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More companies are letting their employees do their jobs remotely.

That has prompted some workers to move to Lexington County.

The South is growing in popularity with telecommuters.

Liz Guthridge, a coach and consultant who works remotely, said workers with “Northeast salaries” can enjoy our lower cost of living.

Some employees value the flexibility of working from home enough to take less pay, according to a 2017 study from Harvard and Princeton.

The average worker will accept 8% less pay to working remotely.

That’s offset by cutting down on such costs as transportation, eating out, business attire, cleaning and other costs of commuting.

Celebrity tricycle race

Have you ever seen cops and school principals on tricycles?

That’s what you’ll see Saturday, Oct. 19, at River Bluff High School. The Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center plans a Celebrity Tricycle Race and Wellness Walk.

The race will feature Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green, Cayce Police Chief Byron Snellgrove, Lexington Mayor Steve Mac-Dougall, County Council Chairman Scott Whetstone, Clerk of Court Lisa Comer, District 1 Superintendent Greg Little, Beechwood Middle School Principle Gloria Jenkinson and Springdale Elementary Principal Hope Vrana.

The free event is intended to raise awareness about child abuse and promote family wellness for the center, a nonprofit providing safety and support for children who have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused.

Families are encouraged to attend and bring their children dressed in their best super hero attire.

Mission Lexington will collect personal care items for families in crisis.

For details, call 803-358-7200.

Call for candy

Lexington Family Smiles is partnering with Operation Gratitude this October to kick off its Season of Giving.

The Lexington dentistry practice will buy your leftover individually-wrapped candy for $1 a pound (up to 10 pounds) Oct. 29 through Nov. 5.

The candy along with handwritten thank you notes will be sent to US troops serving overseas and hand delivered to local veterans and first responders.

Bring your leftover candy to 2001 Augusta Highway Suite A, Lexington, Monday through Thursday from 8 am - 5 pm (closed from 1-2 pm for lunch) and Fridays from 8 am-1 pm.

Visit www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy to learn more.

Lexington Medical Center aids Mission Lexington

Lexington Medical Center has provided a grant to Mission Lexington for prescription medication assistance to those in need.

“We’re grateful to Lexington Medical Center for once again allowing us to expand what we offer our neighbors,” said Robin Bowers, Executive Director of Mission Lexington.

Mission Lexington meets over 30,000 needs in Lexington County each year with life essentials, resources, and guidance.

Lauren Palkowski is the new Director of Community Relations. She is a native to Lexington County with a background in communications, event planning and church staff support.

Michele Smith is the new Director of Volunteer Services. She has served in church ministry and as a volunteer in social services with Mission Lexington.

To learn more, visit www.missionlexingtonsc.org or call 803-957-6656.

High schoolers to learn about finances

Students at White Knoll High School will learn how to handle their money thanks to a $1 million grant front the Jackson Charitable Foundation.

Students will take the Ramsey Education’s Foundations in Personal Finance course.

The widely-adopted course challenges students to set real goals like saving for an emergency, applying for college grants and scholarships and writing their personal resumes.

White Knoll High is one of 500 schools across the country benefiting from Jackson’s donation.

For more information, visit www.ramseyeducation.com .

Columbia flights up 17%

Columbia Metropolitan Airport continues to see strong and steady growth in 2019.

In August, passenger traffic increased 9.15% over July with 120,648 passengers traveling through CAE during the month.

Year-to date traffic stats show a 17% increase over the same travel period in 2018 with 898,024 passengers traveling through CAE.

This Fall CAE will begin work on various projects to enhance the travelers’ experience, including a new parking guidance system in the parking garage, the replacement of all escalators in the terminal and parking garage and a new in-line baggage system, moving all bag screeners behind the ticket desks.

Chili cook off fundraiser

The Midlands’s only full-time music therapy clinic will host a Chili and Dessert Cook Off fundraiser Oct. 26.

Key Changes Therapy Services will host the event from 11 am - 3 pm at 1900 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia.

The cook off raises money for music therapy services for children, and includes entertainment by Columbia-rocker Brent Lundy, performances from children who receive music therapy at Key Changes, and other family friendly activities.

Tasting tickets are $15, chili competition entry is $25, dessert competition entry is $25, or you can enter both for $40. For additional information or tickets, call 803-250-6833 or visit www.KeyChangesMusicTherapy.com .

Host a community meal

Central Carolina Community Foundation is looking for hosts for its annual On the Table event Oct. 22.

On the Table is a day-long civic conversation on ways to advance a more generous and engaged community.

Hosts determine when and where to hold a gathering of 6-12 people. Hosts can provide food or guests can bring a dish potluck-style.

Panera Bread is offering a 10% catering discount with no setup fees.

Hosts can sign up at www.onthetablecola.org .