AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

It is quite an honor to receive a Key to the City. Last Monday, the Town of Lexington awarded longtime Lexington leader Raymond Caughman and his twin broker Hampton Caughman that honor.

The recipients received engraved brass keys from Mayor pro tempore Hazel Lexington, who told of their lives here in our town.

They served in World War II and married local ladies, Elizabeth “Lib” Hook and Betty Dye. Raymond and Lib have three children, Ann, Ray and Mandy. Hamp and the late Betty Caughman have two children, Hamp Jr. and Carol. There are grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enrich their lives.

The brothers have been loyal and active leaders in St. David Lutheran Church and our town.

As president of Lexington State Bank, Raymond helped many local residents fulfill their dreams. Carol Metts was his ever-faithful secretary for 35 years.

Hamp owned the Red and White grocery store here, when groceries were not as plentiful as today. He offered friendly and efficient service.

Attending the ceremony was Richard Thompson, who worked at the Red and White and later at Lexington State Bank. Constance Flemming honored the two men by singing the National Anthem.

It was also a special night for Hoda Abdulla, a Lexington High student who was recently elected president of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girl’s Nation. Hoda received a proclamation from Town Council member Kathy Maness.

Police Chief Terrance Green was recognized by Steven Burritt, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

All in all, it was a heart-warming and patriotic evening.

Wine on the River attracted a sell-out crowd last Saturday at the West Columbia Riverwalk. Sponsored by Women of Hope of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, the event benefits the foundations programs and services.

Have you ever had dinner on a roof top under the stars on a clear and perfect evening? The staff of the Chronicle did just that last Friday at Stella’s at Arkos in the Flight Deck shopping center. Jerry and MacLeod Bellune hosted the event and staffers enjoyed delicious food and drinks served by an efficient and pleasant wait staff. Among those attending were Rose Cisneros, Katie Ritchie, John Dixon, Jewel Hull, Chris ???, Rob Cottingham, Chuck and Lana McCurry, Linda Sauls, Doug Bouleware, Daisy Harman, and Holly Vaucher.

High School and college football is in full gear. This Saturday the Gamecocks take on Coastal Carolina at home and the Tigers host Furman.

Happy birthday to Jeremy Addy, Lucas Gamble, Ernest Shealy Jr., Matt Bedenbaugh, Suzi Frady, Bernie Corley, Connie Stucky, Sandy Morgan, Chris Harmon, Lauren Dreher, Madison Gies, Allen Waites, Kathy Coskrey, Tommy Davis, Jeanette Neeley, Eleanor Robinson, Becky Torbett, Paul Faliman, George Rosen, Becky Sons, Nell Macaulay, Foster Mathews, Hal McIntosh, Nancy Shaw, Amy Harmon, Bonnie Sayles, Laura Scurry, and Dottie Slocomb.