This Weekend in Blythewood February 12th-14th

Thursday, February 12 Blythewood and Westwood High Schools  will host their third annual Work Skills in Action dinner at the Cyber Cafe at Blythewood High from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

This Weekend in Blythewood February 12th, 13th & 14th The Blythewood Christian Assistance Bridge will offer services to community members in need of emergency aid or help in applying for services in the 29016, 29229 or 29130 zip code areas.  Christian Assistance Bridge has partnered with the Benefits Bank of S.C. and W.R. Rogers Adult and Continuing Education Center to offer assistance to local residence in applying for State or Federal aid.  A counselor will be on site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.on Mondays, beginning February 16 at the Christian Assistance Bridge on 126 Blythewood Road.  For more information about the services contact Barbara Teter at 786-1903 or go to info@christianassistancebridge.com Save the Dates... "Celebrating Blythewood African Americans through Honor and the Arts". The Town of Blythewood is proud to announce that it will sponsor a 2015 Black History Celebration Program for the Community with the help of the Historical Society, Community Organizations, Churches, schools and businesses. Friday, February 20 at 7 p.m.,  the original play "Waves", written by  Dr. Constella Hines Zimmerman will be performed at Westwood High School. The cast of the play includes Allen University students and is a 1930's "Cinderella story" about a young girl's dream of going to college. Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m., the Blythewood  Black History Month Honoree Celebration at Doko Manor will recognize outstanding Blythewood  community members for their leadership and contributions to the community, country and various career fields. Ms. Teowonna Clifton, a past producer of the program On Point and featured columnist for "S.C. Black News"  will MC the event. Saturday, February 28 at 6 p.m., there will be a Blythewood Community Choir Concert and a special performance by the Bethel Baptist Church Praise and Worship Dance Team performing a Gospel Celebration at Doko Manor. For more information contact Booth Chilcutt at chilcuttb@townofblythewoodsc.gov or Dr. Constella Hines Zimmerman at drscontella@gmail.com   The Blythewood High School Education Foundation is hosting a Flap Jack Fundraiser at Applebee’s, 10102 Two Notch Road , Columbia  on Saturday, February 21 from 8:00-10:00 am. Breakfast included a short stack of pancakes, sausage and beverages. Tickets are $7.00 each and available in the main office at the school.  Last year, the BHS Education Foundation provided $17, 500 in scholarships to seniors to help them further their education. In addition to scholarships, the Education Foundation also provides funding for other initiatives to benefit all the students at BHS. We are currently gearing up to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Blythewood High School later this year.  Don't forget about the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce Scholarships being offered to high school seniors  in the 29016 zip code or those whose parents are active members of the Chamber. Go to their website for details. blythewoodchamber.com/scholarships  Applications must be postmarked by April 14. To Celebrate Black History Month, Regions Bank has a great opportunity for high school seniors and college students who are looking for scholarship money and have been inspired by an African-American. They are offering $5000 and $3500 scholarships to thirty two winners of an essay contest.  Go to regions.com/ridingforward for the rules of the contest.  Essays are due by February 26. Town Hall will be closed February 16 in observance of Presidents' Day.  We will reopen Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00. A BIG Thank You for the new flags at Town Hall.  The ROTC students from Blythewood and Westwood High Schools did a stellar job along with their Commanders  in presenting these new flags to the town.   Thursday, February 12 Blythewood and Westwood High Schools  will host their third annual Work Skills in Action dinner at the Cyber Cafe at Blythewood High from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. There will be music, a silent auction, prize drawings, dancing, heavy hor d'oeuvres and a showcase of the transition students' work skills.  The food will be provided by the Blythewood High school Culinary Arts Department under Chef Tom Sedio.  Tickets are $24 and all the proceeds will support the Special Services Activities at the two high schools. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sarah Park, Transition Specialist at Blythewood High School at spark@richland2.org or call 691-4090 ext. 28026 or Anne Ediger, Transition Specialist at Westwood High School at aediger@richland2.org or 691-4049 ext. 36506. Sunday, February 15 there will be a free girls' preseason Lacrosse Clinic at Doko Meadows from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. College coaches and former collegiate players will coach the girls.  Registration is required and all participants under the age of 19 must register before February 13. Go to www.southerncollegeshowcases.com to register or call Kathy at 734-476-4046. Tuesday, February 17, 5:45 - 6:15 Westwood High School's Tech.B@r is offering free technology classes to the community.  These courses are taught by the Tech. St@ff students.  The first class is a half hour introduction to Google Gmail and Google Calendar.  Computers will be provided, but space is limited to 20 participants.   The Blythewood Arts Center is offering 2 new classes. An  Acrylic Painting Class  is on- going  for the next 6 weeks.        Call to register and get a list of needed materials. Taught by Rita Smith.   Click to Register or contact Laura Coulter at lcoulter@richland2.org.      Friday, February 13th, there is a Basket Weaving Class taught by Bonnie Geiger.  The cost is $45 and the  materials  are included. Call  550-9323 or come by the Art Center to sign up at 152-B Blythewood Road. Friday, February 20 starting at 7:00 at the Langford-Nord House, the Blythewood Historical Society  will present Wade Dorsey.  Blythewood's resident historian will  takes us back 150 years to Sherman's march through the Midlands after the burning of Columbia in February 1865. This march went from Columbia to Ridgeway, with the greater Blythewood area right in their path of destruction.  If you want to learn more about this historical event and how Columbia is commemorating it, visit www.burningofcolumbia.com. Plus there is an interesting "Burning of Columbia"  project on February 17th in front of the State Capitol on Main Street .  If you are interested to be a participant and active creative contributor to "Crossings" a Performance Art Event go to http://burningofcolumbia.com/upcoming-event/crossings-an-art-performance-event-participant-meeting/  Now You Know....Rudy Mancke referred to the  groundhog as a whistle pig.  I heard that name a second time the same day on television. Lori, one of our wonderful  Blythewood librarians was the first to answer the question and will receive a treat from Town Hall. Do You  Know...Lori wrote in her email about the Whistle Pig that she has lots of trivia floating around in her head. So how about some Valentines Day trivia?  Groundhog Day was originally observed on February 14. The Valentines Day "Conversationial Heart" candy has a shelf life of 5 years. Valentines Day is a $14.7 billion dollar industry in the U.S. Receiving a kiss on Valentines Day is considered to bring good luck all year!( Hope you get lots of them!) The Town of Blythewood's Municipal Clerk is getting married on Valentines Day!  Congratulations from all your friends and family in the Town of Blythewood!

Businesses... Save the Date: April 22nd, 8am to 1pm !

The First Blythewood Small Business Owners Conference

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8am to 1pm

Doko Manor 171 Langford Road

Blythewood, SC 29016

More Information Coming Soon !!

This Weekend in Blythewood February 5th-7th

Westwood High School is having their annual Yard Sale, February 7,  from 7 A.M. to 11 A.M

This Weekend in Blythewood February 5th, 6th & 7th JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) cadets from both Blythewood and Westwood High Schools will be leading a flag ceremony at Blythewood Town Hall on Wednesday, February 11, starting at 11:00 AM. The ceremony, to be held in the flag circle in front of Town Hall, will involve retiring the weathered United States and South Carolina flags and raising new flags. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony. Save the Dates... "Celebrating Blythewood African Americans through Honor and the Arts". The Town of Blythewood is proud to announce that it will sponsor a 2015 Black History Celebration Program for the Community with the help of the Historical Society, Community Organizations, Churches and businesses. February 20 at 7 p.m..,  the original play "Waves", written by  Dr. Constella Hines Zimmerman will be performed at Doko Manor.  February 27 at 7 p.m.,  a  Black Honoree Program at the Manor will recognize Blythewood  community members for their leadership and contributions to the community and various career fields. February 28 at 6 p.m., there will be a Blythewood Community Choir Concert and a special performance by the Bethel Baptist Church Praise and Worship Dance Team performing a Gospel Celebration.  For more information contact Booth Chilcutt at chilcuttb@townofblythewoodsc.gov or Dr. Constella Hines Zimmerman at drscontella@gmail.com ADVENTURES IN LEARNING-This is the beginning of a Shepherd Center program in  Blythewood.  We will host the six week program on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 5th at Trinity United Methodist Church Youth Center. The cost is $25, and you can take either one or two courses for that tuition amount. The class will meet from 9:30 until noon on consecutive Thursdays from Feb.5-March 12th. The courses scheduled are as follows: Basic Exercise for Seniors ( held in the CLC gym), Creative Writing, Beginning Dulcimer, Mexican Dominoes, Chrismons (will be making and studying about Chrismons), Genealogy (bring ipad/laptop if possible), and Basic Drawing/Sketching (need to bring 11x14 sketchpad and small set (3-6 assorted lead pencils from Michaels or Hobby Lobby). After classes a catered lunch from Scottie's will be offered for those who sign up for $6. For more information go to www.TrinityBlythewood.com or call Kathy Griffin at 786-1637 Ext. 18.     The Blythewood High School Education Foundation is hosting a Flap jack Fundraiser at Applebee’s, 10102 Two Notch Road , Columbia  on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 8:00-10:00 am. Breakfast included a short stack of pancakes, sausage and beverages. Tickets are $7.00 each and available in the main office at the school. The Leo Club has volunteered to help sell tickets during lunch each day. Please make checks payable to BHS Education Foundation. Last year, the BHS Education Foundation provided $17, 500 in scholarships to seniors to help them further their education. In addition to scholarships, the Education Foundation also provides funding for other initiatives to benefit all the students at BHS. We are currently gearing up to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Blythewood High School later this year.  Westwood High School still needs families to host 30  French exchange students and 5 teachers April 6-16, 2015. For more information about hosting a student or a teacher email  http://goo.gl/forms/di16F2ntr4  or to volunteer for the event at WHS contact  Cheryl Guy at 691-4049  ext. 36116. To Celebrate Black History Month, Regions Bank has a great opportunity for high school seniors and college students who are looking for scholarship money and have been inspired by an African-American. They are offering $5000 and $3500 scholarships to thirty two winners of an essay contest.  Go to regions.com/ridingforward for the rules of the contest.  Doko Manor is still the hot spot in Blythewood for week-end events. Spread the word that it is a great place for week day business meetings or conferences as well.   Just give Town Hall a call to check availability and details to rent this great venue for parties, receptions, showers and business meetings.  754-0501  Westwood High School is having their annual Yard Sale, February 7,  from 7 A.M. to 11 A.M.     Tuesday, February 17, 5:45 - 6:15 Westwood High School's Tech.B@r is offering free technology classes to the community.  These courses are taught by the Tech. St@ff students.  The first class is a half hour introduction to Google Gmail and Google Calendar.  Computers will be provided, but space is limited to 20 participants. Register at www.tinyurl.com/WHSTechClass1 or contact Laura Coulter at lcoulter@richland2.org.    The Blythewood Arts Center is offering 2 new classes. An  Acrylic Painting Class  is on- going  for the next 6 weeks.        Call to register and get a list of needed materials. Taught by Rita Smith    Friday, February 13th, there is a Basket Weaving Class taught by Bonnie Geiger.  The cost is $45 and the  materials  are included. Call  550-9323 or come by the Art Center to sign up at 152-B Blythewood Road. Don't Forget...Blythewood Library has a Family Storytime each Friday from 10:30 to 11 for kids of all ages. Saturday, February 7 from 10:30-11:30  the Blythewood Teen Book Club will meet. Share your favorite books and learn what others are reading.  Ages 13-18.  Wednesday, February 11, 10:30 -11. Hands on Art  for 3 to 5 year olds. Dress for a mess and join us for stories and simple art activities. Friday, February 20 starting at 7:00 at the Langford-Nord House, the Blythewood Historical Society  will present Wade Dorsey.  Blythewood's resident historian will  takes us back 150 years to Sherman's march through the Midlands after the burning of Columbia in February 1865. This march went from Columbia to Ridgeway, with the greater Blythewood area right in their path of destruction.  If you want to learn more about this historical event and how Columbia is commemorating it, visit www.burningofcolumbia.com. Now You Know.... J. Gordon Coogler  was called a "lover of words" by Bill McDonald at the recent Historical Society event. The formal word for this is logophile, a Greek word.  Shirley B. was the first to correctly answer the question and will receive a treat from Town Hall. Do You Know...I heard Rudy Mancke talk about the groundhog seeing his shadow.  He said groundhogs are also called woodchucks as we all know. There is one more name he mentioned which is a new one to me.  If you know this unusual name for a groundhog please email kellym@townofblythewoodsc.gov and if you are the first to answer correctly I will have a treat for you at Town Hall. Thaniks as always, for reading the newsletter!

This Weekend in Blythewood January 29th-31st

The Gamecock Equestrian Team begins the spring portion of its schedule on Saturday, when South Carolina hosts SMU at 10 a.m at One Wood Farm (1201 Syrup Mill Road). Prior to Saturday's meet, the team will present Mayor Mike Ross, University of South Carolina president Harris Pastides, and athletics director Ray Tanner with their 2014 SEC Equestrian Championship rings. 

This Weekend in Blythewood January 29th, 30th and 31st Coming soon... "Celebrating Blythewood African Americans through Honor and the Arts". The Town of Blythewood is proud to announce that it will sponsor a 2015 Black History Celebration Program for the community.  The original play "Waves", written by a Blythewood resident will be performed at Doko Manor in February.  More information coming... Looking for something to do?  We have some great classes at The Art Center in Blythewood.        Basket Weaving  - January 30th from  9:30 - 4:30. The cost is $60 and includes all materials. The class will be taught by Bonnie Geiger.        Acrylic Painting - February 3rd for 6 weeks The cost is  $135 and the class will be taught by Rita Smith.    Call or come by The Art Center to sign up.  152-B Blythewood Road or call 803-550-9323 ADVENTURES IN LEARNING-This is the beginning of a Shepherd Center program in  Blythewood.  Shepherd Center is a nationally non-profit community-based program for older adults run by older adults. It is about sharing, learning, fun, socialization, and keeping active, both mentally and physically We will host the six week program on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 5th at Trinity United Methodist Church. The cost is $25, and you can take either one or two courses for that tuition amount. The class will meet from 9:30 until noon on consecutive Thursdays from Feb.5-March 12th. The courses scheduled are as follows: Basic Exercise for Seniors, Creative Writing, Beginning Dulcimer, Mexican Dominoes, Chrismons (will be making and studying about Chrismons), Genealogy (bring ipad/laptop if possible), and Basic Drawing/Sketching (need to bring 11x14 sketchpad and small set (3-6 assorted lead pencils from Michaels or Hobby Lobby). After classes a catered lunch from Scottie's will be offered for those who sign up for $6. For more information go to www.TrinityBlythewood.com or call Kathy Griffin at 786-1637 Ext. 18.   Thanks to all the people who have called to sponsor a french exchange student! About half of the group has been sponsored so far.  The students and teachers will be in the homes for 7 days, but will be away for the weekends.  Spread the word!  Westwood High School needs families to host 30  French exchange students and 5 teachers April 6-16, 2015. For more information about hosting a student or a teacher email  http://goo.gl/forms/di16F2ntr4  or to volunteer for the event at WHS contact  Cheryl Guy at 691-4049  ext. 36116.    Do You Know?....  Last Friday night, the Blythewood Historical Society hosted a wonderful J. Gordon Coogler event. Bill McDonald gave an interesting talk about Coogler and  Kelley Lannigan did a beautiful job reading several Coogler poems. (Plus the reception was fabulous with great food and wonderful people). Mr. McDonald called J. Gordon Coogler a "lover of words". If you know the formal word for a "lover of words" send an email to kellym@townofblythewoodsc.gov. The first person to know the answer will receive a treat from Town Hall. Mark Your Calendar The Gamecock Equestrian Team begins the spring portion of its schedule on Saturday, when South Carolina hosts SMU at 10 a.m at One Wood Farm (1201 Syrup Mill Road). Prior to Saturday's meet, the team will present Mayor Mike Ross, University of South Carolina president Harris Pastides, and athletics director Ray Tanner with their 2014 SEC Equestrian Championship rings. The Gamecocks (4-2, 2-1 SEC) are ranked No. 3 in the country, making Carolina the highest ranked SEC equestrian program. The Gamecocks closed out the fall semester winning four straight meets, and South Carolina has not lost a regular season spring meet since March 9, 2013. Admission is free to all home equestrian meets. The Gamecocks will be at home two more times during the spring - Feb. 28 vs. Auburn at 10 a.m. for the team's annual Equifest Kids Day, and March 6 vs. Baylor at 2 p.m. in the final meet of the regular season. Saturday, January 31 the boys' Blythewood High School Lacross Team will hold a  benefit pancake breakfast from 8 until 10 at Scottie's Grill . The cost is $8 in advance or $10 at the door.  Call Dennis Gillan at 727-4301 for more information or to purchase tickets.   Come join the Westwood High School family at their annual yard sale.       It's that time of year for our High School Seniors to look for resources to help pay for college. Applications for the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce scholarships are available from guidance counselors at the local high schools or on the chamber website at www.blythewoodchamber.com. If you live in the Blythwood zip code area or your parents are active members of the chamber you can apply. Every little bit helps!   Don't Forget...Blythewood Library has a Family Storytime each Friday from 10:30 to 11 for kids of all ages. Tuesday, February 3 from 3:30-4:15 join   us for The Mystery of the Mixed-Up Books.  For ages 6-8 and 9-12. If you haven't been on the Blythewood Library  website, it is wonderful! www.blythewoodnet.net/np-richland-county-public-library-blythewood-branch.htm. There is a calendar of events posting the many events they have for specific ages.  Plus, the Main Library website lists all the free classes and events opened to the public. A great way to spend a winter day and learn something new!  Doko Manor is still the hot spot in Blythewood for week-end events. Spread the word that it is a great place for week day business meetings or conferences as well.   Just give Town Hall a call to check availability and details to rent this great venue for parties, receptions, showers and business meetings.  754-0501