Veteran ‘Tunnel Rat’ will tell his story at Lexington County Library branch – May 2
April 24, 2025
On May 2, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum’s Noon Debrief series of free lectures will debut in a new location. And it will be a particularly…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
He took my place
April 24, 2025
By Jeff Becraft (Another story involving Black Mountain for Children… names have been changed for privacy sake.) Last year, I was speaking at a weekend camp with Black Mountain…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Learn about the struggles of a Montagnard soldier who settled in South Carolina
April 24, 2025
We all remember – if we’re old enough – the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, particularly the image of that helicopter trying to evacuate people from a rooftop.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Nature’s Fierce Defiance
April 23, 2025
By Tom Poland For seven years I only read Russian writers, Boris Pasternak, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and my favorite, Alexander Ilyich Solzhenitsyn. Solzhenitsyn wrote of life under Stalin.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Clinton Library Set to Celebrate Grand Opening April 27
April 23, 2025
The Laurens County Public Library System is excited to welcome the community to the Grand Opening of the new Clinton Library on Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 p.m. Located at…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, entertainment, life, on-the-move, technology, the-arts
South Carolinians to shine “Two Lights for Tomorrow” on April 18
April 18, 2025
South Carolina will participate in “Two Lights for Tomorrow” on the night of Friday, April 18, a nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Pictures don’t even capture it
April 17, 2025
By Jeff Becraft This past weekend, I went with a group of guys to Black Mountain Home for Children in Black Mountain, North Carolina. On the west campus of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
A Southern Rock Connection
April 16, 2025
By Tom Poland Back roads took me past pecan groves and cotton fields and eventually to Charlane Woodlands, Chuck and Rose Lane Leavell’s home/tree farm. That evening Chuck and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
HOLY WEEK: Being always mindful of life’s blessings
April 14, 2025
God literally saved me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually By W. Thomas Smith Jr. As we begin HOLY WEEK – Palm Sunday through Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, then…
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Clinton Library Set to Close Temporarily as Move to New Location Beginsary Closing!
April 12, 2025
Big changes are coming for library patrons in Clinton. The Clinton Library, currently located next to Ace Hardware on Jacobs Highway, will officially close its doors on April 14 as…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: economic-development, education, entertainment, life, non-profit, on-the-move
We Never Met
April 10, 2025
By Tom Poland I wish we had. I traded letters with a writer who lived alone in the remote reaches of Alaska, the Land of the Midnight Sun. Poet…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Experience a master class on collaboration at Endeavor’s Collaborators & Cocktails networking event
April 7, 2025
Endeavor Workspace’s spring C&C on April 30th is all about marketing Greenville. Attendees will get a master class on collaboration and smart selling – from a brand and a key…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: chamber, conversations, economic-development, hospitality, life, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
Sistercare x Jamie Scott Fitness EmpoweRun 5k on Saturday, April 5
April 7, 2025
Sistercare’s 3rd Annual EmpoweRun 5k Walk and Run Sistercare and Jamie Scott Fitness are joining together to host the 3rd annual EmpoweRun 5k walk and run to benefit Sistercare’s ongoing…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Hear the full, true story of the Doolittle Raid, and the Midlands’ role in it
April 7, 2025
You know about the Doolittle Raid – or at least, you should. On April 18, 1942 – just over four months after the Pearl Harbor attack – sixteen B-25B Mitchell…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Tour-De-Clinton: Bike to The Library and Win!
April 6, 2025
The Clinton Public Library invites all bike enthusiasts and families to join the Bike to The Library program, a week-long community event designed to encourage outdoor activity and creativity. Beginning…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, entertainment, life, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, transportation
Responding to life
April 4, 2025
By Jeff Becraft I am building a storage shed in my backyard. I am being trained by this guy in a blue shirt off of YouTube University. I watched…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Gnarly voicemails
April 2, 2025
By Jeff Becraft I’m on my second illness in six weeks. What kind of shenanigans is this? I guess all the running around over the last month and eating…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
A Day in the Life of a Garbage Man
April 2, 2025
By Tom Poland Let this harrowing tale serve as a warning. Be careful of what you wrap in aluminum foil. A British judge stopped a man’s 12-year legal battle…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Upstate Deputy Calls for Better Care After Line-of-Duty Injury
April 1, 2025By Corporal Lucas Watts On November 16, 2023, our family began the long, grueling journey of recovery that comes with a traumatic brain injury. While on duty for the Oconee…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: government, health-care, life, on-the-move
M16, which generations of American soldiers have carried into battle, discussed at next Noon Debrief
April 1, 2025
The eight-shot, semiautomatic M1 Garand rifle got the American infantryman through both the Second World War and Korea. General George S. Patton called it “the greatest battle implement ever devised.”…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Laurens County Libraries Partner with One Blood and The Blood Connection for April Blood Drives
March 30, 2025
Laurens County Public Libraries are teaming up with One Blood and The Blood Connection this April to offer two opportunities for community members to donate blood. The One Blood bus…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: health-care, life, on-the-move
Saying goodbye to Dad
March 27, 2025
By Jeff Becraft I know my last article talked about my Dad moving on to Higher Ground, but while it is still fresh on my mind, I’m going to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Lessons From The Great Snakeman
March 26, 2025
By Tom Poland Come the cold, dormant months, few snakes, if any, are out and about. Perhaps winter makes a good time to read about the critters many fear.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Power: Ed awards $95,000 grant to A Father’s Place to prepare young men for fatherhood and life
March 26, 2025
A Father’s Place (AFP), has been awarded a $95,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support AFP’s Reality Check Program, which actively engaging both current…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: education, life, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Come out for a special Saturday at the Relic Room. It will be revolutionary! March 29
March 25, 2025
When did our country make itself independent from British rule? Was it when the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired at Lexington? Was it when John Hancock and 55…
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New report highlights factors influencing the health of South Carolinians
March 25, 2025
New data explores the population health of South Carolinians and the impact of physical, mental, and social well-being on life expectancy, among other factors. The annual report released by County…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, life, non-profit, on-the-move
Hidden by Woods; Revealed by Wind
March 20, 2025
By Tom Poland I was cruising a familiar Georgia road looking for the past. A gut feeling told me to strike out for a place Hurricane Helene devastated—the busy…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
During the Revolution, South Carolina had its very own Navy
March 20, 2025
You’ve heard of John Paul Jones, the first great hero of the United States Navy. But remember that in his heyday, there was no “U.S. Navy” as we think of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Higher Ground
March 13, 2025
By Jeff Becraft Years ago, at a camp called SOTO out in the Ozarks of Arkansas, our kids and I were part of that week’s camp and we were…
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Like Being in a Liberace Movie
March 13, 2025
By Tom Poland For thirteen years I jogged a trail running within 60 feet of stolen art hidden in the home of acquaintance Roger Streeter. I had no clue…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Prisma Health Family YMCA breaks ground on recreational facility expansion in response to growing community
March 11, 2025
The YMCA of Greenville broke ground today on the recreational facility expansion at the Prisma Health Family YMCA in Simpsonville in response to Southern Greenville County’s exponential growth in recent…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: architecture, construction, day-care, economic-development, fitness-centers, life, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
‘Flower Power’ re-envisioned in newest exhibit opening at the Upcountry History Museum
March 6, 2025Say “Flower Power” and many people immediately flash back to 1960s-70s America and a focus on peace and love. But add in the efforts of a First Lady of the…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: agriculture, chamber, churches, education, environmental, hospitality, life, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts, veterans
Silent Voices Can Live On
March 6, 2025
By Tom Poland It’s Up to You The passing of another year is close at hand, and I find myself thinking of people I lost in 2024. Each…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Windows of refreshment
March 6, 2025
By Jeff Becraft There are windows in life. Sometimes circumstances can become overwhelming in life. It can be severe things… or maybe even little things that all start to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Battle over teaching history in SC rages on: A report from the front
March 5, 2025
“A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government,” said George Washington. And how well do you think we’re doing with that right now?…
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ScanSource and McCracken Middle School Partner to honor memory of former leader at 31st Annual Milliken Earth Run
March 5, 2025
Special tribute planned for beloved wellness champion Blake Zemp at March 8th event The Milliken Earth Run cross country 5k will take place Saturday, March 8th at the beautiful campus…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: life, local-industry, on-the-move, technology
Endeavor Celebrates members during Women’s History Month
March 3, 2025
Women’s History Month, celebrated annually throughout the month of March since 1987 (officially), is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. Endeavor Workspaces is honored to have…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: business-services, conversations, entrepreneurship, life, local-industry, on-the-move
Return To Monkey Island
February 27, 2025
By Tom Poland Rated PG-13. When the news broke that forty-three monkeys were on the loose in Yemassee, South Carolina, people reacted big time. They double locked their doors and…
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Making the choice
February 26, 2025
By Jeff Becraft The number one thing you can do to keep your car running is to change the oil. Now, I am not a mechanic by any stretch…
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True romance
February 21, 2025
By Jeff Becraft It has been a while since I’ve talked about my prowess on the ski slopes… so I figured it’s about time. I am a person when…
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Remembering John Culler
February 20, 2025
By Tom Poland I was on the phone with Joey Frazier, South Carolina Wildlife magazine’s editor. “Tom, did you know John Culler died last week?” I did not. Just…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Organ procurement organizations do not make transplant decisions but we do help save lives
February 20, 2025
Written by David DeStefano The U.S. organ donation and transplantation system has recently been embroiled in conflict and controversy. Recently implemented rules by the Department of Health and Human Services…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: health-care, life, non-profit, on-the-move
Hartness expands community offerings with new family-friendly park
February 20, 2025
Hartness, the award-winning urban village known for its commitment to greenspace, thoughtful design, and community-focused living, is excited to announce the addition of a new family-friendly park. Situated within The…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
16th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference
February 19, 2025The Women’s Empowerment Conference has partnered with AnMed Health, Renea Rowland Insurance Agency, and Foothills Community Health Care to sponsor the 16th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference. All women are invited…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: churches, life, non-profit, on-the-move
S.C. American Revolution 250 Commission invites the public to Berkeley County events
February 19, 2025
The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) and the Berkeley County 250 committee invite the public to events in Berkeley County from March 6 to 7. Attendees will have…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: life, on-the-move
The Forgotten Rain Porch
February 14, 2025
By Tom Poland A reader and friend, Zilphy DuRant of Florence, South Carolina mailed me a letter and clipping from The Post and Courier about an architectural feature I’d…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
A great day to reach out
February 13, 2025
By Jeff Becraft Last Saturday, I got up and I just didn’t feel that great. Something was off. I thought maybe it was my sugar levels were off or…
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Just Passing Through
February 12, 2025
By Tom Poland Tabernacle Baptist Church sits near an intersection where collisions seem to occur for no reason. Daylight, midnight, rain, drought, people keep wrecking. It got so bad…
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Thomas Sumter Interpretative Center to launch at Sumter Museum
February 11, 2025
The Sumter Museum invites the public to the grand opening of the Thomas Sumter Interpretative Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. The center, dedicated to the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Welcoming the new person
February 5, 2025
By Jeff Becraft My wife’s birthday is around the time of Thanksgiving. This was an especially significant Thanksgiving this past year because we got to see all four grandkids.…
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