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ISSUE NUMBER XXXVII | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 FOR MORE CONTENT VISIT SIMPSONVILLEBANNER.COM Photo submitted by Simpsonville resident Nancy Hendley

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Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence Issues Immediate Change to Committee Meetings Beth Kelley Fann The function of committee meetings in the city of Simpsonville was a lively topic of discussion in January. The finance and planning committee, led by chair Elizabeth Braswell and comprised of George Curtis and Geneva Lawrence, was unable to reach a compromise to present to full council in February. Curtis maintained that the workshop meetings with full council functioned better than the current committee system. Braswell and Lawrence presented several ideas for preserving the committees. The topic of committee meetings was absent from the February 10th business meeting agenda. Despite this lack of discussion amongst the full council, Mayor pro

tem Geneva Lawrence issued a new committee schedule today, effective immediately. The new times shorten each meeting by 15 minutes:

The new schedule creates a three hour meeting that solves the obvious issues with having two meetings at once.

6:00 - 6:45 pm: Public Works Standing Committee

It also creates a three hour commitment on behalf of citizens and council that wish to be a part of the city’s entire process.

6:45 - 7:30 pm: Recreation & Events Standing Committee 7:30 - 8:15 pm: Public Safety Standing Committee 8:15 - 9:00 pm: Finance/Policy/ Planning Standing Committee

The meetings will all take place in council chambers, and will continue to be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month as per city ordinance.

New concerns include time constraints - some committee discussions have been cut short over the last eight months due to the one hour cutoff. The loss of fifteen minutes per committee could impact how much is accomplished. “I don’t see how a shorter meeting helps relieve the issues with committees. We are so pressed for time now, a reduction in the schedule will only make matters more

difficult,” stated Matthew Gooch.

councilmember

Councilmember Taylor Graham says he plans to attend all four meetings in the future - a benefit of the change. He feels 45 minutes per meeting will not be long enough, however. “All I can say at this point is I am working on addressing my issues regarding the committee ordinance, it needs to be fixed and done so in the correct manner,” Graham told The Banner. The next committee meeting will be held next Tuesday, February 24 from 6-9pm at Simpsonville City Hall.

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Beth Kelley Fann Simpsonville Parks and Recreation held their Father/Daughter Dance on Friday, February 13th. The event sold out in advance. Hosted at the Senior and Activity Center on East Curtis Street, Dads

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Night to Shine Prom at Brookwood Church Beth Kelley Fann Brookwood Church hosted the Night to Shine Prom on Friday, February 13th. The event is for area residents with special needs and sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Guests received the red carpet treatment, including hair and makeup. Limousine service, professional photography, food and music rounded out the experience. Attendees were also surprised by a visit from Tim Tebow himself. The football player posed for photos and spoke with prom-goers. Brookwood Church is located at 580 Brookwood Pointe Place in Simpsonville, and online at brookwoodchurch.org

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Q&A: Simpsonville’s Historic School Building Beth Kelley Fann On February 6th, The Banner published an opinion piece by city councilmember Matthew Gooch. His topic was the historic Simpsonville school building and its future in Simpsonville. The reader response was huge. Kyle Campbell of Preservation South LLC recently toured the school and provided feedback on its current condition. The following Q&A addresses some of the questions surrounding the building and its historical significance, referencing Mr. Campbell’s statements during his visit and his follow-up letter sent to councilmember Gooch. Do bathrooms affect historical significance/designation? No. Due to city, state and federal building regulations, bathrooms must be kept to current standards. Therefore they are uniquely excluded from affecting the historical significance of a structure. Does wheelchair access and hardscaping affect the building integrity? No, as long as the original structure was not altered. With

the Simpsonville school building, no modification to the building occurred. Can possible asbestos be safely addressed? Yes. Can the color of the interior walls affect the historical significance? No, because no element of the structure was altered. Paint can be easily remedied. Campbell recommended using colors that would reflect the time period of the building. One of the largest barriers to creating a functional arts center has been climate control. Public works has some of the needed equipment - a joint purchase made by the city and SAFi. What do they lack? The units for heating and cooling the building have already been purchased. Duct and materials are needed. Public works has an HVAC person on staff that can help with installation. The windows were updated. Does this affect the historical significance?

No, as long as the original openings were preserved when the new windows went in. This is the case in the Simpsonville school. Campbell recommended replacing the windows with a design better suited to the building’s time period. The basement, or green room, is in rough condition, mostly needing cleaning and repairs. Does this affect the building’s worth? No, the floor can be recovered and the walls refinished.

• the flooring throughout the school is original. • the original wood moldings, beaded board, chalkboards and doors are all original. • the original auditorium chairs are still in place. Campbell suggested to leave them as is, because they were most likely positioned for acoustic benefit. He also suggested a possible fundraiser that would allow individuals to purchase a plaque for a seat in their names.

What can be done to utilize the space without affecting value? • floating walls that do not permanently alter the classroom size or shape may be used to divide the rooms for office use.

• the windows over the interior classroom doors are intact. These tilt open for lighting and ventilation.

• walls between classrooms should not be removed. A possible solution to creating adjoining rooms would be through the storage closets in rooms that back up to each other.

A State Historic Marker for the school is scheduled to be dedicated on Saturday, April 11th. All former students of the school are encouraged to attend.

What are some of historically significant features in the school? • the gymnasium has the original flooring, screened double doors, wooden bleachers, and unpainted paneled walls.

Those with opinions on the future of the school building should reach out to their councilmember by calling city hall at (864) 967-9526, or attend the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting on February 24th at 6:45 pm.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TURKEY BARLEY LOAF Cooking spray 1 large egg white (or 3 tablespoons of egg substitute) 1 tablespoon fat-free milk 1 pound 90% or higher lean ground turkey 1 cup cooked barley, cooked without salt

GUNJERS (OLD FASHIONED GINGERBREAD) From the kitchen of: Mrs. H. W. Abbott

1 c sugar

2 tsp allspice

1 c molasses

2 tsp cinnamon

2/3 c butter, softened

1 tsp ginger

1 Tbsp soda

1 tsp cloves, if desired

6 c flour Add sugar and molasses to softened butter. Add soda dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water. Sift together flour and spices and add to this mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about forty-five minutes. Better to use a heavy pan. Lemon Sauce (For Gingerbread) 1 egg 1 lemon 1/2 c sugar

1 Tbsp butter

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 c boiling water

Beat egg, add sugar and juice of lemon. Stir in water slowly. Cook in top of double boiler until thick. Add the butter and nutmeg.

1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Cook barley as directed if using dried. Chop and shred vegetables while barley cooks. In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg white and milk. Add the remaining turkey loaf ingredients. Gently combine using your hands or a spoon. Place in the pan. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the turkey registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the pan from the oven. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Cut into 4 slices. For more information on this recipe and healthy cooking, Spartanburg Regional’s registered dietitian, Kerri Lindberg, recommends visiting www.heart.org

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Local Artist Spotlight: Joey Banks by Corey Barker

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

As I pull up to Joey Banks’ house, gray clouds hang overhead that foretell of snow and ice. The wind blows and there is a sharp chill in the air. Joey’s house, a welcome contrast, is a warm bastion from the cold. Joey Banks is the frontman of two bands (Thee Joey Banks Band and Generation Axe) as well as a solo artist who performs all over the upstate. The first thing that caught eye as I entered the Banks’ living room is that one wall is covered with instruments. There is a wide selection of guitars, a banjo, and even a violin all hung in a loving and triumphant display. When I ask Joey about the instruments on the wall he can’t help but smiling. He tells me that his wife, Kim, graciously let him display his instruments. This isn’t even all of his guitars, he informs me, and that he still has at least seven that he could add to this already impressive collection. There is one guitar that stands out from all the rest, a black painted acoustic guitar. Joey’s first guitar. One that he has had since he was twelve years old. This sentimental guitar was just the beginning of my conversation with Joey Banks, a remarkable man who is passionate about his music. Within the first few moments of speaking with Joey Banks, it became apparent that this is a man who loves music. Like all great musicians, Joey Banks has a great origin story. In the gymnasium at Hillcrest Middle School, a twelve year old Joey Banks is stricken. Some of his friends are practicing their instruments and their song of choice is Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever.” As soon as the first riff sounded it was “like a smack.” The reverb in the building was amazing, and Joey was bitten by the music

bug. It was in this moment that Joey knew he wanted to play guitar, there was no going back. He begged and begged his parents for a guitar, which they eventually got him for Christmas. However, when his grades began to slip they took his guitar away. This could not dampen Joey’s determination. He would take money he made from being a curb boy and went to a local pawn shop to get a new guitar. This unquenchable zeal for music would be present for Joey some extraordinary life experiences. During my conversation with Joey I noticed he was wearing a Guantanamo Bay hat. This was a perfect segue to ask about his experience playing for the troops at Guantanamo. It was apparent that this was an experience that still left him awestruck. “It is hard to put into words, still.” He took a moment to reflect on his time there. “It was pretty exciting flying into Cuba. It was an experience because it was so Americanized.” As Joey reminisced about his time at Guantanamo Bay it was clear that this was an emotional experience for him. He spoke about how overwhelmingly appreciative everyone there was for what he was doing. He also spoke about how it really hit him when he saw how young some of the troops fighting for our country actually are, and how much of an honor it was to be able to play for them. Aside from the experiences Banks has had with music, I wanted to know more about the music itself. When I asked him about his writing process, it was incredible. His first two albums “Soul Good” and “Soul Much Better” were written from very personal experiences. What happened next

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How I Applied Problem-Solving to Weight Loss Step 8: Standardizing the Process

Last in an Eight Week Series by Kerri Smith • Photo by Gwinn Davis ©2015 gwinndavisphotos.com This week is filled with great emotion as this series comes to a close. Last year, I set a goal of writing about my weight loss journey. To be honest one of my bad habits is when I feel overwhelmed or vulnerable, is to quit. In fact, knowing that I have this tendency kept me from ever committing to do anything that would put me in either of these situations. I looked at the outline I originally developed and the new blank page each week with dread, but over the last eight weeks it has gotten easier. Once the first sentence was written, the rest came tumbling out and excitement took over. Writing the articles taught me that facing fears helps to break undesirable habits. This also happened in setting my weight loss goal. The fear of ridicule, failure and acceptance no

longer controlled my actions, or worse, lack of action. Inaction can be crippling. Living in the world of excuses may feel safe in the moment because it’s easy to blame others for the life we are living. Taking control of your thoughts and actions will give you courage to create your future. Reaching goals will become reflex like simply breathing. This final step of “standardizing the process” is one of the most important. When I reached my “goal weight” in the past, the bad behaviors crept back in and snuggled up with me on the coach while watching TV and munching on the worst foods. Believe me if you go back to those habits, your weight will quickly find its way back and bring all their friends.

There will be times during the year when it will be harder to follow your counter measures. Anticipate those times and develop strategies before they occur. Holidays and emotional anniversaries can derail even the most determined. Journaling can help identify the rhythm of life and provide insight. At some point, your body will cry, “uncle” and refuse to allow one more ounce to be lost. The best practice is to embrace the plateaus and allow your body to catch up. Strive to keep your weight the same during this time. Reexamine your counter measures and recommit.

the Eight Steps to Problem Solving, you can overcome any challenge and replace bad habits with new ones that move you closer to your goals. Want to learn more? Join me for Steps to Success on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at Exchange Co. Coffee Shop 110 S Main St, Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681 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.

“The only proper way to eliminate bad habits is to replace them with good ones,” said Jerome Hines. By following

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Fountain Inn History Museum has a Bright Future Jenny Clark Quick! What four things can you find here in Fountain Inn that you can’t find anywhere else in the world? Write down your answer, stick it in your pocket, and head for the Fountain Inn History Museum to say hello and find out how you did. Then take a little time to explore with Director Jack Marlar, Administrative Director Amy Harrison, and a growing list of enthusiastic volunteers who seek to preserve the important history, heritage, and culture not only of Fountain Inn itself, but of small-town Southern life. The museum was established in its current location on Depot Street as part of the City’s ongoing revitalization effort to preserve area history and cultivate a vibrant town with a strong sense of its roots. Located at the end of Trade Street near the Farmers Market Pavilion, the 5,100 square foot space includes an expansive exhibit area, 35-seat museum orientation theater, the director’s office, and public spaces. Under the watchful eye of engaged city leaders and departments, interested local citizens, area groups, and qualified consultants, the museum has taken on an active and growing role in the Fountain Inn community. This year, the museum was one of just five Greenville-area organizations awarded a grant for educational and environmental efforts by the Bosch Community Fund (Bosch Rexroth Fountain Inn Plant). The grant will provide a tour of the Fountain Inn Museum that highlights the roots of Fountain Inn industry and technology over the years for the entire fifth-

grade student body from Fountain Inn Elementary School; approximately 125 students and teachers will participate. The tour will incorporate ideas and concepts that brought technology and industry together, providing the history behind developments that advanced both. Students will see a demonstration of Morse code on a telegraph, learn about weaving on a Model “E” Draper loom (one of the first all-metal looms), and see underwater video of the Hunley submarine taken as researchers determined the structural integrity of the vessel prior to lifting it. After the museum portion of the tour, the students will visit Bosch Rexroth’s manufacturing plant, where they’ll be able to apply the concepts of what they learned at the museum to what they learn about the modern developments of industry today. In addition to formal events like this one, visitors are welcome to come browse and chat on their own. As easy as it is to spend a chunk of a day in the museum, though, it doesn’t have to be your final destination if you’re on the hunt for adventures in history with like-minded folks. Join museum staff and 40 fellow travelers on a day trip to Washington, Georgia, one of very few towns spared by General Sherman. Not much bigger than Fountain Inn, the town boasts 40 grand mansions, and this visit will take you to some of the finest with noted speaker and author Skeet Willingham. This first of three day trips presented by the Museum will hit the road on Saturday, February 28th, departing from the Fountain Inn

Museum, 102 Depot Street, at 8:00 AM and returning at about 6:00 PM. Upcoming tours to see the Hunley and to visit Columbia will round out the series for this season. The museum is always grateful for donations of artifacts and funds, and is working with the Museum

Assessment Program to obtain national accreditation. To learn more about museum activities, events, exhibits, and projects, including the tour of Washington, Georgia, on February 28th, please visit www. fountaininnhistorycenter.org, call 864-862-2586, or stop by at 102 Depot Street in Fountain Inn.

Fountain Inn Sidewalk Project Progressing

Beth Kelley Fann

Businesses in downtown Fountain Inn remain open while the sidewalks get a facelift. The widened paths were completed last week on the Rotary side of Main Street, and feature brick inlays and pockets for future landscaping. The Uptown Barbershop and BookQuest Used Books are two of the locations benefiting from this stretch of sidewalk completion.

Construction began this week on the other side of the street, in front of Edward Jones Investments and Shadow Wood Cottage. Despite the biting winds on Wednesday, crews were at work removing the old and preparing for the new. Linda Belue of Shadow Wood Cottage says their shop will remain open

throughout construction. There is parking behind the buildings on both sides of the street, and Shadow Wood also has a rear access. The project is scheduled completed in May of 2015.

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SIMPSONVILLE EVENTS AN EVENING WITH DR. NIC BUTLER Friday, February 20, 2015 7:00pm 8:00pm 110 Academy St Simpsonville, SC 29681 GRAND OPENING EVENT AT EXCHANGE CO. Saturday, February 21, 2015 4:00pm 8:00pm 110 S Main St Simpsonville, SC YMCA SPECTRUM VALENTINE BALL Saturday, February 21, 2015 6:00pm 8:30pm 100 Adams Mill Rd 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 LIBRARY: TODDLER TALES Tuesday, February 24, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 626 Northeast Main Street

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 PEACOCK COTTAGE: TRUTH BE TOLD CLASS Tuesday, February 24, 2015 6:30pm 9:30pm Peacock Cottage DINNER WITH THE DOC AT VITAL LIFE CHIROPRACTIC Tuesday, February 24, 2015 7:00pm 8:45pm SIMPSONVILLE ROTARY CLUB Wednesday, February 25, 2015 12:15pm 1:15pm Rotary Hall STEPS TO SUCCESS MEETING Saturday, February 28, 2015 8:30am 9:30am Exchange Co. LEAP OF FAITH FARM VOLUNTEER TRAINING Sunday, March 1, 2015 3:00pm 4:30pm

ONE STEP 101 AT PEACOCK COTTAGE Thursday, March 5, 2015 6:30pm 7:30pm 212 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC FARM DAYS AT BETHEL TRAILS FARM Saturday, March 7, 2015 9:00am 12:00pm 2302 Friendship Church Rd Gray Court, SC 29645 SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: UNRAVELED - KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP Saturday, March 7, 2015 2:00pm 4:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: UNRAVELED - KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP Saturday, March 7, 2015 2:00pm 4:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street STEVE KAUFMAN IN CONCERT WITH GARY BISCUIT DAVIS Saturday, March 7, 2015 8:00pm 10:00pm SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: BOUNCING BABIES Tuesday, March 10, 2015 10:00am 11:00am 626 Northeast Main Street

SIMPSONVILLE ROTARY CLUB Wednesday, March 4, 2015 12:15pm 1:15pm Rotary Hall

SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: TODDLER TALES Tuesday, March 10, 2015 11:00am 11:30am 626 Northeast Main Street SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE Wednesday, March 11, 2015 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street SIMPSONVILLE ROTARY CLUB Wednesday, March 11, 2015 12:15pm 1:15pm Rotary Hall SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: STORY TIME Thursday, March 12, 2015 10:00am 12:00pm 626 Northeast Main Street MOTHER SON DANCE Friday, March 13, 2015 6:30pm 8:30pm Simpsonville Activity and Senior Center SIMPSONVILLE LIBRARY: TEEN SCRIBBLERS Saturday, March 14, 2015 12:00pm 1:30pm 626 Northeast Main Street Simpsonville, SC, 29681 HIGH SCHOOL MARCH ON HUNGER: DELVIN CHOICE Saturday, March 14, 2015 6:00pm 10:00pm Charter Ampitheatre

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FOUNTAIN INN EVENTS FIRE PRESENTS WILLY WONKA Fri, Feb 20, 2015 7:30pm through Sun, Mar 1, 2015 9:00pm Younts Center for Performing Arts AT THE LIBRARY: STORY TIME Wednesday, February 25, 2015 10:30am 11:00am Kerry Ann Younts Culp Library

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CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY 13-WEEK PROGRAM Feb 26 - May 28, 2015 Thursdays from 6-8:00pm FOUNTAIN INN MUSEUM BUS TOUR: HISTORIC WASHINGTON, GEORGIA Saturday, February 28, 2015 8:00am 6:00pm Fountain Inn History Museum

TROT 2 THE TOP 4H HORSE CLUB SHOWMANSHIP CLINIC Saturday, February 28, 2015 1:00pm 4:00pm Solid Rock Stables COMEDIAN JAMES GREGORY Saturday, March 7, 2015 7:30pm 9:00pm Younts Center for Performing Arts

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Continued from page 8 was unexpected. He stood up and got one of the guitars off of the wall. After a short preface of a personal story, he began to play me one of his songs. The emotion emanating from Joey was a sight to behold. About his songs Joey said, “They are not just songs I wrote to make a record deal, they are little windows into my soul.” Relaxation also plays a key part in Joey’s writing. “There is a state of relaxation where creativity really starts flowing.” He went on to say, “Sometimes I just unconsciously play and see what happens... It will hit me, and once it hits me it just keeps coming and coming.” Having played music for most of his life, Joey draws inspiration from all genres of music. I asked if there was an artist people would be surprised that he listened to. He is actually really into Sia. He spoke about her incredible voice and quirky performance style. In terms of mainstream music in general he opined, “Great singers are out there today. It is just hard to set yourself apart.” He also confided that if given the chance to collaborate with any musician, he would choose Paul McCartney. Given his broad range taste in music, it makes sense that his three current musical ventures would have distinctly different sounds. He has no interest in being in bands that sound similar or do similar things. Thee Joey Banks Band is Joey’s latest passion project. Joined by Todd Spencer on drums and Scott Nalley on the bass the group is currently gearing up to release an album this spring. However, Joey wants

people to know that it is a team effort. About his name being the name of the band he says, “It isn’t an ego thing, we are all equal in this band.” He elaborates by saying he wanted a band that will get his music out there to the people, because of that he wanted a name that reflected the people in the band. “If I thought of a name like “Too Far Gone” no one is going to know who is in the band.” Even though the band has an album in the works, that doesn’t mean that they are forgoing touring. In fact, the band has many gigs lined up in the months to come. The band will be previewing new material. One song in particular, “All American Girl,” has Joey very excited. It will be the first song on the album, as well as holding the title of Joey’s favorite.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

On the Cover: Ice Storm Beth Kelley Fann A small ice storm threw a light blanket across the Golden Strip on Monday. Schools were closed on Tuesday and Wednesday from Laurens to Greenville County, and children valiantly tried to make snowmen and sled on the ice.

working to repair the issues as quickly as possible. Reportedly both companies stayed ahead of estimates.

Power outages were reported across the area as well, with Duke Energy and Laurens Electric

For more photos, SimpsonvilleBanner.com

Submitted by Russ Poole

Submitted by Amy Ditmore

Thursday brought the area the coldest temps in a century, resulting in school delays and strained power systems. visit

I ended my conversation with Joey by asking him what he would say to anyone who aspired to be a musician. What he said was truly inspiring. “Don’t forget what made you start doing this, keep the primary love and passion. Don’t get too caught up in stardom and wanting to make it so it makes you start to lose track of why you started to do it. You will be faced with a lot of heartbreak, if you keep your passion in mind, you will never be heartbroken. Music will always be good to you.” For Joey, music and emotion are synonymous. With a passion that burns bright, and the talent to back it up; Joey Banks is truly an artist. You can find out more about Joey Banks, as well as listen to his music at joeybanksrocks.com. You can also watch Joey’s music videos on his YouTube channel joeybanksdotcom.

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