March 2023

Fair-Town Times - Executive: Hope Parker-Founding Editor, Adam Conyers-Co-Editor, Teddy Cobb-Chairman, Gretchen Fuller-Treasurer, Lynn Henderson -Secretary

Contributors:

Gene Sprague, Ann Rogers, Gretchen Fuller, Bill Bauer, Bill Sandifer, Buddy Moseley, Mildred Moseley, Joseph Cobb, Terry Swain-Fair-Oak Youth Center, Ben Lewis - Edward Jones, Jay Wright, Nick Gambrell, Lowell Belue, Woodrow William, Kelly Monfort, Gary Shaw, Glenda Moseley, Matthew Fortin

Our Mailing Address

Fair-Town Times, Box 382, Fair Play, SC 29643

Our deadline for news and advertisements is the 15th of each month for next month’s edition.

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Dates to Remember In March

March 8th - International Women's Day

March 12th - Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 17th - Saint Patrick's Day

March 20th - Spring Begins

March 29th - Vietnam War Veterans Day

More Character in Our Communi es by Adam Conyers

The quote, “No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow,” assures that spring will arrive, in spite of our sometimes feeling the trying winter months will infinitely linger. I am extremely hopeful that March 20th will bring Spring in all of its brilliant glory, warmer days and beautiful rays of sunlight included.

We can sometimes think of seasons as metaphorically representing life’s different circumstances or periods, such as winter for our advanced years or times of struggle and strife and the season of spring for youth and times of growth and prosperity. When dealing with unpleasant circumstances, periods that may test us, or any great and important undertaking that demands no less than our best efforts, what better character attribute could we possess than that of diligence? Diligence, as a virtue, describes thoroughness, completeness, and persistence of an action. It can be defined as a constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind. Diligence is also foundational in developing a positive attitude and assisting us in many other virtuous attributes such as confidence, patience, loyalty, and integrity. It aids us in becoming the best example to others. In stark contrast to the aforementioned desirable attributes are a few of the many and sordid opposing vices of lethargy, carelessness, disregard, idleness, inattention, indolence, laziness, negligence, thoughtlessness and indifference. We need to be keenly self aware of any sign or semblance of these negative character traits and actions, not only because of the counterproductive impact they may have on our profession, but more especially because of the detriment on our personal lives and relationships. By allowing a bad situation or circumstance to distort and deform us into a person with a bad attitude, we set our own course to be ineffective, become a stumbling block to others and cause doors to slam closed that may have led to other options and opportunities.

One of the greatest examples of a life of diligence, and well worth reading, would be that of Joseph’s life, which can be found in the book of Genesis in chapters 37 - 50. In closing I offer one final quote by Michael Josephson, who is a noted radio commentator and the founder of the nonprofit Josephson Institute of Ethics and CHARACTER COUNTS. “It doesn’t make sense to run faster if you are running in the wrong direction. It doesn’t make sense to work harder if you are working on the wrong thing. Speed and diligence are only virtues once you have a clear and worthy goal.”

(Shared from my March 2015 article)

About the Front Cover

Barefoot Outdoor Products LLC

8850 West Oak Highway

Seneca, SC 29678

(864)985-3624

Owner: Anne Gutkowski

This company was started by Ms. Anne Gutkowski and she started this company to bring landscaping materials closer to Lake Hartwell in Oconee county because her customers were asking for it.

Her main objec ve is to sa sfy her customers. They are her top priority because without them she has nothing.

Barefoot Outdoor Products is open 7 days a week for those customers that work 6 days a week. They also take appointments for those that need supplies before and a er their working hours. They sell to the public and contractors.

They supply black, brown, and red double ground colored mulch, single ground mulch, double ground hardwood mulch, cer fied playground mulch, and cedar mulch.

They also supply aggregates such as 57 stone, crusher run, surge, riprap, pea gravel, M10 arena sand and different sizes of river rock.

They also supply fill dirt, topsoil, retaining wall block, erosion control devices such as silt fence, straw ma ng and a whole lot more.

They are adding to their inventory weekly so go down and check them out. If they don’t have it, they can get it.

Follow them on Facebook and keep an eye out for their sales which she posts regularly.

Cedar Shoals Baptist Church (Belton, SC)

Photo Submitted by Buddy Moseley

Proverbs 6:12-19 (KJV)

12A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. 15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. 16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Hope Parker at Flowers by the Lake For a Dona on

Scripture chosen by Ann Rogers

Meet Your Neighbors Celebrating A Birthday In March!

Michelle Williams Celebrates her Birthday on March 5th!

Happy Birthday to Kristian James March 6th!

Kelly Monfort Celebrates his Birthday on March 9th!

Happy Birthday to Mary Saylors March 19th!

Happy Birthday to Nina Winchester March 9th!

Ronnie Hix Celebrates his Birthday on March 12th!

Happy Birthday to Hayden Lavoie March 15th!

Charlie McAbee Celebrates his Birthday on March 17th!

Alan Casalena Celebrates his Birthday on March 22nd!

POETRY TO THE EARS……….

A New Day

Ann Ramsey - Foothills Writers Guild

A brand-new day…

…or so they say. A chance to renew…

…my Faith in you.

Direct my thoughts, conquer the mind… …negative feelings leave behind. Never fight my battles alone…

…my Father is king and sits on His throne.

His assurance is all I need…

…His grace and mercy, I will plead. A brand-new day…

…God leads the way.

Dear Little One

Sharmen Oswald- Foothills Writers Guild and Pegasus

Dear Little One so innocent and new How do I explain love to you?

Love can be like a melting ice cream cone, One that you hold so very dear, your own.

Love can be fleeting just like that, Or it can be like your pet cat Who craves your attention for the day; All he wants is for you to play.

Love can be like the plant potted Needs watering, cannot be forgotten. Love is not easy, but worth the work. Love needs two people - it is preferred.

Birth (Diamante)

Ann Ramsey - Foothills Writers Guild

Birth

Painful, joyful, Grow, explore, learn, Baby, child, teen, adult, Toil, fret, achieve, Joyful, painful, Death

Hello Spring

Jay Wright - Foothills Writers Guild

Winter never goes away without a struggle. Winds push cold nights and nostalgic days aside like road plows against snow. Whistling winds send treetops in sweeping circles against clear cerulean skies.

Creatures cling tightly to dark, creaking branches until beautiful spring flowers emerge and soon wave "hello."

Garden Message

Angela Mason Lowe ‐ Foothills Writers Guild

Year after year… when winter’s almost over Little Miss Crocus takes a peek she’ll not be called a loafer.

“The seasons are a changing!” Relays her message to the Jonquils

“Come out of your retirement

…Oh, colorful Daffodils.” The welcome sight reminds us as they line the garden walk. Spring is very near… time to clean out old dead stalks

Antiques, Furniture, Home Decor

Cast Iron, Handmade Crafts, Sports Cards, Vinyl/Cd's

Centerville Pickers Market 1300 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson SC 29625

864.780.0210

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11am until 6pm, Saturday 10am until 5pm, Sunday 12pm until 4pm, Closed on Monday

We have provided construction management and property management for commercial, industrial, resort and residential clients on myriad properties since 1976. We are fully licensed, insured and qualified to assist with all of your property management needs. Providing services for rentals and landscape maintenance. We are experts in all aspects of property management. We are locally owned and operated.

We also manage and own property in Augusta, Ga., downtown North Augusta, SC and surrounding areas. We are part of your property team.

Please call for more information or email us, your home, commercial, residential and resort properties. We are your one stop management team that can assist with any project from Pines to punch list and beyond.

104 Clearwater Shores Rd. East Fair play SC 29643

864-844-5962

vignativentures@gmail.com

The Day Tripper

By Bill Bauer

When you think of spring, what color comes to mind? For me it is green. The dormant blades of winter grass start turning, stems begin to peek out of the warming earth, and tiny buds pop out of skeleton-like tree branches. All green and all letting us know that the warmth we appreciate is returning.

Not all the green signs of spring arrive via nature, however. There is this well known and well celebrated holiday in March called St. Patrick’s Day when, no matter what your heritage or ethnicity, you can claim to be Irish and join in the festivities.

The Upstate has no shortage of events when it comes to reveling in the Irish tradition of wearing green, eating corned beef and cabbage, and of course making merry. While St. Patty’s Day is officially celebrated on March 17th, in Seneca, the starting gun goes off on March 11th with a 5K, Half Marathon, and Kids Fun Run.

It’s a fun event in downtown Seneca with cash prizes and great swag including a t-shirt, bag, seat towel, and racer’s visor. Registration ends March 8th so if you plan to enter go online at www.runsignup.com

If you aren’t planning to run in Seneca, head to Greenville on the 11th for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival – the first since 2019! Located at Noma Square the event runs from 10:00-8:00.

The event will feature lots of celebrating Irish heritage with music, food, and dance. The Irish Steppers, Pipe and Drum Bands, The Synergy Twins, and Drop O’ The Pure are just a few of the live performers throughout the day.

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a pub crawl and also on the 11th, and also in Greenville is the 4th annual St. Paddy Shamrock Pub Crawl. Hundreds of crawlers, dressed in green, will be enjoying drinks, live music and of course, green beer in Downtown Greenville. The crawl check in is at the Parade Festival and runs from noon to 4:00. General admission participants get one beer at the festival, a green lanyard and a list of the bars on the crawl. A VIP ticket gets you a signature St. Paddy’s Day Shirt! Check online at eventbrite.com for more information and tickets.

Over in Clemson, while it’s not typically Irish, The Mellow Mushroom will be featuring Seth and Sara, performers that have been traveling across North America playing their modern-western style original music and covers of various artists. They perform from 6:00-9:00 on Friday, March 17th.

There may not be a Blarney stone to kiss in Upstate South Carolina, but there are plenty of four-leaf clovers. If you look hard enough, you might even find a leprechaun or two lurking in a pub. So get your Irish on, don some green, and join in the festivities. Remember, there are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish and those who wish they were!

TRAVEL BY GRETCHEN

136 Moonlight Dr. Fair Play, SC 29643

864‐972‐1796 / 800‐682‐8597 trvlbyg@aol.com

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to 2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date.

It is so great to be busy again with travelers ready to explore our world again. It is time to help find some frugal fun in some of our great cities on a budget. Chicago is known for chilly windy weather, but much of the time you can enjoy comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities like the architectural and natural pleasures – many are free. Lodging by the L or subway train lines as in Old Town or Lincoln Park are wallet friendly. Transportation using the elevated and subway trains are an easy and less expensive way to get around compared to cabs Take the Brown line that weaves around skyscrapers, crosses the Chicago River and provides backyard views of many neighborhoods. A 7 day unlimited pass is $25. A must see tour is the 90 minute Chicago walking tour or the Chicago River cruise offered by the Chicago Architecture Center. Don’t miss the Art Institute, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium. Many of the free attractions hug the lakefront like Millenium Park or Navy Pier. Food can be $$$, but there are places like downtown food halls where you can find affordable offers from multiple eateries. My personal favorite meals are a Chicago Dog, Italian Beef and Chicago pizza!

Next issues will focus on New York, Miami, Seattle and Houston.

Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

Travel Safe,

Gretchen Fuller, Travel by Gretchen

POETRY TO THE EARS……….

Springtime Delight

Susan B Stepp - Foothills Writers Guild

2023

Pegasus II Poetry Group Leader

I have always been fond of daffodil’s buttery faces Bursting forth among leftover winter traces. Nodding and bowing in the breeze Emerging while spring is still just a tease.

When I was a child attending a neighborhood school

We walked several blocks to get there, as a rule. The houses along the way varied in both size and design, But were generally modest, Nothing showy or refined.

The yards in front and besides varied too:

From sand swept lots to lovely plots where small gardens grew.

Sometimes fenced, but mostly open and inviting to view. I loved exploring each one as I passed in review.

In springtime my favorite yard was a wondrous sight

A sloping hillside engulfed in yellow-gold so bright

As the folk living on that corner had dispersed

So many daffodil bulbs their whole yard was immersed.

You could not pick your way through that dancing profusion

Of bobbing yellow heads that gave the illusion

Like Wordsworth so eloquently described in verse “A host of golden daffodils “ too rich and thick to traverse.

Wild Abandon

Patricia Jones Wood - Foothills Writers Guild

We danced with wild abandon.

Bodies strong, slim, and supple. On our toes, completely balanced.

Hearts afire, passion strong.

We loved with wild abandon.

Fingers touched and sparks ignited.

Soul mates craving constant nearness.

Hearts afire, passion strong.

We trusted with wild abandon.

Lives entwined, completely one. We sacrificed oneness for each other.

Hearts afire, passion strong.

Setting an Example of Compassion

Susan B. Stepp - Foothills Writers Guild

Compassion requires more than a basket of fruit. It is not a showy gesture, our own horn to toot. It is more than a short term political objective

Proposed to get votes, to seem more elective. Nor is injustice well served by inflamed passion

Though getting publicly irate seems to be in fashion. But, to really help those who have been ill treated Takes patience and planning to see what is needed.

Communication is often the key to success

Without finding yourself in a snarled mess. First, the people concerned need to have their say. About what they need to happen and in what way. Some research about options is a place to begin Instead of getting ensnared in “what might have been.” Effective solutions for long term assistance

Requires hard work and a lot of persistence.

There is a program called Clemson Community Care Providing food through donations from those willing to share.

It’s a community effort organized and well run So hunger needs can be met, The job is well done. At Clemson Free Clinic, year after year Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists’ volunteer. Crucial free medicines are often dispensed As these too are donated without recompense. All those who donate needed goods or their time, Also help in the growth of a kinder paradigm. These programs demonstrate compassionate care Provided by a community dedicated and aware.

Winter Walk

Sharmen Oswald - Foothills Writers Guild

Ground crunches under feet

Frozen twigs have a different sound. Nuthatch hops about looking for treat Acorn peeps above the ground.

Wren calls into frozen air

Hoping to find a friend

She doesn’t seem aware Her cheerful song transcends.

The brisk air, the zephyr Sings “Hold on for spring!” Let the winter be our measure Of what the spring can bring.

Fair-Oak Youth Center News

Bingo

Come join us for bingo March 14th & 28th. Doors open at 5:30 and play begins at 6:30. Fun for all ages!

Brand New Scoreboards

https://www.foyouthcenter.org

Roofing the Farmhouse…

By Nick Gambrell

It is roofing me at the Foothills Farmstead! The farmhouse originally had wooden shingles but metal shingles were installed over 100 years ago. So, we’re reinstalling thousands of shingles this month. Pictured here is the comple on of the middle of the back of the house. Each shingle interlocks with the previous shingle and creates a unique pa ern all together. Stop by to check out the progress!

Also, we have our Spring flower bulb/plant sale going on now. So, head over to our website and support the farmstead if you’re able! www.foothillsfarmstead.org.

What’s Cookin’ with Willie Ann

By Ann Rogers

Air-Fryer Crispy Curry Drumsticks

Ingredients

 1 pound chicken drumsticks

 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

 2 tablespoons olive oil

 2 teaspoons curry powder

 1/2 teaspoon onion salt

 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Minced fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

1. Place chicken in a large bowl; add 1/2 teaspoon salt and enough water to cover. Let stand 15 minutes at room temperature. Drain and pat dry.

 2. Preheat air fryer to 375°. In another bowl, mix oil, curry powder, onion salt, garlic powder and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; add chicken and toss to coat. In batches, place chicken in a single layer on tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 170°-175°, 15-17 minutes, turning halfway through. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro.

Broccoli Waldorf Salad

 6 cups broccoli florets

 1 large apple, chopped

 ½ cup raisins

 ¼ cup chopped pecans

 ½ cup coleslaw dressing

In a large serving bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: ten servings.

Submitted by Mildred Moseley

“Broccoli is a great source of antioxidants and may enhance your health by reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, boosting immunity, and promoting heart health. Why Is Broccoli a Superfood?

“fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium”

COMMUNITY NOTICE!

Community notice for anyone living in the Double Springs Volunteer Fire Department area. Double Springs Volunteer Fire Department has a vacancy on the board.

The meeting is April 11th, 2023

At 7:00 PM at Double Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

One must reside and live in the Double Springs Volunteer Fire Department area.

The fire department is located at 2601 Old Dobbins Bridge Rd.

Townville, SC 29689

Anyone interested please call: Rick McAdams at 864-940-0626 or Gary Bean at 864-287-2244

624 E. Fair Play Blvd. Fair Play, SC 29643

SAVE SOME GREEN AND SHOP LOCAL

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

www.flowersbythelake.net

We deliver to Fair Play, Townville, West Union, Walhalla, Seneca, Westminster, Clemson, Central, Pendleton, Anderson and Lavonia

lindasueclemmons@gmail.com

Sunday, March 12th @ 2AM

Monday, March 20th, 2023

Vietnam Visions

By G875

Sgt Weaver approached us and shook Tom and Lester’s hand and said what a great job they were doing as Tunnel rats. He said that he had to cut our mee ng as they had been ordered to return to their area of opera ons as there was a big mission coming up and their headquarters wanted them back as soon as possible. I shook their hands and said I hope we get to meet again and share more stories. They said they enjoyed being here and hoped we would get together. They le to catch their chopper and Sgt Weaver told me to get the squad leaders and join him at his room. I le and got the squad leaders and returned to his room. Sgt Weaver stated that the ba alion was going to fly to the base of the mountains close to the border as a large number of North Vietnam soldiers had been spo ed in that area. He stated that we would move out in the morning around 0800 hours. He told us to get the men ready to move first thing tomorrow morning. He released us and we returned to our squads and briefed them and had them to start ge ng ammo and everything they would need for this mission. The next morning everyone was up by 0600 hrs. and started ge ng their gear on and ready to go. Shortly therea er everyone got their morning meal and returned to the platoon area. We all got our gear and we started moving to the area where the choppers would pick us up. When we got to the chopper pad the choppers were just firing up and we all got in the group that we were flying with as we designated last night. We loaded and the choppers took off and headed toward our area of operaon. As we approached the landing area, I could see the terrain there was thick and mountainous. We landed on top of a mountain. It is jungle and grassy. I jumped from the chopper as we landed. A er we all took cover and was watching the area, we were in for any movement. I could hear bomb strikes off in the distance. I was glad that the day was clear and no rain. It was around 0900 and the sun was out. We’re on a high mountain top with a river on our le and thick jungle all around us.

To be con nued

The Tech Corner

by Lowell Belue

DuckDuckGo Tips

Source: h ps://www.makeuseof.com/duckduckgofeatures-simplify-daily-tasks/

DuckDuckGo (DDG) is an Internet search company

offering secure browsing. They pride themselves on preserving your privacy. There are many other features DDG provides. Some of these examples may also work with other search engines. Do not type the quotes shown in the examples below. They are for clarity only.

Find Defini ons: For example, type “define humble” and you'll see the defini on at the top of the results page.

Convert Units: Type “convert 3 feet to meters” and you'll see .9144 as the result.

Generate a Password: Type “password 16” and a 16 character password is provided. Special characters do not seem supported—only le ers and numbers.

Expand Shortened Web Addresses: Some mes you may receive a shortened website address that looks like a jumble of cryp c characters. These can be dangerous because you cannot tell what site you'll go to if you click the link. Instead, try right-clicking the link and then Copy. In DDG, type “expand “ and paste the link. You will see the “real” link and maybe determine if it’s safe.

Bangs: Bangs (!) are search shortcuts. For example, “! yt” is a shortcut for YouTube. Typing “!yt woodworking” (no quotes) lists YouTube woodworking videosquicker than naviga ng to YouTube and searching for woodworking. Bangs also work in Google and probably in other browsers too. Here's a link to search for valid DDG bangs - h ps://duckduckgo.com/bangs

Summary

Google probably returns more search results than DDG, but may not offer the same level of privacy.

You can probably set DDG as the default search engine in your browser’s Se ngs. If you don’t want to change your default search engine, you can always type duckduckgo.com into your browser’s address bar.

There is a DDG app for Apple devices and probably Android devices too.

The Sandifer Update: Legislature Focuses on Public Safety, Job Crea on, Educa on Keeping you updated on the latest news from state government

By Rep. Bill Sandifer

Thank you for reading my monthly column where I aim to keep you informed on the latest developments at the Statehouse. As I finish month two of this year’s legislative session, we continue our laser focus on improving statewide economic development, reforming the education system to better prepare students for the workforce, limiting government, increasing personal freedom, and prioritizing public safety.

One important aspect of public safety at this point is cracking down on crime and stopping the flow of the dangerous drug fentanyl into our state. It is estimated that 1,100 South Carolinians died last year from fentanyl, a drug that only takes a sugar packet-sized amount to kill 100 people. To save lives, the House passed a bill criminalizing fentanyl trafficking, which includes mandatory prison sentences of 7 to 40 years depending on the amount possessed. The bill passed with a 96-21 vote and now has moved to the Senate for consideration.

In the area of education, the Senate recently approved the Educational Scholarship Accounts (E.S.A.) legislation with a 28-15 vote. This bill offers education choices and provides $6,000 to parents to cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses for their children. The E.S.A. program will initially be available to low-income families and will be expanded over the first three years to include middle-income families. The House Education Committee also took a significant step towards increasing transparency in education by approving the Transparency and Integrity in Education Act.

We are also making progress in the areas of infrastructure and workforce development. Work is underway to repave 90 miles of interstate highways around the state, and the House recently approved a bill allocating over $500 million of the state's portion of the federal American Rescue Plan to fund local water and sewer investments, which can improve quality of life in communities and help our state attract jobs. Additionally, I am proud to have supported a new law ending subminimum wage in South Carolina, making our state the 13th in the nation to do so and ensuring that people with disabilities are valued and equal members of our workforce.

To wrap it up, I am honored to be your voice at the Statehouse and will continue to support legislation to benefit the people of Oconee County and all South Carolinians. If I can ever be of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out—my door is always open. Thank you for your trust.

Bill Sandifer represents Oconee County’s District 2 in the South Carolina House. Sandifer can be reached at (864) 885‐2240 or bill@sandifer.us. You also can connect with him on Facebook.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Time for financial ‘spring cleaning’

Ben Lewis - Financial Advisor Ben.Lewis@edwardjones.com

Edward Jones

Now that we’ve put winter behind us — at least on the calendar — it’s time for us to think about sprucing up our homes, inside and out. But it also may be time to do some financial spring cleaning. Some of the same ideas involved in tidying up your home can also be used to help put your financial house in order. Here are a few suggestions:

• Dust off your investment strategy. As you look around your home, you might find that many items — tables, desks, bookshelves, and computer and television screens — could benefit from a good dusting. And, once you’ve accomplished this, you’ll get a clearer view of all these objects. Similarly, your investment strategy needs to be “dusted off” every so often, so you can see if it’s still working to help you move toward your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Over time, your personal circumstances and risk tolerance can change, and these changes may lead you to reexamine your future financial and investment decisions.

• De-clutter your portfolio. if you took a survey of your home, would you find duplicates or even triplicates of some things — brooms, vacuum cleaners, toasters, and so on? If so, it may be time to do some de-cluttering. And the same could be true of your portfolio — you might have several identical, or substantially identical, investments taking up space. If so, you might want to replace these redundancies with investments that can improve your diversification. While diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market, it may help reduce the impact of market volatility on your holdings.

• Get organized. If your closets are overstuffed, with clothes and miscellaneous items crammed on shelves and the floor, you may well have trouble finding what you’re looking for — but with a little straightening up, your searches will become much easier. And when you’re trying to locate financial documents, such as investment statements or insurance policies, you’ll also benefit from having everything organized in one central location. Even if you get most of these documents online, you can save what you need and keep them in a file on your desktop, laptop or tablet. (And it’s also a good idea to tell your spouse, adult child or another close relative how these documents can be accessed, just in case something happens to you.)

• Protect yourself from dangers. If you look around your garage, shed or other storage area, you may well find some objects — such as gardening tools, paint thinners, engine fluids and leaning ladders — that could be dangerous if they aren’t stored properly. As part of your spring

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward

Jones, Member SIPC

LAUGH OUT LOUD

Hello everyone, I have been asked to do some jokes about South Carolina. So I got to checking and found some. Hope everyone likes them. SOOO let’s get started.

Q: Why do Coastal Carolina grads keep their diplomas on their dashboards?

A: So they can park in handicap spaces.

Q: What do you call a good looking girl on the Coastal Carolina University campus?

A: A visitor.

Q: Did you hear about the fire in University of South Carolina's football dorm that destroyed 20 books?

A: The real tragedy was that 15 hadn't been colored yet.

Q: What does the average Coastal Carolina University student get on his SAT?

A: Drool.

Q: Why did Forrest Gump choose 'Bama over South Carolina?

A: He wanted an academic challenge!

Q: If you have a car containing a Gamecocks wide receiver, a Gamecocks linebacker, and a Gamecocks defensive back, who is driving the car?

A: The cop.

Q: What does a Clemson Tigers grad call a Gamecocks grad in 5 years?

A: Boss!

I'm not saying Gamecocks basketball players are

dumb, but the coach is dressing six players for this Saturdays game. The rest will dress themselves.

Q: What happens when blondes move from North Carolina to South Carolina?

A: Both states become smarter!

Q: Why did the Gamecocks football team cross the road?

A: Because it was easier than crossing the goal line.

Q: What separates a good team from a great team?

A: The Georgia-South Carolina border.

Q: A blonde ordered a pizza and the clerk asked if he should cut it in six or twelve pieces.

A: "Six, please. I could never eat twelve pieces."

Q: Did you hear about the blonde who stayed up all night to see where the sun went?

A: It finally dawned on her!

A man decided to buy clothes for his wife on their anniversary. She says she will wash the clothes first before she wears them out to dinner. When she finished washing the clothes, she hangs out the clothes to dry. She decided to take a rest. When she woke up she saw a blonde in the yard, so she asked her "What you doing in my yard?" The blonde said "Ahhhh shopping Online"

EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE AND GREAT SPRING! HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

HERE FOR THE PARTY!

Kelly Monfort Call4kelly@gmail.com

Local Event Spotlight

Ready for a whole day of “Once Upon a Time” and “Happily Ever After”? Well, on May 6th, 10 am to 5 pm, you can take a walk on the medieval side when the Lavonia Renaissance Festival will be transformed into a Fairy Tale Land. The annual festival, located in Lavonia, GA, is just a short drive from just about anywhere and this year’s Fairy Tale theme will be loads of fun for the whole family. Everyone can enjoy plenty of exciting entertainment that includes the retelling of famous fairy tales along with the premier of a new fairy tale that is sure to become an instant classic! Come and enjoy Savannah River Productions’ performance of “Three of a Kind”. Try your hand at ax throwing, candle making, and archery offered by Sword Circle. History Now! will have an encampment with exciting medieval demonstrations. As always Mr Twister will have his balloon booth and perform 2 free shows through the day! In addition to live shows and fanciful characters, partakers in the Renaissance-style fun can enjoy plenty of delicious food including giant turkey legs and indulgent sweets. We’re sure you’ll find something that strikes your fancy from one of our vendors who will be offering a variety of handmade wares. This is a can’t-miss event, so stay tuned in the coming weeks for loads of thrilling announcements and teasers! Become a “Rennie” and we’ll see you at the RenFest! Find us on Facebook for complete details.

Kelly Monfort

Mrtwister.con Fireandicephotobooths.com

On The Road

By Woodrow William

Are you ready for Spring? By now you should have given the family vehicle a good wash to get the winter dirt off. We have had very li le freezing water on the highways in this area, but we did have some of the highway department spreading some chemicals on the road so that just in case, there would be some chemical help in case of freezing highways. This stuff is s cky and should be washed off. Be sure to wash under the vehicle as well.

How about your other equipment that needs to be ready for spring? Have you changed the oil in the lawnmower and sharpened the blades? Service the air filter as well and the mower should be ready when the wild onions are ready. Pollen will be in the air and keep the air filter clogged, so keep an eye on this and clean when needed.

It is also a great me to check the air pressure in the equipment res as a loss of air pressure over the winter is possible.

Add some fresh gasoline as it is always good to start with a full tank of fresh gasoline as moisture will get in the tank as it sat all winter.

Happy Spring!! Summer is on the way.

we'll bend over backwards to help

Monday thru Thursday: 7:00 - 5:00

Fridays: 7:00 - 4:30

Saturdays & Sundays: Closed