Santa was elcomed to Lexington Sunday by many children in groups of dancers, Scouts, queens, martial arts and more!

Congressman Joe Wilson and Lexington leaders, Sheriff Jay Koon and Kim Koon, Tina Guerry, Darrell Hudson, Paula Calhoon and Rick Hubbard, were all part of this annual Christmas parade.

Most outstanding was the Lexington High School Band. Large in number, they provided toe-tapping Christmas music.

The most anticipated guests, Santa himself, heralded the season with many waves, ho-ho-hos and Merry Christmas to all.

With so many smiling children in the parade, it is a reminder to make it a happy Christmas for all children.

Take part in the Lexington Police Department’s Toys for Tots campaign. Now throught Dec. 10, drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Police Department, 111 Maiden Lane, or at a drop-ff point. Call 359-6260 for a list of places.

You may also help families in need through Mission Lexington. It is presently making holiday food baskets and collecting needed items such as canned or frozen hams or turkeys, sweet potatoes, canned collards, cornbread mix, and green beans.

You may pack a basket or just bring food items and Mission Lexington will prepare them. For information, contact Anna Smith at 9577-6656.

Congratulations to Mission Lexington Director Robin Bowers and Anna on a most successful trunk show last week at The Old Mill. There were many treasures to be had.

Last Saturday, our Jerry Bellune held a party at the Leixngton Main Library. It was Authors for Literacy to benefit the Turning Pages literacy program.

Participating authors were Ben Farley, Bonnie Stanard, James McCalister, John Starino, Kelly Coyle, Mary Jo Briggs-Austin, Pat McNeeley, Ralph Jerrells, Scott Vaughan, Sharon Durgin, Suzy Marie Inman, Terry Budget, Tony Colson, Linda Maguire, William Kaliher, Bruce Donatelli and Jerry Bellune. Many books were signed and purchased for that perfect Christmas gift.

Not to deny an unclaimed veteran a service of honor and respect. Caughman-Harman and Dunbar funeral homes provided this for former serviceman John Steven Stuebinger Jr. last week.

A formal procession left from the funeral home in Lexington, escorted by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, and Lexington and Richland County Sheriff Departments.

Mr. Stuebinger was laid to rest at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with well-deserved military honors.

The Wreath Across America program-will lay wreaths at the cemetery Dec. 15 at noon. The cemetery is at 4107 Percival Rd., Columbia.

Annie Mack, director at the Lexington Senior Center, will take a group to Newberry Opera House Dec. 21 to see “A Christmas Carol.”

Norma Swartz, will bring a group to the Senior Center Dec. 21 for Christmas carols and cheer.

Hendrix Restaurant opened last week in Columbia in the former Hennessy”s. With that name, I knew there had to be a Lexington connection.

Lexington County Museum Director JR Fennell says the building was used as a grocery store by Edwin Hendrix from 1906 to 1926. Mr. Hendrix was born in Lexigton Conty to John Soloman and Martha Ann Snelgrove Hendrix who are buried at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Edwin Hendrix is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia. He passed away in 1930. The new restaurant is named in his memory.

Don’t forget the Lexington Museum open house this Sunday, Dec. 9, 1-4 pm, 231 Fox St. Admission is free.

Next week will I will have a list of many holiday attractions in the Midlands.

Happy birthday to Hamp Brabham, Jay Byers, Jessica Liner, Linda Gunter, Beverly Moore, Mila Ballentine, Charles Brooks, David Hockemeir, Gene Tinman, Blanche Youngman, Rachel Maxwell, Robin Bowers, Dayna Britt, Senators Ronnie Cromer and Jake Knotts, Thomas Brunson, Debbie Height, Hannah Niver, Caroline Tucker, Meghan Tucker, Travis Gordon, Allen Kirk-say, Kathy Lybrand, Peter Mondeel, Maura Ross, Jennifer Harper, Erica Waites, Hailey Williamson, Paula Calhoon, Graceanne Crumpton, Todd Bryant, Katie Dawkins, Michael Hersey, Mike Sayles, Kay Berry, Bob Lowman, Star Murray, Heath Arnold, Caroline Bryson, Dalton Hersey and Allen Shealy.