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!