By Radley West From local 5K races to outdoor charity events, there is no shortage of ways to give back. But did you know that volunteering doesn’t just help those in need—it can also have profound benefits for your happiness and mental well-being? The Science Behind Volunteering and Happiness ResearchContinue Reading

From little acorns mighty oaks grow. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Though my hair was chestnut brown, I was green, a young writer hoping to create something memorable. I needed inspiration and I found it in a novel, Shining Tides. Winfield Brooks wrote it. The inside flap said theContinue Reading

One in nine children in South Carolina will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 18. Processing that loss can be one of the most difficult challenges a child faces. To help families navigate that journey, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands is offering the Healing HeartsContinue Reading

The D5 Foundation of Lex-Rich School District Five is seeking community partners and business sponsors for Springfest 2026, scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event at Dutch Fork High School football stadium — which drew more than 1,000 community members — organizers are expandingContinue Reading

Photo: Mayor Bill Danielson presents Cub Scout Pack 95 with retired American flag. The Irmo Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the municipal building. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cub Scout Pack 95 of Irmo. Following the pledge,Continue Reading

In recognition of National Heart Month and in conjunction with the Go Red movement promoting heart disease awareness, Columbia will host the third-annual Jump Start Your Heart Day Party this Saturday, February 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Finlay Park. The free community event will feature a wideContinue Reading

By Radley West “Muscle is not just for athletes. It’s for anyone who wants to age well and live strong.” When people talk about aging gracefully, they often focus on skincare, diet, or avoiding certain bad habits. Those things matter, but one of the most powerful tools for staying healthy,Continue Reading