore School

Best Columbia Attraction Edventure Children’s Museum Riverbanks Zoo & Garden SC State Museum

Best Counseling/Therapy Irmo Counseling Jill Smith & Associates Joy in the Journey

Best Children’s Boutique Ever Little Boutique Little Peach Boutique Persnickety Shop

Best Commercial Contractor CNC Commercial Interiors Hill Construction Company J.C. Wilkie Construction

Best CPA Deese & Company Dooley & Company Wayne Corley CPA

Best Chiropractor Collaborative Healthcare Old Mill Chiropractic Palmetto Chiropractic

Best Compounding Pharmacy Hawthorne Pharmacy Riley’s Drugs South Lake Drugs

Best Credit Union: Banking Founders Federal Credit Union Palmetto Citizens FCU SC State Credit Union

Best Coffee Shop Bittersweet Alchemy Death Before Decaf Dutch Bros Coffee

Best Concierge Medicine Ivy Park Medicine Living Well Family Medicine SC My Care

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

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com Thanks for Nominating us Best Commercial Contractor!

803-720-9225 • www.hillconstructionllc.com

Thank You for Nominating us Best Children’s Boutique 117 E. Main Street Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 605-5302 persnickety-shop.com

36 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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Best Custom Home Builder Epic Homes Gage Construction Tytan Homes

Best Dentist: Cosmetic Brad Pitts Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Palmetto Dental Associates Southern Shores Dental

Best Dog Friendly Rest./Bar Fourteen Mile Taphouse Libby’s Restaurant Old Mill Brewpub

Best Dance Company Arts International Dance Techniques Stepping Out Dance Studio

Best Dentist: Kids Midlands Pediatric Dentistry Palmetto Smiles Sunset Children’s Dentistry

Best Esthetician Angela Lim, Bedazzled Brandi Smetana, Euphoric Beauty Gillian Pavan, Orion Skin Studio

Best Day Spa Bedazzled Salon & Day Spa Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics Lake Murray Head Spa & Salon

Best Dermatologist Columbia Dermatology Columbia Skin Clinic Palmetto Dermatology

Best Event Venue Corley Mill House & Gardens Icehouse Amphitheatre Southern Oaks

Best Daycare Big Blue Marble Academy Learn 2 Grow Talented & Gifted Academy

Best Dessert Nothing Bundt Cakes O’Hara’s Bakery Café The Hangar Provisions

Best Exterminator Modern Exterminating Pest Management Systems Precise Services

Best Dentist: Adults Palmetto Dental Associates Sherry Powell Dentistry Sunset Dentistry

Best Discount Store Costless Outlet Dollar Tree Mavis Tire

Best Family Entertainment LavaQuest Monetta Drive-In Village Square Theatre

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Thank you for nominating us! Lexington locations: 954 E. Main Street | 4458 Sunset Blvd. Irmo location: 7438 Broad River Rd.

Federally insured by the NCUA

A Professional Smile Goes a Long Way! FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Thank you for nominating us Lexington’s Best Dermatologist!

Thanks for nominating me Best Adult Dentist!

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Dr. Sherry Powell 120 Midlands Court, West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 739-0390 www.dentistdrpowell.com

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Serving Lexington, Irmo, Columbia & Camden Phone: 803.779.7316 | columbiaskinclinic.com Follow us on social media @columbiaskinclinic

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 37

Best Family Practice Lake Murray Family Lexington Family Practice Palmetto Primary Care

Best Garden Center First Priority Garden Center Seven Oaks Plant Shop Wingard’s Market

Best Group Fitness Studio ISI Elite Training StrongHER WRKT Lexington

Best Fine Dining Ember Lexington Private Property Travinia Italian Kitchen

Best Gastroenterologist Columbia Gastroenterology Consultants in Gastroenterology

Best Gun & Ammunition Store JCs Outdoors Palmetto State Armory Shooters Choice

Best Fitness Center Max Fitness Lexington One Life Fitness Powerhouse Pilates Best Florist Lexington Florist Pink Sunday Storey’s Florist Best Furniture Store Economy Furniture Marty Rae’s of Lexington Scott’s Furniture Company

Best Glass Store Absolute Glass ACE Glass Bingswanger Glass

Best Gym Max Fitness Lexington One Life Fitness Planet Fitness

Best Golf Cart Dealer All American Carts Palmetto Kustom Kartz Tidewater Carts Best Golf Course Country Club of Lexington Golden Hills Golf & Country Club Solina Golf Course

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Best Hair Salon: Adults Bloom Salon & Spa Charlie Mack Salon Elevate Salon Best Hair Salon: Kids Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Snip-its Haircuts for Kids Willow Grace Hair Studio

Thanks for nominating us Best Golf Course!

Call today for information on Golf Memberships!

Golden Hills Golf & Country Club (803) 957-3355 www.goldenhillsgolf.com 100 Scotland Drive, Lexington

Auto • Home • Business

Making your house a home since 1972 Thank you for nominating us BEST Furniture Store! Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 | Sat 10-5 705 N. Lake Drive, Lex, SC 29072 Scoos-Furniture.com | (803) 359-4121

38 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

Voted Best 17 Years in a Row!

THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US BEST GLASS STORE AGAIN!

www.absoluteglassinc.com 1612 W. Main St, Lexington

951-7200 lexingtonlife.com

Best Hairstylist Angie Williams, Palmetto Roots Brittany Luskin, Studio B Kelsey Abercrombie, Elevate

Best Hearing Healthcare Affordable Hearing Lake Murray Hearing Midland Hearing Associates

Best Home Furnishings Marty Rae’s of Lexington Scott’s Furniture Company Wood & Fabric

Best Handyman Service Built Bright Handyman Helper Mr. Handy

Best Heart Doctor Dr. Amy Epps, Lex. Cardiology Dr. Garrison Morgan, MUSC Dr. Stephen Vanhorn, Lex. Cardiology

Best Home Health Assisting Hands Home Care Daybreak Adult Care Services Wellhaven Home Care Columbia

Best Happy Hour Barrio Tacos Schooner’s Bar & Grill Travinia Italian Kitchen

Best Heating & Air Company All American Heating & Air Cool Care HVAC Killman Heating & Air

Best Hospice Care McLeod Home Health NHC Healthcare Three Oaks Hospice

Best Hardscaping Services Elite Lawn & Landscape First Priority Landscaping Mint Pools & Landscapes

Best Home Accessories Blush Boutique Carolina Pottery Wood & Fabric

Best Hospital System Lexington Health Medical University of South Carolina Prisma Health

Best Healthy Eating Restaurant CAVA Mediterranean Café Poke Bros.

Best Home Builder Magnolia Custom Homes Mungo Homes Tytan Homes

Best Ice Cream Shop Holy Cow Creamery Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt

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

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Thanks for Nominating us Lexington’s Best! Contact Us! (803) 814-7834 www.elitelawn.us

Thanks for nominating us Best Handyman Service! The Handyman Helper Call Today! Howard Blomberg 803-381-6445 Aaron Blomberg 803-414-1752 lexingtonlife.com

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 39

Best Insurance Agency Farm Bureau Insurance Herring Insurance Services Misty Stathos State Farm

Best Insurance: Life Beckett Financial Group Farm Bureau Insurance Mauldin Insurance

Best Kid Friendly Restaurant BoHo Pizza & Brew Flight Deck Restaurant Nicky’s Pizzeria

Best Insurance Agent Brent Herring, Herring Ins. Kevin Strickland, Farm Bureau Scott Amick, State Farm

Best Internet Service Provider Carolina Connect Kinetic Fiber Ripple Fiber

Best Landscaping Company Elite Lawn & Landscape First Priority Landscaping Heritage Landscape Services

Best Insurance: Auto Hal Girard State Farm Laurie Griner Allstate The Tidwell Agency

Best Investment Firm Beckett Financial Group Blake Insurance & Financial Group Crescent Financial Group

Best Landscaping Supply Miner’s Landscape Supply Pine Straw Place WP Law

Best Insurance: Health Jeff Howle, Health Markets Ins. Mauldin Insurance Murdock Insurance

Best Jewelry Store Carolina Fine Jewelry Moseley’s Diamond Showcase The Chapman Company

Best Learning Center Kumon Math & Reading Center Mathnasium Sowing Minds

Best Insurance: Home Owner’s Hal Girard, State Farm Ins. Herring Insurance Misty Stathos, State Farm Ins.

Best Karate/Martial Arts Studio Black Tiger Teakwondo Martial Arts Training Center Vitali Family Karate

Best Manufactured Housing Co. Clayton Homes Home Max Lexington Discount Homes

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Thank you for nominating us Best Jewelry Store and Best Place to Sell Gold

Thank you for nominating us again! We love our customers!

 E Main Street, Ste C, Lex, SC  | .. brent@herringinsuranceservices.com

Are you part of the ninety percent? Give Santa a Head Start!

Nine out of ten customers recommend our internet service. We would appreciate your vote for the Best of Lexington.

Ladies, come in today to start your Christmas Wish List and ask us about our Layaway Program. Your local Jeweler since 1998 oﬀering on-site repair and custom design.

903 North Lake Dr, Lex, SC | (803) 996–5530

40 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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Best Margarita Barrio Tacos Brothers & Beer El Jimador

Best Medical Spa Lexington Aesthetics Medical Spa SC My Care Spa MD

Best Mortgage Company Assurance Financial Palmetto Mortgage Group Synovus Bank

Best Marina Jakes Landing Martin’s Landing Southshore Marina

Best Men’s Clothing Store Craig Reagin Clothiers Half Moon Outfitters, Old Mill JCs Outdoors

Best Mosquito Treatment Jeffcoat Pest Control Lake Murray Mosquito Mosquito Joe of Lake Murray

Best Massage Bedazzled Salon & Day Spa Better Bodies Massage Massage Mechanics

Best Men’s Health Practice Alpha Male Men’s Clinic Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics The Men’s Clinic

Best Moving Company Gamecock Moving Soda City Movers Two Men and a Truck

Best Mattress Store Best Mattress BoxDrop Mattress Michaelis Mattress

Best Microbrewery Fourteen Mile Taphouse Hazelwood Brewing Co. Old Mill Brewpub

Best Music School Freeway Music Lexington School of Music Musician Supply

Best Meat Store Caughman’s Meats Four Oaks Farm Country Store Old Timey Meat Market

Best Milkshake Cook Out Rush’s Sonic Drive-In

Best Ob/Gyn Practice Kraemer Women’s Care Lexington Women’s Care Prisma Health Ob/Gyn

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Thank you for nominating us BEST Jewelry Store!

1068 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC 29063 (803) 736-0415 | CarolinaFineJewelry.com

Thank you for Nominating us! Contact our oﬀice to set up a comprehensive call at (843) 509-2462!

lexingtonlife.com

Are you ready for some football?

�anks for Nominating us Best Men’s Clothing Store! 103 East Main Street, Lex | 803.785.7848 www.craigreaginclothiers.com

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 41

Best Ophthalmology Practice Cardinal Vision Columbia Eye Clinic Palmetto Ophthalmology

Best Outdoor Equipment A-Z Outdoor Equipment Carolina Power Equipment Sparrow & Kennedy

Best Pediatric Practice Lexington Pediatric Practice Sandhills Pediatrics SouthernMED Pediatrics

Best Optometry Practice Eye Associates of Lexington Eye Care of Lexington My Pharmacy & Optical

Best Outdoor Furniture Carolina Pottery Jack Oliver’s Pool, Spa & Patio Tropic Aire

Best Pet Groomer Kristi’s Fancy K-9’s Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat Zooming Grooming

Best Organic Products 14 Carrot Whole Foods Garner’s Natural Life Lowe’s Foods

Best Painter Cola Town Painting Endless Possibilities M&A Perfectionist Painters

Best Pet Hospital Grace Animal Hospital Lake Murray Animal Hospital Millcreek Animal Hospital

Best Orthodontist Purnell Orthodontics The Braces Place Whitehead Orthodontics

Best Patio Dining Libby’s of Lexington Nicky’s Pizzeria Old Mill Brewpub

Best Pet Kennel/Boarder Millcreek Animal Hospital Paws & Relax Petcare Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat

Best Orthopedic Practice Lexington Orthopaedics Midlands Orthopaedics Palmetto Bone & Joint

Best Patio/Sunroom Installers Built Bright Carolina Sunrooms Elite Lawn & Landscape

Best Pharmacy Medicine Mart Pharmacy My Pharmacy & Optical Riley’s Drugs

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Your Face Isn’t Generic. Your Eyewear Shouldn’t Be Either.

3618 Sunset Blvd, Suite A, W. Cola, SC 29169 803-732-4099 | www.visiontherapysc.org

42 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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Best Photographer Clark Berry Photography JH Photography Lola Dee Photography

Best Place for Girl’s Night Out Barrio Tacos Mothers Pies & Oysters Tavern on 6

Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses Eye Care of Lexington My Pharmacy & Optical Vision Therapy

Best Physical Therapy Practice Forged Physical Therapy Fox Physical Therapy Vertex PT Specialist

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

Best Place to Buy Hardwood Floors Floor Boys Floor Mart West Floor Pro

Best Pilates/Yoga Instruction Pink Lotus Powerhouse Pilates WRKT Lexington

Best Place to Buy a Car: New Herndon Chevrolet Jim Hudson Lexus Peter Boulware Toyota

Best Place to Buy Tires Discount Tire Pope Davis Tire Whetzels Automotive

Best Pizza Bellis House of Pizza BoHo Pizza & Brew Nicky’s Pizzeria

Best Place to Buy a Car: Used B&L Auto CarMax Golden Motors

Best Place to Buy Windows Builders First Source Central Glass Pella Window & Doors

Best Place for Date Night Mediterranean Café Mothers Pies & Oysters Private Property

Best Place to Buy a Pool Mint Pools & Landscapes S&S Pools Waterworks Pools & Spas

Best Place to Get Botox Covet Aesthetics Lexington Aesthetics Medical Spa Poised Medical Spa

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Thank you for Nominating us Best Aesthetic Practice & Best Place to Get Botox

Founder, Michelle Silver | | covetaesthetics.com 1812 Augusta Hwy, Lexington, SC 29072 | 803.303.0550

Thank you for nominating us Best Place to Buy Tires & Best Auto Repair for Foreign Cars!

Get Ready for Fall with some new ooring!

Come see why we are nominatd Best Place to Buy Hardwood Floors and Best Carpet Store again! Locally Owned and Operated. Voted Best 12 Years in a Row! Angie's List super service award winner over 6 years in a row. Hours: M-F 9:30 am–5:30 pm, Sat 9 am–12:30 pm, Sun Closed

The Only Red Carpet Experience in the Automotive Service Industry 2017 Augusta Rd, W Cola, SC | (803) 739-2999 | whetzelsautomotive@gmail.com

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1728 N. Lake Drive, Lexington 29072 (803) 359-0507 | www..oorboys.com September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 43

Best Place to Get Braces Davis Orthodontics The Braces Place Whitehead Orthodontics

Best Private School Ben Lippen School Heritage Christian Academy Northside Christian Academy

Best Place to Sell Gold Barnes Jewelers Gilbert Coin & Collectible The Chapman Company

Best Property Management Co. Cantey Company Scott Properties Southern Dreams Realty

Best Place to Work Lexington Health Michelin Tires Prisma Health

Best Real Estate Agency: Commercial NAI Columbia RE/MAX Purpose Driven Trinity Partners

Best Plumbing Company Delta Plumbing Pro Finish Pressure Washing Meetze Plumbing Best Pressure Washing Co. Not Your Average Joe’s Pro Finish Pressure Washing Squeegee Clean

Best Real Estate Agency: Residential Century 21 803 Realty Next Home Specialists RE/MAX Purpose Driven

Best Real Estate Agent: Commercial Brent Downing, The Downing Group Jeff Woodruff, RE/MAX Purpose Driven Rhett Kelly, Southern Visions Best Real Estate Agent: Residential April Stroud, Century 21 803 Realty Brent Downing, The Downing Group Danielle Burke, RE/MAX Purpose Driven Best Ribs Carolina Wings & Rib House Hudson’s Smokehouse Maurice’s Piggy Park

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

Thanks for nominating me Best Residential Real Estate Agent!

April Stroud

803-920-6899 Email: southerntwistgroup@gmail.com Your Honest, Reliable & Hardworking Agent

Thank you for Nominating us Best Property Management Company! 430 South Lake Drive , Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 359-0793 | cantey@cantey.com | www.cantey.com

44 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

southerndreamsrentals.com Search the Best Vacation & Home Rentals From Charleston to Lake Murray.

Call Today! (803) 920-2321.

Call Today! (803) 712-3797 955 E. Main St, Ste R, Lexington, SC 29072

Voted BEST 3 Years in a Row!

Thank you for nominating me Best Residential Real Estate Agent! lexingtonlife.com

Best Roofing Company Crosby Roofing Premiere Roofing Vista Roofing

Best Senior Living Community Lakeside Place The Village at Southlake Wellmore of Lexington

Best Sweet Tea Bojangles Maurice’s Piggy Park Rush’s

Best Salad CAVA Mediterranean Café The Hangar Provisions

Best Skilled Nursing Center Lexington Extended Care Millennium Post-Acute Rehab NHC HealthCare

Best Tacos Barrio Tacos Brothers & Beer Diablo’s Southwest Grill

Best Sandwich Shop Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop Firehouse Subs Stacked Lexington

Best Southern Cooking Lizard’s Thicket Southern Thymes The Root Cellar

Best Temp. Employment Service Roper Staffing Snelling Staffing Spherion Staffing

Best Seafood Restaurant Catch Seafood George Robert’s Wine & Raw Bar Mothers Pies & Oysters

Best Steak Big Tuna’s Kitchen & Krafts Ember Lexington Private Property

Best Towing Service Pee Wee’s Towing Schroeder’s Towing Wingard Towing

Best Senior Home Care Assisting Hands Home Care Home Instead McLeod Home Care

Best Sushi Antai Asian Dining Ganbei Japanese Konnichiwa

Best Tree Removal Boozer’s Tree Service Captain Trees Sox & Freeman Tree Expert Co.

Thank you for Nominating us Best Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center! 2416 Sunset Blvd, W Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 796-8024 • www.millenniumpostacute.com

Mention this ad for $50 Off * Some restrictions apply

803-834-9483 deltaplumbingllc.com lexingtonlife.com

Vote online at lexingtonlife.com

803-796-1467

Thank you for nominating us Best Wedding Venue!

394 Walter Rawl Road, Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 354-1672 thevineslexington.com Photo by Timeless Carolinas

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 45

Best Unique Gift Shop Palmetto Nook Wild Birds Unlimited Wingard’s Nursery

Best Weight Loss Program Cardinal Wellness & Aesthetics Collaborative Healthcare Veritas Urgent Care

Best Write In BINeficial Trash Bin Cleaning Paige Butler Interior Styling and Design The Grout Medic

Best Urgent Care Lex. Health Urgent Care Prisma Urgent Care Veritas Urgent Care

Best Wigs/Hair Pieces Becky’s Place Boutique Merle Norman Chapin Shimmery Hair & Beauty Bar

Best Veterinarian Practice Grace Animal Hospital Lake Murray Animal Hospital Lakeside Veterinary

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The floor — and the FUN — is lava for this Lexington amusement center by Betsey Guizor

A rainy-day pastime now is family fun at a new business in Lexington. What started as a way for kids to pass the time indoors on rainy days has now become a fun spot for the whole family at LavaQuest. Open since March, the interactive gaming experience store offers birthday parties and group activities featuring a challenging lava floor installed in a large room, large enough for groups to compete against one another. It’s based on the Floor is Lava, a household game that started out in suburban living rooms, where kids would try to avoid touching the floor by jumping on furniture and other items to move around. The first mention of the game appears in Roald Dahl’s 1953 children’s short story, where he describes a boy who can walk only on parts of his mother’s carpet because of the venomous snakes in the pattern. And in the age of memes, the saying “the floor is lava” equates with the obstacles of life. The intention of LavaQuest is not so deep. It’s a place for families, friends, or work groups to compete in a variety of configurations. Business is booming, with birthday parties, work outings, and 48 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

other activities that give people a break from their daily lives. Rob Gauthier owns and operates the business, which is adjacent to Kratopia, operated by his wife, Virginia. Gauthier is a New York transplant whose retail experience brought him to South Carolina, where he met Virginia and settled down in the Midlands. The move also brought out his entrepreneurial instinct to fulfill a need for indoor group fun that wasn’t just confined to young children. With a blended family that includes a teenager and a toddler, Gauthier was

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5140 Sunset Blvd Lexington, SC (803) 490-3327 lavaquest.com

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looking to build something that would be fun for the whole family. “This concept is great because it’s active. It’s like a video game for kids. Keep them active. Keep them running around. And it can be done by people of all ages,” he said. Gauthier also is tech-minded, so the idea of having a business that relied on technology was attractive. The interactive floor used at LavaQuest can be programmed for a variety of games. “I’ve always tried to create my own games anyway, and so I turned a hobby and a passion into an actual business venture,” he said. The floor looks like a disco dance platform. And each square can be programmed to a certain color. Red means lava, but other pressure-sensitive tiles can be blue, green, or pink. Games include Target Quest, Lava Crossing, Pattern Memory, and Survival. The key is to avoid the red (lava) tiles while scoring points on the others. Hit all your targets, and you move onto the next level. Hit a red square, and you lose your virtual life. More lives lost, and you must restart the level. The games are hard or easy, depending on which level you’re on. And Gauthier can reprogram the games to create new challenges for his customers. With the addition of leaderboards, regulars to the amusement center can compete with one another. A waiting room for groups has a PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, along with board games, to keep people busy while they’re waiting their turn. Family groups, work groups, and people celebrating birthdays are all taking advantage of its location to have fun for 30 minutes. “One of the things I hear the most is ‘It’s a great workout!’ People go in, they have a blast for 30 minutes, and they come out sweating. Big cardio, a lot of jumping, a lot of running around, all by just having fun playing the game,” Gauthier said. It’s also fun to see how the business itself helps balance work and family for all of them. “It helps keep my daughter active. She’s four now, and she’s grown up on the floor, and so she’s one of the best players on it. Her hand-eye coordination has really improved. And she keeps me active because she wants me to play in there all the time with her.” n September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 49

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Cybersecurity by Tenell Felder A suspect invoice. An inquiring email that has a link. A phone call in which someone asks for financial numbers. Any business can experience these suspicious cyber activities, which can wreak havoc on your company’s computer systems, payroll, or inventory records. These situations show why it is important to stay on your toes and make sure your team knows about the latest online scams. Simple steps like running regular “fake phishing” tests and setting up clear rules for double-checking anything that seems odd can go a long way toward keeping your business safe from cybercrooks. And with the emergence of AI, there are bigger threats: A phone call can mimic your manager’s voice, or an employee using ChatGPT could expose proprietary information for someone to misuse. Here are five practical ways small businesses can use cybersecurity to strengthen operations and build trust: • Consider cyberinsurance. Policies will offer discounts if there are security practices in place, such as creating a firewall for computers and formal training for employees. • Make your security measures part of your brand. This ensures your vendors and employees can work safely and without fear of cyber contamination.

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• Use automated tools to flag unusual login patterns or phishing attempts. • Think about how you exchange information with outside sources. Should you have a more secure way of communicating, such as a VPN and granted permissions? • Always back up. Any business can get disrupted through a hacking scam, and your business will be safer if your essential data is backed up to recover. Center for Cybersecurity The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) recently announced the creation of a new Center for Cybersecurity. The new center will lead the implementation of South Carolina’s statewide cybersecurity strategic plan based on the state’s needs, assets, and challenges. The plan will address cybersecurity in education, workforce development, defense partnerships, and economic growth. Cybersecurity as a career? Cybersecurity is a popular major for college students. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand and are considered a top job in tech. Job demand will continue to grow well into the future, and it is a dynamic job that is seldom boring. People looking to build impactful careers should take a look at the growing cybersecurity industry. n

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 51

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by Abigail Harris When someone hears the words, “You have cancer,” their world changes instantly. While much attention is given to medical treatments, appointments, and recovery, another reality often unfolds quietly in the background: the financial burden that comes with fighting the disease. For many patients, cancer doesn’t just threaten their health; it threatens their ability to pay rent, keep the lights on, or provide for their families. Cancer of Many Colors, a Lexington-based nonprofit organization, was created to address overlooked financial needs by providing support to local cancer patients experiencing financial hardship during active treatment. Founded in 2014 by Paulette Criscione, Cancer of Many Colors plays a critical, much-needed role in the community by providing financial assistance for those lexingtonlife.com

fighting cancer. The assistance spans essential living expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other basic household bills. The heart and mission of this organization are dear to Criscione, who is a two-time cancer survivor herself, having faced both breast and lung cancer. During her own journey, she witnessed firsthand how quickly financial challenges can become overwhelming when treatment makes it impossible to continue working. Her family’s experiences made this calling even more personal. She lost her father to breast cancer and two brothers to leukemia and bile duct cancer. Through those losses and conversations with countless patients from every walk of life, one common thread emerged: the fear of not only fighting cancer but also falling behind on life’s basic necessities. Rather than focusing

on research or funding a cure, Cancer of Many Colors focuses on helping patients remain financially stable so they can continue receiving treatment without the increased stress of wondering how they will keep a roof over their heads. The organization’s name is very special to her as well. She said, “The name Cancer of Many Colors has a deeply personal meaning. In my immediate family, we have been affected by five different types of cancer, and each colored ribbon represents one of those cancers. Through those experiences, I came to realize that while cancer has many names and many colors, it does not discriminate. It affects people of every age, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic background.” Cancer of Many Colors works closely with hospitals, cancer centers, oncology social workers, nurse navigators, and phySeptember 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 53

sicians throughout the community. Rather than patients applying on their own, referrals come directly from members of their healthcare team. These medical professionals verify that the individual is actively receiving cancer treatment and has a financial need. Once approved, the organization pays the approved expenses directly to the service provider who filed the application. This form of payment handling ensures funds are used for their intended purpose while allowing patients to concentrate on their treatment and recovery. Although Criscione serves as Founder and CEO, she describes the work as far more than a job and more of a personal calling. Much of her time is devoted to building relationships with hospitals, physicians, social workers, donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners to make sure resources are available whenever patients need assistance. Cancer of Many Colors is powered by a Board of Directors and many dedicated volunteers who help carry out the mission through fundraising, community outreach, events, and organizational support. By keeping administrative costs low, Cancer of Many Colors strives to ensure that the greatest possible percentage of every donated dollar goes directly toward assisting local cancer patients. The mission is sustained by an entire community working together. Donors, sponsors, healthcare providers, volunteers, businesses, foundations, churches, civic organizations, and schools all play an important role in making assistance available when it is needed most.

One particularly meaningful partnership has developed with Lexington One Students in Action. “These remarkable students created the Linking Lexington event, which continues to grow each year and now includes participation from many schools throughout the district. We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to raising funds and awareness to help local cancer patients with essential living expenses while they are in treatment,” said Criscione. She shared that she has so many amazing memories, but what stands out most is when patients get in touch to say thanks. Hearing their overwhelming relief when they have been given financial help to keep their home or their lights on is very impactful. The financial assistance given through Cancer of Many Colors allows families to breathe a little easier during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. “Moments like these remind me why I started this organization,” said Criscione. “It’s not just about paying a bill—it’s about giving someone hope, dignity, and peace of mind during one of the most difficult times of their life.” Criscione continued, “Every act of kindness—whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our mission—has the power to change someone’s life. Together, we can ensure that no one faces cancer alone.” Community participation remains vital to the future of Cancer of Many Colors. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website cancerofmanycolors.com. n

Community participation remains vital to the future of Cancer of Many Colors. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website cancerofmanycolors.com. 54 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 55

by Olivia Owens

GREEN

Cleaning

Non-Toxic Solutions for Home Wellness A clean home should also be a healthy home, but many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can linger on surfaces or in the air. These substances can irritate your skin, trigger allergies or simply introduce unnecessary toxins into your living space. If you have small children or pets, or you are looking to live more sustainably, green cleaning offers a safe and affordable alternative. With a few simple changes and some common household ingredients, you can create an effective eco-friendly cleaning routine that is good for the health of your household, your bank balance, and the environment. 56 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

Stocking Your Green Cleaning Cupboard Green cleaning uses a handful of versatile, inexpensive ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that cuts through grease and mineral deposits. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing sinks and ovens, and it is also an effective deodorizer. Mild liquid soap is ideal for everyday cleaning tasks, while lemon juice brings natural antibacterial properties and a fresh scent. To these basics, you can add extras like essential oils to customize your cleaning solutions. Tea tree oil, for example, is known for its antimicrobial qualities, while a few drops of lavender or citrus oils will provide a pleasant fragrance. These few ingredients form the core of many non-toxic cleaning recipes, the range and versatility of which will reduce your need to buy multiple specialized products. Room-by-Room Cleaning Tips Each part of your home will present different cleaning challenges, and natural ingredients can handle most of them. In the kitchen, a simple spray made of equal parts white vinegar and water is great for most countertops and stainless-steel sinks. To reduce the hard work of scrubbing, you can sprinkle baking soda inside your oven or on your stovetop to loosen stubborn grease. lexingtonlife.com

You can freshen a microwave by placing a bowl of water with lemon slices inside, heating it for a few minutes, and then wiping it clean. Similarly, many unpleasant odors can be cleared from a refrigerator by placing a small bowl of baking soda inside for a day or two. Bathrooms often require a tougher approach to clear soap scum and mildew. To clean tiles or grout, you can apply a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water before scrubbing with a brush. If limescale accumulates on faucets or taps or leaves a dusty residue on tiles or glass shower doors, the gentle acidity of vinegar will clear it. For tiles or glass, use a spray bottle to mist your vinegar and water mix onto the surface. If necessary, wipe the mix off with a soft cloth. For a more pleasant smell, you can add some lemon juice to the mix. Its acidity will help to clear the limescale, too. For heavier accumulations of limescale, soak a cloth in neat vinegar and wrap it around the affected area for an hour before rinsing. Living spaces tend to benefit from simpler, more gentle methods. Dust can be removed easily with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, which traps particles without the need for sprays. Upholstery stains respond well to a small amount of diluted liquid soap dabbed with a cloth, followed by

blotting with clean water. Resist the temptation to scrub, as this is more likely to damage fabrics and lift color. As with tiles and glass in a bathroom, a vinegar-based spray provides a low-cost, streak-free solution for windows and mirrors throughout the house. Practical Safety and Storage Although green cleaning products use non-toxic ingredients, you still need to handle them sensibly. Always make sure that homemade cleaners are clearly labeled, ideally reusing empty bottles and spray containers to reduce plastic waste. As with any cleaning products, keep them out of reach of children and pets. Even safe mixtures like vinegar can irritate if swallowed. Test any new solution on a small, hidden patch of the surface you want to use it on to check for any adverse reactions. For example, acids like vinegar or lemon juice should not be used on marble or natural stone, as they may cause etching. Benefits Beyond Cleaning Switching to green cleaning is not just about reducing exposure to potentially harmful or irritating chemicals. It also helps to save you money by replacing a cupboard full of branded products with a few simple ingredients. You can also use lemon juice

or essential oils to create a scent to suit your own taste. There may be circumstances in which you need harsher chemicals, such as for clearing a blocked drain, but a greener approach to cleaning will reduce the need for those toxic substances. Clearing stubborn mildew or mold from tiling grout might mean adding a small part of household bleach or hydrogen peroxide to a bathroom cleaning mixture, for example. With diligent use of milder alternatives, however, harsh products should not be needed very frequently. More broadly, doing your best to use fewer synthetic chemicals not only saves you money but also reduces the environmental burden on air quality and waterways. This is a change that can support a healthier planet as well as a healthier home. A Simple Step Toward Wellness Adopting green cleaning habits does not require a complicated overhaul or expensive products. With a few natural ingredients and straightforward recipes, it is possible to clean your home effectively and affordably. The result is a safer, fresher home environment that supports your health and reduces your environmental footprint. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning solutions is a small but meaningful step toward a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. n

Adopting green cleaning habits does not require a complicated overhaul or expensive products. With a few natural ingredients and straightforward recipes, it is possible to clean your home effectively and affordably.

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September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 57

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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 lexingtonlife.com

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.

September 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 59

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 60 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 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. lexingtonlife.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 2026 | LEXINGTON LIFE | 61

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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 LexingtonLife.com lexingtonlife.com

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64 | LEXINGTON LIFE | September 2026

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