Have you made your Thanksgiving lists? I keep two ongoing lists. One list is the normal holiday to-do list. The other is a list reminding me what to be thankful for during the season.

I keep the second list to remind me that I need to keep my heart in a grateful place even in this busy time. I encourage you to keep your thankful list where you can see it daily and add to it as you see new things to write down.

Do you have someone in your life who is a blessing to you? Do something special for that person — surprise them and bring a smile to someone else’s heart. One might find many items at the Irmo Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Honda of Lake Murray parking lot.

Give a toy to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at the three local Irmo fire stations at 6017 St. Andrews Rd., 117 Lincreek Dr. and 7422 Childs St. They are collecting new unwrapped donations until the end of November.

Congratulations to quite a few people in the Chapin and Irmo areas. The first one is Sarah Ostergaard, who was recognized as one of 22 Women of Influence by the Columbia Regional Business Report for 2021. The Irmo Chamber honored teacher Lisa Ferrell and student Brooklyn Rogers for their excellence and hard work. Carol McGinnis Kay, a member of The Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews, was awarded the 2021 Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award.

Chapin Ruritan Club is doing great things, providing scholarships, and serving the community. Ruritan Club President Stan Shealy recently presented a check to the American Legion Post 193 to help their new building program.