GVW Report February 2016

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Vol. 2, No. 2

What’s love got to do with it?

by Anne Fulcher

School, which combined the two arch enemies in 1980. Now, the children and grandchildren of the Leavelle and LBC students roam the halls with love for their school only hearing of the tales of what used to be.

In 2015, the MVHS Boys Basketball team won the state tournament and the MVHS Football team went to the state final, finishing second. The MVHS Band has performed all over the country most recently marching in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mustang Pride is what it is called.

Love of our schools, love of our community, love of our friends and family: yes love has everything to do with it.

With this love we can all share a common bond of how special the GVW area is and with that love shall come regrowth and revitalization to develop a community that is better than ever.

In 1984 Tina Turner made famous a song “What’s Love Got to do With it’ written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle. I think most of us know the lyrics: What’s love got to do, got to do with it What’s love but a second hand emotion What’s love got to do, got to do with it Who needs a heart When a heart can be broken But you know love does have a lot to do with it. Whether “it” is your mate, your children, your parents, your job, your coworkers or your community, love really knows no boundaries and we see love each and every day in this amazing place we call home.

There is such great love for all of the villages of the Midland Valley Area located between North Augusta and Aiken. Love of thy neighbor really rings true when tragedy occurs. We may be across the four-lane or two towns over, but each and every one of these communities looks after their neighbora when faced with adversity.

Back in the day, the rivalry of Langley-Bath-Clearwater and Leavelle McCampbell high schools produced one of the most attended football games in the state. The love of the rivalry brought together many a wedded couple over the years. Yes many Rocks and Lions were

united in marriage brought together by love of their rival school. You can go to Napier’s Hardware and listen to many stories of the traditions of the two schools waging war against one another but there was a love involved that many of us know existed. We were all raised knowing we were always the underdog regardless of which of the two schools we attended. Most of us came from generations of families that were mill workers. We saw how hard our parents

worked day in and day out to put food on the table so we could have a good living and go to school. We knew we were loved.

It was a hard life for many of us growing up back in those days when Leavelle McCampbell and LBC were the two places all the kids loved and looked forward to attending. Even as adults, we still have that love and pride in our hearts for our respective school. We are especially proud of Midland Valley High

Coming Soon!

The Student Page written by students from schools in the GVW area.

2 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

February Community Calendar Aiken Active Seniors • Free Community Bingo hosted by Aiken Active Seniors and TriCounty Home Health, Wednesday, Feb. 10,m from 2 to 4 p.m. Aiken Active Seniors, 690 Medical Park Dr. (look for the blue awning). Call 226-0355 to RSVP (required) Aiken County Parks and Recreation Fitness with Ty Fitness classes are held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 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, g a.m.es and door prizes. $15/person. Please RSVP with the Rec Center (803-663-6142 or tcooks@aikencountysc.gov) before class.

Feb. 20 at noon.

Senior Trips Feb. 11-12: Join us on an overnight trip to Seneca, SC! We will be going to The Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum Grand Opening/Luncheon. The BLSCM will take a look into the history, culture, and contributions to the local African a.m.erican community by “Honoring the Past – Elevating the Future”. $125/person (double occupancy) or $180/person (single occupancy)…Laughs and Fun are free! Cost includes hotel, 1 breakfast, and 1 lunch. Spaces are limited.

April 12-14: Join us on a two-night’s stay in Bluffton. We will visit area sites such as the Bluffton Oyster Factory, spend a day in Daufuskie, and do a little Old Town shopping on Calhoun Street! $175/person (double occupancy)…Laughs and Fun are free! Cost includes hotel, 2 breakfast, 1 lunch, transportation, and 1 full day in Daufuskie. Spaces are limited.

Please RSVP and pay by April 1. Payments can be split but, all monies must be paid by April 1.

Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) • Feb. 11: Coffee with JoJo Meeting; Hope Center, Graniteville, 6 p.m.

• Feb. 15: ACTS will be Closed for Presidents’ Day • Feb. 12: Valentine’s Day Sale, ACTS Resale Store, 401 Hayne Avenue; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Bring your “sweetie” or a friend and receive a “surprise” • Feb. 25: Coffee with JoJo Meeting; Hope Center, Graniteville, 6 p.m..

• Feb. 27, LRAH (Lexington Race Against Hunger) Lexington at the Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, Races/fun walks start at 8 a.m. - come earlier to register; visit online at www.LRAH.org for more info or to sign up to participate in a run/walk; all benefits are used to feed the hungry (poster attached) 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 a.m. to 4 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.

• KARATE Karate classes are taught by Brian Randall are are held on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Classes are for ages 5 and older with instruction in Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo. Cost is $15 per month.

Christ Central Graniteville (Hope Center)

• “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 first and third Wednesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m.

• WorkKeys classes begin Feb. 2 on Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to noon. WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system measuring “real-world” skills that employers believe are critical to job success.

• Learn English for Living Foundation classes are each Thursday night at 7 p.m. Citizenship Preparation classes are also offered. Call Janey Rule at 706-951-4886.

• Home Improvement Classes meet Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. Plumbing classes will be held Feb. 2; Electrical classes will be held Feb. 9; and Small Motor Repair will meet Feb. 16, 23 and March 1.

• Gollie Walker will teach Bible study on the first and third Tuesdays Feb. 3 and 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. “Turning the Pages Ministry”.

• Coffee with JoJo will meet on the second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 and 25. Call Jan Gilbert at 803 646-0451.

• Food Industry Training will start on Feb. 22 to March 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes will include Life Skills, Workplace Etiquette, Resume Writing, Job Search and Interview Skills, Conflict Resolution, ServSafe Food Handler Certification and Money Matters. Cost for materials is $10.

• Cooking with Karen: Easy Homemade Soups will be held on Monday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. Call to register.

• Volunteers are needed for both of these youth programs.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Donelle West, Volunteer Coordinator, at 803-270-6305.

Please call 803-393-4575 to sign up for any of these classes.

See Calendar, Page 12

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

Gregg Park Civic Center www.greggparkonline.com

This Month’s Sponsors

• 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 to 10 a.m.

For more information, please call the park at 803-663-7552.

FREE OF CHARGE!

Aiken Regional Medical Center Rural Health Services, Inc.

• LINE DANCE Rock&Roll, Country & Beach Music Line dancing classes with instructor Cassie Barnhill are taught on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. bost is $5 per class.

For more information call the park at 803-663-7552.

• 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.

Published by the Aiken Standard 326 Rutland Dr, Aiken, SC 29801

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 3

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

The Midland Valley Branch Library has proud history and bright future There is a diamond hidden in the Valley called the Midland Valley Branch Library. Just like a precious gem, it doesn’t have to be large to be valuable.

This little building on the corner of Hillman, 421 and Huber Clay Road in Langley reflects more than 100 years of history. Thanks to the foresight of local citizens, the 1,600-square foot depot was not demolished. Through their efforts, the building was repurposed from a railroad depot to a public library for all to use.

When the mills first came to this area, trains were used to transport their goods to other parts of the country.

The original depot was lost to fire but was replaced in 1921 with the current structure near the Old Langley Mill Site. During its heyday, the depot saw passengers and freight shuttled up and down the Valley connecting to cities far and wide. When the Norfolk Southern Corporation no longer needed the

depot for its business, they donated it to Aiken County who had it moved to the present site in early 1990 on land donated by J.M. Huber Corporation.

The depot is one of the last of its kind in the area. Two local residents, Aiken County Councilmember LaWana McKenzie and Susan Isaacs worked tirelessly with a host of others to preserve it as a place where children and adults could discover a world of books and lifelong learning.

In 1992, after a grassroots fundrais-

ing campaign and with support from Aiken County Government, the historic depot was re-dedicated as a member of the Aiken-Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefield Regional Library System. In 1997, a red caboose was added to the property, an appropriate addition since the depot library was the last library to join ABBE. Today, the charming depot library houses an updated collection of books, audios and DVDs, computer workstations for children and adults, and WiFi throughout the building. As a member of ABBE, the library is able to borrow from the collections of 13 ABBE branches to meet the needs of the patrons. Midland Valley Library cardholders also have access to a host of resources through the ABBE website, www.abbelib.org.

The newest resource available to library cardholders via the website is Hoopla, a digital service that makes more than 300,000 eBooks, audiobooks,

movies, tv shows, and comics immediately available for borrowing online.

Another new addition to the library is Branch Manager Linda Coffin. Mrs. Coffin, who previously worked at the Aiken County Public Library, took over the day-to-day operations of the library in November.

Coffin is the latest in a line of dedicated staff members to serve in this position. She is looking forward to increasing the local community’s support for the library.

“The building carries the name Midland Valley Public Library so that all who live in the Horse Creek Valley have ownership of it rather than one town,” said Coffin. “All are encouraged to take pride in their area and especially their library. Stop in soon and see all the places you can go.”

The library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m.

The P3 Files

by M.H. Thompson Picture, Ponder, Pray (P3) is a tool that seeks to develop intimacy with the one true living God, Jesus Christ our Lord. While its earliest conceptualization and utilization broadens over the annals of historic Christiandom (for the purposes here, I’ll site the lives of the Christian hymnodists of the early 19th century), the use of this practical approach to seeking and experiencing God has been more recently and further explored by a globally expansive ministry comprised of a multi-denominational group of missionaries known as ( https://www.navigators.org ) The Navigators.

The concept is simple: 1. Picture yourself with Jesus anywhere in the Word- from Genesis to Revelation (Open your bible; select a favorite [or even previously unnoticed scripture] verse, story or passage etc.- close your eyes, visualize and experience the reality of the Living Word, “Seek the Truth with all your heart and you will find Him...”).

2. Ponder exactly what the Lord is saying to you (personally)- this is where the Word comes Alive. Stop, look and listen.

3. Pray- Listen to the Lord and record your thoughts (on paper, stave or digital binary code etc.), then speak to Him- praise Him, thank Him, cry out to Him, shout to

Him, admit that you are a sinner, believe that Jesus (the only mediator between God and man) was born miraculously of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died and buried- resurrected that you may live with Him forever, Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord- fully God and fully man, walked among us in the flesh and will be back again- etc.

The following prayers are from the “P3Files” kept of various wonderful people, from the Graniteville, Warrenville, and Vaucluse areas, who were 1. Willing to pour out their hearts before the Lord and 2. Share their heart and life experiences. (Participant anonymity is maintained via contributor’s initials) I am personally honored to have met these people who have both benefited from the Christ Central Hope Center, Graniteville experience, and contributed to a more substantial and deeply intimate walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. May you too experience the peace of His presence in the eternity of every moment as it is my sincere prayer that you recognize your eternal worth and significance in Him. Whether you’re walking through the valley of darkest shadows or whether you shout for joy atop the highest mountain, Jesus is with you- He knows you better than you know yourself and He’s eager to both speak to you and to hear from you….

Not Everything Has to be Perfect…. 13 Jan, 2016 (Luke 10:38-42) “….I see my sister, never being still- constantly tried to things in mom’s house to help. She always worrying’ bout every little detail. Lord, mom told her all that wasn’t necessary. Things look just fine. Everything’s o.k. God will take care of everything….I can pray…. I believe. Dear Lord, thank You for always being here for me as well as everyone else- a special prayer here for my new friend and his family. In Your name I pray, dear Jesus. Amen.” - P.S. (note: P.S. had never heard the story of Mary and Martha.)

Forever Yours, Lord…. 06 Jan, 2016 (Hebrews 11:35-40) “Jesus, I done been through a lot- You know! I know You want me to put all my trust in You- and, Ya know what? I do. O Lord, I do! I put all my trust in You. Please help me to. I believe through You, everything is possible! This body is just temporary, but my faith and my heart belong to You O Lord!

I trust you.” - D.B. (note: D.B. has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.)

Untitled…. 14 Oct, 2016 (Psalm 103:1-8) “ The feeling of just standing beside youwell, I guess it would be a feeling of joy, a

feeling of courage- just, remarkable. What is it like to have light? Where are you?”

- A.E. (note: A.E. is not a believer. Please pray that the Lord continue to draw Him unto Himself through His Word, through other Christians in the GVW area and through the volunteers at Hope Center, Graniteville.)

God’s Journey for Me…. 12 Oct, 2016 (Psalm 23) “Lord, I know You’re here and you ain’t lettin go! You guiding me this very day, Lord!

Right now! You keep me near you all the time. You make me whole. You lead me the way you want me to go- the way I should go.

Sometimes I just don’t like it, Lord. But even if that ole devil steps in, he ain’t no match for me! God, you got me at all times! Thank You that You done prepared us to do many things- things in our everyday life together.

God, help me to see Your blessings more and more. Thank You cause You keep blessing me every day of my life! Thank You, Jesus.

Amen.”

- S.B. (note: S.B. was an angry young lady who stomped up into the Hope Center that October morning, in 2015. Before the day was over, full of love and an authentic smiling face, S.B. signed on to become an official Christ Central volunteer.)

4 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

Why Marriage Is Important “...We should provide the facts about the importance of marriage as a matter of child welfare and economic aspiration.

As a society, we have launched highly effective public education campaigns on much less momentous issues, from smoking to recycling... For now, the decline of marriage is our most ignored national crisis...” – Rich Lowry commentary, TIME Magazine, 2012 “Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage,...’”

– Bible The week from February 7th to 14th every year has been designated National Marriage Week. The goal of the organization and the associated activities is to encourage diverse groups to strengthen individual marriages, reduce the divorce rate, and build a stronger marriage culture, which in turn helps curtail poverty and benefits children.

There is a growing body of research which suggests “Not being married can be hazardous to your health”.

Obviously some of the benefits come from the life styles of individuals who choose the married life; nevertheless, there is a direct correlation between these benefits and marriage. Consider the following benefits from a variety of documented studies: • Compared to married people, the nonmarried…have higher rates of mortality than the married: about 50 percent higher among women and 250 percent higher among men.

• Unmarried (including divorced, widowed, and single) people are far

more likely to die from all causes, including coronary heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, many kinds of cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, automobile accidents, murder and suicides - all leading causes of death.

• Almost nine out of ten married men living to age forty eight will still be alive at age sixty five. By contrast, just six out of every ten never-married men alive at forty eight will make it to sixty five. For married women, nine out of ten alive at age forty eight will make it to sixty five as compared to about eight out of ten never-married and divorced women.

• Married men really do settle down, while men who aren’t married voluntarily behave in ways that endanger their own life and health.

Take alcohol abuse, for example. Single men drink almost twice as much as married men of the same age.

• Married men and women report less depression, less anxiety and lower levels of other types of psychological distress than do those who are singled, divorced or widowed.

• One survey of fourteen thousand adults over a ten-year period found that marital status was one of the most important predictors of happiness.

• Divorce is especially damaging to women’s mental health: divorcing women reported more of an increase in depression, more hostility, more of a decline in self-esteem, less personal growth, and less self-acceptance and environmental mastery than divorced men.

• In the short term, cohabiting couples may gain some (though not

nearly all) of the emotional benefits of marriage. But over the long haul, it appears that cohabitors may be no better off than singles. People who are cohabiting are less happy generally than the married and are less satisfied with their sex lives. In America, long-term co-habiting relationships are far rarer than successful marriages.

• Married families accumulated the most money with a median net worth of $26,000. Remarried families were almost as well off – $22,500 as were single-dad families – $22,930. At the bottom of the heap were both single mothers and cohabiting couples with a median wealth of just $1,000.

• Children living with their mother and her boyfriend are six times more likely to be physically, emotionally, or educationally neglected than children living with their married biological

parents.

• Children living with their own father and mother do not fare much better if their parents are only cohabiting. A federal study of child abuse found that children living with their cohabiting parents are more than four times more likely to be sexually, physically, or emotionally abused than their peers living in a home headed by their married parents.

God’s design works best. On the whole, man was not meant to live alone, and neither was woman.

Marriage makes people happier.

The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. (FAMCO) provides resources for you to succeed in your marriage and families. Roger Rollins, Executive Director, FAMCO, 803-6404689, rogerrollins@aikenfamco.com, www.aikenfamco.com.

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 5

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

Run United with your family for cash

WANT TO GO? What: Run United Half Marathon, 5K and Kids’ Fun Run When: 6:30 a.m. at the Newberry Street Festival Area For more information: visit aikenco-op.org/RunUnited

more registered for the 5K will be eligible for cash prize drawings of $50, $100 and $150. Families of two or more running in the half marathon will be eligible for a Aiken Electric Cooperative’s $200 cash drawing. fifth annual Run United Half Run United is a run like no Marathon, 5K and Kids’ Fun Run other kicking off at 6:30 a.m. April set for April 30 is adding cash 30 at Newberry Street Festival incentives to encourage family area. Designed for runners of all participation. Leading the pack of ages who like to enjoy Aiken’s incentives is a 10 percent discount scenic areas, the 5K and half when you register as a family marathon routes will journey (two or more) through at Active. through historic downtown com. Look for the “AEC Family Aiken, where half marathon Running” categories on the main runners will then head south with AEC Touchstone Energy Run Aiken Polo Club’s Whitney Field Unitedpage posted on Active.com. and the Odell Weeks Activity In addition, all families of three or

Center en route. Children ages three to ten will compete for a medal in the mile-long Kid’s Fun Run traveling around the downtown area.

Remember Run United has additional perks including cash awards totaling $2,100. The event was Aiken’s first half marathon last year and this is the second year the race is offering a prize purse. Half marathon cash prizes will be awarded in each category, with $500 overall male and female, as well as additional $100 and $50 prizes. Each half marathon finisher and 5K winner will receive a recognition medal.

Partnering with the Amazing Grace Race April 16 in Langley and Aiken Running Club’s 10mile run May 21 at Odell Weeks, Run United is now part of Aiken’s Triple Crown Run Series this spring. Participants in all three events will receive a special commemorative gift.

Proceeds from Run United registration fees will go directly to United Way of Aiken County to assist area agencies that exist to help those in the community who need it most. For more information on how you can sign up, please visit active.com or aikenco-op.org/RunUnited.

6 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

Eliminating abandoned and homeless animals in Aiken County

By Joanna Dunn Samson, VP, Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter (FOTAS) Last year, 4,800 animals cycled through the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

About half of those were found roaming the streets with no identifying collars or tags. They were hungry, scared and confused.

Some were found chained to a stake without proper shelter from the elements, food or water. These animals had often spent their entire unhappy lives on those chains without proper medical care or human love or affection.

Some were just dumped on the side of the road and left to die, either from starvation or on-coming traffic.

There have been too many instances of helpless puppies and kittens dumped in a trash bag and either thrown into a dumpster or out of the window of a moving automobile - left to suffocate or starve in a dark plastic bag.

The animals in the Shelter that were not picked up by the Aiken County Animal Control or concerned citizens were surrendered to the Shelter by their owners. Perhaps you think that those sad, bewildered animals were dropped off to an uncertain fate out of pure desperation or necessity – maybe the beloved pets of an elderly woman who had to move into a nursing home or who passed away.

Sorry – not true. Sadly, many of those animals were surrendered because the owners failed to make proper arrangements for their pets when they moved, married, divorced, or changed jobs. Rather than take the time to situate their pets in a new homes, it was easier to drop them off at the Shelter and be done with the hassle.

Never mind that there was a 40-50% chance their pet would be euthanized.

In countless cases, an irresponsible owner who did not spay their female dog or cat dropped a bony, scared

pregnant dog or cat or a mama dog or cat with scrawny puppies or kittens at the Shelter, leaving the rest of us with the task and heartbreak of caring for them or humanely ending their lives because they were too sick to save.

The vast majority of these animals did not deserve their fate – very few animals end up in the Shelter because they were vicious or had irreparable behavior problems.

Why are there so many homeless animals?

Because not enough people in the community spay and neuter their pets.

As a result, there are way more cats and dogs than people to take care of them, particularly in a community like Aiken where multiple pet ownership is already high.

What can be done to reduce overpopulation of cats and dogs?

The only way to reduce the overpopulation of cats and dogs and reduce the number of homeless and abandoned animals entering the Shelter

is for everyone to spay and neuter their dogs and cats!

What are the advantages of spaying and neutering cats and dogs?

Your pet will live longer. Animals that have been spayed and neutered have significantly less health problems, including increasingly common cancers related to the reproductive system.

Spayed and neutered animals are less likely to roam, which means they are less likely to catch diseases from wild animals, get lost, fight with other dogs, or get hit by a car (it has been estimated that 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered).

Spaying your female before she is 6 months of age means you can avoid the messy, noisy heat cycles that typically occur twice a year for 18 days and that wreak havoc among the neighborhood’s male canine and feline populations.

Your cat or dog will be a better pet since spaying and neutering eliminates unpleasant spraying and marking all over your house and yard.

Neutering your dog decreases

potentially aggressive behavior to people, particularly children (who are by far the greatest victims of dog bites), and other animals.

It’s cheaper for the community as a whole. If the entire community spays and neuters their pets, then the number of homeless and abandoned animals that must be captured and/or cared for in the public shelter system with taxpayer dollars will be dramatically reduced.

Why wouldn’t I spay or neuter my pet?

There is no good reason not to spay or neuter your pet. There are so many loving, deserving animals in shelters that need a home and not enough people to adopt them. 40% 50% of those animals may have to be euthanized. Why would you add to that number by allowing more puppies and kittens to come into a world where you cannot guarantee their safety and quality of life?

Are you listening, pit bull lovers?

The Aiken County Shelter is packed

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 7

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville with lovable, goofy, athletic, majestic pits and pit crosses. In the Aiken County Shelter (as well as public shelters all over the country) pits make up the majority of dogs, and because pits are the most difficult dogs to rehome, the euthanasia rate for pits are disproportionately high. If you love your pits, get them spayed or neutered.

Here are some other common objections to spaying and neutering your pet.

My dog is a purebred. So were 25% of the dogs that ended up in shelters across the country.

I want my children to experience the miracle of birth. That’s the beauty of You Tube, where there are thousands of videos depicting the “miracle of birth” for dogs and cats available for your viewing pleasure. It’s a lot less expensive, messy and time-consuming than birthing babies, caring for a momma dog and her puppies, nagging your kids to help, and then finding proper homes for all those puppies.

It’s healthier for my dog or cat to have at least one litter before they are spayed. Nope – in fact, medical research suggests otherwise. Altered pets have less health problems as a whole.

I want my dog to be protective. No worries, dogs are naturally protective.

Altering them will not change their protective nature. Love and feed them and they will, more than likely, protect you. Altering your dog will, however, potentially reduce aggressive behavior that could get directed to people (particularly children) and other dogs.

My male dog or cat will be less of a male – it’s unnatural. Seriously?

I promise you this: your dog will not be teased and humiliated by the other neighborhood dogs because his equip.m.ent has been removed. Get over it.

My pet will get fat and lazy. Nope again. Your pet will get fat and lazy laying on the couch with you watching Law and Order reruns and munching on Cheetos. A walk will do you both some good.

I can’t afford to spay or neuter my pet. Not true - Aiken County has a voucher program, supplemented by FOTAS, to provide low-cost spay/ neuter services to qualifying residents.

It’s a great deal. (See inset).

Help us eliminate the needless suffering of the County’s homeless and abandoned animals.

Of the 4800 animals that passed through the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s door last year, 3000 were saved; 1800 did not leave the Shelter alive. The vast majority of these animals did nothing wrong. They are victims of owners who brought them into this world and then washed their hands of them, leaving the rest of us to clean up and pay for their neglect.

While the 3000 animals that were saved is a record number thanks to the efforts of the County and FOTAS, it is difficult to re-home that many animals year after year in a pet-saturated community like Aiken. The only way to ensure that adoptable animals will not be euthanized is to reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs through a rigorous community spay/neuter effort.

In the many communities around the country where spay/neuter is the norm rather than the exception, the public shelters are rarely filled to capacity. Not only is needless suffering of animals avoided, the cost to all taxpayers is significantly reduced.

Please, help us make Aiken County one of those communities: spay or neuter your animal today. Convince your neighbors and your family to spay and neuter their animals. If you need financial assistance, take advantage of the County’s spay/neuter voucher program.

You can make a difference. Their lives are in our hands.

Spay/Neuter Financial assistance available to qualifying County residents The County of Aiken and FOTAS provide financial assistance for spay/ neuter services to Aiken County residents with a household income of $30,000 or less. Here’s how it works.

Spay/Neuter vouchers can be picked up at the Aiken County Animal Shelter on the first of each month (the Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken). The vouchers are distributed on a first come, first serve basis, and they go quickly.

The voucher entitles the holder to have a dog or cat spayed or neutered by appointment at the SPCA-Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare’s spay/ neuter clinic or any participating veterinarian. Pets can usually be picked up on the same day as surgery is performed.

Qualifying County residents are entitled to 2 vouchers per household per year.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.) The Shelter phone number is (803) 642-1537.

Financial assistance may be available from FOTAS when County vouchers have run out or for additional spay/neuters in the household.

FOTAS may also be able to help with logistics in some circumstances. Call the FOTAS hotline at (803) 514-4313 if you have any questions.

8 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

Dedicated to Your Health

Rural Health Services

Rural Health Services Clyburn Center for Primary Care

Dedicated to your Health

Patient Services

Family Health Care 120 Darlington Drive Aiken, SC 29803 803.641.1404 www.ruralhs.org Monday — Wednesday 8:00 am—7:00 pm

Pending

Margaret J Weston Community Health Center 4645 Augusta Road Beech Island, SC 29842 803.593.9283 Monday 8:00 am—7:00 pm Tuesday — Friday 8:00 am—5:00 pm Friday

Level III 2015

Who do I call when I have questions?

When you have questions regarding your health, call a member of your Patient Care Team. They will even work with your provider if necessary to get your questions resolved.

What insurances do we accept?

We accept all insurances. If you have a question regarding coverage, please see a member of your Patient Care Team.

What if I don’t have insurance?

Rural Health Services provides a discount based on household income and household size. Ask for more information regarding our “Sliding Fee Scale Discount.”

Clyburn Center for Primary Care 1000 Clyburn Place Aiken SC 29801 803.380.7000 Monday—Thursday 8:00 am—7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am—5:00 pm Friday

Pending

How do I become a patient?

Simply call or stop by one of our offices to schedule an appointment to establish care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call one of our offices to schedule an appointment or you can stop by one of our offices, if you prefer.

(Office locations are listed on the back on the brochure.)

LOCATIONS

The Rural Health Services team strives to make our patients feel at home. Our highly trained physicians and staff offer a wide range of Patient Services. We are committed to providing you with the best care possible, when you need it, in a setting that is convenient and comfortable.

Adult Medicine and Geriatrics Adult Medicine and Geriatric Care provides appointments for a limited number of same day appointments. Chronic diseases are managed by a team of caring professionals that include physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, behavioral health counselors and ancillary staff. Appointments are made for employment, school, and DOT physicals. Medication management and preventative care is provided at all sites.

Pediatrics Our Pediatrics department provides well child care, sports physicals, and immunizations. We accept same day appointments or on a walk-in basis. Our providers can manage chronic conditions such as asthma, eczema, and other disorders.

OB/GYN The goal of the Obstetrics & Gynecology department is to educate and treat women who desire obstetrical and gynecological care. We provide comprehensive care to women and manage their needs with the aid of our physicians. Our services include prenatal care, inpatient and outpatient gynecological procedures, deliveries, and on site ultrasound.

Dental The Dental Clinic at the Clyburn site provides comprehensive dental and oral health care. Our staff will take a sensitive, compassionate approach to your Oral Health Care and seek to provide pain-free dental care services.

Optometry Optometry specializes in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the eye. Patients will receive comprehensive eye examinations, including eye health assessment, treatment and management of eye diseases, therapeutic and cosmetic eye glasses and contact lens care, and consultation/referral to more specialized services when appropriate.

Behavioral Health On-site counselors are available and prepared to diagnose, treat, and monitor behavioral problems to include ADD, ADHD, depression and anxiety.

WIC and Medicaid Intake & Eligibility Determination An on-site DHEC and DHHS employee is available to answer questions and take applications, as well as assist in recertification for the South Carolina Women Infants and Children and Medicaid program recipients.

Pharmacy Our pharmacy is open extended hours at the Clyburn Place location it has a drivethru window for your convenience in dropping off and picking up prescriptions.

We also offer a convenient refill request by using our automated system , and gives you a call when your prescriptions are filled and ready for pickup. We receive special discount pricing on all our prescription drugs and are able to pass

this savings on to our patients. We also participate in prescription assistance programs for our patients

Outreach and Enrollment Our Outreach and Enrollment Department assists individuals needing insurance through the Affordable Care Act. We also assist the migrant community by offering them quality health care and health education. As well as our Outreach staff participates in local events to include health fairs and community festivals.

.

Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) What is PCMH? A “Patient-Centered Medical Home” (PCMH) is how health care is delivered to patients. The medical home team at Rural Health System, Inc. manages care and services for you acting as the “hub” of your health care.. PCMH puts you, the patient at the center of the health care system, and provides primary care this is Accessible, Continuous, Comprehensive, Family-Centered, Coordinated and Compassionate.

Our PCMH Responsibilities to you:  Listen to your questions and concerns and to explain disease, treatment and results in an easy to understand way.  Coordinate your overall care, sending you to trusted specialist if needed  Provide you with same day appointments whenever possible  Provide instructions on how to access the care you need when the office is not open  Provide clear instructions about your treatment goals and future plans for every visit Your Responsibilities in a PCMH are:  Ask questions and be active in your care  Provide your health history  Call our office first with your health concerns unless it is an emergency  Inform us whenever you utilize any other health system such as the emergency room  To have a clear understanding about your healthcare Let Rural Health Services Become Your Medical Home

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 9

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

LOCATIONS Frequently Asked Questions How do I become a patient?

Simply call or stop by one of our offices to schedule an appointment to establish care.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call one of our offices to schedule an appointment or you can stop by one of our offices, if you prefer.

(Office locations are listed on the back on the brochure.)

What if I don’t have insurance?

Rural Health Services provides a discount based on household income and household size. Ask for more information regarding our “Sliding Fee Scale Discount.”

Pending

Clyburn Center for Primary Care 1000 Clyburn Place Aiken SC 29801 803.380.7000 Monday—Thursday 8:00 am—7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am—5:00 pm Friday

What insurances do we accept?

We accept all insurances. If you have a question regarding coverage, please see a member of your Patient Care Team.

Who do I call when I have questions?

When you have questions regarding your health, call a member of your Patient Care Team. They will even work with your provider if necessary to get your questions resolved.

Level III 2015

Margaret J Weston Community Health Center 4645 Augusta Road Beech Island, SC 29842 803.593.9283 Monday 8:00 am—7:00 pm Tuesday — Friday 8:00 am—5:00 pm Friday

Pending

Family Health Care 120 Darlington Drive Aiken, SC 29803 803.641.1404 www.ruralhs.org Monday — Wednesday 8:00 am—7:00 pm

10 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

GET CONNECTED

AIKEN COUNTY FAMILY YMCA February 2016

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2016

BUILD CONFIDENCE SPLASH BY SPLASH

FOR A BETTER US WE’RE MORE THAN A GYM, WE’RE A CAUSE!

SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

GIVE A LITTLE—HELP A LOT Donate to help children attend After School Care where they will receive academic enrichment and lifestyle skills.

Donate to help children play Youth Sports where they will learn to be part of a team.

Donate to help children attend Summer Day Camp where they will learn new skills and how to build relationships.

Donate to provide children with Swim Lessons and Water Safety Training to keep them safe around water.

Donate to help families with the cost of memberships so they can learn healthy habits and total wellness.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED—OPEN NOW UPCOMING SESSION DATES February 2nd-25th March 1st-24th 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.

THANK YOU for SUPPORTING our SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Lessons are twice/week for four weeks. The time of the lesson is based on age.

DROP AND SHOP

Contact RICKY DUNCAN 803 349 8086 OR RDuncan@thefamilyY.org

MONDAY—SATURDAY : 9AM-12PM Ages: Monday-Friday, 8weeks-4years / Saturday, 8weeks-12years Daily Fee: $10/members / $15/non-members

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT FEBRUARY 20TH, 5:30PM-9PM A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY EDITION ON FEBRUARY 14TH Ages: 18months-12years Cost: $15/members / $25/non-members

IN THE GYM COME PLAY WITH US!

A new Session starts each month.

MONDAY/WEDNESDAY or TUESDAY/THURSDAY, 9AM-12PM Ages: 18months-4years Monthly Cost: $80/members / $120/non-members

PICKLEBALL! MON, WED, FRI 10AM-12PM

PARENTS’ MORNING OUT

SPECIAL OLYMPICS YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAM REGISTRATION REQUIRED—LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Tuesdays 5pm—5:45pm

This Innovative program was designed for children ages 2-7 (siblings welcome), with intellectual disabilities, in order to introduce them to the world of sports. Focus is on fundamental skills that will help a child improve physically, cognitively, and socially. This program serves as an introduction to Special Olympics South Carolina.

Contact ROBIN KING 803 349 8080 OR RKing@thefamilyY.org

T-BALL & COACHES PITCH

AGES 3-6 REGISTER NOW THRU MARCH 13TH

INDOOR TRIATHLON FEBRUARY 27TH Waves begin at 8am REGISTER NOW thru RACE DAY

Commit to accomplishing your goal of becoming a triathlete this year, no matter your ability.

The one-hour race against the clock breaks down to be: 10-minute swim in the lap pool 20-minute stationary bike ride 15-minute run on the treadmill Performance is measured by distance covered in each of the three legs. The more distance you cover, the higher your score.

www.thefamilyy.org • 621 Trolley Line Road • 803 349 8080 • Follow us on Facebook

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 11

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center survey Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center Community Need Assessment Survey

What do you feel are the most pressing needs in your community?

□ Education □ Employment □Healthcare □Transportation □ Other _______________________________ How do you think the needs above can be met in your community? _________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Are you aware of the Services and Programs provided in the area and what are they? _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ What programs and or services do you think are needed in the community presently and in the future? ___________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ How would you like to see OLVCC change in the next five years? _____________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Do you feel if OLVCC where to close its doors will the needy continue to have sufficient resources to sustain? _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Background

This information is used for funding from various agencies. As this survey is confidential do not put your name on this survey. Please check a box.

Are you: □ Male □Female □Both Field out form How many years have you lived in Horse Creek Valley / School Area3? □ 0-­‐3 year’s □ 4-­‐6 years □7-­‐10 year’s □ 11-­‐15 years □16-­‐25 year’s □ More than 25 years How many family members reside in your home? ___________ Which category best represents the age of the head of household? □ 18-­‐ 24 □ 35-­‐44 □ 55-­‐64

□ 25-­‐34 □ 45-­‐54 □ 65 or older

Which of the following categories best describes your gross total family income from the past year? □Less than $10,000 □ $15,000-­‐$24,999 □ $35,000-­‐ $49,999 □ $75,000 -­‐ $99,999

□ $10,000 -­‐ $14,999 □ $25,000 -­‐$34,999 □ $50,000-­‐$ 74,999 □ $100,000 or more

In what industry is the major wage earner in your home employed?

□Agriculture □Construction □Manufacturing □ Retail/ Wholesale □Transportation m Communication, Public What does sustainability mean to you?

Our Lady of the Valley Utilities Catholic Center _____________________________________ Community Need Assessment □ Finance, Siurvey nsurance, Real Estate, _____________________________________ □ Government (includes Education) _____________________________________ □ Services (includes Retail) _____________________________________ □ Other (please specify) ___________________ Thank you for completing our survey. If you □ Retired have a ny additional comments and/or ideas

□ Homemaker What was the last year or grade in school you to help Our Lady of the Catholic Center/ in □Student completed? serving you better, please feel free to add them here: ___________________________ □ Grade School _____________________________________ □ Some High School _____________________________________ □ High School Graduate _____________________________________ □ Some College/ Vocational School _____________________________________ □ Vocational School Graduate _____________________________________ □ College Graduate _____________________________________ □ Some Graduate School _____________________________________ □ Graduate Degree _____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Please mail or return to:

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center Please mail or return to:

PO Box 358 2442 Augusta Road,

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center Gloverville, SC 29829

2443 Augusta Rd

Dear Residents, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center (OLVCC) is conducting a survey about the current and future needs of Horse Creek Valley/ School Area 3.

OLVCC has brought together supportive individuals and organizations and have had many achievements and some defeats. It is now time to stand back and look at what we are doing. Our organization has been affected by many changes - political changes, economic changes, social changes - and we may need to change in response.

OLVCC has worked with Horse Creek Valley/ School Area 3 for over 70 years 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. To help us move forward we would like to hear from you about what you want for your community and how OLVCC can be a support in that.

After the information gathering is completed a report will be circulated.

Thank you for working with us to make Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center better service all our needs.

Regards, Sister Catherine Marie Lowe Sr. Catherine Marie Lowe, DC Administrator

R mance is in the air!

VALENTINE’S DAY SWEETHEART DANCE – AGES 40+ WELCOME. Saturday, February 13, 2016 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Aiken Shrine Club 1526 Columbia Highway N., Aiken, SC Cost: $10 per ticket Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and cash bar Plus … Live music by “The Ace of Clubs Band” CALL 803.641.5297 FOR TICKET INFORMATION.

302 University Parkway Aiken, SC 29801

12 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

GVW Report Resource Center

Aiken Barnwell Mental Health Center 803-641-7700 1135 Gregg Hwy., Aiken, SC 29801

Adult Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, OB/Gyn Medicine, Teen Clinic

Aiken Regional Medical Center 803-641-5000 302 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801

The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. 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

Midland Valley Public Library The Midland Valley Public Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1 to 6 and Tuesday 2 to 6.

Mt. Salem Ministries; 803-646-3847 Outreach Mission Men’s Homeless Shelter Registration from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday 2121 Augusta Road, Gloverville, SC (Hwy 421) “His Table” Soup Kitchen, Monday through Friday “Free lunch” from noon to 2 p.m.

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.

Calendar continued from page 2 • GYMNASTICS Gymnastic classes are now being held at Gregg Park Civic Center.

Registration fee is $10 and cost of instruction is $30 per month. Instructor Rhonda Whitley will teach Gymnastics for children ages 4 & up on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, please call the park at 803-663-7552 • EXERCISE CLASSES Unlimited classes are $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 to 6 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

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

6 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 6 to 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.

Megiddo Dream Station Megiddo KidStation is looking for volunteers for our Summer Program starting June 6. The program runs Monday Thru Thursday 9 a.m. to1:30 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old and have experience working with children. Flexible schedules are available.

For more information, call Carola Dearman or Donald Hollingsworth at the Megiddo Dream Station 803-392-7044.

You can also stop by the KidStation at 134 Marshall Street in Graniteville.

Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Feb. 1 at noon at Bobby’s BBQ back meeting room. Guest speaker, Marshal Chastain of the Hope Center in Graniteville.

The Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce meets the second Wednesday of every month at noon. The meeting is held in the meeting room of Bobby’s BBQ. For more information call 803-979-4476.

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.

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center

person seeking help

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 -12p.m.. Call Jackie Cobbs for an appointment 803-617-9532.

Tutor: Helping students with reading, math, English and social studies.

GED classes: Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 p.m. Classes are free.

AA Group : Monday, Wednesday 8 to 9 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. to noon.

Caseworker: Assessing the needs of the

The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. A Marriage Celebratio will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Newberry Hall in Aiken. Cleve (WAFJ) and Barbara Walker will be sharing. Tickets are available from any FAMCO Board member or by calling 803-640-4689.

The Valley Alliance Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Rte. 1, Langley. For more information, please contact Rosealind Morse at rosegoes@aol.com Walgreens, Clearwater Walgreens also offers free blood pressure checks all day during pharmacy operating hours (9 a.m to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) No appointment necessary.

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

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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

ATC announced new educational program to train workers for nuclear industry jobs

New certificate program to prepare students for jobs in the nuclear industry

ATC to offer $2,000 grants per semester for those seeking high-paying positions in nuclear field

Classes planned to start Feb. 22

As the nuclear industry experiences major growth in the Georgia-South Carolina region, Aiken Technical College (ATC) is unveiling a special opportunity for area residents. A new certificate program – including special grant funding to cover most of the tuition – that could lead to a high paying career in nuclear operations at the Savannah River Site (SRS) or one of the other major projects in the region.

• The Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate curriculum, developed in collaboration with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), requires two semesters of course work to complete.

• Students enrolling in the Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate program can receive up to $2,000 in grant funds per semester. For Aiken County residents, tuition per semester for the Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate program is about $2,100.

• Newly hired operators at SRNS who have earned the ATC Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate can expect starting pay to be approximately $41,000 a year. SRNS expects to hire as many as 2,000 qualified general production operators, radiation control personnel and mechanics at SRS over the next several years.

“We have plans to hire 80 general production workers that we call ‘operators’ this year alone. Aiken Technical College has created a new program whose graduates will have met all our fundamental training needs, providing much needed job candidates who are ready to go to work in our nuclear facilities almost immediately.”

— Carol Johnson, President and CEO, SRNS “Each graduate with this certificate in hand will find multiple employers in the nuclear field, locally, regionally and even nationally, interested in their potential as a new hire. We’ve been in contact with several large corporations in this field, and they are all in need of qualified nuclear workers. We want ATC to be the college that educates, equips and provides those job candidates.”

— Susan Winsor, ATC President According to Johnson, the need for qualified candidates is only going to grow at SRS over the next several years. “It’s no secret that a large percentage of our workforce is reaching an age where they can retire. It’s already begun, and we know the numbers of those seeking retirement will rise every year throughout the near future. We’re expecting to see 2,000 plus job openings at SRNS before our hiring levels off again.”

Aiken Technical College (ATC) has announced its newest program offering which aims to help address the growing need for workers in the nuclear industry.

The new Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate, a two-semester program, will prepare students for entry-level positions in the nuclear industry, such as general production operators.

“Each graduate with this certificate in hand will find multiple employers in the nuclear field, locally, regionally and even nationally, interested in their potential as a new hire,” said ATC President Dr. Susan Winsor. “We’ve been in contact with several large corporations in this field, and they are all in need of qualified nuclear workers. We want ATC to be the college that educates, equips and provides those job candidates.”

The program’s curriculum, developed in collaboration with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, will introduce

students to a variety of topics related to the modern nuclear industry. Courses include applied chemistry for the nuclear industry, introduction to process control, hydraulics and pneumatics, integrated physics, radiation fundamentals, and current topics in industrial chemistry.

Classes for the program are planned to start Feb. 22. Those interested in enrolling must apply to the College at www.atc.edu. No application fee is required.

South Carolina residents may receive SC Lottery Tuition Assistance to assist with tuition cost and fees. Eligible students, regardless of their residency, may also receive up to $2,000 in Pathways grant funding to apply toward tuition and fees.

For more information about the nuclear fundamentals program or to enroll, call the ATC Enrollment Services Center at (803) 508-7263.

14 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

Minitor Market We do it for love

BY MEL MINOTOR February is Valentine’s Day and our thoughts are about Love.

In the English language we have one universal word: love.

It is used to describe the action between you and your mate. In my case, the love I share for my wife Alice, with whom I’ve shared the last 37 years. Then there is the love you have for your children. The word is still love, but with a different meaning than you have for/with your mate. There is the love for a friend, or describing a picture, a place, or even our job.

The ancient Greeks had several words for love. Here is a quote from a simple Google search: “The Greek language distinguishes at least four different ways as to how the word love is used. Ancient Greek has four distinct words for love: agápe, Eros, philia, and storgē.”

I believe the world love is used to describe our thoughts... “I always loved my mama’s chili, and her banana cake, God knows I loved it so much.”

Going back to the Aramaic language, there were 22 words to describe the different types of love. I often feel the word love is trite, overused and

is often lessened in its meaning to describe our feelings.

Although I observe animals showing affection to one another, the human is the only species that meditates on it, writes about it, creates artwork about it and fights about it. Love is a very powerful part of human existence.

February 14 is Valentine’s Day. It is the day we share our love for family and friends. Mama is very proud of her Valentine’s baby. Happy Birthday Melanie, we love you.

What a man does to support his family must also come from love. Buying the supermarket in Warrenville has been a challenge and a labor of love.

We did it with thoughts of the fond memories of shopping there with our family as children and carrying on a hometown tradition. Care/love goes into the restoration of the store.

Our customers are truly loved and every order is thoughtfully done with our customer’s well-being first and foremost. It is out hope, that Minitor Market it will bring people together as a family with a place to shop, fellowship, and to continue a community tradition.

Minitor Market, We have the Meats You Love… At The Prices You Expect… From Faces You Know… YOU SAVE MONEY Check us out on FaceBook/MinitorMarket/ for Daily Specials!!

Minitor Market • Your Hometown Tradition 1161 Augusta Rd. Warrenville, SC www.MinitorMarket.com

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 15

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

When children will not obey

BY Hillary E Kierspe It is estimated that around one in every 25 children has defiant behaviors severe enough to be diagnosed.

These children are amongst the most challenging for parents. Children with defiant behaviors present a unique challenge to parents because they often do not respond to traditional parenting methods, but there is hope, and children with defiant behaviors can change.

As with many mental health disorders, there is no one cause of defiant or ‘bad’ behaviors; they are an accumulation of many different factors. However, parents can sometimes accidentally reward behaviors that lead to even more defiance and acting out. For example, when a young child runs away from parents in the store and the parent chases after the child, the attention given to the child acts as a motivator.

The child is receiving their parents’ undivided attention, even if it is bad attention – this acts as a reward. The challenge is to set limits and yet, at the same time, not accidentally reward misbehavior.

Many parents turn to classic parenting consequences: time-out, removal of privileges or things, spankings, etc…. These are usable consequences for most kids; however, children with strong behavior problems often do not respond to these interventions.

One of the most effective, and yet most underused parenting technique is Shaping. Shaping is a form a parenting that focuses on the times that the

child is doing the right thing instead of the wrong thing. By emphasizing and rewarding good behaviors, bad behaviors often decrease over time.

This reward does not have to be a thing or activity. The best reward is actually praise. However, this is a very specific type of praise – it focuses on the specific, positive opposites. If your child struggles with staying still, every time you see him or her stay still, you praise that action “Thank you for sitting still just now”. The praise needs to include the specific action that you want to see. Be careful! Sometimes people add a ‘sting’ to the end of the praise: “Thank you for sitting still and not moving around”. That extra part takes away all the good you just did.

Praise is extremely important in shaping behaviors, and for children who have behavior problems it can be hard to recognize things to praise.

However, the more parents begin to look for opportunities, the more they find small moments of good behavior.

A good rule of thumb is to praise a child four times for every one time that you tell them not to do something.

As with all change, results do not happen overnight; however, if parent and caregivers were to start to look for and praise the positive opposites, change can and will occur.

Recommended Read: Everyday Parenting Toolkit by Dr. Alan Kazdin Hillary Kierspe is in her final year of her Masters of Social Work with a Concentration in Health and Mental Health. She is currently an intern at Aiken Counseling Group.

Aiken Active Seniors Our Unique Approach to Aging, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia Our mission is to keep seniors strong and families together. Most elder care is based on managing symptoms and accepting decline as the inevitable process of aging. Through purposeful programming, we are able to help older seniors and those with dementia or Alzheimer’s improve their physical and cognitive health. Our stimulating social environment helps combat senior depression. Being proactive instead of reactive gives families a sense of empowerment and control that is often times lost during the aging process.

A few key components of Aiken Active Seniors’ program that fosters a positive environment for seniors are:

• Engaging programs, not just a daycare or sitter service.

• Club atmosphere generates the feeling of acceptance and belonging.

• Opportunities to help others in the community gives all of our seniors a sense of purpose.

• Interactive physical fitness keeps our seniors strong while aging.

• Proven nonmedical approaches improve quality of life.

• Much less expensive than in-home and facility care so the family’s financial burden is lessened.

• Participation prevents or delays family separation due to admission to a skilled nursing or assisted living facility.

• Social environment allows us to treat members like people, not patients.

16 • Saturday, February 6, 2016

Advanced Cardiac Care

Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville

The Cardiovascular Institute’s clinical staff put a patient’s comfort first, explaining procedures like catheterization, echocardiography, metabolic stress testing, thrombolytic therapy and open-heart surgery.

Treatment includes medication or surgery and preventive education programs that challenge patients and their families to embrace new, rewarding lifestyles.

These dedicated cardiovascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists comprise the cardiovascular team:

Cardiac Surgery

Cardiology

Thomas P. Paxton, MD

Ansermo L. Arthur, MD

Board certified in general, thoracic and cardiac surgery Specialty: Cardiac Surgery

Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology

L. Dieter Voegele, MD

David W. Cundey, MD

Board certified in general, thoracic and cardiac surgery

Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and interventional cardiology

Specialty: Cardiac Surgery

Specialty: Interventional Cardiology

Specialty: Interventional Cardiology

For more information on the Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional, please call 803-641-5280.

Gregory L. Eaves, MD Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology Specialty: Interventional Cardiology

Weems Pennington III, MD Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology Specialty: Interventional Cardiology

302 University Parkway • Aiken, SC 29801 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. 152005

Idris S. Sharaf, MD Specialty: Cardiovascular Disease