At 19, Dennis DuPuis flew helicopters in combat in Vietnam
February 7, 2024
Dennis DuPuis wasn’t the only soldier in his family to serve in Vietnam. His father, an Army Signal Corps master sergeant who had served in the Second World War and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
ProHealth Center Presents Free Lunch and Learn Event to Kickstart Your Health Journey in 2024
February 7, 2024
As the new year unfolds, health and wellness take center stage in the minds of many individuals striving for positive changes. ProHealth Center, a local Traditional and Holistic health care…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: chamber, health-care, life, on-the-move
To Keep or To Give
February 1, 2024
By Amy Coward I can’t get rid of this bowl. I really don’t know why I’m so attached to it. It’s not very pretty – beige, plastic, divided down…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Being Thankful – A Different View
February 1, 2024
By Jeff Becraft I did not write today’s Friday encouragement – it was sent to me by a friend of mine named Rick. It is from The Speaker’s Friend by Leonard…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Folk Artist Leonard Jones
February 1, 2024
By Tom Poland Giving Old Tin New Life During my school days the yellow bus rolled me past chicken houses. In 1972, when I taught creative writing in Lincolnton,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
It’s Giving Grace and Gospel Music: Soulful performances will celebrate Black History Month at Harbison Theatre!
February 1, 2024
Soulful performances will celebrate Black History Month at Harbison Theatre! John Lakin & Friends Sounds of Amazing Grace 7:30 PM | Saturday, February 10, 2024 Tickets: $25 A familiar favorite…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Aurora Farms, Inc.
January 31, 2024
An indoor/outdoor elegant wedding and event venue for all occasions seating up to 250 in Taylors, SC
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: life
The Nick announces special programming for Black History Month
January 31, 2024
The Nickelodeon invites you to celebrate Black History Month this February with a film series highlighting black artistry and excellence. This film series is in collaboration with the SC Commission…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The Cayce Police Department hosts luncheon for new Cayce Assisting Seniors & Elderly initiative
January 30, 2024The Cayce Police Department (CPD) will host a luncheon on February 13, 2024, to kick-off the new initiative that focuses on the safety and support of our elderly and aging…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, life, on-the-move
Laurens County 4-H Stars Shine Bright: Head to South Carolina Contest
January 29, 2024
Two Laurens County 4-H members will represent the Upstate Region at the SC 4-H Presentation Contest. Hailey Karns will give her presentation titled, “Canine Good Citizen”, describing how to train…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, education, life, on-the-move
Those who influence us
January 25, 2024
By Jeff Becraft It is interesting how we can influence one another. (Interesting is really not the word… it is deeper than that.) But someone who has greatly influenced…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Clawfoot Tubs Hold Memories
January 25, 2024
By Tom Poland When I see a clawfoot tub, which is rare, four memories surface. First, I go back to my grandfather’s old homeplace. Next I go back to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick rolls out annual Red Carpet Awards Party celebration details
January 25, 2024
The Nickelodeon Theater invites you to its annual Red Carpet Awards Party hosted by entertainer Patti O’Furniture in celebration of the 2024 Oscars on March 10, 2024. As anticipation for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The joy of the handwritten letter
January 24, 2024
By Reba Hull Campbell When I was growing up, the family mailbox was a magic chamber that delivered cards with good wishes, postcards from interesting places and an occasional…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Veteran to speak of role of Army chaplains at Relic Room
January 24, 2024
One day in November 1967, U.S. Army Chaplain Charles J. Watters’ unit was involved in heavy combat with the enemy in the vicinity of Đắk Tô, South Vietnam. Among many…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Cayce Historical Museum announces the grand opening of the African American Legends of Cayce Exhibit
January 23, 2024
The Cayce Historical Museum is excited to announce the first permanent exhibit dedicated to African Americans from the Cayce area: The African American Legends of Cayce Exhibit. The exhibit will…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, government, life, on-the-move
Elevate Your Summer: Breeze Airways Unveils Nonstop Destinations from Greenville Spartanburg International Airport
January 23, 2024
Get ready to make the most of your summer, as Greenville Spartanburg International Airport has just revealed a game-changing announcement that will open up new travel possibilities. Breeze Airways is…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, transportation
So what are you going to do now?
January 18, 2024
By Jeff Becraft “So what are you going to do now?” That’s what someone said to me one time when I had just described a situation that years ago,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Ron Hagell to tell how he collected intelligence in Vietnam
January 18, 2024
The movies notwithstanding, intelligence work has little to do with drinking shaken martinis while wearing a designer tuxedo. In the real world, in wartime, it’s about things like sweating in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
Ageratum, Wood, & Water
January 17, 2024
By Tom Poland On a Sunday walk I spotted a splash of blue. Blue wildflowers. They say blue flowers are sometimes difficult to grow in gardens. “They say.” That was…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Eagle Scout Joseph Pope to receive Scouting’s highest honor for lifesaving
January 17, 2024
The Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America will present Scouting’s highest award for lifesaving to one of its own – Eagle Scout Joseph Pope of Columbia. On…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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
The Enchanting Origins of Mistletoe Kisses
December 18, 2023
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe has become a playful custom during the holiday season. While the act of exchanging kisses beneath this festive plant may seem like a…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz 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
A Heartwarming Journey: Hank Carlay’s Special Bond with Firmin Ford
December 13, 2023
In the small town of Laurens, South Carolina, a heartwarming story has unfolded, highlighting the power of compassion and inclusivity that can happen in the most unexpected places. At the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, life, on-the-move
Laurens County 4-H Member Wins Fishing Project
December 13, 2023
Laurens County 4-H member Nathan Meade recently won first place in the Senior Division of the Upstate 4-H Fishing Project. He did so by completing a project record book and…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, education, 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
Laurens County Community Foundation Announces Grant Recipients
December 1, 2023
The Laurens County Community Foundation (LCCF) is pleased to announce grant awards given to support and benefit the lives of citizens in Laurens County. The LCCF contributes its resources to fund a broad…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move
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
Laurens County Cancer Association to Present a Program Highlighting Cancer Survivors
November 29, 2023
The Laurens County Cancer Association (LCCA) has partnered with the South Carolina Cancer Alliance to provide a unique and impactful program “Laurens County Living with Cancer: Our Stories.” Storytelling is…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, life, on-the-move
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
