Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How 7,800 new USC freshmen are reshaping Columbia’s streets this week

Also, don't miss Best of What's Around on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
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Good morning Columbia! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • How 7,800 new USC freshmen are reshaping Columbia's streets this week
  • Plan your week: Key dates for Jones Memorial's Homecoming and Revival
  • Could Gray Collegiate's next campus land near your Columbia neighborhood?

Also on today's calendar: Afterlight, an Evening of Original Movement and Storytelling and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 99 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 98, low: 75.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 100 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Thousands of USC freshmen move into Columbia campus for start of new school year (wistv.com) — USC has just welcomed about 7,800 freshmen to its Columbia campus, bringing families and packed SUVs into local streets, shops, and restaurants ahead of classes. University staff spent a year planning the three-day move-in, while visiting families praised Columbia's hospitality and energy as the city gears up for another busy school year.
   

2. Jones Memorial AME Zion announces upcoming Services (carolinapanorama.com) — Columbia worshippers are invited to Jones Memorial AME Zion Church's Pastor's Appreciation, Homecoming, and Revival from August 23–25, 2026, on Barhamville Road. Services will feature guest preachers from Columbia and North Carolina, with evening revival meetings at 6:30 p.m. and clear contact information for anyone needing details or directions.
   

3. Gray Collegiate wants to open schools across South Carolina. Where is it looking? (thestate.com) — West Columbia's Gray Collegiate Academy is eyeing new campuses across South Carolina after adding sites in Irmo and northeast Columbia. The fast-growing charter, now serving more than 2,200 students, is polling families on which counties should get the next school, signaling potential future options for Columbia-area parents and beyond.
   

4. Conservation Fund Buys Historic South Carolina Plantation for $13.8M to Preserve Its Wildlife and History (mansionglobal.com subscription) — A historic 736-acre plantation estate in Eastover, about 25 miles from Columbia, has been purchased for $13.8 million to expand the Wateree River Heritage Preserve and permanently protect its wildlife and slave-era historic sites. Funded largely by South Carolina's Conservation Bank and Richland County, the deal preserves a key piece of regional Black history while keeping the current stewards on-site during an 18‑month transition.
   

5. Roslyn Clark Artis Makes the Case for Strategic Investment (theeduledger.com) — Benedict College's president in Columbia is leveraging a $1 million ServiceNow partnership and other corporate ties to build stronger tech and engineering pathways for local students. By shifting programs toward higher-paying STEM and business fields, she's betting that Columbia graduates will see better paychecks and more opportunities in South Carolina's growing "port economy."
   

📸 Around Columbia

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello!
    I went to ATM today and found somebody's card in the ATM. It was for a Terrance Williamson . If you are this person, please message me. You will… (Nextdoor Clemson Rd)
  • Homemade pumkin spice glazed doughnuts.
    Thanks to Jan's Amish friendship starter! I've been making some goodies!! 🩷 (Nextdoor Garners Ferry)
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Produce Associate - Food Lion in Columbia. Apply here.
  • BJ's Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitorial in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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