Since its opening on July 31, the new movie “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has been widely successful.

“As a young adult, I really connected with ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ because of how relatable the characters and problems they faced were,” said Avery Pruitt, a 2026 Northside Christian Academy graduate. “It will definitely become a new comfort movie of mine because of its message about the importance of human connection and how we shouldn’t have to go through everything alone.”

Granddaughter Anne Plowden saw it in New York City last week and said she “absolutely loved it and would go back again.”

Joseph Trenbeath recently enjoyed it with friends at an Irmo location. This classic movie is currently being shown in local theaters.

The new Spider-Man movie is rated PG-13 and is based on a fictional superhero who originated in comic books. In comics and on movie screens, he protects New York City from crime and from villains.

Last week, our Lexington Shepherds Center transformed the large social hall at Lexington Methodist Church into a theater. The setting was the ‘50s era – the Doo-Wop Diner, the popular place to hang out. Things aren’t exactly rocking at the diner one evening when Elvis is found outside, dead in the garbage!

A cardboard figure of a typical drive-in carhop equipped with food tray and roller skates welcomed you at the door. The iconic popcorn machine gave that movie aroma. Ice cream sodas bearing a straw and a spoon were served along with miniature Moon-Pies.

All paper products were copies of the ever-popular 45 music records of that time. Guests settled back for the third Mystery Theater spoof production. The cast included:

Tony – Leader of the G-Birds: Bob Hardee

Kenny – Member of the G-Birds: Serge Seguin

Frizzo – Leader of the Fuchsia Girls: Jenny Brown

Martina – Fuchsia Girl: Becky Roehrs

Candy – The “golden” girl: Lisa Saucier

Ron – The “dweeb” aka soda jerk: Mike Mitton

Moderator: Susan Mitton

The Inspector, Johnny B. Goode: Howard Werner

Action proceeded and wrongdoing, including murder, were committed. Clues to the culprit were distributed among the guests. Inspector Johnny B. Goode: Howard Werner investigated and made the announcements all were anticipating. He was appropriately outfitted with an all-weather coat and constantly puffed on a cigar. Kenny, the second in command, was the murderer of Elvis and Martina and Tony – the first in command killed Kenny.

“Academy Awards” were presented to all cast members for their outstanding performance. Thank you to all who made this production possible and successful! Remember to sign up for Adventures in Learning, which begins Sept. 24.

Much appreciation is expressed to Lexington Methodist Church for allowing Shepherds Center meetings and activities to be held there. It was an honor to have the Rev. Mack McDowell present for the occasion.

Linda and David Griffith, both leaders American Legion Post 7 and the Post 7 Auxiliary, report on their recent family vacation to Hawaii.

“David and Linda Griffith celebrated their Aug. 11 60th wedding Anniversary in Hawaii on July 16-26 with family [son, Allen/Chapin and family (4); daughter, Lindsay/Charleston and family (4)] at the 72-acre U.S. military resort Hale Koa - right on Waikiki Beach with lush green space all around to walk through! What a wonderful treat to have everyone but one grandson, Jacob, and his fiancée. Newlyweds, granddaughter Syndey and Kyle Philpot left Hawaii for Las Vegas to continue their honeymoon. Before the family arrived on the 18th, David and Linda took a trip up to the North Shore and toured the Dole Pineapple Plantation, Turtle Bay, took a dip in Sharks Cove and stopped along the way at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Group sites seen were the Pearl Harbor Memorial with tour of the Arizona and a city tour; Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch where famous Hollywood films/TV include ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘King Kong,’ ‘Hawaii Five-O’ and many others via an open-air bus, horseback or ATV; visited one or both pools located on the hotel property, attended the hotel luau our last night, sunbathed on the beach for two days, visited the post exchange for the  best deals for souvenirs, had meals at the famous Giovanni's Italian Restaurant, Ruth's Chris and on property restaurants Biba's Courtyard Grill and the Barefoot Bar, and had daily breakfast in the beachfront Koko at Kalia. We missed the famous Duke's Restaurant this time around. Kids went to watch the sunrise two mornings where they had to climb up and down cliffs to a lighthouse, and some hiked Diamondhead for sunrise.David and Linda took a flight over to the 'Big Island' of Hawaii and toured the active volcano (which exploded the day we arrived) and several waterfalls where we must have walked up and down 900-plus steps, eventually showing over 15,000 steps on our watches. We also walked the lava fields and went into a volcano tunnel where scientists were performing experiments and gathering samples. Linda lost her sun visor to the volcano, which is said to be a good omen!”

“Note: We all flew to Atlanta and then flew nonstop to Hawaii and home. Our trip ended with the nine-hour flight to Atlanta and a six-hour difference in time, but everyone arrived home safely.”

You are invited to join Mission Lexington for a truly historic moment as the organization breaks ground on Mission Lexington’s new home.

“This milestone represents far more than the start of a new building; it marks a defining chapter in Mission Lexington’s nearly 50-year history and reflects our community’s shared commitment to serving Lexington County for generations to come,” the group said.

Please reach out to Leah Doyon, Amy Reeves or Ron Williams with any questions by calling 803-785-6900.

The Mission Store’s 45th anniversary is Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate with special deals for a special day. An ice cream truck will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mission Lexington’s pantry needs are canned soup, cereal, canned chicken and toothpaste. Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to Ron Williams on his recent honor:

WACH Fox and the Jeffcoat Law Firm have partnered to spotlight everyday heroes who are making a positive impact in the community.

This week’s Pay It Forward honoree is Ron Williams.

Ron is the vice president of community partnerships at Mission Lexington. He works tirelessly to provide food, clothing, financial assistance and other essential services to help individuals and families in Lexington County overcome hardship.