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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
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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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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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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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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
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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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,…
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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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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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
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
A Different Kind of Field Trip
June 17, 2021
By Tammy Davis What made me think taking 69 fifth graders on a field trip to New York City in a pandemic by myself was a good idea? Turns out,…
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The Importance of Each Person
June 17, 2021
By Jeff Becraft When I used to coach rec league basketball for a Saturday morning league, I made sure that every single guy on the team got to start…
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Flee Civilization For A Preserve
June 17, 2021
By Tom Poland Needing adventure, I took back roads and made my way to a tract belonging to nature. It’s a place where man is a guest, Stevens Creek…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Wingard’s Market offering boat tours for unique nature experience
June 14, 2021
Wingard’s Market’s Zach Steinhauser is providing Purple Martin boat phenomenon beginning July 5! Lake Murray is known throughout the state as an incredible destination for families to explore the outdoors.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
History Surrounds You
June 10, 2021
By Tom Poland History really does surround you. You just have to slow down a tad and open your eyes. It will help if you turn off the TV…
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Jump in the Action
June 10, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Several years ago, I was at a camp called SOTO out in Arkansas that was being held for children’s home kids from across several states. On Wednesday…
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2021 Columbia International Festival hailed as a great success with 8,000 attendees
June 9, 2021
The community came out in force for the 2021 Columbia International Festival, one of the first such large events held locally since the start of the pandemic, at the State…
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Cola Concerts kicks off summer with Tedeschi Trucks Fireside Live, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and more
June 7, 2021
Cola Concerts continues to bring the biggest names in music touring today to the Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center. The biggest live music series in the Midlands will feature concerts by Dark…
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Every State Needs A John Mulhouse
June 3, 2021
By Tom Poland Every state needs someone to record what it’s lost. Every state needs a John Mulhouse. I’ve never met John but we’re in touch and we share…
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Make the most of this day
June 1, 2021
By Jeff Becraft A little over 4 months ago, we lost my wife’s sister, Sharon, to cancer. She was 63 years old. And then a couple of weeks ago,…
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Fishing is Spiritual
May 31, 2021
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FISHING IS SPIRITUAL. Not sure why or how. But I believe there’s something unusually spiritual about it. The disciples were fishermen. There was the well-known…
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Career Lessons for New Grads
May 27, 2021
By Reba Hull Campbell Each year on May 23, I celebrate my “adultiversary,” the first day of my first “real job.” I was a week out from getting my…
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Glorious yes
May 27, 2021
By Jeff Becraft When I was in middle school (although we called it junior high), my friends and I would have scrounges. If you don’t know what a scrounge…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, life
Compelled To Pick Up Rocks
May 26, 2021
By Tom Poland Do you pick up rocks? I do. I feel compelled to pick up rocks. And so do others. Many people take rocks home and create a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
