I was traveling in North Carolina this past week and there were patches of daylilies and wildflowers in the medians along Interstate 95. Although they were not in bloom, these areas were still attractive.

There are a number of gardeners in the area who are planting wildflowers in small and large areas to increase the beauty of their landscape. Wildflowers are good at blending turf and traditional landscaped areas into wooded areas.

Dozens of pink, purple and red balloons filled the sky over an Evans day care center Thursday in honor of a 4-year-old girl who recently drowned.

The balloon release was a way for classmates, friends and family to celebrate Jayden Kerns’ life, which was cut short when she drowned Nov. 3 in her family’s swimming pool at their Rutledge Way home in Evans.

About 100 children and adults stood outside A Child’s World on Hardy-McManus Road in Evans and watched as the balloons, reflecting Jayden’s favorite colors, floated away into the afternoon sky.

Twitter @JennaNMartin

Columbia County planning staff wants residents to again pick the most appealing building design of 2011.

People can vote online through Monday for their favorite developments in the second annual Community Pride Design Awards.

Last year, F&M Bank at Evans to Locks and Furys Ferry roads received the most votes for top design.

“It turned out to be very successful,” county Planning Manager Nayna Mistry said of the inaugural contest. “I think the business owners and the developers appreciate it, too.”

Dozens of local officials, celebrities and media personalities will be serving lunch at
the 11th annual Italian Thanksgiving Feast on Monday at The Garlic Clove restaurant in Evans.

The annual dinner raises funds for Columbia County Cares food pantry and the Golden Harvest Food Bank, in which diners receive a meal from a set menu in return for monetary donations to the food banks.