FREE EVENT: National Public Gardens Day this Friday

National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 8
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Seibels House
1601 Richland Street, Columbia, SC

Free Event

Historic Columbia Foundation invites the public to spend a day at the Seibels House & Gardens, 1601 Richland Street as a part of National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 8.

Historic Columbia invites visitors to tour the renovated gardens at the Seibels House from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and enjoy abbreviated guided walking tours of the Robert Mills Historic Garden District at the top of each hour from 10 a.m.- noon. During the day, visitors can obtain information on gardens, suitable water use, historic rentals, and enjoy light refreshments in the garden. In addition, tours will be offered at the gardens of the Governor’s Mansion Complex and the S.C. Memorial Garden at 10:30 and 11:30. A shuttle will be available to take visitors to each site.

National Public Gardens Day takes place annually on Mother’s Day weekend and kicks-off other spring garden activities hosted by Historic Columbia. For more information on Historic Columbia events, please visit our website or call 803.252.1770 ext. 33.

COR Caffeinated Conversations

Please join your fellow COR members for a complimentary cup of joe Wednesday, april 15, 2009 from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Immaculate Consumption (933 Main Street).

We'll show you how to use the COR Web site and update you on the COR Initiatives and upcoming projects and events. Don't miss this exciting monthly opportunity to meet other members of Columbia's "Creative Class." Let's get out there and do something - together!

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Location:
Immaculate Consumption (933 Main Street, Columbia, SC)

Facebook Event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=74600015823

Contact:
Katie Wilmesherr - membership@ourcor.org

Register Now

Repair Homes & Restore Hope with COR and Home Works

Join Our Team to Make a Difference to Community Members in Need Saturday, April 25 from 7 a.m. - until.

Report site to be announced to volunteer registrants - Greater Columbia Area

This month COR will focus on providing home repairs to homeowners in need. Volunteer adults and teens from churches, schools, civic groups and companies will come together to make repairs and modifications at no charge. Repairs may include:

Wheelchair ramp and grab bars
Smoke detectors and floors
Roofs and walls
Painting and windows
Plumbing and electrical

Since Home Works began in 1996, more than 1,000 homeowners have received home repairs and modifications sparking community revitalization. To that, more than 14,000 teen and adult volunteers have joined together in fellowship, eliminating prejudices and misconceptions. Youths from middle school, high school, college and juvenile arbitration programs learn carpentry, home repairs, social skills and deepen their faith.

Home Works maintains collaborative efforts with local service organizations, city, state and government agencies and serves Georgia. Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Zorritos - Peru and South Carolina.

The mission of Home Works is to show God's love for all through service to others and to assist others in their faith journeys. Home Works activities will focus on providing home repairs to homeowners in need, assisting youth in their development, and empowering communities to meet the needs of their members. Home Works activities are conducted with an ecumenical spirit and with thanks to God for miracle after miracle. Individuals of all faith backgrounds are invited to join and share in this service to others.

FAQs (More Q&A here: http://www.homeworksofamerica.org/get_involved/volunteer_frequently_asked_questions/ )

What if I have little or no experience in home repair?
As long as you come willing to help, you will have no trouble jumping into projects. There is plenty to do and while it's hard work-it's also a lot of fun! There will be more experienced trouble shooters at each site to supervise, instruct, and help.

What about safety?
Every worksite has a First Aid kit, cell phones and/or walkie talkies, safety goggles, gloves, and snacks. Participants must sign a medical release form. Medical facilities are a short distance from every site.

One-Day Blitz Helpful Hints
* Signed Release Forms and Volunteer Application are required when you arrive at the site: http://www.homeworksofamerica.org/public/files/docs/Adult_One_Day_Blitz_6-02-09.pdf
* Arrive at your respective home at 7:00 a.m.
* Wear work clothes, tee shirt, shorts and sneakers or work shoes.
* Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and hat.
* Determine whether you are current with regards to your tetanus shot.
* Lunch, snacks, water and Gatorade are provided.
* If possible bring safety glasses, gloves, and paint brushes.
* If you bring any tools, please label them.
* No personal or portable music players or cell phone use at the home.
* Spend time, sit and chat with the residents of the home.
* A $25 donation per individual is requested, but not required.

COR Contacts:
Chuck LaMark (chucklamark@hotmail.com)
Eric Roberts (eroberts@uway.org)

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=71613985734

Ready to become a leader of COR?

Dear COR members and friends,

Are you ready to become a leader among leaders? A leader of the leading Midlands young and emerging professionals organization?

Check out the project manager and task forces we have open for which we need leaders like YOU. More than 20 different opportunities are available!

Members' Only Access: http://ourcor.org/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=23&func=view&id=141&catid=2

To apply, please submit your resume, along with a paragraph statement of interest about the leadership role and how you believe you can make the difference in COR and the community, to info@ourcor.org. Deadline to apply: Friday, February 20, 2009.

The only caveat...you must be a member of COR. Joining is easy and only $35 for professionals and $20 for students. Your membership dues investment is tax deductible and offers a variety of benefits. Join today at www.ourcor.org or email membership@ourcor.org for more info.

We look forward to your response,
Katherine Swartz
2008-2009 Board Chair
Columbia Opportunity Resource COR
info@ourcor.org

PS - It's been nearly 40 days since you made the New Year's resolution to get involved in the community and further develop your leadership skills. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Train to Become a Future Board Member

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 12, and the remaining seven classes will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month through May with graduation in June. Class members are also invited to the Young Leaders Society social on the evening of January 28 at Solstice.

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 http://www.uway.org and are due to United Way of the Midlands by January 21, 2009. If you are a member of COR, you should submit your scholarship application by January 16, 2009 to info@ourcor.org.

Call for entries for SCPRSA Mercury Awards! (Membership not required)

SCPRSA Mercury Awards | "Ever to Excel"

Did your communications work excel in promoting your cause or getting your message out last year? Then plan on entering your work in the South Carolina Public Relations Society of America's 2009 Mercury Awards | "Ever to Excel."

The Mercury Awards honor creative communication, strategic excellence and individual accomplishments in the public relations field - and you don't have to be a member of SCPRSA to enter. The Call for Entries is now available here:
http://www.scprsa.org/documents/misc_1741_1_mercuryawards_cfe_02_010508.pdf

As you consider what to enter, remember that your program or project must have taken place between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Also, if you are curious about what it takes to put together a winning entry, take a look at the Mercury Awards Reading Room:
http://www.scprsa.org/SCPRSAMercurywinners.htm

The entry deadline is Friday, February 6, 2009.

Save the Date!
Mercury Awards Banquet
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Hall, 320 Senate Street
Columbia, South Carolina
6:30 p.m. Cocktails | 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Awards

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact the Mercury committee chairman, Ashley Sherry at (803) 931-1332 or ashley.sherry@firstcitizensonline.com.

We look forward to seeing and showcasing your work at the 2009 Mercury Awards!
Visit Our Blog! http://mercuryawards2009.blogspot.com

Volunteers Needed for the World Beer Festival!

Like beer? Like people? Volunteer today!
The World Beer Festival is coming to Columbia, SC, and we are looking for volunteers to help in putting on the festival. Sign up to volunteer today through COR!

What is the World Beer Festival?
The mission of the World Beer Festival, now in it’s 13th year in Durham, NC and 5th year in Raleigh, NC is the education of the public about beer appreciation and beer quality. In addition, the World Beer Festival is committed to fostering the growth of a positive local beer community. The World Beer Festival features samples of hundreds of different beers from a great variety of breweries from around the country and the world, live music, food from an assortment of restaurants and bars, and educational seminars by leading craft brewing industry insiders.

The World Beer Festival-Columbia will take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on January 24th, 2009 in two sessions, 12-4PM and 6-10PM. The festival is produced by Chautauqua, Inc., publisher of All About Beer Magazine, the definitive source of information about craft beer. The company aims to build beer appreciation through information, education, and experiences.

Why volunteer?
You’ll help a good cause - a portion of the proceeds from the WBF go to support two Columbia non-profits, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) and The River Alliance.

You’ll make new friends – work in a fun, friendly environment with great people.

You’ll build your wardrobe – every volunteer gets a cool t-shirt.

You’ll enjoy good beer – though you can’t drink beer while working at the festival, volunteers are treated to a volunteer-only party about a week after the event that includes sampling of beers from the festival, tasty food, and a raffle for lots of neat beer stuff.

You’ll learn more about beer – every volunteer receives a complimentary three-issue subscription to All About Beer magazine.

What do volunteers do?
Most volunteers serve as pourers during the festival, pouring samples for festival guests. Some volunteers also work at the entry gates, taking tickets and welcoming guests.

What is required?
You must be at least 21 years of age to volunteer. Volunteers are required to attend an hour-long training session during the week before the event, and work during at least one of the two festival sessions. Besides that, you just need to smile and enjoy!

How do you sign up?
Sign up for all the fun today!!! Sign up using the form on our website:
http://www.ourcor.org/index.php?option=com_dtregister&eventId=62&Itemid=74&task=event_register&type=reg_individual

Contact COR:
General Inquiry: worldbeerfestivalsc@gmail.com
Katie Wilmesherr, COR Membership Chair: membership@ourcor.org
Caroline Fields, COR Marketing Chair: ccarolinefields@aol.com
Katherine Swartz, COR Board Chair: info@ourcor.org


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