Lexington County’s Sheriff Jay Koon (recently named state Sheriff of the Year) drew a crowd last week.

He was the guest speaker at the Lexington Chamber’s monthly Business Over Breakfast meeting Aug. 8. Following breakfast catered by John Aun’s Eggs Up Grill, Chamber Chair Royce Shannon welcomed attendees to the meeting sponsored by Kay Plumbing, Heating and Cooling (represented by founder Konrad Orzechowski). The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation were led by a sheriff’s department representative. Security Federal Bank was celebrated for the month’s Member Milestone, represented by Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Manager Gale McCartha and her team. Angelle LaBorde, Lexington Chamber president/CEO, introduced elected officials and other guests: State Rep. Paula Calhoon; Lexington County Auditor Chris Harmon; Lexington Town Council members Todd Lyle, Gavin Smith and Ron Williams; Former Lt. Governor Bob Peeler; Former Lexington mayors Hugh Rogers and Randy Halfacre; Lexington County School District 1 Board members Beth Shealy and Brent Powers; and Byron Thomas represented Rep. Joe Wilson. Angelle introduced Sheriff Koon, who spoke of growing up in Lexington. He was an Eagle Scout, attended Lexington schools, and then graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in criminal justice. The July 2023 Ambassador of the Month is David Hayth of Lake Murray Lifestyle Magazine. David is one of the finalists for the Volunteer of the Year award. 

Chamber Announcements:

• “Last month's Morning Mix hit a milestone! We were excited to see 71 people at the networking coffee. It's not just the numbers, but the people who make the difference who come out to truly connect with others. We appreciate your support and want to thank Sun Solutions for a great event.”
• “Our next Morning Mix will be on Friday, August 18, hosted by First Community Bank. Registration is now open. If you want to host a Morning Mix, see me or a member of the staff after the meeting. We are seeking a November sponsor as well as sponsors for the new year.”
• Remember the Lexington Chamber awards are Friday, Aug. 25 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hylton. Keynote speaker is Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy. 
• Next month’s breakfast meeting will feature Rep. Wilson on Sept. 12.

School bells are ringing for students and teachers! Young Ansley Schmidt has headed for an exciting year at Lexington Elementary kindergarten! Her grandmother, Summer Schmidt, tells us: “School has just begun, and a new adventure begins for kindergarteners. Whether coming from Montessori, daycare, or home with family, everything is new at public school; PE, lunchtime, recess and all the academics, it can be a little nerve-wracking but exciting all at the same time. Ansley Schmidt with her backpack filled with supplies, a lunchbox packed with healthy goodies, was all ready to meet lots of new friends and begin a long life of learning. Sad to be leaving a brand-new baby brother Andretti, but she is excited to be able to teach him all the new things she learns.”

Hope Halfacre says: “It was so good to see so many smiling faces last Wednesday on the first day back for the 2023-2024 school year! The buzz of children's voices and the sweet laughter coming from excitement of little ones was truly a joyful noise. One of the things I am most proud of as a Lexington One educator is that our district pushes us to continue learning, continue growing as educators. becoming leaders within our school buildings. This school year holds so much promise in Lexington School District 1! I am the lead interventionist at Meadow Glen Elementary School. One of my passions is helping children become literate so they can create the future that they dream of as well as the poverty cycle in our community. I work with a team that serves around 100 students who are in need of reading support. We not only work with the child but we also provide support to parents so they can continue to support their child at home. We offer a variety of interventions that target specific components of reading. I am so proud of the work we do each year and how we provide the gift of literacy for every student.”

Our Shepherd’s Center of Lexington will have its fall session Sept. 21-Oct. 26. Sessions are held at Lexington United Methodist Church (309 E Main St.). Ann Decell, faithful volunteer, says she will be back attending to serving lunch. She has been out due to health issues but is looking forward to the new fall session. 

Coming from a family of realtors and auctioneers, Holly McGee just opened a new auction house at 40 C. Trotter Rd. in West Columbia. There are new auctions every Thursday night. 

Linda Griffith tells us: “[American Legion Post 7] Auxiliary President Delila Hall reports that due to the awful heat we have all been experiencing, the attendance at the Legion on Saturday was slim. Reminders about the upcoming Morning of Remembrance to be held on 9/11 at the Columbia Convention Center  in downtown Columbia and the Auxiliary and Legion's Fall Conference at the Marriott were discussed. Adjutant Josie Bradley reported that the Hall rental only has three open weekends available for rent this year. We have had a good year and have bookings for 2024. A gift was presented to Linda Merrill for her outstanding leadership with the Girls State Program.”

Marilyn Bundrick celebrated her birthday with friends and family last Saturday with lunch at Grecian Gardens. There was cake and also many lovely, wrapped gifts! Happy birthday, Marilyn! 

Happy birthday to Rick Hall, Janet Frazier, Betty Simpson, Larry Roof, Mandy Caughman Derrick, Larry Marchant, Phil Hamby, Carolyn Brooks, Adam Asbill, Scott Hamm, Rene Littell, Sammy Hendrix, Robert Shealy, Heyward Addy, Susan Barnes, Harry Burns, Anna Rawl Browder, Paul Harman, Mary Ives, Kylie Snelgrove, Luke Wenzel, Scott Stogner, Alex Mackintosh, Andrew Strock, George Bernard, Bill Carroll, Gwyn Wingard, Ninette Burns, Sharon Hobson, Beth Lowman, Eleanor Barnes, Barry Caton, Peggy Fields, Cynthia Gordon, Daisy Harman, Hollie Harmon, Audrey Lewis and Bentley Wise.