By Rick Abercrombie On November 14, a pair of leaders from the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Childrens’ Theatre spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. The presenters were Jenea Gardner and Tyler Bennett. Gardner is the Co-Producer for the Theatre at Crooked Creed Park, and Bennett has the same responsibilitiesContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo recently heard from Major Mark Craddock, the Midlands Area Commander of the Salvation Army. Very soon the sound of the work of bell ringers will be seemingly everywhere in the community. Those workers manage the familiar Red Kettles that kickoff atContinue Reading
Lila Powers makes sure Santa is happy with his purchase at the Irmo St. Andrews Optimist Club Christmas Tree Lot next to McGregor Presbyterian Church at 6505 St. Andrews Road. Lila, the lot’s master wreath maker, has plenty of handmade wreaths available, and Fraser firs ranging from 5 to 9Continue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie On October 24, Doug Renew, Chief Investigator for the Office of the Secretary of State, spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Renew’s area of concentration for his presentation included both the pitfalls and sensible guidelines for charitable giving, particularly during the holidays. Renew laid outContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie St. Andrews Optimists welcome a variety of speakers over the course of a typical year, and many of those guests address topics that relate to interaction with the youth of the community. Jerry Dean Pate, who for many years was a Columbia radio and television personality, recountedContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Representing Homeworks of America, local Executive Director Madelyn Smith spoke to St. Andrews Optimists October 10. The Optimists have partnered with Homeworks for several years and donate hands-on and financial support to the organization’s efforts. Smith oversees the work of both the Columbia and Lowcountry locations. Self-describedContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie On September 26, the Optimist Club of St. Andrews held its annual Day of Giving at the Seven Oaks Park meeting facility. Club President Gary Boyd emceed the event. Through its two annual fundraisers, St. Andrews Optimists earn funds that are donated back to entities that directlyContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Two representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation spoke to St. Andrews Optimists September 19. Adriane Radeker, Public Outreach Manager, provided some historical background, leading up to current projects in motion and future plans. Derek Frick, Construction Engineer, added insights about the technical aspects of thoseContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie On behalf of the ClothesBin national organization, local representative Cale Lewis spoke September 9 to St. Andrews Optimists. The stated mission of ClothesBin is to keep clothing and shoes out of landfills, which at present, are the ultimate destination of 87 percent of all textile waste. Nationally,Continue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Town of Irmo Mayor Bill Danelson spoke September 5 to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Danielson’s purpose was to introduce a new benevolent cause: The Mayor’s Uplift Initiative. Recognizing the presence of poverty and hunger in the community, an anonymous donor recently approached Danielson with theContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie In a recent visit to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, Mark Smyers, Executive Director of Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission, updated the audience on the status of development of the Saluda Shoals Greenway. The Greenway is ultimately a project that will flow from the Dam to a connectionContinue Reading