UPSTATE — Tri-County Technical College’s Corporate and Community Education Division is offering scholarships for QuickJobs training to help individuals who are unemployed, as well as underemployed, prepare for high-demand jobs that lead to a sustainable wage.

The S.C. General Assembly allotted the state’s 16 technical colleges funding to award scholarship money. Tri-County received $350,000 earmarked for in-demand, QuickJobs training in the areas of manufacturing, health care (both clinic and office related), transportation and logistics (i.e., truck driving), IT, computer, business and highway construction.

Scholarships of up to $2,000 per student will be granted to successful applicants.

“QuickJobs classes are high-quality education for in-demand, high-skills jobs,” said Rick Cothran, dean of Tri-County’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division.

“We offer classes that help you obtain the skills that you need to enter the workforce. Individuals can obtain these basic skills in as little as one week or up to 30 weeks based on the technical skills needed in each career,” Cothran said.

He added that QuickJob classes are designed to upgrade one’s skills and can be completed in less than a year (before summer 2016). For a list of programs, visit tctc.edu/Learn.

“These QuickJobs training programs are designed to build technical skills that can help move you to the front of the line when competing for employment in the areas of administration, healthcare, highway construction, manufacturing and truck driving,” Cothran added. “While most people think that technical skills are what employers seek, soft skills development is often just as important; therefore, soft skills are integrated into each of our training programs.”

For example, South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) is a quick, yet comprehensive training route for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and to secure full-time employment as operators in manufacturing or other organizations.

“Our SCMC training provides individuals the opportunity to earn national credentials that manufacturing employers understand,” Cothran said. “It shows that you have the skills sets to fill those in-demand jobs.

“This training can put the unemployed to work, as well as the underemployed, who are in entry-level jobs but have the capabilities to handle a more sophisticated job or to move from part time to full time. We are working with the economic developers and employers in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties and all training programs are tied to open jobs in our service area.”

Interested persons should call (864) 646-1700 for information on scholarships. Applicants fill out a single-page application and Tri-County staff will help them through the application process and enrollment in classes. Interviews with candidates will be set up in coordination with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

For more information, call (864) 646-1700 or visit tctc.edu/Learn.

[cointent_lockedcontent]• Pancake breakfast set to help PPCCDC

Christmas is for kids, which is why the Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center is working to ensure it can continue meeting the needs of every child who walks through its doors.

The center will host a pancake breakfast with Santa as a holiday fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9-11 a.m. in the All Saints Hall at Pickens Presbyterian Church, located at at 311 W. Cedar Rock St.

Tickets for the pancake breakfast are $6, and children under 4 are free. The ticket includes breakfast, and all children can have their picture taken with Santa. To-go plates will also be available.

To order tickets, call (864) 878-9953 or visit the center at 338 W. Cedar Rock St.

• Dacusville church schedules bazaar

Dacusville United Methodist Church will host an arts and craft bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The event, set to run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature food, fun, fellowship and shopping for handcrafted items.

A bake sale will begin at 8 a.m., with hot dog plates also available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A blood mobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as well.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the missions and ministries of the church, which is located at 1339 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

• PPCCDC adds private 5K progam

The Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center has announced the addition of a private 5K program for the 2016-17 school year.

The program has been designed to meet and exceed all the state standards.

The program has also been developed to use an innovative hands-on learning approach that matches and enriches the learning styles and abilities of our individual students.

There will be a low student-to-teacher ratio, and the number of students will be limited to 10.

The teacher leading the program is highly qualified and has obtained a master’s degree in education. She graduated with honors and received an award of excellence on her state certification test.

The cost of the program will include before- and after-school care, daycare for school holidays/breaks and lunch, morning and afternoon snacks.

• Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet

The December meeting of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is planned for Monday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at Behavioral Health Services’ office at 303 E. Main St. in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating local youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use. For more information about the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800 or visit steppinituppickens.org.

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PICKENS — The Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites local residents to enjoy holiday events.

The Festival of Wreaths Silent Auction will run from Dec. 1-14. The action ends at 1 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Cannon front lobby.

The Festival of Wreaths open house is planned for this Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m. in the Cannon front lobby.

The Winterfest Christmas Craft Sale will be held on Dec. 10-11 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m

• Holy Trinity makes plans for bazaar

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson has announced that the 2015 Bazaar and Artisan Market will be held this Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

New this year will be vintage Clemson memorabilia.

The event will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 193 Old Greenville Highway in Clemson.

• Dacusville church schedules bazaar

Dacusville United Methodist Church will host an arts and craft bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The event, set to run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature food, fun, fellowship and shopping for handcrafted items.

A bake sale will begin at 8 a.m., with hot dog plates also available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A blood mobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as well.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the missions and ministries of the church, which is located at 1339 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

• PPCCDC adds private 5K progam

The Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center has announced the addition of a private 5K program for the 2016-17 school year.

The program has been designed to meet and exceed all the state standards.

The program has also been developed to use an innovative hands-on learning approach that matches and enriches the learning styles and abilities of our individual students.

There will be a low student-to-teacher ratio, and the number of students will be limited to 10.

The teacher leading the program is highly qualified and has obtained a master’s degree in education. She graduated with honors and received an award of excellence on her state certification test.

The cost of the program will include before- and after-school care, daycare for school holidays/breaks and lunch, morning and afternoon snacks.

• Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet

The December meeting of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is planned for Monday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at Behavioral Health Services’ office at 303 E. Main St. in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating local youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use. For more information about the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800 or visit steppinituppickens.org.

• Senior center to host pancake breakfast

The Pickens Community Senior Center will host a breakfast fundraiser with vendor tables this Saturday, Dec. 5, from 7:30-11 a.m. There will be a cost of $6 per person to enjoy the food and shop the vendor tables. Tickets are available for a special drawing for a white lighted Christmas tree and a Christmas wreath. Each item will be raffled separately. Tickets are $1 each, or six tickets are available for $5. The Pickens Community Senior Center is located at 129 School House St. in Pickens. For more information, call (864) 878-6000.

• Holy Trinty makes plans for Bazaar

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson announces that the 2015 Bazaar and Artisan Market will be held Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New this year will be Vintage Clemson memorabilia.

The Bazaar and Artisan Market will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church located at 193 Old Greenville Highway in Clemson.

• Dacusville church schedules bazaar

Dacusville United Methodist Church will host an arts and craft bazaar for Saturday, Dec. 12.

The event, set to run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature food, fun, fellowship and shopping for handcrafted items.

A bake sale will begin at 8 a.m., with hot dog plates also available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A blood mobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as well.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the missions and ministries of the church, which is located at 1339 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

• Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet

The December meeting of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is planned for Monday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at Behavioral Health Services’ office at 303 E. Main St. in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating local youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use. For more information about the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800 or visit steppinituppickens.org.

• Pickens Lions plan meetings each month

The Pickens Lions Club is in need of new members. The club meets the first and third Thursday of every month at Pizza Inn in Pickens.

Dinner begins at 6:40 p.m., and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to anyone interested in joining the club or simply finding out more about the club and how it serves Pickens.

• PCSC to host pancake breakfast

The Pickens Community Senior Center is hosting a breakfast fundraisers with vendor tables on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 7:30 – 11 a.m. There will be a cost of $6 per person to enjoy the food and shop the vendor tables. Tickets are available for a special drawing on a white lighted Christmas tree and a Christmas wreath. Each item will be raffled seperatly. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The Pickens Community Senior Center is located at 129 School House Street in Pickens. For more information call 864-878-6000.

• Legion Post 67 seeks members

American Legion Post 67 in Liberty is accepting applications for membership from all U.S. military wartime veterans. For more information, call (864) 787-2322.

• Sertoma Club invites locals to meet

The Clemson Sertoma Club invites all interested local residents to attend its meetings.

The club meets at noon the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Occasions at Wedgefield, located at 1551 Eighteen Mile Road in Central. New visitors are always welcome.

CENTRAL — In 2012, Southern Wesleyan University added intercollegiate men’s and women’s tennis teams to its athletic program.

The university then faced the challenge of building [cointent_lockedcontent]a program without the facilities essential for intercollegiate competition. That’s all about to change as construction of their new tennis complex progresses.

Southern Wesleyan University dedicated the Rev. Leroy C. Cox Tennis Complex Oct. 28 on its campus in Central. Pictured from left are Dr. Lisa McWherter, SWU’s vice president for advancement; Dr. Thomas Cox, Leroy’s son; and Dr. Todd Voss, SWU president.

Rainy weather has created delays during construction, and rain was forecast for Oct. 28, the dedication date, but the university proceeded with a ceremony inside the Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center, overlooking the tennis complex.

The facility was named for Rev. Leroy C. Cox, a SWU alumnus who served numerous Wesleyan congregations and recently passed away. His family’s generous support is helping to make the new facility possible. Dr. Thomas Cox honored the memory of his father, Rev. Cox, by gifting to the university in this meaningful and lasting way.

Dr. Cox, a pediatric dentist and SWU alumnus, shared about how his father was known for his friendliness and optimism.

“He would pick out the positive things about others,” Thomas said, adding that there was a balance to his father’s optimism. He recalled telling his father that he pitched a shutout and hit two home runs at a baseball game, to which Leroy responded “that’s great son. I’m so proud of you,” and then quoted scripture to his son, “But let he that thinketh he stand take heed lest he fall.” Thomas reflected on how that verse helped him in the midst of dental school.

SWU President Todd Voss said the tennis complex will benefit not only the tennis teams but also students and tennis enthusiasts in the surrounding community. He added that building a tennis complex also follows through on a NCAA recommendation as the university continues in its membership process as a new conference member.

“These courts are not ours. These courts are meant for this community — this town, this county, this region — these courts are meant to be used,” Voss said. Dr. Charles Joiner, chairman of SWU’s board of trustees, expressed gratitude to the Cox family for leaving a legacy.

Chris Williams, director of athletics, said that the tennis complex “demonstrates forward momentum of our athletic program.” He thanked the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) for their involvement in this project. He also praised the city of Clemson for allowing the teams to use Nettles Park for matches and practices. Dr. Lisa McWherter, SWU’s vice president for advancement, and Williams thanked Passpointe Engineering, J.W. White Consulting LLC, Fowler Corp., Competitive Athletic Surfaces, Baseline Sports, Metrocon and Southern Wesleyan’s physical plant — all instrumental in the $560,000 project.

“This tennis complex is just one example of how our Heavenly Father has called us to be a contagiously generous institution,” McWherter said. “This complex will be open to the public, accessible to our friends with disabilities and special needs, as well as to our youth; These courts have been specifically designed to welcome each and all.”

Two tennis courts within the complex were named — one in honor of Tim Newton, an avid tennis player who grew up at the Central campus and whose family has close ties to the university; the other court was named in honor of Dr. Joe Brockinton, SWU’s vice president for student life.

Newton grew up in Central and learned to play tennis on the campus as a child. His tennis playing roots are grounded at SWU.

Jay Moss praised Newton, his great uncle, who at 89 still plays tennis almost daily. He also recognized Newton’s World War II service and expressed thanks to all veterans present at the ceremony. Moss is also the great-grandson of John F. Childs, a former president of what is now SWU.

Newton expressed thanks to his sister, Faith Newton Hobson, for her contribution to name the court for him. He also recalled getting to know Leroy, who was about the same age.

“Leroy made you feel like you were the most important person he had met when he was talking to you,” Newton said.

Brockinton, himself a former member of Asbury University’s Tennis Team, was surprised by the honor given him by his the university and his family members. He commented that tennis helped him to learn what it meant to compete and to win.

SWU Tennis Coach Darrell Jernigan said he now has a platform for a Christian witness. He praised members of his team who come from several states as well as from South America and Africa and the ministry that’s taking place within the tennis program.

Pickens County Council Member Trey Whitehurst, who represents District 3, commented that, whenever he would drive from his work at Greenville, on the way home he would pass through the SWU campus “because I want to see what’s happening on your campus.”

“There’s energy in this room. There are changes to come,” said Mac Martin, mayor of Central, expressing gratitude for the town’s partnership with SWU. Phillip Mishoe, Central town administrator, said “This isn’t a sacrifice, it’s an opportunity. It starts with President Voss and the board and ends with the kids. It’s a tough sell to recruit students to a university without a tennis court.”

Clemson City Council member Tim Fowler sees the tennis complex as having “great economic impact.”

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CENTRAL — With an energetic, urban gospel vibe, the members of the Southern Wesleyan University Gospel Choir minister God’s love wherever they go.

[cointent_lockedcontent]According to Dr. Justin Carter, associate vice president for student life and an advisor to the choir, God continues to open exciting new opportunities for the choir.

The members of the Southern Wesleyan University Gospel Choir minister God’s love wherever they go.

Carter has seen the Gospel Choir reorganized as its meambers experience spiritual growth.

A few years agao, SWU student Chynna Rae Douglas sought to bring the choir back. Betty Walker, a university admissions counselor who passed away a few years ago, led an earlier gospel choir.

Carter helped grow the choir from a discipleship group to an official student organization. He said the choir began with just a few singers and no musicians – and they knew one song, which they sang a capella in chapel. Douglas soon found musicians willing to accompany the singers. A couple of times a year, the choir would go and sing at the home churches of choir members. They would eventually be visiting a different church nearly every Sunday. During Spring Semester 2013 the Gospel Choir had their first concert at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium, which attracted about 50 people.

In early 2014, the Rev. Joe Moss, a member of Central’s town council who also conducts a prison ministry, invited the Gospel Choir to lead musical worship in a Sunday worship service at Pickens County’s correctional facility. About a hundred prisoners attended, and two of them gave their lives to Christ.

As the choir members minister, they are blessed also.

“For me, Gospel Choir is a way to mix having fun with praising God and I get to do it with some of the coolest people,” said Miranda Hill, a religion major from Goldsboro, N.C.

Danny Hall, a special education major from Seneca, plays keyboard and serves as the choir’s musical director. He says the Gospel Choir is like a “second family” and is a welcome escape from the pressures of his studies.

Shy’Keya Wimberly, a criminal justice major from Smith Station, Ala., loves coming to Gospel Choir practice after dinner, saying “before I came here, I ate. I’m physically full. Now I’m coming to get spiritually full.”

Curtis Burkhalter, who was raised on the mission field in Brazil, says being in the Gospel Choir gives him a “neat experience” exposing him to a uniquely American form of worship and culture.

“I get a lot of joy and fun out of singing different kinds of music with different kinds of people,” said Patrick Hampton, a secondary music education major from Spartanburg who is the choir’s voice director.

Carter and the Rev. Dave Tolan, SWU’s missions mobilizer, are currently organizing a trip that will take the choir throughout Haiti. They are currently raising support for 15 choir members’ travel expenses plus the purchase of musical instruments and sound equipment they will donate to a local church.

SWU’s Sigma Delta chapter raised more than $300 at a car wash in September, and Carter said choir members plan several fundraisers and a letter-writing campaign to raise additional funds.

For details about the SWU Gospel Choir or to donate, contact Carter at (864) 644-5144 or email jcarter@swu.edu.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

SIX MILE — Six Mile Baptist Church and Prater’s Creek Baptist Church are joining together to host the seventh annual “Feast-O-Plenty” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.

[cointent_lockedcontent]Last year, approximately 300 people joined the churches for the dinner, and this year organizers are hoping to share with even more.

The meal will be served in the Roper Building, located at 150 N. Main St. in Six Mile.

The event is a free Thanksgiving meal for anyone living in and around the Town of Six Mile. A traditional holiday meal of turkey, dressing and gravy, vegetables, cranberry sauce, bread, desserts and drinks will be served dine-in.

“We look forward to getting to know you and your needs, and what better way to do that than over a hot plate of home-cooked Thanksgiving food,” read a news release from Six Mile Baptist Church.

Additionally, delivery is available for home-bound local residents by calling 868-2392 or 506-0410. A maximum of two meals will be delivered to a single residence/address.

The meal is being sponsored by the two churches as an outreach caring for the people in the Six Mile community.

Those who need a ride to the event or who have other questions may call the numbers listed above to arrange transportation or find out more.

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