Seasonal decorations are “popping up” on doors, porches and even in yard. Colorful wreaths, pumpkins and mums seem to be the favorites with some early Halloween ghosts and witches.

Americans typically refer to this time of year as “fall”, while the British use the word “autumn.” Historically, fall was called “harvest” because of the “harvest moon” that occurs close to the autumn equinox.

Fall colors are caused by the amount of sugar in leaves. The more red in the leaf, the more sugar that leaf is storing. That is why maple trees are so vibrant. Evergreens don’t change because their leaves have a thick wax covering that protects the chlorophyll (green) in the leaves.

The Celts believed ghosts roamed on Halloween. Wearing a disguise would help you hide from these spirits.

Weight gain around this time of year may not be all from food. Researchers have found that lack of vitamin D reduces fat breakdown and triggers fat storage. So, the lack of sunlight has more to do with the extra gain than all the pumpkin spice lattes.

Children born in the fall are statistically better students and live longer., according to the University of Chicago.

FOOTBALL was back for Gamecock fans last weekend. Unfortunately, it was not a win for USC. Tennessee won 31-27. But they played a good game with new quarterback Collin Hill, and had a fighting chance.

Saturday they take on Florida in Gainesville. The Clemson Tigers play Virginia at Clemson. Tigers had a “bye” last week.

THE LEXINGTON Network of Female Executives held its monthly meeting Sept. 22 at Twisted Roots restaurant. President Kathy Foster introduced speaker, Angelle LaBorde, new President/CEO of The Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce.

Angelle talked about Lexington, its benefits and how pleased she is to be a resident. She is formerly of Greenwood where she made great strides with their chamber and achieved many awards. She noted that our outstanding schools are the reason many families choose to live here. When they come here, grandparents often follow.

LEXINGTON has an ac complished dress designer in Mingh Le. She receivied a sewing machine at age 17, she doesn’t remember a time she wasn’t designing or making clothing. Moving out of poverty and to pursue opportunities she came to the United States from South Vietnam in 1994 to Boston and then Connecticut. There she married and had 2 children.

She decided to move south away from cold weather. She did research and found Lexington had the best schools and business opportunities. She moved here in 2008 and opened her nail salon. Continuing to design and sew, she opened 831 Minhle Studio in Lexington. She was featured in the September Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.

ANNIE MACK, Director of the Lexington Senior Center, reports the volunteers continue to deliver 700 Meals On Wheels to homebound seniors. Their staff makes wellness calls each day to those who are shut in.

ANNE BULL reports that if you plan to vote absentee in person you can start Oct. 5 in Lexington County.

If you plan to vote by mail, your application must be received by Oct. 24.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lou Ellen Decell, Janie Holland, Jeff Prickett, Riley Prickett, Barbara W. Davis, Joe Cribb, Patty Giancola, Sandra Brandt, Michael Lybrand, Charles Rice II, Jason Antley, Michele Bonetto, Madilyn Burgess, Grayson Carter, John Flitter, Grace Geary, Anne Jenkins, Karen Spilker, Aimee Lowery, Martin Taylor, Anna Mooney, Karen O’Shea, Brenda Bruner, Bert Davis, Evelyn Rickenbaker, Sharon Mackintosh, Macenzie Davis, Traci Kaiser, Bryan Shane, Chappell Lackore, Greg Peck, Tracy Rouillard, Whit Spence, Brenda Tucker, Jake Bachman, Wanda Broome, Susan Caton, Macey Coats, Billy Osborne, Roger Schwind, Todd Carnes,