Saturday, March 5, 2016
Vol. 2, No. 3
Spring is in the Air by Anne Fulcher As I sit here next to the heater, bundled up with a blanket and a dog, trying to keep warm, I can’t wait for spring to arrive. We have not had a very cold winter but it certainly has been wet and depressing. I don’t think I have ever seen this much rain during the winter in all my years of living here, and that’s been forever. I hear the call of the flower beds that have been neglected for the past few months, a swing that has been sitting in solitude during the cold temperatures. I miss sitting on the patio with my Mom and the pups as the sun sets during those sultry summer days. It’s time for new growth, new beginnings and new starts for all things in this season of spring. It is such a wonderful time seeing people getting out and walking along the canal, eating outside at the Red Shed and spreading their wings that have been wrapped in sweaters and coats during these winter months. March brings us several events to usher in the first day of spring on March 20. The celebration begins with St. Patrick’s Day and the wearing of the green, then you have the Aiken Steeplechase on March 26 and, finally, Easter on March 27. At Easter, we wear our finest clothes as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ by attending the church of our choice. We gather with our families to
have Easter Egg Hunts and joyously know that warm weather is upon us. How many of you have fond memories of Easter dinner consisting of ham, deviled eggs, potato salad and green beans? Yes, March, you are bringing me some wonderful days ahead. I long to see those beautiful yellow daffodils raising up their heads to announce the arrival of spring. Those stately blooming azalea’s that celebrate Augusta’s world
famous golfing event known as The Masters gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Just thinking about driving around town and seeing the beautiful bursts of color those azaleas create brings a smile to my face. I think we are all ready for newness in our lives. Whether you are growing in your family, your career or maybe your education, it is never too late to step outside of your invisible box and
try something new. Reach out to your neighbor, your local nonprofit, your church or a friend in need. Be the new growth that helps others, be the one that adds that spring to another person’s step, be the flower that grows to bring beauty to this place we call home. I challenge you to grow where you are planted by blossoming in the work going on in your GVW community. Spring into action.
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
March Community Calendar Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) • March 3 & 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Spring Sidewalk Sale (401 Hayne Ave., downtown Aiken) • March 10, 6 p.m.: Coffee with JoJo (Hope Center, Graniteville) • March 15, 9:30 a.m.: Pastor’s Reception (ACTS, 340 Park Ave, SW, downtown Aiken) • March 24, 5 p.m.: Coffee with JoJo (Hope Center, Graniteville) • March 25 to 28: ACTS will be closed for the Easter holiday (includes the Resale Store) • Each Friday: A special “$ale” in ACTS Resale Store “Freaky Friday $ale” (401 Hayne Ave., downtown Aiken) • April 5, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: “Horses and Courses” Entertainment & Sales (ACTS Resale Store, 401 Hayne Ave., downtown Aiken) Christ Central Graniteville (Hope Center) • WorkKeys Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to noon. WorkKeys is a National Career Readiness Certificate that certifies the essential work skills needed for jobs across industries and occupations. Prepares students for Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information ACT WorkKeys tests. Free. • 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. • Gollie Walker will teach Bible study on first and third Tuesday nights, March 1 and 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. “Turning the Pages Ministry”. • Coffee with JoJo will meet on the second and fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m. Call Jan Gilbert at 803 646-0451. • Food Industry Training will be held March 21 through 31from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This eight-day class covers Life Skills, Money Management, Work Place Etiquette, ServSafe Food handling training, Resume Writing, Conflict Resolution and Job Search. The cost of the class is $10, which is refundable if they attend seven out of eight classes.
• 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 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 teach Gymnastics 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 • Monday and Wednesday Cardio/Weight Class 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 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays 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.
• ServSafe can be taken by itself for $20 non-refundable: March 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and March 29 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Resistance Band Training 6 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays 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.
• Cooking with Karen: Easy Homemade Soups will be held on Monday, March 21, at 6 p.m. Call to register.
• Bloodmobile: Saturday, April 23, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Give the Gift of Life. Free T-shirt to donors
Call 803-393-4575 to sign up for any of these classes.
• Easter Coloring Contest: 4K to third grade Pictures must be received by March 10. Winners displayed week of March 14.
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.
• Basic Dog Obedience Class: Saturdays, 10 to 11 a.m. Will be held March 19 through April 23. $75 for six classes. Megiddo Dream Station March 2 – Maundy Thursday service at the Graniteville Cross are open to all. Parking and shuttle services will be available. Call 803-392-7044 Megiddo Dream Station Caregivers Training and Construction Classes will begin in April. Sign up today. Call 803-392-7044.
See Calendar, Page 14
For information on how you can sponsor the GVW Report, or to suggest story ideas, 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 Technical College University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken Regional Medical Center
• Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. for ages 9 and younger. Come visit with Peter Cottontail. • Spring Yard Sale: Saturday, April 23. 8 a.m. to noon $5 per table. *Pre-registration required. ** Rain Date: May 14
Published by the Aiken Standard 326 Rutland Dr, Aiken, SC 29801
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
ATC President recognized for 30 years of service Aiken Technical College President Dr. Susan A. Winsor was recognized Feb. 8 for 30 years of service with the South Carolina Technical College System. Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education Chairman Carlos Garcia presented Winsor with a certificate and pin and thanked Winsor for
her work in higher education. Winsor has served as president since Sept. 1, 1999. Previous positions within the S.C. Technical College System include associate executive director for academic affairs and technology for the system and vice president for academic affairs at Spartanburg Technical College
Aiken Technical College President Dr. Susan A. Winsor, left, receives a certificate and pin recognizing her 30 years of service within the South Carolina Technical College System. Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education Chairman Carlos Garcia, right, makes the presentation
Ten years of martial arts in the valley In a few months, CSRA Defensive Arts will be celebrating its 10th year in the Valley area. The class is led by Sensei Johnny Hughes, a fifth-degree black belt. The school was originally in the Aiken County Recreation Center for a few years before moving to its current home at Heights Church in Clearwater. Hughes has been training in the martial arts continuously for more than 25 years and is a certified teacher for Karate For Christ International. He is also the South Carolina state director for the Universal Martial Arts Association and is a school teacher with a degree in education. The school has now produced 12 black belts, three of which have now made it to
second-degree black belt. This year looks to be another wonderful and busy year with two upcoming black belt tests, tournaments, demos, seminars and continuing education classes. The Valley area has been good to CSRA Defensive Arts and the teachers of the school look forward to many more years of teaching students in this wonderful area. For hundreds of more students, visit the school’s website at www.csraDefensiveArts. com The dojo’s phone number is 803-2210330.
PLEASE JOIN
CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON AS HE HOSTS A
VETERANS FAIR
ALONG WITH
OPERATION PALMETTO EMPLOYMENT Thursday, March 10, 2016 10AM-‐‑2PM SCANG Armory in Graniteville 365 Bettis Academy Road Graniteville, SC 29829 PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE Various local employers Veteran Service Organizations VA Regional Office Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Social Security Administration
*Additional organizations are invited to attend For more information, please visit www.joewilson.house.gov/veteransfairs or contact the office at (803) 642-‐‑6416 *Printed and paid for at taxpayer expense.
4 • Saturday, March 5, 2016
GET CONNECTED
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
AIKEN COUNTY FAMILY YMCA March 2016
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2016
WE’RE MORE THAN A GYM, WE’RE A CAUSE!
BUILD CONFIDENCE SPLASH BY SPLASH
GIVE A LITTLE—HELP A LOT
SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL AGES
HIGH FIVE CLUB
REGISTRATION REQUIRED—OPEN NOW UPCOMING SESSION DATES March 1st-24th April 5th-28th
DONATE $5 PER MONTH.
ONE HUNDRED CLUB
100 MEMBERS TO DONATE $10 PER MONTH
SLIDE TO SUPPORT—POLAR PLUNGE
March 10th at 5:00PM DONATE $30 to send yourself or a friend down the Water Slide. Your friend can counter that challenge with their own $30 DONATION to NOT go down...PLUNGE OR PAY!!
Register at the front desk by March 1st to guarantee a TShirt (Shirts are for Sliders, NOT Whiners!) Any donation can be added to your Monthly Membership Dues. We also accept cash or check. Please see any associate for a Pledge Form.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
YOUR GIFT AT WORK…
100% of all donations stay here to support our community $100 will help 2 children attend our afterschool care $250 will help 4 children play our youth sports $500 will help 5 children attend summer day camp
1 FREE PARENTS NIGHT OUT!
USE THIS SESSION OR LATER Drop off your kids (ages 1-12), for an evening full of fun, games, crafts, pizza, and a movie!! Saturday, MARCH 19TH, 5:30pm-9:00pm Members & Primetime: $15/child; Non-Members: $25/child $5 Sibling discount See front desk staff to sign up! JOIN US IN THE GYM Every MON, WED, FRI 10AM-12PM FOR PICKLEBALL!!!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND THE NEW COMBINED, EASIER TO READ, GROUP X SCHEDULE FOR CHANGES OR ANY NEW CLASSES!
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. Lessons are for 30 mins on TUES/THURS for 4 weeks. The time of the lesson is based on age. Parent/Child : 5:30pm Preschool : 6pm & 6:30 Youth : 6pm & 6:30 Adult : 7pm Contact RICKY DUNCAN 803 349 8086 OR RDuncan@thefamilyY.org
STRESS? TENSION?
TRY OUR MASSAGE THERAPY SEE FRONT DESK FOR AN APPOINTMENT
T-BALL & COACHES PITCH REGISTER NOW THROUGH MAR.13TH AGES 3-6 $25—Members $55—Branch Members $80—Non-Members Session Begins May 7th
www.thefamilyy.org • 621 Trolley Line Road • 803 349 8080 • Follow us on Facebook
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, March 5, 2016 • 5
Community and business unite for race
Run United partners took time after a recent Aiken Rotary meeting to exemplify their civic club moto “Do good in the world by placing service above self.” Pictured, front row, from left, are Keyatta Priester, AEC community development manager; and Sharon Rodgers, United Way of Aiken president; second row, are Vance Reynolds, Aiken Regional Medical Centers CEO; Ronnie Young, Aiken County Council chairman; J. David Jameson, Chamber of Commerce president; Gary Stooksbury, Aiken Electric Cooperative CEO; Clay Killian, County administrator; and Rick Osbon, Aiken Mayor. early morning at the Newberry Street Festival area. This year’s event is uniting businesses and organizations to create a family celebration that will better the Aiken community. “With race sponsors including Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Chandler Law Firm along with City and by Muriel Gouffray County accommodations grants, the event promises to be a run like no other,” said AEC We’re partnering with city, county and Community Development Manager Keyatta community leaders to create an event that Priester. brings folks to the area for the benefit of Proceeds from registration fees will go United Way of Aiken County” says Aiken directly to United Way of Aiken County to Electric Cooperative CEO Gary Stooksbury. assist area agencies that exist to help those in “Our Touchstone Energy Run United Half the community who need it most. “This is Marathon, 5K and Kids’ Fun Run is set for what ‘Live United’ is all about – businesses April 30.” and organizations coming together so Aiken Electric Cooperative’s Run United that everybody in our community has the is in its fifth year, and will kick off in the opportunity for a good life,” said Sharon
Rodgers, president of United Way of Aiken County. The 5K and half marathon routes wind around historic downtown Aiken, and the half marathon takes runners by historic landmarks including Friendship Baptist Church, Whitney Polo Field, Aiken Training Track and the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center. Children ages 3 to 10 will have a mile run around the downtown Aiken 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. In addition, all families of three or more registered for the 5K race 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 $200 cash drawing. Joining the Amazing Grace Race on April 16 in Langley and Aiken Running Club’s 10-mile 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. Aiken Electric, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, is a customer-owned, nonprofit electric utility currently serving more than 45,000 customers in a nine county area in South Carolina.
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
‘We Are Rural Health Services Inc.’
To provide accessible quality comprehensive primary care services in a dignified and culturally competent manner to the population in Aiken County and surrounding areas. Clyburn Center for Primary Care 1000 Clyburn Place Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 380-7000
Margaret J. Weston Community Health Center 4645 Augusta Road Beech Island, South Carolina 29842 (803) 593-9283
Family Health Care 120 Darlington Drive Aiken, SC 29803
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Push that jungle back! “Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man.” – Henry Brooks Adams “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” – Henry David Thoreau. Spring is coming, even though right now it’s still cold outside. I moved to South Carolina from South Dakota, where there is still snow on the ground – and probably will be for a while yet. But I’ve become acclimatized to the south, and it would be tough to adjust to the cold again. The spring time means the plants turn green again, and start growing – both the flowers and the weeds. The challenge is always to encourage the growth of the flowers and discourage the growth of weeds. That applies to our lives as well as the plant world. Are we pushing back the weeds and helping the flowers to grow? We have a fairly large semidomesticated back yard. The weeds, unwanted bushes, and vines had begun to encroach on the grass and other desirable vegetation. It was time to do some serious cutting and push the jungle back. It seems that you can’t trim the yard once and expect it to stay that way. Constant maintenance is necessary. Either I push the jungle back or it takes over (and that happens fast here in the south)! Life is like that, too. It doesn’t stay the same. Either we push back on the things of this world or they push back on us. When it comes to our bodies, the experts tell us the older we get the more exercise we need – not hard muscle-building exercise – just strenuous enough and frequent enough to keep the joints flexible, the muscles from wasting away, and the waist from getting in the way. Science provides us with an explanation of this phenomenon. It’s called the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which says in simple
terms that all systems head towards the lowest energy state (read disorder, randomness, chaos), unless additional energy is supplied. Most of us can understand the lowest energy state, which is probably the nearest couch when we get home from work. (How is it that some small children have an endless supply of energy?) This jungle of disorder and chaos can also have an impact on our mental health. Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disease of the mind whose frequency increases with age. The Alzheimer’s Association says there is promising research that suggests that staying socially active and exercising the body and the mind may offer some protection. The overused but still meaningful phrase that sums up the dialogue to this point is “use it or lose it.” We were created to be in relationship, first with our Creator and then with other creatures, beginning with our spouse and children. Relationships also deteriorate, however, when they are not given sufficient attention. Just as our physical muscles don’t grow stronger when we allow them to rest, and our mental acuity isn’t enhanced by inactivity, so our relationships don’t improve without conscious effort. There is the story of the parent who focused all his time and effort on making money while his children were growing up, and then wondered why they ignored him when he grew older and wanted to be with them. One of the most common causes of divorce is not fighting and abuse; it’s apathy and indifference. Most of us would rather receive severe negative criticism than be constantly ignored. “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey was on the best seller list for a long time. The first of the seven habits is to be proactive. In fact, to quote Covey, “As you study the other six habits, you will see that each depends on the development of your proactive
muscles…If you wait to be acted upon, you will be acted upon.” In other words, push back on that jungle! If you want your relationship with your spouse and your children (and your friends and everyone else in your circle of influence) to at least stay the same and hopefully improve, then you must work at it. The weeds and vines of neglect and apathy will strangle you if you don’t. In a recent workshop we asked the participants to identify one habit they had that was harmful to their relationship with another person and
one thing that they didn’t do but could do to bring about improvements in relationship. The suggestions were enlightening, e.g. stop judging too quickly and start loving without judging. How about you - what would your list look like? Push that jungle back! 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
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
FOTAS partnership with PetSmart and new shelter hours expected to increase adoptions By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director “Things are going great with the work we are doing with FOTAS and the County Shelter,” said Aiken PetSmart Store Manager Butch Hampton. “Everybody is fully engaged and committed to this partnership, and I think we make a good team.” Butch is talking about the new arrangement FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter has with PetSmart, which has resulted in lower adoption fees and a more user friendly adoption process. The County shelter transports homeless cats to the store on Whiskey Road every week and most are adopted within 10 days. The felines are selected by shelter staff and then they are carefully examined, vaccinated, microchipped, and given a final flea treatment. Once the pre-prepared adoption forms and other paperwork is checked over and put into folders by the County shelter adoption staff and vet technicians, the cats and kittens begin their short journey to PetSmart. The PetSmart team is always happy to see new cats come in and takes pride in its role of helping adopt them to customers. A County shelter representative makes sure all of the felines are settled into their PetSmart cat apartments located in the back-left corner of the store. Then, the PetSmart staff members take over, ensuring that any interested customers receive the information and paperwork needed to adopt the cats. The adoption fee is $35, which includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. Before FOTAS began its direct partnership with PetSmart, the adoption fee for the store’s cats was about twice as much as it is now. Also, adoptions were managed by a rescue that required a home inspection of potential adopters. While a worthy precaution, this added stipulation could
PetSmart customers often check out the adoptable cats before starting their shopping. take a lot of extra time. Now, folks can adopt a cat and take it home right away. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. The cats draw customers to PetSmart and the store serves as a second venue for the shelter to showcase its adoptable felines. But the real winners of this collaborative effort are the cats themselves. With the effective teamwork between the organizations, the shelter cats are finding homes quicker, making space for more cats to get their chance at being adopted. Since just midDecember, more than 35 shelter cats
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Felix peers out to watch customers from his PetSmart cat apartment. have been adopted at the PetSmart store. Since the partnership was initiated, the Shelter has replenished PetSmart with new cats every week. Also fully committed to the goal of saving the shelter’s cats and finding them forever homes are eight volunteers that help keep the PetSmart cats clean, watered and fed. They follow a strict schedule, making sure that someone comes in to maintain the cats’ living area twice a day, every day. Some volunteers stay for hours to play with the felines, helping to socialize and prepare them for their future forever homes. “I think having the County’s homeless cats at both the shelter and PetSmart helps the Aiken community see how many beautiful and loving cats are available,” said volunteer Judy Albert. “They all need permanent and loving homes.” EXTENDED COUNTY ANIMAL
SHELTER HOURS: The Aiken County Animal Shelter has again opened its doors for Saturday adoptions. Starting Feb. 13, the shelter began its new schedule of being open on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The County shelter also will be open an additional half-hour, closing at 5 p.m. instead of 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Saturday, Feb. 13, the shelter had a grand re-opening and Valentine’s Day celebration that included free giveaways and valentine kid activities. There also was a doggie kissing booth and other Valentine treats. The big event resulted in nine animal adoptions. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Shelter held an Academy Awards themed event complete with adoptable animals with Hollywood names, like Mutt Damon, Mad Max, Leo DeCatrio and of course, Oscar. Free popcorn and special
adoption fees on specific animals also were featured. “We are planning to host these thematic and fun events on Saturdays throughout the year,” said Jennifer Miller, president of FOTAS. “They make visiting and adopting our dogs and cats a fun and even more memorable experience.” The new adoption hours for the shelter are Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4:30; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the PetSmart cat adoptions and Aiken County Animal Shelter’s new hours, visit www.fotasaiken.org or call the County shelter at 803- 642-1537. Be sure to check out the shelter cats available for adoption at the County shelter, 333 Wire Road, Aiken, or at the Aiken PetSmart, 2927 Whiskey Road.
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Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
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Saturday, March 5, 2016 • 11
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Each month a student/students from one of the schools in the GVW area will have their story published in the GVW Report. I hope you enjoy their work and please reach out to them and give me a cheer for their good work “I gave my class the GVW Report topic about spring as a collective quick write. As we worked collaboratively, they were building off each other’s ideas and sentences so beautifully that when we finished, we had created a cohesive essay. The students fixed the grammar and worked on punching up their vocabulary and imagery. The result was so good, I was hoping it would work for our inaugural submission.” Kathleen Conyers, English Teacher, MVHS English Department, Aiken County Public Schools
The Beginning of Spring Midland Valley High School | English Four Collaborative Writing
The beginning of spring is more than a fixed date on the calendar. Our senses wake up in spring like sleepy animals that have been hibernating during the winter. Spring especially assails the eyes, nose and ears with fresh experiences. At the beginning of spring, we move outside to enjoy various activities we have put on hold during the blustery winter. Spring means an end to heavy clothing and looking forward to a week-long break, a famous golf tournament and Easter baskets and bunnies After several weeks of cold temperatures, rain and too-early sunsets, spring awakens the senses from their dormancy. The earth is covered with a blanket of green grass, and fruit trees sprout vibrant emerald leaves and brightly painted flowers. Bartlett pear trees erupt with white blossoms that make them look like fluffy white clouds lining the sidewalks and streets of our small towns. The aroma of honeysuckle vines perfumes the air with their sweet scent. The aroma of fresh-cut grass breezes through our neighborhoods telling us spring has come. On the air, we hear the sounds of blue jays, robins and sparrows serenading us with their soft tunes. The bass slap the top of the water, calling fishermen to the challenge of the hunt. The sights and sounds of spring are like a warm welcome from Mother Earth.
The spring invites us to stretch our muscles and go outside to enjoy the activities we love and to experience the warmer side of nature. Baseball calls the fans to enjoy America’s pastime. Chefs fire up the grills to barbeque tasty meals for family gatherings. Intrepid hunters and fishermen wake up well before the crack of dawn to claim the treasures of the great outdoors. As the lighting bugs come out to play, outdoorsmen cook their trophies over warm coals of a campfire. As the weather warms, we put on our shorts and flip flops and venture out on porches to read a good book or simply enjoy the beauty of the blue spring skies. For us, the beginning of spring is an invitation to start afresh and look for possibilities. Carrin Barnes Aaron Berry Skylar Brown Alley Calleros John Cogburn Skyler Curry Lakila Daniels Bruce Heath Haven Huckabee Breanna Markel Patrick Ott Christopher Raynor KeiElana Smith
Interested in sponsoring the Student Page? Contact Anne Fulcher, 803.979.4476
12 • Saturday, March 5, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Minitor Market
Spring: A time of new beginnings BY MEL MINOTOR “In the Native American world, we look to the east and the start a new season of growth. It is a time of birth in the animal and plant kingdom. Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.” — Mourning Dove Salish. For those of us north of the equator it is spring. We shed the coats from winter and start to enjoy those warmer days. Spring is my favorite season because it reminds me of freshness, new life and new beginnings. From my childhood, I remember fondly my mother and grandmother doing their spring-cleaning. The opening of windows and washing of both sides. They would hose the front porch and clean those old metal rocking chairs. The glider was my favorite as it was where I would like to sit and swing. I wonder how many of you are old enough to remember those days of families sharing these events as we prepared for Easter? Spring is a time to become more active. We spruce – clean our homes and yards. It is also a good time for those of us who need to loose a little more weight to get ourselves in gear and be a little more active. I like to take an afternoon walk around our neighborhood and see our neighbors. It is a time to plan for block parties and share food on the grill with friends and neighbors. Our days are getting longer, and
the azalea’s and flowers begin to bloom, we think about The Masters and for our kids, it’s Spring Break and vacations at the beaches or mountains. Farmers and gardeners are preparing their fields for new crops with dreams of a good harvest season in the fall. But it is in the spring they must prepare, and watch the plants begin to grow. At Minitor Market, we look forward to new homegrown crops that will be coming from our local farmers and from the South Carolina State Farmers Market. We’re working to bring you more quality homegrown products. We’ve purchased vegetables from growers in the GVW area and we want to hear from you. Please tell us about your crops. We would like to see more organic vegetables coming our way. Together we can work to help support those around us and build a better community. As we enter this spring season, you will see more selections in our deli meats, more variety in fish, more fresh frozen vegetables. You will find a number of new products hitting our shelves with better pricing. We are happy to now stock Grade A – Fresh Raw Jersey milk from from local Samaria Farm. Nice cream topping. We’re working hard to restore your hometown yradition. “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.” Solomon 2: 22-23 Minitor Market, We have the Meats You Love… At The Prices You Ex-
pect… From Faces You Know… YOU SAVE MONEY Check us out on FaceBook/MinitorMarket/ for Daily Specials.
Minitor Market • Your Hometown Tradition 1161 Augusta Road, Warrenville, SC www.MinitorMarket.com
Springing Into Action When spring approaches it time to take out you handy dandy note pad and write down all things we want to complete before Vacation like planting new flowers in the garden or cleaning out that hall closet that you been throwing things in all year. Here at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center we have been making a list. We want to know can you help us complete the task? Our Lady of the Valley Goal List: Helping the Community Provide food for needy families Assist with Utility and Medication Assistance Assist an individual in obtaining there GED Provide extracurricular activity for Senior Citizens in Horse Creek Valley Teach someone to use a computer Support a person in overcoming an addiction to drugs and alcohol Provide Volunteer Opportunities Celebrating Accomplishments Planning for Center Changes Making Partnerships Applying for Grants Making New Friends and Keeping the Old If you are interested in helping complete any of these task contact the Volunteer Coordinator Deondra Roper at 803.57.6053 or Center Administrator Sr. Catherine Marie Lowe 803.292.4409.Volunteers are vital part of meeting the need in Horse Creek Valley. Program Purpose Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center is a rural multipurpose community center established to minister to the needs of the poor in Horse Creek Valley, in Aiken County, South Carolina. The Center is a Catholic diocesan ministry currently facilitated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center mission is to identify and respond to the unmet needs of the community in the Horse Creek Valley Area of Aiken County, South Carolina in the name of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, March 5, 2016 • 13
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
The FAFSA is the key to financial aid
Congrats. You’ve decided to further your education and attend college. As you review the costs associated with college – tuition, fees, books – you may start to wonder, “how can I afford this?” Don’t let finances stop you from pursuing an education! According to The College Board, nearly two-thirds of all undergraduate college students use some form of financial aid to help cover expenses, including grants, loans, scholarships, or a combination of these. While criteria and level of availability for each type of aid differs, the key to each of these financial aid options is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also commonly known as the FAFSA. The FAFSA, www.fafsa.gov, requires information such as income, assets and number of people in the family who will be enrolled in college. You may have the information sent to as many as 10 schools, which is great if you’re still uncertain which school you will attend in the fall. Colleges, such as Aiken Technical College, then use the information to determine how much aid and which forms of aid you qualify for in the coming year. Even if you or your parents have higher than average incomes, you should still complete the FAFSA as it is usually a requirement for
scholarships and other sources of school aid. Again, the FAFSA is free! Federal grants include the Federal Pell Grant, a need-based grant for those who do not have a bachelor’s degree, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, available to students eligible for the Pell Grant and who demonstrate great financial need. South Carolina residents may qualify for the South Carolina Need-Based Grant, which is awarded based on financial need and the amount of other aid received, and the South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, which is not needsbased and is awarded to students enrolled in at least six credit hours at a SC two-year college. Loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program may include direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans and Direct PLUS Loans. Students may also opt to seek loans from a private lender. However, students should be aware that Federal Student Loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans. Work-Study is also an option for many students. This program allows students to work part-time at designated sites, often on-campus, and money earned is used towards educational expenses. Remaining costs can be covered with scholarships for qualifying students. A complete list of available scholarships can be found at www.atcfoundation.org. ATC’s priority deadline to complete the FAFSA for the upcoming fall semester is June 1. Learn more about financial aid options and the FAFSA at atc.financialaidtv. com. Applicants must be enrolled at ATC to be awarded any financial aid or scholarships. For more information on enrolling, contact ATC at (803) 508-7263 or starthere@atc.edu. Visit www.atc.edu for a full listing of academic programs offered. Make an investment in your future today by filling out a FAFSA. Financial aid combined with ATC’s affordable cost of attendance puts higher education within reach.
Your Future is
Within Reach! • Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas • Workforce Certifications • Customized Training • University Transfer • Continuing Education
www.ATC.edu | 803.508.7263
14 • Saturday, March 5, 2016
Keep the ‘break’ in Spring Break BY Pastor Sonya Mazzell “Jesus Said, ‘Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest awhile’ (for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.)” Mark 6:30 Does that Pastor Sonya Mazzell remind you of your life today? I feel like that scripture has my name written all over it!.I can’t believe how busy life can become. Everything I am doing needs to be done and most of it I enjoy doing, but after a while, it becomes too much. If the Lord had to instruct his disciples to find a private place to get away from it all and rest, surely we all need to follow his example. Many times throughout Jesus’ ministry you find him slipping away from it all, heading to the desert, the sea, or the mountains. Sometimes he took the whole gang, other times a select few and every so often he got away alone. I believe he understood the importance of resting and recharging our bodies, spirits and minds. The word rest found here in Mark 6 means: to cause or permit one to cease from
any movement or labor in order to recover and collect ones strength. Spring Break is a great time for many of us to (take a break) or get away, so we can recover and collect our strength. For me, learning to actually take a break and rest on a vacation has been an evolutionary process. I have spent so many years trying to maximize time and fit it all in, that I have a hard time not taking that mentality with me on vacation. I now have a recipe for keeping the “Break” in Spring Break. First, I only book excursions every other day while on a trip. The down days are spent resting, reading, watching movies and playing games. Second, all conversations must be in the present. Too many times our trips were tainted by discussions of all the madness that we left behind or the mountain of work that awaited our return. Third, I come home a day early so that I can put my house in order for the next week. I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten home at midnight from vacation with a loaded car, dirty clothes and exhausted people. What a hectic way to end a vacation and start a new week. Not anymore by the grace of God. I come home with a day to unload, unwind and start my week refreshed. Whether it’s up to the mountains, down to the sea or just hanging out at the house, I hope you have a wonderful time and that you keep the “Break” in Spring Break.
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
The Hope Center Do you often find yourself picking up take out for dinner because you’re too tired to cook at the end of a long day? Would you prefer to put a homemade dinner on the table instead?
Slow cookers (Crock Pots) are affordable - some good ones are available for under $20 – and you can easily save that much after just a couple of uses by cooking dinner at home. Join me on March 21st to learn some new dinner recipes for the slow cooker that can each be put together in about 15 minutes.
Cooking with Karen: Dinner in the Slow Cooker Monday, March 21 from 6 - 7 pm
Cost: Free, but a reservation is required due to limited seating Hope Center, 3 Hickman Street, Graniteville Reservations may be made by calling 803-393-4575
March Community Calendar continued Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
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.
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. Thursdays 1 to 6 p.m. Phone: 803-593-7379
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center
Benefit Bank of SC: Benefit Bank Counselor
assist individuals and families in completing several different applications (SNAP/Food Stamps, TANF/FI Medicaid/CHIP, FAFSA, Prescription Assistance/ Rx Assistance, Lifeline Services, Federal and State Taxes, and Voters Registration), for several different agencies all at one time and all during one interview. Appointments available Monday & Friday 10 a.m. to noon. Call Jackie Cobbs for an appointment 803-617-9532. GED classes: Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 to 8 p.m. Classes are free. AA Group: Monday, Wednesday and second Saturday. Basic Computer Class: Call Sr. Dorothy 803507-7715 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:
Sign up now by calling 803-640-4689.
Food Pantry: driver to pick up the food (once a month), a person to unload the food truck (once a month), help restock shelves.
The Valley Alliance
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 Tutor: Helping students with reading, math, English and social studies.
Wednesday, March 16 luncheon, Megiddo Dream Station will be our guest speaker from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Rte. 1, Langley. For more information, email Rosealind Morse at rosegoes@aol.com Walgreens, Clearwater
The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken Inc.
Walgreens offers free blood pressure checks 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.
Marriage by Design seminar. Sponsored by FAMCO Aiken, SC. March 18 - 19. Attendance is limited to 20 couples.
To post you event in the GVW Report, email ernieace2@yahoo.com or call 803979-4476
Saturday, March 5, 2016 • 15
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Spring break means spring cleaning BY Jennifer Hart The arrival of spring, wonderfully symbolized by Easter’s rebirth imagery, signals a time of renewal. Like bears emerging from hibernation, or trees clothing themselves in bright new growth, we begin thinking of shedding our winter clothing, refreshing the dry air inside our homes and replacing the patio furniture outside. At Goodwill, the first sign of this springtime awakening is a welcome increase in donations. For our local Goodwill, it’s also a sign that Masters Week is coming as area residents spruce up their homes in preparation for guests. Whether it brings winter clothing, household goods or even that extra vehicle, Goodwill welcomes the warming weather and the additional donations that come with it, just as the donors appreciate the opportunity to clear out the clutter during spring cleaning. Those donations are more than just additional merchandise to stock the
shelves of Goodwill’s retail training stores, however. Just as spring rains enable plants to blossom and grow, generous donations to Goodwill fuel its ability to serve thousands of individuals in our community. Each year, our Goodwill spends more than 86 cents of every dollar in revenue to provide training, education and career-development services for more than 25,000 people throughout the 35 counties it serves. Those services include skills training, GED preparation, English language instruction, job-search assistance and post-secondary education through Helms College’s School of Hospitality and School of Health and Human Services. Each year, our Goodwill helps more than 5,000 individuals find competitive employment. For many of them, that first-time or career-changing employment is a significant, life-changing renewal, as welcome as the warmth of springtime. That includes people like Pensola Parsons, who sought Goodwill’s help after battling homelessness and drug addiction, and
received assistance in finding employment at Bridgestone. Or Melissa Beasley, who received assistance from Goodwill while on probation from an arrest related to prescription drug addiction, and with Goodwill’s help found employment after completing rehabilitation. Or Justin Bell, who lost his job when the North Augusta Country Club was sold, and then lost his home to a fire. Since graduating from Helms College, he has found employment, promotions and security. Thousands of people just like Pensola, Melissa and Justin each year receive assistance from Goodwill, all thanks to the generosity of donors, business partners and patrons – many of whom also find their lives renewed through the welcome assistance they provide in building lives, families and communities, one career at a time. Your donation to Goodwill is welcome – springtime or anytime. Visit the Aiken Goodwill donation center at 1015 Pine Log Road, or find other donation centers at
www.goodwillworks.org/donationlocations. Jennifer Hart is Goodwill’s Aiken County Community Director.
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. Call FAMCO at 803-6404689
Midland Valley Public Library The Midland Valley Public Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday 2 to 6 p.m. 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 (Hwy 421) “His Table” Soup Kitchen, Monday through Friday “Free lunch” from noon to 2 p.m. 3850 Augusta Road, Bath (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.
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.
16 • Saturday, March 5, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
5TH ANNUAL
JOIN US FOR THE
OYSTER ROAST
All-You-Can-Eat Oysters and Low-Country Boil • Silent Auction • Live Music Don’t miss this annual fun and tasty tradition that benefits the Aiken Best Chance Network to help provide mammograms for women in Aiken County.
Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased online or at the following locations:
AIKEN REGIONAL MARKETING DEPARTMENT • ALLEGRA MARKETING, PRINT AND MAIL AIKEN STANDARD • JC’S SEAFOOD • COLD CREEK NURSERIES • MAXWELL LAW FIRM Food provided by JC’s Seafood. We sincerely thank all of our generous sponsors:
AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERS • ALLEGRA MARKETING PRINT AND MAIL A.B BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC • WJBF NEWS CHANNEL 6 • JC’S SEAFOOD • MAXWELL LAW FIRM THE AIKEN STANDARD • THE FERMATA CLUB • COLD CREEK NURSERIES
For more information, call 803-641-5197 or visit aikenregional.com
an Aiken Regional Medical Centers Women’s Health Initiative
THE FERMATA CLUB 841 Whiskey Road, Aiken
FRIDAY MARCH 18TH 6 pm – 10 pm