Category Archives: Lifestyles
Father’s Day — A history
On July 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the nation’s first “Father’s Day.” However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day became a nationwide holiday in the United States.
MOTHER’S DAY: INSPIRATION FOR FATHER’S DAY
The “Mother’s Day” we celebrate today has its origins in the peace-and-reconciliation campaigns of the post-Civil War era. During the 1860s, at the urging of activist Ann Reeves Jarvis, one divided West Virginia town celebrated “Mother’s Work Days” that brought together the mothers of Confederate and Union soldiers. In 1870, the activist Julia Ward Howe issued a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” calling on a “general congress
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Great gift ideas for Dad
Father’s Day is right around the corner and that means many children, spouses and 
other family members will be scrambling to locate the perfect gifts for the men in their lives.
Put away those coupons for neckties and remote control caddies. There’s a good chance Dad wants something a little less cliche and more in tune with his interests. If you think carefully about gift ideas, there’s bound to be something that will be a perfect fit.
Sports
If Dad follows a particular team or sport, gifts inspired by his love of a favorite team are
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How to make Father’s Day more enjoyable for Dad
Dad gets to be king of his castle at least one day during the year. Come mid-June, 
children near and far scramble for ideas to treat their fathers to a special day and award him with gifts for being a role model, provider and confidante. Father’s Day activities should be centered around Dad’s interests. With that in mind, the following are some ideas to honor Dad or another special man in your life.
- Sports Sunday: If Dad is a sports fan, his idea of spending a fun-filled afternoon very well may be cheeringYou must be logged in to view this content.
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EHS graduate Tate using bowling prowess toward college education
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — An athlete from a young age, Larson Tate’s life changed when his 
grandfather began to take him bowling after school when he was in the third grade. The recent Easley High School graduate found pleasure in playing games like baseball and basketball but found a purpose through bowling.
“I just wanted to keep going back,” Tate said. “I joined a league while I was still playing basketball and baseball, but I realized I just liked bowling much more.”
Since then, Tate has honed his game by becoming one of the best young
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Coming home
Rising country music star Whiten returns to Six Mile to perform at Issaqueena Festival
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
SIX MILE — After going viral on the internet and moving to Nashville, Tenn., a 
musician from Six Mile will be returning for a hometown show this weekend.
Blake Whiten will be headlining the Issaqueena Festival on Saturday, May 17.
The Courier spoke with his parents, Windi and Matthew Whiten, on May 8.
Blake’s mother said they bought him “his first little junior guitar” when he was 4 years old.
“By 12 or 13, he was pretty good,” Windi said.
As a kid, Blake tried to jump start his musical career.
“He tried to drop out of middle school to go to Nashville,” Windi said. ‘I wouldn’t let
him. I just laughed it off. I guess he really knew what he was going to do.”
She said her son “got all that talent from his daddy.”
“My dad, my aunts all sang and played instruments,” Matthew said. “I play
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Making their cases
The Pickens County Courier asked the candidates for the upcoming Pickens County Veteran Affairs Director election to give readers a chance to get to know them a little better with responses to four questions.
Their answers, which were limited to 150 words each, begin below.
Interim Veterans Affairs director Walt Carter and local veteran John P. Hembree are set to face off in the upcoming Veterans Affairs advisory election. Voting for the advisory election will run from noon on Monday, April 28, to noon on Friday, May 9. Voting will take place at the Pickens County Elections Office, located at 222 McDaniel Ave., B-9, in Pickens.
Voting is restricted to Pickens County veterans honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States. Dependents of veterans are not entitled to vote in the election, according to the website. The election has no age limit, and voters are not required to be a registered voter, but must present proof of honorable discharge from military service to the satisfaction of the poll manager.
- Why do you want to serve the veterans of Pickens County?
Walt Carter
1.
It is a way to continue to serve and to help veterans. I have been working to help veterans as the Commander of American Legion Post 52 in Easley for the past 3 years.
I have been volunteering to help veterans long before being asked to step in as the Interim Veteran Affairs Officer.
Working to help veterans isn’t a job. It’s a calling to assist them.
John P. Hembree
1.
Serving as the Veterans Service Officer isn’t just a new chapter — it’s a continuation of my lifelong commitment to service. After 26 years in uniform, including time as a Command Sergeant Major, I’ve led in combat zones, training environments, and the most important of all — family life. I’ve stood the watch, carried the weight of leadership, and walked beside those bearing burdens few will ever know.
I want to serve the veterans of Pickens County because I believe, as President Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Those who wore the uniform did so out of duty, not for recognition. They deserve support, respect, and a system that works for them.
I see this role as an honor and a responsibility — to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten, not just in words, but through relentless advocacy and dependable service that makes a real difference.
- Compare what you know about the Veterans Affairs Director position with your own knowledge and skill. In what areas do you feel you already excel? What areas do you feel you would need to develop?
Symbols of Easter
Icons complement most sacred holiday
Tradition plays an important role in Easter celebrations for many families. Cherished traditions and symbols of Easter may include anything from egg hunts to lilies to lambs.
Understanding the importance behind these symbols can make sharing the miracle of Easter that much more special.
Crucifix
The crucifix is one of the central symbols of Easter and Christianity. The cross is a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion and sacrifice. The crucifix also highlights the ability of God to give people new
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The Clemson bus driver who talks smiles
By Grace Dumit
Special to the Courier
gdumit@g.clemson.edu
CLEMSON — On a weekday morning, Clemson University students rushed to board the Blue Route Tiger Transit bus at a remote commuter parking lot to get to class on time. The doors swung open to reveal the warm, inviting smile of their bus driver, Arthur Lynn Collins. Jr.
Students affectionally call him “Mr. Lynn.” He welcomes every passenger who steps on his bus with that inviting smile, no matter the time of day. The students also encounter his signature bowl of candy and rows of colorful rubber ducks that line the bus’s dashboard.
“I’m just a simple, quiet person most of the time, and when I get around here, I feel I may be offering a little bit
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