One Bin at a Time
Thankful Issue
November 2024
PUBLISHER
David Hayth | david.hayth@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Alexandra Hill | alexandra.hill@citylifestyle.com
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
Each and every month, I am so thankful for my family. My wife and I celebrate 45 years of marriage this month! We may be a little older than we were on that crisp fall day back in 1979, but still so thankful to do life together! We have three children who we are so proud to parent, four beautiful grandchildren who keep us young, and one spunky little rescue dog. I am excited for another season of making precious memories with my busy bunch!
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Blessings to you and your family,
DAVID HAYTH, PUBLISHER @LAKEMURRAYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
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giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb
feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
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HOW TO: seasonal home scents
PFUL TIPS A N D R E C IPES FROM S
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting those from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts, Kills Bacteria; Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant and Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
Discover assisted living at the Heritage at Lowman with 24-hour caregivers to support independence and to provide help when needed.
Enjoy tasty meals, engaging activities, spiritual programs and new friendships offering connections every day.
Elevate your living experience.
Independent Living Apartments & Patio Homes Assisted Living & Memory Care • Short-term Rehab • Long-term Care
803.732.8800 or EMcLean@theHeritageAtLowman.org
2101 Dutch Fork Rd., Chapin, SC | theHeritageAtLowman.org
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
thanksgiving cornucopia
How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.
• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.
• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.
• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.
• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.
• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.
use vintage finds
Whether
traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.
Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.
deliciously edible
Cooking With Fresh Herbs
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Garlic Herb Butter
This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.)
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• cracked pepper to taste
Process
Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!
Visit the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center
PROVIDED
ARTICLE BY KELLY HUGHES, CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY | PHOTOGRAPHY
As the region’s hub for fun and adventure, it’s the perfect starting point for locals and visitors to begin their journey around Lake Murray. “
The Lake Murray Country Visitors Center, that eye-catching white plantation house near the Irmo side of the Lake Murray Dam, is your gateway to exploring Columbia and the four surrounding counties of Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Saluda. As the region’s hub for fun and adventure, it’s the perfect starting point for locals and visitors to begin their journey around Lake Murray.
STEP INTO HISTORY
The Visitor Center is located in the historic Lorick Plantation House, which was built in the 1840s and is a survivor of the Civil War. Donated by the Love family in 1994, the house was relocated from the site of the current Irmo Library to its permanent home on North Lake Drive. The 34-foot-wide house was moved intact, taking seven hours to travel along Old Bush River Road.
RESOURCES FOR LAKE MURRAY AND BEYOND
The center offers information and brochures on local attractions, hotels, events, dining, recreation, relocation, and more. The welcoming staff is always happy to provide advice and guidance on the region’s best places to visit and explore. Make sure you take time to explore the museum. It features the history of the Lake Murray Dam, historical artifacts, in-depth maps, and more! Plus, don’t miss the Lake Murray Gift Shop, featuring a great selection of Lake Murray and South Carolina items. Stop in and shop away!
UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE
Speaking of stop and shop, the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center will host its Annual Holiday Open House & Gift Shop Sale on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Just in time for the holiday season, the gift shop will feature a wide selection of the best Lake Murray merchandise, including seasonal clothing, ornaments, and more! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details regarding item discounts, attending local vendors, and more!
DID YOU KNOW?
Capital City/Lake Murray Country produces an annual Visitors Guide magazine and regional map, serving as the official tourism guides for the region. They are distributed to travelers, potential visitors, and individuals looking for relocation and retirement information. They are also available at all of the South Carolina Welcome Centers! Free copies of the magazine and map are available at the Lake Murray Country Visitor Center or view the digitized version online at LakeMurrayCountry.com
Visit us at 2184 N. Lake Drive, Columbia, check us out online at LakeMurrayCountry.com, or call us at (803) 781-5940. Our hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 AM-4:30 PM, Friday from 9 AM-4 PM, Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM-2 PM.
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Young Entrepreneur Turns Trash Bins into a Clean Success
ARTICLE BY ALEX HILL - LAKE MURRAY LIFESTYLE
Dean Harper, born and raised in Lexington, South Carolina, always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, Harper has turned his entrepreneurial knack into a unique and growing business— BINeficial, a trash bin cleaning service that makes keeping bins clean much easier.
FROM ALUMINUM CANS TO TRASH BINS
Harper’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At 11 years old, he was already collecting aluminum cans in his neighborhood, recycling them for cash with his parents’ help. Over the years, Harper kept busy with odd jobs, including lawn care, construction, and HVAC work.
In 2021, Harper found his next business idea. He remembered reading about a young man in Myrtle Beach who had started a trash bin cleaning service. “That was my light bulb moment,” Harper recalls. “I wanted to start something that wasn’t oversaturated, met a consumer need, and offered recurring service.” Trash bins were a perfect fit.
BUILDING BINEFICIAL
Rather than spending heavily, Harper took a more budget-friendly, hands-on approach. With help from his high school friend, who owns JR Maintenance, Harper built his own custom trailer for just $7,000. “It does the same thing as more expensive rigs,” Harper says proudly.
The road wasn’t easy. As Harper explains, “It’s such a niche business, there wasn’t much out there to help me get started.” But through Facebook groups, industry connections, and a mentor in Charleston, he learned the ins and outs of bin cleaning. His hard work paid off—he recouped his initial investment within a year.
CLEANING UP LEXINGTON
BINeficial focuses on cleaning and sanitizing residential trash bins, also known as “herby curbys.” Using pressurized hot water, Harper’s rig deep-cleans bins, with no wastewater running into the street. Each bin is then sprayed with a pleasant scent to keep it fresh.
The business has doubled its customer base, and Harper plans to upgrade his trailer and go full-time by next summer.
Behind the Name and Logo
One thing Harper loves about the business is the name. “My wife Laura came up with the name and logo,” he says proudly. “She’s the smart one—I just clean the trash cans.” The couple’s teamwork has been a key part of the business’s success.
WHY CLEAN YOUR TRASH BIN?
Harper makes a strong case for regular trash bin cleaning. Dirty bins attract flies, maggots, raccoons, and other pests, which can pose hygiene risks. “When you hire us, you can say goodbye to the grime,” Harper says. “We make your bins shine.”
BINeficial uses eco-friendly cleaning products, and the service is affordable. Harper also offers a $10 referral discount to clients.
FAITH, FAMILY, AND THE FUTURE
Harper attributes his success to his support system. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my wife, family, and my clients,” he says. As BINeficial continues to grow, Harper is focused on expanding and reaching new heights.
From the ground up, Harper has built a business that truly shines.
To learn more about his business, or to schedule your first cleaning, visit bineficialtbc.com or call/text 803-414-4277 today!
“When you hire us to clean your bins, you can say goodbye to flies and grime. We make bins smell good and shine.”
Owner Lisa Price
Big Changes Coming to Medicare:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ARTICLE BY LILIANNE BURNETT
As a local Insurance agency dedicated to serving our community, we believe it’s essential to keep our clients informed about the significant changes on the horizon for Medicare. We treat our clients like family, and that means not just providing coverage, but also ensuring you understand what’s ahead. Whether you’re nearing retirement or are already a Medicare beneficiary, these changes may impact your healthcare decisions.
The landscape of Medicare is evolving, driven by legislative reforms aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability. Key changes include adjustments to coverage options, benefits expansions, and updates to enrollment procedures. Additionally, the introduction of new prescription drug pricing regulations aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential medications. This is a game-changer for many beneficiaries, particularly those with chronic conditions who rely on ongoing treatment. Understanding how these changes apply to your current plan is crucial, and we’re here to help you navigate these updates.
At our agency, we recognize that Medicare can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why we pride ourselves on treating our clients like family. We offer personalized consultations to help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Our experienced agents take the time to listen to your unique healthcare needs, answer your questions, and guide you through the enrollment process.
We believe that no one should feel lost in the Medicare maze. With our help, you can explore various plans, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans, and
Prescription Drug plans. We’ll walk you through the differences and help you find the best coverage that suits your lifestyle and budget.
The changes to Medicare are not just a one-time adjustment; they require ongoing awareness. We encourage our clients to stay engaged and informed about their options. Our agency regularly hosts educational workshops and seminars to discuss these changes and their implications for you. We want to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to make the best healthcare decisions for yourself and your family.
Moreover, we’re committed to maintaining open lines of communication. If you have concerns or need assistance, our friendly team is just a phone call away. We value the relationships we build with our clients and strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable discussing your healthcare needs.
As we approach these significant changes to Medicare, remember that you’re not alone. Our local agency is here to support you every step of the way. We treat our clients like family because we genuinely care about your health and well-being. Together, we can navigate these changes and ensure that you have access to the care you deserve.
If you have questions about the upcoming changes or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to help you thrive in this new Medicare landscape.
Office: 803-661-6146
Website: www.murdockinsurancegroup.com
Email: Lilianne@murdockinsurancegroup.com
Medicare Annual Open Enrollment
is October 15th through December 7th.
ON Fall Fun STALKING up
Cornhusk Centerpiece
When life gives you lemons, or cornstalks as it seems, make something beautiful! The holidays can be stressful. Your table centerpiece doesn’t need to be.
To create this cornhusk centerpiece, simply remove the dried tops of the cornstalks, arrange them in a vintage soup bowl adding a few ears of corn to give more stability and visual interest. Add preserved pinecones for guests’ place settings and you have the perfect touches for your table. Pinecone instructions can be found at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/pinecones-leaves
LeAnn’s Cornhusk Styling
• White Dishes & Platters
• Gold Charger Plates
• Woven Placemats
• Rust-Orange Napkins
• Thanksgiving Crackers
• Cornhusk Centerpiece
• Pinecone Guest Cards
• Real Pumpkins
BY LEANN
LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create for your own fall table. Tag her on IG @SilvertoothHome and #SilvertoothHome so she can share.
PARKER
Life’s a Sport. Keep Playing.
You lead a full and active life — and that’s the way it should be. Whether you’re exercising or just completing your to-do list, you want to enjoy every moment of the day.
At Lexington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, we know the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Our team of experts provides specialized treatment to help you live pain-free.
So when an unexpected injury slows you down, we’re here to help. We’ll get you back to the things that matter most to you.