Anderson andersonmagazine.com November/December 2019
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November/December 2019 andersonmagazine.com
Publisher/Editor April Cameron
contents table of
Marketing Sales Susan Culver
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Client Manager Jennifer Merritt
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Graphic Design Jennifer Walker Online Editor Lisa Marie Carter Contributing Writers Caroline Anneaux Evelyn Beck Lisa Marie Carter Ginny Martin McKinney Heather Kline Schaffer Kathryn Smith Jay Wright Featured Photographer Van Sullivan Photography Anderson Magazine is published six times a year.
Staying Strong, Reaching Out
United Way Community Campaign
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24 Shop Small Business
37
Hometown Heroes
39
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706-436-4979 ON THE COVER: Benjamin Blake of F4P Copyright: All contents of this issue Š2019, Anderson Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without prior consent of the publisher. The publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the information is not warranted, and Anderson Magazine does not assume any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages resulting from inaccurate erroneous information.
Anderson Magazine PO Box 3848 Anderson, SC 29622 864.221.8445
Fostering our Children
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Letter from the Editor Whew! What an issue! It has been fun and challenging to put this issue together for you! We plan our editorial content a year in advance, so we generally know what stories we want to cover for each issue. However, we also know there will be timely things pop up, so we ensure there is room to include those as well. But, boy, did we get a lot of great story suggestions this time that we felt we just HAD to include! I think you’ll find this issue to be extra full of great content both from our editorial and our advertisers. Our advertisers help us to tell the stories in Anderson Magazine. You’ll see that we have a feature on Small Business Saturday and the impact it has on the economy. Additionally, we have lots of small businesses who are our advertisers helping our readers to see just how impactful they are in our community! Make sure to visit them year-round, but especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. In addition to the story about that special day, we’ve got a few features on entrepreneurs who have opened up their own small businesses. I’m especially excited for you to read our cover story on business owner Benjamin Blake. I met Ben several months ago and began working with him as a personal trainer. He is very kind and has a gentle disposition, considering he is a stack of hard muscle. He is also very driven and made his dream of opening his own gym and training studio a reality. He has an inspiring story you’ll see on page 8. Even if you’re not into working out at gym, everyone needs an outlet to be active and let off a little steam. Can you think of anything better for that than throwing axes? That’s right! Anderson now has its own axe throwing facility, and it was opened by another entrepreneur of small businesses, Roshonda Thomas. This is a fun event year-round, but why not consider this for a great holiday event? Take your office staff - or better yet, take your family out over the holidays when you’ve had too much time with relatives. (Wait, maybe that’s not the best idea…these are REAL axes…) We are actually entering what’s considered the holiday season now. November and December are chock full of family festivities, parties, road trips, and just additional activities over the months. Unfortunately, these months are also some of the busiest with car wrecks, house fires and other unfortunate events. Thankfully, Anderson County has a spectacular team of emergency response personnel to assist when needed. Our story on our Hometown Heroes gives an overview of the many services offered by our first responders. Remember to say thank you to those who don’t get to stay home with their families on the holidays because they are busy keeping us safe. And while we are talking about the holidays, it is the season of giving…read our story on one family’s journey of being foster parents on page 37. How much more giving can you be than to give the love in your heart to a child in need? It is stories like this that help us all to remember some of the most important things in life come from within ourselves. I hope you are going to have a wonderful, loving, fun, heart-warming holiday season this year with people who make you happy! Share your Anderson Magazine with friends and family from out of town so they can see all of the amazing things we have happening in our community! n Enjoy!
~April
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November/December 2019
Ben Blake and April Cameron
From mammogram to reconstruction, breast cancer survivor receives full spectrum of care at AnMed Health By Cindy Landrum Linda Gonzalez had just picked up the keys to her house in Liberty – after a cross-country move from California – when she received the life-changing news that she had breast cancer. “Our goals when we got here were to go to work, buy a house and be with my husband’s family,” she said. “You expect one thing, and then everything changes.” From her mammogram at AnMed Health Women’s Diagnostics to her treatment at the AnMed Health Cancer Center to reconstructive surgery at AnMed Health Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Gonzalez received comprehensive breast health care services, starting in April 2018. Gonzalez was 37 when she noticed a lump in her right breast in October 2017. She went to her gynecologist, who didn’t seem overly concerned and told her to come back in a couple of months unless the lump started to grow. “Based on what they said, I didn’t think it was anything bad,” she said. In March 2018, Gonzalez noticed that her right breast was larger and felt warm. When she did a selfexamination shortly before her scheduled move, she discovered another lump. After she arrived in the Upstate, Gonzalez went to AnMed Health Cannon Liberty Family Practice for an assessment. She had a subsequent mammogram at Women’s Diagnostics, where a biopsy confirmed that Gonzalez had Stage 3 breast cancer. “By the time I moved here, I already had the lump for six months,” she said. Melissa Kimbrell, AnMed Health’s manager for cancer support services, gave Gonzalez her diagnosis and served as her nurse navigator. Nurse navigators help patients throughout their cancer journey by answering questions, providing resources and serving as a point person throughout the continuum of care. She also helped her communicate what was happening to her family back home in California. “Nurse navigators know how the hospital works inside and out,” Kimbrell said. “It’s a great relief to patients to know there’s somebody there to help them navigate the system.” Treated by a variety of specialists, Gonzalez underwent chemotherapy before she had a double mastectomy. Thirty-two radiation treatments followed the mastectomy. Gonzalez also decided to have breast reconstruction, a process that started at the time of her surgery.
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Linda Gonzalez with Melissa Kimbrell, RN, and AnMed Health’s manager for cancer support services “I wanted to feel whole again,” she said. “I wanted to have my breasts.” Breast reconstruction can be done at the time of the mastectomy. Immediate breast reconstruction produces better results and may reduce the number of required surgical procedures, said Dr. Terrence Bruner, Gonzalez’s plastic surgeon. “I often tell patients that breast reconstruction is a gift to themselves,” Bruner said. “They didn’t have a say when they got breast cancer, but they do have a say in what happens after that.” Gonzalez, who is now 39, said her latest scans showed no signs of cancer. While it’s been a long process, she said it was made easier by the people at AnMed Health. “It’s difficult to find out you have cancer, but there are a lot of people there who are helpful and kind. That means a lot,” she said. To schedule a mammogram at AnMed Health, AnMed Health Clemson, or the AnMed Health Mobile Mammography Coach, call 864-512-5400. To schedule an appointment at AnMed Health Cannon, call 864-8981153. For more information, visit AnMedHealth.org/ Pink. n Dr. Terrence Bruner AnMed Health Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery 7 Linwa Boulevard Anderson, SC 29621 864.367.0197
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November/December 2019
an
AXE AXEcellent adventure awaits By Lisa Marie Carter
As Anderson Axe Throwing’s website touts, “It’s a game anyone can play!” So I grabbed a few girlfriends and over to Anderson Axe Throwing we went. Upon arrival for our scheduled time, we were briefed on safety rules and given demonstrations before anyone picked up an axe. They recommend for beginners to use two hands on the axe and do an over-the-head throw; however, there are also two other forms of throwing that are popular—one handed and underhanded. A player scores points by throwing axes at a giant target, much like an oversized dartboard, and like a dart board, the closer you get to the bullseye, the more points earned. The first couple of throws from each of us were all misses, but we soon got the hang of it. One by one, we each had a throw that stuck. One girl in the group hit a bull’s eye on her first shot! Everyone agreed it was easier than anticipated. But how and where did this idea of axe throwing start? Though the first axe-throwing bar in North America is believed to have started in Toronto in 2011, according to Wikipedia, axe throwing dates to the late Middle Ages. Back then, axes were made of iron and were often used by both foot soldiers and knights. Europeans brought them to the New World, providing them as tomahawks to the Native Americans. Wikipedia states that according to legend, the first axethrowing competitions were held by the frontiersmen in North America though there have also been reports of axe-throwing competitions among the Celtic tribes. It hasn’t been until the last 20 years that it has become a popular urban sport in many countries, including the U.S., and now right here in Anderson. Anderson’s first axe throwing business—Anderson Axe Throwing—was opened in September by Roshonda Thomas. Thomas grew up in Spartanburg, was commissioned as an army officer in 2007, and transitioned to the Army Reserves in 2015. Since then, she has been in Anderson, where she also owns a fitness studio. “My love for fitness grew, and I became nationally accredited as a fitness instructor and then personal trainer,” Thomas said. “My goal in opening my fitness andersonmagazine.com
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studio in 2015 was to give moms a place to come and work out and not deal with mom guilt of being away from their kiddos or feeling selfish for taking time for themselves. Over the past few years, I have seen the effects of PTSD, anxiety and depression on the community and individuals. A lot of men and women don’t seek the help they need due to the stigma that there is something wrong with them and that they won’t be accepted. I have read a lot about it (PTSD) and saw that most outlets are yoga and a few team sports. As I continued my fitness journey and while I was being certified in yoga, I was learning about what is out there for everyone to do, and axe throwing came up, and it seemed like the best next step for me as a business owner.” The goal in Anderson Axe Throwing is to provide a sense of community for folks to come together and have something fun to do. Whether it be family members, business groups, birthday parties or just for some therapy after a long week, all can come to a safe space and have some fun! Check it out for yourself! Visit www.andersonaxe. com, find them on Facebook, or visit in person at 1520 E. Greenville St., Suite H. They are open seven days a week, and they serve snacks and drinks. n November/December 2019
19th Annual
Saturday, December 7 1mile - 8am 5K Race - 9am Anderson Area YMCA Anderson, SC Register today at www.runsignup.com Sponsored By:
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November/December 2019
FITNESS with a Higher Purpose
By Caroline Anneaux
Benjamin Blake is the owner of a new fitness studio on Pearman Dairy Road, and he is ready and willing to take on new clients in the Anderson area. “My mission for clients is F4P,” said Blake. “That stands for finalize, formulate and pursue.” Blake began his own journey with personal fitness training around the age of 18. He was working out in a gym, and a lady encouraged him to become a personal trainer. “I never saw that lady at the gym again,” said Blake. “I truly believe that God sent a guardian angel to me that day to give me direction on what I needed to do with my life.” Over the next 14 years, Blake continued to work on his personal fitness, and he worked at many local gyms helping others set and reach their own fitness goals. “I worked at the YMCA in Pickens and Anderson, Body Works in Georgia and Coops Health and Fitness here in town,” said Blake. “I wanted to go out on my own, but it wasn’t the right time until this year.” His studio, Fit 4 Purpose (F4P) Training & Nutrition, offers strength (conventional) weight training, functional training, circuit (hit) training and boot camp. There is something offered to anyone interested in personal fitness, no matter what shape they are in. “My boot camp is a great way for people to get started on their fitness journey or to work on maintaining what they have already achieved,” said Blake. “I want to give a shout out to one of my clients, Christine Nixon, who has lost over 90 pounds in a year. She adheres to a strict nutrition and exercise routine, and God has blessed her with a new level of existence for her and her family.” Blake also trains a group of ten female bodybuilders
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Benjamin Blake and his wife Shannaska of F4P.
(mostly moms!) in his studio. These women are dedicated competitors, and they work hard all year long to get ready for local and national competitions. “My female bodybuilders train for eight to about 24 weeks depending on where they are with their composition when they start the process to compete,” said Blake. “I help them by giving them a custom set of macronutrients (carbs, proteins and fats) for meal prep, and I help them create a workout to condition their bodies for upcoming competitions.” The ladies on the team work out seven days a week, follow strict meal prep and work on their poses when
November/December 2019
Christine Nixon has lost over 90 pounds.
AT C A R O L I N A W R E N PA R K
Come enjoy the fun!
they are getting ready for a competition. They also spray tan, create custom suits and help each other with hair and makeup. It is a great deal of work for only five minutes of stage time at competitions. “If I can do this, anyone can,” said Stephanie Owens. “I have always worked out and even started running about ten years ago, but deciding to compete as a bodybuilder stepped my game up to the next level.” Owens and her teammates work closely with Blake on their workouts and meal planning. She said that is the key to success for her. If she is working towards entering a competition, she keeps focused and meets the goals she sets. Contact Ben Blake at 864-508-1467 to start your own personalized fitness journey and create a new lifestyle. You can do this! n
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November/December 2019
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November/December 2019
All the Comforts of
Ho-Ho-Home
By Ginny Martin McKinney
Nothing fouls up my fa-la-la faster than THE PHONE CALL. You know the one. It starts out with,
“Hello,”
followed by the most dreaded rhymed couplet in holiday history.
“Our plans fell through. May we stay with you?”
It happens every single year, just like birthdays and mammograms; yet it somehow still manages to blindside me like a Frisbee to the back of the head. Before I manage to stammer an excuse, my holiday pests, uh, guests, have loaded up the minivan and headed my way. They arrive happy as teenagers under the mistletoe, oblivious that I share less than one thousand square feet with my husband, two cats and a gassy bulldog. My guest rooms consist of a futon, extra recliner and an air mattress with a slow leak no brand of duct tape can conquer. Everything about my lifestyle screams, “There’s no room in the inn,” but folks keep showing up with their pillows and kids. However, this year I refuse to reprise my annual role as a reindeer in headlights in search of an escape route. I’m trading in my antlers for peace of mind. For Thanksgiving, I’ve booked my travelers at a darling Airbnb on Market Street operated by the Anderson Woman’s Club. And, for Christmas, they will reside in comfort at the Holiday Inn near Tucker’s on Clemson Boulevard. What this means for my guests is comfortable, spacious rooms close to all the history and entertainment the Electric City has to offer. What it means for me is I can baste the turkey in tranquility, without having to fish the cat out of the dryer or remove bubble gum from dog fur because Junior got bored. It also means I can enjoy a hot shower instead of the liquid ice storm afforded me by a fifteen-yearold who, obviously, prefers a good steam cleaning to normal bathing. At the end of it all, and as a treat for my ingenuity, I plan to play hometown tourist and check myself into the Bleckley Inn for a relaxing weekend. After a luxurious massage at Lilia Day Spa and a walking tour of downtown Christmas lights, I will take my box of chocolates from Cocobon back to the room and enjoy them from beneath the opulent covers of the kingsize bed. I can almost feel the thread count! Share Anderson this season and reclaim your slice of peace on Earth. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth more than…a house full of relatives. n andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
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Fabric & Quilt Shop
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November/December 2019
Painting, Sculpture, Folk Art & Pottery 30 N. Forest Avenue • Hartwell, GA
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STAYING STRONG, REACHING OUT By Jay Wright
Sometimes you just know when you’re in a special place. Sometimes you just know you’re in the presence of special people who are making a positive difference. That vibe begins when you step inside the only arts center in Oconee County: the Blue Ridge Arts Center (BRAC) at 111 East South 2nd Street in Seneca, South Carolina. There is warmth in how you’re greeted, artistic expression on pedestals and walls in every direction, and much activity about. The products of teaching, learning, and creating adorn each room, each nook, each gallery. Brenda McLean, BRAC’s current board vice president and education director, is a major force today in this organization that received its state charter as the Blue Ridge Art Association back in 1970. McLean is part of a board with a collective passion for the arts and a vision of serving all visitors and arts lovers well. Their mission is “Bringing art to the people and people to the arts.”
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2020 will see many opportunities to connect people to the arts. There’s a Juried Show in January, a “Fabulous Forgeries” exhibit in March, a Juried Photo Show in May, a Members’ Show in July, a Quilt Art Show in September, and a November show with a theme yet to be determined. In addition to these gallery events will be many opportunities for members to show their artwork (in both 2D and 3D) in the Main Gallery, the Members Gallery, the Studio Gallery, the Foyer Gallery, and the Online Gallery. Occasionally, a one-person show is featured in the Main Gallery or in the Studio Gallery.
“I enjoy working with the gifted artists who attend classes here. We all take learning seriously and learn a lot from each other. It’s more inspirational than working alone.” McLean described the center’s popular opportunities for members to meet to learn and become inspired. The first mentioned was periodic lunches with artists. Others were artist group meetings. Here members with similar interests share advice and techniques and may even get their work critiqued. The weekly Monday afternoon artist group is free to BRAC members. Other popular events include the “Evening/ Afternoon with an Artist.” These are opportunities to meet artists like Warren Carpenter and Patsy Johnson and hear them speak about their work: what inspired them, what they were thinking, and why they
November/December 2019
Friday, Nov 8 4-8 p.m.
expressed their work in particular art forms. These events are informal, and asking questions is always encouraged. McLean pointed out that BRAC often holds classes on popular and new art forms and techniques. The day I was there, artist Tom Dimond was teaching a threeday workshop, “Mixed Media Collage on Paper.” During his career, Tom had been a member of nearby Clemson University’s Art Department faculty. I asked what drew him to teach at BRAC, as opposed to working full time in his home studio. “Easy question,” he replied. “I enjoy working with the gifted artists who attend classes here. We all take learning seriously and learn a lot from each other. It’s more inspirational than working alone.” I would later be introduced to several BRAC members. In separate interviews, they spoke of the satisfaction of belonging to a group who are enthused about their events and welcome ideas for giving BRAC a stronger presence in the arts community and for Upstate visitors. I asked McLean how BRAC would go about increasing its presence. She explained that in addition to having highly effective teachers, the center’s staff and board plan and implement its growth and outreach opportunities. She also mentioned that BRAC had recently added Brandy McCall to liaison with city businesses in organizing future BRAC events and fundraisers. Today’s Blue Ridge Arts Center building began as an Episcopal church back in 1882. It is the oldest of Seneca’s early religious buildings. But in spite of the 137 years in between, the surviving building gives off a vibe of housing special, self-reliant people who are determined to make a positive difference in the community they love. These people know art has the power to add to the world’s beauty and to speak to humanity at times and in ways that people and religions cannot. Sometimes you just know you’re in a special place like that. n andersonmagazine.com
Saturday, Nov 9
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday night offers a
“sip n shop” hosted by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. Includes restaurant vendors & beverages Friday Admission: $5 Saturday: Free Saturday features gift basket raffles & children’s activities, too! For more information 864.222.2787 www.AndersonArts.org 110 Federal Street, Anderson, SC 17
November/December 2019
Meet Countybank’s Retail Banking Sales Manager As your neighbor, we want you to meet Peggy Chamblee, Vice President and Manager of our Anderson Highway 81 Financial Center. Peggy began her banking career in 1993 and has more than 15 years experience in management and business development, including consumer and commercial lending. Peggy joined Countybank in 2018 as a Relationship Manager. She previously served in financial sales, retail sales, and branch manager roles in Anderson-based financial centers. During this time she has provided personal and business clients with solutions to meet their needs. Her focus has always been on building relationships with her customers while being an advocate for those in her community. Peggy was born and raised in Anderson, and the community is close to her heart. She and her husband, John, enjoy farming and traveling in their downtime. Peggy has served on a number of local boards and committees, including United Way of Anderson County’s Community Impact Board, the American Red Cross Board in the Upstate SC Palmetto Region, and on the selection committee for Habitat for Humanity of Anderson.
Peggy Chamblee
Peggy has this to say about Countybank: “It’s true community banking with a heart to help and a genuine commitment to the areas it serves.” We invite you to visit us today at our Highway 81 financial center in Anderson.
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INSURANCE MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS TRUST 2125 N. Hwy 81, Anderson, SC 29621 | 864-622-2692 | ecountybank.com andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
November/December 2019
Sunday, November 3 Book Signing, 3:00 pm New York Times Bestselling author Karen White will be at the Anderson Main Library as part of her tour for her latest book, The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street. This is the sixth installment of Karen White’s beloved Tradd Street series and copies will be available for purchase and signing at this free event. Friday & Saturday, November 8 & 9 Autumn Artisan Market at Anderson Arts Center Start shopping for the holidays with goods from these skilled artisans. Friday is Sip n Shop from 4-8 p.m., Saturday has kids’ activities while mom shops, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 110 Federal Street, Anderson. Saturday, November 9 New Prospect Baptist Church WMU Holiday Craft Fair 9:00 am – 3:00 pm New Prospect Baptist Church, 2503 Whitehall Rd., Anderson, Lots of crafts, vendors, and homemade goodies. Proceeds from apple cider, baked goods, and hot chocolate will go toward the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Check out the New Prospect Baptist Church WMU Holiday Craft Fair Facebook page for more information.
Sunday, December 1 Toys for Tots Parade - Toy Drop-Off, 2:30 pm Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, Anderson, The Civic Center will be the toy drop off point for the Toy for Tots Parade, arrival time to start toy drop off is 2:30pm. See their Facebook page for more information. Thursday, December 5 Moss Wreath Make n’ Take, 6:30 pm City Seed at the Station, 520 N. Murray Ave., Anderson. Interested in making your own green wreath for the Holidays? Class fee options are: $28 (12-inch wreath) or $38 (18-inch wreath). This fee includes all the materials needed to do the Moss Wreath. For those who want to add extra tidbits like wooden birds or felt ornaments, those will be sold a la carte. Seats are limited to eighteen participants. Saturday, December 7 Christmas at Timms Mill, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Timms Mill, 150 Timms Mill Rd, Pendleton, Bluegrass, grits, and horseback rides for the kids. This event is free. See their Facebook page for more information.
Saturday, December 7 Family Christmas Carol Sing-along, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson, The Melody Garden. Hands-on music for the kiddos, hot chocolate, and more. Join multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Rebecca Smith, in the outdoor amphitheater for a family Christmas sing-along. Bring a cozy picnic blanket and some Christmas cheer while we enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and sing Sunday, November 10 carols. Percussion instruments will be available for 2019 Anderson County Veterans Day Parade, the children to play along. See their Facebook Event 3:00 pm Main Street Anderson. For information or to register page for more information. contact Chief Bratcher, 864-221-5251, rbratcher@ cityofandersonsc.com or Miriam Bratcher 864-844- Saturday, December 7 Second Annual Story Lines Author and Small 1325, fire2note@yahoo.com Press Fair 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm The event will take place at the Anderson Main Tuesday, November 12 Library at 300 N. McDuffie St., Anderson. The fair Make & Take Class: Goat Cheese Appetizer, gives community members the chance to meet 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Belton Center for the Arts Nancy Palmatier will be demonstrating how to make local authors, book crafters, and representatives from small presses, and to purchase books and a delicious goat cheese appetizer made with fresh other items. Please visit www.andersonlibrary.org/ goat milk from Palmatier Farms. Call 338-8556 to story-lines for more information and to apply or sign up. Cost: $35 Non-members, $30 members contact adultprograms@andersonlibrary.org. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 15 – 17 Holly Jolly Holiday Fair, Friday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sunday December 8 The City of Anderson Christmas Parade, 3:00 pm VIP NIGHT (3:00 pm with advance tickets) Satur- 5:00 pm, Downtown Anderson. Entry deadline day, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, is November 15, 2019. For more information call Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, Friday. 864-231-2232 VIP- Shop VIP night and enjoy special entertainment, cooking show, shopping bags, coupons, and giveaways. This ticket also gives you entry into the event all weekend. Saturday and Sunday General Send your events to the Admission, Shop as many times as you like. General Admission Tickets will be sold at the door. Cash Anderson Magazine! only. For more information call 864-260-4800 Friday and Saturday November 22, 23 16th Annual Mistletoe Market, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm Saturday 10 am – 4 pm Anderson County Museum · 202 E. Greenville Street, Anderson. This is a juried artisan market with some of the best artist and crafters in the Upstate. At the Friday evening “Sip and Shop,” shoppers can browse the booths while enjoying light refreshments and Saturday will feature activities for kids to give Mom & Dad some free time to enjoy their shopping experience.
We will publish them in our events calendar and on social media! And don’t forget to send all your pictures for our social page.
lisamarie@andersonmagazine.com
andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
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Saturday, November 2 Starr Fall Festival 21st Annual, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 1108 Bowie Street, Starr, located at the Starr walking track (beside the Starr Fire Dept) They will have lots of delicious food, craft vendors, car show, tractors, and inflatables for the kiddos! Check out the Starr Fall Festival 21st Annual Facebook page for more information.
14,000 sq ft Over 70 booths In Downtown Anderson 500 North Main Street Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 6pm Closed Sunday & Monday
864-642-9727
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United Way of Anderson County
Community Campaign Kick Off For nearly three-quarters of a century, United Way has been identifying health and human services needs and helping to address those critical needs in Anderson County. This year, United Way of Anderson County (UWAC) partners have ramped up the energy behind the $1,750,000 community campaign with a spiritfilled, game-day tailgating theme. Large yellow goal posts, astro turf and pompoms have been making their way around the community, with stops at schools and workplace break rooms. More than 200 individuals, volunteers, agencies and partners came together in August for a tailgate- style kickoff event at Anderson Institute of Technology. Rainy weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. High school cheerleaders and mascots showed their smiles and their spirit. In true sportsman-like fun, United Way board chairman and Anderson County School District 5 Superintendent Tom Wilson, publicly challenged his employees to increase their contributions by 10%. Then, he challenged the other four superintendents to collectively match District 5’s giving. Campaign chair Kristin Moseley, has shown her competitive streak, too. Moseley headed up her employer’s campaign. HTI Employment Solutions was the first workplace campaign of the season. United Way collects funds and disperses them to service agencies who are meeting critical community
United Way of Anderson 604 N Murray Ave Anderson, SC 29625 (864) 226-3438
unitedwayofanderson.org andersonmagazine.com
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needs. Last year, campaign funds collected helped more than 60,000 people. That means that at least one in three Anderson County residents were touched by resources collected through United Way. Donations may be designated to any 501c3 or a United Way program. Donations that are not designated, go into the community fund to impact the county in four areas: Health, Youth & Education, Financial Stability and Basic Needs. Volunteers review all of the applications from area non-profits; then evaluate how to divide that pot of money to make the greatest impact on the community. There will be a “half-time” breakfast on December 11 that will focus on our partner agencies, their impact in Anderson County, and the status of the community campaign. Our local campaign will run through March 2020. Businesses and individuals will offer pledges and gifts through March, with payment occurring monthly, quarterly or as one-time donation before December 31, 2020. Anyone interested in a having a campaign at their place of business can call Michelle Ricketson, Director of Development Resources, at (864) 226-3438 ext 109. “Our team this year has really made an effort to think of fun, new ways to include more people in the campaign,” said Carol Burdette, UWAC President and CEO. United Way’s wide reach in the community truly makes it the most effective and efficient way to make charitable donations. Unless otherwise designated, all funds given here, stay in Anderson County. For more information about United Way of Anderson County, visit their office at corner of Greenville Street and Murray Avenue, or their facebook page or website at UnitedWayofAnderson.org. n
November/December 2019
Local Pharmacies So Much More Than a Drug Store By Lisa Marie Carter
You hear the phrase “Shop Local” all the time, but pharmacy to create custom medications specifically with a big chain pharmacy located on every other for you. Examples include dye-free, preservative-free, corner and many online ordering services available, alcohol-free, and/or sugar-free forms of medications. how often have you thought about going to your local Propp Drugs offers this service. pharmacy? Whether you’re want to get something for Both Clinkscales Drugs and Iva Drug Store offer that nagging headache or you’re filling your prescription medication therapy management. Also known as for medication, your local pharmacy care team is the MTM, this is a program to help you manage your way to go. medications and health conditions. With more and With this program, pharmacists will more people these ensure you are getting the most benefit days relying more from your medications. If you are and more on mailhaving side effects of your medication order pharmacies, or take medications that require close is the time of the monitoring, this service may be for you. local pharmacy MTM can help you better manage your over? Some people medications and health conditions, so may think so, but you can live a healthier life. nothing could be further from the truth. By visiting and remaining Propp Drugs loyal to your local pharmacy, you’ll receive some great benefits you won’t get from an online service. From personalized service to less expensive products to unique gift items, your local pharmacy can offer you so much more than just prescription filling! So, what are some of the benefits of visiting Clinkscales Drugs your local pharmacy? You receive personal service and A local pharmacy typically offers individualized advice. Because your local much more than just medication pharmacy care team will likely know your and prescription-filling services. personal health situation, they can also make In addition to household basics, recommendations on everyday self-care that Iva Drug Store you can also find unique cards better fit your needs and will not conflict with and note paper, some also carry any current medications and/or ailments. many other items such as gourmet foods, gift baskets, No matter how convenient it may be to conduct as well as local South Carolina Certified products just your pharmacy needs from your home computer, to mention a few. The local pharmacy has become an nothing compares to the customer service you receive incredible gift shop in addition to its original purpose. from a locally run store. But, you don’t have to give up Last, but certainly not least, local independent convenience just because you’re going local. Iva Drug pharmacies promote and support our local community. Store has a mobile app to assist with convenient refills, Not only do local pharmacies deliver cost-efficient meds and local pharmacies such as Propp Drugs in Anderson and above-average customer service, but they’re also and Clinkscales Drugs in Belton offer free home connected to the local community. From supporting delivery service. And in some instances, you can even local non-profits and schools to being a valuable part of get same-day delivery. the economic vitality of Anderson County, many local At many local pharmacies, you can have your pharmacies support greater good of the community. medications compounded. Compounding allows a andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
If you are looking to buy or sell a home, we are the team to call! We have over 34 years of experience covering Anderson County as well as the entire Upstate. andersonmagazine.com
Chris Milam
864-202-1336 22
November/December 2019
Judy Bader
864-221-2020
Jennifer Neal 864-356-4344
Shop for a Cause this Holiday Season
Get your home and heart ready for the holiday season with a little shopping! All proceeds from AnMed Health Something Special gift shops, which are operated by the AnMed Health Auxiliary, support programs and services to benefit our patients. Mark the following dates on your calendar and stock up on gifts and décor that will brighten your holiday season while helping AnMed Health provide care and comfort to patients in need. Nov. 21 - Christmas Open House, 20% off storewide* Dec. 5 – Simply Southern Holiday Sale – 20% off *Some exclusions apply.
Something Special AnMed Health Medical Center 800 N. Fant Street 864.512.1288 Mon-Wed, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs-Fri, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun, 1 – 6 p.m.
andersonmagazine.com
Something Special Too AnMed Health Women’s and Children’s Hospital 2000 E. Greenville Street 864.512.4805 Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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November/December 2019
SHOP LOCAL By Evelyn Beck Black Friday—the super shopping day held each year on the day after Thanksgiving—has been well known in the U.S. for decades, with people flocking to big-box chain stores for deals on Christmas gifts in the wee hours on Friday morning. Just a few days later, online deals are the focus of Cyber Monday. But in between these two traditions is one that means a lot to a town and its citizens, a way to celebrate the importance of local commerce: Small Business Saturday. Last year, the event garnered a record $17.8 billion in sales nationally, according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. This survey is conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business and American Express, which started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to encourage shopping locally. The day was first recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2011 and is part of a declaration each year to “encourage consumers to shop locally” and to “increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and the impact of such businesses on the U.S. economy.” It has slowly seeped into the national consciousness, evident in social media hashtags like #SmallBusinessSaturday and #ShopSmall. This year, the big day is Nov. 30.
David Saidat, owner of CocoBon Chocolatier, promotes the day with Facebook posts, email blasts, and a signboard outside the business. “Many people come in and say, ‘We’re glad you’re here and we’re supporting small business locally and you’re really something special for the downtown,’” he said. “We get a lot of supportive comments. And the event is significant as a kick-off to the Christmas season.” For Kim Johnson, owner of Plum Suede—which has in the past marked the event with 20 percent discounts— Small Business Saturday comes down to this: “If you’re supporting local businesses, you’re supporting your town,” she said. Local experts agree. “You won’t have small shops if you don’t support them,” says Kimberly Spears, Economic Development Director for the City of Anderson. She cites the myriad ways that local businesses support the city, including donations to area sports teams, charities, and events, in addition to their contributions through tax dollars. “These are all the things that make a quality community. A campaign like Small Business Saturday raises awareness that, ‘Hey, I need to go downtown and spread the love.’” n
“We try to showcase our local goods and made-in-the-USA products, and we put out specials and have giveaways to say thank you.” Nationally last year, 104 million consumers patronized their locally owned stores and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, with most recognizing the significance of the day, and word spreading as they encouraged friends and family to do some of their shopping downtown and in other local enterprises. In downtown Anderson, the event draws more and more shoppers as awareness grows. “We see a big difference with each and every year,” said Gay McLeskey, owner of Kitchen Emporium. “We try to showcase our local goods and made-in-the-USA products, and we put out specials and have giveaways to say thank you.” She said that in addition to residents, people visiting for the holidays stop by, too, giving a big boost to her bottom line. “It’s huge,” she said. andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
Make A Style Statement
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seafood • burgers • kid’s menu Food for the whole family! 315 North Main Street Downtown Anderson
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November/December 2019
A craft beer and wine shop with 16 beers on tap daily. Join us in a warm, engaging, family and pet friendly environment.
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301 North McDuffie St. 864-225-9552 www.thelocaluptown.com
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Apple Dumplin’ 14,000 sq ft • Over 70 booths
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 6pm 200 N. Main Street Downtown Anderson
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Closed Sunday & Monday
864-642-9727 500 North Main Street
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gifts • ladies apparel home goods 510 NORTH MAIN STREET Tues-Fri 10-5:30 Sat 10-3 @thebeehivesc
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315 North Main Street Downtown Anderson
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FEDERAL STREET
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24 125 N Main St DOWNTOWN ANDERSON 864-760-0597
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Serving made from scratch breakfast and brunch using fresh, local ingredients. Check out our menu and daily specials on our facebook page. Catering Available.
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116 W Orr Street • Anderson
hometown HEROES By Lisa Marie Carter
First Responders— They Rush in When Others Rush Away Anderson County residents are very well protected by the Anderson County Fire Department. Our fire department consists of over 800 volunteer firefighters who man 27 stations. According to the Anderson County Fire Department website, these committed men and women answer approximately 5,100 calls for assistance in a year. These range from public service calls to extrication to hazardous material spills to structure fires. The Anderson County Fire Service was initiated as a Farm Bureau Project in 1961. That year, state legislation that created and governed the Fire System was placed into the Code of Laws. Currently, the task of fire protection is accomplished by more than 870 volunteer firefighters responding from 28 stations throughout Anderson County. These dedicated firefighters along with the headquarters staff responded to the emergency calls. The current fleet for Anderson County consists of 61 engines, 28 tankers, 30 grass trucks, 3 ladder trucks, and numerous service vehicles. When our fire company responds to a fire or any other emergency, it requires many trained personnel to effectively protect our own community, residents, and firefighters. More volunteers would allow for more resources on scene and the ability to handle the emergency faster, more effectively, and most of all more safely. Volunteer firefighting takes dedication and many hours of training. Becoming a volunteer firefighter takes time, effort and dedication; however, the benefits of saving lives and making our community a better place is worth every minute and every ounce of effort. How can you help support your local volunteer Fire Station? By donating and volunteering! andersonmagazine.com
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) –
Anderson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Special Operations provides emergency medical assistance and direction for our citizens. This service is provided by Anderson County employees and contractors. These areas of service include routine emergency response, tactical EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials, water rescue and WMD/CBRNE. EMS and Special Operations is dedicated to the health and safety of Anderson County residents and visitors. It provides these services through 911 Emergency Medical Dispatch, Advanced and Basic Life Support, pre-hospital care, medically directed rescue and transportation of the sick and injured by the trained EMS providers. Anderson County EMS has seven different ambulance providers: Belton EMS, Honea Path EMS, Pelzer EMS, Iva EMS, Pendleton EMS, Fork EMS, and Medshore EMS. The provider which responds depends on your location at the time of your emergency call. Anderson County EMS uses AVL–Auto Vehicle Locator—which pinpoints your location so dispatch can send the appropriate provider. EMS is always striving to improve its services. Approximately a year and a half ago it implemented a requirement time of being on site within nine minutes and 59 seconds of a call at least 90% of the time. The other 10% is allowed for out-of-the-way locations and areas where travel time is longer. Daily, EMS re-evaluates to improve service to the citizens of Anderson County, and on a weekly basis it evaluates all calls to move more services to areas where the call volume is higher. To assist some of the areas that are located farther from a standard EMS station, it has stationed ambulances November/December 2019
Some photos courtesy of Anderson County
FIRE
SHERIFF’S OFFICE • FIRE • EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES • K-9 LOCAL POLICE • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
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November/December 2019
at fire departments in five locations throughout our county: Ebenezer, Sandy Springs, Starr, Williford, and Zion.
of different equipment that we use to keep us safe and to end dangerous situations where the SWAT Team has been called.”
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION - ACSO
One of the main differences between a sheriff ’s office and a municipal government is that the sheriff is an elected official responsible for civil process, courthouse security, and the county jail. Both types of law enforcement agencies handle calls for service and conduct investigations into criminal activities. The Anderson County Sheriff ’s Office (ACSO) has 270 sworn law enforcement officers. Sergeant JT Foster, Public Information Officer for the Anderson County Sheriff ’s Office, says, “It would be very hard to explain what a ‘typical’ day is like for one of our deputies. Each shift offers something different. We respond to 911 hang-up calls, domestic situations, robberies, suicidal persons, property thefts, burglar alarms, arguments between neighbors, and many others.” Foster says, “ACSO deputies are trained in a variety of areas that include SC and federal laws, firearms, active shooting, building clearing, first aid, SWAT, forensics, investigations, waterborne operations, negotiations, suspect sketches, mental health, emergency driving operations, and a number of other specialized trainings that deputies may attend during their careers. ACSO deputies receive ongoing training every year to maintain their certifications.” ACSO SWAT Team is comprised of 23 members broken down into subsections based on specialization. There are several areas of specialty such as entry team, breeching, less than lethal/chemical munitions, medics, and sniper/observer. “The SWAT Team is considered a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) SWAT/Bomb team,” says Foster. “We are one of eight in the state of SC that has the capability to respond to disaster events and well as terrorist attacks. Everyone on the SWAT Team has additional duties, so our team is not considered ‘full time.’ Many of them work on the Uniform Patrol, Special Investigations, Criminal Investigations, or Forensics primarily, and when the SWAT Team is needed, they respond accordingly. We have a Lenco BearCat as our SWAT truck that offers us protection while on the scene. We also have an array
andersonmagazine.com
The mission of the Emergency Management Division is to provide a comprehensive and integrated emergency management system that coordinates community resources to protect lives, property and the environment through mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery from all natural and man-made hazards that may impact Anderson County, SC. The Emergency Services Division of the Sheriff ’s Office includes Emergency Management, Animal Control, Chaplaincy Services, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Mounted Search and Rescue Team (MSaR), and the 911 Unified Communications Center. The division, which consists of 81 full-time and 16 part-time employees, plus 48 volunteers, provides the county’s disaster cycle services including mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery to minimize the loss of life and property from all-hazard events, both natural and man-made. Activity within this division varies greatly by operational unit. Emergency management regularly participates in and conducts training in order to ensure that the goals and objectives of the countywide Emergency Operations Plan are met. The Animal Control Unit assists the community in a variety of ways including ordinance enforcement, animal rescues, and nuisance complaints. The Chaplaincy Program provides emotional and spiritual support to both employees and members of the community during life-altering events. There are currently nine chaplains involved in the program who participate in all aspects of the Sheriff ’s Office operations. CERT and MSaR are all-volunteer organizations that provide critical support functions during “sunny day” events and disaster response scenarios. The 911 Unified Communications Center is the heartbeat of all emergency communications throughout Anderson
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November/December 2019
SHERIFF’S OFFICE • FIRE • EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES • K-9 LOCAL POLICE • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
it’s to calm a fear or pursue a criminal who has just wronged them, it’s a service that is invaluable. There is no agency that can provide this expediency as quickly as a local police department. There is no agency that can boast an intimate knowledge of the municipality like a local police officer. Local officers often know the community’s concerns, the residents, the business owners, the problems. They have an investment in the municipality to address problems. Many officers live in the community they serve and, as such, the safety and security of the community is just as essential to the officers themselves. One local Anderson County unit is the Williamston Police Department, which currently has 25 officers, including three reserve. Chief Tony Taylor tells us what a typical day is like for a Williamston police officer: “First of all, let me say that we have adopted a community policing philosophy. We have developed a partnership with the community and collaborate with the community on an ongoing basis to determine the best ways to reduce crime. There is no typical day as a police officer; every call you answer has its own set of circumstances. Our officers contact business owners; do welfare checks; assist other agencies such as the fire department, EMS, and other law enforcement agencies; and conduct traffic enforcement which consists of running radar and working vehicle accidents and interacting with our citizens.” Taylor goes on to say, “Our officers have to be very diverse because a larger agency has various units that investigate different types of crimes. Our officers do follow-ups on all criminal investigations and our investigative unit consists of the administrative captain and a sergeant detective who do all investigations from white-collar crimes, burglaries, assaults, and criminal sexual conduct to homicides.” School resource officers are active in four schools and work with the students and faculty. They counsel students, mentor, and investigate any criminal activity within the schools. Williamston officers receive a lot of training including weapons training, legal update training, driving, and various recertification and leadership training. n
County. Not only does it take calls and dispatch deputies from the Sheriff ’s Office, but it also handles dispatch for fire services, EMS and municipal police agencies. The division conducts several community-based training opportunities including monthly disaster preparedness classes, CERT basic training and emergency preparedness for school-aged students. “State law requires that every county has an Emergency Management program that addresses the primary functions of disaster response, recovery, mitigation and preparedness,” Combs says.
K-9 UNITS –
K-9 Units are composed of law enforcement officers partnered with a highly trained canine. These specially trained dogs are bred or chosen for their intelligence and strong sense of smell. These dogs can help when pursuing fugitives, searching for missing persons, and during narcotics or weapons detection. The officers who handle these canines are more than merely dog handlers; they develop unique relationships in which the canine becomes a trusted partner. K-9 officers usually maintain twenty-four-hour control over their canines. K-9 Units are essential to many police organizations in our county and have become very popular throughout the country. These canines are versatile, serving as watchful and sensitive guardians for their handlers and members of the public. In order to properly bond, the officer and canine must complete a rigorous training program that may last several weeks or months. Many K-9 units insist upon ongoing training at regular intervals to ensure that the dog retains proficiency. The United States Police Canine Association recommends four hours of maintenance training a week; additional training recommendations vary by individual police department.
LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS
For those who have needed the police, whether andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
The Art of Living Well Mind, Body & Spirit By Heather Kline Schaffer
There are people in our community who are isolated, sad or anxious, and don’t understand how to cope. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) promotes awareness of these issues, and Stress Management Center at Fernview, located in Anderson, partners with NAMI to provide opportunities for counseling and education. The Center offers therapy and stress management, breathing techniques, hypnotherapy, meditation, relaxation, Tai Chi and Yoga, which research reveals are effective approaches to balancing mental and physical health. These integrative medical practices assist the body, mind and immune system by relieving feelings of anxiety, depression, grief as well as having positive effects on the physical symptoms of arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, diabetes, digestive issues, muscle tension and pain. Life adjustments and stress are a natural part of living. But when a person starts feeling overwhelmed by a problem or emotions, seeking the help of professionals may be in order. At Stress Management Center at Fernview, licensed counselors are available to provide confidential, nonjudgmental assessments to help individuals meet personal goals and needs. At the Center, daily Meditation is free, and Yoga and educational programs are offered for a minimal fee. However, the Center works with Employee Assistance Programs, takes insurance, and has some free programs for patients of LifeChoice and WellFit rehabilitation services. In addition, the monthly support group, Stress Management for Patients and Caregivers, is a free program, thanks to the Cancer Association of Anderson. The Anderson Arts Center and Stress Management Center at Fernview are embracing an initiative to promote Health, Creativity & The Arts in 2020, and the Center has a partnership program with Anderson University providing a series on mindfulness and nonviolent communication for students, faculty and the community. For more information on balancing the stress in your life, contact Stress Management Center at Fernview at 864.225.0792 or visit www.fernviewcenterforwellbeing. com. And remember to mark your calendar for “Meditation & Labyrinth Walk” on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m., led by Public Defender Joseph Oppermann. n andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
Greenville Street Branch
Meet Your Peoples Bank Family
1921 East Greenville St. Since 1951, The Peoples Bank has been part of this community. We’re your neighbors and friends. We know your parents and grandparents. Our children play with your children. And you can count on us to provide the same kind of service we would offer our own family.
Loyalty. Honesty. Integrity.
www.peoplesbanksc.com • 864-222-2601
andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
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Local Author Spotlight
By Kathryn Smith
The phone jarred me awake. I immediately thought of Bo but it was his father.
and The Listening Room on Main
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J.D.’s voice sounded like a telegram. “Margaret…I’ve got…bad news.”
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I sat up, heart pounding. “Something’s happened to Bo?” Every parent’s worst nightmare befalls Margaret Ryan, the narrator of Lee Lyons’s first novel, Southern Shamrock. Her son Bo’s accidental death pitches Margaret into a deep depression, one she climbs out of with the help of supportive friends, spiritual encounters and a trip to Ireland to find her ancestors. Despite the serious subject matter, the book is infused with moments of hilarity – not surprising when you learn that the Anderson native is an accomplished storyteller whose tale of getting in and out of a pair of Spanx regularly brings down the house. It is also infused with loving descriptions of Ireland and its people. She’s been there half a dozen times and has many Irish friends. Like Margaret Ryan, Lee lost her only child, a 21-year-old son, and has dealt with the soul-shattering grief she writes about so vividly. Yet she is a funny, happy person with an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile. You’d never know what she has been through. “I hope other people take away from the book that you can have a joyful life again,” she said in an interview. “The biggest awakening is how many people lose their children,” Lee said, adding that she found great solace in a grief group with five other bereaved mothers. (There is a fictionalized version of that group in her book.) Time is a big help, she added, as well as faith, family and friends. “But I think writing helped me the most,” she said. Even though the loss of her son, Hayden, triggered the writing of Southern Shamrock, Lee emphasizes that the book is fiction, not fact. “It kind of started out that it was going to be about my Irish ancestors, then when I realized that fiction was a lot more fun and easier to write, I developed my character and she took the threads of my life and wove it into her story. She took over. I would wake up sometimes and say, ‘Well, Margaret, where are we going today?’” Sometimes Margaret took her to the old Silverbrook Cemetery in Anderson, where the fictitious Ryans are buried. So are members of Lee’s family, who were in the textile business in Anderson for five generations. In addition to Anderson and Ireland, some of the action takes place in Highlands, where Lee makes her home. It was through The Highland Writer’s Group that she got started on Southern Shamrock and completed her first draft. She is working on a second novel. Southern Shamrock is carried locally by McDowell’s Emporium and the Anderson County Museum, where Lee will give a presentation, including “a wee bit of storytelling,” on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30. She will also have an author talk in Highlands at the library Oct. 11th from 3:30 to 5:00 as well as a signing at Fiction Addiction in Greenville on Saturday, November 30 from 1:30 to 2:30. For more about Lee, visit her website, https://leelyons.me/
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 TICKETS: ADULTS $20 | CHILDREN $5
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Happenings in Belton
Nov. 7 -
Wreath making class 6pm registration required Nov. 14 - Genealogy Program-Huguenots of SC Nov 21 - Candle making class 6pm registration required Nov 23 - 5th Annual Turkey Shoot - 9am Dec 7 Christmas in Belton-3-6:30pm Handmade exhibit will be open thru Dec 14. Contact the museum for more information about any of our events.
beltonmuseum.com • beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net 100 N. Main St. • Belton, SC • 864-338-7400
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Christmas Tour of Homes
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Fostering Our Children
By Caroline Anneaux
“We made sure each and every one felt loved and special every day they spent with us.”
The statistics on foster care in Anderson County are heartbreaking. We have approximately 250 children in the system and only 135 in foster family homes. On any given day, over 100 more foster families are needed in order to serve the children in our county. These children range in age from birth to age 17, and they all need a place to sleep at night. Without a permanent place to call home, they bounce around from place to place without the security of knowing where they will lay their heads at night or whom they will wake up to in the morning. “My husband, Dobb, and I became foster parents after a mission trip to Belize eight years ago,” said Jennifer Wilson. “I wanted to bring all of the children in the orphanage home with us. We quickly realized that overseas fostering and adopting was difficult, and the process was too lengthy. There was a tremendous need right here in our very own backyard, so we jumped right in to help children in Anderson.” Jennifer and Dodd fostered over 40 children in the seven years they were foster parents. Some of the children were there for only days, and some spent up to a year and a half with them. All were welcomed into the home as if they were the Dodds’ own children. “We had four biological children, and our youngest was 12 when we decided to become a foster family,” said Jennifer. “Being able to love on those foster children and show them what a healthy family looked like was a blessing. The most satisfying of all is that we were able to make a difference in the lives of so many children over the years. We made sure each and every one felt loved and special every day they spent with us.” Looking through the Wilsons’ family photo album is a testament to how much one family can do for so many children in short periods of time. The foster children went on family vacations, learned how to ride bikes, took lessons in music, horseback riding, swimming and more. Each child was celebrated on his or her birthday-many who had never experienced that simple yet cherished occasion most of us take for granted each year. Jennifer made photo albums for all of the children who spent time in her home and gave them to the children as a reminder of their time together. “I want to stress how important it is to open up your home for an opportunity for these children to see a world they may never see in their own homes,” said Jennifer Wilson. “You could be the family who opens andersonmagazine.com
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their eyes to experiences that will challenge them to reach higher goals in life just because they had the chance to be a part of something they never imagined existed.” Kaley Lindquist, director of operations at Care2Foster in South Carolina, shared some statistics on the foster care situation. “DSS reports that we have over 4,600 children in the foster system right now,” said Lindquist. “We still need more than 1,800 families to open up their homes for the children waiting for a more permanent home.” Care2Foster is a non-profit group founded and run by Lindsey Heskith. Care2Foster is a support group for all foster families in South Carolina. In the previous four months, they have added 40 new foster families to the system. Their goal is to find new foster families and help them during the process of becoming certified. They also provide ten different programs to help the children and their caregivers--support groups for moms trying to reunite with their children in foster care, mentors for older children in the system, sibling visits for children separated in the system and more. Not all children are completely homeless. Most come from families who need time to create a healthier environment for them. These children are scared, lonely and desperate to get back to their families when it is safe for them to do so. Foster families provide that special place for them to rest at night, knowing that when they are able to return to their family home, it will be a better situation than when they left it. “It hurts when a child has to leave your family,” said Jennifer. “But the benefits definitely outweigh the bad. Our goal is to get the children back to their families where they belong. In the time that we have them, any difference we make in their lives is worth every single hard emotion we go through when our time is over with them.” The Wilsons keep in touch with many of the 40 children they fostered over the years. They still invite children back for weekend visits and annual Christmas parties and love to attend special occasions such as award ceremonies and graduations. If you feel like your family would be able to open your home to a child in need, please contact the local DSS office in Anderson or any of the private centers in the county to get the application process started. Singleparent homes are encouraged to apply as well. n
“Our goal is to get the children back to their families where they belong. In the time that we have them, any difference we make in their lives is worth every single hard emotion we go through when our time is over with them.” andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
Meet Your Peoples Bank Family
Homeland Park Branch
3010 S Main Street Extension Since 1951, The Peoples Bank has been part of this community. We’re your neighbors and friends. We know your parents and grandparents. Our children play with your children. And you can count on us to provide the same kind of service we would offer our own family.
Loyalty. Honesty. Integrity.
www.peoplesbanksc.com • 864-296-3480
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BIG DAVE: VE: More than just a BBQ King By Lisa Marie Carter What do the Dallas Cowboys, the Carolina Panthers and the Clemson Tigers have in common? “Big Dave” (David O. Jones), that’s who! Big Dave and his barbecue have been the talk of the town among professional athletes, businesspeople, politicians, and the general public alike for over 24 years. While under the name of Lil’ Red BBQ Smokehouse in Dallas, Texas, Jones was the Executive Chef to the Dallas Cowboys for several years. Upon returning to his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, in July 1997, Jones and his establishment became the official caterer to the Carolina Panthers for the remainder of their football season. In July 1997, Big Dave was hired by Ericsson Stadium (now called Bank of America Stadium) to furnish his Texas Beef Brisket to the stadium, as well as the team. Over the past several years Big Dave has catered for several sports at Clemson University and for several visiting teams at Clemson, as well. andersonmagazine.com
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A former Fountain Inn police officer with a background in psychology, Jones was laid off in 1989 due to an accident which left him disabled for two years. His employer’s loss was barbecue lovers’ gain because he began cooking to fill some of the empty time on his hands. The original tastings came from many neighbors in his apartment complex in Dallas where he lived with his wife, Patricia, and children Kayla, Kristian, Kamille and David Jr (DJ). Big Dave’s break came when he was able to get his foot in the door with the Dallas Cowboys. November/December 2019
“I said ‘I’m going to take this out to the Cowboys.’ So I went to Valley Ranch about twenty times. About twenty times they opened the door and they closed it back,” Jones said, describing how hard it was to be heard with many other vendors also wanting the Cowboys’ business. “About the twenty-fifth time, this lady goes, ‘Man, you’re persistent.’ I said, ‘Madame, that is what it’s having to take. I think you’ll acknowledge me today.’ She let me in, tasted my food and her eyelids went up. She said, ‘I want to introduce you to Kevin O’Neal, the Cowboys’ head trainer.’ Kevin tasted my food and immediately asked if I’d like to do one of his mini camps. Soon afterward, we became known as the official caterer for the Dallas Cowboys, and they started endorsing our restaurant.” Jones also catered for the Mavericks, the Sports Brothers, Freddie Jackson of JAMS Radio in Dallas, Larry Johnson (Mr. NBA), and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, to name a few. If you’re looking for Big Dave’s BBQ, you’ll find his truck at the corner of SC Highway 153 and Anderson Road in Powdersville. He is set up there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM. You may also see him out and about with the truck as he travels for special events. Big Dave is not just a BBQ king; he is also a custom caterer. He likes to meet with potential clients and get a feel for their food style. He will custom create a menu for your special event that will make your mouth water and your belly growl! In addition to his famous barbecue, Big Dave now offers custom smoked meats such as his Hickory Deep Smoke Turkey and his Hawaiian Glazed Smoked Ham, perfect for those upcoming holiday meals. Big Dave is also in the process of launching two different sauces. His Hawaiian Bold Gold and Texas Red sauces will be available for fundraising as well as direct order online. His plan is to eventually have his sauces available in retail stores, too. Many would think that’s the full Big Dave’s story, but they would be wrong. Besides his cooking and catering, Big Dave also works with his son DJ’s charity, The DJ Jones Foundation. If you are a San Francisco 49er’s fan, then you have probably heard of DJ Jones, the team’s starting nose tackle. His story and his charity are an entire article on their own that we will feature online. Big Dave’s business philosophy is to “Love on the people who pay your paycheck–the customers.” He believes a successful business will get to know its customers and form a relationship, and that relationship is what will bring people back again and again. For more information, check out Big Dave’s website at http://bigdavesbarbeque.com, or find the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BigDavesBarbeque. n andersonmagazine.com
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A new Senior Nutrition Program in Anderson County is now offering nutritious meals to people 60 or older, and their spouses of any age, to provide socialization and reduce isolation. It’s all thanks to a partnership between Anderson County, Meals on Wheels-Anderson and the Appalachian Council of Governments. In addition to providing home-delivered meals throughout the county, the program offers five sites where seniors can dine & socialize. The program also offers transportation to and from dining sites for participants who no longer drive. In addition to lunch and socialization, various programs and activities are offered such as structured fitness and exercise classes, day trips and outings to local points of interest, educational programming, fun and games, music and dance, arts and crafts. Meals on Wheels-Anderson is providing the food for both parts of the program. Laurie Ashley, its Executive Director said “There is a national trend in Meals on Wheels, we are moving from simple meal delivery to offering other services to serve seniors. She added “Congregate meal sites are one of the most important ways to keep seniors active.” Laurie Ashley and her Board Chair Jeff Searcy first began looking into the program at the end of 2017. She said they viewed it “As an opportunity to serve more people.”
andersonmagazine.com
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Through this program, Meals on Wheels is providing 650 home-delivered meals each week, along with another 250 to the five dining sites. She said launching the program was “Quite a challenge,” noting they went from delivering 350 meals on June 30th to delivering 500 on July 3rd. Ashley said her volunteer drivers do not just drop a meal on someone’s doorstep, ring the doorbell and leave. “They form relationships with our clients,” she said. To start this program, it had to adjust driver’s routes so each had 20 clients. It meant some drivers were no longer delivering meals to people they had gotten to know, which caused some heartache. The Senior Nutrition Program has also meant changes for Anderson County. On July 1st it became the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Division’s eighth department. Janie Turmon has been hired on a parttime basis to be its Program Coordinator. Each of the five meal sites has its own manager, hired by the organization that owns the building. The Honea Path “Hot Shot Seniors” meet in the town’s Recreation Center Monday-Thursday. Gwen Threlkeld, its Site Manager, said of the program “They enjoy being together. It’s more or less a family.” n
November/December 2019
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November/December 2019
Improving Health Improving Minds Improving Lives Kelly Jo Barnwell Anderson County Senior Citizens Program The Jo Brown Senior Center 864-231-2237
Rachel Ossman: From High School Dropout to TCTC Honor Student
Rachel Ossman (seated) with Kim Stroud, data specialist, left, and Janice Walpole, director of Anderson 1 and 2 Adult Education Center In her graduation address to fellow Anderson 1 and 2 Adult Education GED graduates last year, 40-year-old Rachel Ossman read a quote by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale that today serves as her mantra: “Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.” “Believing in myself has been the toughest obstacle I have had to overcome,” said Rachel, who dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and battled insecurities about her academic ability, which kept her from attaining her GED for more than two decades. “Thanks to Anderson 1 and 2 Adult Education, Mrs. Janice Walpole, Mrs. Kim Stroud, and Tri County Technical College, in August of 2018 --- months after receiving my GED, I graduated from the I-BEST Pathway, and the following semester I enrolled in TriCounty’s Administrative Office Technology program. Now I have more confidence than ever. I have a positive outlook on life, and I’m motivated to do more than I ever have done before,” she said. andersonmagazine.com
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“As a rebellious teen,” Rachel says, “I didn’t think I needed school.” She had no problem finding minimumwage jobs, like waitressing and working as a clerk. “I was making money and wasn’t thinking about the big picture,” she said. She met her husband at age 17 and they married. He had his high school diploma and a full-time job as a machinist and was able to support them. “He always tried to get me to go back to school. Eventually I decided I’d try to get my GED, and I failed at it because, yet again, I was not being serious and made excuses for why I couldn’t do it,” she said. For 13 years she was a stay-at-home mom, content to raise their three children. Over the years she attempted six times to study and prepare for her GED but was derailed by personal setbacks -- the loss of both of her parents within a month of each other and being overcome with self doubt about her academic abilities. “In 2010, for my birthday, my last gift from my November/December 2019
mother was when she enrolled me in Adult Education classes. I was attending, feeling confident, and three days before Christmas, she died. My father died, one month later, to the day,” she recalled. “I was devastated by the loss of my parents,” she said. In October of 2016, I began to think about school and what she wanted for me so I enrolled again. I had all those same feelings of doubt, except this time I didn’t have my mother to help me through it. What I did have that I overlooked before were my teachers who worked hard not only to teach me but to help build my confidence, my family who supported me, and my husband and kids who helped me study daily,” she said. Once she gained momentum in Adult Education classes, she says a conversation with Mrs. Stroud put her on the road to continuing her education by enrolling in the I-BEST classes that are designed to meet workforce needs and are offered, free of charge, to individuals who qualify.
“Adult Education and Tri-County helped me to realize that I am able, I can do it, and I will make it. I want to graduate and go on and do more. My mom would be so proud. I wish she could see me now.” ~ Rachel Ossman
I-BEST programs are different because they focus on immediate employment and pathways to careers requiring an associate degree. They blend college credit, non-credit training, and industry-recognized skills certifications. They also build confidence and competence for jobs that pay family-sustaining wages and for continued college study. “I-BEST even paid for my college application fee, ID, and parking pass. That’s awesome,” said Rachel. After enrolling at Tri-County, she landed a part-time Administrative Assistant job at Anderson 1 and 2 Adult Education, working alongside her mentors and role models, Mrs. Walpole and Mrs. Stroud. “I never pictured myself in college. But Adult Education built my confidence, and I-BEST continued to do that. Instructors like Mrs. (Julianne) Wiles, Mrs. (Robin) Long, and Mrs. (Melinda) Hoover impacted my life in a tremendous way. They wrote reference letters for me when I applied for the job at Adult Education. Without everyone’s help, I wouldn’t have thought college was possible,” she said. “It’s like a dream come true. I take what I’ve learned and help students at Adult Ed over the hurdles, just like my teachers helped me,” she added. “This is an ideal job for me – I apply the skills I learn in class, and I can be a positive influence on other students. I tell students every day what this has done for me and hope I influence them in a positive way. I want people to know that there’s more than minimum-wage jobs out there for them.” In addition to I-BEST funding, she received the Donald McPhail and Abney Foundation scholarships and is attending Tri-County debt free. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success “Adult Ed and Tri-County helped me to realize that I am able, I can do it, and I will make it. I want to graduate and go on and do more. My mom would be so proud. I wish she could see me now.” n
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Tri-County Technical College 1. More than 70 majors 2. Lowest Tuition in Upstate 3. Highest Success Rate among State’s 16 Technical Colleges 4. Ranked in Top 1% Nationally for Successful Transfer 5. Nearly 80% of Students Receive Free Financial Assistance and Scholarships 6. 19:1 Student-Faculty Ratio 7. Four Campuses to Serve You 8. Co-ops and Internships Allow You to Learn While You Earn 9. Home to Nationally-Known Bridge to Clemson Program 10. RN, LPN Grads’ NCLEX Scores Exceed State, National Averages
www.tctc.edu 864.646.TCTC (8282) andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
Anderson School District 2 A great place to raise your family and educate your children!
Follow us!
@Anderson_Two
@AndersonSchoolDistrict2
Learn more at www.Anderson2.org!
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November/December 2019
The Legacy of Anderson is an Independent Senior Living Community
Senior Spotlight I was born in Cherryville North Carolina, but the majority of my years have been spent in South Carolina, working as a Medical Technologist in Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Conway hospital where I retired as a Lab Manager. My next move was to Mauldin to be near family. I painted with seniors and artists in Simpsonville, winning some local art awards. I moved to Anderson 4 years ago when my daughter Linda selected The Legacy as my independent living community. I was then around several people and also able to continue my childhood love of painting and the arts. I enjoy group singing, “Hymns Around The Piano”, acting in the drama club, and Sunday afternoons at The Milltown Players in Pelzer. There is never a dull moment here. I have attended museums, movies, restaurants, gone on a mountain railroad excursion and spring and fall trips to Cherokee. I enjoy making crafts and learning new games, even bridge and hand and foot. I was married for 37 years to Russ Holmes and finished my education late in life while raising 4 children. I completed an autobiography of my first 40 years titled “The Years We’re Given” and a cookbook of family recipes. Anderson and The Legacy are now where I call home.
Call Dee Golden at The Legacy today to schedule a visit.
864-276-3501
s e m l o H n y l o r a C
www.legacyofandersonseniorliving.com andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
#Experience4 Anderson School District 4
Anderson School District 4 invites you to #Experience4 and discover all the forward-thinking opportunities found in our community of schools. ASD4 includes Pendleton High, Riverside Middle and four elementary schools–Mt. Lebanon, Townville, Pendleton and La France. The team–One Team--is comprised of talented educators who are passionate about preparing students for their futures. At the heart of the district is a highly regarded superintendent with a recognized passion for progress. Dr. Joanne Avery is now in her fifth year as superintendent of the relatively small district, but her goals are big and bold. “We have the privilege of preparing students to succeed in the workplace, in higher education, and in life,” said Dr. Avery. “In Anderson Four, this starts with a deep understanding of the SC Profile of the Graduate framework that defines the skills every student needs to be college-ready and career-ready. This is our purpose. It demands teamwork and requires a work culture that values collaboration. When we pool our talents, there is a world of possibilities.” Teamwork led to the recent opening of the Anderson Institute of Technology that promises to be a game changer for the students of Anderson 3, 4, and 5 and the economic vitality of our community. Automation and advanced technology are fundamentally changing the American economy with jobs that require critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, advanced reading and technological skills. These are the skills defined in the SC Profile of the Graduate. Thanks to the efforts of many, the Anderson Institute of Technology is transforming learning while giving students a critical edge and seamless pathway to obtaining industry credentials and post-secondary education. andersonmagazine.com
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Avery emphasizes one other life lesson that is essential for students to embrace: “Our young people must understand the importance of knowing how to learn. That’s because when you graduate, that’s not the finish line. You’ll be learning for the rest of your life.” Those are lofty standards set forth by Dr. Avery, and they’re rooted in her education and practical work experience. She’s a Tennessee native with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Science from the University of Tennessee. In 1983, she returned to earn her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, becoming a corporate fitness director and co-owner of a health facility. In 1996, she earned her Doctorate Degree from Clemson University in Educational Leadership. She has been an educator and administrator in South Carolina for 30 years. Connecting with the people in the district means a lot to Dr. Avery. “When I stepped into the superintendency, I brought my personal approach to this leadership position,” she says. “I believe at the core of success is being authentic and investing in building relationships. It is important that I know our team members and support their efforts in finding solutions to barriers that impede our work. It also means leading by example. I value the experiences I share with students in the classroom as well as on field trips. It’s most important that our students know that the superintendent cares.” Dr. Avery’s passion for that personal connection led her to examine the quality of personal customer service throughout ASD4. She conducted research and focus groups to determine how well teachers, administrators and support staff were serving students, parents and the community every day. November/December 2019
Her self-inspection revealed five unique insights, or “pillars,” about District 4: It’s a strong team that creates a welcoming, friendly environment for students, parents and each other. By engaging and communicating clearly, they foster a safe, loving, climate where learning can thrive. ASD4 is just the right size, balancing small school values with large challenges in and out of the classroom. The low student-to-teacher ratio is an advantage. One middle school feeds into one high school, so they can follow students’ progress as they grow. There are key opportunities to foster a balance of academics, athletics and service. They provide multiple avenues for personal growth so that students graduate--confident and satisfied with the best possible education foundation. ASD4’s dedicated team is authentic and loving, providing consistent standards for everyone. Strong leadership, supportive administrators and expert staff create a positive environment. They value each person-providing safety, kindness and friendship—which helps battle bullying and encourages positive learning. The schools in the district are a great value. Tax dollars are used productively, and parents see real educational substance. Authentic educators are tested professionals who nurture great student leaders, and graduates assert they are prepared to thrive in the future. The insight she gained from these five pillars led Dr. Avery to implement a district-wide initiative called “Experience4,” a comprehensive customer-service vision plan for all ASD4 employees. The campaign includes a multi-media platform that reaches the community through marketing, personal contact, the ASD4 website, social media outlets and even text messages. It’s a daily guide for excellent service. Dr. Avery’s vision and action have been rewarded statewide. The South Carolina Association of School Administrators named her the 2020 SC Superintendent of the Year. “I didn’t get this award on my own,” she said with her usual humility. “Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships. At the heart of our success is teamwork. . . and that’s what we have in Anderson Four.” Those are insightful words from a strong leader who has helped make Anderson School District 4 a powerhouse for education. n
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November/December 2019
Belton Preparatory Academy is now enrolling students for the 2019-2020 academic year.
K5-4th GRADES
BPA is a tuition-FREE public charter school.
OPEN ENROLLMENT. November 1 - February 1 Experience the difference of Classical Education •A high-quality instruction in phonics, logic, literature, history, math, science, entrepreneurship, and free market competition •A learning environment where virtue, integrity, and character are developed and displayed “BPA has been a wonderful experience both for our daughter and for us! We have the peace of mind of knowing that she’s in a positive environment and that she’s being challenged, encouraged, and supported as she learns! She comes home teaching us things that we didn’t learn until high school and she’s in 2nd grade!!! It’s literally always a great day at BPA!” ~Lindsay J.
“I love that my child is greeted every morning with smiles, hugs, and high fives from other students as well as staff. I know my child is thriving in an encouraging and loving atmosphere. This staff is God sent and my family is blessed to be a part of it!” ~Joy V.
Our five-year-old had a hard time transitioning to a school setting. The staff & teachers at BPA went above and beyond to not only make her feel loved & comfortable but also to keep me updated on how she was doing during the school day. The love & respect given to all of the students is invaluable. ~Charity G.
864-392-1173 • 5901 Belton Hwy • Belton, South Carolina 29627 Enroll today at www.beltonprep.us Belton Preparatory Academy is a TUITION-FREE public school open to all K5-4th grade students in South Carolina. BPA is currently located on the campus of Second Baptist Church, 5901 Belton Hwy. in Belton, SC. andersonmagazine.com
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November/December 2019
Express your thankfulness by honoring a special caregiver If you or a loved one has received extraordinary health care and you would like to express your gratitude, a gift to The AnMed Health Foundation in their honor is an excellent way to show your appreciation. The clinicians and caregivers listed below were honored in 2019 by grateful patients and co-workers who made gifts to The AnMed Health Foundation, specifically in their honor.
2019 CAREGIVER HONOREES AnMed Health 5 South Nurses AnMed Health 6 North Nurses AnMed Health Cath Lab Nurses AnMed Health Physician Network Physicians Dr. John M. Baker Nurse Rhonda Ballew Dr. Abdalla Bamashmus Blue Ridge Radiation Oncology Nurse Sarah Brown Dr. Terrence Bruner Dr. Kyle Bryans Dr. William S. Buice Dr. Bruce M. Burns Dr. Leander Cannick Nurse Samantha Carter Dr. Rashmi Chandra Nurse Carrie L. Christie Nurse Lynn Cook Dr. Carrie D. Cousar Nurse Dina Curtis Dr. Jeffrey DeLo Dr. Zia-Ud Din Dr. John E. Doster Dr. James G. Foster Dr. Paul M. Frassinelli Dr. Deborah Fry Mrs. Sarah Gregorich Dr. Monica Grier Dr. Daniel Grisham Nurse Mary Hanna Dr. Newman Harter
Dr. David H. Holt Dr. Ingrid L. Isakov Dr. Audrey S. Jones Nurse Danette Jones Nurse Tina Jury Nurse Heather Kay Dr. Daniel Keenan Dr. Hui-Tzu Kiang Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Dr. David L. Kyle Nurse Sarah B. Long, APRN Dr. Veena Mathur Dr. David A. McCann Dr. Marshall L. Meadors Nurse Cate Miller Dr. Harold G. Morse Dr. Rebecca W. Norris Nurse Michelle Pickens Nurse Gena Nicole Ramey Dr. Abhijit Raval Dr. John C. Saunders Dr. Raymond K. Seiler Nurse Aimee Sharp Mrs. Kelly Southard Dr. Brett Stoll Dr. David W. Strathern Nurse Doris Street Nurse Cindy Swaney Dr. Vic Tomlinson Dr. Alexander Tuten Dr. Thomas U. Tuten Dr. Allison G. Venturella Dr. Dennis S. Whatley Dr. Joseph W. Yon
As the holiday season approaches, consider recognizing the special caregivers, family members, and loved ones in your life by dedicating a light in their honor during the Season of Lights. Please visit www.anmedhealth.org/lights or call 864.512.3477 for more information. Lighting Ceremony: Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 5:30 pm AnMed Health Medical Center – Reflections Cafe
The Doctor Is In Expert Care. When and Where You Need It. • Convenient Locations • Extended Hours • Urgent Care • E-Visits
AnMedHealth.org/Doctors 864.512.3748