Walking Through Prairie With Philip Juras
December 12, 2024
By Tom Poland August 21, 6:15 p.m. Philip Juras and I are walking through remnant prairie. His mission is to paint a vestige of our lost Southland. Mine is…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
The Price of Going Higher: A Tale of Ladders, Effort, and Perspective
December 12, 2024
By Jeff Becraft I used to own just one ladder. It’s an aluminum extension ladder and it lives in our garage. It doesn’t just hang on a wall… it’s…
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Leonard’s Losers
December 11, 2024
By Tom Poland The show claimed to raise your pigskin IQ. To get my weekly prescription of smart pills, I’d tune in the crackling, AM station to hear what…
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Fallen Color
December 5, 2024
By Tom Poland And a Never-Forgotten Dog Can uprooted trees flaunt fall color? No. Dead men don’t talk and dead leaves don’t reveal colors. I figured it was impossible.…
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The best things are priceless
December 4, 2024
By Jeff Becraft For this past Thanksgiving, our daughter and her family came in from Texas with the two grandkids. And then our son came in Tuesday night with…
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Simpsonville woman writes book on faith and healing
December 4, 2024
A local woman has written her first book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made– a true story of how she overcame trauma, rediscovered her faith, and began to heal herself. A Michigan…
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Come get ready for Christmas on Pearl Harbor Day – Dec 7
November 20, 2024
December 7 will always be the “date which will live in infamy,” as President Franklin Roosevelt put it. And we will always remember. But on this Pearl Harbor Day, we’ll…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
There’s just something about working together
November 20, 2024
By Jeff Becraft There is a real camaraderie that happens when you work together, when you work side by side with others, shoulder to shoulder. Something happens in a relationship…
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We’re Soft & We Can’t Deny It
November 20, 2024
By Tom Poland Mama trembled when she talked about the Great Depression. I never forgot that. She’s gone and only the oldest survivors recall those hard times. Today’s full-plate…
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A Kind Word for the Irish Travelers
November 20, 2024
By Tom Poland A few years back I was frustrated, trying to get a book off the ground but it just wouldn’t come together. My limitations as a writer…
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Through the fog
November 14, 2024
By Jeff Becraft Recently, I have talked to our son and a couple other people who live in the western North Carolina area. Our son described taking his daughter…
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Cassette Music Memories
November 12, 2024
By Tom Poland Last week my writer-daughter, Beth, wrote a story about her MTV years. She recalled the 1980s watching music videos. She wrote, “When my sister and I…
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Choose to be better
November 7, 2024
By Jeff Becraft I voted early this year. (And this is not an email to sway anyone in a particular political direction.) As I was standing in line, I…
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A Thin White Line
November 6, 2024
By Tom Poland CUMBERLAND SOUND, Fernandina Beach, Florida (Nov. 1, 2024): The catamaran motors by pelicans perched upon piers. It passes monstrous, red-orange contraptions that could be the Martian…
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USC’s Sonoco International Business Department being honored with Global Vision Award from Columbia World Affairs Council
November 6, 2024
The Darla Moore School of Business’ Sonoco International Business Department is being recognized by the Columbia World Affairs Council for the renowned IB program’s 50-year anniversary with the 2024 Global…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, economic-development, education, entrepreneurship, life, non-profit, on-the-move
Relic Room to host 33rd SCMMS Toy Soldier Show
November 4, 2024
The S.C. Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum will welcome you to the South Carolina Military Miniature Society’s 33rd Annual Toy Soldier Show on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m.…
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Best Foot Forward
October 31, 2024
By Jeff Becraft I was once reading a book by Tony Dungy and he was describing a time in his life where he was heading into an interview with…
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The Last Pecan Pie
October 31, 2024
By Tom Poland When I heard Hurricane Helene destroyed some 42,000 pecan trees in Georgia, I thought of my mother and my last pecan pie, not the last…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
On Veterans Day, learn about the Battle of Ia Drang at Richland Library
October 30, 2024
The battle of Ia Drang in 1965 was the first great clash between the U.S. and North Vietnamese armies. About 237 Americans were killed, along with 132 South Vietnamese, and…
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We Are Sharing Hope SC highlights the healing power of tissue donation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 30, 2024
We Are Sharing Hope SC (SHSC) is honoring tissue donors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for their decision to donate to so many women across the state of who are…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: health-care, life, on-the-move, technology
University of South Carolina Homecoming Commission and The Five Points Association to host ‘Paint the Town Garnet and Black’ Block Party
October 29, 2024
The Five Points Association in partnership with the University of South Carolina Homecoming Commission, announced the Paint the Town Garnet and Black Block Party, Presented by South Carolina Federal Credit…
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Poppi, what are you doing?
October 24, 2024
By Jeff Becraft One of our grandsons’ name is Caleb. He is almost two years old. We were visiting Caleb and his family back in August for several days.…
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A Spider Fit for Halloween
October 24, 2024
By Tom Poland Read no further if you suffer arachnophobia … How well I remember a night when we were under the lights scrimmaging. I can’t recall who we…
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From Sacred Earth—Catawba Pottery
October 17, 2024
By Tom Poland On a hot July Saturday I drove to the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, South Carolina. First chance I got, I abandoned I-20 for U.S. 21.…
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Hear tales of the haunted museum and more, on Oct. 31 at Richland Library
October 16, 2024
A museum filled with artifacts from every war in which South Carolinians have fought since the American Revolution inevitably contains many artifacts that were once the treasured possessions of people…
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Award-winning comics artist Ebony Flowers to speak at USC
October 16, 2024
One of the country’s foremost African American comics artists, Ebony Flowers, will discuss creative storytelling during a public talk at the University of South Carolina. Flowers, renowned for her award-winning…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, entertainment, life, on-the-move, the-arts
Let’s keep the brightness in our eyes
October 13, 2024
By Jeff Becraft Back in my final year of Youth Corps, when I was phasing out and turning Youth Corps over to other people, I didn’t know the students…
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Vanilla Flavored Memories
October 10, 2024
By Tom Poland Springs creaking, Granddad’s maroon Ford rattles down Mom and Dad’s long dirt driveway. Washouts make for a rough ride but that doesn’t stop Granddad. Here he…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
New locally-owned coffee shop, Lazy Daisy Coffee Co., coming to Forest Acres, SC
October 10, 2024
A new locally-owned coffee shop, Lazy Daisy Coffee Co., is set to open in early 2025 in Forest Acres, South Carolina. Located at 4615 Forest Drive, in the bustling Cardinal…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: food, hospitality, life, on-the-move
Rural non-profit, Trent Hill Center receives $59,000 grant from Power:Ed to help youth aging out of foster care with independent living skills and building future pathways
October 10, 2024
Trent Hill Center for Children & Families (Trent Hill Center), has been awarded a $59,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support its Independent Living…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Five Points association officially unveils newest art installation, “Fritz”
October 9, 2024
The Five Points District, known for its eclectic art scene and vibrant community, announced the official naming of its newest public art installation, “Fritz”. The 1,200-pound robot head, created by…
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Hope from ashes
October 9, 2024
By Jeff Becraft Last week, I talked about how hard Black Mountain Home for Children in NC was hit by Hurricane Helene. Right after that, a person who used…
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The Countdown Is On!
October 8, 2024
The South Carolina State Fair, the state’s largest event, is gearing up for its highly anticipated return Oct. 9-20, bringing 12 days of live entertainment, mouthwatering food and unforgettable experiences to…
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Helping in devastating times
October 3, 2024
By Jeff Becraft Just a little over a week ago, I was driving through Asheville with a friend named Johnny, heading to do a retreat with Black Mountain Home…
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The American Bass Anglers 2024 American Fishing Tour Championship on Lake Murray is postponed and rescheduled on May 5-9, 2025
October 2, 2024
American Bass Anglers (ABA) and Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) have announced the postponement of the 2024 American Fishing Tour Championship, originally scheduled for October 6-11, due to the…
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Historic Columbia announces October 2024 events
October 2, 2024
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for October 2024. See the full list of October events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
Hurricanes, A Personal History
September 30, 2024
By Tom Poland Growing up in landlocked Lincoln County, Georgia, I never worried about hurricanes. I left that to folks on the coast. Hurricanes were not to be feared. If…
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Blink Book Review: “The Devil at His Elbow” by Valerie Bauerlein
September 26, 2024
By Reba Hull Campbell Like many people, I decided to do no more reading about, listening to or watching anything about the Murdaugh case once the trial ended in March…
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Remembering Ken Burger
September 26, 2024
By Tom Poland “Don’t forget to be happy. It’s the only measurement of success that really counts.” – Ken Burger I wish I had known Ken Burger for more…
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True leadership
September 26, 2024
By Jeff Becraft We had a luncheon yesterday at Our Place of Hope with Sheriff Lott as our featured speaker. It was a great event. We had several community…
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Five Points announces naming contest for new permanent art installation to be officially unveiled at JerryFest
September 23, 2024
The latest permanent art installation by artist, Clark Ellefson to be unveiled at JerryFest in Five Points on October 6 The Five Points Association announced that their newest permanent art…
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JerryFest 2024… Celebrating ten years in Five Points!
September 23, 2024
A free outdoor concert held annually in Five Points will feature regional music acts on two stages, artisan vendors, a Lil’ Hippie Corner and more. JerryFest, a FREE outdoor concert…
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Celebrate Black History and culture on September 21 at Jubilee Festival
September 19, 2024
WHAT: Jubilee is a FREE community festival where attendees can explore a diverse marketplace featuring local vendors, and delicious food and beverages at the food court; dive deeper into local…
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Rogue Squirrel
September 19, 2024
By Tom Poland For two summers now I have battled a rogue squirrel, and the score is squirrel 100, Tom zero. He raids my “go to” hummingbird feeder, and…
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Beating the odds
September 18, 2024
By Jeff Becraft There have been several emails I’ve sent out about my Dad and here comes another one. As I have said, my Dad is 98 now and…
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Celebrate Black History and Culture on September 21 at Jubilee Festival
September 17, 2024
Historic Columbia invites the community to experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture at the 46th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture. The event will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024,…
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The freedom of forgiveness
September 12, 2024
By Jeff Becraft Just yesterday, I was reviewing a document and I discovered that there was a major error in it. The problem is, it had already been sent…
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A Helping Hand
September 12, 2024
By Tom Poland Hampton Wildlife Fund Awards 2024-2025 Scholarships When I read about the recent Hampton Fund scholarships, the words of conservationist and writer Aldo Leopold and a thought came…
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With tourism on the rise, ECSC celebrates Convention Center’s 20th anniversary
September 11, 2024
Experience Columbia SC (ECSC), the Destination Marketing Organization for the Columbia region, announced new tourism statistics that show tourism to the region has increased to 16.4 million visitors in 2023,…
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Come to Richland Library to hear about Wade Hampton’s Great Beefsteak Raid
September 10, 2024
Confederate soldiers were always short of supplies, but in September 1864 things were worse than ever. Besieged in Petersburg, Va., the Army of Northern Virginia was facing starvation. Robert E.…
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