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104 E Curtis Street • Downtown Simpsonville, SC (864) 757-8009 Mon Thru Sat: 10:00am to 5:30pm • Sun: 12:00pm to 4:00pm

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TOP: Lauren Adkins (Pictured center)- Presbyterian College, Volleyball LEFT: Jamarion McBride-Coastal Carolina Football, Seth Nichols-Union College Football, Kevin Eichelberger-Union College Football, Roderick Stoddard-West Point Football, Tay Scott- -Wingate University Football, Kenny Sims-Georgia Military Football

Roy & Frances Shelton, Innkeepers

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109 West Trade Street Post Oﬃce Box 605 Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681 Call (864) 963-‐3781 Fax (864) 228-‐0003 info@simpsonvillechamber.com

www.SimpsonvilleChamber.com

Do You Simpsonville?

Around here, February 14th is more than just a day to be with your loved ones - it’s I HEART Simpsonville Day! Local businesses and residents will show their Simpsonville pride by running special promotions, celebrating the City, and sporting their I HEART Simpsonville shirts and gear! T-Shirts and other branded items are available at the Chamber ofﬁce. Call us to place your order soon! We’ve added new shirt styles (like long-sleeve!), more logo design options, and new shirt colors this year. All shirts still cost just $5-10 and are available in kids and adult sizes. At that price, anyone can afford to add to their collection!

Chamber members enjoy FREE order delivery, just in time for I

In case you missed it… Recent Ribbon Cu\ngs Marie]a’s Quilt & Sew held a Grand Re-‐Opening & Ribbon CuXng Ceremony to commemorate their new locaTon at 3421 N Industrial Drive! Learn more at marie\asquiltandsew.com! The Wal-‐Mart Neighborhood Market held a Grand Opening & Ribbon CuXng Ceremony to celebrate the opening of their Simpsonville locaTon. Grab your groceries there at 115 Highway 14!

Simpsonville

Simpsonville Day!

Welcome Our Newest Members! A1 Audio

SC Works

(864) 230-‐7487 102 McSwain Drive Mauldin, SC 29662 www.A1-‐Audio-‐SC.com

225 S Pleasantburg Drive, Ste C11 Greenville, SC 29607 www.jobs.scworks.org

The Exchange Company 110 South Main Street Simpsonville, SC 29681

Unterhausen The Castle Cellar Pub (864) 757-‐8801 103 E CurTs Street Simpsonville, SC 29681

Willow Creek Golf Club (864) 670-‐9329 205 Sandy Run, Greer, SC 29651 www.willow-‐creekgolf.com

All Clear Plumbing & Sewer Maintenance (864) 979-‐7059 101 Green Lake Drive Greenville, SC 29607 www.allclearplumbingupstate.com

Clayton Photography (864) 907-‐5227 502-‐A SE Main Street Simpsonville, SC 29680 www.ClaytonPhotographyStudio.com

Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks

(864) 281-‐1064 430 Scuﬄetown Road Simpsonville, SC 29681

(706) 254-‐6395 2255 Woodruﬀ Road Simpsonville, SC 29681 www.PrimroseSchools.com

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Simpsonville’s Historic School: The Sequel Opinion by Matthew Gooch The author of To Kill a Mockingbird is releasing a sequel to her award winning novel. The sequel was actually written first. So why release the ‘old’ story now? Do we really want or need a new story to add to a cherished classic? A sequel is dangerous because should it fall short of the original, it manages not to improve it but to lessen it somehow. Many of us have read this novel and it sits on the shelf of our spirit whispering to us what it means to be human or young or afraid, vividly alive or courageous. This new release runs a great risk of diminishing those whispers. Then again, a good sequel can enhance and invigorate a well-known story. What if the new book, Go Set a Watchman, is spectacular? What if it earns a special home in our cultural memories right next to the original? How sad to have such a special opportunity lost when it could be the very way to help preserve a legacy. The Simpsonville Arts Center, formerly Simpsonville Elementary, has a similar theme. A building that from its very beginning has served this community is once again being looked at for a sequel. The building was constructed in the 1930’s under Roosevelt’s WPA program which put thousands of Americans back to work. The school served generations in our city until about 10 years ago when it was retired as a school and purchased by the City of Simpsonville. The purpose then was to create a cultural center to continue the long legacy of public service. As part of that plan a group of citizens took it upon themselves to

improve the building. They have invested approximately $100,000 in improvements to date through fund raising and donations. The City of Simpsonville has been a smaller partner in their efforts through some monetary funding and mostly providing labor to help with improvements. Others in our community have volunteered their time to work in the building. There is an opportunity to create a sequel in this building so it can continue to work for the public. For now it still serves the public and can continue to do so. It is an important space and needs to be protected. The old school has earned a place in our memory. Her legacy is all around us in our community and we must not lose that. Now, however, that legacy is in jeopardy. The vision of this historic building is in question. Some would have it turned into government offices. Many want to continue to use the building as it was intended, to serve the public through the preservation of our heritage. Much of what this building means to this city and her citizens, like a good story, isn’t what is written on the cover. This building holds our spirit and our history. Thousands of us have walked her halls, cheered in her gym and learned in her classrooms. For those who have attended this old school in the past, what part of your spirit is still being whispered to? Let the city council know what this building means to you and how you want to see it continue to be used.

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The Way to Your Heart How I Applied Problem-Solving to Weight Loss Step 6: Implement Counter Measures Sixth in an Eight Week Series by Kerri Smith • Photo by Gwinn Davis ©2015 gwinndavisphotos.com “Only as you do know yourself can your brain serve you as a sharp and efficient tool. Know your own failings, passions, and prejudices so you can separate them from what you see,” said Bernard Baruch in one of my favorite quotes. The counter measures outlined last week become our action steps to reach the goal. Tools are very important to assist in monitoring and implementing counter measures; however, tools will not cause you to reach your goal. For me to lose 50 lbs in 2014, I chose the FitBit Flex to keep track of my weight, measurements, daily step count, exercise and food journal. To address my mobility issues, I was fortunate to hear Dr. Joe DuPuy speak about his passion to heal people through chiropractic care. I made a commitment to follow the plan he outlined for me. Also, I found Nikken products helped with healing and muscle pain. Their CM Complex Cream is by far the best product for sore muscles and their magnets assist the body in healing. I have spent a decade learning about nutrition and food. I saw the most dramatic weight loss when I eliminated wheat, gluten and grains from my diet. Dr. Davis makes a strong case on how today’s wheat destroys the body. The following sources helped me tremendously in identifying a plan that works for me: Wheat Belly – William Davis, MD Eat Right for Your Blood Type – Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo

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Hormone replacement was critical for me because of having my ovaries removed a decade ago. Low testosterone levels have been linked to chronic pain. And yes, women need testosterone, too. Belly fat produces estrogen and estrogen is a fat-storing hormone. Balancing these hormones and others are very important to overall wellness. Vitamin D, magnesium, B-12, vitamin C along with a multi-vitamin are crucial for weight loss. There are several labs that will check your levels without a doctor’s order. These vital nutrients help with a host of symptoms such depression, fatigue and energy. Without them your body cannot function properly. To address the mental/emotional aspect of my plan, I joined a MasterMind group studying “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Inspiration, support and revelation allowed me to open my mind to new possibilities. The most profound lesson I learned was the Law of Attraction that if you focus on positive or negative thoughts, you can bring about positive or negative results. The one thing we completely control in life is our thoughts. Make them positive and you will see positive changes in your life, too. Kerri Smith is a marketing professional by trade but dedicates her life to learning and challenging the status quo. Smith is a wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, professional speaker, teacher, student, author, survivor and lover of life. Learn more at www.cuexceed.com

heart disease when you transform your diet to support a healthier lifestyle. Something as easy as not adding extra salt to your meals is a small change with a beneficial outcome.

More than 60 percent of South Carolina’s adults are overweight or obese. In return, this contributes to nearly 32 percent of heart disease deaths each year. Roughly 600,000 people die due to heart disease, according to the Center for Disease Control. That’s an average of 1 in every 4 deaths. How do you combat these statistics? It starts with a change in your priorities.

Your diet is not the only option you have to becoming a healthier you. Exercise also plays an important role in cultivating your ideal person. Physical activity practiced regularly helps you maintain a healthy weight and, in return, decrease the risk of heart disease and related deaths.

You can’t have a healthy lifestyle if you don’t improve your dietary habits. You can lower your risk of

Never underestimate the value in your fruits and vegetables. Adding a healthy combination of the two contributes to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Consuming healthier foods gives your heart a fighting chance.

For more information on heartrelated issues and events visit: SpartanburgRegional.com/ dontstopthebeat

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It’s said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This familiar saying describes how we focus on instant gratification rather than long-term health. We prefer the satisfying taste of an Angus beef cheeseburger with thick-sliced black peppered bacon with little consideration of its long-lasting effects on our heart. Our dietary decisions and lifestyle choices have heavy implications on the condition of our heart.

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The Best Care Gets Recognized

Voted Best Hospital in the Upstate The readers of “The Greenville News” voted Pelham Medical Center the best hospital in the Best of the Upstate Reader’s Choice Poll. This award confirms what our patients already know—that Pelham Medical Center delivers an exceptional healthcare experience. We’re proud to receive this honor and look forward to serving your healthcare needs.

A Division of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Rams Rally for 2015 Spirit Week Contributed by Corey Barker, Photos by Stephen Moore ©2015 smooregems.smugmug.com Spirit Week, a decades long tradition at Hillcrest High School where students and faculty participate in fun and zany activities all in the name of charity. The giving spirit runs rampart through the school as students dress up each day according to a theme, the faculty doesn’t mind taking a few playful jabs at themselves, and at the end of the week the school’s chosen charity gets a generous donation. This year, passion and caring have reached all time highs. This is mostly due to this year’s charity. The 2015 Spirit Week benefits FIKE, or the Fountain Inn Kids Enrichment Center. FIKE provides after school programs and cultural opportunities for lower resource kids free of charge. I recently spoke with Hillcrest High School principal, Bryan Skipper, and one of the great minds behind Spirit Week, Georgia Lash. They helped clue me in to how special this Spirit Week is, and gave me some insight into what makes Spirit Week go off without a hitch. This is principal Skipper’s first year at Hillcrest, meaning this is his inaugural Spirit Week at Hillcrest. Though the week is lighthearted, it can be a very intense week of activities and fun. so, I had to know if any of his years being a teacher and principal had prepared him for Hillcrest Spirit Week. As it turns out, Principal Skipper’s years at J.L. Mann more than prepared him for Hillcrest Spirit Week. He also spoke about J.L. Mann’s rivalry with Greenville High School. I took this as an opportunity to ask about Hillcrest’s longstanding rivalry with Mauldin. Typically, Hillcrest and Mauldin square off to see who can bring in the most money. Principal Skipper stated that this year, the rivalry was actually impractical. Hillcrest and Mauldin

no longer have a basketball face off at the end of Spirit Week. This makes competing against them more difficult, and thus not feasible. However, he was unsure about the future of the rivalry, and alluded to the rivalry making a return in the years to come. I asked Principal Skinner and Mrs. Lash which event they had enjoyed the most so far, and which one to come filled them with excitement. Without hesitation, both stated that their favorite event so far had been the opening pep rally. Both echoed one another’s sentiments when speaking about this event. They spoke on how this event was special because it gets the students fired up for the week ahead, and really ignites their passion for giving to such a worthy cause. Principal Skipper also took this time to speak about how much he enjoyed the Winter Carnival. He thought that it was a great way for the community to come together for a magnificent cause. The carnival was advertised to the elementary and middle schools of the area, and Principal Skipper saw this as a great opportunity for the High School to interact with the kids who will become Hillcrest students in a few years. Their favorite event so far might have been the same, but opinions differed when it was time to speak on which event these two were most looking forward to. With a laugh and a big smile Principal Skipper stated that the event that he was most looking forward to was the Spirit Week Finale Pep Rally. Mrs. Lash picked a different event. She said that there are some more “out there” events that are Hillcrest traditions. The most exciting being the Womanless Beauty Pageant.

During my time at the school, I did not want to neglect what was really important about Spirit Week, the charity. As previously mentioned, this year’s charity is the Fountain Inn Kids Enrichment Center (FIKE). Mrs. Lash explained the process by which the charity to be represented is chosen. First, charities submit applications to the school to be considered for Spirit Week. Then, the senior student council representatives review these applications, and narrow the pool down to three charities. These three charities then come and give presentations to the student council representatives. Based on these presentations, the charity is then chosen. This year especially, everyone is excited about FIKE. That is because this is the first year where the charity benefiting from Spirit Week is a part of the community. Many of the kids who are being helped by the kind students and faculty at Hillcrest will someday attend Hillcrest themselves. That being said, FIKE has been invited to participate in several Spirit Week events. They were invited to the opening pep rally, the Winter Carnival, and the pet show.

They have also been invited to the finale pep rally as well as the big reveal of the total amount raised on February 10th. These appearances by FIKE give the students a visual of where there money is going. Spirit Week is well underway, and with many events still planned there is plenty of time for you to get out there and help this amazing charity. In fact, Mrs. Lash said one of the amazing things about this year is that this is the first year where no Spirit Week event has been canceled. Principal Skipper also observed that there has been a large part of the student body being represented at the events. These events cross clique lines, showing that even high schoolers will come together for a great cause. Here is to hoping that his spirit week will be one for the record books, and that these feelings of generosity will last well into the year.

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New Genealogy Effort Launches in Simpsonville Beth Kelley Fann In 2010, Andrew Staton traveled to Alabama on one of many history trails. While there, he had the opportunity to visit a genealogy library. A stop that aided his current search greatly.

Shields Research Grant which will help fund the cost of applying for 501c3 Federal Tax Exempt status. Author and genealogist Megan Smolenyak chose Staton’s effort as her December 2014 recipient.

From the trip to Alabama, came the inspiration to create something similar in his hometown. The idea has been in the works since 2012 when Staton was still a student at Hillcrest High School. Now pursuing a double major at the College of Charleston - in History and Historic Preservation - Staton continues to navigate city government channels while away at school. His parents, Glenn and Christy Staton, sat through many city council meetings to advocate on behalf of the project.

Many area residents have contributed both funds and family texts. If you have family research already compiled and are in the Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, Gray Court or surrounding areas, please stop by for a visit or call 864-561-7178. On the Simpsonville Genealogical Research Room Facebook page, Staton states “Remember, whether your family has been here for ten generations or two years, you are a part of local history!”

And their persistence has paid off. On Saturday, January 31st, the Simpsonville Genealogical Research Room officially opened its temporary home at the Simpsonville Activity & Senior Center. The shelves are lined with donated texts and family histories. The space brims with the history of the area - a history that might have been scattered without Staton’s efforts. The project recently received recognition through a Seton

Regular hours for the room will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 2pm. Appointments are also available. To keep up to date with news and events, follow them at facebook.com/ SimpsonvilleGenealogy The Simpsonville Senior and Activity Center is located at 310 W. Curtis Street, and the Research Room is on the second floor. If you’d like to make a contribution online, please visit gofundme.com/ bmhd60

Local Spotlight: Gary’s Guitar Garage Jenny Clark His name is Sneed. He plays with grace and intent. He thrives on the roar of the crowd, and the crowd travels for miles to be there, winding up on their feet cheering every time he delivers the performance they’ve come to expect from him and the rest of the crew. You might know of his son, Collin, quarterback for the 2014 4A Division 1 State Champion Hillcrest Rams. He’s a local celebrity these days, and Gary has ceded the spotlight cheerfully, spending every minute he can supporting the team and making sure they get the attention they so richly deserve. He knows a thing or two about following dreams, and it’s in his nature to assist the dreamers, whether by serving as one of the alltime great football dads, by providing the soundtrack for a great night out as part of his band Modern Relic, or by putting a soul mate instrument in the right hands at Gary’s Guitar Garage, his popular Main Street Simpsonville music shop. In his own words: I started playing guitar at the age of 13. When I was 12, my cousin turned me on to a new band called Kiss. He gave me their first live album and I loved it. I went home and listened to it over and over, looked at the booklet of pictures and imagined what it would be like to play guitar like them. In 1976, I saw my dear (now departed) friend and guitar mentor Alan Biggerstaff play with his local rock band at a street dance in my hometown of Boiling Springs, North Carolina. That day I decided that I was going to be a guitar player. My parents thought it was a life phase and bought me a cheap acoustic that was really horrible to play, but it didn’t matter…I loved the guitar and I wanted to play it all the time. My friend Alan started showing me little things on the guitar, and soon I started taking lessons with Ray Ledford in Shelby, NC. Ray helped me make the best musical decision in the beginning by switching me from playing left-handed to playing right-handed, saying that the chord placement and changing chords with

my left hand would come easier. He said I would probably learn faster than the other students. Ray was right. In 6 months he moved me to an advanced class, and after a year I was playing in a band. He also told my mom and dad to get me a better guitar because I was hooked. My parents did; they supported me so much by getting me top-quality instruments and watching many of my gigs as a teenager. I played in many local bands and bought many different guitars. I always wanted my guitars to play better and I would tinker with them, sometimes improving them and sometimes not. I needed training. As a teenager, I started working part-time at Apple Tree Music in Shelby, where owner Doug Benson took me under his wing and started teaching me all about the guitar and how it works, including how to set the neck, level frets, set the intonation, wire pickups and change out hardware. I became Doug’s #1 guitar tech and I loved it. I finally knew the guitar inside and out. After I got married 1988 and moved to Spartanburg, I started working part-time at Hames Music in Gaffney in the afternoons after my full-time job. My wife thought I was crazy, but she knew I loved the guitar and had to be around them. Randall Hames needed a guitar tech to work on guitars, and I told him I was his boy. I

Continued on Page 14

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SIMPSONVILLE EVENTS FARM DAYS AT BETHEL TRAILS FARM Saturday, February 7, 2015 9:00am 12:00pm 2302 Friendship Church Rd Gray Court, SC 29645 MISS FOUNTAIN INN/MISS SIMPSONVILLE PRINCESS PAGEANT Saturday, February 7, 2015 10:00am 11:00am Younts Center

SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: TODDLER TALES Tuesday, February 10, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC SIMPSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:30pm 7:30pm Simpsonville City Hall

VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT EVENT WESTWOOD Saturday, February 7, 2015 1:30pm 2:30pm Alder Park

SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE Wednesday, February 11, 2015 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: UNRAVELED Simpsonville, SC - KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP Saturday, February 7, 2015 SIMPSONVILLE ROTARY CLUB 2:00pm 4:00pm Wednesday, February 11, 2015 626 Northeast Main Street 12:15pm 1:15pm Simpsonville, SC Rotary Hall FIGHTING WITH CHEYENNE BENEFIT Saturday, February 7, 2015 4:00pm 11:00pm GG’s MISS FOUNTAIN INN - MISS SIMPSONVILLE Saturday, February 7, 2015 7:00pm 10:00pm Younts Center SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: BOUNCING BABIES Tuesday, February 10, 2015 10:00am 11:00am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC

WOODMONT CHEER BANQUET Wednesday, February 11, 2015 6:00pm 8:00pm 310 W Curtis St Simpsonville, SC 29681

NIGHT TO SHINE - BROOKWOOD CHURCH Friday, February 13, 2015 6:00pm 9:00pm Brookwood Church DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE Friday, February 13, 2015 6:30pm 8:30pm Simpsonville Activity and Senior Center ALICE IN WONDERLAND: MILL TOWN PLAYERS Fri, Feb 13, 2015 7:30pm Sun, Feb 15, 2015 8:30pm 214 Lebby St Pelzer, SC 29669 I HEART SIMPSONVILLE DAY Saturday, February 14, 2015 6:00pm 9:00pm Carolina Olive Oil SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: BOUNCING BABIES Tuesday, February 17, 2015 10:00am 11:00am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC

SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: TODDLER TALES SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: STORY TIME Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Thursday, February 12, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC Simpsonville, SC DINNER WITH THE DOC AT VITAL SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: LIFE CHIROPRACTIC CRAFTIME: 3D VALENTINES Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Thursday, February 12, 2015 6:45pm 8:30pm 3:30pm 4:15pm 626 Northeast Main Street

SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: MOTHER GOOSE IS ON THE LOOSE Wednesday, February 18, 2015 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC SIMPSONVILLE ROTARY CLUB Wednesday, February 18, 2015 12:15pm 1:15pm Rotary Hall SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: STORY TIME Thursday, February 19, 2015 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC AN EVENING WITH DR. NIC BUTLER Friday, February 20, 2015 7:00pm 8:00pm 110 Academy St Simpsonville, SC 29681 SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: UNRAVELED - KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP Saturday, February 21, 2015 2:00pm 4:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: BOUNCING BABIES Tuesday, February 24, 2015 10:00am 11:00am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC

Send us your events. It’s free. info@simpsonvillebanner.com

FOUNTAIN INN EVENTS FOUNTAIN INN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHAMBERWORKS II: THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Sunday, February 8, 2015 3:00pm 4:30pm Younts Center for Performing Arts GROWING UP IN FOUNTAIN INN Monday, February 9, 2015 7:00pm 8:30pm Fountain Inn History Museum

SENIOR WATCH LUNCHEON Tuesday, February 10, 2015 11:00am 1:00pm Sweet Catherine’s

AT THE LIBRARY: STORY TIME Wednesday, February 11, 2015 10:30am 11:00am Kerry Ann Younts Culp Library

AT THE LIBRARY: COMPUTER BASICS Tuesday, February 10, 2015 2:00pm 4:00pm Kerry Ann Younts Culp Library

AT THE LIBRARY: CHAIR YOGA Thursday, February 12, 2015 10:00am 11:00am Kerry Ann Younts Culp Library

FIRE PRESENTS WILLY WONKA FEB 20-22 AND FEB 27-MAR 1 Fri, Feb 20, 2015 7:30pm Sun, Mar 1, 2015 9:00pm Younts Center for Performing Arts CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY 13-WEEK PROGRAM Thu, Feb 26, 2015 6:00pm Thu, May 28, 2015 8:00pm

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OBITUARIES Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of the Carolinas, 5970 Fairview Road, Suite 217, Charlotte, NC 28210. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. thomasmcafee.com. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel

SHEILA BERNADETTE ROBERTSON

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include two daughters, Fiona Gant and husband Harris, and Vivien Monroe and husband Charles; one son, Craig Robertson and wife Heather; and six grandchildren. Recitation of the Holy Rosary was held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel with visitation following until 8:00PM. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, February 5, 2015, at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Burial followed at Graceland East Memorial Park.

Roy was retired from sales in the oil industry and later owned and operated small business endeavors related to automotive maintenance. He was of the Lutheran faith.

Visitation was held from 1:30-2:45 PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel, with the Funeral Service following at 3:00PM.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons, Russell Wise and wife Lani of Greenville; Dean Wise and wife Susan of Prosperity; a daughter-in-law Joyce Wise Smith of Greenville; four grandchildren, Chad Wise and wife Jessie, Anna Wise, Hunter Wise and Bryant Wise; three great grandchildren, Dre, Sean and Jacob; one sister, Allene Dawkins of Prosperity; two brothers, Larry Wise and wife Barbara of Prosperity, and Steve Wise and wife Pat of Prosperity; and his dog and loving friend, “Peanut”. He was predeceased by two sons, Kenneth Roy Wise and Timothy Hunter Wise.

Burial was held at Memorial Gardens.

Sheila Bernadette Robertson, 76, of Simpsonville, loving wife of 54 years to John Robertson, died Sunday, February 1, 2015. Born in London, England, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Lane and Sheila Barry Lane. Sheila had been a Registered Nurse. She attended St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church where she was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

husband Larry, Sharon Balcome and husband Mike, Bobby Moon and wife Judy, and Billy Moon and wife Donna. He was predeceased by a sister, Debra Gunshore, and a brother, Benny Moon.

Greenville

Many thanks to Open Arms Hospice and his nurse, Cindy Moore, for all the excellent care he received at his home. Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Baptist Church, 302 Parkins Mill Road, Greenville 29607 or to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville 29680.

BARRY GENE MOON Barry Gene Moon, AKA Moondog, 57, passed away February 2, 2015, at his home after a brief illness. Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Robert and Pauline McCall Moon. He was employed with BILO/C&S Wholesale Grocers for 38 years. He loved racing, fishing, and playing golf with his best friend, Danny Keeler, and brother-in-law, Mike Balcome. He was an avid Clemson fan. Survivors include his wife and soulmate Elizabeth “Libby” Holder Moon; two sons, Nicholus Moon and family, and Matthew Moon and family; a stepson, David Southers and wife Jennifer; two cherished granddaughters, Zoe and Sydney Southers; and four siblings who will cherish their memories, Donna Gosnell and

Pallbearers will be Brent Balcome, Travis Moon, Billy Joe Moon, Mitchell Gosnell, Bill Johnson and Glenn Robertson. The family will be at the residence. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. thomasmcafee.com. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel

The family would like to give special thanks to all the dedicated caregivers at St. Francis Hospital. Visitation will be held from 12:00PM to 1:15PM on Friday, February 6, 2015, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:30PM in the chapel. Burial will follow at Graceland East Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Colony Lutheran Church Youth Group, 48 Colony Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108.

LUTHER ROY WISE Luther Roy Wise, 80, of Greenville, loving husband for 60 years to Patsy Hunter Wise, died Monday, February 2, 2015. Born in Prosperity, SC, he was the son of the late Luther Homer Wise and Novice Enlow Wise.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. thomasmcafee.com. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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Continued from Page 9 convinced him by making a bet that I could set up all 12 of the Gibson Les Pauls he’d had in the store for five years and get them sold quickly. He laughed and said, “You’re on.” I set them all up, and six of them sold in three months. The rest sold later that year. From that point on, I set up every guitar that came in the store. I moved to Greenville in 1993 to work in IT at General Electric and Greenville Hospital System, and I started a band called Modern Relic (see us on YouTube). I decided in 2014 to fulfill a childhood dream and opened Gary’s Guitar Garage in downtown Simpsonville. I buy used guitars and set each one up to play smooth and wonderful so you don’t want to put it down. So many guitar players will spend $1500 to $4000 on a real nice guitar thinking that it’s the magic one and that it will play better… wrong! The guitar needs to be fully set up and it should feel and play like it’s a part of you. So many musicians have to fight their instrument. The action is high, it won’t stay in tune, it’s getting fret buzz, not tuning right, is noisy. I am a guitar doctor, and I will make your guitar play the way it’s supposed to play.

beginner guitar, it won’t stay in tune and it will be hard to play. I also tell them that those things can discourage a potential musician. My dear friend and bandmate Nicki Hall works at the store with me and she is a God send. She helps me with the media outlets, the paperwork and the creative side of the business. I’m very excited this year! I’m going to introduce my own guitar line called Sneed Guitars, and I hope to introduce 3 different models by late spring 2015. Visit Gary’s Guitar Garage at 107 SE Main St., Simpsonville, near the clock tower. Find Gary’s Guitar Garage on Facebook: facebook.com/ GarysGuitarGarageMusicStore Find Modern Relic on Facebook: facebook.com/ModernRelic

I love encouraging young and older starting musicians. I tell them if you buy a cheap

Well, here we go again. After reading the last “Banner” with the report of the Simpsonville City Council Committee meetings, it appears that the same old crew is up to their same old tricks. I see where Kaye & James Ashe, or local “Experts on everything with experience in nothing” are at it again. They and others apparently spoke against any clean up of the Alder Park Trail. This is normal for these individuals who have never made a suggestion for improvements nor done any work to help the community. It is hard to fathom the statement made by Mrs. Ashe that “Parents should keep their children home”. Next she will oppose Sunday school, the School system and anything else that the City does to improve the lives of their citizens. Of course, the Ashes live in Poinsettia and seem to be against anything that might help citizens in other areas. I suppose someone could let the Banner know what they have done for the Poinsettia community, or for that matter, any other section of the City. Mr. Ashe spoke against the Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Center, Park improvement, and who knows what else. He even accused Wade Shealy of being “Corrupt” when Mr. Shealy holds no position in City Government. When one considers the Ashes past experience in Government and the Mauldin Chamber you

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

can see for yourself why they are a negative influence on the growth and improvement of Simpsonville. I also find it hard to believe that Councilperson Lockaby continually rails against the Simpsonville Fine Arts Center with no facts and little logic. She asked “How does a photographer fall into the category of being Fine Arts?” If she did a little research, something which she abhors, she might run across acclaimed photographers who appear in many galleries across the United States. I wonder if she ever heard of Ansell Adams, Doisneau, Kertesz, Annie Leibovitz, Murphy, etc to name just a few. As a matter of fact, Wade Shealy who has donated time and money to the Fine Arts Center, is an accomplished photographer and has had his work praised throughout South Carolina. She states that SAFI has “Rose colored glasses on”. She, at least, should get her own eyesight checked. I suppose she thinks Travelers Rest, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, etc are looking through Rose Colored glasses. Take a look at how they are progressing and compare that with the foot dragging negative attitude displayed by this Council. She further states she is against keeping the Simpsonville Arts Foundation Inc. (SAFI) in the Center and wants to shut it down. “People are crying about keeping the building historical. I

don’t really care.” Can you believe that member of City council who is supposed to represent the citizens of the entire City would make such statements. Maybe we need to replace her with someone who DOES CARE! This from an individual who has stated many times that she is going to run for Mayor. Then we read where the Police Chief who has lost 7 officers since his reinstatement, and has been hiring uncertified officers who draw pay but cannot perform, wants 12 more officers and suggests a tax increase. Some of those officers who have quit were high ranking experienced personnel who were eagerly snapped up by Sheriff’s Office because of their experience. Isn’t it odd that they took lower paying jobs just to get away from the atmosphere that the Chief Grounsell has promoted. Some years ago the Sentinel wrote about the high turnover rate among the Police Department because of a former Chief. The rate is high now but you never hear a word about it. It is about time that we get a Council that is looking 10 years down the road instead of 10 years back. Gordon Wood 655 H Fairview Rd, #161. Simpsonville, SC 29680

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The Simpsonville Banner is published weekly on Fridays, and every day online. Submissions for the printed edition are due on Monday of the week prior to publishing. Send to info@simpsonvillebanner.com. Contributed Columns and Photography from citizens of Simpsonville and surrounding areas. Ads and artwork may not be reproduced without permission. ©2015 Brebson Creative, LLC.

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