Author: Kristina Parella

The “Dog Days” of summer are here, complete with the hottest, stickiest, most sweltering days of the year! Stay hydrated and beat the heat with these delicious, cool treats from a few of our favorite local restaurants! Spicy Peach & Pineapple Slushie Submitted by: Anna Yau, Clean JuiceINGREDIENTS:3/4 c. Spicy Peach Clean Juice, cold-pressed, organic1/2 c. organic coconut water1 1/2 c. frozen organic pineapple1 c. ice1 tbsp. honey (or to taste)DIRECTIONS:Combine ingredients in a blender for 30-60 seconds, until your desired consistency is achieved. Then pour into a favorite glass and enjoy!Note: The spicy habanero flavor adds a little kick, but…

By Ed Lundeen Independence Day unites us all as Americans, no matter where we came from. It is a day to celebrate with fireworks, hot dogs, hamburgers, beach outings, or attending patriotic ceremonies. Many Americans say, “Happy 4th!” which seems odd to me because I like to say, “Happy Independence Day”, which seems more appropriate. When I say this, people have a befuddled look on their face as if I said something wrong; I am told they have never heard anyone say this. July 4th is America’s Independence Day, but it came with a heavy price.Many Americans do not know…

By Marilyn Thomas Whitehead Orthodontics: Celebrating 25 Years of Sharing Smiles “It amazes me how quickly 25 years have passed,” Dr. James (Jim) Whitehead warmly remarks. “I have had the opportunity to meet and grow to know so many patients and their families, treating over 11,000 people to date. There is nothing more rewarding than running into my patients at the ball field or the grocery store and learning more about what has transpired in their lives. I am anxious to see what the next 25 years hold!”Growing up as the son and grandson of physicians, Dr. Whitehead naturally thought he…

By Mary Ann Hutcheson The residents of Chapin recognize and understand the value of artistic endeavors in their town, which is known as the “Capital of Lake Murray”. In partnership with the Town of Chapin, the Crooked Creek Art League (CCAL) established the Chapin Arts Trail to stir the public imagination and sense of creativity as well as beautify the community with public art displays created by local artists. The trail includes installed public art pieces and galleries that are updated and expanded periodically throughout the greater Chapin area. There is something here for everyone; visitors are in for a…

By Nate Robbins, Assistant Pastor, Watershed Fellowship. It sounds strange to even think of asking for such a thing, but is it possible that a bit of humility is what we really need? Some in this day and age have confused humility with having low self-esteem, but that is not what we are after. A better definition coined by C.S. Lewis says, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” But how do we begin to think about ourselves a bit less? One way is simply to sit in awe of the world around…

The first official day of the summer season is Thursday, June 20th! There is so much to love about warmer weather, especially juicy, firm, and vibrantly colored, hand-picked produce and premium farm-to-table meats! Shop locally, buy seasonally, and consume your selections as soon as possible to receive the most potential health benefits. These FRESH recipes were collected from some of the best local farms in Lexington County and will not disappoint your family! Collard and Blueberry Walnut SaladSubmitted by: Christine Jackson, W.P. Rawl & Sons, Inc.INGREDIENTS:5 c. Nature’s Greens® Shredded Collards 1/2 c. Versatile Veggies® Diced Celery and Onion 1 c. red…

By Paige Youmans. The United Service Organizations (USO) was established in 1941 “To strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.” The program unites, delivers, entertains, and successfully transitions US active duty, reserve, and National Guard service members. In fact, in 2022 the USO provided 213,945 mission delivery moments statewide. Some of these came through the USO’s Reading Program, which allows active service members to record themselves reading a book as a heartwarming gift that is then sent to their family. Also, the USO offers Coffee Connections and Military Spouse events as ongoing opportunities to…

By McKayla Tuten. Did you know that according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Word of the Year for 2020 was pandemic? I am sure that this is not a surprise to anyone, as 2020 was a year filled with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper shortages. The year 2020 was the year that the coronavirus took the world by storm, resulting in a global pandemic. The year 2020 was also the year that I graduated from high school.I remember starting my senior year in the fall of 2019 with so many plans and goals for my last year of…

What it Means to Me. By Ed Lundeen. To me, this day is one of the most important days in America because it is a day the Nation pauses and remembers the heroes who did not make it home. No matter where they came from, what war they served in or where they gave the ultimate sacrifice, the men and women who died for our freedom should always be remembered. We, who serve Veterans every day, are mindful of this sacrifice and listen to stories of Veterans or their survivors when we assist them with benefits. Sometimes their stories are filled…

UPLIFT Encouragement Group Kentucky native Scheri Force was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the late 1990’s. Refusing to succumb to a life of limitation or restriction, she has worked diligently toward an abundant and full life. “I have MS, but it does not have me,” she explains. “I don’t focus on what I have lost, but on what I can still do!” As she researched different ways to make a positive path in the world with MS for herself, Scheri realized that she was in a very unique position to be a source of encouragement and knowledge for others. After…