Celebrate 225 Years of History of Columbia

The City of Columbia is turning 225 years old and we are celebrating!

Mayor Steve Benjamin and the City of Columbia cordially invite you to the 225th Birthday Celebration honoring the City of Columbia presented by the City of Columbia and One Columbia.

When: March 22, 2011 at Noon

Where: 1300 Block of Main Street, Between Lady and Washington

Web: www.columbiachamber.com 

Event is open to public

Celebrate Those Who Teach Our Children

Join the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Midlands Education & Business Alliance, and The Community Relations Council as they recognize 10 District Teachers of the Year from Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Fairfield, and Newberry counties. Lonnie Moore will speak.

When: Friday, March 11, 2011

Time: 7:00am

Where: The Zone

Web: www.columbiachamber.com

3.8.11 | EngenuitySC's Science Cafe

Join Engenuity SC at the Capital City Club from 6pm-7:30pm to explore the latest ideas in science and technology over coffee or drinks. Join Dr. Jochen Lauterbach, chair of Strategic Approaches to the Generation of Electricity and professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina, for a discussion on the current state of electricity generation in the US and future alternatives. All ages are welcome and no knowledge of power generation is necessary.

Web & RSVP: http://www.engenuitysc.com/initiatives/sciencecafe.aspx

Blueprint for Leadership Program Application Deadline Extended

What: Blueprint for Leadership is United Way of the Midlands’ comprehensive community leadership and board development program. Participants in this program can expect a challenging curriculum that prepares them to assume volunteer leadership roles within the nonprofit sector and helps them achieve their highest potential by working to place them on local boards. Since its inception in 1989, Blueprint for Leadership graduates have served in leading community roles and on nonprofit boards throughout the Midlands.

The Blueprint for Leadership program utilizes a combination of classes and practical experiences to help participants develop leadership skills, increase knowledge of the community and acquire the skills necessary to be successful community leaders. The first class will be held on February 10, and the remaining seven classes will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month through May with graduation in June.

Class topics include:

• Board Membership in Perspective - United Way 101
• Board Member Responsibility - Roles
• Board Member Responsibility - Fundraising
• Board Members and Governance
• Social Service Delivery: Developing Outcome-Based Programs
• Diversity: Expanding the Paradigm of Board, Staff, and Programs
• Emerging Trends in the Nonprofit Sector

Cost: Corporate sponsorship is $500, public sector (government) and nonprofit sponsorship is $250 per participant. Tuition must be submitted by the time of the first class session.

How to Apply: Applications may be found at www.uway.org and are due to United Way of the Midlands.

Please share this information and consider sponsoring an emerging leader in your company. We appreciate your cooperation and support of the 2011 Blueprint for Leadership program.

32°, A Yogurt Bar, Opens at Trenholm Plaza with fundraiser benefiting The Nick

32°, A Yogurt Bar, Opens at Trenholm Plaza | MidlandsBiz

COLUMBIA, SC - January 20, 2011 - The coolest frozen yogurt brand to hit the Columbia market, 32°, A Yogurt Bar – has opened at Trenholm Plaza. 32° offers 14 individual flavors of yogurt including fat free, kosher, no sugar added and low sugar selections on a rotating basis. They also specialize in serving the freshest toppings including daily fresh cut fruits, seasonal favorites, and over 40 candy, nut and sauce options.

In addition to their first week in business, a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for January 27. From 5-8 p.m. that same day, guests can enjoy an all you can eat cup of self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings with a $5 donation. All proceeds from the grand opening afternoon event will benefit the Nickelodeon Theater.

"We couldn't be happier about the opportunity to give back to the Columbia community and work with the Nickelodeon Theater," says Jeff Pizitz, President of Pizitz Management Group. "Self serve frozen yogurt is a new concept rapidly growing in the United States and we offer a healthy, tasty product in an updated and contemporary environment."

Located next to The Pilates Studio at Trenholm Plaza, the 1,500 square foot store will provide both interior and exterior seating. 32° is privately owned by Pizitz Management Group, LLC, of Birmingham, AL with three South Carolina locations.

To learn more about 32 Degrees and upcoming promotions and events, visit www.facebook.com/32degreesyogurt or Trenholm Plaza's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trenholmplaza.

Save the Date for City Center Partnership’s 2011 Urban Tour

When: Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Where: Main Street between Gervais and Laurel Streets in downtown Columbia

City Center Partnership is pleased to announce the 4th annual Urban Tour will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011. The Urban Tour is a chance to explore and enjoy a self-guided tour of Columbia’s Main Street with special offers and giveaways from retailers and restaurants, samples of food and drink, live entertainment, a glimpse into downtown living, carriage rides and stories behind some of the historic buildings.  The tour runs between Gervais and Laurel Streets and can be started anywhere down Main Street. The tour will end with a concert in the 1200 block of Main Street between Gervais and Lady Streets.

Web: www.citycentercolumbia.sc
Phone: 803-233-0620

Winter Weather Impacts Blood Donations

The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region canceled and postponed several blood drives across the region earlier this week in response to the inclement weather conditions.

Winter weather often causes delays and cancellations for schools, work and community events.  But it also means cancellations of vitally important blood donation opportunities. Since this Monday, winter weather has forced donation centers to be closed and 21 blood drives to be canceled across the South Carolina Region, which means the Red Cross was not able to collect more than 800 units of blood and platelets it was counting on.

Schedule an appointment to give blood through the American Red Cross today at one of the following blood drives and help save lives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DONATION CENTERS IN YOUR AREA:
Columbia Donation Center
2751 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201

Blood donation hours:
Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Platelet donation hours:
Sunday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sumter Donation Center
1155 N Guignard Dr.
Sumter, SC 29150

Blood donation hours:
Monday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Web: www.centralscredcross.org

Is our State Broke?... Or is our System Broken?

Is our State Broke?... Or is our System Broken?

A presentation on how South Carolina can inmporive our economic competitiveness and funding for essential public services.

Speaker: Michael Fanning, Ph.D

Executive Director at the Olde English Consortium

When: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 7:30am

Where: The Summit Club, Columbia, SC

Registration is first come, first serve and limited to 200 participants. Event opens to the general public January 7. Email kyon@columbiachamber.com to register.

This even is hosted by the Midlands Business Leadership Group.

This event is sponsored by the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Web: www.columbiachamber.com

Cultural Council's Color the Arts Fundraiser and Social Seeks COR Volunteers

The Cultural Council's Color the Arts Fundraiser and Social is seeking help from COR volunteers and members in the following two areas:

1. Aid with Art and Experience Silent Auction: Seeking 12-15 items/packages to auction off. Past items have included restaurant and theatre packages; BMW Driving Experience, golf packages;  tickets to a major concert at Phillips Arena in a corporate box (last year was Crosby Stills Nash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert); mountain and/or beach condo packages.

2.  Aid with Creation of Two Unique Auction Packages:
         

A. Beer for a Year - Seeking distributor/grocer/retailer to donate 52 six-packs of various craft beers.
         

B. Baker's Dozen of Exceptional Wines - Seeking 13 restaurants or retailers willing to donate a high quality wine no longer commercially available.

The Cultural Council would like to avoid sport-related packages, excluding the suggested golf package.

Please contact Andrew Witt, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, if you believe you can help.

Email: andy@smartarts.info
Phone: (803) 231-3131
Web: www.smartarts.info

12.18.10 | Deep South Tailgate BBQ

What: Traditional Deep South Tailgate BBQ at Upstairs Audio & Video

This Saturday at Upstairs Audio & Video in 5 Points, 746 Harden St at Greene St., we are having the third annual Traditional Deep South Tailgate BBQ, and everyone, the whole city, the midlands, everyone, is welcome! We have around 2000 lbs of food to cook and serve, so there should be just enough for everyone. Food will be served from around noon to 4 or 5 p.m.

What is the occasion? Simply good friendship.

We do take donations of clothes, toys, working cell phones with chargers (even unactivated, they dial 911), working home items such as vacuums, fans, telephones, etc., building supplies (Home Works uses them to rehabilitate houses for those in need), blankets, linens, cans and boxes of food (Harvest Hope), and anything else in good condition you feel would help someone else. We will find good homes for all of it. Check below for a list of items needed by some groups.

But a donation of anything is NOT a prerequisite for attending. It is all on us, and our delight to see and serve you. Bring the family, friends and coworkers; all are welcome!

All of us hope to see you Saturday.

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Things Home Works needs:

Domestic Program Needs

Donated labor is needed for: electrical, plumbing, roofing, flooring, carpentry, masonry, chimney, hvac, etc. However, the greatest need is for tasks that can only be performed by trained, licensed workers such as repairs dealing with air conditioning units, heaters, plumbing and electricity.

Repairing a home costs less than building a new home so funds received are stretched further with Home Works' program. In-kind donations of new or gently used building materials from local businesses are needed to keep the cash amount needed for each home low. Examples include:

Materials • Nails, Screws • White Paint • Roofing Materials • Lumber

Equipment • Power tools • Hand tools • Trailers • Ladders • Garden tools

Food • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Gatorade

Other Items • First-Aid supplies • Gloves • Safety glasses • Scaffolding • Cleaning supplies

International Program Needs

Ongoing items needed include:

• multi-vitamins (to be distributed to pregnant women and children),
• airline miles (the largest expense of the trip is the plane tickets), and
• cash (to purchase building materials and tools after arriving in Peru).

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Things needed by Lyon St. community:

The Lyons Street Community Association is looking your help! We are looking for used computers in working condition for our youth and elderly community. We can use camera phones as well for the community watch groups. Contact willie king at chesspins@yahoo.com or 803-708-5327.

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Of course, Oliver Gospel, Hannah House (911 cell phones for women), Christ Central, Toys for Tots, Carolina Childrens Home, Habitat for Humanity (including their Resale Store) and many others can use just about anything. Please do not bring big items like furniture and lumber.

12.21.20 | Change for Change Auction and Volunteer Opportunity

What: Change for Change Show and Auction
Earlier this fall, 85 artists received defunct parking meters to transform into pieces of art as part of the city's Climate Protection Action Campaign. Come see the unveiling, show and auction of these one-of-a-kind pieces. WACH Fox will match the proceeds and use all funds to promote sustainability in the Midlands on air.

There are a few ways to show your support:

1. Volunteer! We have four one-hour shifts available, and before/after you work your shift, you get to enjoy the event for FREE! One hours shifts at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 with a final "break down" shift at 8:30 p.m. To volunteer, contact mpbaldauf@columbiasc.net!
2. Attend the event. I know it's Christmas week, but if you're in town, what better way to celebrate and support sustainability?! The price is right - just $10 per person. Purchase tickets online at http://www.midlandsconnect.com/directory/changeforchange/.
3. Get your company to commit to purchasing a meter! It's a piece of art + a conversation piece + a way to support sustainability in the Midlands OR one heck of a stocking stuffer! Just send someone that night with "the ability to purchase and pay."

If you have any questions, please contact the City's Sustainability Facilitator, Mary Pat Baldauf at mpbaldauf@columbiasc.net or 545-2722.

When: December 21, 2010, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 701 Whaley

12.18.10 | Sistercare Holiday Gift Drive

Sistercare is holding a Christmas gift drive for our shelter residents and clients on Thursday, December 18 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and we are in need of volunteers to greet donors and accept and sort the gifts at the site of the gift drive. A tractor trailer will be set up in the parking lot of a local business for donors to drop off gifts and nonperishable food to fill the trailer rig. We anticipate a good response because WOLO TV has been running a story on the gift drive and WIS TV will air a piece.

PROJECT: Christmas gift drive for battered women served by Sistercare in our three emergency shelters and in our community-based programs.

DATE: Thursday, December 16, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

LOCATION: The parking lot in front of D.W. Headquarters Salon, 2313 Sunset Ct, West Columbia, 29169. The parking lot is on Sunset Blvd (Rte 378), across from Grecian Gardens Restaurant, and close to the Sunset Blvd exit of I-26 near Lexington Medical Center.

COORDINATOR: Denise Williams, owner of D.W. Headquarters Salon, 794.0005

GIFT IDEAS:

1. Bathrobes of all sizes for women and children

2. Bedroom slippers of all sizes for women and children

3. Pots/pans sets

4. Nonperishable food

5. Financial donations

6. Sets of dishes

7. Educational toys for children of all ages

8. Board games (Scrabble, Scrabble Jr., Monopoly Jr., Clue Jr., Apples to Apples, Are you Smarter than a 5th grader, etc.)

9. Children’s pajamas of all sizes

10. Footballs, basketballs, baseball bat and ball set

11. Dolls for multiple ethnicities

12. Clothes for babies and toddlers

13. Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets)

14. Watches

15. Jogging suits of all sizes for women

16. Towels and hand cloths

17. Bed linens of all sizes

18. Sweaters of all sizes for women and children

19. Small household appliances

20. Varieties of DVDs and CDs

Sistercare greatly appreciates the assistance of volunteers to manage the donated gifts and greet donors during our gift drive. We hope to make the Sistercare Christmas gift drive a complete success.

12.09.10 | A Devine Night Out

A Devine Night Out is tonight!

“A Devine Night Out” is Columbia’s PREMIER holiday event. More than 40 stores on Devine Street in Columbia will welcome guests from 5 – 8 p.m. on December 9^th for an evening of shopping, socializing and festive cheer.

Grab a friend. Book the sitter. Enjoy shopping the most fabulous mile of locally-owned businesses in Columbia. Walk the event or catch a ride on the FREE limo service to get from one end of Devine Street to the other.

End the festivities by attending the After-Party from 8 - 10 pm at MoMo’s Bistro. Incredible door prizes include a set of 1.5 carat diamond earrings, restaurant gift certificates and an abundance of men’s and women’s couture.

Admission is free but donations (food or monetary) to Harvest Hope Food Bank are recommended. Presented by the Devine Street Association and the City of Columbia. For more information, visit www.devinenight.org.

Richland/Lexington Homeless Count

Every two years the community conducts a ‘count’ of people who are homeless living in emergency and transitional shelters and literally on the streets and other placed not meant for human habitation. Every two years, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires housing and service providers to complete a count of people who are homeless in their community. The count helps us understand the issues and experience of homelessness.

United Way conducts the homeless count in Richland and Lexington counties. The count is conducted by trained volunteers doing one-on-one surveys with homeless people. This year’s count will be conducted between Thursday, January 27^th- Sunday, January 30^th to obtain a snapshot of the people experiencing homeless in our community.

United Way will hold interest meetings for all who are interested in learning more about how to volunteer for the 2011 Homeless Count. The interest meetings will be held at United Way’s office at 1800 Main St.

The dates and times for the interest meetings are:
Wednesday, December 15^th from 10:00-11:30
Wednesday, December 15^th from 2:30-3:30
Wednesday, January 19^th from 10:00-11:30

Volunteers will be selected after an interview with United Way’s Financial Stability Director, Jennifer Moore. There will be a mandatory two hour training prior to the volunteers participating in the 2011 Homeless Count.

The trainings will be held:
Friday, January 7^th from 10:00-12:00
Wednesday, January 12^th from 1:00-3:00
Friday, January 21^st from 2:00-4:00

If you wish to register for the interest meeting, please contact me at bmolony@uway.org or (803) 758-6987.

Mingle and Jingle is tonight!

Mingle and Jingle is tonight!

Rather than hosting our usual Young Professionals Holiday Party (YPHP) this year, COR is promoting and participating as a partner organization in Mingle and Jingle. We encourage you to meet us there

What: Mingle and Jingle on Main St.
Mingle and Jingle is the retail kickoff for the holiday season in downtown Columbia. It is designed to highlight the businesses in the downtown corridor. This year, they will have live music, dancing, spoken word, and some surprises in store on the outdoor stages. Art will be the name of the game with at least six different art shows going on inside locations up and down the street.
When: Tonight! December 2, 2010, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Where: 1500 Block of Main St.

See you there!

12.11.20 | Deck the Halls 5k

What: 1st Annual Deck the Hall 5k Cross Country Race to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank
Runners and walkers alike will enjoy the beautiful cross country trail near the banks of the Congaree River and through the surrounding forests and fields.

Where: Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (3000 South Beltline Blvd.)

When: December 11, 2010; Registration and packet pick up: 7 a.m.; Start: 9 a.m.

For additional information regarding race details, awards, etc. visit www.heathwood.org/deckthehall or contact Nancye Bailey at deckthehall@heathwood.org or 929-6650.

Arbor Day in the Midlands

The Midlands community will celebrate South Carolina Arbor Day on Friday, December 3, 2010. Arbor Day creates awareness of the importance of trees to the community and encourages citizens to plant and care for trees in their areas. Numerous activities have been planned by members of the Midlands Arbor Day Committee:

• 9:00 AM - Entertainer and environmental advocate Tim Womick performs his Trail of Trees program for the students at Pendergrass-Fairwold School. Sponsored by the City of Columbia.

• 11:00 AM - Town of Irmo Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Planting at the corner of Lake Murray Blvd. and Irmo Drive.

• 1:00 PM - Tree Planting at the southwest corner of the Statehouse grounds to celebrate the five billionth seedling planted in South Carolina since 1928. Sponsored by the SC Forestry Commission.

• 1:00 PM - Entertainer and environmental advocate Tim Womick performs his Trail of Trees program for the students at Satchel Ford Elementary School. Sponsored by the Richland County Conservation Commission and Richland County Conservation District.

• 2:00 -5:00 PM-Arbor Day Festival at the USC Challenge Course on the field underneath the pedestrian bridge between the Blatt Physical Education Center and Bates House residence hall. Featuring tree planting, games, snacks and playing on the challenge course. Sponsored by USC Outdoor Recreation, the Green Quad Learning Center and SAGE (Students Advocating a Greener Environment).