Melanie B. Jennings, manager of Expressions Flower Cottage in Landrum, was sworn in as president of the S.C. Florist Association Saturday, July 25 at the annual S.C. Florist Association convention in Columbia. Jennings has worked with this association and served in the floral industry for many years. The association trains and puts on workshops and programs to promote floral education and design.

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Jill McMillion of Mill Spring has completed Doula training (DONA) and is now available to provide doula services to birthing women in our area. A doula (doo-lah) is a labor support specialist who provides continuous physical and emotional support to a woman and her partner thoughout labor and birth.

If you need further information contact McMillion at 625-0785, bearjillmc@hotmail.com.

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Jay Geddings, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Columbus, is supporting Polk County Schools by using his office as a drop-off location for a school supplies drive.

Local residents may help children in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from Aug. 3 to Aug. 21. The branch address is: Dunn&squo;s Columbus Commons,&bsp; 155 W. Mills Street, Columbus, N.C. 28722.