AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Have you remembered your Valentine on the sweetest holiday of the year?

This Valentines day is predicted to be a record spending year, with flowers and candy being the go-to items.

According to Jimmy Worthy of Lexington Florist, red roses are a number-one order and may be accompanied by candy, balloons and stuffed animals. He hopes you have ordered early.

Kathy Storey of Storey’s Florist says this is the largest flower day, except for Mother’s Day. Again, red roses or even lillies are the choice, along with the usual candy and balloons.

Tim Lawing of Tim’s Touch reports this is the crziest day, with orders coming in late and in desperation to remember a significant other. He advises to always order early and to shop local to support your community! He says red is always the most popular color.

Mike Mogan of Kitty’s Hallmark says he has the busiest flow of cards on Valentine’s Day. Usually just one card and maybe candy and an animal complete the order.

A Valetine’s Day Breakfast sponsored by The Courage Center was held at Mt. Horeb United Mehtodist Church. Ray Tanner and Kassy Alia were among the speakers at this benefit to help struggling families in the community.

Annie Mack of the Lexington Senior Center reports that they held a Valentine’s Sweetheart Celebration for members. Cookies, scones and, of course, tea were servied to attendees in a Valentine-decorated setting.

Denise Holland of the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center offers an alternative to the usual: A Valentine’s Day idea.

Make a donation in honor your loved one to help children have a place to heal from abuse, neglect or witnessing a traumatic event. It is a gift that gives children who may have never laughed the opportunity to move forward and learn to laugh. That is a great way to say “I love you.” You can donate by visiting www.dickersoncac.org/donate .

Readers sending the following”

• Dr. Denis Dorsey, founder and CEO of Synapsin Pharmaceuticals, and Scott Adams, dean of the CIU School of Business, both of Lexington, have been invited to present at the World Entrpreneurship Conference in Qatar. They were invited by representaives of the Qatari Foundation that promotes the advancement of entrepreneurship and research in Qatar and the Middle East.

• USC Gamecock fans packed the Country Club of Lexington for its annual preseason baseball event featuring Coach Mark Kingston. He told the crowd that with new recruits the team will compete for the SEC title and a post-season berth. Also addressing the crowd were assistant coaches Skyler Meade, Mike Current and Stuart Lake. The Gamecoks begin their season at home at 4 pm Feb. 15 against Liberty University. Go ‘Cocks!

• The Central Carolina Community Foundation will host an Open House, 4-7 pm, Feb. 19 to celebrate its new offices at 2142 Boyce St., Suite 402, adjacent to Spirit Communications Park in Columbia. All are invited.

There have been a lot of celebrations going on around town:

Randy and Angela Halfacre celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary Feb. 7.

Gina McCuen enjoyed her 76th birthday Feb. 10 with family and friends, who visited her at Wellmore to give their best wishes.

Todd Caughman and Katy Corley held a dinner celebrating his birthday Feb. 12 and Katy’s on Feb. 16. Todd says, “And all of both families came out to enjoy and celebrate.”

Happy birthday to Debra Pate, Norb Miller, John Testruth, Pauline Gainer, Jacqueline Mayers, Emma Wingard, Joan Sanders, Tara Aikens, David Herdon, Kirsten Kennedy, Tommie Shirley, Lori Dupree, Joanne Clark, Chris Sheppard, Maureen Dunnagan, Bennie Bradberry, Wayne Jordan, Olivia Jordan, Sarah Martin, Thad Bruner Jr., Linda Dreher, Olivia Eargle, Andy Leaphart, Greg Lee, Caroline Westberry, Kirsten Westberry, Angie Bolton, Ashely Lackore, Hollis Shealy, Jon Taylor, Alexander Whipple, Cathy Mathias. Steven Schmitz, Rick Wessinger, Jamie Early, Eddie Howard, Ella Mintz, Brad Morgan, Lee Strock, Gray Counaud, Kathy Hinkle, Michelle Lester, Meg Niblock, Kyle Rouillard, and Patti Ruff.