News briefs: Lake Wylie-based Kenyan project sees student grad, new tech center
KOP sees rewards in education
Kenya Orphanage Project saw one of its own graduate college and started building a technology center.
Monique Boekhout of Lake Wylie and KOP founder said “Sharon has been with us since September 2009, sharing her time between Kenyatta University and working for KOP in Nairobi.”
On Dec. 19, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology.
“We are so proud of her and so happy for her,” Boekhout said.
KOP also provided Christmas presents to the students, including new clothing. Promoting education is a focus of KOP.
“Encouraging the children to be the best they can be has always been our motto,” Boekhout said. “But for a lot of them, the best they can be will not mean going to college but rather entering a trade after high school.”
This problem was also identified several years ago by founders of the House of Hope and U.S. partner Star Fish Kenya. Two years ago, the House of Hope introduced Skills as part of their high school curriculum.
Their vision also was to have an independent facility offering all these skills under one roof, with certified teachers and diplomas recognized by the Kenyan government. Construction for a new facility started in November.
“Thanks to the KEEP Fund, an endowment fund started in 2006 through the Kilimanjaro climb and restricted to education, KOP was able to provide $50,000 for the phase one of the Technology Center,” Boekhout said.
For more about KOP, visit kenyaorphanageproject.org/.
Blood center donates 19,000 pounds of food
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinasdonated 19,600 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina through its sixth annual Pints for Pounds campaign.
During January and February, CBCC donated 7 pounds of food for every pint of blood donated. Since the campaign began in 2009, CBCC has been able to contribute 250,984 pounds of food.
For more information, call 704-972-4700 or visit cbcc.us.
Applications accepted for tourist tax projects
York County is accepting grant applications for Accommodations and Hospitality Tax projects.
The application deadline for advertising and marketing projects is April 15 for FY 2016 funding. The grants may be accessed at yorkcountygov.com/departments/manager/Grants/default.aspx.
All applicants will need to provide projection of how tourism would be impacted from the project in the application.
Call 803-684-8503 for more information.
Register for writers workshop
The Rock Hill Chapter of the South Carolina Writers Workshop will present the ninth annual Writers Intensive Workshop April 25 at Grace Lutheran Church, 426 Oakland Ave. This year’s theme is Writers’ Secrets Uncovered.
Each participant may choose four of 24 sessions, a panel discussion and optional critiques. Sessions are presented for beginning writers through published authors and include many genres. As an added bonus, participants will get the opportunity to meet other writers and professionals in the industry.
Registration is 8:30-9 a.m. Cost is $30 for nonmembers, and $25 for SCWW members and students age 16 and older. Lunch is included in this day-long event. Space is limited.
Visit rockhillscww.org to select your sessions.
Walk for Wishes April 25
Make-A-Wish South Carolina will host its third annual Walk For Wishes on April 25 at Cherry Park.
The event opens at 9 a.m., with a walk beginning at 10 a.m. Following the walk, participants are encouraged to stay and enjoy the local entertainment.
In addition to the walk, Walk For Wishes will offer music and snacks. Children will be able to take part in activities from balloon animals to face painting to glitter tattoos. Star Wars Storm Troopers will be on site for photo opportunities.
Walkers who raise $100 or more will receive a Walk For Wishes T-shirt. Top fundraisers and teams will be recognized and awarded prizes at the awards ceremony.
For more information, visit walkforwishessc.org or call 864-250-0702.
CAAC seeks pet food donations
Clover Area Assistance Center needs help to fill pet food donations.
CAAC would like to find individuals, clubs, churches and businesses to routinely ensure pet food is available.
For information, call 803-222-4837.
Riding center veterans program to begin
RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center in Clover is adding a program for veterans.
The program will support the physical and psychological recovery and well-being of military personnel, veterans and their families through interactions with horses.
With a grant from the Lutz Foundation of Chester, the center will begin the 10-week program in April. The goal is to teach new skills and accomplish personal goals that will enhance a healthy self-concept for work and home.
Space is limited. Lessons will be given at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays. Evaluations and medical approval to the program will begin in March by appointment only.
For more information, email the center at rideabilitysc@gmail.com, call program director Wendy Schonfeld at 803-222-6008 or go to Rideabilitysc.com.
CHS class of ’85 plans reunion
Clover High School class of 1985 is looking for classmates for the 30-year reunion.
Classmates can send contact information to cloverclassof1985@yahoo.com or call 704-582-0781.
Artists may apply for exhibitions
The Arts Council of York County is accepting applications for 2016 gallery exhibitions.
Each year the council presents eight exhibits. Artists wishing to be considered may submit the following to Mike Gentry, gallery manager for the Arts Council: $20 application fee (nonrefundable); 10 hi-res jpeg images submitted on CD or DVD (Mac or PC formatted discs); inventory lists, with titles, sizes and mediums; resume; and written proposal for exhibition and/or artist statement.
All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. May 1. Artists may submit work as a group or individually. Notification of acceptance will be provided via email. Submission packets will not be returned. Works that sell while on exhibit at the Center for the Arts are subject to a 40 percent commission fee by the Arts Council of York County.
For information, call 803-328-2787, email arts@yorkcountyarts.org, or visit yorkcountyarts.org.
This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 12:31 PM with the headline "News briefs: Lake Wylie-based Kenyan project sees student grad, new tech center."