Saturday, December 5, 2015
Vol. 1, No. 7
For Unto Us a Child is Born by Anne Fulcher “For unto us a child is born, unto us, a child is given……” The words of Handel’s Messiah ring out to us this time of year. How the Christ Child was born in a manger in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph is a story we have grown up with. But there was another child born that has played an integral role in the history of Graniteville, SC. The story of “The Little Boy” has been told for 160 years. The child was on the train from Charleston to Hamburg, SC alone and with a high fever. Talk has it that the conductor stopped the train in Warrenville and the wife of the Graniteville Hotel owner met the train at the station and picked up the child assuring the conductor that she and the townspeople would take good care of the little boy. The sick child was never able to share his information with his Graniteville caregivers and died, nameless, a few days later. Remember, this was in the year 1855 and times were hard for everyone. The people of the town pulled together to build a coffin for the little Angel and William Gregg donated a burial plot as well as a cedar marker for the grave. The cedar marker would make due until the community could save enough money to buy an appropriate headstone for the boy’s grave. By the time the Graniteville folks saved up
Photo courtesy of Cleve Koon
enough money for the marker, the official date of his death had been forgotten. The two lines on his headstone read “The Little Boy” and October 1855. As a mother, my heart breaks every time I hear this tale of the sick little boy. He must have been so very scared. Where were his parents? Where was he going? Tears well in my eyes as I think about this precious child. But the kindness of the Graniteville community members who took care of the child, in life and in death, speaks volumes about where we live. Even today, people drop off presents to the grave of the little boy
as a way to let his spirit know he is still loved and remembered. The people of the GVW area have looked after one another for hundreds of years. These communities share a closeness that many towns will NEVER know. From going to Leavelle McCampbell High School together to working alongside one another in the mills, this is a family community. Brothers and sisters working and playing together with dreams of a brighter future. Those same dreams are dreamed today. While that train wreck in 2005 may have redirected the plans of the area, it is now
time for those dreams to return. New birth is abounding around us with new historical restoration and redevelopment through the Horse Creek Trust. New industry is vying for a spot in the area and now we can finally see the blue sky. In this time of birth, let’s take the time to help those who may not be as fortunate as we are. Is there a “Little Boy” in your neighborhood who may be in need of your help? Please, take the time to reach out to that child like the people of Graniteville in 1855. You, too, can make a difference in the lives of others. Merry Christmas
2 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
December Community Calendar Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) • Coffee with Jojo, December 10, 6:00 p.m. at Smith Hazel Rec. Ctr., for more info or to make a reservation call 646-0451 • Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to ACTS in honor or memory of someone this Holiday Season. It’s a great gift for the person who has everything. • “Night of 1000 Lights”, December 10. ACTS Resale Store (401 Hayne Ave.) will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with special sales. Santa and Christmas carolers will be strolling all over downtown (and luminaries will be everywhere) during the evening hours. Come enjoy the sales and festivities! • Senior Food Saturday, December 19, 2015. • ACTS will be closed to honor and celebrate our Lord Jesus’ birthday beginning December 21 and reopen January 4, 2016. • Sign up this holiday season to become an ACTS volunteer. ACTS is in desperate need of volunteers to serve in our Resale Store and Client Room assisting clients with their clothing vouchers. Shifts are available Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commit to as few or as many hours and/or days as fit your schedule. It’s not only rewarding, but fun as well! Just email us at volunteers@ actsofaiken.org, or call 803-649-3800 for more information. • ACTS 14th Annual Heater Drive is underway. With a $40 donation you can help supply a safe, electric, oil-filled radiator to someone in need. Donations can be made online, through mail, or dropped off at our 340 Park Avenue, SW location Christ Central Graniteville • Health Eating for the Holidays, Monday, December 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by Chef Karen Temple. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, call 803-393-4575 • Trinity Academy, at 6 Hickman St., is for ages 3 and 4 years. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please contact Anita Stokes, Director, to register, 803-507-4032. • After School Mentoring is held at Hope Center, 3 Hickman St. on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each child (ages 5-12) is matched with a volunteer mentor for friendship and tutoring. You may contact Donna Paschal, Director, at 803-645-8397. Currently there is a waiting list. • Volunteers are needed for both programs. If you are interested in helping, please contact Donelle West, Volunteer Coordinator, at 803-270-6305.
Gregg Park Civic Center • LITE-SIDE A Senior’s class for those who desire a vigorous and fun filled workout! Certified instructor Wendy Moore will demonstrate the latest techniques for health conscious adults. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. For more information, please call the park at 663-7552. FREE OF CHARGE! • LINE DANCE Rock&Roll, Country & Beach Music Line dancing classes with instructor Cassie Barnhill are taught on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. bost is $5.00 per class. For more information call the park at 663-7552. • LUNCH BUNCH WALKERS Let Gregg Park help you with your exercise and fitness program. A healthier and well-conditioned you is just a few steps away! Sixteen walk times will earn you a “Free” T-shirt and a healthier mind and body. Walking inside the gym or outside on our beautiful and serene 1/2 mile walking track. For more information, please call the park at 663-7552. • KARATE Karate classes are taught by Brian Randall are are held on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Classes are for ages 5 and older with instruction in Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo. Cost is $15.00 per month. • “FREE” BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING Blood Pressure Testing is offered at Gregg Park Civic Center. This service is “Free of Charge” and is performed by certified nurse, Jeanne Townes. This service is provided the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 4:00-6:00 p.m. • GYMNASTICS Gymnastic classes are now being held at Gregg Park Civic Center. Registration fee is $10.00 and cost of instruction is $30.00 per month. Instructor Rhonda Whitley will teach Gymnastics for children ages 4 & up on Mondays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. For more information, please call the park at 663-7552 “UNLIMITED” Exercise Classes per Month $10/Month for Pass holders, $15/Month for Non-Pass holders Monday and Wednesday Cardio/Weight Class 5:00-6:00 p.m. A 30/30 Cardio and Weight Class consisting of a cardio workout and followed by light weights for toning and abdominal work. Instructor: Becky Geeting Tuesday Zumba 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Come check out the “Zumba Party” on Wednesday afternoons with instructor Becky Geeting. This class is for any level of participation and provides a non-intimidating opportunity for new exercisers. Come join the fun and enjoy group fitness with less impact!
Mondays Resistance Band Training 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. It’s only “30” minutes. “Short” on the time but “Long” on the results. Bring your mat, towel and water. We provide the bands. Instructor Joan Beam will demonstrate exercise with concentration on tightening and toning the core muscles.
See Calendar, Page 7 For information on how you can sponsor the GVW Report, or to suggest story ideas, please contact the editor: Anne Fulcher at ernieace2@yahoo.com or call at 803-979-4476
GVW Report
Editor Anne Fulcher
Layout/Design Lauren A. Haley
This Month’s Sponsors Aiken Regional Medical Center Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Published by the Aiken Standard 326 Rutland Dr, Aiken, SC 29801
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 3
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Merry Christmas from Minitor Market
December brings the season of giving and time shared with family and friends. Too often we get caught up in the gift giving parties and forget the reason for the season. As Christians, we celebrate the Birth of Christ. At Minitor Market, we say: “Merry Christmas.” We encourage you to share with your family the Christmas Story. Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-12 As a child I always looked forward to Christmas dinner. Our grandparents, cousins and other friends would get together and share dinner. Often our table would have a Christmas turkey and ham. I remember the hams coming from Posey’s Funeral Home. It was something they did for all the pastors in the area. We always enjoyed their hams and it was nice to see Mr. Posey stop in and visit with dad. My mother would make the mash potatoes, dressing and giblet gravy with some cranberry sauce. I always looked forward to her fruit salad. My grandmother made the best lemon meringue and pecan pies and her fruitcakes were the best ever. She would make them weeks before Christmas and wrap them in cloth. She would open them from time to time and pour a few drops of wine to candy the fruit. I can remember those cakes like yesterday. Now I have fond memories
of days past wishing I could have another slice. Minitor Market encourages you to share with your family and friends and remember the reason for the season. Join us in saying, “Merry Christmas.”
FOR THE TABLE
At Minitor Market, you will find a wide variety of fresh frozen vegetables in 2 lb. bags, priced to save you money. If you have not tried Don’s Seasoning Delight, I would recommend adding it to your vegetables for added flavor. Don’s is an Aiken based company and his ALL-PURPOSE SEASONING is for baking, grilling, injecting, basting, as a marinade, and a seasoning. It’s great for healthy cooking that limits the use of salt and other spices. Don’s Seasoning contains no fat, no carbohydrates, no sugar, low sodium, and no MSG. It’s great for diabetics and South Beach dieters ... healthy cooking yet full of mouth-watering flavor! In the South we love our sweet potatoes. Wrap them each in tin foil and place them in the oven heated to 500 degrees. Cook for 30 minutes and roll them over and cook other side for 30 minutes. When done, slit the foil and potato. Take a fork and loosen the potato and make a opening. Sprinkle a little cinnamon powder for taste; add chopped pecans and then stuff
with small marshmallows. Give them a couple minutes to melt and mix in with the potato. It does not get better than that. Try our Hy-Top stuffing for just $1.00. Add Celery, Onion and Chicken Broth. You will find cooking directions on bag. We have a variety of your favorite meats. Choose from Jennie-O Turkey, Sugardale Ham Portions, Daniel Boone Smoked Ham. Steak, Ribs, Chops or Gentry’s Chicken, we have something for everyone’s budget. Grab a bottle of Lee’s 421 Seasoning Rub. It is great for any kind of meat.
From our employees, and our family, we wish you a Merry Christmas!! Check us out on FaceBook/MinitorMarket/ for Daily Specials!! Minitor Market * 1161 Augusta Rd. Warrenville, SC www.MinitorMarket.com
May the timeless message of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy today and throughout the coming year
803-593-3030 | P.O. Box 310, Langley SC 29834 | midlandvalleyareachamberofcommerce.com
4 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
LIFEGUARD TRAINING
LESSONS FOR ALL AGES
Location: AIKEN COUNTY FAMILY YMCA Number of hours: 30hrs at Y (8hrs eLearning)
PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS PROGRAM
Items to bring: bathing suit, towel, and proof of age
Adult and Child
Prerequisites: pass the following swim test · Tread water for 2 min (legs only) · Swim 100 yards of front crawl · Swim 50 yards of each:
Class Dates, Times
- Front crawl with head up - Sidestroke
Recertification Class Jan 9
- Breaststroke
9am-5pm cost $100
- Breaststroke with the head up
Instructor Class March 5,6,12,13
- Elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest
9am-5pm all days cost $200
- Feet-first surface dive in 7 feet of water, then swim under water 15 feet
Lifeguard Class April 4-8
8 hours & 30 minutes of eLearning (assigned after registration)
Instructor Class April 22-25
Age Requirement: Must be 16 years old by the last day of class
Lifeguard Class May 1,3,5,7,8,10,12
9am-5pm all days cost $250
9am-5pm all days cost $200
Sun 9am-5pm Tues/Thurs.5-9pm Sat 9am-5pm
Cost Includes for Basic Class:
cost $250
Fanny Pack Resuscitator Mask Certification Cards (LG, First Aid, CPRO, O2)
Crossover Class July 9-10 9am-5pm cost $100
Registration:
Ricky Duncan
In order to completely register for this course please go to this website for the YMCA Learning and Career Development Center: https://lcdc.yexchange.org
rduncan@thefamilyy.org
$50 per 60 minute lesson (Adults only)
Swim Lesson Instructor Certification
AIKEN COUNTY FAMILY YMCA
Kids build confidence when they learn something new. Preschool swim lessons focus on water adjustment, basic swim skills and pool safety. Youth Swim Lessons build on stroke development, rescue, character growth, personal safety, water sports and games.
Location: AIKEN COUNTY FAMILY YMCA Number of hours: 24
Registration: Is now open and will Close the Friday before the lessons begin. February 2nd-25th April 5th– 28th
Items to bring: bathing suit, towel, proof of age
Class Dates, Times
Prerequisites: pass the following swim test
Swim Instructor March 25-27 Fri. 5pm-8pm Sat/Sun 8am-5pm Cost $225
1. Swim 4 of the following strokes Front Crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, elementary backstroke, and butterfly at the minnow level
2. Current CPR
Swimming Lessons are twice a week for four week. The time of the lesson is based on age. Age
Pike Ray
Eel Starfish
3-5 years
Polliwog Minnow
Guppy Fish
6-12 years
Evening Lesson
6:00-6:45pm 7:00-7:45pm
3. Current First Aid $55-$85
6mo-3yrs
5:15-5:45pm
$50-$80
13years and up
5:00-5:45pm
$55-$85
Age Requirement: Must be 16 years old by the last day of class Cost: Varies on the Class Registration:
621 Trolley Line Rd. Graniteville SC 29829 www.thefamilyy.org
Swim Instructor April 26-29 9am-5pm Cost $225 Recertification Classes Stroke Development February 6-7 10am-5pm Cost $85 Synchro May 28-29
$55-$85
Adult
CONTACT: Ricky Duncan 803-349-8086
4. Current Emergency Oxygen Administration
Price
Parent/Child
rduncan@thefamilyy.org
$25 per 30 minute lesson
www.thefamilyy.org
Swim Lessons For All Ages
Skill Level
Price:
803-349-8086
BUILD CONFIDENCE SPLASH BY SPLASH
Session Dates: January 5th-28th March 1st– 24th May 3rd-26th
Private Swimming Lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction and a flexible schedule. Parents or Adults can arrange one to eight lessons for children age’s two to twelve (or adults) with a qualified instructor. We can schedule lessons at any time the pool is not already in use for group lessons or fitness classes.
803-349-8080
10am-5pm Cost $85 Skin Diving June 11-12 10am-5pm Cost $85
In order to completely register for this course please go to this website for the YMCA Learning and Career Development Center: https://lcdc.yexchange.org
Ricky Duncan rduncan@thefamilyy.org 803-349-8086 www.thefamilyy.org
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 5
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Survival tips for eating during the holidays This is a busy time of year! Every event seems to involve food, making it a challenge to maintain a healthy diet. Time seems to be in short supply so if you’re also doing some entertaining, figuring out what to serve and having time to prepare the food also proves to be challenging. There are a few useful tips for surviving the calorie overload that can come from a buffet table full of food. You’ve probably heard most of these before, but they bear repeating. First, never go to a party hungry. Eat a small, but healthy meal before leaving your house and be sure to include some lean protein and lots of veggies (they will both help to keep you from feeling ravenous when you arrive at the party!). Drink lots of water, at least one glass per hour or one glass for every alcoholic beverage if you’re also drinking at the party. Don’t stand around the buffet table. Make a small plate and move to another part of the room or another room all together. Standing over a platter of delectable treats and resisting the temptation to nibble non-stop would take herculean effort. Take away that temptation. Try one of each item offered if you wish, but fill any remaining space on your plate with vegetables. And finally, if you’re preparing something to bring to the party, make sure that it is something you enjoy eating and that it is healthy. That way you know there will be something on the table that you can use to fill any remaining space on your plate. If you want to learn how to make a few easy (and healthy) appetizers and snacks for holiday entertaining, I invite you to join me for a cooking demonstration on December 14th at the Hope Center. The details are below.
Attendees of the first Healthy Eating for the Holidays class. The next class will be held on Monday, December 14, 2015. Call in advance to reserve your seat.
Oven roasted vegetables.
Frozen Fruit Crumble using frozen blueberries and granola then baked.
Comfort Foods: Quick and Easy Appetizers and Snacks for the Holidays Monday, December 14th from 6 - 7 pm Cost: Free but a reservation is required due to limited seating Hope Center, 3 Hickman Street, Graniteville Reservations may be made by calling 803-393-4575 Learn easy tips and tricks for making some healthier appetizers and snacks, watch me prepare them and sample everything afterward. Karen Tempel, an aspiring chef since she could reach the countertops, has been delighting friends and family with tempting treats for most of her life. She is the owner of Everyday Gourmet, a custom caterer in the Aiken area. Visit her website at www. LetKarenCook.com or email her at Karen@LetKarenCook.com.
Chef Temple shows the class her healthy dessert.
Whole wheat macaroni and cheese using cheddar cheese and cottage cheese.
6 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Continuing the Mission
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center welcomed Ernest Settles to the Team, through a partnership with Experience Works, in Mid-November. Mr. Settles will serve as the Center’s Social Worker. His involvement will be to help put in sustainability measures to better help OLVCC Clients become less dependent on the Center and more self-sufficient. The Center has been refocusing on more sustainability efforts as it continue to grow in the Horse Creek Valley community. The need is great and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center is here to help. Experience Works started in 1965, first known as Green Thumb. Experience Works has put in decades of know how to restoring the dignity service and employment brings to someone’s life. Their mission is to “Improve the lives of older people through training, community service, and employment.” If you represent a public or nonprofit organization wanting to partner with Experience Works to provide community service assignments for older workers that also benefit your outreach efforts, give Ms. Sylvia Ash, Employment &Training Coordinator for Aiken County a call at 803-508-7204 or email sylvia_ash@experienceworks. org.
Ernest is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Aiken, SC. He has a master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is a former Youth Services Coordinator and Instructor. He is a former volunteer of Aiken Council on Aging. He is an active member at Second Baptist Church in Aiken, SC. Mr. Settles loves helping people help themselves. After his retirement from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Mr. Settles continues his lifelong journey of helping others. Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center is a rural multipurpose community center established to minister to the needs of the poor in Horse Creek Valley, in Aiken County, South Carolina. The Center is a Catholic diocesan ministry currently facilitated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center mission is to identify and respond to the unmet needs of the community in the Horse Creek Valley Area of Aiken County, South Carolina in the name of Jesus Christ. Volunteers are a vital part in meeting the unmet needs in Horse Creek Valley. We are always in need of Volunteers as pantry helpers, drivers, tutors for GED program receptionist, and intake workers. Please contact Sister Catherine Marie Lowe 803-292-4409 or Deondra Roper 803-857-6053, if your interest in giving your time for an hour or two.
Photo courtesy of Charisma Photography
Miss.CATE 2015 Makenzie Griffin
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 7
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
The Family & Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. Holiday Traditions Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. – Charles Dickens “I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.” – Bible During my much younger years my parents and family opened gifts on Christmas morning, after breakfast and the dishes were done, by the way! On Christmas Eve we traditionally ate oyster soup and crackers (I never really understood why – tradition, I guess) and for dessert had a piece of cake in honor of Jesus’ birthday. Then at least one of us children lay awake most of the night wondering if morning would ever arrive. My wife’s family, on the other hand, opened gifts on Christmas Eve, and slept in on Christmas morning. Thus early in our married life we were challenged with establishing a new tradition in our home. This wasn’t difficult, but it reminded us of the need to work together to establish our own family traditions. What are your family traditions? What memories do you have of holidays past? What memories are you
establishing for your family now? Why are traditions important? Consider two possible reasons: • They solidify memories, hopefully good memories. Even if the tradition is variety and spontaneity, the memories are still formed. Perhaps your memories of past holidays are not all good. Note Charles Dickens’ quote above and make an early New Year’s Resolution to create some good memories next year. • They signify commitment and establish security. For so many of us these days, nothing seems to have any lasting importance, unless we give it value through continuous commitment. Our children, and we ourselves, need to be able to look forward to something lasting, even if it’s just oyster soup every Christmas Eve. Marriage is based on commitment, and anything that enhances the commitment enhances the marriage. Perhaps you could consider establishing a new tradition this year. Don’t forget. If you do so, you must commit to it, or the memories and security will not be as firm. Consider the impact of the following tradition: A lady in the state hospital carried a Christmas card sent by a friend in a little draw-string bag and during the entire Christmas season she would stop people and say “Look at my Christmas card. The lady I worked for sent it to me. I’m not forgotten.” We are told that that card, the only one she received, was the beginning of her recovery. This friend made it a habit to brighten the lives of others by reaching out to them in this way.
Holiday seasons and the associated traditions can be a serious source of marriage and family stress. On the other hand, these seasons provide the opportunity to learn how to address stress and resolve conflict in a peaceful and positive manner. You know that Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year holiday season are coming every year. Check your calendar. You will find it’s true. So it is wise for us to take the time to prepare for the upcoming excitement and the stress that goes with it. What traditions do you need to review, continue, prepare for, modify, establish? As has been said many times, if we don’t plan where we are going, then any destination is just as likely. One more comment before closing: consider changing the family and friend tradition of giving material gifts to one another. Instead give of yourself in some other way. In addition consider giving in some substantial way to the needs in your community. There are plenty of opportunities. As we have said before, giving of ourselves to others is good for relationships, and relationships are what it’s all about. The Family & Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. (FAMCO) was created to provide resources for you to succeed in your marriage and families. Roger Rollins, Executive Director, FAMCO, 803-640-4689, rogerrollins@aikenfamco.com, www.aikenfamco.com
Community Calendar -from page 2 Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center Benefit Bank of SC: Benefit Bank Counselor assist individuals and families in completing several different applications (SNAP/Food Stamps, TANF/FI Medicaid/CHIP, FAFSA, Prescription Assistance/ Rx Assistance, Lifeline Services, Federal and State Taxes, and Voters Registration), for several different agencies all at one time and all during one interview. Appointments available Monday & Friday 10am -12pm. Call Jackie Cobbs for an appointment 803-617-9532. GED classes: Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 p.m. Classes are free. AA Group : Monday, Wednesday 8:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Basic Computer Class: call Sr. Dorothy 803-507-7715 Volunteers are always needed. All we ask is that you consider donating an hour or two of your time a week, a month, any amount you can give to the following: Food Pantry: driver to pick up the food (once a month), a person to unload the food truck (once a month), help restock shelves.
Receptionist: Monday or Wednesday or Friday (or Mon., Wed., & Friday), 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Caseworker: Assessing the needs of the person seeking help Tutor: Helping students with reading, math, English and social studies. The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. Wednesday,, December 16, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Rte. 1, Langley, SC 29834 For more information, please contact Rosealind Morse at rosegoes@aol.com The Valley Alliance Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Rte. 1, Langley, SC 29834 This particular week is Hunger Attention Week. Our guest speaker for the November meeting will be Julie Ann Stanley, from Hungry No More, a project that feeds students in after school programs throughout the county. For more information, please contact Rosealind Morse at
rosegoes@aol.com Walgreens, Clearwater, SC Walgreens also offers free blood pressure checks all day during pharmacy operating hours (9am - 9pm M-F, sa 9-6, and su 10-6). No appointment necessary. We will have a van from GRU onsite on Dec 9th from 11am-2pm offering free HIV testing. No appointment necessary and completely confidential and private. This is exclusive to this location.
To have your organization’s events posted in the GVW Report Community Calendar, please email Anne Fulcher at ernieace2@yahoo.com or call at 803-979-4476
8 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
PHOTOS FROM THE GRANITEVILLE BROWNFIELD PROJECT COMMUNITY FAIR HELD AT THE AIKEN FAMILY Y. See more photos on page 12.
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 9
Peace Earth
11PA00123KP
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
10 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
The Ladies Lifestyle Show Presented by Aiken Regional Medical Centers and WE What better time to re-energize and re-focus on yourself than the start to a New Year? The Aiken Ladies Lifestyle Show is your one-stop-shop to do exactly that! Have fun reinventing yourself, your home and your outlook, and enjoy the added bonus of supporting the local economy and women-owned businesses. The Place to Be, and It’s Free On Saturday, January 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the 2016 Ladies Lifestyle Show is the place to be for women in the Aiken area. Conveniently located at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, the show will feature an assortment of products, demonstrations and complimentary samples geared to women of all ages. Best of all, attendance is free! Something for Everyone The Ladies Lifestyle Show is all about women; their families, creativity, style, health, body and soul. Exhibitors will offer fashion, pampering, health tips, wealth tips, travel information, and of course – the chance to shop! As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to refresh your image with creative ideas and affordable accessories for personal style, jewelry, hair, skincare and more. Women’s health is always an important topic. The show will offer information on healthy nutritional habits like clean eating and whole foods, as well as current fitness trends that can help you look good and feel great. For the home, shabby chic is in. Learn tips for repurposing and transforming drab household items into works of art that will spice up home décor without breaking the bank. The show will also feature food, samples of various items and giveaways for
some lucky ladies. There will be plenty of unique gift choices for the women in your life … or maybe a special treat for yourself! Have Fun Supporting Aiken The Ladies Lifestyle Show is also focused on supporting the local economy and encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship in the women of the Aiken community. So, gather the special ladies in your life and head to the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Saturday, January 16. Whether you’re looking for a new look, a new project or a new you, you’re sure to find it at the Ladies Lifestyle Show presented by Aiken Regional Medical Centers and WE. Caring for Carolina Partners is also participating in this exciting event.
Upcoming events at AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERS
Christmas at the Lake THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6 P.M. Around the Lake on the Aiken Regional Campus Host: WJBF News Channel 6 Anchorman Brad Means Celebrate the season with an evening of holiday songs performed by local Aiken children’s choirs. This festive event will feature a special guest, Santa Claus! Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies and refreshments will be served.
DECEMBER 2015 S 6 13 20 27 Every Wednesday
T
W
T
F
S
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
7:15 pm
AA Meeting – Open Discussion – Call 803-641-5900 – Aurora Pavilion
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Al-Anon – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Aiken –
and Sunday Every Tuesday and Thursday 12/1
Call 803-270-0853 10:30 am – Noon
Pink Ribbonettes* – Millbrook Baptist Church Call Joan at 803-641-0011 or Carol at 803-648-7365 or visit pinkribbonettes.org
12/2
Noon – 1:00 pm
Bereavement – Grief Support for Adults*– ARMC, 4th Floor Conference room – To register, call 803-641-5389
12/5 -12/6
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
12/7
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Childbirth Preparation* – ARMC Patients - ARMC, 6th floor, Classrooms A & B CSRA Dream Catchers* – Traumatic Brain Injury and Disability Support Group - Walton Options for Independent Living – Register at 803-641-5389
12/11
10:30 am – 1:30 pm
12/14
6:00 pm
12/16
1:00 – 2:30 pm
Mended Hearts – USCA Business Conference Center – Call 803-642-6897 for information Bariatric Support Group –Outpatient area by Bariatric Services, 1st floor Look Good…Feel Better – Cancer Care Institute of Carolina at ARMC – Call 803-641-6044 for more information.
12/18
Follow us on Facebook at Ladies Lifestyle Show.
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11:00 am – Noon
Aiken Cares Alzheimer’s Support Group – Cumberland Village Library, 2nd floor
12/21
Donate a new toy
6:00 pm
Weight-loss Surgery: Is it for You?* – ARMC, 6th floor, Classrooms A & B – To register, call 800-882-7445
Bring along a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to our local Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Drive. Toys stay right here in Aiken! 302 University Parkway • Aiken, SC 29801
With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. 150077
* REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please call 800–882–7445 unless otherwise indicated.
Aiken Regional Medical Centers is pleased to welcome Darren J. Mack, MD, Urology, to the medical staff. Dr. Mack is now accepting patients. Visit his new office located at: Aiken Professional Association Urology 410 University Pkwy, Suite 1520, Aiken SC 29801
Call now to make your appointment 803-716-8712. Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 151944
Darren J. Mack, MD Urology
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 11
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
GVW Report Resource Center
Aiken Barnwell Mental Health Center 803-641-7700 1135 Gregg Hwy., Aiken, SC 29801
Aiken Regional Medical Center 803-641-5000 302 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801
Mt. Salem Ministries; 803-646-3847 Outreach Mission Men’s Homeless Shelter Registration from 4-6pm Monday through Sunday 2121 Augusta Road, Gloverville, SC (Hwy 421) “His Table” Soup Kitchen, Monday through Friday “Free lunch” from 12-2pm 3850 Augusta Road, Bath, SC (Hwy 421) All are welcome!
Rural Health Services, Inc. 803-380-7000 With offices in Aiken, Clearwater and New Ellenton Seeing patients with and without insurance. Adult Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, OB/Gyn Medicine, Teen Clinic
The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. (FAMCO) FAMCO is a local non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote the acquisition of relationship skills necessary for successful families and marriages. Resources are provided for couples getting married and those who are married and would like to improve their marriages. Resources are also provided for churches, businesses and other organizations that would like to help their members with their relationship skills. Contact FAMCO at 803-640-4689 The Valley Alliance The Valley Alliance is a nonprofit organization of cooperative agencies, churches, institutions, ministries, and community servants working together within the Midland Valley area for the purpose of better serving our community and its needs by building networks of support and communication, and sharing resources and services that complement each other.
The Valley Alliance meets the third Wednesday of every month, for lunch and to discuss our respective ministry activities and to share how we might best help each other with our goals and activities. If your organization would like to join us, just show up. If you have areas that are of interest to the betterment of the community we serve, please let a member of the Board know or you may email this address: rosegoes@aol.com. We would be glad to hear from you. If you have any suggestions for luncheon speakers, we would also like to hear about that. Women’s Breast Health & Imaging Center 803-641-5808 Aiken Regional Medical Center University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801 Do you or your organization offer services to those in need? Please send us your information so we can share your services to those who need them. This is a free service. For more information, contact Anne Fulcher at 803-979-4476 or ernieace2@yahoo.com.
Merry Christmas
from the GVW Report
Anne Fulcher, Editor | Lauren A. Haley, Graphic Designer
12 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Photos continued from page 8 and the community fair.
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 13
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Aiken County Recreation Center
Fitness with Ty
Fitness classes are held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Classes are $5/class. Classes vary between Zumba, Pound and Piloxing. Who said exercising couldn’t be fun?! Visit our instructor’s website at www. practicalwellnesswithty.com
Zumba – dance fitness Pound – rock out workout with
ripstix
Piloxing – combination of Pilates,
dance and boxing
Coupon Classes are back! The Diva Couponista Class, taught by Aiesha Reynolds, offers a great interactive, learning session. Each participant will receive a folder with helpful tips, techniques and info, as well as a coupon holder. There will be a light snack, games and door prizes. $15/person. Please RSVP with the Rec Center (663-6142 or tcooks@ aikencountysc.gov) before class. November 7 at 12 noon.
Senior Trip – Saluda Shoals Join us on a trip to Columbia, SC on Thursday, December 10 or 17! We will stop for a short dinner at Cracker Barrel, tour the Mast General Store, and drive through the Midlands largest light show at Saluda Shoals Park! $15/person… Laughs and Fun are free! Dinner will be Dutch. Spaces are limited. Please RSVP and pay by December 7. Bus will leave Aiken at 4:30 and Wagener at 5:15 pm.
Christmas Dance
Aiken County Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Serenity Charity Club will host a Christmas Dance for Aiken County’s mature adults! Join us for food, fun, dancing and door prizes! December 11 from 6 to 8:30 pm. Free program!
Mini Christmas Camp
December 21-23. For ages 6-12. Camp will be held from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Arts & crafts, games, outdoor recreation, and more! Breakfast and snacks will be provided. Campers must bring their own lunch. $45/camper.
14 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Prevalence of Hyperglycemia among Residents of Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell, and the State of South Carolina the state of South Carolina, the prevalence of these risk factors is very high6–8. Thus, South Carolinians are at a high risk for prediabetes, diabetes, and further complications of these conditions. The primary purpose of this study was to examine time trends and patterns in the prevalence of hyperglycemia in South Carolina, specifically among the populations of Barnwell, Edgefield, and Aiken. The secondary purpose of this study was to examine the trends and patterns in the prevalence of self-reported complications of diabetes in this same population. This study was conducted in order to inform further research into screening, prevention, and care in this population.
Intro Since 1980, the incidence of newly-diagnosed diabetes in adults in the United States (U.S.) has more than tripled to over 1.4 million and is now considered to be an epidemic, with 9.6% of American adults living with diabetes in 20131,2. In the U.S., diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, new causes of blindness, and contributes to the development of heart disease and stroke3. The deaths attributable to diabetes is more than 100,000, which is about 13.5% of all-cause mortality in the U.S.2 Prediabetes, which is characterized by impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), is a state of elevated blood sugar that is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus4. The U.S. prevalence of prediabetes according to the IDF Diabetes Atlas was 13.2% in 2013 and is expected to continue to increase2. Multiple studies have implicated prediabetes as a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes, with some authors concluding that hyperglycemia may be progressive and time-dependent5. However, early intervention in individuals with prediabetes has been shown to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, with intensive lifestyle intervention in pre-diabetic participants resulting in a 30-40% reduction in the development of type 2 diabetes in several trials4,3. Risk factors for hyperglycemia include family history, age, ethnicity (Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans have an increased risk of developing diabetes), high body mass index [BMI ≥ 25kg/m2], poor diet, metabolic syndrome, and prediabetes5. In
Methods The CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) has been conducting telephone surveys for surveillance of risk factors and health outcomes in households across South Carolina since 1993. Respondents to the telephone survey during the years 2000-2013 answered either yes or no to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have diabetes other than diabetes during pregnancy?” to ascertain prevalence of diabetes. To ascertain prevalence of prediabetes, respondents were asked “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have pre-diabetes, or borderline diabetes?”. Prediabetes and diabetes prevalence data were congregated for the years 2000-2004 (diabetes only), 2005-2010, and 2011-2013. For combined presentation of data, the 2010 pre-diabetes estimates were
placed into the 2005-2010 time span and the 2011 pre-diabetes estimates were placed into the 2011-2013 time span. A weighted N was calculated for the state of South Carolina and counties of interest. This weighted N is composed of stratum weights (geographic, density, and number of available records) and by margins (age group by gender, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, tenure, gender by race/ethnicity, age group by race/ethnicity, phone ownership, region, region by age group, region by gender, and region by race/ethnicity). The final prevalence figures are expressed as a percentage of the population of interest and calculated using this weighted N. The BRFSS annual reports and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) were consulted for the yearly prevalence estimates and to obtain data on insulin use, sores/irritation on feet, and eye problems related to a diagnosis of diabetes9–13. Results Figure 1 shows the proportion of the population with diabetes and prediabetes by time and area. In recent years, Barnwell and Edgefield counties had the highest overall prevalence of hyperglycemia (prediabetes: 13.57% and diabetes: 8.10%). Aiken County had the second highest combined prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in 2011-2013 (7.71% and 13.57%, respectively). In 2005-2010, Edgefield county had the lowest overall prevalence of hyperglycemia (7.17% and 3.79%, respectively), likely because very few hyperglycemic individuals responded to the survey. Overall, there does
Saturday, December 5, 2015 • 15
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville appear to be some increase in hyperglycemia over time for these areas, though that trend is difficult to assess without pre-diabetes prevalence in 2000-2004. Figure 2 shows the prevalence estimates plus confidence intervals for each county and the state of South Carolina by time period. The prevalence pre-diabetes increases from 2010 to 2011 in all counties, but did not in the state of South Carolina (6.56% in 2010 to 6.46% in 2011). Only Aiken County seems to not have prevalence confidence intervals overlap from 2010 to 2011; the prevalence of diabetes almost doubles during that time (2010: 4.41%, 2011: 7.71%). The lowest prediabetes prevalence occurs in Edgefield in 2010 and the highest occurs in Barnwell and Edgefield in 2011. Due to low prevalence and response rate of pre-diabetes in Barnwell and Edgefield in 2010, the confidence intervals cross the x-axis. The prevalence of diabetes increased from about 8% to greater than 10% in South Carolina over the thirteen years. The prevalence of diabetes in Aiken decreased slightly from 2000-2004 to 2005-2010, but then increased again in 2011-2013 to 10.44%. The lowest prevalence of diabetes occurred in Edgefield in 2005-2010 and the highest occurred in Barnwell and Edgefield in 2011-2013. Figure 3 displays gender-stratified prevalence estimates and prevalence of common diabetes complications for South Carolina for select years between 2002 and 2014. These data show more specific yearby-year estimates of prevalence that suggest a slight linear increase in diabetes prevalence during this time, though there is some variability in this trend in 2007, 2011, and 2014 where there is a decrease in prevalence. This overall increase is paralleled by the increase in the gender-stratified estimates over this same time period. From 2002-2014, the total prevalence increases by 3.61%, the male-specific prevalence increases by 3.83%, and the female-specific prevalence increases by 3.51%. Interestingly, the percentage of diabetes patients who reported taking insulin during this time did not appear to follow a year-to-year pattern. There was, however, an increase in the percentage of those on insulin from 2002 to 2014 of 7.65%. From 2002 to 2007, the BRFSS asked participants to also report on whether their diabetes diagnosis was impacting their eyes and/or causing foot sores/irritation. Over time, there appeared to be less participants reporting that their diagnosis was impacting their eyesight (24% to 21.8%), however it was difficult to tell if this was a significant
trend. A similar pattern occurred for foot sores/irritation, but it did not appear to follow any particular pattern or trend. Discussion The CDC’s BRFSS data for the state and several counties in the midlands of South Carolina show some increase in the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes from 2000 to 2013, though this trend is slight and more data is needed to properly examine the time trends. Overall, the state of South Carolina and Aiken County both show a slight increase in the prevalence of hyperglycemia from 2000 to 2013. In this dataset, the prevalence of pre-diabetes increases from 2010 to 2011 in all counties, but remained stable in South Carolina. In Aiken, there is almost a two-fold unexplained increase in the prevalence of prediabetes from 2010 until 2011. More specific research into the county-level risk factors and additional prevalence data are needed to reveal possible causes of this sharp increase. For South Carolina overall, there appears to be an increase in the percentage of diabetic participants reporting they are on insulin. This may mean that there is an increase in access to healthcare during this time or it may mean that there is greater awareness of the benefits of insulin therapy by both patients and medical professionals. Limitations to these data include its use of random digit dialing methods that will miss residents not possessing home phones, though the BRFSS data collection in recent years has used other methods of data collection (i.e. cell phones, mail follow-up surveys, physical measurements) that increase coverage rates
and lead to better-quality data14. Missing data was another limitation to this study. Only South Carolina and Aiken County have complete data from 2000-2013 on diabetes prevalence and there was no data on prediabetes diagnoses prior to 2005 for any regions. Complications data also had many missing values, primarily as a result of changes in the BRFSS questionnaire (i.e. no longer asking about eye problems and sores/irritation on feet after 2007) or simply not reporting data from some years. However, the study author referenced other data sources to find missing data when possible and to ensure current estimates matched up with other reported estimates. Additionally, the data on prevalence estimates and confidence intervals for certain counties was limited by the number of participants responding that they were diabetic or pre-diabetic; on three separate occasions, the number of respondents was less than twenty-five for a particular region and outcome of interest. This occurred in both Edgefield and Barnwell in 2005-2010, and may have contributed to the BRFSS study coordinators combining the two counties in further prevalence calculations. Thus, patterns could not be examined across these two counties from 20002013 and interpretations were severely limited. Finally, these data are self-report and may have resulted in underreporting of conditions such as diabetes and prediabetes, which are often stigmatized conditions. It is also estimated that about 25% of the population has undiagnosed diabetes4. However, studies show that the prevalence data obtained using BRFSS is comparable to that of other national surveys15. Summary This paper was a part of the Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) objective of the Graniteville Brownfield project to evaluate environmental and health related trends, before and since the train derailment disaster in 2005, and to continue monitoring health outcomes the community identified as important. Moreover, this paper describes the prevalence or the number of existing cases of pre-diabetes at given time periods over the total population at risk, that is, South Carolina as well as Aiken, Barnwell, and Edgefield County. Furthermore, this work was collectively done with the Restoration in Graniteville through Supportive Engagement (RISE) project and the Graniteville Recovery and Chlorine Epidemiology (GRACE) Study Center and we would like to acknowledge the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (CDC Grant #1E11TS000235) for funding the Graniteville Brownfield project.
16 • Saturday, December 5, 2015
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Christmas at the Lake THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6 P.M. Around the Lake on the Aiken Regional Campus Host: WJBF News Channel 6 Anchorman Brad Means Celebrate the season with an evening of holiday songs performed by local Aiken children’s choirs along with the Aiken High School marching band – featuring special guest, Santa Claus! Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies and refreshments will be served.
Donate a new toy
Bring along a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to our local Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Drive. Toys stay right here in Aiken!
302 University Parkway • Aiken, SC 29801