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Builders crafting half a ship to teach about Revolution TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016
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Obama: Services for vets have improved President says more work will be needed BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE The Associated Press ATLANTA — President Obama said Monday that the
U.S. has made serious strides in improving services for military veterans, but work remains to overcome shortcomings in the delivery of health
care, housing and mental health services. He called the nation’s commitment to its veterans a “sacred covenant.” “I don’t use those words lightly. It’s sacred because there is no more solemn re-
quest than to ask someone to risk their life, to be ready to give their life on our behalf,” Obama said at the annual convention of the Disabled American Veterans. It was Obama’s final major address to a gathering of vet-
erans before he leaves office in January after eight years as president. He was greeted with a rousing welcome, including cheers and a standing ovation.
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Camp teaches life skills to children with disabilities
Summer reading wraps up for the year
BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com
Above, kids gather around to pet a pigeon from Paul Bennett’s petting zoo Friday at the Summer Reading Wrap-up Party at the Wesmark Branch of Sumter County Library. Readers had refreshments and saw small farm animals, cars from Sumter Speedway, a firetruck and Sumter Fire Department’s smoke house, a K-9 officer and the drumline from the Lakewood High School band. They were also able to have their faces painted during the event. PHOTOS BY JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM
Bennett takes a group of children for a ride on his miniature train Friday. Lenny Short waits his turn as little drummer boy Carson Tillie beats on a bass drum held by a Lakewood High School musician Friday at the party.
The Lakewood High School drumline entertains kids at the party.
Katherine Griffith, 19, has not let cerebral palsy stop her from enjoying everyday activities and pursuing a career as a physician. Griffith is one of the 450 campers from South Carolina attending Camp Burnt Gin near Wedgefield this summer. The camp, offered through seven weekly sessions, allows children with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses an opportunity to develop recreational skills, become more independent and improve their self-confidence while participating in camp activities. Griffith said cerebral palsy, which refers to a group of neurological disorders that permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination and balance, makes some routine activities a challenge. She can walk using crutches, but her muscles get tired much more quickly, she said. Prolonged activities such as writing can make her tire faster than usual, and stretching muscles at certain angles is also an obstacle. Griffith said the camp has helped her become more independent in performing daily routines while learning more about herself. “It helped me to discover who I actually am,” she said. “The camp pushes your limit in a safe environment. I’ve learned what I can do by myself to live independently.” Griffith will attend Columbia College in the fall, with the ultimate goal of being an obstetrician/gynecologist or physician assistant. S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control provides the camp for free through private and public funds, according to Marie I. Aimone, camp director. The camp serves children of all physical disabilities and chronic illnesses, even blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, she said. It operates four six-day sessions for ages 7 through 15, two six-day sessions for ages 16 to 20 and a four-day camp for ages 21 to 25, including recreational
SEE CAMP, PAGE A7
Shelter director reminds residents God helps with patience Sumter ministry gets no donations during week BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com “‘It’s so difficult out here for us older cats’ is what Mr. R told me when we first spoke about how he was progressing since arriving at the shelter,” Sumter United Ministries Shelter Director Travis Kinley said. “He told me about how he is searching for work daily,
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but his age often seemed to work against him when it came to competing for jobs.” Mr. R had only been at the shelter for a little more than a month, Kinley said. “He was very motivated to find work, and I gave him all the encouragement that I could think to provide,” the shelter director said. “I told him how patience is a virtue and reminded him that God has had a plan for his life, even before he was born. “We prayed together and
parted ways,” he said. Ms. L has been at the shelter since May, waiting for her late husband’s pension after jumping through many perceived hoops in the process, Kinley said. “In the meantime, she told me how she’s been diligently looking for work. She expressed something similar to Mr. R, saying her age
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seemed to really put her behind in competition with younger people,” he said. “She also lacks a college education, which limited her possibilities.” She told Kinley how she was just waiting on God. “I reminded her that patience is a virtue,” Kinley said. “I reminded her that those who wait upon the Lord
shall have their strength renewed. “We prayed together and parted ways,” he said. Earlier this week, Mr. R told Kinley that he had to speak with him. “He often carries a serious face, so it’s difficult to discern what sort of conversation needs to be had,” Kinley said. “Nevertheless, we stepped outside for privacy, and he began telling me
SEE CARING, PAGE A7
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