Life is Good in Sumter

2014: SPONSORED BY THE GREATER SUMTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE SUMTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Since 1986, Thompson has grown from a modest industrial service business into one of South Carolina’s largest construction and service related companies. We’ve climbed a lot of rungs in those 26 years. Today, we serve the entire southeastern and central United States with more than 1800 employees and six companies, covering nearly every facet of the construction and industrial service sectors. While we will never forget our roots in Sumter, South Carolina, the next two pages illustrate just how far we’ve come. We gauge our success by how well we respond to our clients, for we know their success is the true measure of ours.

www.thompsonsoutheast.com 100 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150

As we partner with clients, each step builds on the Thompson family of companies’ commitment to quality, safety, performance and value added services. Whether we’re constructing a steel mill in Alabama, cleaning a nuclear facility in Tennessee, or building an arena in Charleston’s historic district, we approach each project with integrity and professionalism. We have built a solid reputation through years by delivering quality services, on time, with competitive pricing.

“We will never forget our roots in Sumter, SC” - Greg A. Thompson, CEO/President At Thompson Construction Group, our focus is on industrial construction and onsite maintenance throughout the southeast.

Specializing in large industrial projects, we build and maintain facilities for a range of industries: Pharmaceutical & Food

Institutional

Pulp & Paper

Educational

Steel & Alloys

Medical

Tobacco

Manufacturing

Chemical

Commercial

Auto & Aerospace

Power

Thompson Turner, general contractors, builds commercial, government and educational facilities. We offer single-source, deadlines and budget-oriented delivery, including Design/Build and CM@Risk.

Thompson HVAC provides turnkey services, specializing in new installs, maintenance and upgrades for commercial and industrial clients.

HVAC

Thompson Industrial Services is rapidly expanding and continues to be the “go to� source for comprehensive industrial cleaning services throughout the southeast and central United States.

Thompson Industrial Supply distributes quality products to the steel, agricultural, industrial, commercial, and heavy-duty industries. We are proud of the work we do.

With Thompson, every job is important. It’s been that way since we started, and our commitment to customer service is top-of-mind every day. Our focus is on the details of the job, while always valuing our fit with you as a contributing part of your business for the long term.

Visit our website at: www.thompsonsoutheast.com

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Awards & Accolades 6 Demographics 7 Grainger McKoy 8 History 10 Annual Events 14 Arts 20 Downtown 24 Parks & Recreation 28 Sumter Schools 30 Central Carolina Tech 36 Metal Industry 42 Banks & Fiinancial Institutions 46 Getting Connected 47 Penny Sales Tax 48 Government 50 Senior Living 58

staff

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features

contents

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Jack Osteen EDITORIAL Jade Anderson Ken Bell Dennis Brunson Ivy Moore Tyler Simpson Sammy Way Jamie Wilson Raytevia Evans

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YOU WON’T GO AROUND HUNGRY in Sumter

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THE THREE C’S That make the Sumter School District special 38 SUMTER OFFERS EXCELLENT Higher education opportunities

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BIG THINGS REQUIRE BIG PACKAGES The I-95 Mega Site

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WHY SUMTER? Continental Tire official explains

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COMMUNITY EMBRACES Air Force & Army Personnel

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SUMTER VETERAN HONORED BY Honor flight

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HEALTHCARE IS TOP-NOTCH in Sumter

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PHOTOGRAPHY Keith Gedamke Matt Walsh LAYOUT & DESIGN Theresa Montoya Basaldua

20 N. Magnolia Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-1238

AD DESIGN Cary Johnson Howard Manon Zamora Barwick AD SALES Paige Macloskie

32 E. Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-1231 LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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SUMTER

Awards 2013 • Honorable mention as “Most Livable Cities” from US Conference of Mayors • Public Safety Achievement Award for the Sumter Fire Service Program from Municipal Association of South Carolina.

• Named one of the “Ten Wonderful Small town Central Business Districts in the South” by Southern Business & Development Magazine • Heroism and Community Service presented to two Sumter Firefighters from Firehouse Magazine

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2012

2011

• City Livability Outstanding Achievement Award from US Conference of Mayors

• Economic Development Achievement Award for CCTC Health Sciences Center from MASC

• Economic Development Achievement Award for the Sumter Pride Program from MASC

2010

2009

• Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to City of Sumter Police Chief by SC Law Enforcement Officers Association

• Traffic Safe Community of the Year, awarded by AAA Carolinas’ Foundation

Racial Breakdown Caucasian................46.9% African-American....46.6% Hispanic.....................3.3% Asian..........................1.1% American Indian........0.3% Other race.................1.8%

Household Information Average Household Size....................................2.64 Average Family Size........3.24 Housing Units...............46,299 Median Home Value.........................$100,900 Median Household Income........................$40,542

SUMTER

Demographics Marital Status Never Married......... 36.2% Now Married........... 48.2% Separated.................. 3.2% Widowed................... 3.6% Divorced.................... 8.8%

Population Total County....... 104,646 City Population.... 40,399 Male...................... 50,680 Female.................. 53,966 Median Age............. 33.4

Education High school or higher....................... 81.4% Bachelor’s degree or higher............ 17.8% Graduate or professional degree...... 6.4%

Households.......... 37,728

Whether you are in Sumter for a visit, a tour or a lifetime, www.sumterchamber.com is your resource for information

32 E. Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150 803.775.1231 Fax: 803.775.0915 chamber@sumterchamber.com www.sumterchamber.com LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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GRAINGER

McKoy

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BY IVY MOORE

The work of famed Sumter artist Grainger McKoy can be found in many public and private collections in South Carolina, around the world — and in Sumter.

His “Gamecock,” symbol of the the city, can be seen in the lobby at the Sumter County Cultural Center. McKoy is recognized as one of the country’s finest wildlife artists and is renowned for his realistic sculptures of birds, subjects of most of his work.

In 1999, “The Sculpture of Grainger McKoy” at Brookgreen Gardens was the first ever exhibition of works from outside Brookgreens’ own collection. At that time, the artist spoke to The Item about his work.

“Detail interests me,” he said then, explaining that his understanding of birds may have stemmed from his experiences as a hunter. “I picked ‘em, cleaned ‘em, observed ‘em and ate ‘em,” he said, adding, “Just the experience of hunting gives you a keen eye, sharpens your ability of observation.”

McKoy’s observation of his father notching cypress logs to build the family’s cabin, growing up surrounded by the cabin’s interior logs, and the gift of an old wooden duck decoy from his grandmother are influences he cites for his interest in wood.

Before their marriage, McKoy’s wife, Floride Owens McKoy, was the recipient of her husband’s first carving, a bird sculpted from the end of a cypress log that was part of the family’s cabin. That experience, McKoy wrote in his artist’s statement, was when he “first peered over the edge of the nest into the world of sculpture.”

As a teenager, the sculptor worked as a carpenter’s helper and carved a few birds but focused more on football and other interests.

He entered Clemson University intending to study architecture, but graduated in 1970 with a degree in biology.

From 1970-1972, McKoy worked and studied with the sculptor Gilbert Maggioni.

For the next 25 years, he worked at perfecting his wood sculpture, always placing his birds in the context of their natural habitat and behavior, creating compelling wildlife vignettes.

McKoy now also sculpts in bronze, and Floride markets a line of gold and silver jewelry

the May 2010 dedication, that most people are in some stage of recovery and that he hopes his sculpture will provide strength to those who see it.

McKoy was commissioned by civic leaders and supported by the city of Sumter and the Friends of Swan Lake to create the landmark work, which is likely the most photographed feature at the gardens.

The commemorative plaque at its base expresses the importance of the sculpture to McKoy and to the people of Sumter: “All of us are in recovery somewhere in our lives, as is our environment, of which Swan Lake is a unique part.” z

“All of us are in recovery somewhere in our lives, as is our environment, of which Swan Lake is a unique part.”

GRAINGER MCKOY

based on his sculptures, including his most visible work in Sumter, the huge bronze pintail duck wing that stands at the edge of the water at Swan LakeIris Gardens.

For visitors to Swan Lake, seeing all eight species of swan, other waterfowl and a variety of gardens is high on the agenda. But for many others, viewing McKoy’s sculpture is an absolute must.

Since its dedication on May 1, 2010, many people have seen the towering, 12-foot sculpture standing in a reflecting infinity pool at Swan Lake. Many marvel at McKoy’s ability to make such a large, heavy, metal sculpture seem to float in the air above the water. Surrounded by irises and other foliage, with the lake’s graceful swans swimming nearby, the sculpture is titled “Recovery,” referring to a bird’s weaker stroke and also to McKoy’s belief, as he said at

When we say “We’re on it,”

We mean it.

FirstCitizensonline.com LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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History

B Y S A M M Y WAY

Sumter, originally known as Sumterville, was named for Gen. Thomas Sumter, South Carolina Revolutionary War hero. By 1785, it had become a settlement and in 1798 was selected to receive a courthouse. According to Anne King Gregorie, on Jan. 1, 1800, “the county courts of Claremont, Clarendon and Salem were abolished, and a new circuit court unit called the Sumter District was founded.” Sumter later became the first community to install the council manager form of city government. The region has a multi-cultural ethnic make-up including Irish, German, Jewish, English, Asian and African-Americans.

The village located near the geographic center of South Carolina and became a center of trade and commerce. The community was slow to develop due to the lack of a waterway or a railroad which did not reach the area until circa 1843. The town was incorporated in 1845, establishing square boundaries with each side measuring ¾ of a mile. The name was changed to Sumter in

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1855, and the city was officially chartered in 1871.

With the center of commerce located at the intersection of Main and Liberty streets, the city could “boast of having 90 houses and a population of 840 persons” by 1850. During this era, the downtown district was comprised of some 84 structures dating back to 1828. “Twenty-one structures can definitely be dated 1880-1912; many others can tentatively be dated in this period according to architectural style. Generally, others date prior to the 1930s. Three structures can be dated prior to 1880,” according to the National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form.

Downtown Sumter was declared an historic site by the National Register of Historic Places and since 1975 has undergone numerous restoration projects. Downtown Sumter, civic groups, private entities, and the city of Sumter have undertaken numerous improvements which are returning the downtown area to its former beauty.

SUMTER LANDMARKS HELP DEFINE THE COMMUNITY

The following sites are examples of the numerous landmarks located within the city and County: Opera House/ Town Hall, originally known as the Music Academy, burned in 1892, cornerstone placed 1893, opened 1894. The building is referred to as The Opera House and is one of the most recognizable downtown landmarks. The architecture is Richardsonian Romanesque; the four-story structure has a façade of Cumberland Buff Stone with an Ashler finish laid in red cement. The structure is accentuated with a 100-foot clock tower. The interior of the building has been renovated several times and has served as a movie theater; currently the striking edifice houses our city government, and the beautiful art deco auditorium hosts plays, pageants, concerts and other cultural events.

Sumter County Courthouse, located at 127 North Main Street, was constructed in 1907. The two-story building has a

raised basement. The Historic Review notes that “the architecture is Classic Revival constructed of brick and steel with ionic columns featuring hex-style scamozzi capitals; four columns are paired in the center of the structure.”

Charles T. Mason Jr. Telephone Company was erected on South Harvin Street. Mason began construction of this large brick building in 1893, and by 1899 the company was a major southeastern manufacturing company which employed some 400 people during the height of production. The building was recently renovated and currently houses the local public transportation authority.

RURAL SUMTER

As early as 1783, prior to the establishment of the Sumter village, a small community including a post office, courthouse, taverns, race tracks and several stately homes were built at Stateburg. This area played an important role during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

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100 West College Street • Sumter, South Carolina 29150-3599 (803) 934-3200 • Fax (803) 773-8241 • Toll-Free (866) 853-1345 • www.morris.edu Morris College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees.

Contact the Comission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Morris College.

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of the L I FE I SG O O(Note: D I N SPublication UMT E R .CO MCommission’s address and contact number is designed only to enable interested constituents 1) to learn about the accreditation status of Morris College,

2) to file a third-party comment at the time of the college’s decennial review, or 3) to file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement.)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Remaining landmark homes include the following: The Ruins was the birthplace of John Mayrant and the home of Thomas Sumter, The house was also used as the Hawthorndean Seminary for Young Ladies. The house was recently privately purchased and has undergone a restoration.

Brookland Plantation, built in 1793 by Thomas Sumter, was later owned by John Bradley and Judge William B. James. It was later used as a rectory for the Church of the Holy Cross. This modified Greek Revival Structure also served as a private school for boys. The stately home resides on a beautiful vista and is currently privately owned.

The Borough House is one of the oldest homes in Sumter County. It was originally the home of Thomas Hooper and later came into the possession of the Anderson family. The home and surrounding out-buildings constitute the largest collection in the United States of pise de terre, a French and Spanish term for rammed-earth buildings. The home contains “rare books, beautiful portraits, numerous mementos, antique furniture and historic objects collected over generations.”

High Hills Baptist Church was founded in 1770 and construction on a meeting house began in 1803. The existing structure is a small, Greek Revival structure, with a white clapboard exterior, gabled roof and four “paneled” columns placed across the front. It is located on Meeting House road west of Sumter. The church was the home of the Reverend Richard Furman and continues to conduct monthly services.

SALEM BLACK RIVER COMMUNITY

Salem Black River Church was founded by Scotch-Irish settlers in 1759 on land given by Capt. David Anderson. The first brick church was constructed in 1802 and remained in use until 1846 when the present building was constructed. The bricks used to build the facility were taken from a clay pit located on the grounds.

Rip Raps Plantation received its name from James McBride “who once camped by the Rip Raps River in Virginia. He was reminded of the gurgling of the river by rain striking the roof.

The house was constructed in 1858 and the two-story clapboard house is identical in both front and back and is located on property acquired by Samuel McBride in the early 1820’s,” according to research conducted by Alyce Kozma Staff writer for The Sumter Daily Item.

Shaw Air Force Base, which opened in December of 1941, lies in Sumter. The base is home to the 20th Fighter Wing, the 9th Air Force and the 3rd Army.

The 2010 census identified the city’s population as 40,524 and serves as a major hub for business. The Sumter community possesses a rich heritage including historical homes, festivals and noted individuals. z

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Annual Events

BY IVY MOORE

Sumterites love their beach music and flock to downtown Sumter during the summer and early fall to do the state dance, the Shag, to live rhythm-and-blues and variety bands in the heart of town, where the city hosts its Downtown Friday Nights. That’s just one of the plethora of ongoing events scheduled year round in the community.

Other summer events include the Sumter County Gallery of Art’s Summer Art Camp for children and changing exhibitions, with the artists often present to talk with about their work with patrons; classic movies at the beautiful Sumter Opera House on the second Friday of each month; the annual summer reading program sponsored by the Sumter County Library, which brings entertainment and crafts to encourage children to read; Sumter Little Theatre often presents “Cabaret Nights,” live musical performances in the Broadway/ Tin Pan Alley vein, featuring popular local talents in programs outside of the the theater’s usual August through June season.

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In addition to public venues, local restaurants, churches and social clubs, such as the Woman’s Afternoon Music Club, often present special concerts. Autumn through Spring For many local cultural organizations, Sumter’s traditional performance season begins in fall, when residents’ vacations are over and nights grow a little cooler.

Just last year, Carmela Bryan started her tenure as executive director of the Sumter County Cultural Commission with a thought-provoking, comprehensive look at body art at Patriot Hall, and she followed it with a revival of the city’s weekend-long Fall for the Arts. Fall for the Arts is planned as an annual event focusing on local visual and performing artists in the fields of dance, music and theater.

The city of Sumter has a new cultural director, too, in the person of Seth Reimer. He’s concentrating on bringing many more events of all types to downtown, especially to its centerpiece and “crown jewel,” the Sumter Opera House.

Already, the auditorium hosts concerts, plays, classic

film, dance and more. The Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association books a season filled with variety.

While most performances it sponsors are musical in nature, some are dramatic and some combine music with drama. For example, singer-actor Hal Linden of Broadway, film and TV fame — he was the “Barney Miller” of the long-running series of the same — will perform at Patriot Hall on Friday, April 11, at Patriot Hall.

Also in April are Sumter’s annual Earth Day observance at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens on the third Saturday of the month, and Festival on the Avenue, which celebrates the history of the South Sumter area.

With dance, drama, music and cultural/historical presentations, Sumter’s Sankofa Connection presents its Annual Cultural Festival each April. The organization’s purpose, says founder Natalie Williams is to “promote cultural awareness and stimulate historical learning.”

May brings the area’s biggest celebration, the Sumter Iris Festival, which offers art, music, a parade, dance, crafts, food and more at the Swan Lake-Iris Gardens over the Memorial Day weekend. The setting in the gardens shows off the thousands of Japanese irises on the banks of the lake where all eight species of swan swim and raise their families. Numerous bird species also populate the gardens, and a playground attracts visiting children.

The Black Cowboy Festival in the northern part of the county is set on the first weekend of May at Greenfield Farms, where owners Mark and Sandra Myers have been spreading the history of black settlers in the Old West for close to 20 years. With a rodeo, trail and wagon rides, a functioning “old homestead,” music, games, food, comedy and historical presentations, they remind visitors of the vast contributions of black cowboys in taming the Old West. A performance by the famous Buffalo Soldiers is a centerpiece of the annual festival.

As summer fades into autumn, Sumter Green presents its Fall Feast. Dozens of local restaurants, caterers and chefs serve up their specialties to guests on the grounds of the University of South Carolina Sumter. For many, it’s the only time of the year they eat alligator, frog legs, goat and other exotic and gourmet dishes.

There’s always music, and patrons enjoy the social atmosphere.

Sumter School District sponsors National Anthem Day on or near Sept. 14 each year. A choir comprising scores of local students from local middle and high schools sing not just the “Star-Spangled Banner,” but a variety of patriotic songs and military anthems, with special recognition given to local military members and veterans.

Toward the end of September, Sumter Senior Services presents its Backyard Jamboree. It’s an old-time barbecue with live music CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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and food cooked on the grounds, and other activities, all benefiting the county’s elderly.

October offers a variety of events, among them the Sumter County Museum’s Carolina Backcountry Harvest celebration, which invites visitors to travel back to 1800 to participate in a typical autumn day as lived by our precursors. Museum staff and volunteers in authentic costume demonstrate the everyday activities of a turn of the 19th-century Carolina homestead.

The museum also presents Christmas and spring events in its homestead, with activities of those seasons highlighted. Book lovers always look forward to November, when the Friends

of the Sumter County Library present their annual used book sale. The opportunity to stock home libraries at more than reasonable prices is irresistible to readers, and funds raised benefit the library.

Sip and Stroll is the second annual fundraiser for Sumter Senior Services. Participants stroll Main Street and its arteries, stopping in at a variety of businesses that remain open late so visitors can sample wine and food, listen to good music and visit with their friends.

“Moms and dads and kids of all ages” look forward each fall to the Sumter County Fair in October, and adults stroll the historic district for the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce’s Porches of Sumter. Celebrating the Southern tradition of visiting with neighbors on the front porch, this event offers a wide variety of food and beverages, served on the front porches of several residents who live near Memorial Park, the center of the district.

Sumter’s downtown becomes a German village of sorts during Oktoberfest, when music, ethnic foods and beverages, dancing and more celebrate the fall season.

Shops on Bultman and North Guignard drives open their doors for a Sunday afternoon in November so patrons can begin making their Christmas gift selections. Merchants dress their stores to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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SUMTER COUNTY CULTURAL EVENTS DOWNTOWN Monday, January 20, 2014 - 8:30 AM 14th Anual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Walk A 3 mile walk starting and ending at USC Sumter Nettles Building (200 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150) Registration: 8:30 Thursday, January 23, 2014 - 3:30 PM Historic Preservation Design Review Saturday, February 01, 2014 - 9:30 AM Westside Christian Academy Resolution Race 5k 9:30 a.m start time at Westside Christian Academy. For more information, visit: http://wca.lifeworthlivingministries.com/ index.php.

Sunday, February 02, 2014 - 9:00 AM Sumter Enduro The Sumter Enduro Riders Motorcycle Association presents the 45th Annual Sumter Enduro! Pre-entry fee is $55; Postentry fee after January 15, 2014 is $60. NO REFUNDS! Saturday, February 15, 2014 - 7:00PM The Bellamy Brothers The Bellamy Brothers with special guest RoadTripp. General admission tickets are available for $20 and VIP Seats are Friday, March 14, 2014 - 5:00 PM SumterFest During St. Patrick’s Day weekend, enjoy an exciting arts & crafts festival in beautiful Dillon Park, in Sumter, South Carolina, featuring artists and craftsmen, business vendors, fantastic music.

Saturday, March 15, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market Saturday, March 22, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market Saturday, March 29, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market

Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market Saturday, May 03, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 8:00 AM Hot Pursuit 5k 8 a.m. start time at the Sumter YMCA. Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market Friday, May 23, 2014 - 12:00AM Sumter Iris Festival Friday, May 23, 2014 - 6:30 PM Downtown Friday Nights - Fourth Fridays

May 3 – 3:00 p.m. Dancin’ on Main May 8 – 7:00 p.m. Thomas Sumter Academy Dance Recital May 10 – 3:00 p.m.

Dreamworks Dance Recital May 15-16 – 7:00 p.m.

Ms Libby’s Dance recital May 17 – 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Ms’ Libby’s School of dance recital May 22-23 – 7:00 p.m.

Freed School of Dance recital May 29 – 8:00 p.m.

Wilson Hall Graduation Ceremony JUNE 2014 June1 – 3:00 p.m. Civic Chorale Concert

Saturday, May 24, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market

June 14 – 7:00 p.m. Caroline Mack School of Performing Arts recital

Saturday, May 31, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market

DECEMBER 2014

PATRIOT HALL Sumter County Cultural Center Events though December 31, 2014 (includes Patriot Hall, Sumter Little Theatre and the Sumter Gallery of Art).

This schedule is subject to change .

December 12-13 – 7:00 p.m.

Jingle for the Arts December 14 – 3:00 p.m. Sumter Civic Chorale Concert

JANUARY 2014

SUMTER COUNTY GALLERY OF ART 2013-2014 EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

January 16, 2014 – 6:00pm Wine Fest (sponsored by Sumter Senior Services) Patriot Hall

January 9 – February 6, 2014 The SC Watermedia Society and Sumter Artists’ Guild Winners Show

January 25 – 7:00 p.m. Sumter High School Beauty Peageant

February 13 – April 18, 2014 The Paternal Suit: Heirlooms from the F. Scott Hess Family Foundation

FEBRUARY 2014 February 21, 22, 2014 – 7:00 p.m. Tuomey / Ms. Libby’s School of Dance Showcase MARCH 2014

Saturday, April 05, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market

March 8, 2014 – 7:00 p.m.

Millwood Variety Show

Saturday, April 12, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market

March 9 – 4:00 p.m.

Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Band Concert: Bach to the future

Saturday, April 12, 2014 9:00 AM Recovery Road Race 9 a.m. start time at the Heath Pavilion next to Swan Lake Iris Gardens. For more information, visit: http://www.sumtersc. gov/recovery-road-race.aspx.

Saturday, April 19, 2014 - 8:30 AM Farmer’s Market

MAY 2014

March 23 – 4:00 p.m.

Community Concert Band Concert APRIL 2014 April 5 – 7:00 p.m. Freed Civic Dance Company April 11 – 7:30 p.m. SSCCA “Evening with Hal Linden” Concert

April 25 – June 20, 2014 Tarleton Blackwell June 26 – August 29, 2014 Sumter Artists’ Guild Show Sept 4 – October 31, 2014 November 6 – January 2, 2015 Aldwyth

SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE February 6-9 and 13-16, 2014 8: p.m. Thurs-Sat. 3:00 p.m. Sun. The Old Settler March 27-30 and April 3-6, 2014 7:30pm Thurs-Sat. 3:00 p.m. Sun. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe May 15-18 and 22-25, 2014 8: p.m. Thurs-Sat. 3:00 p.m. Sun. The 39 Steps LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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piggly wiggly Feeds your life.

SUMTER • MANNING • BISHOPVILLE

ALL PICTURES ARE OF 1455 S. GUIGNARD PKWY. LOCATION

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nines to make the Parade of Shops as festive as they can and offer delectable refreshments.

Also during the month, firefighters from stations in Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties compete in the annual Firefighters Barbecue Cook-Off. Sumter’s Poinsettia Festival encompasses a wide range of Christmas events, starting on the first Sunday of Advent, when choirs from many local concerts perform sacred music of the season at a local church.

A gift to the community from the Woman’s Afternoon Music Club, the concert is considered by many to be the start of Sumter’s sacred Christmas season.

Once the sun goes down on Dec. 1, the city’s Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake illuminates the western sky. Many thousands of lights of myriad colors drape the trees, and Christmas scenes, many of them animated, fill the gardens for those driving through to view until midnight through Christmas. On the weekends, performers from schools and local organizations entertain, and kids can talk to Santa’s elves and mail their letters to the North Pole in Santa’s Village.

From the annual Evening Optimist Christmas Parade to seasonal concerts by the Sumter Civic Chorale and the Sumter Community Concert Band, much of Sumter observes the season with live musical performances. The Sumter Civic Dance Company presents its Jingle with the Arts show in conjunction with the Sumter High School Show Choir.

Following the official lighting of the county Christmas tree, children can take A Walk with St. Nick, and they can also have Breakfast with Santa the following day. Local churches celebrate the sacred message of Christmas with a Singing Christmas Tree, A Living Nativity, a drive-through Christmas story, pageants, plays and concerts. Indeed, there’s no excuse for not getting in the spirit of the season in Sumter.

The highly anticipated Holiday House Tour is sponsored by the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter. It offers the chance to tour several private homes decorated in different styles for the holiday season. The clubs also offer a holiday tea at the Alice Boyle Garden Center on the day of the tour.

Downtown Sumter invites the public to its annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street. Guests are encouraged to dress the part like city employees, volunteers and members of local clubs, schools and more, as they celebrate Christmas Past.

In February, Miss Libby’s School of Dance and the Tuomey Foundation present the annual Sumter Arts Showcase. The always popular Broadway-style show is a major fundraiser for the foundation and also exhibits the talents of many local dancers, singers and actors. z LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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Arts

BY IVY MOORE

The arts have always played a big part in the lives of Sumter residents, and the many venues and organizations involved in visual and performing arts reflect their importance to residents.

In addition, with Sumter’s growing retiree population and business ventures, new residents have a wide selection of arts and cultural events to attend all year long.

They are also welcomed to perform with existing performing groups.

The Sumter County Cultural Center houses Patriot Hall, a large, modern auditorium where local, national and international performers have entertained and which hosts exhibitions by emerging artists; the Sumter County Gallery of Art, recognized 20 |

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as one of the state’s finest exhibition spaces, where artists love to see their work, and professional artists and educators offer classes to adults and young people throughout the year; and the Sumter Little Theatre, a respected community theater that offers comedies, dramas and musicals for adults and children, performed by an ever increasing company of talented volunteers.

Thanks to the Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association, entertainers such as Lily Pons, Virgil Fox, Harry James, Dizzy Gillespie, the London Ballet, Shirley Jones, Rise Stevens and numerous military bands and ensembles have appeared on the stages of Patriot Hall and the Sumter Opera House, the venerable center of downtown Sumter.

Both venues also host many local entertainers, such as the Sumter Community Concert Band, Sumter Civic Chorale and the Sumter Civic Dance Company, all of which perform from early fall through late spring or early summer.

The Sumter County Museum hosts exhibits on various aspects of the area’s long history and provides educational programs, such as the Carolina Backcountry Springtime, Harvest and Christmas events.

Many weddings, receptions and other events are held in the museum’s beautiful gardens, as well. And just for the fun of it, the museum sponsors a huge oyster roast in the fall and a shrimp feast in the spring.

The Sumter County Library is the site of fun and educational

programs throughout the year. It has hosted The Big Read, an exhibition on the King James Bible with many associated events, the summer reading program for children, book clubs for adults, seasonal parties for young readers and much more, over the years.

In addition, the University of South Carolina Sumter hosts entertaining and educational events in its Arts and Lecture Hall and its Nettles Auditorium. The university boasts three art galleries, the University Gallery, the Upstairs Gallery and the Umpteenth Gallery, bringing local, state, national and international artists to speak about their works during opening receptions for the public.

Morris College’s Neal-Jones Auditorium also hosts plays, lectures and musical performances for the public. z LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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YOU WON’T GO AROUND

Hungry IN SUMTER

BY KEN BELL

HAMPTONS

For those special occasions, holidays or any of those times when fine dining is desired, Hamptons, located at 4 W. Hampton Avenue is the place to go.

Open since December 2008, Hamptons offers everything from burgers or pasta to seafood or steaks.

Hamptons owner Danielle Thompson said she and her husband, Greg Thompson, wanted to create a destination restaurant to help draw people to the downtown area.

“And it has certainly been a success,” she said. “We not only have a regular Friday night local crowd, but we also have customers who come in from out of town.”

Thompson said she and her husband envision a lively downtown area and have worked to help create that atmosphere.

Thompson said all of the food served at Hamptons is prepared fresh by Executive Chef, Raffaele Dall’Erta. Dall’Erta was previously the executive sous chef for The Inn at Little Washington for

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more than 11 years. Thompson said Dall’Erta and his wife fell in love with Sumter and its people and now call Sumter home.

Something new at Hamptons is its Sunday brunch, available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

One thing many customers find surprising is how reasonable dining at Hamptons can be.

“If you want an $11 burger, we have that,” Thompson said. “Or if you prefer a steak, we also have that. It doesn’t have to be any more expensive than any other restaurant in town.”

In addition, Hamptons offers its own Bakery and Wine Market where customers will find fine wine and freshly-baked breads.

“We make all of our breads, homemade buns, ice cream, cakes and cookies,” Thompson said. “We also accept special orders and customers may shop the bakery even if they don’t dine in the restaurant.”

Hamptons also offers a catering service for special occasions.

“Our signature is that we make everything fresh; nothing is processed,” Thompson said. “When people dine at Hamptons, they can expect an exceptional meal, exceptional service and a warm atmosphere.” z

HAMPTONS 4 W. Hampton Avenue For reservations, call 774-4400 Hours: Lunch Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Dinner Wednesday through Saturday 5:30 until 9:30 p.m.

Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. until 2 pm.

Bakery and Wine Market Wednesday through Saturday Opens at 10:30 a.m.

B Y R AY T E V I A E VA N S

SUMTER CUT RATE’S SODA FOUNTAIN

One of the most well known Sumter restaurants opened in 1932…as a pharmacy and soda fountain and still operates with a down-home, 1930s-like atmosphere at 32 S. Main Street.

According to the restaurant’s website, soda fountains and snack bars were popular at pharmacies in the 1940s and 1950s. Cut Rate has kept up that tradition, offering delicious milkshakes, a popular and world renowned Chicken Salad and mouthwatering hamburgers.

“To my knowledge, we’re the oldest operating restaurant in Sumter and in the same location, and that’s something we’re proud of,” said Todd Touchberry, restaurant manager.

The restaurant and drug store is frequented by regular customers who often drop by for their Southern style breakfast and to share a cup of coffee with a friend in the morning or to indulge in a simple but delicious lunch in the afternoons. Touchberry said many of the regulars visit Cut Rate as often as three times a day and have been frequent customers since the 1960s and 1970s.

Touchberry said some of the restaurant’s popularity can be contributed to its simplicity and the concept of stepping back in time.

“We have competitive prices for what we do compared to some of the chains in the area. We don’t try to be extra fancy,” he said. “We’re right between fast food and fine dining. And people feel like

they’re stepping back in time. The counters have been here since the 1960s and they predate most of our customers.”

Other than being the “undisputed chicken salad champions of the world,” Cut Rate offers a popular Tuesday lunch special of spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad, some of the best Southern-style pork barbeque, beef brisket and what Touchberry calls a “good ole fashioned hamburger.”

With Cut Rate, you’re bound to get a good meal, great conversation and a timely-filled prescription while experiencing the likes of very different eras.

“I tell people all the time we have the highest tech and the lowest tech in the same building,” said owner Roy Flynn.

“The pharmacy is technologically updated while the soda fountain is still very traditional.” z

SUMTER CUT RATE’S SODA FOUNTAIN 32 S. Main Street (803) 773-8432 Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat.: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.sumtercutratedrugs.com

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B Y R AY T E V I A E VA N S

ANGEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

For a real taste of Mexico, one of the best options in Sumter is Angel’s Mexican Restaurant with two locations – 246 S. Pike West Road and 33 N. Main Street. Ten years ago, the four Zaragoza brothers decided to venture out on their own and start their own restaurant to serve cuisine to serve some of the best dishes from their native Mexico.

“It was started by a group of four brothers from Mexico. They were working at the other restaurant, and they decided they were ready to move out on their own,” said Becky Zaragoza, wife to one of the owners and manager of the Main Street location.

The brothers opened the first location on Pike and opened the location on Main Street five years ago – naming the restaurant after their father.

Sure you can easily get an enchilada from Taco Bell, but Zaragoza said Angel’s offers authentic Mexican dishes and a more than popular margarita.

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“I think it’s close to the most authentic Mexican food in the area. We use all fresh ingredients, and we make our own salsa,” Zaragoza said. “You simply can’t get what we make here at Taco Bell.”

Zaragoza said they try to purchase a lot of their ingredients from the local farmer’s market and also use locally grown products which sets their cuisine apart from other places.

The restaurant’s most popular order is its sincronizada, a dish that includes shredded chicken, jalapeños and cheese between two tortillas grilled on both sides with pico de gallo, avocado and a side of rice. Other popular dishes are the infamous taco salad, sweet fried burritos, burrito California and the grilled quesadilla supreme.

As if the food wasn’t enough, every Tuesday night, the Main Street location hosts Open Mic Night. Fill yourself with delicious Mexican food, perfectly crafted margaritas and test your skills right in the downtown area of Sumter. z

ANGEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 246 S. Pike West Road 33 N. Main Street Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat.: 12 p.m.-10 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

(803) 778-9770 (Pike) (803) 774-5150 (Main) www.angelsmexicanrestaurant.com

BY JADE ANDERSON

WIKKED BUFFALO WINGS

A group of Sumter men have combined their passion for their hometown and great wings.

“We grew up here, and we want to better our community by keeping money in our town,” Michael “Shane” Amore said.

“We want to keep them here instead of going to Columbia or Florence.”

He is a partner in the group that opened Wikked Buffalo Wings about two months ago.

Eddie Farmer was at a friend’s house one night cooking wings, and the buddy told him he needed to open his own restaurant. He didn’t think anything else about it until a month or so later when it became a serious offer.

Now the general manager of Wikked Buffalo Wings, he oversees about 25 employees from kitchen and bar staff to waiters and waitresses.

In business, it’s all about location. With an address of 2390 Broad St., Farmer said they are located on “restaurant row” and cater to Shaw. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s right across from Walmart, Amore said.

As the name implies, wings are the specialty.

“All our wings are jumbo,” Farmer said.

Amore bragged on their variety of flavors - 14 regular sauces and nine dry rubs as well as new weekly featured flavors.

“We play around with seasonings,” Farmer said. “Some don’t taste too well, but the really good sauces we write down.

The hard part is coming up with a name.”

Asian Kick is one of the better-selling sauces so far, and the 7-Pepper Blend is a popular dry rub, Amore said.

“We also have a salt and vinegar,” he said. “It’s kind of like the chips, but the vinegar actually penetrates the meat. It’s not just on the fried outside.”

But of course they offer more than just wings. They have a cheddar bison burger, bone-in rib eye, sandwiches, soups, salads and more.

Prices range from $4.99 for appetizers such as homemade pork rinds and onion rings or a serving of bison and beef chili to $24.99 for a 22-ounce, bone-in Angus ribeye and two sides.

Besides weekly lunch specials, discounts are offered for military, Tuomey personnel and EMS workers. Monday nights, the deal is 20 wings, boneless or bone-in for $18.99 with a pitcher of domestic beer included. Tuesday nights from 9 p.m. until close, service industry people in uniform get a 10 percent discount, and Wednesdays, wings are 60 cents apiece all day.

Besides the food, Wikked Buffalo Wings also aims to bring more entertainment to Sumter with comedians, dueling pianos and even bands. The management hopes to even get some acts on rotation, Amore said, and they are also licensed to show UFC fights. z

WIKKED BUFFALO WINGS 2390 Broad Street (803) 869-4023 Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: 11am - 2pm

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Downtown

BY JAMIE HUDSON WILSON

In the flourishing Downtown Sumter you’ll find the heartbeat of Sumter. During the day, businessmen and women, city officials and others keep the rust-colored brick sidewalk alive with activity. During the evening and weekend hours, the area switches from its primary role as central business district to a place for friends and family to gather at one of its regular events or simply to grab a bite to eat.

The success of the downtown area is the result of a concentrated effort on the City of Sumter’s behalf to see the area come alive after decades of decay. For the past 15 years, city officials carefully identified key portions of the area, working with small business owners and other governmental officials.

“It was immensely important that we provide resources to individuals and business owners,” said Downtown Manager Howie Owens.

“This is an investment that has already yielded 26 |

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fantastic results.”

Some merchants returned to the area, and a host of new businesses set up shop among the storied store fronts that line the downtown streets.

After a few short years of careful planning, Downtown Sumter was reborn.

DOWNTOWN DURING THE DAY

Located just off U.S. 76/378, Downtown Sumter boasts one of the most concentrated hubs of business activity during regular working hours. Both Sumter County and the City of Sumter’s administrative offices are located in Downtown Sumter as well as the headquarters for the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments.

Tuomey Healthcare System, one of Sumter’s largest employers, proudly calls the area home.

Downtown Sumter plays host to an array of other small businesses who have found success in their downtown location. From law offices to retail, the Downtown Sumter area is diverse in its business establishments.

Owens said as ongoing renovation continues to transform the look of the downtown, many local businesses are taking notice.

“We are constantly working to establish more businesses in the downtown,” he said. “More and more of our local business owners are finding that it’s a great place to set up shop.”

Leigh Anne Graham, co-owner of Southern Uniform and Screenprinting, recently moved her business, Southern Uniform, to a building downtown. Graham admitted she had some reservations about the relocation but quickly agreed the area was perfect for the business.

“I was blown away at how pretty it was,” she said, describing the atmosphere. “It’s all right here in the downtown.”

The move even improved her bottom line, she said.

“Our business has increased,” she said. “It’s been unreal.”

It’s not just businesses taking note of the Downtown Sumter real estate. Currently, all of the upper level housing located in the area is occupied and in high demand, Owens said.

“These residents love the feel of downtown living,” he said.

“More and more of our local business owners are finding that it’s a great place to set up shop.”

HOWIE OWENS, DOWNTOWN MANAGER

DOWNTOWN FARE

Downtown Sumter restaurants boast eating at its finest.

From lunch at the local drugstore counter at Cut Rate Drugstore to the white linen service at the four-star Hamptons restaurant, the collective menu of Downtown Sumter’s eateries offers something for every appetite. Serendipity Café and Catering, located on South Main Street, daily serves up ambiance and traditional Southern food in their two-story eatery on Main Street.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Hamptons Restaurant, Sumter’s highest rated restaurant according to UrbanSpoon.com, is also located in the heart of Sumter offering an array of original fare using fresh, local ingredients. Its flavor is distinct, what owner Danielle Thompson describes as “southern cuisine with an international flair.”

“This is our fifth year here,” she said. “We opened Hampton’s in downtown Sumter because we knew it would be the place to be.”

There is a certain momentum, Thompson added, associated with the area.

It’s the food and atmosphere that draws many to the tables at

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Serendipity Café and Catering. The menu features a daily lunch special as well as an assortment of thickly-cut, homemade cakes made fresh.

Those in the mood for more ethnic fare should try Angel’s restaurant, a popular hotspot for Mexican food aficionados located off Main Street.

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

Along with a variety of productions and performances, the historic Sumter Opera House offers its monthly classic movie nights which regularly feature classics films as well as more recent movies.

During the summer months, Downtown Sumter hosts live concerts on every fourth Friday.

Saturday morning is a great time for families at the Downtown Market, Sumter’s farmer’s market. Purveyors of locally grown fruits and vegetables take up their place in Rotary Plaza on each Saturday from June thru September at the Downtown Market alongside activies like corn hole, sidewalk chalk and face-painting. Coffee and crepes are hot and ready for that first weekend breakfast.

Sip and Stroll, the annual wine-tasting event, is one of Sumter’s most popular events and helps raise funds for Sumter Senior Services, an organization that provides services to the community’s elderly population. In joined effort, many downtown businesses host the event that allows participants to sample various wines at different stations along Main Street.

Oktoberfest on Main is a steadily growing event that features authentic German music, dancers and consumables. Particpants can join in the revelry of the featured dances, food and drink as they visit with friends and family in the outdoors event. Said Owens, “It’s a great event that our residents look forward to every year.”

Each December, thousands of Sumter residents line Main Street for the annual Christmas Parade. Churches, businesses and other local organizations come together in a mass linear

display down the downtown’s main thoroughfare all culminating in a visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself.

This heart of Sumter features something for everyone. Local officials said they are constantly scanning the horizon for new opportunities to help the downtown area thrive. It’s more than just an area, it’s a destination said Owens.

“Life is happening here,” he said. “This is the place you want to be.” z

Mac’s Place

Spirits

1415 S. GUIGNARD | SUMTER, SC NEXT TO PIGGLY WIGGLY

803-774-3201

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Parks & Recreation

BY TYLER SIMPSON

The crack of the bat, the sound of the buzzer, the squeal of a blown whistle – it all makes up the exhilaration of Sumter’s sports scene.

Whether you want to cheer for the little slugger to hit a homerun or watch your child kick the ball in the goal to win the game, Sumter offers plenty of outdoor recreational areas for families to benefit from the pleasures of outdoor sports and activities.

“Family-oriented recreation is one of Sumter’s extraordinary popularities,” said Recreation Programs and Facilities Director Susan Wild. “With a wide selection from cultural to outdoor activities, there is truly something for everyone.”

With 24 city parks, there certainly is. Several of these parks not only provide state of the art playground equipment but also walking tracks, three spray parks and a skate park for the skateboard enthusiasts.

“For many outdoor participants the interest in an active lifestyle is one of the fastest growing family-oriented activities in our nation,” Wild said. “Outdoor activities are popular among children, and for adults there can be the enjoyment of the activity or perhaps a focus on weight loss.”

Boasting three major baseball/softball field facilities along one main corridor, Sumter is a baseball town. But the one place to be around during baseball season is Riley Park, which opened in 1934 and has hosted everything from high school baseball to professional minor league baseball since its founding.

“Riley Ball Park is a treasure in its own right and a great family treat, especially when the P-15’s are playing that tra30 |

L I FE I SG O O D I N S UMT E R .CO M

ditional baseball sport we all love,” Wild said.

Home of the P-15s, Riley Ball also hosts the University of South Carolina Sumter Fire Ants as well as the Morris College Hornets.

Plenty of baseball can also be found at Dillon Park, located at 1210 Clara Louise Kellogg Drive, a six-field adult softball park that has hosted a number of community events, including celebrations and family gatherings.

But this park offers so much more for those who crave the fresh outdoor air. The park also includes three soccer fields, a football field, a one-mile track, plenty of playground equipment and a large picnic shelter. Right behind Dillon Park is the Crystal Lakes 18-hole golf course, and at the entrance is the beginning of the 6-mile Cypress Trail.

For the younger athletes, the Bobby Richardson Complex

is a park where youth can enjoy and share their love for baseball. The six-field youth complex, located at 400 Theatre Drive in Palmetto Park, was named after a Sumter native who played for the New York Yankees from 1955 through 1966. It features ample parking, an observation tower concessions and adjacent picnic facilities, making it an ideal location for the community and families enjoy watching the future of baseball.

The county’s most recent baseball/softball complex is Patriot Park Sportsplex, located at 3440 Declaration Drive. Opened in 2009, the athletic facility was built as if completely for tournament play with five baseball and softball as well as six softball fields. For baseball fans, the facility features an observation tower and a fan-friendly covered spectator area.

For the tennis enthusiast, the Palmetto Tennis Center is a major hot spot. All 24 of the state-of-the-art tennis courts are night-lit and available for regular play free of charge. Located at 400 Theatre Drive, The Palmetto Tennis Center offers 24 stateof-the-art night lit courts complete with its own pro shop.

The Palmetto Tennis Center has hosted many competitions and tournaments. In fact, it hosted more than twelve tournaments in 2013. The PTC was host to a women’s pro, two national and two regional tournaments as well as other South Carolina events.

“Tennis in the south is a year-round sport,” Wild said. “The annual return of these event and tremendous success of the Performance Training Center, the youth program, are because of the quality facility and professional staff.”

For people interested in tennis, the facility employs three tennis professionals who regularly hold group clinics and private lessons.

For those who enjoy competitive swim teams as well as families in search of a hot weather reprieve, the Sumter Aquatics Center offers seasonal water activities. Home of the TriSumter annual Triathlon, the Sumter Aquatics Center also hosts area swim teams. A water slide, fountain and wading pool are favorites among young and old alike.

The Aquatics Center, located at 1115 Layayette Drive and opened in August of 2003, also plays host to the TriSumter Triathlon, which has been going on for three years. Since its founding, the triathlon has attracted not just athletes from across South Carolina, but from out-of-state as well. In fact, approximately twenty to twenty-five percent of participants are from the surrounding states like Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Every year, the triathlon continues to attract more and more runners register from further states like Florida, Maryland and Washington D.C. “The TriSumter’s success, I believe, is the uniqueness of the event,” Wild said. “This triathlon is not competing with the other triathlons but in fact is focused on the growth of one of the fastest growing outdoor activities.”

So again, whether one has an interest in soccer, baseball or just simply finding something to do outdoors, Sumter has something for everyone. z

SUMTER COUNTY RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 1, 2014

ANNUAL KITE FLYING CONTEST TIME: Noon LOCATION: Dillon Park

APRIL 12, 2014

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT TIME: Noon LOCATION: Swan Lake Gardens

APRIL 28 - MAY 1, 2014

SENIOR FITNESS GAMES

(OPEN TO ANY INDIVIDUAL AGE 50+) TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: Sumter County Recreation Department

MAY 2, 2014

SENIOR FITNESS GAMES AWARD BANQUET & PROM

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Sumter County Recreation Department

JUNE 9 - JULY 18, 2014

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

TIME: Varies By Location LOCATION: Various Locations in Sumter County

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Sports in Sumter

BY DENNIS BRUNSON

The city of Sumter and Sumter County offers all kinds of athletic opportunities for children and adults alike, the youth programs have a history of success, there are great facilities and the teams at the local high schools have been successful as well.

The facilities for baseball, softball, soccer and tennis that Sumter possesses are some of the best in the state of South Carolina and most of them have been bullt in the last 10 years.

Patriot Park SportsPlex is a sprawling facility that has fields for baseball, softball and soccer. There are youth tournaments in each of the sports held at the facility throughout the year.

Along with the beautiful fields, the facility is very fan friendly with lots of cover from the sun during those hot summer days while still being able to view the games.

Bobby Richardson Sports Complex at Palmetto Park is an older facility that was remodeled at the time Patriot Park was being built, and it too plays host to a slew of weekend baseball and sofball tournaments throughout the year.

In 2009, to open Patriot Park and the refurbished Richardson Sports Complex, Sumter played host to each of the five age groups of the Dixie Softball World Series. That was the first time each of the age groups had been hosted in the same city. Around 650 young ladies participated and 110 games were played in a 5-day period.

Dillon Park is another facility that offers softball fields, a football field for youth games, a long walking and biking track and Crystal Lakes Golf Course, a public course.

Each of the facilities are located directly off of Wise Drive within four miles of each other.

Palmetto Tennis Center, also located right off of Wise Drive, is truly one of the top tennis facilities in the Southeast. It plays host to numerous youth and adult tournaments throughout the year and is used by several of the local high school teams.

It also plays host to the Palmetto Pro Open, an event for young professional women players trying to make their ways 32 |

L I FE I SG O O D I N S UMT E R .CO M

up the world rankings, Through the years, several players who have participated in the PPO are starting to make splashes in the majors, the most noteworthy being Sloane Stephens.

Palmetto Tennis Center also hosts the Confererence Carolinas -- an NCAA Divsion II athletic conference -- men’s and women’s tournaments as well as other collegiate events.

The Sumter County Recreation Deparment has youth leagues for baseball, softball, soccer, football and cheerleading. The participation rate in each of the programs is tremendous.

The baseball and softball programs have produced several Dixie World Series champions in the last decade. The basketball and football programs also have the opportunites to play for state titles.

The recreation department also offers adult softball leagues.

The YMCA of Sumter offers its long-running Church Basketball League for children, and the YMCA also has all kinds of programs for adults and children alike. It is one of the top YMCAs in the state, if not the Southeast.

Sumter also has Riley Park, a baseball-only facility that is home of the Sumter American Legion P-15’s, the University of South Carolina Sumter Fire Ants and the Morris College Hornets basball teams. While the park has been located on

Church Street since 1934, it has been recently renovated and is a top-notch facility.

The Sumter American Legion program is the longest continuing running program in the country, the best in the state and one of the best in the Southeast. The P-15’s have won a pair of Southeast Regional titles in the past decade that earned them trips to the American Legion World Series.

USC Sumter offers softball as well and is a member of Region X in the National Junior College Athletic Association. Morris is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member and fields teams in men’s and women’s basketball, softball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s track and field.

As far as high school athletics, Sumter High School is one of the largest high schools in the state and offers a wide variety of sports. Its football team just played for the 4A Division I state title and its boys basketball team played in the 4A lower state championship game last season. It also has one of the top baseball programs in the state, winning two state titles in the last eight years.

Crestwood and Lakewood, also high schools in the Sumter School District, have outstanding athletic programs as well.

Crestwood’s football team just won the Region VI-3A title and its girls basketball team played for the 3A lower state title last season.

Wilson Hall and Thomas Sumter are private schools in Sumter County who participate in the South Carolina Independent School Association. Wilson Hall’s football team just won the 3A state title, its softball team won last year’s state title and its baseball team played for the state title.

TSA has won a 2A state title in football and girls basketball in the past decade. Both schools offer several sports and are competitive in all of them. z

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Sumter School District

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS ENROLLMENT Preschool through 12..................................... 16,638 Black................................................................... 62% White.................................................................. 32% Hispanic................................................................ 3% Asian/Pacific ........................................................ 1% Othe..................................................................... 2%

NUMBER OF SCHOOLS Elementary.............................................................16 Middle......................................................................7 High..........................................................................3 Alternative................................................................1 Early Head Start.......................................................1 Career Center...........................................................1 Adult Education.......................................................1

CLINIC FLOOR HOURS Tue - Wed: 1 – 5 p.m.

Thu - Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

CLIENTS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS OR COME AS A “WALK-IN”

Clinic Floor Services LET OUR AWARD WINNING STUDENTS GIVE YOU QUALITY SERVICES AT REDUCED RATES!

921 Carolina Avenue • Sumter, SC www.SumterBeautyCollege.com

(803) 773-7311

FULL SERVICE CLINIC - SAME AS SALON SERVICES, BUT LESS EXPENSIVE

ALL SERVICES ARE PERFORMED BY STUDENTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF LICENSED INSTRUCTORS. NATIONALLY ACCREDITED BY COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION

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SUMTER SUPERLATIVES • Accredited as a Quality School System by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Council on Accreditation and School Improvement

• National and state recognition for academic, fine arts, and athletic programs

• 79 National Board Certified teachers

• Comprehensive guidance

• Advanced Placement courses in English composition, calculus, and art

• Half and full day four-year old preschool program

• Dual Credit Courses with USC Sumter and CCTC

• Full-day kindergarten

• Adult Education program

• Early Head Start (6 weeks to 36 months old)

• School psychologists and social workers

• Graduation rate above the state average

• Air Force Junior ROTC at all high schools

• Alternative programs for at-risk youth

• Drop-out rate below the state average

• Special education (EMD, TMD, LD, ED, VH, OD, HH, and speech correction)

• Before and after school and summer child care programs

• Career and Technology Education (CATE) in the middle and high schools, in addition to programs offered at the Sumter County Career Center

• Community partnerships

• Palmetto Gold and Silver Award recipients • Over $28 million awarded in merit based scholarships to high school seniors

• 95% employee retention rate • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program at Sumter High School and IB Middle Years Programme at Bates Middle

• Extensive offerings for extracurricular and fine arts programs

• Environmental centers located at all three high schools • Talented and Gifted program in all district schools

• Service learning • State of the art facilities • Intra-District Transfer program

Your hometown construction material supplier since 1963 5378 BROAD STREET • SUMTER, SC 29151 • 803-494-2694

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PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 1345 Wilson Hall Rd, Sumter, 469-6900 ACADEMIC LEARNING CENTER 220 Hasel St., Sumter, 773-6362 ALICE DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 251 Alice Dr., Sumter, 775-0857 ALICE DRIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL 40 Miller Rd., Sumter, 775-0821 BATES MIDDLE SCHOOL 715 Estate St., Sumter, 775-0711 BREWINGTON ACADEMY 4300 E. Brewington Rd, Sumter, 495- 8069 CHERRYVALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1420 Furman Dr., Sumter, 494-8200

POCALLA SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2060 Bethel Church Rd., Sumter 481-5800

FURMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL 3400 Bethel Church Rd., Sumter, 481-8519

RAFTING CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4100 Hwy. 261 N., Rembert, 432-2994

HIGH HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4971 Frierson Rd., Shaw AFB, 499-3327

R.E. DAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 345 Eastern School Rd., Sumter 495-3247

HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL 4355 Peach Orchard Rd., Dalzell, 499-3341 KINGSBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 825 Kingsbury Dr., Sumter, 775-6244 LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 350 Old Manning Rd., Sumter 506-2700 or 506-2704

SHAW HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5121 Frierson Rd., Shaw AFB , 666-2335 SUMTER CAREER READINESS SYSTEM 2612 McCray’s Mill Rd., Sumter, 481-8575

LEMIRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 952 Fulton St., Sumter, 775-0658

SUMTER HIGH SCHOOL 2580 McCray’s Mill Rd., Sumter, 481-4480

CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 2000 Oswego Rd., Sumter, 469-6200

MANCHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 200 Clark St., Pinewood, 452-5454

SUMTER COUNTY ADULT EDUCATION 905 N. Main St. Sumter, 778-6432

CROSSWELL DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 301 Crosswell Dr., Sumter, 775-0679

MAYEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL 4300 E. Brewington Rd., Sumter 495-8014

WILDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 975 S. Main Street, Sumter, 773-5723

CROSSWELL PARK EARLY Childhood Center 475 Crosswell Dr., Sumter, 774-5900

MILLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 24 Pinewood Rd., Sumter, 775-0648

CHESTNUT OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL 1200 Oswego Rd., Sumter, 775-7272

EBENEZER MIDDLE SCHOOL 3440 Ebenezer Rd., Sumter , 469-8571

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F.J. DELAINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5355 Cain Savannah Rd., Wedgefield 494-2661

L I FE I SG O O D I N S UMT E R .CO M

OAKLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL 5415 Oakland Dr., Sumter, 499-3366

WILLOW DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 26 Willow Dr., Sumter, 773-5796

PRIVATE SCHOOLS ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 8 11 S. Magnolia St., Sumter 775-3632 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL 15 School St., Sumter, 773-0210

SUMTER ACADEMY 22 Council St., Sumter, 775-7699 SUMTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 420 S. Pike W., Sumter, 773-1902 THOMAS SUMTER ACADEMY 5265 Camden Hwy, Rembert 499-3378

WESTSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 554 Pinewood Rd., 774-4406 WILSON HALL 520 Wilson Hall Rd. Sumter 469-3475

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES CENTRAL CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE 778-1961 EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY 666-7401 MORRIS COLLEGE 934-3200

SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY 666-3221 TROY STATE UNIVERSITY Sumter Campus 773-0025 Shaw Campus 666-3313 UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX 1001 Pinnacle Point Dr. (843) 476-5901

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA Sumter 775-6341 WEBSTER UNIVERSITY (803) 666-2254

LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

37

CARING, CONNECTING, COMMUNICATING:

The three C’s THAT MAKE THE SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL

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BY KEN BELL

While most people think of the three R’s—reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic—when they think of getting a solid education, Dr. Frank Baker, superintendent of the Sumter School District thinks instead of what he calls the three C’s.

“It stands for Caring, Connecting and Communicating,” he said.

He said the idea came to him during the summer.

“I was just analyzing where we were as a district and what I needed to do to help bring us back into focus,” Baker said.

“So the Caring component is to let everyone—and not just students, parents, teachers and administrators—but also business and industry leaders know that we care. We cannot be effective unless we show we care about the students and everybody in between. I’m driven by a family philosophy. We want to be a viable part of this community. If the community needs our facilities, we are here for them.”

In working on the connection part of his equation, Baker said he doesn’t wait for other to come to him but strives to be pro-active.

He recently had a conversation with Grier Blackwelder, president of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce.

“I talked with him about things we could do with the chamber,” Baker said. “We

need to know what we, as a school district, need to do to help provide businesses with a qualified employee. A lot of students go into the military or go to college, but some might choose to go directly into the workforce. Connecting is like connecting to all stakeholders in the community—not only parents of students but every taxpayer. The community supports us with tax dollars.

We’re going to have to give something back.”

Baker said the role of the school district must change with the times and has changed drastically in the past decade.

“Social media is very powerful today, especially with the military community,” he said. “We receive emails from people wanting information about our schools.

And our message is very powerful. It’s extremely important to have a quality school district. If you are trying to attract a business here schools are often one of the first things they look at.

“When that student graduates we want that student to be able to further their career,” he said. “We want them to be productive in our community. They do become taxpayers and they might hold political office. So it’s important that we give the best education available.”

And Baker said that’s where the importance of hiring good employees makes a difference.

“We have fantastic educators and teach-

ers,” he said. “You won’t find a better group of people.”

And Baker said it’s not just the teachers.

“Every employee of this district is dedicated to providing the best education possible. These are good people.

We’re like a big family,” he said.

Baker said hiring good employees in tantamount to providing a quality education.

“Our district employees are all ambassadors of goodwill,” he said. “We hold them to high standards and like-

wise, they do the same with us.”

Baker said he only knows of one shortfall with the Sumter School District: We don’t have enough teachers.

We have “79 nationally board certified teachers. That’s eight more than we had a year ago. But we still have openings.”

Baker also wants to parents, teachers, district employees and any other interested person to know he is reachable.

“That’s the next area: communication,” he said. “I have an open-door policy. My door is only closed if the person I’m talking with requests it. I try to schedule appointments as quickly as possible. I also make it a priority to answer any phone calls as soon as possible.

The Sumter School District tries hard to be an asset to the community. And as long as we all remember Dr. Baker’s “Three C’s” philosophy, it appears it will continue to be one for many years to come. z

One good turn deserves another In hospitals, factories and war zones around the world, critical components turn on Kaydon bearings made in South Carolina.

The outstanding employees at our three Sumter plants have been putting quality first for 35 years.

And Kaydon in turn has invested millions of dollars to build and support this great workforce — $36 million in the past five years alone.

We invest in Sumter in other ways, too, like the United Way, American Heart Association and other community activities. We’re proud to be in South Carolina, where in life, as in bearings, one good turn deserves another.

Kaydon Bearings 925 Corporate Circle Sumter, SC 29154 803.481.4410 tel bearings@kaydon.com www.kaydonbearings.com LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

39

Central Carolina Technical College Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) is a comprehensive, public, twoyear institution of higher education that is dedicated to fostering a positive environment of teaching and learning for faculty, staff, and students.

The College serves primarily the region of Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw and Sumter counties in South Carolina and confers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Central Carolina students have a wide array of programs and services from which to choose.

Its online programming and cooperative agreements with other colleges and universities provide students with exceptional opportunities coupled with our more traditional learning opportunities.

Central Carolina students have a wide array of programs and services from which to choose. Our online programming and cooperative agreements with other colleges and universities provide students with exceptional opportunities coupled with our more traditional learning opportunities.

Communities and businesses count on our college for responsive, customized training and education. Still, we keep asking “What do you need?” and “How can we make it happen?” As your regional resource for training and education, we’re committed to abundant learning, creativity, diversity and global readiness.

Imagine being part of the big picture.

Central Carolina can take you there. In ac40 |

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cordance with our mission, the College is designed to ensure all interested students in the Sumter, Lee, Clarendon and Kershaw areas are given the opportunity to experience higher education. Our vision and values emphasize excellence, integrity and innovation. The history of the College is centered around the success of our students in conjunction with the growth of the communities we serve.

“There have been many changes over the past six years, said CCTC President Dr. Tim Hardee, who is in his sixth year at the helm.

“One huge change for the college is that our enrollment is up from 2,900 students then to about 4,400 today. Some of that is because we’ve developed K-12 partners. More students are coming from our four-county area, Sumter, Lee, Clarendon and Kershaw. The types of programs we offer lend themselves to employment after training: nursing, welding, etc. And a lot has been the re-training of older workers. But one of the biggest reasons for our growth has been the tremendous growth in the four-county region during the last few years.

We partnered with Shaw and the Third Army and just opened a Veteran’s Resource Center at our main campus, complete with computers, a place to meet. We place a huge emphasis on our military community.

Hardee said times have changed since the old days of manufacturing. “Back then, you might have one person doing the electrical

CENTRAL CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE MAIN CAMPUS

508 N. Guignard Drive 803-778-1961 Web site: www.cctech.edu

BASE EDUCATION OFFICE Bldg 800 Shaw Air Force Base 803-666-2422

SHAW CENTER

2140 Peach Orchard Road Sumter 803-499-4171

HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER 100 S. Main St. Sumter 803-774-3334

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CENTER 735 W. Brewington Road Sumter 803-469-2350

FE DUBOSE CAREER CENTER 3351 Sumter Highway Manning 803-473-2531

LEE COUNTY CAMPUS 200 N. Main St. Bishopville 803-483-2282

KERSHAW DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 1125 Little Street Camden 803-425-8388

CCTC also has a Camden Campus located just off of I-20 at Exit 98, at the intersection with US 521, on Century Road. Call the Kershaw Downtown Campus for more information.

and another one doing mechanical work to keep a machine running. Today, it’s more likely that you have one person taking care of the electrical, electronic and robotic mechanics to keep a million-dollar machine operational.”

To help provide a qualified local workforce, CCTC is now offering a course in mechatronics. “The term comes from a combination of electronics, electrical and robotics,” Hardee said. “We have had students take this course and land jobs at Continental Tire, BD, Caterpillar, Easton and Coca-Cola. Manufacturing has changed as a career. Today it’s more high skilled instead of manual labor. Employers are looking for technologically savvy workers.”

Hardee said the school is making good use of the former Wal-Mart location on Broad Street. “It is called the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center. A portion of that $12 million investment will be for training the 1,600 employees at the new Continental Tire

Manufacturing Center. A second part will allow us to go from 75-100 students in the mechatronics program to 150 or more. We will also add engineering graphics and a machine tool course.

“The manufacturers need qualified employees,” Hardee said. “We want to try to make sure those jobs go to local residents.

To be able to do that, we’ve got to train them.”

Hardee said another huge asset has been the Health Sciences Center.

“We were successful because the city partnered with us. They bought the property—the entire city block—and donated it to the college. The city likes the idea of having 400-500 students downtown every day and we liked having our nursing students close to Tuomey.”

Central Carolina’s programs in nursing, engineering graphics technology and mechatronics offer its students almost immediate employment following graduation.

The engineering graphics Technology

“One huge change for the college is that our enrollment is up from 2,900 students then to about 4,400 today” DR. TIM HARDEE, CCTC PRESIDENT

course is also growing rapidly, Hardee said.

“Students in this course learn the art and science of creating technical drawings and plans for buildings, bridges, highways and machinery,” he said.

“Graduates are today’s 21st century drafters. Now their tools include computers and highly specialized software.

Career opportunities include engineering technicians, drafters and CAD technicians.” z

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SUMTER OFFERS EXCELLENT

Higher Education OPPORTUNITIES

BY KEN BELL

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT SUMTER

The University of South Carolina at Sumter campus offers a full range of programs from associate degrees through a variety of graduate offerings. The bachelor’s degree offerings in business administration, elementary education, early childhood education, liberal studies and organizational leadership meet the educational needs of most students without having to leave Sumter. A wide range of transfer programs is also available into undergraduate programs such as accounting, engineering, pharmacy, liberal arts, biology, computer science, criminal justice, media arts without loss of any credit.

All of the programs feature small classes and a close working relation with faculty members nearly all of whom hold the highest degrees available in their fields.

CONTINUING EDUCATION The Continuing Education Division serves the University of South Carolina Sumter’s commitment to lifelong learning through the development

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and delivery of personal enrichment and professional development programs that enable the University to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

You may contact this office by calling (803) 938-3795 or (803) 938-3793 or contact the director.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE OFFICE To better serve the Shaw Air Force Base community, USC Sumter operates a student services office in the Base Education Center. Services there include information and referral for all customers regarding USC system services. Due to limited staffing, admissions processing, placement testing, counseling, academic advisement, course registration, and tuition processing is available only for active duty undergraduate students.

In addition to the full schedule of day and night classes conducted on the Sumter campus, which is just 20 minutes from the base, USC Sumter also offers five eight-week semesters on Shaw AFB. CAMPUS ART GALLERIES USC Sumter has five art galleries that are open to the public.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT SUMTER 200 Miller Road Sumter 803-775-8727 www.uscsumter.edu

SC CENTER FOR ORAL NARRATION The SC Center for Oral Narration was officially established as a Center by the Commission of Higher Education in 1999. Presently housed in Arts and Letters, the Center serves to document, preserve and present oral traditions.

Its humble, yet growing collection of publications and documentations is housed in the Center and USC Sumter’s Anderson Library; resources are available to researchers and lovers of oral traditions.

Regular programming sponsored by the Center includes the following: Celebration of the Spoken Word: Fall Storytelling, The Annual Jack Doyle Storytelling Festival, The Spoken Word Series: Poetry and Drama, Reader’s Theatre, and A Scholars’ Tea.

MORRIS COLLEGE

Morris College is a historically black, coeducational, liberal arts college, operated by the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. The College is committed to promoting the intellectual and personal development of every one of its students.

The mission of Morris College is to produce graduates who can pursue useful and productive careers and in so doing enhance their own lives and the society in which they take their places. That mission is being successfully implemented by the thousands of Morris College graduates throughout the nation who are continually making significant contributions.

Thousands of young people who might never have been able to pursue college academic programs have looked to Morris College, which has maintained a traditional policy of admitting those who have the potential to do college work. We are commit-

ted to helping every student realize his or her potential through individual attention, and our modest cost combined with a strong program of financial aid to offer exciting opportunities for personal advancement.

Our diverse program of student activities combined with the college’s traditional Christian environment help our students to become mature individuals.

Morris College is primarily a student-centered institution which seeks to fulfill this mission by • Evaluating the academic performance of students to ensure competence in communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and the use of information technology.

• Emphasizing a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences.

• Emphasizing specific professional and technical skills necessary to meet societal demands.

• Emphasizing total development of the student for responsible citizen-

MORRIS COLLEGE 100 West College Street Sumter, South Carolina 29150-3599 (803) 934-3200 www.morris.edu

ship in a global society.

This student-centered commitment embraces the College’s motto, “Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve.” z

LOCAL COLLEGES Embry Riddle Aeronautical Saint Leo Troy State University University of Phoenix Webster University SEE PAGE 33 FOR COMPLETE LISTING AND CONTACT INFORMATION

• Use your creative skills!

• Endless Possibilities!

• Great Future Earning Potential!

• Prepare for virtually 0% Unemployment rate • Small classes – lots of personalized instruction CLASSES BEGIN EVERY MONTH EXCEPT JULY AND DECEMBER

Start your career today!

CALL (803) 773-7311 TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE IN ADMISSIONS TODAY! 921 Carolina Avenue, Sumter, SC • (803) 773-7311 www.SumterBeautyCollege.com Tues. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Sat. 8:30 - 3:00 p.m.

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED BY COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION

Financial aid is available for those that qualify. We participate in the Pell Grant and SEOG grant programs – this money does not have to be repaid. We also accept VA and Voc Rehab and have flexible monthly payment plans.

LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

43

BIG THINGS REQUIRE BIG PACKAGES

The I-95 Mega Site

BY RICK FARMER, SCCED

It’s big. Huge. And it could be the big key to improving the entire region’s economic future.

The I-95 Mega Site – a multi-county regional partnership between Sumter, Clarendon, Lee and Williamsburg counties – is a massive 1,400-acre industrial property off I-95 at Exit 132, just 12 miles southeast of the City of Sumter. But it’s not an industrial park, per se. The I-95 Mega Site is designed to someday be the home of a single major new employer. Think BMW. Think Boeing. Think something so big it radically reshapes the economy of our entire region.

“We’ve all seen what a major new project can do for our area,” said Sumter Economic Development President/ CEO Jay Schwedler. “But we still want to see what a mega project can do for our entire region.”

Schwedler said he has seen massive new investments, like the Boeing facility in North Charleston, pass on Sumter due to the lack of such a site. But that was before regional leaders created the I-95 Mega Site.

“The I-95 Mega Site gets us in a game that we previously watched from the sidelines,” he said. “And we know from past experience that we can win the big projects if we have the chance to compete. Well, you can’t win if you can’t compete, and you can’t compete for mega projects without a mega site.”

Schwedler said there are numerous things about the I-95 Mega Site that make it attractive for industry, from two miles of I-95 frontage, to available water and sewer, to 70-mile proximity to the Ports of Charleston, to a work44 |

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“The I-95 MegaSite helps us compete on a whole new level, a level most communities simply can’t reach.”

J AY S C H W E D L E R , SUMTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESIDENT/CEO

force nearly 200,000 strong within a half-hour drive. The only true megasite east of I-95, the I-95 Mega Site is shovel ready and certified to state industrial standards. All the necessary due diligence like protected species reports and environmental studies are complete and on file.

“Any community can find a company 25 or 50 acres of land. Some can even come up with 500 acres. But very few communities can honestly tell an industrial development prospect that they have 1,000-plus acres of shovel-ready, certified industrial site ready for their investment,” Schwedler said. “The I-95 MegaSite helps us compete on a whole new level, a level most communities simply can’t reach.”

While cautioning that industrial sites sometimes sit vacant and waiting for years before investment comes along, Schwedler said it will ultimately happen.

“And when it does, it’ll be big,” he said.

Rick Farmer is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer and Sumter Economic Development’s Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives. z

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LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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SUMTER’S

Metal Industry

BY JAMIE HUDSON WILSON

With one out of three manufacturing jobs focused in the local metal-working industry, Sumter has established itself as progressive international force in the industry.

Roughly 2,600 skilled workers make up the landscape of the community’s metal fabrication and production industry, producing everything from metal battery trays at Sumter Metal Works to safe enclosures at Porter’s Fabrication.

The success of the local metal-working industry is due, in large part, to the community’s commitment to its metal-working cluster. For several decades, public and private officials – through the efforts of the Sumter Economic Development -- have worked to ensure Sumter remains one of the state’s main destinations for metal companies by providing the necessary infrastructure for a company’s success.

“Sumter has a very business-friendly environment. The partnerships between business and local government and economic development organizations make the decision to establish a manufacturing footprint in Sumter, or in our case, to grow existing manufacturing capacity in Sumter, an easy choice,” said Randy Bodie, former plant manager of Kaydon Corporation, one of Sumter’s largest metal companies.

As an advocate for the local metal working cluster, the Sumter Economic Development has set its aims at protecting, maintain46 |

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ing and providing for the future success of local companies, said Jay Schwedler, president and CEO of the organization.

“We have had a long history of metal-working here in Sumter,” said Schwedler. “We have been transitioning into a center of modern metal working over the past decades.”

As one of economic officials target industries, Schwedler said, the local metal-working industry provides not only jobs for local workers but also the prospect of future growth within the local industry.

“We are a very attractive location for companies within the metal industry sector because we have the infrastructure, tools, and resources in place to promote growth within that industry,” Schwedler said. “Companies can be profitable because of that background.”

The hard work has paid off as exampled by recent expansions in local companies. In a time when most economies struggled to break free of the recent recession, many of Sumter’s local metal-working companies announced expansions.

The local Caterpillar plant recently underwent an extensive expansion to their plain, doubling its workforce and nearly tripling its physical footprint. The hydraulic parts manufacturer is one of the most important companies in Sumter, supplying essential parts to one of the most trusted brands in heavy equipment.

Porter’s Fabrication announced in that it would add 60 jobs to its daily operations, increasing its workforce and investing a $2.5

capital investment. The fabrication company currently provides a living for more than 140 people and is another asset to the local economy said Dennis Fraley, plant manager.

“There are a wide range of metal working related companies in Sumter that push money and investment back into the community,” he said.

Local education officials have taken notice of the industries success and provided academic programs to further educate and equip local metal-working prospective employees. Central Carolina Technical College has been an essential part of the education of the metal-working industry with their welding and other metallurgy education programs. In 2014, the college will open its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center which will house the college’s mechatronics program. Officials said the facility its production of a skilled labor force will only increase the community’s viability in the industry.

George Kosinski, director of existing Industry and business development said a skilled labor force is key to the future success of the industry.

“Central Carolina Technical College is doing the right thing,” said Kosinski. ““They are a big part of our community.”

Bodie said it’s the labor force that makes the metal-working industry great.

“The presence of top-notch learning institutions that listen to

ICS

business and calibrate course curriculum to support industry needs, also enable long-term workforce viability to metal-working companies considering growing in Sumter,” said Bodie.

Kosinski said the strides Sumter has made to protect the local metal industry are paralleled by few other communities.

“We have the workforce to support such industries in Sumter,” he said. “We are always looking for a way to move forward.” z

$30,000 average annual salary $79.4 million direct payroll Annual Economic Impact – $103.7 million Every dollar spent on metal working industry yields $30 return for Sumter community 90 percent of metal-working jobs held by Sumter County residents.

INDUCTION COIL SPECIALIST, INC.

2650 Warehouse Boulevard • Sumter, South Carolina 29150-8603 Phone (803) 481-0411

Machine Shop and Induction Coil Repair Services In addition to a complete induction coil design and repair service, ICS provides a complete machine shop service. Offering CNC precision machining for tooling, jigs, fixtures, replacement machine parts, and small production runs. At ICS, customer satisfaction is our number one priority.

ENERSYS - SUMTER METALS DIVISION 1990 Corporate Way • Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 481-4786

LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

47

WHY SUMTER?

Continental Tire OFFICIAL EXPLAINS

BY RICK FARMER

It made international headlines when Continental Tire The Americas chose Sumter as the site of its newest North American manufacturing facility. The project was big. The biggest this mid-sized southern community has ever seen.

But why Sumter when the German tire maker could have chosen any one of hundreds of locations across North America?

The Continental executive who led the site selection effort, and now runs the local plant, says the Sumter decision began with a prepared, forward-thinking community, a supportive state that takes economic development seriously, and local Sumter officials who made it all happen.

“From the very beginning, the City and County of Sumter and the Sumter Development Board proved their capacity to anticipate and fulfill the needs of our facility,” said Craig Baartman, Plant Manager for the new facility. “Local officials had already begun securing the necessary infrastructure on this site before Continental even announced Sumter as its newest greenfield location.”

What Baartman refers to is a local option sales tax approved

by Sumter County voters in 2008. The “Penny for Progress” is currently generating about $75 million to fund projects in 16 different categories. Among these is economic development. The 48 |

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extra penny funds $16 million in job creation projects, including $2 million to improve water access surrounding the Continental site to industrial capacity, and install new sewer lines capable of handling large volumes of effluent.

“Why would a company invest in your community if your community won’t invest in itself?” asked Greg A. Thompson, chairman of the Sumter Development Board. “The competition for projects like this is fierce. Only communities ready for growth will win. Continental choosing Sumter shows we are ready for their investment, and willing to make our own smart investments to make the project work.”

Baartman also praised the local workforce, which was ready, willing and able to accept the Continental challenge.

“We have been extremely pleased with the quality of local candidates who have joined our team,” he said. “We owe this to our strong partnership with (South Carolina’s workforce development program) readySC and Central Carolina Technical College.”

Continental’s $534 million, 1,700-job project broke ground

in January of 2012. Thanks to good weather, excellent contractors and a supportive community willing to fast track construction and permitting, the massive 1 million square foot facility came online in November of 2013, well ahead of schedule.

“I think it speaks volumes to the commitment of our team and the support from Sumter that we are already producing tires for the market. We are three months ahead of our original plan, which gives us even more time to focus on quality and perfecting our processes to roll out tires our families will ride on.”

Baartman said Sumter and the state of South Carolina are serious about positive growth, and that’s the kind of community it wanted to be in.

“The state of South Carolina is extremely supportive of fostering economic growth, and Sumter has absolutely matched this fervor on the local level,” he said. “We felt then, and still feel completely confident now in choosing Sumter for Continental.”

“The state of South Carolina is extremely supportive of fostering economic growth...”

CRAIG BAARTMAN

Rick Farmer is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer and Sumter Economic Development’s Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives. z

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Banks & Financial Institutions ALLSOUTH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 1045 Broad Street Sumter, SC (803) 774-6800 BANK OF CLARENDON 235 W. Wesmark Blvd.

Sumter, SC (803) 469-0156 BB&T 1099 Broad Street Sumter, SC (803) 778-0953 216 N. Main Street Sumter, SC (803) 77-9323 498 N. Guignard Drive Sumter, SC (803) 773-1956 THE CITIZENS BANK 1225 Alice Drive Sumter, SC (803) 469-2626 FIRST CITIZENS BANK 201 N. Washington Street Sumter, SC (803) 775-1225 1135 W. Liberty Street Sumter, SC (803) 938-9124 683 Bultman Drive Sumter, SC (803) 775-7701 50 |

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NBSC 1175 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC (803) 469-1450

WELLS FARGO 4 N. Washington Street Sumter, SC (803) 778-7710

1 Broad Street Sumter, SC (803) 778-8263

1119 Broad Street Sumter, SC (803) 778-7702

497 N. Guignard Drive Sumter SC (803) 778-8572

530 Exchange Street Shaw AFB SC (803) 778-4902

SAFE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 170 W. Wesmark Blvd.

Sumter, SC (803) 469-8600 65 Oswego Road Sumter, SC (803) 938-8613 1970 McCrays Mill Rd. Sumter, SC (803) 775-4049 522 Exchange Street Shaw AFB SC (803) 469-6900 1855 Lewis Road Sumter SC (803) 469-6900 SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY BANK 201 S. Main Street Sumter, SC (803) 778-8377

GETTING

Utilities Black River Electric....... 803-469-8060 Farmers Telephone...... 803-469-2525 Palmetto Gas Co......... 803-775-4321 Progress Energy........... 800-452-2777 SCE&G.......................... 803-773-7365 Frontier Comm............. 800-921-8101 Water Department....... 803-436-2540

Bus Lines Greyhound................803-775-3849 RTA.............................803-775-9347

Medical Services Tuomey Healthcare... 803-774-9000 SC Health Dept......... 803-778-6548

Connected Important Numbers Emergency................................................................................. 911 Fire..............................................................................803-436-2600 Law Enforcement.......................................................803-436-2700 Sumter County...........................................................803-436-2100 City of Sumter............................................................803-436-2500 Chamber of Commerce............................................803-775-1231 Convention & Visitors Bureau...........803-436-2640/800-688-4748 The Item Daily Newspaper.......................................803-774-1200 Sumter Post Office.....................................................803-773-9311 Sumter County Library..............................................803-773-7273 Sumter Historical Society..........................................803-775-7736 Patriot Hall..................................................................803-436-2260 Sumter Little Theatre.................................................803-775-2150 Opera House..............................................................803-436-2581 Voter Registration......................................................803-436-2310

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LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

51

PENNY

Sales Tax

BY TYLER SIMPSON

Over the past few years, Sumter County has seen major improvements thanks to projects set to increase road safety and renovate landmark buildings. The reason: City Council has received millions of dollars in funding thanks to the County’s penny sales tax, a tax that includes the cost of a single penny to all sales in the county area.

Approved by Sumter County voters in the 2008 general elections, the goal of the penny sales tax is to reach $75 million to fund 16 projects suggested by Sumter community lead groups. As of November 2013, the tax has managed to collect approximately $48 million, over half of the revenue goal, which has gone toward numerous projects such as renovating fire stations and improving roads for safety reasons.

“The support of the community has been phenomenal,” said Sumter County Council Chairman Larry Blanding.

Some towns saw some improvements to their fire stations with the help of Penny for Progress, while other town saw the inclusion of a fire station in their community. Some of the designs for different fire stations were similar, including a much larger work space and hurricane-designed doors.

“Each one of the fire stations featured a small improvement in each one of their designs, so we were flexible enough to accommodate those changes as we worked through them,” said Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon.

Some other major projects funded by the sales tax have included the renovation of community centers across Sumter County, as well as the construction of new community centers. For Sumter, this includes a new community center, The Salterstown Community Center, as well as renovations to the Sumter Civic Center, an arena that offers a wide diversification for events.

The tax has funded dramatic improvements in traffic and spot safety throughout the county. Plenty of roads across Sumter County that have been once confusing for drivers have been modified to improve traffic safety. For pedestrians, the 52 |

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“The support of the community has been phenomenal” LARRY BLANDING, SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

projects have made a difference for school areas by added new sidewalks and improving old ones.

“Personally, I would like to see the council use the sales tax to continue to improve our sidewalks and help improve traffic safety in our county,” said Laurie Merchant, member of the young professionals group.

Some of the most noticeable improvements in traffic safety can be seen in the downtown Sumter area. While it was awkward to get around the downtown area for a while with all the construction and safety cones, the result spoke for itself with plenty of brick-layered crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.

“We’ve had a lot of positive comments about the changes to the intersections,” Mixon said. “Their not just for aesthetics, but for safety improvements as well.”

Although the project has already down so much to improve Sumter County, plenty of projects funded by the penny sales tax are still underway, such as Pinewood getting its own community center and renovations to the Sumter Family Court building.

“We got other communities that will see these kinds of things going on, and you automatically get the feeling the progress is being made,” Mixon said. “We need to experience that here in Sumter.” z

SUMTER COUNTY TOP 20 EMPLOYERS EMPLOYER

# FT JOBS

TYPE OF EMPLOYER

1. Shaw Air Force Base.................................8,200...................................................................military 2. Sumter County School District................3,000....................................................... public schools 3. Tuomey Healthcare System.....................1,900.................................... hospital/medical services 4. Pilgrim’s Pride................................... 1,800.........................................poultry processing 5. State of South Carolina............................1,060.......................................................... government 6. Becton Dickinson................................ 750.......................medical supplies manufacturer 7. Eaton Corp.-Sumter Plant................... 625.......................electrical service manufacturer 8. Sumter County Government.................... 520............................................................ government 9. City of Sumter............................................ 500............................................................ government 10. Wal-Mart................................................... 475.........................................................................retail 11. Central Carolina Tech. College.............. 415.......................................... public technical school 12. Security Management of SC................... 390....................................security personnel services 13. Santee Print Works........................... 330..................................... textiles manufacturer 14. Kaydon............................................. 300.................... precision bearings manufacturer 15. Apex Tool Group............................... 250......................................... tools manufacturer 16. SAFE Federal Credit Union..................... 265.............................................................credit union 17. Color-Fi, Inc....................................... 250..................................... plastics manufacturer 18. Caterpillar Precision Pins.................. 240..................... heavy equipment manufacturer 19. Caterpillar Hydraulics........................ 230..................... heavy equipment manufacturer 20. Porters Fabrications.......................... 175................safes for automatic teller machines Updated 3-13, Manufacturers in bold

Helping all people live healthy lives

BD Diagnostics Preanalytical Systems 1575 Airport Road Sumter, SC 29153 803-469-8010 www.bd.com LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

53

Government SC STATE SENATE

The men and women elected to positions in Sumter County make it their aim to see Sumter grow into an ever-prospering community. Sumter’s lawmakers are made up of educators, small business owners and local attorneys who seek to make the best decision for the population they serve.

Sumter is represented by two state senators and five state representatives. The legislative power of the State of South Carolina is vested in a bicameral General Assembly comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. z

S E NAT OR

S EN AT O R

J. THOMAS MCELVEEN, III

KEVIN L. JOHNSON

Democrat - Sumter District 35 - Kershaw, Lee, Richland & Sumter Counties - Map Columbia Address 508 Gressette Bldg.

Columbia, 29201 Business Phone (803) 212-6132 Home Address P. O. Box 57, Sumter, 29151 Home Phone (803) 778-0597 Business Phone (803) 775-1263

Democrat - Clarendon District 36 - Clarendon, Darlington, Florence & Sumter Counties - Map Columbia Address 612 Gressette Bldg.

Columbia 29201 Business Phone (803) 212-6048 Home Address P.O. Box 156, Manning, 29102 Home Phone (803) 435-8117

1081 Alice Drive • Sumter, SC 29150 803-775-1201 or 1-800-311-1146 www.wesellsumter.com 2013 BRER Affiliates LLC. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

©

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SC STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES R E P R E S E NTAT IV E

R EPR ESEN TATI V E

GRADY A. BROWN

G. MURRELL SMITH, JR.

Democrat - Lee

Republican - Sumter

District 50 - Kershaw, Lee & Sumter

District 67 - Sumter County - Map

Counties - Map

Columbia Address

Columbia Address

420B Blatt Bldg.

304B Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

Columbia, 29201

Business Phone (803) 734-3042

Business Phone (803) 734-2934

Home Address

Home Address

P.O. Box 580

420 S. Main St., Bishopville, 29010

Sumter, 29151

Home Phone (803) 484-6918

Home Phone (803) 469-4416

Business Phone (803) 484-6832

Business Phone (803) 778-2471

R E P R E S E NTAT IV E

R EPR ESEN TATI V E

J. DAVID WEEKS

JOSEPH H. “JOE” NEAL

Democrat - Sumter

Democrat - Richland

District 51 - Sumter County - Map

District 70 - Richland & Sumter

Columbia Address

Counties - Map

330C Blatt Bldg.

Columbia Address

Columbia, 29201

309B Blatt Bldg.

Business Phone (803) 734-3102

Columbia, 29201

Home Address

Business Phone (803) 734-2804

2 Marlborough Court, Sumter, 29154

Home Address

Home Phone (803) 775-4228

P.O. Box 5

Business Phone (803) 775-5856

Hopkins, 29061 Home Phone (803) 776-0353

R E P R E S E NTAT IV E

ROBERT RIDGEWAY, III Democrat - Clarendon District 64 -Clarendon & Sumter Counties - Map Columbia Address 422A Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201 Business Phone (803) 212-6929 Home Address 117 N. Brooks St., Manning, SC 29102 Home Phone (803) 938-3087

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SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL Sumter County’s population of more than 100,000 residents is divided among the seven representatives that sit on Sumter County Council. Local voters elect a representative from their district while the council itself elects a chairman. The council appoints a County Administrator D IS T R I C T

1

NAOMI SANDERS

to oversee the day-to-day operations of Sumter County.

The council holds its regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Sumter County Administration Building located at 13 E. Canal Street.

D I S T R I C T

5

Contact Information:

VIVIAN FLEMINGMCGHANEY

5605 Borden Road

Contact Information:

Rembert, SC 29128

9770 Lynches River Road

Home Phone: 803-499-3947

Lynchburg, SC 29080 Home Phone: 803-437-2797

D IS T R I C T

2

Work Phone: 803-495-3247 (School)

ARTIE BAKER Contact Information: 3680 Bakersfield Lane Dalzell, SC 29040 Home Phone: 469-3638 Mobile Phone: 983-9318 D IS T R I C T

3

JAMES (JIMMY) R. BYRD, JR. Contact Information: 13 E. Canal Street Sumter, SC 29150 Mobile Phone: 803-468-1719 Office Phone: 803-778-0796 Fax: 803-775-2726 D IS T R I C T

4

CHARLES T. EDENS Contact Information: 760 Henderson Street Sumter, SC 29150 Home Phone: 803-775-0044 Mobile Phone: 803-236-5759

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D I S T R I C T

6

LARRY BLANDING CHAIRMAN Contact Information: Post Office Box 1446 Sumter, SC 29151 Home Phone: 803-436-9998 Work Phone: 803-436-2107 D I S T R I C T

7

EUGENE BATEN VICE CHAIRMAN Contact Information: Post Office Box 3193 Sumter, SC 29151 Home Phone: 803-773-0815

SUMTER CITY COUNCIL The City of Sumter is represented by six representatives and a mayor that serve a constituency of roughly 40,000.

The City of Sumter was the first city to employ the council/ manager form of government which is still in place today.

While each councilmember is elected by the populace of their ward, the mayor is elected at-large. Sumter City Council holds its regular meetings the first and third Tuesday of each month.

M AY OR

WA R D

JOSEPH T. MCELVEEN, JR.

CALVIN K. HASTIE, SR.

PO Box 1449

810 South Main Street

Sumter, SC 29151

Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 436-2580

(803) 774-7776

jmcelveen@sumter-sc.com

chastie@sumter-sc.com

WAR D

WA R D

1

3

4

THOMAS J. LOWERY

CHARLIE BURNS

829 Legare Street

422 W. Calhoun St

Sumter, SC 29150

Sumter, SC 29150

803-773-9298

(803) 773-8859

tlowery@sumter-sc.com

cburns@sumter-sc.com

WAR D

WA R D

2

5

IONE J. DWYER

ROBERT A. GALIANO

P.O. Box 1492

608 Antlers Drive

Sumter, SC 29151

Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 481-4284

(803) 469-0005

idwyer@sumter-sc.com

bgaliano@sumter-sc.com

WAR D

6

DAVID MERCHANT 26 Paisley Park Sumter, SC 29150 dmerchant@sumter-sc.com

LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

57

COMMUNITY EMBRACES

Shaw AFB and 3rd Army

BY KEN BELL

The Sumter community has long embraced Shaw Air Force Base and it military and civilian personnel. There are many events throughout the year that allow the community to show its appreciation to the military. Many military personnel choose to stay in Sumter after ending their military careers, not only because of the warmth of appreciation for the military shown by its citizens, but also its proximity to both the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. A relatively mild climate also contributes to its popularity.

Shaw Air Force Base is home to the 20th Fighter Wing; which flies F-16CJs and serves as the host unit. The Wing operates the 55th, 77th and 79th Fighter Squadrons, and is responsible for providing facilities, personnel, and material to operate the base; USAFCENT Headquarters; and, as of 2011, Headquarters for the Third Army.The move put the 58 |

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Army closer to commanders of the 9th Air Force, which is responsible for the same geographic region’s air forces.

The history of the 20th Fighter Wing traces itself back to 1927 with the authorization of the 20th Balloon Group.

From these humble beginnings, the 20th Pursuit Group was formed in 1930. After World War II the redesignated 20th Fighter Group was inactivated in October 1945. Nine months later the Group was reactivated. In 1947 the 20th Fighter Group was assigned to the newly activated 20th Fighter Wing and in 1955 the group was absorbed by the wing.

Construction of Shaw Field, named for Sumter native Second Lt. Ervin David Shaw who was killed in combat during World War I after downing one of his attackers.

Shaw Field’s original mission was to produce new pilots for the Army Air Force.

On Jan. 13, 1948, Shaw became an Air Force Base and the host organization became the 20th Fighter Wing.

The 20th Operations Group, 20th Maintenance Group, 20th Medical Group and 20th Mission Support Group all fall under the auspices of the 20th Fighter Wing.

The 20th Operations Group is responsible for the three fighter squadrons, as well as the 20th Fighter Wing Air Defense Alert Force; Detachment 1, 20th Operations Group and the 20th Operations Support Squadron.

The 20th Maintenance Group’s mission is to provide combat-ready Airmen and aircraft: Anytime, anywhere. The 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and 20th Maintenance Operations Squadron comprise the 20th Maintenance Group.

The 20th Medical Group provides ambulatory medical services to the 20th Fighter Wing. Headquarters 9th Air Force, Headquarters USAFCENT, Shaw associate units and thousands of military retires in the area.

Its subordinate units include the 20th Medical Operations Squadron, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 20th Dental Squadron and the 20th Medical Support Squadron.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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SUMTER, SC www.ColonialFamilyPractice.com LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

59

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

The 20th Mission Support Group operates Shaw Air Force Base like a self-contained town. In addition to supporting more than 6,600 military and civilian employees along with more than 11,000 family members, the 20th Mission Support Group is responsible for thousands of acres of land, including the base, a 24-acre outdoor recreation area located on Lake Wateree and the 12,000-acre Poinsett Electronic Combat range located about 10 miles southwest of the base.

The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron, 20th Communications Squadron, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 20th Force Support Squadron, 20th Comptroller Squadron, 20th Contracting Squadron and the 20th Security Forces Squadron comprise the 20th Mission Support Group.

In 1954, 9th Air Force Headquarters transferred to Shaw from Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina.

In August 2009, 9th Air Force and Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) formally separated after military leaders assured Congress that the split would be temporary to al-

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low AFCENT to focus exclusively on on-going operations in Southwest Asia. Stateside, 9th Air Force has continued to be based at Shaw and provides oversight for six wings and one direct reporting unit. The Air Force temporarily re-designated 9th AF/AFCENT as AFCENT and activated a new 9th Air Force. No date has been set to re-combine 9th Air Force and AFCENT.

US ARMY CENTRAL

In 2011, the US Army Central, also known as Third Army, officially moved its headquarters from Fort McPherson, Georgia, to Shaw Air Force base. The move followed a 2005 decision during Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) hearings.

US Army Central operates five headquarters worldwide to include Atlanta, Kuwait, ARCENT Support Element-Iraq, ARCENT Support Element-Afghanistan, and since last summer Shaw Air Force Base. As a command whose forces are deployed on a regular basis in 12 of the 20 countries in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, many Third Army personnel who come to here will be processed into the unit and sent on to forward operations, with their families living in local communities.

Army officials said about 1,400 soldiers and civilians came to Shaw as part of the move.

US Army Central operates five headquarters worldwide to include Atlanta, Kuwait, ARCENT Support Element-Iraq, ARCENT Support Element-Afghanistan and since Shaw Air Force Base.

The command supports U.S. forces in a 20-nation region, and relies on constant communications with forces ranging from those fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to support for military-to-military operations in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kazakhstan. z

BY KEN BELL

SUMTER VETERAN

HONORED BY

Honor

Flight

Most people who know Abe Thomy will tell about his smile and quick wit.

There are few things Thomy enjoys more than making people laugh. But get him talking about the Honor Flight he took to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC and Thomy not only gets serious, he sometimes get emotional.

Thomy, 90, who served as a combat photographer, joined about 50 other veterans on May 23, 2012, for the flight.

“That morning at the Columbia airport, they had someone meet us and they took us straight to the plane,” he said.

“They didn’t check us or anything.”

Thomy said he was surprised at how planners seemed to have considered every veteran’s possible contingency.

“If you needed a wheelchair, they had one,” he said. “They also had Veteran’s Administration doctors and nurses on board. Whatever you needed, they had it.”

Upon arriving in Washington, the veterans did not have to go through the airport.

“They had a bus waiting on us,” he said.

“And once we were on the bus, they gave us snacks and something to drink.”

Thomy said he was surprised to see a marching band and a long line of children waiting when they arrived at the memorial.

“That line of little children about 6 through 10 years old all thanked us for our service,” he said.

But Thomy’s biggest surprise was about to happen.

“This little girl asked if she could kiss me,” he said, a huge smile spreading across his face. “I thought she meant on the cheek. That little girl kissed me right on the mouth. It was a Hollywood kiss.”

Thomy said the veterans walked around the memorial and stopped at the section representing their home state.

Thomy said that’s when the memories gushed forth.

“I guess it was so moving to me because I lost so many friends,” he said. Thomy said stars represented each service mem-

ber who gave their life during the war.

“So many photographers were killed,” he said. He sat quietly for a moment reflecting on the memories of his friends.

Suddenly, Thomy got a twinkle in his eye and he grinned. “I got shot at but they missed. It pays to be small.”

Just as quickly the smile left as he again recalled the trip.

“They didn’t rush us at all,” he said about the group moving slowly around the memorial. “We went all the way around it.”

The group then boarded the bus for a short jaunt to see the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall.

“It moved me even more than the World War II Memorial,” Thomy said.

“People were tracing the names of their loved ones. It was really moving to see that.”

Thomy said the veterans visited several other memorials but he stayed on the bus since it was raining. But when they reached one more site, Thomy was the first one off of the bus.

“We saw the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery,” he said.

“That was wonderful.”

Thomy said they again loaded the bus to head back to the airport. On the flight back to Columbia, he said everyone talked about the experience. But yet another surprised awaited as soon as they landed.

“When we landed they held us back,” he said. “When they finally turned us loose, they had a band and all kinds of people thanking us for our service. They shook our hands. There must have 400 people there. There were Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the ROTC. I can’t tell you what a feeling that was. I want to thank the people who put it all together from the bottom of my heart.”

Thomy closed his eye and nodded slightly.

“You know, we lost a lot of good men during that war – young men,” he said.

“But on that day when we visited the memorial, we were all right there together again. And for me, they will always be right here in my heart.” z LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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Senior Living

BY TYLER SIMPSON

Sumter boasts a large senior population, growing every day, and not just because the population is aging. Many retirees choose to live in Sumter because of its climate and resources for those wishing to age in comfort and with plenty of opportunities to participate in arts and cultural activities, sports, outdoor pursuits and more.

A town rich in golf courses and tennis courts, art galleries, beautiful libraries and parks like the celebrated Swan Lake-Iris Gardens, walking and biking trails, volunteerism and more, plus a reasonable cost of living, attracts potential residents of all ages.

For those interested in maintaining a rich spiritual life, the city and county boast a plethora of welcoming houses of religion in all denominations.

The state of South Carolina allows those 65 and older to audit courses at public colleges at no charge. Central Carolina Technical College and the University of South Carolina Sumter are both state schools. Art classes in many media are offered for adults year round at the Sumter County Gallery of Art, and the Sumter Little Theatre welcomes seniors to audition for plays and volunteer in the box office and backstage. Adult acting classes are also available. The Shepherd’s Center of Sumter has year round enrichment classes for those 50 years old and above.

Homes in Sumter are affordable, and those who wish or need to live in a senior community have many choices, from totally independent living among conge-

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NHC

H e a lt H C a r e

nial cohorts to apartments and facilities offering minimal to total assistance.

Sumter Senior Services’ RSVP program, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, allows senior citizens a way to help others, or to get help themselves, should they need it.

Many agencies offer in-home assistance at a reasonable

cost. Sumter is rich with healthcare options, as well, with a thriving and easily accessible medical community.

In short, opportunities abound in Sumter for seniors and residents of all ages to become involved to the extent they choose in community activities in an environment conducive to their desired lifestyles. z

At Covenant Place, you and your loved one will be part of a community that offers endless opportunities to live life to its fullest. Without the hassles associated with a house, life is enjoyed in a safe, secure home at Covenant Place. Call today for your personal visit and discover why Covenant Place is the choice for retirement living.

Covenant Place

Sumter’s Only Full Service Continuing Care Retirement Community

LIFESTYLE OPTIONS:

• Apartment Home Living • Assisted Living

• Skilled Nursing • “The Retreat” Memory Care • Medicare Part A Short Term Rehabilitation

Covenant Place is a locally owned, not-for-profit, continuing care community. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Call today for your personal visit to our community.

2825 Carter Road • Sumter, SC 29150

803-469-7007 | www.covenantplace.org LIFE I SGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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Healthcare

IS TOP-NOTCH IN SUMTER

BY KEN BELL

TUOMEY

Tuomey Regional Medical Center is a 301-bed institution that meets the needs of the Sumter community through acute inpatient care, outpatient services along with a comprehensive health care promotion and disease prevention program. Patients are given the most advanced technological care with an even higher level of patient consideration.

Tuomey is named for its benefactor, local philanthropist Timothy J. Tuomey, who left provisions in his will that allowed for the acquisition of the Sumter Hospital in 1913.

Today, Tuomey Healthcare System consists of more than 150 physicians representing more than 25 medical specialties.

During the past decade, Tuomey has experienced tremendous growth. Included with the system’s facilities are a 36-bed nursery, an expanded Intensive Care Unit, 10 operating suites, an Outpatient Surgery Center, an award-winning Day Surgery Unit and a satellite medical park.

In 2007, Tuomey added the James M. Bell Jr., M.D., Women and Infants Pavilion, a $23.6 million, 18,000-square-foot facility dedicated to women and babies. It features 24 spacious in-patient rooms with modern room design furniture selected for both comfort and the ease of treatment/examinations.

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The nursery system includes four separate nurseries that meet Level II Nursery certification to treat high-risk newborns, including both an admission nursery for babies needing intensive care and a continuing care nursery for highrisk babies who need to remain hospitalized for a longer period of time.

The Bell Women and Infants Pavilion also has high-risk incubators and customizable baby stations, a bereavement room, four antepartum rooms, breastfeeding rooms, wrist and ankle monitors for both mother and baby, an education nurse and a lactation consultant. Nurses are trained in car seat safety, infant/child CPR and more.

Tuomey’s Cancer Treatment Center combines aggressive technology and clinical expertise with supportive, personal care using the latest technology available. Designed around patient’s comfort, the center provides a comfortable environment for ongoing treatment. It is located across the street from Tuomey Regional Medical Center, which allows patients to receive the best cancer treatment available without having to travel long distances.

In the winter of 2004, Tuomey opened the doors to its Outpatient Surgery Center. It features four operating rooms, one procedure room and 20 pre- and post-operative beds. It is located on the campus of Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Tuomey has the latest diagnostic and treat-

TUOMEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TUOMEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

129 N. Washington Street, Sumter Phone (803) 774-9000 www.tuomey.com

TUOMEY CANCER TREATMENT CENTER

130 N. Washington Street, Sumter (803) 774-8888

TUOMEY HOSPICE

500 Pinewood Road, Suite 2, Sumter (803) 773-4663

TUOMEY OUTPATIENT IMAGING

129 N. Washington Street, Sumter (803) 774-5250

TUOMEY OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER

100 N. Sumter Street, Sumter (803) 774-9700

TUOMEY PAIN TREATMENT CENTER 100 N. Sumter Street Suite 320, Two Medical Office Building, Sumter (803) 774-6824

TUOMEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 1215 Alice Drive, Sumter (803) 774-5201

COLONIAL FAMILY PRACTICE MAIN OFFICE

325 Broad Street Sumter Phone (803) 773-5227 Toll-free 800-408-0237 www.colonialfamilypractice.com 220 Broad Street Sumter Phone (803) 773-5227 308 W. Wesmark Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 773-5227

CAMDEN OFFICE

Colonial Neurology 1124 Little Street Camden, SC 29020 Phone: (803) 773-5227 Fax: (803) 432-1735

COLUMBIA OFFICES 3930 Devine Street Columbia, SC 29205 Phone: (803) 256-1511

11 Gateway Corners Park Columbia, SC 29203 Phone: (803) 462-2335

HARTSVILLE OFFICE

420 West Carolina Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550 Phone: (843) 917-4977

MANNING OFFICE Colonial Pediatrics 742 W. Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 773-5227 Colonial Rx 25 Broad Street Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 774-2126 Colonial Healthcare Internal Medicine 764 W. Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 803-773-5227 Colonial Healthcare Counseling 742 W. Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 773-5227 Employs 18 doctors and 9 nurse practitioners

MILESTONES:

1996 Opened for business 2002 Moved into the former Colonial grocery store location 2007 Added pediatric care 2007 Added diagnostic services 2010 Opened Columbia location 2011 Added neurological services 2012 Added Colonial Rx 2013 Added internal medicine services, pain management services, weight loss and family counseling services 2013 Opened Manning location

ment capabilities including a medical oncology program, cardiac catheterization a Hi-Speed Computed Tomography. Transitional care is provided to patients through Tuomey Home Services and Tuomey’s Subacute Care Program.

A staff of physicians, surgeons, technicians, therapists and nurses ensure that patients receive the finest healthcare available. More than 150 board-certified or board-eligible physicians specialize in medicine from endocrinology an oncology to internal medicine and family practice and more are being added constantly.

Tuomey’s Emergency Room is staffed by a full complement of board-eligible specialists in emergency medicine. It’s laboratory technicians, occupational and physical therapists, nurses and other clinical staff are noted as being among the best found anywhere.

COLONIAL HEALTHCARE

In 2006, Dr. Clay Lowder decided to expand his general medical practice. From that idea evolved Colonial Family Practice in Sumter, which has expanded into Colonial Healthcare with offices in not only Sumter, but also Camden, Columbia, Hartsville and Manning. The name Colonial came from the site of the main location that was previously the former Colonial grocery store on Broad Street in Sumter.

Dr. Lowder’s goal was to “improve the quality of life” through continuous quality healthcare from childhood through adulthood.

Today, the practice boasts of 18 doctors and nine nurse practitioners.

Colonial Healthcare offers services including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, pain control weight loss, neurology, allergies, diagnostics and Colonial Rx—an in-house pharmacy.

Although most patients schedule appointments, the practice’s motto is “We will see you today!” and allows patients who suddenly become ill to see a physician that day without an appointment.

Hours vary at each location but most are open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays.

For after-hour emergencies, Colonial Healthcare offers an Urgent Care Center that is open from 7:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Colonial Healthcare takes a team approach to serving patients who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes. Team members stay in communication with patients to be sure they understand and are following their doctor’s instructions.

Research has shown that patients who participate in this approach have better results.

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SUMTER FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

Everyone deserves affordable quality health care and the doctors and staff at Sumter Family Health Care work hard to make it a reality for everyone in the Sumter community. From its beginnings of becoming a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center in 2003, Sumter Family Health Center serves more than 12,000 patients in Sumter and surrounding communities.

SFHC offers comprehensive primary health services for the entire family.

From pediatrics, adolescent services, women’s health and behavioral services, SFHC can provide for the medical needs of the whole family.

One thing that sets SFHC apart is that it offers its services without regard for a patient’s ability to pay and strives to eliminate health disparities.

SFHC accepts most private insurances including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as Medicaid HMOs. For the uninsured or underinsured, payment plans are available. Rates are based on a sliding scale depending on several factors such as the size of the family and income. A $50 minimum is requested at the first visit and, if you qualify for the sliding scale, a minimum payment of $25 is requested for each additional visit.

Although SFHC’s patients are seen by appointment, once someone is an established patient, walk-ins are allowed.

SFHC’s staff is well-qualified and includes Russell Brant, MD; Donna Mizelle, MD; Janice Neuner, DO; Kathy Saunders, DNP, BC-FNP/PNP; Blaine Varner, PA C; Lynette Glasscho, PA C; Cynthis Richardson, APRN, FNP C; and Angela “Beth” Whittle-Merchant, APRN C. SFHC’s pediatric providers include Dr. Nelson Sturgis, Board Certified Pediatrician; Dr. Whitney Moses, Board Certified Pediatrician; Patti Trzcinski, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; and Melinda Carr, Physician Assistant Certified.

Its women’s health providers include both board certified physicians and cer-

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tified nurse midwives. The board certified physicians are Carol B. Alan, MD; Giselle Chandler, MD; Barney Williams, MD; and John J. Britton, MD. The certified nurse midwives are Elayne Steindorf, CNM, Jaime Pickering, CNM; Gwenneth Simmonds, CNM; and Jessica Day, CNM. SFHC’s behavioral health care team provides confidential, professional counseling for children, families and adults.

Behavioral health services include psychiatric assessment, mediation management, outpatient psychotherapy and referrals as required.

Behavioral health providers include David Justice, MD; Molly Lussier, APMHNP; Ramelle Coker, LISW CP/AP; Gayla Partin, LISW; Leslie Justice, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS BC; Renee Shaw, LPC; Stacey Graham, LPC.

SUMTER FAMILY HEALTHCARE 1278 N. Lafayette Drive Sumter (803) 774-4500 Hours: Mon., Tues. and Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wed: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Thurs: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

PHARMACY

(803) 774-4579 Hours: Mon., Tues., and Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Thurs: 8:30 a.m - 7 pm.

Closed Saturdays and Sundays

PINEWOOD OFFICE

Pinewood Health Center 25 E. Clark Street Pinewood Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wed: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. www.sumterfhc.com

SFHC offers free HIV screening daily and free HIV care, medications and lab work to those who qualify through government programs. z

PALMETTO FAMILY PRACTICE

“Palmetto Family Practice’s mission is to provide safe, compassionate, and accessible family oriented healthcare by offering high-quality service in a caring at-

mosphere,” said Tory Lasseigne, practice manager. “We are committed to providing quality, comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to our patients.”

The practice incudes Dr. John R. Fleming Jr., Dr. Cynthia S. Reese, Dr. Jodi L. Belinski, Dr. Johnathan P. Ashley and Dr. Richard A. Wall, all of whom are board certified.

Requests for appointments can be made in person, via email at appointmengts@palmettofamilypractice.com or by telephone at 934-0810. Emails are treated with the same confidentiality as other medical records.

In case of an acute illness or emergency, each physician keeps several “sameday” appointment slots open. Call or come in to request an urgent appointment. Palmetto Family Practice asks that patients not request urgent appoints via email. The practice will do its best to see and evaluate all of our patients when they have an urgent problem, or they are acutely ill.

If there are no appointment vacancies, you might be asked to arrive at a time that allows the best chance of getting seen with a minimum of wait. However, there is no guarantee that the time you are given to come to our office to be “worked in” is the time you will be seen. You will be seen as quickly as possible, but be aware that there may be extended waiting periods if no vacancies on our schedule occur.

After hours, the practice suggests going to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

Palmetto Family Practice accepts most major insurance plans. Contact the office for more information. z

PALMETTO FAMILY PRACTICE 115 N. Sumter St., Suite 315 One Medical Office Building Sumter Phone – (803) 934-0810 www.palmettofamilypractice.com Hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday.

Family Day 2013 Come Join Our Team!

• Great Benefits: • 401K • Health Insurance • Flex Spending Accounts • Opportunity for Advancement • Pilgrim’s invests nearly $140 million in the local economy annually • Nearly 1,800 team members.

• Part of the largest meat company in the world.

• Serving Sumter Since 1966

2050 Highway 15 South Sumter, SC 29150-8790 tel 803.481.8555 fax 803.481.4263 www.pilgrimspride.com