Recognizing the positive impact of animal interaction on children with special needs, particularly with dogs and horses, the St. Andrews Optimists recently enjoyed an enlightening presentation from Dream Riders. This therapeutic horse riding experience is situated at Sunrise Farm in Lexington. Presenters Jennifer Stoudemire, Head Riding Instructor and Program Director,Continue Reading
On January 15, seven dedicated members of the St. Andrews Woman’s Club engaged in a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at Palmetto Animal Assisted Living Services (PAALS). The group, consisting of Shelly Langston, Kim Julin, Lynne Hauptner, Mary North, Anne Marie Shepherd, and Kaye Hunke,Continue Reading
Julius Scott, the Community Support Coordinator for District 5, was the featured speaker at the Optimist Club of St. Andrews’ meeting on January 5. In his role as a “department of one,” Scott outlined the district’s mission to “love and grow our students,” emphasizing the challenges faced by young peopleContinue Reading
Congratulations to Macy Pruitt, a 5th-grade student at Nursery Road Elementary-Arts Magnet, for being honored as the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary’s January Student of the Month. Macy’s exceptional qualities and commitment to service have earned her this prestigious recognition. Described by her teacher, Jessica Erickson, Macy is celebrated for her heartContinue Reading
$18,000 distributed to 18 groups during December In a heartwarming initiative during the festive season, Southern Paw Partners, Inc., operating as Thrifty Paws Boutique in West Columbia, S.C., is spreading joy and support to animal rescue organizations in the Midlands. Throughout December, 18 deserving animal rescue groups will each receiveContinue Reading
Leezas Care Connection proved once again that they know how to party with a purpose. Our annual Dare2Care gala was held at the USC Alumni Center and was filled with inspiration and gratitude. This year’s Dare2Lead honoree was Senator Katrina Shealy who was recognized for her personal journey as anContinue Reading
On October 13 the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo held a banquet celebrating the transfer of power. At the banquet, outgoing President Larry Blosser ended a successful year by symbolically passing the gavel to incoming President Kerry Powers. Powers became the first woman to lead the club in its 52-yearContinue Reading
This month, Make-A-Wish South Carolina elected Meredith Dial, marketing manager for Dial Grimm and Rupert, to the chapter’s board of directors. “We are overjoyed to add Meredith Dial as a director to our board. We are honored to have another director who understands our mission so well. Meredith embodies aContinue Reading
Local personality Charlie Benton spoke to the St. Andrews Optimist Club on September 15. Benton hosted an AM radio talk show with his father for several years and now coaches sales organizations regarding their sales techniques and their promotional/advertising efforts. Pictured are Club President Larry Blosser, Benton, and speaker sponsorContinue Reading
Rebecca Murphy of the Litter Warriors was awarded the 2023 Green Award from Keep The Midlands Beautiful as the Adopt-A-Highway Group of the Year. The Litter Warriors have collected more than 19,000 lbs of trash. Last week the group transcended on Regency Drive and picked up 5 bags of trashContinue Reading
St. Andrews Optimists received a presentation by Gabrielle Johansson on May 5. Johansson, a recent graduate of USC, is an Education Specialist at the Anne Frank Center, located on the USC campus. It is the only such center in the United States that partners with the Anne Frank Center headquartersContinue Reading