Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

Milestones

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.

YOUTH

CONTESTANTS IN THE RICHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBARY Teen Idol competition will perform 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Main Library, 1431 Assembly St. Judging will be on vocal quality, song selection, projection and stage presence. Prizes include studio time and the opportunity to sing at community events. Local singers include Jessica Aull, Demetria Bannister, Danica Daniels, Will Daniels, Felecia Denny, April Epting, Jessie Di-Clay Fulwood, English Grant, Valerie Issac, Arielle N. Martin, Ayana N. Martin, Courtney J. Munroe, Skye Roberts, Zoe Santiago, Erica Breonna Scriven, Rachael Spilka, Shilah Thompson and Desean Wright.

MILITARY

ARMY RESERVE PFC. JONATHAN E. ARKIN has completed basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The son of Charles Arkin of Chapin, he is a 2008 graduate of Chapin High School.

AIRMAN 1st CLASS COLLEEN I. BROWN has completed the Air Traffic Congtrol Operatuions Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss. The daughter of Sara B. Brown of Irmo, she is a 2007 graduate of Dutch Fork High School.

ANDREW F. ZICCARDI has completed the Army ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army, National Guard or Reserve. He is the son of Gary J. and Rosalind B. Ziccardi of Columbia.

ARMY PFC. TYRELL D. MINGER has completed basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. Minger is the son of Melva Battle of Columbia.

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PVT. JESCINQUAY D. TAYLOR has completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson.Taylor is the daughter of Sylvester Rodenburg of Columbia.

BIRTHS

PALMETTO HEALTH RICHLAND

BORN SEPT. 6, 2009

A girl to Elizabeth and Collin Crick

BORN SEPT. 28, 2009

A girl to Marian A. Douglas and

Tilton W. James Jr.

A girl to Leah Shaunte Glover and

Christopher L. Young

Twins, a boy and a girl, to Ashley and

David Seawell

BORN SEPT. 29, 2009

A girl to Brandi and Douglas Melton

A girl to Jashara Clark and

Derrick Wilbourn

A girl to Tameeka Rutherford

A girl to Shanna Slaton

BORN SEPT. 30, 2009

A girl to Diona Rice and Fredric Davis

A girl to Princess Jeter and

Willie Boulware

BORN OCT. 1, 2009

A girl to Bridget and Trent Kinard

A girl to Brandi K. and

Michael D. Hayden

A boy to Tiera S. Hall

A girl to Liz and John Webb

A boy to Nikki Sampson

BORN OCT. 2, 2009

A girl to Jessica and Andrew T. Adams

A girl to Susannah and James Biel

A girl to Christina and Zachary Young

BORN OCT. 3, 2009

A girl to Magdalena Gonzalez and

Octavio Ortega

A boy to LaShonda Dooley and

Corey Boyd

A girl to Cynthia M. and

Marshall J. Dibble

COMMUNITY NEEDS

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

KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL needs 15-20 volunteers for its Tailgate Recycling program at the State Fairgrounds parking lot preceding the Saturday, Nov. 28, USC football game. T-shirts identifying them as part of the recycling team will be provided, and volunteers will be finished before kickoff. Heidi Johnson, (803) 733-2526

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

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. For more information, call (803) 540-1200 or go to www.centralscredcross.org.

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. The next training session will begin Monday, Nov. 9. 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.

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

DONATIONS

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

SALVATION ARMY FAMILY THRIFT STORE at 1312 N. Millwood Ave. needs clothing donations to restock its shelves and racks. Call (803) 748-9964 for pickup. www.doingthemostgood.org

THE PET SOUP PROJECT of the Humane Society distributes pet food to needy pet owners. Donations may be dropped off at 121 Humane Lane (off Shop Road). Items needed include a pull-along trailer, one-gallon ziplock freezer bags, large garbage bags, plastic grocery bags, pet food scoops, pens, markers, copy paper, paper towels, bottled water, battery-powered hand vacuum, canopy tents, gas cards and monetary donations. (803) 783-1267; www.humanesc.org

CAROLINA CHILDREN'S HOME is seeking donations to its 2009 Back to School Fund. The fund is used to purchase school supplies, clothing and shoes and helps with school activity fees and extracurricular activities for the home's more than 50 residents. Donations of school supplies are also welcome. (803) 787-2306 or go to www.carolinachildrenshome.org

GOODWILL is accepting donations at the site of the Goodwill retail store at 118 Knoll Station Road, Lexington (across from Wal-Mart). Donations will be used to stock and support the store that is scheduled to open this month. www.goodwillsc.org

Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.