Move over, Mr. Traditional Turkey. You are not the focus this year. Our focus is on safety from covid-19 as families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is all part of our “new normal” lifestyle since the virus onset in March.

The CDC says “Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading covid-19 or the flu. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer.

• Wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from others who do not live with you.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Carry 60% alcohol hand sanitizer and use it when you can’t wash your hands.

• Hold your holiday event outdoors, do a virtual gathering or order take-out food.

FOR VETERAN’S DAY, veterans were honored with a dinner provided by American Legion Post 7 Auxiliary Nov. 14 at the Legion Hut. Legionnaires and guests gathered with all safety precautions.

Commander David Griffith opened the program by remembering their comrades missing in action, followed by taps, prayer, the National Anthem accompanied by pianist Mary Hazelton, the Pledge of Allegiance and closing prayer by John Testruth.

Nila Ballentine, her granddaughter and Linda Griffith served dinner. Linda made patriotic face masks for each place.

Auxiliary President Dot Tunstall introduced guest Darlene Walton, District 1 Commander, Adjunct Cayce Post 130. Each service branch song was played by Miriam Lovett as veterans stood for their service.

Among those there were Doris Frye, Carolyn and Ernie Hall, Marge Carter, Roger Rucker, Linda Roemer, James Weiss and hisgrandson, Alex Weiss.

ANNE BULL REPORTS: The Mistletoe Market was a success. Shoppers enjoyed the variety offered at the infamous Tom’s Den last Friday and Saturday.

My, how covid changes things. Betsy Kosh’s daughter Allison Bedenbaugh has asked her to make a mask for her children’s Elf on a Shelf. You’ve probably seen ornaments with Santas wearing masks and Christmas theme masks for children and adults. With covid, will we even need to hang mistletoe?

LEXINGTON CHAMBER OF Commerce met Nov. 10 for breakfast. An invocation was given by Red Bank Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Wright. A delightful southern breakfast was prepared by John Aun of Eggs Up Grill. Chamber Chair Angela Klosterman introduced breakfast sponsor, Safe Federal Branch Manager Debra Shoemaker.

President/CEO Angella LaBorde introduced speaker, District 1 Superintendent Greg Little who gave an informative overview of our schools’ continuing enrollment growth. Many families choose to live here because of our outstanding schools!

Chamber Ambassadors of the Month were Allison Hedrick of Perry Insurance Group and Ben Fuller of 1st Citizens Bank.

For the free Dec. 8 Chamber Breakfast you are encouraged to support Mission Lexington. Your admission will be canned goods or a charitable contribution.

A REMINDER: THE Snowball Festival is Friday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 pm with Santa and the annual Christmas parade. Friday, Dec. 4, 4 pm - 8 pm will be a holiday market, Christmas tree lighting, movie and Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 - 6 pm will be the carnival, movie and hot chocolate.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Marie Kleckley, Jackson Gray, Bill Gray, Ray Smith, David Davis, Jerry Howard, John Sligh, Roscoe Caughman, Chris Shealy, Richard Shealy, Liz Hiller, Joshua Ralston, Catherine Sharpe, Marilyn Fattman, Linda Pittman, Karen Holton, Kim Jeffcoat, Hunter Arnold, Jonathan Brodowski, Jenny Carter, Andrew Lyon, Clarke Roof, John Swygert, Linda Wack, Jenna Fields, Danny Quinton, Rebecca Rabern, Eddy DiMarco and Teddy McGee.