Around ChApin & irmo

Ifinally got to sit still and do nothing, which is a rare event. I sat for 3 hours at the Red Cross to give platelets. For all you blood donors, there is a severe shortage, and your blood is needed! Visit redcrossblood.org  to schedule your next visit.

Attention to all Irmo residents! If you are interested in serving on Irmo’s Planning Commission, there is a 4-year term opening. The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm. Applicants must submit a Talent Book Application by February 13. Council will review applications and make the appointment February 19. For more information, call Bob Brown at 803-781-7050.  

 Flowers, chocolate and a nice restaurant, are good things to give your loved one on Valentines Day, but how about partnering with your Valentine date on a 4-mile marathon instead? Run with a purpose for Valentines at Ballentine is a run and relay on February 17. It is sponsored by the YMCA of Columbia in memory of Carol Knizek. Carol was in an incredible lady who I sat near at Chapin Methodist for years. All proceeds go toward the annual fundraising campaign for the YMCA. The cost is $50 per team and $30 per individual. Call 803-753-6004 for more info.

 Free is good! A reminder that residents in Lexington and Richland can go the Riverbanks Zoo free on Fridays, but you must have proof of residency.  If you have a Lexington County Library membership, you can also download free e-books, audio books, music, magazines, and movies. Got to www.lex.lib.sc.us/downloads.asp .

Irmo Library’s Palmetto Scribe Short Story Contest for grades 11 and 12 is looking for entries. The winner will get $500. The deadline is March 8. Submit entries to kberry@lex.lib.sc.us or drop off at the reference desk at the Irmo Library. For details, call 803-798-7880.  

Learn how you can homeschool your child from elementary ages to high school. The SC Association of Independent Home Schools is holding a free seminar February 18 at 613 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia.  

SCAIHS counselors from the Elementary, Middle/High School, and Special Needs departments will be present to answer any questions. This event is FREE, but please RSVP, as space is limited. RSVP at schomeschooling.com or call 803-814-0353.  

Chapin’s American Legion Post 193 will hold its Quilts of Valor ceremony February 15, at 7 pm at 102 Lexington Avenue. Eleven quilts will be handed out to veterans. There will be a small reception. There is no charge to attend.  

Is your daughter interested in scouting? Lake Murray Presbyterian Church is starting a BSA Girls Troop 412 where girls will learn camping, cooking in the great outdoors, canoeing, fishing, games, first aid, leadership skills, and friendship with other scouts.

BSA Girl Troop 412 will meet at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church beginning February 1, 2019.

For more information, contact Judi Platt at 803-543-9880 or email BSAGirlsTroop412@gmail.com .