This is Veterans Week in Lexington as our town honors those who have served and defended our freedom.

Floyd Spence, our beloved late Congressman, always said, “Wave the American flag.” And this we did on Sunday during the annual Veterans Parade down Main Street.

Our Blue Star Mothers, Lexington Police Department and Honor Guard led the lengthy line-up. Lexington Town Council members, Mayor Steve MacDougall, Mayor pro tem Hazel Livingston, Todd Lyle, Ron Williams and Kathy Maness, greeted bystanders from a patriotic float. Lexington Sheriff’s Department was represented with three entries. Scouts, American Legion groups, VFW veterans and the grand marshal float honoring the SC National Guard followed.

Among those in the parade and on the sidelines were U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, Veterans Affairs Officer Ed Lundeen, John and Joan Testruth, Doris Reynolds, Don Tinman, Linda and Commander David Griffith, Barbara Leaphart, Nila Ballentine and granddaughter, Patsy Horton and grandchildren, Michael and June Kinzie, Wayne Caughman and Girls Nation President Hada Abdalla and her mother. Linda and Bob Roemer handed out brochures regarding Post 7’s upcoming 100th anniversary.

American Legion Post 7 is hosting a dinner at 5 pm this Saturday at the Legion Hut. If you haven’t made reservations, call Linda Griffith, 920-3975, to see if there is any space available.

The Shepherd’s Center hosted its final meeting of the fall session last week. Mary Alice Bechel recognized Jackie Kutz, who taught the popular line dancing class. She is moving back to her native Colorado where it is cooler! She was thanked and wished much success and happiness in her move.

Speaker was Peter Buttress on “Growing Up in London during World War II.” He spoke of the hardships of being evacuated, being separated from parents, sleeping in shelters during the bombing of London, begging for candy and eating rabbits raised by his father.

Some of you may have met Peter and his therapy dog, Chase, when they made visits to various activities. Peter is the author of two children’s books. He is available for speaking engagements if you call him at 803-356-9581. Don’t forget, Lexington’s Hops and Harvest Festival is November 9, 6-10 pm, at the Ice-house Amphitheater. A $40 ticket includes tasting glass, tastings and live music. Proceeds benefit Virginia Hylton Park.

A belated happy birthday to Gladys Meetze, who was 104 on Nov. 3. Best wishes.

Happy birthday to Patty DuPree, Marilyn Gray, Jennifer Madsen, Valerie Crawford, Benie Brunson, Doug Taylor, Joseph Reed, Evelyn Stith, Roxanne Wilson, Heather Lucius, Frank Havird, Helen Lucius, Brenda Caughman, Kevein Sharpe, Bunnie Hagenlocher, Cheri Revels, Barbara Revels, Tyler Matt Spain, Shelton Wilkerson, Brian Mills, Allen Johnson, Rachel Crapps, Rueben Eargle, Milla Hayes, Zachary Juhl, J.K. Addy III, Shannon Cleary, Gayle Hamby, Joey Hojnacki, Blake Lorick, Dalton Seals, Diane Senn, Perry Charles Soz, Bryson Looney, Debra Mims, James Arnold, Celeste Morgan, Larry Peay Sr., Nickie Riley, Suzanne Robinson, Brandon Davis, Hunter Mills, and Sarah Stafford.

Happy anniversary to Jean and John Testruth on Oct. 4, Happy 60th to Betty Joe and Edward Corley on Oct. 26.

Love and sympathy to the family of Hilda Crain, who passed away Nov. 1. She was a loyal and faithful part of our Lexington Chronicle family for many years.

Thanks to LRADAC for the following information.

Dr, Pam Imm, a community psychologist living in Lexington is the lead author of a new book chapter, Evidence-based Practice: Community-based Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use and Misuse. Dr. Imm, an expert in the field of precenting high-risk behavior among youth, worked with her colleagues at the RAnd Corporation to compile the information. Dr. Imm is a consultant with Lexington-Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council. She is a board member of The Courage Center, a recovery support organization for youth and families in Lexington.