The members of the American Legion District 20 and the Auxiliary Unit 101 of South Carolina serve the military veterans in Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties.

They assist veterans and their families with help in VA claims, emergency funding, insurance and scholarships. They fund and support youth activities such as American Legion Baseball, Boys and Girls State, Poppies, Junior Shooting Sports, law enforcement cadet programs and much more.

The American Legion is exempt from federal income tax. Monetary donations are always appreciated. To donate to support any of their initiatives, contact David Mills at 803- 360-0572.

The Pelion Ruritan Club will be back on their normal schedule beginning in January. We meet each fourth Thursday at 7 at the Lutheran Parrish Building. Our guest speaker for the month will be Katie Kennedy who is the State Operations and Programs Manager for USO South Carolina. She will share what her program does for service men and women and what Ruritans, or anyone, can do to assist. Our new chaplain will begin his duties in January, and we welcome Pastor Joe Savage and his wife to our club.

I met with my friend Ursula for a late birthday breakfast celebration at Eggs Up Grill in Lexington. We enjoyed getting together and catching up on all the news.

The new year is almost here. Remember this poem as it approaches:

The New Year lies before you

Like a trackless spot of snow.

Be careful how you tread on it

For every mark will show.