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

This Weekend in Blythewood, January 22nd-24th

January 22nd begins the annual  J.Gordon Coogler Poetry Celebration at Doko Manor starting at 6:00 p.m. Join our Blythewood students as they share their original poems written in the Coogler style.

This Weekend in Blythewood January 22nd, 23rd & 24th Welcome Poets and Writers, One and All... Coming soon... "Celebrating Blythewood African Americans through Honor and the Arts".  More to come about the Town of Blythewood's Black History Month with original plays, awards and more! The Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce will host a "Lunch-n-Learn",  Leadership Blythewood  Event, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Cobblestone Park Clubhouse.  Charlotte Berry, national chair of Volunteers for the American Red Cross will be the guest speaker.The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  Cobblestone Park Golf Club will cater    a buffet lunch.  To register visit the Eventbrite link at www.blythewoodchamber.com 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. 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.   Thanks to all the people who have called Bill McCormick to sponsor a french student! Spread the word!  Westwood High School needs families to host 59 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 Bill McCormick, Denise Pearman or Cheryl Guy at 691-4049.  Mark Your Calendar J. Gordon Coogler Festival January 22-24 Get ready for some wonderful POETRY in Blythewood, sponsored in partnership with the Blythewood Historical Society and Bravo Blythewood. January 22nd begins the annual  J.Gordon Coogler Poetry Celebration at Doko Manor starting at 6:00 p.m. Join our Blythewood students as they share their original poems written in the Coogler style. John English will MC the event. Next is a Book Event celebrating Coogler's Poetry "Purely Original Verse" . To commemorate Coogler's contributions to Blythewood history, the Historical Society will be hosting an educational program on Friday, January 23, at the Langford-Nord House starting at 7:00 PM. Writer and humorist Bill McDonald will explain how the events and culture of turn-of-the-century Columbia influenced Coogler's poetry. Mr. McDonald, a retired columnist for The State, participated in Blythewood's 1983 celebration of J. Gordon Coogler, during which the town celebrated the poet with a poetry contest, parade, and other festivities. Kelley Lannigan, a local creative writer, will read selections of Coogler's poetry. Refreshments will follow after the program. And then,  Saturday, January 24th the  Midlands Regional Poetry Out Loud High School Competition will be held  at 2:00 p.m. at Doko Manor. The winners from this event will attend the statewide Poetry event held on March 14 at the Columbia Museum of Art.  The State winner will then compete in Washington D.C. in April and receive $200, plus $500 for their school for the purchase of poetry books.   Check out the new benches as you walk the trail or visit the playground. Thanks for the new additions! 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 availablitiy and details to rent this great venue for parties, receptions, showers and business meetings.  754-0501

This Weekend in Blythewood January 15th-17th

Join Dawndy Mercer Plank, the Town of Blythewood in partnership with Westwood High School and the American Cancer Society, Sunday, January 18, for a kickoff celebration for the Relay for Life event. The celebration will be from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Manor at Doko Meadows.

This Weekend in Blythewood January 15th, 16th & 17th Join Dawndy Mercer Plank, the Town of Blythewood in partnership with Westwood High School and the American Cancer Society, Sunday, January 18, for a kickoff celebration for the Relay for Life event. The celebration will be from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Manor at Doko Meadows. Community volunteers are needed to assist the American Cancer Society in planning the event as well as participating on the day of the Relay.  Visit online at relayforlife.org/blythewoodsc or call Stephanie Reedy at the local American Cancer Society office at 750-1693 if you would like to help in this community-based event. The Relay for Life event will be held on Friday, May 8 from 6 p.m. until midnight on the track at Westwood High School. Westwood High School needs families to host 59 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 Bill McCormick, Denise Pearman or Cheryl Guy at 691-4049.  New Year, New Hours... Business hours for the historic Langford-Nord House in Blythewood (home of the Blythewood Historical Society) are now Wednesday, noon to 4:00 PM, and by appointment.  For more information, call 333-8133.  J. Gordon Coogler Facts...Did you Know... James Gordon Coogler was born in Blythewood, (known then as Doko) in 1865.  He is best known as a poet, print shop owner (on East Lady Street in Columbia) and a son of Blythewood. In 1894, he was hired by the Rambler Bicycle Company to write a poem for their annual catalog and by 1897 he had sold 2,500 copies of the five editions of his poetry. Mr. Coogler was "welll respected in the community and admired for his positive, sincere and heartfelt verse". Join us at the Langford-Nord House, January 23 at 7:00 to learn more. Town Hall will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.  We will reopen on Tuesday, January 20, at 8:00 a.m. Mark Your Calendar Blythewood Arts Center is offering a painting class on January 20. Join Christy Buchanan for a paint party from 6:30 to 8:30. The cost is  $45 for the class and all the materials, with a masterpiece for you to take home! Then on January 21, Bonnie Geiger will teach a Basket Weaving Class from 10 a.m. until 4:30.  The cost is $60. For more information contact Jean Bell at 550-9323. Get ready for some wonderful POETRY in Blythewood, sponsored in partnership with the Blythewood Historical Society and Bravo Blythewood. J. Gordon Coogler Festival January 22-24 January 22nd begins the annual  J.Gordon Coogler Poetry Celebration at Doko Manor starting at 6:00 p.m. Join our Blythewood students as they share their original poems written in the Coogler style. John English will MC the event. Next is a Book Event celebrating Coogler's Poetry "Purely Original Verse" . To commemorate Coogler's contributions to Blythewood history, the Historical Society will be hosting an educational program on Friday, January 23, at the Langford-Nord House starting at 7:00 PM. Writer and humorist Bill McDonald will explain how the events and culture of turn-of-the-century Columbia influenced Coogler's poetry. Mr. McDonald, a retired columnist for The State, participated in Blythewood's 1983 celebration of J. Gordon Coogler, during which the town celebrated the poet with a poetry contest, parade, and other festivities. Kelley Lannigan, a local creative writer, will read selections of Coogler's poetry. Refreshments will follow after the program. And then,  Saturday, January 24th the  Midlands Regional Poetry Out Loud High School Competition will be held  at 2:00 p.m. at Doko Manor. The winners from this event will attend the statewide Poetry event held on March 14 at the Columbia Museum of Art.  The State winner will then compete in Washington D.C. in April and receive $200, plus $500 for their school for the purchase of poetry books.

2014-2015 South Carolina State Poetry Out Loud Midlands Finals Competition to be Held in Blythewood on February 24, 2015

Blythewood’s Community-Based Cultural Arts Organization

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2014-2015 South Carolina State Poetry Out Loud Midlands Finals Competition

to be Held in Blythewood on February 24, 2015

The Blythewood-based Region 2 (SC Midlands Regional) Poetry Out Loud competition will be held on Saturday, January 24 at Blythewood’s Doko Manor Convention Center.  Nine students representing five South Carolina midlands counties will be competing to represent Region 2 in the South Carolina State Finals.  Three of the participating students will be selected as finalists and will represent Region 2 (Midlands Region) in the South Carolina Poetry Out Loud final competition on March 15, 2014 at the Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, South Carolina.  The Blythewood–based Region 2 Poetry Out Loud competition is sponsored by Bravo Blythewood, Blythewood’s community-based cultural arts organization, in partnership with the University of South Carolina Division of Arts and Letters.  The public, family and friends of the contestants are cordially invited to attend the Region 2 final competition at Blythewood’s Doko Manor Convention Center.  The competition will start at 2:00pm and should conclude by 4:00pm.  There will be a public reception following the competition.  Classical music, performed by students from Columbia’s Freeway Music Studio will be played prior to the event, as well as during the intermissions between the rounds of the poetry competition as well as doing the post event reception.

Region 2 includes the following counties: Edgefield, Saluda, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Darlington, Marlboro, Aiken, Lexington, Richland, Sumter, Florence, Marion, Dillon, Calhoun.

The three finalists from South Carolina’s three regions (Lowcountry, Midlands and Upstate) will advance to the South Carolina state finals in Columbia at the Columbia Museum of Art on March 14, 2015. The state champion will receive $200, a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books for their school library, and an all-expense paid trip to national finals.   A runner up will also receive $100 and their library will receive a $200 poetry book stipend.  Winners from the individual state level competitions will advance to the national finals on April 29-30, 2015 in Washington, D.C.  

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest created in 2005 by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage while gaining an appreciation of poetry. Last year more than 200,000 students in all U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands competed. The winner received a $20,000 scholarship.

The Poetry Out Loud State Finals are sponsored by the South Carolina Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation.  The partners include the Hub City Writers Project, HUB-BUB, the Lowcountry Initiative for the Literary Arts, the College of Charleston School for Humanities and Social Sciences, Bravo Blythewood, Blythewood’s community-based cultural arts organization, the University of South Carolina Division of Arts and Letters, the Columbia Museum of Art, The Humanities Council SC, and Speaking of Schools hosted by Doug Keel, supported by the South Carolina Department of Education. 

§  Contacts and additional Information:  Booth Chilcutt, Jr., Board of Directors-Bravo Blythewood at (803) 468-2389 or chilcuttb@townofblythewoodsc.gov. , Dr. Ray McManus, Associate Professor of English, USC Sumter at  (803) 938-3817 or raymcmanus@sc.rr.com