BEATS Barre Studio cuts ribbon with Mayor Rickenmann on new Gervais Street studio
September 28, 2023
Free classes available Oct. 2-7 as part of grand opening celebrations BEATS Barre Studio — a fun and effective body-changing workout — has cut the ribbon on its new studio…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: economic-development, fitness-centers, life, on-the-move, retail
It just takes effort
September 28, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Every year at our Leadership Weekend during my Youth Corps era, we showed a video clip. It is an NFL films video clip. It is about…
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Cuisine, Concerts, Culture take center stage in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, South Carolina
September 27, 2023
The food scene in the Capital City/Lake Murray region is extraordinary, and so are the arts, culture and events. Photo credits: The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board With accolades like…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: food, life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Air Collision Time Forgot
September 21, 2023
By Tom Poland I visit forgotten churches more than the church I call my own. I feel a haunting at an unfrequented church, a poignant peaceful feeling. I see…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Leadership in action
September 21, 2023
By Jeff Becraft The other week, I was contacted by Tanya Matthews. I had mentioned Tanya before in a Friday email probably about a year ago. Tanya worked with…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
City of Cayce announces fun & flavorful food and beverage vendors for Cayce Fall Fest
September 19, 2023
The City of Cayce is excited to announce an exciting array of authentic, delicious, as well as several locally-owned, food and drink vendors for Cayce Fall Fest! Fall Fest will…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, entertainment, food, government, life, local-industry, media, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Outdoor Men Of Letters
September 14, 2023
By Tom Poland Being a native Georgian, I didn’t grow up reading South Carolina writers. Nor do I recall reading Georgia writers, but I read a lot. Hemmed in…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Hear the artist explain his work that hangs in the Relic Room’s Vietnam exhibit
September 14, 2023
On a wall just as you leave the Relic Room’s new Vietnam exhibit, you’ll see something you might not fully understand at once: a work of art – part painting,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Taking down the wallpaper
September 14, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I would be the one who did not want us to take down the wallpaper. I had taken down wallpaper once before in my whole life…
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Blink Book Review #12: History Repeating Itself? Three podcasts and a book, “Against the Tide by Harriet Keyserling”
September 14, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Anyone who is or was a legislator, lobbyist, page, staffer or reporter would immensely enjoy this week’s book and the podcast episodes. Maybe it’s my age…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
2023 SC Gingerbread Competition and Exhibition
September 8, 2023
NoMa Warehouse and Davis Architecture are excited to present the 2023 South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibition. The inaugural event will take place November 30-Dec 2, 2023 at NoMa…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
A Scrape In The Sand
September 7, 2023
By Tom Poland Sand washes away. Memories last forever. The year was 1982. That would have been South Carolina Wildlife magazines 28th anniversary. I worked in film then and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Speaker to tell about her experiences as a Red Cross worker in Vietnam – Sept. 22
September 6, 2023
When Peyton Wooldridge graduated from Mary Baldwin College in 1968, she had a job teaching 3rd grade waiting for her. But a letter from her school friend Caroline in Vietnam…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #11: “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano
September 6, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano is the sweeping story of a large chaotic family in the late ‘70s – early ‘80s with more than its…
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Free lecture to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day at Relic Room – Sept. 15
September 6, 2023
On Friday, Sept. 15, the United States will observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day to honor Americans who were either prisoners of war or went missing in action, particularly during the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Historic Columbia announces September 2023 events
September 5, 2023
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for September 2023. See the full list of September events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to…
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Palpable HOPE for the Gamecock faithful
September 4, 2023
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. I WAS ENCOURAGED during a quick Labor Day trip to the gym this morning to see so many guys working out in their Gamecock sweatshirts…
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We really do need each other
August 30, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I was pulling laundry out of the dryer last Saturday morning and it reminded me of a friend of mine named Johnny. Now, his name really…
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The Beach That Was
August 30, 2023
By Tom Poland From afar the skyline looks like that of a city, and it is. Myrtle Beach’s skyline of hotels seems to dwarf the skyline of all other…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Blink Book Review #10: “The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
August 30, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Another historical fiction for the win with “The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. After I really enjoyed “The Personal Librarian” earlier…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, the-arts
Stanley L. Myers selected as Leadership in Law Honoree
August 28, 2023
Moore Bradley Myers (MBM) Partner, Stanley Myers, has been selected as a 2023 Leadership in Law Honoree by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly. The annual award celebrates lawyers who are setting…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: law, life, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, military, on-the-move
Lone Star, The Rambling Ghost
August 24, 2023
By Tom Poland I’ve long felt that two of South Carolina’s prettier community names are Silverstreet and Lone Star. Silverstreet I’ve seen many times. Those names, evocative and atmospheric,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Carolina Sunshine for Children 2nd annual 5k for children
August 24, 2023
Walk, run, or roll to grant wishes for children in South Carolina! Local nonprofit Carolina Sunshine for Children will host its second annual 5k for children to raise funds that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: health-care, life, non-profit, on-the-move, sports
A glorious journey
August 24, 2023
By Jeff Becraft One of the statements I utter the most these days is: “Well… you see what my wife lives with.” I mentioned a couple of weeks ago…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move
Why we all still love GLADIATOR
August 22, 2023
It has much to do with manliness and being a man By W. Thomas Smith Jr. While working on a forthcoming Sunday School lesson about the Roman Army, I was…
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You’ve Got to be a Friend to Have a Friend
August 16, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Every year, I dust off this “first day of first grade” photo taken in front of then-Crayton Elementary School. It makes me thankful for these…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
My Father’s Failed Quest
August 16, 2023
By Tom Poland Dad had a saying. “I won’t let it whip me.” He prevailed over stubborn bolts, obstinate lawn mowers, welding projects, and just about anything that crossed…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
They only make movies about gunslingers
August 13, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I am basically a gunslinger. Somebody asked me recently what that meant. Well, that means I ride into the OK Corral and then find something to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #9: Pops: Learning to be a Son and Father by Craig Melvin
August 10, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Stories of local folks who’ve found national acclaim always interest me. And if they’re in the world of journalism or politics even more so. That’s part…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
My Good Friend, Steve Blackmon
August 10, 2023
By Tom Poland Writer’s Note: Steve Blackmon died July 3rd surrounded by loved ones. The writing life introduces me to some memorable people. Steve Blackmon found me when his…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Careful with what is important
August 10, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Blueberries are probably my favorite fruit. In fact, I have blueberries with my breakfast almost every single morning. The other morning, I had too many things…
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Chasing The Ivorybill
August 2, 2023
By Tom Poland “Chasing the Swamp Ghost” caught my eye, and I read Garden & Gun’s feature about photographer Bobby Harrison’s quest to capture irrefutable evidence that the ivorybill…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Richland One offering Golden Activities Passes for senior citizens
August 2, 2023
Columbia residents Allen Stewart (left) and Deborah McClary Stewart (right) pick up their Golden Activities Passes. Senior citizens age 60 and older who live within the Richland One school attendance…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #8: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
August 2, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray was such a delightful surprise. Historical fiction isn’t normally my top reading choice, but to stay…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Marriage and being a pro athlete
August 1, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I am actually a professional athlete… who is yet to be discovered. I am playing injured right now, though. It’s what professional athletes have to do. I…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Fireflies Holiday Lights returns bigger and brighter in 2023
July 31, 2023
Segra Park announces the return of Midlands Family Holiday Tradition The Columbia Fireflies announced that Fireflies Holiday Lights will return to Segra Park this winter for a second holiday season. Segra…
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My SC Wildlife Dream Machine
July 27, 2023
By Tom Poland I grew up in a large hardwood forest in Georgia, and I rambled in woods every chance I got. I saw deer, wild turkey, ducks, and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Teamwork
July 27, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I’m up at my dad’s right now. And part of the reason is that we need to have some really huge trees taken down. We’re talking…
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Older doesn’t mean we have to be more stupid
July 20, 2023
By Jeff Becraft “Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we have to be more stupid.” This was a statement made to me by a friend when I had asked…
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Blink Book Review #7 – Travel Books
July 20, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell I’ve long been a collector of travel guides. There’s a stack on my bookshelf of books about Spain, Mexico, Italy, Thailand, France, England, Scotland, Israel…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Day The Sky Fell
July 19, 2023
By Tom Poland A beautiful blue-sky afternoon it was. As I walked back from my mailbox a freshly killed squirrel with half its head missing fell right in front…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Robinson Room to host “Gatsby Gala” grand opening celebration on August 10
July 17, 2023
Robinson Room, an upscale cocktail, tapas, and dessert bar, is excited to announce their official grand opening event, Gatsby Gala, on Thursday, August 10th, at 7p.m. Previously tucked away beneath…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: food, life, on-the-move, restaurant
Local Favorite, Cayce Fall Fest, returns October 7
July 14, 2023The City of Cayce is excited to announce the return of the Cayce Fall Fest! Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 7, from 12 pm – 6 pm…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, entertainment, food, government, hospitality, life, marketing-and-communications, media, music, on-the-move, the-arts
A Favorite Place
July 13, 2023
By Tom Poland Each spring I write of three places, three beautiful places where colonies of rocky shoals spider lilies bloom. One is quite accessible; one is perhaps the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
What is really most important
July 13, 2023
By Jeff Becraft So I am trying to reform my diet… One thing is I am trying to cut down on processed sugar. “You’re a type I diabetic… you…
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Blink Book Review #6 – “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
July 13, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell This book caught my eye at the library on a book display for Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The cover and the title drew me…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship Awards latest recipient
July 11, 2023
The Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship Organization announced the recipient of its Fall 2023 scholarship, Audrey Smallwood. This scholarship— in honor of the late Ted Rollins and his wife, Holly—is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, life, on-the-move
When A Church Dies
July 6, 2023
By Tom Poland Some linger in woods. Some stand, for now, at the end or side of a dirt road. Some hide behind other buildings, and some haunt the…
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Take me to the closest Subway
July 6, 2023
By Jeff Becraft On Saturday, I was on my way back into town on I-77. I was really tired. I pulled into the parking lot of this one burger…
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Eight years later: The yellow bike is semi-retired
July 5, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell When I made an impulse purchase of a shiny yellow bike eight years ago, I had no idea how much I’d learn from those 30 pounds…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
