AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Holiday happenings abound in Lexington.

Sheri Kimball and

Sue Wharton report a must-see decorated home. It won the Lexington Woman’s Club Yard of the month award.

Kris and April Walling and children Layna and Kayla live at 142 Carriage Hill Drive. With Santa in the upstairs window overlooking this special yard, you will view a child-like Christmas and hear a unique, whimsical, Christmas rendition of songs. If you wish to hear every word, tune in 88.7 FM on your car radio! This yard will appeal to all children, teenagers and adults. It happens only once a year, so enjoy.

Two of our assisted living facilities held Christmas parties for their residents and families.

Oakleaf Village celebrated the holidays with a gathering on December 12. Residents and their families were invited for lots of Christmas cheer, including appetizers, beverages and Christmas music.

Wellmore gave a holiday party Dec. 15. Hot and cold food options were offered, along with desserts and fruit beverages. Seasonal piano music was provided by Allen Jonas and family. Family photos added to the enjoyment.

The Lunch and Learn at Shiloh United Methodist Church Dec. 10 offered information on holiday safety by Jeff Flanders of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Organization of your home and personal affairs was also presented. Thanks to Donna Griffin for planning these interesting meetings.

Annie Mack, director at our Lexington Senior Center, reports the senior group enjoyed the drive-thru light show at the State Fairgrounds. Seniors will have fun and laughs at their Ugly Sweater Contest. Singers under the direction of Norma Swartz will present holiday songs Dec. 23, 10 am-noon.

The Lexington Chamber of Commerce held its monthly breakfast Dec. 10. Following “Pass the Mike” when everyone introduces themselves, members were entertained by popular speaker “Mosquito Joe” Trey Powell.

The Ambassador of the Month, Alex Huggins of First Community Banks, was recognized. Saxophonist Bob Michalski entertained with seasonal songs.

Columbia International University

graduated its first class in the Women’s Ministry Leadership Program. Local graduates includes Carol Kirkland, Dell Simpson, Janis Albergotti, Janet Kendall, Jo Walker, Patricia Butler, Tammy Napolitano and Regina Davenport.

Hugh Rogers’ History Club held its meeting Friday at the Old Mill Brew Pub. Hugh and Horace Harmon presented the program on the former residents of the Clark Home on South Lake Drive.

Accounts of World War II and of General Shingler, who had married Pearl Clark of Lexington, were presented by Hugh. Horace gave the history of the Clark family and the home built by Belton Clark before 1900. It was remodeled in the 1930s. Mr. and Mrs. Clark resided there along with their 5 daughters.

Attending the meeting were Edie Howard, David Hipp, George Branstiter, Terrence Green, Mike Flack, Chris Barnhill, Lee Lewis, Chuck Henderson, Paul Harmon, Pete Korn, Adrian Falgione, and Jerry Howard.

Jake Knotts celebrated his 75th birthday Dec. 12 at Al’s Upstairs in West Columbia. Present were his wife Betty and daughters Nikki and Tara, other family members and many friends. They sang a rousing happy birthday and enjoyed birthday cake.

Happy birthday to Hannah Hicks, Cooper Sharpe, Esther Hatchett, Irene Balling-ton, Allie Clemens, Debra McMaster, Jackson Keiper, Brenda Patton, Betty Austin, Neil Brown, Chris Harvey, Bob Pittman, Cynthia Smith, Vonetta Arrants, Brenda Barwick, Jillian Hojnaki, Brian Lackore, Robin Osborne, Stacey Strock, Bill Payne, Lara Peck, Leon Sawyer, Greg Jenkins, Clint Lowery, Debbie Trexler, Robin Bowers, Kitty Spence, Richard Sprowls, Brian Hearn, David Harrell, Amanda Lee Van, Cheryl Kyzer, Kristie Hook Joyner and Kenny Mobley.