Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Meet the Columbia recreation leader shaping more inclusive community programs

Also, don't miss Main Street Mimosa Festival™ – Columbia's Ultimate Day Party Experience on the Columbia Patch calendar

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What's up Columbia! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Meet the Columbia recreation leader shaping more inclusive community programs
  • How West Columbia's new Airbnb rules could change your next stay
  • What USC's record enrollment means for life in Columbia this fall

Also on today's calendar: Brown Horse @ The Senate and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 98 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 97, low: 73.
  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Best and Brightest: James Bowens (columbiabusinessmonthly.com) — A 35-year-old assistant recreation center supervisor with Richland County Recreation in Columbia describes how faith and service shape his work creating inclusive programs for all ages and abilities. He shares his definition of leadership, favorite Bible verse, and advice to his younger self, emphasizing perseverance, compassion, and building welcoming spaces for the local community.
   

2. West Columbia passes new regulations on short-term rentals, impacting occupancy and licensing rules (wltx.com) — If you own or stay in short‑term rentals in West Columbia, new rules taking effect October 7 will tighten occupancy limits, ban rentals to people living within 25 miles, and require business licenses. City leaders say the changes respond to complaints about parties, parking, and noise, while some owners worry responsible hosts could be pushed out of the market.
   

3. USC is serving more students than ever before, as systemwide enrollment tops 60,000 (thestate.com) — The University of South Carolina's Columbia campus is serving a record 41,650 students this fall, part of more than 60,000 enrolled systemwide. With applications surging, USC is drawing students from all 46 South Carolina counties and across the country, while keeping a roughly even balance of in-state and out-of-state freshmen.
   

4. September Carolina Champion: David Phillips, South Carolina artist (wach.com) — Columbia artist David Phillips, a Brookland-Cayce High graduate, has spent decades helping Midlands residents discover their creativity through drawing and painting. From leading the About Face group at the Columbia Museum of Art to teaching weekly at Still Hopes in West Columbia, he's inspired artists of all ages and is being honored as this month's Carolina Champion.
   

5. Survivors and advocates recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (abccolumbia.com) — Cancer survivors, families, and advocates gathered at the South Carolina State House in Columbia to mark the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with prayer and personal stories of survival. Speakers, including an eight-year-old leukemia survivor and her mother, highlighted the emotional and physical toll of treatment and encouraged support for programs like Camp Happy Days that help children facing cancer.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Columbia Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday September 2
  • Volleybal Home Vs Blythewood
    E. L. Wright Middle Columbia, SC 29223
    4:30 pm
  • Away Volleyball Game - Dent vs Longleaf
    Dent Middle Columbia, SC 29206
    5:30 pm
    • Wednesday September 9
  • Footbal/Volleyball Home Vs Kelly Mill
    E. L. Wright Middle Columbia, SC 29223
    5:00 pm
    • Thursday September 10
  • Admiral Radio →
    Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St, Columbia
    5:00 pm
  • Cafe - TWO Academies Parent Night
    Dent Middle Columbia, SC 29206
    5:30 pm
  • ML Literacy Night Series
    Windsor Elementary Columbia, SC 29223
    6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Our pet Yorkie, Gia, wandered away from Sandra Drive around 3:00 pm today.
    If seen, please contact me. Her coat is a mix of brown, black and grey. (Nextdoor Southeast Columbia)
  • Posting this for an elderly neighbor.
    Her Siamese cat has gotten out. She lives on Holly street between Wheat and Wilmot. The cat's name is Cinderella. She is microchipped and very… (Nextdoor Shandon)
  • Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for INTERNAL Eligibility Specialist II (Senior Non-MAGI) / 61070489 in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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