Taste of Home Cooking School is May 10 | pg.

20

Graduates were big part of Army JROTC

BY ROB NOVIT
rnovit@aikenstandard.com

Wagenermonthly
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
covering wagener and eastern aiken county

FROM THE MAYORS DESK

On April 26, after 13 years of faithful and excellent service to the Town of Wagener, Mr. Ed LaBine will retire. Mr. Ed joined the town staff in 1999. He has served in many different roles resulting in progress and improvements that will have a positive and lasting impact on the town and its operations. It was his expertise and hard work that brought an old and historical buildMAYOR MIKE ing back to life, the MILLER one we now call the Wagener Town Hall and Municipal Center. We congratulate Mr. Ed on his retirement, thank him for his dedicated service and wish him and
Please see MAYOR, page 27

WAGENER An accident that left a 2011 Wagener-Salley High graduate dead and another seriously injured late Thursday night has shaken the close-knit students and faculty. Chase Ray, who was killed in the two-car collision, and Amber Williams, airlifted to a Columbia hospital, were mainstays of Wagener-Salleys Army JROTC program. Im just trying to grasp this myself, said commander Col. Maxie Joye. These two were such a big part, and everyone gets to know each other like brothers and sisters. Chase and Amber have been like a son and daughter for the sergeant major (Michael Fowler) and me. Were doing what we can to support the families and help our kids transition through this tragedy.
Please see CADETS, page 27

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL WILLIAMS

TRAGEDY STRIKES: Amber Williams and Chase Ray were both mainstays in the WagenerSalley Army JROTC program, according to commander Col. Maxie Joye. Chase died in a car accident on April 19, and Amber was airlifted to a Columbia hospital with serious injuries.

FBC WAGENER SPONSORS ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

PHOTOS BY VALERIE SLIKER

See more Easter egg hunt photos on pages 14, 15 and 24

2 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Remembering joint services, revivals from yesteryear

often the ritual for the first and last days of revival. Even though I am a member of First Baptist, I grew up attending Wagener United Methodist Church, and I have so many, many good memories of those by gone days. Just like Mama, I remember revival time as a special time to have fellowship with friends and maybe make new friends, too. I can recall as revival week approached, there was excitement in the air. The adult choir was rehearsing special songs, and the youth choir was, too. Many times the guest minister would preach fire and brimstone, and, as the altar call was made, people would began to file out of the pews eager to repent and ask for forgiveness while others may have been accepting Jesus for the first time. The congregation would keep singing verse after verse and often the choir leader would call out a new hymn, and the congregation sang over and over until the last person returned to his pew. The closing prayer would be one of thankfulness and a plea for others to heed the call and step out to God the next night. Then in closing, the congregation would sing Bless Be the Tie That Binds. The preachers sermon was not the only thing sending out fire and brimstone; the church sanctuary would be stifling hot as air conditioning was not yet the luxury as it is today. The church windows would be raised as high as possible, and most everyone in the congregation would be using a handheld fan. The cardboard fan advertising the local funeral home or some other establishment of the day held a special place in the hymn book rack. No country church would be without the cardboard fans. I remember that Grandmama Myra Tyler had a black cloth fan that she kept in her Sunday purse. I would play with it until I saw Daddy give me the evil eye, and I knew to give it back to Grandmama. Things have really changed temperature wise at church. Sometimes, I get so cold that I get out of my seat and place hymnals on the air-conditioning vent. The Sunday after Easter, Pastor Turner reported that there were 210 people in attendance for the joint Easter service. I had a hard time keeping my mind on the service after his announcement, for I kept remembering the church services of another time. Sweet, sweet memories.

Memories Memories are precious. Memories are something that cannot be taken away from you. Memories bring you great comfort and joy. Memories can sustain you through difficult times. Memories allow you to remember from where you came and look forward to where you are going. Memories are Gods gift from the past for the future.

also for mingling with family and friends. Family members that lived some distance away took the opportunity to return home and visit with relatives and friends. Mama remembered that during summer revivals that morning and evening services were held. Teenage boys and girls would go home with one another after the morning meeting and return together at the evening service. Revive Us Again She said that one time, after the morning This past Easter Sunday, Wagener United gathering at New Holland Baptist Church, Methodist Church and she and a crowd of teenage boys and girls First Baptist Church went home with her first cousin Faye Wagener celebrated the Ready. resurrection of Jesus Fayes mother Aunt Corrie was my Christ; the two congregranddaddy Fred Lybrands oldest sister. gations joined together Aunt Corrie and her husband Uncle Jeter at First Baptist. lived over five miles from the church. The Easter message Someone in the crowd had a car, and was shared between Mama recalled that they were packed in United Methodist Pastor that one car like sardines. Scott Smoak and First Aunt Corrie knew that she was going to Baptist Pastor Philip be feeding a larger crowd than usual and LEMYRA Turner. had cooked a plenty a plenty of this and YOUNG The two churches a plenty of that. Mama said, when they all combined choirs blessed the congregation sat down at the table, there was hardly any with special music, and United Methodist elbow room. Choir Director Lynn West and First Baptist Aunt Corrie was very young when she Choir Director Britta Carver sang a duet. married Uncle Jeter; he was a graduate of The communion ritual was served to the Clemson and was apparently independently congregation by both Pastors Smoak and wealthy, for most of his days were spent Turner. It was a beautiful service and a driving his old Ford to Aiken and sitting beautiful beginning for a special day. around the Aiken County Court House in Several days prior to the service, Mama his 10 gallon hat talking with the other men and I were talking about the two churches there. holding services together and how it harAunt Corrie and Uncle Jeter had five kened back to days of yesteryear. daughters and three sons: Annie, Sally, I can remember when church revival Derotha D.O., Johnny and Faye were the services were held at least once a year and girls; Patrick Henry Pat, James Monroe lasted from Sunday to Sunday, and some and Eugene Buckingham Punk were the revivals stretched out into a second week. boys. Uncle Jeter always referred to his Some area churches held two revivals; children as Corries younguns. one in the spring and one in the fall. PrepaMost churches of 60 or 70 years ago rations for revival week began months did not have fellowship halls and kitchahead of the actual week. ens. Therefore meals at church were held Often times the revival minister was outside and referred to as dinner on the housed in one of the parishioners home; ground. meal time was shared by other church There were usually makeshift tables of members for both dinner and supper meals. sawhorses and planks of lumber set up to (This was the era when dinner was in the hold the dishes of food prepared and shared middle of the day, and supper was the by all. nighttime meal.) Some churches may have had permanent Everyone was invited to revival services, boards wedged or nailed between low tree not just the church members. Although limbs that served as an eating table; howvisitors were welcomed at every service, ever, you had to stand to eat. each night of the service was designated Most families brought blankets and bed for a particular area church. spreads to place on the ground to provide a Sunday school classes would be in com- sitting place while eating. Mama said her mama Leila would not petition to see how many guests each class only cook all kinds of food but would also would get to attend. Most nights the pews would be full, and sometimes extra seating bring everyday dishes, eating utensils, drinking glasses and cloth napkins since was placed in the aisles. Mama recollected that revival was a spe- paper and plastic products were unheard cial time not only for spiritual renewal, but of at that time. Dinner on the ground was

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 3

Kents Korner has reopened at Hwy. 39, exit 33

COURTESY OF WAGENERSC.COM

Kents Korner Convenience Store No. 18, located at the intersection of Highway 39 and I-20, exit 33, has reopened with a fresh new look. The store closed on Dec. 5 to begin a major update, leaving customers eager for the reopening almost four months later. It was well worth the wait. The store reopened at noon on March 29, but the grand opening was held on its first full day in service, March 30. Each customer was given a free Hunts Brother pizza throughout the day. This Kents Korner features Hunts Brothers Pizza, as well as a full service Huddle House. I spoke with Wendy Hartley, the store manager about opening the new store. Its been really wild, very, very busy. The store is a lot nicer, bigger, and were carrying a lot of new products that we didnt carry previously. The new features include: * Smartwater (@smartwater) * Tradewinds Tea (@DrinkTradewinds) * Sweet tea at the fountain * Milkshake machine with 8 or 9 flavors * Boneless chicken wings 24 hours * Sandwiches and baked goods from Wageners Little Bake Shoppe * Washer and dryer laundromat * Bigger showers To celebrate the grand opening, this one Kents Korner location is offering any size fountain drink for only 25 cents, limited time. Many customers came in for their 25-cent soda and took a free pizza to go with it. The grand opening was packed. The excitement level was off the charts, people running around with free pizza, sitting at Huddle House enjoying a meal, or running fountain drinks like the school water fountain. It was just plain old fun. Local business supporting local business. This Kents Korner location is now carrying sandwiches and baked goods from The Little Bake Shoppe, based right here in Wagener. Clay Ingram, CIO Garvin Oil Company, Inc. said, Since everyone in Wagener is addicted to their doughnuts, we need to make sure they have a fresh cup of our Koffee to wash em down. And since they are supporting local business, no need to feel guilty about having two. Local folks as well as out-of-towners were enjoying the Grand Opening. These

local fellows enjoyed the Huddle House lunch, saying, Little Megan (their waitress) was working hard making sure we were both happy. Shes good. Every time my tea was half empty, she was there to refill it. And that makes for happy people. I had a chance to speak with Desiree, the Huddle House manager, just two days before the Grand Opening when she was checking every plate and glass and table in the place. She was more than ready to reopen. I met up with these two guys who had no idea it was the grand opening. One was from Aiken, the other from New York but visiting in Lexington. They wanted to meet in the middle, and that was Exit 33. Ill be back! claimed the one from New York. We travel a lot. This place is nice because we can get our motor home around easily. We cant go to a Waffle House with our motor home! Here we can easily park it and turn it around, no problem. They both agreed it was excellent food and excellent service. Of course I had to speak to the happiest guys in the place I wanted to know why they were so happy they had no free pizzas, no 25-cent drinks. Whats up, what are you doing? I asked. It was Rich West and Don Golden, superintendents from Clifton Construction, the folks that did most of the remodeling. I complimented them on a job well done. I think they blushed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAGENERSC.COM

4 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

WOMENS WELL
BY DIANNE
Most of the women at the Well either have a big garden or have farmed in the past. Clara, Earthlean and Caroline are still doing major gardening. They often bring in their bounty for us to share. All of us enjoy fresh, local fruits and vegetables. This year my husband announced he was tired of feeding the rabbits and deer so we wont be planting a garden. Carolines solution to this problem is plant enough for the animals and humans alike. (I will miss going to our garden boxes and picking fresh veggies, but I understand his complaint.) There is a solution for my love for fresh, local fruits and vegetables a local farmers market here in Wagener. Many small towns have their own farmers market and are quite successful. These markets usually take place on Saturday mornings. Local farmers come and sell their plants, fruits, vegetables, eggs and crafts. It is a fun time for all participating buyers and sellers. Wagener Farmers Market would be a good addition to our growing town. The Womens Well is going to have a booth at the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale in Ridge Spring on June 2. Several groups who had booths there last year said it was wellattended. Yard sales like this are very popular throughout our country now. It is fascinating

AIKEN COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A DAY AT WOMENS WELL: Lorene, Lennie and Miracle work on a project. to watch them on reality TV. We have had many donations of exceptionally, nice yard sale items given to us. This will be a good opportunity to raise some funds for needs in our community. Please keep this date on your calendar and join us in Ridge Spring for a shopping experience of a lifetime. We are planning to have our Bible Study continue on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Again, this summer, we will have a girls class on Wednesday mornings. Last summer, girls from 8 years to 13 years learned painting, sewing and crafting. This summer we may add cooking. If you know of any girls who would like to join us, you can call Dianne at (803) 606-1780. We are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are a number of beautiful quilts for sale. Come see for yourself. Until next month, be blessed. Down Under. A major source of funds comes through voluntary contributions of family, friends and business sponsors. Your sponsorship will be a very important part of fundraising. Any donations will help to fulfill this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For more information, STARNES contact Jennifer Starnes at jjstarnes@pbtcomm.net.

STAFF PHOTO BY ROB NOVIT

HIGH FIVES ALL AROUND: A.J. Livingston, a Busbee Corbett Elementary Middle School student, celebrates with buddies Will Harley and Katie Hopkins of North Augusta High School. A.J. had just thrown a football through a tire during the Young Athletes activities at the Special Olympics.

GARDEN CLUB
BY NANCY BALLEW
Wagener Garden Club The Wagener Garden Club met at 4 p.m. on April 3 at Town Hall. While enjoying delicious refreshments that were furnished by Dee Outlaw, members spent a brief time welcoming Sandy and Chris Randall, who presented the program. Also present were new member Helen Jeffcoat and out-of-town guest Helen Ballew. The program was about growing hydrangeas in home gardens. Sandy and Chris showed pictures of hydrangeas in

Starnes seeks sponsorship for Australian volleyball tourney

Jenna Starnes has been invited to participate in the Down Under Sports Tournaments to be held in Australia. She was selected to be an ambassador of not only my community and state but also the country. She will be participating in this international event on the East Central Conference Volleyball Team during the summer of 2012. She is seeking sponsors to make donations toward the cost of competing

their garden and others and told of varieties that grow in sun and shade. Some bloom on new growth and bloom, even if there is a freeze. Others rebloom and extend the blooming season. The May meeting will be a visit to Chris and Sandys garden in Aiken. A business meeting included a report by Jeanette Shumpert of the West Lowcountry Garden Club meeting that was held on March 28 in Aiken. Three of the members attended Jeanette, Muriel Black and Nancy Ballew. Preliminary plans were made for programs and hostesses for 2012 and 2013, a fall bake sale and a Christmas party. A plant exchange concluded the meeting.

Aiken County Councilmember District 1

KATHY RAWLS
419 Lake Amelia Rd Wagener, SC 29164 803-564-5435 (Home) Email: brawls01@pbtcomm.net
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 5

WAGENER-SALLEY WINS STATE AGRICULTURE MECHANICS CONTEST

SUBMITTED ARTICLE On March 31, Wagener-Salley FFA members placed first in the State Agricultural Mechanics Career Development event held at Clemson University. Contestants from across the state competed in arc welding, electricity, small engines carpentry and grain handling and storage. A written test was taken by all students as well as hand-on activities testing their knowledge on the above areas. Wagener-Salley team members were Bobby Chavis, Harley Gallop, Grayson Joye and Trent Rushton. Gallop was the highest scoring individual on the written test, Joye was the highest scoring welder and Rushton was the highest scoring individual in the Environmental and Natural Resource area as well as the Machinery and Equipment Handling areas. Rushton was the second highest scoring individual in the contest. The willing team will compete this fall at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Congratulation to these Wagener-Salley FFA members.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

WINNING FIRST PLACE: Pictured, from left, are Cody Bishop, State FFA Secretary, Grayson Joye, Bobby Chavis, Harley Gallop, Trent Rushton and FFA adviser Allen Williams.

THIRD QUARTER HONOR ROLLS

Busbee Corbett Elementary Middle students receive honors
Principals List
Sixth through eighth grades: Cadena Amaker, Brenna Kirkland, Daisy Young, Eboni Adams, Brianna Kirkland, Preston Rodgers, Tialeisha Corley and Amirah Miller Makayla Brooks, Alexander Bynem, Cameron Chandler, Erica Danley, Jordyn Disher, Morgan Foster, Courtney Gallagher, Ryan Gallop, April Glover, Lexxis Landy, Jacob Yon and JaQuiel Williams

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6 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mom, the flag and Mr. Jimmy Carl Busbee

BY JIM WEST
Columnist

ANOTHER PLACE
The wind is blowing, leaves are falling, fall is in the air, Our wonderful God gives me words to write. Heres some Id like to share. When you look in a mirror, theres a story told by your face, Sometimes you just stare, your mind takes you to another place. I always see the struggles of my life, my face shows I lived hard, God has taken away my addictions, His love cant be bought with a credit card.
BRIAN WATTS

Or he will do something stupid, go back to prison, spend his life in a cage. Last time he was in, he was closer to God, and read His book, Soon as he got out, the devil got back ahold of him, He aint gave it another look. Hes back to his old self, hustling, living on the edge, Hope he keeps his cool back to the wall and dont fall off of lifes ledge. Ill continue to pray for him every day, like my Mom did for me, Maybe God will enter his heart before its too late, so he can see. Go through your day, think of others, always try your best, Let God help you with your problems, trust in Him, he will do the rest. Brian is a miracle! He has recovered from more than 20 years of abusing and being heavily addicted to several kinds of drugs and alcohol. God literally showed him the light on Oct. 31, 2007. If you are interested in contacting Brian, his email address is finallysober2000@yahoo. com. mother, so you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Proverbs 31:28: Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her.

It all began in the spring and summer of the mid-1950s when I was just beginning to take notice of the people and the community around me. I was with my dad in a hardware store on Main Street in Wagener, listening to a conversation between the owners of that store, Mr. Ed West and Mr. Jimmy Carl Busbee. The conversation involved Mr. Jimmy telling Mr. Ed that he couldnt do something a certain way because if he did the place might blow up! When my dad heard that, he said for me to come on, that we were going home before the place did blow up! My dad had been a combat engineer in World War II and was always using dynamite to move rocks and stumps for people, and since the hardware store sold dynamite, I followed my dad right out the door! Of course, nothing happened, but I will forever remember the remark by Mr. Jim Busbee Youre going to blow us up, Ed! Jimmy Carl Busbee will always be Mr. Jim to me. When someone needed the truth about their options on most anything, they would always find their way to Mr. Jims door. His sly grin and understanding personality always helped us with our problems, personal or business, and if he gave us his word, we knew that the situation was safe. Mr. Jim served his country, and I have very fond memories of his work in our local VFW chapter. He was always concerned about the young people of our area, and I guess that is why he was totally involved with education as a member of the School Board during the 1960s and 1970s. Mr. Jim always wanted to be sure that our side of Aiken County got the funding it needed and that we were well represented in all county offices. He encouraged people to get involved in their churches, their political parties and community organizations. Mr. Jim always led by example. He always told me not to expect the impossible out of people, that everyone ought to serve their country, and

that ownership of small business was a very difficult position in which to find ones self. Mr. Jims philosophy was that everyone should see how the taxpayers money is spent, but we should always remember that elected officials will spend our money much more quickly than we might because we had to earn it before we spent it; they didnt! Mr. Jim was not antigovernment; he just wanted government officials to do what the taxpayers elected them to do. Mr. Jims primary interest was to insure a quality education for all our young people, no matter what religion, no matter what ethnic group, no matter what race no matter what. If you were going to have a quality life, you must have a good basic education. Mr. Jim Busbee stood for and represented the good things in America freedom, civil rights, education, financial support of your family and, most importantly, living a clean moral, Christian life as an example for the rest of us. When I talked to Mr. Jim about adjusting to everyday life after the Vietnam War and about the difficulties of small business and never having enough money for the bills, he really listened. When I spoke with him about school policies and how they affected our families he understood. When I spoke with him about who or what political party best represented the future of America, he always gave me a hardy dressing down about our responsibility to let our elected representatives know who we are and what we expect of them. Mr. Jim Busbee represented all the good things our moms wanted us to be kind, trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, clean and reverent. Oh, yes, I must not forget cheerful. Ill miss that cheerful grin of his. He always knew I wanted something before I even sought it out clear, honest, helpful advice. He didnt have any other kind. Thanks, Mr. Jim, for being my friend, and many thanks for being a personal hero to me. I feel sure I am a better person for having known you. Lest We Forget Jimmy Carl Busbee, Wagener, S.C.

Matter of fact, its flowing free, its yours if you ask, Hell help you keep your life on tract, kinda like his task. I was talking to my boy today, told him he needed to contain his anger and rage,

A MOTHERS VALUE
There is not one of us who does not value the influence of a loving mother. Unfortunately, some are missing this blessing. Mothers Day is a special time to bless the lady who has given so much of herself. Some will be able to do it personally; others will cherish her memory. Please read what some have said about mothers. Elizabeth Stone: Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go DR. TOMMY walking around outside your HUDDLESTON body. Washington Irving: A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us; when troubles thicken around us, still she clings to us, and endeavors by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to your hearts. George Washington: My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her. Buddy Hackett: My mothers menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it. Calvin Rillin: There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. Exodus 20:12: Honor your father and your

Super Mom
Mom, youre a wonderful mother, So gentle, yet so strong. The many ways you show your care Always make me feel I belong. Youre patient when I am foolish; You give guidance when I ask; It seems you can do most anything; Youre master of every task. Youre a dependable source of comfort; Youre my cushion when I fall. You help in times of trouble; You support me whenever I call. I love you more than you know; You have my total respect. If I had my choice of mothers, Youd be the one Id select. By Joanna Fuchs Dont miss the opportunity to bless that woman who has been so faithful to you. Ladies, have a blessed Mothers Day. You deserve it! Dr. Tommy Huddleston is transitional pastor of Berlin Baptist Church on Crossthorn Road. He can be reached via email at twhuddleston@ hotmail.com or at the office at (803) 564-6308.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 7

8 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

THE BLACK HISTORY PASTORS APPRECIATION PROGRAM

BY DEANNA MILLER

churches and members of the community together to celebrate Black History Month. Brother Willie Stroman has a vision There were a variety of performances, and were going to help him bring it to life including miming by Adrian Ginyard & in this community, said Marlon Hudson. the Chapel Hill Baptist Church mime Mr. Willie Stroman of Salley held the team, song selections by the Davis Sisters second Black History Pastors Appreciaand Chalk Hill Baptist Church, poems by tion Program at Busbee-Corbett ElemenAlana Stroman, Minister Jenkins and Roy tary Middle School on Feb. 25. Kitt and a Martin Luther King tribute by The program brought pastors, ministers, Minister Casteal.

Tributes of Appreciation were also given out to a couple who has been married for over 70 years and a retired school teacher. The pastors in attendance were presented with certificates of appreciation and love, as well as roses for their spouses. Tamekia Porterfield said, I think the program really shows how much love the community has in its churches and leaders

and I look forward to attending it again next year. Stroman started the program in 2011 and expects to hold it every year until he is able to get every church pastor and community members within the rural areas to participate. Black History month is once a year, but pastor appreciation should be every day, he said.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 9

10 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 11

12 COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN RESULTS

Entries are listed with name, age, chip time and clock time *

Salley
Rebecca Rinehart, 25, 1:40:18, 2:12:28 * The chip time is measured from when the runner crosses the starting line to when he crosses the finish line. The clock time is measured from when the race starts to when the runner crosses the finish line.

Wagener
Krista Martin, 34, 1:02:59, 1:35:36 Patricia Overholt, 30, 1:09:50, 1:50:16 Wesley Overholt, 32, 1:00:33, 1:41:12 Kyle Quill, 22, 1:02:09, 1:34:47 Richard Swift, 56, 0:49:16, 0:54:45 Sharon Swift, 50, 1:15:49, 1:56:39

12 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

WOMANS CLUB OF WAGENER SPRING TEA

Womans Club of Wagener members and guests enjoyed a Spring Tea at Claridge House Bed and Breakfast on March 19.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Front, Helen Jeffcoat, Amelia Henderson; back, Frances Tyler, Maradella Ray, Mary Lybrand, LeMyra Young and Annie Clyde Williams

Meet & Greet with Deedee Vaughters

From left, Paulette Bolin, Kay Brodie, Emily Branch, Vernelle Casey and Gloria Collum Thanks to all who attended the Meet & Greet held on Saturday, April 21, at the Old Salley School Museum for Deedee Vaughters, candidate for State Senate District 26. We enjoyed sharing coffee, doughnuts and time with each of you.

Family Day Fun Fest to be held on May 5

The Crescent Cities Recreational Park Committee will present its annual Family Day Fun Fest on Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Crescent Cities Park in Wagener. There will be fun and games for everyone so come out and join us for a day of fun in the sun.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 13

S.C. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

how they learn. In my view, this is not a battle between choice versus public education as opponents try to frame the argument; both have their place and both need support. This is about doing whats best for educating our children. This modest choice legislation focuses on creating scholarships for lowincome students. The legislation moves to the Senate. Keeping Us Safe: Restaurant Carry legislation was approved by the House of Representatives; the vote was 82 to 3. This bill would allow those with a S.C. Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) to carry into restaurants that serve alcohol as long as they dont consume beer or booze. I am a sponsor of this legislation and spoke in favor of passage during debate. Every law enforcement officer I have spoken to embraces the expansion of the CWP program because it makes lawbreakers think twice not knowing where guns are hidden. Drug Testing Unemployed: The House passed a bill that would allow for someone collecting unemployment to lose their benefits if they fail or refuse to take an employers drug test. Employers may report such failures to the states unemployment agency but are not required to do so. A Win for Farmers & Others: This may not sound like a big deal, but if the House hadnt passed a bill giving relief to farmers and those who drive trucks or haul heavy trailers, they would soon face huge fines. If the feds had their way, farm trucks and equipment that move on S.C. roads and highways would have to be issued a DOT number along with all its requirements. The House passed H.4761 that provides relief to small farmers and others who drive trucks less than 26,000 pounds. It exempts them from obtaining a DOT number and a medical health card if their vehicle is driven only in South Carolina. This helps alleviate onerous government regulations. War on Hogs and Coyotes: A bill is being considered in the House that would invite hunters to use almost any means to stem the expansion of wild hogs and coyotes in South Carolina. It allows for night hunting of hogs, coyotes and armadillos from March through June. It would allow hunting after dark and the use of bait, lights and laser sights. Proponents call it a war on hogs and coyotes and say they need to be minimized do to the threat to crops, livestock and wildlife. Thank you for the privilege of serving you. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions, dont hesitate to call or write.

that has been more than a decade in the making. Without decisive action, the $13 billion unfunded liability would double to $26 billion by 2041, threatening the financial solvency of the entire pension system. This problem isnt exclusive to those in the state pension program. Many in the private sector have seen their retirement savings evaporate during the Great Recession. Any changes are upsetting to those counting on their pension. Its understandable that no one wants to lose benefits, but the proposed changes are designed to have minimal impact while avoiding a catastrophe. The House solution: The retirement system reform bill will save taxpayers $8 billion over the next 30 years while slicing more than $2 billion from the retirement systems deficit. The South Carolina isnt like Washington changes affect the more than a half-million members of the state retirement system and the police officers retirement system. These In Washington, D.C., partisan bickering seems to rule. In South Carolina, elected offi- changes ensure the system will be there for state retirees, while also ensuring the state cials know how to work together for better and more efficient government. House Dem- retirement system doesnt become a black ocrats and Republicans joined together in the hole for taxpayers. Changes made to the plan include: House of Representatives to unanimously Employees will pay 1 percent more out pass a state budget. of their paychecks, with an additional 1 perBe assured there were disagreements and much debate on how to wisely spend your tax cent from the employers. Employees will pay more to buy sermoney, but both sides came together to pass a balanced budget that falls well within the pro- vice time to retire early. Employees cannot use vacation days, posed cap on spending. It focuses on the core sick days or overtime pay to calculate retirefunctions of government education, inframent. structure and law enforcement, all of which Benefits will be calculated using the last are vital to our states growing economy. The spending plan also provides tax relief, five years of salary, instead of three. New hires will work 30 years before pays off debt and replenishes the states they are eligible for retirement, up from 28; rainy day? reserve accounts. police officers and firefighters can still retire Headlines from the $6 billion General after 25 years. Fund appropriations: New hires are not eligible for the TERI $152 million in additional funds for K-12 used in the classroom and not for educational program, which allows workers to retire and then return to work while collecting benefits. bureaucracy Lawmakers may not retire and draw $180 million set aside to pay for S.C.s share of the deepening of the Charleston Port, benefits while still serving in the Legislathe major economic driver for South Carolina ture. Legislators will also contribute an addi $77 million in tax relief to employers of all sizes to provide some relief from the high tional 1 percent to the retirement system, unemployment insurance costs caused by the raising their contribution to 11 percent annually. recession The bill now heads to the state Senate for $549 million in tax relief; 88 percent more debate and certain changes. of which is property tax relief that must be granted annually if the relief is to remain Nearly $400 million to the Constitutional Other issues addressed and Statutory Reserves those funds go into our savings account for the next economic School Choice Approved for the First downturn The Rainy Day Fund. Time: It was eight years ago when the first The proposed budget bill is now in the School Choice legislation was introduced in Senate. the S.C. legislature. At last, a Choice bill has been approved by the House on a vote of Saving the state retirement system 65-49. I helped lead the initiative that benefits families who want to educate their children as Both Republicans and Democrats joined they see fit in a private school or at home. together to pass historic reform to shore up Education is not a one-size-fits-all proposithe states retirement system. It is a problem tion; each child is educationally unique in

Dear Friends: I begin with a big THANK YOU! I am most grateful for the opportunity to serve the nearly 40,000 residents of S.C. House District 86 which comprises nearly two-thirds of Aiken County. Election filing ended recently; I am unopposed in the June GOP primary election and no other candidate has filed for REP. BILL the November general TAYLOR election. It is an honor to serve you in the S.C. House of Representatives.

14 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

EASTER EGG HUNT

PHOTOS BY VALERIE SLIKER

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 15

EASTER EGG HUNT

PHOTOS BY VALERIE SLIKER

16 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

SEEKING DESCENDENTS FOR FAMILY REUNION

Family Reunion Descendents of General Lee Jackson and Lula Mae Jackson Descendents of Calhoun Calvin Huckabee Descendents Henry Payton and Brooks Moon Payton (Father and mother of Robert P Payton) Robert P Payton 1879-1952 and Primrose Hall Payton 1881-1935 Descendents of Robert P Hall and Sara Moon Hall (Father and mother of Primrose Hall Payton) June 2, 2012 - 11am until??? Plum Branch, S.C., Camp Ground at the large covered pavilion Brenda (Jackson) Lamb-Cook reunionbk@yahoo.com (803) 663-7623 home (706) 830-8597 cell

Camping available with electric and water hookup. Sites run between $15.25 and $24.25 a night Email PBYC_SC@yahoo.com or (864)

443-3000 speak to Sharon or Paula Bring plenty of food, smiles, laughter, and pictures to share. I will bring a scanner to scan any old pictures, and we can get

them emailed to everyone. There will be swimming (bring towels, chairs), fishing (you must have a S.C. fishing license), games and a lot of fun.

Beekeeping with spring around the corner

BY WES BOMMER
Columnist

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 17

BRIEFLY
Aiken Skate Park competition set for Wednesday, May 2nd
Ramps, rails, and pipes will be transformed from ordinary objects for fastpaced creativity and skills Wednesday, May 2, when the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department presents the Aiken Slam Jam Skate Contest. The contest will be held at the Aiken Skate Park, located behind the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center from 2 to 5 p.m. The band East from West will be performing during the event and drinks and pizza will be for sale during the also. The pre-registration fee is $5, and the deadline for pre-registration is May 1. Registration the day of the event will be $10. There is no admission fee and the public is encouraged to come out and watch. Winners will have a chance to win wheels, skate tools, T-shirts and other items. This event is sponsored by the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. For more information, contact the Weeks Center at (803) 642-7631.

Spring is just around the corner. We have had some unusual early blooms, and Jack Frost took them away. Hopefully, shortly the wild plum bloom will begin and sustain, along with the henbetin and mustard that hasnt frozen. Beginning beekeeping courses are in full swing throughout the state. Students are pouring over the catalogs. Experienced beekeepers are working with them to ensure that they do not purchase a lot that they do not need. When their equipment arrives, they will smell of glue and paint and will eagerly explain how they will assemble it. They will display it proudly waiting for the day the bees arrive. The experienced beekeepers are saying they are going to get on it, and a number of them will show up with paint on their hands when they pick up their new bees. Mid-State Beekeepers picked up bees in Georgia at the end March. The bees

arrived in a 3-pound package with a queen. Some queens were purchased with a color dot. Marked queens can make it easier to find the queen, as well as track the age of the queen. Another big event that was recently held was our spring meeting. The spring meeting was held on the first Saturday in March in Columbia. There were speakers who shared their latest research on honeybees and vendors with the latest in bee equipment. There was also a book table with every aspect of hive products and beekeeping. With the recent cold snap, beekeepers are monitoring their hives to ensure that they will be in the best possible shape when the honey flow starts. Hive strength is important due to the fact that a bee only makes 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in their lifetime. Recent research has linked pesticides to many of the bee problems. What can we do locally as homeowners and gardeners? Apply pesticides

only as specified by the label more is not better. Observe the safety precautions; some will require chemical proof gloves for the applicator. Locally, severn dust is a garden staple. The dust is carried back on hairy bodies of the pollinators killing them later in the nest. At this time, there are a number of products on the market that are more pollinator friendly such as Bonide Products and Espoma Products. Keep in mind that only three percent of insects seen in the garden are harmful to your plants. It would be to an economical advantage to ensure that there are a damaging number of pests before applying pesticides. Lesser numbers may just be picked off or knocked into a can of soapy water. Wes Bommer is a Master Gardener, member of Wagener Garden Club and president of Mid-State Beekeepers and the State Beekeepers Association.

Visit www.wagenersc.com throughout the month.

18 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

FINANCIAL FOCUS
Lessons regarding Earth Day can apply to investors, too
with them and not uproot them after short-term declines in price. Develop good habits. If you attend an Earth Day program, you will learn about many eco-friendly habits you can develop, from using energy-efficient light bulbs to recycling old computers and other electronic devices. To invest successfully, its important to develop good habits, such as staying invested in all types of markets, seeking tax-advantaged investments and reviewing your portfolio regularly to make sure its still appropriate for your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term objectives. Avoid toxins. At some Earth Day events, you can learn about green substitutes for toxic chemicals in common household cleaners. When you invest, you may also want to avoid toxins or at least toxic behaviors, such as chasing after hot stocks that are inappropriate for your needs or trading so frequently that you run up big fees, commissions and taxes. Think long term. Above all else, Earth Day is a reminder that we all want to leave a healthy planet to future generations which means making moves that are beneficial for the environment over the long term. When you invest, you also need to focus on the future. That means following a long-term investment strategy and not getting sidetracked by short-term events, such as political crises and economic downturns. Earth Day comes once a year, but its lessons can have a lasting impact on our environment. When you apply these same lessons to your own investment environment, you may be able to achieve some healthy results. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser. Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout? Have you been hurt or embarrassed because of someones drinking? Do you search for hidden alcohol? Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety? Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved? Do you feel like a failure because you cant control the drinking? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Al-Anon Family Groups may be of help to you. For local information, call Nancy B. at 803-564-6487. Local meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. at Wagener United Methodist Church, 153 Columbia Highway, Wagener.

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

The Aiken Housing Authority is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children 18 years old or younger without charge. The tentative dates for the program are June 11 through Aug. 3. Meals will be provided at the following sites: 1248 Crosland Drive, Aiken Salley Complex, 255 Poplar St., Salley Old Storm Branch Daycare, 163 Storm Branch Road, Beech Island 512 Abney Place, Ridge Spring Ridgeview Manor Apartments, 419 Bradleyville Road, North Augusta 2121 Augusta Road, Gloverville Helping Hands, 100 John Elliot Lane, Aiken 1398 Bell Drive, Beech Island Springside Apartments, 6018 Springside Lane, Aiken 2516 Windsor Spring Road, Springfield 17 Converse Drive, Aiken; 1532 Collenton Ave., Aiken Governor Acres Park, 213 Reid Street, Aiken 329 Breeze Hill Road, Warrenville Boys and Girls Club, 640 Laurens St. N.W., Aiken Divine Outreach Ministries, 12564 Atomic Road, Beech Island 433 Gregory Road, Aiken Hahn Village, 100 Rogers Terrace, Aiken Chalet North Court, 107 Chalet North Court, North Augusta New Hope Community, 168 Gregg St., Graniteville Just for Kids, 846 Edgefield Road, North Augusta Stoney Gallman Townhomes, 153 Sumter St., Aiken 1133 Austin St., North Augusta Brothers and Sisters, 132 York St. N.E., Aiken Aiken County Recreation Center, 917 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville 234 Locke Lane, Aiken 5078 Trotter Court, Jackson Crosland Activities House, 248 Crosland Drive, Aiken Gravatt Camp and Conference Center, 1006 Camp Gravatt Road, Aiken Retreat Rehoboth, 40 Old Bath Road, Bath Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, 400 Kershaw St. N.E., Aiken Summerfield Community Park, Old Edgefield Road, North Augusta Shilo Heights, 522 Shilo Heights Road, Aiken Oakwood Apartments, 222 Hailey Stone Court, Wagener 106 Ashmore Drive, Beech Island Kellogg Apartments, 10 Creek Court, Aiken

April 22 was Earth Day. Started in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is designed to create awareness of the Earths environment and to encourage conservation efforts. If you and your family participate in Earth Day events, such as helping to clean up a local park or taking materials to a recycling center, you know the benefits of doing your part to improve your surroundings. But are you doing everything you can to upgrade your environment for investing? Actually, as an investor, you can learn a lot from the lessons of Earth Day. Here are just a few ideas: Diversify. If youre familiar with Earth Day, you know that it involves multiple activities, including educational programs and do-it-now action steps. This variety is necessary because protecting our environment is a complex challenge. Meeting your short- and long-term investment goals can be challenging, too, but youll have a better chance of success by diversifying your investment dollars across a range of vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, government securities and certificates of deposit (CDs). Diversification can help reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio and high volatility can be an obstacle for some people trying to follow an investment strategy. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, cannot guarantee a profit or protect against loss.) Seek growth opportunities. Some people plant trees on Earth Day, hoping to watch them grow over the years. As an investor, you, too, need to plant seeds today in the hopes of growth in the future. That means, among other things, that when you purchase growth-oriented investments for the long term, you need to try to stick

AIKEN COUNTY PRT EVENTS

Starlight Cinemas Family Night Dinner and a Movie presents Rio at Camp Gravatt on Friday, April 27. Dinner will be served 6 from 7:30. Reservations and fees are required for dinner only or come out just for the movie at no charge. Call 642-7559 now through April 25 or visit www.aikencountyprt.com. Ages 13 and up $10 Ages 12 and under $6 Ages 3 and under free Family max price $35 Rio, the featured presentation, will begin at dusk. Rio presents a flavorful, familyfriendly adventure that goes down in the richly beautiful and cultural setting of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chalk-It Up Sidewalk Chalk Art Program at Harrison-Caver Park, Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m. Register by April 27 by calling (803) 593-4698 or visit www. aikencountyprt.com. Explore your creative side at Harrison-Caver Parks very first sidewalk art contest, Chalk It Up. Participants can register at the park or the Aiken Center for Exceptional Families; the fee is $5 per participant. Harrison-Caver Parks mile walking track will be sectioned off into 4-foot by 4-foot squares that each participant will have 3 hours to decorate with their artwork. The grand prize is a free art lesson with local artist and Oil Originals owner, Sharon Padgett. In honor of Autism Awareness, proceeds of the event will benefit the Aiken Center for Exceptional Families. What Are Your Roots? The Courtney Senior Center in Wagener Continuing Genealogy class, every other Tuesday at 1 p.m. Tuesday April 17th, May 1st, May 15th, May 29th June 5 & June 19th for more information on speakers and locations. Call (803) 564-6149 or visit. www. aikencountyprt.com. Community Yard Sale at the Courtney Center in Wagener will be held on Saturday May 5, from 8 a.m. until noon. Reserve a table to sell or stop in and shop. Call (803) 564-6149 or www.aikencountyprt.com.

AL-ANON
Are you bothered by someones drinking? How to recognize the effects of someone elses drinking in my life? Do you worry about how much someone else drinks? Do you have money problems because of someone elses drinking? Do you tell likes to cover up for someone elses drinking? Do you feel that if the drinker cared about you he/she would stop drinking to please you? Are plans frequently upset or canceled because of the drinker? Do you make threats such as, If you dont stop drinking, Ill leave you?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 19

20 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Taste of Home Cooking School returns to Aiken May 10

STAFF REPORTS Drop your whisks, grab your friends and join us for a night of fun as the Aiken Standard hosts the Taste of Home Cooking School show, presented live at the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Thursday, May 10. During this interactive event, top culinary expert Michelle Roberts will demonstrate 10 new recipes you can recreate in your home. Armed with new culinary tips and techniques, youll be sure to impress your family and friends with these sophisticated yet easy-to-make dishes. Not only will you leave the event with new recipe ideas, youll also go home with a valuable gift bag. Our everpopular gift bags include an assortment of products and coupons, including two Taste of Home magazines. While youre there, remember to enter for a chance to win one of many exciting door prizes. Two ticket levels are being sold, For Taste of Home mega-fans a VIP ticket is available for $45. These are very limited but give the ticket holder a custom gift bag with a premium Taste of Home Cookbook, entry to the VIP event with our culinary expert and premium seating. General admission tickets are available for $10 and include a valuable gift bag stuffed with goodies and entry to the vendor fair. Doors open at 3 p.m. for a vendor fair that will feature 24 of the areas most exciting businesses that will have giveaways and items for sale. The cooking begins at 6:30 p.m. when Roberts will prepare 10 fabulous dishes on stage. Think of it as a live version of a food TV show. For more information about the event and how to purchase tickets, visit www. aikenstandard.com/tasteofhome or call event coordinator, Dee Taylor, at 644-2371.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 21

22 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Aiken Leader now available on web

BY HALEY HUGHES
hhughes@aikenstandard.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 23

The Aiken Leader is a new news source in the area. Published by Andy OByrne, a Wagener resident and current secretary for the Aiken GOP, The Aiken Leader is based in Wagener and is available to its readers online. OByrne did not return phone calls or emails seeking comment. Its website went live March 1, according to The Aiken Leaders Facebook page. Since its inception, The Aiken Leader has provided coverage of Aiken City and Aiken County Council meetings, Wagener Town Council meetings, Board of Education meetings, Aikens Triple Crown, local sports, political

office filings, business openings and JROTC barbecues. Its website also offers opinions and editorials, an event calendar, weather reports and a business-bycategory search. Online subscriptions are $20 per year. The Aiken Leader posts news updates daily on its Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/#!/TheAikenLeader. Visit www.aikenleader.villagesoup.com/ for more information or call (803) 564-2099. Haley Hughes is the Aiken County government reporter and has been with the Aiken Standard since February 2007. Hughes, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, hails from Knoxville, Tenn.

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24 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

RIPTIDE
If I could say to you, and make it stick, A girl in a red hat, a woman in blue Reading a letter, a lady weighing gold If I could say this to you so you saw, And knew, and agreed that this was how it was In a lost city across the sea of years, I think you should be for one moment happy In the great reckoning of those little rooms -Howard Nemerov, Vermeer from Trying Conclusions: Old and New Poems lowing him. He loved the summer and reveled in jumping in the crisp, cold creek that ran alongside his property. He loved old movies and the theater and had a good singing voice. In earlier years, he had sung in community choruses and at weddings and funerals. He had an affinity for caring for the elderly and, in his 40s, had made his love of senior citizens his vocation. He built a goldfish pond by his home, planting water lilies and dwarf mango trees and constructed a bench on which he would sit for hours gazing at the plump goldfish which swam around lazily in the watery oasis. This man who would give someone his last dollar if they needed it had survived a fiery fire which had engulfed his trailer in 2010, and he had recovered from the pain and anguish of a brother who had been murdered violently, but he could not recover from the loneliness and the rumors of a phantom lifestyle which circulated in the community. He could not recover from the loss of a job which was basically his life and the financial strife that came along with it. He could not recover from the sheer urgency to end the pain of the hope that had evaporated into a single thought and a solitary act. When I heard the news of my friends death, I cried, and then I felt guilty that I had not stopped it. I was not mad at him for leaving, I was mad at him for not calling, for not giving me the chance to save his life, for not saying goodbye. I miss my friend! My friend had laughed, cried, loved and dreamed of a future. He looked at the world through rose-colored glasses and only saw the good in people; like a child learning to walk, he was learning to cope. His family had a private funeral for him, and, at the time he was being placed in the ground, I drove to the beach, and it was dark and cloudy and reminded me of that day 33 years earlier when I had pulled my child from the ocean. I waded out waist deep in the water, and, as the sea swirled around me, I thought of my friend and realized that I could have never saved him, I could have never grabbed and pulled him from the depths the tide was too strong, the wind too severe, the storm to unrelenting. As the sun started to go down, I made it back to shore and hoped that he had repented and in that instant had given his life to Jesus. Once again, I prayed that God would be forgiving. I will forever be troubled by water.

WAGENER UMC EASTER EGG HUNT

My family, like many families in South Carolina, went to the beach every summer. When my son was 4 years old, I took him to the ocean one day when the sea was rough and the wind was blowing. I should not have been near the ocean that day because of the choppy water, but I was 28 and still fearless. WILLIAM I had a number of WELSH children in my custody that hot June afternoon, and we all decided to ride the waves into shore. The sea was so strong that I actually went under and scraped the bottom, bruising not only my nose but my ego. After everyone had risen from the water, my son was nowhere to be seen! For a split second, I panicked, and my eyes searched down the shoreline as the tide had taken us farther down from where we had gone in. I reached down and grabbed my sons leg and quickly pulled him to the surface. He was laughing! I was a basket case and plopped down in the shallow water and tried to wash off my fear. Soon a comforting peace came over me, and, right then and there as the children retreated to the beach to play, I raised myself to my knees and thanked God for my son, my life, the sky, the sea, the earth and, most of all, to the family of man who believed in a God so giving and forgiving. I was in Clemson visiting my son when I received a call that three people I knew had died the day before. The most severe shock came when I learned that a very good friend of mine had put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. My friend walked in this world and, just like the rest of us, put one foot in front of the other only sometimes glancing behind him as if someone was fol-

SUBMITTED PHOTO

An Easter Egg Hunt was held at the Wagener United Methodist Church on March 31. The bad weather was finished in the morning and cleared up nicely so the eggs were hidden and the kids with their families arrived! The Easter story was told to the children and their families in the church sanctuary by Pastor Scott Smoak. Everyone was treated to jelly bean-topped cupcakes and drinks. The story was told to the children about the Jelly Bean Poem, which explains what the colors mean in regards to the Easter story. The children searched for the eggs hidden in the church lawn and bushes and were awarded prizes. All of the children received a gift upon departure.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 25

OBITUARIES
Chase Alexander Ray Jones
October 18, 1991 April 19, 2012 WAGENER Mr. Chase Alexander Ray Jones, 20, entered into rest Thursday, April 19, 2012. Chase is survived by his mother, Joyce Jo Branch and stepfather, Jerome Jerry Branch; his father, Sean Jones and stepmother, Connie Jones; his brothers, Christopher (Bub) and Denise Heironimus and Devin (Little Man) Jones; his grandparents, Marjorie Lambert, Diane and Dave Judy, Emily Branch and William Jones; great-grandmother, Mary Ray; his nephew, Josh Heironimus; his great-niece, Braelyn Heironimus; his stepfather Jerry Viita; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins, as well as his favorite uncle Ron Franklin and Papa Miller. Chase is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Pressley Lambert and Jerry Granddad Viita, and great-grandfather Huger Ray Sr. Chase was a member of Ferndale Baptist Church. He graduated Wagener-Salley High School in 2011 where he was a member of the Army JROTC. The funeral service was Monday, April 23, at 3 p.m. at Wagener United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Smoak officiating. Terry Morrison and Sgt. Major Michael Fowler assisting. The Wagener-Salley Army JROTC Cadets served as active and honorary pallbearers. Interment was in the Wagener Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Wagener-Salley JROTC Booster Club at P.O. Box 667, Wagener, SC 29164 or FOTAS Animal Shelter at P.O. Box 2207, Aiken, SC 29802 (fotasaiken.org).

Richard Pete Laverne Garrick

February 8, 1941 April 15, 2012 PERRY Mr. Richard Laverne Pete Garrick, 71, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 15, 2012. Mr. Pete is survived by his sisters; Mildred Smith and Frances (Roy) Smith, and nieces and nephews. Mr. Pete was born in Aiken County son of the late Richard Allen and Alma Huckabee Garrick. He was also predeceased by his wife; Louise Rushton Poole Garrick and sister; Shirley G. Mack. Mr. Pete was a member of Dean Swamp Baptist Church and was employed by Salley Manufacturing Co. for 38 years. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. in the Clinton United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Henry Cooper officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Gethsemane Baptist Church at 655 Hammond Cross Road, St. Matthews, SC 29135.

Fulmond Sonney Boy Jackson

August 19, 1958 March 28, 2012 Mr. Fulmond Jackson, 53, a resident of Wagener, peacefully entered into eternal rest at Azalea Woods Nursing Home, Aiken, South Carolina, Wednesday, March 28, 2012, after an extended illness. Mr. Jackson, was the son of the late Mr. Robert Lee Jackson, and Mrs. Heniretta Robinson Jackson. He was born August 19, 1953 in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. He was a member of Flora Branch Baptist Church, North, South Carolina. He attended the public schools in Orangeburg County in 1971 he graduated from HunterKinard-Tyler High School. He served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976. Mr. Fulmond was joined in holy matrimony to Patricia Ann on October 23, 2004. They shared their love for each other. In their union of love they raised two children, Ladebra N. Tyler and Jason Ty Williams, along with his grands, Raquavious J. Tyler, KeyDachia, AJaya, TyKerria Seawright and Tavarus Rowe. Papa loved sitting in his chair holding Jet, Lele, Dazhia, Tye-Tye and Boo-Boo. He enjoyed telling them stories about his life and what he used to do. He told them dont you forget what I told and taught you and always remember that I love you . Also, with much love to a special son and friend, Kendall L. Seawright.

Sibyl Wooten Padgett

WEST COLUMBIA Graveside service for Sibyl Wooten Padgett, 93, of West Columbia were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia is assisting the family. Mrs. Padgett, beloved wife of the late Otis W. Padgett, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Born in Aiken County, she was the daughter of the late Willie Albert Wooten and Hassie Baughman Wooten. She graduated from Wagener High School and Columbia Commercial College. She was a member of Green Hill Baptist Church in West Columbia. She retired in 1981 from First Citizens Bank after many years of devoted service. Surviving is her sister, Leola (Pope) Cook of Aiken, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Clancy Wooten Albrecht; brother, Rudolph Wooten; and special pets, Terry, Sarge and Sandy. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Pepperhill Nursing Home, especially the staff of the Blue Wing.

26 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012

OBITUARIES
Ruth Ware Stroman

October 3, 1932 April 8, 2012 Mrs. Ruth Stroman, 79, the daughter of the late Annie Tyler Ware and Frankie Ware, was born October 3, 1923, in Aiken County. Ruth joined the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She attended the Aiken County Public Schools. She did domestic work for many years and was a homemaker. On Sunday, April 8, 2012, Ruth, a resident of Perry, entered into eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Johnny Albert Stroman and three siblings, one brother, Mr. Lonnie (Rosalee) Ware and two sisters, Mrs. Christie Bell (Jessie) King and Mrs. Rosalee (Joe) Randolph of Charleston, South Carolina. Those left to cherish her loving memory include: three daughters, Pansy (Lewis) butler, Wagener, SC, Betty Desle, and Brenda Stroman of Aiken, SC; three sons, Lowman Stroman of Aiken, SC, Flinzie Stroman of Detroit Michigan, and Albert Stroman of Perry, SC. She was preceded in death by two sons, John Stroman of Perry, SC and Robert Stroman of Detroit, Mich., 30 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends. Services for Mrs. Ruth Stroman were held on Thursday, April 12, at 3 p.m. at the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, 265 Walnut St. E., Salley, with the Rev. Jimmy R. Wise officiating. Committal services were held following the homegoing services at the Christian Hill Cemetery, Salley.

Margaret Calvert Shealy

April 23, 1921 April 11, 2012 COLUMBIA Margaret Calvert Shealy, a resident of Columbia and widow of Harry E. Shealy, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 11, 2012 in Charleston, SC. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 13, 2012, at noon in Greenlawn Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Interment followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Mrs. Shealy was born in Enoree, SC, on April 23, 1921, the daughter of the late Guy Archibald and Claudia Montjoy Calvert. She was married in Columbia, SC on Oct. 11, 1940, to Harry Everett Shealy for 50 years before he passed away on Dec. 25, 1990. She was a member of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church where she served as a prayer intercessor, a Sunday school teacher, a Bible study leader and on numerous committees. In addition, she was employed as the church secretary at Kilbourne Park from 1958 until her retirement in 1990 and also sold real estate with her husband. Following her retirement, she was a volunteer at the Baptist Hospital in Columbia. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved the Lord, her family, her church, and her many dear friends. After becoming home-bound, she enjoyed watching televised church services, reading her Bible, and praying for her family and friends. Mrs. Shealy is survived by sons, Harry E. Shealy Jr., Ph.D., and his wife Margaret of Aiken, SC, and Gerald J. Shealy, M.D., and his wife Donna of Charleston, SC; daughter, Kaye Jordan and her husband Whit of Vienna, VA; eight grandchildren, Beth Garrick, John Shealy, Anna (Bill) Smith, Kate (Legare) Smith, Ellen Shealy, Scott (Misty) Jordan, Joshua (Kelli) Jordan, and Brett (Megan) Jordan; and nine great-grandchildren, Jack and James Garrick, Shea and Susannah Smith, and Will, Andrew, Jack, Brady, and Katherine Jordan. Her sister, Dianne Lemacks of Wagener, and brother, Don Calvert of Greenville, also survive her. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry Everett Shealy; 3 brothers: Guy, James and Ted Calvert; one sister: Winifred Calvert. Memorials may be made to the Harry E. Shealy Sunday School Class at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, 4205 Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29206 or the First Baptist Church, Television Ministries, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

Johnny Johnson

WAGENER Johnny Johnson, 63, of 287 Holley Street, Wagener, died Thursday, April 19, 2012, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at Saron Baptist Church, Wagener. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Johnson was born to the late Heyward Johnson Sr. and Ada Bettis Johnson. He was a graduate of Ridge Hill High School in Ridge Spring, SC. Survivors include his wife, Essie Lou Ashley Johnson; sons, Daniel Lott, Damion Lott, Jerome Johnson, Johnny Johnny Jr. and Dennis Kitchings Jr.; daughters, Chonte Lott, Emma Johnson and Iwartha Kitchings; brothers, Heyward Johnson Jr., Horace Johnson, Peter Johnson and Wymond Brooks; sisters, Mary Walker and Lutricia Coleman. Tobin Funeral Home, 106 Wagener St., Salley, SC 29137 (803) 258-1080

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Wagener Monthly 27

CADETS
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Both students found a home in ROTC, which had become among the most successful Army high school programs in the country, said Principal Pat Keating. Ray served as the drill team captain and shared a national award in 2011. Williams was selected the executive officer for 2010-11 and put the rifle team on the map several years ago. Chase was going to be successful in any endeavor he chose, said Keating. He had the discipline and dedication it took him to be successful in ROTC and the drill team. Yet Ray initially didnt appear to be interested in ROTC when he enrolled at Wagener-Salley as a ninth-grader, Fowler said. Then halfway through the year, Chase just walked out to drill practice and asked if he could get a rifle, he said. He just stood off to the side and starting spinning the rifle. AIKEN STANDARD FILE PHOTO From that point on, he didnt stop. After a Chase and Amber have been like a son and daughter for the sergeant major (Michael Fowler, bottom right) and me, said Col. Maxie Joye, month or two, I just came out and asked him front left. Chase Ray, top middle, and Amber Williams, bottom, second from left, are pictured with the rest of the Wagener-Salley Army JROTC to make it official and join the team. class in 2010. Please continue to pray from Amber, said her mom, Carol Williams. She has a long recovery ahead. During the awards banquet last spring, Fowler told that inspirational story to the become a solid rifle team member, yet her Army Marksmanship Championships. Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken freshmen. By then, they knew how Ray and contribution went far beyond that, said Joye, She was our first cadet ever to earn Standards education reporter and has been cadet and friend Dillon Overton had travthe rifle team coach. the Distinguished Shooting Medal, Joye with the newspaper since September 2001. eled to the National All-Services drill meet Every great team gets started with an said. Amber set the stage for our shooting He is a native of Walterboro and majored in featuring 119 schools, of which Wagenerindividual, and that was Amber, he said. program. journalism at the University of Georgia. Salleys ROTC program was by far the She was our first cadet to compete at the smallest. Ray and Overton teamed on the national level, doing so the last two years. In 2010, Williams, the team captain, duo with arms competition and finished finished 35th in the country at the Army fifth in the nation. JROTC Service Championships in Ohio. We always had a core group with the She had qualified by earning the highest drill team, Fowler said. They did everyscore by a South Carolina high school cadet thing together and were really just brothers something you dont see that often. during an earlier contest. Williams, all 100 pounds of her, perhaps Last year Williams competed in the might have been especially unlikely to National Army JROTC event and the U.S.

MAYOR
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Mrs. LaBine our very best. I have received many calls about the progress of the water system work on Highway 39, McDuffie and Highway 302. Work was halted on this project as a result of another added requirement or change order, issued by the S.C. Department of Transportation offices in Columbia. It seems someone felt a need for addition support and protection of the water line to be placed beneath Warner Street. This has resulted in much delay and additional costs, but I think all documents are complete, and work should begin again very shortly. Personally I cannot explain the need, but can only guess it is relative to the heavy traffic volume on Warner Street.

This time of year many wild animals become more active and chances increase that they may wander into populated areas. This may include, but not limited to fox, raccoon, opossum and possibly armadillos. There have been several confirmed cases of rabies in South Carolina recently, and a couple of reports locally of raccoons that appeared impaired or sick. If you encounter any wild animals use extreme caution by keeping children, pets and yourself away, and notify Town hall or Aiken County Animal Control Also, this is the season honeybees form new colonys and leave their hive to relocate. You may see a large number of bees swarming or hanging from a bush or tree limb. Normally these swarms are not aggressive but will sting, again use caution and stay away. Please call Town Hall as we have agreements with several beekeepers that maybe helpful in removing the swarm safely.

28 Wagener Monthly Wednesday, April 25, 2012