Around ChApin & irmo

Welcome to South Carolina weather, cool one day and warm the next day.  My hope is that at some point it will get cooler and I can wear my winter clothes.

November is fast approaching December and maybe then we can enjoy hot cocoa next to the fireplace. Hot cocoa doesn’t have the same soothing effect if the weather is 80º outside.  Veterans Day is November 12, the day we honor our veterans.

I have interviewed two World War II veterans, one is 92, and the other is 101 years old.  They both were in Europe at the same time, and both visited Hitler’s Eagle Nest close to the same time frame.  One had pictures of Berlin just after the war. It was in total shambles.  The other veteran had stories of landmine duty and being in the hospital for 89 days after one blew up near him.  

We need to honor our veterans; they sacrificed so much.  Every time I see a man with a Vietnam Veteran hat, I thank him for his service and apologize that he didn’t get a proper welcome home. I then shake his hand and say, “welcome home.”

Columbia’s 40 annual Veterans Day Parade will be November 12, 11-12 pm, starting at Sumter, and Laurel streets and ending near the State House. Thank you veterans and current soldiers for your service and sacrifice.

Chapin’s Fall Night Out will be November 17 at Chapin Town Hall, 3-6 pm with kids fingerprinting, ID kits, free chili, and beverages.  

 A big welcome to Rebecca Hines, the new director at the Chapin Chamber.  

Congratulations to the Chapin Cheer team for winning awards in the Irmo competition.

The Chapin Ruritan Club celebrated its 70th year anniversary.  Thank you, Ruritan members, for making Chapin an excellent place to live.  

The Holiday Market at Crooked Creek will be November 17, 8:30-2:30 pm. If you wish to be a vendor, call 803-345-6181. The public is invited to shop free of charge.  

Bundle up the kids and come to the Saluda Shoals Park November 19 for the Sleigh Bell Stroll and see the lights with free 3D glasses. The cost is $5, ages 6 and under free. For information, call 803-772-1228.  

The Red Cross is in critical need of all blood products and blood types. You are needed to help give the gift of life to someone who needs blood. To schedule an ap-