AROUND TOWN

Millennials aren’t buying homes at the rate their predecessors did at the same point in their lives.

Some of this is due to the burdens of student debt and high rent.

Author Randy Shaw has found another likely reason: Boomers in desirable communities have successfully stymied new housing developments.

That has kept the housing supply low and prices high for younger buyers.

That’s good news for boomers and traditionals looking to sell their empty nests and move some where less challenging with less grass to cut.

Clemson award nominations

Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, with the Agricultural Alumni Board of Directors, is seeking nominations of outstanding agricultural graduates for recognition in the Professional Achievement, Distinguished Service and Young Alumni categories.

To submit a nomination go to: www.clemson.edu/cafls/alumni_awards.html for forms or contact Sennah Honea at 864-656-8998 or schonea@clemson.edu .

Nominations must be received by Sennah Honea, 113 Poole Agriculture Center, Clemson University, Clemson SC 29634-0303, by December 1.

Bridging the 158,000 skills gap

Home Depot Foundation will invest $50 million to train 20,000 workers to fill the skilled labor gap.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, contractors need 158,000 skilled US workers. This is expected to increase as skilled workers retire over the next 10 years. Construction job openings, the Department of Labor said, is at its highest level since 2007.

Last year, Home Depot started trades training for separating military members in partnership with nonprofit Home Builders Institute at Ft. Stewart in Georgia and Ft. Bragg in NC. The first classes will graduate next March. The 12-week pre-apprenticeship is provided at no cost to students,. Its job placement rate is more than 90%.

Lights at the Zoo

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is underway.

See nearly 1 million twinkling lights kicks and sing along to a 30-foot animated story tree playing popular Christmas favorites. Join in the Holly Jolly Christmas Parade featuring a host of charismatic characters.

Chapin Theater Company will provide nightly entertainment.

Santa Claus will be visiting with guests starting at 6 pm each evening through December 23 in Santa’s Village, sponsored by Future Scholar South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Program.

Lights Before Christmas will take place rain or shine through December 30 from 5 – 9 pm. Lights will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Riverbanks members will receive at least one free visit with a valid membership card and photo ID (guest passes will not be accepted). General admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 2 – 12. Children under 2 are admitted free. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online.

Thousands raised for

United Way

Employees of BB&T raised nearly $96,000 during their 2018 United Way campaign.

The employee campaign was led by Ryan Antley and Jess Powell.

“At BB&T, our commitment to helping others extends well beyond offering products and services,” said Mike Brenan, President, South Carolina Region at BB&T.

United Way seeks to improve quality of life in the Midlands by working to prevent homelessness, provide affordable eye and dental care and prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and graduate high school on time.

To learn more about United Way of the Midlands, visit www.uway.org .

Real estate award

Lake Murray agent Cat Thornton was named an Aqua Award winner for her achievements in lake real estate at Lake Homes Realty’s national Agent Summit, held October 16-19.

Birmingham, Alabama-based Lake Homes Realty is the largest lake-focused real estate company in the nation.

The Aqua Award is presented to Lake Homes Realty agents who closed between $3.5 million and $10 million in total transaction volume between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018.

Thornton was also recognized for her outstanding effort and performance by receiving a Premier Agent designation, which names her among the brokerage’s top producers.

For more information about Cat, visit her at https://www.lakehomes.com/south-carolina/lake-murray/cat-thornton.

Real estate

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. purchased three Lexington properties, located at 5222, 5230 and 5232 Sunset Boulevard, for $26.76 million.

From local to national

Town of Lexington Councilwoman Kathy Maness has been elected as second vice president to The National League of Cities.

Maness will serve a one-year term.

She is a past president of Women in Municipal Government She currently serves as Executive Director of Palmetto State Teachers Association.