PICKENS — The Pickens YMCA will open registration for the Bethlehem Ridge Soccer Club’s spring recreational soccer season from Jan. 1 through Feb. 10.

The program is open to kids ages 4-15. The season will begin the week of Feb. 20 and end on April 29. All games and practices will be held at the Pickens YMCA.

Registration can be completed at the Easley, Pickens or Powdersville YMCA branches, as well as online at pcymca.net. Sponsorships and volunteer coaching opportunities are also available. Contact the YMCA at (864) 878-8380 or email Clarissa Suttle at clarissa@pcymca.net for more information.

YMCA officials believe children need to be a part of something bigger than themselves to help strengthen values, sportsmanship, leadership skills and the importance of relationship building and diversity. The YMCA soccer program allows children to actively develop individually through healthy competition in a positive and encouraging environment.

PICKENS — Spring volleyball and soccer registration is being taken January 2-27 at the Pickens Recreation Center on Sangamo Road in Pickens.

Financial assistance is available for those who qualify and will only be taken the first three weeks of the registration period, Jan. 2-20. The following age divisions for volleyball are offered: 7-9, 10-12, 13-14 and 15-17 year olds.

In soccer, the following coed age divisions are offered: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 year olds. Depending on size of leagues, the 9-10 and 11-12 divisions may have to be combined.

Following registration, a skills/evaluation day will be held for each age division. The registration fee provides a jersey to be kept. The fee is $45 for in-city residents and $55 for out-of-city residents. Birth certificates are required at registration. Birthday cut-off is Sept. 1, 2016.

If you are interested in coaching or need additional information, please call the Recreation Department at (864) 878-2296.

UPSTATE — Duke Energy’s World of Energy at Oconee Nuclear Station recently presented the Oconee Humane Society a $1,000 donation as the winner of its fourth annual Festival of Trees.

Also, for the first time this year, Duke Energy provided donations to the second and third place winners. The Tribble Center received $750 for its second-place display, and the Alzheimer’s Association received $500 for its third-place tree.

“The Oconee Humane Society is grateful for Duke Energy’s continued support of non-profit organizations in our community,” said Angel Newman, Communications Director of the Oconee Humane Society. “The Festival of Trees was a fun way to share our mission and we thank everyone who came out and voted for OHS. The new year is already looking brighter for Oconee County’s homeless pets.”

“The festival was a lot of fun, and great to see the enthusiastic support for the participants,” said Chris Rimel, manager of the World of Energy and Duke Energy’s South Carolina Communications Manager-Nuclear Generation. “It had very special meaning since we dedicated it in honor of B.J.”

B.J. Gatten was manager of the World of Energy. She started the Festival of Trees in 2013. She died a year ago.

For the fourth year, the World of Energy provided pre-lit, undecorated holiday trees and invited local organizations to decorate them for display throughout the month of December. Visitors to the World of Energy voted on their favorite, with the top three receiving a portion of $2,250 in grant funding from Duke Energy. Twenty-one organizations sponsored trees, and nearly 1,400 votes were cast.

“Thank you, Duke Energy, for your generous donation,” said Rosanne Weber, After Hours Activities Coordinator for the Tribble Center. “Our clients worked hard making decorations and decorating the tree, and felt a great sense of accomplishment to come in second place while securing these funds for the Tribble Center. Being a part of this festival added a sense of pride and acceptance in the community that is so important to their well-being and self-confidence. The Tribble Center Foundation is centered on fund-raising efforts for all programs associated with the Tribble Center. This prize will help us as we seek to ensure the future care and services of our clients.”

“The Alzheimer’s Association is truly appreciative of the generous donation from Duke Energy,” said Sam Wiley, Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter. “This donation will go to towards our mission of the Association which is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. We are thankful for companies like Duke Energy who give back to their community to make a positive impact. This support helps the Association continue working towards our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.”

Duke Energy’s World of Energy at Oconee Nuclear Station is an interactive education center that focuses on informing the public about energy production and the environment. All events and activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact (864) 873-4600 or visit www.duke-energy.com/worldofenergy.

Pickens High School senior Cole Seaborn recently received the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. The High School Heisman honors student-athletes who make positive contributions in leading their teams, classmates and communities.

Cole is the son of Chad and Stacie Seaborn. Seaborn is pictured at right with Blue Flame athletic director Stan Butler.

PICKENS — In case of inclement weather, Granger Fiber Arts will follow the Pickens School System recommendations for “start delays” and “closings.”  If there is a delayed start time which ends before the scheduled Fiber activity, the activity will occur at the scheduled time.

New classes to be scheduled based on requests:

Spinning Wheel Use:  If you are interested in teaching or learning how to produce yarn using a spinning wheel, please contact Lucy Harward.  When you contact Harward, please let her know whether you wish to lead (teach) the group, assist the leader, improve your skill, or “learn the basics.” Also, let her know if you have a wheel or will need to borrow one.  The Center currently has two antique, working wheels which may be reserved for your use at the Center. The Center would like to start this activity this month.  If you are interested, please contact Harward by January 16.

Stained Glass: This class will be led by Cheryl Thorp and limited to three participants.  The sessions will be held in Thorp’s home studio where she and her husband are designing and producing a stained glass piece to be installed in at the Center. Participants will learn about stained glass design, appropriate glass selection for the design, and design production.  Sessions for participation are anticipated to begin sometime in February.  Please contact Harward of your interest ASAP.  Participants will be accepted in order of “sign-up.”  Those beyond the first three sign-ups will be added to a waiting list for future reference.

Regular Schedule:

Monday: 9-11:30 a.m.: “Cathedral Window Quilting” with Jacquie

Tuesday: 9-11:30 a.m.:  “Weaving” with Pat (Hagood Room, Room 6).

9:15-9:45 a.m.:  “Tia Chi” with Jacquie (Fitness Room, Room 3).

9:30-11:30 a.m.:  “Pillowcase Ministry” with Lorraine and Deb.

9:30-11:30: “Preemie Ministry” with Lucy

9:45-10:45 a.m.: “Senior Fitness” with Kathy (Fitness Room, Room 3)

10-11:30 a.m.:  “Doll Clothes/Butterfly Ministry” with Jacquie and Deb

10-11:30 a.m.:  “Prayer Shawls/Cancer Caps” with Sharon (Jack Black Room, Room 2)

1-2:p.m.:  “Line Dancing” with Irene (Fitness Room, Room 3)

1-2 p.m. “Drawing: Pencil/Charcoal” with Sandy (Jack Black Room, Room 2)

2:-4 p.m. “Painting: Acrylic and Watercolor” with Bob and Sandy (Jack Black Room, Room 2)

2- 7 p.m.:  “Comforters for Needy in Pickens County” with Dot

Wednesdays: 10-11:30: “Knitting” with Tally

Thursdays: 9:15-9:45 a.m.: “Tia Chi” with Jacquie (Fitness Room, Room 3)

9:45-10:45 a.m.: “Senior Fitness” with Kathy (Fitness Room, Room 3).

10-11:30 a.m.: “Doll Clothes/Butterfly Ministry” with Jacquie.

12:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.:  “Hooked Rugs”.

Fridays: second and fourth Fridays Only: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m:  Bobbin Lace with Patti

Granger Fiber Arts invites you to join in for any of the activities listed above.  All are also invite you to let the center know of activities you would like to learn or in which you would like to improve your skills.

Please contact Lucy Harward, 864-419-1794 or email her at daleandlucy@gmail.com for additional information and suggestions concerning our activities.

CENTRAL — The Fine Arts Division of Southern Wesleyan University is offering a series of events this spring ranging from jazz to opera, and everything in between. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free, open to the public, and will take place at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the university’s campus in Central. For details, visit swu.edu/finearts or call (864) 644-5408.

Upper Region Honor Choir Concert – Friday, January 20, 7 p.m.

SWU Wind Ensemble Pops Concert – Tuesday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.

Musica Ecclesia: A Festival of Sacred Music And Giving – Friday, February 17, 7:30 p.m.

SWU Jazz Invitational Concert – Thursday, February 23, 6:30 p.m.

Smokey Joe’s Café – Thursday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday Matinee, March 18, 2 p.m.; Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.

This year’s student production, a dessert theater, will be held in the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Auditorium. Smokey Joe’s Café is a song and dance celebration of 50s and 60s Rock and Roll music, written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller. For ticket information and details, call (864) 644- 5408.

C.S. Lewis on Stage – Monday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Tom Key’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis on Stage captures the personality and fiction of the author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Screwtape Letters.” Key has performed this show internationally including appearances at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Harvard University, Yale University and at Oxford University (by invitation of C.S. Lewis’ stepson, Douglas Gresham).

Jazz Ensemble Concert • Thursday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.

Music Majors Formal Recital – Friday, April 7, 4:30 p.m.

Music Majors Honors Recital – Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.

SWU Wind Ensemble Concert – Sunday, April 23, 3:00 p.m.
This program explores “Past Times” with challenging selections that explore things that have been, recalling memories, events, and lifestyles. This Sunday afternoon program will be a wonderful spring event, featuring guest soloists, as well as student soloists, performing with the Wind Ensemble.

An Opera In Disguise: Verdi’s Requiem – Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
Experience this thrilling choral masterpiece performed by the SWU Concert Choir and the Chorale of the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC). The performance will be at Boulevard Baptist Church, 700 Boulevard, in Anderson. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. SWU students with student I.D. are admitted free. Call the GAMAC office at (864) 231-6174 to reserve your ticket.