By Marilyn Thomas With summer vacation and school break on the horizon, the three mayors of Lexington, Irmo, and Chapin came together to plan a series of special family-friendly activities to be hosted in the parks in each of their respective communities. The outcome of that meeting is the Mayor’s Storytime in the Park—11 literacy-promoting events that will be held on the second, third, and fourth Tuesdays at 10:30 am during May, June, July, and August. These activities are an ideal opportunity for locals to make new friends, meet the mayors, and enjoy the fresh air and facilities in Lexington…
Author: Tracy Tuten
By Paige Youmans Lexington County has a multitude of resources and organizations that provide mental, physical, nutritional, legal, financial, and educational opportunities for disadvantaged residents. Such programs not only benefit the receiver, but the volunteer as well. Our Town Magazine was excited to learn more about the Community Juvenile/Youth Arbitration Program so that we could share the steps of how to become a volunteer. The program began in the 11th Judicial Circuit in 1983 by former Lexington County Solicitor, Donnie Myers. This program introduced and integrated the community to youth crime intervention and prevention by offering first time, nonviolent youthful…
Publisher’s Letter Whew! Is it getting hot outside, or is it just me? With the heat comes all the exciting summer activities for sun lovers, and a lack thereof for some who prefer cooler temperatures. Those of us who are of the mindset to get the most out of this season are ready for it! As the end of the school year approaches, kids are ready to hang out with friends with no homework in sight for the next few months. This would be a perfect opportunity to encourage your child to get involved or start a charity of their…
Whoo-hoo! Springtime is here and I am thankful for a new season of growth and renewal. I love all seasons, but spring is one of my favorites, filled with outdoor craft markets, gorgeous blooms, exciting concerts, fresh produce, delicious cookouts, and evening boat rides. I am looking forward to spending more time outdoors now that the weather is warming. Our cover proudly features WP Rawl farm, a fourth-generation business that has not only remained true to its roots for 100 years but has grown to be a multi-state operation that began in the small town of Gilbert. As spring ushers…
A Century of Faith, Family & Farming by Kristi Antley If you live in or near Lexington County there is a 90% chance that your taste buds have been delighted with fresh produce from the fields of Walter P. Rawl and Sons, Inc.© (also known as WP Rawl). Walter and Ernestine Rawl began the produce business long before the dawn of “agritech” or precision agriculture on a small, humble farm in Gilbert. Sunday, January 25th not only marked 100 years since the initial planting of their flagship cruciferous product, cabbage, but the date was also Walter and Ernestine’s wedding anniversary.…
Greens for the Win Get ready to explore a variety of dishes that not only taste amazing but also provide a wealth of health benefits. Let’s dive into the delicious and nutritious world of greens –because when it comes to great food, greens truly are for the win! Happy cooking! Cucumber, Lime, and Strawberry Salmon Salad Ingredients: Instructions: Preheat oven to 375º F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the salmon to the baking sheet and top with half of the oil and black pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Meanwhile, blend…
A Community of Harmony By Tori Lewis February 9, 1964: The camera pans across an enraptured studio audience. Young women and men bounce in their seats, clapping their hands in frenzied anticipation as The Fab Four return to the stage. The opening riff of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” can barely be heard over the screaming fans, but the four young men from Liverpool play on, changing the course of the American music scene forever. James Etheridge, Rick Carr, Mark Foy, Vaughn Hall, Tracy Hollingsworth, and Barry Shirley were among the 73 million Americans who tuned in to watch The…
by Marilyn Thomas The eclectic educational and extracurricular programs offered by Lexington’s public schools represent life-changing opportunities for young people of the local community. Lexington District One and School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties are dedicated to providing academic excellence and enriching experiences to better prepare their students for a successful future. Where Every Choice is a Great Choice School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties “School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is committed to excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and community service,” says Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr., an experienced educator who currently…
Meet Fred Lexington County Sheriff Department’s Newest Certified Therapy K-9 Officer By Mary Ann Hutcheson K9 police dogs are specially trained to assist members of law enforcement. Therapy dogs work with a handler to provide affection and comfort to members of the public. Both jobs require dogs with energy, motivation, patience, and tolerance. They are usually eager to please and have the ability to remain calm, and focused while developing close and compliant relationships with their trainers. Enter Fred, a talented six-month-old tuxedo Goldendoodle pup who embodies all of those traits. Inspired by Cayce Police Department’s K-9 program, and their…
By Scott Vaughan Once upon a time when our son William was living in DC, my Vicki and I would often take the Amtrak Palmetto line from Florence to Alexandria, VA, and use the Metro system to get around the nation’s capital. We liked using this Amtrak route because it comes and goes during the daytime. On one visit, we boarded the train to come home to South Carolina. I sat on the outside of our row. On a stop in Virginia, a gentleman boarded the train and sat across the narrow aisle from me –on the outside of his…