A Positive Path for Spiritual Living

From Rev. Dan Beckett

OWe seek above all to see the presence of God in each and every person. Our church’s motto is “A Positive Path for Spiritual Living.” I have always loved that description because it gets right at the core of who we are as spiritual beings having a human experience. And in doing so, looking for (and finding!) the good in all things. Now, looking for the good in all things does not mean that we can call all things “good.” A quick look around the world tells us that there are things happening that we could not call good; but—and this is critically important—when we look for the good in anything, we can find it somewhere in there. “Seek and ye shall find,” said the master teacher.

An example from my own life is my addiction recovery journey. Drinking oneself into the hospital could hardly be called “good”! Yet, if that’s what it took to wake me up spiritually, then there’s some good in it for sure. And now I have the Spirit of Recovery podcast to help others on their journey while also helping myself continue to live a Spirit-centered life. And I’m grateful for it all. If you want to find others who live this way every day, I invite you to join us Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. for a celebration of the power of Spirit in our lives through meditation, music and message.

For more information, visit UnityOfTheMidlands.org. See ad, page 19.

ICRC Hosts Paddle and Pint

OnFriday, July 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Paddle and Pint event at Saluda Shoals Park. For adults ages 21 and up, participants will enjoy the scenic view while paddling the Lower Saluda River, fully surrounded by beautiful scenery and S.C. wildlife. After spending an hour on the water, guests will then have the opportunity to sample delicious craft beers at the River Overlook. Boats and all necessary equipment needed will be provided. As a note, the trip is dependent upon weather and river levels.

Cost: $47 per person. Location: 5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/paddleand-pint-paddle-and-craft-beer-tasting-2. See ad, page 29.

The Spiritual Fusions Psychic and Holistic Expo is Back!

Bring a friend and explore the possibilities! Spiritual Fusion’s much-anticipated two-day event features astrologers, holistic practitioners, intuitive counselors, reiki, psychics, aura photography, henna and more! Come and experience powerful and insightful sessions for ONLY $20. Spiritual Fusion’s unique mission is to provide a powerful experience that enables individuals to discover new ways to nourish their souls and enrich their lives at an affordable price.

The two-day event will be hosted on July 29 and 30 (Saturday and Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Columbia Metro Center, located at 1101 Lincoln Street. Admission is $9 (children 12 and under are free).

Participants can also enjoy FREE lectures and raffles. A wide array of vendors will be on-site offering crystals, jewelry, healing tools, art and many exciting opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement and empowerment. Come and receive the healing and life guidance you’ve been searching for in a fun, festive, energetic and high-vibration environment. There’s truly something for everyone. It’s time for life transformation!

For more information, visit SpiritualFusions.com. Also visit Facebook.com/ SpiritualFusions or Instagram.com@ SpiritualFusions. See ad, page 19.

2023 Wild Summer Nights Online Auction

It’s time to get wild! From Thursday, July 13, starting at 9 a.m., through Saturday, July 15, ending at 8 p.m., the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is hosting its Wild Summer Nights Online Auction. Proceeds raised from the auction go to support SCWF’s mission to conserve and restore wildlife and habitat through education and advocacy. For those interested in providing donation items for the auction, contact SCWF’s Director of Development and Events Angi Fuller Wildt at 803-256-0670 or Mail@scwf.org.

For more information, call 803-256-0670 or visit www.scwf.org/events.

ICRC Hosts Cooking with Mom

On Saturday, July 29, from noon to 2 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its very special Cooking with Mom experience at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. For chefs ages 7 and up, this very interactive cooking class is designed to bring parents and kids into the kitchen together for a fun-filled, healthy experience.

Cost: $65 (one parent and one child). For more information, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc. net/event/%C2%A0cooking-mom.

Expedited Collection Services Offered for Student Move Outs

The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division is offering expedited collection services for students that are moving out through July.*

Residents are first and foremost encouraged to be responsible and rethink their waste. Before tossing items to the curb, students are asked to assess the quality of the items. Items that are in good condition listed below can be donated to a local nonprofit in need. Residents and neighbors can also contact the Solid Waste Division’s main office at 803-5453800 to report a pile ready for collection, which should be picked up promptly. The list of acceptable items includes clothing, dishes, kitchen tools, utensils, furniture and bedding. Other items include storage bins, artwork or wall hangings, mops, brooms, cleaning tools and bulky plastic items (i.e., coolers, buckets or bathroom garbage pails).

*Note: This is for residential homes only. Students and residents living in apartment complexes are encouraged to donate unwanted items.

SCDHEC and Take Action SC Host 'Unconference' Experience

On Thursday, July 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and Take Action SC are hosting their annual environmental educators’ summer workshop titled the Unconference Experience at the R2I2 Conference Center, located at 763 Fashion Drive, in Columbia. The unique and innovative learning experience will include learning labs, which are designed to teach educators how to integrate environmental lessons into the classroom learning experience. The entire session is driven by attending participants and serves as a great networking opportunity.

This year’s workshop will include keynote Speaker Kirkland Smith—a popular artist who has been creating contemporary assemblages using everyday disposable materials. Smith emphasizes the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. SCDHEC will provide educator lesson demonstrations on natural resources, landfill processes, composting, recycling contamination and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the R2I2 Student Innovation Center's solar array. Workshop participants will receive lunch, a curriculum supplement, a Take Action SC Tervis tumbler, a Take Action SC multi-recycler bin, a motherboard clipboard and more.

Cost: $10 (nonrefundable). For more information, visit TakeActionSC.org.

Sunset on the Shoals –Paddle and Wine Tasting

Are you ready for a great time on the water? On Friday, July 21, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Sunset on the Shoals event at Saluda Shoals Park. For adults ages 21 and up, participants will enjoy an interpretive onehour paddle tour on the Saluda River while learning about the rich and unique history of the area. The tour will be followed by a wine tasting. Boats and all necessary equipment needed will be provided. As a note, the trip is dependent upon weather and river levels.

Cost: $47 per person. Location: 5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/ sunset-shoals-paddle-and-wine-tasting-4. See ad, page 29.

KMB Hosts Lakeside Litter Sweep

Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is hosting its Lakeside Litter Sweep event on Saturday, September 16, around areas of Lake Murray. Local Midlands area residents are welcome to join more than 20 event partners and approximately 250 volunteers coming together to clean up Lake Murray's shorelines, islands and water while having a great time. Volunteers can choose to stay onshore, utilize their own boats or sign up for a free pontoon boat ride to the islands designated to be cleaned. Preregistration is required.

For more information or to register, call 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.