Milestones

COMMUNITY

THE RICHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION recently held elections for officers and board members. Frank W. Cureton was named chair, Robert E. Gahagan, vice chairman; and W. Bert Brannon, secretary/treasurer. Board members include Nathaniel A. Barber, Barbara S. Griffin, W. Steven Johnson, John S. Nichols, Lenora "Nonie" Price, Lee Rambo, Walter Tobin Jr. and John C. Bradley Jr.

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA-MOUNTAINS TO MIDLANDS has been selected for the 2009 Best of Columbia Award in the Girl Scouts of the USA category by the U.S. Commerce Association. The USCA Best of Local Business award program recognizes outstanding local businesses that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category, enhancing the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

MILITARY

ARMY PFC. BYRON C. OWENS has completed basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. The son of LaDain and Sandra Owens of Chapin, he is a 2006 graduate of Chapin High School.

AIR NATIONAL GUARD AIRMAN 1st CLASS KJELL E. DAVIS has completed basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The son of Kjell and Jennifer Davis of Elgin, he is a 2009 graduate of Lugoff-Elgin High School.

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD STAFF SGT. DANIEL M. GOMEZ has returned from an overseas deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The son of Victoria Schneider of Lexington, Gomez is a member of the 178th Military Police Company, based in Monroe, Ga.

DONALD J. WESSON has graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He is the son of John B. Wesson of Lexington.

BIRTHS

PALMETTO HEALTH RICHLAND

BORN DEC. 28, 2009

A boy to Felicia and Jerry Rathers

A girl to Ashley G. and

Brendan K. Holman

BORN DEC. 29, 2009

A girl to Ashley Nathaniel and

Jerod Robinson

A boy to Abbie Gantt

A boy to Rebecca E. and Rainey Rabern

A boy to Turi L. Chitty

BORN DEC. 30, 2009

A girl to Melissa and Jeffrey Crofton

A boy to Stephanie and Daniel McDuffie

A boy to April and Tim Horton

A boy to Cosha Calloway and

Jarrod E. Farmer

BORN DEC. 31, 2009

A girl to Zineb Lebbari and

Mohamed Labidi

A girl to Dianne and Joey Wells

A girl to Amanda M. and Leon R. Smith

A boy to Shantelle Porter and

Stephen Morant

BORN JAN. 1, 2010

A girl to Latisha and Maurice Simpson

A girl to Eleanora Jackson

BORN JAN. 2, 2010

A boy to Alyse T. Opher and

Kenneth E. Bracey Sr. A boy to Sherika Boyd and Michael Jones

COMMUNITY NEEDS

VOLUNTEERS

FRIENDS OF HARBISON STATE FOREST hosts volunteer trail maintenance days the third Saturday monthly. Meet at 9 a.m. in the front parking lot. Call Harry, (803) 782-9371 or Rebecca, (803) 788-6992

DREAM RIDERS therapeutic equestrian program will hold a volunteer training session for ages 14 and older, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at 156 Sandy Hill Road, Lexington. Horse experience isn't necessary, but you will be working outside; visit www.dreamrider.org for more information. (803) 957-7906; www.dreamr2@mindspring.com

LEXINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM is seeking people to serve as advocates for children who come into foster care because of abuse or neglect. GAL volunteers work with all agencies involved with the child, including the Department of Social Services, the Family Court, school and counselors. Volunteers must be at least 21, have the desire to work with children, the ability to pass background checks and complete the 30-hour training program. Call (803) 957-6484 or go to www.lexington.scgal.org for an application.

AARP is seeking volunteers to fill positions of coordinator, instructor and marketer for its Driver Safety Program. (803) 781-4726; e-mail acalltome@bellsouth.net

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA is seeking volunteers in the following areas: administrative, disaster, grants, heroes, philanthropy, public affairs and special events. Volunteer activities include responding to local disasters, writing Red Cross stories, raising money, conducting grant research and placing thank-you calls to monetary donors. Disaster Services Orientation sessions are held 6-9 p.m. the first Monday monthly at 2751 Bull St. For more information, call (803) 540-1217 or go to www.centralscredcross.org.

THE STATE MUSEUM needs volunteer docents to give tours, teach lessons and help in other ways at the museum, 301 Gervais St. Benefits include a discount at the museum store and opportunities to learn about South Carolina's art, natural history, culture, science and technology. (803) 898-4912 or e-mail jennifer.lee@scmuseum.org

ROAD TO RECOVERY is a program that provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments. Training is weekly at the American Cancer Society office, 128 Stonemark Lane. Volunteers must have a driver's license, good driving record and a reliable vehicle. Lang Hunt, (803) 750-1693

RELIANT HOSPICE is seeking volunteers to assist its network of caregivers. Volunteers do not need medical experience. Opportunities range from patient companionship and assisting with home improvement projects to running errands and providing patient transportation to doctor visits. Health screening and SLED background check required. Call (803) 798-1102 or go to www.relianthospice.com for training information.

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF COLUMBIA is looking for volunteers for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Palmetto Health Richland Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and McMeals. (803) 254-0118, ext. 11 or e-mail jkrmhc@bellsouth.net

ROLLING READERS, a nonprofit children's literacy program, is seeking volunteers to read aloud or tutor children in reading. Sessions are held at local schools, after-school programs, child development centers, shelters and churches. (803) 733-READ or e-mail rollingreaders@sc.rr.com

DONATIONS

LOCAL BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY STORES are participating in the Warm Coat & Warm Hearts Drive running through Friday. Gently used outerwear may be dropped off at 302 Bush River Road or 7201 Two Notch Road. Donations will be distributed to the needy by Christ Central.

TURNING PAGES (formerly the Greater Columbia Literacy Council) is seeking volunteers and financial contributions. Turning Pages provides educational services to adults who want to improve their reading, math and computer skills. Volunteer reading tutors will be trained and matched with adult learners. All financial contributions will be used to purchase computers/software, readers, workbooks and math books. (803) 240-2441; www.literacycolumbia.org

THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY THRIFT STORE needs donations of gently used clothes, furniture, electronics and household items. Donations can be brought to the store at 1312 N. Millwood Ave. (803) 667-4943

BEACON OF LIGHT THRIFT CENTER is accepting donations of food, toiletries, clothing, books, electronics and furniture 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at 301 Sunset Drive (Spirit of Truth Christian Church). Store hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. (803) 771-8933

FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS is seeking monthly donations of dry dog and cat food, pet treats, deer corn and grain for its PetMeals on Wheels program. The group is headquartered at The Black Dog Inn, 321 E. Columbia Ave., Leesville. Monetary donations and rummage sale items (no clothing, please) are also being accepted. For more information, call (803) 604-1303 or e-mail meow9@pbtcomm.net

FRIENDS OF THE LEXINGTON MAIN LIBRARY accepts donations of gently used books, magazines, movies and music for its ongoing book sale. Items may be dropped off at 5440 Augusta Road, Lexington. Tax donation forms available; proceeds help support children's reading programs at the library. Marlena White, (803) 261-8697

VOLUNTEERS

LEXINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM is seeking people to serve as advocates for children who come into foster care because of abuse or neglect. GAL volunteers work with all agencies involved with the child, including the Department of Social Services, the Family Court, school and counselors. Volunteers must be at least 21, have the desire to work with children, the ability to pass background checks and complete the 30-hour training program. Call (803) 957-6484 or go to www.lexington.scgal.org for an application.

AARP is seeking volunteers to fill positions of coordinator, instructor and marketer for its Driver Safety Program. (803) 781-4726; e-mail acalltome@bellsouth.net

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA is seeking volunteers in the following areas: administrative, disaster, grants, heroes, philanthropy, public affairs and special events. Volunteer activities include responding to local disasters, writing Red Cross stories, raising money, conducting grant research and placing thank-you calls to monetary donors. Disaster Services Orientation sessions are held 6-9 p.m. the first Monday monthly at 2751 Bull St. For more information, call (803) 540-1217 or go to www.centralscredcross.org.

THE STATE MUSEUM needs volunteer docents to give tours, teach lessons and help in other ways at the museum, 301 Gervais St. Benefits include a discount at the museum store and opportunities to learn about South Carolina's art, natural history, culture, science and technology. (803) 898-4912 or e-mail jennifer.lee@scmuseum.org

ROAD TO RECOVERY is a program that provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments. Training is weekly at the American Cancer Society office, 128 Stonemark Lane. Volunteers must have a driver's license, good driving record and a reliable vehicle. Lang Hunt, (803) 750-1693

RELIANT HOSPICE is seeking volunteers to assist its network of caregivers. Volunteers do not need medical experience. Opportunities range from patient companionship and assisting with home improvement projects to running errands and providing patient transportation to doctor visits. Health screening and SLED background check required. Call (803) 798-1102 or go to www.relianthospice.com for training information.

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF COLUMBIA is looking for volunteers for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Palmetto Health Richland Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and McMeals. (803) 254-0118, ext. 11 or e-mail jkrmhc@bellsouth.net

ROLLING READERS, a nonprofit children's literacy program, is seeking volunteers to read aloud or tutor children in reading. Sessions are held at local schools, after-school programs, child development centers, shelters, children's homes and churches. (803) 733-READ or e-mail rollingreaders@sc.rr.com