There is much controversy over masks as schools have begun their new year.

Masks supposedly protect against covid but some feel they should not be mandated. Everyone wants the best education for our students and in a safe learning environment.

Children under 12 are not eligible to receive the vaccination, so their safety is a big consideration.

Hospitals are at near capacity. Vaccinations are strongly recommended to prevent covid spread. Booster shots will be available this fall 8 months after 1st vaccination.

Consider being vaccinated and help yourself and your neighbor.

WANT A QUIET spot to sip your morning coffee and read your favorite book? Why not plan a visit to Second Wave Coffee and Books at 529 South Lake Dr. in Lexington.

I stopped by there recently and found a serene environment, a coffee aroma and clients reading and writing on laptops.

It’s not just a coffee shop but offers inspiration, positive thoughts and fellowship. They present seasonal festivities. In the fall and winter, enjoy their warming fire pits outdoors with a hot chocolate!

MANY OF YOU know Alysia Kehoe through Kehoe Consultants and the Chamber. Often at The Shepherd Center she would be accompanied by her charming mother, Queenie Torigian. “Miss” Queenie passed away Aug. 14 at age of 100 and 8 months. Born in Turkey, she enjoyed her life in Lexington. She loved her family, Alysia, Tim Kehoe and Claudia and Gary Ellis.

She was explaining a painting with her nephew Barry who was my parents’ ring bearer at their wedding 70 years ago.

She was an accomplished fine artist. More than 75 art pieces in all mediums adorn her home, She always thinks about her niece Christine and her great-niece Jessica and great-great-nieces Georgia & Charlotte. Queenie will be missed.

ANNE BULL reports that Shayla Bowers, the granddaughter of Constance Flemming, is a princess in the court of the reigning Miss South Carolina, Julia Herring.

Congratulations Shayla!

SCOTT ADAMS repoerts he, Chuck Whipple, Tom Ledbetter, Chad Hardaway and Bill Kirkland were among a select group of about 70 Midlands leaders invited to a reception celebrating completion of a multi-year evaluation of the health of the Midlands’ economic development climate.

Chris Heivly is a Carolina graduate and co-founder of Mapquest, the world’s leading online mapping service. It was sold to Google for $1.4 billion.

Linda Griffith reports that at American Legion Post 7’s August meeting Carol Davis spoke about the Wreaths Across America Project. Orders are being accepted now by Commander Griffith at 359-1278.

The finance officer reported costs to replace the roof. A couple of leaks have occurred and the Post is checking for recent hail and storm damage.

CONGRATULATIONS to River Bluff’s rising senior Arionna Bell for being selected as the American Legion Auxiliary 2021 Girls Nation Program Outstanding Senator Award/ Scholarship. The award is given for remarkable leadership skills. And congratulations to the American Legion Post 7 Senior Baseball Team for making it to the semi-finals.

Happy Birthday to Troy Simpson, Christian Danser, Lauren Danser, Sandra Cheatham, Danny Able, Baukie Bouknight, Destiny Dahl, Larry Glover, Steve Glover, Caldwell Spence, Don Wheeler, Andrew Eargle, Joe Jodie, Troy Pepper, Lauren Keisler, Madison Gies, Paul Waites, Bernie Corley, Kathy Coskrey, Tommy Davis, Jeannette Neeley, Eleanor Roberson, Becky Torbett, Paul Fattman, Becky Sons, Stephen Lever, Neil Macaulay, Foster Mathews, Hal McIntosh, Bonnie Sayles, Dottie Slocomb, Amy Harmon, Connie Stuckey, Sandy Morgan, David Griffith, Tommy Rawl, Harry Wolfe, Maria L. Cole, Tom Comerford, Jud Heldreth, Suzy Frady, Matt Bedenbaugh, Angie Shuler

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