Moody Spring
June 22, 2023By 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
Feel the Heat in newest exhibit at Upcountry History Museum
June 20, 2023We watch the news with a sense of disbelief yet can’t seem to pull ourselves away even as the screen fills with image after image of raging wildfires. In its…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: agriculture, chamber, churches, education, entertainment, environmental, government, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts, veterans
Pacolet Milliken invests in South Carolina’s young visual artists
June 12, 2023Greenville-based investment company Pacolet Milliken donated $10,000 in support of the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Visual Arts Department. This generous gift funded a student art exhibition…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: business-services, education, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
Life’s Healing Elixir
June 8, 2023By Tom Poland A Sunday sojourn found me at Healing Springs near Blackville, South Carolina. There I stood on Gods Acre, property deeded to God. Palm Sunday it was,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Jon Robertson of Abacus Planning Group appointed as Trustee of Richland Library
June 5, 2023Abacus Planning Group proudly announces the appointment of Jon Robertson, CFP® to the Richland Library Board of Trustees. Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Drumming Up White Feathery Memories
June 2, 2023By Tom Poland Long before I moved to South Carolina, family vacation trips took us over Charleston’s “New Cooper River Bridge.” To be accurate, we drove over the Silas…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Exclusive exhibition showcases art of the Catawba Nation from the last 50 years
May 30, 2023Resurgence and Renaissance opens June 10 only at the CMA The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured summer exhibition Resurgence and Renaissance: Art of the Catawba Nation Since 1973, on…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Highway 61 Revisited
May 25, 2023By Tom Poland From 22,000 miles high, a satellite dropped an uncanny merging of highway and music into my path. XM Radio played the comedic ACME siren whistle that…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Google announces South Carolina winner of 15th annual Doodle for Google contest
May 18, 2023The annual Doodle for Google contest returns for the 15th year to showcase student artwork from around the country. Today, Google is thrilled to announce South Carolina’s Haniyah Simone Robinson…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
Memories Of Zebco Reels & Red Wrigglers
May 17, 2023By Tom Poland I drive west, Georgia bound, and pass it yet again, a place that pulls at my heart. My father had a worm farm, and my grandfather’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
‘Very Eric Carle’ exhibition making southeastern debut at Upcountry History Museum
May 15, 2023It will be a very special day for children and adults alike when the unique, one-of-a-kind Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit opens Saturday, May…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: churches, education, entertainment, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Behind The Lens
May 10, 2023By Tom Poland Thirty-seven years ago I wrote “Worth The Wait,” a feature on photographing wildlife. South Carolina Wildlife magazine photographers Ted Borg, Robert Clark, and Phillip Jones gave…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Greenville Theatre is proud to present “Shrek the Musical” as the final show of season 97
May 9, 2023Everyone’s favorite green ogre is back in this hilarious musical, based on the hit blockbuster animated film! Our unlikely hero finds himself on a quest to save his swamp from…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Retired Greenville teacher’s book being made into a movie
May 8, 2023Stories of a “lake monster” told to hundreds and hundreds of Greenville County students over the decades by a beloved teacher of theirs is now a book and is being…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
We’re Sending You To …
May 3, 2023By Tom Poland In the 1960s my father visited the Central State Hospital in Georgia. He may have gone to visit a relative. I recall a heated family gathering…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Joy Of Scholarships
April 26, 2023By Tom Poland After high school I hoped to land a scholarship to play football. I played first unit on the junior varsity team and started three years on the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Green Of Winter
April 13, 2023By Tom Poland Pine pollen yellows my deck, but the green of winter colors my thoughts. Two things I like about winter. One, winter’s cold bones lay the land…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
BJU Division of Music receives $1 million gift to create endowment
April 12, 2023The Bob Jones University Division of Music announced a $1 million gift to begin and fund the Robert O. Jones and Mary B. Jones Scholarship Fund. This endowed fund will…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
Thirty Years—The Mountains To The Sea
April 6, 2023By Tom Poland I remember the year well. 1984. It was my first year working as a staff writer for South Carolina Wildlife. I had just spent six years…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, non-profit, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission announces additions, change to team
April 5, 2023The South Carolina Arts Commission welcomed to its team two new program directors who are tasked with serving South Carolina’s individual artists (#SCartists) and facilitating arts initiatives in rural communities.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
A Walk In Winter Woods
March 29, 2023By Tom Poland I like boardwalks. Those that take you through protected natural areas. Several come to mind. The lovely boardwalk at Woods Bay takes you 1,150 feet through…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Newberry College’s Brayden Phillips to compete on ‘American Idol’
March 28, 2023Newberry College junior Brayden Phillips is one of eight South Carolinians headed to Hollywood to compete on “American Idol.” Hollywood Week starts Sunday night, April 2, on ABC. The exercise science major and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
We Need Tree Scholars
March 23, 2023By Tom Poland The January-February 2023 issue of South Carolina Wildlife magazine ran my story on Edgefield County’s Curryton Magnolia. The old tree’s close to being a state record magnolia…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Around the World in 80 Hats at Upcountry History Museum
March 22, 2023Though not in a hot air balloon with Phileas Fogg, visitors will have an opportunity to go around the world on an 80 hat and headdress journey as the Upcountry…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: chamber, churches, education, entertainment, hospitality, hotels, life, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
A Writer’s Moon Tide Memories
March 16, 2023By Tom Poland It seems like yesterday though it was forty-five years. I took a job as a scriptwriter-cinematographer with the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Country music star Lindsay Ell added as direct support for Darius Rucker
March 14, 2023Country music star Lindsay Ell added as direct support for Darius Rucker at Southern Fried Circuit charity concert Upcountry Fiber announces that Lindsay Ell, who was named “one of the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, media, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
Gullah Geechee chef and gospel singer to receive 2023 Folk Heritage Awards
March 8, 2023For 2023, the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards will be presented by the General Assembly to honor a Gullah Geechee chef and a gospel singer whose talents keep the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
A Story Of Music, Trees, And Family
March 8, 2023By Two Sons Of The American South On a January day in 2019 I met Chuck Leavell in Georgia’s geographic center. We met to write a magazine cover story.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
South Carolina State Fair announces 67% increase in scholarship funds
March 7, 2023The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, announces a 67 percent increase in awards for its 2023 annual Ride of Your Life Scholarship program. For the first…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: agriculture, education, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Cyberwoven wins three ADDYs at the 2023 AAF Midlands Awards Gala
March 6, 2023Cyberwoven, a full-service brand, marketing, and web agency, announces its win of three American Advertising Federation (AAF) Awards (ADDYs) at this year’s AAF Midlands Awards Gala. The agency won for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: business-services, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, the-arts
Upcountry History Museum Exhibit showcases Kenny Rogers’ talents
March 1, 2023Say the name Kenny Rogers and the first things that come to mind are songs and television movies. The Upcountry History Museum – Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, offers a…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: churches, education, entertainment, hospitality, media, music, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Rivers I Cross
February 24, 2023By Tom Poland Rivers make me say things out loud. As I drive alone over a river I often say its name. In fact, some rivers’ names beg to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Newberry College’s 65th Jazz Festival to feature saxophonist Jeff Coffin
February 23, 2023Historic festival coincides with largest-ever SCBDA jazz event Newberry College invites you to enjoy world-class artists and music at its 65th Jazz Festival, to be held March 3-4 on campus.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
The Word Merchant Highway
February 16, 2023By Tom Poland Upon taking a writing position long ago, the boss of bosses shot me a sideways look, “So, you’re a word merchant.” Clever, I thought, but as…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
SC Arts Advocacy Week is February 13-17
February 14, 2023The South Carolina Arts Alliance (SCAA) is hosting SC Arts Advocacy Week, February 13-17. The annual event brings arts practitioners and supporters together to celebrate the universal impact of the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
A year of learning opportunities at UWS
February 13, 2023As spring is upon us, where at the school will be hosting numerous classes, courses, and skill based workshops at our location in Tamassee SC. We have 33 acres for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: business-services, education, environmental, local-industry, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The Forsaken Land
February 10, 2023By Tom Poland Kudzu covered its outbuildings. The farm was lonesome so I turned around and stopped to visit it. Right off I saw a dusty mule collar hanging…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Proud Mary Theatre serves up 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche
February 8, 2023Proud Mary Theatre Company presents 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood. Set at the 1956 Susan B Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein’s…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Two Andy Warhol exhibitions opening at Upcountry History Museum
February 3, 2023The Upcountry History Museum-Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is bringing an exceptional encounter with history, art, and culture to Greenville when two extraordinary exhibitions featuring Pop Art icon Andy Warhol…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: chamber, education, entertainment, environmental, hospitality, hotels, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
The Colors Of Childhood
February 2, 2023By Tom Poland I haven’t seen the old homeplace in a while. Not my homeplace, mind you, my childhood friend’s. That would be Sweetie Boy, he of the sweet…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Peace Center economic impact estimated at $1.1 billion statewide
January 30, 2023An economic impact study conducted by the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business reveals that the Peace Center in Greenville has had an astounding economic impact of just…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
The Bygone Era Of Refinement
January 27, 2023By Tom Poland Previous eras impress me. When I tour historic homes, for instance, the refined lifestyle their owners enjoyed stands in marked contrast to lifestyles today. The presence…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Greenville Jewish Film Festival reveals 2023 lineup
January 24, 2023The Greenville Jewish Film Festival announces its lineup of films for its 3rd annual SpringFest event – March 9, 11 and 12 – at the Greenville ONE Center in downtown Greenville.…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Fear Of Flying
January 19, 2023By Tom Poland It’s a good thing titles cannot be copyrighted. With apologies to Erica Jong, I title this self-confessional column, “Far of Flying.” I cannot say I fear…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
The Dignified Mule
January 12, 2023By Tom Poland Like Halley’s Comet, I’m predictable. I come around to the same subject matter every so often. When I do, it’s because something triggered memories. A few…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Lost Art Of Making Do
January 5, 2023By Tom Poland He was twenty-six when the Great Depression arrived, thirty-six when it ended. A decade of doing without taught him something about survival. “Keep something seven years…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
An Effigy Of Rock
December 8, 2022By Tom Poland Something like sixty years had passed since I saw it. This time, however, I saw it from above. The WPA built a beautiful tower of stone…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Greenville Center for Creative Arts names new Operations Manager
November 30, 2022The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) has named Alicia Mizuno as its next Operations Manager. As the newest member of the GCCA team, Alicia brings extensive experience in facilities…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Amazon Books editors announce 2022’s Best Books of the Year
November 30, 2022Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow named best book of 2022 The Amazon Books Editors announced their selections for the Best Books of 2022, naming Gabrielle Zevin’s novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Upcountry History Museum receives SC Humanities grant
November 21, 2022The Upcountry History Museum – Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, announced that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the South Carolina Humanities. Selected as one of 16 cultural…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, entertainment, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts