Author: tracytuten
BY Beth McLean As we grow older, the holidays often begin to look different. Families change, traditions evolve, and health or distance may limit the celebrations we once knew. But growing older also brings something beautiful—wisdom, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for what truly matters. For caregivers, the holidays can also bring extra stress, fatigue, and emotional strain. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize those who support loved ones suffering from chronic conditions, injuries, disabilities, or diseases. These unsung heroes not only provide a critical value to society, but often they are the only bridge between…
Wait Until Next Year! By Tommy Gee Aspiring students in South Carolina are blessed with choices from the best of both worlds—the University of South Carolina in Columbia offers an abundance of courses related to business, journalism, and public health programs, while Clemson University located in Pickens County, near Greenville, is known for its focus on agriculture, engineering, and business programs. The fun-loving camaraderie and competitive spirit between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University has stood the test of time, with the annual Gamecock-Tiger football game being a huge aspect of focus across the state each season. HISTORY…
By Marilyn Thomas When faced with unfathomable adversity, the true character of a community is often revealed. This was proven true, ten years ago in October of 2015, when a momentous deluge swept through South Carolina, taking a number of lives and leaving behind billions of dollars of damage in its wake. Although devastating in so many ways, Lexington neighbors rose above this calamity as they united in their efforts to help one another, restore and repair, and prevent future flooding issues. In the first week of October 2015, the state of South Carolina experienced record rainfall that resulted in…
Fall into Flavor with these Slow Cooker Recipes From savory dips to aromatic stews, these effortless recipes bring the flavors of the season straight to your table. Cozy up and let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the best of autumn. Slow Cooker Kale Artichoke Dip INGREDIENTS: 10 oz. WP Rawl Farms® Kale 13 oz. can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped and drained 8 oz. package cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 c. sour cream 1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 c. finely-chopped or grated white or red onion 4 cloves garlic,…
By Chris Hadley My mom was a fiery, tiny, beautiful dark haired lady. She grew up in a small mill town in South Carolina without a father. Her father, who was a brilliant electrician, was also a raging alcoholic. Her parents divorced early, and she grew up with a single mom. This was the start of a terrible cycle, as she would suffer the same fate as her mother. Mom met Dad while out on the town one night, across the mighty Savannah River in Augusta, Georgia. A young blond-haired man respectfully introduced himself; he was recently stationed at Ft.…
“Reinventing the Shelter Dog” By Mary Ann Hutcheson Elaine Henderson, founder and CEO at We Are Zeus (WAZ) in Lexington, has been rescuing animals for twenty years, transforming her mission into a dedicated, full-fledged 5013c organization in April 2023. Her love of animals began on weekends when she volunteered with her mother at shelters, where she rescued her own shelter pet for the first time in 1995. Her parents took every stray to the vet, and her staunch military father was a softy when it came to dogs. He’d say, “Get it to the vet!” Zeus, Elaine’s dog at that…
Orchards Await By Guy Smith September brings Labor Day, football, an occasional break in the sweltering central South Carolina weather, and loads of free community concerts and events. It also means that the mountains begin to call those that listen. One of the joys of living in Lexington County is the ability to be at the beach or on a mountain within a matter of a few hours. Either direction brings beauty and a welcome diversion, but September in the mountains means it is apple time! My wife and I have, for years, planned a fall trip (or two) to…
By Lauren Delk We all love stories with a happy ending, don’t we? We long to see wrongs made right, relationships work out, and sickness healed. If I would have written my story just a few short years ago, it would have included a breast cancer chapter with a happy ending. But today, my story continues as a 39-year-old wife and mother living with incurable stage IV metastatic breast cancer. My story is now one of choosing hope, peace, and joy regardless of how the chapter will end. My cancer journey began a decade ago with an early stage breast…
A Visit to the Store By Scott Vaughan My maternal grandfather, a salesman by trade, died in April 1967—a few months before my eighth birthday. Except through the stories of others, I don’t remember him well. Yet, one Sunday afternoon with him still impacts my life today. In 1967, none of the stores in our small Georgia town were open on Sundays, so it was mildly scandalous when a new superette chose to open its doors after church services. Living on the wild side, my grandfather took me to visit this notorious grocery store on a Sunday afternoon. Inside the…
I love the seasonal changes we experience in South Carolina. Each season has its own unique charm and characteristics. Lucky for us, we can appreciate them all right here in Lexington County, or we may want to travel a short distance to enjoy different scenery. You can read about a few places you may want to visit this fall, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, in this issue. Either way, fall has arrived, and I am here for it! In this issue, Rainbow Warrior, Lauren Delk, shares her story of battling breast cancer while never losing her faith. Lauren, along…