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ISSUE NUMBER XXXVI | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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Simpsonville City Council Meeting Review Beth Kelley Fann Tuesday, February 10, 2015 The meeting was opened by a local Boy Scout troop leading the Pledge of Allegiance. A public hearing was led by Martin Livingston regarding the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority Annual Action Plan for 2015. Two Westwood residents have expressed interest in receiving funding for their neighborhood.

CHAMBER UPDATE: Allison McGarity spoke on the Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce’s initiative to assist local entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses in Simpsonville.

tax, stating that there is a lot of “stuff that’s going to filter down the pipe to everyone in this room.” Elizabeth Braswell: Councilwoman Braswell said she attended the town hall in Fountain Inn where the Legislators discussed “those roads they think are so important,” as well as the ethics bill Representative Garry Smith is working on. She stated the City went through an economic recession in 2009 and has not received local government funds from the State since that time. Simpsonville should receive 4.5 percent of that fund Ms. Braswell said. George Curtis: Councilman Curtis had no comments. Sylvia Lockaby:

CITIZEN COMMENTS: Linda Franklin of Westwood spoke on the relevance of grants to her neighborhood. Her first suggestion involved sidewalks, referencing the December traffic fatality of Mr. Richard Hurley. She spoke on how Westwood is going downhill and that the City would benefit from the large tax payer base there. COUNCIL COMMENTS:

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Stated that SC Representative Bedingfield is the only legislator that supports the business license bill, and that he did not show at the State Municipal Association dinner. Geneva Lawrence: The Mayor Pro Tem says the business license bill would eliminate the local government fund. She also noted that GCRA is purchasing foreclosed homes in Simpsonville to rehabilitate.

VOTING RECORD Tuesday, February 10, 2015

AGENDA ITEM

Resolution, CDBG and HOME funding for 2015

1st Reading of AXZ-2015-01, Annexation of Briar Ridge

1st Reading of Ordinance 2015-01, Revisions to Chapter 20, Fire Ordinance (Articles I & II)

Police Dept. Surplus Vehicle

Storm drain issue on N. Almond Drive

Culvert issue on Powderhorn Drive

2nd Reading of Z-2014-03, Rezoning at Briar Ridge

State A-Tax Recommended Allocations for FY 2014-15

State A-Tax Recommended Allocations for FY 2015-16

Ward 1: Matthew Gooch Ward 2: Taylor Graham Ward 3: Geneva Lawrence Ward 4: Elizabeth Braswell Ward 5: George Curtis Ward 6: Sylvia Lockaby

A = Absent Y = Aye N = Nay

* Mayor Eichor is not currently serving. Geneva Lawrence, Mayor Pro Tem, is currently handling the role.

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Taylor Graham: Councilman Graham recognized the successful opening of the Genealogy Room on January 31st. Graham also stated that he and Ms. Braswell are 2015 graduates of the MASC Institute and that they had dinner with lawmakers on Legislative Day. He asked that citizens let their local legislators know they oppose bills pertaining to eliminating business license fees because the lost revenue could affect the level of service in the city. Regarding the Fire Department, Graham extended congratulations to John O’Brien who was promoted to engineer, Robert Hurst to Lieutenant, and Bill Cantrell to Johnny Sherbert’s position as Chief Battalion Officer. South Carolina also wants to implement legislation to equip all officers with body cameras, but they have not suggested how they will fund it. He also mentioned the gas

NEW AND OLD BUSINESS: Items voted on are represented on the chart to the right.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: No action was taken during executive session. Prior to adjournment, City Administrator David Dyrhaug asked council to vote on allowing him to work with TRZ Management to plan the City’s Fourth of July event at Heritage Park. The five councilmembers present voted yes unanimously.

NEXT MEETINGS: Simpsonville City Committee Meetings will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at 6:00pm and 7:00pm.

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Simpsonville Police Department Still Seeking Information in Hit and Run Death The Simpsonville Police Department still needs your help in solving the Hit and Run of Mr. Richard Hurley on December 18, 2014. He was walking near the intersection of Davenport Rd and Foxfire Dr around 7:30pm when he was fatally struck by a 99-’03 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Homegrown Historian: Dr. Nic Butler Andrew Staton, Executive Director of the Simpsonville Genealogical Research Room On Friday, February 20th, the Simpsonville Museum of Revolutionary War History will present the next installment in the monthly “An Evening With…” series. Not only will this event be an interesting discussion about the fortifications that protected Charleston during the Revolutionary War, but it will be a sort of “homecoming” event for one of Charleston and South Carolina’s leading historians – Dr. Nic Butler.

program called the Charleston Time Machine), as well as a recurring historical consultant for the City of Charleston. In this role, Dr. Butler heads up the mayor’s Walled City Task Force, tasked with researching and uncovering the walls and fortifications that surrounded the city in the 17th and 18th centuries. He has also worked behind-the-scenes on several large improvements to Charleston landmarks, including White Point Gardens and Colonial Lake.

Dr. Butler was born and raised right here in Simpsonville, beginning school at Bryson Elementary and eventually graduating from Hillcrest High School in the 1980s. Following his youth in Greenville County, he attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, and later Indiana University where he received his Ph.D. in musicology. As Dr. Butler spent time researching in libraries and archives for his own endeavors, his interest in history grew. Eventually he began working as an archivist for the South Carolina Historical Society and as an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston.

In his personal life, Dr. Butler married his wife Christina in 2013. Christina Butler is a professor in the Historic Preservation department at the College of Charleston, and is also the owner and lead researcher of Butler Preservation, Inc., performing construction, restoration and research work. Together, the Butlers are currently beginning the exciting process of designing and constructing their own historically-accurate Charleston home.

Currently Dr. Butler serves as the historian of the Charleston County Public Library (where he runs a

Please join the Revolutionary War Museum (located at 110 Academy Street in the old school building) in welcoming Dr. Nic Butler back to his hometown for one event only, February 20th at 7pm.

Please help us bring closure to the Hurley family. Any tips will remain anonymous at your request. ANY AND ALL INFORMATION is greatly appreciated. Please contact the Simpsonville Police Department at 864-967-9536, crime tips@ simpsonvillepd.com or Greenville County Crime Stoppers at 864-23-CRIME(864-232-7463)

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Simpsonville Approves Accommodations Tax Allocations

Small Business the Focus of State Legislative Effort Beth Kelley Fann

Beth Kelley Fann City Council approved the Accommodations Tax Committee’s recommendations on Tuesday, February 10th. The allocations for fiscal year 2014-15 consist of excess funds that are the result of the City receiving more funds during the last fiscal year than was projected as well as the assumption that funds allocated to the Aloft festival for this current fiscal year will not be disbursed to Aloft. FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2014 TO JUNE 30, 2015 Organization

Project

Requested Amount

Approved Amount

Simpsonville Chamber

Sippin’ in Simpsonville

2,050

Simpsonville Chamber

Simpsonville Sings

1,775

Simpsonville Chamber

Sippin’ in Simpsonville, Oktoberfest Beer Tasting

1,800

Simpsonville Chamber

Simpsonville Wedding District

5,000

Simpsonville Chamber

Upstate Harvest Moon Festival

5,000

Simpsonville Parks & Recreation (Greenville Symphony)

Independence Day at Heritage Park

20,000

Media Mark

Discover Simpsonville Simpsonville Silver

10,000

Media Mark

Bacon Labor Day

4,600

Additional Projected Funds Available from FY 2014-15: $45,016 Amount Recommended for Allocation in FY 2014-15: $35,225 Amount Recommended to be Deferred to FY 2015-16: $9,791 FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2015 TO JUNE 30, 2016 Organization

Project

Requested Amount

Approved Amount

Simpsonville Chamber

Sippin’ in Simpsonville

3,050

Simpsonville Chamber

Simpsonville Sings

2,800

Simpsonville Chamber

Sippin’ in Simpsonville, Oktoberfest Beer Tasting

3,300

Simpsonville Chamber

Simpsonville Wedding District

6,000

Simpsonville Chamber

Upstate Harvest Moon Festival

15,000

10,000

SC KOI & Water Garden Society

8th Annual Regional SC KOI & Goldfish Show

10,515

South Greenville Fair

8,000

Simpsonville Parks & Recreation (Greenville Symphony)

Independence Day at Heritage Park

19,000

Media Mark

Discover Simpsonville Simpsonville Silver

10,000

Media Mark

Bacon Labor Day

14,000

Simpsonville Arts Foundation (SAFI)

Starlight Series 2015 - Music at the Tater Shed & Arts Center

12,000

TOTAL APPROVED: $82,665 Amount of Funds Projected to be Received in FY 2015-16: $65,630 Amount Deferred from FY 2014-15: $9,791 Actual Excess Funds from FY 2013-14: $20,635 _____________________________________________________________________ Total Amount Available for Allocation in FY2015-16: $96,056

Three Simpsonville City Council members presented strong opinions on a single issue Tuesday night. In regards to business licensure, Taylor Graham, Sylvia Lockaby and Geneva Lawrence agreed: Simpsonville should actively oppose the SC House of Representative bills currently proposed. The bills referenced would modify or eliminate the ability of SC municipalities to collect business license fees in varying degrees. However, the changes could be a boon for small business owners and local consumers. According to Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence, eliminating the fees would “devastate municipalities if passed.” She stated that this issue was a topic she spoke on at a recent State Municipality Association dinner. She also said if enacted it would cost the city 2.5 million dollars. “This is something that we as a city need to get on to our House representative Members, to let them know how much we are against this,” Councilmember Taylor Graham stated, expressing his opposition on the grounds that the loss would affect the level of service in the city. Speaking of the same dinner Ms. Lawrence attended, Councilmember Sylvia Lockaby stated “Mr. Bedingfield is a sponsor of the business licenses, and Mr. Bedingfield is the only one that did not show. But we were ready for him.” SC Representative Eric Bedingfield is a sponsor of one of the bills, H3490. This bill would cap the business license fees at $100. According to Bedingfield, the bill is an effort to start a conversation, and he does not expect it to pass as is. After speaking with numerous constituents, he found a need for reform statewide. Currently fees can be levied on the gross income

of a business in multiple cities, regardless of where the money is earned. For example, if a realtor sold a single home in Simpsonville, but other sales were primarily in Mauldin, he would also be required to pay Simpsonville a percentage based on his entire earnings. And he would pay the same in Mauldin as well. For business owners working in multiple cities, the multiple fees can add up quickly. “My effort is just an attempt to see to it that small business people who try to grow their businesses outside of their current cities are treated fairly and justly in other cities. In an equitable fashion,” Bedingfield wrote in a follow-up to The Banner. Barton Swaim of the South Carolina Policy Council sent the following via email: “We object to the whole idea of charging people for the “privilege” of having a business. These business-owners are already taxed on their income and in a host of other ways – the business licensing fee is just one more way to take their money. Sure, municipal governments will hate it because they hate anything that curtails their ability to tax, but in the long run the cities would gain by fostering commerce. Indeed, the whole state would gain. People really do pay attention to these things before deciding where to set up a business.” The three bills currently on the table in Columbia are H3490 Business License Tax Reform Act, H3337 License Tax and H3233 General Bill. Bedingfield, who serves on the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, hopes to see H3490 reach committee in the House so that a solution that “protects the small folk” can be found.

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How I Applied Problem-Solving to Weight Loss Step 7: Check Results

Seventh in an Eight Week Series by Kerri Smith • Photo by Gwinn Davis ©2015 gwinndavisphotos.com “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps,” is attributed to Confucius and is very appropriate for this week. We are coming to the conclusion of the series and this step will determine whether you experience success or failure. Monitoring results must be a daily process. Think of your scale as your BFF not your enemy. There will be days where you will go up in weight by as much as three pounds that may have been caused by eating out the night before. Water weight is real and is caused by too much sodium (Hello, Chinese food.) By logging your water intake, meals and noting whether you prepared your meal or the local restaurant will give you clues to the fluctuation. One lesson I learned is that if you do see weight gain in the morning, either eat only one meal in the middle of the day of protein and good fat (no carbohydrates) or fast for the day. Usually you will see a loss of the gained weight by the next day. As we discussed last week, stable blood sugar is very important to weight loss because when blood sugar increases, the body has to produce insulin. Insulin is a fatstoring hormone and when blood sugar is similar to a roller coaster, it is nearly impossible to lose weight and even harder to sustain it.

One strategy that I learned in Wheat Belly Total Health by William Davis, MD, is to use a blood sugar monitor to check your blood sugar before and one hour after a meal. Ideal fasting blood sugar would be <90 mg/dL and <100 mg/ dL one hour after a meal. Using this testing method, I have been able to determine which foods cause issues. For instance, white and sweet potatoes do not raise my blood sugar outside of the target range if eating in small portions along with either butter or coconut oil; however if I consume them in multiple meals within a 24-hour period, my levels rise. Breakfast sets your blood sugar for the day; therefore eating protein and fat will stave off hunger throughout the morning. I enjoy two cups of coffee with a scoop of chocolate whey protein, stevia and about two tablespoons of whole raw milk. It is so yummy and satisfying. Here’s to your success, “If you are happy, you can give happiness. If you don’t love yourself and if you are unhappy with yourself, you can’t give anything else but that.” Gisele Bundchen 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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Meet your Physician: Dr. Rocha Lima To be a doctor, a level of passion must exist in your work. This is to be true for Dr. Rocha Lima. Seventeen years in practice and still going strong, Dr. Rocha Lima desires only to provide his patients with the best care possible. Losing a loved one to cancer was a traumatic life event that motivated Dr. Rocha Lima to devote his medical career to cancer education, treatment and research. Dr. Lima feels that compassion is the most valuable asset a physician can possess. This trait allows Dr. Rocha Lima to relate to his patients, breaking down the walls of unfamiliarity and establishing security during the cancer treatment process. “I am here to take care of you,” said Dr. Rocha Lima. An extensive knowledge of the medical oncology field supports Dr. Rocha Lima’s passion for his practice resulting in a wellrounded patient experience. With one philosophy in mind, patients always come first. Dr. Rocha Lima serves as the Medical Director for Medical Oncology and Associate Center Director for Translational Research at the Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute. He received his medical degree

from Federal University of Bahia in Salvador, Brazil, and completed his residency in both internal medicine and hematology at Sao Paulo University in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Rocha Lima received his fellowship in hematology oncology from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Before joining Gibbs he was an assistant professor of medicine at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL and professor of medicine at University of Miami. Dr. Rocha Lima is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Dr. Rocha Lima has special interests in gastrointestinal and thoracic oncology. He was a program leader in gastrointestinal and drug development oncology at the University of Miami Dr. Rocha Lima is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association of Cancer Research, European Society of Medical Oncology, Cancer and Leukemia Group B and Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group. He is board certified in oncology and internal medicine. For more information visit www. GibbsCancerCenter.org/rochalima

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Hillcrest High Receives Grant from Bosch Rexroth Beth Kelley Fann In October 2014, Hillcrest High School Principal Bryan Skipper was invited to a meeting at Bosch Rexroth’s Fountain Inn facility. During the meeting, which centered on community needs in STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) and the environment, Skipper learned of a grant fund the company offered. Principal Skipper worked with math teacher Jennifer Southers and science teacher Kristen Hallman to apply for the Bosch Community Fund (BCF) grant. Bosch HR Director Claude Bray said only five recipients were chosen in Greenville County, despite numerous applications. Hillcrest High School was one. On Tuesday Bray met with the applicants at the school and awarded a check for $7250.

Hillcrest High Raises over $88,000 for FIKE Center

The money will go toward a Vernier LabQuest system that will be shared

in the math and science departments. The primary device allows different probes to be connected allowing students to collect data in a variety of real-world situations, like water or soil samples. The data can then be transferred to a computer for analysis and application. Skipper says this peripheral device better relates to how students will function in a modern work force. Grades 9-12 will now benefit from hands-on experience with current STEM technology. Other recipients include a joint grant to Fountain Inn’s Elementary School and History Museum. Their grant will fund fifth grade tours through both the Museum and the Bosch Rexroth plant. The Bosch Rexroth Corporation is located at 8 Southchase Court in Fountain Inn.

Beth Kelley Fann, Photo by Stephen Moore ©2015 smooregems.smugmug.com Hillcrest High school presented the Fountain Inn Kids Enrichment (FIKE) Center a check for $88,689.40 on Tuesday night. The money was raised through a variety of student, parent, staff and community efforts as part of the school’s spirit week event. The “Hype for FIKE” week included an oyster roast, a pageant, bake sale and more.

According to FIKE’s facebook page, the kids “fell over in shock” at the amount revealed. The FIKE Center is an after school and mentoring program for children in the Fountain Inn community. For more information, visit fikecenter.com

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Coffee Shop Opening in Downtown Simpsonville Beth Kelley Fann Behind paper-covered windows on Main Street, Michael and Roxanne Bacaro have been watching their plans come to life. The original concrete floors have been sealed. The decadesold brick exposed and cleaned. Vintage lighting hangs over a stylish palletwood wrapped counter, a spot where customers will soon be leaning as they place their orders. Exchange Co. is the long awaited answer to Simpsonville’s coffee shop wishes. Just across from the Ice Cream Station, the location has already proven its ability to generate foot traffic. And future customers are already making gathering plans at the shop. Exchange will serve traditional coffee shop fare - including espresso and French-pressed coffee. Just Love Coffee Roasters of Tennessee will supply the organic and fair-trade beans. Also on the menu are noncoffee drinks, like Italian Soda, Chai, Hot Chocolate, and Hibiscus Tea.

Elite Baseball Academy Hosts Food Drive for Local Agency

They will also have items available that reflect Michael’s Cuban heritage, including Cuban-style Espresso and Cafe con Leche. The Cuban Crepe is an original treat that will reinvent the sandwich of the same name.

Beth Kelley Fann Felix Doubrant, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, attended Elite Baseball Academy’s fundraiser on Sunday, February 8th. Doubrant posed for photos with the young athletes, and autographed baseballs immediately following. Visitors brought canned or nonperishable goods to donate to the Golden Strip Emergency Relief

Agency. Elite reportedly raised over 500 cans for donation. Elite Baseball Academy is located in Fountain Inn, SC, and trains kids year round in America’s past-time. For more information, contact Coach Chad Webb at 864-923-3867 or visit elitebaseballandsoftballacademy. com

The crepes don’t stop there. A variety in both savory and sweet will be featured. Two of the sweets - Strawberry Cheesecake Crepe and Cinnamon Roll Crepe - are sure to be fast customer favorites. They will also have glutenfree options.

The shop will also be accepting old blue jeans ongoing, for an Asheville based organization called Sole Hope. The group turns the blue jeans into shoes for people in Uganda. For more on that effort, visit Facebook.com/ SoleHope Exchange Co. will also have a familiar face on March 2nd, when Emily Elizabeth Paper Boutique moves to their location. Owner Stephanie Cox stated that she will have custom invitations, stationery, everyday greeting cards, wrapping supplies and fun paper products all available inside the coffee shop. The shop will open this Friday, February 13th at 7am, with a grand opening event to follow the next week. The shop will also participate in the I Heart Simpsonville event on Valentine’s Day, featuring Pencil Portraits by Ashley from 6-9pm. The portraits will cost $10. Exchange Co. is on Facebook at facebook.com/exchangecompanysc Location: 110 S. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681 Phone: 864-757-1670 Hours: M-Th 7am-7pm Friday-Saturday 8am-8pm Closed on Sunday

Perhaps most impressive is the Bacaros’ mission. The shop will be a vehicle to promote awareness of adoption and Foster care needs in the Upstate. They plan to support this cause both financially and by involving the community.

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2015 Miss Simpsonville/ Fountain Inn Winners Crowned Beth Kelley Fann The 2015 Miss Simpsonville/Fountain Inn pageant was held on Saturday, February 7th at the Younts Center in Fountain Inn. Ladies from both cities competed in the pageant for four different titles - Miss Simpsonville, Miss Simpsonville Teen, Miss Fountain Inn and Miss Fountain Inn Teen.

The winners were as follows: Miss Simpsonville Teen Micheala Emory Miss Simpsonville Mary Grace Nasim Miss Fountain Inn Leah Lawson Miss Fountain Inn Teen Hannah Jane Curry Also pictured: LED Janice Curtis, center Photo by Stephen Moore ©2015 smooregems.smugmug.com

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SIMPSONVILLE EVENTS 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 Tuesday, February 17, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC DINNER WITH THE DOC AT VITAL LIFE CHIROPRACTIC Tuesday, February 17, 2015 6:45pm 8:30pm Silver Bay Seafood

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 ELVIS TRIBUTE GOSPEL CONCERT Saturday, February 21, 2015 7:00pm 8:00pm First Presbyterian Church

MERLE NORMAN BOTOX AND FILLER EVENT Monday, February 23, 2015 5:30pm 7:00pm 655 Fairview Rd Simpsonville, SC SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: BOUNCING BABIES Tuesday, February 24, 2015 10:00am 11:00am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC, 29681 SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: TODDLER TALES Tuesday, February 24, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC HHS VOLLEYBALL CHICK-FIL-A SPIRIT NIGHT! Tuesday, February 24, 2015 5:00pm 7:00pm Simpsonville Chick-fil-A SIMPSONVILLE CITY COMMITTEE MEETINGS (6PM) Tuesday, February 24, 2015 6:00pm 7:00pm 118 N.E. Main Street Simpsonville, SC 29681 PEACOCK COTTAGE: TRUTH BE TOLD CLASS Tuesday, February 24, 2015 6:30pm 9:30pm Peacock Cottage 212 NE Main St., Simpsonville

SIMPSONVILLE CITY COMMITTEE MEETINGS (7PM) Tuesday, February 24, 2015 7:00pm 8:00pm 118 N.E. Main Street Simpsonville, SC 29681 SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE Wednesday, February 25, 2015 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC SIMPSONVILLE ROTARY CLUB Wednesday, February 25, 2015 12:15pm 1:15pm Rotary Hall LEAP OF FAITH FARM VOLUNTEER TRAINING Sunday, March 1, 2015 3:00pm 4:30pm SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: TODDLER TALES Tuesday, March 3, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC STEVE KAUFMAN IN CONCERT WITH GARY BISCUIT DAVIS Saturday, March 7, 2015 8:00pm 10:00pm Simpsonville Arts Center

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FOUNTAIN INN EVENTS 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

THURSDAYS FROM 6-8 PM: CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY 13-WEEK PROGRAM Thu, Feb 26, 2015 6:00pm Thu, May 28, 2015 8:00pm

FOUNTAIN INN MUSEUM BUS TOUR: HISTORIC WASHINGTON, GEORGIA Saturday, February 28, 2015 8:00am 6:00pm Fountain Inn History Museum

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

OBITUARIES BOBBIE JEAN BLACKSTOCK Bobbie J. Blackstock, 82, of Simpsonville, wife of Rev. Paul F. Blackstock, while at home surrounded by her family, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Mrs. Blackstock was a daughter of the late William Ruben Leonard and the late Willie Alene Leonard. In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons, Rev. Paul Franklin Blackstock, Jr. and his wife, Brenda Gail, of Piedmont, Rev. Daniel M. Blackstock and his wife, Carolyn Leopard, of Gray Court; a son-in-law, Harold Dean Randolph; five grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters and sons-inlaw, Shannon and Andrew Skaggs, and Robin and Jeremy Little; two grandchildren, Emily and Camden Little; and two sisters, Sandra Banfield and Jean Slenker. He was predeceased by a son, Matthew Pedigo. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at Albemarle First Assembly of God, 1501 NC 24 27 Bypass W., Albemarle, NC 28001. Visitation will be prior to the service from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 1701, Southern Pines, NC 28388, or by visiting http://sandhillstc.org.

The family would like to thank the staff of Open Arms Hospice for their compassionate care of Georgia. Visitation was held from 12:00 to 1:15 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel. The Funeral Service followed at 1:30PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial was in Simpsonville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville 29680. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. thomasmcafee.com.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Terrie Arlene Randolph; and two brothers.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. thomasmcafee.com.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel

A Funeral Service will be held for Mrs. Blackstock on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 12:00 PM at Praise Cathedral Church of God in Greer. The family will receive friends at Praise Cathedral prior to the service starting at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel

DORIS ANN REVIS

The family requests that memorials be made in lieu of flowers to: Church of God Missions, Praise Cathedral, 3390 Brushy Creek Rd., Greer, S.C. 29650. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.heritage-funeral.com

CHARLES ALLEN PEDIGO Charles Allen Pedigo, 64, of Mauldin, husband of Wendy Verch Pedigo, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015. Born in Sharon, PA, he was the son of the late Charles Allen Pedigo, Sr., and Alberta Harkless Pedigo. He was employed with Tetley Tea as a Regional Sales Manager.

GEORGIA CHRISTIAN DAVENPORT Georgia Christian Davenport, 74, of Simpsonville, widow of David M. Davenport, died Thursday, February 5, 2015. Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late George Christian and Elizabeth Adams Christian. Georgia was retired from the Greenville Hospital System Hospice where she was Volunteer Coordinator. She was a member of Earle Street Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Debra Davenport of Simpsonville; two sons, David Davenport, Jr., and wife Tracy of Simpsonville, and Todd Davenport and wife Shannon of Simpsonville; and six grandchildren, R.J. Davenport, Drew Davenport, Trevor Davenport, Blake Davenport, Reece Davenport and Kelsey Heath.

Doris Ann Revis, 77, of Fountain Inn, died Thursday, February 5, 2015. Born in Utica, NY, she was the daughter of the late Louis Joseph Faass and Mary Ann Klosek Faass. Survivors include four daughters, Wendy Tidswell of Fountain Inn, Becky Clark of Fountain Inn, Lori Garland of Las Vegas, NV, and Pam Muggli and husband Kurt of Pinehurst, NC; five grandchildren, Jennifer Bishop, Ashley and Carey Sisolak, and Alexis and Barndon Muggli; one great grandson, Jayden Valdez; two sisters, Lorraine Joyce Haley and Nancy Brown; and one brother, Richard Faass. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00AM on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. thomasmcafee.com. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel

BETTY GEORGIE KING Betty G. King, 85, of Simpsonville, widow of Ray King, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 9, 2015. Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Nalley G. Davis and the late Maybell Thomason Davis. Mrs. King was of the Baptist faith and a long-time member of East Georgia Road Baptist Church. Mrs. King is survived by her daughters, Brenda Drummond of Clinton and Anita Parra and her husband, Ivan, of Simpsonville; and her granddaughter Mariana Parra. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers. The family received friends on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM at East Georgia Road Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Ellison officiating. Burial will follow Memorial Park.

Cannon

Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.heritage-funeral.com

Obituaries are currently free to place and may be sent to: info@ Simpsonvillebanner.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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TO THE EDITOR More Taxes? Are they serious, another tax increase? Yes, our Governor has proposed a gas tax increase and an income tax decrease, or “tax trade off”. The Governor is asking for a .10 per gallon gas tax increase over three years and a 2% income tax decrease over 10 years. The .10 gas tax is to improve our roads. Per the Governor, this proposal is a net win for the tax payer. Well, not every tax payer. If you are one of the one million part time workers, or who pay no income tax, you won’t see any income tax relief. For these one million South Carolinians it’s just more money out of your pocket! This “tax trade off” helps the wealthier and hurts the lower income earner. A net benefit for the tax payer means less money going into the state coffers? Right? So why even increase the gas tax in the first place? Why not leave the gas tax right where it is and decrease the state income tax by 1%? Isn’t the net effect the same, without hurting the lower income earners? Isn’t the Republican Party’s Platform to reduce taxes? A quick google search of the SCGOP 2012 Platform, page 7 reads, “As we not[e] that South Carolina’s income tax rate is higher than most of our neighboring states, and is almost the highest in the nation. The Party calls on the General Assembly to significantly reduce the tax burden on our economy and our taxpayers. .. The Party calls on our Statehouse and Congressional delegations to stand firm in opposing new tax increases or the reversal of successful tax cuts.”

The Republican Party has a majority in both houses of the legislature and the executive branch. So why is there any consideration being given for any tax increase? The party leaders in the House and Senate appear to be “enthusiastic” or “in agreement” with the governor’s plan. This type of behavior does not lend to trust between the constituents and their elected officials. We need to stop this taxation madness. The legislature needs to investigate means to cut waste and spending. Sources of waste in the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank (STIB) the Department of Transportation (DOT) are well documented by several different authorities. The legislature needs to abolish STIB and place the DOT the solely under the control of the governor. This will make one elected official solely responsible and accountable for the states roads. Only when this happens will the tax paying constituents regain some trust in the governmental process. Additionally, and separately from this government restructure, the legislature needs to adhere to its party platform roots and work to eliminate the state income tax. This is my opinion, time to let your legislature know yours.

Bill Michaud 121 Misty Crest Circle Greenville SC 29615

Please read that last line again. “The Party calls on our Statehouse and Congressional delegations to stand firm in opposing new tax increases or

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Comments from SimpsonvilleBanner.com Last week the Banner published an opinion piece by City Councilman Matthew Gooch. The article continues to garner comments on the website. Below are a few: The thoughts of it going away is horrible. It is my childhood immortalized in wood and stone. The movie a Christmas story always reminded me of that school. Lost in time but always a reminder of more innocent days. Although I don’t live in Simpsonville any longer I drive through the school, park and poinsettia to show my children where I learned so many life lessons. -Ron Miller I had some of my best memories in that school, from shag dancing in gym to tackle football with the big kids on the dirt lot play ground behind the lunch room, the square pizzas, and learning what it meant to bond and create friends that lasted a lifetime. Simpsonville would lose another Foundation of it’s past to the intrusion of people from outside our great state that don’t care or have emotional ties to our community. Every time I drive pass our elementary school I have fond memories of growing up in a small town where everything seemed safe and easy. Where we could walk to school and feel safe. -Aaron Lucas This was my elementary school and these pictures bring me great joy, even though I remember Chuck Ballew paddling me for a fight with Ricky Greene! Keep this for the kids, not government officials! -Dan Okavage

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Words cannot describe the feelings evoked when looking at these photos. There are still echoes of the students, teachers and volunteers that filled this space, a spirit that still remains. This place has touched the lives of many and hopefully will continue to do so as a historic part of our community. -Jean Murphy Less than a year after his discharge from the US Army at the end of World War II, my father got up to go to work, had a heart attack, and was dead. I had just turned five and my brother was about to be nine. My mother buried her husband, our father, packed up the household, and moved back to her hometown, Simpsonville, SC. The next school year, 1946-1947, I started the first grade in that glorious building that the Simpsonville. City Council seems bound and determined, for all intents and purposes, to destroy. The town bought the building for one purpose, but seems to want to go against the wishes of the citizens of Simpsonville. That building is an important part of our town’s heritage!. DON’T DESTROY, PRESERVE!. I saw the photos of the building and they looked beautiful. In my mind I can visualize the interior and even remember most of the teacher’s names---certainly the teachers I had! (That auditorium would be a wonderful place to invite Jeanne Robertson to visit. She is a nationally known speaker who shares the most amusing stories.). City Council, please listen to the people of Simpsonville and don’t let what’s left of the Simpsonville School campus be used for any purpose without dignity! -Frances Johnson Hindman

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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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