Monthly Archives: March 2016
Parenting Place plans series of events for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — “We want people to know how important it is to protect our younger citizens, because they’re going to grow up and be the future of our communities, of our state,” said Greta Young, executive director of The Parenting Place. “So we need to protect them.”
That’s where The Parenting Place comes in. The agency strives to promote positive parenting, help families become self-sufficient again, reduce child maltreatment, improve parent-child interactions, make sure children are ready for school and reduce child injuries.
Her agency wants to help those they see enhance their parenting skills, Young said. In addition to home visits, they also offer parenting classes.
“We’re there to offer support, answer any questions,” she said. “Look at us as a person walking alongside of you. We’re here to help. We want to help them become better parents.”
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. A number of events are planned throughout the month to raise awareness on child abuse and get the community involved in protecting children.
“We are partnering with The Children’s Trust and Pickens County First Steps on a ton of stuff,” Young said. “Everything we’re doing is free.”
On Friday, April 8, the third annual Partners for Prevention Lunch and Learn will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Mill Church in Pickens.
“It’s like a kickoff event for Prevent Child Abuse Month,” Young said.
The theme of the lunch and learn is “Empowering the Community to Prevent Child Abuse.” Chris Egan is the guest speaker. He’ll share his own story of resilience in the face of abandonment and poverty, and how those in the community encouraged and mentored him.
After the free lunch, provided by the Parkette of Pickens, a pinwheel garden will be planted. Pinwheels around the county are intended to help spark conversations about child abuse and neglect.
Space is limited to the first 100 people. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Bridget at Behavioral Health Services by April 1. Call (864) 898-5800 or email bfarmer@bhspickens.com.
The Parenting Place is also partnering with Pickens County First Step for their Week of the Young Child events.
“They’re doing something all that week,” Young said.
Events for the week of April 8-17 include grand openings of Born Learning Trails in Pickens and Clemson, fundraiser nights at restaurants around Pickens County and more.
The Parenting Place is partnering with the Clemson Police Department for its Family Fun Kickoff Event for National Crime Victims Rights Week on Sunday, April 10, in Nettles Park. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 10-16.
“They have events going on that whole week,” Young said of the Clemson Police Department.
The Parenting Place is seeking donations of new bikes to give away to kids during the Clemson event, Young said.
“So far we have four donated,” she said. “We would love to be able to give away at least 10 bikes, if possible.”
On April 12, the Pickens County Advocacy Center will show a special version of the documentary “The Hunting Ground,” about sexual assault, at Daniel High School. The movie has been edited with middle and high school audiences in mind.
“We’re planning on going to that as well,” Young said.
The Parenting Place’s big fundraiser, Ride for the Child, is slated for Saturday, April 23.
The ride will start at The Parenting Place and end at Bleu Voodoo in Easley. Items will be raffled off at the end of the ride.
“It’s like a poker run,” Young said. Cost is $10 per driver, $10 per ride. T-shirts are $10. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with kickstands up at 11:30 a.m. Best hand wins $300, second-best hand wins $200, and worst hand wins $100.
“We would love to get some more riders for that event,” Young said. “It’s for a good cause. If you raise $200 in donations, you get to ride for free.”
Not free to ride that day? You can still donate, Young said.
“We can always use donations,” she said. “For every dollar raised, another child can be saved.”
For more information, visit www.tppupstate.org or call (864) 898-5583.
Adult coed volleyball leagues now forming
PICKENS — The Pickens Recreation Department is now holding registration for adult coed volleyball, formally known as the “Backyard League.”
Players must be 21 years of age (ID required). The registration fee will be $45 per couple in-city or $55 out-of-city and is due at time of sign-up. Individual fees are $22.50 in-city or $27.50 out-of-city. Due date for registration fees is April 1 at the Recreation Department on Sangamo Road. Fees are non-refundable.
Once registration is concluded, players will be placed on teams by the league director. Practice dates will be announced. Games are on Sunday afternoons and will begin April 24 (approximate start date). Call (864) 878-2296 with any additional questions.
Entertainment announced for annual Blue Ridge Fest
PICKENS — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions announced recently that the featured entertainment for the 19th annual Blue Ridge Fest, set for Friday, May 6, will be Jay and the Americans, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners and Jim Quick & Coastline.
For nearly two decades, the philanthropic event managed by more than 250 Blue Ridge employees, has featured headline entertainment from the late ‘50s and mid-’60s, that together with a display of more than 500 classic cars, is the ultimate retro family experience.
“At Blue Ridge Fest, the combination of a classic car cruise-in, beach music, Motown and classic rock ‘n roll provides a unique way for us to support the community,” said Charles Dalton, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. “Not only are we proud to provide significant funds to 12 local non-profit organizations year after year, we also enjoy providing a way for our guests to step back in time to the good ol’ days.”
At the inaugural Blue Ridge Fest in 1998, the entertainment lineup started out strong with Bill Pinckney, an original member of soul vocal group, The Drifters. In addition, Pinckney performed a second time at the 10th anniversary of Blue Ridge Fest, and The Drifters made yet another appearance in 2013. Not only were The Drifters present in 2013, but The Clovers, another soul vocal group, performed singing their hit “Love Potion No. 9” which peaked at No. 23 on the U.S. music charts.
In 2008, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group called Little Anthony and the Imperials attended Blue Ridge Fest, while Jerry Butler appeared on stage in 2009 performing his hit song, “For Your Precious Love.” In 2010, one of the largest names in Motown, The Temptations, came singing some of their biggest hits including “My Girl” and “Not Too Proud to Beg.” The following year in 2011, Chubby Checker, known widely for popularizing the twist dance style, joined the entertainment lineup. In 2012, Ben E. King impressed
guests with his U.S. Top 10 Hit, “Stand by Me,” sharing the stage with the legendary Jimmy Clanton best known for his hit, “Just a Dream.” More recently, “Mr. Personality” Lloyd Price sang his No. 1 hit, “Stagger Lee” headlining the 2014 Blue Ridge Fest. This year, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, a doo-wop group out of Pittsburg who are best known for their 1959 hit “Since I Don’t Have You”, and Jay and the Americans, a popular pop music group in the 1960s who hit the Billboard charts with their U.S. No. 3 hit “Come a Little Bit Closer” and another top hit “This Magic Moment,” are are sure to make Blue Ridge Fest proud.
Blue Ridge Fest is known for being the Upstate’s largest classic car cruise-in which annually attracts more than 6,000 guests and nearly 600 classic cars. Since 1998, Blue Ridge Fest has contributed more than $2 million to local non-profit organizations in the Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.
The event will take place from 6-10:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s outdoor facility at 734 W. Main St. in Pickens. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Children ages 7-12 are admitted for $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, while those ages six or younger are admitted free. Attendees arriving in a classic car (1979 or older) with up to four people are admitted for $30. For classic cars, line-up begins at 2 p.m., and gates open at 3 p.m.
Rick Tate to challenge Collins for House seat
EASLEY — Easley resident Rick Tate filed paperwork to run for the SC House District 5 seat on March 18.
The district includes Easley and parts of Dacusville, Liberty and Powdersville.
Tate said for him, the responsibility of being a House Representative includes being a delegate and trustee on behalf of the people in Pickens County.
Tate said he has helped Pickens County residents stand up to establishment politicians who have ignored the interests of the taxpayers. In 2015, Tate was elected first vice chairman of the Pickens County Republican Party.
Since the 1990s, Tate said he has worked with other citizens to engage elected officials over issues such as education.
“Becoming a parent brought home the importance of choices we have to make about our children’s education,” he said. ” I looked at options we had as parents and became an advocate of school choice.”
Underfunding of the state’s school districts has been a major issue for Tate.
On business-related issues, Tate said “I have been in a supervisory position making tough decisions about others’ employment. Having had my own small business, to me taxes and regulation are realities, not just political buzzwords.”
The South Carolina Republican primary is set for June 14.
Courier Letters to the Editor 3-30-16
SCPIE urges parents to sign refusal
Dear Editor,
United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE) along with local chapter South Carolina Parents Involved in Education (SCPIE), is encouraging parents across the state to boycott South Carolina’s Common Core-aligned standardized testing beginning April 19, 2016.
In order to gain attention of the School District of Pickens County’s board of trustees for its decision to close two proven effective schools, and to rein in the negative impact of high-stakes testing on children, their families, teachers and society as a whole, USPIE and SCPIE encourages parents to fill out the test refusal form which can be found at scpie.org.
All over the country, parents are fed up with being ignored by the government education system, and parents are being driven to civil disobedience, or as some claim their civil duty to take a stand for the children and future of the United States.
Furthermore, USPIE and SCPIE call upon the School District of Pickens County to accept parental decisions to refuse the standardized tests and ask the school district to provide educationally appropriate, non-punitive responses, including alternative settings and activities for the child whose parents have refused the test. Just recently, S.C. Rep. Rita Allison, chairlady of the S.C. House Education and Public Works Committee stated, “Right now, if a parent chooses for their child not to take an assessment, there are no ramifications.”
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that parents “possess the fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children, and that the child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right coupled with the high duty to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.”
Johnnelle Raines
Board member, SCPIE
Pickens
‘Etc’ for South Carolina — It’s not what you think
Etc are three little letters we run across most every day — we hardly notice them. But when it comes to South Carolina and our future, ‘etc’ can be a real disaster or it can be our great hope.
Confused? Let me explain.
Etc (usually written with a period at the end as etc.) is short for et cetera, a Latin phrase that the Cambridge Dictionary defines as … and other similar things. Another way of thinking about etc is “more of the same.”
This “more of the same” idea as it applies to South Carolina is a very big problem for our state and our future.
While we are talking about words and the future, let me suggest that for South Carolina perhaps the eight worst words in the English language are “that’s the way we have always done it.” If you take this phrase and add etc at the end, well you’ve pretty much described the old ways of thinking that has held our state back for the last couple of hundred years.
Unfortunately, there are some folks in our state who still live by this idea of the past — and you can find a pretty good collection of them hanging around the Statehouse in Columbia when the Legislature is in session.
But, let me offer another more hopeful definition of etc — think education, technology and creativity. While the former etc leads to a rather bleak and empty future for our state, this second etc is the pathway to a more bright and hopeful future.
Let’s start with “e” for education. My second favorite governor of all time (after Gov. Richard Riley) was Bill Winter in Mississippi. For more than 30 years, Winter repeated the same phrase in almost every speech he made: “For us as individuals and as a state, the road to a better future runs past the school house door.”
And indeed it does. Both Winter and Riley were champions of the most far reaching education reforms that their state had seen in 100 years — but unfortunately their successors pretty much reverted to the old etc — more of the same.
Next is “t” for technology. Unless you have been living in a cave for the last generation, you understand that digital technology has, in the words of Bill Gates, “begun to transform our world on the same dimension as the invention of printing and the coming of the industrial age.”
The invention of printing and the coming of the industrial age? Yeah, he’s right: it’s that big.
We in South Carolina (or any other place in the world) that fully and radically embraces digital technology throughout society and especially in education — have the power to transform their world.
Whoa, you say … what does “fully and radically embrace digital technology” mean?
The answer to this brings us to the “c” in etc. C stands for creativity, i.e. Steve Job’s Think Different admonition and Apple’s advertising campaign. This creativity is the diametrical opposite of the old thinking of etc … more of the same.
Let me give you two similar examples of creativity in this new Digital Age, one from South Carolina and one global.
In the late 1990s, a group of far sighted educators and business folks came together and raised more than $1 million and put 350 educational laptops in some of South Carolina’s lowest performing schools. It was a pilot project of the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program developed at the MIT Media Labs. (Full disclosure: I worked with this group.) The results were astoundingly good. An independent evaluation by then Superintendent of Education Jim Rex found that providing these computers was “dollar for dollar the single best thing we can do to improve education in our state.”
Despite this evaluation, some leaders in the Legislature reneged on their promise and did not fund an expansion of the program. (See the first definition of etc above.)
Now, the global example of “fully and radically embracing digital technology.” This week the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) launched Micro:bit. It’s a “pocket-sized computer with motion detection, a built in compass and Bluetooth technology, which is to be given free to every child in the 7th grade across the UK. The project was a collaboration between 29 partners with the ambition to inspire digital creativity and develop a new generation of tech pioneers.” (Full disclosure: BBC was a client of my company and Tony Hall, the head of BBC who launched the Micro:bit, was once on our board.)
The BBC is initially distributing more than 1 million Micro:bits with plans to expand to other grades once the project is evaluated. Most of the cost is being covered by the project’s business partners. (Sound familiar — see SC OLPC project above.)
No one knows for sure what will be the eventual impact of the BBC’s Micro:bit distribution. But this we do know for 100% sure: The etc of traditional South Carolina thinking is going to ensue 20th Century (or 19th Century) progress for our state and the BBC and OLPC version of etc is all about 21st Century progress.
Etc … three little letters … two different futures.
The choice is ours.
Phil Noble is a businessman in Charleston and president of the S.C. New Democrats, an independent reform group started by former Gov. Richard Riley to bring change and reform. He can be reached at phil@philnoble.com.
Call on the Wizard of Oz
If only the four members of our school board who voted to close two mountain schools could journey with Dorothy to the Emerald City to get hearts, brains and courage. If only. But even if the trip were offered to them free of charge, I think they’d turn it down. Because it seems to me like they’re happy without those things.
It seems they want total power and are working toward that goal. That is not democracy. That is dictatorship. It’s time for a coup.
I’ve seen a lot of public fiascos in my time, but the shenanigans of four of our school board members and district administrators take the prize.
That is if a prize were being offered for best shell game of the decade, the most rigid and inflexible governing body, a board uncaring regarding children’s needs and least democratic body in the state.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought the board was elected to serve the students of Pickens County to the best of their ability.
Four board members have made a decision about attendance areas they do not represent. The two board members who do represent those attendance areas have been ignored.
One of the infamous four said in a public meeting that the public was concerned about children, but he was concerned about buildings.
Yes, that statement was made by a school board member. He cares about buildings. Really. I believe him. Clearly the decision about school closings was made long before any public input was sought. It was a done deal. I’d like to know why.
In the past, I’ve seen school attendance lines shifted so real estate holdings could sell. When some schools got far more than their fair share of the pie, those who spoke out against it were threatened.
I’ve seen students suffering from exposure to deadly mold in classrooms turned into scapegoats so that parents were forced to sue the district and win an undisclosed amount of money to force the district to treat the problem.
I’ve seen high-paying district jobs created for friends and family members. I’ve seen massive raises going to administrative positions while teachers are short-changed.
I’ve seen contracts awarded to buddies, building materials diverted to district employees, and even a board that deliberately lied to the S.C. Federation of the Blind when an administrator who was prejudiced against blind people was allowed to continue in a position of power over blind students.
I’ve seen budgets manipulated so figures reflect what “people are allowed to see.”
I’ve seen information withheld, public issues decided in executive session and a refusal to answer questions.
Who will gain from these school closings? Let’s dig a little deeper. I think the corruption is there. We just need to turn over the right rocks.
Truly their actions speak louder than their words. It looks to me like they can’t be shamed into doing what is right, because they are shameless. The decision to close these schools should be reversed. The people of this county should have input into what most deeply affects them. Here’s an idea: let’s implement democracy.
Courier Obituaries 3-30-16
MARGARET GOSSETT
EASLEY — Margaret Virginia Ellason Gossett, 82, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.
Mrs. Gossett was born in Laurens, a daughter of the late Gaddy Smith Ellason and the late Minnie Sludder Butner Ellason. She was retired from The Singer Company, Ryobi Motor Products in Pickens for 43 years. Mrs. Gossett was shut in for the last several years but last attended Landmark Baptist Church.
Survivors include her son, Bill R. Gossett (Janice) of Easley, and her daughters, Peggy V. Terry of Easley and Martha Jean Swafford of Westminster. Also surviving are six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held March 26 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
JOHN E. “OX” BLACK
EASLEY — Mr. John Edward “Ox” Black, 68, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Lewis Albert and Jessie Mae Smith Black, Mr. Black retired from Duke Power and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.
Surviving are the mother of his children, Shelby Jean Bargiol; a daughter, Kelsey Black (Brandon Dyar) of the home; a sister, Brenda J. Hendricks of Pickens; three grandchildren, Katie Black, Laila Black and Geoffery Black, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Black was predeceased by a son, Geoffrey Black Sr.; and two brothers, Louis Alvin Black and James Marvin Black.
Services were held March 26 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation by visiting their website at www.allbloodcancers.org, or to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
TOMMY CHAPPELL
LIBERTY — Tommy Ray Chappell, 54, of 102 Marigold Lane, died Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Pickens, he was a son of Donnie and Elaine Chappell. He was a graduate of Liberty High School and worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines for 20 years.
He was a member of Cannon Mountain Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his father and mother of the home, are a brother, Cameron Chappell of Liberty; two nieces, Chloe and Claire Chappell, both of Liberty; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Tammy Michele Chappell.
Funeral services to honor Tommy’s life were held March 26 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
RANDALL TROTTER
PICKENS — Randall D. Trotter, 59, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family, his companion Terri Talley, and his faithful dog Katie.
Randall was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Edgar and Alma Jones Trotter. He was formerly employed with Alice Manufacturing Company and retired from Pickens Railroad. He was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church.
Survivors include his companion, Terri Talley of the home; his son, Joshua Dean Trotter (Mandy) of Easley; brothers, Wayne Trotter and Jerry Trotter; sisters, Jean Travers and Jessie Mae James; grandson, Logan; and granddaughters, Jessie, Trinity, Sofeiya and Deserae.
A graveside service was held March 26 at Red Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Upstate Hospice, especially Beverly and Kristie, for the loving care given to Randall during his illness.
BARRY TALLMAN
CENTRAL — Byron John “Barry” Tallman, 56, husband of Cindy Ramey Tallman, passed from this life on Thursday, March 24, 2016.
Barry was born in Plattsburg, N.Y., a son of Shirley Mae Churchill Latham and the late Earnest Arnold Tallman. He was self-employed as a floor covering installer and attended Golden Corner Church.
Barry was a loving husband, father, Papa and brother. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Cindy Ramey Tallman; his mother, Shirley Lathem of Hankamer, Texas; his son, Corbin Tallman; and his daughters, Tara Layfield (Dylan), Trista Tallman (Erik Collins), Hannah Tallman (Caleb Bass) and Sheena Harris. Also surviving are grandchildren, Byron Colby Tallman, Payton J. Edmiston, Gage Lee Allen and Finn Elisha Collins, soon to be born. Surviving also are sisters, Cynthia Cooper, Cherie Campbell (Robert), Louise Farmer (Phillip), Iris Levesque (Bill), and Lisa Voyles (Tim) and brothers, Chris Tallman (Cherie) and Scott Tallman.
A graveside service was held March 28 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens, with the Rev. Mark Bagwell officiating.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
BETTY JOAN NEALY
EASLEY — Betty Joan Gilstrap Nealy, 79, wife of Joe Bart Nealy, passed from this life on Saturday morning, March 26, 2016.
Mrs. Nealy was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Ardelle Kirk Gilstrap. She was retired from the School District of Pickens County, where she served as a teacher’s assistant at East End, Ben Hagood and Liberty elementary schools. Mrs. Nealy was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Easley.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Joe Bart Nealy of the home, and daughters, Kimberly Cumbee (Greg) and Clysta Fortner (Eddie) all of Easley. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Nealy Boyd, Jared Cumbee and Ali Cumbee.
Graveside services were held March 28 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
Memorials may be made to The Dream Center, Post Office Box 203, Easley, SC 29641.
CHARLES CLARDY
EASLEY — Charles H. “Charlie” Clardy, 76, husband of Sarah Kennemore Clardy of 45 years, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday March 25, 2016, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Charlie Harrison and Nannie Mae Swords Clardy. He was a graduate of the adult education program at Pickens High School, a member of Liberty Church of God and No. 10 Sunday School Class. He retired from Security Forces Inc. at the BASF plant in Central.
He loved his wife, his family, his church and friends. He was a No. 1 Clemson fan, an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved all sports, his trucks, camping, attending auctions, selling at the flea market and real estate sales. He was an all around happy person, never met a stranger and was willing to help those in need at any time.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two brothers, Buddy Clardy and Robert “Pee Wee” Clardy, both of Liberty; numerous nieces and nephews, including the oldest, Dale, whom they referred to as “Little Brother”; three great nieces; and a great nephew; and many loving cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant daughter, Pamela Diane Clardy; a goddaughter, Missy Bates; a sister, Rebecca Ann Clardy; and five brothers, Paul, David (Knocker), Cecil, Dink and J.P. (Doodlebug) Clardy.
The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice of the Upstate for their excellent care that was given. Also, a heartfelt gratitude to Upstate Cardiology Group, Dr. Steven Johnson, Dr. Jerry Acosta and staff and the staff and doctors of Baptist Easley Hospital.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Clardy were held March 28 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty, Church of God:PO Box 643 Liberty, SC 29657, Gentiva Hospice: 15 Brendan Way Greenville, SC 29615 or Hospice of the Upstate: 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com
KATHRYN BLACKWELL
LIBERTY — Kathryn Pratt Blackwell, 88, of 101 Mae St., passed away peacefully Saturday morning at the home of her daughter.
Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Roy Ray Blackwell and a daughter of the late Burts Bonner Pratt Sr. and Frances Boggs Pratt. She was retired from Glenwood Mills and a member of Calumet Baptist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda Whitlock (Billy) of Liberty; two sons, David “Buddy” DeNard (Buea) and Garen DeNard, both of Liberty; three brothers, Bonner Pratt of Greenville, Joseph Pratt of Richmond, Va., and Paul David Pratt of Liberty; five grandchildren, April Durham (Brad), Amy White (Mike), Amanda Rollins (Kevin), Brittany Bridwell (Matt) and Andrew DeNard (Jenna); and four great-grandchildren, Kathryn Durham, Cameron Durham, Emma White and Kaylee Chastain.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Mary Frances Proffitt, Eleanor Williams and Aletha Smith; and two brothers, Kyle Pratt and Robert “Bobby” Pratt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calumet Baptist Church: 400 S. Peachtree Street Liberty, SC 29657. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com.
ROBERT WHITAKER
LIBERTY — Robert O’Neal Whitaker, 50, of 526 Piney Trail Road, passed away on Sunday March 27, 2016 at his residence.
Born in Pickens, he was a son of the late Johnny “Slick” Whitaker.
For many years he worked in construction, and during his free time he enjoyed the challenge of fixing just about anything that was broken. He also enjoyed fishing and hanging out with friends and family.
Surviving are his wife, Jeri Tatham Whitaker of the home; a son, Lukas R. Whitaker of the home; his mother and stepfather, Shirley and Ken Allen of Travelers Rest; a sister, Renee Whitaker of Anderson; six brothers, Jason Whitaker of Travelers Rest, Jimmy Dean Whitaker of Liberty, Joey and Brad Boggs of Ninety Six, Scotty Boggs of Easley and Robbie Boggs of California; and his stepmother, Grace Whitaker of Liberty.
He was preceded in death by his biological father, Neal Boggs.
Funeral services to honor Robert’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Retiring Chamber Director Looks at City’s Past & Future
PICKENS — Pickens has really seen a lot of changes over the last few years — very positive changes — and I’m excited about where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Mike Parrott, executive director of the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce.
After becoming director of the chamber in May 2009, Parrott will retire next month.
He still recalls his first day of work at the chamber — the day of the Pickens Chamber Golf Tournament.
“We had a good time up there,” he said.
He was no stranger to Pickens.
“My father ran a grocery store here in Pickens,” Parrott said. “This community was good to our family.”
Several factors have converged to help spur growth in Pickens, he said.
“We can kind of see that right now as to where the city is going and where it’s been,” he said. “City council saw that the city needed to progress a little bit, and that helped. We had a new city administrator at the same time that I came on board. A lot of things came together to consolidate what you’re seeing now in Pickens, the direction that Pickens is going.”
One of the most important factors, Parrott believes, was the commitment — both from the city and the community as a whole — to becoming a Main Street Community.
The Doodle Trail has spurred the creation of businesses near the trailheads, such as the Pedal’n Shak, catering to walkers, runners and bicyclists enjoying the trail. The Pedal’n Shak, left, opens for the season on March 30.
“That consolidated a lot of ideas that we’ve had and just helped make sense of the direction that we wanted to go in,” Parrott said. “That was one of the most important things of the last several years. Becoming a Main Street Community really helped.”
The Pickens Revitalization Association, led by executive director Allison Fowler, “has really helped Pickens,” he said.
“You look at what’s happened over the last seven years — the Main Street revitalization effort, the streetscape that expanded out on the West End, the amphitheater,” Parrott said. “That creates an atmosphere where a business would want to come into Pickens.”
A lot of hard work has gone into securing grants and other funding sources for beneficial projects and initiatives.
“Now you have the Doodle Trail, the commitment from both cities — Easley and Pickens — and how quickly the financial piece for that came together,” Parrott said.
Those who burn some calories on the trail can reward themselves by shopping at the nearby Oh Joy! Boutique
“That really has generated a lot of excitement outside of Pickens,” he continued. “People know Pickens more than they did.”
The chamber not only incorporates the businesses in the city of Pickens, but those in the surrounding area.
Jason Evans/Courier
The Burgess General Store owner Mark Burgess said running stores runs in the family. The Burgess family has operated stores in the Upstate for generations.
“We’re reaching out to businesses in the area, giving them a voice in the community, in legislative matters and also keeping them informed about different things that are going on, giving them an opportunity to interact with each other. That’s a very positive thing that the chamber has done and the city has done over the last several years.”
The legislative body needs to come to some type of agreement about the conditions of South Carolina roads, he said.
Jason Evans/Courier Pam Smith of Southern Appalachian Outdoors is ready to help customers find all the gear they’ll need for a day in the woods or on the water.
“It certainly has an impact in Pickens County,” Parrott said.
Education is another vital part of creating a welcoming environment for businesses.
“That is where your workforce development comes from,” Parrott said. “If you want to attract industry into an area, they need a skilled, educated workforce, and you only get that from a commitment from the legislature and from the county with the school system.”
A perennial challenge is balancing government regulations with small businesses’ needs.
“You need to address the regulation part of government, to make it more streamlined and business-friendly, where it’s easy for a business to open.” he said. “And that’s at all levels of government — that’s city or county or state or whatever.
“When you’re trying to start a business, you’re struggling, trying to get the financial piece together, trying to get a market for your product. It’s always difficult. That’s always a challenge with government.”
The Pickens Innovation Center has potential for “really putting Pickens on the map,” Parrott said.
Candice Harper Heatherly and her son, Myles, can often be found enjoying a stroll the Doodle Trail.
Courtesy photo
“It’s bringing individuals in from all over — that has the potential to really help develop the business community of Pickens,” he said.
For some time, city officials, the PRA and the chamber had been discussing creating a business incubator for Pickens, according to Fowler.
“But no one had the expertise or the background to know how to do that and get it started,” she said.
Officials heard about a joint program between the community of Hartsville and Clemson University, Fowler said.
“So we brought those people in to hear a little bit more about it and decided that night we should go for it — if we were going to try this, that was the way to do it,” she said.
Clemson University’s Technology Villages program works with cities to support small business and startups.
“There’s five of them in the state right now,” Fowler said.
The Pickens Innovation Center program came together very quickly, opening in October 2015.
“We were extremely lucky to get in with Clemson and to find our director, Mark Davis, who has worlds of experience in starting new businesses,” Fowler said. “He’s been a really good cheerleader for the program in town.”
Earlier this month, the Pickens Innovation Center launched 13 businesses, including many new businesses.
“In just six short months, it’s far exceeded our expectations,” Fowler said. “It’s been fantastic.”
Parrott said the Pickens Innovation Center is another example of different sectors of the Pickens community coming together quickly to make something happen.
“What I’ve seen change over the years is a deep commitment from individuals, corporations and businesses to really make Pickens a better place, to move it forward,” Parrott said. “And that takes hard work, that takes commitment (and) that takes new ideas, being willing to try new things. We’re well on our way to transforming the downtown area of Pickens.”
“When I was growing up, Pickens had a large industrial base — Singer Corporation, Sangamo, Pickens Mill,” Parrott said. “All that’s gone away. We’re like a lot of small Southern towns, trying to figure out what to do over the years. I think we’ve got a good formula to move forward right now, with new businesses coming downtown. You can see that in the Appalachian Ale House, Southern Appalachian Outdoors, The Burgess General Store. Buildings downtown are being sold and renovated, and new things are coming in.”
Walkers flock to Lions Club Walk for Diabetes
Liberty was abuzz with walkers on March 19 for the first-ever Walk for Diabetes. Left, Francis Holly, wife of Lion Tamer Glenn Holly, and her family march down Commerce Street for the worthy cause. Middle Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark and Liberty Lions President Jean Thomas, Mel Avery and Tracy Morgan get ready to start their march. Right Dr. Lori Carnsew of Liberty Family Practice is pictured with Liberty Lion Lila Hendrix.
LIBERTY — March 19 was a big day for the small town of Liberty. The local Lions Club held its first-ever Walk for Diabetes.
“The whole town turned out in support of the walk,” Lions Club vice president Tracy Morgan said. “We have had so much support from the officials and the citizens of Liberty. It is wonderful to see everyone join together in support of fighting this disease.”
The walk kicked off with the Liberty High School ROTC presenting of the colors under the direction of Maj. Ben Ivy, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by the Liberty Cub Scout Pack 227.
Liberty Cub Scout Pack 227 leads the pledge of allegiance during the opening ceremony of the Liberty Lions’ Walk for Diabetes.
Liberty Lions Club member Lynn Baker sang the National Anthem, and the Rev. Michael Goldston of Liberty United Methodist Church gave the invocation. Liberty Mayor Eric Boughman spoke along with Morgan.
The local Lions Club took its service motto “We Serve” to heart sponsoring the walk. As planning began for the event in August, 26 million people in America were affected by this disease. The club set its goal at $2,600 to help support the American Diabetes Association and to bring awareness to the community of the growing problem. By the time the walk started, the number of affected people had risen to 30 million.
Liberty Lions vice president Tracy Morgan addresses those in attendance at the kickoff of the Walk for Diabetes.
Quite a few local citizens joined the club during the event. The Liberty police and fire departments, along with city officials, helped and joined in the fun.
“We know they went far beyond expectations in their support for the walk. We are so pleased,” Lions member Lisa Carpenter added. “The turnout, which numbered in the hundreds, far exceeded our expectations.
“We are thankful for all the people who came to the walk and to all the people who supported the effort.”
The walkers greatly benefitted from the medical teams from Cannon Hospital and Easley Baptist, who joined the event.
Many businesses were also present to give out information and supply gifts to the walkers.
