This Sunday, June 21, we will celebrate Father’s Day. It is a day when Dads can sit back and be served and honored. It is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June.

President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation in 1972 making Father’s Day a holiday. Today, economists estimate Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s day gifts.

The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. But it was not until 1972 – 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official – that the day honoring fathers became a national holiday.

A NEW FATHER, William Lynch, and his wife Kelsey are celebrating the birth of little Taylor Grace, born May 12.

William says, “Being a father has been the greatest joy I have experienced in life. Being a new dad in 2020 has been interesting with covid-19, but we are thankful for our family, friends and medical professionals who have helped us navigate these unprecedented times. I can’t wait for her to grow up and learn about these crazy times in which she was born.

“I have been blessed with a great father, father-in-law and father figures myself. I am blessed to use what they taught me as I learn how to be a dad.”

TROY SIMPSON tells us: “Years ago, I gained a greater appreciation of my dad when I learned of the lengths he’d gone to break some destructive cycles from his childhood to give my brother and me something different than he knew growing up. No one stands taller in my eyes than him for that and the intentional choices he made along the way.

“Looking back as I became a dad, mine was a choice to be present in all 3 kids’ individual journeys and in our collective moments as a family. Let’s be honest, parenting is hard work, but there’s tons of fun and laughter to be had along the way.

“Of all the things you can give, time really is the most valuable gift you can give your children. Learning to honor their unique gifts, while seeking to affirm their worth and imprint on their hearts they are loved unconditionally (no matter what), are worthy goals for which I strive.

“Now as the youngest is in college, I think it’s the sheer joy of watching Mary Hannah, John Robert and Grace Ann walk into new chapters and write their own stories. Being a dad is the most important work I’ll have the opportunity to do and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. In my kids, I now get glimpses of generations and little folks I may never meet and that makes me smile.” Dell is Troy’s sweet wife.

HUGH ROGERS, being brief and modest, says: “In spite of corona virus, I look forward to Father’s Day 2020. We expect all children and two grandchildren to join us for Sunday dinner. We will maintain distancing – just thankful we could be together at home in Lexington!”

I am sure that wife, Maro, and their grown children Myda, Margot, Aïda and Clifton are preparing all of Hugh’s favorites for a delightful dinner together.

A favorite Father’s Day quote by Clarence Kelland, “My father didn’t tell me how to live, he lived and let me watch him do it.”

Happy Father’s Day!

NOTES ABOUT TOWN:

• Stan Hite says, “It’s hard to believe that another holiday is upon us. We are doing another fundraiser for the Hite-Dooley Building Fund on Friday, July 3, from 8 am till sell out. We are selling BBQ pork, BBQ chicken and hash only. Bulk sales. No plates.” Call at 803-546-2069.

• Concerts planned for Icehouse Amphitheater are: The Best of Everything – A Tribute to Tom Petty presented by Tokyo Joe Productions, Friday, August 21, at 6 pm and On the Border – Eagles Tribute, Sept. 4.

ANNE BULL REPORTS:

• Tripp Garick recently hosted a surprise 49th anniversary cookout for Beth and Bob Speaks. It was a surprise as Beth and Bob had forgotten it was their anniversary and only realized it at the end of the evening.

• The Wingard’s hen drama has ended. Thanks to ceramic eggs Ronnie and Joy ordered from Amazon, the hens are no longer pecking their eggs. Ronnie did find a couple of broken eggs but no “fowl” play.

• Craft Axe at 101 East Main Street has opened. Now you can try your hand at axe throwing right here in Lexington.

• A.J. Dooley celebrated his 90th birthday June 10 with a family and friends driveby parade. Many turned out to express their best wishes with balloons, signs and cheers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Dennis Bull, Rusty Howard, Sylvia Clyburn, Faith Connelly, Alivia Rein, Joey Ward, Jr., James Crout, Linda Lee, Terry Norton, Neil MacFawn, Dwight Mooney, Ashley Burnett, Elaine Lawson, Laurie Payne, Logan Payne, Pam Steele, Marshall Coleman, Emilee Edwards, Jackson Rawl, Connor Scurry, Hunter Taylor, Stephanie Jones, Cooper Reynolds, Blake Caughman, Tonya Reynolds, Gloria Rice, Robby Farnum, Scott Ellis, Mary McCants, Molly Bonnell, Ryan Mathis, Russ Mellette, Karen Dial, Emily Adams, Marietta Staton, Rose Delage, Peggy Samotis, Macy Hunter, Chuck Larsen, Mae Buzhardt, Ken Manning and granddaughter, Caroline