2015 Life is Good in Sumter

Penny for Progress: Sumter re-invests in itself Going Forward: Continental Tire thrives Sumter Heroes

2015: SPONSORED BY THE GREATER SUMTER CHAMBER OF C O M M E R C E A N D T H E S U M T E R E C O N O M I C D E V E L O LIFEISGO P M E ONDI NSUMTE T BO AM R| 1D R .C O

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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 27 years. Today, we serve the entire southeastern and central United States with more than 2,000 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 Louisiana, 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 throughout the 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 on-site maintenance throughout the southeast. Specializing in large industrial projects, we build and maintain facilities for a range of industries: • • • • • •

Pharmaceutical & Food Pulp & Paper Steel & Alloys Tobacco Chemical Auto & Aerospace

• • • • • •

Institutional Educational Medical Manufacturing Commercial 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 at Risk.

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 and beyond.

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-ofmind 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

Residential • Rental Land and Commerical Real Estate 1081 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150

1-800-311-1146 www.wesellsumter.com

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contents VISIONARIES REVITALIZE Downtown Sumter…………………………………………………………………………… 6 CONNECT TO COMMUNITY with Rotary…………………………………………………………………………………… 10 FUTURE FACES of forensics………………………………………………………………………………… 12 ANNUAL EVENTS………………………………………………………………………… 16 EVENTS CALENDAR……………………………………………………………………… 19 SUMTER SCHOOLS………………………………………………………………………… 20 ECONOMIC PROFILE……………………………………………………………………… 21 EDUCATION IN THE 21st Century………………………………………………………………………………… 22 TUOMEY DELIVERS world-class care…………………………………………………………………………… 24 AN OUTSTANDING PLACE TO LIVE by any comparison………………………………………………………………………… 27 THOMPSONS EPITOMIZE energetic community commitment……………………………………………………… 30 DOWN SOUTH HOSPITALITY AND interesting eateries………………………………………………………………………… 32 ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN……………………………………………………………… 36 GOING FORWARD: CONTINENTAL TIRE to employ 1,600 by 2021…………………………………………………………………… 39 SUMTER RE-INVESTS IN ITSELF, votes for growth and progress…………………………………………………………… 42 GOVERNMENT…………………………………………………………………………… 46 ACTIVITIES ENRICH Senior lifestyles……………………………………………………………………………… 51 MYRIAD EVENTS venues enliven art culture………………………………………………………………… 52 WHY THE Y? Christian nonprofit aims to serve all in the community………………………………… 54 UPDATED HOUSING BUILDS Shaw community spirit……………………………………………………………………… 56 AREA RECREATIONAL FACILITIES draw major events………………………………………………………………………… 58 SUMTER HEROES………………………………………………………………………… 62 A RESURGENCE OF MANUFACTURING in Sumter illustrates future prosperity…………………………………………………… 66

PUBLISHER Jack Osteen EDITOR Rick Carpenter

Penny for Progress: Sumter re-invests in itself Going Forward: Continental Tire thrives Sumter Heroes

ON THE COVER “Recovery” sculpture

by Grainger McKoy, located at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

Photo by Matt Walsh

EDITORIAL Jade Reynolds Ken Bell Ivy Moore Sammy Way Raytevia Evans Adrienne Sarvis Jim Hilley Leigh Newman Rick Farmer Grayson Russell

PHOTOGRAPHY Keith Gedamke Matt Walsh LAYOUT & DESIGN Cary J. Howard AD DESIGN Cary J. Howard Leigh N. Mitchell AD SALES Paige Macloskie

staff

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

32 E. Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-1231

CHAMBER OF THE GREATER SUMTER 2015: SPONSORED BY EVELOPMENT BOARD SUMTER ECONOMIC D COMMERCE AND THE

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DOWNTOWN

Visionaries revitalize Downtown Sumter

BY LEIGH NEWMAN

It’s a warm summer afternoon. You’re trying to decide what to do with your Friday night. You’d like to eat a good meal, maybe listen to a concert or see a movie, possibly stroll around afterwards and just enjoy the sights. Where do you go?

Downtown Sumter, of course.

The 21st Century has been a period of impressive growth and expansion for downtown. The supply of available buildings for businesses is hardly big enough to keep up with the demand.

Every month there’s entertainment, from free concerts on Main

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Street to festivals and events, downtown markets featuring produce and crafts to musical and comedy acts in the Opera House. Economically and socially, downtown Sumter is flourishing.

Howie Owens has been leading the revitalization as downtown manager for the past three years.

“It’s busier than ever,” he said. “We get calls every week from prospects wanting to see the buildings available for new business. Word has gotten out that downtown Sumter is

growing, and businesses want to be a part of that growth.” In just the past few years, new businesses in the downtown area have added more than 50 employees to the workforce.

One of downtown’s newest businesses, Spa on Main, opened in July 2014 on Main Street. Co-owner Larisa Urban says they chose downtown because of its historical flavor.

“The remarkable architecture and streetscapes truly make downtown Sumter the heart and soul of our city,” says Urban. “We are so excited and blessed to be a part of the revitalization of such a beautiful area.”

Not only are new businesses opening but cornerstone businesses are relocating. Naomi and Warner, which has been in downtown Sumter for more than 60 years in three different locations, was recently bought by Sumter natives Julie and Gary Herlong and will be moving to its fourth location, a building they purchased at 13 North Main Street.

“We want to be a part of downtown revitalization in Sumter,” says Julie, “and we’re excited about moving Naomi and Warner to its new building closer to LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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the Sumter Opera House. We’ll be in the middle of everything and have access to the Opera House parking lot, which is a big plus.”

Julie said she feels there has never been a better time to buy property in downtown Sumter, and she feels they made a sound business decision in the investment.

The heart of downtown Sumter, the Sumter Opera House, is also experiencing a re-birth. With the addition of Seth Reimer as the City’s Cultural Manager, the Opera House is seeing crowds it hasn’t seen in years.

“With the assistance of civic leaders, business owners and community volunteers, we are beginning to change previous stereotypes,” says Reimer. “It is the convergence of all these partners and the contribution of opportunities that will establish the Sumter Opera House as a dynamic and inviting arts center.”

The Penny for Progress has helped improve downtown intersections, and façade grants have improved the face of Downtown. Subway is opening a new restaurant on East Liberty with their new “metro version” design, only the third in the state. A downtown hotel is in the works for the green space across the street from the Opera House.

“Downtown Sumter is on the verge of explosive growth,” says Owens. “It’s a good time to be Downtown.”

Yes it is, life is good Downtown.

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Downtown Sumter is on the verge of explosive growth. It’s a good time to be Downtown.

piggly wiggly Feeds your life.

SUMTER • MANNING • BISHOPVILLE

ALL PICTURES ARE OF 1455 S. GUIGNARD PKWY. LOCATION

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ROTARY CLUB

Connect to Community with Rotary

BY JADE REYNOLDS

Many in the business community are familiar with Rotary International, a service organization started in Chicago in 1905

by Paul P. Harris. His goal was to draw together professionals from diverse backgrounds to encourage the exchange of ideas and to form meaningful, lifelong friendships, according to rotary.org.

Sumter’s first club formed less than 20 years later and branched into two additional clubs. All three aim to follow the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self ” with local, state and national projects. As part of District 7770, they team up to give out dictionaries to area third-grade students to promote literacy.

Each meets at a different time and location, so there is one

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to fit most schedules. They also have different fundraisers and key projects.

SUMTER ROTARY CLUB As the name might imply, Sumter Rotary Club is the oldest one in the community. It was officially charted in 1921, and has always been very active in the community, said Travis McIntosh, current president.

“One of the club’s projects we are very proud of is we started the CART Fund,” he said.

Launched as an eight-month pilot program, Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust was successful and soon spread to the district, state and beyond, according to cartfund.org.

But even steeped in rich history, the original club continues looking to the future. In 2014, it used a district foundation grant to host its first community health fair. It was successful and is expected to grow, McIntosh said.

This club meets at 1 p.m. on Mondays at The O’Donnell House, 120 E. Liberty St. For more information, visit sumterrotary.org.

SUMTER-PALMETTO ROTARY Sumter-Palmetto Rotary is the second oldest one in the community, founded in 1976.

Its signature fundraiser is the annual Vidalia onion sales that funds scholarships for local students.

President Howie Owens says it’s their main fundraiser.

One of their key projects is Law Enforcement Day where members find ways to honor those who serve in city and county public safety positions as well as state troopers and military personnel, he said.

This club meets at 1 p.m. on Thursdays at Sunset Country Club, 1005 Golfcrest Road.

For more information, visit sumterpalmetto.rotary-clubs.org.

SUMTER SUNRISE Founded in 1996, Sumter Sunrise is the newest Rotary club in town.

“It’s a little easier for some folks to meet in the morning,” said Alan Cannon, president.

“It’s good to network and come together for service.”

Member Kristin Hallal agreed, saying it’s great for the social aspect and hearing different speakers.

“We have a good mix of transplants and those who have grown up in Sumter,” she said.

“It’s a great organization with a great purpose.”

This club is known for two fundraisers, Cow Patty Bingo and an annual 5K run.

The club meets at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday morning as Quality-Inn, 2390 Broad St. For more information, visit sumtersunriserotary.org.

ROTARY MEETINGS Sumter Rotary Club Meets 1 p.m. Mondays The O’Donnell House 120 E. Liberty St. sumterrotary.org Sumter-Palmetto Rotary Club Meets 1 p.m. Thursdays Sunset Country Club 1005 Golfcrest Road sumterpalmetto.rotary-clubs.org Sumter Sunrise Rotary Club Meets 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Quality Inn 2390 Broad St. sumtersunriserotary.org

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EDUCATION

Future faces of forensics B Y R AY T E V I A E VA N S

What you see in a forensics lab on television’s CSI and NCIS every week might be flashy enough to keep you coming back.

But if you have a serious interest in forensics and the criminal justice system, Morris College’s Forensic Center is probably the closest you’ll get to high-technology forensics equipment that may be exaggerated for television but is just as interesting in its own right.

Morris College, the only four-year higher education institution in Sumter County, offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as well as other programs including English, history, political 12 |

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science, pastoral ministry and Christian education.

According to Dr. Jacob Butler, chairman of the Division of Social Sciences for the college, many colleges and universities offer a forensics program, but those degree programs are sometimes included under the umbrella of the natural sciences departments.

Morris College, however, has a standalone facility for criminal forensics at the undergraduate level, which allows its students a close look into the forensics world using updated equipment along with textbooks to round out its curriculum.

The Forensic Center houses classrooms that can comfortably accommodate 40 students but normally only have about 15 to 25 students per class and also includes multiple labs for fingerprint, arson, DNA and ballistics analysis.

“You’re not going to find a freestanding building with separate labs for individual criminal forensic studies,” Butler said.

Morris started the criminal justice program in the early 1990s, and it is the second-largest degree program on campus with 90 declared majors this academic year.

The Forensic Center was constructed in 2010 and was built with a combination of a Bureau of Justice grant and Morris College resources. Butler, who has been with Morris College for almost 15 years, said that through the years, educators at the college saw that the criminal justice field was demanding more and more representatives and employees with degrees, and they wanted Morris to be one of the colleges that prepared students to meet those demands.

“We saw that criminal justice continued to grow and change over time,” Butler said. “Technology was changing, and it demanded an increase in the amount of employees who were college educated and trained in forensics.”

Director of the Forensic Center Carlotta C. Stackhouse, who trained at the FBI Academy and has been with Morris since 2011, said TV might be what initiates some students’ interest in criminal justice, but they also have a genuine interest in becoming a part of law enforcement.

“I think television has something to do with it, but the science behind it all is unmistakable, and some people already have an interest in law enforcement, or they are just interested in seeking the truth,” said Stackhouse, who retired as a major after 25 years with State Law Enforcement Division.

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forensics, students at Morris College quickly learn that the embellished images they see on TV every day are sensationalized. However, with Stackhouse’s crime scene scenarios tied in with curriculum, they begin to learn to collect and analyze evidence as they would in a realistic crime scene — a method she said helps them and makes them more comfortable and aware of proper procedures in future careers.

“I realized when I was going through college that I learned a lot more when it was hands on,” said Stackhouse. “So if they get to touch the equipment and learn to use it, they won’t be afraid to use it and won’t say, ‘I’ve seen it in a textbook’ and never had the chance to use them.”

Morris College has also made a number of partnerships with local lawenforcement agencies including Sumter County Sheriff ’s Office and the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. The college’s emphasis on real-life scenarios in its criminal justice program is for good reason.

Multiple studies show the incessant growth in areas such as the medical and criminal justice fields, with an increased demand for more skilled and properly trained patrol officers, paralegals and crime scene investigators.

Through the partnerships, high-tech equipment, instruction and the required internship opportunities, Butler said they’re making every attempt to make students more marketable after graduation — many students pursue careers in law enforcement or attend graduate or law school. Stackhouse added that with the training and education they receive at Morris, students are able to make an immediate impact with their chosen law-enforcement agencies.

“We want to continue to build on partnerships with external agencies and continue to increase the number of program offerings as needs change,” Butler said. “We want to improve and know how we can be a resource to the larger community and enhance Sumter County.”

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MORRIS COLLEGE

Morris College is a student-centered institution that embraces the idea that

“ENTER TO LEARN; DEPART TO SERVE”

is more than a motto, it’s the standard for developing students.

Hands-on Experiences Service Learning Opportunities Liberal Arts & Career-Based Programs

A Four-Year Private Institution A Residential Campus 21 Major Areas of Study

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 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 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.

(Note: Publication of the Commission’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.)

FOLLOW US ON

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EVENTS

Annual Events

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS

Sumter has many festivals and events throughout the year that promote the city’s history and culture and provide opportunities for family bonding. From festive nights downtown to winter holiday celebrations, Sumter has an event for people of all ages.

The celebration of Earth Day will happen in April at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. This will be a family fun opportunity to learn ways to go green and be environmentally friendly while also being cost efficient. Food, beverages, live music and the beauty of Swan Lake combined with environmental education make for a great day.

The Iris Festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend at 16 |

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Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The festival begins with the crowning of the Iris Festival King and Queen followed by the Taste of the Gardens which features foods from local restaurants and caterers. The festival also features a parade, car shows, a health and wellness fair, art displays and most importantly, the Japanese iris flower beds. The Iris Festival is Sumter’s most well known and largely celebrated event.

Sumterites of all ages love going to the Sumter County Fair every October and each year the experience is different and exciting. The fair offers endless entertainment with rides, live performances, delicious and exciting foods and beverages.

The Friends of the Sumter County Library sponsor the Used Book Sale in November when bookworms can expand their home libraries and pick up some interesting books for the younger readers in the family. Books can be donated to any library location in Sumter, anytime of the year. This event raises funds for the Sumter County Library’s programs and services.

Spending time together as a family is important but Sumter also has events just for parents and couples who want a fun night out together. Sumter Green’s Fall Feast is an adult only event that offers delicious foods and great entertainment. Local restaurants and caterers serve their best recipes and guests will also have the opportunity to try exotic cuisines and treats. For those who are new to the area, Fall Feast is a great way to meet and make new friends as well as get a taste of the local dishes.

CULTURAL FESTIVALS The Sumter County African-American Cultural Society will host its Cultural Festival in April. This festival encourages guests to take a look at the past in order to build the future. Cultural presentations and entertainment will provide history and stories for visitors while vendors give guests the chance to take some of that history home.

For the past 20 years, Mark and Sandra Myers have been

hosting the Black Cowboy Festival over the first weekend in May on Greenfield Farms. The festival is a celebration of the history of black cowboys and black settlers in the south. Visitors can learn about the trades and historical practices of the times, enjoy games, food, live music, riding trails and rodeo.

Guests are taken back to the year 1800 when they attend the Carolina Backcountry Fall Harvest at the Sumter County Museum. Volunteers dress in the customary clothing of the time period while they perform the traditional tasks like cooking over an open fire, blacksmithing and spinning and weaving. Guest can play early American games and sample foods from the era.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS Once a month, from mid-summer to early fall, downtown Sumter will be filled with people, live entertainment and food for Fourth Friday events. Bands perform while locals have a fun time dancing and eating food from downtown vendors during this family event.

Oktoberfest, the world famous celebration, is brought to Sumter and guests are sure to experience the true atmosphere of the festival as downtown Sumter is turned into a German village.

Guests donned in lederhosen and dirndls enjoy live music and national foods and beverages as they take part in the festivities.

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Downtown businesses will serve a multitude of white and red wines, artisan breads and hors d’oeuvres during the annual Sip and Stroll event. Guests will sip wine and stroll through the business district of downtown Sumter while they listen to music and mingle with other participants.

Each fall, the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce sponsors a “Pouches of Sumter,” designed to bring attention to the historic district surrounding Memorial Park. Local homeowners host attendees on their porches in true Southern style with food, drink and, of course, Southern hospitality. Tickets are sold in advance at a lower rate than the day of the event. Some residents take that time to share tall tales of their properties. Since it’s usually held on the first Thursday of October, people interested in participating in the event should check the Chamber’s calendar and buy tickets as the event gets closer.

WINTER HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & EVENTS The Poinsettia Festival is filled with many community events and festivals that feature live musical and stage performances all celebrating the winter season and holidays. Events include the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Sumter County Courthouse, the children’s walk with St. Nick, the Fantasy of Lights and the Evening Optimist Christmas Parade.

The Sumter Community Concert Band will have its Christmas Extravaganza concert, there will be vocal performances from the Sumter Civic Chorale and the annual Jingle with the Arts show will be performed by the Sumter Civic Dance Company and the

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Sumter High School Show Choir.

Starting the first of December, Swan Lake-Iris Gardens opens its gates for the Fantasy of Lights which displays more than one million Christmas lights, the floating Christmas tree and 150 other lighted figures including cartoon characters and North Pole natives, Santa, the eight reindeer and the elves. Children can also send their letters to the North Pole by the Santa Express or talk to Santa in person in Santa’s Village located in Swan Lake.

After the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Sumter County Courthouse, children can take A Walk with St. Nick and join him again the following day for a Breakfast with Santa.

Sumter’s Evening Optimist Christmas Parade proceeds down Main Street and features local high school marching bands, beauty queens and a variety of holiday floats, with Santa on the final float to end of the parade.

Sumter’s Old Fashioned Christmas is held downtown in front of the opera house and features holiday music, vintage craft demonstrations and shopping. Everyone is encouraged to wear old fashioned Christmas garb while taking part in the festivities.

The Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter sponsors the Holiday House Tea and Tour that allows tour participants to visit private homes in the area that have been embellished with various holiday decorations. Tour guests will also be served a special holiday tea at the Alice Boyle Garden Center.

Sumter has great events that present opportunities for shared experiences that bring the community together in celebrating local history, culture and holidays.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015 7:30 PM CLASSICAL PIANO DUELING HANDS | Hughes & Zhang SUSAN ZHANG BIOGRAPHY Acclaimed as a pianist with “astounding musical authority” (Columbia Free Times), Susan Zhang made her orchestral debut at the age of twelve with the Augusta Symphony.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015 8:30 AM 15TH ANNUAL DR. MLK DREAM WALK; 3 miles Registration 8:30 am, Walk 9:30 am, Program 11 am Starts and ends at USC Nettles Building No cost to walk.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19-22, 2015 7:30PM SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

By William Glennon March 19-22, 2015 This play adapted

by William Glennon from Charles Perrault’s version of this fanciful story is full of fun. We learn how and why the prince was changed into a beast in the first place.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2015 7:30 PM ALEX DEPUE WITH MIGEUL DE HOYOS Alex DePue recently teamed up with Mexican guitarist Miguel De Hoyos. Their unique international sound has been praised by elected Mexico officials in B.C. South, Mexico.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 7:30 PM GALLERIA SEASONS Featuring The Vega String Quartet with abstract artist Timothy Raines Vivaldi’s landmark composition, “The Four Seasons,” is accompanied by the creation of two unique acrylic-on-canvas pieces for every concert, live on stage.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12-15, 2015 8:00PM SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE: GODSPELL Book by John Michael Tebelak Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Conceived and Originally Directed by John Michael Tebelak Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26-29, 2015 7:30PM SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

By William Glennon March 26-29, 2015 This play adapted

by William Glennon from Charles Perrault’s version of this fanciful story is full of fun. We learn how and why the prince was changed into a beast in the first place.

Saturday, February 14, 2015 7:30 PM JAMES GREGORY “FUNNIEST MAN IN AMERICA” James creates an evening of non-stop laughter with a wry sense of the absurd, a Southern accent and universal story-telling.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015 8:00 AM EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19-22, 2015 8:00PM SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE: GODSPELL Book by John Michael Tebelak Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Conceived and Originally Directed by John Michael Tebelak Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 7:30 PM THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Touring throughout the South during the Jim Crow era of the 1940s and 1950s—when blacks were denied the use of whites-only water fountains, bathrooms, and restaurants—the Blind Boys persevered and even flourished thanks to their unique sound SATURDAY, MARCH 07, 2015 7:30 PM COMEDIAN JULIE SCOGGINS Julie’s regularly heard on XM/Sirius Blue Collar Radio, as well as many syndicated stations including the John Boy & Billy Show, and the Bob & Sheri Show, (Charlotte, NC), & the Bob & Tom Show (Indianapolis, IN).

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 7:30 PM THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND To describe how the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has arrived at its 35th Anniversary, trumpet player Gregory Davis employs a tried-and true New Orleans-centric analogy.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015 7:30 PM HERITAGE BLUES ORCHESTRA The grit of low-down country and urban blues with the bold brass of New Orleans; the hand-clapping fervor of gospel punctuated with fiery postmodern, jazz-infused horn arrangements.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 - MAY 3, 2015 8:00PM SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE: STEEL MAGNOLIAS

By Robert Harling April 30-May 3, 2015 A story of friendship, Steel Magnolias serves up a southern slice of life that’s as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie!

SATURDAY, MAY 02, 2015 9:00 AM DERBY DAY 5K RUN/WALK SATURDAY, MAY 02, 2015 5:30 PM DERBY DAY PARTY THURSDAY, MAY 07-10, 2015 8:00PM SUMTER LITTLE THEATRE: STEEL MAGNOLIAS

By Robert Harling May 7-10, 2015 A story of friendship, Steel Magnolias serves up a southern slice of life that’s as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie!

SATURDAY, MAY 09, 2015 9:00 AM Fire Ant Color 5k FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 9:00 AM 2015 Iris Festival LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Sumter Consolidated School District 1345 Wilson Hall Rd, Sumter, 469-6900

Ebenezer Middle School 3440 Ebenezer Rd., Sumter , 469-8571

Millwood Elementary School 24 Pinewood Rd., Sumter, 775-0648

Academic Learning Center 220 Hasel St., Sumter, 773-6362

F.J. DeLaine Elementary School 5355 Cain Savannah Rd., Wedgefield 494-2661

Oakland Primary School 5415 Oakland Dr., Sumter, 499-3366

Alice Drive Elementary School 251 Alice Dr., Sumter, 775-0857

Furman Middle School 3400 Bethel Church Rd., Sumter, 481-8519

Alice Drive Middle School 40 Miller Rd., Sumter, 775-0821

High Hills Elementary School 4971 Frierson Rd., Shaw AFB, 499-3327

Bates Middle School 715 Estate St., Sumter, 775-0711 Brewington Academy 4300 E. Brewington Rd, Sumter, 495- 8069

Hillcrest Middle School 4355 Peach Orchard Rd., Dalzell, 4993341

Cherryvale Elementary School 1420 Furman Dr., Sumter, 494-8200

Kingsbury Elementary School 825 Kingsbury Dr., Sumter, 775-6244

Chestnut Oaks Middle School 1200 Oswego Rd., Sumter, 775-7272

Lakewood High School 350 Old Manning Rd., Sumter 506-2700 or 506-2704

Crestwood High School 2000 Oswego Rd., Sumter, 469-6200 Crosswell Drive Elementary School 301 Crosswell Dr., Sumter, 775-0679 Crosswell Park Early Childhood Center 475 Crosswell Dr., Sumter, 774-5900

Pocalla Springs Elementary School 2060 Bethel Church Rd., Sumter 481-5800 Rafting Creek Elementary School 4100 Hwy. 261 N., Rembert, 432-2994 R.E. Davis Elementary School 345 Eastern School Rd., Sumter 495-3247 Shaw Heights Elementary School 5121 Frierson Rd., Shaw AFB , 666-2335 Sumter Career and Technology Center 2612 McCray’s Mill Rd., Sumter, 481-8575 Sumter High School 2580 McCray’s Mill Rd., Sumter, 481-4480

Lemira Elementary School 952 Fulton St., Sumter, 775-0658

Sumter County Adult Education 905 N. Main St. Sumter, 778-6432

Manchester Elementary School 200 Clark St., Pinewood, 452-5454

Wilder Elementary School 975 S. Main Street, Sumter, 773-5723

Mayewood Middle School 4300 E. Brewington Rd., Sumter 495-8014

Willow Drive Elementary School 26 Willow Dr., Sumter, 773-5796

PRIVATE SCHOOLS St. Anne Catholic School 8 11 S. Magnolia St., Sumter 775-3632

Sumter Christian School 420 S. Pike W., Sumter, 773-1902

Westside Christian Academy 554 Pinewood Rd., 774-4406

St. Francis Xavier High School 15 School St., Sumter, 773-0210

Thomas Sumter Academy 5265 Camden Hwy, Rembert 499-3378

Wilson Hall 520 Wilson Hall Rd. Sumter 469-3475

Sumter Academy 22 Council St., Sumter, 775-7699

Wedgefield University for Kids 6220 Wedgefield Rd. (803) 494-3887

Central Carolina Technical College 778-1961 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 666-7401 Morris College 934-3200 20 |

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COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Saint Leo University 666-3221

University of South Carolina , Sumter 775-6341

Troy University Sumter Campus 773-0025 Shaw Campus 666-3313

Webster University (803) 666-2254

University of Phoenix 1001 Pinnacle Point Dr. (843) 476-5901

SUMTER AT A GLANCE

ECONOMIC PROFILE

LARGEST EMPLOYERS:

Size of Workforce: 43,857 (Sept. 2014) Unemployment: 7.5% (Sept. 2014) Retail Sales: $1.75 billion

(July, 2013 – June, 2014, S.C. Dept. of Revenue)

Per Capita Personal Income: $32,973

(2012, S.C. Dept. of Revenue)

Becton Dickinson Central Carolina Technical College City of Sumter Continental Tire Eaton Corporation Pilgrim’s Pride Security Management of S.C. Shaw Air Force Base (U.S. Dept. of Defense) State of South Carolina Sumter School District Tuomey Healthcare System Thompson Construction Group Sumter County Wal-Mart

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.

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803-469-7007 | www.covenantplace.org LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

21

EDUCATION

Education in the 21st Century B Y R AY T E V I A E VA N S

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The mechatronics program at Central Carolina Technical College is constantly evolving — changing and improving to meet the demands of the industry that, even in trying economic times, continues to progress and expand.

After the 2012-13 school year, the college had a 92 percent job-placement rate for graduates who received degrees and certification and recently provided information that showed a 100 percent job-placement rate in multiple programs including welding and mechatronics.

CCTC continues to inform interested students about the benefits, job opportunities and long-term careers in mechatronics and has watched the program grow during the past few years.

“What’s happening is that parents are also starting to get involved and take a look at the industry,” said Bert Hancock, CCTC’s mechatronics academic program manager. “They see it’s not a bad, dirty job, but these jobs have good pay and benefits.”

Decades ago, jobs in plants and factories were considered hard labor, but technology has had a tremendous impact on the industry, and businesses are almost always looking to hire certified and well-trained employees despite the country’s unemployment rate, which the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics recently reported is at 6.2 percent as of July.

Back then, jobs in plant facilities and factories included an assembly line of people putting a number of products together by hand. Today, however, technology and robotics come into play, and a highly trained individual is normally hired to operate a machine to do this particular job and troubleshoot the machine if something malfunctions.

For those who are not quite sure what mechatronics is or what job opportunities are out there, CCTC Dean of Industrial and Engineering Technology Brent Russell said mechatronics has been in the making for years, combining electrical and mechanical skills that he and Hancock acquired and put to use in their years in the industry in the past. Starting out, Russell and Hancock said those in the field could be offered pay starting at $15 or $20 an hour, and some can start out with even more.

“In today’s environment, employers are looking for multitalented employees with combined skills,” Russell said.

“There’s not a company out here now that doesn’t use PLCs (programmable logic controllers). Now, we improve and make changes to the program based on the recommendations of our advisory board and to meet the demands.”

In the current facility, Russell said they see about 50 students in the program, and they can only accept so many students but hope to see that change in the future, especially with the addition of the soon-to-be Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center on Broad Street. Currently, the program is about 95 percent male students, but they hope to also encourage more women to receive training in mechatronics. They’re also in the process of incorporating different brands of PLCs for specific

demands in the industry.

A study released in 2012 by Pew Research Center showed that 19 percent of U.S. households had outstanding student loan debt in 2010 — the highest level ever at that time — and it continues to hit those in the younger age group. On top of the many mechatronics technology job opportunities in Sumter and across the country, Russell said the cost of attending a technical college and receiving training and certification is much more affordable than attending four-year universities. Many of their students will graduate, go directly into jobs and have little to no student loan debt.

“I’m a product of a technical college. Bert is a product of a technical college. For two years here (at CCTC), it costs about $6,000, while two years at a four-year college could cost $40,000,” Russell said. “What we offer here is affordable education with the opportunities for grants and scholarships.”

As they continue to tailor the program to meet the demands of the industry, Russell and Hancock said CCTC’s program also focuses on meeting the immediate local demand for surrounding businesses. Students enrolled in the mechatronics program often receive paid internships or become apprentices at local businesses before receiving full employment with the same companies.

Travis Peaden, who went straight to the military and then into law enforcement, is now an apprentice with Continental Tire the Americas and in his second year of the program at CCTC. Peaden said after he finishes the program, he’ll move into a fulltime position at Continental. What he’s doing there and training for at CCTC is similar to the work he did while in the military.

For Russell Whitaker, who’s also in his second year of the program, receiving more training and certification gives him the opportunity to work toward promotion with his current employer, UTI Contract Logistics in Camden. Whitaker said he’s getting prepared and receiving more training because about 30 of his co-workers are planning to retire in the next five years.

Mechatronics and similar fields such as welding offer opportunities in lucrative careers — the reason some of CCTC’s students admit they enrolled, coupled with their interest in electronics. The college is also working with Sumter School District and recently created a partnership for the program STEM 10, where they will provide training at Sumter Career and Technology Center for students starting in 10th grade. Those students will continue the training for two years, and by the time they complete high school and then the program at CCTC, they’ll have four years of training in preparation for the workforce.

“You’re looking at getting them a lot earlier, and they’ll have even more years of experience, and that’s a huge advantage,” Russell said. “This industry is willing to look at mechatronics students early on, and then they can look at their work habits, their work ethics and even their soft skills.”

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HEALTHCARE

Tuomey delivers world-class care B Y B R E N D A P. C H A S E P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S D I R E C T O R

When Timothy J. Tuomey wrote his will in the late 1800s, one can only wonder just what he hoped would eventually evolve from the money and property he was leaving. It is, indeed, a certainty that today’s Tuomey would not be a disappointment.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Tuomey Healthcare System, we honor the Tuomey family and its gift, which started The Tuomey Hospital in 1914. Today, Tuomey Regional Medical Center is a 301-bed, Joint Commission-accredited hospital dedicated to providing care that is both technically advanced and patient-centered.

The medical staff at Tuomey includes more than 150 physicians 24 |

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representing more than 25 different medical specialties. Our facilities include a Level II nursery, an Intensive Care Unit, 10 operating suites, an outpatient surgery center, an imaging center and a satellite medical park. Our diagnostic capabilities include a medical oncology program, Cancer Treatment Center and cardiac catheterization. Transitional care is provided through our home health program, hospice and sub-acute area.

CANCER CARE For more than 20 years, the employees at the Tuomey Cancer Treatment Center have been working hard to save lives. And

what started in 1991 with four people has now grown to 15 employees and three physicians.

The center is constantly updating with the latest technology and offering new services to fight cancer. Tuomey purchased a linear accelerator in 2013, and became one of the first hospitals in the state to offer TrueBeam radiation treatment for its patients.

The TrueBeam system is advanced radiotherapy technology for treating cancer with speed and precision. Like most radiotherapy machines, it works by rotating around the patient to deliver radiation with pinpoint accuracy from nearly every angle in just a few minutes.

THE WOMEN’S CENTER & NURSERIES In 2007, Tuomey opened its 18,000-square-foot Women and Infants Pavilion, creating a dedicated unit designed to meet the unique needs of our gynecological and obstetric patients. This $23.6 million facility features 24 spacious inpatient rooms and its own welcoming, sheltered entrance. The modern room design and selection of furniture creates the optimum conditions for in-room treatment and examinations, while the large room size and sunlight-filled space will accommodate supportive family and friends more comfortably. For postpartum patients, the new center will provide a worthy extension of our already state-of-theart labor and delivery rooms.

Tuomey also expanded its existing system of nurseries with this 2007 addition.

Our team of board-certified pediatricians, family practice physicians and extraordinary nursing staff monitors each new arrival through state-of-the-art equipment and cares for them with a passion born of true love. Tuomey created a Well-Baby Nursery in the Women and Infants Pavilion, and the space easily will accommodate each newborn and allow us to provide exceptional care for our healthy new infants.

An Admissions and Acute/Intermediate Care Nursery will allow staff to monitor each baby for the first six to eight hours prior to being moved to either the Well-Baby Nursery or the acute care area.

INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE & WELLNESS Industrial Medicine and Wellness offers a variety of services to their customers. Corporate wellness initiatives, SmartBeat heart screenings, cholesterol and diabetes screenings and drug testing options are all services offered by IMW. Employers such as BD and Continental Tires, who have partnered with IMW to bring a nurse into their facilities, see the value for their employees. For instance, the nurse at BD can offer first aid, check blood pressure, work on health and safety initiatives and evaluate jobs for ergonomic issues. She will also help with pre-employment physicals, help manage workplace injuries and assist with other health-related questions that the employees might have.

THE NEXT 100 YEARS Tuomey is extremely proud of what it has accomplished in its first century, and we look forward to serving Sumter and surrounding areas for many years to come.

For more information, contact Brenda Chase, Public Relations, Tuomey Healthcare System, 129 N. Washington Street, Sumter, SC 29150; call (803) 774-8662; or email us at brenda.chase@tuomey. com.

LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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HISTORY

SWAN LAKE IRIS GARDENS

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An outstanding place to live by any comparison B Y S A M M Y WAY

Sumter is located near the geographical center of the state, only two hours from both the Atlantic Coast and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shaw Air Force Base, positioned a few miles from the center of downtown, has greatly enhanced Sumter’s population and economy. In an article published in The Sumter Daily Item, the city was referred to as “the railroad center of South Carolina,” being served by four separate railroad systems with 28 freight and 22 passenger trains moving in and out of Sumter daily. The rail industry helped Sumter expand rapidly prior to the city’s becoming a major furniture manufacturing center.

Sumter was the first community to adopt the CouncilManager form of government in 1912. The Council consists of a Mayor and six councilmen elected by the citizenry for a period of four years. The City Manager, who is charged with the direct

supervision of all departments of the city, is responsible to the Mayor and the Council.

Sumter is currently undergoing a number of restoration and construction projects and is working diligently to bring businesses and shoppers back to downtown. Periodic downtown historic tours and cultural events are conducted to stimulate interest in historical structures and local events that have contributed to Sumter’s development.

The inhabitants were once served by numerous organizations including Carolina Power and Light Company, Sumter Gas & Power Company, National Bank of South Carolina, S. C. Continental Telephone Company, Sumter Telephone and Magneto Companies, furniture companies, several strong banks, various mercantile concerns, numerous drug store and dining establishments during the early phases of development.

SUMTER FREIGHT DEPOT

SUMTER CITY SCHOOLS

SWAN LAKE IRIS GARDENS

IRIS FESTIVAL 1957 LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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AERIAL VIEW OF SWAN LAKE IRIS GARDENS

A.C.L. DEPOT BANK OF SUMTER

MEMORIAL PARK SHAW FIELD

Many of these businesses have left physical plants on Main Street and surrounding areas.

The Sumter public schools consistently have excelled in academic offerings, fine arts and extracurricular opportunities.

The city schools were often used as a standard by which other state schools were measured.

Libraries have occupied an important role in the lives of Sumter residents since the cities inception. Like many communities Sumter applied for and received funding to build one of the Andrew Carnegie libraries. Today our city library has become a large, modern, technologically advanced facility. Sumter’s 28 |

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attention to medical service has not gone wanting as the former Sumter Hospital has expanded to an ultra-modern facility offering a plethora of advanced treatments for its citizens.

Sumter has had an abiding interest in parks and recreation since its founding. The arrival of Julia Lester Dillon brought increased interest in garden clubs and a city beautification effort was founded. The construction of Memorial Park and The Swan Lake-Iris Gardens has provided places of beauty and reflection for Sumterites, while enticing residents from other communities to visit our town.

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29

BUSINESS PROFILE

Thompsons epitomize energetic community commitment

BY LEIGH NEWMAN

It’s a story as old as time. Sumter boy meets Wisconsin girl.

Wisconsin girl agrees to go on blind date with Sumter boy.

Sumter boy and Wisconsin girl marry and work together to improve the economic face of Sumter. OK, maybe it’s not your typical love story, but it sums up Greg and Danielle Thompson pretty well. Of course, the details make for a much more interesting story.

Greg, founder and owner of the Thompson companies, was born and raised in Sumter. He worked for his father until he decided to begin his own business in 1986. He met Danielle, who is from Wisconsin but was working in Sumter at the time, on a blind date in 1987. Over the years they’ve raised three children, ranging in ages from 17 to 26, moved the Thompson headquarters to Main Street, and opened Sumter’s only 4-star restaurant, Hamptons, which Danielle runs.

One might wonder why they would want to have the headquarters for an international company and open a fine dining establishment in Downtown Sumter. “Because,” says Danielle, “this is the community to which we want to commit ourselves.” Greg agrees with that sentiment, adding that he believes there are things that could and should happen in Sumter that others feel couldn’t or shouldn’t happen. “It’s all about changing how Sumter is perceived by the rest of the world.”

Part of that change is improving quality of life so industry and retail want to come to Sumter. A huge step was taken in the right 30 |

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direction in 2011 when Continental Tire announced Sumter as the site for their new plant. The creation of jobs leads to a better quality of life, but we also have to have qualified candidates for those jobs so more industry wants to come to Sumter. A good start is making sure our children and their children stay in and invest in Sumter. “We have got to convince our young people who have grown up in Sumter to stay here,” Greg says. “Young people recruit young people.”

So how do we make that happen? Greg says it’s all about planning and cooperation. “If you know where you want to go, you just need to develop a road map to get there. People in Sumter have a very can-do attitude. It requires everyone continuing to come to the table to fix what’s broken.” Leading that charge is Sumter’s Economic Development Board, of which Greg has been chair for almost 10 years. It was instrumental in bringing Continental to Sumter, and it is currently working on 12-14 projects worth about $1 billion. Infrastructure investments have set us up for another major announcement in 5-6 years. “Sumter is a great place to live. We just have to fill in the blanks.”

One of those blanks in previous years has been the Downtown area, which has been undergoing a major revitalization effort for the past 15 years. The Thompsons are especially vested in the Downtown and realize the importance of continued Downtown development. “Sumter cannot have a vibrant industrial community and Sumter cannot have a successful economic

development effort without having a vibrant Downtown,” states Greg. He and Danielle both believe that recruiting a good mix of retail stores, restaurants, and professional offices to Downtown is essential to its success. Residential space is also crucial.

In addition to Thompson Companies and Hamptons in downtown Sumter, the Thompsons also own The Main Room (events venue), loft-style apartments they built into a historic building on Caldwell Street that have a rental waiting list, and several buildings just waiting for new business. They have plans to build more apartments, town homes and add some more restaurant choices in the future. “People will want to come Downtown because there will be so many choices of things to do, places to eat, and stores to shop,” says Danielle.

So what’s next for the Thompsons? Certainly not rest - I don’t think that’s in their blood. Their newest project is something they firmly believe in, something they think can help shape the future of Sumter’s economic development – investing in our atrisk youth.

Thompson, Caterpillar, Apex and Continental have come together to support the Sumter County YouthBuild program, which is run by Lana Odom, the director of the South Sumter Resource Center. YouthBuild helps get youth educated and join the workforce. The program works with young people who are ready to work now, and also starts working with the youth in that crucial time between 8th-12th grades, to ensure they’re getting on and staying on the right path towards a successful future.

As part of their efforts, the four industry leaders are also going

to work with the community to develop an education summit to make sure these same youth get the quality education they deserve and need to support the growing demand for qualified job applicants in Sumter.

“If we want to keep drawing industry here, we have to supply the workforce,” Danielle says. This will involve making the Technical High School a reality, which will feed into the future Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center, which broke ground the Summer of 2014, and also into the other local colleges.

The key to all of this, she says, is catching these at-risk kids before they “check out.”

“A properly trained employee can make $30+/hour at Continental with a two year technical degree.” That’s over $62,000 a year, which drives home the absolute importance of education and training to support economic growth in Sumter.

So at the end of the day, what do these two business entrepreneurs, community leaders, and youth supporters like to do with what little free time they have?

They enjoy cooking and spending time at their home in DeBordieu, and Danielle enjoys design projects, which is highly evident inside of the beautiful downtown Thompson building that everyone needs to visit at least once. At the end of the day, they simply love Sumter and have no plans of leaving. “We’ve got a journey and we’re not through with our journey,” says Greg.

And Sumter is very lucky that the Thompsons want to continue their journey here.

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31

FOOD

Down South hospitality and interesting eateries

Whether it’s fast food or fine dining tempting ones palate, Sumter has a wide variety of restaurants from which to choose. In addition to pretty much every major US fast-food chain, there are many worldly choices from Mexican, Italian, Thai or Japanese, to barbecue, pizza and of course, Southern country cooking available. From Main Street to Broad Street and from Alice Drive to Guignard Drive, diners will find numerous options.

In addition to the national chains, diners also have a choice of several locally-owned restaurants. Among them are J. O’Grady’s, Willie Sue’s and Bubba’s Diner.

history in Sumter as unique, something different that you can’t really get anywhere else in the Sumter area. On top of the food that will keep you coming back for more, the staff is professional and kind – which is one of many reasons the restaurant has developed regulars over the past two years.

Schuler said people enjoy the variety of food they offer as well as live music throughout the week.

“We stand on the product alone and we have great prices and everyone enjoys it,” Schuler said.

J. O’Grady’s is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

J. O’GRADY’S

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

Undeniably good food, a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere and sports on the tube are three characteristics of downtown’s J. O’Grady’s that keeps customers coming back.

When owners Mickey Brewer, Scott Estep, Kevin Collins and Wayne Lowder decided to open the restaurant almost two years ago, they were leaning toward a comfortable, restaurant atmosphere.

“They wanted to open a nice restaurant more than a bar, but they wanted to help out with downtown revitalization,” explained manager Gray Schuler.

The restaurant, located on Main Street, is one of the best places in town to grab a bite to eat, enjoy live music and/ or outdoor seating during the spring and summer months.

Schuler said besides the comfortable atmosphere and familiar faces, people keep coming back because they have great food and drinks.

With a variety of sandwiches, burgers, tacos and salads, customers are given a wide option of dishes for lunch and dinner.

“We have great, delicious food. We’re pretty consistent with putting out a good product when it comes to the meals and we have a comfy, laid back space,” Schuler said.

J O’Grady’s also presents a lot of history along with its delicious meals and select beers and mixed drinks. Bringing in a sports theme, some of the meals on the menu are named after those who have made a name for themselves in Sumter County through high school sports and other means.

Schuler described the atmosphere and the addition of 32 |

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5 S MAIN ST SUMTER, SC 29150 (803) 938-5699

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

Last year, Broad Street added yet another restaurant that brought with it a hot sign indicating that Southern Maid doughnuts are hot and ready. Bubba’s Diner, owned by Bubba and Cathy Rabon, opened in mid-2014, welcoming early bird Sumterites for coffee, breakfast and doughnuts as early as 5:30 a.m. on some weekdays.

The Rabons said the anticipation among prospective customers before they opened was continuously building as people came into their other restaurant, East of Chicago Pizza, asking about the new diner’s progress. The couple was just as excited to provide a different dining experience with their breakfast and lunch options and doughnut room, where customers are now able to see their delicious treats being made.

“We were anxious to get started, and also we anticipate with the new school coming, the students will need a different place to go for breakfast and lunch and coffee,” said Cathy Rabon, referring to Central Carolina Technical College’s new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center that will open in the old Walmart building. “And we wanted something that doesn’t

really require evenings so we can see our grandchildren play sports.”

The diner’s building space was previously an Applebee’s, and the Rabons also owned and operated Sports & Wings Family Sports Grill & Bar for five years before closing the doors in December 2013.

Bubba and Cathy Rabon gutted the building in preparation for the new diner with the help of Ross Construction Services — which the Rabons used to renovate the space for East of Chicago Pizza as well. Eddie Ross and James Stallings worked diligently to transform the space, especially the doughnut room, where the tasty treats will be made; it’s also the first thing customers see when they walk in the door.

Along with those freshly made doughnuts, Sumterites can dine on some of the more popular breakfast dishes including waffles.

Cathy Rabon describes it as good ol’ country cooking with meat and three options as well as burgers, salads and sandwiches.

On most days, Bubba’s Diner is open before the sun comes up for those looking to knock out a nice hot breakfast and their first cup of coffee before they start their work day and it’s not uncommon to run into your neighbors or other regulars who simply can’t function without a decent breakfast and warm cup of Joe.

841 BROAD ST. SUMTER, SC 29150 (803) 774-7500 LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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WILLIE SUE’S

BY JADE REYNOLDS

It’s hard to get more Sumter than Willie Sue’s Food and Spirits.

Opened in November, the restaurant’s exterior is cedar siding and stone veneer meant to remind people of simpler times, said Scott Bell of RS Bell Architects LLC. Heart pine from the old Sumter train station was recycled in its original dimensions for the construction.

A chalkboard in the lobby that features daily specials is from Edmunds High School from the era of segregation.

The interior is decorated with artwork depicting scenes from the county’s agricultural history such as old cotton mills and gins.

And of course, it was founded by Sumter native Ricky McLeod and named after his grandmother, Willie Sue McLeod.

“The whole place is dedicated to my grandmamma,” he said.

3355 PATRIOT PARKWAY SUMTER, SC 29150 (803) 469-2500 34 |

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“She was one of the most influential women in my life.”

Menu items range from appetizers to salads and sandwiches, seafood and steak, ribs and chicken. Prices start at about $7 and go up to $29 for an entrée.

“There is something for everybody and in every price range,” said Tommie Sorrell, general manager.

He raved about the kitchen’s wood-fire grill.

“It’s a very nice kitchen,” said Sorrell, who has worked in the food industry in various capacities during the last 20 years. “I wish I had one like it at my house, just on a smaller scale.”

Both the inside and outside bar areas have large-screen TVs. The screened-in porch, which can seat between 50 and 60 people, sports roll-down windows, curtains and heaters for colder weather.

Indoor seating accommodates 176 people. The restaurant has 76 parking spaces with overflow parking available. It employs more than 30 people.

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

35

CHILDREN

Activities for Children

BY JIM HILLEY

There’s nothing to do! What parent hasn’t heard that vintage whine out of the mouths of their children on a regular basis?

Opportunities are out there, however, and with a little effort parents can find activities their children can engage in that are safe, healthy and the kid’s will enjoy.

City of Sumter Recreation Programs and Facilities Director Susan Wild said parents and kids should visit. “It is a great opportunity to come out and play some tennis because it is affordable because it’s free,” she said. “It is a great recreation opportunity for the whole family.”

She said there is some equipment available for public use and equipment in available for purchase in the pro shop.

“We do have three certified pros out there, so we can start out with lessons as low as $10,” she said.

Wild said Sumter County is in charge of most recreation

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programs in the area.

“They have everything from softball and soccer,” she said.

Wise also recommended the city’s many parks and walking trails as a good way to get outdoors.

She said there is also a skate park at Shaw Park on Highway 378.

“That is also no charge,” she said. They just have to bring their skateboard. It is open till dusk.

She said there are several opportunities to play organized basketball at some city facilities such as the Hope Centers.

Wise said most of the programs have certified instructors and the parents do not have to enroll in any orientation classes for their kids to take part.

“They can start with T-ball and work their way up,” she said.

Crystal Lakes has the First Tee program she said, so kids can

learn to play golf.

“One of the exciting things is most of the outdoor activities are lifetime sports, they can learn to play as a kid and play for a lifetime,” she said. “Tennis and golf both are great lifetime sports as well as swimming.”

Wild said the city encourages everyone to get outdoors.

“One of the great things about living in Sumter is we have beautiful weather pretty much year round,” she said.

Wild also encouraged people to use the hiking trails at Poinsett State Park.

She said people wishing more information can visit the city website at sumtersc.gov or the county website at sumtercountysc. org.

Another program available for kids is the Boys & Girls Club, which provides social recreation activities in the afternoons until

6:30, said Jean Ford director of operations.

She said the program usually handles about 75 children a day.

“We take from kindergarten through high school,” she said.

The club is currently located at 187 S. Lafayette, but is looking for a new place to operate.

“We’re in the process of looking, but there is nothing definite yet,” she said.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Club, call 775-5006.

The Sumter County Recreation Department offers an after school program from 2:30 to 5 p.m. to youth ages 6 to 18. The program focuses on enhancing reading skills This program is offered at Birnie HOPE Center, Delaine, Cherryvale, Ebenezer, Mayesville, Rembert/Rafting Creek and South Sumter community centers.

For more information, call (803) 436-2248.

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CONTINENTAL

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Going Forward: Continental Tire to Employ 1,600 by 2021

BY RICK FARMER

At the new Continental Tire plant just south of Sumter, the ubiquitous overhead conveyor quietly hums along, transporting another fresh finished tire from the factory floor to the warehouse, on its way to a consumer somewhere in North America. This scene repeats itself at the plant continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

But this progress is just a stepping stone on the way to a production goal much larger: eight million tires per year by 2021.

“We are on schedule and growing,” said Sumter’s Continental Tire Plant Manager Craig Baartman. With almost 600 current employees, the company is still busy installing, testing and tuning equipment that will crank out some of the finest rolling rubber in the world.

Based in Hannover, Germany, with its North American Headquarters in Ft. Mill, S.C., Continental Tire The Americas is part of Continental AG, a leading and diversified international manufacturer of automotive parts. The company is 144 years old, and the 4th largest tire manufacturer in the word. But it

wants to be in the top 3, and Sumter is part of those plans.

The Sumter plant installs new machinery constantly, and hires new team members virtually monthly. Continental Tire will continue to add about 250 workers to its Sumter plant each year until it gets to its commitment level of 1,600 total workers by 2021.

“The year 2015 will be another ramp-up year, much like 2014,” said Baartman. “We continue to see a strong, expanding market for our products.”

To make those products, Continental needs people. Not just any people, Baartman says, but exceptional people. The kind of people more interested in joining a team than simply finding a job. The kind of people who want to become part of Continental’s culture of excellence.

“Finding exceptional people and training them to our standards is of the highest strategic importance,” he said. To that end, the local plant will spend more than $1.5 million on training and development in 2015.

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That strategic importance is reflected in the company’s “seven strategic dimensions” for future viability. The final dimension is entitled “Great people in an inspiring culture.” Four fundamental values comprise this dimension: “Trust, Passion to Win, Freedom to Act, and For One Another.”

“We believe in not only developing employees’ technical skills, but their ability to work in a team as well. And we do that in an inspiring environment that breeds trust and collaboration,” Baartman said. “These things all work together in ways that enhance both work and life.”

Baartman said while the startup remains on schedule, there are constant challenges. Most of them, however, were expected.

“There are always challenges in growth,” he said. “We remain

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pleased to be where we are today. Our entire team in Sumter has worked tremendously hard to achieve what we have achieved.

But there always remains room for improvement on the road forward.”

To meet its constantly growing manpower needs, Continental Tire leaves no stone unturned. The discovery, engagement and development of human resources is never ending, Baartman said.

“We want exceptional prospects, people who are proactive and passionate. We want people who challenge themselves, who are driven to learn and better themselves,” Baartman said. “That drive and passion to win is what we stand for at Continental.”

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41

GROWTH

Sumter re-invests in itself, votes for growth and progress

BY RICK FARMER

Sumter’s voters have spoken. And they want a better, more vibrant community that can attract more business and more talent.

In 2014, Sumter County voters were asked to approve an extension of 2008’s Capital Projects Sales Tax, better known as the Penny for Progress. Meanwhile, City of Sumter voters were asked to decide whether restaurants could sell alcohol on Sundays. Both issues passed in landslide fashion.

“I think voters said ‘let’s keep the progress going,’ “ said Bobby Boykin, chairman of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce

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Capital Projects Sales Tax Committee. “I think this validates our community’s vision about people working together towards constant community improvement.”

The 2008 Penny for Progress paid for a new judicial center, improvements to some of Sumter’s most dangerous road intersections, new sidewalks near schools, new rural fire stations, new water and sewer improvements, and numerous other projects. The 2014 issue was a continuation of that issue, and included more funds for road improvements and economic development, in addition to investments in new police and fire

headquarters, a new digital E-911 system, and a host of other projects.

Boykin said he was optimistic the issue would pass, but the margin, with 60% of voters approving, was especially satisfying.

“I think voters could see with their own two eyes the improvements that have happened in Sumter with the first penny,” he said. “They have signed on to the vision that Sumter can be better and they want to take this community to a higher level.”

Boykin also said he thinks many voters now understand that a local option sales tax is a better way to pay for community improvement than just raising property taxes.

“One of the greatest things about a penny tax is we all pay it, including lots of folks who don’t even live here. Every time someone buys a soft drink or a meal or a new pair of shoes, they chip into our community improvement fund.”

On city ballots, voters were asked to approve Sunday alcohol sales at restaurants within the city limits. The issue was supported by the Chamber, the Sumter Development Board, the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative and numerous other groups.

Proponents argued that the Sunday prohibition was keeping restaurant chains from investing in Sumter, causing locals to spend money in other communities, and limiting local choices.

Like the Penny for Progress, the Sunday sales referendum passed LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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with about six in 10 voters approving.

“I think this shows we have a voting population that’s more progressive than we often give them credit for,” said Rick Levy, Chairman of the Chamber’s Sunday Alcohol Sales Committee.

Levy said when combined with Sumter’s rising per-capita incomes, dropping the ban on Sunday alcohol sales at restaurants will probably lead to new investments in short order.

“We’ve heard from the people who broker deals that this limitation was holding up those deals,” he said. “Now that voters have made it possible, we expect some of those investments will happen.”

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Both these issues are economic development issues, said Jay Schwedler, president and CEO of Sumter Economic Development.

“We are investing in ourselves, and tearing down unnecessary barriers,” he said. “These changes will make Sumter more appealing to domestic and international prospects, and will keep local dollars at home. And combined they send a strong signal to those considering investment in our community that the City of Sumter and Sumter County are serious about growth and development.”

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SC STATE SENATE

GOVERNMENT

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.

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

Steaks, Burgers, Seafood & More....

3355 Patriot Park Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 469-2500 46 |

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SC STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES R E P R E S E NTAT I V E

R EPR ES EN TAT I 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 I V E

R EPR ES EN TAT I V E

J. DAVID WEEKS CHAIRMAN

JOSEPH H. “JOE” NEAL

Sumter Legislative Delegation

District 70 - Richland & Sumter Counties -

Democrat - Sumter

Map

District 51 - Sumter County - Map

Columbia Address

Columbia Address

309B Blatt Bldg.

330C Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

Columbia, 29201

Business Phone (803) 734-2804

Business Phone (803) 734-3102

Home Address

Home Address

P.O. Box 5

2 Marlborough Court, Sumter, 29154

Hopkins, 29061

Home Phone (803) 775-4228

Home Phone (803) 776-0353

Democrat - Richland

Business Phone (803) 775-5856 R E P R E S E NTAT I V 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 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

D I S T R I C T

1

5

NAOMI SANDERS

VIVIAN FLEMING-MCGHANEY

Contact Information:

Contact Information:

5605 Borden Road

9770 Lynches River Road

Rembert, SC 29128

Lynchburg, SC 29080

Home Phone: 803-499-3947

Home Phone: 803-437-2797 Work Phone: 803-495-3247 (School)

D I S T R I C T

2

D I S T R I C T

6

ARTIE BAKER

JAMES T. MCCAIN

Contact Information:

Contact Information:

3680 Bakersfield Lane

317 W. Bartlette Street

Dalzell, SC 29040

Sumter, SC 29150

Home Phone: 469-3638

Work Phone: 803-436-2107

Mobile Phone: 983-9318

D I S T R I C T

3

7

JAMES (JIMMY) R. BYRD, JR.

EUGENE BATEN VICE CHAIRMAN

Contact Information:

Contact Information:

13 E. Canal Street

Post Office Box 3193

Sumter, SC 29150

Sumter, SC 29151

Mobile Phone: 803-468-1719

Home Phone: 803-773-0815

Office Phone: 803-778-0796 Fax: 803-775-2726 D I S 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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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.

COLLEEN YATES

PO Box 1449

437 W. Hampton Ave,

Sumter, SC 29151

Sumter, SC 29150

4

(803) 436-2580 jmcelveen@sumter-sc.com

WAR D

1

WA R D

5

THOMAS J. LOWERY

ROBERT A. GALIANO

829 Legare Street

608 Antlers Drive

Sumter, SC 29150

Sumter, SC 29150

803-773-9298

(803) 469-0005

tlowery@sumter-sc.com

bgaliano@sumter-sc.com

WAR D

2

WA R D

6

IONE J. DWYER

DAVID MERCHANT

P.O. Box 1492

26 Paisley Park

Sumter, SC 29151

Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 481-4284

dmerchant@sumter-sc.com

idwyer@sumter-sc.com

WAR D

3

CALVIN K. HASTIE, SR. 810 South Main Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-7776 chastie@sumter-sc.com

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SENIORS

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Activities enrich Senior lifestyles

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS

The city of Sumter is a chosen destination for retirees and those who want to enjoy life in a moderately paced community enriched with southern charm. Sumter offers many activities that promote self expression, a sense of community and the celebration of nature.

Take in the gorgeous sights and sounds of Sumter. Enjoy the moderate climate and experience the friendly greetings from the people you meet. Stroll along the many trails in Swan LakeIris Garden and enjoy relaxing atmosphere of the surrounding nature.

The Sumter County Gallery of Art hosts classes that teach painting, screen printing, pottery and drawing. This season’s shows at the Sumter Little Theater include “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” and “Beauty and the Beast.” People of all ages are encouraged to volunteer with the Sumter Little Theater.

Through the South Carolina Code of Laws, any person who has attained the age of 60 can attend classes at state-supported colleges and universities without having to pay tuition. The University of South Carolina Sumter and Central Carolina Technical College are both state-supported schools located in

Sumter.

Shaw Air Force Base is located on the outskirts of Sumter and offers shopping, fitness, and entertainment opportunities for veterans and their family members with proper identification.

Many houses of worship of different religious denominations can be found in Sumter which gives everyone the opportunity to find the perfect church home.

Many senior living homes in Sumter promote independence for residents while also providing 24-hour staff, medication management and planned activities.

Sumter Senior Services provides opportunities for physical, mental and emotional wellness by offering physical fitness classes, shopping and overnight trips and counseling. Sumter Senior Services also provides clients with daily transportation to senior centers, medical appointments and for those who are 60 years of age or older, hot meals can be delivered daily through the Meals-on-Wheels Program.

Sumter possesses the desired qualities of a city that offers opportunities for leisure, education and community growth for all residents while also providing a sense of belonging.

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ARTS

Myriad events, venues enliven art culture

BY IVY MOORE

The arts scene in Sumter crosses many areas of the community, from public and private schools and colleges to businesses, non-profits, senior residences, performance halls, galleries and more. Many events are centered at the Sumter County Cultural Center, which comprises the Patriot Hall auditorium, Sumter County Gallery of Art and the Sumter Little Theatre.

Recent performances on the Patriot Hall stage included the Sumter Civic Dance Company’s annual contemporary dance concert; Hal Linden; a tribute show and a retrospective look at the directing repertoire of Sumter Little Theatre director emerita Katie Damron; concerts by the Sumter Civic Chorale, Sumter Community Concert and Jazz bands; The Nutcracker ballet; the Sumter Art Showcase; numerous Christmas programs; and productions by local school groups.

The Sumter County Cultural Commission, based at the

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center, annually hosts Fall for the Arts, a three-day festival of music, dance, visual and spoken arts, theater and always, a few surprises. Its Gallery 135 hosts regular exhibitions by emerging artists, while the Sumter County Gallery of Art exhibits work by well-known artists from around the country; the gallery also hosts the annual Sumter Artists Guild Show and the SC Watermedia Society exhibition and provides art classes for all ages, taught by professional artists and art educators.

Recently, the gallery has partnered with the senior residents of Covenant Place to present regular art exhibitions that are open to the public.

The beautiful and historic Sumter Opera House, often called “the jewel of Sumter,” continues to expand the number of performances on its stage in the center of downtown. Just last year, the Sumter Shaw Community Concert Association

presented several performances, and the Opera House brought in a professional production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The venue also hosted the legendary Leon Russell and rocker Delbert McClinton in 2014.

Many more performances are already scheduled through late spring at the Opera House, with others to be added.

The University of South Carolina Sumter presents an annual storytelling festival with nationally recognized guests, and it boasts three art galleries that present work by local, national and international artists, most of whom talk about their work during opening night receptions. Performances, readings and special programs are also held in the university’s Arts and Letters Lecture Hall.

Morris College hosts an annual arts festival and presents plays, lectures and musical performances, including those by its accomplished chorale.

The Sumter County Museum regularly brings in accomplished writers to read and talk about their work, and it hosts three Carolina Backcountry events each year — Springtime, Harvest and Christmas – that bring the life of early settlers to life. Visitors to the museum can learn about the area’s history by visiting the regular exhibits. The museum’s main exhibit building, the Williams-Brice House, is filled with art and elegant antique furnishings.

Each of the Sumter County Library’s three branches host enrichment programs, including the young people’s summer reading program, special exhibits, book clubs and national traveling exhibitions.

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FITNESS

Why the Y? Christian nonprofit aims to serve all in the community

BY JADE REYNOLDS

The Sumter Family YMCA has been a valued part of the community for more than a century.

When the administration of the local nonprofit kicked off a capital campaign in 2012, $1.3 million was raised by the end of 2013 to help with upgrades and renovations to the building located at 510 Miller Road.

“The community came back with whole-hearted support to help bring us up to today’s standards,” said John Hoffman,

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executive director.

Work has included modernizing locker rooms, upgrading systems to be more energy efficient and more parking spaces.

The work is on-going with the pool area next up on the list.

In the last few years, the Christian organization has expanded its health outreach through YFIT, a collection of programs designed to help you meet your fitness goals and which have garnered attention from Y-USA.

“Being able to get people into YFIT for free with a physician’s referral thanks to a grant from BI-LO has brought in people who otherwise might not have come through the door,” said Missy Corrigan, now the assistant executive director and formerly the healthy living director who spear-headed the YFIT programs.

But don’t think the facility is just a gym.

“It’s about building relationships in a supportive environment and connecting to another person,” Corrigan said.

And it’s not just the staff that support you on your journey of recovery from illness, new fitness goal or first time to such a place, said Missy Reese, marketing coordinator. Your fellow Y members or classmates are often there for you, too.

“It gets where if you’re not here, they wonder if you’re OK,” she said.

This exemplifies the Y’s mission “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” Corrigan said.

The Y is also for all ages. The after-school program has grown tremendously during the last few years, Hoffman said. About 140 students in kindergarten through middle school are currently in the program, and pickup is available at 14 schools in the city.

Church league basketball continues to be popular with about 400 children currently enrolled, he said, and numerous camps are available in the summer.

Other children-focused programs include YFIT Kid , Zumba Kids and Teen Cycle are available for the youth. In all these classes and programs, children are taught the five character traits of respect, responsibility, caring, honesty and faith, Corrigan said.

But the Y wants to encourage families to be healthy together.

So it offers Family Fitness 101, a class that certifies your child age 12 to 14 to work out in the fitness center.

Hoffman said his 11-year-old son can’t wait.

“It’s become almost a rite of passage,” he said.

It’s not uncommon for generations of a family to come through the Sumter Family YMCA, Reese said.

The organization also partners with other community groups.

“We’re a great resource for schools and community centers,” Corrigan said. “We’ve cultivated strong relationships with each other. Speaking at schools, health fairs and career fairs gives us a great opportunity to learn what’s out there and what’s needed. In a time of need, we work together to close gaps.”

For example, it became obvious that just informing people about nutrition wasn’t enough. Many needed help putting the facts into practice.

So the Y developed two programs, a healthy cooking class where participants prepare and eat a meal and a meal prep course where people form teams to create a number of dishes to pack for the upcoming week.

Staff also volunteers with other organizations such as Sumter United Ministries, and the Y often serves as a central registration point for other volunteer opportunities in the community, Reese said.

Multiple membership levels are available ranging from teens to singles to families and senior citizens. Through the Open Doors program, which offers financial assistance, the Y doesn’t turn anybody away, Hoffman said.

Businesses can become corporate wellness partners, too. The program provides the employees a two-week free Y membership trial and waves the joining fee. It also includes free health fairs, screenings, seminars and demonstrations, Corrigan said.

For more information on the Sumter Family YMCA, call (803) 773-1404 or visit ymcasumter.org.

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SHAW AFB

Updated housing builds Shaw community spirit

BY JOE KEPLER

A quick drive around Shaw Air Force base shows the buzz of workers building, paving and digging as a number of projects are either currently underway or nearing completion towards the improvements of the base. Much like Sumter itself, the base has been under constant growth since the arrival of U.S. Army Central (USARCENT) in 2011.

The projects completed thus far have coupled the basic needs for the 1,400 extra residents from the Army alongside 56 |

L I FE I S G O O D I N S UMTER.CO M

improvements needed for existing buildings that serves the entire base. That focus has guided Shaw to a period of construction and growth that has been more comprehensive and ambitious than any other time since the base was first built in 1941.

One project soon to be completed is the family housing redevelopment project, which began in November of 2011. The project, slated for a 2015 completion, aimed to improve the quality of life for service members and their families who live

on the base. Under the plan, 680 housing units that were originally built through the Department of Defense as early as the 1950’s would be demolished.

In its place will go 630 new units and community amenities to be built and managed by an independent source, as the Department of Defense privatized the new houses through Forest City Military Communities, LLC, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Privatizing the development allows rapid completion of the project as well as saving the Department money.

Those homes come on the heels of the new dorms and command center that were built to house the Army’s full arrival in 2011. The dorms are now in use today, and the $105 million Army command center (known as Patton Hall) was officially opened in May of 2011.

The new jewel of the base is still in the works, as it was announced in June of 2013 that a new $38.7 million medical clinic would be built on the base. It will be a pair of two-story buildings that will increase capacity, and enable important consolidation for the base’s medical services. The on-going construction is scheduled to be completed by March of 2016.

The base finished its fiscal year end in September, and through the end of that year it had awarded 41 projects at just under $60 million. It was the base’s most productive year ever in terms of both projects and money awarded, according to Jill Shaffer, Chief of Programs Management at Shaw.

That total was done without what Shaffer referred to as “mil-con” projects. The difference between a mil-con project and a standard job is the amount the project will cost.

Any new construction that the base can handle personally cannot cost more than $700,000, while a mil-con project requires outside agencies to complete it and typically costs more. Major construction on the level of the new medical building or Patton Hall is a mil-con project, while a minor renovation is something that stays in-house. The base did without any mil-con projects in the last fiscal year.

“Mil-con money has gotten to where it’s very scarce, unless it’s funding a new mission,” Shaffer explained. If it’s not funding a new mission it’s very difficult to get the money, so that leaves us with a lot of repair and maintenance projects.”

A mil-con project will be sent out to bid as any domestic project would. Contractors for major construction can be drawn from anywhere in the country, but smaller projects will be sent out to bid through Multiple Award Construction, or MAC, contractors. Every five years a group of five to seven contractors from a three-state area are selected to handle those smaller projects.

The biggest non-mil-con projects underway at Shaw currently is the renovations of the Air Force Central Command headquarters, which is taking a building from the 1950s and “gutting it to meet the needs of the new layout for today,” according to Shaffer. The design is underway, but the actual construction will start in May. Other major renovations will be focused on the base’s fitness center and vehicle maintenance building.

Shaffer said that she does not anticipate any major milcon projects coming to Shaw within the next few years, but the base will continue to strengthen and grow through renovations in the meantime.

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PARKS AND REC

Area recreational facilities draw major events B Y G R AY S O N R U S S E L L

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It’s hard to believe, looking out from the Tennis Center at Palmetto Park, that so much of it used to be woods, stretching all the way from the football field of Alice Drive Middle School to the few baseball ball fields and tennis courts that rested along Wise Drive. I remember being young then and those woods were somewhat mischievous, or either we were. As most kids we cut class from time to time and slipped off into the woods down well beaten paths and adolescent revelry.

But those are bygone days.

Now Palmetto Park as well Dillon Park, and Patriot Park are state of the art facilities that have become home to and host a number of sporting events and tournaments.

With 24 courts the tennis center has become a venue for tennis pros to offer private lessons as well as being a home court to teams such as Wilson Hall and Thomas Sumter high schools. This year it will host for the first time the USTA/ITA National Small College championships, or the “Super Bowl” of tennis.

One of the Ballfields known as the Bobby Richardson Complex, an extension of Palmetto Park, is a modern six-field youth complex with an observation tower, and picnic areas. It boasts hosting both the Youth Baseball and Softball Jamboree every year. The other is being named after Sumter’s own Bobby Richardson, the southern “Yankees’ Famous Second Baseman.”

In 2009 Patriot Park, the newest facilities, welcomed the Dixie World Series, and it put Sumter on the map being the first venue to host five age groups at one time.

The biggest tournament to date was the 6th annual Ashly Pipkin Memorial which utilized all the facilities at Palmetto, Dillon and Patriot parks. Patriot is also home to the Publix Palmetto Academy and The Khol’s American Cup. It takes up 22 fields and 164 boys and girls’ soccer teams have been returning to Sumter for the last four years and again this year.

This is a the lowball figure: the total number of tournaments run for 30 weeks with over 705 teams, 8,460 players, another 6,345 spectators, which totals around 15,000 non-residents who travel from places as far west as California and north as New York State to visit Sumter for the duration of the tournament. This means that restaurants like J O’Gradys, The Hamptons, Angel’s downtown, Sambinos on the corner of Alice and Wise, and several other restaurants, bars and sporting-goods stores gain an influx of new business.

To be less than generous with the numbers, if 15,000 people double up in a motel room, that generates half a million dollars. If people spend 35 dollars on gas while they are here, it’s almost a quarter million. If they spend 20 to 30 dollars on entertainment it is a quarter of a million.

Then another 15 dollars on souvenirs which is close to the same number. The average from the rollover effect is close

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to $11 million in revenue, which is said to be a very conservative figure.

Thanks to Phil Parnell, Steve Hostetler and Rose Ford who are the helm of such an innovative Parks and Rec Department, we can expect and trust, aside from their dedication, even more innovation and improvement.

Lastly, it would be a miss not to mention Mill Creek in concert with the other parks. A natural haven situated off 261 south past Poinsett, Mill Creek is a retreat for nature lovers, canoeing enthusiasts, equestrians, or anyone looking to get away for a weekend with family and friends. It’s a beautiful canvass for that and much more. Mill Creek hosts weekends for Boy and

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Girl Scout troops and furnishes a canoe club that traverses the cypress trees and tea-to-black-colored waters from Packs Landing to Sparkleberry Swamp.

In addition to the private lake, cabins and camping sites, Mill Creek hosts a trail ride every year. It’s a full weekend of campfires, the smell of raw, dry, hay, the neighing of horses and the blending of different outdoor meals filling the air. The best part comes when the dance begins in the old mess hall that dates back over half a century. The hearth is what it should be and has been, both state of the art and old, a fireplace that encompasses the size of a modern bedroom. It’s an old innovation and one the few things in Sumter that has not changed.

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Part of

McLeod Heart & Vascular Institute www.McLeodHeart.org LIFEISGO O DI NSUMTE R .C O M |

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HEROES

Sumter Heroes

BY KEN BELL

Everyone who lives in Sumter will tell you it is great community in which to raise a family. People here wave as they pass you on the street. Many stay and end up retiring in the community that they grew to love. For others, however, fame and fortune called from communities far away.

Shawn Weatherly Harris, Bobby Richardson and the late Freddie Solomon all answered that call and became household names, not only across America, but in some cases, the world.

SHAWN WEATHERLY HARRIS Harris was born in San Antonio but moved to Sumter at 9 years old when the Air Force transferred her father to Shaw Air Force Base. It was in Sumter that she spent the remainder of her childhood years before attending Clemson University as a nursing major.

In 1980, she won Miss South Carolina USA and handily won Miss USA, winning all three rounds of the final competition: interview, evening gown and swimsuit. Later that same year, she was named Miss Universe. But for her, this was just the beginning of a path that would lead to even more national and international acclaim.

Many will remember her as Jill Riley on the television show Baywatch. She had an early reality show titled Oceanquest, in

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which she swam with sharks. She also landed small roles in other television shows, including The Dukes of Hazzard. Harris also made it to the big screen with a major role in the 1986 film “Police Academy 3: Back in Training.”

Today, she lives with her family in California. She said her blessings and fame came as quite a surprise.

“I never dreamed of being famous,” she said. “I did love dancing and entertaining people.

I remember using bed sheets for curtains and hanging them over porch doors at family reunions. I improvised everything.

Never had a plan, just told stories, danced and sang as long as any of my family would watch.”

Out of all of her accomplishments, beauty pageant titles and other accolades, Harris said she is most proud of being a mother.

“My greatest job has been being a mother to my son and daughter,” she said. “I lost my mother when I was 8 years old to bone cancer. Being able to raise my children in a happy, loving family has been my greatest joy.”

Harris said she cherishes greatly her childhood memories of growing up in Sumter.

“Growing up in Sumter has given me a unique perspective on everything,” she said. “The speed that daily life passes by is never lost on me. I remember spending long summer days with

all the animals my mother adopted. My Mom would say, ‘All right kiddies, go out and play until you have exhausted your wiggles!’ ” She said she has pleasant memories of Sumter in the fall.

“I loved the fall in high school,” she said, “building homecoming floats on school nights. I can close my eyes and feel as if I’m there-the air finally cooling and crisp on my cheeks, the smell of wood burning in fireplaces.”

The seeds of what would become a talent for dancing began in Sumter, she said.

“I loved my dance studio in Sumter so much. It was there I could fuel my imagination and pretend to be graceful, strong and beautiful. Pretending can be a powerful way to change yourself into what you want to be. I walked into Bette Davis’s dance studio and was transformed by the music, the lights and Bette’s open arms. I was filled with hope an inspiration there.”

And it wasn’t just the fall season that she enjoyed in Sumter.

“I loved my summer job as a lifeguard at Sunset Country Club,” she said. “I even loved cleaning the bathrooms at the end of the day. Being in charge was fun and empowering to me, even if some of it was ‘dirty’ work.”

As much as she loves Sumter, Harris said her future remains in California with her family.

“I don’t see myself moving back to Sumter or South Carolina but I do love to visit friends and family there,” she said. “I was able to visit Sumter when the Osteen family invited me for the Iris Festival a few years ago. I brought my daughter with me and when we had to leave she broke down in tears and said, ‘Mommy, can we please stay?’ At that moment I realized what a special

place Sumter is. My daughter was responding to the friendship and beauty she experienced there and it was tempting to imagine raising her there.”

BOBBY RICHARDSON Bobby Richardson grew up in Sumter playing with friends in the yard of his home located at 9 Washington Street and surrounding areas. Sadly, that childhood home no longer exists.

The young man whose first job was delivering tombstones for his father’s business left Sumter to become a premier secondbaseman for the New York Yankees alongside such greats as Mickey Mantle and others. “My first job was working with my dad delivering tombstones. He would put down markers where the tombstone was to go and I got five dollars for collecting them” Richardson said the Sumter YMCA sponsored all of the youth baseball teams at the time and that was where he discovered his love of the game.

“I’d go by my father’s business to turn in those markers and I’d imagine myself playing in the major leagues,” he said. “The first team I played for was the Salvation Army team.” For the next several years after that, he played on a team sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.

During those early years, his influences were Harry Stokes, a neighborhood friend who was a few years older than Richardson, and “Hutch” Hutchinson, who coached both Richardson’s team at Edmund’s High School and the Sumter American Legion team.

Richardson made the American Legion team at age 14.

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He recalled playing in a tournament in Charlotte against a team from Richmond, Va. “My dream was toward the Yankees,” he said. “Mayo Smith came out to watch our team play. He actually came to see Julian Beard. After the game he came up to me and promised I’d get a chance to try out for the Yankees.

They sent me some material on (Yankees shortstop) Phil Rizzuto because he was small like me.”

Richardson went to high school still dreaming of one day playing for the Yankees.

“When I was a senior, they asked each one of us what we wanted to do in life. Then they would write something about it in the annual,” he said. “I wrote that I wanted to play shortstop for the Yankees.”

Little did Richardson know that his dream was about to come true. His baseball talent attracted major league baseball scouts from most teams.

“I had a chance to sign with 12 of the 16 major league baseball clubs,” he said, “among them the Dodgers and the Yankees.” Richardson spent two years in the minor leagues when at 19 years old, he got called up to the major leagues. Suddenly, this was no dream and Richardson found himself on the roster of his beloved New York Yankees.

“My first year with the Yankees, I made $5,000,” he said. “That equaled about $35 a game.”

Richardson said his dad didn’t want him to play professional baseball.

“No, he wanted me to play football,” Richardson said.

But it was baseball for which Richardson had a passion and he knew his family would support his decision, which they did.

“I remember the first time they called me up there were about 65,000 people in the stands,” he said. It was Aug. 19, 1955.

Richardson said he always knew when Sumter folks were in the stands.

“They called me Robert,” he said. “That’s the name I grew up with. When I was in New York and someone called me Robert I knew it was someone from Sumter.”

Eleven years later in 1966, Richardson retired, leaving a legacy of having played in 1,412 regular games with a .266 lifetime batting average. His retirement announcement sent shockwaves throughout the country.

Richardson explained why he chose to retire at 30 years old.

“They talked Mickey Mantle into staying too long,” he said. “I wanted to go out while I was ahead. Plus, I missed my family.”

After retirement, Richardson said that Paul Dietzel, then the University of South Carolina’s athletic director, asked him to coach the Gamecocks.

“I turned him down twice,” Richardson said. “But when Dietzel came to Sumter for a speaking engagement and the two men met up again. “He said this was the last time he was going to ask me.”

Richardson excelled at coaching, bringing the previously mediocre baseball team into prominence with a 51-6 record and a trip to the College World Series in 1975. Richardson said his team lost to Miami, falling short by one game.

President Gerald Ford asked Richardson to run for Congress in 1976.

“I lost by about 3,000 votes,” he said. “My wife told me, and I think she was right, that I actually won by not going to Washington.”

Richardson, widely admired for his strong Christian faith, also traveled with the Rev. Billy Graham on several of his crusades.

Despite the fame and ability to choose where he wanted to live, Richardson said there was never any doubt that he would eventually retire to Sumter.

“I’m an avid hunter,” he said. “I could not wait to get home and get ready for quail season. My roots have always been here.”

Richardson said that, in 1960, he bought some property on Evans Avenue and that’s where he still lives today, 55 years later.

“I never thought of living anywhere else other than Sumter.”

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FREDDIE SOLOMON To the rest of the world, Freddie Solomon was a great football player and role model. But to his friends who knew him as a child growing up in Sumter, he was just Freddie.

After a successful collegiate career playing quarterback for the University of Tampa, he went on to play in the National Football League as a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins and later, the San Francisco 49ers, where he played on two Super Bowl Championship teams.

Solomon’s younger brother, Roger Solomon, said Freddie became interested in sports around age 10 or 11 when he played Pony League baseball.

“He got me into playing that, too,” Roger Solomon said. “Then he kind of ‘graduated’ into playing football by watching it on TV on Sundays.”

Roger Solomon said Freddie’s NFL hero was Joe Kemp of the Minnesota Vikings.

“Later, Joe Namath came into the picture. After the (New York) Jets went off we had to go play ‘Joe Namath’ across the road.”

He said Freddie was talented at baseball but wanted to play basketball, too.

“For some reason basketball never panned out for him,” Roger Solomon said.

Solomon said Freddie’s first high school football game for Sumter High was against Manning.

“I listened to the game on the radio,” Roger Solomon said. “His performance was so awesome that me and my father traveled with the team after that.”

Solomon said even he was surprised by his brother’s talent.

“The things he did on the field, I had never seen before.”

Roger Solomon said when they were kids, he didn’t realize that he was seeing two future NFL stars playing ball. Yes, there was another future star in the neighborhood, too: Terry Kinard, who starred at Clemson before playing for the New York Giants and later, the Houston Oilers.

“Red & White Street in Sumter is the only street in America where two future NFL stars grew up together,” Roger Solomon said. “I don’t think anyone else has realized that.”

Richard Solomon, Freddie’s older brother, said he could have changed the future for Freddie.

“The day he was supposed to go back to Florida, our parents had already left for their jobs in Columbia,” he said. “Freddie came to me and told me he needed for me to sign the papers for him to play in the NFL. I asked him, ‘Is that legal?’ He said, ‘You’re 21, aren’t you?’ so I signed the papers that allowed him to play.”

Richard Solomon said Freddie originally wanted to play at the

University of South Carolina, but his SAT scores held him back.

“That’s how he ended up at the University of Tampa,” he said.

“Looking back, it was probably a Devine move.”

Freddie Solomon played a key role in the 1982 NFC Playoff game between the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. On the play known in NFL lore as “The Catch” where Dwight Clark made his famous leaping grab that sealed the win, Freddie Solomon was actually the primary receiver.

“They actually ran that play twice in the game,” Roger Solomon said. “The first time, Freddie scored a touchdown. But he slipped coming off of the line of scrimmage the next time they ran it and it threw off the timing. Joe Montanan spotted Dwight Clark on the other side and knew the only thing he could do was throw the ball up and hope it was a catch.” That catch propelled the 49ers to their first Super Bowl Championship.

Roger Solomon said Freddie was a team player and happy that the play was a success.

Richard Solomon said Freddie always had a soft spot for children who wanted to play sports.

“He was always mentoring our children,” he said. “Even today, there are programs still going on in Tampa for kids that he started.

His love for children started with football. He was always encouraging them” After the 1985 NFL season, Freddie Solomon had had enough.

He wanted to return home to Sumter.

“His wife was from Tampa so that’s where he stayed at first,” Richard Solomon said. “That’s when he started the programs—a football camp for kids that’s still growing today.”

Richard Solomon said Freddie was a humble person and soon came back to Sumter where he had family and childhood friends.

Maybe it was Divine Intervention, maybe Freddie had a premonition, no one will ever know. Freddie Solomon died on February 13, 2012 after a nine-month battle with colon and liver cancer.

However, his friends and family in Sumter didn’t let his memory die with him.

In October 2013, the football field at Sumter Memorial Stadium, the same field where Solomon first showcased his talent during the first season of Sumter High School in 1970, was unveiled as Freddie Solomon Field.

And in February of 2014, Freddie Solomon was inducted into the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame, along with William “The Refrigerator” Perry, Sterling Sharpe and the late David “Deacon” Jones.

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MANUFACTURING RESURGANCE

For decades, officials have proudly referred to Sumter a strong military and manufacturing community, alluding to its lengthy partnerships with Shaw Air Force Base and a local manufacturing sector many other communities envy. Combined, the military and manufacturing sectors in Sumter account for nearly 18,000 jobs and have an economic impact of somewhere around $2 billion, representing a majority of Sumter’s local economy.

And thanks to a resurgence of manufacturing, Sumter County has clawed its way back from the worst recession in nearly a century. Today, there are more than 8,000 manufacturing jobs in Sumter, up about 1,600 jobs since the low-water mark in 2009.

Since 2010, manufacturing is up about 4.6 percent across America, meaning the addition of 600,000 jobs from coast to coast, according to the Manufacturing Institute. In that timeframe, South Carolina’s manufacturing community has expanded about 8.6 percent. But Sumter’s growth in manufacturing eclipses both, with a more than 20-percent expansion of manufacturing jobs.

“We used the recession to plan for future growth, and that growth is now here,” said Jay Schwedler, President/ CEO of Sumter Economic Development. “We focused on making sure we had the right strategies, the right certified properties, and the right marketing mix to maximize our chances of winning. We came out of the recession strong because we planned to be ready when companies started expanding again.”

Sumter County broke the negative trend in January of 2011 with the announcement that Au’Some, LLC would purchase one of the old Bosch buildings to manufacture fruit snacks. The $6 million, 120-job announcement was the first for Gov. Nikki Haley. Sumter followed that with expansions at Sumter Packaging, Evans Trailers and Apex Tools.

And then in late 2011, Sumter County landed its biggest prospect ever, when international manufacturer Continental Tire The Americas announced it had chosen Sumter for a $534 million, 1,650 job project. Plant Manager Craig Baartman credited both the local and state efforts to create a situation in which the manufacturer could be most successful.

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A Resurgence of Manufacturing in Sumter Illustrates Future Prosperity

BY RICK FARMER

“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,” Baartman said.

And the hits kept coming. Since the Continental announcement, Sumter has secured two new companies in King Machine and Sumter Mold Services, and more expansions at Kaydon, Caterpillar, Porter’s Fabrications, Sumter Metals, Fire Equipment Services and Apex Tools.

“I can’t recall a time when we have been busier,” said Schwedler.

“At last count we were working more than a dozen active projects from small local expansions, to massive billion-dollar projects. The pipeline is full.”

In a visit to Caterpillar Hydraulics in 2012 to see its most recent 80-job, $20 million expansion, Gov. Haley singled out Sumter and called it a “star” of manufacturing in South Carolina.

“Between Caterpillar, Apex Tools, Porter Fabrications, Au’some Candies, and the one we love, Continental Tire, that’s a lot for one area,” she said. “But that’s just the beginning.”

So what does this all mean for the future of manufacturing in Sumter? Schwedler said the biggest mission of Sumter Economic Development today is getting ready for tomorrow.

“The days of low-skill labor are mostly gone. Today’s manufacturing is much more about trained employees and the application of technology to ensure productivity, competitiveness and worth. Our future will depend greatly upon how well we train our workforce to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

Rick Farmer is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer, and the Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Sumter Economic Development.

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