Volume 17, No. 4A
“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”
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
April 16, 2021
Letter To The Editor Open Letter to Rep. Vic Dabney
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
Multiple political and service organizations within the Kershaw County community, to include the Camden Kershaw County Branch of the NAACP, the Kershaw County Concerned Clergies, and the Masons (members of all races), have partnered to collectively raise our voice of concern regarding your stance on SC House Bill 3620 (Penalty Enhancements for Hate Crimes) and your recent comments posted on social media. As a representative for all of the citizens of Kershaw County, backing the H3620 Bill would have proven your support in the welfare of "all" constituents in House District 52. Considering the illegal policing of black and brown people in our communities today and the history of hate crimes against minorities and those of the LGBTQ community, your decision not to support is very concerning. Additionally, the derogatory comments you shared to explain your unfavorable support of the bill on social media were demeaning and belittling to the very community members you have a responsibility to serve (vote or no vote). Your statement, "It's our whiteness and our straightness that keeps getting in the way," suggests you only serve the straight white constituents of House District 52 and not those of the LGBTQ or non-white communities. You stated, "Blacks can't seem to succeed in OUR society." This statement blatantly displays your lack of interest to serve the entire Kershaw County community. Your words were designed to marginalize and dehumanize the community you represent. Your remarks were hateful and spewed of negative stereotypes. You have made it clear you are not worthy of the responsibilities and duties for which your elected position requires. The constituents of House District 52 deserve a representative who will make well thought out decisions based on the needs of all of the citizens of Kershaw County. Representative Vic Dabney for House District 52, be reminded you are a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives elected to ensure all Kershaw County citizens, to include the underserved and overlooked communities, are safe, protected and have a voice. The organizations signed in support of this letter consistently engage with local and state leaders to address issues that impact the public's well-being• we work together to move our country, our state, our communities forward. Disparaging remarks and unethical behaviors from elected officials who are able to make change stifles our effort to make a difference. Numerous Kershaw County community leaders and service organizations have worked tirelessly and successfully together for years for change. The key to meeting the goal is being on one accord and ensuring the change is for the good of everyone. It ls our hope that you understand the divisive ramifications created by your post within the district you represent. We, the concerned constituents of Kershaw County, are requesting a public apology for your harsh words, a town hall or round table to share your reasons for not supporting SC House Bill 3620 (Penalty Enhancements for Hate Crimes) and your future plans for House District 52 moving forward. We thank you in advance for your reply. Sincerely, Rev. Kenneth N. Carter, President, Camden-Kershaw NAACP Rev. Marion O. Bennett, President, Kershaw County Concerned Clergies
'Blanketing Families' Offers Thanks
We here at Blanketing Families - No Family Hungry, would like to show our appreciation for everyone who came out to serve our community by donating, packing bags, handing out, loading and unloading the truck, all of the prayers to keep us safe. A huge appreciation for Father's House Ministries, Mayor Melissa Emmons and the Town Hall Staff, Chief Brown, Chief Anders and the Elgin PD, Mrs. Kathy Brown, all our local business and our churches, Treehouse Foods for their pasta, Alpha Media Columbia SC, Chairman Burns and so many others. Our volunteers are the heart of what we Do! Thank you Lord for keeping us safe throughout the year, Ms. Goff thank you for keeping our community informed through you newspaper. We will see you all in May. Good is Good! In Kindness, Annette/Ann and the Blanketing Families Team 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 April 16, 2021
Your health means everything. And every minute matters when an emergency puts your health at risk. That’s why it’s essential to get the care you need as soon as possible. And it’s why our emergency department provides quality care with the peace-of-mind of an accredited Chest Pain Center. Don’t make your health wait. Get to the hospital and get the care you need now.
KershawHealth.org
April 16, 2021
3
Larry Patrick: The Best of the Best
was a left-handed pitcher. Larry majored in chemistry, was president of his senior class, a member of Kappa Phi and Chi Beta Phi in college. He met the love of his life Judy JackRecently LEMS ‘s former principal Larry son at Newberry College, and they were married in 1959. Judy was a music Patrick celebrated his 89th birthday with a major, and Larry always loved music. He wanted to play the trumpet, but he Honk if you are a Leopard fan parade in his never had the time to take lessons. He enjoyed the old “Big Band music” and neighborhood planned by his daughter Leah took Judy on many dates to the Opera House in Newberry. and his wife Judy. Larry began his career as a chemist in Kingstree. He taught youth boys My workout partner, neighbor, coworker, Sunday School at the First Baptist Church. This became the beginning of his and friend Susan Layton and I participated interest in young people. He worked part time for the rec department as a in the parade. We stopped by the review tent volunteer football coach. In 1965 he earned the title of “Outstanding Young and presented Mr. Patrick with a giant size Men of America. “ birthday card we made from poster paper and gold glitter. He decided to enroll at USC and work on his master’s degree in educaMr. Patrick was our principal and mentor (nine years for me in Language tion. He then taught school in Kingstree where he later became Principal of Arts and English I and twenty-one years for Susan in Math). Before the Kingstree Elementary. COVID lockdowns, we would talk with Mr. Patrick as we all worked out at Larry became passionate about running and participated in 10k races althe Fitness Zone. He would always tease us about being “fitness fans.” He most every Saturday. His favorite club in Lugoff was the Optimist Club. always asked about former teachers and students. He enjoyed the club sponsoring the state speech contest for middle school Mr. Patrick was offered the job of Principal at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School students. He enjoyed watching the young people grow with confidence and in 1972, and he stayed there until he retired in 1993. Mr. Patrick was eager to pride in themselves. see the middle school have a football program in the fall of 1974 with a Spirit Kershaw County School District’s Director for Elementary Education Club and cheerleading squad to support the team. Ginger Catoe said, “I cherish all of the conversations and words of wisdom Mr. Patrick hardly recognizes the new Lugoff Elgin Middle School. He that my buddy Mr. Patrick has offered me over the twenty plus years that I is delighted to know the schools are growing. He likes talking about the old have been blessed to know and love him. I knew right away that I needed to middle school and will always cherish favorite memories from those days. learn from him. I firmly believe in the quote 'If I have seen further than othMr. Patrick likes to brag that he had the best lunchroom staff in Kershaw ers it is my standing upon the shoulders of giants.' Mr. Patrick may not be County, and Myrtle Branham was an incredible cook. His favorite lunch was tall in statue, but his love for this county is great. He believes, like me, in the homemade rolls, turkey, and dressing. power of relationships. I thank his family for allowing me to share in their Lawrence Crandall Patrick was born in Vallejo, California in 1932. He was lives. Mr. Patrick calls me Virginia and when he speaks, I listen. His life is a the son of Rachael and Roy Patrick of Williston, SC. Larry graduated from legacy. I am President of the Larry Patrick Fan Club." Summerville High School and then served in the U.S Navy for four years Larry Patrick’s most famous quote is “I had the best teachers and the best where he played baseball on the Admiral’s team. parents in Kershaw County. I had the best school in Kershaw County. I had After the Navy, he went to Newberry College on a baseball scholarship. He the best students in Kershaw County.” By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
KC Organizations Partner To Promote Community Health A new partnership among Access Kershaw (a division of the Community Medical Clinic), LiveWell Kershaw, and the Kershaw County Library has created a new role to promote community health and build a more cohesive community in rural Kershaw County-- a library Social Worker. Karina Vargas, who recently relocated to Lugoff from Connecticut, has been hired to fill the position. “Since moving here about a year ago I haven’t been able to connect to my community as I would like because of COVID. This position is a wonderful way to learn about my new home in a deep and meaningful way,” she stated. The role is intended to help individuals navigate local medical and other supportive resources through individual consultations at the Camden and Bethune libraries, rural partner locations, and on the library bookmobile. The position is funded by the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, which supports and develops sustainable rural and primary care education and healthcare delivery in South Carolina through clinical practice, training, and research. The Center strives for a future where all South Carolinians have access to high value, quality health care. “We are proud to work with local libraries and their partners,” Dr. Kevin Bennett, Director of the Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, said. “Our primary goal is to help improve rural residents’ access to quality healthcare. Relying on solutions proposed by those in the community will only further that goal.” Individual appointments will begin in early May, with information and appointments available on the library website at the end of April. The new position is just one way the Community Medical Clinic’s Access Kershaw initiative is partnering with the library to advance community health. The two organizations will also be collaborating to provide free tele-
4
Pictured above are (from left to right): Lindsey Kilgo, Director of Access Kershaw; Karina Vargas, Library Social Worker and Amy Schofield, Kershaw County Library Director. health services. Telehealth brings medical care to the county’s uninsured residents by using digital communication technologies and high-speed internet to connect nurse practitioners in satellite offices with patients who can be remotely examined, diagnosed, and treated. April 16, 2021
From the Chief 's Desk
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. Mark your calendars folks. The fourth Annual Elgin ‘Run for Roundup’ will be held on October 9, 2021 starting at Blaney Elementary School. The ‘Run for Roundup; is a family friendly 5K run or walk and is on a certified chip timed USTAF course. Awards will be given to the top three male and female in each age group and overall top fundraiser to help bring Christmas to those in need. You
can register for the run at StrictlyRunning.com or by stopping be Elgin Town Hall and picking up your registration form. If you would like to volunteer or Sponsor this event, contact Sgt. Michelle Sinclair at the Elgin Police Department 803-438-9917. We all look forward to seeing everyone at this special event.
Chief Alan Anders
Celebrating 'Purple Star' Students
The Purple Star (military-connected) students from Blaney Elementary and Stover Middle cooperated recently to place purple pinwheels between in the two schools spelling USA! Purple is the color of all the military colors combined. There are over 100 military-connected students at the two schools
(including virtual students) whose parents serve in the Army, Air Force, National Guard, Marines, and the Navy. Right: Purple Star student Melanie Covington in Ms. Lauren Brown's 4K class helps place purple pinwheels. Left: Guidance Counsler Glenna Brown-Kaiser coordinates Purple Star students in front of the pinwheel display.
CJWL Awards Spring Classroom Grants
The Camden Junior Welfare League has awarded its Spring Classroom Enrichment Grants to twelve Kershaw County educators. More than $5,000 was awarded during this cycle, funding projects that will support student enrichment in math, language and writing, arts, life skills and leadership, physical education, STEAM, and special education. “Once again, we are so amazed by the variety and creativity of the projects that our community’s educators submitted during this grant cycle,” said Camden Junior Welfare League President Caitlin Jones. Grants were awarded as follows: Kristine Britt, Wateree Elementary School - Funding the purchase of eBooks on the 2021-2022 South Carolina Picture and Children's Book Award Nominee list, which will allow virtual students to enjoy the books immediately and participate in the SC Book Awards programs next school year. Rebekah Clements, Baron DeKalb Elementary School - Funding the purchase of STEM and science materials to be incorporated into speech therapy sessions in order to address speech-language goals while maintaining science education. Caroline Gross, Doby's Mill Elementary School - Funding the construction of a sensory path throughout the school, to assist students with sensory and/or transition needs. Katey Hancock, Lugoff Elementary School - Funding the purchase of “STEMpathy” kits for 3rd-5th grade students to build empathy for others while completing tasks related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Pamela Horton, Lugoff Elgin High School - Funding the purchase of a 3D printer for students to develop design and engineering abilities while studying geometry concepts. April 16, 2021
Veronica F.A. Jamison, Jackson Elementary School - Funding the initial installment of books to stock a new book vending machine, using books as incentives and prizes for students. Jennifer Lott, Jackson Elementary School - Funding the creation of a student garden to be used annually, with rocks painted by students, in order to create a bed full of positivity and color. Joseph R. Miller, Camden High School - Funding the purchase of Subwoofer audio speakers for students to listen to and produce realistic audio quality tones during class and band sessions. Dana Sims Watkins, Bethune Elementary School - Funding the creation of an action-based learning environment in the special education classroom, allowing students to move while learning, providing purposeful movement and strengthening development gaps. Kim Stokes, Continuous Learning Center - Supporting the creation of a reading challenge for 4th-12th grades and the continued development of a student library. E. Lee Westbury, Montessori School of Camden - Funding the purchase of hands-on molecule building kits for 8th and 9th grade students. Monica Woodberry, Blaney Elementary School - Funding the purchase of a document camera in order to make instructional time more efficient during virtual learning for kindergarten students. The Camden Junior Welfare League has awarded approximately $15,000 in grants to individual educators and nonprofits serving the youth of Kershaw County during this fiscal year, despite canceled events and limited fundraising activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. College scholarships will be awarded in the coming months, as well. For more info, visit www.camdenleague.org/
5
Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character Day
On Friday, March 26th, students at Wateree Elementary School celebrated Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character Day. All grades, faculty and staff joined in on the fun!
LEHS Bowling Team
All though bowling is not officially recognized as a South Carolina High School League sport, it is recognized on the collegiate level. Recently, the LEHS bowling team led by senior Dillon Barnett became first runner up to Ridgeview High School. Barnett led all high schools with a 196 average, and he also bowled the team’s highest game with a 268. Dillon has bowled a perfect game of 300. Dillon works at Subway in Elgin. He attends his classes virtually at LEHS. He became interested in bowling because of his family especially his uncle and grandparents. He stresses a bowler must be mentally focused and competitive. In their second year, the LEHS bowling teams (sponsored by James Marlowe and coached by Terry Proveaux) will organize for next year's season in late fall, and they plan to compete against other Midlands high schools. The team has fundraised for their own entry fees, uniforms, and bowling equipment. Dillon, who has received a small scholarship for bowling, plans to return next year as one of the team’s coaches. He encourages anyone interested in bowling to contact a team member.
LEHS at Explode 2021 Strength Meet
LEHS bowlers: standing Coach Terry Proveaux, Joey Wilson, Damon Clark, Bottom : Sammy Pillard, Dillon Barnette, Mark Miller
What a great meet! So many hit PR’s tonight! LE had 11 first place finishers - Daniel Fullwood, Christian Harrell, Alex Carraway, Blease Campbell, Nick Ross, Mason Williams, Marty Manning, Brayden Castles, Ethan Hix, Karrington Charles and Aldo Gallegos. Special Congratulations to Ashley Dooley for winning the Female Lifter Award and to be the first female to place in an Explode Meet. Super excited to see Ethan Hix power clean 330 lbs. and Scottie Dean deadlift 670 lbs. (Both are AllTime Explode records).
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
6
• • •
Monthly Bookkeeping Payroll Tax
TAX PREPARATION over 85 Years of Experience • 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
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!!!
https://www.epstax.net/terms-conditions/
1071 Hwy. 1 South, Lugoff Phone: (803) 438-6161 Fax: (803) 438-4743
April 16, 2021
Community Garden Coming to Elgin
ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
Blanketing Families community garden is coming to Elgin at the old tennis courts. The first clean up day was recently held at the community garden, and Blanketing Families founder Annette Hammond says the community involvement and response has been great. Blanketing Families is celebrating one year of serving our community. "We could not have done it without our AWESOME Mayor," says Hammond. For more info on the garden's progress, and the Blanketing Families organization, follow them on Facebook @blanketingfamiliesinc
25 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM! ∙ Seamless, 1/2 Round & Copper Gutters ∙ Gutter Clean Outs & Repairs ∙ Gutter Covers ∙ Quality Service to the Midlands for 10 Years actseamlessgutters@gmail.com • (803) 669-2574 “Serving Columbia Since 1963”
ALL YOU CARE TO EAT!
Hours:
Wed 11-2 • Thurs - Sat 11-8 • Sun 11-3 Catering Available Call us at 318-6682 for your catering needs.
4927 Alpine Road, Columbia, SC 29223
803-788-8238
Top: Blanketing Families Inc. founders Ann Pringle and Annette Hammond at the site of the new community garden on Sessions Road. Bottom: Workers participate in the first clean up day at the site of the garden.
April 16, 2021
7
Relay For Life Set for May 1st at LEHS
Relay For Life of Kershaw County is Saturday, May 1 from 6-8 at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. It is a drive-thru fundraising celebration this year. The Presenting Sponsor is The Lugoff Automotive Group once again this year. Last year, Relay For Life of Kershaw County, like most Relay For Life events across the nation, was canceled due to Covid-19. Relay volunteers are passionate and not even a pandemic can stop the lifesaving mission of The American Cancer Society. However, this year, event leaders regrouped and planned to move forward. We will just do Relay For Life Covid style and reinvent our event with a drive thru. This drive-thru will allow us to celebrate survivors, recognize 2020 and 2021 sponsors, set up luminaria bags and fundraise in a safe environment for everyone. Old South &
Catery, LLC will be providing BBQ dinners for $10 so pick up a great meal on your way out. Survivors will meet in the safety of their vehicles at 5:30 pm at Lugoff-Elgin High front parking lot for a VIP escort by Kershaw County Sheriff ’s office and Lugoff Fire Department to Lugoff-Elgin Middle. Survivors are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in Relay purple and post a sign with the number of years they have been celebrating survivorship. Survivors will kick off the celebration as the honored guests of the event! They will also be given a “Superstar S” to place on their windshield and a goody bag with items donated by various businesses. After the survivors lead the way, the public will follow in the purple procession turning in from Highway 1 to Lugoff-Elgin Middle and leaving through Wildwood Lane.
This is a county wide fundraising event, and everyone is invited to drive thru and help us drive out cancer! County wide support will mean so much to our survivors! Sponsors, survivors, Relay teams and community members are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in Relay purple with balloons, garlands, signs, and streamers. After all it is a celebration! We are so grateful to all our sponsors and community members that continue to support our efforts in these difficult times. Make plans to drivethru to drive out cancer on Saturday, May 1 1 from 6-8 pm at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held May 8. For more information or to donate online go to www.relayforlife.org/kershawcosc or call Gail Kirkland 803-438-3483.
WW Rotary Dictionary Distribution ElginNews@gmail.com 803.513.5108
Dr. Ferguson D.O.T. Certified Medical Examiner
Now offering D.O.T. Certified Physicals for only $99. Call today!
2547 Main Street, Elgin • (803) 408-0965
The West Wateree-Lugoff Rotary Club recently distributed 405 dictionaries to third grade students in the four elementary schools in the West Wateree area of Kershaw County. Each year the club purchases and distributes dictionaries to students as one of its community service projects. This year, due to COVID restrictions, Rotarians were unable to go into the classroom for presentations, so teachers were given the dictionaries to distribute. Rotarian Tana Marshall (left) and club president Ed Garrison (right) present dictionaries to Wateree Elementary teachers Lila Marken, Emilie Lassister, Holly Bartlett, Kristel Grubbs and Robbin Cooke.
Trey Webb, Agent
I’m your one-stop shop for the service you deserve at a price you want. Call me for surprisingly great rates and Good Neighbor service right in your neighborhood. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements.
10201 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29229
8
treywebbinsurance.com 803-788-9188
April 16, 2021
From The Chairman's Desk
Worry Looks Around - Faith Looks Up By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman
Worry looks around, but faith looks up. Such was the theme of the Elgin News Article I wrote just a year ago. Worry is unproductive; however, our faith is being rewarded, if we resolve to act upon this opportunity to crush the COVID threat. Yes, we have vaccines and new knowledge that we could only dream about a year ago, and hope has arrived. However, we are only 37% vaccinated, and cases remain high Easter, Passover and Spring Break have intensified exposures, in spite of the vaccine (see chart). Mortality continues, and there can be only one reason: that we are not adjusting effectively as our situation improves; rather, we are relaxing too many precautions that got us thus far. So, the point here is to resolve to adjust wisely, so that April-May 2021 do not repeat that “Lost Spring” of April-May 2020. Not to worry. Our Faith is helping our County to mend – renewing – perhaps wiser but doubtlessly better, too. Consider these signs of renewal: + Seizing Success in Adversity. Volunteer organizations and churches show their worth, supporting the least, the last, the lame and the lost…and joined by dedicated medical staffs wielding new therapies. And church groups like Annette Hammond “blanketed” families in Elgin and fed them, too. Our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) as in Vision2030 was validated, wherein Kathryn Johnson and Mike Conley secured federally-funded health buses between Camden, Kershaw Health, Lugoff and Elgin. + Powering Community Pride. Citizens with spunk and grit led the way, without prompting, to serve and to organize. Just one example: Pam Delk and Weylchem led the “Anti-Litter Legion” to clean up Highway Church Road. Nichola Garcia who, with Wanda Swann, Judge Hartis, Jill Wolfe, Bill Nettles, Joanna Craig, and David Snodgrass unleashed a torrent of “Clean Community” volunteers county-wide to attack litter on our roadways and public spaces. + Assuring our Future in Schools and Teachers. We courageously led in innovation, and unlike neighboring counties, KCSD optimized in-person instruction. Meanwhile, Spring sports show-cased coaches and teens as heroes both to cheer and to cheer us, as well. In baseball, Henry Powers and Joe Herlong dedicated “Optimist Field” with a new sign for LEHS to celebrate. To cap it all, Jenny Proctor showed the quality of all teachers as Finalist for SC Teacher of the Year.
+ Fulfilling Recreation and Culture. New swim teams, splash pads and Veterans Wateree Park are ready. Soon we will open a new Elgin Park at Haigs Creek and Whiting Way, right next to the new Ernest Care facility. Horse lovers renew the legacies in the County Equine Center at peak capacity, two rodeos, and, returning at last, the Carolina Cup in May. A season on the Wateree River arrived, and woods resound to turkey hunter calls. Revolutionary War Visitors Center opens, co-located with Historic Camden, the site of the Humane Society Fest and of Becki O’Hara’s Irish Fest. + Visioning and Budget. “Fortune favors the Prepared Mind’. And the Council authorized a county-wide, reimagined Vision2030. Among which, Rural Fire Services and EMS are the focus for continued safety and responsiveness of these vital services and the personnel who carry out these dangerous tasks. So, progress! … but, how do pandemics end? Perhaps never, as this virus becomes a part of the landscape. We long ago resolved that the way out is deliberate, not “out” but “through” to an end we cannot predict. I cite a playground lesson from Kindergarten: climbing down is as dangerous as climbing up: backyard trees, ladders, stairs, pandemics. The US Treasury’s many trillions in stimulus are as nothing compared to the role of each citizen, if only we do not falter. So, we pick up our duties and tend to the “Ox in the ditch” as the Bible says. We have faith, not worry, relying on our free people acting on a common good, and knowing that “vaccines don’t stop viruses; vaccinations do.” Let us take advantage of such a blessing not available to our ancestors in the Spanish Flu in 1918: mask, get the shots, and reclaim our lives. #KCSTRONG
United Way of Kershaw County Celebrates Volunteers
Volunteers are central to everything we do at the United Way of Kershaw County. In a recent online meeting the question was asked, what one thing could you not do without in your community based operation? The overwhelming # 1 response was volunteers! We at the United Way strongly believe in our volunteer system and the value they not only bring to us but also the value they bring to businesses and organizations they represent. We have volunteers working in every aspect of our daily activities. From answering the phone and greeting visitors, to packing food boxes for distribution, handing out food boxes at distribution sites and in our leadership with 25 community volunteers on our Board of Directors. Our website and Facebook page is loaded with photos and stories of how volunteers are helping their friends and neighbors here in our county every day. Are you looking for a place to volunteer a few days a month? We can find a place for you! Check us out on our Facebook page @KCliveunited or on our website at www.uwkc.net/ While we can’t have a banquet or a large gathering right now, we can say THANK YOU to all the volunteers making our community a better place to live. April 16, 2021
9
REHABILITATIVE CARE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Elgin can help you regain your independence after an injury.
Our inpatient rehab hospital has 40 all-private rooms and treats those recovering from disabling injuries or living with chronic illnesses, such as: • Strokes
• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Brain injuries
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Parkinson’s disease
• Orthopedic injuries, including hip fractures
• Amputations
• Major multiple trauma
• Neurological conditions
To learn more about our services, visit our website at MRRH.ernesthealth.com.
MRRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM 20 Pinnacle Parkway • Elgin, SC 29045 • ph: 803.438.8890 Follow Us
Stop by for a chance to win a
FREE
three-month YMCA membership.
UNINSURED? GET HEALTH INSURANCE NOW! You may qualify for more money to help you pay your monthly premiums. Many will even qualify for $0 cost plans! Our licensed experts are ready to help you find the best coverage at a price you can afford.
April 22, 23 April 24
Scan to schedule your appointment today or call 855-382-BLUE (2583).
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
10
| 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
| 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jeep Rogers Family YMCA 900 Lake Carolina Drive Columbia, SC 29229 213630-04-2021
April 16, 2021
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
Deputy of the Quarter: Jacques Cook
Sheriff Lee Boan
Please help us congratulate your KCSO Deputy of the Quarter ( Jan-Mar 2021): Deputy Jacques Cook. Cook started working for your KCSO in June of last year. She came to us from the SC Department of Mental Health Public Safety. Cook has an associate degree in nursing and a master degree in criminal justice. She is currently the SRO at Blaney Elementary School and loves working with children. Deputy Cook is a great asset to our department and demonstrates positive values well to the youth of Kershaw County. Congratulations, Deputy Cook! Thank you for your service!
Pictured at right: Deputy Cook is honored as the First Quarter Deputy of the Quarter.
Happy Retirement! Drums at Doby's Mill
After 34 years of dedicated service to the Credit Union, Sharon Brown, Collections Manager for Mid Carolina Credit Union, is setting her sights on a well-deserved retirement and spending more time with her family. During her professional career, Sharon held a number of roles throughout the credit union. She was all about improving the lives of our members, associates, and the communities we serve. Sharon epitomizes the credit union philosophy of “people helping people." The Board, Employees and Members of Mid Carolina CU cannot thank Sharon enough for the passion, dedication, and loyalty she has brought to the organization. Her imprint on MCCU will long outlast her tenure.
April 16, 2021
Congrats to Sharon Brown on her retirement from Mid Carolina Credit Union!
Thanks to a Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) grant from the SC Department of Education, all students at Doby's Mill Elementary School recently had the opportunity to work with Artists in Residence from Drums Alive! This fun format of learning allows students and teachers to utilize movement with rhythm, which stimulates brain activity and memory. In these pictures, kindergarten students work with the artists to learn techniques.
11
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
Room-Sized Remnants Get new carpet for your ENTIRE home at a fraction of the price, with our room and home-sized remnants! We’re over-stocked and need to make room for new items, so we’ve slashed our prices! Stop by today to select carpet for your room or home. Hurry, while supplies last.
1123 Highway 1 South, Lugoff • (803) 408-8707 •carpetoutletlugoffsc.com Hours: Monday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm • Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm