AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

On an ideal fall day with bright sunshine, the 17th annual Veterans Day Parade was held Sunday in Lexington.

Leading the parade was the Lexington High Air Force Junior ROTC, followed by Blue Star Mothers and the Lexington Police Department Home Guard, other police entries and the Sheriff’s Department entries.

Grand Marshal for the parade was a patriotic float with members of American Legion Post 7 and Post 7 Auxiliary celebrating their 100th anniversary. On the float were Linda and Commander David Griffith, Delores Rucker, Steve Burnett, Scott Erickson, Wayne Caughman, Levi Bradstream, Freddie Brock, Steve Collins, Doris Frye, and Mary Hazelton. Also seen in the parade were Post 7 members John and Jean Testruth.

Congressman Joe Wilson and wife Roxanne were there, followed by Coroner Margaret Fisher and Clifford Fisher with their camel Abraham.

The Town of Lexington was well-represented by Mayor Steve MacDougall and council members Ron Williams and wife Catherine, Kathy Maness, Todd Carnes, Steven Baker and Todd Lyles.

Outstanding area high school bands and JROTC units were represented, as well as many American Legion and VFW groups, and other military organizations. Many scouts and troops also participated.

American flags were waved as Lexington paid honor to the many who have served our country. Parade chairwoman Sharon Willis has organized this parade tribute for numerous years. Thank you, Sharon!

The Shepherd’s Center of Lexington closed its fall session on Halloween with a party and costume contest. A lunch of lasagna, salad, garlic bread and brownies was provided by Caughman-Harman Funeral Home.

Ruth Arant and Mary Alice Bechtler presided and presented the costume parade of contestants. All costumes were cleverly put together and made it difficult for the judges to make a decision. After much deliberation, the winners were announced:

Lady Pirate - Jezell Hebert; ‘60s Hippie - Elizabeth Huffman; Minion - Sharon Greutman; Bobette the Builder - Pat Cathay. First prize winners were a 20s Gangster Couple, Barbara and John Windham.

Delightful prizes were provided by Faithful Foods, Home Depot, Lexington Florist, Mellow Mushroom and World Market.

Shepherd Center’s winter session beings in January.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will celebrate its 45th anniversary at the 10:30 service Sunday, with lunch following.

Lunch and Learn at Shiloh UMC Nov. 12 will feature the history of the Lutheran Seminary in Lexington. Call Donna Griffin, 359-7586, to make your reservation.

The Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Festival Oyster Roast is November 16, 6-10 pm, at The Grove. Get tickets at www.lexingtonsc.org or call 803-359-6113.

Happy Birthday to Gladys Meetze, who turned a young 105 on November 3. Thanks to her daughter Elizabeth Lindler for reminding us.

Happy birthday to Cathy Money, Jim Hall, Jill Farnum, Ellis Turpen, Jennifer Madsen, Valerie Crawford, Kainne Cochran, Benie Brunson, Doug Taylor, Joseph Reed, Connor Fink, Peyton Gamble, Kelly Hawsey, Spencer Robinson, Rachel Crapps, Reuben Eargle, Edie Harmon, Mills Hayes, Zachary Juhl, J.K. Addy III, Shannon Cleary, Gayle Hamby, Joey Hojnacki, Blake LOrick, Dalton Seals, Diane Senn, Perry Charles Sox, Bryson Looney, Debra Mims, James Arnold, Celeste Morgan, Larry Peay Sr., Nickie Riley, Suzanne Robinson, Brandon Davis, Linda Cromer, Heather Lucius, and Frank Havird.