Dilcia Pineda-Carias of Assisting Hands Home Care has been nominated for Home Care Association of America Caregiver of the Year.

This national program recognizes top home caregivers assisting with bathing, dressing and medications to seniors and the disabiled.

“Dilcia consistently wins Caregiver of the Year awards due to her work ethic and exceptional client care,” said Assisting Hands owner Thomas Falk.

“There were a record number of nominations this year – nearly 250 – and the evaluation process was particularly challenging for our judges because each and every caregiver story was inspiring,” said HCAOA Executive Director Vicki Hoak.

Help for the disabled

EmmanuWheel, a Midlands nonprofit that installs wheelchair ramps, is among 26 SC organizations to receive Dominion Energy Critical Community Needs grants.

“EmmanuWheel shares the love of Christ by providing wheelchair ramps to people who can’t afford them,” said Chris Sharpe of, EmmanuWheel. “We build ramps in Lexington, Richland and Saluda counties.”

Community members in need are referred to EmmanuWheel by hospitals, social service agencies, medical facilities, churches or other charitable organizations.

What’s coming to Irmo

A Fuego 100x35 restaurant owner Jessica Pagán plans open at 7320 Broad River Road in Irmo soon.

She named her restaurant A Fuego 100x35 because “when something is amazing, we use the phrase ‘a fuego,’” she said. Puerto Rico only 100x35 miles wide “but we have a huge heart.”

The menu will include Puerto Rican classic sofritos, arroz con pollo, mofongo, tostones, arroz con gandules, arroz blanco, lechón asado and Rellenos de papas.

She plans to be open Monday to Saturday 11 am - 7 pm.

Covid vaccine exemptions

Due to questions from the public, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control officials say they do not issue vaccine exemptions for you or any other adults.

Nor, they say, do they play a role in an employer’s decision to require vaccinations.

DHEC does have authority over immunization requirements for school and childcare attendance. As required by state law, they grant exemptions to childhood immunization requirements for religious beliefs.

The covid vaccine is not required for school and childcare attendance.

Vaccine exemptions for adults should be requested from employers. The decision to grant an exemption is up to them.

Medical vaccine exemptions include:

• Severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine.

• A diagnosed allergy to a vaccine.

What’s new in Chapin

Goodwill has opened its 1st Chapin store at 524 Columbia Ave. It contains a retail store, donation center and a Community Connection location.

Goodwill officials say they will not only provide gently-used clothing and other merchandise at affordable prices but support programs to help people prepare for and find employment.

Goodwill Job Connections provide resources and skills development that can lead to employment success. Participants in the free programs are able to improve on skills needed in the search for jobs.

The Chapin Goodwill is open 10 am - 7 pm every day. Donations can be dropped off during the day or clothes can be donated after hours in the clothing donation bin.

Improving air quality

Diesel emissions make up a significant portion of the air pollution in the state, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control says.

That’s why DHEC is offering grants to upgrade outdated diesel vehicles and engines. These upgrades will help reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.

DHEC has about $294,000 from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Rhonda Thompson, Chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality said the grants asre intended for county, city, or other local government entities, private businesses, colleges and non-profit organizations.

Business news wanted

We want your business, industry, nonprofit, professional practice and other financial news for the Chronicle’s online and print editions. You may email your news to our editor at JerryBellune@yahoo.com