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• Planning Commission (PC) | Thursday, Jan. 11 | Times vary | City Hall, Columbia | Free | Visit the Planning Commission website page for agendas, approved minutes, a printable calendar, and more.
• 2nd Annual Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 5:30-8 p.m. | University of South Carolina, 1244 Blossom St., Columbia | Free | The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Trumpet of Conscience: The Role of Lawyers in the Fight for Justice.”
• January half-off lunch features | Thursday, Jan. 11-Wednesday, Jan. 31 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hanabi Hibachi and Sushi, 1600 Block Main St., Columbia | The Grand on Main, Hanabi Hibachi and Sushi, and Smoked are offering half-priced lunch on select menu items — plus, Goodlife Cafe is offering half off dinner (4-8 p.m.).*

• Columbia Home Building & Remodeling Expo | Friday, Jan. 12-Sunday, Jan. 14 | Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia | $3 | Professionals will be on-hand to share their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones.
• Cor De Lux , Aaron J. Burke, Bones Hamilton | Friday, Jan. 12 | 7-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 632 Harden St., Columbia | $10 | Aaron J. Burke’s new album “Young Pier Jumpers” was named one of the best of 2023.

• Beethoven & Blue Jeans | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Guest pianist Andrew Armstrong joins the SC Phil to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5.

• Sub Station II will be coming soon to the former Which Wich location at 928 Main St., following its recent closure. An opening day hasn’t been announced, but the signs on the windows say it will be coming in January.

• Corbeau, a Five Points apparel store, is closing its physical + online presence after announcing its physical store closure in December. It’s offering a final 70% discount online sale, along with free shipping, while supplies last.

• Congaree River Keeper shared the recent rainfall in the Midlands and the watershed’s upper regions is causing river flooding. The Congaree River in Columbia is expected to reach 24 ft, nearing moderate flood levels, impacting riverwalks and downstream areas. Keep track of the state-wide river forecasts.

• The SC State Museum is the first in the Southeast to offer free, unlimited access to certified visual interpreters via the Aira app for visitors who are blind. This on-demand service provides real-time assistance through live visual interpreting, enhancing independence and accessibility.

• Masa Mexican Street Food is hiring for its Rosewood location. Interested candidates can apply in person at 2811A Rosewood Dr., Monday to Friday from 12 to 1 p.m., or at Coa Agaveria y Cocina (823a Lady St.) from Monday to Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

• City of Columbia Animal Services introduced two volunteer programs. Slumber Buddies allows volunteers to take shelter dogs for a weekend sleepover, while Doggie Day Out involves day trips for walking, playing, and socializing.

• Indulged a bit too many good drinks over the holidays? We’ve all been there. Here are 5+ tips to help you maintain balance in the new year.*

• Did you know 52,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky COLA survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.