This Weekend in Blythewood February 26th-28th

The University of South Carolina equestrian will host SEC rival Auburn on Saturday at One Wood Farm (located at 1201 Syrup Mill Road). Saturday's meet begins at 10 a.m. and admission is free.

This Weekend in Blythewood February 26th, 27th & 28th   The news on the street this week was that our Blythewood Historian, Wade Dorsey, did an excellent job telling the facts/story of the "Burning of Columbia" and the march through Blythewood. The Historical Society had their largest crowd for the talk last Friday night. Mary Ellen T. and others served gumbo soup and cornbread to the guests who I'm sure will be back for more events! So hard to be in 2 places at one time!  "Celebrating Blythewood African Americans through Honor and the Arts". The play "Waves" was well received by a great crowd at Westwood High School last Friday night.  Congratulations to all the people who worked so hard to present this play for Black History Month. And a big thank you to the Westwood students and staff for the wonderful food and facility. 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. All the events are free to the public. For more information contact Booth Chilcutt at chilcuttb@townofblythewoodsc.gov or Dr. Constella Hines Zimmerman at drscontella@gmail.com 2ND Annual Beginnings Fore Kids Golf Classic Cobblestone Park, Blythewood, Friday, March 20, 2015.  Grab your clubs and  your best golfing friends and come out  for a great day of golf for a good cause. The tournament starts at 10:30 with registration, practice on the driving range and putting greens and a box lunch.  An Awards Ceremony and a celebration meal will follow at the end of the day. All proceeds benefit programs supporting parents of deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.  For more information go to www.scbegin.org.. Registration ends March 16. Forms available at Town Hall in Blythewood or contact Cara Senterfeit at 803-463-8526 or email CSenterfeit@scbegin.org.  Don't forget about the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce Scholarships being offered to high school seniors who live or attend a high school in the 29016 zip code area 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. Westwood High School is still in need of a few families to host the French exchange students and teachers April 6-16. The students will be in the homes for 7 days, but gone on the week-ends.  Call Dr. Cheryl Guy at 691-4049 ext. 36116 for more information.   Thanks to the local newspapers for doing such a great job in recognizing the students, teachers, adminstrators  and community members for their many accomplishments!  We really have so much to be greatful for in Blythewood due to the great work ethic, creativity and wonderful attitudes of the people in our community.  The University of South Carolina equestrian has two more home meets left in the 2014-15 season. The Gamecocks (7-3, 3-2 SEC) will host SEC rival Auburn on Saturday at One Wood Farm (located at 1201 Syrup Mill Road). Saturday's meet begins at 10 a.m. and admission is free. The Gamecocks have won seven of their last eight competitions and defeated Auburn in the fall. Carolina will be hosting its annual Equifest Kids Day on Saturday, an event that is free of charge. Activities include horseshoe decorating, feeding the horses, t-shirt giveaways, barn tours, and a coloring station. The Gamecocks will close out the regular season on Friday, March 6 when Carolina hosts No. 1 Baylor. The Blythewood High School Drama Students are performing "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on  February 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.  Tickets are $10 each and available in the main office or at the door the nights of the performances.  The funds raised will help pay for a trip for the drama students to represent South Carolina in the Regional Theatre Competition in Chattanooga, Tennessee in March.  For more information contact  the Booster Club president, Robyn Owens at robynyowens@hotmail.com  There are 2 free tickets at Town Hall for the Saturday night performance at 7 p.m.  for the first person to come and get it!   Fort Jackson Needs You!  Thursday, February 26, join a crowd of military supporters for a Save Our Fort Community Listening session at Shandon Baptist Church from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.   Ft. Jackson is a tremendous community partner and a $2.6 billion economic treasure. The U.S. Army Assessment Team will be in Columbia on February 26 to hear and see the support  as our "Most Military Friendly Community in America" stands behind Ft. Jackson.  Please go to SaveOurFort@columbiachamber.com  to sign the petition or for more information. Now you Know...The "Drummer Boy" who is buried in the Sandy Level Baptist Church Cemetry was William Woodward Macon, 1845- 1909.  He joined the Confederate Army in Alabama at age 16 and later married the pastor's daughter, Sarah Vann, from Sandy Level Church in Blythewood/Doko.  Pastor R.R. Vann's house was one of many burned by Sherman's Army, although Sandy Level Church was undamaged.  Sherman's Army left the Doko Community is shambles according to the Blythewood Scrapbook.It took many years to rebuild homes and stores, as well as to replace the many stolen or shot livestock taken by Sherman's Army.   The Hoffman House was another building ransacked by the soldiers.  As I sit here writing this (in the Hoffman House),  I can't imagine what that must have been  like  to the people in Doko.  Now zoom ahead to 1938-1939... The Blythe -Words Newsletter of 1938 reported that a large crowd  gathered in the school auditorium to watch a "moving picture".  It was a "thrilling, fast western movie", "Romance on the Range". (Did they have a rating for this movie?) The monies made helped send members of the senior class to Washington D.C.  Blythewood was hopping even in 1938! To read more go to the Historical Society's website, www.historyofblythewood.com and click on Historical Documents...School Papers...Blythe-Words...Class of 1938-1939. Thanks to the community members who have called about the park benches.  We would love one more playground park bench. The bench costs $600 and includes an engraved plaque. A few more benches for the walking path are also needed and cost $1000 each.  An engraved plaque could be placed on the bench " In memory of..." or " In Honor of..." . We had the wonderful McLees family donate to the cause and want to extend that invitation to the community.  Call 754-0501 for information or to request a bench.

This Weekend in Blythewood February 19th-21st

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.

This Weekend in Blythewood February 19th, 20th & 21st A short month with a lot going on...  "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. All the events are free to the public. For more information contact Booth Chilcutt at chilcuttb@townofblythewoodsc.gov or Dr. Constella Hines Zimmerman at drscontella@gmail.com   Don't Forget...Saturday Breakfast treat! 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.  Don't forget about the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce Scholarships being offered to high school seniors  in the 29016 zip code area 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. Last week to submit an essay to Regions Bank for a great scholarship. 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.  ...to Carlisle Carrington Cooper, the 2015 Miss South Carolina High School America winner. Carlisle is a sophomore at Blythewood High School and the reigning 2015 Miss Sophomore and the 2015 Miss Blythewood High School Pageant Fundraiser Queen. She will represent the State of S.C. in the National High School Pageant title in July.  ...and to the !st place USC Equestrian Team!  The Gamecocks will meet Texas A&M at College Station on February 21. The Blythewood High School Drama Students are performing "A Midsummers Night's Dream" on  February 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.  Tickets are $10 each and available in the main office.  The funds raised will help pay for a trip for the drama students to represent South Carolina in the Regional Theatre Competition in Chattanooga, Tennessee in March.  For more information contact  the Booster Club president, Robyn Owens at robynyowens@hotmail.com Fort Jackson Needs You!  Thursday, February 26, join a crowd of military supporters for a Save Our Fort Community Listening session at Shandon Baptist Church from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Once again Fort Jackson is on the list for the U.S. Army budget cuts which  greatly impacts our area.  Over 3,100 jobs could be cut with an immediate loss of $189 million in income throughout the Midlands and a huge reduction in sales revenue ($286 million). Ft. Jackson is a tremendous community partner and a $2.6 billion economic treasure. The U.S. Army Assessment Team will be in Columbia on February 26 to hear and see the support  as our "Most Military Friendly Community in America" stands behind Ft. Jackson.  Please go to SaveOurFort@columbiachamber.com for more information. The Blythewood Arts Center is offering an Acrylic Painting Class  for the next 4  weeks. Call  550-9323 or come by the Art Center to sign up at 152-B Blythewood Road. You are cordially invited to a Wine and Cheese Drop- in at the Blythewood Art Center February 24 from 5:00 to 7:00. If you haven't been to see the wonderful art work and gifts at the Arts Center now is a great time to drop in and support the artists in our town!  And check out their new sign 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. Do You Know...  Who is the "Drummer Boy" buried in the Sandy Level Baptist Church Cemetery?  This man was born in 1845 in Alabama.  He joined the Confederate Army at age 16 as the drummer boy for Co. H. 2nd Alabama Infantry.  After the war between the states, he married a South Carolina girl whose father was the pastor of Sandy Level Church.  He and his wife raised 6 children in Fairfield County.  He died in 1909 and was buried in Blythewood.  If you know the answer, be the first to email kellym@townofblythewoodsc.gov and receive a treat from the Town Hall. Thinking of helping out the Town?  We would love one more playground park bench ($600) and a few more benches ($1000) for the walking path. We had the wonderful McLees family donate to the cause and want to extend thatinvitation to the community.

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!