Grits reign in New York City
By John Temple Ligon Temple@TheColumbiaStar.com
      Inside New York City's James Beard Foundation, the world famous destination for foodies, there was a South Carolina Lowcountry cooking convention at 7 pm, March 10. In attendance were 80 diners, with at least 10 from South Carolina.
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Philanthropist comes to the rescue for Peruvian dinner
By Ceille Baird Welch Wha'cha gon' do?
      When you don't know beans about cooking, let alone Peruvian cooking, you've already invited friends over for a home- cooked, five course, Peruvian meal and your loving spouse cracks up and tells you to Get Real? Who ya' gon' call?
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Columbians mediate with Azerbaijani lawyers
By Sydney Kornegay Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com
      Editor's note: Azerbaijan is a country of Transcaucasia north of Iran on the Caspian Sea. It was a constituent republic of the USSR, known as the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, from 1936 to 1991. Baku is the capital. Population: 7,910,000.
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Party Animals raises record $114,000
Free spay/neuter vouchers in March water bills
Contributed by The Gillespie Agency
      A record- breaking $114,000 was raised during The Animal Mission's annual one- night fundraising event, Party Animals, held March 2 in Columbia. The Animal Mission is a non- profit support group for the Columbia Animal Shelter.
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PETS, Inc. Opens Non- Profit Pet Shop
      Health conscious pet owners can now find premium pet food and supplies at the newly opened PETS, Inc. Adoption Center and Shelter at 300 Orchard Drive in West Columbia. All products are quality- tested by PETS, Inc.
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S.C. soldier gets magazine from home
Story and Photo by Maj. Scott Bell, S.C. National Guard Historian
      Master Sgt. Phillip Jones of Columbia, a public affairs specialist with 38 years of service in the S.C. Army National Guard and 40 years of service as a photographer with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources gave Pfc.
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