Gabbiee Swainson Prayer Vigil, Shrimp and Grits Fundraiser, Diabetes Screening

It's Monday, and that means we've put together this list of things going on in Columbia Patch to help make your week a little brighter, easier and more fun. 

For a full list of things to do this week, look at the calendar of events.

1. Prayer Vigil for Gabrielle Swainson

A prayer vigil for Gabrielle "Gabbiee" Swainson, a missing teen whose body was found almost a year after she disappeared from her home in August 2012, has been scheduled for Sunday, August 18.


2. A Strong Mayor Referendum?

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is trying to gain support for a strong mayor referendum in November. City Council is expected to discuss the proposed referendum at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue

3. Shrimp and Grits Fundraiser for Vincent Family 

The Columbia Police Department is helping raise money for a fellow officer, whose wife recently passed away, and their two children. The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Columbia Police headquarters, 1 Justice Square. Shrimp and grits can be purchase for $8. For more information, contact Jim Crawford at 803-429-3889.


4. Free Diabetes Screening

Palmetto Health is offering free diabetes screenings this week on Thursday and Saturday. Adults ages 18–24 must be at a "high risk" for developing Type 2 diabetes. All adults age 45 and older are eligible for testing regardless of diabetes risk. Screening times: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Take 5, 1501 Sumter Street (Office of Community Health conference room); 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church's Family Life Center, 1028 Eastman Street.


5. At-large Open House

Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine is hosting an open house on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Hall, 1737 Main Street. For more information or to make an appointment, call Libby Gober at 803-545-3061.

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