AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Hurrican Dorian was a concern last week for our state and the damages it might bring.

Our state was declared in a state of emergency as the forecast worsened. Lanes on I-26 were reversed to aid evacuees from the coast.

Fortunately, we escaped the worst as the hurricane remained off shore and brought only flash flooding and strong winds. Power outages were also experienced near the coast. Our state stands ready to prepare for any future hurricanes this time of year.

Yesterday, we paused to remember Sept. 11, 2001, when about 3,000 people lost their lives in multiple terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and our airlines. And there have been more deaths related to the attack with our brave first responders suffering many illnesses.

The Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting and After Hours Sept. 5 at Colonial Life: The Clark Group, on West Main Street in Lexington. This is the former home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Carroll, and Lynda Caughman and the late Don Caughman. The historic house is beautifully and tastefully decorated. Among the many attending were Connor Shaw, former Gamecock quarterback, who posed for pictures with attendees. Also attending were Colonial Life employees Tim Arnold, Graem Clark, Marie McGehee; Chamber employees Otis Rawl, Sondra Gettys, Adam DeLoach, and Connor Watkins; and members Chris Petty, Manning Kolb, Ben Fuller, Allison Hedrick, William McCamy, Alex Huggins, Craig Caldwell, Jeff Siler, Elizaeth Trenbeath, Gary Deese, Kiri Rawson, Austin McVay, Whitnei Jeffcoat, Bill Lesesne, Bobby Cousins, Bevery Gunter, Don and Bunnie Hagenlocher, Ron Harrell and Rep. Chris Wooten.

Jim Ingram and Sylvia Looney send greeting and an announcement: They will present a concert Sept. 29 at 3 pm at The Newberry Opera House. Jim says the proceeds of the concert benefit Newberry College scholarship funds. For tickets, visit www.newberryoperahouse.com or call 803-276-6264.

Anne Bull sends

word that the Lexington Main Library held its Sunday tea with a program on the history of Masala Chai Tea. The next tea time is Oct. 13 at 2:30 pm. The free event will feature ghost stories and pumpkin spiced tea. The public is invited.

Chase, a beloved Lexington therapy dog, passed away Aug. 28. I often saw his owners, Peter Buttress and Sheila Grogan, walk the handsome border Collie past my house. Rescued when he was 18 month old, Chase was full of puppy energy. It soon became apparent that he loved people, especially children, so Peter trained him to become a therapy dog. For many years, the two of them visited the Children’s Hospital, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. When Peter wrote two children’s books about Chase, it opened the way for them to visit elementary schools and libraries. We shall miss him and remember him as a very special dog.

Wingard’s Nursery will host “Art in the Garden: The Final Curtain” Sept. 20, 6-10:30 pm. The goal is to raise $30,000 to benefit Mission Lexington.

The Shepherd’s Center starts its weekly fall classes in Adventures in Learning Sept.

26. Call 803-359-6838, ext. 110 or visit www.sclex.org for information.

Happy birhtday to Brittany Owen, David Beatty, Noah Madsen, Mike Pickett, Alexa Skladany, Susan Conder, Amber Davis, Rick Dempster, Curtis Rickenbaker, Peggy Sherman, Charles Boyle, Jessical McMurray, Anna Skipper, Holly Crawford, Anna Farr, Drake Glover, Annie Konduros, Lennox, Marr, David Smith, Brian Adcock, Kerry Brown Sr., Reece Caughman, Katy Hooker, Calvin Shealy, Lori Shealy, Suzanne Swafield, Elaine Taylor, Sofie Taylor, DJ Yandle, Dana Cox, Sadie Curtis, Billy Green Sr., Alex Miles, Bryian Taylor, Nelson Taylor, Jo Counts, Jennifer Pryor, Maro Rogers, Jacklyn Pate, Hugh Gunter, Frances Monts, Nelson Taylor, Marge Carter, Bebe Logue, Jay Thompson, Samantha Millender, Horace Meetze and Amy Barsch.