It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Robert Mills House and Gardens in Columbia, SC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the process smooth and eliminated a lot of stress. Caregivers have been excellent and very helpful in day to day care.”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about getting some assistance for my father. She was very knowledgeable and helped me get everything set up, and took a huge weight off my shoulders and was a consistent supporter throughout the entire process!”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care is the best! He truly cares about his clients! He takes personal interest in the client. Darrell works with you until your needs are addressed allowing your loved one to remain as independent as possible in their own home. Thank you Darrell Always Best Care! You have truly made a diffence!”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious in his willingness to help others succeed.”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need someone they will be there for your loved ones and care about their well-being.”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park in Columbia, SC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
COLUMBIA — After nearly 50 years in business, a Columbia morning mainstay will be off the menu. Tiffany’s Bakery announced today that it will close its doors on Sept. 30, two days after its 49-year anniversary.“The time has come for us to close a very special chapter in our lives,” owners Jim and Kay McMillan said in a social media post. “For nearly five decades, this bakery has been so much more than a business to us. It has been a place where friendships were formed, families grew, traditions were creat...
COLUMBIA — After nearly 50 years in business, a Columbia morning mainstay will be off the menu. Tiffany’s Bakery announced today that it will close its doors on Sept. 30, two days after its 49-year anniversary.
“The time has come for us to close a very special chapter in our lives,” owners Jim and Kay McMillan said in a social media post. “For nearly five decades, this bakery has been so much more than a business to us. It has been a place where friendships were formed, families grew, traditions were created, and countless special moments were celebrated.”
“My parents have decided to retire and move on,” the owners’ son, James McMillan Jr., said when asked the reason for the closure. McMillan Jr., who managed the bakery and sometimes eatery for over 20 years, added that the business is also currently for sale.
First launched as a restaurant and bakery in 1977, Tiffany’s Eats, Sweets and Meeting Place has occupied several Soda City locations during its tenure — from a 1,000-square-feet lot in the Columbiana Centre to its current location at 9704 Two Notch Rd.
On Oct. 3, 2024, the business closed the doors of its restaurant to focus solely on its bakery operations, citing economic concerns. But McMillan Jr. told The Post and Courier that the closure didn’t stop the community from asking for the restaurant’s popular food menu. In July, 2026, the breakfast menu was brought back.
While the Northeast bakery’s name, coupled with its popular breakfast may stir, memories of Audrey Hepburn daintily sipping a latte and munching a croissant while window shopping at the a closed New York City jewelry store in the romantic film classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” the bakery made an impact with its delectable menu.
It was known for such items as homemade biscuits, bacon, hand-breaded chicken, build-your-own sandwiches, yogurt parfaits and Jamie’s Tank Biscuit (made with fried chicken, hot honey, pimento cheese and bacon).
“I've been here my entire life,” said McMillan Jr. who added that he would miss Tiffany’s customers and community the most.
“What we built, thrived on and we enjoyed more than anything was just being a part of this community and being a part of everybody's everyday life from birthdays to weddings to baby showers,” he added. “We appreciate everything that they have done and how much they have helped us and … accepted us into their families.”
Now, however, two generations of McMillans are moving on, the parents to retirement, and their son to his own business.
“We leave this chapter with full hearts and overwhelming gratitude for the community that made Tiffany’s Bakery what it became,” Jim and Kay said in their post.
Sept. 17, 2026Updated Sept. 18, 2026, 4:59 a.m. ETThe South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.Here's a look at Sept. 17, 2026, results for each game:Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Sept. 17 drawingMidday: 9-5-7, FB: 8Evening: 7-8-2, FB: 3Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Sept. 17 drawingMidday: 2-2-9-9, FB: 8Evening: 8-9-0-6, FB: 3Check Pick 4 ...
Sept. 17, 2026Updated Sept. 18, 2026, 4:59 a.m. ET
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here's a look at Sept. 17, 2026, results for each game:
Midday: 9-5-7, FB: 8
Evening: 7-8-2, FB: 3
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Midday: 2-2-9-9, FB: 8
Evening: 8-9-0-6, FB: 3
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Midday: 08
Evening: 09
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
17-18-40-41-42
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
WednesdayWhat: Hear artist Linda Williams McCune discuss her artistic journey, the series featured in her solo exhibition “Vestiges” and the inspiration behind her work.When: 7 p.m., Sept. 16Where: 701 Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley St., ColumbiaPrice: Free admissionMore information: https://tinyurl.com/bdhyarynThursdayWhat: Get a taste of Greece with authentic Greek food and pastries, live music, traditional folk dancing, cathedral tours and shopping during this annua...
What: Hear artist Linda Williams McCune discuss her artistic journey, the series featured in her solo exhibition “Vestiges” and the inspiration behind her work.
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 16
Where: 701 Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley St., Columbia
Price: Free admission
More information: https://tinyurl.com/bdhyaryn
What: Get a taste of Greece with authentic Greek food and pastries, live music, traditional folk dancing, cathedral tours and shopping during this annual festival.
When: Sept. 17-20
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1931 Sumter St., Columbia
Price: Free admission
More information: https://tinyurl.com/4y4bb9xa?
What: Walk the red carpet for the world premiere of Columbia-made feature film “Right In Front of You,” followed by a screening and Q&A with the cast and filmmaker Maurice Lindsay.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 17
Where: The Nickelodeon, 1607 Main St., Columbia
Price: $23.18
More information: https://tinyurl.com/36apxph2
What: Catch country-rock singer Koe Wetzel on his Night Champion World Tour, with special guests Wyatt Flores, Bayker Blankenship and Logan Jahnke.
When: 6:45 p.m., Sept. 18
Where: Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia
Price: $45.15
More information: https://tinyurl.com/4ffbjwjh
What: Expect an evening of magic, humor and audience participation as illusionist Mike Super returns with never-before-seen illusions, predictions and mind-bending mysteries.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 18
Where: Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo
Price: Starting at $20
More information: https://tinyurl.com/4cpzshep
What: Historic Columbia’s annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture returns for a day celebrating Black history and culture at the historic Mann-Simons Site.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 19
Where: Mann-Simons Site, 1403 Richland St., Columbia
Price: Free admission
More info: https://tinyurl.com/yeyuxduw
What: The fourth annual SC Horror Convention brings a weekend of horror to Columbia with celebrity guests, artists, vendors, panels, cosplay, a live haunt experience and a kids convention.
When: Sept. 19-20
Where: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
Price: Starting at $20
More info: https://tinyurl.com/y462rrw
What: An afternoon of classical favorites and music from the big screen, featuring the debut of new conductor Charles Patterson.
When: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20
Where: Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo
Price: Free admission
More info: https://tinyurl.com/4drvmcb8
What: Dogs take over the Saluda Shoals Park splash pad for an afternoon of water play, plus enjoy a pet-friendly marketplace with treats, accessories and more.
When: 1-4 p.m., Sept. 20
Where: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia
Price: $6 per dog
More info: https://tinyurl.com/hvwakzc5
What: Charleston pianist Nolan Tecklenburg brings his New Orleans-influenced sound to an intimate jazz performance with his trio.
When: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 21
Where: Pastor’s Study, 1633 Main St., Columbia
Price: Starting at $15
More info: https://tinyurl.com/bdz96uvn
What: Learn traditional lettering, modern calligraphy techniques and how to develop your own calligraphic style in a two-session workshop.
When: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 22
Where: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia
Price: $120
COLUMBIA — Another sushi restaurant has shuttered downtown.SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar, which operated at 807 Gervais St. in the Vista, announced its permanent closure on Sept. 17. The restaurant opened in the fall of 2006.The departure follows the July closures of two other downtown sushi spots — TakoSushi on Main Street and Camon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar on Assembly Street.“For 20 years, SakiTumi has been a part of this community,” the restaurant posted to social media. “A pl...
COLUMBIA — Another sushi restaurant has shuttered downtown.
SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar, which operated at 807 Gervais St. in the Vista, announced its permanent closure on Sept. 17. The restaurant opened in the fall of 2006.
The departure follows the July closures of two other downtown sushi spots — TakoSushi on Main Street and Camon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar on Assembly Street.
“For 20 years, SakiTumi has been a part of this community,” the restaurant posted to social media. “A place where birthdays were celebrated, first dates happened, friendships were made, and countless memories were shared over good food, drinks, and laughter.”
SakiTumi called the closure closing a chapter and did not give a specific reason for shutting down. The post noted how the current owner has “fought to keep … doors open.”
The restaurant heaped praise on current and past owners, staff and its regulars for helping it stay in business for just shy of two decades.
“To the regulars who became friends, to the families who watched their children grow up here, to the couples who celebrated anniversaries, to the coworkers who made SakiTumi their after-work spot, and to everyone who has ever called this place home: we hope you know how much you have meant to us,” the restaurant said.
The Vista hallmark served a variety of adventurous sushi rolls and cocktails alongside tapas (ranging from edamame to toasted goat cheese) and specialty sushi items (from seared tuna chips to poke bowls), all served in the refined but relaxed atmosphere one would expect from a posh downtown bar.
“We are going to miss the familiar faces,” the restaurant said. “We are going to miss the sounds of the restaurant, the laughter, the late nights, and the little moments that made every day different. We are going to miss the people who became part of our everyday lives.”
Camon and TakoSushi announced their closures on the same day in early July.
Camon ceased operation after nearly 42 years in business as a result of the city selling its building to a developer bringing an upscale hotel to Main Street. Sky Bistro Lounge, another business in the building, announced its own closure the next month.
TakoSushi vacated its spot in the Arcade Mall on Main Street. That move cleared the way for local sandwich chain Crave Artisan Specialty Market to announce it would be taking the spot to open a third location. Both Crave and Takosushi are owned by Food People Restaurant Group, a Columbia-based group that covers several restaurants in the Carolinas and Georgia.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - As artificial intelligence continues to expand into everyday life, South Carolina lawmakers are beginning a long-term effort to determine what role the state should play in regulating the rapidly evolving technology.A newly formed Senate Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence held its first meeting Wednesday, beginning what lawmakers say will be a multi-year examination of AI’s impact on state government, education, law enforcement and other public sectors.The committee’s mission is to b...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - As artificial intelligence continues to expand into everyday life, South Carolina lawmakers are beginning a long-term effort to determine what role the state should play in regulating the rapidly evolving technology.
A newly formed Senate Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence held its first meeting Wednesday, beginning what lawmakers say will be a multi-year examination of AI’s impact on state government, education, law enforcement and other public sectors.
The committee’s mission is to better understand artificial intelligence and ultimately make recommendations on whether South Carolina should adopt regulations or expand the technology’s use within government operations.
One challenge facing lawmakers is that South Carolina does not currently have a legal definition of artificial intelligence. Legislative staff told committee members that 33 states have adopted definitions in law, while South Carolina remains among the 17 states that have not.
Committee Chairman Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, said lawmakers expect AI to continue evolving, and many other states have already gone through similar processes.
“As AI evolves, there’s going to be more involvement for AI in state government... education, law enforcement, various other state agencies,” Young said.
Throughout the hearing, senators questioned University of South Carolina professors about both the capabilities and potential risks of artificial intelligence. Topics included whether AI systems could exhibit bias, become sentient, or operate outside of human control.
Sen. Matt Leber said lawmakers are trying to address concerns before potential problems emerge.
“They [constituents] want us to get involved before the toaster burns the house down. That’s the crux of the matter,” Leber said.
While lawmakers have introduced several AI-related bills in recent years, South Carolina has passed few AI-specific laws and does not have a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the technology.
At the same time, some experts urged lawmakers to embrace artificial intelligence as a tool that could improve government operations.
Homayoun Valafar, director of the University of South Carolina’s AI Institute, encouraged the committee to consider broader adoption of the technology.
“I think as a committee and the state of South Carolina, we should embrace it. We should incorporate it where we can. It’s going to save money. It’s going to increase efficiency,” Valafar said.
Still, lawmakers acknowledged the technology raises significant policy questions and concerns from some, and members say the committee’s work will focus on determining how AI should be used responsibly within government and other public sectors.
“This is something that we really need to put some thought into as we evolve through this in the coming months,” Young said.
The committee is scheduled to continue its work through 2028, although members say they hope to have recommendations prepared well before then.
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