PICKENS — The Pickens community held its annual celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday.

The celebration, undertaken as a joint venture between the congregations of Pickens Presbyterian Church and Griffin Ebenezer Baptist Church, began with a 9 a.m. breakfast at Pickens Presbyterian, followed by a walk from the church to the steps of the Pickens County Courthouse.

At the courthouse, speakers ranging from Pickens Mayor David Owens and Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark to preachers from a handful of area churches delivered words of inspiration to the crowd on hand. A community mass choir also presented moving musical selections.

Rev. Carl Allmond of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church was the guest speaker for the event, delivering a message of unity and urging residents to join together with one voice to continue to build on Dr. King’s dream.

In addition, Owens presented special “I Fan The Flame” awards to three Pickens city councilmen — Carlton Holley, Fletcher Perry and Isaiah Scipio — during the event.

“We felt it appropriate to recognize these three men, on Martin Luther King Day and during Black History month, for their extraordinary contributions to the growth, success and well-being of our city and its residents,” Owens said in a press release. “We recognize them not only for representing the African-American members of the community at council, but for what they do for all the citizens of Pickens.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Students from R.C. Edwards Middle School and Gettys Middle School traveled to Washington, D.C., over the weekend for Monday’s 57th presidential inauguration.

Eighty-five members of the R.C. Edwards Festival Band, along with 25 chaperones, left for the nation’s capital last Thursday.
The festival band is an auditioned ensemble selected from more than 200 band students that make up the band program at R.C. Edwards.

“The band is once again looking forward to representing the School District of Pickens County and the State of South Carolina in the Presidential Inaugural Festival,” Edwards band director Daniel Marsh said before the trip.

The Edwards band finished with a gold award at the Presidential Inaugural Heritage Music Festival competition in Baltimore, Md.
Following the competition, the Edwards students joined other schools from across the country at their very own inaugural ball and awards ceremony at the BWI Marriot Ball Room.

By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff

LIBERTY — In the city of Liberty, which operates under the motto “where neighbors become friends,” there were many opportunities in 2012 to solidify those bonds of neighborliness.
The Liberty Festival and Events Committee in particular stayed quite busy, hosting a variety of successful events attended by large crowds of county residents.

In 2012, Liberty hosted a Spring Festival, followed by a popular six-week music series in the summer. During the fall and winter months, Liberty held a Fall Festival and Holiday Bazaar, which attracted hundreds of participants.

Similar to larger municipalities like Pickens and Easley, the city of Liberty also underwent various projects designed to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Liberty Mayor Michael Sheriff said that the major criteria that determines what projects take place in Liberty are simple: they either improve the safety of the public or the quality of life for the Liberty community.

COUNTY — The Pickens County Registration and Elections Commission will conduct two voter photo ID seminars early next month.

The purpose of the seminars is to inform the public about changes to voting procedures brought about by Act R54 of 2011, also known as the Photo ID Bill, which took effect Jan. 1.
The seminars are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m.-noon and Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6-8 p.m.

Staff will be available to create photo voter registration cards for residents. Both sessions will be held in the auditorium of the Pickens County Administration Facility at 222 McDaniel Ave. B-9 in Pickens.

Complete information is also available online at PickensElections.org or by calling the Pickens County Registration and Elections Commission at (864) 898-5948 or (864) 898-5949.

 EASLEY — The Parenting Place, Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County  is organizing a “Prevention Army” of volunteers to assist with events and activities.  

The Parenting Place’s mission is to build relationships and provide visible accessible services and support that will prevent all forms of child abuse and neglect in local communities.

“We cannot wait until a tragedy occurs,” the organization said in a release. “We must be vigilant and always on guard to protect our children. The events are crosswalks that will enable us to educate parents, children and the general public to identify predators and victims or potential victims of abuse.”

The first training session will be Monday, Jan. 28, from 6-7:30 p.m at The Parenting Place. Light refreshments will be served.
Those interested are asked to RSVP to The Parenting Place at 898-5583.  

EASLEY — The Baptist Easley Hospital Foundation recently announced the members of its 2013 executive committee.
Cindy Fox Miller of Easley was elected board chair. Miller has served on the foundation board for five years and has been active on the executive and development committees.

Terry Garrison was elected as treasurer, and Jennifer McAlister as secretary. Kevin Kay will continue his service to the foundation board as past chair. Other executive committee members include Betty Garrison, Stacey Garrison, Jan Rushton Overton, and Harold Weaver.

“We are excited to have these individuals providing their professional expertise, energy and enthusiasm, leadership and direction on behalf of the Foundation at Baptist Easley,” said Mark Eisengrein, executive director of the foundation. “This year’s Executive Committee brings a wealth of professional and volunteer experience and a genuine commitment to our mission to enhance the quality of care at our hospital.”

For more information about the Foundation at Baptist Easley Hospital, call 442-7569 or go to www.BaptistEasley.org/Foundation.

EASLEY — Do you know a senior in the Easley/Pickens area who will be home alone this Valentine’s Day?

You are invited to nominate him or her to receive a free Valentine’s dinner at home with gifts and companionship. The contest is the brainchild of Countryside Village & Park, a local senior living community. One local senior will be chosen as the recipient from among those nominated by the public.

“At the time of year that we celebrate love, it’s important to extend caring and friendship to the senior generation,” said Heather Hess, executive director of Countryside Village & Park. “We know that many will spend Valentine’s Day on their own. For those who have lost spouses, it can be a sad occasion that contributes to feelings of loneliness. Family and friends may live far away, and perhaps physical challenges limit their ability to get out into the greater community.

STATE — Whether it’s a caller saying you’ve won a prize, an inheritance or an email with an authentic-looking check, there are those out there who want your money or identity.

“An elderly woman in Barnwell recently received a call from a person claiming to be a representative of Medicaid,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “The caller then tried to get her personal information saying that she would get a new Medicaid card. Thankfully, the woman didn’t provide any information. Sadly however, there are numerous other examples throughout the country.”

Keel said South Carolinians should be wary of anyone calling, texting or emailing with an opportunity of money or prizes. He said there are many tips available to resist scammers.

“Never give out your personal information such as Social Security number, driver’s license or any financial information,” he said. “Also, warn your family and friends.”

Keel said tips to avoid scammers are available from a number of reputable organizations and agencies including the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs at www.consumer.sc.gov, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud.

PICKENS — Pickens County Taxpayers Association will hold a members meeting on Jan. 24 starting at 7 p.m. featuring Pickens County School District Superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew.

In addition to matters of importance when it comes to school district spending of taxpayers’ money, also to be discussed is practical protection for school children.

Beyond all the frantic rhetoric in the wake of recent mass shootings, there are practical things that can be done to protect school children.

Those in attendance will be able to learn more about what the School District of Pickens County is doing about current situations and planning for the future.