Leaders proactively set the atmosphere
September 22, 2021
By Jeff Becraft We had our first session with this year’s students on Tuesday evening. I had the opportunity to share this principle during the evening. It is what…
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The Good Old Days Are Gone
September 22, 2021
By Tom Poland Last Friday night some grandparents went to watch their grandson play in a high school football game. They were in for a shock. Paying for the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Look through the bigger window
September 15, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Something happened this morning that reminded me of a lesson I learned a few years ago. I am at my father’s house and when I first…
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Who’s The Queen Of Flowers?
September 15, 2021
By Tom Poland Orchids. There were days I wore them in my lapel for formal events, but those days are gone. I’ve not seen many in the wild, but…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Show Love and Compassion to Someone Today
September 8, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Is it safe to say that there are a lot of heavy things going on in the world right now? Late yesterday afternoon, our oldest daughter,…
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Where They Sleep, While They Sleep
September 8, 2021
By Tom Poland I visit old cemeteries quite a bit. Lest you think death thoughts consume me, understand that readers tell me of near-forgotten cemeteries. It’s my duty to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Lecture to cover what ladies wore in the 1860s, and why they wore it
September 3, 2021
A lot of people have misconceptions about what women wore in the 1860s. For instance, folks have some odd ideas about corsets. On Sept. 24th at noon at the South…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
We Really Do Need Each Other
September 2, 2021
By Jeff Becraft In my address book for my email is a folder labeled: BROTHERS. It is 9-10 guys whom I have known for about 40 years. They are…
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A Southern Writer
September 2, 2021
By Tom Poland Mississippi’s Willie Morris Several years back, I attended Edgefield’s Camellia Tea. As I was leaving, a lady in a red blazer walked up. “You’re that fellow…
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Main Street Clinton Brings Concert Truck to Town
September 1, 2021
A concert truck? Yes, there is such a thing. Close your eyes and imagine a 16-foot box truck converted into a fully functioning concert hall. Hard to imagine? Click here…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: entertainment, life, music, on-the-move
Wingard’s Market donates plants for new Habitat for Humanity homes
August 30, 2021
Wingard’s Market, the Midlands premier full-service garden and plant center, is now working hand-in-hand with Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity. The Lexington garden center is donating plants, flowers, and additional…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: agriculture, environmental, life, non-profit, on-the-move
Long Lost Treasures, Heirloom Seeds
August 26, 2021
By Tom Poland Metal detectives seek old coins and treasure, and many folks look for arrowheads. A rare breed seeks long-lost seeds. Old coins and arrowheads won’t make you…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: food, life, the-arts
Let’s be a breath of fresh air to someone today!
August 25, 2021
Last Saturday, my phone went through the wash. Most pairs of shorts I own have side pockets on them. Unfortunately, my phone was in one of them. I heard the…
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Clinton Economic Development Corporation Closes on Sale of 75 Acres for New Subdivision
August 23, 2021
Clinton Economic Development Corporation recently closed on the sale of 75 acres that will be developed for much needed housing. The property known as Clinton Park Corp Center 3, is…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: economic-development, engineering, life, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
A Haunting Postscript
August 19, 2021
By Tom Poland Missing Caskets Recently I wrote about finding my great granddad’s old farmhouse, but I left out an eerie aspect that would be suitable for a Halloween…
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Greater CWC Chamber & Visitors Program has impressive lineup for monthly breakfast
August 18, 2021
The Greater CWC Chamber & Visitors Program continues to love local with its August partners breakfast by showcasing a talented group of dynamic community-focused individuals, businesses and programs. The breakfast…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, chamber, conversations, economic-development, entrepreneurship, hospitality, life, local-industry, on-the-move
Be thankful for those who have shaped your life
August 18, 2021
By Jeff Becraft There are all kinds of experiences that have shaped our lives. Recently, we got to do a workshop with a delegation from Nigeria on youth leadership.…
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Eat the ice cream before it melts
August 12, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Our youngest daughter is Hannah. As Hannah got older and was driving, there were many experiences that I called: “Riding with Hannah.” As one guy said…
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My Family Quest
August 12, 2021
By Tom Poland Discovering a Homeplace The past means much. As family property goes, however, no one or anything remains from my childhood. Fires, real estate deals, and a…
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Journey of 3,303 Miles – Part Two of Our Iceland Adventure
August 5, 2021
By Tammy Davis Day One – Grindavik, Southern Iceland Healing at the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights Inn Our plane landed an hour early. My watch…
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For The Birds
August 5, 2021
By Tom Poland This makes the second time I’ve used “For The Birds” as a title. “Contacting the dead through a Ouija board? That’s for the birds.” No flippancy…
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Don’t give up
August 4, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Today I had the incredible privilege of being part of a live zoom interview for kids in a children’s hospital in Charlotte. The interview was conducted…
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Volunteer to be honored on 95th birthday
August 2, 2021
Louise Carpenter will be honored by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey Three days a week — rain, shine or even during a pandemic, the people…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: life, on-the-move
What’s The Big Rush?
July 28, 2021
By Tom Poland My back-road trips of late have been good but not as pleasant they usually are. Too many people. They drive like madmen. They pass on hills.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Journey of 3,303 Miles – Part One of Our Iceland Adventure
July 28, 2021
By Tammy Davis In Kerry Egan’s new book, Fumbling, she says pilgrimages start the moment you pull the front door shut behind you. I’m the worst packer in the…
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You can lead from anywhere
July 28, 2021
By Jeff Becraft “What I learned in Youth Corps is that you can lead from anywhere.” That was a statement by a guy named Ryan who went through Youth…
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Wingard’s Market featured in Garden & Gun Magazine online
July 26, 2021
Wingard’s Market, the Midlands premier full-service garden and plant center’s Zach Steinhauser, along with Captain Kenny Hardee, recently set sail on one of its daily purple martin tours with special…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, environmental, life, on-the-move
City of Columbia to kickoff National Night Out with ‘Re-Engage Columbia’ event
July 26, 2021
Who: The City of Columbia, Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department, Columbia Parks & Recreation Department, Columbia Council of Neighborhoods What: After having to cancel the 2020 event due to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, life, on-the-move
The Dog I Loved With My Whole Heart
July 21, 2021
By Tammy Davis Part Two – Something’s Not Right Part One, Click here. August 2014. My husband moved out. August 2015. I had a new boss. August 2015, the second…
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The Parking Lot Of The Dead
July 21, 2021
By Tom Poland Even in death they cling to dignity. Left to rust, they bless the rare visitor with awe and mystery. Just how did old trucks and cars…
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Go Higher
July 21, 2021
By Jeff Becraft A few of weeks ago, I talked about losing my sister-in-law and my friend named Robb to cancer. Since then, I was told this story by…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Overcoming Bitterness: Choosing Healing and Happiness Over Misery and Anger
July 19, 2021
By Mike DuBose As explained in the previous segment of this two-part series, bitterness is a deadly trap that poisons the mental and emotional health of those who fall into…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Best is Yet to Come
July 15, 2021
By Jeff Becraft On Tuesday, our grandson, Emerson Jeffrey, was born to Deanna and Josiah. We got the message from Josiah before 6:00 a.m. that they were getting ready…
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Just Say Something teams up with St. Mark United Methodist, Sans Souci Neighborhood Alliance; and Reedy Property Group for the first annual National Night Out
July 15, 2021
This year, Just Say Something (JSS) will join St. Mark United Methodist Church; the Sans Souci Neighborhood Alliance; and Reedy Property Group in hosting the first annual National Night Out…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: churches, education, food, life, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Inaugural Hog & Barrel Festival bringing three days of bourbon, BBQ, and bacon to Greenville this November
July 15, 2021
A three-day festival dedicated to those Southern staples of bourbon, BBQ, and bacon aims to join the pantheon of can’t miss Upstate events. Everything from exclusive bourbon tastings to live…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: food, life, on-the-move, social-scene
Bimbos and Venmos
July 15, 2021
By Tammy Davis Old people and dating and technology. Not a good mix. This is a story about my friend Sue* and her date, Woody.* Things were going well…
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My Mother’s Bible
July 15, 2021
By Tom Poland After Mom died, my sisters and I began to go through her and Dad’s belongings. Quite a task that surprised, amused, and puzzled us. Lots of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Wingard’s Market makes cover of nationwide industry magazine
July 14, 2021
Wingard’s Market, the Midlands premier full-service garden and plant center, is featured on the July cover of Green Profit Magazine. Green Profit is a national industry magazine that brings timely,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: agriculture, environmental, hospitality, life, local-industry, on-the-move
Are Anger and Resentment Ruining Your Life? Recognizing—and Releasing—Bitterness for Greater Happiness
July 14, 2021
By Mike DuBose It may be surprising to those who know me now, but I was once a bitter person. Like many others who fall into the trap of bitterness,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Dixie Michelle, The Dog We All Hated
July 8, 2021
By Tammy Davis Part One of a Series, The Dog I Loved With My Whole Heart Before I can tell the story of the best dog in the…
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Ospreys—Nature Never Quits
July 8, 2021
By Tom Poland Noon sharp, a hot, humid Monday. Just twenty yards away a tremendous crash like a rock hitting water got my attention. There sat an osprey with…
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Enjoy Each Moment
July 7, 2021
By Jeff Becraft There is a simple principle that can have a profound effect on each of us — enjoy each moment. Years ago, the Becraft van was heading out…
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New exhibit shows how South Carolina armed itself in the 19th century
July 6, 2021
The Confederacy has never been known for its manufacturing capabilities. The fictional Rhett Butler told us “there’s not a cannon factory in the whole South.” In real life, the Confederate…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
We’ll get you straightened out
June 30, 2021
By Jeff Becraft The below conversation actually took place one night in our household. I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth to get ready for bed. There was…
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Barriers and Distortions
June 30, 2021
By Tammy Davis 2020-2021. A school year like no other. Plexiglass and masks put literal barriers between us all, making it harder than ever to connect. We had stickers…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, the-arts
Hemp & Kudzu, A Good Summer Combo
June 30, 2021
By Tom Poland It was like stepping back into the 1960s, sitting in that cool, refreshing gazebo up North Carolina way. Its vines and emerald green leaves, translucent and…
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Years Lost To Time, The Silent Thief
June 24, 2021
By Tom Poland Growing up I could hear the tick of my church’s old Regulator wall clock. I can’t hear it today, but my hearing’s good. All that keeping…
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Laurens County Says NO to Litter with Countywide Initiative
June 23, 2021
No one likes to see trash thrown into the streets, on the side of the road or in our natural parks and recreation areas. Over the years, many dedicated volunteers…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: economic-development, education, government, life, on-the-move
Let’s Go Somewhere
June 21, 2021
By Amy Coward Events are back! Every day I get an email or see a post that a theatre is reopening, ball parks are welcoming fans and restaurants and stores…
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Love Lived Out
June 20, 2021
By Jeff Becraft I have mentioned my parents (now 95 and 92) before and I have also mentioned some of the things below… but it is worth reiterating. My…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life
