Are you wearing a mask and sanitizing your hands? We are fortunate to have Nephron Pharmaceuticals leading the way in fighting this invisible enemy.

Lexington Countyheadquartered Nephron has received an additional weapon. The Food and Drug Administration approved the company’s request to add a production line used in making bronchodilator albuterol. Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy said she expects to hear whether a 2nd production line has been approved this week.

Nephron began making its own hand sanitizer last month, distributing 50 liters to the Dorn Veteran Affairs Center.

Kennedy said. “A New York hospital system ordered 3,000 nebulizers. A typical order might be 50, no more than 100. I couldn’t even begin to compare ourselves with what they’re doing at hospitals but there is a true sense of patriotism. People come to work optimistic that they’re helping, in their own way, American patients.”

Speaking of masks, someone reported their recent birthday gift was a sign of the times – a surgical mask with a filter inside that can be changed after each use.

A PROUD LEXINGTON grandmother reports her grandson, Wesley, a rising 6th grader in Blythewood, is filling orders for family and friends with his 3D printer. Amid rolls of colored filament and templates in the printer, he is capable of making colorful animal letters of the alphabet, etc. He brings much joy and blessings to all.

Our vocabulary now includes masks, sanitizers, Zoom, virtual, Google Meet, social distancing and closed for business. We wish for a safe business re-opening. Most needed are barber shops, hair and nail salons!

Need a beautiful project for your kids? This reporter says the Arm and Hammer Co. is celebrating Earth Day with a surprise: www.armandhammer.com/seedgiveaway.

WELLMORE OF LEXINGTON announced the winners of the Silver Pen Scholarship competition last week. Hosted by Wellmore’s parent company, The Maxwell Group, the business has awarded more than $275,000 to high school seniors to assist with their college fees.

CONNIE K. SMITH of Sodexo, Inc. Food Services serves meals for students in Lexington District 2. They serve curbside and on buses at 4 school sites. They will continue service through the month of May.

Annie Mack, Director of the Lexington County Senior Leisure Center, reports they continue their much-needed Meals on Wheels. The center remains closed through May. Annie says she misses all her regular seniors!

WE ALL NEED a little football news. Last week sports fans enjoyed the NFL Football Draft. From the USC Gamecocks: Javon Kinlaw drafted by San Francisco 49ers, Bryan Edwards by Las Vegas Raiders, DJ Wonnum by Minnesota Vikings, TJ Brunson and Kyle Markway by NY Giants, Rico Dowdle by Dallas Cowboys, Travis Feaster by Jacksonville Jaguars, Donnelle Stanley by Miami Dolphins and Kobe Smith by Tennessee Titans.

From the Clemson Tigers: Isaiah Simmons by Arizona Cardinals, AJ Terrell by Atlanta Falcons, Tee Higgins by Cincinnati Bengals, Tanner Muse and John Simpson by Las Vegas Raiders, K’Von Wallace by Philadelphia Eagles and Tremayne Anchrum by Los Angeles Rams.

ANNE BULL OFFERS congratulations to Cheryl and John Reeves on becoming grandparents. Their son Israel and daughter-in-law Hannah had a baby girl named Amelia Joy. They live in Lexington. Cheryl and John’s daughter Moriah and husband Timmy Lovett drove from Austin, Texas, so their grandparents could meet Lyla Grace.

An outdoor baby shower was held for them when they arrived. Even with social distancing, the shower was a big success and weather was perfect!

Congratulations to Ryan and Ellen Wingard who just welcomed another little girl, Emma, on Sunday, April 26. She joins her two sisters, Mary Elliott, 6, and Caroline, 4.

Happy birthday to Carolyn Campbell, William Renfrow, Kevin Clark, Frank Barron, Jackie Brothers, Jennifer Grant, Warren Mock, Ivan Black, Dillon Presto, Jeff Brannon, Alon Cox, Kim Cox, Kevin King, Micah Owen, Michael Jebaily, Larry Peechatka, Ellis Ringo, Pete Steele, Jennifer Wilson, Charlton Herpst, Zane Morris, Bailey Black, Kaidyn Glover, Turner Owen, Rick Dawkins, Adam Barnes, Dorothy Leaphart, Jim Nantz, Will Rodgers, Richard Hobson, David Killman, Kim Wellman and grandson, Sam Stormer and Trey Millender.

Please fax your news to 803-359-3848.