Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Milestones

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.

RACHAEL STANSFIELD, a 16-year-old home-schooled student from West Columbia, has earned a $500 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the National 4-H Congress Nov. 27-Dec. 1 in Atlanta. Rachael is involved in the 4-H program in Batesburg-Leesville and in the robotics club in Little Mountain. She helped plan the first state 4-H Teen Community Emergency Response Team training, and her team gave a presentation at the National 4-H Agents Conference.

MILITARY

JOSHUA D. GONZALEZ 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. The son of Maria Gonzalez of Columbia, he is a 2006 graduate of Spring Valley High School and attends the University of South Carolina.

ARMY PFC. LUTHER C. MACK has completed basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The son of Gwen Mack of Elgin, he is a 2009 graduate of Ridge View High School.

ARMY RESERVE PVT. ROBERT S. POSTEN has completed basic military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla., under the Split-option Enlistment Program. The program allows high school students to attend basic training during the summer after their junior year; after completing basic training, the recruits attend National Guard or Reserve weekend drills. The summer following graduation, they attend advanced individual training. The son of Lorie Davis of Hopkins, Posten is a senior at Lower Richland High School.

BIRTHS

PALMETTO HEALTH RICHLAND

BORN OCT. 5, 2009

A girl to Leona Holmes and

John Leaphart

A boy to Shanna Buckman

A boy to Ashley Roach

BORN OCT. 6, 2009

A boy to Melissa and Doug Camp

BORN OCT. 7, 2009

A boy to Mumtaz and Ali Jiwani

A girl to Audrea Way and

Tyrone Washington

A boy to Ayesha T. Hasan and

Jonathan Miller

A boy to Thomasina Dingle

BORN OCT. 8, 2009

A girl to Lauren C. Davis and

David G. Kinsler

A boy to Harley Simms and

Robert A. Yancey Jr.

A girl to Kristen and Jeff Griffin

BORN OCT. 9, 2009

A boy to Krystal Anderson

A boy to Ashly L. and Richie Stevens

A girl to Kristy and Aaron Fiddner

A boy to Carol and Sean Norris

BORN OCT. 11, 2009

A girl to Alexis Brown

A girl to Jessica I. Jones and

Christopher M. Hill

COMMUNITY NEEDS

GETTING HELP

THE SALVATION ARMY will accept applications for Christmas assistance Nov. 3-6 in the Ruff Building at the State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive. Times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. Applicants must bring the following items: picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone residing in the home; Household Summary from DSS; proof of all income in the home for the past 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment statement, SSI disability, Social Security statement, verification of VA or other pensions); and proof of all household expenses paid in the past 30 days. If you have a zero income, anyone age 18 and older must bring a Zero Wage Statement from the unemployment office. (803) 765-0260

VOLUNTEERS

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 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

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

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

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