Announcements

LEXINGTON COUNTY RECYCLING: Electronics & paper shredding Aug. 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Forts Pond Elem. School, 7350 Fish Hatchery Rd., Pelion. Limits: 5 boxes or bags of paper, 8 electronics devices per household. No refrigerators or commercial waste. Includes computers * accessories, monitors, TVs, cell phones, rechargeable battereis, gaming systems, printers, copiers, Fax machines, VCRs and DVD players, medical equipment. Info: www.lex-co.sc.gov/solidwaste or call 755-3325

Blood Drives

Gilbert-Summit Library: Aug. 21 from 1-6 p.m. Gilbert-Summit Library will host a Red Cross Blood Drive to benefit the community. Register online at www.redcross.org/ and use sponsorcode GSL to register for this event.

Pelion Library: Aug 27 12-4:30 p.m. Pelion Library will host a Red Cross Blood drive to benefit the community. Register online at www.redcross.org/ and use sponsorcode BOOKS to register for this event. Call 803-785-3272 for more info.

Book signings

Words & Wine: Aug. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Jubilee! Circle 2627 Millwood Ave, Columbia. Raegan Teller will present before a book signing with authors including Bentz Kirby, Deborah Elizabeth Wright, and Lisa Anne Cullen. Light refreshments and wine will be served, Ken Baldwin and Igor Agafonov will play music. The door prize drawing is at 8 p.m.!

Crafts & Making

ART & SIP: Enjoy an evening viewing art, meet the South Carolina artists, enjoy refreshments, wine tasting and more. Sept. 6, 6-8 p.m., Musician Supply, 718 W. Main St., Lexington.

Get Hooked: Knit and crochet Aug.18 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Chapin branch library. Beginners and advanced crafters are welcome to share ideas or learn new skills. For info call 345-5479.

In Stitches: Knit and crochet on Aug. 17, 4-5 p.m. at Batesburg-Leesville branch library. Beginners and advanced crafters are welcome to share ideas or learn new skills. Want to learn how? Bring a ball of worsted weight yarn and either a size H or I crochet hook or a pair of size 8 or 10 knitting needles – we’ll show you the basics! For info call 532-9223.

events

MOM SALE: Fall/Winter consignment sale of Multiples of the Midlands (mothers of twins, etc.) Sept. 8, 7 a.m.-noon, Health and Wellness Center at Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia. Clothing, shoes, children’s equipment, books, toys, furniture and more. Free parking, free admission.

Volunteering at the library: Saturday Service opportunity for volunteers Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. Grades 6-12 are welcome to get involved with the community in a hands-on way. Volunteer every month or once in a while – it’s up to you! For more info: 785-2630 or lexteentime@gmail.com

Young Leaders Society Kickoff: United Way of the Midlands annual kickoff is on Aug. 17, 7 p.m. at the SC State Museum. This year’s theme is ‘A Night for the Books’. The event is black-tie optional and will support the continued partnership between YLS and the United Way Midlands Reading Consortium. Tickets are $60 for donors or $100 per donor couple, or for guests $75 per person or $125 per guest couple. Host sponsor tickets are $250. To learn more and get tickets visit www.ylsmidlands.com .

food and fun

BBQ Chicken Dinner: Sept. 1, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Shiloh UMC at 1000 Spring Hill Rd., Gilbert will host a barbecue chicken dinner. Dinner is $10 and consists of ¼ barbecued chicken, two sides, a roll, dessert, and tea available to eat in or take out. Whole smoked chickens will be available for $10 each. Reservations must be made in advance. Call or email Gary R. Baker at palbook@aol.com or 803-206-6168.

Breakfast Banquet: Sept. 26, 7:30 a.m. Celebrate 40 years of service with LRADAC. The event will be held at the Brookland Banquet and Conference Center at 1066 Sunset Blvd., W. Columbia. Get tickets in advance at www.lradac.org/celebrating40 – Individual tickets and sponsorship packages are available and no tickets will be sold at the door.

Wine on the River: Aug. 25, 7 p.m. at West Columbia River Walk. The event will benefit the Campaign for Clarity to provide 3-D mammography across LMC’s network of care. The event will feature wine tasting, craft beer, cuisine from Midlands restaurants, and music. Tickets are $50 in advance. Purchase yours by calling 803-791-2540 or visiting www.LMCfoundation.com& clicking “Purchase Tickets”.

Lessons/Seminars

Driver Course: Aug. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. attend the AARP Smart Driver Course at the Tri-City Leisure Center, 485 Brooks Ave., W. Columbia. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate for your insurance company to get a rate discount. Call 803-939-9309 to register or for info.

GAL Training: Free 30-hour volunteer Guardian ad Litem training teaches about the Family Court system, how to recognize abuse and neglect and how to communicate with children, foster parents and every party involved in the case. For more info and how to become a GAL volunteer, visit http://gal.sc.gov or call 803-957-6484.

Mountain Dulcimer Workshop: Sept. 22, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood, SC. Classes will be held for beginner, novice, and intermediate/advanced players followed by a free concert featuring Anne Lough. Workshop is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. For more info visit www.dulcimores.com or contact Loretta 803-429-1319 or Betsy at 803-960-3918.

SQUARE DANCE LESSONS: Sundays 1:30 p.m., The Barn, 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. First lesson free, then $5 per lesson. Info: 772-0546.

meetings

Communications & Leadership: Lexington County Toastmasters offers a way to learn and grow. 7:15 a.m. every Thursday except holidays, 2nd floor conference room, Lexington Medical Center, 811 West Main Street, Lexington. For details, contact Jerry Bellune at jerrybellune@yahoo.com or 803-331-6695. Richland 2500 Toastmasters International meets 1st & 3rd Thursday each month except holidays, 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Irmo Medical Park building - 7033 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212 in room 302. Contact: Donald Dills, 803-917-7726, Kalenna Ginyard, 803-873-5433.

HELP FOR COUNTY VETERANS: Lexington Co.  Veterans’ Affairs officer Ed Lundeen meets veterans,  surviving spouses, dependents,  and beneficiaries monthly at three libraries in the county. GASTON LIBRARY: first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m.- noon; CHAPIN LIBRARY: first Friday of each month from 10 a.m.- noon; BATESBURG-LEESVILLE LIBRARY: second Friday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon. The office provides education, advice and assistance in filing VA claims and information regarding VA programs. Appointments are encouraged. Please call 803-785-8400, Monday-Friday, 8-5.

Lake Murray Assoc. Meeting: Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. at Macedonia Lutheran Church at 49 Macedonia Church Rd., Prosperity. Topics to be covered include boating safety, winter water levels, and concern of overgrowth on Southern Naiad. Refreshments by The Frayed Knot Bar & Grill.

music/theater

Coco: Aug. 17, 8:30 p.m. at Icehouse Amphitheater watch a screening of Coco Free! This movie is rated PG.

The Darkest Hour: Aug. 24, 8:30 p.m. at Icehouse Amphitheater. Watch this free screening of The Darkest Hour. This PG-13 is a war drama film is about Winston Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister.

The Fantastic Shakers: Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. Lexington Live at Icehouse Amphitheater opens with a free show featuring the Fantastic Shakers. This event will feature great music, food, and drink as well as entertainment for kids.

Fantasy: Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. Lexington Live at Icehouse Amphitheater features Fantasy. This free event features great food, music, drinks and face painters for kids.

Finesse: Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. Lexington Live at Icehouse Amphitheater will feature Finesse. This free event will have great music, food and drink as well as entertainment for kids.

Free Mountain Dulcimer Concert: Sept 22, doors open at 4:30 p.m., concert to begin at 5 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood, SC. The concert will feature nationally known dulcimer player and instructor, Anne Lough as special guest and performer. The concert is sponsored by the Dulcimores of South Carolina. For more info visit www.dulcimores.com or contact Loretta 803-429-1319 or Betsy at 803-960-3918.

GOSPEL SINGING: Sept. 2, 6 p.m., Midlands Gospel Singing Center, 705 Martin Smith Rd., Gilbert. Guests are His Direction and the Melodyaires. Love offering accepted. Refreshments served. Volunteers needed to provide finger foods. Brenda Crosby, 803-719-1289.

Men of Distinction: Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m. Lexington Live at Icehouse Amphitheater features the Men of Distinction. This free event will offer great music, food and drink as well as entertainment for children.

Noah Guthrie: Sept. 21, 6 p.m. Noah Guthrie will perform at the Icehouse Amphitheater. This sensational singer-songwriter from SC was on the hit TV show Glee and NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Chasing Vixen will join him on stage. Tickets for this rain or shine event are $10 in advance online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/noah-guthrietickets-48160930640 or at Old Mill Brew Pub.

Resurrection: Sept. 14, 6 p.m. See the ultimate Journey tribute band at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Interstate Exiles will open this rain or shine show. Advance tickets are $19. Online tickets can be found: www.eventbrite.com/e/resurrection-tickets-47926024028 or you can buy them in person at Keg Cowboy during business hours.

Root Doctors: Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. Lexington Live at Ice-house Amphitheater will host The Root Doctors. This free event will have music, food, and drink as well as entertainment for kids.

Outdoor fun

Fall Festival: Meador Acres Chestnuts Fall Fest, Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Open farm, learn about chestnuts & honeybees. Feed the ducks & chickens. The Blended Bakery Vintage Trolley food truck will be there along with many local vendors to start early fall/ Christmas shopping. There will be a bounce house & yard games to enjoy. Come out & visit! 5525 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pelion SC 29123 Check us out on Face-book/Instagram for more info. www.facebook.com/meadoracreschestnuts/

Outdoor Baptism Service: Sept. 2, 10 a.m. join First Baptist Lexington at the Icehouse Amphitheater for their annual outdoor baptism service. For more info visit www.fblex.org

Veterans Parade: Nov 4, 3 p.m., the 16th annual Lexington County parade to honor the SC National Guard will be held. Parade route includes downtown Lexington on Main St and South Lake Dr. Free admission. Rain date Nov 11. For more info or to participate call Sharon Willis 785-1454 or email her at swillis@lex-co.com .

Reunions

CAUGHMAN: Descendents of Edwin F. and Ellen L. Caughman (parents of Ansel Caughman, Callie Caughman, Carrie Boatwright, Mattie Crapps, & Birdie Shealy) annual reunion is Aug. 19 at Ridge Road Community Center, Leesville. Covered dish lunch will be served at 1 p.m. Plates, cups, utensils, and ice will be provided. Bring family pictures to share.

Lexington Wildcat Hall of Fame: Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. during the football game in the hall of fame hallway. The Lexington Wildcat Athletic Booster Club invites all past hall of fame members to their annual reunion cookout. RSVP by contacting Jody Young via email at iptayguy@aol.com .