Feathers Fit For A King
February 29, 2024
By Tom Poland I wanted to hunt birds when a boy. Problem was no one would take me hunting. Dad tried but hunting wasn’t in his blood. And so…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United match set for this summer at USC’S Williams-Brice Stadium
February 23, 2024
Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United will meet in the United States this summer as part of the Rivals in Red Tour, facing off at the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, sports
One View, Two Civilizations
February 22, 2024
By Tom Poland On a November Saturday, I drove to the geographic heart of Georgia. The cool breath of autumn and a blue-sky day had pulled people outdoors. I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Áróra
February 21, 2024
Closes February 29 It’s the last weekend to explore the beauty of the Northern Lights with the museum’s newest planetarium experience. The South Carolina State Museum is offering guests one…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, on-the-move
The things we take for granted
February 21, 2024
By Jeff Becraft Now, I am someone who actually likes to go grocery shopping. But I am a dangerous grocery shopper. I can go in to get two items…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
History teacher Mike Burgess to speak about the challenges he faces
February 21, 2024
George Orwell wrote, “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.” Mike Burgess knows Orwell was right. Mike is a history teacher, caught between…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, on-the-move
Collaboration between Wingard’s Market and Riverbanks Zoo leads to exciting oppportunity with distinguished author
February 21, 2024
Wingard’s Market announced a new collaboration with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. On May 16, join us for a unique presentation by author and award-winning expert, Doug Tallamy. Tallamy’s presentation, A…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: agriculture, entertainment, environmental, life, on-the-move
What message are we sending?
February 14, 2024
By Jeff Becraft One time, I was going to be speaking at a retreat for Black Mountain Home for Children, and our son, Josiah, was also going to be…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Luck Of The Draw
February 14, 2024
By Tom Poland December 1, 1969, was no ordinary Monday. It was a day when your birthday was your destiny. In Athens, Georgia’s Benton Apartments my roommates and I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia SC Visitors Center, One Columbia to host artists pop-ups
February 14, 2024
WHO: Columbia SC Visitors Center WHAT: The Columbia SC Visitors Center has partnered with One Columbia for Arts and Culture to host artist pop-ups outside of the VC on weekends. The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move, the-arts
Cayce’s Soiree on State returns on March 23
February 14, 2024
The ‘Party in the Street’ will feature local artists, local vendors, and live music in the Cayce River Arts District The Soiree on State will return to Cayce’s State Street on Saturday,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
My Dad is the greatest man I have ever met
February 7, 2024
By Jeff Becraft And the thing is, I’m not the only one that would say that. And even further, it’s not just family members that would say that. There…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Ordering Please, One Big Boy
February 7, 2024
By Tom Poland Daddy set me straight. “If you want some spending money, get a job.” Thus did I work two jobs while going through college at Georgia. I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
At 19, Dennis DuPuis flew helicopters in combat in Vietnam
February 7, 2024
Dennis DuPuis wasn’t the only soldier in his family to serve in Vietnam. His father, an Army Signal Corps master sergeant who had served in the Second World War and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
To Keep or To Give
February 1, 2024
By Amy Coward I can’t get rid of this bowl. I really don’t know why I’m so attached to it. It’s not very pretty – beige, plastic, divided down…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Being Thankful – A Different View
February 1, 2024
By Jeff Becraft I did not write today’s Friday encouragement – it was sent to me by a friend of mine named Rick. It is from The Speaker’s Friend by Leonard…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Folk Artist Leonard Jones
February 1, 2024
By Tom Poland Giving Old Tin New Life During my school days the yellow bus rolled me past chicken houses. In 1972, when I taught creative writing in Lincolnton,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
It’s Giving Grace and Gospel Music: Soulful performances will celebrate Black History Month at Harbison Theatre!
February 1, 2024
Soulful performances will celebrate Black History Month at Harbison Theatre! John Lakin & Friends Sounds of Amazing Grace 7:30 PM | Saturday, February 10, 2024 Tickets: $25 A familiar favorite…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick announces special programming for Black History Month
January 31, 2024
The Nickelodeon invites you to celebrate Black History Month this February with a film series highlighting black artistry and excellence. This film series is in collaboration with the SC Commission…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The Cayce Police Department hosts luncheon for new Cayce Assisting Seniors & Elderly initiative
January 30, 2024The Cayce Police Department (CPD) will host a luncheon on February 13, 2024, to kick-off the new initiative that focuses on the safety and support of our elderly and aging…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, life, on-the-move
Those who influence us
January 25, 2024
By Jeff Becraft It is interesting how we can influence one another. (Interesting is really not the word… it is deeper than that.) But someone who has greatly influenced…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Clawfoot Tubs Hold Memories
January 25, 2024
By Tom Poland When I see a clawfoot tub, which is rare, four memories surface. First, I go back to my grandfather’s old homeplace. Next I go back to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick rolls out annual Red Carpet Awards Party celebration details
January 25, 2024
The Nickelodeon Theater invites you to its annual Red Carpet Awards Party hosted by entertainer Patti O’Furniture in celebration of the 2024 Oscars on March 10, 2024. As anticipation for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The joy of the handwritten letter
January 24, 2024
By Reba Hull Campbell When I was growing up, the family mailbox was a magic chamber that delivered cards with good wishes, postcards from interesting places and an occasional…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Veteran to speak of role of Army chaplains at Relic Room
January 24, 2024
One day in November 1967, U.S. Army Chaplain Charles J. Watters’ unit was involved in heavy combat with the enemy in the vicinity of Đắk Tô, South Vietnam. Among many…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Cayce Historical Museum announces the grand opening of the African American Legends of Cayce Exhibit
January 23, 2024
The Cayce Historical Museum is excited to announce the first permanent exhibit dedicated to African Americans from the Cayce area: The African American Legends of Cayce Exhibit. The exhibit will…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, government, life, on-the-move
So what are you going to do now?
January 18, 2024
By Jeff Becraft “So what are you going to do now?” That’s what someone said to me one time when I had just described a situation that years ago,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Ron Hagell to tell how he collected intelligence in Vietnam
January 18, 2024
The movies notwithstanding, intelligence work has little to do with drinking shaken martinis while wearing a designer tuxedo. In the real world, in wartime, it’s about things like sweating in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Ageratum, Wood, & Water
January 17, 2024
By Tom Poland On a Sunday walk I spotted a splash of blue. Blue wildflowers. They say blue flowers are sometimes difficult to grow in gardens. “They say.” That was…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Eagle Scout Joseph Pope to receive Scouting’s highest honor for lifesaving
January 17, 2024
The Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America will present Scouting’s highest award for lifesaving to one of its own – Eagle Scout Joseph Pope of Columbia. On…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
New pediatric dentist opens second office in Chapin
January 12, 2024
The Town of Chapin will officially have a new Pediatric and Teen Dentist as Chapin Pediatric & Teen Dentistry will host their Grand Opening on January 18, and is now…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: chamber, entrepreneurship, health-care, life, on-the-move
A tale of three vacuums
January 11, 2024
By Jeff Becraft We have three vacuum cleaners… and I will try and explain the tale of the three vacuums. Vacuum #1 is a cannister style vacuum. The kind…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Workplace Friends Best Come Naturally
January 10, 2024
By Tom Poland I stumbled across an old magazine feature of mine and it made me recall stops I’d made along that long, winding road called “Career.” Some memories…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
SC Green Industry Association Hosts Annual Conference & Trade Show
January 8, 2024
The South Carolina Green Industry Association will bring together over 100 exhibitors and 17 industry speakers to cover an extensive range of landscape topics during its annual two-day Conference and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: agriculture, business-services, engineering, environmental, hospitality, life, on-the-move
Footballs, gas stations, and embracing opportunities
January 3, 2024
By Jeff Becraft One of the highlights of my YC (Youth Corps) era might surprise some people. After all the amazing experiences during those 17 years, this one happened at…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Like A Scene From An Old Western
January 3, 2024
By Tom Poland It was 1985 when I spent three days in Reno. I didn’t shoot a man just to watch him die, Johnny, but I conjured up images…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Improv and Idols at Harbison Theatre this January
January 2, 2024
Improv and Idols at Harbison Theatre This January: Rumours are stirring that you won’t want to miss this! We’re kicking off the new year with some iconic performances headed to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, hospitality, life, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Conifers’ Fragrant Pull On Memory
December 20, 2023
By Tom Poland I read that fragrances stimulate recall more so than any other sense. I knew from experience that it had to be true. You and I, we’re…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Ring in the New Year with Capital City Fireworks!
December 19, 2023The City of Columbia will hold the annual “Capital City Fireworks” display to ring in 2024 on Sunday, December 31st. The fireworks display will begin right after midnight, and the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
Oh, Christmas Tree
December 19, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Christmas trees can gin up pretty strong emotions and opinions in people at this time of year. First, there’s the “live” vs. “artificial” tree debate.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden moving forward with Bridge to the Wild
December 14, 2023
County Councils Approve Next Steps for Transformation of Top-Ranked Zoo Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is grateful to Richland and Lexington County Councils and the citizens of the Midlands for their…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: environmental, life, on-the-move
The main thing
December 14, 2023
By Jeff Becraft (Originally published on MidlandsBiz February 10, 2023) One of my mentors says, “Too many choices and too many voices.” He is right. Taking a shower is a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
There’s Just Something About A Barn
December 8, 2023
By Tom Poland On Highway 378 between Lincolnton and Washington, Georgia, stands a barn. I say a barn. It’s a home built to look like a barn. Or maybe…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, the-arts
Christmas card syndrome
December 7, 2023
By Jeff Becraft This was actually first put out there in 2020… but I have come across several people who are really down, discouraged and lonely… so I would like…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Your Special Tree
December 6, 2023
By Tom Poland The Work Behind It When I was a boy, come Thanksgiving, we observed a tradition that’s decidedly different today. Dad would mix some two-cycle gas, sharpen…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Little surprises
November 30, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Life is filled with little surprises. Last week, I was on my way home from work and I decided to stop by a grocery store. As…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Water Rescue on the Saluda River: Three men saved through the combined efforts of multiple agencies
November 29, 2023
In a feat of courage and collaboration, three men were rescued from the swift currents and rapids of the Saluda River. This successful rescue mission stands as a testament to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, life, non-profit, on-the-move
My Father’s Razor
November 29, 2023
By Tom Poland November 15 my father will have been gone twenty years. Twenty years. Seems like yesterday when he lay in a bed at MUSC in Charleston. Seems…
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Treating people like people
November 21, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Last week we had our Gala for Our Place of Hope. We brought in a guy by the name of Luke Knowles. Now, I was part…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Morning Routine
November 21, 2023
By Tom Poland Come daybreak, my preferred time to get moving, I check on my neighbor’s flag. I check to see that his place is ok after another night…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
