A great day to hold the door open for someone
October 21, 2021
By Jeff Becraft No Friday email yesterday… was taking my Dad to the cardiologist. It is my brother and sister-in-law who by far handle the brunt of taking care…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Magic In Some Alien World
October 21, 2021
By Tom Poland On a hot, windless Sunday, I found a place where wind swept up and over a cliff to pour through pines. The cooling torrent felt like…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Chapin’s Crossland wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Murray
October 20, 2021
Pro Johnathan Crossland of Chapin, South Carolina brought a three-day total of 15 bass to the scale weighing 43 pounds, 12 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship Presented by…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, sports
Dickey family announces initiative to provide support and resources to families for #InfantLossandAwareness Day
October 15, 2021
West Columbia City Councilman and attorney, Joseph Dickey, and wife, Kiosha Dickey are announcing today that they have started a non-profit in honor of their daughter, Autumn Rei Dickey. Autumn…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, life, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Hope and strength in the middle of the toil
October 14, 2021By Jeff Becraft One time a few years ago I was at one of the hardware stores buying some supplies to plant a garden. I had a couple of bags…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Understanding COVID-19’s Deadly Delta Variant – Part II: How To Keep Your Body and Mind Healthy
October 14, 2021
By Mike DuBose In the previous segment of this two part-series, I shared current information about the Delta variant of COVID-19, which has swept the US and now makes up…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, life, on-the-move
My Last Dog
October 13, 2021
By Tom Poland Should you walk our family land in eastern Georgia, you’ll come across several cemeteries. No, they’re not ancestors. You won’t see headstones. You’ll see wooden crosses…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
WandaVision actor from Greenville Stars in Falsettos musical Oct. 29 – Nov. 6
October 12, 2021
WandaVision Actor from Greenville Stars in Falsettos Musical Oct. 29 – Nov. 6 Joshua Begelman, 12, who recently portrayed Young Quicksilver in an Emmy award-nominated episode of the Disney+ superhero…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, life, music, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Firefly Distillery releases throwback Raspberry Sweet Tea Vodka
October 12, 2021
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Firefly Distillery is partnering with Share Our Suzy Lowcountry, a lowcountry non-profit enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer patients in…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: life, local-industry, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene
South Carolina returns to Texas for Palmetto/Lone Star Day 2021
October 12, 2021
If you’re old enough to remember Will Rogers, or movies from the heyday of Westerns, you know all about the deft artistry of masters of the lasso, although you probably…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
“Here I am. Send me”
October 7, 2021
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. We have all read or heard the words of the Prophet Isaiah who in the presence of God, audibly hears the words: “Whom shall I…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Understanding COVID-19’s Deadly Delta Variant – Part I: What It Is—and Why It’s So Dangerous
October 7, 2021
By Mike DuBose As we moved into the summer of 2021, I, like many others, had high hopes that the US was winning its fight against the novel coronavirus. Although…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, health-care, life
You never know when the ball is coming your way
October 6, 2021
By Jeff Becraft When I was growing up, UCLA won 7 national basketball titles… in a row. Seven straight years. And from 1964 – 1975, they won the national…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
How to Make the Most of this Year’s South Carolina State Fair
October 6, 2021
The 152nd South Carolina State Fair returns Oct. 13-24, 2021, with a full lineup of traditional favorites and a variety of new rides, foods, entertainment and the return of the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, hospitality, life, media, on-the-move
Tall Tales—Truth Can Be Elusive
October 6, 2021
By Tom Poland The last time I wrote about the nightlife, my late mom gave me a reading. She upbraided me about the evils of alcohol and told me…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Lecture tells how Thomas Sumter took Banastre Tarleton down
October 5, 2021
Most folks have never heard of the Battle of Blackstock’s Plantation. “Most have heard of the American Revolution,” Charles Baxley ironically acknowledges. But too few of them understand how important…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Annual Earth & Sky Photo Contest Closes October 31st
October 4, 2021
The Laurens County Conservation District is calling on all amateur photographers to share their photos of Laurens County. The annual Earth & Sky Photo Contest is open to all ages…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Youth advocate to give talk about stopping the criminalization of Black youth
September 29, 2021
Kristin Henning, a Georgetown Law professor, will speak about her new book, “The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth,” on Monday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, on-the-move
You’ve Got To Feel the Food
September 29, 2021
By Tom Poland A few years back on a fall day I attended a wild game dinner on the grounds of Hobcaw Barony’s Bellefield Stables. I sat among folks…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Being thankful
September 29, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Self-pity is pitiful. And yet I allow myself to go down this trail more often than I would like to admit. Last night, I had to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Leaders proactively set the atmosphere
September 22, 2021
By Jeff Becraft We had our first session with this year’s students on Tuesday evening. I had the opportunity to share this principle during the evening. It is what…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
The Good Old Days Are Gone
September 22, 2021
By Tom Poland Last Friday night some grandparents went to watch their grandson play in a high school football game. They were in for a shock. Paying for the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Look through the bigger window
September 15, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Something happened this morning that reminded me of a lesson I learned a few years ago. I am at my father’s house and when I first…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Who’s The Queen Of Flowers?
September 15, 2021
By Tom Poland Orchids. There were days I wore them in my lapel for formal events, but those days are gone. I’ve not seen many in the wild, but…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Show Love and Compassion to Someone Today
September 8, 2021
By Jeff Becraft Is it safe to say that there are a lot of heavy things going on in the world right now? Late yesterday afternoon, our oldest daughter,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Where They Sleep, While They Sleep
September 8, 2021
By Tom Poland I visit old cemeteries quite a bit. Lest you think death thoughts consume me, understand that readers tell me of near-forgotten cemeteries. It’s my duty to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Lecture to cover what ladies wore in the 1860s, and why they wore it
September 3, 2021
A lot of people have misconceptions about what women wore in the 1860s. For instance, folks have some odd ideas about corsets. On Sept. 24th at noon at the South…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
We Really Do Need Each Other
September 2, 2021
By Jeff Becraft In my address book for my email is a folder labeled: BROTHERS. It is 9-10 guys whom I have known for about 40 years. They are…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, the-arts
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
Main Street Clinton Brings Concert Truck to Town
September 1, 2021
A concert truck? Yes, there is such a thing. Close your eyes and imagine a 16-foot box truck converted into a fully functioning concert hall. Hard to imagine? Click here…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: entertainment, life, music, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Clinton Economic Development Corporation Closes on Sale of 75 Acres for New Subdivision
August 23, 2021
Clinton Economic Development Corporation recently closed on the sale of 75 acres that will be developed for much needed housing. The property known as Clinton Park Corp Center 3, is…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: economic-development, engineering, life, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
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.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: life, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Volunteer to be honored on 95th birthday
August 2, 2021
Louise Carpenter will be honored by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey Three days a week — rain, shine or even during a pandemic, the people…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: life, on-the-move
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…
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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
