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