Before summer ends, get in that special vacation trip! These Lexington County residents have done just that. Retired Veteran Affairs Officer Gary Baker and wife May departed from Ford Canaveral, Fla., on a cruise ship by way of Key West to Havana, Cuba. Gary was very impressed with the old cars -- 50 to 60 years old but very well maintained. He reports that the taxis are new but provided by Russia. He says there is old Havana where buildings are decrepit and not well kept. New Havana has nice, new government buildings and former casinos are now modern apartment buildings.

Their educational system, including books, is free but your placement and future are predetermined. They enjoyed the architecture of Havana while sightseeing on a tour bus. Gary reports Raul Castro is in power of this still-struggling country. It’s struggling to overcome poverty, changes in government and to modernize.

Mikel Smith and Bobbi Gregory traveled to Asheville and saw the Chihuly of Biltmore Exhibit. Dale Chihuly is a world-renowned glass blower from Seattle.

After a fabulous sunset, they toured the house and gardens at night, which was spectacular. They visited the rooftop at the new AC Hotel by Marriott in downtown Asheville. This rooftop offers a lovely 360 degree view of the surrounding area. They enjoyed dining at an Asheville favorite Spanish restaurant named Curate.

Also fun was a BBQ place, Buxton Hall, in an up and coming part of the city and noted in a recent Southern Living Magazine. They recommend a visit to Biltmore and all the sights in Asheville.

For closer trips, plan a cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray where your food is catered and your enjoyment is guaranteed! Also, there is Riverbanks Zoo and Garden or Saluda Shoals Park. They are nearby attractions for the whole family.

Locally, enjoy movies in the park at Ice-house Amphitheater, showing Coco August

17. August 24, see The Darkest Hour. Visit www.icehouseamphitheater.com for information or see scheduled films on this week’s Go! Calendar.

Our readers tell us last week’s rain did not dampen a fish fry and fixins dinner hosted by Midlands Tech President Dr. Ron Rhames for members and family of MTC’s executive team, commission, and Foundation. Among the many in attendance were Garry Powers, Christopher Joye, Tom Led-better, Chuck Whippie, Scott Adams, Jennifer and Robbie Wilkins, Debbie Walker, Dr. Barrie Kirk, Kim Boatwright and Shickre Sabbagha.

Midlands movers and shakers attended a luncheon last week to begin planning for a community initiative called ‘On the Table,’ which will be held at various sites around Lexington County in October. The initiative will bring interested citizens together on one day to discuss how community can improve and grow. Among those involved in the planning are Otis Rawl, Scott Adams, Richard Skipper, Christina Chappell, Scott McFarland and Cherisse Arrendale.

Happy birthday to Betty Simpson, Marrie McKenzie, Reggie Enlow, Mark Adams, Bryce England, Tommy Stallings, John Denny, Tyler Lorick, Scott Wilhide, Charletta Maloney, Gabby Adams, Jennifer Clemens, Tracie Ifkovits, Reggie Little, Jennifer Merkel, Dina Davis, Sammy Hendrix, Robert Shealy, Heyward Addy, Elizabeth Baston, Homer Corley, Larry Roof, Wink Sox, Susan Barnes, John K. Addy Jr., Harry Burns, Anna Good, Paul Harman, Mary Ives, Robert Miller, Allison Pellet, Scott Stogner, Sarah Ward, Jenna Hojnacki, Alex Mackintosh, Andrew Strock, Bill Carroll, Diane Hall, Amanda Shealy, Gwyn Wingard, Homer Corley, Mildred Younginer, Betty Hendrix, Tommy Rawl, Jud Heldreth, Carolyn Brooks, Scott Hamm, Brittany Guess, and Mary Stivers.