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Ink & Inspiration By Kristi Antley The art of writing, regardless of the instrument utilized, is an intimate relationship with oneself, transferring emotions, experiences, and information into print. Many gifted wordsmiths call Lexington County home, and Our Town Magazine has been blessed from inception with amazing content derived from these unique local characters. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of our talented and published writers, who are living in our own backyard. Scott Vaughan Scott was born into a family of skilled educators in Georgia who prioritized and encouraged literacy. “My parents were…

Utilities Matter By Julia Bell Household utilities are services most homeowners do not think about until they stop working. Utilities like electricity, propane, and plumbing do more than just make life comfortable; in certain temperatures and circumstances, they can be life-saving. Despite working mainly “behind the scenes,” properly maintaining these utilities in your home will enhance property value while saving you money.Electricity has only been available to the majority of American homes within the last 100 years, but this utility impacts so many aspects of our lives today, going without it for a few hours or days can feel crippling.…

Preparing Tomorrow’s Personnel Today By Marilyn Thomas While traditional educational basics, like the three Rs— reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic—are essential to academic success, Lexington Technology Center of Lexington School District One applies these fundamentals in practical ways with hands-on learning in specific occupational fields. Whether the goal is to pursue a longstanding, essential trade or to secure a foothold in emerging technology, the vision ofthis school’s multi-faceted programs is to empower each student to become an innovative leader within his or her career and community.Bryce Myers, the director of career and technical education (CTE) for the Lexington Technology Center (LTC),…

By Marilyn Thomas Albert Einstein has been credited with saying: “Learning is experience.Everything else is just information.” The Center for Advanced TechnicalStudies in Chapin applies this philosophy within its educationalprograms. Because of the hands-on learning experiences provided there,many of the students have identified the occupation of their choicewhile still in high school and have acquired practical skills that enable them to launch acareer after graduating or to pursue higher education with confidence.“We’re the bridge between high school and their career and the rest of their life,”asserts Roy Frick, an administrator who oversees the daily operations at The Centerfor Advanced Technical…

Make Lasting Memories By Jacob Hester There’s nothing quite like the excitement you and your kids will enjoy when you go on a hunting trip together. Spending quality time outside with just them can be a rare experience in this hurry-up world—a true “timeout” from all the hustle and bustle. It’s a setting where time seems to stand still, and cell phones, homework, and practice schedules all fade away into the distance. If you have never gone hunting with your family, I highly recommend it. This opportunity will warm parts of your heart that you didn’t know existed.“Hey, Dad, what…

Support Dogs for VeteransVeteran Michael Wishnia By Mary Ann Hutcheson The events a combat soldier experiences during war can be deep-rooted and painful. Exposure to that level of danger can affect a soldier’s physical and emotional life for years, often leading to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Sleep issues, relationship challenges, and panic attacks are among the lasting effects that veterans may face.Service dogs can provide transformative support to veterans, helping them regain independence and emotional stability. Once known mainly as “seeing eye dogs,” service canines now fill a broader role. When well-trained and matched properly, they can be life-changing for…

The LUMC Snack Sack Ministry By Guy Smith Every Tuesday morning during the school year, volunteers organize in a downstairs classroom at Lexington United Methodist Church (LUMC), filling plastic shopping bags with a variety of snacks. For an hour or more, crackers, ramen, granola bars, fruit snacks, grits, oatmeal, and other ready to-eat or easy-to-prepare foods are picked out of bins and dropped into sacks. The sacks get tied, packed 10 to a shopping bag, and carted out into the hallway to designated school areas. Later that day, or the next, volunteers deliver the sacks to school sites and pick…

Spooky & Sweet Little Treats Whether you are just getting into the spirit of Halloween before taking the family trick-or-treating orthrowing a full-blown monster bash, the recipes below have all the ingredients you need to create somefrightening and festive fun. Oreo Truffle Eyeballs INGREDIENTS:1 package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)8 oz. cream cheese, softened15 oz. chocolate melting wafers2-3 oz. white chocolate melting wafers DIRECTIONS:Add one package of Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a large mixing bowl and add softened cream cheese. Stir until mixture is smooth and fully combined. Roll the…

…Than Long Division By Scott Vaughan I was staring out the classroom window, imagining an epic confrontation between the U.S. Cavalry and proud Apache warriors. Occasionally, I would stop to write down what my mind’s eye was envisioning in the parking lot of my elementary school.As the heroic scene unfolded, I became aware of a shadow, which belonged to Carolyn Hicks, my fourth-grade teacher, looming over my desk. She had been trying her best to teach long division (which I hated then and still hate today), and she abruptly snatched up my story and told me to see her at…

September/October 2026 School has started, and some routines have been established for both kids and adults. In this edition, you will find information on equipping your teen with skills that can prepare them not only to further their education, but also to go straight into the workforce. Our Town Magazine wants to help educate parents and students alike by providing information from the Lexington Technology Center and the Lexington/Richland 5 Center for Advanced Technical Studies. Both are an outstandingaddition to their districts, offering classes such as Firefighting, Culinary Arts, Nursing, Welding,and even Aerospace Engineering. These schools are a wonderful resource…