Volume 17, No. 1B
“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”
January 29, 2021
Junior Miss LE, Miss LE Crowned
rty Owner,
s “You reap what
ng-term plans for nsider what each uickly! Do your other capacities. is wife are always elginhvac@aol.com he citizens of our (803) 272-6535 cell manner are office (803) and 419-2880 have served John our Cook ? ur town would be d by and let this s can not always nding our Elgin or! kr?of know there ut toItime!” also share their individual views regarding current topics which impact the community. ty of column your family f this is to provide all of our town councilmen a place to not only give the minutes of anley uncilwoman Melissa Brazell-Emmons
CSD nnounces 2013 Event rkleberry Country Fair
Dine In or To Go! 803.408.2757
From The Mayor's Desk By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal tributes, attacks or thank you’s. The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information. Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted. Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication. All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:
Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
2
Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. All members of Council were present. The Invocation was given by Mayor Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Hanley. The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. At this time, Council voted unanimously to adopt the agenda for the January 5, 2021 meeting. There were no Business License Applications for December 2020. There were no Charity Permit Requests or Complaints for the month of December 2020. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. In Old Business, Council approved the Business Checklist that they had presented at the prior meeting and it will be added to our current Zoning Ordinance Procedures in the Administration Section for the Zoning Administrator. At this time, Council also approved the Community Library Project that is being sponsored by the Blaney Girl Scouts-Cadettes. It will be installed at Potter Community Park and will be maintained by the troop and will include precautionary measures that will address concerns regarding COVID-19. In New Business, Council approved the meeting schedule for 2021. Chief Alan Anders provided Council with an update on Toys Roundup and stated that 119 families that included 319 children were assisted during Christmas. This included giving out (75) food boxes to the ones who requested assistance with food and (40) fruit baskets to local senior citizens. He also shared that the Elgin Police Department recently purchased a drone and it had already been used twice; once to locate a missing 2-year-old and again in the search for suspects in recent car break ins that took place in the Pine Forest Subdivision. He completed his update by sharing that the department had recently donated one of our older vehicles to the Bethune Police Department. In Council Briefing, Councilman Smith had no report. Councilwoman Sloan had no report. Councilman Hanley had no report. Councilman Rizzo had no report. Mayor Emmons informed Council that information had been received regarding the COVID Vaccination for First Responders in Kershaw County and encouraged everyone to continue to wear their masks, practice social distancing when possible and to sanitize their hands frequently. She also stated that the Stormwater Program Annual Report had been submitted to DHEC and shared that according to data gathered from monitoring 25 Mile Creek since December 2017 showed a substantial reduction (62.5 %) in bacteria in our streams and waterways due to practices implemented. Attorney John Wells had no report. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved and if you miss a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. We also now broadcast our meetings live on the Town of Elgin Facebook Page. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.
@theelginnews The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends. The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108 or (803) 466-4604. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation. Rates are net - discount agreements must be reflected on the publication order. Invoices due on receipt. Tearsheets and proofs available upon request. Advertising setup, changes and publication verification are provided at no charge. 15% agency comm. is 30-days firm. Photography charges negotiable. By-line articles are the property of the contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com January 29, 2021
28
Days of Heart
Take Care of Your Heart Today
Our 28 Days of Heart can help you be heart healthy today and every day. Each February, we focus on heart health and the essential role it plays in our overall well-being, as part of American Heart Month. This year, we’re celebrating 28 Days of Heart Health. Learn a delicious new recipe
Explore the signs of heart disease
Challenge yourself with a new exercise Discover things you never knew
This month, it’s all about you and your heart.
Join us online today at KershawHealth.org Like us on Facebook to follow all 28 Days of Heart
KershawHealth.org
January 29, 2021
3
Lugoff-Elgin High Pageants:
From Miss Kaleidoscope to Miss LE, and Everything In Between
bringing the production to the stage. We always asked the students to help us brainstorm the pageant’s theme. Garden of Beauty, Happy Anniversary, and Wish Upon a Star were some of our earliest themes. The phrase “Only one can wear the crown” The pageant was held in Camden until the school year 1992-1993 when is not true when it comes to 50 years of Lu- the new high school with its 1500 seat auditorium was completed. The school goff Elgin High School beauties. The name officials at CHS were always polite and willing to help us out with our rehas changed from Miss Kaleidoscope Red quests. and Miss Kaleidoscope Blue to Miss Lugoff The pageant provides the young ladies who compete the opportunity to Elgin and Junior Miss Lugoff Elgin. The title learn the skills of completing an application, interviewing, and developing Kaleidoscope is from the name of the school the confidence and poise which comes from being in front of an audience. yearbook. Ginger Greer said, “Participating and winning Miss Kaleidoscope in 1978 From 1972 through 1974 senior girls sub- opened a new world to me. I realized how much I loved the stage and committed their pictures for judging by celebrities. The first Miss Kaleidoscope petition. Winning scholarship pageants afforded me the opportunity to conBlue and Miss Kaleidoscope Red were selected by famous pro basketball star tribute to my college education at the University of South Carolina.” Ginger Pete Maravich. The USC Gamecocks selected the school queens for the next placed third in the Miss USA pageant representing South Carolina. Besides three years. being the school queen, Ginger Greer Rockefeller won Miss Bikini Wahine, The first school beauty pageant was held Sept. 16, 1975 in Camden at Miss Sun Fun, Miss South Carolina Apple Queen, Miss South Carolina Phelps Auditorium. Twenty girls who were voted into the pageant by their Peach Queen, Miss Camden, and Miss South Carolina USA. classmates competed for the title, and Dawn Hawkey was crowned queen Pageant Week was always fun with practices and dress rehearsal on Thursbefore a large crowd. day nights. We put all the contestants’ names in a fishbowl and practiced a Dawn Hawkey Walker said, “I moved to Lugoff my senior year from Dun- mock top ten and crowned one lucky girl. I have often been asked my favorwoody, Georgia. I remember the students and teachers were friendly, and ite memories of helping with the pageants. This would take several issues of I immediately felt at home. I was excited to be in the pageant, and I was the Elgin News to recall. thrilled when I won it. I always enjoyed going back to watch pageants. It My most vivid memory happened in the fall of 1982. We had a tea for was especially exciting when my daughter Patricia won First Runner up in the contestants and judges to meet each other at The Fine Arts Center at six 2006.” After graduating from LE in 1976, Dawn graduated from USC with pm. This was a few years prior to the change of contestants having formal a degree in Early Childhood Education and then returned to teach in the interviews. The pageant began at 7:30. We had a fun opening number choKershaw County School District until she retired. reographed by Deanna Patterson to “Dream Girls.” The pageant has undergone changes over the past fifty years. In 1991, a Then came casual wear. Everything was running smoothly. It was almost change was made to allow any junior or senior girl who wanted to participate time for intermission. It was during evening wear as contestant number 29 in the pageant to pay an entry fee and submit an application. Class beauties crossed the stage that the lights flickered for a few minutes. As the audience were still voted on by their classmates. of over 700, and the thirty-two contestants on stage recalled scenes from I began working with the pageant in 1979 when I became the yearbook horror movies, the school experienced a complete black out for about twentyadviser. I had many faculty, students, and community friends who enjoyed five minutes. To be continued... By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
Elgin Lights Donate $8K To Camp Kemo
Despite a challenging year, Elgin Lights was able to present a check to Camp Kemo for $8,000. Many thanks to the community for your support and generous donations.
4
January 29, 2021
From the Chief 's Desk
In this Chief ’s Desk I would like to write about our great supportive community. With all the chaos in our world today, it is nice to have the support that the Elgin citizens and visitors give. Every day someone will tell one or more of our Officers how much they appreciate our service. It means more to us than you will ever know. With that in mind, we also ask that you continue to report any problems you may have or see. You are our eyes and ears, and your tips and anonymous reports help us better serve and protect. No matter how small or big the problems is, they are all important to us. You can use our social media, call or flag down an Officer, if you see something, please say something. Thank you Elgin!
Chief Alan Anders
Elgin Incident Reports
Family Offenses, Non-violent: Officer was dispatched to the above address for a family argument. Officer met with Complainant at the front door of the house and she told me her husband, Subject, has been drinking last night and was being loud and wanting her to strike him. Complainant stated he keep standing in front of her with his hands in the fighting position telling her to hit him. Officer asked Subject to come down stairs and talk with me. Subject came down and did not understand why I was in his house or remember anything. Officer tried to explain to him why I was there but he had a hard time understanding and following direction. Complainant did state he never laid a hand on her and she never hit him. Officer did explain to her no crime has been commit so far and if she and her daughter wanted to leave I would standby while she left. Complainant could not get in touch with her parents so she said she would sleep with her daughter with be door locked. Subject agreed to go to bed and leave her alone. Officer told Complainant if she needed Officer back just call 911. Assault, Simple/Incorrigible Child: On the above listed date and time the reporting officer made contact with the Complainant who stated that her son, Juvenile, had become irate, began swearing, and attempted to assault her husband, Victim. Juvenile did make an attempt to punch Victim in the face, however Victim did throw his hands up in defense of the punch, striking Juvenile with an open hand, causing him to fall to the ground. Juvenile then returned to his feet and stated "round two mother ******." The situation was diffused without further incident prior to officer arrival. The Complainant stated that the situation began in the kitchen of the restaurant when Juvenile was asked to wash the dishes as part of his daily chores. The Complainant stated that Juvenile began throwing dishes, swearing at staff, and just becoming loud and boisterous in general. Complainant stated that Juvenile then walked outside and she followed in an attempt to diffuse Juvenile's anger. Complainant stated that Juvenile again began swearing, becoming loud and boisterous, as well as throwing items at surrounding buildings. It was shortly after this point when Victim came outside to confront Juvenile about his use of threatening language toward his wife/complainant. Victim stated that he made no threats of punishment just requested Juvenile to stop cursing at Complainant as well as to calm his violent behaviors. It was then that Juvenile approached Victim in a fighting stance. Both Complainant and Victim stated that on multiple prior occasions, Juvenile has made viable threats to seriously injury or kill them, causing both Complainant and Victim to be fearful for their safety during Juvenile's outburst. While on scene and post incident, the reporting officer did observe Juvenile playing with a metal object which appeared to be approx. 2ft. in length with a point at the end. The reporting officer questioned Juvenile as to why he was playing with January 29, 2021
said object to which he replied that it helped him to calm down by throwing the metal object at things or into the ground. The reporting officer tried to speak with Juvenile concerning his outburst however, Juvenile would not speak in detail with the reporting officer, only stating that he got angry. No further incidents or outburst by Juvenile did occur while the reporting officer was on scene. Complainant did state that she was able to record a short amount of video of the above incident, and was advised to email it to Chief Anders for further investigation. Complainant and Victim were both provided with a copy of their case number and advised that additional contact would be made with them both in the near future. Animal at Large: On the above listed time and date the reporting officer made contact with the Complainant at his residence in reference to a complaint about his neighbor's dog consistently getting out of his yard and terrorizing his cat. The reporting officer observed the dog in question, which was a light brown/tan in color pit bull terrier. At the time of officer's arrival, the dog had already retreated back to the front yard where he belongs. Sgt. Sinclair was on scene and assisted. An additional neighbor provided Sgt. Sinclair with the contact information for the resident/animal owner. Sgt. Sinclair was able to make contact via telephone with the animal's owner and did advise him of the town ordinance dealing with animal's on the loose. He was advised to make the proper repairs to his fence in order to keeps this incident from reoccurring. He was advised that if this happened again and steps to resolve the issue were not taken, he would be subject to a fine. The animal was returned within the fenced in portion of the yard by the reporting officer. Illegal Dumping: Officer was dispatched to the Circle K in reference to a complaint about illegal dumping. When I arrived on scene I spoke to Complainant who stated that every morning Subject brings a trash bag(s) to the store and disposes of them in the stores dumpster. Complainant continued to state that Subject had been warned many times about the illegal dumping and feels that the only way to make him stop such activities is to issue him a trespass notice. A notice could not be issued due to Subject not being on scene, but Circle K staff will call the Elgin Police Dept. next time Subject shows up on the premises. Open Container in Public Conveyance: On the above listed time and date the reporting officer was performing foot patrols at the listed location when contact was made with Subject, who was behind the business sitting on a swing. Subject had in her possession an open can of Michelob Ultra beer at the time of contact. Subject was questioned concerning the container and stated that it was hers. Subject stated that she has been having a bad day and was just looking to relax. Officer Myers who was on scene assisting, did take and poured the beverage out. Subject. was cited for the town ordinance and allowed to leave.
5
Junior Miss LE, Miss LE Crowned
Above: 2021 Miss LE - From left: Alyssa McDonald, 2nd RU; Jorden Phillips, Miss Congeniality and Miss Senior; Jayla Clark, Miss Junior; Faith Youngblood, Miss LE, Miss Photogenic and Miss Fan Favorite; Maggie Knotts, 1st RU; and Breanna Stevens, Miss Entrepreneur.
Above: 2021 Jr. Miss LE - From left; Allyson Powers, Miss Fan Favorite; Olivia Nichols, 1st RU; Jules Lemonds, Miss Freshman; Emery Branham, 2021 Jr. Miss LE; Mary-Grace Hill, Miss Entrepreneur and Miss Sophomore; Sara Beth McCaskill, 2nd RU; Charli Morris, Miss Congeniality; and Blythe Harris, Miss Photogenic. Retraction: In the last issue of The Elgin News, an incorrect ad for Wateree Business and Tax Service was inadvertently printed. The correct ad is at left. For more information on Wateree Business and Tax, visit them on Facebook, or give them a call at 803.438.4743.
803.438.2195
39 Plaza drive lugoff
TAX PREPARATION over 85 Years of Experience
Call us for your next project!
• Individual and Self-Employed • Corporate, Partnership & Estate Returns • FREE Electronic Filing • ALL State Returns Prepared BUSINESS SERVICES, including: Payroll • Bookkeeping Sales Tax • Financial Statements Business Planning
Hablamos Español
State of Cha-ching. Trey Webb, Agent
Get discounts up to 40%*
Saving money is important. That’s why you can count on me to get you all the discounts you deserve. GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. *Discounts vary by state.
We deliver mason, fill sand, topsoil, sand clay and various types of rock. https://www.epstax.net/terms-conditions/
Family-Owned & Operated Since 1999.
6
1071 Hwy. 1 South, Lugoff Phone: (803) 438-6161 Fax: (803) 438-4743
10201 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29229
treywebbinsurance.com 803-788-9188
January 29, 2021
Elgin Pharmacy
• • •
Monthly Bookkeeping Payroll Tax
1211 Pine Street Elgin, SC 29045
Let us service your Business and Personal acc
needs!
www.JohnBLane.com 803.408.0200 We offer Military & New Client Discounts!!!
Schedule Johnny Deal for your family or event photos, and check out his site to access community event photos! 803.427.0883 | jdeal151@yahoo.com
“Serving Columbia Since 1963”
Above, from left: Tony Casey, Traisha Campfield, Dustin Campfield and Freddy Mubarak. After 35 years, Freddy Mubarak and Tony Casey of Elgin Pharmacy have decided to retire. It's a bittersweet moment says Freddy, but they know the business is in excellent hands with new owners ALL YOU CARE TO EAT! Pharmacist Traisha Campfield and her husband Dustin. Hours: "We are confident leaving the business with Traisha. She's been with us for 14 years, and she knows Wed 11-2 • Thurs - Sat 11-8 • Sun 11-3 our customers and our community," says Freddy. Tony is also confident that Elgin Pharmacy will continue with the same level of customer service Catering Available customers have come to expect. Call us at 318-6682 for your catering needs. "We feel good about the pharmacy remaining an independent, and we know that Traisha and Dustin 4927 Alpine Road, Columbia, SC 29223 will continue to provide great service to the Elgin community," says Tony. New owner Traisha is excited about the future and her continued service to the community. "I feel blessed to have worked at Elgin Pharmacy for the last 14 years and it is an honor to continue caring for our community," says Traisha. "Our patients at Elgin Pharmacy are like family to us all and we look forward to serving you for many years to come." While Freddy and Tony are looking forward to retirement, they will miss their customers. "It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve the Elgin community over the past 35 years," says Tony. "Our patients are like family and we are going to miss seeing them on a regular basis." While they're officially retiring, you can expect to see Tony and Freddy around the pharmacy. "I think we're still on the shift rotation," jokes Freddy.
803-788-8238
A healthier YOU starts at Elgin Pharmacy.
We have the products you need to look and feel your best. Talk to your pharmacist today about what products are right for you or visit MyGNP.com.
Elgin Pharmacy 438.5735
Monday-Friday, 9a-7p | Saturday 9a-3p | Closed Sunday
January 29, 2021
7
Concert at Lugoff First
Lugoff First Baptist Church, 106 Longtown Road, will host The Whisnants in concert on Sunday, February 14, 10:30am in the Worship Center. It will also be streamed live on our YouTube and Facebook pages. All safety protocols will be in place. Church website is www.lugofffbc.com.
CJWL Classroom Grant Application Window Open The Camden Junior Welfare League is now accepting applications for its Spring Classroom Enrichment Grants. These grants are open to all Kershaw County School District educators. The grants will provide up to $500 to teachers for classroom support, project support, and extracurricular support. The purpose of the grants is to support enrichment areas such as math, science, history, language and writing, arts, physical education, life skills, and special education for students with disabilities. Applications must be submitted online. The link to the grant application form can be found on the League’s website at www.camdenleague.org. Deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 5, 2021. The League is excited to be able to offer these grants for the fourth year in a row, as each year we see a remarkable response from teachers in the Kershaw County School District. In the 20192020 school year, approximately $10,000 in grant awards went to support classroom and extracurricular projects in Kershaw County schools. For a list of past classroom enrichment grant awardees, please visit the League’s website at www.camdenleague.org/grants.
United Way of KC Mobile Nutrition Center
Camden Site: Fridays, 9 am - 2 pm | Elgin Site: Wednesdays 8:30 am - 11 am
ElginNews@gmail.com 803.513.5108 8
January 29, 2021
Hammy's BBQ Owner, Former Councilman Passes Andrew Thomas "Hammy" Moak, 84, passed away at home on January 8, 2021. He was a dedicated and loving husband, dad and 'Papa Silly'. If you were blessed enough to know him well, you will miss his kindness and his humor. He was hard-working, always learning, and generous. Son Drew Moak remembers his dad as a caring individual, recalling his parents' dedication to serving the foster children of Kershaw County. "Over the years, we had several foster kids that stayed with my parents, and when they no longer hosted foster children, they helped host the annual Christmas party for the county's foster children," says Drew. Hammy was born on March 28, 1936 to the late John Leslie Moak and Kate Branham Moak. He was married to Mary Diane Dorroh Moak in February 1966 and was by her side when she passed away in December 2004. He served in the US Army, and worked in newspaper printing. In 1969, he opened Hammy's BBQ. If you passed through Elgin between 1969 and 2008,
chances are you enjoyed Hammy's BBQ at one time or another. Drew remembers the restaurant being quite the gathering place. "The restaurant always turned in to a political headquarters during election time, because so many citizens could be found there," says Drew. Hammy was also proud to have served two terms on Kershaw County Council, where he worked tirelessly to improve our community. He is survived by his daughter, Mandy Julian (Danny) of Willow Spring, NC and his son, Drew Moak of Columbia, SC, as well as his granddaughters, Rebekah, Emily and Natalie. He is also survived by his siblings, Ruth Brown, Nettie Campbell ( Junior), Belva Fisher, Jeanette Anderson, Kathy Brown (Harold) and John L Moak Jr. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his son, Daniel, his brother, Jack Moak and his sister, Ruby Jeffers. His family is planning a memorial service for a later time. Plans will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Blaney Baptist Church.
Andrew Thomas "Hammy" Moak
Junior Scholarship Awarded by the Kershaw County Music Association
Jonathan Slade began playing violin in third grade with the Kershaw County School District Strings Program. Now a seventh grader at North Central Middle School, Jonathan studies with Ms. Kristen Harris at the Suzuki Academy of Columbia. He particularly enjoys playing selections by Antonio Vivaldi and Irish fiddle tunes. In addition to violin, Jonathan plays the fife in the Drum and Fife Corps of SC under the direction of his father, Robert Slade. He also plays trombone in the NCMS Patriot band under the direction of Ike Pitts. Mr. Slade and Mr. Pitts are both previous recipients of the Brevard scholarship. Jonathan has participated in the choir and played bells at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church for nine years.
Right: Jonathan Slade, winner of the Kershaw County Music Association Scholarship.
January 29, 2021
9
CLS, WES Receive Conservation Mini-Grants
Photo Caption pictured l to r: Wateree Elementary School Principal Dr. Charles King, Kershaw Conservation District Board Member Zechariah Willoughby, Kershaw Conservation District Coordinator Donna Douglas, Kershaw Conservation District Board Member Ed Estridge, CLC Director Casey Faulkenberry and CLC Special Projects Coordinator Kim Stokes. The Continuous Learning Center (CLC) and Wateree Elementary School (WES) are the recipients of the Kershaw Conservation District’s Education Mini-Grants program. Each school will receive up to $1,000 to support conservation-related student projects. In CLC’s “We G.R.O.W.”(Goal-Oriented, Respectful, Optimistic, Wise) program, students will construct picnic tables and build and maintain a vegetable garden. The outdoor classroom project reflects the school’s mission where students will “plant the seeds” (set goals), “nurture the seeds” (be respectful) and “watch them grow” (remain optimistic and make wise decisions to enhance growth). The Woman’s Missionary Union at First Baptist Church
of Camden will provide supplemental resources for the project. Students at Wateree Elementary School’s West Wateree Early Learning Academy will work with teachers and a master gardener to plant a garden using natural materials. After the food is harvested in the We’re Growing Healthy…Students and Plants project, a local chef will help prepare the produce so that the students can taste what they grew. The mini-grants program is sponsored by the Kershaw Conservation District Board. Board members are Ed Estridge, Zechariah Willoughby, Jeff Clark, Sarah Williams, Dan Lovatt and David Rodgers. Donna Douglas is the district coordinator.
Arts Center of Kershaw County Names Volunteer of the Year
The Annual Meeting of the Arts Center of Kershaw County was held virtually on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Kristin Cobb, who is serving as consultant and liaison between the Board and Staff for several months, recognized outgoing board members: Boyd Black, Diana Wenman, Beth Ford, Sheila Sinatra, Barbara Davis, Michael DeBenedetti and VV Kornegay. A brick in their honor will be laid in the sidewalk leading to the Daniels Building. The new slate of officers for the 2020-2021 season was presented: President – Mary Ellen Green, Vice-President – Joe deLoach, Secretary – Kesha Hayes, Treasurer – Louise Burns, Members at Large – Bill DeWitt and Missy Ferguson-Peebles. The Center is also pleased to announce its 2020 Volunteer of the Year, Diana Wenman. Diana moved to Camden in 2015 and quickly became an integral part of the Center. Always willing to help within a moment’s notice, she has worked diligently to improve the beauty and quality of the Arts Center’s campus and its events. Jackie Smith, Volunteer and Facilities Coordinator, holds a great deal of appreciation for Diana’s dedication. “Diana has worked nearly every Friday in the Box Office for years, and has added class and sophistication to the campus with her efforts,” says
10
Smith. Diana coordinated the installation of the hanging baskets on the Daniels Building, the education facility on the Center’s campus. “It was quite a chore setting up an entirely new water system,” Smith says, “but Diana managed to get it done with a smile.” The award presented to Wenman at the Center’s Annual Meeting is a beautiful piece by local artist and Visual Arts Society member, Dot Goodwin. Framed by Goodwin at her studio, Artists’ Attic, the award is an exact replica of the horse heads at the Lyttleton Street entrances of the Center. Not so very long ago, Wenman was on a ladder giving these treasures a fresh coat of paint. When asked what was most important to her at the Center, Wenman responded, "There are four really important parts to the Arts Center: the staff, who are extra special and wonderful to work with; the summer camps which go on for two and three weeks and expose kids to all genres of the arts; the classes where people can make pottery, learn to sing, dance, play an instrument, etc.; and last but not least, the Bassett Gallery (that most people don't even know exists!), where artists display their work for all to see - and it's free! I love the Arts Center, may it last forever!" January 29, 2021
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
The Challenges Of Policing In Our Current Society
Law enforcement officers do a job that many people don’t want to do. Yet a small group of people want to tell officers how to do these unwanted jobs. We get it. We have bad apples in our profession. No profession is perfect. We understand that we must hold our officers accountable for their actions. This would be a lot easier if certain members of the public were also held accountable for their actions. It’s human nature to play the ‘blame game’. We all want to point the finger away from ourselves when something goes wrong. But, we all need to start owning our mistakes. We don’t need to look any further than a mirror to see the person we can blame for our mistakes. We are living in a time where it is becoming optional to comply with law enforcement. Resisting arrest is becoming socially acceptable. Meanwhile, the officer’s ‘reaction’ to non-compliance and resisting arrest has become the
Sheriff Lee Boan
focal point. This is not the direction we need to move in. We can hold officers accountable for their actions without holding them to an unreasonable expectation of perfection. This will only discourage officers from doing their jobs. Do you really want your police to stop policing? “The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police existence, actions, behavior and the ability of the police to secure and maintain public respect.” - Sir Robert Peel’s Principles of Law Enforcement (1829) We are nothing without the public’s support. Citizens will determine how we police. It is up to you to shape the future of law enforcement. This is not a time to stay quiet and hope for the best. You can have a voice in this by letting all your elected officials know your position. We need your support now more than ever.
Bassett Gallery Opening at The Arts Center
Kicking off festivities for Irish Fest Camden, join us for the opening of "UISCE", an exhibit by Lillie Morris in the Bassett Gallery. Uisce /ish-ka/ is the Irish word for "water", and happens to be the origin of the word "whiskey". Best known for her acrylic, collage and mixed media paintings, Lillie also occasionally works in cold wax and encaustic. She specializes in abstract art, both representational and non-representational. Her paintings, whether collage, acrylic or a mixture of mediums reveal a love of texture, color and experimentation. Richly layered and with her own
vocabulary of gestural marks and linear elements, Lillie strives to convey the emotional impact of her source of inspiration...be it the landscape, music, poetry or deep personal experiences. Lillie enjoys creating visually stimulating images that leave the subject open to the viewer’s interpretation.Ms. Morris has travelled to Ireland many times and will display works depicting the people and places of Ireland. Visit www.lilliemorrisfineart.com to view Lillie’s work, or or visit the AC website at www.fineartscenter.org for more info on the Arts Center.
Spring Sports at Kershaw County Parks & Rec
Wateree Elementary Students 'Cozy Up With A Good Book'
Register ONLINE January 11 - February 12 Register IN-OFFICE January 25 - February 12 $40 / child registration fee
Baseball
Softball
Jersey and hat provided.
Jersey and socks provided.
(Age as of April 30, 2021)
(Age as of July 31, 2021)
T-Ball - ages 4-5
Darlings - ages 7-8
Coaches Pitch - ages 5-6
Angels - ages 9-10
Dixie AAA - ages 9-10
Ponytails - ages 11-12
Dixie Ozone - ages 11-12
Belles and Debs - ages 13-18
Dixie Boys - ages 13-14 For more information, contact KC Parks and Rec at 803.425.6009, or visit kershawrec.com. January 29, 2021
Students at Wateree recently wore pajamas and "cozied up with a good book" to celebrate their love of reading. The fun also included s'mores, and a virtual fireplace flickering away on the Smart Board.
11
20 Townlee Lane, Suite A, Lugoff • 803.408.8500 • www.lawconnell.com
Our Family Caring For Your Family Since 1931 Camden Chapel 1112 Fair Street, Camden, SC 29020
803-432-3583
Lugoff-Elgin Chapel 1139 Highway 1 S, Lugoff, SC 29078
803-438-3419
www.kornegayfuneral.com
J. Ben Connell, Esq.
Joseph N. Connell, Esq.
Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents Personal Injury & Death Business Law • Real Estate Law Nursing Home Abuse Medical Malpractice • Probate, Wills & Estates Workers’ Compensation All State & Federal Courts Serving Kershaw County for over 25 Years
Call 803.408.8500 to schedule a consultation.
1 2 . $20 Valid thru 2/28/21
Offer is exclusive to readers of The Elgin News.
803.736.4777 | genovakarate1@gmail.com