Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville • Vaucluse • Warrenville
Vol. 3, No. 1
Happy New Year AND You in 2017 by Anne Fulcher Hello New Year 2017, my oh my, how much things have changed since this time last year. 2017 brings me into the year as a better person both physically and economically. Back on June 1, 2016, a classmate suggesting a food challenge for that month. She wanted to eat no breads, no sweets, no fried foods and no beef. I, always the competitive one that I have always been, suggested we make the June food challenge even tougher by eating no white food products, no sweets, no fried foods and no red meats. Why would ANYONE want to do a diet such as this you ask? Because a like a good competition. Two weeks into the food challenge, I realized I felt better than I have ever felt, slept better and was much more focused that pre-food contest. At the end of the four-week competition, I was down eight pounds and decided I wanted to do this the rest of my life. It’s really not as bad as it sounds. I save money because I generally can’t find anything to eat at fast food restaurants. I eat whole wheat breads, whole wheat/ vegetable pastas, fish, seafood, and poultry. If I want a turkey
sandwich, I get some oven roasted turkey, a small corn tortilla and some spicy mustard and make a roll-up. It is really quite yummy. Now, I live with my 85 year old Mom (PLEASE don’t share that (age) tidbit of information), she will evict me. I’ve snuck in many healthy foods into her diet that she has no idea of. I make homemade macaroni and cheese using Veggie pasta with regular cheese and wheat flour and no one, and I mean NO ONE can tell the difference. She loves spaghetti and lasagna and let me tell you how I change that up. I use ground turkey alone with gluten free lasagna noodles or whole wheat spaghetti noodles and she says it’s the BEST she has ever had… I hear you saying YUCK, NO WAY, but really, try it you will like it, I promise. With this lifestyle change, it’s about changing what you put into your body, NOT portion control. It has been AMAZING and as of today, I’ve lost thirty plus pounds! The only thing I have missed has been pizza but many restaurants are now offering gluten free pizza and it is quite tasty. This food challenge was not a New Year’s Resolution, it was a whim and it worked for me. My skin is firmer, my hair is shiner and
the feel good results keep coming. Are you looking to take control of your health and well-being? Find something that fits your lifestyle. Not a diet because a diet means you are eliminating something. A lifestyle change is something you can live with for the rest of your life. I challenge you, take control of your life by finding a plan that works for you and you alone. I come into 2017 in a job that I never dreamed I would have. After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Management in May of 2016, I was looking for my forever job which I just KNEW would be me being the voice of an underserved population. I assumed it would be with people without insurance since that was where my expertise was. At this point God was laughing and saying “I’ll show her!” You see, back in the Spring, I interviewed for a position that I knew was just made for me. I interviewed with several of the board members of this organization only to lose the job to an internal candidate. To say I was devastated was an understatement. I was in a funk for quite a few months. I took a part time job working with a local not for profit and it was wonderful but I needed
full time to meet the bills that were rolling in. On the first Friday of June, I received an email from one of the board members that has interviewed me for my “perfect” job in the spring and she asked me if I was still looking and I said yes. She said that for some reason she had kept my resume and she knew of a position that she felt I would be a good fit in. That brief email was the impetus that led me to my current position of Hitchcock Place an assisted living facility in Aiken. I’ve been in this position for six months now and I TRULY believe God planted me here and therefore I shall grow here. You see, many years ago, I had a dear friend tell me to grow where God plants me and that I will do. I have often written that we need to learn to think outside of the box. Never underestimate the power of what you can do and where you can go. It is NEVER too late and you are NEVER too old. After 35 years of being in healthcare, going back to college and starting over, now I am TRULY the voice of an underserved population of seniors that I have grown to laugh and love each and every day. What will 2017 bring for you?
2 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Community Calendar Aiken County Recreation Center Room Rentals Available The Recreation Center is available for birthday parties, baby showers, family dinners and more! Call Tandra at 663.6142 for rental rates and reservations.
Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) Jan 14; 8-10am : FATZ Breakfast (ACTS Fundraiser); Tickets $7.00 available at ACTS (340 Park Ave SW, Aiken) and 2ndACTS (50 Canal St; Graniteville) Jan 26 – Paladin Productions will present “The Book Club” – a fast-paced, modern comedy. (Contact event@actsofaiken.org the first week in January for more details and tickets.) Jan 21; 8am-9:30am : Senior Food distribution at ACTS in Aiken for registered ACTS clients. (340 Park Ave. SW) ACTS 15th Holiday Heater and Utility Drive – Help keep someone warm! Donations are used to provide families with portable heaters ($40 each) and to assist with overdue utility payments to keep them from being disconnected. Donations may be made on ACTS website www/actsofaiken.org, on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/actsofaiken or by mail addressed to ACTS, 340 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801.
Christ Central Graniteville (Hope Center) Call Hope Center 803.393.4575 to sign up for any of these classes. WorkKeys(R). Mondays and Wednesdays 9 - noon. FREE. GED Prep. Mondays and Wednesdays 9 - noon. FREE. Turning the Pages Ministry led by Rev. Gollie Walker. First and third Tuesdays at 7 pm. FREE Coffee with Jojo. Second and fourth Thursdays at 6 pm. Childcare provided with reservations by calling Jan at 803-6460451. Men’s Locker Room led by Roger Rollins. Second and fourth Thursdays at 6 pm. FREE Learning English for Living. Thursdays 7-9PM FREE Fit and Ready for the Job Market. January 9-20; 9 am - 2 pm. Special training in soft skills for a variety of jobs including janitorial skills, food industry, retail or lawn care. Course also covers life skills, money matters, job search, workplace etiquette, interview skills, resume writing, conflict resolution, and understanding attitudes. Snacks provided. FREE ServSafe(R) Food Manager Training. November 28, 8 am - 5 pm with Karen Tempel. Deadline to register is October 10.
Gregg Park Civic Center www.greggparkonline.com
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, call the park at 803-663-7552. Free of charge. LINE DANCE Rock & Roll, Country & Beach Music Line dancing classes with instructor Cassie Barnhill are taught on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the cost 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 ½ mile walking track. For more information, please call the park at 803-663-7552. 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. FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING Blood Pressure Testing is offered at Gregg Park Civic Center. This service is free if 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. 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 teachGymnastics for children ages 4 and older on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, call the park at 663-7552 UNLIMITED Exercise Classes per Month $10/Month for Pass holders, $15/Month for Non-Pass holders • Cardio/Weight Class, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 to 6 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 • Zumba, Tuesdays, 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. • Resistance Band Training. Mondays 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.
Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Meeting time is noon. For more information call 803-645-9720.
Midland Valley Public Library 9 Hillside Rd, Langley
Operating hours are as follows: Mondays 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays 1 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays 1 to 6 p.m. Phone: 803-593-7379
Megiddo Dream Station Megiddo Dream Station Work for Success Program. Call (803) 392-7044 or drop by 103 Canal Street to register. Over 300 people have successfully returned to the workforce after completing our 8 week program.
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
This Month’s Sponsors
Aiken Regional Medical Center Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc
Saturday, January 7, 2016 • 3
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Ring in Renewed Health with the New Year Aiken Regional Medical Center
adults, teens and children. The Center’s advanced approach includes the use of wireless technologies that continuously monitor glucose, “smart” insulin pumps, an enhanced diabetes data management system and phone apps that make it easy for patients to manage and take ownership of their health.
Obesity and Diabetes:
Early Warning Signs of Diabetes
Hand-in-Hand
Some of the common warning signs of diabetes include the following: • Urinating often • Feeling very thirsty • Feeling very hungry • Extreme fatigue • Blurry vision • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal • Weight loss but eating more (Type 1) • Pain or numbness in the hands or feet (Type 2) If you experience some or all of these symptoms, contact your physician to get a better understanding of your risk factor.
The New Year is a great time to re-energize and re-focus on you and your health. If you’ve been disappointed in your ability to lose weight over the past year or longer, or if you’ve been hindered by obesity-related health issues, the 2017 calendar symbolizes a fresh start towards a new you.
As obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, so too has diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease where the body’s inability to produce enough insulin results in elevated levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. While there is no cure, many complications from the disease can be prevented with proper attention to nutrition, exercise, stress management and using an accredited self-management education program.
Support for Success When it comes to losing weight and embracing a healthy lifestyle, engaging with a structured program can be the difference between failure and success. According to the National Institutes of Health, 15.5 million people suffer from severe or morbid obesity. For the people in this group, Aiken Regional Medical Centers offers a weight-loss program with several options, close to home.
Weight-Loss Surgery
Weight Loss and Nutritional Counseling Since obesity is closely tied to diabetes, nutritional counseling is a key consideration for individuals who do not have diabetes but do have needs related to nutrition. Nutritional counseling can address hypertension, weight loss, food allergies, wound healing, pre-gastric bypass evaluation and cholesterol management needs among others. The Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center of Aiken Regional Medical Centers was the first diabetes education program in the Central
Savannah River Area to receive recognition by the American Diabetes Association. Its advanced treatment options and specialty trained staff assists with managing the disease.
Tools for Positive Outcomes Within the Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center, specialized equipment is used to as-
sess an individual’s “resting metabolic rate” and define a personalized care plan to help them attain their personal health care goals. The Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Center of Aiken Regional Medical Centers offers patients small group and/or one-on-one lifestyle counseling, individualized meal planning and an overall plan for managing their specific conditions. There are specialized programs for
For those who have conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, and whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35 or higher, Aiken Regional Medical Centers also offers the option of bariatric weight-loss surgery. An easy first-step toward understanding this path is to watch a free online seminar available on the website that will provide more information. Next, an appointment with one of Aiken Regional’s Weight-Loss Program physicians will determine who is a weight-loss surgery candidate.
Next Steps for Healthy Living
To embrace a new you this New Year, you can get started now. Learn more about weightloss, diabetes and The Diabetes & Nutrition Teaching Center of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, by calling 803-293-0021 or visiting www.aikenregional.com.
4 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Help My Unbelief
BY Dr. Lynn Kirkland
Impact Ministries International, Inc. A few years ago there was a buzzword going around – “Situational Ethics”. In other words, some people’s ethics were determined by whatever situation they found themselves in. Over Christmas Holidays I was reading a magazine article when a statement caught my eye. I have not been able to get it off my mind. The author, a medical doctor, stated, “What happened that day happens to many of us [professing Christians] when we are caught in difficult social dilemmas. We allow our circumstances to dictate our theology rather than allowing our theology to dictate our response to difficult circumstances. We become victims of situational ethics.”
Mark 9:24 New International Version (NIV) Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I’m not sure I agree with the doctor about us being victims. Maybe I have just become hard nosed or cynical in my old age. I believe we all make choices, the consequences of which affect us and those around us daily. Do we allow circumstances in hard times dictate our belief system or do we stand by what we claimed to have believed during better times? Like the father of the young man in Mark 9 do we cry out to God to help our unbelief or do we change our belief system to better suit our current circumstances. Churches are dying, across denominational lines, at a rate of about 10% a year. A pastor friend just called me and said he was given no choice but to leave a church. They have grown tired of him harping on spreading the Gospel. Jesus only gave us one command before he took flight from this earth – as you go, make disciples. What part of that do we not understand? The world around us is literally going to Hell in a hand basket and we sit idly by wanting our ears tickled with soothing stories. Lord, help our unbelief.. I have talked in previous articles about how we tend to pigeon hole our lives these days. From what I read this really began in the early 1900’s. Until that time people did not “go” to church they “be” church. As those situations continued, along with industrialization, wars, computers, mass communications, etc., etc., etc. we began to live different lives in different situations. Now it is considered normal (whatever that is) for a person to be one way at church, another way at work, and still another way in sports or recreation. Situational ethics. Have you ever considered what you actually believe? My children always hated this growing up, but, make a list. What do you really believe? We can be swayed in our beliefs so eas24
ily because we don’t know what we believe in the first place. A few years ago there was a country song “You’ve got to Stand For Something Or You Will Fall For Anything”. We have reached that point. Lord, help our unbelief… For prayers, praise, or criticisms (or to support this ministry) please contact me at PastorLynn.ImpactMinistries@gmail. com.
Dr. Lynn Kirkland EVANGELIST / REVIVALVIST Impact Ministries International, Inc. 758 Silver Bluff Rd., #5431, Aiken, SC 29804 OFFICE PHONE: 803 400-3609 Sign up to receive our monthly “E~NEWS”: www.tinyurl.com/4enews
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, January 7, 2016 • 5
6 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Aiken Goodwill Job Connection adds Saturday hours Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA plans to offer Saturday Job Connection service in five cities in January, including at the Job Connection at 1015 Pine Log Road in Aiken. Starting Jan. 14, the Aiken location will be open
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. These weekend hours are in addition to the Job Connection’s normal office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday, and will provide extended service opportunities for individuals who might not be able to visit during a weekday. In addition to Aiken’s Job Connection, other Goodwill career centers in Augusta, Warner Robins, Milledgeville and Lake Oconee also will be offering additional hours starting in January, all funded by revenues that include sales of donated
goods in Goodwill retail training stores. For a complete list of Goodwill career centers, go to www.goodwillworks.org/ jobconnection “Many visitors to the Job Connection are already employed and are looking for better opportunities, or want to accompany someone to help them find work,” said Jennifer Hart, Goodwill’s Aiken Community Director. “We are grateful for the support Goodwill receives from our donors and shoppers, and hope they will see the value of the investment
in these additional weekend hours to provide expanded career assistance options.” Goodwill’s Aiken Job Connection proudly serves nearly 3,000 individuals seeking career services last year, including assistance for the visually impaired, and helps secure job placements for more than 500 men and women. A 2017 capital campaign designed to serve additional individuals through Helms College programs at the Aiken campus currently is in the planning stages.
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 Aiken Senior Life Services (formerly the Aiken Area Council on Aging) 803.648.5447 159 Morgan St. Aiken, SC 29801 • Providing meals in a dining hall setting • Hot meal delivery to homebound seniors • Frozen meal replacement for non-delivery days or for those outside our coverage area • Non-perishable food items that require minimal cooking • Non-emergency medical transportation • Rural public transit services via the Pony Express • Transportation for shopping, social, employment, and medical services 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. Adult Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, OB/Gyn Medicine, Teen Clinic The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken, Inc. FAMCO is a local nonprofit 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.
Saturday, January 7, 2016• 7
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
FREE
Screenings
Clinical Breast exam Pelvic exam
Pap smear (if needed) Mammogram
You may qualify if you:
Are a South Carolina resident 2 Are 30 to 64-year-old woman 3 Have high-deductible health insurance, and/or diagnostic insurance coverage less than 100%, hospitalization coverage only, or have no health insurance, and Meet certain income guidelines. 1
Effective July 1, 2016 thru June 29, 2017 Based on the total number of people in the household. Household Size
Income
1 person
$23,540 or less
2 people
$31,860 or less
3 people
$40,180 or less
4 people
$48,500 or less
5 people
$56,820 or less
6 people
$65,140 or less
Add $8,320 for each additional family member.
If you are eligible and interested in receiving these free services, please find the county you live in and call the BCN contact person in your area.
4
For more information, contact: Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) and ask about the Best Chance Network
www.scdhec.gov/bcn
Best Chance Network (BCN) Income Eligibility Guidelines
CR-011064 6/16
Joyce Hudson, Community Health Worker 843.264.2899
Sabrina Early, Community Health Worker: 803.643.2100
Abbeville, Berkeley, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Greenwood, Horry, Laurens, Lee, McCormick, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Saluda, Sumter & Williamsburg
Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Calhoun, Colleton, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Newberry, & Richland
Evelyn Lugo, Hispanic/Latino Outreach Coordinator: 864.240.4256 Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union & York
July 2016
8 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
FOTAS:
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Shelter dogs overcome past cruelties to reach the adoption floor Hilde, Hugo and Gwenyth ready for loving homes, FOTAS will pay for their adoption fees
Animal abuse is a problem everywhere in this country and beyond, and our own Aiken County is no exception. In fact, the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) currently has three stray dogs that are suffering from pain and cruelty delivered by human hands. Animal cruelty penalties are harsher now than even a year ago and people can go to jail for such horrible behavior and actions. Yet, the ACAS staff and County Animal Control officers still see evidence of cruelty to animals. Whether it is a young canine injured as the result of being used as a “bait dog” for illegal dog fighting, a dog with a collar so tight it has embedded into his skin, or kittens that have been left alone in the woods to starve and die – these horror stories are hard to stomach. The latest dogs to endure painful pasts before they arrived at the shelter are Hilde, Hugo and Gwenyth. No animal should have to suffer the cruelty they endured, but these three survivors still love people and show their appreciation for the staff ’s attention and care as well as the love they receive from Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) volunteers. These three special canines are proof that most dogs really do give unconditional love. But now they need a break and a second chance at a happy life. With this in mind, FOTAS is offering to pay the adoption fee for anyone who will give one or more of these dogs a loving home. “Getting a forever home is a gift these poor dogs deserve as we head into the new year,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. Hilde came into the Shelter as a stray with a visible line around her body, an old scar that shows she may have been caught in a snare or held in a holding device for breeding. It is a perfect circle around her body that is now white fur surrounded by her blonde coat. Hilde is housebroken, leash perfect, great with kids and sits on command. Even though she’s just five years old, FOTAS and the shelter management thinks she may have been forced to
Hilde
Gwenyth
Hugo
breed continuously and now wants nothing to do with other dogs. A favorite of the volunteers, Hilde has been at the shelter longer than any other animal and is in desperate need for a home. Hugo is a stunning, one year old Mastiff mix. He is regal with golden stripes but his ribs show, revealing his lack of food while a stray. Hugo came to the shelter with a friend, a German Shepherd. They kenneled together at first but then his buddy was adopted and Hugo was left behind. When standing still, he would hold his paw up off the ground at times so the Shelter’s veterinarian, Dr. Levy, had him xrayed. The x-ray and further examination revealed that he has a small fracture in his foot that has healed and his foot and chest are full of bird shot. He was shot by someone and must have been in a lot of pain. But luckily, he still loves people! Despite his difficult past, Hugo is young, energetic and ready for his forever home! Gwenyth, a sweet girl who stole hearts when she arrived at the shelter, is just a year old and is very shy. The first think you notice about the Retriever mix is her ears. They may have once been big and maybe even floppy, but now they are se-
verely cropped. It looks like someone may have taken scissors to her ears. When she arrived as a stray, she was skin and bones and petrified of just about everything. But even with the cruelty she had endured in the past, Gwenyth allowed staff members to examine her and volunteers to walk her. Now, after spending some time and receiving a little TLC, she has put on some weight and learned to trust good people again. Gwenyth is also friendly with other dogs, seems to like children and is very appreciative of any love she receives! For more information about these three special dogs, please go to www. fotasaiken.org or call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537.
of the adoption fees for vets in January. Therefore, all animal adoptions are free this month for veterans and military personnel. Military/Veteran ID is required to receive this special discount.
Veterans and active military can adopt animals from the County Shelter for free This month only, FOTAS will pay the full adoption fee for animals adopted by a Veteran or active military person. Veterans always get half price off the standard adoption fee, but we have a very generous donor who wants to participate with FOTAS and contribute the other half
FOTAS volunteers Bonnie White and Darling Rios manage a Dogs Playing for Life session featuring shelter dogs
Saturday, January 7, 2016 • 9
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville Dogs Playing for Life means more exercise and socialization for ACAS canines
A new program is helping Aiken County Animal Shelter dogs to burn more physical and mental energy, thereby reducing their stress while they wait for their forever homes. More importantly, this special program, Dogs Playing for Life™, accelerates the improvement of their social skills and makes them more adoptable. Before Dogs Playing for Life, the shelter dogs were mostly walked or exercised separately by FOTAS volunteers and only sparingly interacted with other canines during their stay at the shelter facility.
With the Dogs Playing for Life program, more dogs are getting exercise for longer periods of time, while also building their confidence through interaction with other dogs. The training of shelter staff and FOTAS volunteers took place in April, and eight months later a team of volunteers works the specialized program like clockwork. “We are very excited about Dogs Playing for Life and the positive impact it is having on the adoptions at our shelter, making our dogs happier while they are in our care,” said Ellie Joos, FOTAS Board Member and On-site Events Chair.
Hugo has a small fracture in his foot that has healed and his foot and chest are full of bird shot.
A success story:
Lola overcomes abuse to find a new life and loving family Thyme came to the shelter in rough shape. Picked up as a stray in Windsor, the 1 year old Bully mix was not only terrified and wary of her new environment, but she also suffered from a nasty wound on the side of her neck caused by an embedded collar. Although she was scared and shy, Thyme’s friendly personality was immediately apparent to the staff and she graduated to the adoption floor right away. Once there, she started to get used to the shelter and enjoyed her walks with the volunteers. Still, being a Bully mix with Frankenstein-like staples and stitches in her neck made some prospective adopters rule her out, and her stay at the shelter was nearing three weeks. It did not look like she was going to get adopted any time soon. But then Natasha Bohler-Butts of North Augusta came to see Thyme Lola shows off her new harness at her forever and it was love at first sight. Natasha home. was impressed with Thyme’s beauty and gentle disposition, so shortly before Thanksgiving, she decided to adopt her and renamed the pretty dog, Lola. Her first purchase for Lola was a comfy harness. “I told Lola when I adopted her, ‘No collars ever again!’” Natasha said. “She was too scared to even walk the first day after leaving the shelter, but she is thriving now. She has learned her new name and to sit, and loves my husband, Bill!’” Natasha and her family had previously adopted Meera, a heartworm positive, chocolatecolored Bully mix from the shelter. Now, Lola has joined her and she’s fitting in wonderfully with the whole family. Lola has a bright future and will never have to experience hunger, fear or abuse Lola joins Natasha when she runs errands again.
10 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
NOTICE: Valley Alliance Luncheon Meets: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Location: Langley Bible Church, Augusta Road, Route 421, Langley, SC Guest Speaker: Melanie Hutto, GED programs, Our Lady of the Valley | Lunch Prep.: Rev. Gene Brown, Langley Bible Church Also be sure to hit like on our Face book page. Our announcements will be there each month. It is very important to let us know how many will be represented for the luncheon. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP this announcement with the number of persons from your group. Thank you for your consideration Mission and Purpose of Valley Alliance The Valley Alliance is a nonprofit organization of cooperative agencies, churches,
institutions, ministries, and community servants working together within the Midland Valley for the purpose of better serving our community and its needs by building networks of support and communication, and sharing resources and services that compliment 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.
RUN UNITED
Saturday, January 7, 2016 • 11
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Presented By
A I K E N E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E TO U C H STO N E E N E R GY
Half Marathon + 5K + Kids’ Fun Run
A Run Like No Other April 29, 2017 7:30 A.M.
Begins at Newberry Street in Historic Aiken, South Carolina R E G I S T E R T O D AY : W W W . A I K E N C O - O P . O R G
PRIZES +
2,100
$
I N C AS H AWA R DS P R O C E E DS B E N E F I T:
E A R LY R E G I S T R AT I O N
60 $25 $10
$
1/2 MARATHON
5K
KIDS’ RACE
12 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
2017 – A Time For New Beginnings
2017 is a time for new beginnings. It is a time for renewed hope. For theset things to happen, we must step out of our shell, get out of that rut in the road and take action. It is up to us to make a difference, to be that change. Computer games consume many a life. Social Media has changed the way we interact with others. Many of us have “friends” that we share with via this new
media but we have lost that personal connection. It is up to us to take that step. A great way to create a new beginning is to volunteer. America was built on volunteerism. There are many forms of volunteerism that allow us to interact with others and make a noticeable difference in our personal life and in our community. Many groups could use your support. There’s Big Brothers & Big Sisters, a great mentoring program for our youth. Perhaps service work, through your church or a civic group. You might consider helping at a rescue, or the Lions Club one day a month. Over the years, I’ve work with a hospice with the VA system and Feathered Friends Forever. Feathered Friends is a great rescue that brings people together and totally ran by volunteers, mostly veterans looking out for God’s little creatures. In our effort to support others, Minitor
Market actively supports Hope Ministry and Mt. Salem Ministry. There are donation boxes for them in the store. Through Minitor Market, this writer has made friends and met people from many walks of life. We have learned of many needs of the people around our community and Aiken County. Minitor Market has started a program to help senior citizens. We’ve heard how hard it is to find senior portions at a grocery store. With that in mind, you can now order senior portions of meats and other products. We invite you to call Michelle or Mel at Minitor Market at 803663-3991 and let them know your needs and they will work to provide you healthy choices and save you money.
If you or someone you know needs help with transportation or getting their meals, and are a senior, give “Aiken Senior Life Services a call at 803-648-5447 We encourage you to become more pro active in your community. That hour or two you spend will make a difference. 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!! Your Hometown Tradition 1161 Augusta Rd. Warrenville, SC www.MinitorMarket.com
Calendar, from Page 2
Tutor: Helping students with reading, math, English and social studies.
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center
The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken Inc.
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 10 a.m. to noon. Call Jackie Cobbs for an appointment 803-617-9532.
1651 Banks Mill Road, Aiken, SC 29803, www.aikenfamco.com, 803-640-4689
The Valley Alliance
GED classes: Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 to 8 p.m. Classes are free.
October 19,2016, 11:30am. Valley Alliance luncheon, Cheryl Ruggles, Outreach Coordinator for Just Serve will be our guest speaker. Come find out what Just Serve is all about and how they can help your organization. The Valley Alliance meets at Langley Bible Church (formerly Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church). For more information, contact Rosealind Morse at rosegoes@aol.com.
AA Group: Monday, Wednesday and second Saturday.
Walgreens, Clearwater, SC
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 Monday, Wednesday and Friday), 10 a.m. to noon. Caseworker: Assessing the needs of the person seeking help.
Walgreens 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.
1st Tuesday of every month is senior day which offers a 20% discount on regular priced merchandise. 2nd Wednesday of every month we offer free confidential HIV testing on site from 11am2pm. To have your organizations events posted in the GVW Report Community Calendar, please email Anne Fulcher at ernieace2@ yahoo.com or call at 803-979-4476
Saturday, January 7, 2016 • 13
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Life and Marriage – Do They Matter? BY Roger Rollins “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” – Bible “Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage,...” – Bible There are two words today that can stir up a great controversy: Life, and Marriage. The pro-life movement says that life begins at conception and the taking of someone’s life is definitely not desirable. But there are a lot of people who disagree. Some say it’s OK to kill a baby in its mother’s womb, and even for a short time after it leaves the mother’s womb. More and more people are saying it’s also OK to terminate the life of those who are in severe pain, or the elderly, or even anyone who appears to be a drain on/not a benefit to society. The “healthy marriage movement,” which I define as the effort to promote the Biblical definition of marriage, says marriage is between a man and a woman and that people should remain celibate until marriage. But there is also much disagreement on this topic. The definition of the family, including marriage, is in significant contention. Why do these two words stir so much controversy? Perhaps it’s because both of them involve our ability to govern our own lives. The trend today seems to be that we have the ultimate right in deciding our own destiny and our behavior patterns. In other words, man is the ultimate authority. I suggest there is also another reason these words are so controversial today, and this reason is connected to the first. In the beginning the Bible tells us of God’s focus on the creation of two very important “conditions:” life and relationships. God first created life in plants, birds, and animals. The Bible says God saw His creation and it was good. Then God created man “in His own image….and it was very good.” After God created man He said “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” So God created woman. Then He established the foundational relationship for society: “For this reason a man
shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” If we take God, the designer of the universe, out of the picture, the authority becomes man and since we have removed the designer, there are no rules, and we can make them up and change them as we go along. However, whether or not we agree or like it, there is a God and He designed the universe with rules and consequences. Experience over the centuries has demonstrated that adherence to God’s design is the best – the only – way to go. Hence it behooves us to celebrate life and marriage. On Sunday, January 15, 2017, we have the opportunity to collectively celebrate life. President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation on January 13, 1984, designating January
22 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. (January 22, 1973, was the day the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion-on-demand in all 50 states.) Since that time churches around the United States have used the third Sunday to celebrate God’s gift of life, commemorate the many lives lost to abortion, and commit themselves to protecting human life at every stage. Then on Saturday, February 4, 2017, we have the opportunity to celebrate marriage. The week from February 7th to 14th every year is promoted by National Marriage Week USA 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. The Family and Marriage Coalition of
Aiken, Inc. (FAMCO) is hosting a dinner event which begins at 6:30PM at Newberry Hall in Aiken. In addition to dinner, guest speakers Dwayne and Keionna Baker will be sharing about their marriage. Dwayne is news director on WNRR Gospel 1380 and the radio show host of The Journey of Faith – men mentoring other men through the sharing of their individual experiences. The cost is $35 for singles and$65 for couples. For tickets or information contact please contact Roger Rollins at 803640-4689 or rogerrollins@atlanticbb.net. 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, http://www.aikenfamco.com
14 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center by Anne Fulcher
This is the second in a series of stories on the history of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center and the work it does in the area. Due to the loss of the Sisters of Charity in mid2017, this series will look at how the Center continues to do the work of Monsenior George L. Smith. I want to thank St. Mary Help of Christians Church for sharing the history of their church and that of the missions of Aiken. They receive ALL photo credits for this piece of the GVW Report. Monsignor George L. Smith was a larger than life man in my life. He had this booming baritone voice and with his tall stature and I in my early childhood, he was always a Giant to me. He was kind to little children and small animals and that is one of the first times I remember meeting him, at the blessing of the animals at St. Mary’s in Aiken and
I must have been all of five years old. At this late date of my life, I can STILL hear Monsignor Smith’s deep, dark voice and how it resonated throughout my being as a young child. To know how important this Valley was to him only makes him nearer and dearer to my heart. You see, I feel the same way about this
place I call home, this the Valley! For many years now, my Mom has run the food pantry of Our Lady of the Valley and has been the one to open the doors when the church doors were open. I, and many of the poor children of the Valley, learned to swim in the pool at Our Lady of the Valley
Catholic Center and I bet many of you reading this story did too. The fact that the original buildings that were built to help the people are STILL there gives proof that God has a plan for the providers for those of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center. God shall FIND a way to make his will be done!
Saturday, January 7, 2016 • 15
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
AIKEN JOB CONNECTION WORKSHOP SCHEDULE SUNDAY
1
MONDAY
2
CLOSED
8
15
TUESDAY
JANUARY
3 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
The Key to getting an Interview
WEDNESDAY
2 0 1 7
4 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
RESUME and COVER LETTER
GET A JOB KEEP A JOB
10 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
11 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
12 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
INTRODUCTION TO JOB SEARCH
The Key to getting an Interview
RESUME and COVER LETTER
GET A JOB KEEP A JOB
12:00 PM -‐ 1:00 PM
11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
COMPUTER CLASS
TALLER DE BUSQUEDA DE EMPLEO
TALLER DE RESUME Y ENTREVISTA
16
17 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
18 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
19 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
The Key to getting an Interview
RESUME and COVER LETTER
GET A JOB KEEP A JOB
11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
11:00 AM -‐ 12:00 PM
PRESENT THE BEST YOU
11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
TALLER DE RESUME Y ENTREVISTA
TALLER DE BUSQUEDA DE EMPLEO
29
5 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
9 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
CLOSED
22
THURSDAY
23 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
24 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
25 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
26 10:00 AM -‐ 11:00 AM
INTRODUCTION TO JOB SEARCH
The Key to getting an Interview
RESUME and COVER LETTER
GET A JOB KEEP A JOB
12:00 PM -‐ 1:00 PM
11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
Money Smart
COMPUTER CLASS
TALLER DE BUSQUEDA DE EMPLEO
30 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
31 10:00 AM -‐11:00 AM
INTRODUCTION TO JOB SEARCH
11:00 AM -‐ 12:00 PM
11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
TALLER DE RESUME Y ENTREVISTA
FRIDAY
6 11:00 AM -‐ 12:00 PM
SATURDAY
7
¿Cómo decirlo en inglés?
13 11:00 AM -‐ 12:00 PM
¿Cómo decirlo en inglés?
20 11:00 AM -‐ 12:00 PM
14 9:00 AM -‐ 1:00 PM
OPEN
21 9:00 AM -‐ 1:00 PM
OPEN ¿Cómo decirlo en inglés?
27 11:00 AM -‐ 12:00 PM
28 9:00 AM -‐ 1:00 PM
OPEN ¿Cómo decirlo en inglés?
The Key to getting an Interview 11:30 AM -‐ 12:30 PM
TALLER DE BUSQUEDA DE EMPLEO 8:00 AM -‐ 5:00 PM
1015 PINE LOG ROAD, SUITE 103 AIKEN, SC 29803 == Ph. (803) 649-‐7694
JCOF 7.1-‐10
16 • Saturday, January 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. USC Aiken Convocation Center JUST FOR WOMEN ... their fashion, families, style, health, creativity, bodies and souls.
SUPPORT local businesses while having a fun girls’ day out! There’s something for everyone.
GATHER THE SPECIAL LADIES IN YOUR LIFE AND JOIN US FOR
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Makeovers
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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. 161253