Category: Press Release

GREENVILLE, S.C. – To help make healthier hearts for American Heart Month this February, Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness is offering a free, no-commitment three-day pass all month long.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and other poor-heart-health-related conditions.

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness wants everyone to take care of their heart health not just in February, but every month. They offer a variety of ways to break a sweat and get your heart pumping, including personal training with nationally certified personal trainers (one on one and small group training) and group fitness classes (from low-impact to water aerobics).

“A lot of people assume their heart health is just fine because they aren’t overweight or maybe because they used to be an athlete a decade or two ago,” said Sarah Gunter, a personal training director with Sportsclub. “The truth is, everyone can work on improving their heart health. We hope we can inspire more people to take their heart health seriously this month and beyond.”

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness has locations at 317 ScuffletownRoad in Simpsonville, 712 Congaree Road in Greenville and 667 SE Main Street in Simpsonville. To download a free, no-commitment, 3-day pass, click here: https://sportsclubsc.com/pass/

About Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness:

Since 1975, Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness has been the choice for those who want something more than just a gym membership. Their mission is to provide the best health club experience in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their members appreciate a wide variety of equipment, adult and youth fitness programming, group exercise classes and a friendly and knowledgeable team. From team sports to group activities to individual instruction, they can define a fitness program that suits anyone’s unique ability and lifestyle at their three convenient locations in Greenville. Learn more by visiting https://sportsclubsc.com/.

About acac Fitness & Wellness Centers:

Founded by Phil Wendel in 1984, acac Fitness & Wellness Centers has become the gold standard for health and wellness facilities. With 11 locations throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania and now South Carolina, acac members and guests have access to a full spectrum of high quality programs, services and equipment. acac’s mission is to provide a great fitness experience for members of all ages in a clean and safe environment. Its team members are dedicated to the integration of medicine and fitness to improve community health by focusing on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of lifestyle-related disease. Learn more at https://acac.com.

Rebuild Upstate has added Ryan Hulon as the organization’s RSVP Project Manager for Anderson County.

Hulon served in the US Army 82nd Airborne from 1997 to 2007. Years after his service, Hulon began working for the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce while simultaneously earning his education from Tri County Technical College. After graduation in 2016, Hulon began working with the Cancer Association of Anderson up until 2023.

Hulon earned a number of awards in his years spent involved in the community, including a Hometown Hero honor and Leadership Anderson Warrior of the Year. He is currently a board member for Vets Helping Vets, the Anderson Area Airshow, the Belton Area Museum, United Way Basic Needs and Anderson Area Veterans Network. He served as the Chair of the Anderson County Veterans Memorial and was a member of the Rotary Club Dream Team.

“I’m excited to be in my role as the RSVP Project Manager, and I look forward to growing relationships in Anderson County to better serve our residents in need,” said Hulon.

Rebuild Upstate is committed to keeping low-income homeowners safe and living in dignity with home repairs and accessibility improvements in existing houses and neighborhoods. Home repairs can range from small plumbing fixes to roof and floor replacements. Accessibility improvements range from installing grab bars and railings for vulnerable populations to building wheelchair ramps for those with disabilities.

“We are honored to have Ryan join our organization and help grow our mission,” said Jake Beaty, CEO of Rebuild Upstate. “He is going to be a great addition that will help us increase our work in Anderson County.”

About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.

Greenville, S.C. – From its depiction in the 1500s as an angry sea monster to its portrayal as a unicorn of the sea and now as an icon of pop culture, the narwhal with its unique spiral tusk will rise from the deep on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in “Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend,” the newest exhibition opening at the Upcountry History Museum – Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Though it has inspired art, legend, and cultural practice for centuries, the elusive narwhal is actually a medium-sized whale ranging from 13 to 18 feet long, not including the long tusk seen on most males that averages 6 to 8 feet. Narwhals only live near the Arctic Circle in the icy waters spanning Northern Canada, Greenland and Russia where climate variations and sea ice pose a mounting challenge to their survival.

“Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend” features a variety of unique displays and hands-on activities inviting visitors to discover the story of the “Unicorn of the Sea” while learning how traditional knowledge and scientific research combine to create greater understanding of these fascinating animals and our changing global climate. Visitor experiences include:

• Encountering first-hand accounts of indigenous Inuit community members from parts of Alaska, Arctic Canada, and Greenland, and international scientists about the interactions and history with the narwhals.
• Listening to soundscapes of shifting ice, flowing water, narwhal vocalizations, and Arctic birdcalls.
• Learning what the narwhal “tooth” (tusk) is for, testing your knowledge, and seeing a fossil whale skull from an extinct narwhal relative.
• Touching a replica of a narwhal tusk and measuring your height against it.
• Looking at examples of the many ways that narwhals have inspired pop culture.

“Narwhal” will be on display from Saturday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, June 16, 2024. Organized by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and its Arctic Studies Center, the exhibition was developed for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES).

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.

This February, Big Water Marina will celebrate hosting the 3rd Annual Polar Bear Jump organized by the Red Fez Shrine Club of Anderson.

Starr, SC, January 29, 2024 – Supporters will gather at Big Water Marina & Campground for another reason to be freezin’ during the Red Fez Shrine Club of Anderson’s 3rd Annual Polar Bear Jump on Saturday, February 17th. All proceeds for the event are used to raise awareness and funds to support our local Shrine Club and their mission. This year’s event welcomes a new presenting sponsor, Wings Etc.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our third annual Polar Bear Jump at Big Water Marina,” says Kenny Slawson, President of Anderson Red Fez. “This year, we’re debuting a lot of exciting new developments including a brand new logo design and our first ever presenting sponsor! We are so grateful to Wings Etc for supporting this cause and we feel like our rebrand truly signifies the growth we’ve been able to achieve as well as all our future plans for this community event.”

This year, organizers are looking forward to hosting a record-breaking event. “From last year’s total, we were able to donate an impressive $6,500! This year, we’re aiming even higher­—over $8,000,” says Ben Wright, event organizer.

Participants can sign up to take the plunge for just $30—fees include a free Polar Bear Jump t-shirt, a gold medal, and a swag bag full of goodies! Any interested members must sign an event waiver and submit the form via email to AndersonRedFez@gmail.com. Spectators are also encouraged to come out and support the cause for free. The day will kick-off at 10:00 AM with day-of registration & check-in for participants, and the “jump” will begin at 11:00 AM.

All guests are invited to stick around after the main event to warm up and hang out. Event organizers have been hard at work planning additional activities for the day, including tastings and a full bar provided by Palmetto Distillery, food and drinks from Typsy Tavern food truck, fundraising raffles with prizes donated by Big Water Marina and Palmetto Distillery, and more. Full event details can be found by visiting the Facebook event page linked below.

Visit the Facebook event page & RSVP here: https://bit.ly/polar-jump-2024
Polar Bear Jump waiver for participants: https://bit.ly/jump-waiver-2024
Sponsorship opportunities: https://bit.ly/jump-sponsor-2024

For questions and more information, please contact:
Ben Wright
Event Organizer
(864) 359-0216

SENECA, S.C. —The Oconee County Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) has launched a community-wide study that is entering an engagement phase to provide key information to help plan future growth throughout the county.

The Central Basin Sewer Planning Study will collect and analyze the most recent data (including but not limited to census data, recent growth projections, land use, current and planned sewer infrastructure, and stakeholder provided information in planning for future growth over the next 20 years (2024-2044) and provide a proactive approach in sewer infrastructure planning and capital spending.

The public is invited to take advantage of digital and in-person engagement activities to share ideas, opportunities, and challenges that will inform the study. The project website (www.ojrsa.org/sewer-study) will be updated with new information on February 2, 2024, and will be updated regularly throughout the project. The website will feature news and upcoming-event information, and feedback tools including an interactive comment map and survey.

There are three in-person project open houses scheduled in February: Thursday, February 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Walhalla Depot; Thursday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Westminster Depot; and Thursday, February 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Seneca City Hall. Each open house will include a brief presentation and activities for all ages. The public is invited to attend whichever session best fits their schedule as the content presented will be the same at each event and will also be made available on the project website. Feedback will be analyzed to determine common themes and community priorities and preferences for sewer growth.

“Oconee County is experiencing tremendous growth,” said Chris Eleazer, executive director of the OJRSA. “This growth leads to questions about investment in infrastructure, including where, when, and how. With big decisions ahead, major sewer projects require thoughtful conversations that weigh costs and benefits. This study will provide the necessary data, public input, and analyses we need to identify the current and future needs within the county.”

Bolton & Menk, Inc., a civil/municipal planning and engineering firm, will serve as the engagement consultant on the project. Public input is a key component of the project and will be ongoing through much of the process.

“We are proud to partner with OJRSA on this project and help create a viable, strategic growth plan that will best serve all residents of Oconee County,” said Katherine Amidon, senior environmental planner for Bolton & Menk, Inc. “We believe all people should live in safe, sustainable, and beautiful communities. When it comes to long-term planning, we know that listening to the community and developing an understanding of the various perspectives is vital to creating solutions that work. The project team is committed to ensuring equity and inclusion are considered in both our public process and our planning solutions.”

About the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority:
The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) is a governmental agency providing wastewater treatment service to the cities of Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, the town of West Union and their surrounding areas. Learn more at www.ojrsa.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Joseph Fields, Habitat’s Vice President of Equity, has been named to the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) from Furman University’s Riley Institute Spring cohort.
A graduate of Chaminade University, Fields served as Paraprofessional Program Aid for the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 2009 to 2014; as an Outreach and Education for Maryland-based Pathways, a youth services program, from 2014 to 2016; and then worked in Hawaii’s state’s probation office as a Social Services Assistant from 2016 to 2019.
From 2019 to 2021, he worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections before taking a job working in New Mexico as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. He returned to Greenville in 2022 to work as a community organizer with Greenville Connects, a group that promotes better transportation options.
He joined Habitat in 2023, and is charged with leading the new program to increase Black homeownership in greater Greenville County by building partnerships and raising awareness.
In this DLI program, class members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by existing graduates of the program, known as Riley Fellows. They are accepted based on a variety of factors, including their interest in and commitment to the program and their capacity to create impact within their organizations and communities. Each class is crafted to reflect South Carolina’s demographic makeup.
Fields will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses, and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. Working alongside classmates, Fields will also develop a capstone project that raises awareness of community need.
Now in its twentieth year, the program equips participants with tools and perspectives to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 homes. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard, and 1818 Woodruff Road. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Jewish Federation is hosting three events this month that highlight
the way Jewish traditions have helped shape southern cooking for generations.
A new cookbook by Rachel Gordon Barnett and Lyssa Klingman Harvey, Kugels and Collards: Stories of
Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina, shares recipes and stories of Jewish food and
heritage in the state. 
Kugels and Collards started in 2016 when Barnett and Harvey started a blog with that name where they
gathered Jewish recipes and family stories from across South Carolina. Four years later, they’d
accumulated enough South Carolina Jewish recipes and stories for a cookbook with more than 80
recipes, including brisket, potato latkes, different kinds of challah, and more.
Barnett and Harvey will be signing books and doing meet and greets to celebrate the launch of their new
cookbook. All three events are taking place on January 28. They are:

● Brunch and Learn, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe Street, Greenville:
VIP experience where guests will enjoy an intimate brunch and learning hour with a
demonstration and sampling of recipes. Seating for this event is limited.
● Book Signing, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe Street, Greenville: Following
the VIP event, the authors will move to the Cooks Station cafe area to sign books for those who
have pre-ordered. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the signing
● Book Signing and Tasting, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Temple B’nai Israel, Heywood 146 Avenue,
Spartanburg: Features a question and answer session, sampling, and signing event. Hear from

Barnett and Harvey and try Grandma Ida's Lokshen Kugel before getting a copy or two of the
book signed.
See more details and get tickets here.
“Preserving the Southern Jewish table is so important for our state heritage,” said Courtney Tessler, CEO
of the Greenville Jewish Federation. “We hope as much of the community, Jewish or not, comes out to
learn and taste some Jewish history.”
About the Greenville Jewish Federation: 
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the
Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich philanthropy and community-
building history, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social
services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity.  
To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation's initiatives and upcoming programs, visit
www.jewishgreenville.org.

Carolina Handling, a recognized leader in the material handling industry, has received the 2024 Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for outstanding achievements in 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the company has received the award.

The MVP Award is a prestigious accolade within the industry, with fewer than 10 percent of MHEDA’s 600 member organizations earning the distinction. Carolina Handling’s continued recognition as an MVP within the industry underscores a dedication to excellence, professionalism and responsible stewardship in the business world.

To qualify for the award, companies must provide evidence of a commitment to their customers, employees and suppliers, satisfying criteria in the following areas: Industry Advocacy; Customer Service & Safety Practices; Business Networking; Continuing Education; and Business Best Practices.

“This award is a testament to our associates and their ongoing commitment to a culture of service and caring in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “We’re honored to be recognized by our customers, suppliers and industry peers for elite customer service, a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, and a passion of caring for the community.”

The MVP Award is significant because it encompasses various facets beyond business achievements, according to Van Clarkson, President of Fairchild Equipment and 2024 MHEDA Chairman.

“Achieving this recognition signifies that Carolina Handling has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, upheld industry standards, contributed positively to its community, and shown dedication to continuous improvement,” Clarkson said. “This acknowledgment not only elevates the company’s reputation among its peers but also instills confidence in its customers and community members, showcasing it as a leader in the materials handling world.”

MHEDA is the premier trade association dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling industry, providing services to nearly 600 member companies seeking to improve their business through education, networking, benchmarking and best practices.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – A group of Greenville business and community leaders pledged to help build a new Habitat for Humanity of Greenville home Wednesday afternoon.
The 12th Habitat Greenville CEO Build will include: Scott Weaver of Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union; Jane Harrison Fisher, chairwoman of the 2023 CEO Build as well as Chief Operating Officer with Coldwell Banker Caine; Bob Morris of the Community Foundation of Greenville; John Boyanoski of Complete PR; Stephen Davis of Davis and Floyd; Phil Howard of Ethox Chemicals; Chris Bailey of Greater Greenville Association of Realtors; Tommy Jenkins of Greenville Maintenance Services; Dr. Keith Miller of Greenville Technical College; Seabrook Marchant of Marchant Real Estate; Kerri Paulino of Meritage Homes; Hank McCullough of Piedmont Natural Gas; Josh Covington of QLM and Southern Harmony; Brian McKay of Spero Financial; Steve Spinks of Spinx; David Lominack of TD Bank; Randy Hunter of Terminix; Delisa English of The Blood Connection; Steve Magruder of Warehouse Services, Kirsten Zinkann of Kirsten Zinkann Real Estate; Mike Coggins of South State Bank; Douglas Deitz of The Reynolds Company, Walmart Distribution and John Castile of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority.
Each participating CEO pledges company funding and staff volunteer hours to help build the project houses. They also work on-site personally during construction alongside their own team members, community volunteers, and future Habitat families to broaden their perspectives on issues of importance to our community.
The project house will be at 115 Sturtevant Street in the Bramlett community off of White Horse Road. A wall raising will take place on Tuesday, February 13 at the Bon Secours Wellness Center.
“Once again the business community of Greenville is rolling up its collective sleeves to help create more affordable housing in Greenville,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “Each year is a new opportunity to strengthen our community and their support is fantastic.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 homes. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard, and 1818 Woodruff Road. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.