“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
On May 12 at Union UMC, members of the St. Andrews Woman’s Club presented a donation to Michelle Cochcroft, coordinator of the Snack Pack project. The project provides weekend food packs for 117 children attending Harbison West Elementary School. Pictured from left to right: Michelle Cochcroft, coordinator; Gail Elfert, AnnContinue Reading
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo hosted its highly anticipated annual golf tournament on Monday, May 6th, at the Golden Hills Golf Club in Lexington. The event, known for its exciting competitions and charitable endeavors, drew participants and supporters from across the region. Golf enthusiasts enjoyed a day filled withContinue Reading
During the Midlands Gives campaign, the Saint Andrews Women’s Club showed their generous spirit by presenting a check to PAALS, an organization dedicated to training service animals. The contribution was a testament to the club’s commitment to making a positive difference in the community. In the Photo: The check presentationContinue Reading