Go Cola, it’s your birthday. And you can party like it’s your birthday.
Tomorrow is COLAtoday’s birthday and to celebrate 4 years with all of you, we put together some of our favorite stories + a little reminder of who we are.
On April 3, 2017, 6AM City staff sent the very first newsletter and since that day we have grown to share what’s happening with 52,000+ Soda Citizens every week day.
The first COLAtoday newsletter
And here’s how it’s going. While things may look a little different, our goal is still the same — to deliver the need-to-know to your inbox every morning at 6 a.m.
Everyday, we (Jess + Lauren) work to bring the most local news to you and if you don’t know who we are, let us re-introduce ourselves — meet the COLAtoday editors. Fun fact — we are both celebrating birthdays along with COLAtoday, Jess on March 26 + Lauren on April 11, and COLAtoday’s birthday is exactly in between those dates. Coincidence? We will let you decide.
Here are a few conversations Lauren had fun writing this year: • Home sweet home from a box— Sears and Roebuck mail order homes were very popular in the early 1900s and there are even a few that still stand locally. • Columbia’s underground tunnel system — is it real? — The rumors are true – there are tunnels that lie beneath our city.
We will leave you on a sweet note.What’s a birthday without a little cake?
Your birthday gift to us can be sharing this with anyone you know who has a birthday in March + April.
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○ 54º | Sunny | 0%chance of rain
City ○ The Gills Creek Greenway plan that has been in the works to connect Fort Jackson Boulevard to the area southeast of Rosewoodis moving into the final phases. The design will help manage water runoff and flooding and includes a 14-foot wide path that begins at Cross Hill Market + follows the creek for approx. 1 mile. (Post and Courier)
Announced ○ The South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority announced a first-time homebuyer program for qualified COVID-19 frontline workers. SC Housing has reserved $50 million for the program that will provide up to $12,000 for down payment assistance. View the qualifications and application here. (The State)
Number ○ 2,034,077.The number of COVID-19vaccines that have been administered in South Carolina. In Richland County, 101,844 residents have received at least 1 vaccine dose.
ComingSoon ○ There is yet another Starbucks coming soonto Columbia. The latest location (we’re starting to lose count)of the coffee chain will be coming to the Rosewood Baptist Church mixed-use development that will also have 50+ apartment units. Construction is expected to begin between April and June. ☕ (The State)
State ○ Yesterday, Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order to expand recruitment efforts of pharmaceutical + medical supply manufacturers in South Carolina. The new initiative will help prevent supply chain disruptions like what we experienced during the coronavirus pandemic. (Midlands Biz)
Edu ○ This week, the Senate approved a bill that would require every school district in South Carolina to offer in-person learning by April 12 + return to normal school schedules in the coming academic year. The House will consider the bill after returning from a week-long break on April 6. (Post and Courier)
Watch ○ ICYMI, Brookland Baptist Church was featured on The Today Showyesterday. Reverend Jackson received his COVID-19 vaccine at Lexington Medical Center, and now, the church has partnered with the hospital system as a vaccination site. Learn more about how Rev. Jackson is working to get our community vaccinated. 💉 Ⓟ
SodaCitizen ○ A Dutch Fork Middle School student, Kylie Pitman, has a children’s bookcurrently available on Amazon — “Turtle Trouble: A Timmy Turtle Story”. The idea for the book came from an honors English project and is about a turtle that is afraid of water. 🐢 (The State)
TodayIs ○ Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. It always falls on the Friday before Easter.In observance, City of Columbia offices will be closed and parking services will provide free parking at all off street parking garages.
Holiday ○ Sun., April 4 is Easter, which is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Check out this guide for local Easter events. (Columbia Mom)
Digs ○ Need a new wardrobe to match this warm weather? At 42 Magnoliaand 5000 Forest, Trenholm Plaza is just a short walk away to get all of your spring shopping done. Read more about their many perks from when we went to tour here. 🛍️ Ⓟ
Asked We’re teaming up with Merrill Gardens to put together a guide for senior-friendly activities around Columbia, and we’d love your input. What do you recommend? Tell us here. Ⓟ
Health ○ DYK? Sunday is National Vitamin C Day. One way to get your fix:Stock up on fresh, Vitamin-C-rich produce likeoranges, broccoli, strawberries, kale + bell peppers at your nearest Lowes Foods. 🍓 Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Boca Grande, the new locally owned burrito restaurant, is now open at 4525 Forest Dr. (the former Happy Cafe location). The menu includestraditional options like chicken, chorizo, and beef as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices.
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#MUSTDO
Show ○ Dante Lewis at Travinia| Fri., April 2 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Travinia Italian Kitchen, 5074 Sunset Blvd., Lexington | Free | Groove to the soulful sounds of this gifted SC saxophonist. 🎷 ○ Kyle Dills Band| Fri., April 2 | 6-10 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Free | Listen to originals and covers from the South Carolina native band.
Dish ○ Cousins Maine Lobster at Craft and Draft|Fri., April 2 | 4-8 p.m. | Craft and Draft | Price of purchase | Lobster rolls are on the menu for Good Friday. 🦞
Saturday ○ It’s Been A While — A Group Exhibition| Sat., April 3 | 1-8 p.m. | Tapp’s Outpost | Free | A group exhibition featuring works made throughout this time of isolation. 🖼️ ○ Saluda Shoals Park Egg Hunt| Sat., April 3 | 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | $5 | Tickets required in advance + don’t forget your basket. Food trucks and vendors will be available from 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 🐣 ○ Easter Dash & Cottontail Youth Fun Run| Sat., April 3 | 8:30 a.m. | Corner of Trenholm Road, 4801 Forest Dr. | $30 | Get your blood pumping in this 5k. Let your kids join in on the fun in a youth fun run at 9:15 for $15. 🏃 ○ Bayou Blues Live Music Brunch with Blues Deluxe| Sat., April 3 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Main Course | Free | Dig into a delicious brunch paired with the blues tunes of Blues Deluxe. 🎸
Sunday ○ Easter Sunday Family Brunch| Sun., April 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | Free | Fun family activities like an egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. Food will be available for purchase. 🐰
PlanAhead ○ Artista Vista | Fri., Apr. 16 – Sun., Apr. 18 | Times vary | The Vista | Pricing varies | Take to the streets or the computer screen this year in support of the Arts. See the full list of events, times and pricing, here. Ⓟ
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Answered: Yesterday, we shared that soft shell crabs were popping up on menus all around town and asked our readers if they knew of additional locations serving up the seasonal crustacean. Shoutout to our readers who responded to let us know that Terra and Mr. Friendly’s(as well as Motor Supply, Rosewood Market, and Spotted Salamander) are celebrating soft shell crab season.
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