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Prince fans were thrilled to rock last night with Marshall Charloff, a certified Prince lookalike, as a special musical guest at the PWCC. Charloff’s pedigree includes fronting the greatest Prince tribute show in the world, playing keys with the Atlanta Rhythm Section, writing for and producing the Commodores, and appearing on guitar on albums with Prince. “The Purple Piano” is the only production of its kind in the world and has been so enthusiastically received that it lan

The class of 2026 Phillis Wheatley Community Center (PWCC) Hall of Fame inductees include the late Jesse Jackson, Susan Stall, Ray Lattimore, and Reginald McKnight. Susan Stall Stall is a retired corporate executive who works diligently as a community worker. She was impressed with the work of PWCC and its impact on the community. Her mission is to achieve a more just and equitable world for all. An applied community sociologist, Stall builds relationships and collaborates wi

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Greenville's tenant vacancy rate is 6.7% to 7.5%. So tenants often vacate units and move elsewhere. You've likely seen this movement in your neighborhood. When tenants stack unwanted items on the curb, the pile can be hard to miss. Two-bedroom apartments in Greenville rent from $1,326 to $ 1,684 per month. The main reason tenants move out is that they need more space for a growing family, a roommate, or a hom

Smiles punctuated the celebration of the opening of a new state-of-the-art Fire Station 4, formerly at Stone Avenue. Two former chiefs, dozens of retirees, city leaders, and neighbors joined in the fun. This will be a second home for the 30 firefighters who will staff the station. Here, they will train, cook, eat, rest between calls, and respond promptly to emergencies, Chief Brian Horton said. The new station at 423 E. Park Avenue replaces the 76-year-old station just down t

Greenville Police Department, Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and Greenville County Schools team up to donate warm winter garments for local students in need. From 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. bring your gently used jackets and other winter essentials. Date: October 16 Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena Wish list: blankets, food items, gloves, hats, jackets, socks, underwear, and more.

Realize the severity of the health pinch the nation is facing. Many complex factors now converge, exacerbating medical and insurance matrices. For example, postponed medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic has reached a breaking point. Insurance companies and government planning agencies miscalculated the rapidly growing medical, drug, and psychological needs of the public. Today, a major carrier told insurance brokers it had 6 managers for South Carolina and maintained an

Get a new one or renew your library card today and receive a new tote bag. It’s your suitcase for imagination, books, audiobooks, streaming, and community tools. This is not your father’s library stuffed with books, maps, magazines, and newspapers. Beyond conventional library fare, the library now offers special guest programs for poetry, stories, and musical recitals, plus online educational tools and specialty items like seed libraries and state park passes. To get the whol

Architects and builders erected a 10-story, 125-foot observation tower at 70 Mayberry Street in Greenville, SC. PROTO BY CHARLES REAMS Perhaps they hoped that, as citizens slowly rose to the pinnacle, the elevated view of the cityscape and surrounding areas- yes, all the way to Asheville- would also improve tourists’ view of the city and themselves. PHOTO BY CHARLES REAMS The edifice is named after Thomas and Vivian A. Wong. The site was not left to chance. It was chosen beca

Just because Kevin Williams's business plans seem to fall into place doesn’t mean you have no chance of starting a successful business. Each tub must stand on its own bottom. So you must put faith in your own business plan, not allowing the ideal circumstances of others to dampen your zeal to start a business. Kevin’s father is a computer programmer. His mother taught homeschoolers. Kevin dropped out of political science at Furman University. He then interned for South Caroli

A busy section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will soon be widened to 16 feet, creating two dedicated 8-foot lanes: one for cyclists and one for pedestrians. The city has designated the section between Unity Park and Linky Stone Park. The City’s Planning Commission unanimously approved a stormwater variance, moving it along for City Council review. The variance was needed based on the trail’s proximity to the Reedy River. Engineering models showed the improvements would not impact

Church Street in downtown Greenville has been reopened to traffic for some time, but today was my first time really taking it in. The $30 million completion is reassuring, showing that the city fathers are alert and responsive to local needs. Now the economic boost can continue its robust progress because downtown traffic jams have eased, say traffic experts. Engineers say the objective was to ensure safety for the 26,000 to 38,000 motorists driving through downtown Greenvill

For the first time, I walked into the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery Store at 205 Cedar Lane Road yesterday. I was so enthralled by the richness and variety of their food selection that I walked away from my classic cane and didn’t remember leaving it there until last night. All night I fretted over my lost cane, wondering if I would ever find it again. First thing this morning, I called the cafe and left a voicemail. I was surprised to receive a text quickly asking how they co

Cranking up a restaurant from scratch is not a cakewalk. Now that Eddie Marini, his wife, and three children have paid their dues in full, their new restaurant, called The Mason Jar, plans to stay in downtown Greer. When Marini opened the restaurant in 2022, people used to walk by. He got busy remodeling the front, adding large TV screens, enhancing the menu, and increasing staff. OWNER, EDDIE MARINI Customers started entering the restaurant in ever-increasing streams. Income

It seems that way too many people have dementia. According to the CDC, 11% of people older than 65 have dementia. That’s 1 in 9 people. Some people experience that their mother and two siblings are afflicted with this widespread disease. What could be more personal than that? Happily, the seven other siblings have no signs of cognitive loss. Many are, therefore, caring for loved ones while also practicing prevention. What can a soul do for loved ones? And what are the best p

Value Beyond the Invoice: True market value includes reliability, transparency, and ethical sourcing When doing business, you remember the people who treat you right with honesty and courtesy. Take, for example, the simple task of putting different-sized tires on your vehicle. COLE WATSON & TIMOTHY FOSTER A merchant could stretch the truth to make a few dollars for installing and balancing tires, or he could truthfully tell a customer he would not be pleased driving his vehic

The word is out: Shaquille O’Neal is an ambassador of goodwill for the NBA. Years after retiring from the League, Shaq remains in touch with fans everywhere. Goodwill gestures are widespread, but in Atlanta, you run into real-life beneficiaries of his largesse. While visiting my sister, Dr. Lula Reams, in Atlanta, she called a friend over to meet us. Exuberant Juanita Simmons warmly greeted all with a smile and worked the room like a seasoned pro. When we asked about Shaq’s r

Estate sales are alive and well in the Upstate. Dozens of active liquidation companies and dozens of weekend events occur across the area at any given time. BRUCE IDGINTON, RUNS THE SHOW Rapid growth, a large number of retirees, and people downsizing mean sales occur almost every weekend. JACKIE IDGINTO HAS A REASON TO SMILE, SALES ARE SUCH FUN Check us out for locations near you. WhatsUpNews.online. ANTIQUE TRUNKS ARE RARE One house sold soon after it was listed. What could

The inductees include the Rev. Jesse Jackson (posthumously), founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Ray Lattimore, President/CEO, Marketplace Professional Staffing; Reginald B. McKnight, Esq., Global Head of Community Development & Engagement at Google; and Susan Stall, community volunteer. These trailblazers will join inductees from previous classes. Each year, PWCC honors outstanding community leaders and celebrates 107 years of service in the Upstate. The public is warmly invi

Marshal Charlott, a Prince lookalike, will light up the PWCC with his interactive, intimate, and highly entertaining show, the ultimate xperience and tribute to PRINCE. Buy your tickets now for Monday, October 12, at 7 PM at the PWCC at 335 Greenacre Rd., Greenville, SC. Marshall Charloff’s pedigree includes fronting the greatest Prince tribute show in the world, playing keys with the Atlanta Rhythm Section, writing for and producing the Commodores, and being featured on guit

Longtime receptionist with a ready smile for all, Ms Rhonda Thompson has retired from the Phillis Wheatley Center. She always greeted others with a warm smile. Her joy was contagious, say colleagues and guests. Ms Rhonda brought warmth and life to the building, touching countless lives. She was always willing to lend a hand and listen to others’ concerns, lifting their spirits. If you were in central casting for the silver screen, Rhonda’s natural role would be everyone’s fav