Saturday, May 7, 2016
Vol. 2, No. 5
April Showers Bring May Flowers… How Does Your Garden Grow?
by Anne Fulcher
“I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature’s rebirth?” Edward Giobbi wrote these beautiful words and this time of year is one of happiness and elation as we clamber out from under our electric blankets and coats and sweaters. I have begun the planting process
for my little container garden on my patio. My Day Lilies and Gladiolas have already peaked their branches above the soil after months of being dormant. I find great joy sitting on the patio in the evening with my Mom and the dogs as we watch the sun go down amidst the glorious blooms of the flowers I so tenderly nurture. I nurture my lovelies like I used to nurture my children when they were tender and young. You see, you can have a garden that is not one of plants and vegetables. You can grow spiritually, educationally, emotionally and many more ways. Growth, as it is, comes in all forms. When I chose to go back to college, after thirty plus years in health care, I grew in a way I never anticipated I could. I fertilized my brain with knowledge, a new set of friends most who were younger than my youngest son, and the opportunity to travel the world. I fed new information to my old brain and it became like the soil, soaking in all that
knowledge. My garden grew by leaps and bounds! Change is hard, and we become complacent and don’t adjust well. I firmly believe we are never too old to stop growing. I have always felt that the day I stop learning is the day my heart stops beating. Is there something back in the recesses of your brain that has always been something you wanted to do? I can assure you that each and every one of us has something like that. Whether we choose to keep it our little secret because we think there is no way for us to grow in another direction or it just does not seem feasible, there is ALWAYS a way. If someone had told me that at this late date of my life I would have obtained a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, I would have laughed in their face. You see, for over thirty years, it bugged me because I only had an Associate degree. I never told a soul, no one. Then things happened after I moved back from Virginia and I was put in a position where I didn’t have a job. I can tell you the time of day, where I was, and what I was wearing
when I told my best friend my secret….. that I wanted to go back to school. What a Blessing that growth has been for me. As Giobbi said my educational rebirth has brought me feelings of hope and joy and happiness that I have given myself through hard work and dedication. So, what type of garden do you need to grow? Do you have a passion that is near and dear to your heart but have not been brave enough to plant the seeds yet? The only thing that gets in our way of growth and rebirth is usually our self. I challenge you to till the ground, plant your seed, fertilize and water your garden and then see what grows. You may find your garden growth will flourish once you take care of it. We all have the ability to grow and change, plant your seeds today.
2 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
May Community Calendar Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) • May 21, 8am: Senior Food Program for ACTS’ clients, at ACTS • May 30 – ACTS CLOSED – MEMORIAL DAY • June 3-4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; ACTS “Be an ACTS Fan” Annual Fan Drive at Lowe’s of Aiken, 2470 Whiskey Road. • April 18, 6 p.m.: ACTS Volunteers Appreciation Dinner, RSVP per invitation • June 18, 8am: Senior Food Program for ACTS’ clients, at ACTS • May 5, Noon: National Day of Prayer, Community Prayer at Haynes & Laurens Streets Corner • Each Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: A special “$ale” in ACTS Resale Store “Freaky Friday $ale” (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. • GED tutoring every Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to noon. • Small Engine Repair 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24 • “Turning the Pages” Bible Study with Gollie Walker first and third Tuesdays 7-8 p.m., May 3 and 17. • Daytime Bible study with Pastor Granillo Wednesdays 10:30 a.m - Noon • 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 • Coffee with JoJo second and fourth Thursdays 6-9 p.m., May 12 and 26 call Jan Gilbert at 803-646-0451 Call 803-393-4575 to sign up for any of these classes. Gregg Park Civic Center www.greggparkonline.com SUMMER DAY CAMP Gregg park will offer four weeks of summer day camp for children ages 5-12. Pre-registration required. MondayThursday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $40/Passholders and $50/Non-passholders. June 20-23, June 27-30, July 18-21, July 25-28th. For more information, please call the park at 803-663-7552. LITE-SIDE A senior’s class for those who desire a vigorous and funfilled 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 803-6637552. Free of charge.
facility is handicapped accessible with plenty of parking. COST: $5.00/payable at time of game. aikenaugustabridge@ gmail.com Maryanne Ebert 803-522-5718.
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.
Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
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 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 • 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.
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Meeting time is noon. For more information call 803-979-4476.
See Calendar, Page 16 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
• 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. ANOTHER NEW BRIDGE GAME IN TOWN AikenAugusta Duplicate Bridge announced a Thursday morning ACBL sanctioned game beginning May 5th at 10 a.m., to be held at Gregg Park Civic Center, 1001 A Ave., in Graniteville. All levels of bridge players welcome. Come with a partner and meet new people while improving your bridge skills in a friendly, fun environment. This great
Published by the Aiken Standard 326 Rutland Dr, Aiken, SC 29801
Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 3
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 them a cheer for their good work
How Does Your Garden Grow?
way. In conclusion, this is how my garden of knowledge would grow and how every factor of a real garden is just like Well my garden doesn’t grow like a normal garden; nope a new seed being planted. The growth of a flower would be like how my knowledge would expand in my garden. The it grows as in my knowledge. I learn all kinds of things fertilizer as in my teachers helping me get through problems every day; my garden of knowledge gets packed with all kinds of things I’ve learned all day. I believe that my garden I don’t understand and how to better understand the lesgrows just like every garden because there is fertilizer, seeds, sons were learning. The soil acts as a foundation for all my knowledge, and all my knowledge blossoms off of this one growth, and sun. The fertilizer would be like a teacher teaching me differ- thing I learn. The sun acts as a teacher helping me better understand a problem or something I missed. That’s how ent things. So, therefore, the teacher is sprinkling me with knowledge like you would sprinkle fertilizer on plants. The my knowledge garden grows and how it is just like a normal garden. seeds would represent everything I learn. For everything I learn, a new seed gets planted which means my knowledge garden would expand. The growth of a flower would be By Ashley Oerman the same as my growth of knowledge. This means that for Leavelle McCampbell Middle School 6th Grader every new piece of knowledge I learn my flower or, in this case my brain, would be gaining new knowledge to make I think of my jokes as my personal garden. Some people my knowledge garden grow. The sun would act as teachers like them and some people... don’t like them. However, and students helping me to better understand a problem or I don’t really care what other people think of my garden a lesson that I don’t get. My garden would grow because I of humor. I mean, they’re kind of supposed to laugh at it, learned how to work a problem or how to better understand right? something. Also, soil acts a foundation to my knowledge. My garden is filled with various types of ‘flowers’. Of It’s like everything blossoms off of the soil, just like all my course I have the regular and common ‘knock, knock’ ideas blossom into my brain. All of these factors go into flowers. I am also very proud of my beautiful ’What’s up? growing a real garden and growing my knowledge garden. The sky’ flowers. They look almost as awesome as my I believe that taking my garden into account in a difsarcasm flowers. ferent way is something that could be interesting to others. As my garden grows, I realize that people don’t have It also makes me think outside of my comfort zone and to like my so called ‘flowers’, but those who do probably think about things in a different way. My teacher, Ms. Toole understand me better than those who don’t. I use jokes as inspired me to think of my garden in a different way rather a way to add humor to the things that are meant to be stoic than actually how a real garden grows. I think that if I was and boring. Sometimes life is like a long, colorless winter. to just say how to grow a garden with fertilizer, seeds, sun, Then, right out of the blue, someone tells a really good joke water, and soil that it would be boring and not fun at all to and the laughter that follows that joke is like a warm burst read. So, I’m happy to be able to think about a garden in this of springtime to that dreary winter. So the next time you By Lauren Friday
Leavelle McCampbell Middle School 6th Grader
hear a joke and you can’t help but laugh, think of springtime and know that the winter won’t last forever. So make sure to tell lots of jokes. By Inara Brady Leavelle McCampbell Middle School 6th Grader
So, how does my Garden grow? To start a garden, first you need to plant a seed. I’m planting a Garden of Faith, so my seed will be the Bible and Church. Now, to get my seed to grow, I need to give it some sunlight. You may be wondering, how will she get sunlight for a Garden of Faith? My bright light or sunlight will be prayer. Prayer can work miracles and shine an everlasting light on someone’s life. So, prayer for my Garden of Faith will help it grow into a beautiful flower. Now, this flower needs some water or some moisture for this dry place. My moisture will be alone time with God. Alone time doesn’t necessarily mean lock yourself in a room and talk to him. It could be during the “Moment of Silence” at school, or it could be before a test. We can reserve from 30 minutes to 2 hours for a movie we’ve been waiting to see or a new episode of our favorite shows, but do we spend enough of our energy reserving it for our creator and Father? Now my Garden is flourishing and it’s bright and vivid with color and different types of flowers, but it’s starting to lack confidence and pride in being a flower of the Lord. So, how do we let our flowers know that being a faithful flower is actually the best type of flower to be? I think we need to show them that being faithful flowers are good because they are extraordinary! Being a faithful flower is not the easiest thing in the world, but it’s definitely the best decision you’ll ever make. You will face ups and downs and every other direction, but that’s ok because if God is on you side anything is possible.
Interested in sponsoring the Student Page? Contact Anne Fulcher, 803.979.4476
4 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 5
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Get a new start in Aiken Technical College’s newest program
Across the country, the nuclear industry is seeking to employ a new generation of workers as a significant number of its current workforce begins to retire. Despite the increase in workforce demand, the availability of hires with the training needed has lagged behind. Recognizing the critical need for a trained workforce to help fill the vacancies, Aiken Technical College and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions collaborated to develop a new nuclear fundamentals certificate program which launched in February. “Each graduate with this certificate in hand will find multiple employers in the nuclear field, locally, regionally and even nationally, interested in their
potential as a new hire,” said Dr. Susan Winsor, ATC President. The two-semester program prepares students for entrylevel positions in the nuclear industry. The curriculum consists of seven courses that provide an introduction to topics such as chemistry, process control and radiation fundamentals. It also adds to the College’s offerings of nuclear programs such as its radiation protection technology program, which is also a high-demand area in the industry. Earlier this year, SRNS stated in a news release that the company expects to hire about 2,000 general production operators, radiation control personnel and mechanics over the next several years to fill many of the positions that will become vacant due to attrition. The ability to graduate with a marketable skill is one of the reasons student Jason Moore was attracted to the nuclear fundamentals program. “I was between jobs at the time and thought it would be a very good opportunity for me,” said Moore. “It’s been a great program…I’ve learned a lot in just this short amount of time.” Sheila Stevens, also in the cohort, agreed noting that earning the certificate will be an additional asset for her as she is already familiar with the industry and would like to work in environmental safety.
She also hopes that others will take advantage of the program and enroll in future cohorts. “I think it is a perfect match for this community,” she said. “It’s a certification that can be directly applied on the job. I also like that it can prepare us to work for Savannah River Site or any of the other surrounding sites. It gets your foot in the door and I think that’s a
great opportunity.” Those interested in participating in the program should complete ATC’s free online application at www.atc.edu. Summer courses will begin May 16. Up to $2,000 in financial assistance is available to qualifying students. For more information on the program, visit www.atc.edu or call (803) 508-7263.
6 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
AAA Home School Band/South Aiken Baptist Christian School Band Concert On Tuesday, May 10, 7:00 PM the Aiken Area Akademie (AAA) Home-School Band and the South Aiken Baptist Christian School Band will be performing their spring concert. The concert is free, however, a love offering will be taken for the Bruce and Tammy Smith family. Bruce and Tammy have 11 children, all of whom are home-schooled. About a year ago, Tammy was in a car accident, and the family has many medical bills. All donations at the concert will go to the Smith family. There will also be a bake sale, donut sale, and some silent auction items, including beautiful orchids by Bubba Kitchings. At 6:00 PM all of the AAA/SAB students will be performing their solos and ensembles that they played at the recent Solo and Ensemble Festival. They all received superior ratings and earned medals. Lena Zook - Rigadon Hannah Avent - Scherzando Sarah Rochester - Rigadon Ava Swanson - Eine Kliene Nachtmusik Lena, Sarah, Ava - Rigadoon Alexis Boatner - Eine Kliene Nachtmusik
Submitted Photo
Elizabeth Whitlaw - Rondo
The Aiken Area Akademie Homeschool Band and the South Aiken Baptist Christian School Band will present a concert later this month.
Sterling Osbon - Can Can
Reagan and Kyle - Marche Militaire
Eowyn Garman - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
The Advanced Band will perform:
James Rochester - Theme from Symphony #1
Adrift
Eowyn and Aubrey - Aura Lee
James and Jonathon - La Bamba
A Trumpeter’s Lullaby featuring Bruce Smith
Aubrey DeLoach - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Jonathon Zook - Theme from Symphony #1
Blessed Assurance
DJ Swanson - Giga
Tanner Collins – Prelude and Fanfaranade
Baby Elephant Walk
At 7:00 PM the beginner, intermediate band will be performing:
Escapade
Kyah Bodiford - Sonatina Hannah, Elizabeth, Kyah - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Ethan Knowles - Giga Reagan Osbon - Intermezzo Ethan and DJ - Swing Low Sweet Chariot Michael Hanger - Sarabanda and Gavotta Christian Bradshaw - Theme from Symphony #1 Kyle Watson- Romance in Eb Micah McNamee - Sarabanda and Gavotta
Guardians of the Galaxy God Bless America
Let’s Rock
I’m Beginning to See the Light
Majestic March
National Emblem
Bandroom Boogie
Thank you, Mr. Holst
Mickey Mouse March
Summertime
High Adventure
For further information, contact Barb Rollins at 803648-2447 or barbrollins@atlanticbb.net.
Gallant March
Saturday, May 7, 2016• 7
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Memorial Day Parade
All area businesses; civic, community and youth organizations; schools; churches; local bands, and veterans service organizations are encouraged to be part of the 2016 Memorial Day Parade, Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m., in downtown Aiken. The parade will honor the sacrifices and service of military members and their
families, particularly those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. It’s free to enter the parade! Deadline for entry is May 13. For more information, visit www.aikenmemorialdayparade.com or e-mail, aikenmemorialdayparade@gmail.com
GET CONNECTED
AIKEN COUNTY FAMILY YMCA May 2016
30 DAY CHALLENGE
Let us help you on your journey towards healthy living. Complete tasks to earn points. Earn 25 points within 30 days to receive an outdoor camping chair. See front desk for details.
SUMMER CAMP IS BACK!
Ages 5-12. Weekly sessions, June 6-August 12. $85 Members; $110 Non-Members Financial assistance is available TRADITIONAL CAMP Join us for a summer filled with arts and crafts, games and sports, swimming, devotions and character development activities. Campers at all camps should wear tennis shoes, bring a backpack, water bottle, snack, swimsuit, and spray-on Sunscreen. Lunch and one snack will be provided. Camp activities are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early drop-off beginning at 7am and late pick-up until 6pm provided at no additional charge. CAMP PUZZLE PALOOZA Traditional Camp with a twist. Specialized camp for children with special needs ages 5-12. Assessments will be completed prior to registration. Space is limited.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT! Drop off your kids (Potty Trained through age 12), for an evening full of fun, games, crafts, pizza, and a movie!! Saturday, May 21st, 5:30pm-9:00pm Members: $15/child; Non-Members: $25/child 10% Sibling discount . See front desk staff to sign up!
SPLASH
IN TO SUMMER WITH FREE WATER SAFETY CLASSES!
The Aiken County, Family YMCA is hosting a FREE water safety class to the CSRA community. This class will take place May 16- 20, and is open for children ages 3 - 12. During the week participants will learn how to stay safe in and around all bodies of water, in preparation for the summer season. With all the fun activities going on this summer, we highly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Reserve your spot REGISTER NOW thru MAY 15! LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
SUMMER BASKETBALL
REGISTER NOW THROUGH MAY 22nd. Practices start the week of June 13th Season Starts the week of June 25th through August 6th Members: $20 Non-Members: $80
Know someone that would like to become a lifeguard? Please contact the front desk for more information. Now hiring for the summer.
www.thefamilyy.org • 621 Trolley Line Road • 803 349 8080 • Follow us on Facebook
8 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
The truth doesn’t change
BY Roger Rollins “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Bible “Truth is eternal, unchanging, though circumstances may and do operate to give a different colour to it, in our view, at different times. And truth will prevail, and those who do not yield to it must be destroyed by it.” – Elijah Parish Lovejoy In 1996 Coach Scolinos, 78 years old and five years retired from a college coaching career that began in 1948, spoke at a convention of basketball coaches. Scolinos shuffled to the stage to an impressive standing ovation, wearing dark polyester pants, a light blue shirt, and a string around his neck from which home plate hung - a full-sized, stark-white home plate. Pointed side down. After speaking for twenty-five minutes, not once mentioning the prop hanging around his neck, Coach Scolinos appeared to notice the snickering among some of the coaches. Even those who knew Coach Scolinos had to wonder exactly where he was going with this, or if he had simply forgotten about home plate since he’d gotten on stage. Then, finally …“You’re probably all wondering why I’m wearing home plate around my neck. Or maybe you think I escaped from Camarillo State Hospital,” he said, his voice growing irascible. [Laughter from the audience] “No,” he continued, “I may be old, but I’m not crazy. The reason I stand
before you today is to share with you baseball people what I’ve learned in my life, what I’ve learned about home plate in my 78 years.” Several hands went up when Scolinos asked how many Little League coaches were in the room. “Do you know how wide home plate is in Little League?” After a pause, someone offered, “Seventeen inches,” more question than answer. “That’s right,” he said. “How about in Babe Ruth? Any Babe Ruth coaches in the house?” Another long pause. “Seventeen inches?” came a guess from another reluctant coach. “That’s right,” said Scolinos. “Now, how many high school coaches do we have in the room?” Hundreds of hands shot up, as the pattern began to appear. “How wide is home plate in high school baseball?” “Seventeen inches,” they said, sounding more confident. “You’re right!” Scolinos barked. “And you college coaches, how wide is home plate in college?” “Seventeen inches!” come forth, in unison. “Any Minor League coaches here? How wide is home plate in pro ball?” “Seventeen inches!” “RIGHT! And in the Major Leagues, how wide home plate is in the Major Leagues?” “Seventeen inches!” “SEV-EN-TEEN INCHES!” he confirmed, his voice bellowing off the walls. “And what do they do with a a Big League pitcher who can’t throw the ball over these seventeen inches?” Pause.
“They send him to Pocatello!” he hollered, drawing raucous laughter. “What they don’t do is this: they don’t say, ‘Ah, that’s okay, Bobby. You can’t hit a seventeen-inch target? We’ll make it eighteen inches, or nineteen inches. We’ll make it twenty inches so you have a better chance of throwing the ball over it. If you can’t hit that, let us know so we can make it wider still, say twenty-five inches.’” Pause. “Coaches …” Pause. “ … what do we do when our best player shows up late to practice? What do we do if he violates curfew? What if he uses drugs? Do we hold him accountable? Or do we change the rules to fit him? Do we widen home plate?” The chuckles gradually faded as four thousand coaches grew quiet, the fog lifting as the old coach’s message began to unfold. Then he turned the plate toward himself and, using a Sharpie, began to draw something. When he turned it toward the crowd, point up, a house was revealed, complete with a freshly drawn door and two windows. “This is the problem in our homes today. With our marriages, with the way we parent our kids. With our discipline. We don’t teach accountability to our kids, and there is no consequence for failing to meet standards. We widen the plate!” Pause. Then, to the point at the top of the house he added a small American flag. “This is the problem in our schools today. The quality of our education is going downhill fast and teachers have been stripped of the tools they need to be successful….to educate and discipline our
young people. We are allowing others to widen home plate! Where is that getting us?” “And this is the problem in the Church, where powerful people in positions of authority have taken advantage of young children, only to have such an atrocity swept under the rug for years. Our church leaders are widening home plate!” “If I am lucky,” Coach Scolinos concluded, “you will remember one thing from this old coach today. It is this: if we fail to hold ourselves to a higher standard, a standard of what we know to be right; if we fail to hold our spouses and our children to the same standards, if we are unwilling or unable to provide a consequence when they do not meet the standard; and if our schools and churches and our government fail to hold themselves accountable to those they serve, there is but one thing to look forward to …” With that, he held home plate in front of his chest, turned it around, and revealed its dark black backside. “… dark days ahead.” His message was clear: “Coaches, keep your players - no matter how good they are - your own children, and most of all, keep yourself at seventeen inches. My thanks for Bill Taylor for pointing this story out to me. 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
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 9
10 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Springtime Guarantees Baseball, Flowers...and Lots of Kittens By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Spring has arrived and most folks are embracing the seasonal change. But in addition to longer days, warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and the start of baseball, the month of May also means another happening is about to get into full swing: kitten season. Kitten season is the time of year when cats give birth, flooding shelters with homeless litters of felines. It starts in the spring and usually tapers off in the fall – a long period in which to manage the uptick in intake. This spring, about 20 million kittens will be born in America. When this boom in births occurs, shelters like the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) are often overwhelmed and it becomes a challenge to find space for them all. The ACAS is already being swamped with abandoned cats and kittens, not to mention an increasing number of strays, and staff and Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) volunteers are scrambling to find homes for them all. However, you can help us with this battle to save the added influx of kittens in the following ways: • Spay/Neuter your cats. The most vital action you can take to save more animals during kitten season – and all year round – spay/neuter your cats. A cat as young as 5 months old can start reproducing so it’s important to get them spay/neutered as soon as they mature. Unaltered cats are driven by their hormones and will sneak outdoors in search of a mate. Mating just once can start a domino effect that can result in hundreds or thousands of unwanted animals. If you need help meeting the financial requirements for fixing your pet, there are programs available to help. The County has vouchers that you can acquire at the ACAS, which is located at 333 Wire Road, and FOTAS offers assistance through its “Fix -a-Pet” program. The “Fix-aPet” hotline is: (803) 507-6315
Foster kittens
While kittens are cute and a big attraction to potential adopters, most shelters don’t have the resources to care for a large influx of kittens. So we work to place them with fosters who have both the experience and time to care for these baby felines. Kittens’ immune
systems aren’t fully developed so they are much more vulnerable to illness or disease. Like human infants, taking care of them is a full-time responsibility. Equally important, these helpless fur balls need love and attention–lots of it.
Donate supplies needed to care for shelter kittens
When kitten season hits, our staff and veterinarian techs need the following supplies: baby bottles, nipples/bottle brushes, kitten/ puppy formula, heating pads, baby wipes, puppy pee pads, and cosmetic wedges. The shelter also needs Lysol wipes, Odoban, Fabuloso, bleach, paper towels and Febreze Odor Eliminator. If you bring these kinds of donations to the shelter, we can give you a receipt for tax reporting purposes
Manage feral cats in your area
This year, the County formally instituted a trap, neuter/spay, release program for community cats. The County has traps for citizens to use and a limited capacity to spay/neuter these caught cats. Once they are fixed by the
County or another rescue or veterinarian, they can be released back into the area in which they were living.
Adopt a kitten or cat
When you adopt a kitten, not only will you save the life of the kitty you adopt, but you will also make room for new animals to be cared for and showcased on the adoption floor. And don’t forget the adult
cats. The chances that an adult cat will find a home typically drop during kitten season because potential adopters overlook them when cute kittens are available. If you want more information or have any questions about kitten season and how you can help during this busy time period, please call the FOTAS Hotline at 803-514-4313, or email us at info@ fotasaiken.org.
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 11
Trap/Neuter/Return: Best Solution for Fixing Community Cat Issues Feral or “Community” cats are a huge source of the massive influx of babies during kitten season, and a good solution for fixing the problem – pun intended – is through the County’s Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program. Two months ago, the Aiken County Council County passed a return to field resolution that made TNR a best management practice. TNR is considered to be the most humane and effective way of controlling feral/community cat population growth. Using this method, all the feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered/spayed and then returned to their territory, where they continue to thrive on their own or sometimes caretakers provide them with food and shelter. Young kitHot Diggity Dog Reunion and Family Day tens that can still be socialized, as well Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 7, when FOTAS and the ACAS will be hosting a dog reunion and family fun day at the Aiken County Animal Shelter from noon to 2 p.m. as friendly adults, are placed in foster Many fun activities are planned and the event will feature a dog kissing booth, kids’ games, care and eventually adopted out to good Franko the Magician, Aiken Balloon Creations and a special guest appearance by John Hart homes. “Euthanizing all community feral of WJBF News Channel 6. The shelter will also offer half price adoption specials! cats does not reduce the cat population and instead just creates a vacuum effect in which more cats come into the colony and take the place of those felines that are gone,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) Manager Bobby Arthurs. “So, now the county is following the steps of hundreds of other communities that have reduced their homeless cat population through TNR.” TNR is offered by clinics and veterinarians throughout the state and country. The ACAS veterinary staff only has the capacity to do a strictly limited amount of surgeries per day, so if you plan to bring in a feral cat to be spayed/ neutered, please call ahead to make an appointment. Statistics show that an unaltered male cat and an unaltered female cat and their offspring are capable of proPet a Pup: Students Relieve Stress by Hanging with Shelter Dogs ducing 781,250 kittens in a seven-year period. But this overpopulation can be FOTAS held a “Pet a Pup” event on Monday, April 25 at USCA! The program, which avoided by trapping and immediately had a huge turnout, was offered to help students de-stress a bit during exams by hugneutering and vaccinating community ging, petting and just hanging out with some of our shelter dogs. We might even have a possible adoption after our visit. USCA students held and greeted dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 cats against rabies. Once fixed, the p.m. at the campus and the wonderful occasion was sponsored by SNG (Student Nursing free-roaming community cats can be humanely returned to the field instead Government) and FOTAS. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and came out to visit of being euthanized at the shelter. these dogs in need! FOTAS, through its fund raising
efforts and Fix-a-Pet Program, has paid for 803 community cats’ spay/neuter surgeries. It has also provided traps for people to catch community cats through its Fix-a-Pet Program (originally named Lenny’s Brigade). The Fix-a-Pet hotline is (803) 507-6315. Other advantages of TNR: • TNR immediately stabilizes the size of the cat colonies by eliminating new litters. • TNR lessens the number of felines flowing into local shelters, which results in lower euthanasia rates and increased adoptions of cats already in the shelters. • The returned, fixed cats prevent unneutered cats from moving in and starting a new cycle of overpopulation. • The fixed feral cats continue to provide natural rodent control. TNR is the most effective and humane way to reduce the numbers of unwanted cats in the community and received at the shelter. Last year 1,286 cats had to be euthanized at the shelter and by doing TNR -- and working together -- we can significantly reduce that number.
12 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Closet Christians
BY Pastor Lynn Kirkland Recently, after spending several days at the Hippodrome during the Augusta Futurity, a couple of the guys that attend COWBOY CHURCH regularly were discussing the number of people that either came to our services or stopped by to talk to us to encourage us in the work we were doing. Their final assessment was that there is a large number of “closet Christians” that need to “come out of the closet” and take a stand for Jesus Christ. I believe that we have a great number of people that, for whatever reason, have not made a commitment to Jesus Christ. Even though they occasionally attend church and know all the “Christian lingo” they are actually seekers. They have something missing and are still seeking it. Let’s take a look at John 14:5&6 and Romans 1:16 to see what I am talking about. John 14:5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; so how can we know the way to get there?” John 14:6 Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. In John 14 we see that even though Thomas had spent three years with our Lord he was still doubtful but full of questions. Thomas was asking what most of
the other disciples were thinking. You see, they believed all the time that Jesus would set up and earthly Kingdom and free them from Roman oppression. And then we call Thomas the Doubter and condemn him when the other disciples were no different in their beliefs than he was. Thomas just asked the questions. We need to learn to recognize seekers in this day and age. They are still asking questions. Many are argumentative – trying to stir up controversy so as to keep their true feelings hidden. Some are immature believers, still sucking on the milk of the Word and never attaining the teeth for the meat. They are “closet Christians”. The ones that let someone else make the first move. The ones that are slightly ashamed of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul covered that in Romans 1. He recognized the Good News of Jesus Christ for what it really is: The power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. Today many educated people reject and condemn the Gospel. Political Correctness demands a strange sort of tolerance these days. You can pray to a universal god, but not Jesus. (Listen up School Board). We must be tolerant of Allah and universal god but no one must be tolerant of believers in the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:16 Paul says that The Good News is the power to save us from our lostness. He says that it is just-as-if we never sinned. This is Good News! This is the power of God! I hope somebody is shouting and saying Amen right now!
Acts 1:8 declares that we will be witnesses when the power of the Holy Spirit comes on us! We will not be ashamed of the Gospel. Where do you stand today? Are you a seeker that thinks church membership is going to take you to Heaven? Or, are you a closet
Christian that needs to grow up in Christ? Or, do you realize that you are lost, dying, and going to Hell? I can be reached at PastorLynn. ImpactMinistries@gmail.com or call our office @ (803) 400-3609. Our mailing address is 758 Silver Bluff Rd., # 5431, Aiken, SC 29804. We owe our success to clients like you, so we’re showing our appreciation with anniversary prices on advertising in the Annivesary Edition of the GVW Report!
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Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 13
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
‘We Are Rural Health Services Inc.’
RURAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC. is pleased to welcome Dr. Maria A. Rodriguez to our Obstetrics & Gynecology staff. Dr. Rodriguez is a former resident of Los Angeles, California, and received her medical degree from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, South America and completed her training in Obstetrics & Gynecology from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Rodriquez will be providing services to patients at Margaret J. Weston Community Health Center, our Clearwater site, located at 4645 Augusta Road, Beech Island, South Carolina; and also at the Clyburn Center for Primary Care, 1000 Clyburn Place, Aiken, South Carolina. To schedule an appointment, please call (803) 380-7000.
RURAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC. welcomes Dr. Kenneth Jones, to our Adult Medicine Staff. Dr. Jones was born and raised in Palmetto, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, his medical degree and did externships at UNC-Chapel Hill and Harvard University. He completed his residency at UCLA King-Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Jones’ area of concentrations are family practice, addiction medicine, , HIV Therapy and is DOT certified. He presently resides in Aiken and Charleston, South Carolina. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones, please call the Clyburn Center for Primary Care at (803) 380-7000.
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
14 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Minitor Market
BY MEL MINiTOR Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The Earth laughs in flowers.” Spring is here and flowers are starting to bloom and the beauty it brings abounds. One of my favorites flowers is the Hydrangea. We have plants in our yard that were planted by my great-grandmother and have been cared for by my grandmother, mother and now my family for over sixty years. I am amazed to see them come back year after year. My mom and dad planted pink salmon colored roses back in the early 70’s and they still bloom forty years later. As a child, I remember picking the wild honeysuckle and tasting the sweet nectar. I still love the smell of those wildflowers.
Local farmers are planting their seeds with faith that their crops will soon be peeping up out of the soil. As more crops are planted, we look forward to the bounty of our local growers. At Minitor Market we work to support our local farmers and purchase produce from the South Carolina Farmers Market. Over the next few weeks and months, a variety of produce from local farmers will be in our store. Okra, cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes, peppers to name a few are local favorites. Peaches and watermelons are a biggie as they come to harvest in the heat of the summer. Look for more S.C. Certified Products & Produce at Minitor Market. J.D. Salinger said in, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ “Who wants flowers when you’re dead? Nobody.” Flowers, are for the living... Share them!! 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
Lewy Body Dementia Support Group “M'Aiken A Difference” Please join our Group to support those individuals who have LBD or similar types of Dementia or related illness. (for all persons who are interested in, involved in and/or affected by LBD)
Regular Meetings are: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11:00 AM Next meeting is: May
17, 2016
Daybreak Caregiver Outreach & Training Center Daybreak Adult Care Services, Inc. 151 Linden Street SW, Aiken, SC 29801 Contact Nancy Martin at nancy13lbd@gmail.com or Patrice Tavernier or Linda Lucas 803-226-0288 Thanks for donations in kind from: LBDA, Southside Gallery, Go Aiken Lifestyle Magazine, Individuals, Alzheimer's Association, Cyndi's Sweet Shoppe, DayBreak Adult Care Services
Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 15
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Aiken Kiwanis to hold annual tricycle races The 45th Annual Aiken Kiwanis Club Tricycle Races are scheduled at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the Tricycle Races are returned to the children of Aiken County through donations and sponsorships of youth leadership programs at local schools. Among those programs and schools are Terrific Kids programs at elementary schools, Builders Club at middle schools, Key Clubs at high schools and the Circle K Club at USC Aiken. The club also supports its regional efforts in ending child
hunger and its international efforts in eradicating neonatal tetanus world-wide. Businesses or individuals (including parents) can sponsor children, ages 3-8, to ride in the Tricycle Races. Children will compete for a variety of awards. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the fun heat (Aiken Public Safety vs. Aiken Sherriff ’s Department) beginning at 10:30 a.m. Local author of “Nicholas and the Tricycle Race,” Jan Waugh, will be the event’s special guest. The club is inviting children and their families to come enjoy
FREE Screenings
enjoy. Other activities will include a Kiwanis photo booth, face painting and glitter tattoos. For more information on sponsorships for businesses and individuals, call Tammy Davis, Event Chair, at 803-648-8331 or tammy@ uwaiken.org or Bill Tyler, President at usc1996tyler@bellsouth.net
Support Local Leadership Programs and Scholarships Join us for the 45th Annual
Aiken Kiwanis Tricycle Races Saturday, May 7, 2016 Odell Weeks Activities Center
• Clinical breast exam • Pap smear (if needed) • Pelvic exam • Mammogram
Soccer Field Registration 10 a.m. • Races begin at 11 a.m. Children ages 3 - 8 Additional kid-friendly activities
You may qualify if you: 1 Are a South Carolina resident 2 Are a 40 to 64-year-old woman 3 Do not have health insurance 4
the Kids Fun Zone which is sure to provide enjoyment and entertainment for children of all ages. The Fun Zone will include the “Truck Stop” which will allow kids to view and interact with local law enforcement and emergency vehicles. Space Walk Inflatables will have inflatables and snow cones for children to
• Face Painting • Truck Stop • Inflatables • Picnic Plus we proudly welcome Ms. Jan Waugh, Local Author of “Nicholas and the Tricycle Races”
or have hospitalization coverage only and Meet certain income guidelines.
For more information, contact: The American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) and ask about the Best Chance Network or Sabrina Early at 803-643.2100.
Denny Michaelis Denny Michaelis Insurance Agency 803-648-1143 denny@dennymichaelis.com
Donations support service clubs at USC Aiken and area High Schools including Aiken, Midland Valley and Silver Bluff. Proceeds also help Middle School Builder Clubs and Elementary School Terrific Kids programs.
Contact Tammy Davis, Event Chair at 803-648-8331 or tammy@uwaiken.org
www.scdhec.gov/bcn CR-011064
9/15
16 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
May Community Calendar continued 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 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.
The Valley Alliance May 18, 2016. 11:30am. The Valley Alliance luncheon will be held at Hope Center, 3 Hickman Street, Graniteville, the luncheon will be prepared by the current cooking class. Judy Floyd and Marshal Chastain will be our guest speakers. They will be giving us an update on the current activities for Hope Center.
Receptionist: Monday or Wednesday or Friday (or Monday, Wednesday and Friday), 10 a.m. to noon.
For more information, please contact Rosealind Morse at rosegoes@aol.com
Caseworker: Assessing the needs of the person seeking help
• The month of May Walgreens is focusing on Non-flu immunizations such as Pneumonia and Shingles (chicken pox) vaccinations. We are able to provide this service without a prescription and can bill customers insurance. Some may even have it covered under their Medicare for little or no cost.
Tutor: Helping students with reading, math, English and social studies. The Family and Marriage Coalition of Aiken Inc. 1651 Banks Mill Road, Aiken, SC 29803, www.aikenfamco.com 803-640-4689
Walgreens, Clearwater
• We will also have a Senior shopper assistant that will walk around with customers helping them shop for their
products. They will also get a 20% discount on all regular priced items within the store. • We will also have an HIV free testing available on Wed, May 11th from 11am2pm.
• Walgreens offers free blood pressure checks all day during pharmacy operating hours (9 a.m. - 9 p.m. M-F, Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) 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 11am-2pm. • Currently hiring for hourly positions.
To post your event in the GVW Report, email ernieace2@yahoo.com or call 803979-4476
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 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 803640-4689
Midland Valley Public Library The Midland Valley Public Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1 to 6 and Tuesday 2 to 6.
Mt. Salem Ministries; 803-646-3847 Outreach Mission Men’s Homeless Shelter Registration from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday 2121 Augusta Road, Gloverville, SC (Hwy 421) “His Table” Soup Kitchen, Monday through Friday “Free lunch” from noon to 2 p.m. 3850 Augusta Road, Bath, SC (Hwy 421) All are welcome!
Rural Health Services, Inc. 803-380-7000 With offices in Aiken, Clearwater and New Ellenton Seeing patients with and without insurance.
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, May 7, 2016 • 17
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center Community Need Assessment Report Purpose OLVCC has worked with Horse Creek Valley/ School Area 3 for over 70 years to identify and respond to the unmet needs of the Community in the Horse Creek Valley area of Aiken County, South Carolina in the name of Jesus Christ. OLVCC has brought together supportive individuals and organizations and have had many achievements and some defeats. It is now time to stand back and look at what we are doing. Our organization has been affected by many changes - political changes, economic changes, social changes - and we may need to change in response. The purpose of the community assessment is to help us move forward by hearing from the community and how OLVCC can be a support in that. Outlined are the results of the assessment along with suggested plans of action. Highest community needs In an open-ended question format, residents were to report, in their own words, the most pressing needs in their community. The following represent the pressing needs in Horse Creek Valley. • Education- need for High School credentials, • Employment- job skills training; job search and placement; bring more jobs to area; on the job training • Healthcare- affordable and accessible healthcare; local physician, preventative health and wellness, medical care, mental health and substance abuse treatment • Transportation Services - public transportation; taxi; extended hours; shorter wait times • Public Safety - Neighborhood watch; In an open-end question format, residents were to report, in their own words, what they think are needed in the community presently and in the future. The following where the responses we received: • More Education Programs • Job training program • Spiritual guidance • Place for homeless • Home Visits • Access to Transportation • Place for Kids ( afterschool program, recreational activities) • Better Building & New Food Pantry • Parenting Programs • Seminars • Community meeting that involve the residents in valley • Open one Saturday out of month for working people In an open ended question format, residents where asked if they were aware of the services and programs provided in
the area and what they are. They gave the following varied responses: They knew of Our Lady of the Valley, Hope Ministries, Megiddo Dream Station, and Salvation Army. In an open ended question format, residents were asked how they would like to see OLVCC change in the next 5 years. They gave the following responses: • Bigger building /food pantry • More room for needs • Serve Seniors Twice a month • Education & Job Training Center • Home Visitation • Provide Transportation for the needy ( take food home) • Parenting Program to teach parents to take responsibility of their children • New workshop every month • Afterschool Program /Childcare Resident’s response to the closing the doors of OLVCC was that it would not help because the needy in the community depend on all active agencies and some agencies are currently overloaded. Demographics • Number of Males who took survey: 45 • Number of Females who took the survey: 65 • Percentage of year’s residents lived in Horse Creek Valley: 0-3 yrs.: 12.9% 4-6 yrs.: 9.2% 7-10 yrs.: 6.5 % 11-15 yrs.: 11.1% 15-25yrs: 13.9% More than 25 yrs.: 38.9 % • Family Household Size: Household’s interviewed ranged from 1 persons up to 8 individuals living in a residents. • Percentage Age range of individuals who are Head of Household in Horse Creek Valley: 18-24: 2.8% 25-34: 7.4% 35-44: 10.2% 45-54: 21.3% 55-64: 17.6% 65 or older: 40.7% • Percentage of gross total family income: Less than $10,000: 45.4% $10,000-$14,999: 15.7% $15,000-$24,999: 24.1% $25,000-$34,999: 2.8% $35,000-$49,999: 3.7% $50,000-$74,000: 1.9% $75,000-$99,999: 0
$100,000 or more: 0 • Occupation (number of persons interviewed industry): Agriculture: 2 Construction: 15 Manufacturing: 7 Retail/ Wholesale: 13 Transportation, Communication, Public Utilities: 4 Finance, Insurance, Real Estate: 1 Government (includes Education):7 Services: 1 Retired: 40 Homemaker: 9 Student: 0 Other (Unemployed or disabled): 4 In Conclusion the needs listed in this report are both essential and imperative for you the people and its economic growth. OLVCC will continue its efforts along with other partners to eradicate these issues. OLVCC will be offering workshops throughout the year on various topics, connecting individuals to the needed services to better their particular situation, and sharing other developments as they come. Special THANK YOU to all who participated in the Community Needs Assessment. If you have any more suggestion or would like to o help please contact Deondra Roper at 803.857.6053
18 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
How Does Your Garden Grow? BY Pastor Sonya Mazzell Recently, I was asked what should I do to grow in God? Immediately my mind went to the parable of the sower. Luke 8:15 say’s, “But the seed (the word of God) on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Growing in God requires much of the same effort and steps that it takes to plant a garden. If the gardener does not persevere, or if he doesn’t properly till, weed and fertilized the soil, then it will not yield a harvest. My advice would be not to focus on the do’s and don’ts of religion, but rather on the preparation of your heart to receive God’s word and to hold onto it
until it bears “fruit” which is the evidence that God is in our lives. We accomplish this through honesty, through faith and through the grace of God. II Cor. 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” First, accept that apart from Christ you can do nothing. If you desire spiritual growth it cannot be accomplished by natural acts. It will be a work of grace within your heart that produces good soil. Remember, man cannot live by bread alone, so we must read God’s word daily! Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” Jesus Christ is the living water that can will our lives to overflowing. Second, confess your sins and your weakness before God. Call on Christ to till up the stony ground in your heart and to pluck up the thorns that are
choking out the fruit his Spirit that He is trying to grow. God will forgive our sins and give us the grace to forgive others. He will soften our hearts so we can be gentle, kind and loving to one another. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled! (Mt. 5:6) Third, hold fast to the profession of your faith. Remember, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by our testimony. Speak encouraging things to yourself and others knowing that as a man thinks in his heart so is he (Pvbs. 23:7a) be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Phil 1:6) God will always let you start over, forgiveness and a new beginning is only a prayer away. When the soil of our heart has been tilled, fertilized and watered properly… it will produce fruit.
Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce holds annual banquet On Friday, April 22, 2016, the Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual banquet. This year’s banquet was held at the Hope Center in Granteville, SC. The event was catered by the Hope Center and entertainment was provided by Aiken Kinderchoir under the director of Ms. Lorraine Ray. Mrs. Pam Barwick, Chairwoman of the MVACC Board of Directors was the host for the evening. Mrs. Barwick gave the annual report for the chamber.
Annually, the MVACC selects a Citizen of the Year and a Youth of the Year from the area. This year’s Youth of the Year was Nicholas Morris, a senior at Midland Valley High School with plans of going to medical school. Nicholas is the son of Corey and Mary Morris. The Citizen of the Year was Mr. Bobby Griffin Jr. owner of Bobby’s BBQ. Mr. Griffin has been a lifelong resident of the Midland Valley area and is the husband of Candy and father to Makenzie and Madison.
Saturday, May 7, 2016 • 19
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP All individuals who have experienced a stroke and caregivers are invited to attend!
Where: Aiken Active Seniors Building 690 Medical Park Drive Aiken, SC 29801 When:
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016 (First Tuesday of Every Month) 11:00am - 12:00pm
Light refreshments will be served
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: LISA KUCELA (803)226-0130 (Lisa.Kucela@uhsinc.com)
20 • Saturday, May 7, 2016
Graniteville, Vaucluse, Warrenville
ER JUST GOT EASIER at Aiken Regional Medical Centers
eserve
ERlets Scheduling ER Reserve you request aOnline time in Aiken Regional’s ER if you have a non-life-threatening illness or injury. • Flu • Sore throat • Earache
• Minor cough or cold • Minor muscle sprain or strain
TWO EASY STEPS
1
Visit www.aikenregional.com/erreserve
2
Click on ER Reserve to request a time in the Emergency Room that is convenient for you. Then wait in the comfort of your home until your requested time.
USE YOUR Computer • Tablet • Laptop • Smart phone ER Reserve is not a guarantee that you will be seen at your selected time. We will make every effort to honor your request. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Visit aikenregional.com/erreserve for more information.
302 University Parkway • Aiken, SC 29801
NATHAN MILLER, MD, Emergency Medicine
ER Reserve should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay. Please check your covered benefits with your insurance provider for details. 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