Pictured are speaker sponsor David Deal, Bonnoitt, and Optimist Club President David Kafitz Jim Thorpe In 1913, Jim Thorpe, who many argue was the greatest athlete in U.S. history, was forced to return the gold medals he had won in the 1912 Olympics. Researchers had discovered that Thorpe had playedContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Since 1999, Pawmetto Lifeline has worked tirelessly to “address the companion pet overpopulation issue in South Carolina.” Jack Sloan, the Pawmetto Director of Development, recently visited the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo to describe the mission and daily workings of the organization. The long view of itsContinue Reading
Pictured from left are St. Andrews Woman’s Club members Phyllis Plyler, Jane Jeffcoat, and Libby Overcash presenting a donation check to Chris Derajtys of the Carolina Wildlife Center. The St. Andrews Woman’s Club recently showed its support for local wildlife conservation efforts by donating funds and needed supplies to theContinue Reading
Pictured are Donna Williams from LawyerLisa, speaker sponsor Kerry Powers, Lisa Hostetler Brown, and Optimist Club President David Kafitz. By Rick Abercrombie Lisa Hostetler Brown, known in South Carolina as “LawyerLisa,” spoke recently to St. Andrews Optimists at their Friday breakfast meeting. Donna Williams, LawyerLisa’s Markeing Director, was also inContinue Reading
Jeff and Debbie Allen of New Friarsgate will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 19. The couple first met in 1975 while attending a wedding in Canada. Jeff was serving as the best man for his lifelong friend, while Debbie was managing the wedding reception. The two quickly formedContinue Reading
Lisa Livingston Fusco,Senior Director of Development and Communications at Epworth Children’s Home receives a scholarship check from members of GFWC St. Andrews Woman’sClub, Gail Elfert, Missy Klopfer, Linda Davis and Kaye Hunke. The scholarship funds can be used to help one or more of the residents in Epworth’s Independent LivingContinue Reading
West Columbia, S.C., June 2, 2026 – During the 1st half of 2026, Midlands area animal rescue organizations were awarded Promoting Animal Welfare (PAW) grants by local non-profit, Southern Paw Partners, Inc. dba Thrifty Paws Boutique in West Columbia, S.C. They include: Animal Protection League, Arcadia Animal Rescue, Basset RescueContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Lieutenant Lee Barrett, a member of Lexington Sheriff’s Department Community Action Team, was a recent speaker at St. Andrews Optimists’ breakfast meeting. Lt. Barrett first rendered a broad “macro” picture of the Department’s coverage and then listed a variety of services offered. The County does not houseContinue Reading
Photo by S.C. High School League By Thomas Grant Jr. It was “Mission Accomplished” for the Gray Collegiate Academy softball team. By repeating as Class 4A champion while going undefeated at 34-0, the Lady War Eagles completed two goals set going into the post-season. “I think undefeated and state championsContinue Reading
Pictured are Optimist Club President David Kafitz, Paul Cumbers, and speaker host Roger Johansson. By Rick Abercrombie In a third visit to St. Andrews Optimists over the past three years, Paul Cumbers, Executive Director of Lighthouse for Life, provided the Club with a review of Lighthouse’s mission and services andContinue Reading
St. Andrews Woman’s Club continues its support of Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) with a contribution dedicated to the training of service dogs. The Club champions an organization whose mission is to enrich and empower children and adults with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities through trained service animals andContinue Reading