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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move, veterans
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move
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.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, food, hospitality, life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move, sports
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, hospitality, life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, hospitality, life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: education, life, on-the-move
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,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, hospitality, life, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
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.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Wake Up Call Aboard The Pamela Sue
September 5, 2024
By Tom Poland Shrimping Down McClellanville Way I got up at 4:30 a.m. to go to two Carolina bays in the Francis Marion National Forest. Hours later I left pitcher…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Margin
September 5, 2024
By Jeff Becraft If you look at a piece of notebook paper, you’ll see on most pieces the blue lines, which is where we’re supposed to write, and then…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Community comes together for 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Day to support local hero battling rare cancer
August 29, 2024
Coming Together for Hope: Fundraising Event Aims to Ease Medical Burdens On September 21st, 2024, Calvary Chapel Lexington will host a special 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Day to raise…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move
Night spiders
August 21, 2024
By Jeff Becraft There are these things we call night spiders. I don’t know what their official scientific name or zoological name or biological name is. We just simply…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Robert Ariail, Cartoonist
August 21, 2024
By Tom Poland In the beginning, there was the urge to draw—and inspiration, Saturday morning cartoons. “I’d drawn since I was a boy, spending hours with crayons, pencils, manila…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Jam Room Music Festival returns to Columbia’s Main Street
August 21, 2024
The Jam Room Music Festival (JRMF) returns to Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, October 26. Presented by the Jam Room Foundation, with support from the City of Columbia and Richland…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, music, on-the-move
South Carolina State Fair announces flash sale to celebrate 46 counties
August 19, 2024
The South Carolina State Fair announced a special flash sale on admission tickets in honor of our 46 counties. As part of this year’s theme, “46 Reasons to Celebrate South…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: education, life, non-profit, on-the-move
Our Long Lost Prairie
August 16, 2024
By Tom Poland As I stood near rattlesnake master, a plant of the prairie, bison thundered across the prairie with a great sweep of fire raging behind them, seemingly…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Billfish: Catch & Release
August 15, 2024
By Tom Poland Billfish Conservation & Record Releases of Blue Marlin I wanted a real-deal Ernest Hemingway long-bill cap to let me see into the depths. One that would…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
No reserve, no retreat, no regrets
August 15, 2024
By Jeff Becraft This week, my Dad developed the beginnings of aspirated pneumonia. I was already planning on coming to see him, but that phone call caused me to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
A Coquina Sunrise
August 8, 2024
By Tom Poland And Carnivorous Plants At first I thought men had poured cement onto the beach. Protection against an encroaching sea, I figured. The waves had scoured it…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
