Palpable HOPE for the Gamecock faithful
September 4, 2023
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. I WAS ENCOURAGED during a quick Labor Day trip to the gym this morning to see so many guys working out in their Gamecock sweatshirts…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, sports
We really do need each other
August 30, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I was pulling laundry out of the dryer last Saturday morning and it reminded me of a friend of mine named Johnny. Now, his name really…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Beach That Was
August 30, 2023
By Tom Poland From afar the skyline looks like that of a city, and it is. Myrtle Beach’s skyline of hotels seems to dwarf the skyline of all other…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Blink Book Review #10: “The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
August 30, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Another historical fiction for the win with “The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. After I really enjoyed “The Personal Librarian” earlier…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, the-arts
4-H’ers Win Regional Titles
August 29, 2023
The South Carolina 4-H Program has announced the winners of the 2023 4-H Small Garden Project. Two Laurens County 4-H members were regional winners for the Upstate of South Carolina.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, education, environmental, life, on-the-move
Stanley L. Myers selected as Leadership in Law Honoree
August 28, 2023
Moore Bradley Myers (MBM) Partner, Stanley Myers, has been selected as a 2023 Leadership in Law Honoree by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly. The annual award celebrates lawyers who are setting…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: law, life, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, military, on-the-move
Lone Star, The Rambling Ghost
August 24, 2023
By Tom Poland I’ve long felt that two of South Carolina’s prettier community names are Silverstreet and Lone Star. Silverstreet I’ve seen many times. Those names, evocative and atmospheric,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Carolina Sunshine for Children 2nd annual 5k for children
August 24, 2023
Walk, run, or roll to grant wishes for children in South Carolina! Local nonprofit Carolina Sunshine for Children will host its second annual 5k for children to raise funds that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: health-care, life, non-profit, on-the-move, sports
A glorious journey
August 24, 2023
By Jeff Becraft One of the statements I utter the most these days is: “Well… you see what my wife lives with.” I mentioned a couple of weeks ago…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move
Upcountry History Museum presents stories stitched in the seams
August 23, 2023
There’s an art to storytelling and in “We Didn’t Wait for Freedom – The Civil War Narrative Quilts of Vera P. Hall,” the stories are literally stitched in the seams…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: chamber, churches, education, entertainment, life, manufacturing, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts, veterans
Why we all still love GLADIATOR
August 22, 2023
It has much to do with manliness and being a man By W. Thomas Smith Jr. While working on a forthcoming Sunday School lesson about the Roman Army, I was…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
You’ve Got to be a Friend to Have a Friend
August 16, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Every year, I dust off this “first day of first grade” photo taken in front of then-Crayton Elementary School. It makes me thankful for these…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
My Father’s Failed Quest
August 16, 2023
By Tom Poland Dad had a saying. “I won’t let it whip me.” He prevailed over stubborn bolts, obstinate lawn mowers, welding projects, and just about anything that crossed…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Verizon turbo charges its Greenville 5G network with the addition of more spectrum
August 14, 2023Additional spectrum, available four months ahead of schedule, results in greater availability of 5G Ultra Wideband service, along with better performance and faster speeds. Verizon announced that it now has…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: it-services, life, on-the-move, technology
They only make movies about gunslingers
August 13, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I am basically a gunslinger. Somebody asked me recently what that meant. Well, that means I ride into the OK Corral and then find something to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #9: Pops: Learning to be a Son and Father by Craig Melvin
August 10, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell Stories of local folks who’ve found national acclaim always interest me. And if they’re in the world of journalism or politics even more so. That’s part…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
My Good Friend, Steve Blackmon
August 10, 2023
By Tom Poland Writer’s Note: Steve Blackmon died July 3rd surrounded by loved ones. The writing life introduces me to some memorable people. Steve Blackmon found me when his…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Careful with what is important
August 10, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Blueberries are probably my favorite fruit. In fact, I have blueberries with my breakfast almost every single morning. The other morning, I had too many things…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Huntington Beach State Park, Pawleys Island earn spots on prestigious list
August 7, 2023
Southern Living, one of the most respected names in lifestyle and travel journalism, has unveiled its list of “Our 25 Favorite Fall Beach Destinations,” and, according to the venerable publication,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: life, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Chasing The Ivorybill
August 2, 2023
By Tom Poland “Chasing the Swamp Ghost” caught my eye, and I read Garden & Gun’s feature about photographer Bobby Harrison’s quest to capture irrefutable evidence that the ivorybill…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Richland One offering Golden Activities Passes for senior citizens
August 2, 2023
Columbia residents Allen Stewart (left) and Deborah McClary Stewart (right) pick up their Golden Activities Passes. Senior citizens age 60 and older who live within the Richland One school attendance…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #8: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
August 2, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray was such a delightful surprise. Historical fiction isn’t normally my top reading choice, but to stay…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Marriage and being a pro athlete
August 1, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I am actually a professional athlete… who is yet to be discovered. I am playing injured right now, though. It’s what professional athletes have to do. I…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Fireflies Holiday Lights returns bigger and brighter in 2023
July 31, 2023
Segra Park announces the return of Midlands Family Holiday Tradition The Columbia Fireflies announced that Fireflies Holiday Lights will return to Segra Park this winter for a second holiday season. Segra…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
My SC Wildlife Dream Machine
July 27, 2023
By Tom Poland I grew up in a large hardwood forest in Georgia, and I rambled in woods every chance I got. I saw deer, wild turkey, ducks, and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Teamwork
July 27, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I’m up at my dad’s right now. And part of the reason is that we need to have some really huge trees taken down. We’re talking…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Older doesn’t mean we have to be more stupid
July 20, 2023
By Jeff Becraft “Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we have to be more stupid.” This was a statement made to me by a friend when I had asked…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #7 – Travel Books
July 20, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell I’ve long been a collector of travel guides. There’s a stack on my bookshelf of books about Spain, Mexico, Italy, Thailand, France, England, Scotland, Israel…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
The Day The Sky Fell
July 19, 2023
By Tom Poland A beautiful blue-sky afternoon it was. As I walked back from my mailbox a freshly killed squirrel with half its head missing fell right in front…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Ideal Foundation has opened its next nonprofit grant cycle application
July 17, 2023
The Ideal Foundation, a division of Into the Ideal, has opened up its summer “IGOT This” grant application, with a deadline of August 1. The Ideal Foundation’s “IGOT This” Grant…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Robinson Room to host “Gatsby Gala” grand opening celebration on August 10
July 17, 2023
Robinson Room, an upscale cocktail, tapas, and dessert bar, is excited to announce their official grand opening event, Gatsby Gala, on Thursday, August 10th, at 7p.m. Previously tucked away beneath…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: food, life, on-the-move, restaurant
Local Favorite, Cayce Fall Fest, returns October 7
July 14, 2023The City of Cayce is excited to announce the return of the Cayce Fall Fest! Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 7, from 12 pm – 6 pm…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, entertainment, food, government, hospitality, life, marketing-and-communications, media, music, on-the-move, the-arts
A Favorite Place
July 13, 2023
By Tom Poland Each spring I write of three places, three beautiful places where colonies of rocky shoals spider lilies bloom. One is quite accessible; one is perhaps the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
What is really most important
July 13, 2023
By Jeff Becraft So I am trying to reform my diet… One thing is I am trying to cut down on processed sugar. “You’re a type I diabetic… you…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #6 – “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
July 13, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell This book caught my eye at the library on a book display for Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The cover and the title drew me…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship Awards latest recipient
July 11, 2023
The Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship Organization announced the recipient of its Fall 2023 scholarship, Audrey Smallwood. This scholarship— in honor of the late Ted Rollins and his wife, Holly—is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, life, on-the-move
When A Church Dies
July 6, 2023
By Tom Poland Some linger in woods. Some stand, for now, at the end or side of a dirt road. Some hide behind other buildings, and some haunt the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Take me to the closest Subway
July 6, 2023
By Jeff Becraft On Saturday, I was on my way back into town on I-77. I was really tired. I pulled into the parking lot of this one burger…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Eight years later: The yellow bike is semi-retired
July 5, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell When I made an impulse purchase of a shiny yellow bike eight years ago, I had no idea how much I’d learn from those 30 pounds…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Historic Columbia announces July 2023 events
July 3, 2023
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for July 2023. See the full list of July events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Blink Book Review #5: Newsroom Confidential – Lessons (and Worries) from an Ink-Stained Life
June 29, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell As a lifelong news junky, I love reading about the machinations of a newsroom – How do news stories actually get to the front page? Who…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Making The Sea Bountiful
June 29, 2023
By Tom Poland Artificial Reefs & Memorial Fishing Grounds Early 1980s, it was. We put out to sink a ship. Waves tossed us about as we headed seaward to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
North Columbia project to unite communities with returning summer block party series
June 29, 2023
Serve & Connect and the North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative (NCYEI) have reunited with the City of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department to host their annual Be Safe Summer…
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Mini-vacations
June 28, 2023
By Jeff Becraft I was speaking at a camp for a children’s home last week. This particular camp happened to be at the beach… at Garden City Chapel. And…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life
Relic Room to be open on the Fourth of July
June 26, 2023
The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum will be open on Independence Day – and will offer special hours over the preceding weekend: • OPEN 10 a.m.-5 p.m.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Don’t be afraid to be the first one on the dance floor
June 22, 2023
By Jeff Becraft Back in my Youth Corps era, one of my favorite sessions was dance night. The reason for that was because there were so many valuable leadership…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Moody Spring
June 22, 2023
By Tom Poland Rounding a curve on Highway 107, I saw water spurting from handsome stonework set in a mountain. Moody Spring, I knew we’d stop. I had no…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Relic Room presents something amazing – photos of Revolutionary War soldiers
June 21, 2023
Photo credit Image courtesy of W.C. Smith III Have you ever seen photographs of Revolutionary War soldiers? Well, you can do just that at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, military, on-the-move
Wingard’s Market selected for June feature in National Publication
June 21, 2023
Wingard’s Market’s Backyard Nature Center and innovative gardening concepts has been selected for the June edition of Garden Center Magazine’s “Spotted” feature. Tucked inside the newly expanded Wingard’s Produce Center,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, conversations, environmental, hospitality, life, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move, retail
Blink Book Review #3: “Daisy Jones and the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
June 15, 2023
By Reba Hull Campbell My dream has long been to quit life and join the band. While I’ve taken up music lessons in recent years, this book allowed me…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
