The local authors section at Richland Library is located at the first floor entrance. | Photo by COLAtoday
What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor. Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of tea or Indah coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Columbia.
Fiction
“A Novel Love Story” by Ashley Poston | Release Day: June 25, 2024 | When Eileen Merriweather — an avid fiction reader — finds herself in a quaint town from a storybook, literally, she has to find a way to finish the book but finds that the town’s storybook ending may just be intertwined with her own.
Personal stories
“Dear Black Girls” by A’ja Wilson | Release date: February 6, 2024 | The WMBA star and Gamecock legend shares personal stories and writes what it means to be a Black woman in America today, uplifting Black girls everywhere.
The WMBA star and Gamecock legend released her book on February 6, 2024, shares personal stories, and writes what it means to be a Black woman in America. | Photo by COLAtoday team
Learn something new
“Kugels and Collards” by Rachel Gordin Barnett, Lyssa Kligman Harvey, III, John M Sherrer | Release date: August 29, 2023 | This book is a flavorful exploration of SC’s Jewish community through its diverse culinary traditions.
YLS Oyster Roast | 6-9 p.m. | City Market Place | $25+ | Join United Way of the Midlands’ Young Leaders Society for an evening of delicious oysters, live music, and a chance to give back while connecting with the community.
Paint Like Bob Ross in One Day | 12-4 p.m. | State of the Art Gallery and Pottery Studio | $80 | No mistakes will be made during this painting class, just happy accidents.
This comprehensive program allows you to deepen your practice while giving you the skills to teach others. | Photo provided by Rise Fitness + Wellness
Looking to take your fitness journey to the next level? Whether you’re passionate about movement or dreaming of becoming a certified instructor, Rise Fitness + Wellness has the perfect opportunity for you.
Their comprehensive Pilates instructor training program is designed to help you reach new heights with a nationally-accepted certification (read: once completed, you can teach anywhere).
The journey kicks off on Friday, Jan. 31 with Mat 1 (the first phase of learning mat Pilates), followed by a full schedule of modules covering a variety of equipment and techniques. From Reformer to Trapeze Table, Spine Corrector, and more, you’ll have everything you need to become a confident, certified instructor.
Training happens Fridays from 6-8 p.m. + Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, with flexibility to choose the modules that fit your schedule and goals (psst... some modules have prerequisites).
In case you missed it — USC’s Board of Trustees approved women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley’s contract extension, extending through the 2029-30 season. Bonus: literally — her new contract makes her the highest-paid college women’s basketball coach in history, totaling ~$25.25 million.
Opening
The City of Columbia Parks and Recs Department announced a new community Park and Play mobile recreation van, think of it as a mobile city park. The new space, featuring sports gear, games, crafts, and more, will launch on Thursday, Jan. 30 at St. Anna’s Park. (Columbia Business Report)
Civic
The City of Columbia is hosting a nonprofit workshop designed to prepare event managers for planning, producing, and administering events + learn about funding programs on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Busby Street Community Center. Register here.
Development
Several local agencies + the Town of Irmo hope to improve traffic on North Lake Drive and Lake Murray Boulevard with a project coined “Links to Lake Murray.” Share feedback on possible solutions via a survey, interactive map, or a public session.
Listen
Have you heard? The Clemson Tigers hired Tom Allen from Penn State Nittany Lions. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
Why keep your event a secret? Share it with our audience of the most engaged South Carolinians. Visit our self-service ad portal to get started + your event could be in our newsletter in as little as two days.
The Buy
The Buy
Our favorite $6.99 women’s thermal undershirts and women’s thermal leggings to get you through the winter season. We love brand 32 Degrees (you may recognize it from Costco) for durable, warm basics at price points that make us happy.
I get it — no one wants to think about taxes, but alas, tax season is just around the corner. So, when will you get your tax return? Well, that depends on when you file. Patrick McCreless from The State wrote a quick-read resource articlefor filing taxes. The IRS will begin processing returns on Monday, Jan. 27 + the SC Department of Revenue will begin to process on Monday, Feb. 3. Either way, the filing deadline is Thursday, May 1.
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