The beauty of togetherness
May 20, 2026
By Jeff Becraft At Our Place of Hope, we have a front entrance and a back entrance. We rent space from Mill City Church (an older fellowship hall building) and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Central Carolina Community Foundation launches resident survey to inform regional community assessment
May 18, 2026
Central Carolina Community Foundation has launched a region-wide survey to hear directly from Midlands residents about the issues, opportunities, and challenges shaping their communities. The survey is part of a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, economic-development, education, food, health-care, life, local-industry, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts, transportation
Out there for the right reasons
May 14, 2026
By Jeff Becraft The other week, I was down with some other people on the State House grounds and we were passing out some information about Our Place of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
A Striped Bass & An Oak
May 13, 2026
By Tom Poland Though my hair was chestnut brown, I was green, a young writer hoping to create something memorable. I needed inspiration and I found it in a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Military can visit Relic Room free again this summer, thanks to Blue Star
May 13, 2026
Once again, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums initiative, which provides free admission to current military personnel and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
ScanSource’s Impact 360 Community Program receives national Halo Award
May 8, 2026
ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC), a leading technology distributor uniquely positioned to address complex, converging technologies, announced the Company has been recognized with a Silver Halo Award for Best Education Initiative…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: hi-tech-information-tech, it-services, life, non-profit, on-the-move, technology
What archaeologists have learned about the Siege of Fort Motte
May 6, 2026
Francis Marion – the Swamp Fox – was at the Siege of Fort Motte in 1781. He and “Light-Horse Harry” Lee were the Patriot commanders in that encounter with the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Buried Alive
May 6, 2026
By Tom Poland A road down Edisto Island way will take you past green swamps and oaks dripping with Spanish moss and shanties with bright, sky-blue doors. Churches white…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Laughing can be great medicine
May 6, 2026
By Jeff Becraft I had surgery on my left eye last week. My right eye is 100% healed now… and I am really thankful for that. Now, after the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Real Lizard Earrings
April 29, 2026
By Tom Poland I called it a green lizard. I couldn’t pronounce Anolis carolinensis back then. Heck, I hadn’t even heard of the term. But now something catches me…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
The Transistor Made History
April 21, 2026
By Tom Poland Cell phones are a big deal but to some of us the transistor was an even bigger deal. I was disobeying my parents staying up late…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Learn all about the legendary ‘Flying Tigers’
April 20, 2026
What do you know about the Flying Tigers? If you’re like many people, your answer is likely, “Not much.” Here’s a chance to do something about that. The Flying Tigers…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Showing compassion
April 16, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Two weeks ago, I had eye surgery… and most would consider it minor. Well, I think minor is a key you play on a piano. If…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Peach Blossom Lit
April 15, 2026
By Tom Poland Come March, my thoughts turn to peach blossoms and memories of family fruit trees. One tree from youth stands above others. From my deep well of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The One who gives life
April 9, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Yesterday I went to a funeral. The place was jam packed, the music was beautiful. As I sat there, I thought about how it is good…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Art in the Garden returns to Wales Garden for an afternoon of local art and community connection
April 8, 2026
The Wales Garden neighborhood will once again come alive with creativity during the annual Art in the Garden event, taking place on Saturday April 11, from 2:00 PM to 6:00…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, life, on-the-move
The straight scoop on the Doolittle Raid – Friday, April 17
April 6, 2026
Sometimes, when a nation’s outlook seems darkest, men put their lives in critical danger to boost the spirits of the folks back home. Not that the pilots and crews who…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Masters Memories
April 5, 2026
By Tom Poland I never had time for golf, but I love the Masters. I never miss the Sunday round on TV. It almost always provides high drama. I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, sports, the-arts
They don’t make them like they used to
April 2, 2026
By Jeff Becraft A few years ago, I needed to replace my lawnmower. This was more of a task than I had ever imagined. It just didn’t seem like…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
A Man Named Twiggs
April 1, 2026
By Tom Poland He was charismatic and a lightning rod for trouble. He was a roadie for the Allman Brothers Band. What little I know of his life tells…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Invested in other people’s lives
March 26, 2026
We have a Board member at Our Place of Hope named Shari. She is definitely not looking for any recognition or any self-promotion. But her heart is something I wanted…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Clunky Phones & Party Lines
March 25, 2026
By Tom Poland In rural Georgia the party line was our lot back in the early 1950s. When the phone rang, we counted. Our phone rang two times. Three…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Noon Debrief to discuss military artifacts Gen. Sherman dumped into the Congaree – April 3
March 19, 2026
When Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman took Columbia in 1865, he captured a lot of stored Confederate munitions. Not wanting them to be used against his army as it marched farther…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Southern Truth Tellers
March 18, 2026
By Tom Poland Each January, my thoughts turn to a fellow Georgian. James Dickey died January 19, 1997, of the same disease that took my mother’s life. On June…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
A window of remembrance
March 18, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Last week was the one-year anniversary of our Dad passing away. Mom passed away in 2022. My brother, Ed, sent out a message to all of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Relic Room celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday with Revolutionary War Day
March 16, 2026
The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum will celebrate 2026 Revolutionary War Day on March 28. It lasts from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. that Saturday, and admission is free.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Love, sacrifice, and joy
March 12, 2026
By Jeff Becraft There was no Friday email last week because grandkids came into town on Friday, and then on Monday, I had to head out because I had…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
A Good Whooping
March 11, 2026
By Tom Poland I am no stranger to the flyswatter, switch, belt, and paddle. I even got a good whooping with a paint brush. I ought to be a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Summer Blink Book Review: “That Which Binds Us” by Cathy Rigg
March 10, 2026By Reba Hull Campbell When traveling light, I still indulge in the luxury of carrying a hard copy book with me. For a recent vacation trip, I chose Cathy Rigg’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Army nurse to tell about her service in Vietnam
March 7, 2026
The Vietnam exhibit at the S.C. Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum pays tribute to all sorts of South Carolinians who served honorable in a variety of ways in Southeast…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Choosing forgiveness
March 5, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Marine Clebe McClary fought in the Vietnam war. On their 19th mission deep in hostile territory, his platoon and he suffered a vicious attack from the enemy.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Osprey At Crooked Bridge
March 4, 2026
By Tom Poland Three birds hold me in their thrall. The osprey, whippoorwill, and oft-slighted buzzard. I love the whippoorwill’s lilting call. The noble osprey and its distinctive M-shaped…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Colors of Spain, European tour comes to Columbia for one night only
March 3, 2026Columbia audiences will get a rare first look at a European touring production this month when “The Colors of Spain” makes its U.S. premiere at the Koger Center for the Arts. Set for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, life, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Blink Book Review: “The Concise Guide to South Carolina Government” by Vincent Sheheen
February 26, 2026
By Reba Hull Campbell As a self proclaimed “policy nerd,” I was excited to receive “The Concise Guide to SC State Government” by Vincent Sheheen as a Christmas gift.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Mischief Along The Augusta Highway
February 26, 2026
By Tom Poland A restless boy grew up in the midst of forests and pastures. Outside of biking, reading, and exploring woods, the Augusta Highway entertained me. If Rambling…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Taking time to remember
February 25, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Last weekend, Brenda and I got to go to Texas to see the three grandkids there… and see their parents. We flew back into Charlotte on…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Revolution in South Carolina
February 25, 2026
With all the talk about what happened 250 years or so ago, you’ve probably heard that more of the American Revolution’s battles were fought in South Carolina than in any…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
The Ghosts Of Winter
February 18, 2026
By Tom Poland Fall in full tumble gives us a kind of X-ray vision. We see that a leafless land is a lovely land, a surprising land. We see what…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
A connection between us
February 18, 2026
By Jeff Becraft I went to Walmart this week… twice in one day. I had to get the quota in. I don’t get as much of a quota as…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
SwordFest comes schwinging back on March 7
February 18, 2026
Here they come again, descending in hordes upon Columbia. Pirates. Soldiers from past centuries. Martial arts fighters. Modern sport fencers. Medieval knights in full armor. Jedi knights from a whole…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Finding battlefields in the earth beneath us
February 16, 2026
The American Revolution is very much in the air these days, as we are reminded of what happened 250 years ago. And in many, many places in South Carolina, it’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Lexington Chamber announces LEXPO “Best of Show” honorees
February 16, 2026
The Lexington business community “Scored Big” this year as the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center hosted its most vibrant LEXPO business trade show to date. On Thursday, February 12, the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: chamber, festivals-special-events, life, on-the-move, social-scene
Enjoying the task
February 12, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Leadership is not about me or any individual. Leadership is about others. Several times I have referred back to the past during the YC era, of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Collard Green Memories
February 11, 2026
By Tom Poland Being the chap I was, collard greens’ smell and similarity to the stringy dark-green algae in fish ponds repulsed me. Mom would cook up a mess…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Cast Iron Cornbread
February 5, 2026
By Tom Poland Born of fire, master of fire, and survivor of fire, my vintage cast iron cornbread mold fed many a soul. Best I figure it came to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Out in the snow
February 4, 2026
By Jeff Becraft The recent snow we had in South Carolina reminded me of a lot of things growing up. I grew up in Maryland and in our neighborhood, this was…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Sweetest Smoke A Man Was Ever To Smell
February 2, 2026
By Tom Poland To some, the smokehouse remains a symbol of the impoverished, rural South. Not me. I see it as a rustic savior, and I thank the late…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
My Lost Geisha
January 28, 2026
By Tom Poland It was the photograph in my father’s war album. Her white kimono. Hair black as onyx. Pale, serene face. Perfect bone structure. Gloss, a sheen upon her…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Going out for lunch
January 28, 2026
By Jeff Becraft One Friday, I decided to go out for lunch. I don’t do this a whole lot; I usually pack a lunch. But lately I have enjoyed…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
‘Tunnel Rat’ C.W. Bowman to speak at Richland Library
January 27, 2026
Vietnam veteran C.W. Bowman has fascinated audiences at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum several times with lectures about his war experiences. Last year, in an offsite…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
