Before the dejection set in. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net May 2011. Jennifer’s email cut to the chase “We want you to write a play for Georgia’s Official Folk Life Play, Swamp Gravy.” “Me, write a play,” I replied. “I don’t even go to plays.” “That’s okay. We loveContinue Reading

By Radley West I failed a client whose goal was to lose weight. Unfortunately, in my world this is not a new or unique event. However, there’s more to this story and why it is important. My client planned to get to the gym three times per week and trackContinue Reading

By Leisha Wessinger-Huffstetler Any history of Chapin is not complete without mentioning the Pinner Clinic in Peak. Everyone in Chapin and the surrounding areas went to the Pinner Clinic, where patients have been seen since 1917.   To make things interesting, there are three Caroll Pinners: the original Dr. Caroll,Continue Reading

By Mike DuBose I read a good bit and often come across interesting facts that might be helpful: Top Tier 1 high-quality gasoline contains detergents which extend a car engine’s life, increases miles-per-gallon, and improves performance. Suppliers include Costco (exceptionally low prices), Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell. Check tire pressures everyContinue Reading

By: Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: (Hint: It might not be Johnny!)Setting up an irrevocable trust is often a smart and effective way to protect your assets from long-term care costs, especially when pre-planning for Medicaid eligibility. However, this strategy works only if you choose the right TrusteeContinue Reading

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Besides the solitary confinement of writing, I cut myself off from the world in two places. Hard-to-reach wilderness areas and forgotten churches where a haunting takes over when I see pews, a pulpit, and the occasional piano. A hymnal now and then too. MyContinue Reading

The Maker’s Mark I can’t remember who I signed the first book for but I’ll hazard a guess it was a woman. Not many men turn out for book signings. For sure I remember where I was. At Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. Thus began signings for thirty-six yearsContinue Reading

By Liesha Wessinger-Huffstetler Mrs. Margaret and Mrs. Millie have truly enjoyed life.   Mille was an accomplished runner and ran marathons. She began running at the age of 50 to accompany her son, who had also started running. Amazing. I cannot imagine running marathons, let alone starting at age 50. SheContinue Reading

By Sarah Ostergaard More school districts across South Carolina are changing to year-round modified school calendars. This summer, start dates range across the state from July 21 to August 18, with ending dates May 21 through June 4.  The name “year-round modified school schedule” is sort of a misnomer –Continue Reading

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net A blade-like katydid poses by a bison cuff of bronze. Nature blessed my boyhood summers with music. Cicadas’ rising-falling singsong gave days rhythm. Katydids chimed in evenings with a nightshift song backed by cricket twitter. The call of a whip-poor-will drifted through the night.Continue Reading