Keep the Midlands Beautiful Seeks Teens for Advisory Panel

Keep the Midlands Beautiful is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Student Advisory Board and Student Advisory Board Leadership Council.

The Keep the Midlands Beautiful Student Advisory Board, which is made possible through the support of Waste Management, will work with Keep the Midlands Beautiful to develop increased awareness of environmental issues and pursue community improvement projects in participating students' schools and communities. Students will gain leadership skills and valuable community service experience, while also connecting with like-minded students from other schools.

Applications are required and are due by Saturday, May 7, 2011

Web: www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org

SC eCycles Day

Give your old electronics new life.  South Carolina eCycles Day provides a free, convenient and secure way to dispose of and recycle unwanted residential electronics. As of July 1, 2011, electronic waste such as computers, printers, and TVs will be banned from landfills in South Carolina. You can help to reduce landfill volume and recycle valuable materials by participating in SC eCycles Day. Rules and list of acceptable products for recycling available online.

When: Saturday, April 30, 2011; 8am-2pm

Where: The Midstate Drop-off site
SC State Farmers Market
3483 Charleston Highway (US 321/21/178)
West Columbia, SC 29172

Web: www.ecyclesc.com

South Carolina eCycles Day w/ Keep the Midlands Beautiful

Keep the Midlands Beautiful is seeking volunteers for South Carolina eCycles Day will be Saturday, April 30 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The State Farmer's Market. Volunteers may register for either of two shifts: 7am-11am and 11am-2pm.

Sign-Up or Questions

Phone: (803) 733-1139

Email: Heidi@KeeptheMidlandsBeautiful.org

Web: www.ecyclesc.com, www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org

Season 26 @ Trustus Theatre

Get ready for 2 hours of non-stop laughter! Jewtopia, the Longest running comedy in both Off-Broadway and Los Angeles history is finally coming to Columbia! Comedy written by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson. Directed by Jim Thigpen.

When: May 6-28

Where: Trustus Threatre, 520 Lady Street behind the Gervais St. Publix.

Tickets: Phone or Box Office

Phone: (803) -254-9732

Web: www.trustus.org

Runaway Runway

The Columbia Design League's Runaway Runway event is Columbia's premier fashion show that aims to raise design and environmental awareness through the use of post-consumer materials constructed into wildly fantastic wearables. While the entire world is serious about being green, this event proves that green can be fun, fashionable and funky, too! 

Participants: Enter at entries@runawayrunway.net

When: Friday, April 29; Doors open 6pm, Show starts at 7:30pm

Where: Township Auditorium

Tickets: Township Box Office or www.ticketmaster.com

Web: www.runawayrunway.net

Downtown Relay for Life with American Cancer Society

Working to rid the world of cancer,  Dirty Lowdowns, Kickback, and Whiskey Tango Revue will crank up the evening air at the SC Fairgrounds as these bands entertain at the American Cancer Society’s Downtown Relay for Life to rock the night away and raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  

Events include opening remarks by Mayor Benjamin and WLTX anchor Andrea Mock, family friendly tailgating, live blues, country, and rockabilly throughout the night, and of course, the 12 hour relay itself.

Check us out on line and get registered now for an evening of fun and fighting as Downtown Columbia joins together to beat ALL types of cancer!

When: Friday May 6th through Saturday May 7th from 7:00pm – 7:00am

Phone: (803) 750-1693

Web: www.relayforlife.org/ColumbiaSC

Special Olympics SC Seeks 400+ Volunteers for Summer Games

Looking to help one of the nation's most successful charities?

Special Olympics South Carolina is looking for 400 volunteers to help at the annual Summer Games on May 6-8, 2011.  Over 1000 athletes from across the state will be competing in athletics, aquatics, bowling, gymnastics/cheerleading, softball and Young Athletes

Register online: www.so-sc.org.  Follow the link on the left column [Summer Games Day-of-Event Volunteer Registration].

Questions? Contact Edwena King Lassiter.

Email: elassiter@so-sc.org

Phone: 803-404-5516.

Community Citizens Encouraged to Donate Blood and Become Local Lifesavers

Columbia Lifesavers blood drive to take place Feb. 4

What: Mayor Steve Benjamin and the American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region Board of Directors are teaming up for the first annual Columbia Lifesavers blood drive.

Date/Time: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St.

Why: The Columbia Lifesavers blood drive is being held to raise community awareness about the need for blood and to collect blood for hospital patients undergoing cancer treatments, lifesaving surgeries, and emergency care related to accidents and trauma.

The drive comes at an ideal time to boost blood donations as severe winter weather throughout much of the eastern half of the United States in recent weeks has caused the cancellation of more than 14,000 blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross, 800 of which were in the South Carolina Region. The severity of the impact has stressed even the Red Cross’ robust national inventory management system, which can move blood products to where they’re needed most, such as when severe weather hits.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in 54 hospitals. Approximately 500 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross T-shirt plus a chance to win other prizes including two domestic roundtrip Delta Air Lines tickets through the Red Cross “Take to the Skies!” promotion. Also, the first 100 presenting donors will receive a Chick-fil-A coupon.

More Information: Call 803-331-3629 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code columbialifesavers.

Carpe Opportunitas: COR 2011 Annual Meeting & Give 11 in 2011 Campaigin Kickoff

6:11 p.m. | EdVenture Museum | Complimentary Admission

If you could do one thing to make our community a better place,
what would it be?
Make a difference in your community and the lives of fellow Columbians.

Join forces with COR, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia City Council,
the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Navigating from Good to Great Foundation
in the Give 11 in 2011 Campaign.

1. Networking opportunities with like-minded young professionals, area business and non-profit organizations.

2. Relevant information from a series of talks on Community Involvement (given by Mayor Benjamin), the Path to Personal Leadership (given by State Representative Bakari Sellers) and the Power of Personal Branding (given by Doreen Sullivan, president and Owner of Post No Bills).

3. Unique opportunity to join COR and our partnership organizations in the Give 11 in 2011 Campaign.

4. Learn about our community by visiting information tables hosted by COR, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Midlands, City of Columbia and local advertising and public relations agency Post No Bills.

Advance registration preferred: http://cor2011annualmeeting.eventbrite.com/
Visit www.ourcor.org or www.facebook.com/ColumbiaOpportunityResource for additional information.
Questions? Contact Katherine Swartz at 803.733.1123 or katherine.swartz@ourcor.org

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.

Stop the Brain Drain: SC Coalition of Mayors Seeks Part Time Administrator

The newly created SC Coalition of Mayors is hiring someone part time to do administrative work. The job will be three days a week, 21 hours at $12/hr. The Coalition will be run out of an office in West Columbia. They are thinking this would be a good position for someone just starting out who needs some experience. If you know of anyone who might be interested please ask them to contact Sandy Boozer at 926-3462 or sboozer1@bellsouth.net.

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

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

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).

12.09.10 | A Devine Night Out

“A Devine Night Out” is one of Columbia’s premier holiday events. Stores and businesses on Devine Street in Columbia will welcome guests for an evening of shopping, socializing and festive cheer. Reserve the sitter and grab a friend. Explore what makes Devine Street unique.

End the evening from 8-10 p.m. with a fabulous after-party at Momo’s Bistro featuring delicious food and exquisite door prizes. Admission is free but donations (food or monetary) to Harvest Hope Food Bank are recommended.

Time: 6-8 p.m.; After party 8-10 p.m. at MoMo's Bistro
Where: Devine Street
Admission: Free; Donations encouraged for Harvest Hope Food Bank
Presented by: Devine Street Association and the City of Columbia.
Info: www.devinenight.org

Contact: Jennifer Suber, (803) 608-6161 or jennifersuber@sc.rr.com

Le Cafe Jazz Volunteers Needed!

What: Volunteer servers and bartenders needed at Le Café Jazz
Le Cafe Jazz is open every Friday & Saturday night from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Finlay Park by the Skipp Pearson Jazz Foundation. Enjoy crepes, gourmet sandwiches, cheeses and French desserts while listening to three different musical sets of subgenres of jazz. Volunteers are needed to help with serving and bartending.

As part of each evening until Dec 24th Le Jazz Cafe will be spearheading a toy/book drive for the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact skpfoundaiton@yahoo.com or call Shirley Martin, Executive Director at (803) 400-1879.

12.03.10 | Swim Meet Volunteers Needed

What: Carolina Aquatics Swim Meet Timers Needed
Carolina Aquatics, a non-profit competitive swim team, needs volunteers to assist as timers for an upcomiong swim meet. Refreshments will be served to volunteers.

Where: Blatt PE Center at USC

When: December 3-5, 2010
Available volunteer times include:
Dec 3 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 6 – 10 p.m.
Dec 4 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 – 10 p.m.
Dec 5 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 6 – 10 p.m.

For additional information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Brenda Green at greenba03@gmail.com or at 803-730-9822.

Reading: Timeless Leadership Principles

There are fundamental truths about leadership that have stood the test of time. These leadership principles were developed from a 1948 leadership study. They are just as valid today as they were then. Use these principles to assess yourself and develop an action plan to improve your ability to lead . . .

Read on: http://www.academyleadership.com/news.asp?page=article67