Monthly Archives: July 2013
Aunt Samantha Bumgarner
Pioneer in Southern Appalachian Music
Jackson County, N.C., native was predecessor to YAMs
By Dr. Tom Cloer, Jr – Special to the Courier
We who are fortunate enough to live at the Blue Wall of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the Appalachian Mountains begin, have a rich musical heritage.
We residents of Pickens County are especially pleased and happy to have people who are interested in preserving these rich musical traditions. This heritage is so important to understanding who we are and from whence we came. These adult musical leaders have truly discovered the ticket to preserving the tradition, through the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) program.
Members of the Young Appalachian Musicians program, seen here at the dedication ceremony for the city of Pickens’ new amphitheater last weekend, owe a debt of gratitude to bluegrass pioneers such as Aunt Samantha Bumgarner.
The leaders of YAM here in Pickens County started a small snowball that has now grown to boxcar-size. We now have the luscious pleasure of hearing primary-school-age to young adults, females and males, play their Appalachian instruments in many different venues, including last weekend at the inaugural concert at the city of Pickens’ brand new amphitheater.
Courier Obituaries 7-10-13
Dee Blackwell
Easley — Devonne “Dee” Camp Blackwell, 49, of Vine Street, died Friday, June 28, 2013 at her home.
Born in Burlington, N.C. she was the daughter of the Rev. Denny and Maxine Hilliard Camp of Easley. Dee was retired from the Pickens County School District. She worked at the district office and then taught at Dacusville Elementary, Pickens Elementary, East End Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Chastain Road Elementary. She was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Greenville and was a former member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens.
Courier Classifieds 7-10-13
Announcements
Do you own an antique or modern U.S. or foreign military vehicle? If so, “I WANT YOU” to join our veterans club, USMTM, please email for info: us.mtm66@yahoo.com. TFC
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County students win mechatronics award
JOHN HAYES AND BRANDON HALL
KANSAS CITY — Brandon Hall and John Hayes won Bronze in the Mechatronics competition at the Skills USA’s 48th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City on June 28.
Hall and Hayes graduated from Daniel High School this spring, and were both students in the mechatronics program at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center.
“This is the kind of students the career center and industry needs,” said Hank Hutto, the mechatronics teacher at the Career and Technology Center. “Teaching the soft skills and the ‘can-do’ attitude they have is half my battle. That’s why both students — as of today — have good paying jobs.
“Both of these guys will go far in life, just watch.”
Changing sleeping habits
- Ben Robinson
Ben Robinson
All About Ben
By Ben Robinson
I am currently attempting to change my sleeping habits. It is not as easy as it would seem.
Every night, when I try to go to sleep, I cannot fall asleep for some reason.
I wish I could lie and say I am just too sore from the day’s work, but generally that is not true. As most of you know I am currently unemployed, which means I do not have anywhere I must go early in the morning. The people who make decisions on who to hire and when generally get off work around 5 p.m., and they do not like staying after hours just to tell some fat slob they are not hiring. So I must make my attempts at returning to the world of the employed during the day. People generally prefer to turn me away during regular business hours.
County cities plan celebrations for Independence Day this week
By Nicole Daughhetee, Courier Staff
There are several opportunities throughout Pickens County for celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends Here are a few fun-filled events to check out:
CLEMSON — July 3
The city of Clemson will host its annual Clemsonfest Wednesday at the Clemson University Beach and Outdoor Recreation Area (formerly Y Beach) on Lake Hartwell. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.
There will be live music by The Original Out of Towners, inflatable amusement, face painting and food vendors, followed by a fireworks display between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
Blankets and chairs are recommended, but personal coolers and pets are prohibited.
