The City of Columbia Partners with SC DHEC to Offer Free COVID-19 Vaccinations
As coronavirus cases rise, the City of Columbia is urging citizens to get vaccinated and is offering several free vaccine clinics. The City of Columbia is partnering SC DHEC to host FREE COVID-19 vaccination clinics at city operated facilities.
The city is increasing vaccination efforts across the Midlands as a part of the Mayor’s “It’s YOUR Shot, Columbia” campaign to inform Midlands citizens of the free, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations.
In September, SC DHEC will distribute Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. The vaccination clinics will be from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Tuesday, September 14, 2021, Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue
Thursday, September 16, 2021, MLK Park, 2300 Greene St
In October, SC DHEC will distribute the second dose of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson to eligible citizens. The vaccination clinics will be from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue
Thursday, October 14, 2021, MLK Park, 2300 Greene St
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Economic and Community Development Committee
Council Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 2:00 PM
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Mayor Benjamin to host Annual Mayor's Campaign Against Breast Cancer Isabel Law Breakfast
Tickets and t-shirts on sale now!
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will host the Annual Mayor's Campaign Against Breast Cancer Isabel Law Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021.
WHO: Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Staff & Officials, Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, and Local Volunteers
WHAT: Mayor's Campaign Against Breast Cancer Isabel Law Breakfast
WHERE: Parking lot of City Hall 1737 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Due to the pandemic, the logistics for the breakfast will follow Covid-19 safety guidelines, as well as, social distancing.
WHEN: Friday, October 1, 2021 from 8 – 10 a.m.
COST: Tickets are $10
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at City Hall 1737 Main Street, 1st floor. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday.
For more information, call the Office of the City Clerk at (803)-545-3045.
*Face Masks Are Required in City Buildings*
T-shirts are also on sale for $15 each and can be purchased at City Hall 1737 Main Street, 1st floor. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday.
For more information, call the Office of the City Clerk at (803)-545-3045.
All proceeds will go to Prisma Health Midlands Foundation for the Bosom Buddies Fund to assist women with post-mastectomy bras and other support materials.
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Join Leshia Utsey, Director of Public Relations, Media, and Marketing, and discover the exciting events and news going on in the City of Columbia this week! Scroll down to the Video Hub section of this email, or follow the link here! #WeAreColumbia
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Climate Protection Action Committee hosting Free “Back to School Sustainability Style” Virtual Workshop
Whether your student is headed to kindergarten or starting college, many schools throughout the Midlands are adding sustainability and environmental awareness as a key part of the school year. That’s why the theme for CPAC’s next quarterly webinar is Back to School: Sustainability Style.
In this webinar, CPAC will highlight sustainability programs designed to engage students, school faculty, parents and family members, and discuss impacts these programs can have on the environment. Teachers and students themselves will explain why these programs are important, and local environmental educators will explain how you can get your students’ school involved.
The free webinar will be streamed online at the City of Columbia’s YouTube Channel link starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 16. The workshop livestream link is https://youtu.be/BZOmZ3yobdo.
For additional information, contact City of Columbia Sustainability Facilitator Mary Pat Baldauf at (803) 545-2722 or mary.baldauf@columbiasc.gov.
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City of Columbia to Host Virtual 8th Annual Small Business Week Conference with Chris Heivly, Co-Founder of MapQuest
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Benedict College Women’s Business Center, will hold the City’s 8th Annual Small Business Week Conference virtually on Thursday, September 16th from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
As small businesses continue to adjust to the economic challenges of COVID-19, this year’s theme is Opportunities Out of Crisis.
The conference line-up includes remarks by Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin and a keynote address by software technology executive, Mr. Chris Heivly, MapQuest co-founder and one of the nation’s leading new ventures and start-up experts. We will also hear from six local businesses that have adapted their business models or started new ventures in an effort to find opportunities from an economy impacted by COVID-19.
For businesses looking for opportunities to diversity revenue streams, procurement representatives will also be on hand to walk you through the procurement process of public agencies.
We are Resilient Columbia!
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City of Columbia Parks and Recreation to Close North End of Riverfront Park Due to Tree Removal
City of Columbia Parks and Recreation will close the north end of Riverfront Park (312 Laurel St.) on Monday, September 13 and Tuesday, September 14 from 7am to 3:30pm.
Work crews will be filling a void on the levy created by a large downed tree, and the work zone will not be safe for people to enter. Guests can use the South end at 312 Laurel, but can only travel north to the barricades at the 1 ¼ mile marker. Work will conclude on Wednesday the 15th, and normal park operations (6 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily) will resume.
We encourage park users to visit the Saluda Riverwalk, 650 Candi Lane as an alternative.
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City of Columbia to Host #LoveColumbiaSC
Photo Challenge
The #LoveColumbiaSC Challenge is a City initiative that encourages citizens of Columbia to submit photos via social media of the places they love in the City of Columbia. Citizens are tasked with submitting photos of their favorite places within City limits. The photo must be taken by the citizen who is entering the contest.
The City of Columbia Photo Challenge, #LoveColumbiaSC, began in 2014 as a way to increase community engagement, expand public knowledge of the City’s social media sites and increase the use of technology to interact with citizens. To enter the contest, you must tag the City of Columbia in your photo on the social media platform and use hashtag #LoveColumbiaSC to identify as a contest entry.
WHO: City of Columbia
WHAT:
Image Submission:
Submit images that include landscapes, structures, buildings or historical monuments. The photos MUST include images that are within the city limits. The winning photo will be based on the total number of “likes, favorites, retweets, etc. that are received by September 30, 2020. To enter the contest, social media users MUST tag the City of Columbia on the social media platform and use #LoveColumbiaSC to identify a contest entry.
There will be three photos chosen and they will include one photo from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The winner will be decided by the number of votes from followers on each of the social media platforms.
WHEN: The #LoveColumbiaSC Photo Challenge will be held on the City’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter media platforms from August 16, 2021 until September 13, 2021.
WHERE: City limits of Columbia, South Carolina
FOLLOW US TO PARTICIPATE:
Instagram: @wearecolumbia
Twitter: @cityofcolumbia
Facebook: @cityofcolumbia
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Columbia Animal Services to hold Clear the Shelters Adoption Special
Columbia Animal Services is holding a “Clear the Shelters” adoption special from August 23 to September 19. From August 23 to August 27, all adoption fees are waived, and from August 28 to September 19, adoption fees are only $15!
You can visit Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane or call them at (803) 776-PETS (7387). Adoption hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please note that masks are mandatory when entering the facility.
Visit Columbia Animal Services during the “Clear the Shelters” event, and adopt a new furry friend into your home and give them a second chance!
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Virtual Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence
The 2021 Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence will be held virtually Saturday, October 9. Participants are asked to join in and show their support by going for a walk in their own neighborhoods, local parks, and other outdoor areas throughout Columbia.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and for the 15th year, Mayor Steve Benjamin and Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine are hosting the annual walk, which will be taking place virtually this year due to the global pandemic. Participants are encouraged to walk alone or with their family members (households). If someone chooses to walk with a group or with friends, they are urged to wear a mask and practice social distancing. By joining in and walking in parks and neighborhoods within the community, participants will help in raising awareness about the abuse and violence that is taking place in our community.
The first 500 registrants will have the opportunity to pick up a registration packet and gift as well as a yard sign to be displayed at their homes, showing their support in taking steps against domestic violence.
All of the items in the registration packet will help citizens show their support for the walk.
Participants can also search “Virtual Mayors Walk Against Domestic Violence” on the Eventbrite website to register.
For more information, contact the Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department at pio@columbiasc.gov (803)-545-3020.
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City’s Parks and Recreation Department Along Richland One Presents Free GED Program
The City of Columbia alongside Richland School District One presents a free GED Program, that will include transportation incentives and more. Classes will be from 9:00 a.m. until noon, childcare will also be provided the City's Parks and Recreation Department announced.
When: Starting, Monday, September 13, 2021
Where: Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center, 2611 Grant St. Columbia, SC 29203
*MASKS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE ALL CITY OF COLUMBIA BUILDINGS*
For more information, call the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.
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Dominion Energy to Continue Performing
Tree Trimming Activities as Scheduled for 2021
Dominion Energy will continue performing tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods this week:
Distribution Line Tree Trimming:
Rosewood Dr.
Tyler St.
Lanier Ave.
Hollywood Rosehill
South Waccamaw
Edisto Court
Shandon Neighborhood Council
Colonial Park Neighborhood Assoc.
Hyatt Park Neighborhood
Around Shivers Road and Broad River Road
Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry and Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at 1-800-562-9308 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.
The trimming will be completed by Dominion Energy’s contractors and work will be closely monitored by the City’s Certified Arborists from the Forestry and Beautification Division.
The purpose of the trimming activities is to increase safety and reliability of the electric service. Dominion Energy reports an 89% improvement in reliability in vegetation related outages in areas where trimming is completed compared to a year ago. The trimming guidelines include removing vegetation within 8-12 feet below and beside the power lines and up to 20 feet above the power lines.
Dominion Energy and their contractors trim in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture guidelines, using ANSI A300 pruning methods leaving good cuts that will generate new growth.
Dominion Energy’s re-conductor work includes pole replacements and new wire in select locations. The goal of re-conductor work is to improve reliability.
For more information about Dominion Energy’s tree trimming efforts, including helpful tips and suggestions regarding the planting of trees and other vegetation, visit www.dominionenergysc.com/treetrimming.
You can also contact Dominion Energy’s 24-hour Customer Service Center toll-free at
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City Video Hub
Find in-depth perspectives from news, updates, and recent events in the City of Columbia.
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City Council Meeting | September 7, 2021 |
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Emergency City Council Meeting | September 8, 2021 |
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Join us for the 15th Annual Mayor's
Walk Against Domestic Violence
The 2021 Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence will be held virtually on Saturday, October 9. Participants are asked to join in and show their support by going for a walk in their own neighborhoods, local parks, and other outdoor areas throughout Columbia.
There is no cost to participate, but registration is required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-.... Participants can also search “Virtual Mayors Walk Against Domestic Violence” on the Eventbrite website to register.
For more information, contact the Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department at pio@columbiasc.gov or (803)-545-3020.
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This Week in the City | September 13th - 17th
This Week in the City brings you an inside look at a few things going on in the City of Columbia. If you would like more information about the events shown in "This Week in the City" or would like to know about more events going on in the City of Columbia, please visit our website at https://www.ColumbiaSC.gov
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The #LoveColumbiaSC Challenge is a City initiative that encourages citizens of Columbia to submit photos via social media of the places they love in the City of Columbia. Citizens are tasked with submitting photos of their favorite places within City limits. The photo must be taken by the citizen who is entering the contest.
The City of Columbia Photo Challenge, #LoveColumbiaSC, began in 2014 as a way to increase community engagement, expand public knowledge of the City’s social media sites and increase the use of technology to interact with citizens. To enter the contest, you must tag the City of Columbia in your photo on the social media platform and use the hashtag #LoveColumbiaSC to identify as a contest entry.
FOLLOW US TO PARTICIPATE:
Instagram: @wearecolumbia
Twitter: @cityofcolumbia
Facebook: @cityofcolumbia
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City View: A Close-Up View of the City of Columbia
City View brings you a close-up view of the City of Columbia by highlighting key events, programs and initiatives happening in the City of Columbia.
E-Mail | PIO@ColumbiaSC.gov
Phone | (803) 545-3020
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DHEC Supports SC Children’s Hospital Collaborative’s Daily Reporting of COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Call for Masking and Vaccinations
Citing the alarming rate at which children are requiring hospitalization due to COVID-19, the South Carolina Children’s Hospital Collaborative (SCCHC) on Wednesday announced it is now providing a daily report showing the number of hospitalized children (ages 0-17) with COVID-19, the number of those children requiring ICU care, and the number requiring a ventilator.
The organization also is calling for state leaders to do everything “in their power to protect children by implementing evidence-based strategies including universal masking in schools for children and vaccination for eligible children.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) applauds these initiatives from the SCCHC and has similarly called for leaders across the state to be allowed to implement masking requirements and urged all residents 12 and up to get vaccinated.
“We appreciate how seriously the SCCHC is taking this issue and echo their concerns about how COVID is affecting our children,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Public Health Director. “This virus has taken the lives of more than 11,000 South Carolinians and is now more than ever hurting the innocent children of this state. We can’t wait any longer. Now is the time to mask up and get vaccinated.”
The SCCHC represents the four children’s hospitals in the state: Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Upstate, McLeod Children’s Hospital, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. The organization reported on Thursday that among the four hospitals, 32 children were hospitalized with COVID, 14 were in critical care, and 11 were on ventilators. Updated daily numbers will be provided on the organization’s Facebook page.
“This news is truly heartbreaking,” Traxler added. “The perception of COVID-19 has long been that you had to be an elderly person or have preexisting conditions to be severely impacted. That is clearly not the case, as more and more young people and children are being hospitalized and requiring tubes and machines to breathe for them. Of the 11 children on ventilators today, four are under 12 years old and therefore are too young to be vaccinated. They are suffering as a result of not enough people getting vaccinated and wearing masks. We cannot stress the importance of masks, vaccinations, and other safety protocols enough. We have to stop the spread of this virus for the sake of our children.”
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DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer Provides Statement on DHEC's Emergency Authority
In recent weeks, several members of the media, the legislature and the public have inquired about the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s authority to issue a statewide emergency order mandating masks in schools. DHEC’s position on this issue came after careful legal analysis of the governing statutes and extensive internal consideration by agency leadership and the DHEC board.
The emergency authority previously referenced allows DHEC to respond quickly to local situations or outbreaks where rapid action is necessary, and steps can be taken to prevent immediate, imminent danger to the local population.
The situation in each school district is different, and issuing a statewide order that applies equally to every school, that would be enforceable with the current proviso in place and that would withstand legal challenge is not currently feasible.
During the DHEC board meeting yesterday (Thursday, Sept. 9), agency director Dr. Edward Simmer elaborated on this issue directly. Click the video below to hear Dr. Simmer's statements.
“We do have that authority,” Simmer said. “However, I think there are some challenges practically to using it. Certainly trying to do a statewide order would be very difficult, at best, because the situation at every school district is different and trying to write one order that would fit every school district would be, I think, next to impossible.
“I’ve talked with our team, and we don’t think there’s a good way to do a statewide order that really fits every school district.”
The second challenge, Simmer said, is enforcement.
“I think the proviso is pretty clear,” Simmer said. “Proviso 1.108 is very clear that we cannot use school district personnel or anyone funded with state funds to enforce a requirement to wear masks. Which then prompts the question, ‘Well, then, who would?,’ because obviously who’s mostly watching the children are the teachers, the principals and other people in the school, all of whom are funded with state funds.”
“I don’t believe it’s appropriate to write an order you can’t enforce.”
Should an outbreak in a school or school district warrant, DHEC may consider issuing a public health order for masks on a by-location basis. This would be a temporary action based on the latest evidence and the situation at the school or school district and with the intent to protect children, staff, and others from severe illness or even death due to COVID-19. However, because of the proviso, such an order could not be enforced by school employees.
“I think it’s possible (to do a localized order),” Simmer said. “We’ve not had a request for that at this point. But that’s something we’d have to visit at that time, whether a more localized order for a specific school district or even a specific school would have merit. But I think we’d still come down to the enforcement issue, and I still don’t know how we would enforce even a more localized order.
“That’s where we stand. Yes, we have the authority, but from a practical standpoint, if we can’t enforce the order, then it’s not a good idea to issue one.”
DHEC continues to advocate for the legislature to consider revising the proviso to allow individual school districts, superintendents, and principals to make decisions about requiring masks in consultation with local and state health professionals. The agency believes this approach, along with the vaccination of every eligible South Carolinian, will best protect children and others from COVID-19 and help keep children in school while maximizing parental choice.
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This is Your Shot, Columbia!
Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin encourages you to get vaccinated and protect our community for COVID-19.
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Have questions about COVID-19 vaccines or need help finding vaccine providers?
Call the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at
1-866-365-8110 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit the SCDHEC website here.
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Stephen K. Benjamin
Mayor
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Sam Davis
Councilman District I
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Tameika Isaac Devine
Councilwoman At-Large
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Howard E. Duvall, Jr.
Councilman At-Large
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Edward H. McDowell, Jr.
Councilman District II
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Daniel J. Rickenmann
Councilman District IV
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Will Brennan
Councilman District III
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Teresa Wilson
City Manager
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