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Habitat Greenville receives $125,000 gift from Publix

GREENVILLE, SC – Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has received its largest gift to date from Publix Super Markets Charities.

For the past 10 years, Publix Super Markets Charities has been a major supporter of Habitat Greenville donating both time, money and resources throughout various special emphasis neighborhoods in Greenville County including builds in Greer, Simpsonville and Greenville.

This year, Habitat Greenville received $125,000 to support a home build in the Nicholtown community.

The community is one of Greenville’s oldest and most historic Black communities located about a mile and a half from downtown, west of Laurens Road and east of Nicholtown Road at the base of the southwest ridge that bounds part of the Cleveland Park Charities.

In 2022, The Greenville Housing Authority donated approximately five acres in the heart of the community for the nonprofit to start construction on 29 owner-occupied homes. Known as Heritage Hills this is one of Habitat Greenville’s largest communities it has built in its 40 years.

“We are grateful for the support of the Publix Super Markets Charities,” said LaTonya Phillips, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “They have supported us both with funds and volunteers over the years. They really embrace what we do at Habitat for Humanity.”

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. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

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Lake Keowee Real Estate

I’m reaching out with a potential home feature that offers strong visual appeal and a compelling renovation story.

A lakefront property at 516 Hillandale Road on Lake Keowee has been fully redesigned to maximize panoramic views and modern indoor-outdoor living. The renovation includes:

A reconfigured main level with a 12-foot sliding glass wall
An indoor pool, spa, and infrared sauna with lake views
A covered lower-level “pizza deck” with steel dining bar
A custom LED-lit wine cellar with barrel ceiling
European oak flooring and alpine-inspired design elements throughout

The home sits on a point with sweeping views of the lake, islands, and surrounding landscape—making it particularly well-suited for a visual feature.

High-resolution photography and additional details are available, and I’d be happy to coordinate access.

Thank you for your consideration,

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Family Trust Federal Credit Union

Family Trust Federal Credit Union (Family Trust) announced today that it has renamed its charitable foundation, formerly known as the Community Partnership Foundation, to the Family Trust Foundation. The name change will align the foundation with the credit union’s brand while continuing its mission of supporting local nonprofits through grants and partnerships that help local communities thrive.

“For years, our foundation has helped strengthen financial education and support meaningful community initiatives,” said Ryan Harvey, president and CEO of Family Trust. “This change brings greater clarity and reinforces the connection to Family Trust while continuing the same important work.”

The Family Trust Foundation will continue supporting local nonprofit organizations through grants and community partnerships across York and Greenville County, and surrounding areas. Eligible charities are encouraged to apply for funding and partnership support during the open application period. To learn more about the Family Trust Foundation, visit familytrustfoundation.org for additional information about its mission, community offerings, impact and more.

About the Family Trust Foundation
The Family Trust Foundation is the charitable arm of Family Trust Federal Credit Union. The foundation supports local nonprofits through grants, partnerships, and charitable contributions designed to strengthen communities and expand opportunities across the region.

About Family Trust Federal Credit Union
Family Trust Federal Credit Union has been in business since 1957. With over 58,000 members and seven branches, our mission is to help people achieve all their financial goals. Family Trust has received the top (five-star) rating for financial strength and stability from Bauer Financial for 22 consecutive quarters. Family Trust offers personal checking, savings, investments, loans, credit cards, and mortgages. For more information, visit www.familytrust.org.

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Cassidy Coates Price, P.A.

Greenville, S.C. — April 29, 2026 — Five attorneys at Cassidy Coates Price P.A. earned recognition in the 2026 South Carolina Super Lawyers® list, a distinction awarded to no more than five percent of attorneys in the state.

This year’s honorees include:

• Clark Price
• Trey Suggs
• Jim Cassidy
• Ross Plyler
• Bill Coates

Super Lawyers® selects attorneys using a patented multiphase process that includes statewide nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. The annual list highlights attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and peer recognition.

“We are honored to see our attorneys recognized once again,” said Amber Glidewell, Managing Partner. “Their dedication to excellence, integrity, and client service is at the core of our firm’s mission. We are proud of the work they do every day on behalf of our clients across the state.”

Cassidy Coates Price continues its tradition of providing high quality legal representation in business litigation, commercial disputes, personal injury, professional liability, and complex civil matters.
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About Cassidy Coates Price
Cassidy Coates Price, P.A. is a small firm engaged in large firm practice. Their diverse team of attorneys brings extensive experience, dedication, and professionalism to every case, ensuring the best possible outcome for their clients. The attorneys practice in a wide variety of areas including general litigation, commercial and corporate banking, real estate, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, governmental investigations, and probate.

For more information about Cassidy Coates Price, please contact Maggie Waddoups at +1 864 349 2611 or mwaddoups@cassidycoates.com.

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Countybank

Countybank announced the addition of Tara Webb to its Trust Department as Senior Trust Officer and Senior Vice President, bringing 20 years of experience in trust administration and fiduciary services.

Webb has extensive experience guiding individuals, families, and institutions through complex transitions, with expertise in estate settlement, legacy preservation, and multi‑generational planning. She is known for delivering thoughtful, compliant trust solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Prior to joining Countybank, Webb served as Head of the Trust Department at Arthur State Bank, where she led a team of trust professionals and oversaw account administration, regulatory compliance, risk management, and service initiatives.

In her new role at Countybank, Webb will support strategic initiatives and focus on developing and empowering future leaders within the department, while continuing to serve clients with integrity, professionalism, and care.

“We are excited for Tara to join and lead our team of Trust professionals,” said Jamie Hedgepath, Executive Vice President & General Counsel. “Tara’s extensive experience, connections to the communities we serve, and subject matter expertise will all be tremendous assets to Countybank.”

Webb holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Presbyterian College and has completed Advanced Professional Education from Cannon Financial Institute, including specialized training in Special Needs Trust administration.

She serves as Chairman of the Trust Committee for the South Carolina Banker’s Association, Treasurer of Clinton Rotary Club, and Secretary of the Laurens County Community Foundation.

For more information on Countybank and its commitment to serving the Upstate of South Carolina since 1933, visit ecountybank.com or follow Countybank on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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Vista West III answers key questions in the local affordable housing

GREENVILLE, SC – Two former outdated apartment complexes off White Horse Road officially started a new chapter Thursday morning as community members welcomed 38 new affordable units at Vista West III.

The ceremony yesterday was about more than bricks and mortar, said Mario Brown, CEO of Affordable Upstate, who owns Vista West III and oversaw the redevelopment of the property with support from Lowe’s.

“This started with a vision to change how people look at affordable housing,” Brown said. “For too long, our community has accepted substandard housing as the norm. That is changing. We are leading that change.”

This was a project that started in July 2024 when Affordable Upstate purchased a two-story building at 100 Lily Street that had 14 units, and an L-shaped, two-story structure that had 24 at 2001 West Parker Road.

The goal was to restore them and combine them into one community instead of demolishing the units and building something new, and much more expensive for residents. This was the company’s third acquisition on Lily Street and gives them a significant competitive advantage, with the entire Vista West portfolio on Lily Street and West Parker Road being 160 units.

Vista West III underwent a full “gut” renovation by essentially turning a tired 1970s-era complex into a “like-new” community, Brown said. Everything from the plumbing and electrical systems to the windows and fixtures were replaced or upgraded.

The renovation includes interiors (new appliances, finishes, and energy-efficient systems), improved insulation and windows for lower utility costs, repaired structure and roofing, refreshed exteriors and landscaping, and added amenities for safety and comfort. By upgrading all 38 units at once (rather than a building-half at a time), the project also gained efficiency and presented a fully improved community.

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Jeffery C. Crawford

“Reporter inquiry: I have 1,200 pages of documentation and a complete archive.

My father, Russell Crawford — a 75‑year‑old disabled minister — died on January 19, the day he was forced out of his home.

He spent 7 years fighting an illegal “no‑cause” eviction. South Carolina law (MHPTA) was supposed to protect him. The courts ignored it.

He didn’t take his own life out of weakness. He chose to die with dignity rather than be made homeless by a system that failed him.

His fight isn’t over.

I’m sharing his story to change the law so no other family has to bury a father because of an eviction that never should have happened.

Sign the petition he started — 900+ neighbors already have. Let’s make it 10,000.

https://c.org/PpgPKSdGcj

https://c.org/Gcq9hxqChN

https://chng.it/kLW47xF2

“I think none harm. I speak none harm. I do none harm.” – Russell T. Crawford

@abcnews4

@live5news

@The Post and Courier

@wcbdtv

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Family Trust Federal Credit Union

Family Trust Federal Credit Union is partnering with the Phillis Wheatley Community Center and Furman University’s Riley Institute to launch Financial Foundations, a new program offering free personal finance classes for adults in the Greenville community.

The program will include sessions on budgeting, saving, banking basics, credit, and debt management. Classes will be held at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center and are designed to help participants build financial confidence and practical skills for everyday decision-making.

Family Trust Federal Credit Union will provide instructors and training materials as part of its ongoing commitment to financial literacy and community support.

“Financial education is one of the most powerful tools we can provide to help individuals build long-term stability and opportunity,” said Ryan Harvey, President and CEO of Family Trust Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with the Phillis Wheatley Community Center and the Riley Institute to expand access to these resources.”

The initiative was developed through Furman University’s Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative and focuses on providing accessible financial education for residents of Nicholtown and the greater Greenville area.

“The Phillis Wheatley Community Center is excited to collaborate with Family Trust Federal Credit Union to bring financial literacy workshops to our community,” said Laurie Franklin, Operations Director. “Participants will gain knowledge and skills to better support themselves and their families.”

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Lonza Capsugel and Project Hope Foundation

Lonza Capsugel donated $50,000 to Project Hope Foundation to support the development and expansion of local autism services. The check was presented on-site at the new Project Hope clinic, which is currently under construction on the Greenwood Genetic Center’s partnership campus. The donation will help fund the new building, increasing access to critical autism services and furthering Project Hope’s mission to provide a lifespan of care and support.
Project Hope Foundation Co-Founders Lisa Lane and Susan Sachs shared updates on the new campus and emphasized the growing need for autism services in the region. “This gift represents more than just funding – it reflects a meaningful partnership between our organizations,” said Lane. “We appreciate Lonza Capsugel’s shared commitment to supporting families impacted by autism in our community.”
Employees also spoke during the check presentation, highlighting Lonza Capsugel’s dedication to giving back. Holly Brown, a Greenwood native and 16-year employee whose son receives services from Project Hope Foundation, shared a personal story about the nonprofit’s positive impact on her family. She noted the significant progress her son has made with Project Hope and expressed sincere gratitude to her employer for supporting such a deeply personal cause.
“When we got our son’s autism diagnosis, we felt hopeless. We are so grateful for the people who led us to Project Hope Foundation, because now we have a lot of hope for his future,” said Brown. “It’s important for families like mine to find hope and hold onto it for a long time, and this donation will help with that.”
Lonza Capsugel has been a cornerstone of the Greenwood community for nearly 60 years. With a 167-acre campus that employs more than 700 people, the global healthcare manufacturing company has made significant investments to expand local operations, solidifying its role as a major employer and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the community.

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Raymond James named dean at Greenville Technical College

Raymond James has been appointed dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology at Greenville Technical College (GTC). He brings a strong combination of academic leadership and industry experience to this role, where he will oversee ten high-demand workforce programs aligned with state and regional economic priorities.

Raymond spent 22 years working at Advanced Labelworx, Associated Fuel Pump Systems, HKA Enterprises, and Magna Mirrors before he started teaching part-time, which led him to become an assistant professor, a department head, an assistant dean, and an interim dean. As he moves into the dean’s office, he continues to teach as an assistant professor of Mechatronics.

Raymond has served as keynote speaker for the SouthTec conference and was invited to be part of the inaugural cohort of the Postsecondary State Career Technical Education Leaders Fellowship.

A U.S. Army veteran, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in college administration and leadership, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D in higher education administration.