AROUND CHAPIN & IRMO

Pets are an important part of the family. Dogs are loyal, full of energy and expert creative escape artists. I had a dog that could climb the fence around his kennel and have secret canine adventures at night.

The other dog we had would contort himself to chew his harness. He enjoyed a frolic in the cow pasture next door and came back home covered in cow manure. Yuck!

Our cat ‘Jim has a second home across the busy street and lounges on our neighbor’s back porch. When I look at Facebook, I am seeing all too frequently missing pets or animals that have been found by others and are looking for the owners. It is so important to get pets neutered and micro-chipped. May is National Pet Microchip Month. Make an appointment this month to make sure your pet has a microchip, just in case it wanders outside the yard.

Safety is important. The SC Department of Motor Vehicles is requiring vehicle permits for golf carts on secondary roads whose speed limit is 35 mph or less. The golf cart can only be operated within a 4-mile radius of the registered owner’s address. The golf cart operator must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Do you have unclaimed property? The SC Treasurer has a search site to see if you have unclaimed money or property. I keep hoping for a rich unknown relative who has left me a million dollars, but this seems to be a crazy imaginative wish. To search your name, visit www.treasurer.sc.gov.

Mary Poppins said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun”. The Irmo-Chapin Children’s Theater had a lot of fun rehearsing for Mary Poppins Jr. Tickets are on sale now. Performances will be at Harbison Theater May 10-21. Visit ww.wharbisontheater.org for information.

Calling all young professionals in Irmo and Chapin for the Networking Happy Hour May 9, 5:30 pm, at The Pompeii, 912 Chapin Road. This happy hour provides networking for social and professional development and is sponsored by the Chapin Chamber of Commerce. For details, call 803-345-1100

Midlands Gives is May 7 when you can give to your favorite charity or organization online. Visit www.midlandsgives.org for information.