February, 2012

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Wagenermonthly
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
covering wagener and eastern aiken county
Nancy Bonnette Library reopens
BY HALEY HUGHES
[email protected]
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
WAGENER — Family of Nancy Bonnette said she, for whom the library in Wagener is named, was smiling down from heaven on Sunday’s ribbon cutting and dedication. The newly expanded and renovated Nancy Bonnette Library was officially opened after several months of being closed while crews updated the existing facility and built an additional 1,449 square feet. Representatives of Aiken County, the ABBE Regional Library System, the Town of Wagener and other community members gathered at the library on Park Street for the ceremony. Lynn Bailey, Bonnette’s daughter, said the transformation is amazing. “I look at my mother’s picture there (hanging on the wall), and I know she is smiling down from heaven,” she said. “She would be bubbling,” said daughterSTAFF PHOTO BY HALEY HUGHES in-law Jan Bonnette. “She would be meeting, The ribbon was cut Tuesday at the newly expanded and renovated Nancy Bonnette Branch greeting, talking to everyone and bubbling.” The Bonnette family donated a new library Library in Wagener. Leading the ribbon cutting are Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young and Vera Keisler, sister of the late Nancy Bonnette. sign, complete with marquee, that was
Please see LIBRARY, page 19
Wagener: We have a problem Most people take medicines only for the reasons their doctors prescribe them. But an estimated twenty five percent of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non medical reasons. This is prescription drug abuse, a serious and growing problem. Innocent abuse of some prescription drugs can lead to an addiction to narcotic painkillers or tranquilizers. Those MAYOR MIKE considered experts don’t MILLER know exactly why this type of drug abuse is increasing. The availability of drugs is probably one reason. Doctors are prescribing more drugs for more health problems than ever before and Internet pharmacies do make it easy to get prescription drugs without a prescription, even for minors.
Please see MAYOR, page 25
See more photos from the ribbon cutting on page 19.
Wagener Medical Center opens again with new team
BY HALEY HUGHES
[email protected]
The Wagener Medical Center is open again after a period of uncertainty. The center closed late last year after Barnwell County Hospital, which was operating the center, withdrew to merge with Bamberg County Hospital and create a regional health care system. As a result, the town was left without a health care clinic, said Mayor Mike Miller, who realized very quickly the potentially harmful impact to the community’s “vulnerable” population. “We realized we had to do something fast,” he said. He could not abide the idea that an elderly person on a fixed income
may have to drive 30 miles - with gas at nearly $4 a gallon - to get a $2 prescription. The town contacted the South Carolina Office of Rural Health, which agreed to provide assistance, and also enlisted the help of Dr. Vasant Garde, who ran a private practice in the small community.
Please see MEDICAL, page 25
STAFF PHOTO BY HALEY HUGHES
The Wagener Medical Center reopened on Feb. 1. There to celebrate were, from left, CNA Althia Toney, Wagener Councilman George Smith, RN CPC Rebecca Grady, Debbie Sanders, Dr. Vasant Garde, Wagener Mayor Mike Miller and South Carolina Solutions representative Heather Eddins.
2 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Reframing photos brings back Wagons to Wagener memories
more photos. I spent a lot of time going through boxes and envelopes full of old – and I mean old – family pictures. I discovered several snapshots of my parents, my husband Garry and me taken on a Sunday during one of the first Wagons to Wagener weekends. Mama and I are wearing long period dresses and big hats. My hat is white straw with lots of white netting, and Mama’s LEMYRA hat is turquoise blue. YOUNG I still have both hats, as Mama was wearing my hat that day. The photos were taken prior to going to church; Daddy and Garry have on suits, and Garry has his Bible in his left hand. We all look so young, and we were. Garry sported a dark beard then, so from the looks of his beard now and the fact that none of snapshots included our son Tyler, the pictures must have been taken at least 40 years ago. Wagons to Wagener was the town festival that began in 1970 in conjunction with the celebration of South Carolina’s 300th birthday. Wagons to Wagener continued for more than 30 years. In the early years, the festival drew thousands of people to the weekend event. Merchants, businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations and the people participated in making the various events surrounding the celebration. The parade on Saturday was one of the highlights of the weekend. The grand marshal of the parade varied from United States Senator Strom Thurmond to Lt. Governor of South Carolina Brantley Harvey; however, one year the grand marshal was Dr. Lyston Gunter, the former owner of Gunter’s Drug store and descendant of the founding Gunter family of Wagener. Wagener was first called Guntersville or Gunters Crossroad; later the town was named for George Wagener a Charleston merchant and the superintendent of the railroad that ran from Charleston to the interior of the state. The parade lineup was always filled with horse-drawn carriages and wagons with participants in period costumes, high stepping horses, school bands, Jamil Temple racers and my grandparents Charlie and Myra Tyler riding their bicycles. Granddaddy’s bike was motor-operated while Grandmama pedaled a threewheel bicycle. Other highlights of the festival were the auditorium show, which ran the gamut from Womanless Wedding to Roaring Twenties Flappers, the Miss Wagons to Wagener beauty pageant, boxing match, quilt show, rodeo, street dance (one for the teenagers and another for the adults), reptile exhibit by Heyward and Teddy Clamp from Salley and many, many more. One of the rewards of Wagons to Wagener was the gift of the Conestoga wagon, which represented South Carolina in the wagon train that traveled through the 13 original colonies in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Conestoga wagon will again be on display upon completion of the wagon house now being built in front of Wagener Fire Department complex. I participated every year in various activities involving Wagons to Wagener; however, my husband and I most enjoyed the many times that we rode with Myra and Howard Fogle in Howard’s van. I usually drove; Myra sat in the front passenger seat; Garry, Howard, John
Memories Memories are precious. Memories are something that cannot be taken away from you. Memories bring you great comfort and joy. Memories can sustain you through difficult times. Memories allow you to remember from where you came and look forward to where you are going. Memories are God’s gift from the past for the future.
Reflections in the Mirror Every now and then I get up the nerve to tackle a major project. The past few months I have devoted many hours to one of the walls in my kitchen. I took on the task (for that is what it became) of assembling and framing family pictures. My inspiration for this “project” was the purchase of a mirror from The Petal Shoppe in Wagener.* The mirror is framed in wrought iron in the shape of a gate, and the gate doors actually open and can be locked. I hung the mirror on the wall in my kitchen that you face when you enter the kitchen from the great room. The mirror is rather large, yet the wall seemed to need something else, too. I decided to reframe the many mismatched framed family pictures sitting around the house. I mulled over in my mind what color and type of frames that would look best for the old pictures with the new mirror. I settled on black and inexpensive. I bought square black frames that had places for six photos and rectangle black frames that had places for three photos and 5” by 7” and 8” by 10” black frames for individual photos. With that all behind me, I had no excuse; however, I did procrastinate, a little. Once I got started, the hardest part was choosing which pictures to group together and which size frame to use for various groupings. Finally, I thought if you don’t get busy, you will forget what you are supposed to be doing. What really made me get on track was the fact that my cousin and her husband from New Jersey would soon be visiting with us for a few days and would be sleeping in the bed that I had covered in frames and photos. Two days before they arrived, I managed to get every photo framed, and I am very pleased with the outcome. However, I did not get them hung on the kitchen wall; I hope to do so before they visit again! I really did enjoy this project; as I progressed, I realized that I would need
Cherry and anyone else that chose to would ride in the back of the van. I would drive real slow all around town, picking up riders along the way. Someone was always getting out while someone else was getting in. John Cherry was the head honcho at the Wagener bank back then. I can’t recall the name of the bank; I do know that it was not Security Federal. John was a very good friend, a good friend to many. For Wagons to Wagener, John and several others would stage a bank holdup with one of the robbers being shot and the other being arrested. John always wore the worst looking western hat I have ever seen. Myra, Howard and John have all passed away, but memories of those fun fill times linger on. Little did I anticipate that the purchase of a mirror would reflect so many good memories. Memories are precious. * I enjoy shopping at The Petal Shoppe for you never know what you may find to buy. I never come away empty-handed.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 3
NOTE FROM DISTRICT 1 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DR. JOHN A. BASS
Legal name of elementary and middle schools haven’t changed
local communication. The official name of the school is Cyril B. Busbee Elementary and A.L. Corbett Middle. The SIC and administration are making plans on how to correctly identify the schools on the website and correspondence. I have served District 1 for the past three years and will continue to serve through November. During the next few months, I will continue to be responsive to the needs of District 1. As I stated when I became your board member in 2008, I will serve one term that expires in November. During this one term, I have been able to work with the board to focus on student achievement, teacher quality and the needs of District 1. We have made many improvements that directly affected the students. The most recent being the approval of facility improvements at RSM Middle School phase 1 and the new restrooms and concession addition between the gym and main building at A.L. Corbett Middle. These projects will be moving forward this summer.
It was my privilege to visit with the Cyril B. Busbee Elementary and A.L. Corbett Middle School Improvement Council (SIC) on Feb. 2, along with Aiken County Superintendent Dr. Beth Everitt, to listen to how well the students are doing in the K-8 system. While speaking to the council, I made DR. JOHN it clear that the legal A. BASS names of the schools have not been changed (Cyril B. Busbee Elementary and A.L. Corbett Middle). The structure of the school is K-8 and the South Carolina Department of Education uses Busbee Corbett Elementary Middle for administrative purposes. The South Carolina Department of Education name reference is for their reporting purposes and is not required for and does not dictate name usage in any
VALENTINE KING AND QUEEN
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Cyril B. Busbee A.L. Corbett Elementary Middle School held its annual Valentine Day Sweetheart Ball on Friday, Feb. 10. Students were able to compete for king and queen. The students with the most votes won. Sixthgrader Tanner Turner was crowned Valentine King. Sixth-grader Morgan Taylor was crowned Valentine Queen.
4 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wagener native Sharpe to retire as County treasurer
BY HALEY HUGHES
[email protected] Aiken County Treasurer Linda Sharpe, who announced her upcoming retirement this week, said what she will miss most when she leaves office is helping others. Sharpe will retire in 2013 from the office she has held for four terms. She was first elected in 1997 and will not be seeking re-election in November. Sharpe, who worked in accounting at Providence Hospitals in Columbia before running for treasurer, said it simply is time that she hands over the reins to someone else. The decision was easy to make in some ways – she said she won’t miss waking up at 5 a.m. – but hard in others. She will miss the day-to-day interaction with her constituents, she said. “I like helping people. That has been the most rewarding part of the job. I will certainly have to do something (once I retire) that keeps me working with people,” Sharpe said. The Wagener area native is a member of Berlin Baptist Church in Wagener and plans to serve her fellow congregants by providing transportation, companionship and other assistance as needed. While she looks forward to enjoying her retirement, which will be effective June 30, 2013, she also said she will miss being a part of the Treasurer’s Office team and seeing the changes scheduled to take place in Aiken County. Sharpe likely won’t get to work in the new Aiken County Complex, which will be built on University Parkway, but is excited that the public will be able to take advantage of a new feature at the new complex: an exterior pneumatic tube for dropping off payments. The feature will be accessible to everyone and should cut down on congestion in the Treasurer’s Office when tax payments are due. “We’d always thought about having that,” she said. Since 1997, she has overseen several changes in the Treasurer’s Office, including printing bar code scanners on tax bills, implementing one-stop vehicle tag renewals and the use of a lock box service to streamline the processing of payments. “We’ve known how Aiken County has grown since 1997; we could not physically handle the mail,” Sharpe said. The lock box service allows First Citizens to collect mail in the Treasurer Office’s post office box in Charlotte, N.C., endorse the checks, credit the pro-
WAGENER-SALLEY HONOR ROLLS
All A Honor Roll
Lee Ellen Fulmer. Denisha Rae’shael James, Kayley Ellen Kirkland, Dillon McCabe Overton, Amber Destiny Payne, Marquiece Lashon Sims, Charles Henry Tice, Cory Justin Waldroup, Sonora Benita-Jo Williams, Elizabeth Brielle Busbee, George Harley Gallop, April Michelle Jeffcoat, Christopher Carol Bumgardner, Charity Renee Bynem, Robert James Cole, Candace Marie Crumpler, Jordan Taylor Fraser, Rebecca Ruth Martin, Laura Catherine Stabler-Tindal, Jamie Elizabeth Swartz, Jerel Dorez Swedenburg, Shequavia Nyesha’ Tyler and David Omar Urizar Snipes, Whitney Nicole Tindall, Ty’Shelle Shantae Tyler, Joshua Troy Wooten, Marisa Sue Finlayson, Shamona Nicole Foulks, Reshonique Michelle Gleaton, Miranda Sarie’ Gunter, Preston McKinnley Hall, Alexi Marie Henry, Grayson Randolph Joye, Howard Venning Morrison, Michael Trent Rushton, April Ann Stratton, Ryan Lawrence Brown, Hunter Ashley Buff, Carmen Rebecca Cabezas, Bobby Gene Dalton Chavis, Joshua Furman Gambrell, Xavier DaQuandra Keitt, Michael Paul Landy, Vadarius Asantez Miles-Lambert, Keyonda Monquie Pontoo, Douglas Jared Smith, Robert Quincy Tyler, Meagan Danielle Waters, Shakayla Teairra Wells, Anthony Daniel Wiles, April Maria Adcock, Casey Edward Berry, Johniya La’Trel Bynem, Shanique Blessing Coleman, Rontravious Dey’Shawn Garvin, Dante D. Graham, Brandon Derrick Koon, Brandon Charles Paioni, Kaylee Celes Rushton, Tillman Campbell Rushton, Alyshia Kymbrli Scott, Kevin Dewayne Shumpert, Megan Michelle Swartz, Antavia Shalee Swedenburg, Crystal Breanna Thurmond, Alexia NaJay Toland, Mailaysia Cheyenne Tyler, Alexander Columbus Walker, Haley Johnette Williamson and Seba Alexander Williamson
A/B Honor Roll
Samuel Henry Clarke, Trey Martin Crosby, Tyriq Kaseim Miguel Davis, Michael Paul Frost, Shameka Nicole Fulmer, Basha Michelle Lanita Gaines, Kandace Marie Hutto, Teerah Kanesha Jackson, Shayla Teonna Jenkins, Mikayla Marie Jennings, Aaron Judge, Andrew Mitchell Pearson, Shakira Monique Perry, Dammion Jacob Pough, Aaron Lee
STAFF PHOTO BY HALEY HUGHES
SHE’LL HAVE A LOT MORE TIME ON HER HANDS: Aiken County Treasurer Linda Sharpe will retire effective June 30, 2013. She will not run for re-election this November.
“I like helping people. That has been the most rewarding part of the job. I will certainly have to do something (once I retire) that keeps me working with people.” LINDA SHARPE
Aiken County treasurer
cessed checks to an account and maintain an image archive of each check processed. Even though checks are being mailed to Charlotte, the processed checks still are applied to the proper account here. “We’ve made a lot of strides,” she said. “I go home feeling accomplished.” The filing period to run for the Aiken County treasurer position opens March 16. Haley Hughes has spent five years as the Aiken County government reporter with the Aiken Standard. Hughes, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, hails from Knoxville, Tenn.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 5
War Eagles’ best season in decades ends in 2nd round of playoffs
BY NOAH FEIT
[email protected]
McCORMICK — The best season the Wagener-Salley High School boys’ basketball team has had in the past 20 years came to an end on Feb. 17. The visiting War Eagles were blown out in the final 16 minutes of what had been a tie game at halftime, losing to McCormick 83-59 in the second round of the Class A Upper State playoffs. It was a game of runs, and in the first half, W-S (19-6) did a good job of executing its half-court offense in the game that was knotted at 31-all at the half. But the Chiefs (19-3) made an adjustment to their full-court press at intermission and that – along with a re-energized effort from All-State forward Terrance Bryant in the second half – was too much for the War Eagles to handle. “By halftime, we tied it up,” W-S coach Earl Seeley said of his team which used a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter to erase a double-digit deficit in spite of limited play from star center Rakeem Hicks, who was called for three fouls in the first half. “But McCormick cranked it up. We didn’t meet their intensity or their pressure.” The Chiefs, the No. 1 seed in their portion of the playoff bracket, opened the third quarter with a 6-0 run that included drawing the third foul on the War Eagles’ other prominent big man, forward R.J. Tyler. With W-S’s top two post players saddled with foul trouble, the middle of its defense was wide open – and McCormick took advantage. Bryant, who was held to seven points in the first half, consistently drove the ball into the paint, whether it was in half-court sets or on transition plays following a turnover. He scored 11 points in the third quarter and eight more in the fourth, finishing with a game-high 26 points. His twin brother, Torronce, the Chiefs’ go-to guy in the first half, also had success finishing around the rim and posted 21 points. “In the second half (W-S) started keying on Torronce, and
STAFF PHOTO BY NOAH FEIT
ADD TWO MORE: Wagener-Salley’s Rakeem Hicks (5) goes up for a dunk over Myah Walls in a 94-68 win over Lewisville in the first round of the Class A Upper State playoffs. Hicks scored a game-high 24 points in that game. Terrance took over. He got looks and knocked them down,” McCormick coach Miguel Burns said of the second-half surge that was predicated by defense. “We went to a different press, and it became a numbers game. We wore them down, and they didn’t have the energy to come back.” The switch to a 1-3-1 zone press befuddled W-S. It committed a number of turnovers, and when it broke the press, the pace of play had become so frenetic that it rushed shots and
never found the rhythm on offense it had in the first half. But even in the opening half, the Chiefs were able to build leads because of their domination of the boards. They outrebounded the War Eagles through a combination of hustle and knowing where to position themselves. “A big factor was rebounds and easy looks inside,” Seeley said of McCormick’s ability to extend possessions and create additional quality scoring opportunities. “Part of it was (W-S players) not boxing out and the position the ball came off the rim, it was long. We were in poor position, and rebounding killed us.” Only five War Eagles scored in the game, led by Andre Lilly’s 23 points. With Hicks on the bench with foul trouble in the first half, Lilly stepped up and scored 14 points in that period, hitting four 3-pointers in the game. In spite of his foul trouble, Hicks persevered and scored 16 points in his last high school game. The 6-foot-11 center is just part of a talented senior class that posted the most wins at W-S since 1993. “It was a helluva season,” Seeley said. “(The players) played hard all year long and did excellent. Not in my wildest dreams did I expect the season we had. ... These are kids I’ve been with four years. They rebuilt the program and should be proud.” WSHS McCormick 14 17 8 20 – 59 20 11 26 26 – 83
Wagener-Salley (19-6)–Rakeem Hicks 4 4-9 16, R.J. Tyler 3 0-2 7, Duane Davenport 1 3-6 5, Malcolm Stroman 4 0-0 8, Andre Lilly 9 1-3 23. Totals: 23 8-20 59. 3-Pointers: Lilly (4), Tyler. McCormick (19-3)–Terrance Bryant 12 2-4 26, Torronce Bryant 10 0-0 21, Jesse Wideman 4 1-1 9, Rickey Moore 7 1-1 15, Aaron Aiken 4 0-0 8, Reggie Garrett 2 0-0 4. Totals: 39 4-6 83 3-Pointers: Torronce Bryant.
2012 War Eagles Softball
March 6 – Blackville-Hilda – Home March 7 – Edisto – Away March 13 – Williston-Elko – Home March 15 – Fox Creek – Away March 16 – North – Away March 20 – HKT – Home
March 22 – Calhoun County – Away March 23 – RSM – Home March 27 – Blackville-Hilda – Away March 28 – Fox Creek – Home March 30-31 – Triple Crown Tournament – Aiken, SC March 30 – 5 p.m. vs. North Augusta 9:00 vs. Cardinal Newman March 31 – 12:30 p.m. vs. Blythewood April 9 – Edisto – Home
April 10 – Williston-Elko – Away April 12 – North – Home April 13 – HKT – Away April 16 – Calhoun County – Home April 19 – RSM – Away Head Coach: Veronica Brown Assistant Coach: Jennifer Starnes Principal: Pat Keating AD: Nick Pintz BOLDED GAMES ARE HOME
2012 War Eagle JV Softball
March 17 – Williston-Elko (doubleheader) – 10 a.m. – Home March 21– North (double-header) – 5 p.m. – Away * JV players will also play in some varsity games.
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6 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
March 27th is American Lovin’ life and the 2nd shift Diabetes Association Alert Day
BY JIM WEST
Columnist
Nearly 26 million Americans live with diabetes, yet 7 million of these people do not even know they have the blood sugar disease. To help prevent and diagnose diabetes in all Americans, March 27th is American Diabetes Association Alert Day, a call for people nationwide to take the new Diabetes Risk Test to determine if they are KATHY at risk for developing CRIST Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90 percent of cases and is on the rise in the United States. The Diabetes Risk Test is available in English and Spanish year-round at stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES. Participants are encouraged to take the test and share the free questionnaire with their social networks. Right at Home of the CSRA encourages everyone of any age to take the new Diabetes Risk Test. The questions are simple and quick, and you can participate with family members, friends, classmates and work colleagues to protect your health together. Generally, diagnosis occurs seven to 10 years after onset of the disease, leaving many people with debilitating and deadly complications, such as heart and kidney disease, blindness, stroke and amputation. Often, people with Type 2 diabetes have no symptoms of the disease, but common symptoms can include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue and irritability, frequent infections (particularly skin, gum
or bladder), blurred vision, cuts/bruises that heal slowly and tingling or numbness in the hands/feet. Leading risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes. Individuals in the following population segments face increased possibility for undiagnosed diabetes: older Americans (Diabetes risks increases with age; one out of every four Americans 65 and older has diabetes); certain ethnic populations including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders; and women who have had a baby of 9 pounds or more at birth. Individuals can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes through: a healthy weight – losing just 7 percent of body weight (15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) helps control diabetes; regular physical activity– exercise helps lower blood glucose and can decrease the need for insulin or diabetes pills; and healthy eating – diabetes.org offers meal and snack guidelines and flavorful recipes for diabetics and those prone to the disease. Right at Home provides care to residents of the Wagener area and the entire CSRA. They offer assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home is continually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective. To learn more about how Right at Home may help, contact Kathy Crist at (877) 227-3029 or visit us at www.rightathome. net/csra.
Some days I stop at a local restaurant for an early breakfast or for lunch. Frequently I joke with the employees about working with the public and about what they intend to do when their work at the restaurant is over for the day. Almost all of them speak of going to another job or of pressing matters at home that must be attended to. One person in particular comes in at 5 a.m. and works until 2 p.m. then hurries home to help with her beloved grandchildren. We all call it her second shift and joke about the great pay and financial rewards (zero)! Early one morning, as I walked outside the restaurant on my way to work, I saw a storm drain cover turned up sideways, and the mayor of our little town had a pressure washer stuck down in the drain trying to clean it out! Our mayor was not getting paid for his storm drain talents, but he had the same determination as the grandmother on her second shift! Throughout my day I see many people who are busying working on their own second shifts while holding down what they consider their main jobs elsewhere. Most of these people aren’t drawing any pay for working these “second shifts,” but, nonetheless, their contributions are very important. In most of these cases, the work these folks do on their second shifts is more important to our community and to their families than the hours they put in at their regular paying jobs! These “second shift” workers aren’t
seeking praise from others but reap their rewards from the personal satisfaction they receive from helping their families or serving their community. You and I have the power within ourselves to solve most of our daily problems. The power of thought and imagination, with a strong concentration of willpower, will always enable us to say, “Take notice and let it be done.” In other words, it won’t happen unless you make it happen! I have a friend I like to call “Mr. Lovin’ Life.” He always talks to me about his past life, and I like to call these conversations his “lovin’ life” stories. These stories are always about giving someone a new start or a new lease on life. Sometimes these stories are about believing in someone when they no longer believe in themselves or when they are plagued with self-doubt. My friend always closes his stories with the comment, “You know he didn’t have to do that!” I think of his stories constantly as I work with customers throughout each day. My philosophy is to remember what Mr. Lovin’ Life said and fight the good fight, finish the course and keep the faith. Remember “he or she didn’t have to do that for me.” Perhaps not, but they took the time to care. Mr. Lovin’ Life’s legacy is written, and he continues to live it as he reaches out to others who cross his path. Mr. Lovin’ Life, he never met a stranger that he can’t eventually help, and you and I should strive to follow in his footsteps!
PRT senior trip to Ridge Spring, Saluda will be held March 22
Aiken County PRT invites you to join us on a trip to the quaint towns of Saluda and Ridge Spring. We will visit: the Saluda County Museum, Flat Grove (home of Alamo hero James Butler Bonham), lunch at Juniper, shopping the downtown antique shops and Watsonia (peach farm). Call (803) 642-7559 to RSVP. The cost $20 per person for transportation. We will depart from the Courtney Center (in Wagener) at 8:45 a.m. and Aiken County PRT’s main office (in Aiken) at 9:15 a.m.
WAR EAGLE BASEBALL
2012 WSHS Baseball Schedule
March 1 – North (at Swansea) – 4:30
Regular Season
March 5 – at Edisto – 6:00 March 6 – Blackville-Hilda – 6:00 March 9 – at Fox Creek – 5:00 March 13 – Williston-Elko – 6:00 March 16 – at North – 5:00 March 20 – HKT – 6:00 March 22 – at Calhoun County – 5:00
March 23 – Ridge Spring-Monetta – 6:00 March 27 – at Blackville-Hilda – 4:30 March 30 – Fox Creek – 6:00 April 3 – at Jefferson Davis – 6:00 April 5 – Jefferson Davis – 6:00 April 9 – Edisto – 6:00 April 10 – at Williston-Elko – 4:30 April 12 – North – 6:00 April 13 – at HKT – 4:30 April 16 – Calhoun County – 6:00 April 19 – Ridge Spring-Monetta – 4:30 Games in bold are home games.
Trip to Pawley’s Island/ Georgetown County to be held
Aiken County PRT invites you to
join us on an overnight trip to Pawley’s Island and Georgetown County. Day 1: Tour Hopsewee Plantation (tea room and pre-revolutionary home), take a boat ride through Brookgreen Gardens, shop at the Hammock Shops, and end the night with dinner at Sea View Inn. Day 2: Roam the gardens of Mepkin Abbey before we have lunch and head home. Accommodations and Tours range from $145 to $205. All fees are inclusive. You are responsible for breakfast on Thursday, your shopping, and lunches. Payment plans are available. All monies are due by Monday, April 16. Call (803) 642-7559 to RSVP. We will depart from Aiken County PRT’s main office (in Aiken) at 7:15 a.m. and the Courtney Center (in Wagener) at 7:45 a.m.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 7
8 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
MISS CORBETT BEAUTY PAGEANT
On Friday, Feb. 3, Cyril B. Busbee A.L. Corbett Elementary Middle School held the fourth annual Miss Corbett Beauty Pageant. This year the boys were included to compete for Mr. Corbett. The theme of the pageant had the contestants sailing away on the S.S. Corbett. During the opening number, the contestants danced to the song,”Sea Cruise,” by Frankie Ford. They wore sailor-themed apparel. The girls changed their outfits two more times into business wear and formal wear. The boys changed their outfits two more times, as well, into casual wear and business/formal wear. During the wardrobe changes, the audience enjoyed the talents of several elementary students. Winners: Miss Sixth Grade: Brenna Kirkland, First Runner Up: Aubre Johns, Second Runner Up: Shelby Nisbet, Third Runner Up: Michaela Valentine, Miss Congeniality: Kambrie Whiteside, Miss Photogenic: Jabreeya Jenkins Mr. Sixth Grade: Kyle Hair, First Runner Up: Tanner Turner, Mr. Congeniality: Tanner Turner, Mr. Photogenic: Kyle Hair Miss Seventh Grade: TaMiya Ware, First Runner Up: Brianna Kirkland, Second Runner Up: Kimberly Rathburn, Third Runner Up: Karlee Scott, Miss Congeniality: Brianna Kirkland, Miss Photogenic: Daniele Fulmer
Miss Eighth Grade: Tialeisha Corley, First Runner Up: Halie Hutto, Second Runner Up: Morgan Foster, Third Runner Up: Malika Dunbar, Miss Congeniality: Shelby Bell, Miss Photogenic: Josephine Upchurch Mr. Eighth Grade: Daikel Scott-Mitchell, First Runner Up: Xavier Clemons Mr. Congeniality: Daikel Scott-Mitchell, Mr. Photogenic: McCoy Martin Mr. Corbett: McCoy Martin; Miss Corbett: Abigail Tindall
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10 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 11
DAR awards high school seniors with the Good Citizens award
BY ROB NOVIT
Johnnie Williams, the event was a bit of deja vu. McMurtrie’s older brother Wil won the Four Aiken County High DAR award in 2007 and is now School seniors are the 2011-12 a U.S. Naval Academy senior. DAR Good Citizens, selected Williams’ brother Justin also by the Henry Middleton chapter received the award in 2002 and of Daughters of the American went on to become the UniverRevolution. sity of South Carolina student The winners are Johnnie Wil- body president before attending liams of Aiken High School, law school there. Senora Williams of WagenerStewart is involved with the Salley High School, Justin honor societies, golf and track McMurtrie of Aiken Prep and at South Aiken. She’s espeKatherine Stewart of South cially proud of her role as the Aiken High School. Serteens team captain for Relay Stewart also won the chapFor Life. Her mother Erin is ter’s award for best essay on a cancer survivor who was the value of good citizenship. diagnosed about 10 years ago. The essay will move on to the Stewart didn’t understand much state competition. about the disease then. “The students are just won“I only really knew that Mom derful, and I’m so proud of all wasn’t here as much,” she said. of them,” said Cheryl Guynn, “I realized later how much it the DAR chapter’s regent. “As did affect us, how if she wasn’t a classroom teacher by profeshere, life would be so different. sion, I’m blown away about I’m really glad to be the team their accomplishments.” captain for my service club.” The Good Citizens awards are Senora Williams has spent based on scholarship, patriotism three summers in Orangeburg, and service. For McMurtrie and working as a summer volunteer [email protected] “I’m also the student body president and play baseball and track,” she said. “School is a big part of my life.” McMurtrie has visited his older brother at the Naval Academy, including the ArmyNavy game a few months ago. He hopes to attend the academy, as well, and has been accepted at Auburn. He serves as Aiken Prep’s basketball and soccer captain and plays golf, too. He’s the Student Council vice president and was the Beta Club president last year. Johnnie Williams had the prestigious honor of being elected as the state governor for Boys’ State last June. He’s also involved in the FCA and is considering walking on to play football at USC. He wants to major in nursing. “When Johnnie brought home the application from DAR, I was so glad he is following through the same motions as his brother,” Judy Williams said of her son. “That’s very satisfying as a parent.”
STAFF PHOTO BY ROB NOVIT
GOOD CITIZENS AROUND THE COUNTY: Winners of Henry Middleton DAR chapter’s Good Citizens awards are, from left, high school seniors Justin McMurtrie, Johnnie Williams, Senora Williams and Katherine Stewart. for a children’s evangelism program. She spends time at day care centers and other facilities to work with children.
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12 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Residents inspire man recovering A TEBOWING CONCERN
life together. In 2008, God started giving me words to write. I have written over 160 poems to date. With the help of an “on earth angel,” Cindy Johnson, who is my soulmate and companion, and Dee Taylor of the Wagener Monthly, my words are in the monthly paper every month. Ain’t God wonderful? The words God gives me to write are being read and helping others with their own struggles. They are also on the Internet, in churches, prisons, AA meetings, etc. I want to thank everyone who has made it possible to be very secure in my sobriety and also to all the people who make the Wagener Monthly who I’ve never met but keep putting my words out there so they might just help one lost soul. I am now 4 years, 14 weeks sober and loving life. You really haven’t lived until you’ve almost died. The power of God’s love opened my eyes so I could see. He will also do the same for you; all you have to do is ask. And remember the next time you see a guy in a T-shirt, tattered jeans, long hair and tattoos, don’t be so quick to judge. He might have a story of God’s love also. I’ll say it one more time – ain’t our God a wonderful God? And again, thank you to everyone who has made my struggle with life’s addictions easier! I have had this poem in here once before, but thought it was a good time to rerun it. I want to also thank everyone for their kind replies about my words I write. I give all of the glory to God. Remember to love your life and be thankful for what you have. God bless!
Unless you have been stranded on a deserted island, just returned from a trip to Mars or have no access to any form of media, you have heard of Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Sportscasters could not do a program without giving an update of Tim’s accomplishments on and off the football field. Tebowmania was born! Considering he was deep on the depth chart DR. TOMMY when the NFL season HUDDLESTON began, rumors surfaced that he may be traded to another team or cut. The way he responded revealed his character and his genuine faith in Jesus Christ. This allowed him to stay focused, humbled and driven to allow God to use him to make a difference in people’s lives. Maybe you are facing some type of adversity in your life. The same spiritual integrity revealed in Tim Tebow’s life is available to you. Embrace it! Keep your eyes on Who Jesus is in you. One lesson Tim Tebow teaches is to be ready when your opportunity comes. Preparation is important! Whether it is in your school, job, sports team or church, be prepared! Tebow could have sulked and been a distraction, but he chose to be a good teammate. He put the team above
My name is Brian M. Watts. I am a retired alcoholic and retired slave of Satan’s dope. In 2007, I OD’d in a crack house in Panama City Beach, Florida. On October 31, 2007, I saw the light. God’s love and the power of prayer brought me here to Wagener where my parents, Jim and Mary Collins, have lived for more than 20 years. BRIAN They have helped me WATTS and inspired me to be who I am today. God brought me here to this small town because he knew it would be good for my soul and recovery. The beginning of 2008, I built and sold bird houses and crafts. The kindness of Jim West and his wife at West Tire & Oil and also David Williams at the Feed & Seed let me set them in their businesses. David Robbins at Tyler Brothers kept my chainsaw running so I could stay warm – I have no furnace – and Judd Busbee at Busbee’s Hardware made sure I had hardware to fix a home that hadn’t been lived in for over 15 years, plumbing, electric, etc. Also, Heuwie & Doug Disher of Disher Performance always gave a helping hand when needed. What I’m saying is folks in a small town still care about others and try to help with nothing in return. Thank God for small towns. I had nothing when I got here – nothing but hope and knowing in my heart that this was the place to get my
ego, stayed positive when he was criticized and refused to take credit for accomplishments; therefore, endearing himself to his teammates. He valued each person’s contributions to the effort. We all could learn this lesson. Even though I am a Tim Tebow fan and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I have some trouble with what now is being called “Tebowing”. The media defines Tebowing as “to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.” Even Tim Tebow would agree that religious posturing is no guarantee that genuine prayer is taking place. God is not interested in the position of the body in prayer; rather the condition of the heart and one’s relationship with Him. Jesus says, “These people draw need to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8) There is no substitute for genuine prayer. If all a person has is religion, instead of a relationship with God, Tebowing will satisfy. Yet, many view Tebowing as a fad or an opportunity to mock Tebow’s faith. To the Christian, including Tim Tebow, prayer is a heartfelt conversation with God, and its power enables the believer to live out one’s faith regardless of the response of others. Prayer is an expression of relying on God. Religious posing is not praying! Praying is a personal conversation with God. Has He heard from you today?
MY SMALL TOWN
June 18, 2008 I think about this world, I’ve traveled all around There isn’t anything like the kindness from people in a small town With kindness in their hearts and a smile on their face Most people in a small town never wandered far from their place They always want to help and let you know they care The old guys seem to have knowledge, hunting stories they want to share Everyone should visit a small town, I know they really should It’s much different than a big city, walking through the woods Picking blackberries and plumbs, tilling the garden too Look at God’s nature and his beautiful sky so blue Most buildings are old, not many of them tall A lot of people will wave at you, Most of them say, Ya’ll I’ve been from California to Canada and Florida to New York City And there isn’t anything like a small town, If you’ve not been there, What a pity You can tell by my little rhyme, I’ve been all around But there isn’t anything like coming home to stay in Wagener, my small town
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 13
A TREE FOR MR. NORMAN
BY CAROLYN RUSHTON
The Wagener Garden Club and family of Norman Smith dedicated two maple trees and donated two beautiful white rocking chairs to the memory of Mr. Smith on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Listine G. Courtney Senior Center. If you knew Mr. Smith just the least bit, then you knew he was very much into his yard and gardening. The Senior Center was a big part of Mr. Smith’s daily activity for many years. Up until about a week before his passing on Feb. 14, 2010, he could be found here daily. After his death, his family requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Wagener Garden Club. They requested in the future a tree or trees be planted in his memory, at the Courtney Center. This place was a part of him and his life, which he enjoyed very much. All of us at the Courtney Center loved and thought so highly of “Mr. Norman,” and now daily we will be reminded of him through the gift of the maple trees and rocking chairs. A huge thank you to all involved in making this happen – the family of Mr. Norman
Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Casey, the members of the Wagener Garden Club and the Town of Wagener.
14 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
S.C. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Dear Friends: South Carolina’s top educator recently visited Wagener-Salley High School to get a first-hand look at improvements. I invited Dr. Mick Zais, South Carolina’s superintendent of education, to see for himself how the high school has gone from failure to being successful in a few short years. Principal Pat Keating briefed Superintendent Zais. REP. BILL He was joined by TAYLOR Aiken County School Superintendent Elizabeth Everitt and School Board Chairman Charlotte English. Dr. Zais was most impressed with the success of Wagener-Salley High School’s SUBMITTED PHOTO Freshman Academy, which is providSuperintendent Mick Zais learns how ing an intensive learning experience for Wagener-Salley High School teacher Kayla ninth-graders to insure they succeed in high school. Dr. Zais, a West Point gradu- Boatwright uses iPods for teaching. inform police agencies and residents ate and retired Army Brigadier General, when a law enforcement officer is seriapplauded the high school’s awardously injured, killed or kidnapped in the winning ROTC unit which has been line of duty. instrumental in creating an environment Teenage dropout/driving bill: The in which discipline and pride are contribhigh school dropout/driving bill has uting to school improvements. One-third advanced in the state senate receiving of the student body participates in the a positive vote from a committee. The ROTC program. House passed the bill in May of last year. Accolades for success also go to Principal Pat Keating. In my view, his hands- A 16- or 17-year-old high school dropout on, walk-the-hallway, first-person leader- would lose their driver’s license – an ship style is the driving force in inspiring incentive to stay in school and graduate. (Factoid: 65 percent of all jobs in South the faculty and students to excel. Carolina require a high school degree and The General Assembly has been in ses- some post high school education!) Driving/texting ban: A bill to ban sion for seven week and there is a lot to texting-while-driving will soon be debatreport. FOI Bill advances: The enhancements ed on the House floor. The legislation received unanimous committee approval. I’m proposing to the S.C. Freedom of I voted in favor of it. S.C. is one of only Information Act have been advanced by 8 states having no statewide driving texthe House Judiciary Committee and will ting ban. soon be debated by the entire House of Legislative agenda – success in the Representatives. The goal is to put teeth in S.C.’s FOI law and give the advantage House, not in the Senate: Last year, to citizens who seek information from the Republican members of the House government they pay for with tax dollars. unveiled an agenda that was expected to Port bill to face governor’s veto: The take two years to complete. We completed it in 19 weeks. Regrettably, the work is House unanimously voted to agree with only half done. There are still 14 items the Senate to a bill that says DHEC’s board overstepped its authority when it that need the approval of the Senate. granted Georgia permission that helped Included in these are important reforms: a clear the way for an expansion project at state spending limit, shortening the legisthe Savannah port which competes with lative session, reforming how bureaucratic the Charleston port. Gov. Haley says she regulations are created, creating a Departwill veto the bill; the General Assembly ment of Administration, and critical new will likely override the veto. pro-life protections. Please call your state Officer Down and the Blue Alert Sys- senator and urge him to break the logjams tem: Legislation has been approved by and pass these items before they die in the House and Senate that would create June at the end of the session and we have a “Blue Alert” system to more promptly to start all over again next year.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
FFA students from Wagener-Salley High School visited the Capitol recently with their adviser Allen Williams.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Superintendent (General) Mick Zais with the ROTC leaders at Wagener-Salley High School. GOP legislative agenda – looking ahead: The top item is systemic tax reform. I served on the Caucus tax study committee that will be introducing tax reform in the next few weeks. The goal is to create a fairer tax code. For starters, we will call for the elimination of nearly two-thirds of the special interest sales tax exemptions, flatten income taxes, lower the sales tax, reform property taxes, and lower burdensome taxes on small businesses. A key agenda item was completed this week with approval of the Right to Work Act. This legislation identified more than a half-dozen places where our Right to Work Act could be strengthened to protect our workers, and protect individual liberty. The next item on the agenda is shoring up the state retirement system, which threatens not only tens of thousands of state retirees and their families, but also threatens the wallets of millions of taxpayers. What is clear is this – we must make major changes to the system to keep it solvent. We also have a responsibility to the taxpayers to ensure the retirement system doesn’t bust the state budget for years to come. We are nearing completion of a plan that will fulfill our promises, and it will require sacrifice from everyone. Wagener-Salley H.S. FFA: Last week some of the areas ‘future farmers’ visited the State House to learn how their state government works. The students from Wagener-Salley H.S. visited the Capitol with their adviser Allen Williams. It was my honor to introduce the on the House floor as they looked on from the gallery. As always, thank you for the privilege of serving you. Should you have questions, comments or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 15
Man shows strong spirit after tornado ruins home
BY ROB NOVIT
[email protected]
His home near Wagener was destroyed by a tornado during Friday’s severe storm, but Vivraschi “Pete” Aversa, 87, was philosophical and for good reason. “If I had been in the living room, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I’m thankful I was in the kitchen because I would not want to be disabled or killed.” Family members and friends were helping Aversa sort through the rubble and salvage what they could. Despite a tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service Friday morning, the extent of the hail, wind and rain that arrived in Aiken around 12:30 p.m. caught nearly everyone by surprise. The Weather Service’s Tina Morrison said on Friday that the storm emerged from moist, unstable air and strong winds that came in front of a cold front. Before the storm hit, “I had gone shopping and got home about 11:45 a.m.,” Aversa said. “I was putting the food in the refrigerator when it hit.” The tornado took most of the roof off, except for the kitchen and the garage. It knocked over Aversa’s truck in front of the shed, but, amazingly, the shed remained undamaged. That’s a good thing, said S.C. Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, who visited Aversa at his residence Saturday. “That’s his stuff, all his tools and machinery, and they didn’t get touched,” Taylor said. “He has an amazing spirit. He lost all these material goods but makes it clear to everyone that all he wants from this is that he’s alive and all those things can be replaced. He’s grateful for that.” Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard’s education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001. He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.
Want to help?
Volunteers are needed to help Pete Aversa. • A few people willing to walk the woods to try to find family photos (especially of his wife) • Fire wood – Mr. Aversa and his son are staying in a metal shed for the time being and they need dry wood for a wood burning stove. If you can help out, contact Valerie Sliker.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Pete Aversa, 87, stands in front of what’s left of his home near Wagener after a tornado struck the residence during the severe storm and wind that hit Aiken County Friday. Aversa was inside his home at the time and says he’s lucky to be alive.
16 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
WAGENER WOMEN’S WELL
BY DIANNE
UPCOMING EVENTS
Blood drive will be held at WUMC on Saturday, March 24
A blood drive will be held at Wagener United Methodist Church, 153 Columbia Road, Wagener, on Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be held at Berlin Baptist Church on Saturday, March 24 at 5 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. The cost includes meal and see brides and grooms from the past renew their wedded bliss!
The Women’s Well prayer warriors set aside a special time on Thursdays after our lunch- time meal to pray for the needs in our community and others. Most of the prayer requests concern financial needs, illness and personal issues. Occasionally, some burdens come our way that really touches our hearts. A friend’s niece was pregnant with her first child diagnosed with Down syndrome. This tiny baby touched all our hearts deeply. Not only did this precious gift from God have Down syndrome, but she also has two holes in her tiny heart. Julianne Peterson is now 3 months old and was scheduled for surgery at MUSC in Charleston on Monday, Feb. 20, and is awaiting results. Julianne Peterson We are praying for a miracle believing that God is the giver of miracles. Many peo- to Lavern and her patience with me, all our ple just like the Women’s Well are praying crafts and quilts will soon be visible to all for Julianne. The one thing we (prayer warfor purchase. riors) all share in common – we love Jesus Jean Redcay has made it possible for and the ones Jesus loves. many of her beautiful handmade quilts to be If you would pray for little Julianne Peter- up for sale on our website. Her skilled/artful son in your churches, prayer groups and creations speak volumes of her talent and your quiet times, I know her parents would generous heart. We also have many of Jean’s greatly appreciate it. Stephanie and Mitch quilt on display at the Women’s Well. are so in love with their daughter and Jesus. Marian Fullard is leading our Tuesday We will soon be up and running on our morning Bible study in James. She personwebsite, www.christcentralwagener.org, sell- ally invites all women to come join us. It is ing quilts and craft items. Lavern James has never too late to join in. Our study starts at been instrumental in making this happen. I 10:30 a.m. and ends at noon, followed by a cannot begin to thank her enough. She and covered dish luncheon. Our fellowships are her son Alex have collaborated with me end- joy filled. less hours how to build this website. Thanks Until next month, be blessed.
Clinton United Methodist Belles & Beaus consignment to hold missions fundraiser event will be held March 16-18 Clinton United Methodist Young
The Belles & Beaus Children’s Consignment spring/summer event will be held Friday through Sunday, March 16-18, at Ball Park Road gym in Lexington. Times will be Friday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from this sale, as well as donations, go to benefit families in crisis in Lexington County. Visit www.babsc.com for more information. Adults will hold missions fundraiser on Saturday, March 17 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Wagener Pavilion on Railroad Avenue E. across from Tyler Brothers. There will be BBQ chicken plates available, as well as a bake sale.
Hollow Creek Fire Department to hold dirt bike event Mar. 3-4
Hollow Creek Fire Department presents free fun and good food at the dirt bike event – Saturday, March 3, beginning at 11 a.m. and Sunday, March 4, beginning at 10 a.m., at Hollow Creek Fire Department, 858 Hollow Creek Road. Admission is free.
Berlin Baptist will offer a wedding bliss fundraiser
Renewing Wedding Bliss Fundraiser
Four former recipients to be included in selection committee for the Robert J. Collier Trophy
BY ALLISON TYLER
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that former Collier Trophy recipients Dick Rutan (1986), Joe Lombardo (Gulfstream – 2003), Bobby Sturgell (ADSB – 2008) and Jeff Pino (Sikorsky Aircraft – 2010), will be among the aviation leaders who will participate in the Selection Committee for the 2011 Robert J. Collier Trophy. In addition, NAA released the list of nominees as well as the entire Selection Committee membership. The nominees are: Boeing 787 Dreamliner, C-5M Super Galaxy, The Gamera HumanPowered Helicopter and Taurus G-4 ElectricPowered Aircraft. The Collier Trophy, the “Greatest Award in Aviation,” has been the benchmark of aviation and aerospace achievement for over 100 years. Awarded annually “… for the greatest
achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America,” it has been bestowed upon some of the most important projects, programs, individuals, and accomplishments in our nation’s history. Past winners include the crews of Apollo 11 and Apollo 8, the Mercury 7, Scott Crossfield, Elmer Sperry and Howard Hughes. Projects and proTYLER grams which have been the recipient of the Collier include the B-52, the Polaris Missile, the Surveyor Moon Landing Program, the Boeing 747, the Cessna Citation, the Gulfstream V, the F-22, and the International Space Station. The 2010 Collier was awarded to the Sikorsky X2 Technology Demonstrator Team. Allison Tyler is the president of the Soaring Society of America and Perry hosts the Region 5 North Sailplane Championships in Perry (Perry International Airport SC95), the largest attended competition in the U.S. This year’s event will be held April 16-21, and spectators are welcomed at no charge. For more information, visit www. letsgogliding.com.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 17
ENGAGEMENT
Blanton – Caesar
Allison Carole Blanton and Matthew Daniel Caesar
Robert and Gloria Blanton of Modoc, SC announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison Carole Blanton of Aiken, SC to Matthew Daniel Caesar of Aiken, SC, a son of Roland and Susan Caesar of Orangeburg, SC. The wedding is planned for October 13, 2012, at Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Augusta, GA. The bride-elect is a maternal granddaughter of Mrs. Louise Steadman and the late Weldon Steadman Sr. of Wagener, SC, and a paternal granddaughter of Mrs. Eunice Cates and the late Carol Blanton of Wagener, SC. She is a 2000 graduate of South Aiken High School. She is a graduate of USCA with a degree in Business Administration. She is employed by Floyd & Green Jewelers. The bridegroom-elect is a maternal grandson of the late Nicholas and Leona D’Ulisse of Philadelphia, PA, and a paternal grandson of Mrs. Antoinette Manning and the late Dominic Caesar of Willow Grove, PA. He is a 2002 graduate of Orangeburg Christian Academy. He is a graduate of Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology with a degree in Jewelry Technology. He is employed by Floyd & Green Jewelers.
18 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
WSHS FFA WEEK
FFA Week is truly what it says. It is all about the FFA, and tons of events are planned. This year FFA Week fell upon Feb. 19-25. For Wagener-Salley the events began Tuesday, Feb. 21 with the Annual Appreciation Luncheon. Plenty of businessmen and women from Wagener, Salley and Perry came to the school and enjoyed a barbecue lunch and socialized with one another. The purpose of the lunch was to show our appreciation to everyone who supports the FFA. Wednesday, Feb. 22 was Legislative Day at the State House. Wagener-Salley students got to meet S.C. Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, and were present for a ceremony. Wagener-Salley has its Career Day on Thursday, Feb. 23, which the FFA put together. It was a successful day, and the FFA was very appreciative of all of the adults who came and shared their knowledge and time with the students of Wagener-Salley. Ending the events was a skating party on Thursday night with other schools. WagenerSalley put on the event, and it was a great opportunity to socialize and celebrate the ending of a wonderful week. FFA officers and members were very pleased with how the week went and can’t wait to see what next year’s FFA Week will have in store for them.
WSHS ROBOTICS
Wagener-Salley High School’s Robotics team has been having a wonderful time getting ready for their First Tech Challenge competition, Bowled Over! For this year’s challenge, competitors must build a robot that is able to pick up small racquetballs, stack small crates and move a bowling ball up onto an elevated scoring zone to attempt to score as many points as possible. In addition to these requirements, a competitor may have an autonomous mode or hands-free computer control period, where a program is set up to make the robot maneuver by itself to score points. A special thanks goes out to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions for another generous donation of $1,500 for this academic year. The money will be used to register the team with US First, purchase parts and the 2012 FTC Kit, as well as register for the competition on March 17 at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. The team will be competing with 26 other teams from across the state of South Carolina. The team would also like to thank their local sponsors: Tyler Brothers Hardware, Alberta Wasden, Brown’s General Insurance, Wagener Milling, Bits N Pieces, Davis & Patty Shull and Russell’s Pizza. The team consists of seniors Dillon Overton and Andrew Murray, juniors Nina Overton and Marisa Finlayson, and freshmen TC Rushton, Daniel Overton and David Urizar.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 19
STAFF PHOTOS BY HALEY HUGHES
The library now has more reading and meeting space, more computers and a new self-checkout station at the circulation desk.
LIBRARY
CONTINUED FROM 1
installed by the street in memory of Nancy. The library now boasts a larger reading area, meeting space, more computer stations and a self-checkout station at the circulation desk. The project was funded through round two of the Capital Projects Sales Tax program. Nancy was manager of the Wagener library for more than 30 years. Early in her library career, the library was housed in the town’s old jail. When the library opened on Park Journey Claire Rushton, 3, picks out “How Do Street, the Town of Wagener honored Nancy Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?” by naming it after her. County Council Chairman Ronnie Young a government gives force to public opinion, said the library is a real asset to the Town of it is essential that public opinion should be Wagener, and S.C. District 26 Sen. Nikki Set- enlightened.’ What was true in 1796 is true zler said libraries are “tremendously importoday. In this library, parents will help their tant in our everyday lives and in the develop- children learn to read. Children will learn ment of our society.” self-sufficiency. Our state and culture will be David Groble, director of the South Caroenriched. A library is not just another building lina State Library, said in his remarks that in town. A library demonstrates a communilibraries are more important now than ever. ty’s respect for the past, delight in the present “South Carolina illiteracy is a cancer that’s and hope for the future.” feasting on our state’s future. We know that Three-year-old Journey Claire Rushton citizens who cannot read tend to be unemrode by the library every day with her grandployed, do not vote, do not volunteer, do not mother, Jo Rodgers, to watch the building’s engage in civic discourse. Our democracy, progress. Rushton is a library regular, Rodour freedom, our future depends on an edugers said. cated populace,” Groble said. “In his 1796 “She gets to count 10 books. She’s been so farewell address, George Washington said, excited about it opening,” Rodgers said. ‘Promote then as an object of primary imporRushton picked out “How Do Dinosaurs tance institutions of the general diffusion of Love Their Cats?” as a book she would like knowledge. In proportion as the structure of to check out.
20 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
GIRL SCOUT TROOP 1055
Scouts celebrate World Thinking Day; adult volunteers are needed
The Girl Scout Troop 1055 from Wagener attended World Thinking Day on Saturday, Feb. 18. The Wagener troop represented the decade of the 1990s with a display board showing all the things that were specifically produced in the 1990s decade. The girls toured all the displays from the other troops from 1912 to the future. They enjoyed foods prepared by each troop representing each decade. The Wagener troop shared Oops All Berry Captain Crunch cereal as it was originally produced in the 1990s. Throughout the morning, the girls enjoyed playing games, making paper dolls, and learning how to make knots. They ended the day by mingling with the other troops exchanging their SWAPS and making new friends. This month the girls enjoyed a Teddy Bear Tea Party. They dressed up and brought their favorite stuffed animal along for the party. The girls enjoyed sweet tea, subs, cookies, cupcakes, and chips. They were each awarded and presented their patches that they have earned since December. On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Girl Scout cookies arrived in Wagener via Allied Van Lines. Please be reminded that if you preordered cookies that the girls began their deliveries on Thursday. The cookies are $3.50 per box. If you missed the preorders, don’t worry, cookie booth sales begin in March. Look for the girls around the local area businesses! Please support our local Wagener troop. Attention: Adults, we need you. Our troop has grown to 30 girls. We don’t want to turn any away due to not having enough adult participation. Please volunteer! Meetings are each Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Courtney Center, excluding the first Monday of each month.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 21
22 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 23
AL-ANON
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is widely recognized as a disease of compulsive drinking, which can be arrested, but not cured. It is a progressive illness, which will get only worse as long as the person continues to drink. Total abstinence from drinking is the only way to arrest the disease. Alcoholism affects the entire family; indeed, everyone who has contact with the alcoholic is affected. Unfortunately, the only person who can stop the alcoholic from drinking is the alcoholic himself or herself. disease affects all those who have a relationship with a problem drinker. Those of us closest to the alcoholic suffer the most, and those who care the most can easily get caught up in the behavior of another person. We react to the alcoholic’s behavior. We focus on them, what they do, where they are, how much they drink. We try to control their drinking for them. We take on the blame, guilt, and shame that really belong to the drinker. We can become as addicted to the alcoholic, as the alcoholic is to alcohol. We, too, can become ill. come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
Will anyone say I’ve been there?
One of the Al-Anon program’s basic principles is that of anonymity. Meetings are confidential, and we do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings to anyone.
How do I find a meeting?
Local meetings: Monday Nights at 7:00 PM Wagener United Methodist Church, 153 Columbia Highway, Wagener, SC; Saturday Nights at 8:00 PM Saron Baptist Church, Wagener, SC
How much is this going to cost?
There are no dues or fees in Al-Anon and Alateen meetings. Most groups pass a basket for voluntary contributions. Members are asked to contribute what they can afford, so that the group can pay rent, provide literature, and offer support to local and worldwide service centers.
Who are alcoholics?
They could be anyone, from all backgrounds and walks of life. Over 95 percent of alcoholics have families, friends, and jobs. They may function fairly well, but some part of their life is suffering. Their drinking causes a continuing and growing problem in their lives, and the lives they touch.
How will Al-Anon help me?
Many who come to Al-Anon/Alateen are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help. In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We
Who are the members of Al-Anon?
Al-Anon and Alateen members are people just like you and me–people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. They are parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers, sisters, other family members, friends, employers, employees, and coworkers of alcoholics. No matter what our specific experience has been we share a common bond: we feel our lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Is this a religious fellowship?
Al-Anon Family Groups is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. We avoid discussion of specific religious doctrine, and members of all faiths (or of none) are welcome. Our Twelve Steps ask us to find a “Power greater than ourselves” who can help us solve our problems and find serenity. Each member is free to define that power in his or her own way.
How do alcoholics affect families and friends?
Alcoholism is a family disease. The
24 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
TEACHINGS AND MINISTRY AT CHRIST CENTRAL INSTITUTE
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The students, staff, faculty, and friends of Christ Central Institute are enjoying the teachings and ministry of Pastor Jimmy Jones each Sunday at 6 p.m. The meetings are being held in the dinning hall at the new Community Missions Resource Center.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 25
MAYOR
CONTINUED FROM 1
When one uses prescription drugs for something other than their prescribed use, that’s abuse – whether you do it one time or one hundred times. Documented statistics show that close to twenty percent of people over the age of 12, have used prescription drugs for non-medical, recreational purposes, to feel better get “high” or party. It has become easy for abusers to “pharm” prescriptions drugs. This is commonly a practice of taking handfuls of drugs from family members or those close to them, with no respect for their condition or genuine medical need. About 25 percent of all 12th graders report that they used Vicodin without a prescription, and more than seven percent report using OxyContin, and these are just two drugs. The most common targets are strong painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyCon-
You can help by providing information directly to the Wagener Police Department, Aiken County Sheriffs Office or CrimeStoppers at (888) CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
tin and Percocet, but the use of tranquilizers and stimulants is increasing as well. Working in the medical field at a major trauma center, many times I witnessed the consequences of both unintentional misuse and intentional abuse of prescription medications. Those abusers who become addicted have only two options available, get help and recover – or die. Too bad those folks with terminal illness’s such as cancer or heart disease don’t have the same electives available to save their life. Working as a mayor I have seen the detriment to the community, its families, businesses and individuals. Please contact me directly, the staff at Town Hall, or the Wagener Police Department for confidential assistance should you, a friend or loved one realize the need and will willingly accept help in referral for a drug related problem. The issue of the illegal prescription / illicit drugs, abuse and related crime in our community is a priority, and will be dealt with firmly, to the fullest extent provided by our laws. We are making significant progress in this battle, and you can help by providing information directly to the Wagener Police Department, Aiken County Sheriffs Office or CrimeStoppers at (888) CRIME-SC (888-274-6372). You may be eligible to receive a significant reward for confidential information provided to CrimeStoppers.
OBITUARIES
Charles ‘Rusty’ Williams
to see them?’ We just want to make sure people get the care they need.” Garde agreed to move his practice into CONTINUED FROM 1 the clinic to be joined by Dr. William Clark. Garde is a retired surgeon and currently The clinic, which was built by the Town practices general medicine. of Wagener in the late 1950s, was reno“I have always been interested in vated with the help of many who regularly Wagener. I like their approach. It’s the stayed past midnight to get the job done. same as my approach to provide health Much of the equipment and furniture care,” said Garde. “It hurts you to see was federal surplus. The clinic officially someone make that much effort to get to opened on Feb. 1. one place (their doctor’s office). If people “Knowing their place is here, people were willing to drive to see me (in Lexwill sleep better,” Miller said. ington), I asked, ‘Why can’t I drive myself The clinic, located at 120 Louie Drive
MEDICAL
in Wagener, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and open a half-day on Friday. Patients are encouraged to call ahead to make an appointment to cut down on their waiting time. The clinic’s number is (803) 564-8803.
SPRINGFIELD, S.C. — Funeral services for Charles Russell “Rusty” Williams, 50, of Springfield, SC was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at Dean Swamp Baptist Church in Springfield with the Rev. Dalton Ward officiating. Burial was in the Williams Family Cemetery in Springfield. Rusty passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012. Memorial contributions may be made to Dean Swamp Baptist Church P.O. Box 567 Springfield, SC 29146 or The Aiken SPCA 401 Wire Rd. Aiken, SC 29801. Born in Orangeburg County, SC, he was a son of Donnie Williams and the late Barbara Dyches Williams. Rusty retired from SRS and was a member of Dean Swamp Baptist Church. Survivors include his dad of Springfield, fiancée Kyle Strickland, of the home; daughter, Taylor Williams of Springfield; sons, Jason Williams and Jesse Williams of Pascagoula, Miss.; grandson, Nathan Russell Williams; sisters, Cyndi (Eddie) Reed and Julie (James Ray) Gartman of Springfield; brother, Don (Patty) Williams of Jacksonville, Fl.; nieces, Meghann Williams, Torie Gartman, Allyson Gartman and nephew, Matthew Williams. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.
Aiken County Councilmember District 1
KATHY RAWLS
419 Lake Amelia Rd Wagener, SC 29164 803-564-5435 (Home) Email: [email protected]
AS31-702101 1
26 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012
OBITUARIES
Adair ‘Daisy’ McDonald Judge
January 14, 1916 – January 23, 2012 WAGENER — Mrs. Adair “Daisy” McDonald Judge, 96, entered into rest Monday, January 23, 2012. Mrs. Judge is survived by her children; Walter “Buddy” Judge (Arlene) of Wagener, Maureen Lawrence (James) of Fairview Heights, IL, and Kevin Judge (Ellen) of Delray Beach, FL, grandchildren; Karen Morrissey-Judge, Kevin Walter Judge, James Ryder Lawrence, Jr., and great grandchildren;Aaron Deward Judge, Kelsey Rose Morrissey and Veronica Morrissey. Mrs. Judge was the daughter of the late Vincent and Lorretta O’Brien McDonald. She was also preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Services for Mrs. Judge were held on Friday, Jan. 27, at 10 am in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale, Florida. Kraeer Funeral Home, 1 North State Road 7 in Margate, Fla., assisted the family in Florida.
McCullom, Johnny Shiffner, Frank Sandy, Gerad Blume, Lee Ricard and Gerald Blume.
Frederick ‘Fred’ Henry Pitt
April 11, 1937 – January 25, 2012 PELION — Mr. Frederick “Fred” Henry Pitt, 74, ended his battle with cancer Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Mr. Fred is survived by his wife of 46 years; Geraldine “Jeri” Monroe Pitt, and his children; Michelle Kilgore and Lee Bennett Pitt. Mr. Fred was born in San Antonio, Texas the son of the late Frederick Horne and Bernadine Hope Pitt. He was also preceded in death by sister; Ann Pitt and brother; Bobby Pitt. Mr. Pitt was a Veteran of the U. S. Army (Command Sergeant Major, Retired) having served three tours in Vietnam. Services for Mr. Fred were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors.
Arthur Thomas ‘Tommy’ Martin Sr.
July 10, 1957 – January 30, 2012 SALLEY — Ms. Angela Naomi Gleaton Still, 54 went to be with Jesus Monday, January 30, 2012. Ms. Still was the loving mother of; Shannon G. Reynolds, Jason (Mandy) Still, and Amanda S. Anderson, grandmother; Nickolas, Candace, Summer, Olivia, Vivian, Stormy, Hannah and Taylor, sister of; Wayne Gleaton, Tammy Wood and Jessie B. Gleaton, and many nieces and nephews that she adored. Her special friend was Gene. Her special cousin was Connie. She was formerly married for 33 years to Dean Still. She held a special place in her heart for a special person. Ms. Still had the greatest love for the Lord. She was a member of Salley Baptist Church and held a special place in her heart for her pastor; Henry Cooper. With much pride, her children have a secured hope and peace knowing she is now with her Savour. Ms. Still’s answer to life’s problems was “Let go and let God.” Ms. Still was a gifted and extraordinary artist. Her works were amazing. She loved gardening flowers. She loved taking pictures, scrap booking and going down memory lane. She was also an amazing cook. Ms. Still loved flea marketing at the crack of dawn. Line dancing with her daughters brought her much joy. Shannon’s goofiness could always make her laugh. She had a special love for her only baby boy – Jason. She was blessed to have had the very best friend in the world, her youngest daughter – Amanda K. Anderson. They shared everything. They laughed and cried. They were each others rock. She gave everything she had to take care of her mother the past five years. Ms. Still was a proud member of the Pee Dee Beaver Creek Indian Tribe. She got to travel to almost every Southern state at the beginning of her marriage. Ms. Still looked at her grandchildren with so much pride and joy. She was blessed to have been with her daughters through each of their children births. She loved her Lord and loved life with all she was. Even through the heartache, pain and struggle which is there no more. She was a beautiful woman and her life was a beautiful work of art. The service was held on Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Chapel of Blizzard Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Henry Cooper officiating. Burial followed in the Springfield Cemetery.
Angela Naomi Gleaton Still
November 21, 1954 – January 28, 2012 SWANSEA — Memorial service for Mr. Arthur Thomas “Tommy” Martin Sr., 57, was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in the chapel of Blizzard Funeral Home, 163 Main Street S., Wagener. Mr. Martin died Saturday, January 28, 2012. Born in Lexington, S.C., he was a son of the late Arthur Leo Martin, Betty Poston and step-father Carl Larry Mathias. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother; Jerry Martin and nephew; Willard “Will” Rabon. Mr. Martin was a musician and songwriter for more than 40 years. He was a member of The Night Vision Band where he played bass guitar and was a vocalist. Surviving is his loving wife, Patricia Martin of Swansea; daughters, Tonya Wooten (Kenneth) of Swansea and Ashley Pichey (Paul) of Lexington; son, Arthur T. “T.J.” Martin Jr. (Kayla Jones) of Pelion; sisters, Martha “Sissy” Rabon and Peggy Wooten of Lexington and Lisa New of Cordova; brother, Dwain Mathias of Lexington; 10 grandchildren, Alexandrea Farley, Gene (Frankie) Folk, Summer Pichey, Brianna Pichey, Arthur “Thomas” Martin III, Austin Farley, Rosie Pichey, Travis (DJ) Dinkins, Cierrah Wooten and Damien Dinkins, also a number on nieces and nephews, uncle Preston (Joyce) Martin and Robert “RG” (Janelle) Martin, and his band brothers and sister, Ben Wren, Diane Blume, Regan
July 7, 1962 – February 12, 2012 WAGENER — Mr. Dale Francis Helmuth, 49, entered into eternal rest, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012. Dale is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sharon Wengerd Helmuth; children, Derrik (Nikol) of Williston, Brandon, Justin, Ashley and Shana Helmuth all of Wagener; mother, Martha Helmuth; sisters, Twila Yoder of Estacada, Oregon, Judy Halteman of Cleveland, NC, Waneta Dawn, Jewel Zook, Jean Zook and Carol Helmuth, all of Kalona, Iowa. Dale was born in Washington, Iowa the son of Martha Hochstedler Helmuth and the late Christian J. Helmuth. He was a member of New Life Mennonite Church of Springfield. SC. The funeral service was held Thursday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. at New Holland Mennonite Church with Pastors Mel Sweigart and Val Miller officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the New Life Mennonite Church at P.O. Box 416 Springfield, SC 29146.
Dale Francis Helmuth
www.TaylorSCHouse.com [email protected]
AS31-641874
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012 • Wagener Monthly ■ 27
Wendy Rawls Yon Byrd
January 24, 1972 – February 17, 2012 SALLEY — Mrs. Wendy Rawls Yon Byrd, 40, entered into rest Saturday, Feb. 17, 2012. Wendy is survived by her husband, Robert Dallas Byrd; children, Heather (Jon) Tiedman and Matthew Wesley Yon; grandson, Bentley Eric Tiedman; grandfather, Arthur B. “Skeet” Rawls Sr.; and aunts, uncles and cousins. Wendy was the daughter of the late Wilbur W. and Helen Poole Rawls. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, was held at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Blizzard Funeral Home. Burial was in the Wagener Cemetery.
Thomas E. Brown Jr.
March 10, 1941 – February 9, 2012 Mr. Lawrence Landy Jr., 70, son of the late Lawrence Clifton and Maggie S. Landy departed this life February 9, 2012, at Aiken Regional Medical Centers after an brief illness. Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Dorothy R. Landy of the home, one son, Lawrence Landy III, three daughters, Carolyn Bucket of Wagener, SC, Mary E. James of Aiken, SC, and Cassandra Landy from the home; Five sisters, Katie Lashley and Mildred (Rev. Everette) Chandler of Salley SC, Luerine (Eddie) Green and Sallie (Oscar)Stroman of Aiken, SC and Mary L. Brown of Augusta GA; two brothers, Authur P. Landy of Columbia, SC and James R. Landy of Aiken, SC. Services were held on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Antioch Bibleway Church in Wagener, SC with interment following in the church cemetery.
Lawrence Clifton ‘Jug’ Landy
March 16, 1931 – February 19, 2012 WAGENER – Mr. Thomas E. Brown, Jr., 80, entered into rest Sunday, February 19, 2012. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Williams Brown; children, Thomas E. “Tommy” Brown III and his wife Sue, Timothy Allen “Tim” Brown and Anne Brown Linder and her husband Willie; grandchildren, Mark Bullard Jr. and his wife Sonal, Melanie Mitchell and her husband Michael, Laura A. Wise, Robbie Wise and Josh Ryder; and brothers, Courtney (Roseann) Brown and Koster (Gaynelle) Brown. Mr. Brown was the son of the late Thomas Elton Brown Sr. and Ruth Courtney Brown. He was also preceded in death by a brother; Bill Brown. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Wagener. Mr. Brown was a Korean War Veteran of the U. S. Marines. He was a member of Cedar Lodge No. 184 of the Free Masons and a York Shriner of the Jamil Temple. He was a Manufacturer’s Representative for 45 years other than a short span when he was co-owner of a heating and air business. Mr. Brown was also vice president of Tomaco, Inc. dba Pelion and Perry Eldercare. The funeral service was held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, at First Baptist Church of Wagener with the Revs. Philip Turner and Dave Robinson officiating. The Committal Service was held at the Poole Cook Cemetery with military honors and Masonic rites.
Oct. 31, 1959 – Feb. 14, 2012 God saw the road was getting long and the hills were becoming hard to climb. So on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, he saw fit to gently close her weary eyes and reclaim her as his own. She departed this life at home surrounded by love. Cynthia Darlene Davis, 52, was born in Lexington, S.C., on Oct. 30, 1959, to the late Edward “Ed” and Geraldine C. Spencer Davis. From this union she also had six siblings, and together the seven got in to plenty of mischief. Cynthia attended Lexington High School where she graduated in 1976. After she graduated she went to modeling school and also studied at Midlands Technical College. Later in life she was blessed with two beautiful daughters Johnsey and Jessica Davis and two lovely grandchildren, Sanaa and Robert Davis Jr. Cynthia leaves to cherish her loving memories: two daughters, Johnsey L. Davis and Jessica D. Davis; her mother Geraldine Spencer Davis; three brothers, Edward M. (Wendy) Davis, Vincend (Michelle) Davis, and Ervin Davis; two grandchildren, Sanaak Davis, (who affectionately called her Nana) and Robert J. Davis Jr.; a special friend, Gerry Anderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Cynthia was preceded in death by her father, Edward “Ed” Daves; two brothers Randy Spencer and April 20, 1928 – February 21, 2012 Harvey Davis; and a sister, Margaret Green. Funeral services were held Sunday, Feb. 19, Lydia Bodie Jackson entered into rest Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at Agape Hospice in Columbia, 2012, at 3 p.m. at the New Mount Zion AME Church, 103 Cromer Road, Lexington, SC SC, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 83 years old. with the Rev. Julia S. Tillman presiding. Mrs. Jackson was born in Aiken County, the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Dorothy Brown Bodie. Lydia is survived by her children, Dottie (Bill) Hames of Lexington, SC, and William “Jimbo” Jackson of Salley; her sister and brother-in-law, Sallie B. and Brodus Yon; her grandchildren, Jennifer Fortune, April (Gregg Talente) Hames, Shelly Jackson and Jason Hames; great-grandchildren, Mallory, Meagan and Jack; her niece, Maxine Meetze; greatnephew, Glen Tindal; special nephews Teddy and Ross Jackson and countless friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, William E. Jackson Sr.; daughter-in-law, Barbara Jackson; brother, Norman Bodie; sister, Helen B. Adams; and brother-in-law, Legare Jackson. Her joy came from knowing that through Jesus’ death and resurrection she will be united with Him as well as her departed friends and family she has missed for so long. She was ready to be united with the love of her life, William E. Jackson Sr., again. She now rests with Jesus and her sweet William, free of pain, loneliness and confusion. Praise God! To Him be the glory! Lydia spent all of her life in the Berlin Community of Salley, S.C. She loved and cherished her family and friends, always making them laugh when she was around. She lived a happy and fulfilled life as a farmer’s wife, mother, grandmother, Sunday School teacher and friend to anyone who would visit their farm. She retired from her career at Wagener Manufacturing Company after more than 40 years of service. A service in celebration of Lydia’s life was held at Berlin Baptist Church, 424 Crossthorn Road, Salley, SC, on Friday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 141 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210 or Hospice Care of Tri County, 105 Rodriguez, Orangeburg, SC 29118.
Cynthia Darlene Davis
Lydia Addie Bodie Jackson
James Wilson Johnson
January 1, 1939 – February 8, 2012 Mr. James W. Johnson, 73, son of the late W.A. Birch and Earthene Kitchings Jonson was called home to be with the Lord on February 8, 2012 after an brief illness. Mr. Johnson was born and raised in Aiken County, became a member of Smyrna Baptist Church, and was employed in construction and road maintenance. James leaves to cherish his memory one son, James Christopher Johnson, Salley SC; four daughters, Phyllis (Ruben) Butler, Wagener, SC, Janice Jennings of Aiken, SC, Sharon Johnson of Columbia, SC, and Michelle (Stanley) Tyler of Columbus, GA; one sister, Maebell (Brunsen) Bell of Salley, SC; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Funeral services for Mr. James Johnson were held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Smyrna Baptist Church, Springfield, S.C., with the Rev. Belton presiding.
28 ■ Wagener Monthly • Wednesday, February 29, 2012