Entering May, we have high hopes of controlling the virus and getting back to a “new normal.”

May is a month of celebrations, Mother’s Day, recitals, proms and graduations. This year they will have to be carried out in a more creative way.

Mother’s Day is a big business day for florists, retail and, most of all, restaurants. Families like to treat mothers with a “no cook” day and a dine-out occasion. In fact, it is the biggest day of the year for restaurants. But we are in a “new normal” and we have to create another way to treat moms.

Our family is planning a tailgate dinner in the driveway with chairs properly distanced. An added plus is a warm and sunny forecast. Actually, it is easier entertaining and allows more time for visiting.

Our grand daughter, Sarah Stormer, was to graduate from Auburn University with a degree in analytics and finance but those plans are delayed until August. Our family had our own celebration with a driveway tailgate, decorated cake and champagne toasts for her bright financial future.

Local graduations and proms will be celebrated in a safe but celebratory manner. Families might choose to create an occasion to mark this momentous milestone.

Tuesday, May 5, was the day Central Carolina Community Foundation sponsored their Midlands Gives 18-hour online giving event. Their motto is “Let’s Come Together While We’re Apart.” Many of our region’s non-profits have suffered through this time of cancelled fundraisers, isolation and donation declines and are in financial need. Locally this giving supports our Lexington County Museum, Mission Lexington, LMC Foundation, Saluda Shoals Park and more.

Mission Lexington reminds Lexington County residents that the food pantry is open 10 am – 1 pm Monday to Friday. It is relaxing normal policies for those in need may now receive food once a month.

“We are blessed to be able to serve Lexington County neighbors who are in need of food,” said Robin Bowers, Executive Director of Mission Lexington.

Rob Godfrey reports for Lou Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceuticals: Securing federal funding to provide more reliable internet access in remote rural areas is taking on new urgency amid the crisis.

With lawmakers in Washington turning to negotiations on the next massive funding bill to help people and the economy, pressure is building on members of the SC congressional delegation to fight for more money for rural broadband deployment as a part of that effort.

Lou Kennedy is using her clout to urge delegation members to take this fight directly to Capitol Hill.

Anne Bull reports: Vintner’s Woods continues to keep its quarantined residents entertained. On Friday nights, resident Jake Moore drives his truck around the neighborhood with speakers blaring dance music. Adults and children are encouraged to dance as the truck comes by in a socially distanced dance party.

Stephanie Newman was recognized in this month’s Reader’s Digest section on Mother’s Day. Readers were asked to submit a Mother’s Day memory and Stephanie said she once gave her mom a mug that said, “No matter how hard life gets, at least you don’t have ugly children.”

Our mayor Steve MacDougall gives us good news that work is underway for the final phase of the town’s traffic signal system. When complete, all town traffic lights will be synced up onto one network. Quicker traffic flow is on the way!

Some laughs for the day: “Quarantine has turned us all into dogs. We roam the house all day looking for food. We are told “no” if we get too close to strangers, and we get really excited about car rides!

Cartoon character Maxine says, “Let me get out of this bed. I am late for the couch.” Happy Birthday to Elizabeth Marie Brab

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth Marie Brabham, Ashley Shay, Maddie Barefoot, Roz Aleman, Barbara Brantley, Jean Hiers, Doris Walker, Lucy Cribb, Donald Walker, Bailey Black, Ricky Caughman, Jeanette Floyd, Kaidyn Glover, Turner Owen, Adam Barnes, Kelley Blashka, Dorothy Leaphart, Will Rodgers, Janie Scircle, Becky Vining, Cathy Walker, Richard Hobson, Lauren Hodges, Dee Lide, Myra Strock, Caroline Haggard, Christy Walker, Beth Caddell, Agnes Corley, John Goodman, Chandler Hayes, Jordan Meetze, Pastor Pat Riddle, Jocelyn Summerall, John Rosen, Carol Taylor, Mike Brittingham, Ted Howard, Juliette Pepper, Shaun Wessinger, Gavin Gaskins, Lauren Taylor, Edyn Shealy, Terry Smith, Linda Kirszenbaum, and Betty Smith.