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COLUMBIA AFTER DARK NEWSLETTER

March 3, 2010

News, activities, events, trips, and more for singles in the Columbia, South Carolina, metro area

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In this newsletter:

1. What's Happening at Columbia After Dark

2. Dances, Concerts, and other Events for Singles

3. Seminars, Classes, Trips, and more

4. Fund Raisers, Benefit Runs, Community Service Projects

5. CAD Staff and Contact Information

or skim through to find just the events you are interested in

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1. WHAT’S HAPPENING AT COLUMBIA AFTER DARK

The best alternative to the bar scene for singles in the Columbia metro area!

For more info or questions about any CAD event, email ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com

Monday Night Programs Contact: Susan Johnson

Monday Nights at 7-8:30pm, with the best Christian music in the midlands and speakers who address topics of interest to singles, along with special game nights, workshops, and plenty of other reasons to share Monday nights with your friends.

We had an amazing time last Monday night with Tara Freeman-Morrison. Tara is doing a three-week series on the book, Love Languages for Singles. We learned what they are and covered the first one last Monday night and we’ll be covering three more next Monday night. The week after that, we’ll cover the last one and pull it all together. Don’t miss these exciting nights, and come early for a good seat – we had to pull in a few more chairs last Monday night.

Look at all these great nights coming up soon!

Mar 1, 8, 15 – Special Three-Week Series with Tara Freeman-Morrison, Book: Love Languages for Singles

Mar 22 – Comedy Night with Mike Goodwin!                                            Mar 29 – VOICE with speaker Scott Hall

Apr 05 – Jeremiah Jones, speaker TBA                                                    Apr 12 – Solid Ground and trivia game night

Apr 19 – Comedy Night with Cherie Nettles                                              May 03 – Powerhouse Rock

CAD meets in the party room at the back of Carolina Wings West Columbia – next to the BI-LO on Hwy 1.
See specific directions at end of newsletter .

Saturday Night SINGLES DANCES DJ: Kyle Taylor    Contact: Cindy Mercer

Singles Dances at “The Barn” on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month, 7-11pm, $7 cover.   Smoke-free and Alcohol-free!
We have a great time at these dances! By 8pm or so the attendance is usually between 85-100, with singles of all ages. Pay $7 cover at the door, no tickets necessary. Light refreshments available all evening. If you’ve never been before, look for the staff or ask for them at the welcome table. There’s something for everyone - some people come to dance, some just enjoy visiting with friends and making new friends. A fun time with very nice people, everyone is welcome. We’ll see you there!
2010 Dance Nights: Mar 6 & Mar 20, Apr 3 & Apr 17, May 1 & May 15, Jun 5 & Jun 19, etc
Dance to your favorite party tunes plus Line Dances, Rock, Country, Shag, Christian, Group, Mixers and Couple Dances. A fun time with great music and the best dance floor in town. Casual Dress. Sponsored by DJ Kyle at The Hugh Dimmery Memorial Center (aka “The Barn”), 680 Cherokee Lane in West Columbia – on the frontage road at entrance to I-26W from Airport Blvd. thebarnsc.org

See more specific directions at end of newsletter

SERVICE PROJECTS: Contact - Debbie Sellers
March – Help us show support for our military personnel at the USO in the Columbia Airport. They are open 7 days a week and are in need of individually wrapped/packaged items - remember there is no refrigeration. Please do not bring homemade items! Examples of items are sunflower seeds, chewing gum, mints, chips, trail mix, energy bars, brownies, Little Debbie cakes, peanuts, crackers, raisins, dried fruit, beef jerky, pudding and jello cups w/spoons, cookies, nuts, candies, etc… Please bring your items on the following dates to Carolina Wings and the Barn: March 1,8,15 Monday’s at Carolina Wings or March 5, 20 SaturdayNight Singles Dances. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Joanie Thresher at jthresher@uso.com for a volunteer application form, be sure to tell her you are with Columbia After Dark.

WEEKEND EXPLORERS Contact: Robert Escue
Around-Town and Out-of-Town Trips and more!
We’ll get more details posted soon, but get these dates on your calendar:

Apr 24 – Congaree River Trip (canoe/kayak)

May 29 – Pier Fishing – Myrtle Beach

Jun 12 – White Water Rafting – French Broad

Jul – TBD

Aug 14 – Deep Sea Fishing

Sep – Cherokee, NC

Oct – Mt. Mitchell/Asheville Trip

Nov 13 – Clinton Sease Farm Corn Maze at night

Dec 11 – “This Man Called Jesus” Christmas Drama

RESTAURANT FELLOWSHIPS - Contact: Robert Escue or Debbie Sellers

Join us at 6:45pm to eat as a group and enjoy some great Christian fellowship!

Mar 12 – Sumo – Clemson Rd.

Apr 9 – Carrabba’s – Columbiana Dr.

May 7 – Chipotle Mexican – Forest Dr.

May 31 – No Monday Night Program at CAD – Five Guys Sandhills

Jun 26 – TBD

Jul 5 – No Monday Night Program at CAD – Hudson’s BBQ on Hwy 378

Jul 9 – Golden Corral – Forest Dr.

Aug 27 - Harbor Inn Seafood – Two Notch Rd.

Sep 6 – No Monday Night Program at CAD – Texas Roadhouse – Two Notch Rd

Sep 10 – Grecian Gardens on Hwy 378

Oct 11 – Monday Night/No CAD – IHOP on Hwy 378

Oct 29 – O’Charleys on Two Notch Rd

Nov 13 – Rush’s on Hwy 378 (before the Corn Maze)

Winter is here, stay warm with Columbia After Dark sweatshirts, pullovers, and jackets

Sizes from small to 3xl, black with silver, very nice!

Check with Cindy or Kyle to obtain an item with a donation to Columbia After Dark

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Check for the latest CAD updates online at:
http://www.ColumbiaAfterDark.com

http://facebook.com/ColumbiaAfterDark

http://www.myspace.com/columbiaafterdark

For more info or questions about any CAD event, email ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com

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2. DANCES, CONCERTS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, FESTIVALS, and OTHER ACTIVITIES

There’s never an excuse to be sitting at home when you’d rather be enjoying time with some really nice people who would love for you to join them! There’s always a group from CAD going somewhere, and you are always welcome to join in the fun!

Mar 6 –  Saturday Night Singles Dance!

Saturday Night Singles Dance

$7 cover at the door

Line Dance Lessons 6:45 – 7:15 / Dance begins at 7:15 - 11pm

Hosted by our very own DJ Kyle

Line Dances, Rock, Country, Shag, Group, Mingle, and Couple’s dances

Come as you are for a great time with great music, and the best dance floor in town!

The Hugh Dimmery Memorial Center (a.k.a. “The Barn”) is at 680 Cherokee Lane, directions at end of newsletter.

Mar 8 and Mar 15 – CAD’s Monday Music Mingle & Message 7:00pm - 8:30pm
7-8:30pm Something special and new on Monday night at CAD. We’ve asked Tara Freeman-Morrison to be with us for a short series from the book, Love Languages for Singles.    Understanding and applying the five love languages will enhance all relationships, whether it’s parents, coworkers, classmates, roommates, siblings, dating partners, or friends. Join us for this series on three consecutive Monday nights at Columbia After Dark. CAD meets in the party room at the back of Carolina Wings, West Columbia – next to the BI-LO on Hwy 1.

March 12 – Friday Evening Restaurant Fellowship

6:45pm - Let's all gather round a table or two at Sumo Japanese Restaurant on Clemson Rd for a fabulous meal cooked right before your eyes. Everyone is welcome, bring your friends, family and children! Please RSVP to Robert Escue 695-0544 or 348-6588/ sqr_escue@yahoo.com or Debbie Taffie91@aol.com / 309-0059 by March 12 at noon.

Mar 13 - Singles St.Patrick's Day Party

Are you over 35, SINGLE or SINGLE AGAIN and looking for something to do for St. Patrick's Day but don't know what to do or where to go. Spring Valley Baptist Church Singles Group would like to invite you to their Party with lots of dancing and music with our DJ, karaoke, Irish Stew, fun and fellowship. Saturday night, March 13th from 7-10 PM. Fellowship Hall in back of church. Come out for fun, food and fellowship. $10 at the door or call the church to get your tickets early at 736-0624.

Mar 13 – Saturday Night Singles Dance in Greenville

Upstate Christian Singles Dance beginning at 6pm with a covered dish dinner, then dance from 7-11:30pm. (please pre-register with what you will be bringing at UCS@charter.net) Pelham Road Baptist Activity Center - $10 suggested donation. upstatechristiansingles.org

Mar 14 – Sunday, Columbia After Dark Staff Meeting

Volunteers and Staff: Plan now to attend the monthly CAD Volunteer Luncheon and Staff Meeting. Ask any staff or Board member for information and location. Join us after morning services for lunch (dutch treat) and then the meeting. Enjoy lunch together while you learn more about the various CAD ministries and hear each of the Coordinator’s reports. Stay after and talk with the Coordinators if you are interested in attending their individual planning meetings.

Mar 20 – Saturday - Channel 146 in concert
Noon-4pm Channel 146 will be performing at the First Baptist Church in Gaston for their Block Party March 20th. Everyone is welcome.

Mar 20 – Another Saturday Night Singles Dance at “The Barn”, save the date!

Mar 22 – CAD’s Monday Music Mingle & Message 7:00pm - 8:30pm

7-8:30pm Comedy Night with Mike Goodwin! Fresh, Insightful, and Hilarious are just a few words used to describe Christian Comedian Mike Goodwin. Mike's new radio show is on Sunday nights, and he has received rave reviews on tv, radio, and internet broadcasts. His engaging and humorous discussions about everyday life will have you screaming in your seat and laughing about his wit long after the night is over. "It ain't wrong, but it just ain't right!" Tune in! Mike Goodwin’s radio show: 4pm Sundays on WQVA 1170AM - The Mike Goodwin Comedy hour! Pure Tomfoolery. Columbia After Dark loves Mike Goodwin!

Mar 26 – Friday Night Singles Dance in Greenville

Upstate Christian Singles Dance from 8pm - midnight at Pelham Road Baptist Activity Center, includes light refreshments, dress is casual - $10 suggested donation at the door. upstatechristiansingles.org

April 9 - Friday Evening Restaurant Fellowship

6:45pm - Hungry for Pasta? Chicken Bryan? Pollo Rosso Maria? Pasta Weesie? It all sounds good! Join us at Carrabba's on Columbiana Drive near Harbison. Everyone is welcome - join us for some awesome food and Christian fellowship! RSVP to Robert Escue 695-0544 or 348-6588/ sqr_escue@yahoo.com or Debbie Taffie91@aol.com / 309-0059 by April 9 at noon.

Apr 24 - Saturday - Solid Ground in Concert
9am-5pm at the Sparkleberry Fair - Clemson Extension Fair Grounds in Columbia, South Carolina. This fair is located at the corner of Two Notch Road and Clemson Road in NE Columbia. It cost $2-3 dollars to park, but it’s free to walk around and enjoy the petting zoo and live music all day. They also have carnival rides, camel rides, and many more activities going on all day long. Solid Ground will be live on stage several times during the day and they also run sound for the other groups with the help of JAC Sound & Lighting. solidgroundministries.com or sparkleberryfair.com

Saturday, April 24 at 10am. Annual Memorial Service for Highway Fatality Victims at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo. Join us as we remember approx. 900 men, women and children killed in traffic collisions on South Carolina roadways in 2009.



AND DON’T FORGET.......

- - New Website!   Check out Jeremiah Jones’ new website! Congrats to Jeremiah for the great projects he’s been working on!   www.jeremiahjonesmusic.com

- - Tune in!   Mike Goodwin has a new radio show. 4pm Sundays on WQVA 1170AM - The Mike Goodwin Comedy hour! Pure Tomfoolery. Columbia After Dark loves Mike Goodwin and he will be at Columbia After Dark Feb 22.

WEEKLY/MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

- - Line Dance Lessons at “The Barn” Jan 5-Mar 30, 7-9pm, Tuesdays, $5 per person per night,no registration. Contact: Nelson Jarvis at 422-2132, or njarvis2005@sc.rr.com

- - Line Dance Lessons at the rec center on Polo Road. Beginners’ classes from 5:30 to 6:30, Intermediate classes from 6:30 to 8:30. $5.00 per lesson, pay as you go - no preregistration! worldlinedancenewsletter.com/wtd_SCarolina.html

- - The Gathering, every Friday night: 8pm-midnight Singles Dance at Yellow Rock Hall, 2211 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia. $10 at the door. Shag, line, country, and ballroom dancing. Line Dance lessons on the first Friday of each month 6:45pm, no extra charge. Jackie Branham: 808-7771x1003 or 359-4406. ChristianDance-TheGathering.org

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE COMMUNITY:

** THE BIG MO is open again for the season. Check out all the details at thebigmo.com   If you have never been to a drive-in movie, now is your chance! The drive-in will be open all summer, so don't miss out. You can also stop for dinner at Shealy's BBQ on the way.

** SC State Museum - $1 per person admission 1st Sunday of every month, 1:00-5:00pm, 301 Gervais St. museum.state.sc.us

** EdVenture Children's Museum, Family Nights, 211 Gervais St., 2nd Tues each month, 5:00-8:00pm, $1 per admission. edventure.org

** Columbia Museum of Art, corner of Main & Hampton, every Sunday is free, noon-5pm, courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield.

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3. TRIPS, SEMINARS, CLASSES, RETREATS, CRUISES, and more

Please send us your information about seminars, special singles classes, trips, and retreats! ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com

Valentine Day Singles Cruise Feb 7-14, 2010. This is a great way to meet other Christian singles, experience incredible teachings and worship, and enjoy a relaxing vacation in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Leave from Galveston and cruise to Roatan, Honduras and both Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Sponsored by Single Focus. Speaker: Kris Swiatocho. allchristiancruises.com

CLASSES FOR SINGLES

If you don’t already have a church family, you might want to visit some of these Sunday classes for singles.

- - Mt. Horeb United Methodist Singles Sunday School 9AM. Services 8am, 9am, 10:30am. Mike Sharpe mesharpe2003@yahoo.com

- - Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223. 736-0624, Praise Worship-8:45am,
     "Single Minded" Bible Study-9:45am, Contemporary Worship-11 am. Info: Glenda Queen 803-260-0530, or Phil Brannan-church office.

- - Blaney Baptist Church in Elgin. Single & Single Again Class. 9:45 Sunday School. Worship at 8:30am or 11am. Class Fellowships too.

- - Riverland Hills Baptist: 10:15am Sundays- three Singles classes for those in their 20s, 30’s, 40 & up.   riverlandhills.org

- - Life Church International: Ages 19-29 meet Sundays 6pm for casual discussion, prayer, fellowship. Info: lisacm@aim.com

- - Shandon Baptist Singles. 8:45am: 55+, 40-54, 30-45. Or, 10:00am: 40+, 30-39, 20-29. Info: Christen@shandon.org, or

     visit their website: www.Shandon.org

DIVORCE CARE GROUPS:

DivorceCare is an excellent support group for people facing separation and/or divorce. The groups are very different depending on the teacher and the participants in each individual group. If one group doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, try another one. It will definitely be worth your time! There are at least a dozen groups in the Columbia area; here are a few that have leaders you can meet through CAD. Please contact the groups to confirm date and time, some may be on their Holiday Schedules.

- - DivorceCare at First Baptist of Lexington, 415 Barr Road. Sundays 5 - 9pm, Thursdays 6 - 8:30pm and Life Group designed to meet the needs of people going through divorce 9- 10:15am. Contact Paul Bishop 957-0686 or Glenn Hammond at CAD 553-7163

- - DivorceCare at Northeast Presbyterian Church on Sundays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. You can join at any time as the series operates on a repeating cycle. Childcare available if notified in advance by calling the church at 788-5298.

- - DivorceCare at Shandon Baptist Church, Forest Drive. info: singles@shandon.org 782-1300. DivorceCare 1 is Thursday from 6-8pm. DivorceCare 2 is studying The 5 Love Languages and meets Wednesdays 6:30-7:45pm. shandon.org/

- - DivorceCare at Church of the Harvest on Monday nights, 6-8:30pm, 4865 Sunset Blvd in Lexington (Hwy 378). the-harvest.org 803-808-6373 or send email to pk@the-harvest.org to register. Dinners and DivorceCare for Kids also available – call for info.

- - DivorceCare at Spring Valley Baptist Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Contact: Director/Facilitator Glenda Queen 803-260-0530

GRIEF SHARE

- - Shandon Baptist Church, Forest Drive, Wednesdays 6:30-7:45pm, info: Christen@shandon.org 782-1300 shandon.org/
GriefShare (6:00pm) Wednesday nights at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd, More info 736-0624

Celebrate Recovery® is a Christ-centered 12-Step Recovery Program

- - Friday nights at 6:00 PM at North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC. Contact Joe for more info 787-2133.

- - Tuesday Nights at 6pm at First Baptist Church of Lexington, 415 Barr Road, Lexington, SC. Contact Paul Bishop for more info 957-0686

FITNESS

- - First Place Wednesday nights at 6:00pm. Christ centered health plan for both men and women of all ages. It is a reliable, proven method of weight loss and balanced living. Using a support system that incorporates Bible study, Scripture memorization, balanced eating and exercise plans. First Place provides the opportunity to change your life, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally also. Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd. More info 736-0624.

- - Body & Soul Fitness kicks off an exciting new winter session the week of Jan 11th. Ladies, make your plans now to join us! The instructors are certified through the American Council on Exercise, and the workouts are fun, challenging, and provide options for all fitness levels. Power Strength uses weights and resistance to work each muscle group. The class is held on Monday mornings from 9:15-10:15. Childcare is available for morning classes. Cardio Strength combines a traditional cardio workout with floor work, strength training, Pilates, and stretching. This class meets on Tuesday & Friday mornings from 9:15-10:30 (childcare available) All classes are held in the fellowship hall. Bring your water bottle and floor mat and give it a try. Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd, Columbia (736-0624)

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4. FUND RAISERS, BENEFIT RUNS, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

To submit a post in this section, please send by Weds at 6pm to AllOfUs@sc.rr.com. The first time you submit something for an organization, I will need the info about that organization, so please send it a week earlier with who the organization is and who they benefit. The person or organization must be associated with CAD in some way or be well-known to someone on the staff so that we can easily verify the information.

North Trenholm Baptist Church, Backyardcity.com & WACH Fox 57 are sponsoring the Palmetto Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday, April 10, at the Village at Sandhill. There will be a Kids Fun Run, children's activities and an Expo for the runners the night before at the Plex. All the proceeds for the run will be benefiting hunger and homelessness in Columbia, splitting between four different charities; Harvest Hope, St. Lawrence Place, Alston Wilkes Society & the Family Shelter. For more information on the Palmetto Half Marathon & 5K, registering, volunteering or sponsoring visit palmettohalfmarathon.com.

Clyde Key Benefit Jul 24 at 11am. This is a benefit to raise money for Clyde who has fought cancer for several years; this is a day of wonderful music among other activities. Join us for an exciting day! Located at the Camden, SC Park by the Firehouse. Solid Ground will be performing and JAC Sound & Lighting will be running the sound system. solidgroundministries.com

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5. COLUMBIA AFTER DARK STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION

An interdenominational Christian staff hosts COLUMBIA AFTER DARK, a citywide friendship group for all singles in the Columbia, SC, metro area. Columbia After Dark is a nonprofit organization and totally self-supporting. We depend on your donations to continue this ministry to Singles in the Midlands. All staff and board members are volunteers. For more information about Columbia After Dark, email:ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com

CAD Staff Members:

Our dedicated staff members and volunteers have a heart for singles in Columbia. They work hard to provide events where singles can find friendships and fellowship as an alternative to the bar scene. Each has a specific area of ministry under the CAD umbrella and attends ministry training. Please thank a staff member when you see them. You can also contact staff by email:ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com

If you have any questions about these areas of the CAD ministry, please see these Coordinators:

Debbie Sellers – Service Projects Coordinator

Kyle Taylor – Chair of Board and Monthly Events Coordinator

Robert Escue – Community Events Coordinator (Weekend Explorers)

Robert Miller – Treasurer

Susan Johnson – Newsletter Editor and Monday Night Programs

Vance Dulin – Visitors Coordinator

That’s all for this week.

Love God, Love His People!

Susan

"What we do in the crisis depends on whether we see the difficulties in the light of God, or God in the shadow of the difficulties." --G.Campbell Morgan

This newsletter is an offering of COLUMBIA AFTER DARK. It is sent out by email (only) every week, listing not only CAD events, but also other events we’ve heard about that we think singles might enjoy. There are over 800 email addresses on the mailing list including current and past CAD participants, organizations, churches, and community groups. Please let us know what you want to promote to singles - any classes, events, groups, conferences, concerts, etc., that singles in the Columbia, SC, area would enjoy. We are especially looking for events that promote FRIENDSHIPS. We will list most events that do not conflict with CAD’s Monday Night Programs or the Singles Dances on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month. The Singles Dances support the CAD programs, so please participate whenever you can, or send others our way when you cannot be there. Through these donations and others, we are able to consistently offer some of the highest quality programs in the area on Monday nights.

- - To SUBSCRIBE or Cancel Subscription: email: ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com Be sure to note “newsletter” in the subject of the email.

- - Directions to Monday Night Columbia After Dark programs: We are meeting in the larger party room at the back of Carolina Wings in West Columbia. It’s next to the BiLo on Hwy 1 (the Columbia side of I-26). Take the Hwy 1 exit off I-26 and head towards downtown. When you go past the Walmart, you’ll see the BiLo in the next shopping center on your right. Carolina Wings is next door to the BiLo. We are in the party room behind the game room at the back of the restaurant. If you’d like, you can order from the Carolina Wings menu anytime before/during/after CAD. A love offering is taken on Monday nights to help support our Monday night programs with some of the best Christian music and speakers in the Midlands.

- - Directions to the Singles Dances at The Hugh Dimmery Memorial Center (aka The Barn): From downtown Columbia, take I-26 east towards Charleston, take the Airport exit (#113 Hwy302) and turn left at the exit ramp light. Go under the bridge to the next light and take a left again (like you are getting back onto the interstate) and then take an immediate right onto the frontage road, Cherokee Lane. The Barn is at 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia SC, right past the Cambridge Plaza Hotel & Legends, and behind The Promenade western wear shop.

Check for the latest CAD updates online at:
http://www.ColumbiaAfterDark.com

http://facebook.com/ColumbiaAfterDark

http://www.myspace.com/columbiaafterdark

Email ColumbiaAfterDark@yahoo.com

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