Traude Sander, Director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful, recently addressed the St. Andrews Optimists, focusing on the topic of recycling. Having spoken to the group earlier this year about various initiatives, Sander returned to delve deeper into recycling, a personal passion and area of expertise. With three years of experienceContinue Reading
Columbia is set to host the first of three fundraising events for Sistercare, an organization dedicated to helping victims and families recover from domestic violence. The inaugural event will take place during the Soda City Market downtown, aiming to raise funds and awareness. Visitors can look forward to a varietyContinue Reading
On Saturday, July 13, Irmo Town Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman and JoAnn Chaney of Youngs Chapel AME Church in Irmo dedicated their morning to volunteering at Transitions Homeless Center. Beginning their day at 6:30 AM, the two women prepared food for the serving line, contributing to the center’s mission of providingContinue Reading
“Hearing their voices; healing their hearts.” So goes the message of hope that the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center gives its clients. On June 14, Haley Shealy, Development and Special Events Coordinator for the Center, presented that message in detail to St. Andrews Optimists. The Dickerson Center serves children ages zeroContinue Reading
On June 7, the St. Andrews Optimists welcomed Jay Kilmartin, the S.C. House Representative for state District 85, as their guest speaker. Kilmartin, who is nearing the end of his first term and is currently campaigning for reelection, provided insights into his experiences and priorities as a state legislator. KilmartinContinue Reading
Columbia, SC – The Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI), a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with severe mental illness and housing instability, has announced a major consolidation of its facilities. The organization has now centralized all its services at a new location, 2750 Laurel Street, marking a significantContinue Reading
Richland County deputies, Columbia Police officers, and Columbia firefighters compete for most blood donor votes in the annual drive By W. Thomas Smith Jr. COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), the Columbia Police Department, and the Columbia Fire Department are partnering with the American Red Cross onceContinue Reading
Dr. Akil Ross, Superintendent of Lexington/Richland School District Five, presented a now-and-then-styled presentation to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo on May 17. Ross has served in his present position since February 2022. Ross first offered a comprehensive assessment of the district’s current status. From 2019 to 2023 District FiveContinue Reading
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo welcomed Dean Widener, a candidate for the State House of Representatives District 89, as the guest speaker at their breakfast meeting on May 24. Widener, who describes himself as a non-politician willing to serve, shared his journey from political sidelines to candidacy, encouraged byContinue Reading
On May 31, St. Andrews Optimists had a genuine treat when Austin Driggers, son of Optimist Michael Driggers, spoke at the Club’s breakfast meeting. Driggers completely captured the room as he detailed his career path from high school to ultimately service in the Merchant Marines. Driggers, 27, graduated from PelionContinue Reading
On May 3, the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo welcomed Sharon Frazier, Executive Director of the local Yogi Bears Program, as their guest speaker. Frazier discussed the program, an outreach of Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, NC), describing it as a “for-profit social enterprise” that also offers some programs pro bono throughContinue Reading