Columbia Star

A new vision for Haiti

Contributed by Jim Covington and from reports from Dr. Hal Crosswell — 01/09/2009

Early Tuesday morning David Singletary drove the Methodist Volunteers in Mission's Eye Team to the Columbia airport. The team landed in Port- au- Prince, Haiti, and boarded a small plane for Jeremie, 125 miles from Port- au- Prince, where it is staffing an eye clinic for the people of the village for about two weeks.

Laugh and cry

01/09/2009

Photo by Donna Harvey Evelyn Clary and Tiffany Dinsmore in Town Theatre's Steel Magnolias, which runs January 16- 31 at 8 pm each night. Call 799- 2510.

Early detection of Glaucoma may save sight

Contributed by South Carolina Optometric Association — 01/09/2009

Glaucoma, often called "the sneak thief of sight" because it can strike without pain or other symptoms, is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Americans - 91 percent - incorrectly believe glaucoma is preventable, according to the newest survey by the American Optometric Association (AOA).

The potato's reputation has been mashed

From the Mayo Clinic Health Letter — 01/09/2009

Pity the poor potato. In recent years, the lowly spud has gotten a bad rap, undeservedly so, according to the November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Criticisms have ranged from high carbohydrate count to its role as a magnet for high- fat toppings that add calories.

New view of kidney stones

University of Wisconsin Health Public Affairs — 01/09/2009

New research at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health shows that calcium supplements may help prevent kidney stones. That's good news for kidney- stone sufferers who like to eat. It means they can have that spinach and beet salad, followed by strawberryrhubarb pie, as long as they take a calcium supplement with dinner.

Free Screening for Kidney Disease

01/09/2009

The National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina will bring a free community health screening from 9 am- 12 pm at the First Christian Church, located, 2062 Beltline Blvd., Columbia. Participants will be tested for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and a urinalysis for protein. The screening is open to anyone in the community over 18 years of age.

We resolve to walk our humans and avoid the B-A-T-H

By John Dixon — 01/09/2009

The humans in our pack have long since ceased the making of New Year's resolutions, having found the practice an exercise in futility. For years we made noble resolutions with every idea of keeping them. However despite our best intentions, we rarely, if ever, managed to see them through.

Animal Protection League named 2008 Angel

Contributed by APL — 01/09/2009

Donors can be confident that the Animal Protection League is a good steward of their financial gifts. Because 93.

Doggone days of summer camp

Contributed by PAALS — 01/09/2009

PAALS, Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services and Richland County Recreation Commission (RCRC) are hosting two weeks of service dog camp for youth for the summer of 2009 at Crane Creek Community Center in Columbia. Beginner Camp will run July 20- July 24, 2009.

Briefs

by John Temple Ligon — 01/09/2009

Trade S.C. exports pump almost $14 billion into the state economy annually, supporting employment and generating billions in state and local taxes. Only the state of Washington has a higher percentage of export jobs supported by manufacturing. The state's big- dollar exports include vehicles, rubber products, and electrical machinery.

Don't expectorate too much

By John Temple Ligon temple@thecolumbiastar.com — 01/09/2009

A California company, 23andME, staged a presentation at Still Hopes on Friday, January 2, to an audience of about 50 with a rough mix of half visitors and half residents. The message, though, was wholly new. The company's business plan includes world- wide solicitations for saliva and money in exchange for DNA analyses.

Stamp and Postcard Show January 24- 25

By Bill Chisolm bchisolm@sc.rr.com — 01/09/2009

The Columbia Philatelic Society's Winter Stamp and Postcard Show will be held at Spring Valley High School January 24 and 25, 2009. This annual event will feature 14 stamp and postcard dealers from around the southeast who will have a large stock of stamps, covers, postcards, and collecting supplies for sale.

Meet Cayce's first female Mayor

01/09/2009

Meet Mayor Elise Partin Tuesday, January 20 from 5-6 pm at an informal social gathering to be held at the West Metro Chamber office 1006 12th Street in Cayce, SC 29033. Mayor Partin is the first female Mayor in Cayce's history and was elected to office in November.

Gene Rountree of Food Service Inc.

By John Temple Ligon temple@thecolumbiastar.com — 01/09/2009

In major manufacturing plants there is the need for employee food service, both vending and serving. Lexington- based Food Service Inc. caters to the people on the industrial floor across South Carolina during their breaks, at lunchtime, and whenever else there is an attack of the munchies.

Folks about town

01/09/2009

Br ian and Cather ine Thornton have joined Exit Agape Real Estate Services in its new West Columbia office. Kristin Maguire will serve as the South Carolina's State Board of Education's new chair, and Tim Moore will serve as chair- elect for 2009.

Nelson Mullins named a Go- To Law Firm

Contributed by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough — 01/09/2009

Five of the nation's largest companies have named Nelson Mullins GR oil - eTyo &La Swc Fa irrbmorough a for intellectual property and litigation in surveys conducted by Incisive Media (formerly ALM), a leading global provider of specialized business news and information.

New hotel comes to Columbia

Contributed by The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism — 01/09/2009

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) announced the opening of Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott hotel located in Columbia, S.C. January 5 . The new Fairfield Inn and Suites hotel represents a new concept within the lodging industry; a hotel that combines traditional guest rooms with signature suites.

McCrary speaks to DGI in Dubai

Contributed by StrategicPartner, Inc. — 01/09/2009

Bill McCrary, founder and CEO of StrategicPartner, Inc., was a speaker at the 23rd Annual Convention of Digital Graphics Group International (DGI) held November 11- 15 in Dubai, U.A.E.

Plowing, Praying, Paying, and Poisoning:

By Deborah Scott Brooks dsb1020@comcast.net — 01/09/2009

Almost 200 people attended the DeVeaux- Neal Rally at First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia Sunday, October 26, 2008, the first reunion since 1996. This article is the first of a series about stories that have been handed down about this Lower Richland family.

Who was Robert Burns?

Contributed by the Robert Burns Society of the Midlands — 01/09/2009

Robert Burns was born January 25, 1759, on the Carrick border of Scotland where singing songs and writing new ones were part of the local tradition. It was a great diversion to the drudgery of hard farm work. As his fame as national bard became established, Burns continued to write in his own Scots dialect, defying those who governed.

Petal Pushers Garden Club holds December meeting

Contributed by the Petal Pushers Garden Club — 01/09/2009

The December meeting of the Petal Pushers Garden Club was held at the Spring Valley Country Club. Hostesses were Frances Morris and Louise Grooms. After enjoying a delicious lunch, the fun began with a gift exchange.

Thirty-something speaks

Mike Maddock — 01/09/2009

I wore braces for three- and- a- half long years until finally, halfway through my junior year of high school, I begged my orthodontist and my mom to take them off. I had come to the conclusion that if my teeth weren't straight after nearly four years of tightening and re- tightening, then they were simply meant to be crooked.

Better check out your attic

01/09/2009

The Patricks live in a duplex apartment near Wilkes- Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania in a place called Plains Township. It's about 100 miles north of Philadelphia. Just before Christmas Mrs. Patrick begins hearing strange sounds, which she can't really identify.

It's not a criticism, it's an observation.

Mike Cox — 01/09/2009

Paula Creamer is a member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Things have changed in the LPGA. A new crop of golfer is filling the ranks; young, feminine, athletic players who are extremely talented and fun to watch. Creamer is in this group.

Business licenses for renting are ridiculous

01/09/2009

I think the City of Columbia's new idea to require a business license for anyone renting out a residential property is ridiculous. It's not the $11, but the principle. Let's think back to how this all began. Many months back, yet another murder occurred at a large housing complex that accepts federally subsidized Section 8 vouchers.

Griffins get Dreher in double overtime

Story and Photos by Josh Cruse — 01/09/2009

On Tuesday Night, January 6, Fairfield Central defeated the Dreher Blue Devils 90- 84 in double overtime. In a tight game, it was Anthony Craig who came up huge for Fairfield Central as the Griffins pulled out the big win. Dreher was led by Quayshun Hawkins who had 22 points, including two three- pointers in the first overtime to force the second overtime.

Highlanders start late but finish strong

Story and Photos by Mike Maddock — 01/09/2009

The Heathwood Hall Highlanders fell behind 14- 3 in the first period to the visiting Wilson Hall Barons, but came back to win 61- 57 in a hard fought battle Tuesday, January 6. Joseph James gave Heathwood Hall a 3- 0 lead to start the game, but rattled off 14 straight and led 17- 11 at the end of the first period of play.

Eagles, controversial calls sink Cards

By George Kaupp — 01/09/2009

Tristan Baxter scored 12 points to lead a balanced attack as the Kennedy Charter Eagles defeated the Cardinal Newman Cardinals 49- 46 in overtime on Tuesday, January 6 in Columbia. The Eagles, a Charlotte- based team, played strong defense, keeping the Cardinals out of their comfort zone for most of the game.

Painter completes masterpiece at Hall

Story and Photos by Mike Maddock — 01/09/2009

Kendall Painter scored 26 points to lead the visiting Wilson Hall Lady Barons over the Heathwood Hall Lady Highlanders 64- 49 Tuesday, January 6. Kristen Dickerson did all she could to help the Highlander effort scoring 30 of Heathwood Hall's 49 points, but the night belonged to Painter and the Lady Barons.

RNE National Honor Society inducts 48 new members

Contributed by Richland Northeast High School — 01/09/2009

Richland Northeast High School's John H. Hudgens Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 47 new members on January 7 at 7 pm in the Richland School District Two Auditorium.

Are they equivalent?

Contributed by Killian Elementary School — 01/09/2009

"Are they equivalent?" was the question of the day for students enrolled in Killian Elementary's Renaissance fifth grade math class taught collaboratively by Keithrick Alexander, Julie Sheehan, and Richard Handy. Students worked cooperatively to demonstrate their understanding of equivalent fractions using large sugar cookies.

SC student artwork featured in National Calendar

Contributed by American Printing House for the Blind — 01/09/2009

Each year the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) sponsors the APH InSights Art Competition and Exhibition, a contest for visually impaired and blind artists of all ages. This project reflects APH's mission to "promote the independence of blind persons" by encouraging individuals to create original art.

Midlands Technical College continuing education class schedule

Contributed by Midlands Technical College — 01/09/2009

The following continuing education classes are being offered at Midlands Technical College Inter ior Decorat ing, Beginning Harbison Campus, $179, class meets various times from January 12, 2009, to February 9, 2009. Fundamental theories of decorating are introduced enabling students to apply beginning skills.

Education facts at a glance

Contributed by the Census Bureau — 01/09/2009

Students 74.9 million — The number of people enrolled in school throughout the country—from nursery school to college. That amounts to more than one- fourth of the U.S. population age 3 and older.

On the Erie Canal

By Warner M. Montgomery warner@thecolumbiastar.com — 01/09/2009

Once we left Newark, the cold rain was replaced with warm sunshine. Our attitude toward the Erie Canal changed accordingly. Captain John rolled up the vinyl panels around the cockpit and took off his L.L.Bean slicker. I took up position in the bow seat while the women lazed in the galley. Life was good.

Through the Looking Glass

Contributed by The Symphony League — 01/09/2009

The Symphony League is a volunteer organization of more than 300 men and women who support the Philharmonic and work to promote an appreciation of the performing arts in the community through their volunteer efforts.

Holiday High Tea at Chez

01/09/2009

Judy Small

2009 Schedule of SC Philharmonic

01/09/2009

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009: Pops Series 1: Dancing with the Phil Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009: Master Series 4: Marina & Mozart Saturday, Feb.

Musical titans ring in 2009 with Philharmonic

Contributed by The South Carolina Philharmonic — 01/09/2009

The South Carolina Philharmonic gives 2009 a rousing welcome with the help of musical titans Marina Lomazov and Mozart at the Koger Center January 17 at 7:30 pm.

Columbia Guitar Orchestra to perform at Columbia Museum of Art

01/09/2009

The Columbia Guitar Orchestra will perform a free concert at the Columbia Museum of Art in the Lorrick Auditorium Friday, January 16 at 7 pm. The concert will feature classical and spanish guitar music with a mix of solo and orchestra performances. Admission to the concert is free and to visit Museum Galleries is free for members, $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 students and children under six are free. www.columbiaguitarorchestra.com.

Sundays at Lowman season finale

01/09/2009

Sundays at Lowman Piano Concert Series concludes its season on January 25 at 3:30 pm in the Daily Life Center's New Life Chapel. This final concert will feature a performance by world- renowned pianist Phillip Bush.

It's happening right here in your community

01/09/2009

-ANIMALS Friends of the Animals of APL Low County Cook- Out will be January 24, 6:30 pm- 10:30 pm, at the University House Parking Facility. 782- 5728.

Richland County Council elects new officers and holds the historic Picking of the Seats

By Mike Cox Cox-star@sc.rr.com — 01/09/2009

Roll call Chair Paul Livingston, Vice Chair Damon Jeter, Joyce Dickerson, Val Hutchinson, Norman Jackson, Gwendolyn Kennedy, Bill Malinowski, Jim Manning, Greg Pearce, Kit Smith, and Kelvin Washington were present at the Richland County Council meeting January 6, 2008.

West Columbia City Council approves bids

By Benjamin Higgins higginsb2@yahoo.com — 01/09/2009

Call to order The West Columbia City Council met on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 6 pm. All members were present: Mayor Bobby E. Horton, Mayor Pro- Tem Tommy Parler, Eric L. Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd Jones, Marsha Moore, Cathy Shannon and B.J. Unthank.

The Skipp Pearson Foundation to participate in inaugual festivities

Contributed by The Skipp Pearson Foundation — 01/09/2009

The Democratic Parties of South Carolina and New Hampshire will jointly celebrate the historic inauguration of President- elect Barack Obama and Vice- President elect Joe Biden with a Grits and Granite Inaugural Ball Tuesday, January 20, 2009, from 9 pm until 1 am, at the Fort Myer Officer's Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Final auction of delinquent properties

Contributed by County of Richland County Office of County Treasurer — 01/09/2009

The Richland County Treasurer's Office is conducting a sealed bid auction of the properties that were not sold at the Tax Sale in November 2008. It will be the largest sealed bid auction Richland County has conducted since records have been kept. Over three hundred properties that have not paid taxes since bills were issued in October 2007 will go to the highest bidder.

Public Notices

01/09/2009

NOTICE OF UNCLAIMED VEHICLES/PUBLIC SALE The following vehicles(s) are subject to towing, repair and/or storage liens, are declared to be abandoned pursuant to Section 56-5-5810, 56-5-5636 and 29-1540 SC Law as Amended,

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

01/09/2009

NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that M & D's Barbecue & Grill, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license/permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine, and Liquor at 7708 Fairfield Rd., Columbia, SC 29203.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CITY OF FOREST ACRES, SC

01/09/2009

Pursuant to improving public information, and in accordance with the S.C. Freedom of Information Act: GOVERNMENT: Forest Acres is governed by a City Council, consisting of the Mayor and four Council members elected for staggered four year terms during a general, nonpartisan election held in odd-numbered years.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

01/09/2009

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Richland County, the address of which is P.O.

Healthy greens for the New Year

By Arlene Marturano marturanoa@yahoo.com — 01/09/2009

Everything is coming up greens in Audrey Howell's winter garden in southeast Columbia. Last fall after she had harvested her summer crops, her son tilled under the plant debris and incorporated 10- 10- 10 fertilizer in the 30' x 70' plot.

Winter landscape brighteners

Contributed by HGTV.com — 01/09/2009

In lieu of summer's blazing color, many gardeners brace themselves for a winter of gray and brown, if not flat- out white.