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FEBRUARY 2017

HEARTS FOR THE ARTS

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SO YOU SHOULD TRY: ALICIA’S – AUTHENTIC MEXICAN, FRIENDLY SERVICE

SO ARTISTIC: ARTIST BARBARA WARNER CREATES WITH NATIVE AMERICAN INFLUENCE

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what’s inside?

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SO YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT ALICIA’S #1

FRESH, authentic Mexican, personable service

SO, YOU SHOULD SEE SISTER ACT AT THE GCT

BY LAURA BETH BROOKS IMAGES BY TITA M. JAMES Article and main multi-page photo feature

16 20

SO, ARTISTIC AND HEALING

BY ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY Local potter, Barbara Warner, creates with Native American influence

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special day Barbie Can Provide Make-Up for Everyone in Your Bridal Party!

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BY ADAM BENSON IMAGES

BY TRINITY PHOTOGRAPHY Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

26 32 SO SCENE

BY ARIEL GILREATH IMAGES BY LAURA BROWN Hearts for the Arts fundraiser Saturday, February 4, 2017 The Arts Center, Greenwood

SO COMPASSIONATE

STORY AND IMAGES BY LAURA BROWN, FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SO LAKELANDS AND OWNER OF LAURA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY Perspective changes everything – How a recent mission trip to Haiti will forever impact me.

44 51 SO ENGAGED

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA WOODWARD Samantha Woodward + Ben Smith WRITTEN BY JULIA PRIDMORE Julia Pridmore + Zach McClanahan

SO, WHAT

BY CHRIS TRAINOR Luxurious Comfort and Dazzling Beauty

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SO YOU SHOULD TRY: ALICIA’S – AUTHENTIC MEXICAN, FRIENDLY SERVICE

SO ARTISTIC: ARTIST BARBARA WARNER CREATES WITH NATIVE AMERICAN INFLUENCE

Published by the

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SO NOSTALGIC: CHRIS TRAINOR REMEMBERS “LUXURIOUS & DAZZLING” CROSSCREEK CINEMAS

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5

SO lakelands

Alicia’s #1

SO

you should

check out Alicia’s #1

FRESH, authentic Mexican, personable service

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FRESH, AUTHENTIC MEXICAN, PERSONABLE SERVICE Mexican restaurants have had a presence in the Lakelands for a few decades now. And I’m not referring to Taco Bell. I mean (quasi) authentic Mexican cuisine, prepared and served by native Latinos. Many of us native Lakelanders, those who love Mexican food at least, tend to have a favorite local Mexican restaurant, even though many of the dishes are nearly identical at each one, and we tend to pick our menu items like we pick our pews at church – we don’t like to vary from what’s familiar.

A lot of Mexican restaurants, whether you’re eating at one in Greenwood, Newberry, or Columbia, have dumbed-down the menus to make ordering nice and easy for us. They’ve made umpteen combos, comprised of various groupings of traditional Mexican favorites, so we can easily tell our server which plate of Mexican goodness we wish to dine on.

You probably have that go-to, old-standby combination that you order 95% of the time you eat at your favorite Mexican place. My old-standby? It’s a number #18. (I won’t tell you which restaurant.) And I am not ashamed to say that I am on a first-name basis

with a few of the servers at my usual local Mexican restaurant. I consider them to be acquaintances, which therefore makes trying a different Mexican restaurant seem a bit like cheating – like I’m trying a new hairdresser behind my current hairdresser’s back – kind of cheating.

But lately, especially since having recently gone to Mexico and had some truly authentic dishes, I’ve been branching out and sampling more unique dishes. Even more outrageous, I’ve ventured out of my restaurant comfort zone and tried out a place I’ve passed by a thousand times without a second glance.

Alicia’s #1 was a restaurant I’d heard mentioned a handful of times by some friends, but never tried. I’d actually started to go a handful of times, but I’d always end up just going to my usual place. It was just easy and familiar to go where we always go. How completely lazy of me! Little did I know, I was missing out on some of the best Mexican food and equally as impressive service around.

If you’ve ever driven down Seaboard Avenue that runs between Main Street and East Cambridge in Greenwood, you’ve passed Alicia’s #1. Right by the railroad tracks, Alicia’s sits in a rather unassuming spot with a mostly dirt parking lot. The multiple red and green painted arches on the front of the building,

which was once a convenience store, I believe, are quite appropriate, and give the restaurant a Spanish aesthetic.

Once inside, bright and bold yellow patterned tablecloths adorn the eleven or so tables in the dining area. The back wall is lined with glass refrigerator doors – remnants of the locations prior use as a convenience store,

ALICIA’S #1 Owned by Andrés Guevara 606 Seaboard Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 864-223-1151 Don’t just take my word for it: Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5 Yelp: 4.9 out of 5 HOURS: Sunday – 9AM-9PM Monday – CLOSED Tuesday – 10AM-5PM Wednesday – 10AM-5PM Thursday – 10 AM-5PM Friday – 9AM-9PM Saturday – 9AM-9PM February 2017

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and the arched windows are covered in iron pickets.

Strung across the ceiling throughout the dining area are bright papel picado flags.

My first experience at Alicia’s was during lunch on a weekday. Other diners in the restaurant included a mix of what looked like young families, and coworkers. One litmus test that I personally like to put ethnic restaurants through is whether or not there are patrons of the restaurant’s same ethnicity dining there. I could see Alicia’s had passed that test.

After seating ourselves, one of the owners of the restaurant came over to give us menus and to take

our drink orders. Drink selections at Alicia’s are your first indication that the place is more authentic than most Mexican restaurants around these parts.

Available beverages include imported Coca-Cola in glass bottles, which is made with cane sugar, as opposed to our Americanized version, which contains high-fructose corn syrup. Also offered are orange Fanta in glass bottles, horchata (sweet Mexican rice water/milk drink), tamarindo (from the tropical tamarind tree), jamaica (hibiscus tea), sangria, Fresca, and a selection of other Mexican and American sodas. Right off the bat, I could tell that we would likely soon be on a first-name basis with the owner, Andrés Guevara, with his exceedingly friendly personality and spot-on customer service for us obvious newbies. We immediately felt welcomed.

As Andrés got our drinks, we browsed the menu.

There were some familiar dishes, such as tacos and burritos and tostadas, but there were some more unfamiliar things that caught my attention, too, like mojarra frita (fried tilapia), costillas de Puerco (pork ribs), and menudo (a traditional beef tripe soup). I settled on trying a taco de carne asada (beef taco), and a recommendation from a trusted friend – a sope. Sopes have a base made from a round “pie shell” of fried masa dough (ground corn flour soaked in lime, also used as the basis for tamales and tortillas) with pinched sides. The base is then topped with beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and your choice of meat, if you like. I ordered my sope with the chorizo, which is a Mexican sausage. My dining partner ordered a beef burrito, which came with cheese, beans, and rice inside.

My taco came in a soft, warm tortilla, which had been handmade right in the kitchen by Andrés’ wife, and it was topped with fresh cilantro. I’m a sucker

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Live Music Schedules for a fresh, handmade tortilla, and this one did not disappoint. My visit to Alicia’s was the first time I’d ever tried a sope, and it will not be the last.

The chorizo had a little kick, which was perfect with the crunchy, fresh lettuce and savory beans. The cheese on top was crumbled queso, not the shredded variety atop dishes at less-authentic Mexican restaurants.

Andrés had brought a bowl of homemade guacamole for us, as well. This guacamole was a different consistency than any we’d ever tried – it was more like a salad dressing, but it was fresh and delicious, and it added the perfect amount of spice drizzled over our food. The burrito that my friend ordered was a more than generous size, stuffed full with meat, queso, beans, and rice. The bite I tried was delicious.

One thing I’d like to mention we noticed is that, unlike many Mexican restaurants, chips and salsa are not brought to the table at Alicia’s, and they were not on the menu. So don’t go to Alicia’s expecting to dig in to a basket of chips and salsa while you sip your drink and peruse the menu. As much as we love chips and salsa (and chips and cheese dip, and chips and guacamole), we didn’t miss them at Alicia’s, because our entrees were so fresh, so delicious, and so filling. We ate every bite. The amount of food we received was a gracious plenty, but not so much that we couldn’t finish it all, as oftentimes happens when we eat at other Mexican restaurants when we’re filled up on chips before our food comes. Prices at Alicia’s are very reasonable, especially considering many ingredients are scratch made. Tacos are only a dollar and fifty cents apiece, and my sope was only $2.25. Our total bill was only about $14, a very modest price for such a delicious, authentic, Mexican meal, and friendly service.

SO Lakelands magazine accepts no compensation for restaurant or business reviews and selects entries by its editorial discretion.

Reviews are conducted anonymously.

When we were at the register paying for our meal, Andrés mentioned that they also serve breakfast, and friends tell us some days they have specialty dishes, like tamales, that are out of this world. So, if you’re willing to venture off of your usual pew, I’d love for you to take a seat at Alicia’s #1 on Seaboard, so you can get a taste of truly authentic Mexican food, right here in the Lakelands.

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sister act

So, you should see Sister Act at the GCT

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SO Affortable

BY LAURA BETH BROOKS IMAGES BY TITA M. JAMES

T

There’s a fun, energetic musical playing at the Greenwood Community Theatre this month that you will not want to miss. “Sister Act” will open to Lakelands audiences on February 17 in the inviting, historic theater sitting at 110 N. Main Street in the heart of Uptown Greenwood. I slipped in the back door of the theater one Monday evening in January, found a cozy aisle seat, and watched a full-cast rehearsal to get you the inside scoop on this spirited show.

Part-comedy, part-musical, this production of “Sister Act” is being directed by Tracie Luquire, who brings a lot of passion to her work with the cast and crew. I listened in while Tracie gave the cast a pre-rehearsal pep talk, encouraging the diverse group of actors to embrace the theater as a sanctuary of sorts. Tracie emphasized that each member of the cast brought different challenges and life events to the table, but she encouraged the actors to let the stage be a place to lay it all aside for a few hours. Judging by the rehearsal I saw last month, the cast is learning to do exactly that. When you see this show, you’ll watch a cohesive performance by students, full-time moms, local business professionals, and retirees--all of who bring something different and special to the stage.

Never seen “Sister Act” before? This musical is an interpretation of the 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. That’s an oddity, because movies usually originate from theater rather than the other way around. If you’re familiar with the movie, then you’ll notice the play follows along closely, but you’ll have a few more laughs and get to hear more Gospel music intertwined through the storyline. This play is lively enough to capture your elementary schooler’s attention, with a plot thick enough to hold your attention, too. Set in 1970s Philadelphia, the musical centers around the transformative experiences of a “disco diva” who finds herself posing as a nun as a result of landing in witness protection.

Iris Stevens is the star of this show, playing Delores, also known as Sister Mary Clarence, and her stunning vocal performances alone are reason enough to attend.

Haven’t been to GCT in a while? If you’re a Lakelands native, perhaps you or your grandparents will remember seeing movies at this old theater house, which still boasts its original terrazzo tile floors and now offers modern conveniences like

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aisle lighting, upgraded restrooms, and snacks you can take into the show. The original theatre on this site was built in 1934, and a trip inside reveals that the artistic destination retains much of its old charm.

Carve out a little time this month to catch “Sister Act.� The show takes full advantage of the diverse acting talent in the Lakelands

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and audiences will enjoy the magnificently decorated stage scenery, upbeat Gospel tunes, and frequent laughs the show offers. The play runs Feb. 17 - 26, with evening shows at 7:30 PM and matinees at 2 PM. Tickets range from $12-$22 with discounts for children, students, veterans, and seniors. Visit GCT on Facebook for more information, and for tickets call the box office at 864-229-5704 or visit emeraldtriangle.us/theatre.

WHAT: SISTER ACT WHERE: GREENWOOD COMMUNITY THEATRE RUN DATES: FEBRUARY 17-26 TIMES: EVENING SHOWS AT 7:30 PM AND MATINEES AT 2PM TICKETS: $12-$22 BOX OFFICE: 864-229-5704 ONLINE: EMERALDTRIANGLE. US/THEATRE

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Deloris van Cartier Mother Superior Sister Mary Robert Sister Mary Patrick Sister Mary Lazarus Night Club Singer 1/Fantasy Singer/Nun 1 Night Club Singer 2/Fantasy Singer/Nun 4 Nun 2 Nun 3, Tina Nun 5 Nun 6 Nun 7 Nun 8 Nun 10 Sister Mary Martin of Tours Sister Mary Teresa Monsignor O’Hara Postulant 1 Michelle Curtis Joey Pablo/Singing Bum TJ Eddie Waitress Ensemble/Mass Choir: Ensemble/Mass Choir: Ensemble/Mass Choir:

Production Team Tracie Luquire Laura Riddle Keith Dumais Katie Duncan MarEli Sherrill Jane Merrill Byron Hilley Jon Lee John Keenan

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So, artistic and healing

Potter Barbara Warner of Hodges, South Carolina creates her decorative clay pieces by hand and with simple tools, instead of using a pottery wheel.

“The mind-body connection is really powerful for me,” Warner said, noting she has learned about that through working with clay and her nursing background. Her nursing background includes Western medical techniques and the study and practice of integrative healing principles.

“In the 90s, I met some folks who were into Native American healing practices and spirituality,” Warner said.

Although she was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, Warner said she began 12 years of study with a Native American medicine woman, Little Night Bear, along with a group of women from Atlanta.

“What attracted me to it was the focus on respect and love for all

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things, gratefulness, and how connected we all are,” Warner said.

Atlanta also is where Warner, 71, began making pottery.

Warner said the mind-body connection has influenced her life, medical practice and art.

“The power of our minds does impact our lives,” Warner said. “I started out as a medical person. I still am a medical person. I have two bionic hips to show it, having had two hip replacements… One weekend in our Native American studies, we were tasked with making masks. I felt like I was home and that was my thing for a while…When I work with clay, it seems to make itself into something.”

From eagle masks to spirit jugs, Warner said she also likes to incorporate other earthly elements into her pieces – unique wood, found feathers and naturally-shed deer antlers. Some of her pieces are dis-

Local potter, Barbara Warner, creates with Native American influence

BY ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY

February 2017

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played - and for sale - in Uptown Greenwood, at the gallery and retail shop Main and Maxwell.

Warner is also conducting a workshop at Main and Maxwell on finding one’s “power animal” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 2.

“It is an animal that walks with you your whole life, to remind you of who you are and where you stand in your power,” Warner said, noting she identifies with the cougar.

Laura Bachinski, a fellow potter and owner of Main and Maxwell, said she has known Warner for years.

“I was thrilled when she was one of the first artists to commit to being a part of Main and Maxwell,” Bachinski said, describing Warner’s work as “truly magnificent” and working well with both traditional and modern décor. Main and Maxwell has local and regional handmade art at a variety of price points.

Warner and her husband, Larry, moved to the Greenwood area from Atlanta in 2006.

“We had been looking around to figure out where to retire,” Warner said, noting she is a certified clinical nurse specialist, with a master’s degree in adult psychiatric nursing.

Warner left a twenty-year private psychotherapy practice in Atlanta before joining the nursing faculty at Clemson University in 2005. She still teaches at Clemson during the summer.

“My husband and I received a postcard advertising the sale of property on Lake Greenwood,” Warner said. “We have found Greenwood to be completely welcoming. We’re both yankees, but we lived in Atlanta for close to 30 years before

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moving here. This is really a Southern town and it’s been a delightful experience for both of us.”

Since moving to the Greenwood area, Warner said she studied pottery-making with educator and artist Bob Taylor, before he died in 2013, and with Sandy Singletary, Lander University assistant professor of art. Warner also used to teach the Chinese martial art form and meditative exercise known as tai chi.

Warner is a member of the Palmetto Chapter of American Holistic Nurses Association and cofounder of Nurse Navigators 4 Integrative Healing.

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chamber of commerce

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 @ PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S JAMES MEDFORD FAMILY EVENT CENTER

BY ADAM BENSON IMAGES BY TRINITY PHOTOGRAPHY

A.C. “Bubba” Fennell III, pictured with his wife, JoAnn, was honored at the 2017 Greenwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting as an inductee into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

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For those who know him, it’s fitting that A.C. “Bubba” Fennell III rarely uses his first name – because so many can fit.

Man of God. Boy Scout. Accountant. Gamecocks fan. Community organizer. Entrepreneur.

And, on February 9, another description can be added to Fennell’s impressive nameplate: Hall of Famer.

The soft-spoken Fennell received the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor at its annual meeting, where he was surprised with his induction into the Greenwood County Hall of Fame, becoming its 51st member.

“As most of ya’ll are aware, I’ve been having health issues and I’ve been away for about six of the last eight weeks, so this is a total shock to me,” Fennell told a crowd of roughly 300 at the James Medford Family

THE THEME OF THE 2017 GREENWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING WAS CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SC FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS, WHICH IS THE LAKELAND’S MOST ESTABLISHED ANNUAL FESTIVAL. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS ORGANIZING THE 50TH FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS, AND MOST EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THE MAIN WEEKEND, JUNE 2-4.

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said in remarks announcing Fennell’s induction.

Fennell served as chairman of Self Regional Healthcare’s board of trustees from 2000-02, overseeing the organization’s name change from Self Memorial Hospital and playing a key role in the construction of a $60 million, eight-story structure that opened in 2006. During his time on the board, Fennell opposed renovating the hospital’s original 1950 building and voted to move forward with the modernized tower.

Fennell was part of an effort in the mid- to late 1980s to find ways to provide shelter and care for the region’s neglected children, chairing a task force that worked to secure community and financial

Event Center on the campus of Piedmont Technical College. “This is really a special award for me, particularly with the health issues that I have. This thing just came up in December and people don’t realize how fast life can change, but if you haven’t told your wife or spouse that you love her or your friends and family that you love them, do that as soon as you can because things can change in a hurry, and you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

Fennell was joined by his wife, JoAnn, and other family members.

A certified accountant since 1989, Fennell’s contributions to the community run deep — both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

“In my personal opinion, he lives his life as a servant-leader in our community and in our state. His kindness and gratitude to his fellow citizens is truly inspiring, and a testament to what great characters Greenwood can create,” Wesley Commons CEO David Buckshorn

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support for the issue.

Mickey Young, who worked with Fennell for more than 30 years at the accounting firm Elliott Davis Decosimo’s Greenwood office, which was sold to Manley Garvin LLC in 2015, said his friend has high ethical standards.

“He has respect for everyone and their opinion,” Young said in a recorded congratulatory message. “He certainly has given to the community. Both his time and money over the years.”

Fennell retired from Ellliott Davis Decosimo in 2012.

In response to drop-out prevention efforts, Fennell turned his attention to the Terrific Kids Program — a collaboration between Greenwood County School District 50 and the Greenwood Kiwanis Club to incentivize positive improvements made by students.

His fingerprints are all over the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce as well, having previously served as its president, vice president of business affairs and vice president of public affairs. In 1984, he served as chairman of Greenwood’s Festival of Flowers as well and escorted a beauty pageant contestant during the festival’s inaugural year in 1968.

During his time as chamber president, Fennell served as a liaison to the Commissioners of Public Works for major water system expansion.

A die-hard Gamecock, Fennell’s relationship with the University of South Carolina stretches back more than 60 years. His father, A.C. Fennell Jr., graduated from the school in 1950 with a degree in accounting. That led Fennell to develop not only an interest in the field, but for USC athletics.

He was president of the USC National Alumni Association in 2001 during the school’s bicentennial. Last year, he was re-elected to a second fouryear term on USC’s Board of Trustees, and was part of the presidential search committee that hired former president Andrew Sorenson.

Fennell has also served on USC’s Board of Visitors and the Moore School’s Business Partnership Foundation.

An Eagle Scout with a Silver Beaver Award, Fennell is an executive board member with the Boy Scouts of America, Blue Ridge Council.

“I want to thank you for recognizing that one of the greatest mistakes of any community is the failure to tap the awesome potential of its youth,” said Chuck Fox, 2015 Greenwood Hall of Fame inductee and longtime friend of Fennell’s, in a video message. “The most important component, our duty to God, is central to everything scouting teaches and stands for.

Your life has reflected this theme.”

A member of the First Baptist Church for 40 years, Fennell currently serves as secretary of its Board of Deacons and ushers every Sunday. In 2006 and 2014, he was chairman of the church’s major gifts committee.

“Thank you for this award. It will be something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, and I sure do appreciate it,” Fennell said.

This article was originally published in the Friday, February 10, 2017 edition of the Index-Journal.

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hearts for the arts fundraiser

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Mark Hyatt of Self Regional

Hearts for the Arts fundraiser Saturday, February 4 The Arts Center, Greenwood

BY ARIEL GILREATH IMAGES BY LAURA BROWN

Performer Antonio L. Edwards, Jr.

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Hearts and playing cards decorated the walls of the The Arts Center for the casinothemed Hearts for the Arts fundraiser on Saturday night.

Heart for the Arts Goes to Vegas was the first themed event for the fundraiser, which is in its 12th year and raises money for the center’s education programs as well as awareness for heart health with Self Regional Healthcare sponsoring the event.

Anne Craig, executive director of the center, said the event sold out weeks ago at about 125 tickets, and all of the proceeds will go to funding the education programs the center has throughout the year.

“That’s the way we serve the community,” Craig said. “We offer quality arts education experiences to youth and to adults, and we do that through these fabulous exhibits throughout the year and then we offer classes and workshops -- we do outreach camps.”

Most of the events and programs offered at The Arts Center are free for everyone.

“The special events we do to raise money are ticketed,” Craig said.

The event featured live piano and vocals as well as dinner and cocktails as guests mingled among one another in formal, casino-themed style.

Ann Bishop has been to most of The Arts Center’s Hearts for the Arts events.

“It’s fun and I support the arts,” Bishop said. “It’s tasteful, it’s great and it’s beautiful.”

Originally published in the February 5, 2017 edition of the Index-Journal

Performers Paige Bailey and Matt Miller

Louise Bloor and Tad Martin

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Wyatt and Bess Thompson

Julie and Martin Cooner

Glenda Horton and Bill Stoessel

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Local artists Karen Miller Johnson (2nd from left), Alice Broadwell Lewis (3rd from left)

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Performer Nick Jones

Hearts for the Arts Goes to Vegas - Dinner & Gala Fundraiser SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor: Self Regional Healthcare Heart & Vascular Center Food & Decor Sponsors: Greenwood Genetic Center, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Phil Biffle, Howard’s On Main, Inn on the Square, Montague’s Restaurant, Ted & Lyn Vaughn, and Wyatt Farms Photographer: Laura Brown Photography

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perspective changes everything

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Perspective changes everything – How a recent mission trip to Haiti will forever impact me.

STORY AND IMAGES BY LAURA BROWN, FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SO LAKELANDS AND OWNER OF LAURA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY First Baptist Church of Laurens sent a team of 22 members to Galette Chambon, Haiti in January to perform missionary work, and I was blessed to be among those on this trip.

Our church partnered with But God Ministries (BGM) for this trip. But God Ministries is a non-profit organization with the mission of sharing the message of Jesus Christ through building sustainable communities around the world.

BGM is headquartered in Mississippi and began construction of a sustainable community in Haiti in 2011. BGM has since established two communities in Haiti, where two full-time missionary families currently live. The first location is in Galette Chambon, 18 miles east of Port-au-Prince, the second is in Thoman, near the border of the Dominican Republic.

These communities include a church, orphanage, 44 houses, water wells, agricultural plots, a playground and a Hope Center. The Hope Center contains a medical clinic, dental clinic, pharmacy, missionary residence, and dorms, along with a kitchen for visiting missionary teams. While in Haiti, visiting missionary teams engage in a variety of work

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Below are quotes from various members of our mission team and from staff members in the communities we helped. They’ve shared a little of what they experienced while we were in Haiti. Each team member was tasked with helping in different areas of the community, and we hope you can get a sense of what our time there was like. Certainly visiting this region of the world put into perspective our perceived daily struggles, as compared to those whose lives are so much simpler, yet so much more complicated, than our own.

The child examined

by Dr. Yarbrough and his mother received sunglasses to help protect their eyes.

Eye Clinic Dr. Jim Yarbrough

“The four days we spent in the eye clinic we saw about 160 patients and dispensed about 375 pairs of prescription glasses, readers and sunglasses. Typically we saw a lot of eye problems that were caused by the effects of the sun, such as cataracts and skin growths on the eyes. We prescribed eye drops to help with dry, itchy, and burning eyes, as well some infections. The hot, dry, dusty conditions and poor air quality contributed to much of these problems. Since it had been well over a year since the villagers had any eye care in the clinic, they much appreciated this service. Many of the patients reported coming from quite a distance to receive care in the clinic. We were also able to refer many patients to another clinic for possible cataract surgery. The medical clinic certainly serves a worthwhile purpose and is in constant need for volunteer professionals and supplies. I thank God for Him giving me the opportunity to serve.”

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Team Members Laura Brown Joyce Dennis Liz FauntLeRoy Audrey Hall Julie Hobbs Steve Hobbs Robin Hornberger Susan Johnson Jack Kerber Julia Kerber Onika Kerber Craig Little Kevin McCraney TR Ravenel Seth Reynolds Adair Rogers Dean Rogers Leigh Anne Simpson Carroll Thompson Nancy Thompson John Topping Jim Yarbrough

including construction, medical, dental, evangelism, Bible studies, vacation Bible school, sports ministry, job training/economic development, etc.

Half of our mission team was returning to Haiti for the third time, the remainder of our group was preparing to experience Haiti for the first time. For me, it was not only my first time visiting Haiti, but it was also the first stamp in my passport.

Craig Little with Jean Peter, a Haitian child Little sponsors through But God Ministries.

As I prepared to leave U.S. soil for the first time, I was unsure what to expect. I knew that my eyes would see levels of poverty that I have never witnessed first-hand. I also knew that natural disasters had taken their toll on this land, and that the Haitians were still recovering. Yet nothing could have prepared me for what it would be like to look into the eyes of those who lived through the natural disasters, and to listen as they told their near-death experiences and expressed their heartache for those who did not survive.

As their stories unfolded, I was reminded that,

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Expectant Mother Class Nancy Thompson

“The class meet every morning Monday through Thursday. We covered the topics of Mother’s health and body, delivery, breastfeeding, and caring for your baby. Each day we provided the mothers with a snack and unlimited fresh water. Our focus was on providing best methods and practices for ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby. Each of the women who attended the class had been to see the doctor in the Medical Clinic.

We talked to them, not only about medical issues, but also about the joy of being a parent and the gift from God of children. Each day we prayed with the women and encouraged them to pray for their families.

“On the last day of class, we had a graduation and gave certificates to each of our mothers.

It was also our joy to provide each one with gifts, including Dributts Cloth Diapers, specially designed for the harsh conditions in Haiti, a strapon baby carrier, baby clothes, blankets, and many other baby items, in addition of a few special gifts of shoes, skirts, and tops for mothers. Our interpreter told me several times that the class and gifts that we gave would change the lives of those precious mothers. Many of the women who came to our class walked for an hour or more, some 8 months pregnant, some with broken flipflops with holes in the bottom.”

“One of the mothers who attended the class delivered a healthy baby boy 10 days after we returned home. During our trip, this baby was expected any minute, and we often joked that our three “doctors” - two dentists and an optometrist would be responsible for delivering.”

through the storms of this life, God is still with us. He protects us, and uses those times to teach us and place us.

From dentists to carpenters, we had a diverse group on our team, ranging from high-school students to retirees. Our first challenge of the trip was to get through customs, lugging 44 suitcases full of shoes, soap, toothpaste, clothes, detergent, rice, beans, and baby necessities.

Our Monday-to-Thursday workweek consisted of medical clinics for eye and dental patients, an expectant mother class, school visits, preparing the new malnutrition center, and building a home for a local family.

Julie Hobbs, one of our veteran team members, let us know that flexibility was vital for short-term mission trips. She said it’s important that a team not be so focused on their own goals that they lose sight of how God wants to use them to accomplish what needs to be done.

Julie said, “When you anticipate and plan for a mission trip, plan to do

Expectant Mothers Class

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whatever the people who you are trying to help ask you to do. Sometimes you have to be flexible. Steve and Carroll didn’t plan to build furniture the whole week, but in order for Rachel to do her job at the malnutrition center, that’s what God called Steve and Carroll to do. In addition, they cleaned out and organized the workshop at the center. Hopefully, we left Tony and Mickie West (full-time missionaries), and all the staff a little happier and in a little better shape with the repairs, furniture, clothing, kitchen supplies, and our prayers and friendships.”

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From my first experience, I also learned that during short-term mission trips, it is equally as important to leave the site prepared for the next group to come, as it is to accomplish what you originally set out to do.

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Bread of Life Malnutrition Center (Pen Lavi) Rachel Charpie - Malnutrition Manager

“Since Nov 2015, we have seen over 100 children through our outpatient programs and sent 43 children to inpatient care.

Malnutrition is more than just hunger - it’s children that are literally starving to death.

Sometimes we catch it early enough that they can be treated with supplements weekly visits follow up visits. Other times they need 24-7 supervision at a specialized care center. The overwhelming number of children needing this type of care is what has led us to open the Bread of Life Malnutrition Center (Pen Lavi). Of course, our mission is to share the love of Jesus - what better way to do that than helping families stay together by providing healthcare and education.”

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School Visits & Home Construction Laura Brown

“Our interpreter, Frantz, taught me that the Haitian school system is split into half-days. Primary school ends at noon, and secondary starts in the afternoon. Most of the schools are privately owned and require a tuition fee for uniforms, books, and lunch. Regardless of age, when Haitian children begin education, they start from the beginning and do not move on to the next grade until they pass their final exam. It was common for teenagers to be in primary school. Many parents cannot afford for their children to go to school. There is a child sponsorship program through But God Ministries. $37.00 per month will help pay tuition, uniforms, books and other supplies for your sponsored child.

In addition, when enough children are sponsored, your monthly support will help provide a meal for all the children in the school.”

“We had the opportunity to visit two schools twice to get an overall check on how many kids still needed uniforms, and who needed new shoes.

While measuring kids for new uniforms, we spoke with children about their family needs. Their answers were honest and selfless. ‘My parents need a job,’ or ‘we do not have a home.’ Yet, when asked about their relationship with Jesus, they responded that they do believe in Jesus, and they know He will supply their needs.”

“One of our team members, Onika Kerber, met a teenager with a limp. Onika said, ‘He had a broken hip. He was smiling so big and could not have more grace and happiness for our Lord. He changed my life. They are trying to get him help.’”

“It costs $5,830 to build a house in these Haitian mission communities, and our church family raised money for one home to be built during the week we were in Haiti. The money raised also went towards supplying jobs to several Haitian men that were hired to help build the house.

The construction site was a joyful location as the receiving family anticipated living in a sturdy home with a secure roof. Their previous home consisted of sticks draped in a tarp for walls.”

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Young Haitian women see the print of their family portrait given to them by photographer Laura Brown during a mission trip.

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“RETURNING TO LIFE HAS BEEN DIFFICULT BECAUSE I WANT TO SPREAD THE LOVE THAT THE PEOPLE IN HAITI SHOWED ME, BUT THINGS SEEM TO BE BACKWARDS HERE AT HOME. THERE IS SO MUCH PHYSICAL WEALTH AND JUST AS MUCH EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL POVERTY HERE. HAITI HAD EXTREME PHYSICAL POVERTY AND EXTREME EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL WEALTH. THEY SURVIVE AND THRIVE BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH AND LOVE FOR JESUS CHRIST AND EACH OTHER BECAUSE THAT’S ALL THEY CAN DEPEND ON.” – CRAIG LITTLE

BGM works holisticly addressing seven key areas, or “SPHERES” they believe are necessary to have a healthy community.

These areas are: S – spiritual (strong, healthy, life-giving churches) P – physical (medical and dental) H – H20 (clean water) E – education R – roofs (housing) E – economic development (jobs) S – soil (agriculture/access to healthy food)

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When I decided to go to Haiti, I was so excited for the opportunity to talk to the local people and hear their stories. Naturally, as a professional photographer, my camera was with me to document this impactful, new experience.

I was unsure how the Haitians in the community were in would respond to having their photos taken. Before arriving in Haiti, my team leader, Adair Rogers, mentioned to Mickie West, the full time missionary in Haiti, that that a photographer was coming along for our trip, and she arranged time slots one afternoon during our stay for me to take portraits of the Haitian families in the community. To my surprise, the slots were all taken!

As I finished the photo sessions that afternoon, I noticed a frail, elderly woman sitting quietly by herself. I assumed she was there early for church, but then I noticed she had a card with a time slot for photos. With the assistance of our translator, I started to talk with her about how far she walked and how old she was. She did not know how to answer either question. Her eyes were clouded with cataracts. But she smiled and had such a pleasant presence. I certainly wasn’t going to call it quits without taking this sweet soul’s picture.

The local families were thrilled to have their photos taken, and each family received a 4x6 print of their portrait. Unexpectedly, many of the Haitian people I met owned a cell phone, and they were used to taking photos with their phones. However, holding a printed photograph was a treasure to them. And for me, having the opportunity to give to them what was most likely their only printed photograph, and watching their faces light up, was priceless.

“I WAS IN THEIR WORLD FOR 7 DAYS, YET THEY CHANGED MY WORLD FOREVER.” Laura Brown

Beyond our daily tasks, we were able to build relationships in the community through the church services and by walking through the villages. Although we could not understand a word the preacher spoke or of the songs that were sung, it was beautiful to witness God being worshiped in a different language. My thought was, “Oh how sweet will the choirs sound in heaven when every tongue proclaims that He is Lord.”

Having time to walk through the villages was significant to me, because it gave us a chance to go to the people, while our official mission trip tasks required the people to come to us. As we walked, several kids playfully ran along with us. We passed through and visited with families as they cooked over fires, washed their clothes in a pan, and gathered their crops. Many were extremely welcoming and invited us into their hand built homes. Their simple way of living reminded me that we do not need much to get by.

I was in their world for 7 days, yet they changed my world forever.

Answering the common “How was your trip?” question has been difficult. Unless people have time to really sit down and listen, it is hard to find brief words to adequately describe how God used my experience in Haiti, and the relationships I made, to grow my faith and increase my desire for missional work.

Craig Little, one of our mission team members, has been a member of First Baptist Church of Laurens since he was 10. He serves as a deacon in the church, and he owns AMT, Inc., in Laurens.

I’ll leave you with what Craig Little, had to share about his experience on our mission trip:

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Photographer and writer, Laura Brown, with a new friend named Elize, who she met while on a mission trip to Haiti.

Dental Clinic Dr. Seth Reynolds

“We pulled 113 teeth from around 70 patients. It’s very rewarding to go and share the gifts that God gave us to help those in need. Hopefully, those who we serve can see the love of Christ through our actions. I have learned that in the day-to-day life struggles we deal with, we always need to keep in mind we are very fortunate and blessed with many things most of the world does not have. Access to care/ food, the basic necessities of life, are for the most part available to us. We always need to be thankful and really count the many blessings we have.”

Dental Clinic: Dr. Seth Reynolds, mission team member, works on a Haitian patient.

“I lay in the bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking about all the kids sleeping on the ground with the rats and tarantulas.

Returning to life has been difficult because I want to spread the love that the people in Haiti showed me, but things seem to be backwards here at home. There is so much physical wealth and just as much emotional and spiritual poverty here. Haiti had extreme physical poverty and extreme emotional and spiritual wealth. They survive and thrive because of their faith and love for Jesus Christ and each other because that’s all they can depend on.”

“The shoes, clothes, hats, and food I left in Haiti are nothing compared to the new perspective I brought home with me. As for there, I don’t know how to fix Haiti but God does and He has a plan. I am simply trying to do my part to share the good news.

I will be going back very soon to see the people who were so gracious, so happy to see us, and so passionate about life and their love of Jesus Christ. I go because I love the people we served. I go because I love the team I serve with. I go because HE first loved me. I believe everybody would benefit greatly from going to Haiti to serve and ultimately gain a clearer perspective on how we fit into the world and how we fit into God’s plan for the world. We are all in the same game, fighting for the same goal, for the same God!” Craig Little “I have struggled to find the words to describe our mission trip to Haiti. Before going to Haiti and even while I was there, I believed that the people of Haiti were enslaved by their poverty and we could help them. I came back from Haiti understanding that we all suffer from brokenness just in different ways.”

“If anyone ever had a reason to doubt the existence of God or to be miserable, depressed and absent of hope, the Haitians top the list for most justifiable. But even though they lack the very things we spend the bulk of our days working for, and despite the indescribable suffering they endure, their lifestyle reveals one of the greatest paradoxes I’ve ever seen with my own eyes.”

Dr. Jim Yarbrough examines a Haitian child in the community eye clinic.

Some of the materially poorest of people are also the wealthiest in faith, love, and joy. The Haitian culture is dominated by faith, love, peace, and joy and the U.S. culture is dominated by entertainment, image, and individualism. If Americans have so much, why aren’t we as joyful as the Haitians seemed to be? Why are Americans the most overweight, addicted, in debt, and depressed society in the world? Could our wealth and abundance be distracting us from what matters most and from our only true source of lasting joy? Some people may argue that suffering disproves the existence of a God. Yet, it seems that those who suffer the most often thrive because of their faith and the benefits that arise from it.

“The people of Haiti are overwhelming evidence that it’s our perspective we choose, not the circumstances we live in, that actually inspires true joy. We can either choose the things of this world, or we can choose to place our trust in Jesus Christ to provide exactly what we need and be grateful for everything we have and don’t have. I saw so much faith and joy and love where it didn’t make sense, and it’s changed my perspective. It’s impossible to take simple things such as shelter, food, and water for granted. What I didn’t expect was feeling guilty when I sit down to eat, or that taking a shower would never be the same because water is a precious commodity whether we know it or not.”

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Samantha Woodward Ben Smith

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WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA WOODWARD Date: Sunday, May 28th 2017 Venue: United Methodist Church in Troy SC Ben and I originally met our eight-grade year and Westview Middle School. We had several classes together then and on into high school at Emerald High but never really spoke to each other. We were busy with our high school relationships at the time and hung out in different groups of friends, which never really crossed over. It was until 2 years after we graduated that Ben finally reached out to me on Facebook and we began light chatting back and forth. After about 2 or 3 months of texting, he finally asked if I would like to hang out in person and I agreed. Ben was working part time at Greenwood Locksmith and taking courses at Piedmont Tech and I was taking courses at Piedmont Tech and working part time at Rite Aid so our schedules conflicted some but we eventually got together and had our first hang out/dinner at 9pm at McDonalds. We stayed there for maybe an hour or so and just caught up on what we had been up to since graduating. After a few months of texting and hanging out Ben finally asked me to be his girlfriend and I said yes!

We got engaged a week after we celebrated our 5 year anniversary and 1 day before Bens birthday. Part of Ben’s work involves him attending quarterly locksmith classes so that his association is up to date with the latest cars and safes and house locks. This one particular class was going to be held near Charleston, SC where one of the locksmiths is the association’s business was and Ben’s

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boss, Jeff invited me to go along with them. I had never been there so I was very excited to go. Ben’s classes were all day Saturday in April so we stayed over into Sunday and then did some sightseeing. I had always wanted to see all of the colorful houses on “Rainbow Row” so that was our main goal.

After accidentally searching for Rainbow Road which was about 20 minutes outside of Charlestown we finally figured out where to go and walked along the Battery and watched the waves and looked st the beautiful houses. After about 30 minutes of walking around Ben wanted to sit down and take a break.

Now, Ben and I had recently been looking at engagement rings to so we could get a feel of what it was that I wanted and didn’t like about the rings. I didn’t think anything of it when we were looking at the rings but when he wanted to sit down and wouldn’t say anything to me, I began to worry that something was wrong. The hotel behind us was hosting some party and there were a good many people walking in and out so Ben said he wanted to leave. After heading back towards to interstate I saw a sign for South Carolina Aquarium and said I wanted to go check it out. We got there and began walking around and taking photos of all the wildlife they had there and just enjoyed the sun and April warmth. By this time I had forgotten about his quiet episode at the Battery.

We walked around for maybe an hour and a half to two hours when he said he wanted to go outside and look at a large military ship that was docked across the way. As we stood there he got very quiet and I began to wonder what he was thinking about. His saidnto me’ “Well, there more than one reason we came to Charleston” and just stopped. I looked at him and replied with “Okay?

What are the reasons we came here?” He then proceeded to feel around in his polo pocket and pulled out me beautiful engagement ring and said “This. Sam, will you marry me?” At first all I could do was slightly laugh because I didn’t think he would have asked this soon into us looking at rings. I said yes and he gave me the ring and the biggest hug I think he’s ever given me and laughed with me. As soon as we left the aquarium we called our parents and told them the news and everyone was so very happy and excited for us!

We’ll be together 7 years by the time we get married May 28th, 2017 and I have loved every single minute with this man and his family. We have very similar personalities which sometimes clash with one another but we always overcome our obstacles and grow stronger together as a couple.

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JULIA PRIDMORE ZACH McCLANAHAN

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Wedding Date: June 17, 2017 Venue: Ninety Six Presbyterian Reception: Inn on the Square

WRITTEN BY JULIA PRIDMORE Zach and Julia met shortly after Zach moved to Greenwood for a job and began working out at CrossFit Greenwood. They were both asked to be a part of a team for an upcoming CrossFit competition. Some people noticed a spark between the couple before the two were even aware of what was happening.

Julia and Zach grew closer as they practiced for the competition and by competition time, they were dating. Soon, the two realized the sparks were there, and their relationship grew quickly.

After dating for a week, they took a vacation together, and after only seven months together, they bought and fully renovated a house.

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Zach and Julia’s home is in Ninety Six. They enjoy walking their dog, Henry, around the family farm behind their house. They love any opportunity to take a trip or listen to live music. The couple cannot wait to enjoy their small, intimate wedding with their closest family and friends at the Ninety Six Presbyterian Church, with a reception at Inn on the Square, and to make many more memories in the Greenwood/Ninety Six area.

They knew very early on that this “spark” was a fire that would last a lifetime. When their home renovations were complete in August 2016, almost a year after they started dating, Zach popped the question on move-in day. It was so special to share this moment in their new home, which has been in Julia’s family for over 70 years.

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William Faulkner once famously wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

line back to another time in your life, via little scraps of previously forgotten ephemera.

The revered author’s words have often been referenced as having a sort of haunted meaning, especially here in the South, where history seems to be revisited again and again in head-shaking ways.

For instance, I recently was wasting time on my smartphone (the new great American pastime) when I came across, of all things, a newspaper ad from a July 1981 edition of the Index-Journal. The ad touted the then-approaching July 17, 1981 opening of the threescreen Crosscreek Cinema, which was located at what was then known as the Crosscreek Mall, in Greenwood.

But it also seems that, in the digital age of smartphones and the vast, bottomless expanse of the Internet, Faulkner’s prescient words have taken on literal meaning. Because of the web, you can now reach out and seize just about any memory you’ve ever had, no matter how old.

I mean, sure, there are a lot of tangible reasons for which you can use the Internet, like academic research, reading the news, ordering a pizza or following John Stamos on Twitter. But it can also serve as an incredible nostalgia-generation machine, of sorts…a direct

The ad trumpeted the theater’s “luxurious comfort” and “dazzling beauty.” It also referred to the cinema as a “First-Run Ultra Deluxe Dazzling Three Theatre Complex!” (Exclamation theirs.) The films they showed on opening day were “Endless Love” starring Brooke Shields, “Stripes” starring Bill Murray and “The Great Muppet Caper” starring, um, Kermit, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear.

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OK, there’s a lot to unpack here. We’ll start with the facts for all you Lakelands newbies: Yes, there indeed used to be a movie theater at what is now known as the Greenwood Mall. It opened on the aforementioned day in 1981 and closed in the fall of 2006. It has since been torn down.

Some of the many

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Now, as for any “luxurious comfort” or “dazzling beauty” at the theater, I guess that depends on your perspective. The Crosscreek Cinema certainly didn’t have many of the “luxury” features of the theaters that are being built today. For instance, over in Augusta the recently constructed Riverwatch Cinema has reserved ticketing,

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reclining leather seats, a full service kitchen and a bar with beer and wine.

While it didn’t have those luxuries, the Crosscreek Cinema did have all the touches that would be instantly familiar to those who grew up going to the movies in the 1980s and 1990s.

There was the box office that required you to queue up outside the theater to get tickets. I can remember lines snaking 100 yards back from the box office, with fidgety patrons braving the weather

and hoping the film they were going to see wouldn’t sell out.

The longest line I can personally remember standing in was for an opening weekend showing of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II” in March 1991. Legend has it that the line that day stretched all the way into Abbeville County.

Then there was the lobby. In today’s theaters, the lobbies look more like an airport terminal. Bright lights, high ceilings, digital reader-boards directing you where to go. Not so at the Crosscreek.

The lobby there was small and dimly lit. Hell, it was dark. It had, if memory serves, green carpeting and there were usually a couple arcade games plugged in here and there. It also served the best popcorn I’ve ever had, to this day.

The auditoriums at the Crosscreek were like bandboxes, at least compared to today’s 10- or 20-screen palaces. But they had charm, particularly at Christmastime, when a seemingly endless stream of crudely rendered ads for local businesses, set to holiday music, would play on-screen before the previews started. There was no stadium seating, of course, so you had to cross your fingers in hopes that a basketball player or a guy with a big cowboy hat didn’t come sit

“FIRST-RUN ULTRA DELUXE DAZZLING THREE THEATRE COMPLEX!”

right in front of you, causing you to spend the next two hours straining your neck to get a peek at the movie.

I guess more than anything, that old newspaper ad I found touting the long ago opening of the Crosscreek Cinema was like a straight-line shot of nostalgia, one that gave me pause to reflect on a youth filled with misspent Saturdays. Lunches at Corn Dog 7, cassette singles from Musicland, untold tokens dropped in the arcade machines at Aladdin’s Castle and, the centerpiece of all those weekends, a show at the little three-screen cinema. Horror and sci-fi pictures. Cartoons and comedies. Action blowouts and dramas that flew straight over my head.

With the Internet, we can now call up all these little pieces of our past. If only we could go back and do it again, if just for one Saturday.

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CHRIS TRAINOR IS A STAFF WRITER AT COLUMBIA’S FREE TIMES AND CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST FOR THE INDEX-JOURNAL. HE LIVES IN LEXINGTON.

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