There is an old adage that says, “you learn something new everyday”. Today I started reading a book called Strange South Carolina, by Sherman Carmichael. I thought I knew everything there was to know about my home state, but to my surprise there were more than a few things I didn’t know.  In his book published in 2015, by the History Press in Charleston, Carmichael has written down 64 stories, some that might be folklore or legend and some that are true.   Some of the stories that he tells include The Lizard Man, The Pawleys Island Witch, Hunter’s Store, and Lake Murra ..read more

Joint replacement seems to be more commonplace these days. It also seems to be happening in younger adults now. I happen to be one of those joint replacement patients.  It’s been well over 7 years since I’ve been told I needed one. I put it off as long as I possibly could, not for fear of the surgery but for the dreaded “down time” and restrictions on running that used to be more commonplace.  My grandmother had hip replacement back when it was something that “older” people needed. Back when you spent days if not a week in the hospital and then used a walker or cane for weeks af ..read more

World Bee Day is May 20th, this day aims to raise awareness on the importance of pollinators and share the contributions to sustainable development.  Bees play an indispensable role in the health of ecosystems and agriculture through pollination, a service integral to the reproduction of many plants and the production of fruits and vegetables. As they forage for nectar and pollen, bees inadvertently transfer pollen from the male parts of flowers to the female parts, enabling fertilization. This natural process is not only crucial for the growth of wild plants, which contribute to healthy ..read more

Leading Global Staffing Franchise Concept Celebrates Continued Growth and Industry Recognition Express Employment Professionals, the leading global staffing provider franchise, continues its rapid expansion with the awarding of 10 new franchise locations since the beginning of the year, bringing their total franchise count to over 860 offices worldwide. Notably, three additional locations are scheduled to open in the next two weeks, showcasing the company’s commitment to growth and excellence in the staffing industry. Express Employment Professionals’ Senior Vice President of Global Franchisin ..read more

In 1965, Uncle Sam hit the phones, calling young men to tell them that they were going to join the military. Bill Williams, a 1965 graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, was one of those young men. So, when the call came, Williams decided to join the Navy. What followed was an experience that allowed him to travel the world, made him realize that one small change in plans can have significant impact on life, and develop friendships that have lasted 60 years and counting. He is now the founder of the group, Anderson By Choice, proudly declares himself Anderson by choice, and he wouldn ..read more

New Foundations Home for Children began in 1974 by Judge Mike Glenn to create a safe and nurturing environment for children who had been removed from their families or faced juvenile incarceration. With the community’s help, the Anderson Youth Authority was born. Since that time, the agency has been known by several names, but its mission has always been the same, to Do Whatever It Takes to Secure the Future of Children and Families.  “It is hard to believe 50 years have passed since Justice Glenn’s vision became reality,” comments Steve Dean, CEO. And his wonderment comes from ..read more

As many teachers, students, and parents wrap up another school year, the Foothills Writers Guild has been revving up for its busiest part of the year by getting more intentionally involved and giving back – it’s all about investing in the next generation of writers and art. It began in January, National Mentoring Month, when our guild announced a plan to formalize mentoring. The plan would match longer-term members with new members to help them learn about our guild’s benefits, answer their questions, and share resources in order to more effectively navigate their writing journeys. Then in ear ..read more

The Value Of Showing Appreciation Beyond Price Tags   In a world where commercialism often dictates the terms of affection, the true essence of celebrating those we cherish, especially mothers, transcends the confines of monetary value. The act of showing appreciation for our moms doesn’t necessitate grand gestures or expensive gifts. In fact, the most heartfelt expressions of love and gratitude are those that are imbued with personal significance and emotional depth, rather than a hefty price tag. This notion invites us to explore creative and meaningful ways to honor our mother ..read more

If you do yoga, have a meditation practice, attend sound baths or partake in any kind of energy healing sessions, you know that you truly do feel better afterwards. Why is that? These relaxation techniques hold a common denominator – mindfulness of your breath.  You move from shallow breathing to intentional breathing where you lengthen your inhales and exhales through your nose. When you breathe intentionally like this, your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in.  When you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, your heart rate slows down and your blood pressure lo ..read more

BY: KATHY DISQUE Butcher, baker, candlestick-maker. If these three characters met up at an Open Mic Night, their vocations would be far less important than their talent or passion for music.  Open Mic events are hosted in many communities with the intent to draw in musical enthusiasts and local patrons. On these evenings, an energetic atmosphere is created, charged with anticipation and notions of sharps, flats, G-clefs and melodies. Upon arrival, potential performers immediately sign up for a time slot on the master board. Artists are allotted a specific number of pieces to present on st ..read more