March-April 2020

Anderson andersonmagazine.com March/April 2020

Welcome Home:

adoption in Anderson

Senior Citizens Volunteering • Engaging • Planning

From Anderson to Hollywood A Musical Journey

magazine

OUR UPCOMING EVENTS Gettin’ Stemmy With It Sunburst Beauty Pageant Easter Bunny Arrival Sensitive Bunny Hide and Peep Egg Hunt Cute as a Bunny Crafts

March 14 | 11 - 12:30PM March 15 | 1 - 3PM March 27 to April 11 March 29 | 8 - 9:30AM April 4 | 10:30 - 12PM April 4 | 10:30 - 12PM

Gettin’ Stemmy With It in partnership with School District 5 and Clemson’s Life Science Outreach Center

For more event details visit, SHOPANDERSONMALL.COM |

March/April 2020 andersonmagazine.com

Publisher/Editor April Cameron

contents table of

Sales & Client Manager Jennifer Merritt

8

Graphic Design Jennifer Walker

5

Online Editor Lisa Marie Carter Contributing Writers Caroline Anneaux Evelyn Beck April Cameron Lisa Marie Carter Cindy Landrum Jay Wright Featured Photographer Van Sullivan Photography Anderson Magazine is published six times a year.

Advertising Inquiries:

Healthier Living for Every Body

12

14 From Anderson to Hollywood

Belton Preparatory Academy

44

jennifer@andersonmagazine.com

706-436-4979 ON THE COVER: Tempe and Remlee, children of Lydia and Sam Coker.

30 Art in Pendleton

Mural on Main

Copyright: All contents of this issue ©2020, 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

A Grand Half Century

48 46

Father-Son Golf Greens Duo andersonmagazine.com 3 March/April 2020

Amanda Nicks: Making a Difference

Letter from the Editor The March/April issue is here! That means spring is right around the corner! I know our weather is fickle, so I’m not banking on warmer weather just yet. After this winter, I know we can still potentially have snow, tornados, and flooding all before it is consistently warm outside, but I am ready for ongoing sunshine and warmer temps!

When it does finally warm up, we’ll start seeing people more active in Anderson County. Whether exercising, shopping or playing in the many parks, we like to venture outside. A new “gift” is coming our way in downtown Anderson in the next few months to give people something else to enjoy outside. The Leadership Anderson Class 36 is working on a project called “Mural on Main.” The purpose of Mural on Main is to act as a conduit for continued growth in Anderson by connecting the community through the power of art. It’s an opportunity for the entire community to be involved in something long-lasting and transformative in downtown. Check out the story on page 30 to see how you can get involved.

When we’re all outside enjoying our spring weather, I’ll bet we’ll see some smiling faces like those cuties on the cover of this issue. These sweet children are featured in our story on adoption. We share the story of two families and their journey through the adoption process. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the Singleton family (also featured in the story) for several years, and I’ve always wanted to share their story. I am so pleased that our readers will get a heartwarming glimpse into the lives of these families.

We’ve also shared with you a couple of business success stories! Read about Floral Arts, Ltd., which is celebrating its 50th year anniversary – under the same location and same ownership! Many weddings, special events and homes in Anderson County have been blessed by the artistry of Don Burdette. And, we take a look at PIP Printing, celebrating its 40th year anniversary of being in business. I love to celebrate the success of small businesses in our community.

Another thing I did that I enjoyed this issue was writing a story myself! I had the pleasure of meeting John Vaughn, an amazing pianist, and possibly even greater story-teller, and wrote a feature on him. I have to thank Jim and Donnis Cox for introducing me to John and allowing me the opportunity to hear him play at Donnis’ wonderful birthday party. John split his time

growing up in Anderson and Aiken, spent much of his young adulthood in Hollywood, and has turned a musical passion into a thriving career. Read about his journey on page 14.

I would tell you to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather, but I have no idea if and when that may happen for any extended period of time. However, I hope you will enjoy reading through this issue of Anderson Magazine whether under the sun or cozied up under a blanket. It’s full of good news about Anderson County!

Enjoy! n

~April

andersonmagazine.com 4 March/April 2020

Healthier Living for Every Body

By Cindy Landrum

AnMed Health Dietician Christen King provides information about diet, eating and behavior modifications to help bariatric patients achieve long-term success.

For many people who struggle with obesity, diet and regular exercise aren’t enough to lose weight successfully.

Patients who had tried to lose weight through diet and exercise or medication without success but who did not want to undergo or did not qualify for surgery, had no options – until now.

AnMed Health has added endoscopic bariatric procedures to the broad spectrum of weight-loss services it offers.

“Only 1 or 2 percent of people who need to lose weight to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure or medical conditions get surgery. That leaves many people with no option,” said Dr. Suresh Khandekar of AnMed Health Gastroenterology Specialists, who is offering endoscopic weight-loss procedures. “We’re trying to fill

this gap.”

Dr. Khandekar said AnMed Health is the only hospital system in the Upstate and western North Carolina to offer endoscopic weight-loss procedures, which allow doctors to reduce stomach volume or alter the digestive tract. A referral is not necessary.

Dr. Khandekar offers four endoscopic weight-loss choices that include suturing, balloons and aspiration assistance. The suturing option includes endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and endoscopic revision.

During endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, doctors suture the stomach from the inside with no incisions in the abdominal wall to reduce the stomach’s volume by 80 percent, Khandekar said. The method has been done extensively at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Johns Hopkins and Cornell.

andersonmagazine.com 5 March/April 2020

Endoscopic revision sutures the stomach for those who have regained weight after previous gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve.

A gastric balloon is one of the most common endoscopic weight loss procedures. The doctor places a balloon in the stomach to reduce the space for food.

The balloon remains in place for about six months.

Simultaneously, and for six months afterwards, patients participate in behavior modification intervention classes online.

“Nutrition plays a big part in long-term success, and we work together so the patient gets to the point where they can make desirable food choices.

It’s a process because eating behaviors are so engrained in us.”

being regained if the person continues doing the activities that led them to the excess body weight in the first place,” he said.

Dietician Christen King said she works with bariatric surgery patients before surgery and after to modify eating behaviors, determine whether they are actually hungry, and finding coping mechanisms for stress or boredom other than eating.

“Nutrition plays a big part in long-term success, and we work together so the patient gets to the point where they can make desirable food choices,” she said. “It’s a process because eating behaviors are so engrained in us.”

Patient-run support groups are available to help others in each step of their weight-loss journey.

Dr. Beall said AnMed Health’s weight-loss services are non-judgmental.

“Obesity is a multi-factorial issue. Some are cultural.

Some are behavioral. Some are environmental,” Dr. Beall said. “What we offer is unbiased and multi-disciplinary guidance to the patient.”

All potential patients must attend a weight loss seminar where they will learn about the different weightloss procedures. Before undergoing any procedure or surgery, a patient must undergo a psychological evaluation to make sure they understand everything about the process and is prepared to adopt a new lifestyle. To register, call Bariatric Program Coordinator Joy Vaughn, 864.512.4476. n

With aspiration assistance, a tube and access port is inserted into the stomach to help reduce the number of calories absorbed, Dr. Khandekar said. The procedure is ideal for people who do not want surgery or suturing, he said. It is also helpful for people who are extremely obese for whom surgery or anesthesia is risky.

“Endoscopic weight-loss procedures can help people in the big gap between lifestyle changes and major surgery,” he said. For patients with higher body mass indexes, endoscopic procedures have lower complication rates. At lower body mass indexes, the results are almost equal to bariatric surgery.

Khandekar said bariatric surgery is the better choice for some patients. Surgical options are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Dr. Adam Beall, medical director of AnMed Health’s weight-loss surgery program and a surgeon at Piedmont Surgical Associates, said doctors work with patients to determine which treatment is right for them.

“We treat patients with a very individual approach,” he said.

No matter the option, long-term success depends on adopting healthy eating habits and exercising regularly, Dr. Beall said.

“Nothing we do is permanent. Everything also requires a commitment to lifestyle modification because no surgery we do prevents the weight from andersonmagazine.com 6 March/April 2020

Dr. Adam Beall, medical director of AnMed Health’s weight-loss surgery program and a surgeon at Piedmont Surgical Associates

Dr. Suresh Khandekar of AnMed Health Gastroenterology Specialists, who is offering endoscopic weight-loss procedures

Dr. Peter Bechtel, a primary surgeon at AnMed Health’s Piedmont Surgical Associates

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andersonmagazine.com 7 March/April 2020

A GRAND HALF CENTURY

By Jay Wright For the past 50 years, Floral Arts, Ltd. at 130 East Greenville Street has served the Upstate by beautifying hospital rooms, weddings, funerals, homes, and a multitude of major events with floral arrangements and interior design services. But this isn’t just about flowers and design services. It’s about the artistry and strict customer-focused business philosophy of the shop’s enduring proprietor, Don Burnette.

“When I first opened my little flower shop, East Greenville Street was a two-lane road,” he said.

“I’ve watched Anderson evolve from the familiar, comfortable town I’d always known into a busy area with specialty shops, great restaurants, a vibrant downtown scene, bigger hospitals, bigger houses, and an ever-expanding arts community. It’s a great place to live and visit. We’ve become a tourist destination.”

Anderson’s success, however, doesn’t explain the sustained success of Floral Arts, Ltd. Most of that credit goes to Don. As a teen, he found his calling after assisting with weddings and receptions. Soon after, he began the interior design curriculum at the University of Georgia in Athens – among the top programs in the nation at the time. While there, he worked at Athens’ most exclusive flower shop for $1 per hour.

“I learned several important things about my calling while working at that flower shop,” he said. “First, I learned that I wanted to own my own flower shop and how much I enjoyed the challenge of creating floral designs. I also learned that I was totally incapable of delegating. So my future flower shop would have few associates.”

“Everything that leaves the shop is something I created.”

These insights influenced how Don operates Floral Arts, Ltd. “To this day, I’m the only person who answers the phone and the only one who deals directly with a customer,” he said. “I have had some customers for fifty years. They want to speak directly with me, and I want that, too. I don’t delegate the creating of arrangements, either. Everything that leaves the shop is something I created.”

In addition to his interior design degree from UGA, Don Burdette has built an impressive resume. He studied at the American Art School with renowned floral designer Bill Kistler. He also advanced his study of floral arranging in London and Tokyo. He was inducted into membership in the prestigious American

andersonmagazine.com 8 March/April 2020

Institute of Floral Designers in 1973 after submitting his portfolio. More recently, he added interior design projects to his store’s services.

“I pride myself in being able to respect each client’s opinions and work with each one. I’ve never advertised; I’ve relied on referrals. A client once said my arrangements always make a grand entrance. I want every client to feel that way and then tell a friend,” he said.

When asked about his plans to retire, Don had a quick reply. “Retire? No way. A number of Anderson businesses have come and gone in the last fifty years, but I’m still standing. I love what I do – it’s exciting.” n

floral arts ltd.

Thank You Loyal Customers

CELEBRATING

50 Years We are more than just a frame shop.

We are building a community of creatives.

Shop for unique handmade gifts by local artisans.

Take one of our many creative workshops.

Visit our website to learn more about all Indigo has to offer.

Distinctive flowers and timeless interiors

Don Burdette, A.I.D.F 300 East Greenville Street Anderson, SC 864.226.1471 indigocustomframing.com andersonmagazine.com 9 March/April 2020

The Decade Ahead

By Jay Wright

Think about the world of technology 40 years ago.

Not even 8 percent of households had a computer, and the World Wide Web was more than 10 years away.

However, in Anderson, the printing business PIP was just opening its doors, and its owner had no idea where technology would take the world of printing and marketing at that time!

Now celebrating its 40th year of service to the community, PIP opened at 1005 North Fant Street.

This successful franchise providing marketing, signs, and print services was run by Ovid Culler until his retirement in 2012. He then sold the business to Theresa O’Rourke Taylor.

“I was at the right place at the right time when he retired,” Theresa Taylor explained. “He had involved me in every part of the business during my ten years there and even let me handle all operations during his final year. He encouraged me every step of the way and sent me to training programs in South Carolina and California. We negotiated a smooth transition, and I bought the store officially in January 2013.”

PIP continues to play a major role in the success of Anderson area small- to medium-sized businesses. The business currently being fueled by a strong economy and increasing tourism in Anderson and in the Upstate.

“We succeed when our customers succeed.”

andersonmagazine.com 10 March/April 2020

Save the Date!

PRESENTS

Scott Taylor, Ovid & Vicki Culler and Theresa Taylor.

Because PIP is part of a network of about 400 independently owned and operated franchises, its website is able to offer businesses free access to blogs that provide a wide range of valuable ideas and information on direct marketing, event planning, branding, data management, product and service promotions and websites. In short, it helps businesses decide how to make the most effective use of their marketing, event, and communications dollars.

Theresa Taylor and her staff are there to support both established and fledgling businesses with advice and a host of services, including mailing, product promotion and creative services. A testimony of her leadership is that the franchise has received a Top 25 Sales Volume award for being among the top twenty-five in the entire PIP franchise network every year since 2013. In July 2018, Richard Lowe, president and COO of PIP’s parent company said, “Theresa leads the network with the foresight and character that make the PIP brand synonymous with quality, integrity, and leadership.”

About the decade ahead, Theresa says, “I want to continue networking by being a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson and Leadership Anderson and by serving on nonprofit boards. My challenge is to help upstate businesses understand the many ways PIP can partner with them to compete and thrive in their communities and markets. I want them to get to know our capable, knowledgeable staff and realize the resources they have in PIP. We succeed when our customers succeed.”

Theresa O’Rourke Taylor and her staff look forward to playing a role in Anderson’s and the Upstate’s progress in the decade ahead. n

SATURDAY

MARCH 21ST

PIP Marketing; Signs; Print 1005 North Fant Street 864-225-1471

www.pip.com/andersonsc andersonmagazine.com 11 March/April 2020

2020

Belton Preparatory Academy

By Evelyn Beck

Belton Preparatory Academy (BPA) is serving nearly 100 school-age children with its classical curriculum and focus on entrepreneurism. Now in its second year, and is a free public charter school open to all South Carolina students.

Charter schools are a part of the South Carolina Department of Education’s school choice initiative. The purpose of charter schools is to create new, innovative, and more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system, with the goal of closing achievement gaps between low-performing student groups and high-performing student groups. Because they are public schools, charter schools are open to all children, do not charge tuition, and have no special entrance requirements.

Located on Belton Highway on the campus of Second Baptist Church, BPA opened in 2018 with grades K52, with plans to add a grade level each year through grade eight. BPA is sponsored by the Charter Institute at Erskine College.

This year there are 94 students in grades K5-3 with a waiting list for next year in all grades. When demand exceeds the number of spots, students are chosen by lottery. Applications are accepted each year from November 1 through February 1. Any applications received after February 1 are added to the waiting list in the order in which they are received.

The maximum class size for K5, which is also supported by teaching assistants, is 20 students. The maximum class size for upper-level elementary grades caps at 25 students.

All charter schools have a focus, and Belton Prep’s is entrepreneurial and free market competition.

Leadership is emphasized, and students learn to take positive risks, to recover from mistakes, to collaborate with peers, and to set goals.

Also unique is the classical curriculum, which uses a three-part pattern that moves from absorbing facts in elementary school to thinking through cause and effect in middle school to expression through clear,

forceful, elegant language in high school. “A classical curriculum means going back to the basics, to the type of education our country was founded on,” said Principal Deirdre McCullough. “It provides a solid foundation in character and a deep knowledge and understanding of American history.”

BPA uses curricula produced and published

by Core Knowledge Classical Curriculum and Eureka Math. Core Knowledge uses a variety of classic nursery rhymes, fairy tales, folk tales, Greek mythology, and novels to support the reading curriculum. These works range from Chicken Little and Three Bill Goats Gruff to Little Women and Treasure Island. “Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools are able to select their own curriculum,” said McCullough. The classical curriculum also includes Latin, a foundation of the English language.

The Core Virtues curriculum is used to teach character education. This approach uses children’s literature to provide examples of virtue in action.

Each month a key intellectual, moral, or civic virtue, such as respect, responsibility, integrity, justice, courage, diligence, honesty, self-sacrifice, generosity, or perseverance, is highlighted. The lessons place the students at a moment of moral decision making.

BPA believes the best instruction is provided by the classroom teacher. Chromebooks and Interactive Smartboards are used as resources to provide additional enrichment and remediation only.

Students at BPA are required to wear uniforms, provide their own transportation, and bring their own lunch.

School hours are 8:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. Students may be dropped off at 7:15 a.m. Belton Pentecostal KidzClub and Cedar Grove Baptist Church provide pick-up services for afterschool care.

The application can be accessed online, and paper applications are available in the main office.

For more information about Belton Preparatory Academy, visit www.beltonprep.us. n

andersonmagazine.com 12 March/April 2020

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March 19 - Behind the Scenes Home School Event 10am, $3 per student, ages 10-14

March 21 - Community-Wide Rummage and Craft Sale, 10am-3pm March 29 - Expedition: Natural History Trip Around the World exhibit opening 3-5pm

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From Anderson to : d o o w y Holl A Musical Journey

By April Cameron John Vaughn, who spent time growing up in Anderson and Aiken, may have just won an award for best composer at the Hollywood Women’s Film Festival, but achievements like this have not clouded his memories of his childhood experiences in music.

These included requesting the principal at Calhoun Street Elementary School (now Calhoun Academy of the Arts) to allow him to have a concert for the students on any given school day.

“As a child, I would wake up and tell my mom I felt like putting on a concert, so I would go to school and tell the principal and my teachers, and they would let me do it,” said Vaughn. “I was drawn to the piano like a magnet.”

Vaughn fondly remembers some of his piano teachers in the Anderson area who helped to shape him into the award-winning composer he is today.

“My first teacher was Jill Cromer Helgeson,” he said.

“She let me play music from the Carole King ‘Tapestry’ book.”

Another Anderson teacher Vaughn said helped to shape his musical talents was Eloise Ferlan Cardwell.

Cardwell had been friends with Albert Einstein, as her husband was Einstein’s tax consultant. Einstein loved music, and together the two developed ideas on

the color of music. “I was a mischievous student and wanted to play my own music, so she let me compose,” said Vaughn. “I don’t know how she taught me, but she always told me to color my music.”

Vaughn said his mother, Jean Vaughn, thoroughly encouraged him in his pursuit of music “My mother led by example and taught us to march to the beat of our own drum. She herself was somewhat of a pioneer for fitness in Anderson,” he said. “In the 1980s, she opened her own gym and had an aerobics studio.”

Following his mother’s advice to do what made him happy, Vaughn, by the young age of 15, had been hired to play the piano at the Morris Street Tea Room in Anderson, and he would play for Sunday brunch at the restaurant. His talent was also requested at various dinner parties, and he remembers playing at the home of Georgia Lou Huff on occasion.

At the age of 20, Vaughn wanted to pursue his music career more seriously and decided to move to Hollywood. It was the late 1980s.

The first day he arrived in Hollywood, he ended up at the Beverly Hills Hotel and coincidentally met the late actor and musician Charles “Buddy” Rogers, who then took him under his wing. Rogers had starred in the film “Wings,” which won the first Best Picture

andersonmagazine.com 14 March/April 2020

Academy Award in 1927.

Rogers had been married to the famous movie actress Mary Pickford and the couple lived at a sprawling 18-acre estate, affectionately known as Pickfair.

Rogers welcomed Vaughn to the home, “and that’s how the door opened for me in Hollywood,” he said.

Over the years, Vaughn led a colorful life playing piano for the well-heeled of Beverly Hills at the Pickfair estate. He played for parties for a vast array of audiences from the Rolling Stones to Phyllis Diller and for the royal family of Saudi Arabia.

However, after several years in Hollywood and living a quite glamorous lifestyle, Vaughn felt the need to return to the South for some grounding. He was offered a piano residency at the Wilcox Hotel in Aiken. The Wilcox Hotel has been voted one of the best hotels in the world and has received the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award.

Since his return to Aiken, Vaughn’s success has continued to expand. It has been during this time that he composed the score for the film “Second Acts,” which garnered his film festival award. The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and stars Michael Learned, famous for her role as the mother on the 1970s television series “The Waltons.”

He also has partnered with Poverty Row Entertainment as a producer and music contributor for a film called “Why Not Choose Love,” based on the life of Mary Pickford. He participated in the exhibition of the film at the Palazzo Zenobio Venice Biennale 2019 which included a projection of the film in the Hall of Mirrors.

Currently, he is working on a script with Susan Edwards of Anderson for a show titled “Beulah Land.”

“Music is the most powerful energy on the planet,” said Vaughn. “It can make people feel.”

Many Andersonians have had the opportunity to feel because of Vaughn’s music at the early performances at Calhoun, the tearoom and private parties.

Now, his parlay in musical composition for films can share his talents with the world. n

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andersonmagazine.com 17 March/April 2020

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Senior Citizens Volunteering • Engaging • Planning

By Evelyn Beck

Anderson County is rich with resources for senior citizens. Experts can help us navigate changing needs as we age and can assist in many areas, including health, housing, finances, and socialization. Here’s a sampling of those local resources.

Volunteering

One outlet that has been particularly meaningful is volunteerism. A 2013 study by Boise State University researchers found that volunteering can improve the health and quality of life for seniors. Those surveyed, whose median age was 77, reported a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment as well as improvement in their overall quality of life as a result of their volunteer work.

In Anderson County, seniors are a mainstay of the United Way’s Weekend Backpack SnackPack program, which involves packing bags of food for 800 children every Friday during the school year. Some volunteers pack the food, some write notes to include in each package, and others deliver the bags to schools. “It’s probably the biggest volunteer engagement project I have,” said Liz Brock, the United Way’s Volunteer Center Director. “It tugs at their heart strings. No one wants to see a child go hungry.”

Volunteer Tom Weeks helps pack the food and

sometimes delivers it to the schools. “Out of all the volunteer activities I’ve been involved with, doing something for children is the most meaningful I’ve experienced,” he said. “A hungry child is not a good thing.”

For Becky Campbell, who along with her husband, Donnie, also helps with the SnackPack program, “Volunteering helps us stay active and engaged in issues that affect the lives of many people who are challenged by life stressors. And we are often challenged ourselves by having our eyes opened to the roadblocks in our communities. We feel blessed that God gave us resources, talents, energy, and organizations like the United Way to share with others.”

Extension libraries, another popular United Way program among seniors, involves reading to elementary age children at sites such as housing authorities. Most volunteers sign up for two-hour stints once a month.

Another opportunity is the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, which trains volunteers to help taxpayers to complete tax forms or to serve as greeters.

Some volunteers work a regular schedule while

andersonmagazine.com 18 March/April 2020

others contribute occasionally. The work can be physical or sedentary. It can be targeted to specific age groups. “We can connect volunteers with anything they’d like to do—wherever their interest is, wherever they can be beneficial to the community,” said Carol Burdette, president and CEO of the United Way. “We want volunteers to feel appreciated and to feel that what they’ve done is meaningful.”

Engaging

One local organization making a big impact on seniors is the Jo Brown Senior Center, which offers 20 senior-led activities for seniors across the county, serving about 18,000 individuals annually. Started by the late Jo Brown in 1981 with the help of a state grant and now based in the former McCants Middle School, the center offers a wide variety of activities. These include arts and crafts, quilting, bingo, bridge, clubs, a congregate meal program, and line dancing classes.

There are the Anderson County Outreach Entertainers, who perform variety shows across the county. There are the OverEasy Exercise classes, which make exercise fun with such unusual approaches as Pound, which involves working out with drumsticks. Everything is free.

“...we provide a spark in our community that seniors can gravitate to and ignite in their aging years. They find out they’re still wanted and needed and have a purpose.”

The impact of these programs is enormous, said program coordinator Kelly Jo Barnwell, who is following in the footsteps of her mom, Jo Brown. “I’m able to do the work that as a little girl I watched my mom do,” she said. “I see seniors living healthier, happier, longer lives.

They’re doing what they enjoy doing.”

Other cities have looked to the Jo Brown Center as a model of what’s possible. “We’re attractive to other communities because we provide a spark in our community that seniors can gravitate to and ignite in their aging years,” said Barnwell. “They find out they’re still wanted and needed and have a purpose.”

Another organization with a wide reach is Senior Solutions, which has been providing adult day care, home-delivered meals, senior centers, classes ranging from art to yoga, and transportation, among other services, since 1968. Its mission is to promote the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of the senior community. Among the other organizations for seniors are the Anderson Senior Follies and Anderson

University’s Lifelong Learning Institute, as well as programs at the Anderson YMCA and the Anderson Recreation Center, and Walgreens (which will be opening a seniors-focused Partners in Primary Care Center inside its Homeland Park store).

Planning

Of course, the later years can involve challenges, as well, especially as health care needs change. One area company that assists seniors and their families in planning for these challenges is Preparing for Care, LLC. Owner and founder Caroline Bell is an elder care advocate who left her corporate job to have her father live with her and become his caregiver for nine years. “I’ve walked the walk,” she said. “I know what families go through without an aging plan.” She offers guidance in four key areas: safety, legal issues, finances, and placement.”

Safety involves assessing a home’s safety, looking at things like adding lighting, taking up rugs, and installing ramps, as well as managing medicine, providing transportation, and bringing in home health care. “Everyone wants to age in place,” Bell said. “As long as your parent has socialization and is safe, that can usually be an option.”

Legal issues include making sure seniors have four documents—a will, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney, and a living will—and that they are all up to date, working with an elder law attorney as needed. She also helps assemble emergency packets with these documents for all key family members.

Finances involves working with financial planners to help seniors and their adult children assess how much money they have and what benefits they might need to seek out. One local financial advisor is Carter Knobel, president of Knobel Investments. He agrees that making long-term plans is best, though he helps seniors who come to him at any point in their lives. “If you have a good plan, it can help you down the road, but the reality is that things arise that people haven’t thought about,” he said, adding that health issues in particular are a huge unknown. His role, he said, is “trying to grow the assets the best way while achieving income goals. Monthly income is a high priority for most older clients.”

Placement involves thinking about moving. Bell tours one or two communities with her clients to put down a deposit and get on a wait list so that a spot is available once the time comes. One option is an independent living facility like The Legacy, which provides meals, housekeeping and transportation to doctors’ appointments but no health care. “A lot of people come in looking to downsize,” said Director Dee Golden. “They’re tired of yardwork and having to cook. And they want to meet people.” For those who need assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, there are assisted living facilities such as Morningside.

andersonmagazine.com 19 March/April 2020

Bell recommends that an aging plan be put in place according to her 40-70 rule—when the adult child is 40 and the senior is 70. “That’s the time to talk to parents about aging,” she said. “The most important thing is to be proactive in the planning.

Don’t wait for a crisis.”

Whatever point a senior has reached, the Upstate is a great place to enjoy the golden years. “Anderson County is phenomenally blessed in the ways we meet the needs of aging populations,” said Barnwell. n

Local Senior Resources

Liz Brock Volunteer Center Director United Way 864-226-3438 Liz.brock@uwandersoncty.com

Carol Burdette President & Chief Executive Officer United Way 864-226-3438 (office) 864-934-5143 (cell) carol.burdette@uwandersoncty.com Dee Golden Director The Legacy 864-276-3501 Kelly Jo Barnwell Program Coordinator Jo Brown Senior Center 864-231-2237 kbarnwell@andersoncountysc.org

Carter Knobel President, Knobel Investments Senior Vice President, Capitol Securities Management 864-376-7008 carter@knobelinv.com Caroline Bell Owner Preparing for Care 864-353-7379 cbell@preparingforcare.com Tom Weeks United Way volunteer Home: 864-332-8954 Cell: 864-376-7048 trweeks@juno.com Becky Campbell United Way volunteer becky.campbell@bellsouth.net

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www.morningsideofanderson.com andersonmagazine.com 20 March/April 2020

The Poet’s Nook

By Jay Wright In January 1965, Gayle Edwards of Florence participated in the first state poetry workshop at the old Columbia Museum. On the last day, the instructor asked if anyone going to Anderson could take Eunice Pracht Sullivan’s booklet to her. Since Gayle was moving here in a week, she offered to deliver it. After arriving, Gayle phoned Eunice, delivered the booklet, and received a luncheon invitation.

At the luncheon, Gayle met poets Jean McKinney and Dr. Frances Mims. The four began meeting often and travelling to readings and workshops throughout the south. They called themselves the Pegasus Poets, and in 1976, published some of their poems in a book. They were invited twice to Charleston to read their poems for the Poetry Society of South Carolina.

In 1974 the group invited others and formed the Anderson Writers’ Guild, which flourishes today as the Foothills Writers Guild

Winter Window

By Gayle Edwards (March 1976)

Wind-swept winter day Pine trees bow as I look their way Red fishing boat turned upside down Waiting for Spring to come to town Swings and bicycles all stand still Only autumn’s left-over leaves play on the hill.

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Get Your Boat Ready for the Water

By Lisa Marie Carter When the weather warms, and finally stays warm, and the flowers start to bloom (or after, this crazy winter, possibly re-bloom), it’s time to get your boat ready for Upstate waterways.

1. Start with a clean slate (or we should say boat).

The start of spring is a good time to wax, wash and detail your boat, a good time to get the grunge from winter cleaned off and start the season with a sparkly clean boat.

2. Choose appropriate products. You shouldn’t use non-marine cleaners on your boat as products designed for automobiles can damage your boat’s vinyl or canvassing.

3. Clear the bilge. If your boat was stored outdoors during the off-season, rain can seep into the bilge.

You’ll want to pump that water out before you float your boat.

4. Check the charge on your battery. You should ensure your battery has a strong charge before you hit the water. Otherwise, you might be up the creek without a paddle.

5. Safety is a priority! This is the time to check all your navigation lights, the boat’s horn and all safety equipment, such as your life jackets and first aid kit. Take the time to make sure all the required

gear is on the boat and in good condition.

6. Take the boat for service before taking it for the first cruise. Most people change their boat’s oil and get a basic service done once a year. Spring is the perfect time to get everything new and fresh, ready for this year’s boating season.

7. Check your registrations. Make sure you have all current stickers on your boat (and trailer, if applicable) and that the registration numbers on your boat are still in good shape.

8. Inspect your trailer/boat lift. If you’re going to use a trailer you should check all the lights and make sure you have properly inflated tires before you hit the road. The same goes for your boat lift. If you’ve had your boat in storage and are bringing it to your dock for the first time this season, be sure to check the dock mechanics BEFORE getting your boat there.

9. Nobody likes that sinking feeling. Finally, if you took your drain plug out during winterization, put it back in to avoid sinking the boat.

If you don’t have time or there are some things you can’t do on your own there are several marinas in our area that can assist you with getting your boat “season ready.” n

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Why Countybank’s Focus is on Putting People First In a small, tight-knit community like Anderson, helping your neighbor comes second nature to most folks. It may be something as simple as holding a door for someone. Countybank was founded in 1933 on a core set of principles centered around the ideals of guidance, communication, and relationship building. We continue to hold true to those central pillars today, which include a focus on putting people first.

Countybank is committed to providing its customers with the best products and services to meet their needs. But the deliberate choice to put people first goes much deeper. Our goal is to understand the customers’ needs and then work with them to discover what solutions may be available to best meet those needs. Countybank frequently partners with customers and clients to determine the best path forward that allows them to meet their goal. It is our hope that by building a personal relationship with our customers, we are earning their trust and establishing our credibility as their personal banker and Pictured (left to right) are Peggy Chamblee, Financial Center Manager; financial partner. n Mike Wooles, Anderson Market Executive; and Stacey Burrell, Mortgage Consultant.

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March/April 2020 Wednesday, March 4, America’s Favorite Cookies & Beer Pairing, 5:00pm – 9:00pm at Growler Haus, 313 N Main St, Anderson. Four classic cookie flavors paired with four delicious craft beers, while supplies last. The flavors highlighted this year are chocolate mint, shortbread, caramel, and lemon. To purchase tickets ahead of time, call 864-225-0057.

Thursday, March 12, Power of the Purse 2020, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Hosted

by United Way of Anderson, at Dillard’s located in the Anderson Mall.

Fabulous purses will be auctioned off and proceeds will benefit the new Camp iRock initiative. Tickets are $35. For more information www. unitedwayofanderson.org Saturday, March 21, Hejaz Shrine Circus, starting at 11:00am – 10:00pm at Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center. Time of shows: 11:00am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm. Upstate South Carolina’s premier family entertainment extravaganza. This family-friendly event is incredible fun for the whole family. For more information www.hejazshrinecircus.com Friday April 3, Relay For Life Anderson County 2020, 6:00pm – 12:00am, Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, Save The Date! Please note the relay has moved to a bigger venue that will allow more space for teams to set up. Join Relay for Life for “A Night of Hope Under The Big Top.” For the first time, Relay For Life of Anderson County will also have a inclement weather plan and will be able to move the event indoors at the Anderson Civic Center. For more information www.relayforlife.org/ andersonsc Saturday, April 4 and April 5, Spring Jubilee 2020, Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm –on the green in Pendleton. There will be live entertainment, over 80 artists, delicious food, children’s activities, and so much more. Plan to attend this family-friendly event. For more information www.facebook.com/SpringJubileeFestival Saturday, April 11, Opening Reception April Showers Art Exhibit, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Belton Center for the Arts, 306 City Sq, Belton. “April showers bring May flowers,” is a saying that refers to the traditional period of rain before the bloom of spring flowers. Figuratively, it is used to express that there is often a period of discomfort that paves the way for more pleasant times ahead. This is the theme of the April art exhibit.

Exhibit goes through May 15. For information on how to submit artwork, visit www.beltoncenterforthearts.org.

Saturday, April 18, Lake Hartwell Antique Boat Festival, 10:00am – 3:00pm, Hartwell Marina. Presented by Blue Ridge Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat society & Hart County Chamber of Commerce This is a family friendly event with food, music, crafts, and antique boats.

Admission is free, parking is $3. For more information www.hart-chamber.org.

Sunday, April 19, 2020 Come Dream With Me Prom, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Anderson Civic Center Park · Anderson, South Carolina. The Come Dream With Me Prom was born in the heart of Sherry Fuller whose daughter, Amanda, missed the opportunity to attend her own prom before passing away. With the thought that every child should have the opportunity to experience a prom regardless of any diagnosis, physical challenges, sensory challenges, or special needs. This event is free for individuals with special needs and their chaperone. Registration is required. For more information, look them up on Facebook.

Pastor Kurt Stutler and Loretta Holloway, “South Carolina’s Official First Lady of Song,” will present the “Uniting Our Community” concert at South Main Mercy Chapel. Sunday, March 29, 2020. 6:00 PM. This is a FREE CONCERT. Please bring non-perishable food items to help our neighbors in need. 2408 South Main Street, Anderson, SC. Special sponsorship by Foggie Holloway Funeral Home of Anderson and Holloway’s Funeral Home of Belton.

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Deviled Eggs Easter is on April 12 this year, and nothing is more appropriate for your Easter Sunday meal than deviled eggs!

There are many variations that include bacon, jalapenos, capers and even caviar, but here’s the basic, tried-and-true recipe from Southern Living.

Ingredients 12 hard-cooked eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 2 teaspoons yellow mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika How to Make It Cut eggs in half lengthwise; carefully remove yolks, and place in a bowl, reserving whites. Mash yolks with a fork. Stir in mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients; spoon into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and chill.

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Keep your eye on the red brick

Leadership Anderson Class 36 has publicly announced Mural on Main, a project designed to connect the community through the power of art, by installing a mural in downtown Anderson. This venture comes as a result of the 10-month leadership program’s class participants being charged with selecting and pursuing a project that will yield a positive, everlasting impact on the community.

The mural will be fixated to the west facing wall of Orr Street in downtown Anderson, completely visible to all passersby of Main Street. Commissioned by local artist Herman Keith, Jr., the mural will be produced using a parachute-cloth technique and made up of 5x5 panels, measuring 1,700 square feet when assembled.

Keith’s passion and ability creates art that transforms beautiful downtown areas and serves as a landmark of which the community can be proud.

Class members cited research studies by Americans for the Arts that evidence the power of murals and other forms of public art to support economic growth, promote social cohesion and cultural understanding, and encourage attachment and sense of belonging within a community. Combining these kinds of evidence-based results with the City of Anderson’s existing Shock the Block plans, Mural on Main has garnered the attention and support of city officials. The vibrant, intricate design is dedicated largely to denoting landmarks and cultivating historical understanding of Anderson County and the Electric City. Assistant City Manager, Andrew Stickland, voiced the city’s support of this project, “Mural on Main will add depth to the rich public art offerings throughout our community.

Leadership Anderson’s vision gives us the opportunity to implement an important project identified in our downtown master plan—Shock This Block. We look

forward to partnering with nearby businesses and property owners to supplement this exciting project.”

Leadership Anderson Class 36 requests the support of community members and organizations to bring this project to reality. In addition to financial support, the 5’x5’ square panels will be painted by schools, community partners, and project sponsors. This technique provides the opportunity for individuals and organizations to participate and, quite literally, leave their mark on Downtown Anderson. For additional details, including sponsorship information, visit the project website at www.muralonmain.com. With public support, Mural on Main will be completed by June 2020.

Leadership Anderson, founded in 1984, is a 10-month leadership development program devoted to strengthening and dedicating our community leaders. Over 800 local leaders have graduated from the program and continue their commitment to the growth, development and prosperity of Anderson County. To sponsor a square, visit www.muralonmain.com. n

andersonmagazine.com 30 March/April 2020

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THE LEGAL LEGACIES CONTINUE

Nancy Jo Thomason & Many long time Anderson residents may Christopher Pracht associate the Thomason and Pracht names

with local lawyers, but it’s a different generation of Thomason and Pracht behind the names of this local law practice now.

Glenn W. Thomason had his practice in Anderson for 25 years before his daughter Nancy Jo joined him in March of 1993. Nancy Jo Thomason earned BA in Journalism from the University of South Carolina and went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina, School of Law. Being the consummate over achiever, she graduated law school in only 2 ½ years, December of 1992. In February of 1993 she took the bar and went on to join her father at his law firm in March of that year. Sadly, the father-daughter team was only in practice together for a short time as Glenn Thomason passed away July 31st of that year. Nancy Jo Thomason is now the power behind the Thomason name, practicing in the same building as her father did.

After her father passed, Thomason practiced

for a couple of years on her own. She went on to broaden her experience by spending a year in Greenville Solicitor’s Office. She then returned to Anderson spent a year with a different private firm. In 1997 Thomason then decided to reopen the law firm in her father’s original building as a solo practice. Thomason’s passion was and is in family law.

Thomason met Christopher Pracht in December of 2012 when she was coming off the Board of Directors for the Free Clinic and Pracht was going on. Pracht, like Thomason, was in his own practice at the time they met and the two started talking about the challenges they faced keeping up with their private practices and keeping them successful.

After realizing they shared the same challenges, they decided to have lunch and discuss joining forces and in March of 2013 they did just that and formed Thomason and Pracht, LLP. Christopher Pracht, full name John Christopher Pracht V, is the grandson of John Christopher Pracht III who served four terms in the South Carolina General Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives from 1952-1956 and 1962-1966. Pracht III was one of the first lawyers in Anderson County to specialize in Tax Law. Christopher Pracht is now the other half of the team at the Thomason & Pracht firm.

Christopher Pracht is a native South Carolinian born here in Anderson. He is a 2008 Cum Laude Honor Graduate from the Charleston School of Law. In 2009, Pracht opened his own law practice in Anderson before joining forces with Thomason in 2013.

Pracht’s legal passion is representing people who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to the wrongdoing of a person or corporation.

This year marks the 7th year this dynamic duo has been in practice together. In addition to the law firm the duo continues to be involved with many philanthropic endeavors here in Anderson including the cause that brought them together, the Free Clinic. n

Thomason & Pracht • 303 E. Greenville Street • Anderson www.864law.com andersonmagazine.com 32 March/April 2020

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I Need a Lawyer!

Where to Begin?

By Lisa Marie Carter If you find yourself in a situation where you need for an attorney, you may be wondering how you even start the search. These days law firms tout their services from billboards, radio and television, among other media, always promising they are the best. Choosing the right one for you can be a bit daunting. Here are some of the basics to consider when narrowing down your choices for legal representation.

First, you will need to determine what type of attorney you need. It is always preferable to locate an attorney who has experience in the practice area of your case. This will enable your attorney to best represent your interests. Some examples of law practice areas include: • Bankruptcy law • Criminal law • Disability law • Trusts and estates • Family law • Personal injury law • Employment law • Small business or corporate law The next step is to get referrals and recommendations.

The South Carolina Bar Association offers a list of qualified attorneys in your area. The bar association keeps public records about complaints and disciplinary actions taken against attorneys licensed to practice in the state. Though the bar association offers a free referral service that can help you find an attorney to suit your case’s needs, it’s important to know attorneys pay extra to be listed in this rotation. The recommendation from the bar association is good for finding an attorney that practices in the area of law you are needing but it’s up to

you to check out their local reputation. South Carolina’s bar association’s website is www.scbar.org.

As you narrow down your choice, talk to friends and family members who used an attorney. Find out who they hired, for what type of service, if they were happy with the service, and why or why not. Ask if they would recommend the attorney. Even if that attorney doesn’t concentrate on the exact type of law you are needing representation in, they most likely will know an attorney they can recommend who does.

Another important thing to consider is the location of your attorney. Having an attorney in the same area is beneficial for a few reasons. First, you won’t have to pay for travel. Most attorneys will charge travel fees from their office to court when it’s not in the same town.

Additionally, it’s beneficial to have an attorney who is familiar with the courts, judges and laws of the area where you live.

If you think you may have narrowed down your choices, schedule a consultation with the top person on your list. Depending on the type of case you have, many attorneys will offer a free or reduced fee consultation.

This will give you the opportunity to decide if you like the attorney’s style as well as if you feel comfortable with them personally. Be wary of someone who promises you the moon! You want the attorney to be honest with you on all aspects of the case and set realistic expectations regarding the outcome. If anything rubs you the wrong way about the attorney, you can thank them for their time and move onto the next person on your list. Don’t stop until you are satisfied you have found the best legal representation you can afford. n

andersonmagazine.com 34 March/April 2020

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the SingletonFamily T

here are many ways to become parents, beyond the standard home-grown pregnancy and birth.

Two methods, private adoption and foster care, can change the trajectory of a child’s life and a couple can suddenly become a family of three – or more.

Lydia and Sam Coker grew up in Anderson and Williamston, respectively. They met 19 years ago while working together and got married seven years later.

Within a few years, the couple began their journey through the private adoption process.

“Eight years ago, we decided to go the private adoption route to start our family,” said Lydia Coker.

“We chose an attorney in Greenville to help us get started and began making three required photo albums to show prospective birth mothers about our family.”

For a private adoption, families are chosen by the birth mother. Photo albums were popular ten years ago, but now almost everything is done using social media.

Families create web pages for prospective birth mothers to peruse as they narrow their search for the family they choose for their baby.

“Making our photo albums, recording videos and creating our web page story was a stressful, but a necessary part of the private adoption process,” said

Sam Coker. “I know we must have recorded our video ten times before we relaxed enough to get the one we wanted to use.”

Private adoptions can be really expensive and waiting on a newborn or very young child may easily take a year or longer. Families who would like to adopt a newborn understand this and go into the adoption process with these things in mind.

“Sam and I were prepared to wait, and it took about a year before we got a call that we were chosen by a birth mother,” said Lydia Coker. “We had fundraisers, yard sales, pinched pennies and even started a little side business where I sold homemade bath and body products at local festivals to raise money to help us pay for the adoption.”

While parents who conceive a child have months to prepare for their child, adoptive parents may only have hours or days before finding out that they will be parents.

The Cokers were all packed and ready for a vacation to Costa Rica when they got the call about their oldest daughter, Tempe.

“We literally had our suitcases packed and sitting at the front door,” said Sam Coker, chuckling. “We got a call on Wednesday that the birth mother was in labor.

andersonmagazine.com 36 March/April 2020

Welcome Home:

adoption in Anderson the Coker Family

We met our daughter on Thursday and took her home on Saturday. God had a plan. We were in for a new adventure, but it sure wasn’t Costa Rica.”

A few years later, the Cokers decided to go through private adoption again, and they were blessed to bring Remlee into their family.

“The birth mother wanted us to be in the room when Remlee was born,” said Lydia. “Sam even cut the umbilical cord. It was an incredible experience for us.”

Foster adoptions are a little different, and they have their own set of surprising circumstances too.

Brandy and Jodie Singleton were married and not planning on having children. They had discussed it before getting married and decided they would live child-free lives. Life has a way of changing things in an instant.

“I got a phone call that a distant cousin of mine across the country was arrested and her child was taken away from her,” said Brandy Singleton. “They were looking for any relative willing to take him in. Jodie and I said yes, and we jumped into the world of foster care certification without looking back.”

Despite not planning to have children, the Singletons were suddenly certified to foster five children in 2004.

The process did not take long, and before they knew

By Caroline Anneux

“The heroes of our story are the women that sacrificed everything,” said Lydia Coker.

“They chose us to raise their children, and it is the biggest honor of our lives. We tell our daughters how important and special their first mothers are and without their sacrifice and love we would not have our sweet family. We could never thank them enough.”

andersonmagazine.com 37 March/April 2020

it their home was filled with three six-year-olds, one three-year-old and a newborn all at the same time.

“If you have a heart, it tugs at you,” said Brandy Singleton. “When you realize how many children are in the foster system hoping for a loving family to take them in, it isn’t hard to make the decision to help them.”

The Singletons adopted four of the children (one of the boys went back to his biological father), and, thankfully, life will never be the same again.

“Jodie and I could not imagine life without these four amazing boys of ours,” said Brandy Singleton. “We are like any family here in Anderson raising children.

Homework, school events, friends, sports, after school jobs, etc. It is all part of our ‘normal’ now, and we love every moment of being their parents.”

Children who are adopted or fostered are chosen.

They are given the opportunity to grow up in a loving, safe home so vastly different from the ones they would have with their birth parents. The Cokers and the Singletons have opened their hearts and homes to six beautiful, smart and incredible children, and they would love to see more local families do the same. n

“There are so many children in our local foster system who are there as innocent victims of the opioid and mental health issues of their birth families,” said Brandy Singleton.

“Please consider helping break that cycle by fostering or mentoring a child in need right now.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, consider these resources:Foster care and adoption services are available through the South Carolina Department of Social Services. For more information, visit www.dss.sc.gov or call 1-888-828-3555.

Additionally, New Foundations Home for Children is proud to announce, Connections, a Therapeutic Foster Care program. The agency will connect children to the services they need in order to thrive. Our foster parents will connect children to a caring family. Our experienced staff will connect families to the support they need to make a difference. For more information on the program, contact Nikki Latimer at 864-9657774. andersonmagazine.com 38 March/April 2020

Join us for a summer of exploring our nations national parks through visual art.

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Hometown Bank

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The 1950s…the era of poodle skirts, Elvis, and the Chevrolet Bel Air. It was also the decade when The Peoples Bank was founded right here in our own community.

Built on a standard of superior customer service and the ability to address personal and business financial needs, The Peoples Bank has grown from one location to six locations to serve Anderson County.

We are your true Hometown Bank with high tech capabilities. In today’s world of technology, if you’ve got a tablet or smart phone, our mobile banking functionality with the carry-it-with-you convenience, opens up banking anytime/anywhere. We offer online bill pay, mobile deposit and electronic transfer, which makes managing your accounts convenient.

With highly secure technology, you can get an instant balance check with just a quick tap on your phone and move money between your accounts. Transfer money from your savings over to your checking for that trip you planned without ever having to visit a branch. It saves you time, and lets you bank when it’s most convenient for you.

While many of us are very comfortable with today’s technology, we know it’s in our best interest to not let everything become too automatic.

That’s why The Peoples Bank’s mobile banking also offers real-time alerts. If your balance drops to a certain amount, you can receive a text message letting you know. When a deposit goes through, you’ll get notified. Not only are these alerts convenient, but they also can help spot signs of fraud and identity theft.

With our CardValet® service, you have the ability to manage your debit card on your terms. CardValet® lets you decide how and when your card is used. You can customize your card controls to your location, merchant categories and even limit purchase amounts. It’s a great way to control and monitor spending, whether you’re a parent trying to manage family spending or limit employee spending for a small business. This unique service, gives you the ability to turn your card off if it is lost or stolen, which is another great feature that helps guard against fraud.

And while technology has certainly changed the face of banking, the principles of The Peoples Bank remain the same – excellent customer service and meeting the local community’s needs. So, click your way to convenience with mobile banking, but rest assured a welcoming, friendly face is at one of our six locations to assist you as well.

On the Web www.peoplesbanksc.com

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ peoplesbankofiva

andersonmagazine.com 41 March/April 2020

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#GACC2020 The Great Anderson County Cleanup (GACC) is a countywide community cleanup effort hosted each year by the Keep Anderson County Beautiful and Anderson County Solid Waste and Recycling. This will be the sixth annual event, which also coincides with Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup, which is from March 19th through June 20th.

Each year, over 600 volunteers collect thousands of bags of trash. In 2019, volunteers gathered 5,234 bags of litter during GACC. The yearly cleanup is an excellent opportunity to get involved in our community and help combat litter in Anderson County.

The Great Anderson County Cleanup is Saturday, April 25th from 8 a.m. until noon. Citizens as well as civic, school or church groups are encouraged to participate in the countywide cleanup effort.

The Great Anderson County Cleanup Kick-Off Party

will be on April 20th. A brief presentation will provide safety tips to volunteers during the cleanup. County officials will recognize outstanding volunteers that are participating in this year’s litter pick up. A meal will be served as an appreciation of the volunteers’ efforts and their time spent beautifying our county. Supplies will be provided to volunteers that attend the GACC kick-off event.

Anderson County employees will depart at 8 a.m. Those wishing to work alongside county staff in designated locations may meet at the county’s solid waste office located at 1428 Pearman Dairy Road (the old TTI facility). Cleanup supplies will be issued at that time.

Please report location of all bags to be picked up by calling (864)260-1001 or email, sbporter@ andersoncountysc.org. n

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Call 260-1001 for more information! andersonmagazine.com 43 March/April 2020

Happening in Pendleton

By Jay Wright

Been to Pendleton lately? In the midst of all the construction and revitalization going on there, the Art Gallery on Pendleton Square is drawing lots of attention and shoppers. In addition to the newly widened sidewalks, storefront facelifts, and fresh coats of paint all around the entire square, a glance through the gallery’s big windows invites even the casual visitor inside.

This ever-changing storefront gallery at 150 Exchange Street is owned and operated by 25 artisans from Anderson, Pendleton and Seneca.

Each member artist is involved in and dedicated to the gallery’s success as a whole as much as his or her own individual success. Their work and dedication has paid off because the gallery is being referred to as “an Upstate treasure.” Its tasteful displays, roomy aisles and unique works make a trip to Pendleton a must.

Inside, you’ll find a wide range of ceramics; functional and decorative pottery; woodturning and handmade furniture; sculptures; jewelry; wardrobe-

enhancing scarves and bags; stained glass mosaics; fiber art; mixed media; oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings; as well as photography and sketches. New art pieces are introduced weekly and thoughtfully displayed.

I had the good fortune to be introduced to the store

by Cindy Hart, the co-op’s current president. In addition to pointing out unique features of some of the works on display and the artists behind them, she mentioned that the gallery will celebrate its third anniversary in this location in April after starting in a much smaller space beside The Village Bakery in August 2014. This enabled the co-op to bring in more artists and have a wider variety of works to display. She said, “A number

Their work and dedication has paid off because the gallery is being referred to as “an Upstate treasure.”

andersonmagazine.com 44 March/April 2020

of our gallery members are also members of other artist guilds and some are teachers of their craft.”

Hart mentioned an activity that is helping to introduce residents and visitors to the gallery as well as other businesses on the square. Every second Friday evening of the month, the gallery’s doors are open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to enable visitors to enjoy wine, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres and presentations by one of the member artists. It is also a relaxed time to look at and admire the work on display and ask about new artforms.

Other events and factors are bringing more people to Pendleton’s famous square and to the gallery. The widened sidewalks have enabled food businesses on the square to offer outdoor dining in good weather, which is always a treat. Altering street curbing, installing streetlamps, and making Exchange Street traffic one-way have made getting around much safer during busy times and after daylight. The annual Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee in April and the Pendleton Fall Harvest Festival in October bring thousands of artisans, food vendors, musicians, and tourists from around the Upstate and the nation.

“We give special attention to our website, www. artgalleryps.org,” said Hart. “We go to extra lengths to keep it current and we use high quality images to show pieces in the best possible way. A piece of art can touch you, move you, alter your mood. It can make you feel good every time you see it, wear it, or show it to someone else. It is unlikely someone will visit our gallery and not be moved by some artist’s work displayed here. We urge customers to check our website often for new pieces by our top-notch artisans.

“We’re in the right place,” Hart continued. “Clemson Little Theatre productions plus the tourism for our historic plantations help people discover us, and Clemson events bring people from every direction.

Anyone who hasn’t been to Pendleton lately will be amazed at all that’s happening on our square.” n

andersonmagazine.com 45 March/April 2020

Father-Son Duo

Taking Care of the Greens

By Caroline Anneaux Lee and Jack Dalton have a father-son relationship strengthened by a mutual appreciation for grass – the kind that grows on golf courses.

“We have the exact same job in a field that isn’t too common for people to work in,” said Lee Dalton, father.

“Jack and I both hold associate degrees in golf and turf management from Horry Georgetown Technical College near Myrtle Beach, and we are both golf course superintendents. I work at Cobb’s Glen Country Club in Anderson, and Jack is at Boscobel Golf & Country Club in Pendleton.”

Golf course maintenance is a seven-day-a-week job.

The maintenance teams on golf courses typically start around 6 a.m. year-round. Tee times vary, but golfers do begin arriving early in the mornings. The maintenance teams have to get out on the fairways early and get them ready for the day.

“Both of us are in charge of the crews at our respective courses,” said Lee Dalton. “Tee markers and cups are changed just about every day. Tees and fairways are cut three times a week, and the rough is mowed at least two times a week. Bunkers have to be raked daily. Normally our job ends around 4 p.m., but we stay as long as it takes to get the job done.”

The men have a shared love of golf that goes back many years. Lee’s father was in the United States Navy, and Lee has memories of being his father’s caddy when he was only 11 years old.

“Before I was allowed to play, I spent years caddying for my father,” said Lee Dalton. “No matter where my father’s job took the family, there was a golf course nearby where he could play. Not only did I play golf,

Jack and Lee Dalton I developed a love for the course and learned how important it was to maintain it in order to keep the players happy.”

Lee Dalton eventually ended up at Pinehurst in North Carolina. Pinehurst is a 12,000-acre golf complex made up of nine golf courses. It is the largest golf complex in

Jack Dalton and his crew at Boscobel Golf & Country Club keep the bent grass greens and bermuda covered fairways in impeccable shape for anyone playing on their golf course. andersonmagazine.com 46 March/April 2020

the world. The original golf course was opened in 1895 and has hosted U.S Open tournaments and famous players for over 100 years.

During the interview, Lee Dalton pulled out a photo he has of himself watching Payne Stewart play the year his famous putt won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

He also remembers playing a round of golf with country singer Willie Nelson at Pinehurst and again at Cobb’s Glen Country Club some years later.

“I was the golf course superintendent at Pinehurst for six years,” said Lee Dalton. “Jack was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina. He was able to go back and work there as an intern while he was in college. We have very special memories of the time we spent there.”

Lee Dalton took a job with Cobb’s Glen Country Club in March of 1986 and worked there for 13 years. In August 1999, he opened his own company, Dalton Turf & Irrigation, and ran it for 20 years. His private business carried him to golf courses all over the southeast, where he worked on golf course construction and repair.

During the time Lee Dalton was running his own company, his son, Jack, graduated from college and went to Boca West Country Club in Florida and remained there for seven years as golf course superintendent. His wife’s family was from upstate South Carolina, and she wanted to move back home.

“I took a job at The Links at Stoney Point West in Greenwood so we would be closer to family,” said Jack Dalton. “After seven years at that course, I took a job at Saluda Valley Country Club in Williamston. Last fall I accepted the head superintendent job at Boscobel Golf & Country Club, where I still am today.”

Jack Dalton jumped right in and began rebuilding greens and completely changed six of them. The course has received multiple compliments from players in the months that he has been in charge at Boscobel.

Once a month the men attend meetings with about 20 to 30 other superintendents in the upstate. The meetings are hosted at different courses in the upstate, so this gives them the opportunity to play a variety of courses each year.

“We enjoy those monthly meetings,” said Jack Dalton.

“It allows us to see different courses and share ideas on how to make our courses even better.”

About two years ago, Lee Dalton’s son, Jeff, passed away suddenly. Lee Dalton and his wife, Tammy, decided to close the business and reside in Williamston permanently. They wanted to be closer to their sons Jack and Jay, their wives and eight grandchildren. This is how he ended up working at Cobb’s Glen Country Club again, and where he intends to stay.

“Now, everyone is back in the Anderson area,” said Lee Dalton. “My wife and I plan two family vacations a year for everyone. We all go to Garden City on the coast of South Carolina every summer. Last year we also took everyone to Walt Disney World. We love spending time together as a family.” n

If you make a tee time at Cobb’s Glen Country Club, you will be playing golf on gorgeous TifEagle ultradwarf Bermuda fairways that Lee Dalton and his maintenance team keep in tip-top shape. andersonmagazine.com 47 March/April 2020

Amanda Nicks: Making a Difference

Amanda Nicks, legal advocate for the Foothills Alliance Child Advocacy and Sexual Trauma Center, right, talks with her mentor, Tri-County Technical College Social Sciences Department Head Stacey Frank.

If Amanda Nicks hadn’t met Tri-County Technical College Social Sciences Department Head Stacey Frank – by pure happenstance – she probably would be working as a structural engineer – but she wouldn’t have discovered her passion for psychology and translated it into a career devoted to people and public service.

Three years ago, Amanda, a Navy veteran and Associate in Science major, was working toward credits to transfer to Clemson University’s Civil/Structural Engineering program.

Stacey, a Marine Corps veteran who is the advisor for Tri-County’s Student Veterans Association, met Amanda in Patriots’ Place, a veterans center that opened in November 2013 on the Pendleton Campus. It serves

as a veterans’ one-stop shop for enrollment processes, resources, and a place to study and talk.

Their initial conversations centered on their military service. “Just like that, we bonded and hit it off instantly.

It’s so rare to come across another female veteran who becomes a mentor,” said Amanda. “There is no other female veteran I have had this type of relationship with.”

Over time their talks delved more deeply into Amanda’s future career plans. “Stacey listened to me and talked me through my career pathway,” she remembers.

A year after being honorably discharged from the Navy, Amanda moved to the area and decided to go back to college to prepare for her dream – architecture.

andersonmagazine.com 48 March/April 2020

“I thought I was just taking Associate in Science classes at Tri-County to prepare to transfer to Clemson, but Stacey is the one who helped me figure out I also could graduate with a Tri-County degree.”

At Clemson Amanda enrolled directly into the Civil Engineering program, but the number of intense math courses – all required in that very first semester – gave her pause. “I began to really look at what would make me happy,” said Amanda. “I thought about Stacey’s Psychology classes at Tri-County, and I changed my major to Psychology. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

In 2018 she earned a B.S. degree in Psychology (with a minor in Architecture), and this past summer she received a second bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. After graduating in August, her part-time job as a Legal Advocate for the Foothills Alliance Child Advocacy and Sexual Trauma Center (which serves Oconee and Pickens counties) became a full-time position where she continues to work with survivors of sexual trauma.

“If I hadn’t met Stacey in Patriots’ Place, I wouldn’t be here today. Without Tri-County, I would be doing a job – not having a career. Tri-County gave me a pathway,” said Amanda.

“If I hadn’t met Stacey in Patriots’ Place, I wouldn’t be here today. Without Tri-County, I would be doing a job -- not having a career.

Tri-County gave me a pathway.” ~Amanda Nicks Stacey was one of the first Amanda contacted when she was among the 20 accepted into the 2019 Focus Forward Fellowship, which is designed to help female student veterans and service members build skills, leadership, and a sense of community with other like-minded female veterans.

She is the second consecutive student veteran from Clemson to attend the yearlong competitive national program conducted by Purdue’s Military and Family Research Institute.

She attended a four-day residency held in July 2019 at Purdue University in Indiana. She will engage with her cohorts in an online community during the academic year.

“When I left the military, I felt like I left my family, but at Tri-County, I again had my brothers and sisters, although in a different and new environment, all having each other’s back as we navigated our new mission of college. It’s not our biological families, but they are equally as important,” said Amanda.

With an associate degree and two bachelor’s degrees under her belt, she is currently enrolled in USC’s MSW satellite program.

“It’s important to Amanda to make a difference in this world,” said Stacey. “As veterans, we want to help our country, and sometimes it’s difficult for veterans to find our path when we are not in service. We served our country and the people around us. We all want to find a different way to do that – as teachers, firemen, police officers, nurses. Amanda found it in victims’ advocacy.”

“My time at Tri-County was meaningful in many ways,” Amanda said, “mainly because I met Stacey, who was my mentor and now is also my friend. We may not see each other for months, but we Snapchat, e-mail, and keep up through other veterans. The communication line is always open. I’m grateful for Stacey; she is a friend for life and a fellow veteran, but most important, she is family.” andersonmagazine.com 49 March/April 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

www.tctc.edu 864.646.TCTC (8282)

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.

www.legacyofandersonseniorliving.com andersonmagazine.com 50 March/April 2020

GET YOUR TAXES DONE

FOR FREE United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free income tax assistance to individuals and families with a household income of less than $60,000 a year.

WHAT YOU NEED:

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Social Security cards and/or ITIN cards for taxpayer, spouse and dependents listed on the return Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse (if married filing jointly) Birth dates for taxpayer, spouse and dependents.

All income statements: W-2, 1099, 1099-R, Social Security Benefits Statement and other income sources Tuition Statement (1098-T) and related expenses from college or technical school Statement from Child Care Provider (includes total paid and tax ID number) Affordable Care Act Statements: Form 1095-A, B or C A copy of last year’s return, if available Bank account number and routing number (for direct deposit of any refund)

To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1 51 Or toll free 866-892-9211 andersonmagazine.com

March/April 2020

Expert Care.

When and where you need it.

• 50+ Locations • Extended Hours • E-Visits • Urgent Care • Online Appointments

Need help finding the right care?

864.512.3748 or AnMedHealth.org/Doctors