LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS: Drizzle can’t dampen county’s Veterans Day parade

A drizzle of rain never dampened the spirit of the Lexington County Veterans Day Parade on Sunday afternoon.

It rolled down Main Street in Lexington with bystanders enthusiastically waving flags! Our national colors of red, white and blue were very prominent in every entry. The town car commemorating our 250th birthday led off with our town police.

Sirens and flags signaled the onset of this anticipated yearly event. Many color guard units gave their patriotic presence along with numerous groups of veterans. Local bands with marching music added to the festive occasion.

Also in the parade was our town of Lexington float with Mayor Hazel Livingston and Councilmembers Ron Williams, Gavin Smith and Jeannie Michaels.

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson and S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson cheerfully waved to the parade-goers. Also, it was great to see our veterans officer, Ed Lundeen, and representatives from Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon’s office. American Legion Post 7 and Legion Auxiliary members rode our Caughman-Harman patriotic float.

Local firetrucks rounded out the day’s tribute to all our veterans. Kudos to Sharon Willis, who has created and directed this parade for many years. When participants and spectators praised her involvement, she humbly said, “It is all about the veterans.” Thank you, Sharon!

Thanks to Mr. A.D. Kirby for designing such colorful, patriotic floats each year! God bless America!

The Country Club of Lexington is celebrating an anniversary! According to Norman Flynn, the club opened on Nov. 7, 1966, when the initial fee was $100, dues were $10 a month and the Board of Directors included Kermit Addy, Don Bruner, Raymond Caughman, C.M. Compton, Harry Hite, Harold Looney, William Mathias, Walter Maguire, Rountree Sessions and Jim Brittingham.

First tee shots: Jack Hendrix, Don Bruner, Harry Hite and R.B. Harmon.

Norman Flynn was hired as general manager and golf professional in May 1966. Ed Keisler was hired as greens superintendent in June 1966. Grass was planted in June 1966. The pool opened in June 1966, and the golf course opened November 1966. Congratulations on this happy and momentous occasion!

Our Shepherd’s Center of Lexington held its last meeting of this session on Thursday, Oct. 29. Meetings are held at Lexington United Methodist Church. The program was a Halloween contest. We are all children at heart!

After a parade of all the costumed contenders, the results were announced:

Third place: Cathy and Will Hearn, “The Two Amigos”

Second place: Susan Symons, “Crazy Cat Lady”

First place: Serge Seguin, “The Viking”

Congratulations to the winners and all who dressed up for the occasion!

The next session of Adventures in Learning will be Feb. 11 through March 18. We look forward to seeing you!

The cheeseburger buffet provided by meal sponsor Lawyer Lisa was enjoyed by all. The week before, meal sponsors were Caughman-Harman Funeral Home and CenterWell.

The big event last week was the gala sponsored by Mission Lexington, 2026 Mission on the Move.

One week prior, Leah Doyon said: “One week until we celebrate together! We’re just one week away from the Mission on the Move gala, and we can’t wait to welcome you! As we celebrate 48 years of serving our neighbors, we’ll look ahead to the next chapter of Mission Lexington and the new home that will help us serve our community for generations to come.”

And it was successfully held Thursday, Oct. 29 at The Pastides Alumni Center in Columbia. More donations are appreciated and needed. The entire program was so moving and inspirational.

In summing it up, Mission Lexington says: “It was a night for faith, fundraising and celebrating the future of Mission Lexington. The campaign leadership team hosted a fundraising gala this past week for Mission Lexington. The guest speaker was Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter, who spoke to nearly 300 guests. The event raised over $700,000 that night for the new facility on North Lake Drive that is slated to begin construction early next year.”

Much gratitude is expressed to the staff, committee, Mission CEO Amy Reeves and Operations Director Ron Williams. Special speaker was Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, a Medal of Honor recipient and author. Catering was by Southern Way, and music was presented by saxophonists the Dante Lewis Duo with welcome music by pianist Darren Truel.

Don’t forget to support Mission Lexington in its Holiday Meal Bag Drive. The organization anticipates giving out over 1,000 holiday meal bags this year. Requested food items are stuffing mix, gravy packets or jars, canned cranberry sauce, canned yams, canned collard greens or turnips, cornbread mix, cake mix and a $10 grocery store gift card for turkey or ham.

Mission Lexington’s Mission Store will have 25% off all red-tagged clothing and merchandise from Nov. 2-12. Adult items are $4.50 and children’s items are $3. Sale not applicable on Wednesday for Senior Day.

The holiday season is fast approaching. The calendar has turned over to November, and our time changed on Sunday, Nov. 1. Events are happening. Check them out!

Coming up are the Wingard’s Market Ladies’ Night on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4-8 p.m. Sip, shop and unwind. And “Magic on Church Street,” a true vintage Christmas festival hosted by Lexington United Methodist Church, is planned on Nov. 21-22 at the Icehouse Amphitheater.

Next week, look for traveling news from Gary Baker.