CENTRAL — For the second year in a row, a record number of new students enrolled in Southern Wesleyan University’s traditional program at Central.

Southern Wesleyan University president Todd Voss greets students and their families during orientation Aug. 15 at the Central campus. Going into the 2015-’16 academic year, enrollment has seen a significant increase over last year.

According to Chad Peters, vice president for enrollment management, the university enrolled 263 new students — 194 freshmen and 69 transfer students. Southern Wesleyan reported an enrollment of 772 students in its traditional program, up 9.3 percent over the 2014-’15 academic year.

Peters said that exceeding the 1,000 student mark is one of the university’s established strategic goals for its traditional program and he noted that a record number of students was recruited for the second year in a row.

According to Dr. Joe Brockinton, vice president for student life, there was a 10 percent increase in students living on campus as 436 moved into campus housing.

“This is the largest group ever housed at SWU,” Brockinton said. “We are thrilled to see so many students on campus.”

Peters added that the business, criminal justice and exercise science programs are enrolling new students at a rapid pace.

“Students enrolling at SWU are looking for something different. They are looking for a campus that will help them develop as a person while they explore God’s purpose for their life,” Peters said. “The administration is committed to improving campus facilities that will help foster inventive academic learning experiences. The new Criminal Justice Lab is just one example of how Southern Wesleyan University is looking for opportunities to engage students in a new kind of learning.”

Peters also stated that athletic rosters are “at or near capacity,” as the university’s athletic program enters its third year of NCAA Division II candidacy.

Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.

LIBERTY — A group from Six Mile, informally known as the “The Grumpy Old Men,” stepped up to the plate to help Pickens County Meals on Wheels raise the necessary funds to purchase the small wares — new pots, pans, and essential utensils — needed to furnish the kitchen of the newly renovated McKissick Center for Senior Wellness.

Under the leadership of PCMOW board member John Wade, the group set out with a noble goal of raising $7,500. Named the “Silver Spoons Campaign,” their efforts consisted of individual donations and appeals, a breakfast fundraiser, a boot drive at the intersection of S.C. Highways 133 and 183) conducted by chief Michael Barrett and members of the Six Mile Fire Department and a yard sale that netted more than $4,000. The Grumpy Old Men surpassed every expectation by raising a grand total of $11,461.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” Wade said. “It was a group effort all the way. Personally, I know firsthand the benefits the program has on those they serve. They go far beyond the meal. The daily visit by volunteers provide seniors with something to look forward to each day.”

A plaque commemorating the names of all donors to this project will be placed at the McKissick Center. Notable members who helped with the project include Six Mile mayor Roy Stoddard, Rep. Gary Clary, former Rep. B.R. Skelton, Ken Ellison, Jimmy Hayes, B.J. Skelton, Wilt Stephens, “Dude” McAbee, Steve Howard, Eddie Durham, Tony Ellison, Charlie Yongue, Mac Bradshaw, Bud Alexander, Mike Alexander, Heuston Merck, Tom Smith, Carl Whitaker and Wade.

“Despite their name, The Grumpy Old Men are so much fun,” PCMOW executive director Meta Bowers said. “They have stepped up in such an incredible way. We are producing nearly 300 meals per day in our new kitchen. Their efforts will help serve our elderly and disabled neighbors for many years to come.”

Meals on Wheels began refurbishing the former Liberty Middle School kitchen and cafeteria in January. The McKissick Center for Senior Wellness officially opened on July 6. The McKissick Center is the home of the newly established PCMOW kitchen, its home-delivered meal program and Young at Heart dining and activity center.

Founded in 1980, Pickens County Meals on Wheels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to combat the effects of hunger, loneliness and isolation on those living in Pickens County and provide a lifeline through the use of caring volunteers. Both Meals on Wheels and the Young at Heart dining and activity programs are about more than the meal. These services are crucial to helping people maintain their nutritional health, feel connected in the community and continue living safely in their own homes.

For many seniors, this is the only social contact they may have in a day. These services are a vital part of fighting isolation and helping older adults remain active and healthy. Community-based programs like Meals on Wheels provide are a cost-effective way of helping people “age in place.” To find out more about Meals on Wheels and the importance of the work it does in Pickens County, visit pcmow.org, call (864) 855-3770 ext. 303 or email info@pcmow.org.

UPSTATE — The Westminster Rotary Club welcomes Dr. James P. Clements, president of Clemson University, as this year’s speaker for the annual Apple Festival Luncheon. One of the highlights of the festival, the event will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Westminster Baptist Church social hall. Tickets are $15 and are available from any Westminster Rotarian, the Westminster Chamber office or at the door.

Clements became Clemson University’s 15th president on Dec. 31, 2013. He is also a professor in the School of Computing, College of Engineering and Science at Clemson. Under his leadership, Clemson has reached several milestones — the largest campus development initiative in university history, a record number of student applications with the strongest academic profile ever; and a record-breaking year in fundraising, with nearly $200 million raised in private gifts since Clements joined the university.

The Seth Crow State Farm Agency is this month’s Pickens Chamber Member of the Month. Seth Crow and his team of professionals have served the residents of Pickens County and surrounding areas since January 2011 by offering both insurance and financial services products. Crow and his team strive to deliver the highest levels of customer service and professionalism while helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. Crow is a member of Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, Pickens Rotary Club and serves as a board member for Pickens County Public Service Commission and Alliance Pickens. The Seth Crow State Farm Agency is located in downtown Liberty.

Pictured are Aimee Cassell, Ron Acker, Seth Crow, Clay Counts and Will Bruce. Team members not included in the photo are Jenna Lanning and Melissa Crow.

UPSTATE — Anderson and Pickens Counties Stormwater Partners (APCSP), a regional consortium of Clemson University’s Carolina Clear program, will offer discounted rain barrels and compost bins at the bin and barrel sale on Oct. 21.

Anderson and Pickens Counties Stormwater Partners (APCSP) will offer discounted rain barrels and compost bins Oct. 21.

For the second year running, the sale has been held on Solid Green Day. Solid Green is a campus organization that is all about taking pride in Clemson’s campus, taking responsibility for keeping it clean and taking action to help sustain the environment for a better future.

Installing a rain barrel at your house or business is a smart solution to erosion at downspout sites, can save you money on your water bill, and helps to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff due to water not soaking into the ground. This runoff can carry pollutants such as fertilizers, oil and sediment off lawns and roads and into the nearest waterway. Composting is another easy solution to stormwater runoff. By turning food scraps and lawn waste into nutrient-rich material that can be used in your garden, you are improving the soil’s ability to absorb water. Composting is also good for the environment, because it keeps these nutrients from becoming locked in a landfill.

The 50-gallon Ivy rain barrel and 65-gallon Redmon compost bin are on sale for $68 each, and must be pre-ordered online at rainbarrelprogram.org/stormwaterpartners by Thursday, Oct. 15. To order by check and for more information, contact Anderson County Extension at (864) 226-1581 or Pickens County Extension at (864) 878-1394.

Pick up is at the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 2-6 p.m. For more information, visit clemson.edu/carolinaclear/apcsp or follow us on Facebook.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.