The Ballentine Civic Association was formed to help build and support the Ballentine Community. We work hard to keep our community members informed and aware of all events, changes and updates that are happening in our area. We partner with local businesses to help grow and build their services. Our partners are what make our community great and strive to keep those connections strong. To become a part of this great community head over to our Join Us page and fill out the membership form.
IMPORTANT MESSAGES
Hike, Bike, Explore the Palmetto Trail!
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Guided Hike with Dan Whitten
Join us on September 17th as we hike along with Master Naturalist and SC Native Plant Society Upstate President Dan Whitten. Dan will guide a limited number of participants on a hike along the Poinsett Reservoir and Blue Wall Passages of the Palmetto Trail. The Hike will be a total of 10 miles, so please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and plenty of water & snacks.
12 Person Limit
Join us on September 17th as we hike along with Master Naturalist and SC Native Plant Society Upstate President Dan Whitten. Dan will guide a limited number of participants on a hike along the Poinsett Reservoir and Blue Wall Passages of the Palmetto Trail. The Hike will be a total of 10 miles, so please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and plenty of water & snacks.
12 Person Limit
Unprecedented Poll Worker Shortage:
Healthy elections require poll workers, the majority of whom are over the age of 60. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, election officials are reporting an unprecedented shortage. Without sufficient numbers of poll workers, it is possible that polling locations could have long lines, lack of staff to assist voters, and possible closures of polling locations. The VFW encourages any member, advocate, or supporter, who is healthy and willing, to consider becoming a poll worker for the general election in November. The Stanford-MIT Healthy Election Project has partnered with local organizations like Power the Polls, which helps to follow up with applicants, confirm their commitment, and assist them in completing the process. If you sign up through this special VFW link, you will be contacted by Power the Polls, a partner organization, or your local election administrators.
| poll_workers_needed.pdf |
Meeting Update
A number of members have asked about having an in person meeting, using social distancing, masks and other safety measures, of course. One thought was to have an outdoor meeting at Ballentine park, perhaps at the end of September or beginning of October. Everyone could bring their own chairs and at least be together. Please respond to either the website or this e-mail and let us know what you think of this idea. It is wonderful to know that our members WANT to be together as a community and we all realize how much we have missed each other.
Submit your vote/suggestion here>
If there are any neighborhood or community concerns, please bring them to the attention of the Ballentine Civic Association, either by phone at (803) 542-2419 or submit a form here>
Submit your vote/suggestion here>
If there are any neighborhood or community concerns, please bring them to the attention of the Ballentine Civic Association, either by phone at (803) 542-2419 or submit a form here>
September Community Update
With all the turmoil in our country, it reminds me how blessed we are here in the Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo community.
While we aren't immune to the Covid-19 virus and have seen friends and family lose jobs and experience stress and uncertainty about their future, we are much more blessed than others. It may be difficult to see through the fog, but I encourage each of you to sit with your family and share the things you do have that others may not. I'm not talking possessions either; those can come or go.
With that in mind, I would love to see you at this month's prayer breakfast at Gateway Baptist Church. For 15 years, Representative Huggins and I have rotated the location among area churches and enjoy seeing the fellowship among leaders and neighbors in the community. I can't think of a better way to start your day than this - especially during these uncertain times!
Below are posts since August's Community Update. I hope you will find some of interest to you. Please share this email with your neighbors who may not receive the updates and ask them to email me at NathanBallentine@schouse.gov if they need help or if they would like to be added to the distribution list each month!
If you or your family are still having difficulties with your unemployment requests, please contact me. I have helped many families and want to be sure no one gets overlooked!
Nathan
(803) 734-2969
For updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter or like my page on Facebook
While we aren't immune to the Covid-19 virus and have seen friends and family lose jobs and experience stress and uncertainty about their future, we are much more blessed than others. It may be difficult to see through the fog, but I encourage each of you to sit with your family and share the things you do have that others may not. I'm not talking possessions either; those can come or go.
With that in mind, I would love to see you at this month's prayer breakfast at Gateway Baptist Church. For 15 years, Representative Huggins and I have rotated the location among area churches and enjoy seeing the fellowship among leaders and neighbors in the community. I can't think of a better way to start your day than this - especially during these uncertain times!
Below are posts since August's Community Update. I hope you will find some of interest to you. Please share this email with your neighbors who may not receive the updates and ask them to email me at NathanBallentine@schouse.gov if they need help or if they would like to be added to the distribution list each month!
If you or your family are still having difficulties with your unemployment requests, please contact me. I have helped many families and want to be sure no one gets overlooked!
- REMINDER: 15th Annual Irmo Community Prayer Breakfast
- Absentee voting for November election
- SC Citizens for Life endorsement
- Chapin Bilo to become Lowe’s Foods
- Irmo Drive-In Movie #3: September 26th at 8pm
- DHEC provides new guidelines for Nursing Home Visitations
- Wessinger Road update
- Back to School – can we agree on one thing?
- No Parking Signs – Johnson Marina Road
- Ballentine appointed to CARES Act Ad Hoc Committee
Nathan
(803) 734-2969
For updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter or like my page on Facebook
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July 17, 2020
We Need Your Help Next Week!
We have posted our volunteer shifts for next week, and we need your help to fill them, and in turn, help feed our neighbors in need!
We have the following volunteer opportunities available:
Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing
Crisis Pantry Drive-Thru Service
The requirements for both of these jobs are:
If you wish to sign up for the "Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing" please choose the option "Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing - Midlands". If you wish to sign up for "Crisis Pantry Drive-Thru Service" please choose the option "Crisis Volunteering Shop Rd - Midlands".
You can sign up for all volunteer shifts here.
We Need Your Help Next Week!
We have posted our volunteer shifts for next week, and we need your help to fill them, and in turn, help feed our neighbors in need!
We have the following volunteer opportunities available:
Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing
- Shifts available Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 11 am.
- 8 volunteers per shift will gather at our Shop Road location to help pack mobile food pantry boxes for rural communities.
- This is an indoor task, but the warehouse does not have A/C, so please prepare accordingly.
Crisis Pantry Drive-Thru Service
- Shifts available Monday and Wednesday from 9 am - 11 am and 11 am - 1:30 pm.
- 30 individuals will be stationed at various food stations outside of our Shop Road location (2220 Shop Road) to put food into trunks of those needing assistance.
- All volunteer jobs will be outdoors, so please dress accordingly.
The requirements for both of these jobs are:
- Be in good health
- Be at least 15 years old
- Be able to lift 15 lbs.
- Be able to stand on your feet for 2 hours
- Be able to work in hot temperatures
If you wish to sign up for the "Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing" please choose the option "Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing - Midlands". If you wish to sign up for "Crisis Pantry Drive-Thru Service" please choose the option "Crisis Volunteering Shop Rd - Midlands".
You can sign up for all volunteer shifts here.
We are looking for volunteers to fill various shifts next week, and we would love to have you join us!
We have the following volunteer opportunities available:
Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing
Crisis Volunteering
The requirements for both of these jobs are:
You can sign up for all volunteer shifts here.
We have the following volunteer opportunities available:
Crisis Mobile Food Pantry Packing
- Shifts available Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 11 am.
- 8 volunteers per shift will gather at our Shop Road location to help pack mobile food pantry boxes for rural communities.
- This is an indoor task, but this warehouse does not have A/C, so please prepare accordingly.
Crisis Volunteering
- Shifts available Monday and Wednesday from 9 am - 11 am and 11 am - 1:30 pm.
- 30 individuals will be stationed at various food stations outside of our Shop Road location (2220 Shop Road) to put food into trunks of those needing assistance.
- All volunteer jobs will be outdoors, so please dress accordingly.
The requirements for both of these jobs are:
- Be in good health
- Be at least 15 years old
- Be able to lift 15 lbs.
- Be able to stand on your feet for 2 hours
- Be able to work in hot temperatures
You can sign up for all volunteer shifts here.
As shifts fill, you will no longer be able to sign up. We post new shifts every Friday afternoon, so please check back.
We will have hand sanitizer and gloves on site, but we do not have masks to hand out. You will need to bring your own mask to wear as all guest are required to wear masks.
When you arrive, please remain in your car until your shift start time. A volunteer coordinator will sign you in and give you your assignment.
Thank you,
Elizabeth and Kara,
Midlands Volunteer Department
We will have hand sanitizer and gloves on site, but we do not have masks to hand out. You will need to bring your own mask to wear as all guest are required to wear masks.
When you arrive, please remain in your car until your shift start time. A volunteer coordinator will sign you in and give you your assignment.
Thank you,
Elizabeth and Kara,
Midlands Volunteer Department
1,800 Poll Workers Needed For November Election
The county is in dire need of poll workers for this upcoming election. If you think the primaries were bad, the elections in Nov will be a disaster unless we get a lot of folks to step up and help. Please help to get the word out and encourage folks to support this important activity. Download the flyer for more information.
| poll_workers_needed.pdf |
NEW FARMERS MARKET FRIDAY'S
When: Fridays at 4:00pm
Where: Salem UMC on Rt. 6, Irmo, SC.
There are many new vendors added this season and it sounds really exciting.
For further information about some of the vendors, their websites are listed within the information provided.
Where: Salem UMC on Rt. 6, Irmo, SC.
There are many new vendors added this season and it sounds really exciting.
For further information about some of the vendors, their websites are listed within the information provided.
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June 9, 2020
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Drop Off Electronics, Other Recyclables for Richland Recycles Day
(Richland PIO) – Richland County residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted household items at the free Richland Recycles Day event, set for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
Residents should enter Gate 12 at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, to drop off items. Workers will direct drivers to various drop-off stations and unload acceptable items from vehicles. To maintain social distancing, residents are asked to stay in their vehicles.
Items that will be accepted include:
In 2019, workers collected more than 36 tons of waste from 892 vehicles at the event, which is usually held in May but was postponed this year because of COVID-19.
“Diverting the materials from landfills saves landfill capacity, extends the life of existing landfills and is better for the environment,” said Art Braswell, general manager of the County’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division. “Recycling also saves natural resources and provides jobs for South Carolinians.”
If you have questions about particular items, call Solid Waste & Recycling at 803-576-2440 before you go.
Registration is not required for the event but is encouraged to help organizers accommodate traffic. Register on the County’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/RichlandSC.
Richland Recycles Day is sponsored by Solid Waste & Recycling and Keep the Midlands Beautiful.
(Richland PIO) – Richland County residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted household items at the free Richland Recycles Day event, set for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
Residents should enter Gate 12 at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, to drop off items. Workers will direct drivers to various drop-off stations and unload acceptable items from vehicles. To maintain social distancing, residents are asked to stay in their vehicles.
Items that will be accepted include:
- Electronics: computers, printers, laptops, TVs and stereos (four per car)
- Scrap metal: stoves, washers/dryers, bikes, lawn mowers (no gas/oil), metal chairs, microwaves and other household items with power cords
- Tires: cars, light trucks, bikes and wheelbarrows (maximum eight per family)
- Household hazardous waste: paint, chemicals, cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs, pesticides and pool chemicals
- Paper for shredding: up to eight boxes or bags
- Cooking oil
In 2019, workers collected more than 36 tons of waste from 892 vehicles at the event, which is usually held in May but was postponed this year because of COVID-19.
“Diverting the materials from landfills saves landfill capacity, extends the life of existing landfills and is better for the environment,” said Art Braswell, general manager of the County’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division. “Recycling also saves natural resources and provides jobs for South Carolinians.”
If you have questions about particular items, call Solid Waste & Recycling at 803-576-2440 before you go.
Registration is not required for the event but is encouraged to help organizers accommodate traffic. Register on the County’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/RichlandSC.
Richland Recycles Day is sponsored by Solid Waste & Recycling and Keep the Midlands Beautiful.
| drop_off_electronics_other_recyclables_for_richland_recycles_day.pdf |
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May 28, 2020
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Curbside Collection of Bulk Items to Resume
(Richland PIO) – Residents again can make appointments to schedule curbside pickup of old furniture, appliances and other large objects as Richland County resumes collection of bulk items Wednesday, June 3.
Bulk item pickup is by appointment only. Call the County’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division at 803-576-2440.
After requesting an appointment, residents will be contacted by the company that services their community with a pickup date. Residents should avoid putting items on the curbside prior to making an appointment. Rather, items should be placed on the curbside by 7 a.m. on the date of the scheduled appointment.
Accepted items include:
Items not accepted can be taken to the County’s C&D Landfill, 1070 Caughman Road, or to the Lower Richland Drop-off Center, 10531 Garners Ferry Road. The landfill is open 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays. The Lower Richland site operates 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Sundays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Residents can dispose of many items at Richland Recycles Day, set for June 27 at the State Fairgrounds. Items accepted for drop-off include: tires, electronics, televisions, metal items, paint, cooking oil, paper for shredding and household hazardous waste (e.g., solvents, cleaners, chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent light bulbs).
Furniture and mattresses will not be accepted at this event, which is open to Richland County residents only.
For information about items not listed, call Solid Waste & Recycling at (803) 576-2440.
(Richland PIO) – Residents again can make appointments to schedule curbside pickup of old furniture, appliances and other large objects as Richland County resumes collection of bulk items Wednesday, June 3.
Bulk item pickup is by appointment only. Call the County’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division at 803-576-2440.
After requesting an appointment, residents will be contacted by the company that services their community with a pickup date. Residents should avoid putting items on the curbside prior to making an appointment. Rather, items should be placed on the curbside by 7 a.m. on the date of the scheduled appointment.
Accepted items include:
- White goods (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters)
- Brown goods (e.g., chairs, sofas, tables, mattresses, box springs)
- Metal grills (no gas or propane tanks)
- Push lawn mowers (gas and oil removed)
- Bicycles
- Patio furniture and plastic pool
Items not accepted can be taken to the County’s C&D Landfill, 1070 Caughman Road, or to the Lower Richland Drop-off Center, 10531 Garners Ferry Road. The landfill is open 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays. The Lower Richland site operates 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Sundays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Residents can dispose of many items at Richland Recycles Day, set for June 27 at the State Fairgrounds. Items accepted for drop-off include: tires, electronics, televisions, metal items, paint, cooking oil, paper for shredding and household hazardous waste (e.g., solvents, cleaners, chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent light bulbs).
Furniture and mattresses will not be accepted at this event, which is open to Richland County residents only.
For information about items not listed, call Solid Waste & Recycling at (803) 576-2440.
| curbside_collection_of_bulk_items_to_resume.pdf |
Hopefully we are all keeping well and doing the best we can under the circumstances.
Ballentine Civic Association will not be meeting again until September (let's hope this will all be over by then!).
There were a number of priorities under discussion when we last met in March, so if anything arises that needs immediate attention please let us know. Once the quarantine is over, we can have a meeting if an emergency issue comes up.
The Ballentine Civic Association has people with diverse skills, so if anyone needs help at this time for any projects, etc, please get in touch with us.
Ballentine Civic Association will not be meeting again until September (let's hope this will all be over by then!).
There were a number of priorities under discussion when we last met in March, so if anything arises that needs immediate attention please let us know. Once the quarantine is over, we can have a meeting if an emergency issue comes up.
- Senior Services of Richland County has been doing meals for seniors on Fridays. They are disbursed from 10:30-12:00 pm at the Ballentine Library Senior Services on internet on Dutch Fork Road. This is for those 60 and older, must show ID and you will be handed meals for a week.
The Ballentine Civic Association has people with diverse skills, so if anyone needs help at this time for any projects, etc, please get in touch with us.
Freshly Picked That Day Organic Veggies At Salem Church
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There are fresh organic vegetables being sold
Where: Salem United Methodist Church (Located on Rt. 6 and Salem Church Road, Irmo, SC 29063) When: Fridays from 4-7:00 pm. See their website for more information and to place an order: http://www.thegoodlifefarmSC.com *Orders have to be placed by Thursday, she picks and packages on Friday. Customer Review: "Very impressed with the quality." |
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GREAT NEWS!! Free Meals for Seniors!
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5 Free Meals will again be given out EVERY Friday to those folks over 65 years old in Richland County showing the proper license or other ID. It will again be held at the Ballentine Library on Dutch Fork Road from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.
This is sponsored by Senior Resources of Richland County. For More Information: (803) 542-2419 |
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Emergency Senior Nutrition Program Meal Distribution Schedule for Friday
Are you a senior citizen in Richland County (60+) that could benefit from receiving 5 FREE, fully balanced meals provided by Southern Way Catering? If you haven't tried out our Emergency Senior Nutrition service, swing by one of the four locations listed below and help ease any financial burden of purchasing food, or simply ease the responsibility of preparing a well balanced meal. Caregivers of a senior citizen can even pull through our... READ MORE >
Looking For A Job?
These companies are hiring!
Amazon is looking to hire team members at the warehouse in West Columbia.
Lowes Foods has various positions available at their Midlands locations, including head cashier, receiver/stocker, merchandising service associate + more.
CVS has several openings across the Midlands, including pharmacy technicians, store associates + shift supervisors.
Home Depot is looking to fill several retail positions, including warehouse associates, designers, merchandising + customer service/sales associates.
Nephron Pharmaceuticals in West Columbia is hiring line technicians for both day + night shifts.
SCDHEC is searching for candidates for a quality assurance assistant in Columbia.
Target is hiring several positions in their Columbia stores. These openings include guest advocates, GM + food, and specialty sales.
Tractor Supply has various positions available at their Killian Road + Garners Ferry Road locations, including team members, team leaders + assistant managers.
Woodley’s Garden Center is hiring customer service workers at the Columbia location and retail associates + customer service workers at the Irmo location.
Amazon is looking to hire team members at the warehouse in West Columbia.
Lowes Foods has various positions available at their Midlands locations, including head cashier, receiver/stocker, merchandising service associate + more.
CVS has several openings across the Midlands, including pharmacy technicians, store associates + shift supervisors.
Home Depot is looking to fill several retail positions, including warehouse associates, designers, merchandising + customer service/sales associates.
Nephron Pharmaceuticals in West Columbia is hiring line technicians for both day + night shifts.
SCDHEC is searching for candidates for a quality assurance assistant in Columbia.
Target is hiring several positions in their Columbia stores. These openings include guest advocates, GM + food, and specialty sales.
Tractor Supply has various positions available at their Killian Road + Garners Ferry Road locations, including team members, team leaders + assistant managers.
Woodley’s Garden Center is hiring customer service workers at the Columbia location and retail associates + customer service workers at the Irmo location.
Boating Course
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The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray is offering a FREE boating safety course.
All Classes will be held at: ECPI University, 3rd floor classroom 250 Berryhill Road, Columbia, SC 29210 The Course will be offered on the dates listed below: March 14, 2020 April 4, 2020 May 30, 2020 June 20, 2020 July 18, 2020 August 15, 2020 September 19, 2020 October 17, 2020 |
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The Heritage at Lowman: Keep Lowman Home Barn Open
To support the communities on Johnson Marina Road, please sign the petition "The Heritage at Lowman: Keep Lowman Home Barn Open". There will be more information on this matter soon but it is important that this road remain open to help the traffic flow from the neighborhoods on Johnson Marina Road.
Thank you.
Our goal is to reach 2,500 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
http://chng.it/YFFVT7WD9K
Thank you.
Our goal is to reach 2,500 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
http://chng.it/YFFVT7WD9K
Blue Granite Sewer Rate Increase (56% rate increase)
Download the notes from the Irmo Town Hall meeting about Blue Granite, formerly Carolina Utilities, Sewer Rate Increase from to $65.08 to $101 (56% rate increase).
| blue_granite_rate_increase_irmo_meeting.pdf |
Nathan Ballentine's February Community Update
Click Here > to get all the information from Nathan Ballentine February Community Update.
Events & Happenings at Richland Library Ballentine In February
Create Your Own Summer Learning Challenge
June 1 - August 16, 2020
Summer learning is more important now than ever which is why this year we want you to find opportunities to learn, create and share from right where you are.
Earn points by reading for 30 minutes; attending one of our online programs, or completing a learning activity of your choice. Once you've earned 30 points, it’s time to celebrate and get rewarded for your hard work.
Get started June 1 at RichlandLibrary.com/Summer.
June 1 - August 16, 2020
Summer learning is more important now than ever which is why this year we want you to find opportunities to learn, create and share from right where you are.
Earn points by reading for 30 minutes; attending one of our online programs, or completing a learning activity of your choice. Once you've earned 30 points, it’s time to celebrate and get rewarded for your hard work.
Get started June 1 at RichlandLibrary.com/Summer.
Ballentine Civic Christmas Party
Ballentine Civic had a wonderful Christmas party this year and we couldn't be more thankful for all the love and support we received.
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Website Sponsored By:
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Beautiful, easy, affordable websites that perform for your small business. Located right in Ballentine!
Visit our website for more information and to schedule your complimentary marketing strategy session > |
