TheState.com: Neighbors

Creative learning

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:00 EST

Fourth-grade teacher Yvonne Gadsden noticed a change in her son.

Normally reserved and shy, Marcus Gadsden started to become more creative and outgoing. During summer break, he began to write stories and songs to occupy his time.

"He was writing stories at night in his notebook, and telling me how excited he was to perform in drama, and I was like 'wow,'" said Gadsden, whose son is in second grade this year Saluda River Academy for the Arts. "Between him and my daughter, who went here and sings now in middle school, the change is amazing."

Gadsden said she owes that transformation to Saluda River Academy. Founded as a partial arts magnet school in 1999, the Lexington 2 elementary school teaches traditional subjects by integrating the arts into the classroom.

The school's initiatives are getting noticed, too.

Recycling revved up

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:01 EST

Recycling is really catching on in Richland County - at home, work and school.

Need proof?

Next week's event, organized by the county to celebrate America Recycles Day, is expected to attract 10,000 people.

Richland County's third annual recycling day will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at Clemson's Sandhill Research and Education Center in Northeast Richland.

The free event allows county residents to recycle hard-to-dispose-of items - from household chemicals and tires to lightbulbs and batteries with poisonous mercury inside.

Wanted: school submissions

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54 EST

FIRST QUARTER STUDENT HONOR ROLLS

For the 2009-10 academic year, Neighbors will publish honor rolls quarterly for elementary, middle and high schools students in four special editions of Neighbors.

The first of those editions will publish on Friday, Nov. 27.

The deadline for schools to submit honor rolls for this edition is Friday, Nov. 13.

Here's the format:

Meetings

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54 EST

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

PUBLIC TRANSIT MEETING: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Ave. (Ensor Avenue and North Main Street). All residents of Richland County and the city of Columbia are invited to offer input concerning their transportation needs or desires and how the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority can make changes to attract new riders. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. (803) 748-7424

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC.: Greater Columbia Chapter will meet 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Luther Lee Building, 1314 Lincoln St.

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION: Columbia Chapter 87 of NARFE luncheon meeting, 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Seawell's, 1125 Rosewood Drive. Open to all active and retired federal employees and spouses in Richland and Lexington counties. Guest speaker will be Sandy Ward of BlueCross BlueShield.

NEW GROUPS FORMING: Discussion group, social group, preteen youth group, life skills group, Bible study and more. Meet others with similar interests; call (803) 771-2212 after 6 p.m.

Vital zip codes

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:12 EST

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

402 Cartgate Circle, Blythewood, from Chad and Heidi Hall to Ronald and Amy Kiefer, $417,500

1201 Lawhorn Road, Blythewood, from Kelly and Linda Allen to Robert Boyd, $151,500

ZIP CODE 29020

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Milestones

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54 EST

COMMUNITY

2009 AUDUBON SOUTH CAROINA NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WINNERS have been announced. Scott McWatty of Lexington took best in show (for the second consecutive year) with his "Owlful Stare"; he also won first place in the plant/landscape category for "Swamp Moss Cypress." Ron Wright of Cayce won first place winner in the wildlife category with his "Prothonotary Warbler on Cypress Knee." Winning entries can be seen at www.sc.audubon.org.

TOWN OF LEXINGON HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD held its first annual awards ceremony Oct. 29. The program was created to recognize citizens and business owners for their efforts in enhancement and economic growth in the town through preservation of historic buildings. Criteria for consideration: building must be listed on the town's historic inventory; the building must be adaptively used if it is a former residence turned commercial; and if the building is commercial, it must be restored to period and in keeping with its original integrity. Recipients are Billy Walker and Kirk Morgan, Walker & Morgan LLC (old Harmon Drug Store), 135 E. Main St.; Randy and Cathy Lanier, Magnolia House, 220 W. Main St.; and Ryan Condon, Old Mill, 711 E. Main St.

YOUTH

JESSICA AULL, a student at Dutch Fork High School, was named 2009 RCPL Teen Idol on Oct. 22 at the downtown Richland County Public Library. Aull was one of 19 finalists selected after three rounds of auditions to compete for a variety of prizes including recording time at Strawberry Skys studio and the chance to sing at a variety of community events. First runner-up was Valerie Isaac, a student at W.J. Keenan High School, and second runner-up was Demetria Bannister, a student at A.C. Flora High School. Other finalists include: Mariel Cuddihee, J.L. Mann High School, Greenville; Danica Daniels, Hammond School; Will Daniels, Midlands Technical College; Felicia Denny, Eau Claire High School; April Epting, Chapin Middle School; Jessie Di-Clay Fulwood, W.J. Keenan High School; English Grant, A.C. Flora High School; Arielle Martin, Kelly Mill Middle School; Ayana Martin, Ridge View High School; Courtney Munroe, Blythewood High School ; Skye Roberts, Dent Middle School; Zoe Santiago, the online Connections Academy; Erica Scriven, Southeast Middle School; Rachael Spilka, Dutch Fork High School; Shilah Thompson, White Knoll High School; and DeSean Wright, Dutch Fork High School .

Get moving

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54 EST

Oak Pointe Elementary student wins healthy eating poster contest

As Jordan Brideau sat cross-legged on the commons floor listening to her principal announce birthdays, she thought she was attending a routine Friday morning meeting at Oak Pointe Elementary.

Jordan, a fourth-grader, had no inkling that she was about to meet a television commercial celebrity, much less that she was about to become a bit of a star herself.

Jared Fogle, the man who lost 245 pounds featured on Subway commercials, appeared at Friday's gathering and announced that one of Oak Pointe's students had won the Subway Fresh Fit Video and Poster Competition.

More than 1,000 students in the Midlands submitted entries to show how they stay healthy and fit, and 10 winners were selected - with at least three from area schools being recognized.

For the vets

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54 EST

HUGO SALUTES OUR VETERANS: A national program providing Hugo folding canes to members of the military in need of mobility assistance comes to Columbia on Wednesday. Canes provided by AMG Medical will be available at Sam's Club locations, 5426 Forest Drive, and 350 Harbison Blvd., while supplies last. You don't have to be a member of Sam's Club, but proof of U.S. military service may be required.

CITY OF COLUMBIA: Veterans Day memorial ceremony and parade, Wednesday. Memorial service begins at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Sumter and Washington streets. The parade, with about 75 entries, will start at 11 a.m., running northbound on Sumter Street from the corner of Laurel and Sumter. Grand marshal will be retired Army Col. Charles P. Murray Jr., representing veterans of World War II and Korean and Vietnam wars. Traffic restriction along the route will be administered 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

DAV MOBILE SERVICE OFFICE: Veterans can get benefits counseling and assistance in filing claims 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson, 190 Pontiac Business Center Drive, Columbia. The event is part of the Harley-Davidson Foundation's Harley's Heroes and is free to all veterans and members of their families. (803) 647-2422

VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY: to honor all veterans, from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Camden at the Joseph Kershaw Gravesite, corner of Broad and Bull streets, across from Rhame Arena. Presented by Camden Garden Club as part of its 80th anniversary project to beautify and conserve the gravesite of Col. Kershaw, founding father of Camden and one of the nation's first patriots. The ceremony will feature Revolutionary militia re-enactors, Colonial Color Guard, DAR and SAR participation, American Revolution Association and Historic Camden personnel, and a tribute to the Kershaw descendants and to all veterans. Open to the public. (803) 432-8836

MAIN STREET UMC: Special photography exhibit of the congregation's veterans from the Civil War to the present. Photos will be on display Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 15, in the Archives Room, 1930 Main St. (803) 779-0610

Who's running and where to vote

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:48 EDT

Nine municipalities in Richland and Lexington counties have elections for town leaders Tuesday. All races are nonpartisan.

Following is a list of candidates, as well as polling places.

Arcadia Lakes

-Town Council, two at-large: Tom Clark, Mark Robertson and incumbent Michael Smith. One seat at stake was held by the late Merrelle Harris.

Vital Zips

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:32 EDT

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

202 W. Bowmore Drive, Blythewood, from Shumaker Homes Inc. to Arnold and Kiesha Hardy, $290,714

1098 Buttercup Circle, Blythewood, from Hurricane Construction Inc. to Marika Franklin, $187,535

1414 Frick Road, Blythewood, from Isabel Frick to Cotton Wood Land Holdings LLC, $200,000

Lot 7 Friendly Woods Road, Blythewood, from Walter and Donna Jackson to Jennifer and Clayton Embleton, $55,000

Bazzars, festivals

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:32 EDT

CROOKED CREEK PARK: Halloween at the Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Outdoor trick-or-treat trail, indoor activities include carnival games and prizes, costume contest, moonwalk, inflatable slide, haunted house, concessions, scream contest and more. Game tickets 25 cents each. (803) 345-6181

SHOPS OF CUMC: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Chapin United Methodist Church, 415 Lexington Ave., Chapin. Miss Glory's Country Store, Books 'n Such, Our Daily Bread Bakery, Susanna's Treasures, Christmas Shop, Woodworks, Sew 'n Sew Shop, Mamma's Home Cooking, Amazing Grace Soda Shop; silent auction and more. Proceeds will benefit the building fund.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL AND HAUNTED HOUSE: 4-9 p.m. Saturday at Dutch Square mall. Sponsored by the City of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation. (803) 545-3117

HALLELUJAH NIGHT: 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Right Direction Christian Center, 3506 Broad River Road. Free event for pre-K through eighth-graders will feature fun, games and prizes. (803) 798-1230 or www.rightdirection.info

HALLOWEEN AT HARLEY HAVEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at 941 Western Lane, Irmo. Blood drive (of course), food, refreshments by MacDougalls, live music featuring DB Bryant, 12:30-2:30 p.m. and Jeff Liberty, 3-5 p.m. (803) 794-4887

Milestones

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:01 EDT

COMMUNITY

LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF JAMES R. METTS swore in eight reserve deputies on Oct. 22. There are now 30 reserve deputies who volunteer their time to work with full-time deputies at the Sheriff's Department. New faces on the job include Randy Boggs, Justin Buck, Don Gaskin, Brian Kunar, James Pruitt, Timothy Scott, Greg Starkey and Scott Zylstra.

THE LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BOMB SQUAD has received national accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Bomb Data Center. Squad members Col. Mel Seboe and Lt. Thomas Hamilton were awarded hazardous device technician certifications from the FBI.

MILITARY

TIMOTHY J. KNOX has completed the Army ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. Upon completion of the course, the ROTC program and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve. Knox is the son of Leah R. LaCroix and stepson of Thomas S. Maegar of Elgin. A 2007 graduate of Lugoff-Elgin High School, he attends Clemson University.

Internet brings school to students

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:01 EDT

Many of the nation's teachers deliberate on how to bring technology into their classrooms.

But Carol Setzer and Paulette Moses are using technology to bring their students into the classroom.

The Ballentine Elementary teachers have both used two Internet applications to connect with students from their homes.

Setzer had used SKYPE - a free software application that allows users to participate in videoconferencing - to communicate with her grown children who live in other parts of the state.

So when she found out one of her fourth-graders would be convalescing at home for about 10 days after an appendectomy, she decided to use SKYPE to bring him into the classroom virtually.

At the parks

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:32 EDT

AUTUMN COSTUME FESTIVAL: Hopkins Park, at 150 Hopkins Park Road, hosts a festival 6-9 p.m. Thursday for those 4 to 16 years old. Anyone in a costume gets candy at this free event. Call (803) 783-9374.

TERROR IN THE PARK: The annual haunted house at North Springs Park gets your blood pumping and has you running for the door. For ages 11 to adult - not recommended for small children or those with serious medical conditions. The event is 7-11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cost is $8. The park is at 1320 Clemson Road. Call (803) 736-6070.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: Polo Road Park hosts a carnival 6:15-7:30 p.m. Friday at 730 Polo Road. Children ages 3-11 are invited to bring a goodie bag and join in the fun, candy and games. Call (803) 736-1657.

CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL: Meadowlake Park hosts a Halloween carnival 7-9 p.m. Friday at 600 Beckman Road. Children ages 6-12 years old are invited for games and activities. Wear a costume and bring a bag to fill with goodies. The event is free. Call (803) 754-4463.

SPOOKTACULAR FESTIVAL: Blythewood Park invites children, ages 3-12 years old, to a festival 6-9 p.m. Friday featuring games, prizes, a costume contest, pumpkin contest, pinata, storytelling and a "mummy wrapping." The park is at 126 Boney Road. Free. All kids will get a Halloween gift bag full of goodies. Call (803) 691-9786.

Almanac

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:01 EDT

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

NEW GROUPS FORMING: Discussion group, social group, preteen youth group, life skills group, Bible study and more. Meet others with similar interests; call (803) 771-2212 after 6 p.m.

COLUMBIA CAMERA CLUB: 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Capital Senior Center, Maxcy Gregg Park. This month's meeting will feature the Annual Project Image Contest around the theme of night. (803) 786-7022

HOBBIES/RECREATION

Irmo teacher wins national teacher of the year award

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:21 EDT

Phil Tanner was settled into his career, enjoying the perks of working for a company that paid well with fringe benefits.

Then he changed gears.

Twenty-seven years later, a lot of people are happy Tanner made that move. The Careers and Technology auto body teacher at Irmo High added to his collection of national awards recently, winning the 2009-10 I-CAR Auto Collision Repair Instructor of the Year.

"The element that makes him, or any teacher, outstanding in their field is a true love and compassion for students," said Don Lawrimore, District 5's director of Careers and Technology Education. "I have observed interactions between him and his students, and the care and respect he gives them forms a significant bond."

The bond transcends work in the garage.

Bazaars, festivals, PUMPKIN PATCHES

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:21 EDT

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE: Holiday bazaar and rummage sale, 10 a.m. Saturday at 1110 Kinley Road, Irmo. Pumpkin patch will be open through Saturday, Oct. 31. (803) 732-0153; www.pumpkinchurch.org

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH: Community harvest festival, 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday at 1400 Kennerly Road. Games, bounce house, face painting, Trunk or Treat, costume contest, food, cake walk and hayride. (803) 781-8673; www.hopeofcolumbia.com

ST. ANDREWS BAPTIST: Fall festival, 6-8 p.m. Sunday at 230 Bush River Road. Inflatables, games, activities, decorated pumpkin display, treats and more; all free. (803) 798-7325

SEVEN OAKS PARK: Pumpkin Patch Party, 6-7:30 p.m. Monday at 200 Leisure Lane. Individuals with special needs ages 6 through adult and their siblings will carve pumpkins, play Halloween games and enjoy snacks and prizes. Non-scary costumes welcome. (803) 772-3336

CROOKED CREEK PARK: Halloween at the Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Outdoor trick-or-treat trail, indoor activities include carnival games and prizes, costume contest, moonwalk, inflatable slide, haunted house, concessions, scream contest and more. Game tickets 25 cents each. (803) 345-6181

Milestones

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:24 EDT

COMMUNITY

LOGAN RILEY NULL AND JEREMY T. MERCK graduated Oct. 9 from the Basic Law Enforcement Session 543 at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. Null is a member of the Irmo Police Department. Merck, of the Prosperity Police Department, was presented the Physical Fitness Award.

FRIENDS OF THE RICHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY has announced its officers and board members for 2009-10. They include Tracy Haisley, president; Patrick Cobb, vice president; Stacey Haynes, secretary; and Christina Auman, treasurer. New board members are Shannon Bobertz, Janice Brown, Michelle Clark, Paul Denman, Beverly Dozier, Joan Edwards, Gill Gignilliat, W. Ford Graham, Mary League, J.P. Lee and Jennifer Robinson.

YOUTH

TIMOTHY WHITE, a Dreher High School senior, has earned a $500 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the National 4-H Congress Nov. 27-Dec. 1 in Atlanta. Timothy, whose main 4-H project is leadership, has been involved with the organization for 11 years, is a member of the 4-H Earthwalkers Club and is active in several community service projects.

The season for fun

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:21 EDT

When it comes to fun times of the year, Christmas and New Year's usually take top billing.

But for easy, old-fashioned neighborhood fun, it's awfully hard to beat autumn.

It's the season for football, of course. But it's also a time when nearly every weekend has some kind of family-friendly activity.

Church bazaars, featuring cakewalks, take-away barbecue plates and crafts.

Community and school festivals, some with harvest-season themes.

Almanac

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:21 EDT

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

GARDEN CLUB COUNCIL OF GREATER COLUMBIA: Monday at the Garden Council Building, 1605 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). The board will meet at 9 a.m.; refreshments will be served at 9:30; and the program, "Sharing Our Award Winning Harvests," will begin at 10 a.m.

NEW GROUPS FORMING: Discussion group, social group, preteen youth group, life skills group, Bible study and more. Meet others with similar interests; call (803) 771-2212 after 6 p.m.

HOBBIES/RECREATION

Dog park proposal shelved

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:21 EDT

Dog owners who want a new park in Lexington where their pets can run and play unleashed are barking up the wrong tree.

Town Council shelved the request Monday after being told it would be a costly venture.

"Let's just put it on the back burner," Mayor Randy Halfacre said.

Some dog owners asked Town Hall to explore opening a fenced area as an exercise spot for canines.

Their plan suggests those using it pay an annual fee of at least $60 to help pay for its operation.

Dental clinic gives children something to smile about

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:51 EDT

Beverly Holman had no sooner settled in her kids after a move from Chicago when she faced a challenge.

The 28-year-old discovered one of her young daughters had an abscess on a tooth.

Holman took her to several dentists but was turned away at each stop because she had no dental insurance.

That's when a school nurse recommended the Children's Dental Clinic.

"She set me up to come to the clinic and told me about what they do," Holman said.

Batesburg-Leesville elections

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:26 EDT

Mayor

Steve Cain

Age: 42

Education: Attended Georgetown University; attending University of South Carolina

Occupation: Government liaison for Benedict College

Irmo Town Council candidates

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:31 EDT

Three people are running for two at-large seats in the Nov. 3 election — incumbents Hardy King and Barry A. Walker Sr. and challenger Sarah Watson.

A brief look at the candidates:

HARDY KING (I)

Age: 53

Education: Graduate of Western Alamance High in Burlington, N.C.; attended Appalachian State University; graduate of Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government

Pine Ridge elections

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:17 EDT

Hazel Knipe did not respond.

David Busby

Incumbent

Age: 68

Education: Brookland-Cayce High graduate; University of South Carolina, bachelor’s in computer science Occupation: Retired in-formation technology director, S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Wildcat Hollow lying fallow this fall

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

Wildcat Hollow, the site of many a high school memory, sits quiet this fall while fans cheer at the new Lexington High School football stadium a few miles away.

The old stadium, home to Lexington football, track and soccer events for 37 years, has hardly been used in the 18 months since the school moved its sports events to a $4.9 million, on-campus facility.

A group rented Wildcat Hollow for a car show. The Relay For Life was held there in May. The Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission used it for a couple of football events. A semi-pro football team used it for home games the past two seasons. And a guy rented it for a day so he could propose to a girlfriend he met at the stadium, said Mary Beth Hill, spokeswoman for Lexington 1.

Otherwise, the main activity at Wildcat Hollow is grass growing.

The school district still isn't sure what to do with the old place. "We haven't totally eliminated the idea of using it for some other building project," Hill said.

Pelion town council election

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

Two seats, elected at large. Incumbent Same Jackson did not respond.

Carlisle Rast

Age: 53

Education: Associate degree in civil engineering, Midlands Technical College

Occupation: Environmental engineering designer/land surveyor

Wanted: reader and school submissions

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

Salute to the military

Do you have family members in the military who are currently deployed overseas?

We'd like to run their photographs in a special edition of Neighbors on Nov. 12.

The deadline to submit photographs is Wednesday, Nov. 4. Here are the guidelines:

- Military personnel must be currently deployed overseas.

Community Alamanac

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

FORT JACKSON PRIOR LANDOWNERS DESCENDANTS REUNION: 9 a.m. Saturday in the Post Conference Room at Fort Jackson. Guests will be Debbie Bloom, director of local history at the Richland County Public Library and Lael Hoopes, who surveyed the 26 Fort Jackson cemeteries as an Eagle Scout project. Lunch with the troops, $4.25 (bring a $5 bill or exact change). (803) 361-3637 or e-mail jjhowell41@aol.com

NEW GROUPS FORMING: Discussion group, social group, preteen youth group, life skills group, Bible study and more. Meet others with similar interests; call (803) 771-2212 after 6 p.m.

GARDENDALE/GRENADIER HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION: 6:30 tonight at Seven Oaks Elementary School, 2800 Ashland Road, Irmo. Guest speaker will be Realtor Roger Hinson who discuss the current real estate market. Open to all residents of the Gardendale, Gardendale Estates and Grenadier subdivisions; only residents who have paid their 2009 dues will be eligible to vote and participate in any official activities of the association. (803) 798-1198

Summit elections

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

Two posts on Town Council will be filled by write-in ballot since no one filed for the offices.

Incumbents Henry Hartley and David Reese are seeking re-election by that method.

Those elected will serve four-year terms overseeing Lexington County's smallest municipality.

Community needs

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

VOLUNTEERS

THE HUMANE SOCIETY needs volunteers for its Pet Soup project, distributing nearly 20,000 pounds of free pet food 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fridays at Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road. Help is needed in the voucher application area (first contact with pet owners) and in distribution (volunteers must be able to stand for long periods of time, work in outdoor conditions and lift a minimum of 60 pounds). Kelly Graham, (803) 783-1267 or e-mail kgraham@humanesc.org

SAMARITAN'S PURSE is looking for volunteers to prepare, pack and process shoe box gifts for Operation Christmas Child. National Collection Week is Nov. 16-23, but the project is a year-round effort to help underprivileged children on six continents. Information at www.samaritanspurse.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

WEST METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is looking for volunteers for the Reid's Rockin' at the Raceway Concert Series, 5-10 p.m. Fridays through October 30, at the Historic Columbia Speedway, 2001 Charleston Highway, Cayce. Call (803) 794-6504 or e-mail admin@westmetrochamber.sc

Bazaars, festivals, pumpkin patches

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

CHRISTUS VICTOR LUTHERAN: Holiday bazaar, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at 400 Harbison Blvd. Local vendors, silent auction, barbecue dinner, bake sale, casseroles, books, farmers market, raffle and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Annabelle Baskets, http://annabellebaskets.blogspot.com (803) 732-2668

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE: Pumpkin Patch will be open through Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1110 Kinley Road, Irmo. Other Pumpkin Fest events include the Men's Club Chicken Fling and Gospel Sing, 5 p.m. Saturday and a Holiday Bazaar and Rummage Sale, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. (803) 732-0153; www.pumpkinchurch.org

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH: Community harvest festival, 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1400 Kennerly Road. Games, bounce house, face painting, Trunk or Treat, costume contest, food, cake walk and a hayride. (803) 781-8673; www.hopeofcolumbia.com

SEVEN OAKS PARK: Pumpkin Patch Party, 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at 200 Leisure Lane. Individuals with special needs ages 6 through adult and their siblings will carve pumpkins, play Halloween games and enjoy snacks and prizes. Non-scary costumes welcome. (803) 772-3336

School news

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

LEXINGTON-RICHLAND 5

DISTRICT NEWS

LEXINGTON 5 has announced its Citizenship Stars for volunteering their time to community service projects over the summer. They provided toys, books, clothing and food for the Nurturing Center, books for the S.C. Interfaith Council, picked up and recycled trash in the community, donated food to food pantries, raised money for PAALS and made donations to Sharing God's Love.

BALLENTINE ELEMENTARY: Hillary Melton, Mary Elizabeth Pifer, Taylor Pouncey, Zach Salter, Shane Savage, Sydney Savage, Victoria Singleton, Braden Staub, Mark Villarosa, Jackson Warren

CHAPIN ELEMENTARY: Jesse Milliff, Alex Rushe, Megan Swistak, Stone Gardner

West Columbia council candidates

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:34 EDT

The election is Nov. 3. Here, a brief look at the candidates.

WEST COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL

Elizabeth Hydrick Deas

Age: 50

Education: Brookland-Cayce High School; Midlands Technical College degree in secretarial science

Milestones

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

COMMUNITY

MASTER PATROL OFFICER JASON WHITTLE of the Columbia Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit was presented the Medal of Valor on Oct. 7 by Chief Tandy Carter. Whittle and Michael Samuels, a civilian, were recognized at a City Council meeting for pulling a traffic accident victim from a burning vehicle. Whittle, a 13-year veteran with the department was awarded the Medal of Valor on Sept. 16 from the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association.

JOSHUA WILLOUGHBY of Columbia completed a 30-day wilderness course offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School. Twelve students and three instructors backpacked 100 miles through the Wind River Range of Wyoming in June.

CORPORATE

VERIZON WIRELESS has been recognized by Sistercare for the company's commitment to domestic violence prevention, specifically the Verizon Wireless HopeLine and *HOPE programs. HopeLine turns unused phones into support for victims of domestic violence and helps protect the environment by disposing of wireless phones in an enviromentally sound way. By dialing *HOPE (*4673), then pressing "send" from any Verizon phone, callers are connected for free directly to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, where they can receive confidential help through empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and resources.

Race for Arcadia Lakes Town Council

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:15 EDT

Q&A with candidates

Three people are running for Arcadia Lakes Town Council; the top two vote-getters win four-year terms.

One vacant seat was held by Merrelle Harris, who recently passed away.

Those running for council include Tom Clark, incumbent Michael Smith and Mark Robertson.

Mayor Rick Thomas is unopposed in the town election, which is Nov. 3.

Irmo Town Council candidates

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:07 EDT

HARDY KING (I)

Age: 53

Education: Graduate of Western Alamance High in Burlington, N.C.; attended Appalachian State University; graduate of Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government

Occupation: Owner of furniture revival service

Elected political experience: Town councilman since 2005

Neighborhood businesses

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:46 EDT

Shoppers can order just about anything they need these days off the Internet.

But should they?

Columbia-area merchants are urging residents to shop local in a new campaign designed to help businesses struggling during the worst recession in 80 years. It also aims to bolster the amount of tax dollars kept in the region for local services.

The alliance of merchant organizations says you can find just about everything you need or want right here in the capital city.

"It's the awareness factor," said Michael Arket, who owns Tranquil Moments Day Spa on Queen Street and is a member of the Shop Proud, Shop Columbia coalition.

Balancing work and play

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:46 EDT

REINFORCE PRIORITIES

- Extracurricular activities are extra. School work should be a top priority. If your child's work is suffering because of outside commitments, don't hesitate to make continued participation in sports or clubs contingent on maintaining a minimum standard of academic performance.

- Finding time for homework when there are after-school practices and lessons can be challenging. But it's important to set aside a fixed period every day for it. Encourage kids to get homework finished early, before after-school activities kick in. Another idea: For after-school play dates, build in some time for study.

- Make sure your actions with your child convey a balance of school and play. Spend as much time with your child going over schoolwork as you do in helping to prepare for a school play or practice for a ball game.

- About this time in the school year, schedules can start to careen out of control. Make sure your family time doesn't suffer for it. Consider setting aside a family or relaxation night. During this time, emphasize that no one has friends over and everyone is home for dinner. You don't even have to do anything special. It could just be a night to order in dinner, turn off the phone and Internet and hang out together.

Community needs

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:46 EDT

VOLUNTEERS

HOME WORKS OF AMERICA is sponsoring a one-day home repair blitz on Saturday, Oct. 24. Planning meetings for volunteers will be 6:30 tonight at Benedict-Allen Community Development Center, 2001 Two Notch Road. Pizza and soft drinks will be served. (803) 781-4536