Jan-Feb 2020

Anderson magazine

andersonmagazine.com January/February 2020

Anderson County’s

TeacherS of the Year

Are You Ready for Some

Football?

Books, Books, Books!

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January/February 2020 andersonmagazine.com

Publisher/Editor April Cameron

contents table of

Sales & Client Manager Jennifer Merritt

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Graphic Design Jennifer Walker

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Online Editor Lisa Marie Carter Contributing Writers Caroline Anneaux Evelyn Beck Lisa Marie Carter Bob Hanley Josh Overstreet Jay Wright Featured Photographer Van Sullivan Photography Anderson Magazine is published six times a year.

Advertising Inquiries: jennifer@andersonmagazine.com

706-436-4979

Breaking Free with Safe Harbor

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

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12 Blogging with Boots and Bowties

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Teacher of the Year

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ON THE COVER: The 2019-2020 Teachers of the Year for Anderson County

Debutante Presentation

Copyright: All contents of this issue Š2020, Anderson Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without prior consent of the publisher. The publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the information is not warranted, and Anderson Magazine does not assume any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages resulting from inaccurate erroneous information.

Anderson Magazine PO Box 3848 Anderson, SC 29622 864.221.8445

Art: An Open Door

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Heart Health

Two Birds, One Stone

Letter from the Editor Have you seen people doing the “decade” challenge on social media? It’s a trend happening where you compare a photo of yourself from 2010 and a current photo to see how much you have changed in 10 years…specifically as we go into a new decade.

I’m not sure I want to see the difference between how I looked 10 years ago and how I look now…or maybe I do. Maybe it’s not as shocking as I think it might be.

However, I’d rather look at how I’ve changed on the inside and what that’s meant for my life, my family and my career.

Ten years ago, I was newly single, a stay-at-home mom, a little lost in my purpose and not having the highest self-esteem. I realized over some time that my self-esteem was tied pretty tightly to not working outside the home.

Now, don’t get me wrong! I loved having the time with my children and being able to be super hands-on, attend every single thing and play all day. But, that also was not the best thing for me, which translated to not being the best thing for the kids. So, I went back to work full-time.

Thank you, Lord, for teachers! From preschool to high school to college and beyond…thank you! Being able to put the children in preschool and then having them nurtured and educated by someone who has that drive and desire was simply life-changing.

Our cover story is showcasing some of the best of the best teachers in Anderson County! Each school district in the five public school districts selects a Teacher of the Year. I am thrilled to be able to honor them in this issue of the magazine. To all our teachers, pat yourselves on the back. You not only change the lives of the children you interact with, but you can also change the lives of their parents!

Also, over the last decade, I started Anderson Magazine. It wasn’t necessarily a career move for me, but it was more of a passion that I felt compelled to follow.

I know some of you can understand this, especially my friend, David Locke, who is featured on page 12. Read about his career change and how he is now following a new passion with his wonderful blog, Boots & Bowties.

Sometimes, you just have to take that leap of faith to follow your dreams. One of my favorite sayings I’ve stumbled across over the years is: What if I fall?...But, oh, my darling, what if you fly? Let’s all fly in this new decade!

And, speaking of changes in the new decade, Anderson University is making a tremendous change by instating a football team! What a great undertaking for the school! Not only will it impact the school and the students, but also our community as a whole. We can expect to see some significant economic impact from this opportunity. Check out the story on page 8 to hear

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more details about Trojan football.

I’ve also learned a lot about my community and the needs of others over this last decade. From working with Meals on Wheels to United Way to the Anderson Arts Center and volunteer efforts with Calvary Home for Children, New Foundations, and South Main Chapel and Mercy Center, my eyes have been opened wide to struggles others face, which truly pale in comparison to any personal issues I think I have.

We’ve got an insightful story on Safe Harbor and the local emergency women’s shelter in Anderson. The numbers related to domestic violence are staggering, particularly in South Carolina. I hope you’ll take the time to learn about how this organization helps women and children break free from a horrible cycle of abuse and helps them find their own way in this world. You’ll find that story on page 6.

I personally haven’t made any New Year’s Resolutions, and I don’t often do that. But, I do find myself making resolutions all year long – and all decade long – about improving myself so that I can also try to improve the lives of others around me. I hope you enter into 2020 with a bright outlook on this next decade, and that you take the time to reflect and see how far you’ve come over this past one.

Wishing you a wonderful 2020!

~April

Save the Date!

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January/February 2020

A leg up: New treatment removes spider and varicose veins

By Liz Carey To help patients with varicose and spider veins, AnMed Health Vascular Medicine opened a vein clinic last year.

Dr. Matthew George and Nicole Portela, NP, started offering the vein procedure last year, expanding the services available at the practice.

Currently, the practice provides vascular procedures from vascular surgery to arterial bypass procedures to thoracic aneurysm stenting. Adding sclerotherapy, which is an injection that closes the veins, to the list of services makes the practice a comprehensive vein treatment clinic.

“It just kind of completes the Vein Clinic. It was the one little piece that we weren’t covering,” Portela said.

“It gives us the full scope of treatment for patients.”

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged and twisted, usually colored blue or dark purple; spider veins are smaller, thinner, and form web-like patterns and are blue, purple or red; reticular veins are the smallest and are blue or green. The clinic started with the latter two and will add varicose veins soon.

For patients who may have spider veins or reticular veins, sclerotherapy collapses the veins and decreases their size by 60 to 80%, Portela said. Handled as an outpatient procedure, nurses sterilize the area and then make a small injection into the vein. It is relatively painless and quick, she said.

“There’s really no premedication or anything. They just come and we have a little procedure room where they will put their feet up,” Portela said.

“It’s really a very, very, very tiny needle. Patients usually don’t feel anything at all, and if they do feel anything, it’s just kind of a small pinch.”

The clinic is accepting patients through self and physician referrals. Sclerotherapy can give patients relief from various leg conditions.

“Anyone who has discoloration of the legs or is seeing all the discoloration of those smaller veins in the feet and calves or who may have ankle swelling or whose legs are uncomfortable and they just can’t seem to figure out why, we can help them,” she said. “It may also be done simply for cosmetic reasons, and that makes people feel better too.”

andersonmagazine.com

Dr. Matthew George and Nicole Portela, NP Spider veins may also be a signal of a much bigger problem. Spider and varicose veins are frequently a symptom of underlying conditions called venous insufficiency and venous reflux, which can cause pain and swelling of the lower legs as well as itchy skin and ulcers.

“When you have those spider veins on the surface, there’s a good chance that you have some reflux in the veins that are under the skin,” she said.

Dr. George and Portela will consult and work with patients to identify any underlying medical problems.

In addition, some people are more likely to have the condition than others due to age and heredity.

Generally, spider and varicose veins will continue to worsen over time, becoming larger in size and number.

Nevertheless, Portela said the clinic’s staff makes the procedure easy for patients.

“I think we have a really great office staff,” Portela said.

“They all have such a positive attitude and everyone is willing do to everything they can to make the patient comfortable.”

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call the Vein Clinic at 864.225.8671. It is located at 100 Healthy Way, Suite 1240, in Anderson. n

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January/February 2020

Breaking Free

with Safe Harbor

By Caroline Anneaux

Domestic violence is a huge concern for South Carolina. According to statistics on sccadvasa.org, our state ranks in the top ten every year for the number of women killed by male partners. The numbers are staggering. One in three South Carolina women have experienced physical violence at some level by their spouse or intimate partner.

Fortunately, Safe Harbor in Anderson has found a way to offer these women help. Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization designed to give victims of domestic violence the tools needed to escape their lifethreatening situations. At any given time, 20 women and children live in the charity’s shelter.

“Our Safe Harbor shelter in Anderson opened around 2005,” said Becky Callaham, executive director of Safe Harbor. “We provide temporary housing where we are survivor-focused. We create short- and longterm safety plans to keep the victims safe during their time of need.”

There are several ways for victims to obtain services through Safe Harbor. The crisis hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone calling the hotline number will connect to a live counselor or volunteer who will assess the situation and help determine the steps needed to keep them safe.

Police officers may also guide victims towards Safe Harbor if they are called out for a domestic situation and realize that the victim is in an immediate lifethreatening situation. They can direct women and children to the Safe Harbor emergency shelter.

Sometimes it is a nurse, doctor, friend or family andersonmagazine.com

member who notices signs of domestic violence and directs the victim to Safe Harbor via the hot line.

Domestic violence victims do not always recognize that they are in a dangerous situation. They may have grown up in homes with abusers and think their experience is “just normal,” or this is their first experience as a victim and they cannot imagine that the person they love is hurting them on purpose. Caregivers and loved ones may realize the victim needs help before they do.

“We assign an advocate to help determine goals for the victim after it is determined that they need assistance,” said Callaham. “We provide counseling for the victim and children immediately to help them with the aftermath of leaving their home and dealing with the trauma and emotional complexities that they are experiencing. There are also legal advocacy programs in place to help during their transition.”

The shelter is in a private location in Anderson, and the women and children may stay for up to 90 days. For their safety, the location is confidential and has security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thanks to many local donations and the help of the Home Builders Association of Anderson, the victims live in a safe environment while they work on establishing a new life away from the violent situation they escaped.

“The Home Builders Association is honored to contribute to Safe Harbor,” said Crystal Tuttle, the organization’s executive officer. “Amanda Manly is the director of development and communication with Safe Harbor. One of our builders reached out to her and asked how we could help. A list of current needs was 6

January/February 2020

created for our sponsors, and they have already completed the first project at the house.”

The first project was building a storage shed in the backyard.

Upcoming projects include enclosing a screened-in porch in order to create a comfortable meeting space, three bathroom remodels and figuring out how to get the house on a sewage line instead of the current septic system. Members of the Home Builders Association of Anderson donate their own time, supplies and work crews. According to Callaham, Safe Harbor is so thankful for their help.

Besides intervention, Safe Harbor also provides prevention and advocacy programs to the community. It makes sense to avoid domestic violence situations before they even begin.

“Eighth grade seems to be a great place to begin prevention programs,” said Callaham. “This is a time when teenagers start to form boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Anderson School District Five currently hosts our prevention program in all four of their middle schools.”

Advocacy and outreach programs are also important to the organization. Safe Harbor uses a system to identify certain areas of the community where domestic violence occurs more often. They help educate law enforcement, faith communities and the judicial system in those areas to further their awareness on ways to lead the victims to Safe Harbor when the need arises.

If you or anyone you know may need help leaving unsafe living conditions due to domestic violence, please call the crisis hotline at 1-800-291-2139. n

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Are You Ready for Some

Football?

By Josh Overstreet the program, with the university required to raise a matching $3 million to get the funding necessary to start the program in 2024.

“If we weren’t extremely confident, we wouldn’t have moved forward,” says Beckner.

That confidence stems from a combination of successful academic programs, great enrollment numbers and the university’s overall financial health, according to Beckner.

The current goal is fundraising, then facilities and staff for the new team will follow once the goal is reached. With 338 acres available at its athletic campus on Williamston Road, the university has the room to build for the team, but the exact infrastructure needs are unknown until the fundraising reports come in.

According to Beckner, the first recruits are projected to be on campus in the fall of 2023, giving them a year to hold live practices and scrimmage games to prepare for their first season in the fall of 2024.

The team will play in the NCAA Division II South

It’s hard to drive down Anderson’s oak tree-lined Boulevard and not see the amazing growth that Anderson University has experienced over the past 20 years.

Anderson College became Anderson University in 2005. New buildings were erected, including the 60,000-square-foot Thrift Library in 2006 and 86,000-square-foot G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center in 2016. There have been record-breaking incoming freshman classes each year with new dormitories constructed to house the students. AU’s growth has been extraordinary -- and the addition of a football team was only a matter of time.

According to Andrew Beckner, the university’s executive director of public relations, it was in the plan since Anderson University President Dr. Evans Whitaker came on board in 2002.

“It was always in the back of his mind,” Beckner says, “however, that idea became a reality in the form of a private challenge gift of $3 million to kick off

andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

Christine Nixon has lost over 90 pounds.

Athletic Conference, the same as AU’s other athletic teams ever since joining the conference in 2010. AU will be the 10th school in the conference to have a football team.

“So far, the community seems very excited for this,” says Beckner. “I hope they keep that up.”

According to Kimberly Spears, the economic development director for the City of Anderson, it will be a positive game changer for both Anderson University and for the city.

“You can’t help but think that’s going to be a positive,” says Spears. “Just look at what happens to Athens or Wofford on home games.”

The Anderson University football team is a tool for growth and, according to Spears and Beckner, the right people from the university, city and county are at the table to make sure that the team and community have everything they need to succeed.

“Anytime you have a mass of people come into a town, you will have both benefits and challenges,” says Spears. “You have to have the capacity for this kind of thing.”

According to Spears, traffic and hotel spaces are the biggest needs to get ready for the projected impact of the Anderson University football team, which by conservative estimates will bring in roughly 700 spectators staying in an estimated 350 hotel rooms, according to the most recent S.C. Statewide Lodging and Outlook Report from the summer of 2018.

“I’m hoping that we will be ahead of the curve, so it’s a positive thing for everybody,” says Spears. “We andersonmagazine.com

have experts at the table making sure we are ready for growth.”

It seems almost serendipitous that construction has begun on the 87-room Home2Suites downtown at South Main Street and East Market Street around the same time as the big announcement. While not related to the football announcement, the hotel’s construction is in response to Anderson’s downtown growth.

According to Spears, being able to come together and utilize each other’s strengths to continue to grow the Anderson region is vital.

“The growth we have going on right now is amazing, people are moving to this area and staying here,” Spears says. “It’s an asset to have the university this close to downtown Anderson.”

The Anderson University football team will indeed be a game changer for the area. According to the same S.C Statewide Lodging and Outlook Report data, the football team is conservatively estimated to bring in over $1.3 million in total spending revenue for the area through lodging, recreation, retail, food and auto transportation.

“This is a revenue stream for them and for us,” says Spears. “People love college sports.”

With the football program, Anderson University is continuing to grow and help grow the community that it has been a part of for over 100 years. Spears says the football program was one of the best economic announcements of 2019. n

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January/February 2020

McDowell’s Emporium: A Business Born from the Love of Books

By Bob Hanley

McDowell’s’ Emporium, owned and operated by Judith McDowell, opened in the early ’90s as an antiques shop in downtown Anderson. Over the years, the rise of online retailers and other changes impacted revenues for traditional antiques stores. On her way home from work in 1995, Judith was thinking of the Emporium’s future and noticed a “For Sale” sign on the house next to her home on Oak Drive. After a conversation with her husband, Tommy, they made an offer, which was accepted.

Moving the Emporium to this new location at 104 Oak Street brought its own set of challenges but also important opportunities.

Her love for books and the instability of the antiques market awakened a desire to focus on developing a people-friendly bookstore. When she purchased a “whole room full of books” from another dealer, she was well on her way to stocking the shelves.

Along with classics and collectible novels, she added paperbacks, as many customers liked the lower price option. Her market soon expanded as parents and students came searching for books required for school readings. Today customers can find books on a host of topics and genres to interest children, youth and adults.

To develop her own skills in the book world, Judith also began an in-depth study of the bookseller’s craft.

Mostly self-taught, she learned how to distinguish a first edition and to recognize and evaluate books based on factors such as publication history, author signature, and book condition. In addition, developing relationships with other sellers enabled her to secure books for her own customers at reduced rates.

Despite the growth of mega-stores such as Barnes and Noble and competition from the book-selling juggernaut Amazon.com, McDowell’s continues to prosper. Judith credits its success to her “keep it simple” approach to management and operation that focuses on the individual customer. She, along with employee Travis, perform all the needed functions in maintaining inventory, sales and bookkeeping. She has taken advantage of technology and uses a database to catalog books for easy identification in the system. Through its website (https://www.mcdowellsemporium.com), McDowell’s showcases events and advertises bookstore sales.

For Judith, the success of McDowell’s has remained the same over the years. Customers find good books for great prices. In addition, they may browse the shelves and find an unexpected treasure to read. Mixing these elements with a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, andersonmagazine.com

Judith has seen the benefits through loyal customers who frequently visit to chat and find their favorite author’s latest publication.

Local resident Gayle Edwards said she first discovered Judith and McDowell’s Emporium in the early 90s when the store was on South Main Street.

“At that time, it truly was an emporium because it was stocked with antiques, books and other items. The move to Oak Street brought more business (in-store and online), but I still consider the little white house with flowers, flag and sign out front to be Anderson’s hidden gem.” She adds, “Judith and Travis are more knowledgeable about their stock than most booksellers I’ve encountered.”

Nancy Campbell calls McDowell’s Emporium “a great little spot.” She loves the cheerful and friendly atmosphere that Judith and Travis create in McDowell’s.

In this bookstore, she has found “a variety of classics and collectibles at very affordable prices.”

In addition, McDowell’s has a very special attraction in the form of its resident feline, Lizzie, who originally belonged to Judith’s granddaughter, Taylor. When Taylor and her family moved, Lizzie was invited to stay at Judith’s home. Soon Lizzie discovered McDowell’s next door and decided the bookstore appealed more to her need for company. Over time Lizzie, now thirteen years old, has become a local celebrity with two books of stories about her written by members of the Foothills Writers Guild.

To make McDowell’s even more attractive, Judith, with husband Tommy’s help, has begun a renovation project that will open a new room and add to the outside appearance of the building. This new room will be available for author talks, book readings and group meetings.

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January/February 2020

Most importantly, because of Judith’s interest in promoting writing and reading, her work has had a great impact on the community. Local author Jay Wright notes, “The Foothills Writers Guild is approaching its fiftieth anniversary, and now over half of our members are published authors. McDowell’s Emporium has played a huge role in our guild’s vitality and growth by giving us a place to launch and sell our books. That’s good for the arts community and has a positive economic impact on Anderson.”

With its loyal customers and community support, McDowell’s Emporium should thrive in the years ahead.

For all who need a particular book or want to browse to discover a new author, Judith invites you to visit. For new customers, she promises the “one penny tour” to see what’s available in the bookstore, which may even include an introduction to Lizzie. This offer is a “purrfect” gift for young and old! n

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January/February 2020

Boot s & Bowties

g n i g g Blo with

By Caroline Anneaux David Locke. Business owner, graphic designer, singer, photographer and artist may all come to mind when you hear his name around Anderson.

But do you really know the man behind the name? If you don’t, then it is time to check out his new blog, Boots & Bowties.

“I am a house husband who really enjoys taking care of my wife, boys and our home,” said Locke. “After years of working in a very stressful job, I decided I needed to share my love of cooking, decorating and gardening right along with keeping up with the daily demands of being a dad and husband. Boots & Bowties is the creative outlet where I am able to pull it all together.”

Locke’s family has traced its roots as far back as 1760 in Charleston, South Carolina, proving him to be the authentic, Southern-born and raised man he is proud to be. He grew up in Anderson as an only son to parents who grew up outside Rock Hill (father) and near Friendship in Marion County (mother).

Southern. Did I mention Southern? Listen to any of his David Locke in his kitchen where he films for videos and blog. video blogs to hear the distinct Southern drawl of a man who has spent all of his years living His captivating videos and thoughtful musings in the South. His energy, love of nature, cooking and seem to spill straight from his heart to the viewers and art and the way he loves his family is evident in every readers. You may not know a thing about antiquing sentence that he writes and each video he creates. mirrors, growing amaryllis from bulbs or making apple Locke is a lover of many things - gardening, cuisine, cashew spinach salad, but you will find out how to decorating, family, church, art, photography and more. succeed at doing all of these by reading his easy step-byThe list goes on and on. step instructions or watching how-to videos. He makes “My dad and grandfather were both very encouraging everything look so simple and fun. role models for me,” said Locke. “They both enjoyed Locke was already interested in becoming a graphic cooking, gardening and entertaining. My grandfather designer in high school and worked on projects for was a builder and taught me how to repair and build people in the community before he graduated. He was almost anything. My father is a master gardener, and ready to spread his wings and go out of state to college, one of my goals is to achieve that title for myself in the but his mother asked him to stay in Anderson and very near future.” try Anderson University for just one semester before andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

making the decision to leave. He did as she asked and is so glad that he did.

“Once I started college here, I didn’t have the desire to go anywhere else,” said Locke. “I knew I belonged here and really never would have been happy leaving my hometown.”

Locke graduated and worked for the Belton Center for the Arts for about six months.

“I loved it there, but I was anxious to start my own business,” said Locke. “My mother and father agreed to help me, and in 2003 I opened Locke Design Omnimedia where I created logos, brandings and developed websites.”

After years of working in a very stressful job, I decided I needed to share my love of cooking, decorating and gardening right along with keeping up with the daily demands of being a dad and husband.

By 2013, Locke had purchased a building on North Main Street and set up a photography business, Black Truffle Photography. He was still running Locke Design and overseeing 12 employees by 2017. Everything was going great as far as business was concerned, but the stress Locke was under caused major medical issues for him.

“In the summer of 2018, I began having severe panic attacks,” said Locke.

“Within weeks, I was diagnosed with Afib [atrial fibulation] and experienced three seizures. My body was screaming at me to do something to eliminate the stress before I completely shut down. I made the decision to close Locke Design and Black Truffle Photography immediately. I had to take care of myself if I wanted to live.”

He sold his building and closed the businesses. His parents were ready to retire, and they passed ownership of the North Gate Apartments on Liberty Highway on to him. He currently manages all 52 units there.

“It may sound crazy, but my life is not nearly as stressful as it used to be a year and a half ago,” said Locke. “I don’t have the deadlines, the crazy schedule or the demands that the businesses required of me. I set my own schedule now, and I am doing exactly what I feel like I should be doing. I still keep my creative side busy every single day.”

Locke definitely stays busy. He sings in the church choir at Concord Baptist where he is a lifetime member, teaches art classes at AU, hunts, keeps up with his blog, handles the daily routine for his five- and sevenyear-old boys and still finds time to go on walks, dates and vacations with his lovely wife of almost ten years, Robin.

Look for upcoming blogs on comfort foods, his new potager and planting flowers to get ready for spring. Just about every week, Locke goes live on Fridays in a video created to teach his viewers something new and exciting. Don’t miss it! www. bootsandbowties.com n

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Antiques, Furniture & Unique Finds 15 S. Forest Avenue • Hartwell, GA

615-739-7696

10:30-5:00 Wed-Sat

Depot STREET Benson STREET Railroad STREET

1 2 3 4 5 6

G’s Southern Traditions ElsieBee Originals Your Business Here Market 50 Annie’s Pretty Pieces Sweet Pea Health Food

7 Backtracks 8 Hang It Up Gallery 9 Vintage Willow 10 Southern Hart Brewing Company

50 S. Carter Street • Hartwell, GA

706-376-8561

Tues-Thurs - 9am-6pm • Friday- 9am- 4pm Open Sunday - 12N - 6pm

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE! Advertise your Downtown business here!

Annie’s Pretty Pieces Deli & Natural Goods 50 N. Forest Avenue • Hartwell, GA

706-376-9786

138 N. Forest Ave., Suite E • Hartwell, GA

706-377-3313

Open: Tues-Sat 10 AM

Open: Mon-Sat 10:00 AM andersonmagazine.com

Fabric & Quilt Shop

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January/February 2020

Painting, Sculpture, Folk Art & Pottery 30 N. Forest Avenue • Hartwell, GA

706-376-8038

Open: Thurs-Sat 11AM-5PM

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE! Advertise your Downtown business here!

Teachers change the world one child at a time.

Anderson County Districts

Teacher of the Year

By Evelyn Beck

Though each Anderson County school district uses a slightly different process, the quest to find each one’s Teacher of the Year has the same goal: to identify the very best educators.

The Anderson County district winners in the 2019 competition— which involved peer nominations, direct applications, and interviews—are Tamara Cox (District 1), Robin Ritland (District 2), Beth Collins (District 3), Lacie Lagroon (District 4), and Elinor Lister (District 5). Each district winner received $1,000 and served for a year as the leader of her respective district Teacher Forum.

Tamara Cox was also named one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Award. For that showing, she received $10,000. All award money must be spent on educational supplies andersonmagazine.com

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for the classroom or professional development.

Those eligible for this recognition include public prekindergarten through high school teachers with at least three hours of direct daily student contact, including librarians, guidance counselors, and speech therapists. The top candidates are dedicated, admired teachers of good moral character. They play active leadership roles in their schools and communities, stay current on educational practices, are innovators, and inspire others.

Here are profiles of Anderson County’s district winners in the 2019 South Carolina Teacher of the Year competition.

January/February 2020

Tamara Cox (District 1)

As the first state finalist from Anderson District 1—and the first librarian ever named to the top five—Cox feels proud for her school and her profession.

“It’s a huge honor,” she said, “a way to spotlight a career I love and am so passionate about.”

Cox has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lander University and master’s degrees from Converse College in teaching and from the University of South Carolina in library and information science. She started as a social studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School but eventually moved into her current role as a librarian at Wren High School. “After a couple of years of teaching, I realized that I loved connecting kids with books, so I thought library science would be a great way to impact the whole school,” she said.

She works with other teachers to integrate reading into their curriculum.

An example is with the book Glow about the “radium girls,” female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning from the paint they worked with.

In science, students made Bohr Models of radium. In history, they studied labor safety laws. In English, they conducted and documented research. In art, they painted caution signs. “For students who may not see themselves as readers, I try to hook them with a subject they love,” she said.

In the competition, Cox was also noted for her advocacy. She is the legislative chair for the state’s library association, having traveled to Washington, D.C. several times to lobby for additional funding. She also organized a South Carolina Legislative Day, inviting legislators into school libraries. And she organized a South Carolina Read-in, during which children from across South Carolina met on the State House steps to read and to meet legislators.

Perhaps her greatest accomplishment is to help people view her job differently. “Librarians are teachers and contribute to academic success,” she said.

Robin Ritland (District 2)

Though she didn’t start out as a teacher, Robin Ritland found herself training others in every job she had. When she and her husband moved to South Carolina, she took that opportunity to investigate teaching and found her ideal career.

At the University of Eau Claire in Wisconsin, Ritland majored in environmental and public health. Her first job was with a health department, conducting inspections for restaurants, swimming pools, and septic tanks. The part of her job she most enjoyed was educating restaurant owners, leading to a job as an adult educator for wastewater treatment operators at the University of Florida’s TREEO (Training, Research and Education for Environmental Occupations) Center.

She has been a science teacher at Honea Path Middle School for 18 years, much of that time as department chair. She most relishes hands-on activities.

“Any time I can find a lab to show students the concepts I want them to understand, I’m thrilled, like a kid in a sandbox,” she said. An example is a new convection lab with connected tubes. She puts ice under one housing chamber and flame under the other. Smoke placed over the ice chamber goes down the cold tube and up the hot tube, showing how warm air rises and cool air descends—the essence of weather. “So many kids have a preconception that science is hard,” she said. “But if you give them a hands-on opportunity to learn, they can see it as something that’s fun.”

Peers who nominated Ritland noted how much time she dedicates to her students, staying at school one or two nights per week to offer extra assistance and coming in many weekends to set up labs.

Ritland likes the enthusiasm of middle schoolers and enjoys encountering former students who say she was a hard teacher but helped prepare them for high school or college. Some talk about their science-related jobs.

Yet she remains humble. “This award was really an honor,” she said. “While I try hard to do a good job, others are deserving, too.” andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

Beth Collins (District 3)

Beth Collins majored in elementary education at Winthrop University. But it wasn’t long before she found her niche as a special education teacher and ended up at Crescent High School.

She provides academic assistance to about 48 special-needs students. “A lot of kids I work with don’t believe they can get a high school diploma,” she said.

“When I help them reach that goal, that’s the most incredible thing ever.”

She might give a lesson on how to change percentages to fractions, tutor students individually, and supervise the completion of a test for which extended time was allowed. Reading is a key focus area. And she helps with life skills like budgeting and getting a driver’s license. One class involved thanking a veteran and talking about the value of helping others. “I bridge the gap between their skill level and where their skill level needs to be,” she said.

“My motto is ‘Students First.’ It’s a job of service. I’m here for the kids.”

She attends students’ classes to see how information is presented so she knows what kind of supplements are needed. She breaks concepts down and tries to relate information to students’ lives, like printing out a story about how climate change is affecting the gender of sea turtles for a student interested in becoming a zoologist.

Her peers noted the creative ways she helps students and advocates for them, the way she goes above and beyond, and that, as Collins puts it, “I love my kids into learning.”

Being selected as the top teacher in her district overwhelmed Collins. “It’s the biggest honor ever,” she said. “I still get a little teary-eyed over it. Teaching is the best profession, and more need to consider going into it. It’s a way you can make an impact on your world.”

Lacie Lagroon (District 4)

An experience in high school helping a color-blind student mix colors set Lacie Lagroon’s professional path. “I always knew teachers were excited when they saw students do well and succeed,” she said. “After watching the joy in his eyes when he could finally mix colors, I decided that’s how I wanted to feel.”

She attended Lander University for a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and a master’s degree in teaching art and has been the art teacher at Pendleton High School since 2008.

She teaches grades 9-12, with 11 art courses ranging from Foundations to Advanced Placement. Students can work in two or three dimensions and can experiment with many mediums, including drawing, graphic design, printmaking, painting, mixed media, and sculpture.

As the district’s only high school art teacher, Lagroon enjoys working with the same students over multiple years. “I get to watch them grow into incredible human beings while discovering who they are—all while teaching something I love,” she said.

Lagroon was noted for the high pass rates of her AP students and the ways she encourages students to succeed in other classes and in extracurricular activities. Personally, she is most proud of her family-style classroom. “When kids come into my room, they know they’re part of the art family and that they’ll always be a part of it,” she said. “I tell them that I’m still in touch with the very first student who walked into my room 12 years ago.”

She is also adept at putting students at ease. She explains that it’s normal to feel a lack of artistic ability and that the key is to persist and to keep improving.

She shows them a wide variety of art, especially that which is not “perfect.”

“It changes their perception of what art should be so they can find the artist within themselves,” she said.

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January/February 2020

Elinor Lister (District 5)

Elinor Lister initially enrolled as a math major at Erskine College but switched to English after struggling with a required programming course.

“That’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” she said. She also has master’s degrees in educational technology from Leslie University and in administration from Gardner-Webb University.

She started her career at Belton-Honea Path High School and then worked at T.L. Hanna High School, also serving as a basketball and volleyball coach.

She eventually landed at Glenview Middle School, where she now teaches eighth-grade English, and she couldn’t be happier. Though she finds middle school students a little less motivated than high school students, the younger students are more relationship oriented. “You can really get to know them and make a difference,” she said. She also likes the close collaboration among middle school teachers as they create lessons and tests together.

Her subject matter helps in getting to know students. “Teaching English affords so much more discussion and life lessons than a lot of other subjects,” she said. “Characters are based on real people, and when characters are betrayed or form friendships or learn something, it directly connects to our personal lives. We can talk about students’ fears and goals. I can allow them to write about things they really care about. And it’s neat to see them determine some of those things that matter. They’re starting to feel the world out and what their true opinions are.”

Lister’s commitment to school improvement is one of her standout qualities.

She is an active member of groups at both the school and district level to improve curriculum, often sharing what she’s learned with her colleagues.

The district award humbled her and deepened her determination to excel.

“It made me realize I need to keep working even harder to make sure I’m worthy of it,” she said.

the heart of a small bank with the benefits of a big bank.

continued at biglittlebank.com Spartanburg • Greenville • Asheville • Anderson • Easley • Hendersonville • Powdersville carolinaalliancebank.com andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

Countybank Foundation Donates $7,500

to Rebuild Upstate

The Countybank Foundation recently made a major donation of volunteer time and funds to Rebuild Upstate. Countybank and Greenwood Capital associates did repair work at three houses in Anderson, Greenville, and Greer that accounted for a $7,500 donation and 248 hours of service.

“Putting people first is at the heart of Countybank’s mission, which aligns with Rebuild Upstate’s efforts to support our neighbors in need by repairing and improving homes,” said Ken Harper, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Countybank.

“Through our partnership, financial support, and handson volunteer work with Rebuild, we are playing a part in making the Upstate a better place to live.”

Rebuild Upstate receives public and private funds to support home repairs across Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Through its work, the organization hopes to raise awareness of the need for more affordable housing in Upstate communities.

“We are incredibly thankful for companies like Countybank and Greenwood Capital who are investing in making lives better throughout our community,” said Chris Manley, Rebuild Upstate’s President/CEO and Founder. “The donations of their time, energy, and funds changed the lives of three families.”

Pictured (from left to right, back row) are Barry Ellison, project manager; Ken Harper, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Countybank; Barrett; Scott Presley, Vice President and Director of Residential Construction Lending for Countybank; Nicole Bellor, Financial Center Support Administrator for Countybank; Emma Logan; Conner; Payton Whitlock, Commercial Administrator; (from left to right, front row) Whitney Henderson, Teller Leader; and Carrie Logan, Universal Associate.

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January/February 2020

January/February 2020 January, various dates, events and locations celebrating Magical Month of Harry Potter, by the Anderson County Library Systems with events like Socks for Dobby All January long the Anderson County Library System will be accepting donations of socks, scarves, hats, gloves, and other cool weather accessories to distribute to local charities. Friday, January 3, Hogwarts: A Hole in One, 2:00-4:00 pm Powdersville Library. Ages 5-18.

Registration required. Play putt-putt through your favorite scenes from Harry Potter! Tuesday, January 7, Potions Class, 5:00 pm, Anderson Main Library, Ages 12-18. Registration required. Experiment with elixirs and concoctions. For information on any of the upcoming events http://www. andersonlibrary.org/events Saturday, January 11, SASS Women’s Self-Defense Class, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, The Powdersville YMCA For ages 15 and up. SASS (Surviving Assault Standing Strong) offers age-specific, developmentally-appropriate programming that trains participants to celebrate self-worth, advocate for their inherent dignity and find their voice while learning the physical skills necessary to protect it all. More information at www.sassgo.org.

Registration (www.theymca.us) is required.

Saturday, January 18 – February 14, Out of the Woods | Wood Art Exhibit, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Belton Center for the Arts, 306 City Square, Belton Opening Reception: Saturday, January 18, 7:00 pm. Our January exhibit is to showcase works made at the hands of area woodworkers. Both the reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public. For more information visit https://www.beltoncenterforthearts.org Saturday, January 18, Dream Day, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, United Way of Anderson County, 604 N Murray Ave, Anderson. A service day in honor of the great Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a day of caring, of serving, of giving back through time (and muscle!). We will partner each group up with a project for a local agency. Projects will be things like: painting, construction, cleaning, sorting food, landscaping, organizing, and more.

For more information http://www.unitedwayofanderson.org Saturday, February 1, Camellia Ball 2020, 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm, Bleckley Station, 310 S Main St, Anderson. Hosted by AnMed Health Foundation.

7:00 pm Sponsor Reception followed by 8:00 pm. General Admission.

Black tie suggested. Tickets will go on sale, January 1, 2020. Visit www.

CamelliaBall.com for more details.

Thursday, February 6, and Thursday February 20, Junior Native Plant Certificate Program, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, South Carolina Botanical Garden, 150 Discovery Ln., Clemson. The Junior South Carolina Native Plant Certificate is a pilot program, based on the popular South Carolina Native Plant Certificate, a partnership between the SBCG and the South Carolina Native Plant Society. Core classes include: Basic Botany, Basic Horticulture, Sustainable Landscaping, Natural Plant Communities, Tree Identification, Herbaceous Plant Identification. Space is limited. For more information https://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/events/ Saturday, February 29, Anderson Cinderella Project Boutique, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Anderson Mall, 3131 N Main St, Anderson. Hosted by SC Bar Cinderella Project, South Carolina Bar, Anderson Mall, South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division. Looking for a prom dress? Come shop with the Cinderella Project. Dresses, jewelry and shoes will be available at no cost to high school students with a valid high school ID. For more information https://www.cinderellaprojectsc.com

Send your events to the Anderson Magazine!

We will publish them in our events calendar and on social media!

And don’t forget to send all your pictures for our social page. lisamarie@andersonmagazine.com andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

United Way to give 100% of proceeds to Camp IRock

WOMEN UNITED INVITES YOU TO WOMEN UNITED UNITED INVITES INVITES YOU YOU TO TO WOMEN

SAVE SAVE

This year the United Way of Anderson County will be give 100% of the proceeds from the Dream Gala and Power of the Purse towards Women United’s new initiative Camp iRock. Camp iRock is an intensive 7-week program that focuses on reading remediation work, character building, and physical activity. The program identifies atrisk readers who are reading below grade level.

By choosing literacy as their focus area, Women United will be impacting future academic success, graduation rates, career readiness, and long-term health benefits for students. All of these factors lead to raising confident, productive, healthy, and financially independent adults. This project has the potential to make change for generations to come and provide endless possibilities for our Anderson County children to achieve the highest success. Save the Date for both of these signature events! n

DATE DATE

POWER OF THE PURSE 2 , 2020 M A ROF C H 1THE POWER PURSE

M A R C H 1 2 , 2020

BENEFITTING BENEFITTING CAMP CAMP IROCK IROCK UNITED WAY OF ANDERSON UNITED WAY OF ANDERSON COUNTY COUNTY

BENEFITTING CAMP IROCK UNITED WAY OF ANDERSON COUNTY THE

African American Leadership Society OF UNITED WAY OF ANDERSON COUNTY PRESENTS

DREAM GALA KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JUSTUS COX

PRESENTING EMERGING LEADER COMMUNITY AWARD COMMUNITY TRAILBLAZER AWARD COMMUNITY LEGACY AWARD

SUPPORTING CAMP IROCK

Friday, February 7, 2020 6:00 in the evening The Magnolia Room

United Way of Anderson 604 N Murray Ave Anderson, SC 29625 (864) 226-3438

TICKETS $65, PURCHASE AT UNITEDWAYOFANDERSON.ORG

unitedwayofanderson.org andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

The Legacy of Anderson is an Independent Senior Living Community

Retire Well & Enjoy Senior Living at its Best!

Here at The Legacy of Anderson, we have over 40 years combined experience in the senior industry.

At any given time you will be able to find conversation, socialization, and friends here at The Legacy.

We have been in business for over 15 years and plan for another 15 strong. Please stop by if you are in the Anderson area or please give Dee Golden a call at 864-276-3501 for a complimentary meal from our culinary chef. You will be pleased to see you will be able to enjoy retirement living at its best here at The Legacy of Anderson. We look forward to seeing you!

Call Dee Golden at The Legacy today to schedule a visit.

864-276-3501

www.legacyofandersonseniorliving.com andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

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14,000 sq ft Over 70 booths In Downtown Anderson 500 North Main Street Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 6pm Closed Sunday & Monday

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shop • eat • play in Anderson County

418 N. Main Street 864-225-2021

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January/February 2020

FEBRUARY JANUARY

715 B East Greenville St • Anderson 864-231-9400

6- Make & Take Cheese Class - 6:30p - $35 9- WOW (Women On Wine) 13- How to Make Homemade Pasta - 6:30p - $40 21- Stress Relief - Mesmery Blake from Oregon 30- Downtown Abby Wine Dinner - 6:30p 3- Wine & Dine w/ Chef Andrew 3 Course -$35 11- J enalyn Johnson Ancient Peaks wine tasting 6:30p 8 / $35 13- WOW (Women on Wine) 18- Stress Relief wine tasting

DM Roofing Services

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305 N Main St. • Downtown Anderson Check us out on Facebook for our DJs, Karaoke, Bands and other events. Menus and Cigars Anderson.Crush3 on Instagram Crush3 on Facebook

custom framing local artisans • unique gifts creative workshops www.indigocustomframing.com

shop • eat • play in Anderson County The Cure for the Common Restaurant

Open Daily 4pm - 2am Kitchen Open 5pm - 12am Tuesday - Saturday

864-965-9644 Live Music Friday & Saturday Open Mic every Tuesday Karaoke Thursdays

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andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

A craft beer and wine shop with 16 beers on tap daily. Join us in a warm, engaging, family and pet friendly environment.

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FEDERAL STREET Gourmet Chocolate, Popcorn & More 111 N. Main St. • Anderson, SC

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YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE! Advertise your Downtown business here!

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How to Choose the Right Vein Doctor

By Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Anderson Heart & Vascular As a vascular surgeon, I treat patients with a variety of arterial and venous conditions. My focus in recent years has been on the comprehensive treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Vein problems are extremely common, actually occurring almost five times as often as arterial blockages. Symptoms can include leg pain, heaviness, swelling, bulging varicose veins, and even skin conditions including ulcerations. With more and more patients recognizing these symptoms and seeking treatment, there are new vein treatment centers popping up all over the place, including the Upstate. With plenty of choices out there, I felt it could be helpful to provide some tips when choosing the right provider for your vein needs.

1. Ask for a vascular surgeon. While many different specialties have gotten involved in recent years with treating vein conditions (and often may be qualified depending on what additional training they have gone through), vascular surgeons are best qualified because they are board certified in a specialty that has traditionally treated venous diseases. Be sure to check your provider’s credentials, and make sure you know who will actually be performing your treatment. Ask how frequently they perform the treatment you are considering, and how much of their practice is committed to treating venous disease. Many primary care providers will automatically refer you to someone in their employed network, regardless of their qualifications, but remember you have the choice to request any provider you prefer.

2 Ask about treatment options. Do not settle for being told you need any sort of vein stripping, as there are much better options these days. You should be offered a full spectrum of minimally invasive therapies depending on your needs, which may include venous ablation, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, traditional sclerotherapy, and/or ambulatory phlebectomies. These can all be offered in a safe, comfortable office setting, which should be convenient for you to access.

3. Ask if they have a dedicated registered vascular ultrasonographer full-time employee that specializes in venous ultrasound and diseases. Ultrasound is an instrumental part of both diagnosing and treating venous insufficiency.

4. Make sure you check with your insurance about coverage, as most of these procedures can be covered by your policy if deemed medically necessary, meaning the symptoms are interfering with your daily activities. All treatments should be tailored on an individual basis, beware of centers that mandate “packages” as some of these treatments may be unnecessary. Also, consider your out-of-pocket costs when considering your treatment, as patients are often shocked by the charges if these services are delivered in a hospital setting as opposed to an office.

5. Check for reviews. Your provider should come highly recommended, and you want to look for someone who educates, not exaggerates. Many claims can be misleading, as venous insufficiency is a chronic condition and there is no “permanent” solution.

Hopefully these tips will help you or your loved ones to find the right provider for your needs. Remember that if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. The goal of your vein specialist should be keeping those legs feeling and looking their best for years to come! n andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

Camellia Ball Returns in February Opening Reception: January 14. 7:00 PM Exhibit Dates: January 14 - February 18 306 City Square, Belton

864-338-8556

beltoncenter forthearts.org

Happenings in Belton

The 26th annual Camellia Ball, hosted by AnMed Health Foundation, will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the Bleckley Station in historic downtown Anderson. The theme of this year’s ball is a modern twist on the twenties, diving underground with a prohibition-style event highlighting a decade of great uproar and extraordinary changes. Guests will be entertained by the Shimmer Band and will be treated to a gourmet menu catered by Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill.

Phil Ashley and the Bonitz, Inc. team will serve as the chairs for the event, presented by Glenn Constructors. Ashley serves on the AnMed Health Foundation board of trustees. He is a member of the Gilmer Society and has been involved with the Camellia Ball for more than 17 years.

With outstanding community support and partnerships over the last 25 years, the Camellia Ball has raised more than $2.7 million for the benefit of AnMed Health patients. Most recently, the funds raised have helped thousands of children receive physical, occupational and speech therapy services from Pediatric Therapy Works (PTW). PTW currently serves more than 500 children in our community, and the cost of this specialized care often exceeds the ability of what most families can pay. The funds raised through the Camellia Ball and other AnMed Health Foundation events help offset the difference to sustain this vital program for the Anderson community. It is invaluable to the children and families in our community to have access to the therapy they need close to home. n

Jan 12 Artesania:Folk Art of Mexico exhibit opening -3-5pm Jan 23 Home School Event 10-11am - $2 per student, ages 7-12 Feb 27 Fiesta! Night for the Museum Contact the museum for more information about any of our events.

beltonmuseum.com • beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net 100 N. Main St. • Belton, SC • 864-338-7400

andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

The Poet’s Nook

palette palate

By Jay Wright

Forty-five years ago, four Anderson poetry lovers formed a writer’s guild that is still very active today as the Foothills Writers Guild. The guild’s first juried competition for poetry was on March 1, 1976. The winning entry was by Jean Brabham McKinney, one of the founders. Ms. McKinney went on to win poetry contests throughout the region and published two anthologies of her works. Here is her first winning poem in 1976.

to

a gallery wine dinner experience at the Anderson Arts Center

Food, wine, and art

Dark Memories

combine for a creative evening.

Enjoy a five-course meal paired with carefully-selected wines while you are immersed in the artwork of the Art Center’s permanent collection.

With nearly 50 years of art collecting, this exhibit is quite varied and expansive, yet remains some of the most interesting work in the area.

The wines selected for the evening are very much the same, and ones you should always keep on-hand in your permanent wine collection.

Passing down the street, I paused to push back vines hiding from view a house long decaying in emptiness and silence.

Culinary Artistry

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The hand that pushed the vine proved poison by festering; and in the mind dark memories festered surely as the hand.

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Roy’s Ramblings

SHARING EXCELLENCE SHARING BUSINESS SHARING WISDOM

Happy New Year folks, As another year draws to a close, I sit here and think of the past 364 days and then I think about 2020. I quickly begin to understand the value of using each day to its fullest. If I can truly convince myself of thisjust think how valuable that would be and how it could make a difference in my life. I’m thinking it would help me commit to really achieving some things- not just wishing and thinking about them.

Just like most things in life, it’s all about the discipline sports fans!

If I truly realize the value of discipline, I will make every day count. When I visualize and commit to goalsI get sort of excited and seem to want to work harder on plans and then get to work running plays and creating value. I’m fairly persistent and that will help me as well.

I guess God gave me persistence as a trade-off for not having any patience!

In the new months of 2020-commit to your goals and set the plan in action for the year. Put in the work each day and maybe a year from now, when 2020 draws to a close- you will smile and see a year of achievement!

I know you can do it sports fans! ~Roy Haufmann andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

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1/31/19 1:00 PM

Front Row (L-R) Manning Anderson, Sarah Grace McDougald, Christina Quarterman, Marianna Johnson Second Row (L to R) Annalisa Hosea, Morgan Merriman, Anderson Chambers

Debutante Presentation The Debutante Club of Anderson celebrated the presentation of 2019 Debutante class with the annual ball on January 4, 2020, at The Bleckley Station.

Manning Kathryn Anderson was presented by

her parents Dr. and Mrs. William Major Anderson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Major Anderson of Anderson and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stephen Sulewski of Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina and is majoring in public health. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and serves as the vice president of member education. Her escort was her twin brother, Midshipman 3rd Class Andrew Conner Anderson. Her marshal was her younger brother, Mr. Kenneth Graham Anderson.

Anderson Elizabeth Chambers was presented by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Troy Chambers.

She is the granddaughter of Mrs. James Gray Watson, senior, and the late Mr. James Gray Watson, senior, of Anderson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Troy Chambers of Anderson. Miss Chambers is a sophomore at Clemson University majoring in accounting with a minor in finance. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Rotaract Club. She was escorted by her cousin, Mr. Cole Anderson Watson. Her marshal was Master James Gray Watson, III, also a first cousin. andersonmagazine.com

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Annalisa Elaine Hosea was presented by her

parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Russell Hosea. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. David Raymond Hosea and the late Ms. Diana Scott Hosea of Anderson, the late Mr. Michael Ferguson Callihan of Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. William Bayard Pickens, senior, and the late Mrs. Anna Earle Pickens of Anderson. She is sophomore at Clemson University majoring in accounting. She is a member of the Calhoun Honors College and a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity for Women. She was escorted by Mr. Tyler Reese Laugh, and her marshal was her brother, Master Jake Reece Hosea.

Marianna Faith Johnson was presented by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Loftis Johnson. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. William Aaron Johnson and the late Mr. William Aaron Johnson of Warrenton, Georgia, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Good Christopher, III, of Anderson. Miss Johnson is a sophomore at Clemson University and is majoring in health science with a concentration in health promotion and behavior. She is a member of the Calhoun Honors College, Kappa Delta Sorority and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was escorted by Mr. Todd Wesley Bobeng, and Mr. John Thomas Shevlin, IV, her cousin, served as her marshal.

Sarah Grace McDougald was presented by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Fretwell McDougald. She is January/February 2020

the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Charles McDougald, junior, of Anderson, and Mrs. Thomas Edward Stokes, junior, and the late Mr. Thomas Edward Stokes, junior, of Columbia, South Carolina.

She is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina pursuing a double major in business management and marketing and a minor in psychology. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Honor Society. She was escorted by her brother, Mr. Jesse Fretwell McDougald, junior, and her marshal was her cousin, Mr. Benjamin Herbert McDougald.

Morgan Taylor Merriman was presented

by her mother, Mrs. Susanna Lynn Merriman and family friend, Mr. David Potter Rogers. Her brother, Mr. Jordan Thomas Britenburg-Merriman escorted her mother. Her father is the late Mr. Brian Dudley Merriman. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Edward Merriman of Florence, South Carolina, and Dr. Joan Bobbitt McLaughlin and the late Dr. John J. McLaughlin of Clemson, South Carolina. She is a sophomore at Clemson University pursuing a double major in physics and chemistry. She is a competing Epeeist and treasurer of The Clemson Fencing Club and a student athlete tutor of Athletic Academic Services at Clemson. She was escorted

by Mr. Joshua Lee Martin, and her marshal was Mr. Benjamin David Rogers.

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Christina Lynn Quarterman was presented by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Mark Johnson Quarterman. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Elton Sanford Quarterman and the late Mr. Elton Sanford Quarterman of Savannah, Georgia, and Mrs. David Meyer Gross and the late Mr. David Meyer Gross of Pooler, Georgia. Miss Quarterman is a sophomore at Anderson University majoring in elementary education with an add-on of early childhood. She was escorted by Mr. Evan Mark Wilson, and her marshal was her brother, Mr. Mark Johnson Quarterman, junior.

Rachael Winn Yon was presented by her

parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert West Yon. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rupert Yon of Anderson and Mrs. Cheryl Ervin Keith and the late Mr. Ronald Douglas Keith of Keowee Key, South Carolina.

She is a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University and is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in crafts and material studies. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Honor Society and is a Virginia Commonwealth University Arts Student Representative. Her escort was her brother, Mr. Caleb McKelvey Yon, and her marshal was her cousin, Mr. Alan Miller Richey. n

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January/February 2020

ART: An Open Door

By Jay Wright

Good things are happening in the heart of Westminster, located in neighboring Oconee County, and much of the excitement is centered around the Upstate’s newest arts center, the Gateway Arts Center at 213 East Windsor Street. As GAC enters its fourth year of existence, its director, Melody Davis, is the energy and force behind all the activity.

The Gateway Arts Center building was once Westminster’s post office, a place where locals showed up to communicate with others, to share a pleasantry or the joys and challenges of life on our planet, verbally or in cards and letters. Technology has changed the speed and form of mail, but art still captures life’s joys and challenges inside that old post office building today.

And its door to creativity is open to everyone.

Director Davis, grant writer and professional artist, has not only demonstrated leadership in her passion for the arts, she has been “hands on” from GAC’s getgo by making repairs and constructing the walls, the lighting, the floors and most of the furniture, pedestals and display props. She quipped, “My tool kit contains far more than artist brushes. I use hammers, saws, levels, sanders and drills. I came here with years of administrative experience from the Blue Ridge Arts Center in Seneca, and I arrived with lots of ideas and a vision for a vibrant arts center from the ground up.”

The GAC website boasts, “At the Gateway Arts Center, the door to creativity is open to everyone.”

This becomes more than just a motto the moment you see the center. Its red awning, landscape nursery-like entrance and colorful cartoon art on the building’s side invite you in. Once inside, the presence of the works of its members and area artists lure you into their areas – or to look overhead at the award-winning kudzu chandelier. andersonmagazine.com

Art classes for disabeled adults.

On the day I visited GAC, an art class was in session for a group from the Tribble Center for Disabled Adults in Oconee County. Each student was deeply involved in creating his or her own art piece, using a variety of materials and tools. There were also very lively conversations about Clemson’s football season, coaches and players.

Davis spoke of her plans to connect people to the arts in 2020, beginning with an open house and reception on January 10th plus the following shows: “Water,” February 29-April 11;“Black and White” and “Dreams,” April 25-June 13; and “Southern Landscapes,” June 27July 25. The fourth annual juried show will follow. In between these major events will be individual drawing and painting lessons, art parties for groups of three or 34

January/February 2020

more, plus seasonal classes (both drop-in and advanced) led by accomplished area teachers. In addition to these gallery events will be many opportunities for members to show their individual artwork.

Davis described GAC as a place for those with similar interests in art to learn and to be inspired by sharing techniques and creative thinking. There are also opportunities to develop as an artist by learning new art forms as well as having their work critiqued by professionals and hearing artists speak about their own work and inspirations.

I asked her about the biggest challenges at this point in GAC’s growth. “Of course, funding is a constant concern faced by every arts center. Collaborating with other upstate centers and getting fresh perspectives on community outreach from our newer members and board members has helped. We found ways to involve newer artists in our recent ‘No Talent Required’ show. Also, we’re somewhat unique in the number of solo show opportunities we offer throughout the year. Art lovers and future artists in this area are gradually finding that they no longer have to always travel to other towns and cities to learn, enjoy or exhibit art.” n

andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

Dr. Rick Henderson Doesn’t Miss a Beat When It Comes to

Heart Health

By Lisa Marie Carter

February is heart month, and in honor of this, we look at a common heart problem that has a new avenue to improve treatment. Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat. As a result, your heart works harder, is less efficient, and doesn’t circulate blood properly throughout your body. According to heart.org, at least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib, and according to Dr. Rick Henderson, a cardiac electrophysiologist at AnMed Health Arrhythmia Specialists, approximately 50 percent of those people don’t even know they have it. Symptoms of AFib can include fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. While this condition isn’t fatal, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, chronic fatigue, additional heart rhythm problems and inconsistent blood supply.

Typically, when a doctor feels a patient may have AFib, the doctor may order a monitoring system of some kind. It used to be that the patient took home a device and would be responsible to hook it up and wear it for so many hours and record any irregularities for the doctor to review. But that has changed with the development of a diagnostic device called the

“It gives me a peace of mind. A huge peace of mind, just knowing they are monitoring my heart every single day.” implantable loop recorder. This small device is inserted under the skin on the left side of the chest. It’s a quick and basically painless procedure. The device sends information 24/7 via bluetooth to an app on the patient’s phone. Where the older devices relied on the patient to andersonmagazine.com

36

Dr. Rick Henderson

be able to record the irregularity — which means the patient had to be awake and aware of it — with a loop recorder, the patient doesn’t worry about a thing, except to be sure the phone is nearby.

For many doctors, that progress alone is enough, but Dr. Henderson takes it to a new level. Henderson said, “Loop recorders have morphed from a diagnostic tool into a management tool.” He said he uses loop recorders to literally confirm a patient’s current treatment plan is working. By monitoring the patient’s heart rhythms consistently, it allows him to see if there are any irregularities still occurring. With this tool at Henderson’s fingertips, he can decide if the patient’s current treatment plan is working. Medicine can be removed or cut back, increased or changed, depending on the readings.

Henderson shared the experience of a patient that had an appointment earlier the day of our interview, a man with AFib. This patient wanted to get off his anticoagulants. He has had a loop recorder implant for just about a year. Since it has a battery life of two to two and a half years, Henderson said he told the patient he could plan to have it removed when the battery quit or have a new one installed. The patient told him that even though he has had no further complications or January/February 2020

irregularities, he wanted to keep it because it gave him a great deal of comfort knowing that Dr. Henderson was able to see everything happening with his heart rhythm.

Wanda Swaney, another AFib patient of Dr. Henderson’s with a loop recorder implant, described the insertion procedure as “simple.” Swaney said, “It’s just a 15 to 20-minute procedure. They sterilize and numb the area, insert the device and then put a few staples in. You can feel it if you touch it, but besides that you don’t even know it’s there.” When asked what the device has done for her, Swaney doesn’t hesitate when she responded, “It gives me a peace of mind. A huge peace of mind, just knowing they are monitoring my heart every single day.”

This little device seems to confirm for many that their heart is beating to the right tune, thanks to Dr. Henderson.

Henderson said it was his history in trauma as a flight nurse that gave him the desire to become a doctor. When asked why he chose a specialty in cardiac electrophysiologist, he replied, “Electrophysiology was my passion.”

Henderson moved from Cashiers, N.C., to AnMed Health when a position in the cardiac department opened as this allowed him to be closer to his mother who resides in the Anderson area.

Implantable loop recorder

Dr. Henderson is currently practicing at AnMed Health Arrhythmia Specialists, located in the Cardiac and Orthopaedic Center on 100 Healthy Way, Suite 1120, Anderson. His number is (864) 512-4530. You can read more about him at www.anmedhealth.org. n

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January/February 2020

So! Do you name your car?

It’s a legit question to begin a brand new year of a brand new decade! I have to say I name the cars I drive, and that includes the vehicle entrusted to The Anderson County Senior Citizens Program. On May 22, 2017 The Jo Brown Senior Center unveiled one of the first fully wrapped vehicles to ride the roads of our hometown, and she was instantly named THE BLOOM! Now, I’m sure you’ve seen THE BLOOM, and you’ve looked, and then, you’ve looked again. Hopefully all the thousands of people who just saw the Anderson Christmas Parade saw THE BLOOM! THE BLOOM carried our 23rd Senior of the Year, Bettye Brown, in her first ever parade!

THE BLOOM is our driving billboard which promotes The Jo Brown Senior Center: home of The Anderson County Senior Citizens Programs. We’re the sunflowers that represent active seniors blooming all across our county. We are for seniors, by seniors! And as THE BLOOM rolls around promoting our signature event, The Golden Years Jamboree, we hope she makes you smile! We hope she makes you think about grandparents and our active seniors! We hope she makes you have a very special day!

Happy 2020 Vision! And go name your car! n

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January/February 2020

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January/February 2020

Tri-County Class Inspires Whitney Black to Expand Punch Drunk Designs

Visit Whitney’s Etsy page: PunchDrunkDesignCo.Etsy.com Whitney Farmer Black never thought of herself as a budding entrepreneur.

The 35-year-old has spent her entire professional career working 9 – 5 as writer for a magazine and for the last six years as Assistant Director of the Cooperative Education Program at Clemson University.

It was only on a whim, to satisfy her creative instincts and her curiosity, that she enrolled in an Adobe Illustrator class where she discovered she has a knack for design. She took those skills and began designing and producing a series of bachelorette party t-shirts and sweatshirts as a creative outlet on weekends.

“That class changed everything. I learned there are andersonmagazine.com

other ways to create than with a pen and art brush,” said Whitney, who opened an online customized t-shirt store, Punch Drunk Designs, on Etsy in April 2018. Sales started out slow and steady – which was encouraging and manageable - but suddenly skyrocketed after Punch Drunk Designs - and two of her cold weather bachelorette sweatshirts - got a mention in Brides magazine’s online publication.

“A couple of months in, the business took off. I thought I would get my life back in January, which isn’t bachelorette party season, but it didn’t happen,” she said. Winter sales rivaled her summer sales. “It never slowed down,” she said.

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January/February 2020

Whitney says she knew she had to make some tough career decisions.

“I was handling design, production, packaging, and mailing orders. I was a onewoman show and holding down my job at Clemson. This became more than a parttime hobby,” said the Anderson native.

“I had to make a difficult decision. I was fortunate because I loved my job. I agonized for months until finally August 1, I quit and opened Punch Drunk Designs full time,” she said.

With an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Samford University and master’s in Communications from Virginia Tech, she didn’t have any training in small business ownership and operation. Fortunately, her husband, Talbert, ran across information about Inspire Lab, a new business incubator program offered

by Tri-County Technical College and designed to give future business owners the proper resources and knowledge to create new businesses.

Funded by a $200,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Tri-County, the program’s core training elements are customer problem/solution mapping, selling/marketing, building a team, and business plan execution. “Our goal is to

“That class changed everything. I learned there are other ways to create than with a pen and art brush,” said Whitney, who opened an online customized t-shirt store, Punch Drunk Designs, on Etsy in April 2018. ~Whitney Farmer Black

build entrepreneurs within the Upstate, in our own backyards,” said Craig Kinley, a WiProwess consultant hired to launch INSPIRE Lab for Tri-County.

She applied and was among the eight accepted into the class taught by Kinley. Over 12 weeks Whitney attended evening classes at Tri-County’s Anderson Campus.

She bought the building at 609 N. Murray Avenue for her production facility before leaving Clemson University and began moving production equipment from her home to that location. The upstairs served as the design and production facility, as well as her office. The basement of the building was vacant and needed a lot of renovations. Family and friends helped to transform the dank, dark basement into an inviting and accessible living room space to accommodate her next idea – a retail space where she can collaborate with local artists to offer DIY classes.

“I had no idea how to marry the two businesses of making t-shirts and offering DIY classes so my goal for the Inspire Lab class was to talk to folks about how to combine the two. I didn’t know it could work and what that process would look like until completing this class. I realized I can have both in one space. The course helped by giving me confidence and helping to solidify my ideas,” she added.

“I never expected to be doing this in my hometown,” said Whitney. “I thought I would retire from Clemson University. I had a great job with a great boss and I loved interacting with the students. Two years ago I had never made a shirt - now I’m making too many to count. It’s amazing how quickly things can change.”

Renovations leading to the DIY classes are at the top of her list for 2020.

Whitney says when she moved back to Anderson she was shocked to see the growth of downtown. “My hometown had transformed into a thriving downtown.

I’m proud of Anderson – this growth made me want to stay. I was impressed with all there is to do. I’m really happy I’m back here,” she said.

“I want my venture to be another fun thing Anderson offers -- a dedicated space for ‘make and take’ classes taught by local professional artists. People are looking for different creative and interactive classes. I have lots of ideas, and they are coming together. I want to share them with the people of Anderson.” n andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Tri-County Technical College 1. More than 70 majors 2. Lowest Tuition in Upstate 3. Highest Success Rate among State’s 16 Technical Colleges 4. Ranked in Top 1% Nationally for Successful Transfer 5. Nearly 80% of Students Receive Free Financial Assistance and Scholarships 6. 19:1 Student-Faculty Ratio 7. Four Campuses to Serve You 8. Co-ops and Internships Allow You to Learn While You Earn 9. Home to Nationally-Known Bridge to Clemson Program 10. RN, LPN Grads’ NCLEX Scores Exceed State, National Averages

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Two Birds, One Stone:

County-TTi Deal Bringing Jobs and Saving Taxpayers Money as County Departments Consolidate Headquarters on Highway 28 Bypass Now over a decade into the most successful period for economic development and industrial recruitment in the history of Anderson County, local residents almost take the routine headlines for granted: “Anderson County announces deal with company to bring hundreds of new jobs and millions in capital investment,” “Unemployment in Anderson County reaches new all-time low,” “Manufacturer to expand operations, adding jobs and investment.” It is wellknown at this point that this unprecedented run of success has led to more than 5,000 new jobs, more than $3.5 billion in capital investment, and recordlow unemployment in Anderson County. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal spotlighted Anderson County as one of the seven counties to recover the quickest from the Great Recession out of more than 3,000 counties nationwide.

What is less well-known is that economic development recruitment does much more than bring good-paying jobs; it also allows local officials to keep taxes low in a period of explosive growth. The best recent example of this phenomenon is the partnership between Anderson County, Legislative Delegation members, Tri-County Technical College, and TTi (Techtronic Industries).

TTi, which manufactures products under many recognizable brand names—including Ryobi, Milwaukee, Homelite, Hoover, Oreck, and Dirt Devil—has, over the past three years, supercharged its longstanding presence in Anderson County, building a new state-of-the-art complex at Highway 81 and Interstate 85, perhaps the most beautiful building visible from the interstate. In competition with groups in Charlotte, Atlanta, and many other cities and counties for the $75 million in capital investment and over 1,200 new jobs, Anderson County, with the assistance of grants from the State of South Carolina, acquired the former TTi facilities and properties in Anderson and Pickens counties.

The County has since sold the

Pickens facility and moved several County departments into the Anderson facility, including County public works administration, solid waste, environmental enforcement, facilities & grounds maintenance, stormwater management, and wastewater management.

There are ongoing discussions in progress to move some or all of the Sheriff ’s operations to the facility, and the new Fleet Services shop, which maintains all County and Sheriff ’s Office vehicles, will be built on the Anderson property. Tri-County Technical College will be using part of the warehouse space for its research and development needs as well as “soft-landing space” for temporary use by companies looking to re-locate their staff and operations to Anderson County in a cost-effective, efficient, and convenient manner. The facilities County operations have outgrown and vacated will be sold or repurposed to suit the expanding and ever-changing needs of a community that is growing faster than ever before.

There are discussions in progress among County officials and staff on what to name the former TTi facility at 1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, now that it is County-owned. If you have an idea for a name, please send it to rburns@andersoncountysc.org, and be on the lookout in early 2020. Yet to be scheduled, the County will be hosting a grand opening, and the community will be invited to share in the excitement. n

TTi VP of Facilities Jhan Nixon, Rep. Brian White, Rep. Anne Thayer, and TriCounty Technical College Chief of Staff Dan Cooper Tour the Former TTi Facility andersonmagazine.com

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January/February 2020

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