Above, incoming Southern Wesleyan freshman [cointent_lockedcontent]Chelsey Bailey, left, of Seneca, looks over a few items with her mother, Chrissy, at SWU’s Campus Bookstore. Bailey plans to major in early childhood education. Below, student volunteers unload a trailer outside Stuart-Bennett residence hall during a recent move-in day on campus. Lending a hand to the incoming class were upperclassmen, as well as volunteers from Trinity Wesleyan Church.

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PICKENS — Cannon Memorial Hospital Main Clinical Lab received notice of accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) last month.

[cointent_lockedcontent]The results were based on a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s accreditation programs.

Cannon’s lab director, Ronald J. Biscopink, M.D., was advised of the national recognition and was congratulated for the excellence of the services provided at Cannon.

Cannon Memorial Hospital Main Clinical Lab is one of more than 7,600 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

“Most CAP inspections are done by peer reviews,” Biscopink said. “This year CAP had a professional inspector come to Cannon. Cannon scored 99 percent on their inspection, which is exceptional. With this accreditation, Cannon will also be exempted from a Medicare or Medicaid inspections, due to the highly regarded CAP process. In 2016, Cannon will do a self-inspection of our lab facility to ensure that we are remaining at CAP high standards. In 2017, CAPS will return to Cannon for the bi-annual accreditation. Our lab and staff stay diligent in making sure our lab meets and exceeds all guidelines and standards required daily. Cannon’s patients are our highest priority”

During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) celebrating 50 years as the gold standard in laboratory accreditation, is a medical society that serves more than 18,000 physician members and the global laboratory community. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of board-certified pathologists and is the worldwide leader in laboratory quality assurance. The college advocates accountable, high-quality, and cost effective patient care. More information about the CAP can be found at www.cap.org.

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PICKENS — The Pickens Touchdown Club will host the first of its 2015 community luncheons this Friday.

[cointent_lockedcontent]The luncheon, scheduled to coincide with the Blue Flame’s home opener against Pendleton High School, will run from noon-1 p.m. at the GateHouse Restaurant at 116 Ann St. Cost will be $12 per person.

The guest speaker for the event will be Clemson Hall of Famer and retired college football and NFL Europe coach Whitey Jordan.

Attendees will be able to watch highlights from last week’s game, and players of the week will also be recognized.

Luncheons will also be held on Sept. 4 and 25 and Oct. 9 and 30, the days of Pickens’ home games with Liberty, West-Oak, Seneca and Belton-Honea Path, respectively.

Proceeds from the luncheons will go to support all levels of Blue Flame football.

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Jose and Rhonda Carraseo of Anderson [cointent_lockedcontent]pass along encouraging words to their son, J.C., during a “Passing the Mantle” ceremony, part of orientation at Southern Wesleyan University. New students received medallions to mark the beginning of their educational and spiritual journey during the ceremony, which took place Aug. 15, in the auditorium of Newton Hobson[/cointent_lockedcontent]

UPSTATE — The South Carolina Marine Educators Association, a registered nonprofit organization and chapter of the National Marine Educators Association, will host its annual conference on [cointent_lockedcontent]Oct. 23-25 at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville.

Formed in 1988, SCMEA strives to improve and expand marine and watershed education opportunities throughout South Carolina. This yearly opportunity for educators, scientists, and concerned citizens to exchange ideas and learn about current topics and advancements in the field is a must for marine enthusiasts. You do not need to be a member to attend.

SCMEA offers high-quality and engaging marine education experiences in the form of lectures, field experiences, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for networking. Although hours from the ocean, the upstate lends an ideal setting for a conference whose theme is, “Watershed moments: from the mountains to the sea.” Presenters will highlight the connections between rivers that have their headwaters in the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

For two years running, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach has been a very generous sponsor. Additional sponsors for 2015 include Loggerhead Apparel, Swamp Rabbit Café, and REWA.

For more information and to register, visit scmarineed.org or email scmarineeducator@gmail.com.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

Six Mile Elementary will host a blast from the past [cointent_lockedcontent]on Monday, Aug. 31, when officials from the school will be opening a time capsule that was buried when the school was opened in 1990.   The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. in front of the school. The community, friends, former teachers and alumni of Six Mile Elementary are invited. A reception will be held in the cafeteria following the ceremony. Those planning to attend the reception are asked to RSVP at (864) 397-2400.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

LIBERTY — The Liberty Recreation Department will host its 13th annual Invitational Youth Football Jamboree on [cointent_lockedcontent]Saturday, Aug. 29, at the City Stadium (formerly old high school stadium), located at 251 North Hillcrest St.

Their will be a total of 18 youth football teams participating in the jamboree. Each team will play a full game with a pre-determined opponent in their respective age division.

There will be three age divisions represented — 8u, 10u, 12u. Teams will be from the Tri-County/Palmetto Association and will include the following departments: Liberty, Pickens, Easley, Six Mile, Pendleton and Powdersville. The first game will kick off at 9 a.m., with the last game of the day slated to start up at 7:15 p.m.

The admission charge is $3 for adults and $2 for students. Each ticket is good for the entire jamboree. Each of the eight football games will be scaled down to four six-minute quarters, so roughly a little more than an hour in length. The concession stands will be open, offering everything from ice cream to hot dogs.

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PICKENS — The Pickens Athletic Association is now accepting nominations for the 2015 class of the [cointent_lockedcontent]Pickens High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 2015 Hall of Fame Game is scheduled for Sept. 25, when the Blue Flame play host to the West-Oak Warriors.

Last year’s class consisted of brother and sister Chas and Chelsea Anthony, as well as longtime PHS coach Hamp Summey.

Nominations must be turned in by Sept. 18 and may be sent to Pickens High or dropped off at the Pickens County Courier, The Corner Drug Store, Brock’s Department Store or Pickens High School.

Nomination forms can also be picked up at the same locations.

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Pictured are members of the executive board of the Sarlin Library — Jean Thomas, Mel Avery, Lisa Carpenter, Lynn Baker, Carole Andrews, Kasey Swords, Hayne Meyerson and Tracy Morgan. Not pictured is Kathlyn Albertson.

LIBERTY — Sarlin Community Library was a very happening place Aug. 14, [cointent_lockedcontent]as about 80 children and adults joined together in celebration of the end-of-summer back-to-school bingo blast sponsored by the Friends of the Sarlin Library.

Sandwiches, cookies, cupcakes, cake and candy were served to the children by officers and directors of Liberty Friends of the Library. After the refreshments, the children joined library manager Kasey Swords in a wild bingo party. The prizes which included backpacks and book bags stuffed with school supplies were handed out by the Friends Teen Council, Richey Baker, Cassie Dorr and Katie Dorr. Local businesses also provide coupons for food items, and Transitions Hair Salon provided 15 free haircuts. General small prizes were given as the bingo game went on until all had been awarded.

“The children were so excited and happy with the party,” said Lynn Baker, one of the helpers. “They were good winners and very polite and extremely nice to each other and to all the helpers. It was a joy to see the happy faces.”

All involved hope for an even bigger and better party next year.

“I think we will have to have a bigger room,” vice president Tracy Morgan said. The library staff and the Friends of the Library thanked those who worked hard to make the party a wonderful experience for all involved, as well as those in the community who made donations to help the event.

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