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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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
The Work Of Hands
November 16, 2023
By Tom Poland Folks say the future belongs to “Knowledge Workers.” A so-called knowledge worker is someone who manages information within a specific subject area. I suppose I’m a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
The importance of being there
November 16, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Have you ever experienced something that you thought was extremely important or significant or incredible… and then you try to explain it to someone else? And…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Columbia College hosts Columbia Fire Department
November 14, 2023
On November 8 and 9, 2023, Columbia College hosted the Columbia Fire Department for their semi-annual Search and Rescue Training. Earlier this year, Columbia College announced several capital projects, including…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: construction, education, environmental, life, on-the-move, utilities
Election Reflection and Gratitude
November 9, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell I spent my early career years involved on the front lines of campaigns. The days before Election Day always gin up lots of emotions, good memories…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
It is a great day to look up
November 9, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I already had today’s email written… but that was until my experience this morning. This morning I went to the memorial service for Bob Hudson. There…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Have Fireflies Left Us?
November 9, 2023
By Tom Poland Among sedges and along tree lines, across lawns and fields they’ll soon cease blinking. Maybe they’ve already ended their nights of miraculous lights. The experts say they…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Wingard’s Market kicks off Christmas Season with their annual Holiday Soiree
November 9, 2023
The festive holiday extravaganza will feature a host of local vendors and specials for shoppers! Wingard’s Market, one of the top 100 Garden Center’s in the country, will host their…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: agriculture, chamber, food, life, on-the-move, social-scene, veterans
Coming Full Circle
November 2, 2023
By Tom Poland I felt like I’d been tied to the whipping post. I was as low as the proverbial snake’s belly. May 30 a tornado destroyed my Athens,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Not in Kansas anymore
November 2, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Recently, I started a new Facebook page in order to post weekly devotionals. I am not a big social media person. In fact, I made a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Historic Columbia announces November 2023 events
November 2, 2023
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for November 2023. See the full list of November events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
Catching Up With Lou Miller
October 26, 2023
By Tom Poland No. 87 lay on Buddy Bufford Field as still as a stone. Louis Miller, senior end, had broken ribs, but better days lay ahead. The undefeated…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Are you sure it’s not you?
October 25, 2023
By Jeff Becraft There was no article last week… my wife and I went on an epic trip to see grandkids in Texas and the second part of that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Robin Waites announces plans to retire from Historic Columbia in June 2024
October 24, 2023
After two decades of service to Historic Columbia (HC), Robin Waites has announced plans to retire from her role as executive director in June 2024. Waites started her tenure at…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
Relic Room hosts 32nd SCMMS Toy Soldier Show – Oct 28
October 24, 2023
On Saturday, October 28, the S.C. Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum will again host the South Carolina Military Miniature Society’s Annual Toy Soldier Show. This is the SCMMS’ 32nd…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Taking a breath of gratitude
October 19, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Panic, fear and worry were only a few of the emotions I felt on a Tuesday afternoon in mid-September when my mother had a second…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
When the pieces don’t fit together
October 18, 2023
By Jeff Becraft The below conversation actually took place in our household one night. I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth to get ready for bed. There…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Learning Along The Estuary
October 18, 2023
By Tom Poland The children of Sandy Island board a school bus boat for an eight-minute journey across the Waccamaw River to the mainland. There, they ride a traditional bus…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Waterfall Country
October 12, 2023
By Tom Poland Several hikes proved easy. One proved tougher than nails. By the time we made it to the third waterfall of the day, an idea had firmly…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Vietnam exhibit receives award from South Carolina Federation of Museums
October 12, 2023
The South Carolina Federation of Museums has given the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum its Award of Achievement for “A War With No Front Lines: South Carolina…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, veterans
The Nick and SC Pride to present Paris is Burning
October 10, 2023
The Nick and South Carolina Pride Movement (SC Pride) will present Paris Is Burning as part of The Nick’s Pride Night celebration on October 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Both…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
Keep swinging
October 5, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Over the years (especially growing up), I accumulated a few trophies. I know some are in a closet in my parents’ basement and I have no…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Steak Competition on Lake Murray turned up the heat for National Television
October 5, 2023
BAMA-Q TV’s “Grilling on the Lake” steak cookoff took place at the Lexington Lake Murray Dam Public Park, September 29-30, 2023. The event was hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: food, life, on-the-move
Oktoberfestivities in Lake Murray Country
October 5, 2023
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is a lively celebration of Bavarian culture with giant beer tents, traditional music, and delicious food. It’s all about enjoying Bavarian beer and a festive atmosphere…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Miraculous Green Lizard
October 5, 2023
By Tom Poland We call it a lizard, except it’s not. It’s an anole, and it can re-grow its tail, “regenerate” in the words of scientists. Think about that.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
From corn mazes to pumpkin patches, find Fall Agritourism in South Carolina
October 5, 2023
As the weather cools, farms across South Carolina are welcoming visitors onto their farms with a variety of fun and educational fall events. “Agritourism continues to grow in South Carolina,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, life, on-the-move
The Cayce Police Department announces events for the 4-Day National Faith & Blue Initiative
October 5, 2023
In conjunction with National Crime Prevention Month, the Cayce Police Department will kick the weekend off by hosting the following events to celebrate the national Faith & Blue initiative beginning…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, law, life, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
The Nick and National Organization for Women (NOW) Columbia, SC Chapter to present Bella! This Woman’s Place Is in the House
October 5, 2023
The Nick and National Organization for Women (NOW) Columbia, SC Chapter will present Bella! This Woman’s Place Is in the House, as part of The Nick’s ReelTalk Docuseries, on October…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, social-scene
Historic Columbia announces October 2023 Events
October 3, 2023
Historic Columbia announces programming and events for October 2023. See the full list of October events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to experience all Historic…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
U.S. Marines and a football game in WWII
October 3, 2023Few Americans today remember the then-famous Mosquito Bowl By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Perhaps one of the most fascinating football games in the history of the sport is the one-time…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Ruins Of Chappels
September 28, 2023
By Tom Poland Highway 34. It’s my route east to places like Ninety-Six, Abbeville, and Greenwood. When I drive Highway 34, I’m in my element—the back roads, but some…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
