LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS: Congratulations to Mission Lexington on its groundbreaking!

“Join us at the groundbreaking for Mission Lexington’s new building on Friday, Aug. 28 at 8:30 a.m.,” the organization says. “We are excited to invite you to join us for a truly historic moment as we break ground on Mission Lexington’s new home. This milestone represents far more than the start of a new building; it marks a defining chapter in Mission Lexington’s nearly 50-year history and reflects our community’s shared commitment to serving Lexington County for generations to come. We would be honored to have you celebrate this special occasion with us. We hope you’ll join us as we take this exciting next step together.”

For more information, call Leah Doyon, Amy Reeves or Ron Williams at 803-785-6900 or visit www.missionlexingtonsc.org.

Mission Lexington’s pantry also needs restocking. Check out the group’s Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/0a6u6LBD for items needed such as chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, Honey Nut Cheerios, tuna and more.

Thank you to local farm WP Rawl for its constant support of Mission Lexington’s food pantry and for providing 3,256 pounds of fresh produce. Because of this generosity, the pantry fed more than 2,500 individuals this month.

With September approaching, guess what’s in the air? Football! Our all-American favorite sport.

The stores are filled with all the signs: football balloons, favorite halftime snacks, team clothing and accessories.

The USC Gamecocks are facing a challenging schedule with nine conference games. Their first opponent is Kent State on Sept. 5 at USC. The Clemson Tigers start with a “biggie” at LSU on Sept. 5.

Anne Bull says:

“Dennis Bull recently met the new president of Clemson University, Benjamin C. Ayers, who officially started in his position on Aug. 1. He is the 16th president of the university. Dr. Ayers was the former provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at the University of Georgia.”

Angelle LaBorde, president and CEO of our Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, says:

“The chamber is calling all town of Lexington restaurants. The annual Restaurants Week is Sept. 10-20. Lexington’s Week of Restaurants is a community-wide celebration and your chance to showcase your menu, attract new customers and encourage diners to discover what makes Lexington’s restaurant scene so special.”

Linda Griffith and American Legion Post 7 Commander Mike Kinzie proudly send the following:

“About 75 Honor Flight veterans and guardians along with another 100-plus family and CRA Honor Flight personnel were present at the American Legion Post 7 in Lexington this past Saturday for registration, training and meeting other attendees for the Sept. 12 flight to Washington. Among the veterans were two Korean War and 31 Vietnam heroes — one or two from Post 7. Individual photographs of the veterans and one with their guardians were taken. They were briefed on every aspect of the one-day trip to and from D.C. and provided lunch during the day. A letter has been received by Commander Kinzie thanking him and his outstanding volunteer support from members of Post/Auxiliary 7. CRA is considering American Legion Post 7 as a home base for future events and activities. On a note from the Post 7 side, there will not be a Legion or Auxiliary meeting in September as the Honor Flight is due back in Columbia around 7 p.m. on the evening of our regular meetings. Commander Kinzie is requesting all members of both the post and auxiliary come out to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport to welcome home the heroes and has requested that anyone who can come from the entire Lexington/Columbia area come out and do the same.”

Thanks to Mary and Gary Baker for the following:

“On July 30, Shiloh United Methodist Church - Gilbert greeted and welcomed 110 faculty and staff members from Centerville Elementary School for the fourth annual lunch. After a brief greeting and blessing by the Rev. John Kronz, a catered lunch complete with homemade rolls and desserts was served. Following lunch, there was a drawing for many door prizes that included school supply baskets, homemade cinnamon rolls, produce baskets, snack baskets and gift cards. Each attendee was also given a goodie bag with all sorts of items donated by individuals and businesses such as classroom books, thank-yous from our Shiloh children, coloring books, pencils, pens, snacks, etc. The lunch is made possible through the efforts and support of Shiloh members, including our children, as well as many community businesses and individuals.

“This is one way that Shiloh can show appreciation for the care and nurturing that Centerville Elementary provides to our community children.

“The second annual Hymns and Ice Cream was held on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Shiloh United Methodist Church - Gilbert. Led by the talented Ms. Constance Flemming, church music director, members of Shiloh and the community joined in singing their favorite hymns. A scripture selected by Ms. Flemming that highlighted the theme of the hymn was read prior to each song. Two of the highlights of the evening were a solo by Ms. Flemming, "The Goodness of God," and a wonderful solo by Mr. George Bickley, “Oh Ship of Zion.” The evening wrapped up with ice cream and toppings as well as homemade pound cake and cookies.”

Shiloh United Methodist Church – Gilbert will resume “Lunch & Learn” on the first Thursday of each month beginning Sept. 3. Each month’s lunch and learn features a speaker and a catered lunch for $15 per person. September’s speaker will be Jessica Brodie, editor of the United Methodist Advocate, novelist, journalist and coach. Jessica will speak on “Called to the Page: A Christian Journalist’s Journey into Fiction and other Faith Writing.” She will also have books for sale and sign autographs. Everyone is welcome. To reserve your seat and lunch, contact Donna at 803-206-3400.

Congratulations are in order! Paul and Gale Harman became great-grandparents. Their granddaughter Erin and husband Trevor became parents to a precious baby boy, Jack Rhodes, 8 lbs., 8 oz., on Tuesday, Aug. 18. His grandparents are Brett and Jennie Harman, and his ecstatic great-great-grandmother is Vonita McFarland. A young 100! Life longevity is in the family!