Daily Archives: 06/22/2016
Marines get warm welcome in Easley before getting time off
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — A group of Marines got a warm welcome in Easley before heading off for a well-deserved break.
For the eighth year, the Keowee Key community is hosting a group of around 40 Marines for several days of fun in the sun.
On Monday afternoon, the Marines arrived at the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex in Easley to meet their Honoring Their Service escorts before heading out to Oconee County.
After the group’s bus arrived, members of the Marine Corps League led the Marines in formation as they entered the complex.
The escort motorcade is made up of the Patriot Guard Riders — who led the escort — volunteer motorcyclists, police escorts and the Upstate Legends Jeep Club, who chauffeured the Marines to Keowee Key.
“It started very simply and grew from there,” said Tony Alford, 2016 chairman of Honoring Their Service.
The community invites 30 active-duty Marines and 10-12 Marines from the S.C. Wounded Warrior Regiment, Alford said.
“We take them through Norris, Central, Clemson and Seneca on the escort,” he said. “We just want to treat these guys and gals, show them we appreciate them.”
Host families are assigned to particular Marines, Alford said.
“The Marine will stay with that host family for three and a half days,” Alford said. “The whole idea is that they have three and a half days of absolute rest and relaxation.”
Alford said the Marines are apprehensive at the start of the experience.
“But by the end of that three and a half days, we’re family,” he said.
John Bachman has hosted Marines at his home for six years.
“I rode in this event the first year and thought it was cool,” Bachman said. “The next year, somebody asked if I would host, and I said, ‘Yeah, I’d be honored to.’ One year led to the next and here we are, No. 6.”
On the first night, the Marines enjoy a barbecue and a chance to mingle with each other and get to know their hosts, Bachman said.
“A lot of the medically discharged Marines, they don’t know the active-duty guys and even the active-duty guys, because they’re in different areas, don’t know each other,” Bachman said. “This, and the ride on the bus, gives them a chance to fellowship.”
“They will go non-stop for three and a half days,” Bachman said of the events.
The events began on Tuesday morning.
“They have their choice,” Bachman said. “They can play golf, they can play tennis, they can play pickleball, they can go hiking, they can go river kayaking, they can go lake kayaking, they can do archery, they can do tubing, water-skiing, they can do a lot of things. There’s also a river rafting experience they can do as well.”
Before they arrive, each Marine chooses what he or she wants to do. The hosts then receive that information.
“They have a lot of down time,” Bachman said.
On Tuesday evening, the Marines enjoy a free evening, usually barbecuing with their hosts.
On Wednesday night, the community hosts a farewell dinner for the group, Bachman said.
On Thursday, their last day in town, the Marines get on their bus and are taken over to Clemson University.
“The Clemson athletic department does a fabulous job,” Bachman said. “They get to rub the Rock and they run down the Hill. They take them up to the VIP boxes and serve them lunch. Then they put them on the bus and they can go to sleep on the way home. It is a full, full, full day.”
Alford said most of the hosts keep in touch with their Marines over the years.
Bachman has.
“Some more than others,” he said. “Some deploy and they can’t be in touch. I got a call from somewhere in the Middle East last Father’s Day from a Marine, wishing me a happy Father’s Day. We get Christmas cards, things like that.”
Alford agreed.
“Some are invited to weddings, have been invited to christenings of babies,” he said. “It’s almost a lifelong event that is created in three and a half days.”
City of Easley staff take part in the special day as well.
“The City of Easley always loves to have the Marines out here,” Lindsey Cunningham said. “We love hosting it right here. It brings out a good crowd.”
Easley police chief Tim Tollison met the escort on I-85 and brought them down to the complex, Cunningham said. The Easley Fire Department provided water for everyone to help them beat the heat.
“The police lead them out onto Highway 123 and out toward Seneca, Clemson, all the way out there,” she said.
As they ride out to Keowee Key, the Marines are often greeted by folks who have stationed themselves along the route.
“We always hope that we can get a lot of people out there,” Alford said.
At the end of last year’s formal dinner, one of the Wounded Warriors asked to speak to the group, Alford recalled.
“He said, ‘I was wounded twice, came back to Bethesda and never felt like I was home,’” Alford said. “‘I was just in an ether someplace. He said, ‘You guys, I am now home.’ There was not a dry eye in the place.”
Registration open for fall soccer, volleyball
PICKENS — The Pickens Recreation Department is now taking registrations for its fall soccer and volleyball seasons.
Soccer registration will be open through July 22 at the Pickens Recreation Center on Sangamo Road in Pickens.
Age divisions offered for soccer are 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15.
Volleyball registration will be taken through Aug. 5 at the rec center.
Volleyball age divisions are 7-9, 10-12, 13-14 and 15-17.
Following registration for both sports, a skills evaluation day will be held for each age division.
The registration fee for both sports, whch provides a jersey to be kept, is $45 for in-city residents and $55 for out-of-city residents.
Birth certificates are required at registration, and birthdate cutoff is Sept. 1, 2016.
If you are interested in coaching or need more information, call the rec department at (864) 878-2296.
The story of the magic tree
This morning I ate a bowl of Cheerios with delicious sliced peaches on top. We are enjoying some of the best peaches I’ve ever tasted, and we didn’t buy them or grow them.
Well, you may ask, where did they come from?
These peaches came from the magic tree.
Our Merritt corn has been coming in this week, and it’s been a very busy time. We’ve put corn in the freezer and sold a lot. So there have been many trips back and forth to the garden. Two days ago I was standing by the chicken pen and noticed a tree near the pen full of small peaches. They were ripe. So we picked one, and I tasted it expecting it to be bitter. But it wasn’t. It was absolutely delicious.
We go that way often and have never noticed this tree. After all, there are a lot of trees out there.
But somehow with no help from human hands, a peach tree has appeared out of nowhere and is full of wonderful peaches.
We grow blueberries, figs, grapes and blackberries and have one old pear tree. But we’ve never been successful in trying to grow peaches. So we always buy them during the summer. It’s nothing short of a miracle to discover the existence of this tree.
There’s a covered metal bucket in the kitchen we put vegetable and fruit scraps into. When it’s full, it’s taken out to the chicken pen and thrown out for them to enjoy.
The only explanation for the appearance of this tree we can come up with is that at some point in time years ago when a bucket of peach peelings and pits were thrown into the chicken pen, one of the pits must have gone through the wire and somehow planted itself.
Then, with no care, no fertilizer, no insect spray and through drought and flood, this tree not only survived, it thrived.
When I think of the hard work involved in growing produce — the plowing, planting, weeding, cultivating, thinning, spraying and picking — it is amazing to know this little peach tree made it on its own.
Now that we know it’s here, we will care for it. Next year we’ll see what happens after a year of loving care.
As it has thrived on neglect, it will be interesting to see if care makes it better or kills it.
Humans always think they are in control of things. Grandmama was a collector of quotable quotes. One of her favorites was, “Man proposes, but God disposes.”
Courier Letters to the Editor 6-22-16
Recognizing a fallen hero
Dear Editor,
A number of people gave some. However, some gave all.
The Memorial Day memories touch my heart, when the dedicated men and women serving in the armed forces get recognition. That’s never adequate considering how we get protection for our country.
The hero I wish to recognize is Sgt. Jerry H. Williams — a Pickens native, and son of Hiott and Verna Williams. Jerry died on the battlefield in Vietnam June 24, 1966.
He had a wife, Irmgard, and children, Michael, David, and Sandy, who were deprived of companionship with Jerry. Their ages were 6, 4 and 1. The cost being so great it cannot be counted. He is remembered daily by family members, sister Margaret and brother Wallace.
The years have passed, now being the 50th anniversary of Jerry’s death. Let us never forget all who served.
Margaret W. Cassell
Pickens
Well, I never
Dear Editor,
Well, I never. We won’t be able to come out of church on Sunday without sitting beside a drinker in a restaurant.
We shouldn’t be able to come out of church and go to a restaurant. We are remembering the Sabbath to be somewhat holy.
And Larry, it’s God. The man upstairs is named God.
Chris Nicholson
Easley
What next, America?
Dear Editor,
Now that we have our presidential candidates for the upcoming election, what do we hope for? A few months ago I wrote a letter about hope. The question is still there.
Regardless of who our next president is, will it change anything? I fear and am assured it will not, due to the sinful nature we have become. We just experienced the tragedy in Orlando and will experience more of that type of violence in our nation.
We have left our first love and are doing that which pleases each of us, just as the holy scriptures have predicted. We will return to worshipping God and serving him, or we will continue to reject that which God has commanded.
God established laws and covenants with his chosen people. In Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26, God tells of the blessings we will receive if we are obedient and also of the curses which will be upon us for our disobedience.
Look at what is happening in our nation. Our forefathers founded this nation using Judeo-Christian values and through prayer to the God in heaven who created all things for his purpose and good pleasure.
He stated that everything was good. He created man in his own image, which is spiritual. He gave man certain commandments and laws. He also gave man the ability to choose right from wrong. His commandment about eating fruit from one tree in the Garden of Eden man disobeyed, and sin entered into the world. As a result, each of us is conceived in sin.
Man’s sin thus required a sacrifice for our sin. This sacrifice was to be a blood sacrifice. In the Old Testament, this was the killing of animals, which was repeated over and over. When Jesus Christ came (the one and only son of God) the ultimate sacrifice, shed his blood on the cross of Calvary, the sin debt was paid for eternity. Each of us has to choose to accept or reject this atonement.
Those who repent of their sins and ask for forgiveness become the children of God. Those who do not repent and receive this forgiveness are still the children or servants of the devil. Which condition are you?
In Joshua 24:15, Joshua told the children of Israel: “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” He then stated: “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This is what I have chosen. I pray that you, too, have made that decision.
Max Wilson
Pickens
Courier Obituaries 6-22-16
John Wheatley
Easley — John Wheatley, 86, of Easley, husband of Esther Harwood Wheatley, passed away Friday, June 10, 2016, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.
Born April 18, 1930, in Dordan, England, to the late Jack and Jane Hitchman Wheatley, John was a model train enthusiast and a golf fanatic.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his half-brother, Wilfred “Wilf” Hitchman and his wife, Edith Hitchman.
Mr. Wheatley is survived by his wife of 61 years and a niece, Anne Ball (Andrew).
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1200 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Frances A. Hendricks
Central — Mrs. Frances Arnold Hendricks, 91, wife of the late James Alton Hendricks, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Manna Health and Rehab, Pickens.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late William Clayton and Ethel Henson Arnold, Mrs. Hendricks was a homemaker and a member of Kings Grove Baptist Church.
Surviving are three sons, Rev. Arnold Becker (Beth) of Boiling Springs, Rick Hendricks (Diane) and Ronnie Hendricks (Donna), all of Central; two daughters, Judy Taylor (Johnny) of Seneca and Debbie Bell (Tommy) of Central; two brothers, W.C. Arnold of Charleston and Harold Arnold of McCormick; three sisters, Nellie Sue Breazeale of California, Shirley McSwain of North Carolina and Martha Jean Moore of Central; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Hendricks was predeceased by a sister, Mildred Murray; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services were held June 16 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with Reverends Arnold Becker and Harold Sanders officiating and burial following in the Kings Grove Baptist Church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the cemetery fund of Kings Grove Baptist Church, 1335 Old Seneca Road, Central, SC 29630.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Carol Jean Shelton Stiwinter
Easley — Carol Jean Shelton Stiwinter, 71, of Easley, died Wednesday, June 14, 2016, at her residence.
Carol was born Sept. 12, 1944, in Jackson County, N.C., a daughter of the late Harry Matthews and Christine McCracken. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Asberry Stiwinter, who died Dec. 19, 2014.
Carol was raised by her grandparents, Elbert and Millie Shelton. She was a homemaker and was a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley.
She is survived by her two sons, Neal Stiwinter (Trisha) and Rusty Stiwinter (Tammy), all of Easley; five grandchildren, Jeff, Jesse, Tayler, Ashley and Morgan Stiwinter; four sisters, Patsy Henderson (Carl) of Chesnee, Peggy Chisum (Jimmy) of Piedmont, Judy Parrish of Spartanburg and Kay Hughes (Clyde) of Easley.
Her funeral service was held June 17 at Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley, conducted by the Rev. Allen Williams and the Rev. Johnnie Norris. Burial followed in Stewart Cemetery in Cullowhee, N.C.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Hazel Day Nabors
Easley — Hazel Day Nabors, 78, formerly of Little Pond Road, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Brookdale in Easley.
Born on Jan. 31, 1938, in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Ilor and Catherine Hughes Day.
Mrs. Nabors was retired from Ryobi in Pickens and was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband of 44 years, Gary Ray Nabors of Easley; brother, John Frank Day (Janie) of Pickens; a niece and two nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Clara McWhorter.
Funeral services were held June 20 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Cross Roads Baptist Church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cross Roads Baptist Church, 160 Cross Roads Church Road, Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Amanda Lucille Bagwell Hintson
Easley — Amanda Lucille Bagwell Hintson, 87, of Easley, wife of Clifford F. Hintson Sr., received her wings Thursday, June 16, 2016, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.
She departed on her flight at 2 p.m. and ascended peacefully as her husband ended a prayer to God for her and she was escorted by a host of Angels to be with her family who were waiting for her with open arms.
Born in Greenville County to the late Eddie L. and Annie Worley Bagwell, she was a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Easley for 10 years. She loved people and animals. Amanda and her husband owned and operated Amanda’s Bird Center for 30 years before retiring in 1998.
In addition to her parents, Amanda was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph D. Bagwell, and sister, Frances Haley.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 63 years; son, Cliff Hintson Jr. (Maryanne) of Easley; grandson, Jamie Hintson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private memorial service was held Saturday, June 18, at the residence, with the Rev. Dr. Keith Shorter officiating.
Her husband would like to express his appreciation for your prayers and support. Amazed by His Grace, AmClif.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Mt. Airy Baptist Church, 210 Mt. Airy Church Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Thomas Scott Pilgrim
Liberty — Thomas Scott Pilgrim, 51, of Liberty, entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 13, 2016.
He was the son of the late Wayne and Bernice Pilgrim.
He was a mechanic by trade; and despite being paralyzed half of his life, he was a very loving father and Popa.
He is survived by his daughter, Kayla Cox-Pilgrim, of the home; his stepdaughter, Jessica Cox of Georgia; his two grandchildren, Trinity and Jada; his brothers, Charles “CW” and Randell Pilgrim, both of Liberty; as well as several young people that called him Pops.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Melinda Davis. The family would like to give a special thank you to Lynn Kay, who was his home health care nurse for almost six years.
Graveside services were held June 20 in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Bertha Townes
Pickens — Mrs. Bertha Grant Townes, widow of James Fletcher Townes, died peacefully at her home on Friday, June 17, 2016.
Mrs. Townes was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Julius Walter and Addie Hudson Grant. She was a faithful member of Bethany Church of God for 65 years, where she served as church clerk for 34 years, formerly taught Sunday school and sang in the choir and with the Townes Family Singers. Mrs. Townes was a member of the Ladies Sunday School Class.
Survivors include her four children, James Fletcher Townes Jr. of the home, Joyce (Rev. Carl McConnell) of Dacusville, Dianne Townes of Pickens and Debra Swaney of Pickens. Also surviving are four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Cecil H. Grant and Joseph W. Grant, both of Pickens, and four sisters, Dorothy Dodgens, Elizabeth Eades, and Katie and Lou Grant, all of Pickens.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Townes was preceded in death by brothers, Rev. Bill Grant, Rev. Donald Grant and sisters, Bernice Couch, Veda Mae Townes and Inez Grant.
Services were held June 20 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel in Pickens, with the Rev. Roger Stephens officiating and a eulogy by Mr. Lynn Townes, and burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and gardens, with the Rev. Carl McConnell officiating.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Chip Reeves
Pickens — Arnold Edward “Chip” Reeves Jr., 71, husband of the late Laura Marie Devine Reeves, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 14, 2016.
Chip was born in Pickens County, a son of Margaret Anthony Reeves Burgess of Seneca and the late Arnold Edward “Sass” Reeves. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Vietnam War. Chip was a member at Pickens Country Club and will be missed by his many golfing buddies. He was retired from the City of Pickens, and he was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He loved golf, following the Atlanta Braves and Clemson Tigers and above all, spending time with his family.
A beloved father and grandfather, Chip is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Reeves, and a son, Jamie Reeves (Gretchen), both of Easley, and grandsons, Jay and Ben Reeves. Also surviving are two sisters, Phyllis (Dan) Rampey of Pickens and Tammie Owen of Seneca; and a brother, Rick (Marsha) Reeves of Liberty.
A memorial service was held June 21 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Upstate or the charity of your choice.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
James “Jim” Lloyd Carnes
Pickens — James “Jim” Lloyd Carnes, 63, of Pickens, husband of June D. Wagner Carnes, passed Saturday, June 18, in North Carolina.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Jeff Carnes and Mary Alice Laney Carnes, Jim was a member of Six Mile Masonic Lodge No. 339 A.F.M., where he served as Lodge Master in 2011 and 2015. He helped with Meals on Wheels, enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle. Jim cared greatly for his friends and family. He enjoyed telling jokes and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Laney, and brother-in-law, Lot Caudill.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years; son, Jeff Carnes; sisters, Wassie Caudill and Debbie Brock (Dave); sister-in-law, Deb Laney; and grandchildren, Megan and Robert Carnes.
A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, June 23, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 595 Old Liberty Road in Easley.
Family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home at 305 W. Main St. in Easley prior to the graveside service.
Flowers are accepted at the funeral home. Family has requested donations be made directly to Six Mile Masonic Lodge, Attn: No. 339 Secretary, 140 Hugh Lane, Pickens, SC 29671.
Family will be at the residence. You will be missed, my best friend and hero.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Foothills Playhouse honors Lamberson
Red Room dedicated in honor of long-time patron
EASLEY — On Saturday, June 18, members of the board of directors at Foothills Playhouse honored Dr. Sandra W. Lamberson by dedicating the recently redecorated Red Room in her honor.
The Lamberson Red Room is a spacious sitting area where patrons may relax and purchase concessions during intermission. Dr Lamberson, a local dermatologist, has been a faithful patron of the theatre since its humble beginnings in 1981. Over the years, Dr. Lamberson has attended almost every play the theatre has presented, often bringing friends and family members with her to the performances. “Once in a while, a special person comes along who goes the extra mile, who gives generously to causes they care about, and who encourages the arts in their community by supporting it with their presence and their finances. Dr. Lamberson is such a person,” stated current Board President Amanda Gunter. A plaque which will hang in the Red Room in her honor and a Lifetime Member Code were presented to Dr. Lamberson at the ceremony.
Lynne Gibson/photo
The board of directors at Foothills Playhouse honored Dr. Sandra W. Lamberson by dedicating the recently redecorated Red Room in her honor. Pictured is the presentation of the plaque to Dr. Lamberson by Amanda Gunter, president of the Foothills Playhouse board of directors.
During the event, Dr. Lamberson was treated to a private reveal of the coming theatre season. Main stage shows for the 2016-2017 season include: The Beverly Hillbillies – written by David Rogers, published by Dramatic Publishing, directed by Jennifer Ouellette; September 2-11
All’s Well in Roswell (Isn’t It?) – written by Michael Druce, published by Dramatic Publishing, directed by Lynne Gibson; October 21-30
The One and Only Santa Claus – written by Pat Cook, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Lynne Gibson; December 2-11; pictures with Santa will be available for purchase after each performance
Nunsense (Musical) – written by Dan Goggin, published by Samuel French, directed by Maurice Reed; January 27-February 5
The Diary of Anne Frank – adapted by Wendy Kesselman, published by Dramatists Play Service, directed by Scott Gibson; March 17-26
The Story of Velveteen Rabbit (children’s musical) – written by A. Larson, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Jennifer Ouellette; April 28-May 7
The B-Side line-up has been totally re-vamped this season. The B-Side is designed to be lesser-known shows that are less expensive to produce and can, therefore, have a lower ticket price. It is also an opportunity to give directing experience to individuals who desire to try their hand at directing a show. “Last season we got off track a little,” admitted Gunter. “Some of our show choices were not typical of the family-friendly fare people expect from Foothills Playhouse, and although the plays were well-acted and had good stories or important messages, it just wasn’t what our audiences are used to. This season’s B-Side was chosen with our core audience in mind.”
The theatre has also give their Youth Board an opportunity to do a show in July as part of the B-Side. This is a unique opportunity for the young people who normally usher and sell concessions. “The Youth Board is often viewed as the kids who hand out playbills or work stage crew and occasionally act in children’s shows. We’re trusting ours to take on more than that. We’re letting them direct and produce their own show (see Rememberin’ Stuff” below). B-Side Tickets are only $5 each.
B-Side shows for the 2016-2017 season are:
Spirit –written by Peg Kehret, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Carl Gingola; June 24-26 (Get your tickets now!)
Rememberin’ Stuff – written by Eleanor Harder, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Ryan Oliver and Haley Kreft; July 22-24
Operation Redneck – written by D. M. Larson, available on freedrama.net, directed by Chuck Chapman; November 4-6
Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner – written by Pat Cook, published by Dramatic Publishing, directed by Korbin Frazier; February 17-19
The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery – written by D. McGilvary & W. Zelin, Jr., published by Samuel French, directed by Tim Spears, Jr.; May 26-28
Season ticket packages and individual tickets may be purchased via the theatre’s website at www.fhplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 864-855-1817. Main Stage Show tickets are $5 for children, $10 for seniors/students/military and $15 for adults. This season’s line-up of Main Stage and B-Side shows is sure to attract new theatre-goers as well as returning patrons. “We’re saving you a seat!”
ClemsonFest gets the 4th of July holiday started
CLEMSON — The 23rd annual ClemsonFest will return Saturday, July 2, to Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Center, formerly known as Campus Beach and “Y Beach.”
Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the event will end at 10 p.m. The community activity of the independence celebration will bring up to 7,000 people to enjoy the music of the Carolina Beach Band.
The band will perform from 6 p.m. to close. The award-winning band has many tributes for its performances, including Carolina Beach Music Festival Beach Band of the Year. It sets the standard for Carolina shag music performances. The band will also offer a few of its original tunes — “I Love Beach Music” and “Carolina Girls” among them — along with a wide selection of songs from other artists including Wilson Pickett, Van Morrison and the Beach Boys.
The Carolina Coast Band will perform at ClemsonFest on July 2.
At 9:30 p.m., the band will give way to a sky lighted by fireworks before returning to close out the event. In keeping with the Independence Day theme, the Boy Scouts of Troop 161 will do a flag-raising ceremony at 5:50 p.m. and will return later at dusk for the flag lowering and playing of taps.
The first 1,000 people at ClemsonFest will receive a small American flag distributed by the Boy Scouts of Troop 161. The flags are a gift to the public from Tri County ACE Hardware of Clemson.
Adults of all ages will enjoy competing in the grip contest sponsored by Clemson Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Food vendor offerings range from barbecue, grilled chicken and sweet potato fries to ice cream, shaved ice, kettle corn and funnel cakes.
A children’s area, sponsored by Publix Supermarket and Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry, will feature Publix’ interactive games and activities, in addition to three bounce houses, and face painting.
Pickens resident Bryson’s new cookbook celebrates the South
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — “We’re in the age of technology — everything goes so fast,” Francine Bryson said. “I think this world moves so fast. We all need to slow down — and the kitchen table is where we need to slow down at.”
Her own life has been very busy — “My life is nuts,” the Pickens resident said — since she was a finalist on CBS’ “The American Baking Competition.”
Her first book, “Blue Ribbon Baking From a Redneck Kitchen,” published in 2014, was very successful.
Her latest cookbook, “Country Cooking From a Redneck Kitchen,” was released in April.
Since the show, Bryson has done some filming for the Food Network and created “sizzle reels” for several show ideas.
“It takes years,” Bryson said. “The show that I was on, it took three years to get it on the air. The stuff that I’m working now will probably be on the air in a couple of years. TV is not an overnight process. It’s a lot of ducks in a row. It’s a lot of people that have to be answered to.
“It’s a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong,” she continued. “It’s definitely not the career I thought I was gonna have in my life. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
Bryson has hosted baking cruises for Carnival Cruise Lines and has another one planned for next year on a different cruise line.
“It’s based around food,” Bryson said. “It’s just fun. We do it every May.”
The “Baking at Sea with Francine” cruises feature “all kinds of activities” for attendees, she said.
“It’s specialized just for that group. You get to do hands-on cooking demos with me,” Bryson said. “There’s cocktail parties for the group, there’s culinary tours of the islands for the group.”
Although her second book has just been released, she’s already hard at work collecting recipes for her next book.
Sarah Remington/Photo Francine might be best known for her pies. She even put cheeseburgers in a pie shell.
After the success of her first book, Bryson’s fans wanted a “quote-unquote real food book,” she said.
“That’s my heart, baking, but they were like ‘Do you cook real food?’” Bryson said, laughing. “I said, ‘Of course I cook real food! You can’t feed kids cupcakes every day.’”
The food that she grew up with is the focus of “Country Cooking.”
“There’s something comforting about Watergate salad, because it’s something that my Nana used to make on holidays,” Bryson said. “Every time I eat it, it brings me back to being 7, 8 years old and all my cousins are around me and we’re having a good time, eating Watergate salad in my Nana’s kitchen. All my food brings back a memory. To me, that’s exciting.”
She shares many of those memories in the book, which is full of shout-outs to local places, such as Tanner’s Big Orange in Greenville and the Hagood Mill. Many of the pictures in the book were taken at the mill.
All the recipes “are tried and true and practiced,” Bryson said.
“I went over them and over them to make sure they were no-fail,” she said. “We worked really hard to create them and make them.”
She loves collecting cookbooks — “I read them like romance novels” — but she balks at overly complicated recipes with fancy ingredients.
“I wanted it to be comfortable,” Bryson said. “We’re not building a rocket ship or anything here. We’re just cooking a meal. Everything should be easy to understand. Ingredients you can buy anywhere — that’s the big thing. You shouldn’t take out a bank loan to cook good food. I did not want that craziness in my book.”
Many chefs are taking traditional Southern food and fusing it with other cultures, she said.
Sarah Remington/Photo Blueberry BBQ sauce was the result of a day Francine spent in the kitchen experimenting with fresh blueberries.
“It’s getting lost in translation,” Bryson said. “Deep-rooted Southern cuisine is getting lost. It’s a shame. I’m hoping to bring it back. That’s my mission.
“I want to bring people back to fried green tomatoes, gravy on the cube steak, real mashed taters, not the ones you get out of a box,” she continued. “That’s what I’m hoping to bring people back to.”
That’s not to say she doesn’t like to experiment. Take her upside-down apple bacon pie.
“In the first book, there is a national championship pie in there called the upside-down apple pecan pie,” Bryson said. “That’s actually the North Carolina state grand champion. It’s the same exact recipe, except instead of using pecans, you lattice bacon and then flip it out and you’ve got this big showpiece.”
The pie is the result of Bryson playing around in the kitchen.
“I said, ‘I’ve got to figure out a way to put bacon in an apple pie,’” she said. “Everybody looks to me for new bacon recipes. I can’t top the Chocolate Bacon Peanut Butter Pie. I just can’t do it. I’ve tried so hard. That thing took on a life of its own.”
She’s happy with the final result.
“It’s a beautiful piece,” Bryson said. “It’s almost too pretty to eat. It tastes good, too!”
The pie isn’t one-note.
“You’ve got the saltiness of that bacon, it mixes with the brown sugar, it’s almost like a salted caramel pie with apples,” Bryson said. “It’s sweet and salty. You’ve got the creaminess of the apples that have cooked down and you’ve got the flaky crust. It’s just layers of flavors. That’s what I like to create with my food, layers of flavors.”
Sarah Remington/Photo Two Southern staples, bourbon and Coca-Cola, come together in this recipe for wings.
She encourages people to take time in their hectic routines to make — and enjoy — a good meal.
“We are so busy,” Bryson said. “People need to slow down. Turn the phones off. Sit at the table and actually talk to each other. Enjoy your meal, enjoy the people you’re around. Enjoy your life.”
Pickens’ Nealy elected SC state FFA vice president
CLEMSON — During the 89th South Carolina FFA State Convention, held at Clemson University, recent Pickens High School graduate Haley Nealy was elected as the 2016-2017 SC FFA state sice president for the Piedmont region.
Nealy is dedicated to connecting and encouraging every FFA member she meets during her year of service.
Nealy will be attending Tri-County Technical College in the fall and plans to transfer to Clemson University to major in agricultural education. Nealy’s career goal is to earn her teaching credential and enter the classroom as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
The FFA is a National youth organization that is a part of agricultural education programs in middle and high schools. Nealy is in her third year as an active FFA member. While in high school and at the Pickens County Career & Technology Center, she studied animal science and was able to take advantage of many leadership-based opportunities.
While at the Pickens Career & Technology Center, Nealy served the FFA chapter as president and was an outstanding leader. Nealy attended the Washington Leadership Conference, and one component of this conference is the development of the FFA Living to Serve Plans. Nealy’s Living to Serve Plan was to conduct a blanket drive for the homeless and bring awareness to the growing issue of poverty in South Carolina and in Pickens County. The Pickens County CTC FFA Chapter donated 156 blankets and held a poverty awareness sit-in led by Nealy’s plan.
The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Happy birthday!
Accomplished author, WWII veteran and long-time Pickens resident Zig Boroughs turned 93 on June 22. The people of Pickens appreciate your service to our country and would like to say thank you for being a steadfast pillar of the community. Happy birthday, Zig!
