LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS: American Legion plans dinner honoring veterans

This week, we honor our veterans! Veterans Day was Wednesday, Nov. 11. The Veterans Day Parade down Lexington’s Main Street was held Sunday, Nov. 1.

Our American Legion Post 7 is holding a dinner honoring veterans at 6 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 14, at the American Legion Hut. There will be a Quilts of Valor presentation.

Special speaker will be retired chaplain Samuel Boone from Fort Jackson National Cemetery. He has conducted 158 graveside honors since retiring from active duty. Also, Chaplain Boone assisted with the recent honor flight to Washington, D.C.

There will be a catered dinner from Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ. If you plan to attend, please email Adjutantpost7lexingtonSC@gmail.com with your name and the number of people attending.

Don’t forget Wreaths Across America. Order your wreath by calling Mike Brown at 803-413-1634 or emailing him at mike@rahcolumbia.com.

The monthly Lunch and Learn was held Thursday, Nov. 5, at Shiloh United Methodist Church. Following a delightful Thanksgiving-type lunch, the group was privileged to hear a program on “Mental Health 101.” This program was headed up by Gary and Mary E. Baker and Donna Bundrick Griffin.

The speaker was Jean Ann Lambert, who has a master’s degree in rehab counseling and serves as community resources director for Mental Health America. Drawing from more than 35 years of experience in the mental health field and 13 years with Mental Health America, Jean discussed the most common and uncommon mental health disorders: when to be concerned, when you or others need help and what to do and say to help others, along with tips for self-care.

Next month, from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, the topic will be “Identity Theft and Scam Prevention.” Speaker will be a representative from the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs. New scams are popping up every day, and identity theft is costly and time-consuming. Learn the red flags of a scam and the free ways to protect your information. With these tools, you won’t end up giving over your hard-earned money or your private information. Tickets are $15 per person, which includes a catered lunch. Reserve your seat by Nov. 29 by contacting Donna at 803-206-3400.

Coming up at Shiloh United Methodist Church is Food Truck Friday, featuring the Lobster Dogs, on Friday, Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m. A Christmas Hymn Sing will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. Let’s lift our voices and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas together.

Winter Wonderland will be Sunday, Dec. 20, from 5-7 p.m., featuring the Roots Southern BBQ food truck, great food, fun for all ages and a night of Christmas joy.

The holidays and events are all in our midst. Jack-o-lanterns have vanished and been replaced with Christmas décor. Thanksgiving, on Thursday, Nov. 26, will be observed in its traditional way. It is a time to give thanks for our many blessings. Friends and family will gather together for fellowship and a festive meal. Turkey will be at the top of the menu with pumpkin and pecan pie to finish the feast.

Remember our neighbors in need by supporting Mission Lexington’s food pantry. The nonprofit is in need of cranberry sauce, brown gravy, turkey stuffing, yams, collard greens, a $10 grocery store gift card for a ham or turkey, brownie or cake mix and cornbread mix.

Many events are on the calendar! Ladies Night at Wingard’s Market will be Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4-8 p.m. Sip, shop and unwind. Gather your friends and come enjoy time together shopping.

Coming up is the town of Lexington’s Snowball Festival at the Icehouse Amphitheater from Thursday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 6. It includes a Christmas Craft Fair Day on Dec. 3, a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 and a carnival on Dec. 5.

 The Christmas parade will make its way down Main Street on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. Santa Claus is coming to town with his full white beard and bright red suit, so come on out and give him your wish list!