Brandi's blog

Your Ideas

I want to hear from you!!! Please send me your story ideas, questions, comments, and concerns. This blog's for you. If there is something you'd like me to blog about, let me know. If there is something you want to know about me, let me know. Here's your chance to talk directly to Brandi...

New Beginnings!!!

If you've read my latest blog post, you know it's been 6 months since I have posted anything. So much has happened since then. Obviously there have been many happenings in and around the state.

Personally, I have started a new journey! I am now an author. My first book has been published. It is titled: Straight to the Heart: Life & Love. The book is a collection on poetry written from a young woman's perspective. It is my way of trying to help our children. I believe that if you can give a child direction, he/she would choose a different path. The book explores topics like self-esteem, relationships, self-worth, and love.

I am excited to announce the "Official Book Release Celebration" on September 23, 6pm -8pm at Midtown Celebrations (inside the old Richland Fashion Mall near TGIF).

Call (803) 386-9151 for more information.

I hope to see you there!

~Brandi

Happy New Year!!

We are just two months into 2010 and although it's a bit late, I want to wish you a Happy New Year!

With each new year comes new things. The WIS Sunrise team is welcoming a new producer. Laura Phelps joins us on March 22.

Kara Gormley will welcome a new bundle of joy in just a few weeks. We are really excited, but will miss her while she's away.

The Sunrise team will welcome Hannah Horne back to mornings, while Kara is on maternity leave.

Don't worry, Ben Tanner, Stewart Moore and I won't be going anywhere.

As always, we want to hear from you. Let us know what you think of the show, the team, or the station. Compliments are always appreciated!

Drew Wellness Center Price Change

Well, it's a sign of the times. Prices are up. The Drew Wellness Center is no different. Read the information below:

The Charles R. Drew Wellness Center is changing its hours of operation and membership fees, effective December 1. The wellness center manager said the changes are being made to reflect the usage of the center and maintain costs.

 

The new hours will be 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

In order to maintain services and meet the demand, the cost of memberships also will increase. The new fees for city residents are:

 

- Adults (18-49) one-year membership: Old price: $240. New price: $264.

 

- Senior (50+) one-year membership. Old price: $180. New price: $198.

 

- Family (family of 4 maximum) one-year membership: Old Price: $360. New price: $396.

 

 

The new fees for nonresidents are:

 

- Adult one-year membership: Old price: $276. New price: $303.60.

 

- Senior one-year membership: Old price: $207. New price: $227.70

 

- Family one-year membership: Old price: $415. New price: $465.50.

 

Scholarship applications are available upon request.

 

The Charles R. Drew Wellness Center is conveniently located at 2101 Walker Solomon Way off of Harden Street. For more information, call the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center at 803-545-3200.

 

 

Viva La Vista

If you are looking for cheap fun for the whole family, I have just the thing.

The 2nd Annual Viva La Vista starts at 2pm tomorrow. You get a chance to taste food from the best restaurants in the Vista. During Viva La Vista, there are two stages that will feature bands playing all afternoon. Each restaurant will offer menu items ranging from one to five tokens. Tokens cost $1 each and will be available for purchase at several locations along Lincoln Street. The parking garages in the Vista will be free.

For more information, click here.

Click here for the list of things you can purchase tomorrow.

Free Eye and Ear Screenings

This morning, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet members of the SC Lions Club. This group was very interesting. One of things that stick out in my head is the fact that they are so passionate about what they do. The SC Lions give free eye and ear screenings all over the state. In the last fiscal year, they served more than 10,000 people. If you are interested in having the Lions bring their mobile unit to your event or city, call the number below.

While the services are free, there is a cost to run ther program. There is a way for you to help. Sunday, the Lions will host the 2nd Annual Night for Sight and Hearing at the Columbia National Guard Armory. Tickets are only $6. The event will be from 4pm - 7pm.

Click here to find the Lions online. Call them at (803) 796-1304.

Tango for Therapy

Parkinson's Disease affects more than 1.5 million people. It's a brain disorder where the nerve cells in part of the brain die or become impaired. For many people it is a debilitating condition. A program in the Midlands is helping people who have the disease--through the Tango dance. Tango for Therapy is a class designed to help Parkinson's patients cope with the symptoms. The class was started by a wonderful woman named Elizabeth Jones. She was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's in 2000.

The introductory Tango for Therapy class is free. It will cost $35 for 6 other classes.

Call (803) 660-2005 or click here for more info.

Helping PAALS

I had the opportunity to meet some great people (and dogs) this morning! Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services has only been in South Carolina three years. In that short period of time, the group has done many things. One of the things they are most proud of is the summer camps. This year's second camp ends tomorrow.

PAALS' mission is to enrich and empower children and adults with physical disabilities and social needs by training service animals and providing animal assisted educational and recreational activities.

In order for this program to continue helping the disabled, they need your help. For more information call Jen Rogers at 788-7063 or click here.

Free Stuff at the Library!

Checked out your library lately? If not, you’re missing out! Regardless of your age or interest, there is something for you at the Richland County Public Library. Everything from the latest best seller to career resources to downloadable movies and music is available at RCPL.  Richland County residents get a library card – and access to a variety of resources - for FREE.  If you live outside Richland County, you can still use library resources and attend the free programs. To get a library card, however, there is $65 annual fee. Since RCPL is supported through property taxes, this is the average amount a county resident is assessed for the library.  11 RCPL locations throughout Richland County, including the 242,000-square-foot Main Library in downtown Columbia and branch locations from Eastover to Ballentine.  More than 1.3 million resources available – books, magazines, newspapers, online resources and downloadable movies, music and more. From storytimes to dramatic portrayals of classic literature to live music – RCPL has it all and it’s all FREE! The Summer Reading Clubs, now available for children, teens and adults, encourage summer reading and continue through August 13. Last year, more than 30,000 children, teens and adults participated and we expect record participation this year.  Volunteer at RCPL! Last year, more than 850 volunteers contributed more than 16,000 hours, allowing RCPL to maximize its resources and better serve its users.  Join the Friends of RCPL! – Many of RCPL’s programs and services, including special summer programs, would not be possible without the help of the Friends! Memberships start at only $25.

 

For More Information Call 799-9084 or click here.  

Township Auditorium Renovations

There is something big happening on Taylor Street in Columbia!! The historic Township Auditorium is undergoing a massive face lift. The New Township opens in 2010. One of the most visible changes will be the extension of the front lobby. It will be extended 25 feet out toward Taylor Street. Patrons will also be able to stand in an atrium lobby and look up to all 4 floors. There will be an elevator and new restrooms. Those are just some of the things you will be able to notice, but many other things are changing that will hopefully bring more acts to the Township.

As you read this blog, think back to all of your Township experiences. Do you have pictures from a prom, concert, or show at the Township? If so, the Township wants it. They will display some of that memorabilia in the New Township. Contact Aundrai Holloman at (803) 576-2353 to get more info.

The township often hosts events for youth groups and seniors. To be able to do that---they also need you. Visit the Township Foundation's website by clicking here.

Summer Fitness

Working out isn't the easiest thing to do. This morning, I met a personal trainer who makes it seem anything but hard. He showed me how to work my upper body, lower back, and thighs.

Contact Neil Derrick at (803) 765-2205 or (803) 360-7825.