Mother’s Day was the “new” normal this year. Family gatherings were kept simpler and members kept their distance with maybe an elbow bump greeting.

We had our tailgate. Food and chairs were placed with distance in the driveway. And as always, there was much conversation and “catching up” on family news,e gifts and a large “Happy Mother’s Day” sign!

While wearing a mask in town, I was impressed with the safety precautions our merchants take. At one shop, I had to take a number to wait my turn to enter. At a nursery, there was a line with distance markings to wait. Even at a large grocery store, there was a line because of a capacity limit inside this large building. It all requires patience.

Sheri Kimball sent: “From all of us who are vulnerable with underlying physical conditions, we want to express our gratitude to you who have stayed at home during the covid-19 threat. We thank God for the essential employees and workers.”

Linda Roemer, President of Post 7 American Legion Auxiliary, says the 2020 participants for Girls State picked up information booklets and heard Commander David Griffith talk about how the Legion and Auxiliary work to support the veterans.

President Dorothy Tunstall spoke about the honor, having attended Girls State herself for Lexington High School in 1957.

Present were Sydney Griffith (Chapin) and Lillie Catherine Hyman (Lexington). LHS 2020: Camille Free, Abigail Pearce, Joanna Taylor, Hayley Ipack, and Anne Crouch. River Bluff: Kellan Fenegan, Macy McCoy, Charlie West and Hannah Smith. White Knoll High: Kristin Rivers, Kaitlyn Rivera, Porsha Nesbitt and LaBria Rhaney.

To the delight of their residents, Wellmore held a drive-by parade last week for families to catch a glimpse of their family member seated at the building entrance.

A drive-by birthday parade was held May 7 for Martin Watts who turned a young 92. Vehicles decorated with balloons, signs, and greetings made it a special birthday.

Midlands Gives 2020 last week, sponsored by Central Carolina Community Foundation, was quite successful. The need was great as the corona virus pandemic has taken a major toll on our region’s nonprofits.

J. R. Fennell, Executive Director, Lexington County Museum says your generosity is much appreciated. “Because of your donation, we can offer free children’s programs. Thanks again for your support in preserving the rich history of Lexington County!”

From Lexington Medical Center Foundation: Yesterday, we raised a record-breaking $20,188 for the Covid-19 Response Fund. Thank you for your donation in support of our patients, employees, and Lexington Medical Center. This outpouring of generosity from our community sends a clear message: We Are Stronger Together!

Mission Lexington reports it received more than $30,400. “We placed #21 out of 409 organizations. We cannot thank the community enough for the outpouring of support not only on this day, but every day,” said Robin W. Bowers, Executive Director.

Due to the pandemic, Caughman-Harman Funeral Homes will not host our annual Memorial Day service this year as we have done for 15 years. Hamp Caughman said we understand that many people look forward to attending our service, but the health and wellbeing of all is our priority.

Recent College of Charleston graduate Abby Calvert, daughter of Michael and Wendi Calvert, got a surprise when TV star Colin Mochrie gave her a personal video chat. Mochrie hosts the popular “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

Congratulations to Lexington Sertoma Club scholarship recipient, Ebony Ivory. Ebony is attending the University of Alabama and was honored to be selected for the 32nd Order of the XXXI.

Happy Birthday to Melanie Dunnagan, Jessie Helms, Carl McMillan, Nancee Arnold, Doug Catoe, Christine Merkel, Erin Johnson, John Nowakoski, Holley Pontoon, Reese Wilkins, Ashley Wingard, Nancy Lind, Brenda Turner, Jesse Berkoben, Stephanie Davis, Sharon Paeth, Frances Brown, Charlotte Diegel, Susan Helton, Ashlyn Davis, Collins Crawford, Jason Douglas, Paxton Sox, Tyler Hook, Ronald Buff and Pat Caughman.