Belle Baruch celebrates retirement of co-director

Housed within FMU’s McNair Institute for Research and Service, The Belle Baruch Institute for South Carolina Studies was established in 2017 by a unique partnership between Francis Marion University, Coastal Carolina University, and the Belle W. Baruch Foundation at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown. Professor Emeritus Dr. Lynn Hanson was named the first co-director of the institute.

Hanson and her students have spent the last six years entrenched in research projects that unearthed more of who the late Belle Baruch was and the impact that she has had on South Carolina’s history.

With multi-disciplinary, collaborative projects like archiving more than 6,100 check stubs, authentically recreating clothing, and 3-D printing replicas of world-class equestrian medals, it is easy to see why. After officially retiring from FMU in 2020, Hanson stayed on as an associate co-director through last December. Even now that her time directing BISCS is ending, Hanson is excited to continue her research and hopes to see more FMU faculty “bitten by the same bug” to create student/faculty research opportunities at Hobcaw Barony.

While she considers every project her favorite, she was most moved by the unique environment and possibilities of Hobcaw Barony.

She feels that the new co-director, Dr. Rick Almeida is well suited for the job.

“He is infinitely curious, that will serve him well,” said Hanson.

Almeida is an associate professor of political science. He has been with FMU for fifteen years. Almeida said he hopes to create new connections with FMU disciplines and departments that have not previously worked with BISCS. He also looks forward to continuing to grow relationships with Coastal Carolina, as well as with University of South Carolina and Clemson, who have conducted research at Hobcaw Barony since the 1960s.

The McNair Institute and BISCS will continue to grow opportunities for FMU faculty to pursue research opportunities that positively impact South Carolina at Hobcaw Barony and beyond.

To find out more visit, www.fmarion.edu/biscs.

classes.”

Bailey made the presentation at Wilson during a small, brief ceremony where he and Robinson were flanked by Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees Members Bryan Chapman, Dr. Gloria Bracey, Superintendent of Florence 1 Schools Dr. Richard O’Malley, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees S. Porter Stewart.

Bailey noted that the mis-

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Death Notices

Kenneth Michael Araujo Jr., 39, passed away Feb. 5. Layton Anderson Funeral Home.

Annette Graves Carr, 60, passed away Jan. 29. Draper Myers Funeral Home.

Jerry Carter, 82, passed away Jan. 27. Belk Funeral Home.

Bobby Dewey Hinson, 87, passed away Jan. 28. Belk Funeral Home.

Robert Jackson, 81, passed away Jan. 31. Ideal Funeral Home.

Allen “Mountain Man” Lewis Knotts, 72, passed away Jan. 28. Belk Funeral Home.

Rachel Elizabeth Greene Logan, 91, passed away Jan. 30. Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

Stephen Michael “Mike” Love, 65, passed away Jan. 27. Cain-Calcutt Funeral Home.

Chip Brian Melton, 57, passed away Feb. 1. Belk Funeral Home.

Margaret Miles, 85, passed away Feb. 1. KistlerHardee Funeral Home.

Paul Lee Moy, 47, passed away Jan. 29. Layton Anderson Funeral Home.

William Parrott Jr., 75, passed away Jan. 29. Draper Myers Funeral Home.

Norma Newsom Rowe, 92, passed away Jan. 31. Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.

Perry H. “Squeaky” Small, 66, passed away Jan.26. Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home.

Patricia Coggins Suber, 86, passed away Feb. 1. Cain-Calcutt Funeral Home.

Janet Turner, 83, passed away Jan. 30. Cain-Calcutt Funeral Home.

Mary M. Walker, 75, passed away Feb. 1. Draper Myers Funeral Home.

GOLDEN GLOVES - Jimmy Calcutt attended Florence schools and boxed Golden Gloves and clubs before turning pro and fighting out of the Willie Pep stable as Jimmy Calcutta. This photo was taken for a fight card in 1952 by Arthur Strickland. Do you have an old photo you would like to submit for The News Journal’s Do You Remember? You may do so by emailing a digital copy of the photo, including information about the photo, to editor@florencenewsjournal.com. You may also submit photos and information in person at our office, located at 312 Railroad Ave.

sion of the Wilson High Alumni Association is continuing the legacy of excellence in education, building character, promoting community involvement, and supporting Wilson High School both financially and physically.

“The WHSAA is committed to making a difference in the lives of both current Wilson High School students and alumni,” said Bailey.

“The Wilson Alumni Association is a model for other institutions nationally, given the reach, depth, and longevity of their organization in support of their alma mater,” said Porter Stewart, Chairman of the Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees.

“What is so striking about the association is the evident community among its members that is so telling on every occasion they gather. The Wilson alums truly enjoy each other while also working together to support future alums – the current students at Wilson High School. Well done, Wilson

Alumni Association and thank you.”

Robinson explained that typically, funds donated by the association are used to purchase items that the school does not already have, or to provide items to enhance specific programs.

“This year we will use the funds to purchase items such as uniforms for the Wilson Academic Challenge Team, equipment for the Wilson Athletic department, and incentives/rewards for students who do well on End of Course Examinations.” partnership spanned more than 30 years and lasted until Jones’ death in 2001. While never married as some have mistakenly assumed, Person did record and manage Jones’ music. These two titans of Jazz often performed together, with Houston receiving equal billing. Person also partnered with Lena Horne, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Lou Rawls and Cheraw native Dizzy Gillespie.

Robert Lee Walters, 66, passed away Jan.31. Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home.

Tony Dean “Sawdust” Wiley, 62, passed away Feb. 2. Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.

Levita Michelle Williams, 48, passed away Jan. 29. Ideal Funeral Home.

Blues and Jazz music became his wheelhouse, of Raldex Hospitality, said that he has already received positive feedback about Raldex becoming a host site for Project Search.

F1S Transition Coordinator Kandee Shelor said that it is exciting to see another local business partner investing in Project Search.

“Raldex has always been amazing about partnering although he has been known to dabble in several genres including swing, gospel, disco, pop, and R&B. Of his music, Person has said the most important thing to him is that his music relaxes and makes people feel good. Houston has spent a lifetime accomplishing this very thing, and he hasn’t let a little thing like turning 88 hold him back. Last November he released an album titled “Reminiscing At Rudy’s.” Written by Lauren Monica. with us when we have asked in the past,” Shelor said. “They have enthusiastically embraced the Project Search program and the mission behind it: providing training that will help our students get employment. We look forward to pairing students with Raldex locations and departments and hearing their success stories.”