Liesha hUffstetLer liesha.huffstetler@gmail.com Around ChApin & irmo

Congratulations to the current high school graduates! Seniors from private, public, and home schools transitioned into adult life when they crossed the stage and received that diploma.

Many will go on to some college, and others will choose further educational training for the workforce. Either way, life will drastically change for graduates and their parents. Welcome to the real world all of you new graduates!

Congratulation to Walt Richardson, the newly elected Commander of the American Legion Department of SC. The American Legion was chartered in 1919 and is 2.4 million members strong. It is a veterans service organization committed to mentoring youth and community service projects. Congratulations Commander Richardson.

Interested in archery, but don’t know where to try it out? The Irmo Library has a hands-on archery workshop for grades 6-12 June 19, 3-4 pm. Register at 798-7880.

Bored children, k-5th grade, can go on a space expedition at the Chapin Library with the Columbia Marionette Theatre June 18, 2-3 pm. They get to travel to Harmony Station and learn about the cosmos! For more information, call 803-345-5479.

Pre-register for the 7th annual Hewitt 5K at Saluda Shoals on June 2, at www. Stricklyrunning.com .

History is fun! Historic Columbia’s Moonlight Cemetery tours will cover 160 years of history in Elmwood Cemetery. Tour dates are July 12 and August 9 starting at 7:30. Visit www.historiccolumbia.org for information.

The Comet’s Express Route informational meeting will be held at the Chapin Library June 24 at 6:30 pm. This bus service connects Newberry, Little Mountain, Chap-in, Ballentine, Harbison, and downtown Columbia. Call 803-255-7100 for information.

Get out your red, white, and blue boat decorations! It’s not too early to register your boat for the July 4 Boat Parade on Lake Murray at www.lakemurraycountry.com

American Idol will hold auditions in Columbia! Although the location has yet to be released, you can start practicing by singing in the shower or serenading your neighbors to prepare for the auditions. When more information comes, I will let you know!

Chapin Town is looking for volunteers to plan the Chapin Labor Day Parade. If you wish to volunteer, call Nichole Burroughs at 803-345-2444.