Anderson Magazine Sept/Oct 2022

April Cameron

Sales & Client Manager

Jennifer Merritt

Graphic Design

Jennifer Walker

Online Editor

Lisa Marie Carter

Contributing Writers

Caroline Anneaux

Lisa Marie Carter

Ashlyn Fransen

Deborah Tucker

Featured Photographer

Van Sullivan Photography

Anderson Magazine is published six times a year.

Advertising Inquiries: jennifer@andersonmagazine.com 706-436-4979

ON THE COVER:

April Cameron, founder of Anderson Magazine and

Director of the

Arts Center

Copyright: All contents of this issue ©2022

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 dam ages resulting from inaccurate erroneous information.

Anderson Magazine

PO Box 3848 Anderson, SC 29622 864.221.8445

Letter from the Editor

Well, I finally did it! I pulled an Oprah Winfrey and put myself on the magazine cover! This is not something I ever really intended to do. I am never very fond of photos of myself. I can only say, “that’s not a good picture of me,” so many times until I realize that’s just what I look like!

I had slated a spot for a story on entrepreneurs, and I realized, “Hey! That’s me!” Anderson County is chock full of entrepreneurs who have had dreams that they made a reality. Restauranteurs, photographers, mechanics, bakers, craftsmen…the array of goods and services runs the gamut; and, thankfully, our community reaps the benefits! We are a county that has bright, innovative, successful businesses that are independently or family run, that started from the ground up, and have been passed on to generations. Thomas Jefferson said, “With great risk comes great reward,” and I would venture to say that the majority of entrepreneurs would agree.

While our business folks are incredible people, another group of amazing community members are those serving as foster families. With the very controversial situation regarding Roe vs Wade in the spotlight recently, one area that I believe benefitted from this was a surge in awareness about the need for foster families. There are nearly 4,000 kids in South Carolina alone in foster care. Those who provide homes, sometimes very temporary, to children in need are remarkably compassionate and caring. Read about the needs in Anderson County on page 16.

As school has gotten underway, I know our kids are doing great things. Whether they are making good grades, performing well in sports, playing an instrument, or learning skills to benefit them throughout their lives, I have a positive outlook on our youth (maybe it’s because I have two children I think are going to do big things!). I received a call from someone in the community that wanted to share information about a young person doing great things. Check out page 22 to learn about Ayanna Hunt and find some faith in the people that will be our future leaders!

This summer, I was lucky enough to have a college student intern with the magazine. Ashlyn Fransen is a student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. She is a graduate of T.L. Hanna, and her family still lives in Anderson. She has written several articles in this issue, and she did an outstanding job! It was so wonderful to assign her a story, have it completed so well with great writing, proper grammar use and within the parameters assigned to her! If you ever have an opportunity to take on an intern in your business, I highly recommend it. It was a pleasure having Ashlyn work with the magazine.

We continue to be in trepidatious times regarding our economy. There are still rising costs that are playing a significant role in our households and businesses. I can’t say thank you enough to our loyal advertisers for their support of Anderson Magazine so that we have been able to continue to share the good news about Anderson County with the community.

Happy Fall, Y’all! n

Behind the scenes of the cover shoot.

Robotics improves precision in hip replacement surgeries

On weekends when the sun is blazing bright, friends and family of Paul O’Brien, a proud resident of South Carolina, know to bypass his couch and scope out the great outdoors if they want to get ahold of him.

With a home situated on a lovely expanse of land abutting Lake Hartwell, O’Brien enjoys landscaping and gardening. He is often found on the golf course or enjoying the breeze on his boat. Most of all, he cherishes time spent knee boarding and tubing with his grandchildren, who are his pride and joy, and going hiking with his wife to the waterfalls located in the Upstate.

But in 2019, somewhere between jet skis and golf clubs, life changed for O’Brien. He began experiencing a heightened discomfort in his ankle and hip. Suddenly, lake activities came to a halt. Simple tasks like trimming bushes and mowing grass became impossible. And walking over uneven ground became painful.

After a trek to a local hospital, O’Brien was injected in both areas with stem cells and sent home. The ankle improved. The hip did not. Eventually, he was referred to AnMed Health’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hunter Hsu for further evaluation, who advised him that he would be a good candidate for hip replacement.

AnMed Health had only recently started performing robotic hip replacement surgeries after astounding success with robotic knee replacements. However, at the time O’Brien was unaware that such technology even existed.

“I knew that a lot of medical procedures utilized robotics but was not familiar with when, why or how,” says O’Brien. “Dr. Hsu did a great job explaining exactly

what he would do and how long recovery would take.”

Once O’Brien expressed interest in moving forward with the procedure, Dr. Hsu and his staff got to work. As part of customary pre-surgery protocol, they scheduled a pre-operative appointment and an informational session for O’Brien, where they not only discussed the actual surgery but every detail of what would take place from the time he arrived to a few weeks post-surgery, including the role and significance of robotics.

“Robotics technology helps determine what size implants the patient will need, the best position for the implant, and previous surgeries that might inhibit or cause a stiff spine in certain patients, influencing the ideal position for an implant,” says Dr. Hsu.

And hip replacements involve another complication: ensuring both legs are of the same length prior to performing the procedure. If not, patients could suffer from pain and discomfort later, potentially exacerbating their condition. Robotics helps ensure accuracy in that realm, too. n

Dr. Hunter Hsu AnMed Health Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

By Caroline Anneaux

Emboldened EffervescentEntrepreneurs

Local entrepreneurs in Anderson County make up approximately 45 percent of its economy. They are the lifeblood of our community and enrich the cities and towns we live in. We want to encourage our readers to support local businesses whenever possible. These are our friends, family and neighbors working hard to provide services for us, and we can keep our money local this way. Take a look at what these local go-getters are doing and take a moment to thank them for their hard work when you see them around town.

Ryan Roberts

Ryan Roberts is a third generation Andersonian; his grandfather and father also grew up here. He went to the University of Mississippi, where he became friends with Jared Foster who owns the franchise LandShark Seafood.

By Lisa Marie Carter

Roberts came back to Anderson with his fiancé, Sarah, and their daughter, Willow. He began cooking for his family and friends to practice until he perfected the art of creating a Cajun boil like no other here in Anderson. He talked to Foster and bought into the LandShark Seafood franchise two years ago.

“I had a lot to learn,” said Roberts. “I was great at cooking an authentic Cajun boil, but I had no idea how to run a food truck business. I jumped right in and learned as I went along. There were certainly bumps along the road, but I worked them out as the business got bigger and bigger.”

Bigger is right. Roberts started by setting up a tent on the side of the road where he made several hundred dollars in a week. He quickly purchased a custom-made food truck, had it wrapped with his company logo and off he went. The Cajun boil was so popular his business skyrocketed that first year.

“One of my biggest decisions was hiring my manager, Matthew Lemmons, to run the food truck with me,” said Roberts. “He has as much energy as I do. We just jump in and get the job done.”

The hardest part of the first year was finding good locations and letting the public know where the truck was going to be set up that day. It’s one thing to give people a physical address of your new restaurant. It’s a whole other ballgame to constantly move around and get your customers to follow you around town. Businesses like Palmetto Moonshine, Churchill’s Pub and Feed Lot in Belton are among the many places who have offered him a space to park. He is currently looking for a permanent spot.

Roberts found that Facebook and Instagram were the

best ways to get the word out. Posting his location and pictures of the food each day was the way to find, keep and expand his customer base.

“We went from selling a few meals in a week to selling hundreds,” said Roberts. “It has been an amazing journey to watch how I went from cooking in my backyard to owning a successful food truck business. I am so thankful for the Anderson community for supporting me as much as they have. We sell out wherever we go now.”

His fiancé, Sarah, who grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi and loves Cajun food, helps him out as often as she can. His brother, Jack, helps him run the food truck too. Soon, there will be two food truck locations to follow around Anderson County. Roberts is in the process of getting a custom truck together that he and Jack will run while Matthew continues to run the current truck.

Food plates are $12, $20 and $40 for the shrimp boil. Right now, you have the option of adding crab legs and lobster if you would like. The handmade garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, shrimp and sausage are straight out of New Orleans. You would be hard pressed to find anything this authentically Cajun in the area. And, for those of you who can’t eat anything spicy, he can leave the seasoning off. All you have to do is ask.

Look for Ryan and his truck on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to get your Cajun boil complete with potatoes, corn and a hard-boiled egg!

Landshark Seafood, Ryan Roberts, 310-773-2420

Ryan Roberts, Jack Roberts, Matthew Lemmons and Valerie Page

Landshark Seafood

Ryan Roberts and Matthew Lemmons

Ryan Roberts,

The

The Hawthorne Family

On the Rocks Downtown Bar & Grill is a cool, hip restaurant and bar located at 134a Main Street in downtown Anderson. Reggie Hawthorne and his sons, Darius and Talon, opened their business two years ago — the week before the country shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Here we were, running a brand new restaurant and bar for one week and then we had to close our doors to the public,” said Reggie Hawthorne. “That was not a great way to start a business.”

For two months, the men learned how to perfect the take-out business and were able to keep the place running thanks to friends, family and locals supporting their business the best way they could.

Fast forward to mid-2022, when the business is thriving and back to where they were when they originally opened. Like many downtown buildings, On the Rocks Downtown Bar & Grill has many of the original architectural features. The ceilings and floors are original, and the dark interior sets the tone for a warm and comfortable place to relax with family and friends.

“We pride ourselves on influencing several generations of our friends and family to come to downtown Anderson to hang out here,” said Reggie Hawthorne. “It’s wonderful being able to do our part to keep the downtown area culturally diverse.”

On the Rocks Downtown Bar & Grill is open for dinner on weekdays and all day on Saturday. The Hawthornes encourage their guests to stop in and have a drink at the bar in the evenings. It is a great place to meet up with friends and family or to bring a date for a nightcap.

There are multiple televisions in the bar and restaurant. On the Rocks is open on Saturdays for guests to watch football, drink and eat some delicious food. The menu is diverse and everyone in your party should be able to find some of their favorite food items, including wings, salads, sandwiches, tacos, mac ’n’ cheese and more.

According to Darius Hawthorne, “You have to come in for Sunday Funday. We host an amazing brunch every Sunday where you can relax and hang out with us.”

Sunday brunch is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The full menu is available, but the talented chefs serve featured dishes on Sundays too. Guests will have added options including salmon and grits, chicken and waffles and tasty signature mimosas.

Watch for live music throughout the week and especially on Sundays during brunch. Sit back, enjoy an incredible meal and listen to gospel, jazz, improv and more. The Hawthornes are here to stay on Main Street and they look forward to getting to know you. Drop in, say hello and be sure to take a picture in the Instagram room and let your friends and family know about On the Rocks Downtown Bar & Grill.

Talon, Reggie and Darius Hawthorne

Anderson Magazine

April Cameron is the publisher and editor of Anderson Magazine. She has about as much energy as a nuclear power plant, a megawatt smile and has a schedule that would make your head spin if you thought for a moment you could keep up with her. She’s also beautiful, funny and has a heart of gold. Over the years she has become a household name here in Anderson through the various businesses, volunteer organizations, schools and sporting events she is involved in. It seems as if everyone knows her!

Anderson Magazine is the epitome of a successful small business grown from the ground up. Cameron started the magazine in 2014 without a startup fund, and today Anderson Magazine reaches over 20,000 readers with every publication. If you are blessed to know her, you would understand how she made that happen.

Cameron grew up in the small town of Metter, Georgia before going to college at Georgia Southern University to study communications and public relations. She lived in Atlanta for about ten years and worked for an advertising agency in the Gwinnett County area. She did just about everything including proofreading, editing and managing stories. “This was my jam,” said Cameron.

In 2005, when her daughter was only three years old, the family made a move to Anderson. She thought she would be a stay-at-home mom, but quickly realized that she was not made to stay at home.

“I was already taking on freelance work, but I was looking for something else to keep me busy,” said Cameron. “I reached out to my old boss and mentor and he encouraged me to start my very own magazine here in Anderson.”

Cameron was employed by Meals on Wheels, and she attended Leadership Anderson where she began to think about what a valuable tool a magazine would be for the community. This would be a way to link Anderson and the surrounding communities together and provide a way to show off the talents of the dedicated, hardworking and loving people who live here, she said.

AnMed Health, Tri-County Technical College, McDougald Funeral Home and the city and county governments of Anderson are some of the advertisers that have all been fully supportive from day one. All of the advertisers over the years have had a hand in keeping the issues going.

“Loyal advertisers in the community helped me get this magazine started,” said Cameron. “They continue to support me today. This magazine is published and distributed solely on advertising. I could not have printed a single issue without my advertisers.”

Cameron keeps the content directed towards what the readers want to know about. Healthcare, education,

community events, recreation, shopping and business articles are in every issue. The advertisers are reaching the customers they need and the community stays well informed about current events and issues of interest. It is a win-win for everyone involved.

Not only has Cameron had loyal advertisers, she has had a team of people surrounding her from the beginning. Her graphic designer, Jennifer Walker, has been by her side from the very first issue. Hannah McCullough Thomson, Jennifer Merritt, Lisa Marie Carter and Van and Caroline Sullivan are among the many who have stepped up to take on the many jobs

that keep the issues coming year after year. It is truly a team effort to put a magazine together, and she certainly knows how to lead them.

When Cameron isn’t putting the finishing touches on her magazine, you may find her spending family time with her children, Avery and Cooper, or hanging out with her besties around town. As if all of that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she is the full-time executive director at the Anderson Arts Center and current president of the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson. If she ever has down time, she says it is in the evening binge watching true crime shows in her pajamas — quite possibly with a nice glass of wine in her hand!

Anderson Magazine has become a trusted resource for our staff here at Visit Anderson. We have residents from our community that come into our Visitors Center on a regular basis to pick up their copy of Anderson Magazine, and we send Anderson Magazine out as a part of our visitor packets as well. In the past, we have utilized Anderson Magazine as a local resource when we have not been able to meet the demands for information through our designated printed materials. Anderson Magazine is critical to our success here at Visit Anderson.

Neil Paul, TMP Executive Director, Visit Anderson

“Loyal advertisers in the community helped me get this magazine started. They continue to support me today.”

~April Cameron

Northern Suga

Eight years ago, Kim and Anthony Sams, Jr. moved from Indiana to Anderson to escape the cold weather and enjoy sunny days here in South Carolina. They had seven adult children at the time, and now six grandchildren have been added to the family.

They loved the warm weather here in Anderson, but soon discovered a lack of delicious handmade candied apples and flavored popcorn.

“Where we lived in Indiana we had our favorite places to go get popcorn and candied apples when we had snack cravings,” said Kim Sams. “When we moved here, we just assumed there would be candy and popcorn shops to go to. We were surprised that the nearest place was Greenville.”

Both of them were working full time and not even remotely considering the thought of opening their own business. They worked here in town, and when they had a craving for candied apples or flavored popcorn they drove to Greenville.

Kim’s health was really improving in the warm weather down south, but she began to feel a tugging from the Lord to do something else in life.

“’Lord, just let me feed your people’ was always a saying for me,” said Kim. “I had said that for years and was always looking for ways to help others by making sure they had enough to eat if they needed it.”

So, in 2019, Kim stepped out in faith when the Holy Spirit placed it on her heart to open her own candy business. Her husband jumped in to help her, but he kept his full-time job to keep steady income coming in during the transition.

“I got online and ordered her first two machines,” said Anthony. “When the tumbler and popper machines arrived, I gave Kim a call. She started squealing and jumping up and down. I knew this was going to be our new adventure.”

The Sams rented a store in Anderson Mall and named it Northern Suga. The popcorn making and candy apple dipping began and just as fast, Covid-19 did too.

pick up curbside. That’s when we started looking around town and found our current location at 515 Main Street.”

Not only can you walk into their busy shop downtown and buy one of 40 flavors of hand-coated popcorn or a variety of fresh-dipped candy apples, the Sams have so much more to offer their customers.

“We are able to personalize candies, apples and popcorn for weddings, showers, birthday parties, care packages for college students and more,” said Kim. “Our gift baskets are gorgeous, and we absolutely love doing corporate events. Employee appreciation gifts are also a specialty. Please keep us in mind for future events.”

Anthony makes the delicious homemade caramel sauce and all of the candy and flavorings are made in house. The smell of the freshly popped popcorn and flavorings hits you the minute you walk into the shop. Stop in and try what they have. You won’t be disappointed!

Northern Suga • 515 Main Street in Anderson 864-401-8668 n

Kim’s godmother, Grace Sewell, taught her to make popcorn balls and caramel apples when she was a girl. Her godmother didn’t believe girls should be “galivanting around town on Halloween,” so this is what she did instead of trick or treating. Kim, in turn, did this with her own children. Now, it has turned into a successful business for all of us to enjoy as well!

“Like most local businesses we were in a tailspin trying to figure out a way to keep our doors open,” said Anthony. “We did what we could, but we knew that we needed a storefront where customers could drive up and

“I had said that for years and was always looking for ways to help others by making sure they had enough to eat if they needed it.”

FOSTERING FAMILIES IN ANDERSON COUNTY

By Deborah Tucker

For Nikki Latimer, caring for foster children is personal. She is the senior director of community care at Connections Foster Care, part of New Foundations Home for Children.

“My husband and I are foster parents,” explained Latimer. “We understand the perplexities of welcoming children into your home and how it changes your overall family dynamic. When asked why I foster, it is simply to provide a loving home to a child who is in current need.”

Foster Care in Anderson County Today

According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, in June of this year 3,934 children were in foster care. Thirty-four percent of those children had been in care for 24 months or longer. According to the same report, there were 194 children in foster care in Anderson County. Almost 25 percent have been in foster care for 24 months or longer.

Foster care is a temporary ministry to families right here in our community, explained Kenneth McBride, director of the Anderson County Department of Social Services (DSS). During what seems like the lowest point in a child’s and family’s life, they can be strengthened

through the work of not only DSS but with the support and love from local foster parents and the Anderson community.

“Foster care requires a commitment of time, treasure, talent, and room in your heart to help a child, youth, or sibling group,” said McBride. “That help comes with understanding, compassion, and a willingness to be a support for a family in crisis.”

According to McBride, the greatest need in Anderson County and the state today is foster homes that are willing to take older youth and teenagers, sibling groups, and children who may have complex medical needs. New Foundations Home for Children, located in Anderson, understands the need for foster care in Anderson County. The organization added its foster care support program, Connections Foster Care, about five years ago after group homes stopped housing children up to the age of 12.

According to Nikki Latimer, Connections Foster Care initially focused on placing just therapeutic needs children — children requiring additional care in terms of therapy. However, they now license and train families to take regular as well as therapeutic needs children.

“It is about what the families feel they can handle as well as our recommendations,” said Latimer. “Connections works with each family to place a child that we feel will fit best with the existing family dynamic and family capabilities.”

She added, “At Connections, we welcome people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. This is the same position as the Department of Social Services. We are nondiscriminating to anyone who wants to foster. This is necessary because children coming into care have varied needs and we need a diverse group of foster families to help meet these needs.”

For the Rev. Dr. Jamie Williams, youth pastor at Honea Path First Baptist Church, it’s personal as well. He and his wife, Heather, have fostered 18 children to date. Their stays have been as short as four days to as long as 13 months.

In 2018, Williams wrote his doctoral thesis on the church’s role in foster care. If lives are as important as we say they are, we need to be there for the foster children,” he explained.

As Williams sees it, the two biggest issues are awareness and vision. At the time he did his research, 80 percent of the South Carolina Baptist churches had no involvement with foster care. He feels the situation has improved considerably over the last four years. What Can Organizations and Individuals Do to Help? Williams believes there are three things churches can do to support foster care:

1. Let the congregation know the needs and the opportunities to meet those needs.

2. Let prospective foster parents know that the church will support and stand by them throughout the foster care process.

3. Let foster parents know the church appreciates and is there for them.

DSS director McBride said that even if an individual cannot foster themselves, there are many groups in our community that help support foster youth, foster parents, and DSS professionals who work in this sphere. “Here in Anderson County, our work has been blessed with kind gestures of appreciation organized by local school groups, local churches, and family-focused nonprofits,” said McBride. “Examples of support provided by the community include toy drives, sweet treats, and notes of appreciation for DSS professionals and local non-profits providing extra support for foster families.” Nikki Latimer of Connections Foster Care asked people to consider becoming a foster parent.

“We need more homes,” Latimer said. “Children age out or become adopted and families close homes. This is part of the fluidity of the system. We need families willing to take children between the ages of 12-18; this is our greatest need right now.”

Latimer would like organizations to help Connections Foster Care by sharing their recruiting information regularly with their employees. This way, she feels if employees see it regularly, they will be more inclined to

ponder and possibly be persuaded to take a step toward helping children in need. New Foundations also makes speakers available on request.

And finally, donations are always welcome, she said. Capital donations, back-to-school supplies, Christmas gifts, personal care items, duffle bags and small suitcases, and meal donations can make a real difference.

Advice for Prospective Foster Parents

“Your main motivation should always be the good of the child,” said Williams. “Be aware that when kids arrive, they are scared, disappointed, and confused. They don’t know who to be mad at.”

Williams has seen how a structured and loving environment can have an immediate impact on the life of a child. He loves to tell how one girl went from very low grades to all A’s in a couple of months. His wife has some very sound advice for a new foster mom.

“I always had a plate of cookies ready to welcome a child,” said Heather Williams. “Don’t get discouraged when things get tough. Be ready to love even in the hardest moments. A child will remember your love, and it helps build trust.” n

RESOURCES ON FOSTER CARE

New Foundations Home for Children |Anderson, SC (864) 225-1628 | info@newfoundationschildren.com

Miracle Hill Ministries | Greenville, SC | miraclehill.org (864) 268-4357

Fostering the Family Ministry in Anderson County fosteringthefamily.org | Kim Trainer, CEO | (734) 474-1067 NewSpring Church | Anderson, SC | newspring.cc (864) 226-6525

A Home for Me | Simpsonville, SC | ahomeforme.sc (864) 254-8115

Grace Church | Anderson, SC | gracechurchsc.org (864) 254-8115

Honea Path First Baptist Church | Honea Path, SC honeapathfirstbaptist.snappages.site | Dr. Jamie Williams, Youth Minister | (864) 369-2818

South Carolina Foster Parent Association | Elgin, SC scfpa.com/heartfelt-calling (803) 865-2020

Sources: https://reports.dss.sc.gov/ReportServer/Pages/ReportViewer.aspx?/ Foster+Care Interviews with Kenneth McBride, Nikki Latimer, Dr. Jamie Williams, Heather Williams

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Countybank’s SBA Lending Department Passes $100 Million

Countybank’s SBA department reached a significant milestone since its launch five years ago as it passed more than $100 million in loan closings.

The SBA lending program was launched in May 2017 and was awarded preferred lender status in 2018. Countybank is currently ranked #1 in SBA 7(a) loan volume in South Carolina for the fiscal year and is also in the top 150 (#142) in SBA 7(a) loan volume nationally.

The SBA lending team has seen continued success since its inauguration, with Pick Pickhardt, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager of Countybank, being named SBA lender of the year in 2020 and the

team leading the charge to support small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) efforts. Through this program, Countybank closed 912 loans totaling more than $90 million. The bank was also named the top SBA lender in South Carolina in 2021 and 2019.

SBA loans offer a multitude of benefits, including longterm financing, excellent business leverage via lower cash injection, and avoiding loan covenants, all while accomplishing an entire project in one loan.

To learn more about Countybank and the SBA lending program, visit www.ecountybank.com.

Pictured (left to right) are Jordan Payne, Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer; Paul Pickhardt, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager; Brad Cantrell, Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer; and David Trent, Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer.

Great

Student Spotlight:

Ayanna Hunt

By Ashlyn Fransen

Ayanna Hunt’s mother always wanted the best for her. As many parents do, she hoped Ayanna would earn better grades and be more successful than she was. But, she didn’t know her daughter would break her own personal track and field record in discus throwing.

“I have always told people that records are meant to be broken, and after 29 years of waiting to see who would actually break it, I am very proud that it was my own daughter. So even if the discus record at Westside [High School] doesn’t have my name on it anymore, it’s still in our family,” said Ayokka Hunt, Ayanna’s mother and coach.

Ayanna Hunt beat her mother’s record by 8 feet at the Bob Jenkins Coaches Classic Track and Field REGION 1 meet in the spring. This record-breaking throw measured 148 feet and 9 inches and scored her first place at the meet. Coach Hunt was a very proud mom that day.

Track and field is an important part of the Hunt family legacy. Her grandfather, aunt, mother, and older sister have all had successful track and field careers. When Ayanna was just six years old, her grandfather, Coach Lawrence Green, began teaching her how to throw the shot put, just as he had taught his own daughters.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” Ayanna said

about her start in track. “It’s interesting being coached by my family, but it’s mostly good because I can get more work in even when I’m at home.”

At age 11, Ayanna began her discus journey, and she’s been shining ever since. She won the National Junior Olympics and the Region MVP Award for Field Events, and now she holds back-to-back Discus State Championships. What an impressive accomplishment for a fourteen-year-old freshman!

Ayanna practices her throws every single day, even during the summer when she travels for national meets. She also performs extremely well in the classroom, balancing exceptional grades with constant practices. She does this by going to her teachers for help when she needs to.

Ayanna loves everything about track, and now that she’s worked her way up to the top, she doesn’t see herself slowing down anytime soon. Her next goal is to get better at shot put and beat her mom’s record in that too. She hopes to one day join her grandfather, aunt, and mother in the Westside Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I want to end up getting a scholarship in track in the future,” Ayanna said about her college goals. She attributes her success in all environments to intense focus and a positive attitude, and to the signature buns she wears in her hair for every track meet! n

TCTC’s Veterinary Technology Program Celebrates 45 Years

This year Tri-County Technical College celebrates the 45th anniversary of its Veterinary Technology program. National Veterinary Technician Week (October 16 – 22) is a time to recognize that veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare.

They’ve been called the backbone of veterinary clinics, and many veterinarians say they wouldn’t dream of opening their practice on any given day without a credentialed veterinary technician who serves as an extra set of hands to handle many aspects of patient care, as well as laboratory procedures.

As the trend in veterinary medicine has moved toward multi-doctor practices and state-of-the-art technology, there is a high demand for well-trained, licensed veterinary technicians (LVT).

“Technicians are an integral part of the practice and serve as a veterinarian’s right hand,” said TCTC Veterinary Technology Department Head Ashley Brady, a 2000 alumna of the program who in 2015 was named Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year by the South

Carolina Association of Veterinarians. Brady also holds a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology/animal health technician with a minor in equine science from Murray State University (2002).

Veterinary technicians work closely with veterinarians and other members of the veterinary team to deliver quality animal health care. Their primary responsibilities in a veterinary practice include animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, postoperative care, client education, hospital management and laboratory duties. They also perform many tasks in the front office to include answering the phones, scheduling appointments, managing patient records and maintaining drug and supply inventories.

“Today’s progressive veterinary practices cannot operate efficiently without the skills of a veterinary technician on staff,” said Stephanie Brown, LVT, who serves as program director/instructor. Brown, a 1992

The Veterinary Technology Team from left: Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, Veterinarian; Ashley Brady, Department Head; and Stephanie Brown, Program Director.

Tri-County Veterinary Technology alumna, received the SCAV Technician of the Year Award in 1998.

“Veterinary technicians are an extra set of hands for the doctor,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, TCTC staff veterinarian. “The use of credentialed technicians in practices not only makes my job easier but also allows me to concentrate on making a diagnosis and spending more time with each client.”

Faculty see the importance of increasing clinical learning experiences and competencies and incorporate them into their lab teachings.

Students work with all shelters in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties to aid in animal spaying/neutering and adoption. Four times a year, publicwide adoption days are held on campus for pets (cats and dogs from the animal shelters) that have been cared for during the semester as part of the program. All animals are up to date on shots and have been socialized and introduced to basic commands.

Brady initiated a service learning program with Big Oaks Farm where the students go out and radiograph rescue horses. They worked with the rescue, the rescue group’s veterinarian and the local authorities, helping the students to get a real-world perspective while learning. Community service activities are woven throughout the semester to allow students to make a difference for the campus and the community.

“The need for licensed veterinary technicians is increasing,” said Brady. According to figures released by Today’s Veterinary Practice publication, national employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 19% by 2026.

“Years ago, we received phone calls from employers several months prior to our spring graduation. Now the calls begin coming in November of the previous year. That interest speaks volumes for us. The word is out about our students’ expertise during their externships in area veterinary practices.”

Graduates may pursue careers in a variety of areas, not just private practice.

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Although many seek employment in veterinary clinics, there are positions available in research, specialty practices, emergency clinics, and zoos or pharmaceutical sales companies and nutrition companies. There is also the opportunity to transfer to a four-year institution to acquire a bachelor of arts degree in veterinary technology which increases the opportunities for them.

Not all grads are working at Upstate practices. Four TCTC grads are working at Boston Memorial Angel Hospital, others are at Busch Gardens and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and another was hired to work at the University of Georgia’s Department of Large Animal Medicine.

Brady, Brown and Dr. Bryan say student successes are their best form of advertisement or barometer for success. “Students make our program so well known when they go out and get jobs with the best of the best,” said Brady.

Since 1980 TCTC’s program has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and is endorsed by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. Day and evening classes are offered. To learn more, visit tctc.edu/ vettech. n

• Highest Student Success Rate among State’s Sixteen Technical Colleges

• Ranked in Top One Percent Nationally for Successful Transfer

• Lowest Tuition in the Upstate

• Four Campuses to Serve You

• 19:1 Student-Faculty Ratio 864-646-TCTC

Locations in Anderson County

“Veterinary technicians are an extra set of hands for the doctor.”

Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, TCTC Staff Veterinarian

Affordable Housing Upgrades and City

Park Improvements Transform Westside Neighborhood

by Mary Haley Thompson

There’s almost nothing more delightful than the sound of laughter from a playground. And there’s almost nothing more fundamental to our well-being than a safe place to call home.

The City of Anderson works to foster each of those things by supporting a variety of housing opportunities and building public spaces and amenities that ensure cohesive neighborhoods. The City has initiated a pattern of housing rehabilitation, new construction projects, and park equipment upgrades in the last few years to serve its goal to enhance the quality of life in Anderson.

This summer, one of the most comprehensive examples of this effort came to fruition when City officials and partners from Related Affordable, LLC joined the neighborhood to celebrate the newly renovated Friendship Court Apartments and St. Francis Park.

Built in 1972, Friendship Court is an affordable housing community located at 719 West Mauldin Street adjacent to the City’s St. Francis Park. The complex features 80 units all subject to projectbased Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts.

Over the years, the once vibrant area began to decline due to a variety of maintenance and safety challenges. The $5.5 million renovation, led by Related Affordable, enhanced the interior amenities of each unit, the property’s curb appeal, and security infrastructure. Upgrades included all new kitchen and bathroom appliances and fixtures, new roofing and windows, conversion to central air conditioning, ADA accessibility, landscaping, lighting, and more.

“The neighborhood surrounding Friendship Court has a proud heritage where families thrived and everyone looked out for each other,” said Dr. Bea Thompson, Anderson City Council Member. “I’m so happy to see these improvements and am thankful for our valuable partners who helped make this project happen.”

The project was part of a larger initiative to revitalize the area around Friendship Court.

Mayor Terence Roberts leads a team of Westside High alumni in a pickup game against the State Champion Westside girl’s basketball team at St. Francis Park.

In partnership with the Related Affordable Foundation and KABOOM!, the City of Anderson added new amenities to St. Francis Park including a multi-sport court, stationary fitness equipment, drop-shot game for younger children, park benches, a walking path, and new landscaping. The custom-designed court features a layout that accommodates a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. St. Francis Park serves the apartment residents and surrounding neighborhoods.

Early in the process residents, including children and teenagers, attended a “Design Day” workshop where they provided input that helped shape the plans for the park and the resulting features.

“It’s always exciting to add activities to our parks, especially as a result of public input,” said Bobby Beville, City of Anderson Parks and Recreation Division Head. “The new court will be a huge hit with the teenagers, and the fitness equipment will be popular for all ages, even our senior citizens.”

As part of the KABOOM! model, volunteers participate in the buildout of the playground. The City filled that bill from its own ranks as employees across all City departments showed up to assist during the “Build Week.” Firefighters, police officers, accountants and City administrators labored side by side with public works and recreation employees to dig, hammer and nail to do the rewarding work to make the park a reality.

“This project is a great example of what can happen when the public and private sectors work together,” said David McCuen, City Manager. “It’s also an example of the dedication our team has to Anderson not just as a municipality, but as our home, too.” n

City employees participate in “Build Week” at St. Francis Park.

City firefighters construct benches at St. Francis Park.

By Ashlyn Fransen

Care for a s’more? I don’t know about you, but some of my favorite fall memories include a backyard bonfire and sticky marshmallow fingers. When the weather (finally) cools off, there’s nothing better than gathering with your people around an outdoor fire pit. Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your home and lifestyle. This fall, we’ve rounded up five of the most popular styles to inspire your cozy backyard bliss.

1. Round Stone

Let’s start with a classic. A quick Pinterest search will show you hundreds of variations of this stone layered pit. This design effortlessly achieves simplicity and beauty, giving you the picture perfect campfire experience. Local retailers even sell kits that come with everything you need to assemble this fire pit, making it easier than ever to achieve your campfire dreams.

Image courtesy of Unique Supply

2. Fireplace

Moving on to a more polished, high-end look, there’s the outdoor fire place. This design is much more elegant than a circular structure; it is the centerpiece for your outdoor entertainment space. The great thing about a fireplace is that it draws the smoke away from the ground, so you can say goodbye to the pesky smoke clouds that follow you around no matter where you sit.

Image courtesy of thespruce.com

3. Do It Yourself

If you’re into that DIY life, this is just the fire pit for you! This one can be assembled using the drum from an old washing machine! Plop it on a plant stand and add some logs to create a unique backdrop for your bonfires. Just remember that the metal will get very hot, so it

should not be touched or placed on a wooden deck! Fire is only fun when it stays where it’s supposed to!

Image courtesy of The Crafty Chica

4. Portable

These fire pits are perfect for camping! The lightweight design and easy start makes it the perfect accessory to go along with your tent or camper. Whip this baby out with some camp chairs, and you’re ready for an evening of s’mores and spooky stories!

Image courtesy of The Street

5. Table Disguise

The last trend is a bit more obscure than the rest. This fire pit may look like a sleek, modern outdoor table, but with the flip of a switch, it’s ready for roasting. Now you can eat your fire-roasted hot dog right where you cooked it! This is also a great option for families because the flames are contained above the ground. n

Events around town September & October

September 3 • 10:30-11:30 AM

Saturday Family Storytime – Anderson County Main Library, Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays perfect for children ages birth to 5 years old. Due to social distancing, registration is limited to 30 individuals and will be strictly enforced. Call (864) 260-4500 for more information.

September 24 • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Clean Up day! 1928 White St Ext, Anderson. Hosted by Councilman Glenn Davis. Let’s keep our area clean so our community can thrive and grow! Help clean up our town. For more information visit the Facebook Event page.

September 28 • 10:00 AM-5:30 PM

24th Annual Standpipe Heritage and Juried Art Show, Belton Center for the Arts, 300 City Square Belton. Belton’s largest art show open Tuesdays thru Fridays through November 4. For more information visit their website at beltonalliance.com.

October 4 • 6:00-9:00 PM

Taste of Anderson, Bleckley Station, Anderson SC. Taste of Anderson is back and packed with amazing food prepared by many of your favorite local Anderson restaurants. Hosted by the Anderson Area YMCA. For more information visit the YMCA’s Facebook Page and click on the event tab.

October 8 • 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Fall Harvest Festival, Historic Pendleton. Food Vendors, Shopping, Scarecrow Contest, Craft Vendors and more. For information visit their Facebook page

October 11 • 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

J Lohr Wine and Dine Class, Kitchen Emporium, 418 N. Main St., Anderson. Jackie Wood with J Lohr Wines and Kristy Stanley along with Chef Andrew will guide the dinner and pairing for the evening. $85 per person, includes tax and gratuity. Pre-Paid Reservations required. Space is Limited. 864-2252021

October 27-30 • 4:00 PM-10:00 PM

Halloween Weekend Extravaganza, Magnetic South Brewery, 516 N. Main St., Anderson. Halloween weekend shenanigans. Costume contest, live music, monster mashes, goblins and ghouls. We will have trick or treating for everyone, sip and shop market Friday and Saturday. For more information visit their Facebook Event page.

October 28 • 7 -11 PM

Nightmare on Federal Street, Anderson Arts Center’s Costume Party.$50 per person; prizes for best costume. Visit www.AndersonArts.org for more information.

Due to potential COVID changes please remember to check with the events as the date gets closer to confirm the details of the events are still correct.

By Ashlyn Fransen

Eileen sits in her leather recliner next to the fireplace with a blank expression on her face. She can see some flowers blooming out the window, and a few nurses mill about in the next room. Her son pulls open the French doors.

“Hi, Mom,” he greets her with a kiss on her cheek. Her spindly fingers reach up to the spot where his lips have just touched her. Alarm spreads through her eyes. She doesn’t know who he is. Her son’s heart drops when he realizes she doesn’t recognize him and won’t be able to produce his name.

He squats down to meet her eyes.

“It’s okay,” he reassures her. “You know me. You’re not in danger. I’m Ben, your son.” Relief floods his heart when something resembling recognition crosses her features.

Eileen has Alzheimer’s disease. Her brain cells are dying, and her brain mass is physically shrinking. This doesn’t just affect her memory, although that’s the main way it manifests. The disease also attacks nearly all of the brain’s functions, which is why she now lives in this assisted living facility.

It started with little things, like she would lose her car keys or forget to brush her teeth in the morning. Then it escalated to repeating herself too often or forgetting how much flour to put in her famous chocolate cake. Now, her children visit nearly every day, and every day it gets harder for her to recognize them.

This is the story of so many families across America. But there is hope; thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we are closer than ever to a cure.

Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in nearly 600 communities across the country. This fundraiser is a major contributor to the research and care the organization provide for people living with Alzheimer’s. It is a way for people of all ages to join with the association in its mission to see an Alzheimer’sfree world.

This year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Anderson will be held on September 24th at AnMed’s North Campus, located at 2000 E Greenville Street. Registration will open at 9 a.m., and the opening ceremony will begin at 9:45. This event is an incredible way to support families like Eileen’s right here in our local community. We hope to see you there!

Investing In Yourself and In Your Community

As Carter Knobel was growing up in Anderson, he became interested in financial investments after completing a project on the stock market in the third grade.

“My dad was in the industry, so I was intrigued by it,” said Knobel. But, instead of following a direct path into the financial advisory business, Knobel took a U-turn to attend his dream school.

“Sewanee [The University of the South] was where I wanted to go to college, and it was a liberal arts school. At the time, there weren’t a lot of finance-type degrees, so I majored in English,” said Knobel. “My dad always asked me what I was going to do with an English degree, and I told him, ‘Go live in England and speak the native language.’”

But all joking aside, Knobel said that degree was really beneficial because it taught him how to think. “Not only did you have to read a book, but you had to be aware and consider the time in history it was written, and what was happening at that point, and how it connected to the history and mores of the day.”

Only a few years after graduating college, Knobel began to work with his father in the investment industry and began taking the required industry tests to become a financial advisor himself. According to Knobel, his

father Stuart was very instrumental in teaching him the trade. “My dad’s favorite line is that he taught me everything I know, but not everything HE knows,” he said.

One of the reasons Knobel enjoys his job is getting to see the end results of a plan put into place. “I love to develop a plan and see that plan get accomplished with my clients,” he said. “Whether they are planning to send a child to college, buy a vacation home or go on a trip, we work together to accomplish the goals, and then get to celebrate together when it is achieved.”

Along with the education his father helped provide in the business, Knobel said both his parents instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community. He has served as board chair for the Anderson Arts Center and YMCA as well as held the chairman position of the planning and zoning commission for the City of Anderson.

“I’m glad I was raised with an altruistic spirit,” said Knobel. “It was never a question of ‘should I?’ It was something I knew I was obligated to do.”

Carter Knobel is married to Mary Beth and they have three children, Crawford, Burns and Hall.

Investment planning for every generation.

to us about an investment plan that works with your priorities.

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REBUI LDING

FROMTHE FLOORUP

We s t side

Leadership Anderson is a 10 month leadership development program devoted to strengthening and dedicating our community leaders. It was founded in 1984 by the Anderson Area Chamber of commerce. Since then over 800 local leaders have graduated from the program and continue their commitment to the growth, development and prosperity of Anderson. Class 37 is comprised of 25 leaders from across Anderson County.

Each year the class is challenged with planning, campaigning, and executing a community project. Class 37 is proud to announce that our project is the renovation of the Westside Community Center (WCC) gym!

The WCC is the site of the old Westside High School. When the current high school opened, the building became West Franklin Elementary School. The school closed shortly after, and the building became rundown and abandoned. Dr. Beatrice Thomson got a group together to transform the building into a community center in 1998. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life in the community. Their vision is to provide programs and services to promote a healthy community.

The WCC needs a new gym floor and scoreboard. This space has long been utilized to bring the community together. Our vision is to create a lasting space to raise future generations of the Westside community.

We’re currently raising $75,000 and we need your support. This money will go towards refurbishing the gym floor, a new scoreboard, a fresh coat of paint and other accessories throughout the gym. We would like to have our fundraising portion of the project wrapped up by the end of October.

Community Center

Five sponsorship levels:

• Half Court $5,000 (Recognition on plaque, printed materials and social media)

• Three Pointer $2,000 (Recognition on plaque, printed materials and social media)

• Free Throw $1,000 (Printed materials and social media)

• Spectator $500 (Printed materials and social media)

• Courtside $ ________

To donate please visit foothillscommunityfoundation. org/donate/ On the fund drop down list select “Leadership Anderson Class 37 Project.” You can also write a check payable to Foothills Community Foundation. Please note “Leadership Anderson 37 Project” in the memo. The Foothills Community Foundation is the fiscal agent for Leadership Anderson 37 and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. No goods or services will be received in exchange for this donation.

Please contact us via email with any questions of sponsorship information!

LeadershipAndersonClass37@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook at Westside Community Center Renovation by Leadership Anderson 37. Check out our website at wccgymrenovation.org.

We are Rebuilding Community from the Floor Up!

Anderson

Retire Well & Enjoy Senior Living at its Best!

Here at The Legacy of Anderson, we have over 40 years combined experience in the senior industry. At any given time you will be able to find conversation, socialization, and friends.

We have been in business for over 15 years and plan another 15 strong. Please stop by if you are in the Anderson area or give Dee Golden a call at 864.276.3501.

You will be pleased to be able to enjoy retirement living at its best at The Legacy of Anderon. We look foward to seeing you.

Call Dee Golden at The Legacy today to schedule a visit.