AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

After such scorching unseasonal heat in September and early October, there was a sigh of relief last weekend as the temperature dropped.

Many were out walking, cycling and just enjoying the 20-degree cool down.

“Meet me at the rocket” as we go to eat the best foods, catch the squeals of those thrilling rides, hear concerts, and celebrate the greatness of our state at the SC State Fair. It’s here through October 20.

Pawmetto Lifeline is a no-kill initiative for pets. Delores Mungo is founder of this group, which offers shelter and adoptions for homeless animals. It is located on Bower Parkway near Columbiana Mall.

Anne Bull sends a report from this year’s big fundraising event – The Fur Ball. The event raises money for Pawmetto Lifeline. Some of the guests were Brenda Maxwell, David Herndon, Emily and Rhett Clark, Heather Hornsby, Susan and Tim Hance, Susan Aude, John and Dupre Young, and Beth and John Carrigg. The gala included live and silent auction, raffles, photography sessions, and heavy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants.

Lighthouse for Life is a nonprofit organization that educates the community about sex trafficking and provides a safe haven to restore victims to wholeness. Anne reports that Radius Church helped host a luncheon for the group October 1. Attendees include Sheriff Jay Koon; Dee Cochran, Victim Advocate at the Lexington Police Department; Jen Thompson, CEO of Lighthouse for Life; and Chief Terrence Green of the Lexington Police Department.

The Oktoberfest at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church last weekend offered delicious German food. Proceeds benefited the church’s missions.

The Holiday Market at Lexington United Methodist Church was awesome. Many vendors brought their wares and I purchased a beautiful table for quite a bargain. If you missed it, go next year.

Another Oktoberfest is coming up! Pine Press of Lexington will host its annual event October 18, 3-7:30 pm. Food will be served at 5 pm. There will be a silent auction for the Midlands Special Needs Foundation, live music, a photo booth and a chance to visit with friends.

The Lexington Medical Center Foundation will hold its Women’s Night Out Oct. 22 at 5 pm at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. There will be a health and wellness exhibit, silent auction, dinner and a fashion show featuring cancer survivors. Save the date and get your tickets at www.LMCfoundation.com or call 803-791-2540.

Why not attend some of the lunch sessions at The Shepherd’s Center? They’re held Thursdays at noon at Lexington United Methodist Church.

Happy birthday this week to Sam Mc-Cuen, Cindi Gearon, Grace DiMarco, Ellie Bradberry, Mary Fechtel, Margaret Robbins, Alan Brock, Will Rhoden, Ruth Wilson, Mike Bennett, Dominick Norton, Sandra Surerus, Rick Swaffield, Denise Bruner-Woods, Kevin Ettenger, Stephen Fowler Jr., Danny Robinson, Josh Addy, Martin Arant, Neil Bickley, Ellen Brown, Matthew Evans, Mary Rogers, Carol Baughman, Dave Billings, Grayson Evans, Garret Hoole, Weston Hoole, Lisa Looney, Molly Coats, Brad Ham-by, Linda Staehr, Neil Nelson, Connie Mc-Farland, Harold Neff, Carolyn Hall, Ernie Hall, Marvin Leaphart, Julia Pate, Lib Caughman, Marcia Rowen, Robert Felkel, Delila Hall, Kathryn Howell, Ashley Hicks, Beth Carrigg, and my grandson Will Stormer.

Don’t forget Tea at the Lexington Main Library this Sunday, October 13, at 2:30 pm. There will be a Halloween theme and spiced tea with sweet treats. Wear your hat or fascinator!