Daily Archives: 08/09/2016
We still count on the mail
I got the mail today.
A couple of bills. A greeting card. Some catalogs. A newspaper. One package that my wife grabbed right away. (Wonder what that was?)
Lately, it occurs to me how completely I take for granted that I will get the mail tomorrow.
I’ve had my share of gripes about the mail. As president of the National Newspaper Association, I have fielded our community newspaper members’ postal concerns all year. The mail is slower than it used to be. The U.S. Postal Service slowed it down by a day, at least, because of financial problems. Newspaper subscribers are unhappy, because too often their papers are arriving late. Some local businesses have had problems with cash flow because of late mail.
Still, I get the mail every day but Sunday. Bet you do, too.
If you follow the news, you know the U.S. Postal Service is in trouble. Because so many people and businesses use the internet, there isn’t as much mail to deliver. But we still expect the mail to come. At my newspaper, we look for it on Saturdays, too, because weekend mail is extremely important in small towns. (Congress considered ending Saturday mail, but thankfully it has dropped that idea for now.)
Beneath the surface, however, we see seismic, economy-rattling changes ahead unless Congress can pass legislation to lower the Postal Service’s cost of doing business. It carries more than $50 billion of debt on its balance sheet. Fortunately, there two bills that would do the job. The House bill, HR 5714, is by Reps. Jason Chaffetz, R-UT, and Elijah Cummings, D-MD, and co-sponsors Mark Meadows, R-NC; Gerald Connolly, D-VA and Stephen Lynch, D-MA. The Senate bill, S. 2051, is by Sens. Tom Carper, D-DE, Claire McCaskill, D- MO, Mark Warner, D-VA, Roy Blunt, R-MO, Jerry Moran, R-KS, and Susan Collins, R-ME. Passing these bills is easier said than done. You may have noticed Congress is having a hard time these days getting anything passed.
This is what the bills have to fix.
A 2006 law imposed a requirement to put advance funding into a federal retirement health plan for postal workers. Other agencies don’t do advance funding. They are on a pay-as-you-go system. That requirement began to cripple USPS within a year or two after its passage. What the 2006 law didn’t do was relieve USPS of also contributing to Medicare for the same workers, which many do not use. So there are two plans for many workers, when only one is used. USPS has to double-pay, which is another way of saying you double-pay every time you buy stamps—for a total of about $29 billion now paid into the Federal Treasury. The Chaffetz-Cummings and Carper bills would end the double-payment. Retirees would go onto Medicare like the rest of us do, and the other plan would provide supplemental coverage. The Postal Service would be relieved of the debt it is carrying from the 2006 law because the funding will be complete.
Sounds so reasonable, right? Why hasn’t it passed? Because Uncle Sam likes keeping half of that double payment. Somehow, some think tanks inside the Beltway (and I say “think” with my tongue in cheek) believe by ending the double payment, USPS would be getting a bailout. But it isn’t a bailout. This is stopping your postage money from being unfairly collected and relieving a financial burden USPS did not deserve if Medicare was used as intended.
Saving this money may not mean much to you at a few pennies a pop, but to businesses, it is big money that could be used to create jobs instead of lining the federal treasury. Did you know that the mail is responsible for 7.5 million jobs and $1.2 trillion in the U.S. economy?
Mail is important. But it has to be reliable and on time. Unless this legislation gets through, mail will get slower and eventually, we won’t be able to take it for granted.
If you get a chance this summer, e-mail your members of Congress a note asking them to pass these bills. Or better yet, send a letter by mail. Bet Congress takes that mail for granted every day, too.
Chip Hutcheson is hte publisher of The Times Leaders in Princeton, Ky., and the president of the National Newspaper Association.
If my mama has Alzheimer’s, will I?
A year after my sister-in-law died from advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, her 55-year-old daughter, Debbie, came to me asking, “Will I also have this disease? I seem to easily forget things I should remember, such as a person’s name, or where I left my keys.”
This is a common fear. Alzheimer’s disease researcher Robyn Honea of the University of Kansas said, “It is estimated that people who have relatives, especially mothers, with Alzheimer’s disease are four to 10 times more likely to develop the disease themselves compared to people with no family history.” However, this is not a verdict.
There are two forms of Alzheimer’s — early onset and late onset. Early onset is rare. Symptoms start before the age of 65. This type of Alzheimer’s tends to cluster within families. Often, several generations are affected. In many cases this form of Alzheimer’s is caused by mutation in one of three genes. People with these extremely rare mutations tend to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their 30s or 40s. On average, half of the children of a person with one of these rare genetic mutations will inherit the disease. Those who do not inherit the mutation cannot pass it on and are not susceptible to getting Alzheimer’s. It is also important to know that these mutations are extremely rare and account for fewer than one in 1,000 cases of Alzheimer’s.
The second form, late onset Alzheimer’s disease, is much more common than early onset Alzheimer’s. It effects people older than 65. Research is constantly being done for this group. It has been found that in the regular aging process all of us lose brain vitality (gray matter), and there is brain shrinkage. Those with parents (especially mothers) with Alzheimer’s experience this at a faster rate than those without parents who have this disease.
What can you do if you have this concern? First, share your apprehension with your doctor. A complete assessment can be made. It would include family history, a physical exam, a neurological exam, mental clarity tests and brain imaging. Second, research reveals that aside from DNA, environment, lifestyle and eating habits also play a large role. Those who exercise regularly, stimulate mental acuity and eat a healthy diet can possibly delay, if not circumvent Alzheimer’s disease.
So many people have asked if they can ask me questions or tell me concerns regarding dementia. The answer is yes. Please address them to me at askbonnie@outlook.com. While you remain anonymous, answers to your questions will be revealed in the newspaper so that you and others can benefit. I look forward to hearing from you.
Bonnie Holmes is president of Loving Health Care Inc. Although the well-qualified caregivers care for clients with many different types of needs, the specialty of the company is clients with dementia. For more information, call (864) 916-9204.
Courier Letters to the Editor 8-10-16
Snarling and snapping
Dear Editor,
Seems every time I pick up a newspaper these days someone is snarling and snapping at the heels of the Democrats.
Nothing wrong with sharing your opinion, however the Republicans aren’t exactly saints heading to glory either.
Republican Idaho Senator Larry Craig involved in a homosexual scandal in the airport bathroom, our own ex-Governor Mark Sanford hiking the Appalachian Trail, and let’s not forget Richard Nixon and Watergate, to name just a few. Now what good did that do to say that? Just made Republican supporters mad — nothing more, nothing less.
Same when you snap at the Democrats — makes Democratic supporters more determined than ever to elect their candidates.
If you really care about America, the best thing to do is do as 2 Chronicles 7:14 says.
Most of you claim to be Christians, so you should know what that verse says. If not, look it up if you really care. Do what it says and believe instead of snarling and snapping. Why not — you’re not changing things for the better with your spiteful letters other than to get your frustration out and probably the praise of your friends.
Eddie Boggs
Westminster
Dealing with addiction
Dear Editor,
I found Alex Saitta’s letter on the growing meth problem in the county to be very insightful. Alex is a problem-solver, and I think we would all be well advised to take his solution-orientated ideas seriously.
Abuse of prescription drugs is also rising, and a grave concern. Pain clinics seem to be all over — Mr. Jones or Mrs. Smith needs the drug, says they have a pain, and the prescription is written. Not only are adults abusing prescription drugs, but medicine chests in too many homes are full of these opiates, and children are often getting their hands on them.
And when people become addicted to these prescription opiates, and they no longer can get them as readily as before, many are turning to street heroin, and that is one reason for that drug’s resurgence in the country.
Shockingly, Pickens County is one of the leaders in the state in drug overdose deaths. Before a problem can be solved, it first has to be recognized and accepted as a problem. And this problem is a matter of life and death.
A dialog of over-prescribing, dependence and allowing these prescription drugs to get in the wrong hands needs to be started by our elected officials, who seem oblivious to the problem.
But we as parents, siblings, friends and even children must be proactive in the lives of those we love. Do what you can, all you can, to help those you love that fight addiction.
Addiction is not a character flaw — it is the worst kind of disease, one that attacks the soul as well as the body. With faith, hard work and prayer, addiction “can” be beaten.
Visit this website for help locally, local.soberrecovery.com/Narcotics_Anonymous_Easley_SC-r1298556-Easley_SC.html.
Rick Tate
Easley
The love of money
Dear Editor,
Eight or 10 years ago, the Pickens County School Board used a loophole in the law to fund a $375 million building project. Known as the Greenville Plan, it was later made illegal by the S.C. legislature. Voters said no in a referendum, but the board did it anyway.
Well, now there is a different board, so things should be better, right? Not. They’ve blown around $2.5 million in savings to give teachers three raises and one raise to assistant principals. Then they said they would have to close three schools because there wasn’t enough money. Recently, they voted to enter into what looks like an illegal contract with the superintendent. Did the majority of the board say, “we might be wrong”? Nope. They’re defending their decision to pad the pockets of their friends while using your money and their office to do just that. Their reasoning? Somebody might go to Greenville County. Do you know how much of the roughly $100 million budget goes to salaries and benefits? About 90 percent. That leaves 10 percent for everything else.
One board member compared Alex Saitta to a leech and implied that he is an egomaniac because Saitta pointed out that the contract is probably illegal according to recent case law. Saitta has lots of human defects, but he can’t be bought, he won’t use his office or influence to do political favors for his friends, and when he votes he uses common sense to do what is beneficial for voters and the school district, i.e. students, and the education of those students. And he won’t bend or sway to coddle the good ol’ boy politicians. He’s a damn yankee who has better ethics than my fellows.
Just so all of you know, there’s much talk among the board about closing Dacusville Middle. And no, Henry Wilson is not among the guilty. He’s been a relatively pleasant surprise on a liberal board that would make Hillary Clinton look conservative. Henry, plant your feet and take a decisive stand for what is good and right and legal.
There are people in this county who swell with pride because they give underprivileged kids backpacks of food. Then they want salary increases that will tax parents deeper into poverty. Educators love quotes and sayings. Here’s one. The love of money is the root of all evil.
Jimmy Gillespie
Central
Bias and inaccuracies
Dear Editor,
This is in reference to the “Brexit” editorial by Phil Noble in the July 6 issue.
The scope of bias and inaccuracies in Mr. Noble’s editorial are massive. First off, the organization he is affiliated with, S.C. New Democrats, is in itself inaccurate. There is nothing new about the message, the people, the tactics or the philosophy of this group compared to the Democrat Party of the last 40 years.
In his editorial, he talks about how bad the Brexit is and how it has and will destroy your investments and the economy. Well, less than one week after the article was in the paper, the Dow Jones Industrials reached record levels. He was proven 100 percent wrong in very short time.
He compared the Brexit approval voters to Republican supporters of Donald Trump and said they were old, white, rural, uneducated, poor males who are xenophobic (not his word). Well, there’s a sweeping generalization based on race, class and education. I thought that’s exactly the kind of thing a “New Democrat” would abhor. Yes, educated minority women did vote for the Brexit. Yes, of the most liberal UK voters (Green and Lib Dem) 25 percent and 30 percent respectively voted for Brexit.
Mr. Noble does not like it when people want to be independent and free. That means less government and less control for those in power, which he tries very hard to ensure, are members of the Democrat Party. The examples of why the Democrat Party should not be strongly supported are many, but since we’re talking about voting, I’ll use that example.
The Democrat Party is fiercely against voter identification laws. They use massive donations by billionaire George Soros (who became wealthy by stock market speculation and thus is “Big Wall Street”) to fund this and many other activities. President Obama worked for ACORN, which was convicted in several cases of voter fraud. Hillary Clinton is against all voter ID laws and in fact wants universal automatic registration at age 18, 20 days of early voting, and to return to the southern states having to get permission to change election laws from the federal Justice Department. All of these favor voter fraud.
Old Dominion University conducted a study on non-citizen voting in U.S. elections and found that the majority (54 percent to 80 percent, depending on the position-specific election) vote for the Democrat running. They found that Democrats have very likely won positions based on non-citizen votes. The voting irregularities extend to 2.75 million people registered to vote in more than one state and 1.8 million DEAD people registered to vote. In May 2016, CBS News reported 215 dead people voted in Los Angeles County alone.
These voting issues are illegal. This violates the Voting Rights Act. It violates the Constitution, which says only U.S. citizens have the right to vote. The Democratic Party benefits from this illegal activity, and so they protect it.
New Democrats? Hardly. The enforcers of Jim Crow laws in the 1880s and into the 1960s used them to get elected to gain power, wealth and control people. Now, the same Democratic Party uses illegal voting to win elections to gain power, wealth and control people. Nothing new about it.
Reed Severance
Pickens
Registration extended for fall soccer, volleyball at Pickens Rec
PICKENS — The Pickens Recreation Department is now taking registrations for its fall soccer and volleyball seasons.
Soccer registration has been extended through Aug. 12 at the Pickens Recreation Center on Sangamo Road in Pickens for age divisions 5-6, 7-8, and 13-15.
Volleyball registration has been extended through Aug. 12 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.
Courier Obituaries 8-10-16
Lucille S. Mason
Easley — Mrs. Helen “Lucille” Smith Mason, 85, wife of O’dell Mason, passed away Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, at her home.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late William Elmer and Mary Ina Nix Smith, Mrs. Mason retired from Materials Management and was a member of Crosswell Apostolic Church, where she taught Sunday school for more than 15 years.
Surviving, in addition to her husband of 46 years, are a son, Chris Tant of Pickens; a brother, Grover Smith (Jimmie Ruth) of Easley; a sister, Rev. Ann Smith of Easley; a daughter-in-law, Kate Tant of Maryland; a step-son, Billy Mason of Blue Ridge; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mason was predeceased by a son, Terry Tant; two sisters, Frances Delozier and Bessie Mae Bloodworth; and a daughter-in-law, Kim Tant.
Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 5, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Dr. Herbert P. Cooper Jr.
Clemson — Dr. Herbert Press Cooper Jr., 75, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born in Anderson, the son of the late Sara Louise McCrary and Dr. Herbert Press Cooper Sr. Dr. Cooper was a lifetime resident of Clemson and a 1959 graduate of Daniel High School. After graduating from Clemson University with a B.S. degree, Dr. Cooper then graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a M.D. degree. After a one-year internship at Greenville Memorial Hospital, he spent more than four years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, with one year in Vietnam, where he received a Bronze Star. He also spent more than three years in Berchtesgaden, Germany, where he met and married his wife, Traudl.
In 1973, he returned to Clemson and served as a family practice physician in the Clemson and Pendleton area until his retirement in June 2015. In 2013, he was selected to be a member of the inaugural class of the D.W. Daniel Athletic Hall of Fame. He had served on the School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees since 1992.
“The news of Dr. Cooper’s passing is very saddening for all of us who had the pleasure to know and work with him,” said Dr. Danny Merck, School District of Pickens County superintendent. “He has served on our board of trustees for 24 years, and he has left a legacy of supporting education that will have an impact on generations of students. His experience, insight, love for students, and love for his community will never be surpassed. I’m very grateful to have worked with him to build success for our students.”
Dr. Cooper is survived by his wife, Traudl, and two children, Herbie and Heidi, who are both physicians and who were both valedictorians at Daniel High School; brother, Tommy Cooper of Clemson; and sister, Mary Acock of Six Mile.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Sara Louise Shigley.
A memorial service for Dr. Cooper was held at the D.W. Daniel High School auditorium on Saturday, Aug. 6.
There was a private burial for Dr. Cooper at Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson University.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Herb Cooper Scholarship Fund in care of the Daniel Foundation, 140 Blue and Gold Blvd, Central, SC 29630.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.
Genelle Pirnes
Liberty — Genelle Robinson Pirnes, 89, of 341 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at the Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Samuel T. and Alma Richey Robinson.
She retired from Singer and was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. She loved flowers and her church, but the most important thing in her life was her family.
Surviving are her husband, Stanley C. Pirnes of the home; two daughters, Patti Shirley (George) of Townville and Lori Dent (Michael) of Easley; a sister, Marie Newell of Pickens; a brother, Terry Robinson (Faye) of Lilburn, Ga.; and three grandchildren, Ethan and Andrew Dent and Katie Shirley.
In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia R. Kay.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Pirnes were held Saturday, Aug. 2, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Building Fund, 101 Pisgah Road, Easley SC 29642.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Dennis Broom
Easley — Dennis Broom, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016.
A native of Transylvania County, N.C., he was the son of the late Kermit Henry Broom and Eva Mae Queen Broom. He was also preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Dean Broom, and sisters, Frances Parker and Vergie Broom.
Mr. Broom was of the Baptist faith and he loved hunting, fishing and softball.
Surviving are his children, Teresa Kelley of Six Mile; Sandra Dunn and husband Ray of Easley, and Dennis L. Broom and wife Michelle of Pickens; brother, Clifton Broom and wife Betty of Pickens; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held on Friday, Aug. 5, at Woods Cemetery in Balsam Grove, N.C.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Keith James
Easley — Keith James, 70, of 135 Benton Park Drive, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016.
Born in Anderson County, he was the son of the late Willie and Gertrude Williamson James.
Keith was a humble man who dearly loved his Lord and family. He retired as a project manager with General Electric. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where he was a member of the In His Steps Sunday School Class, former deacon, Sunday School teacher, money counter, usher and served on the Finance and Personnel Committees. He also was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V Device for Valor, and was a lifetime member of the Bates Masonic Lodge No. 189.
Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, Janie Summey James; a son, Brian James and his wife, Julie, of Easley; his precious granddaughter, Elise James; a brother, Joe E. James and his wife, Carol, of Piedmont; and two nephews and three nieces.
In addition to his parents, Keith was predeceased by a granddaughter, Grace James, and a sister and brother-in-law, Wilola J. Stargel and Jerry Stargel.
A celebration of Keith’s life was held on Friday, Aug. 5, at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers were the In His Steps Sunday School Class, the money counters of the church, GE retirees and past and present church ushers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Widow’s Ministries of Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road Easley, SC 29642 or to Paws 4 Liberty, 8939 Palomino Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33467, or paws4liberty.org.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
CARL E. WILLIAMS
LIBERTY — Carl Edward Williams, 69, of Liberty, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 30, 2016.
Born in Germany on Nov. 3, 1946, he was the son of the late Roy Edward and Helen Mueller Williams. Mr. Williams was an active member of Pickens First Baptist Church and was employed through BASF Corporation for more than 45 years. He attended Blanton’s Business College and was previously involved in NC/MI High School Athletic Association’s Sports Official Association. Mr. Williams was an avid golfer and outdoorsman, and served in Vietnam as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Surviving are his wife of 28 years, Lynn Williams; two sons, Jacob and Chase Williams; mother and fathers-in-law, Betty and Henry Dendy and Win Powell; two brothers-in-law, Eric Powell (Samantha) and Robert Powell; five nephews, Matthew, Jackson, Timothy and Benjamin Powell, and Bryan Williams; and one niece, Jennifer Williams.
Mr. Williams was also predeceased by one brother, Terry Gene Williams.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 3 at Pickens First Baptist Church. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family will be at the home.
Memorials may be made to Pickens First Baptist Church Building Fund at 406 E. Main Street, Pickens, SC 29671.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Williams family.
LUCILLE GARRETT
SIX MILE — Lucille Cook Garrett, 100, wife of the late James Milford Garrett Sr., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, July 31, 2016, at her home.
Born in Six Mile on July 11, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Minnie Cook. Mrs. Garrett was a member of Six Mile Baptist Church. She was a homemaker who enjoyed family gatherings, reading, quilting and gardening.
She is survived by her five children, James Garrett Jr. (Betty), Sherry Cox, Tom Garrett, Dale Garrett, and Allan Garrett (Tricia); one daughter-in-law, Karen Garrett; two siblings, Lillian Stewart and Claude Cook Jr.; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Garrett was also predeceased by one son, Donald Garrett; one son-in-law, Ron Cox; and two grandsons, Ben Boggs and Billy Ray Cox.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 4 at Six Mile Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.
The family will be at the home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 704 S. Pendleton St., Easley, SC 29640, or to the Hospice Care of South Carolina, 900 E. Main St., Easley, SC 29640.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
Matthew Lee Brooks Sr.
SIX MILE — Matthew Lee Brooks Sr., 24, of Six Mile, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016.
He is survived by his children, MJ Brooks, Bella Brooks and Allen Brooks; his brother, Justin Brooks; his parents, Tim and Janet Brooks; his grandparents, Junior and Louise Pilgrim; his wife, Elizabeth Brooks; his uncles, Dallas Pilgrim, Tommy Pilgrim and Carl Brooks; and his aunts, Andrea Pilgrim and Shelba Brooks.
He was preceded in death by his uncle, Allen Pilgrim; and his grandparents, Grace and Sam Brooks.
The visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 12, at Faith Baptist Church in Norris from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The funeral service will follow immediately after at 3 p.m.
Interment will be at Faith Baptist Church – Norris Cemetery.
Margaret A. Roush
Liberty — Margaret Ann Wood Roush, 58, passed away Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Oconee County, a daughter of the late Walter and Bertha Louise Dill Wood, Margaret was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are three sons, Thomas Roush, Donnie Roush and Brandon Browning; three daughters, Mary Roush, Jennifer Bice and Crystal Garcia; one brother, Carl Wood; five sisters, Mildred Lee, Doris Hannah, Audrey Goss, Jeanette Gallamore and Linda Porter; and seven grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Margaret was predeceased by two sisters, Beatrice Rogers and Dorothy Lauderdale.
Memorial services will be hosted by the family at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Judy Pinkston
Judy Gray Pinkston
Pickens — Judy Gray Pinkston, R.N., 65, wife of Robert V. Pinkston Jr., died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.
Judy was born in Summerville, a daughter of Juanita McKay Gray of Beaufort and the late Allen Thomas Gray. She devoted her life to nursing, which she started at a young age as a candy striper while in high school. She was retired from Greenville Hospital System and was employed with The Presbyterian Communities of Easley, where she worked part-time because for her, sitting at home was not an option. Judy was a graduate of the Walterboro School of Practical Nursing and later Greenville Technical College, where she received an AS degree in nursing. She was a communicant of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Easley, and she was a member of The Cindy Parrott Chapter of The Daughters of the King.
Judy learned to cook at an early age and fancied herself as a specialist in good old-fashioned home country cooking. Her major hobby was going on adventures with her grandson Aiden to the library, parks, shopping and anywhere else he wanted to go. She took a great deal of pride in being Aiden’s “Granny Judy,” a role she truly and dearly loved.
Survivors include her husband, Robert, her daughter, Heidi M. Robinson and her husband Stephen of Liberty and grandson, Aiden Robinson. Also surviving are her mother, Nita Gray of Beaufort, and her sister, Pamela Thompson and her husband Steve of Beaufort, her father-in-law, Bob Pinkston, and sister-in-law, Mary Donna Pinkston, both of Beaufort, and her furry babies, Jack, Mikey and Baby Girl Kitty.
Funeral services were Aug. 6, 2016, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Easley. A reception followrf in the church parish hall. Entombment will be at a later date.
The family asks that flowers be omitted and those desiring make memorials to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1200 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642 or to Foothills Presbyterian Community, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the CCU staff of St. Francis-Downtown, especially her nurses who cared for her during her last hours, namely Leigh Anne, Pat, Ann, Jordan and Strad, wonderful caregivers all.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Pinkston family.
Bette Jean Murrow
GREENVILE — Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Although they will miss her greatly, the family of Bette Jean Murrow Whitley is grateful she has arrived into eternal life on Aug. 1, 2016. She possessed a wonderful, spunky sense of humor and an unmatched love of family. She forged loyal friendships that lasted a lifetime and treasured the times she spent with them dining out and shopping.
Her life was celebrated on Aug. 4, 2016, at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Donald Thomas officiating. The family greeted friends in the fellowship hall during a reception following the service. Interment will be private.
Bette was born in Savannah, Ga., and was lovingly raised by Roy and Etta Murrow, and following Etta passing’s when Bette was 13, at the age of 15 she became part of the family of Dave and Lucille Bolman. She graduated from Curry High School, where she met her sweetheart and love of her life, Robert E. Whitley. They were married in 1950 and celebrated 57 years of marriage. After Bob’s retirement, they were quite successful for more than 30 years with a craft and basket-making business and enjoyed traveling to different craft fairs around the Southeast. She was a talented craftsman and could see the possibility of beautiful art in items that others could not. While raising four children, Bette was also a successful administrator over the years while Blue Bell transitioned to VF. Bette had a green thumb and treasured time in her yard tending to flowers and her garden. She was a life-long member of Mt. Pisgah UMC, where she participated in the Women’s Circle.
She was a supportive and loving wife and a shoulder to lean upon for her children. She remained in her home after Bob’s passing, because when her home was filled with family her heart was filled with joy. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her children and their spouses, David Whitley of Burlington, N.C., Dawn Whitley of Greensboro, N.C., Paige and Randy Jones of Boone, N.C., and Karen and Terry Grant of Pickens and former daughter-in-law, Melinda Whitley; grandchildren and spouses, Justin and Hannah Whitley, Sarah and Daniel Thomas, Abbey Powers, Brian Moore, Lauren and Christopher Prentice, Kaylie Jones, Kristen Jones, Annie and Ryan Lee and Matthew and Nicole Owens; and great-grandchildren, Ethan, Hayden, Joshua, Bridgette, Gage and Cooper. In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by two grandsons, Brandon and Kyle Whitley.
The family would like to thank the wonderful care Bette received at Hospice Home of High Point during her brief stay. Floral tributes are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262 or Mt. Pisgah UMC, 2600 Pisgah Church Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Whitley family.
Alton “Neal” O’Neal Dillashaw, Sr.
Easley — Mr. Alton “Neal” O’Neal Dillashaw Sr., 82, of Easley, husband to the late Mrs. Dorothy Jean Gray Dillashaw, passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Greenwood County, the son of the late Jack Bruce Dillashaw and Onie Farmer Dillashaw, Mr. Dillashaw was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Korean War. He was a claims adjuster with Nationwide Insurance for 20 years, owner and operator of Smith and Chiles Auto Body Inc. for 23 years before retiring, and was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents and loving wife of 61 years, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Wallace Dillashaw and Jack Bruce “Junior” Dillashaw.
Surviving are two sons, Alton O’Neal Dillashaw Jr. (Debra), and Todd Dillashaw (Pam), all of Easley; five grandchildren, Bethany Holder (Adam), Derrick (Megan), Devon, Katelyn, and Brandon Dillashaw; and one great-grandchild, Maebry Dillashaw.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 10, at noon in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Comedy in Central
Comics bring the laughs at weekly standup shows
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — A local restaurant is giving comedians from around the region a place to shine.
On Saturday night, Craig Holcombe, Colin Keane, Blaine Perry, Mallory Denae and Tom Scheve took the stage, sounding off on topics that included parenting, beauty pageants, guys pretending it wasn’t their idea to go inside the chocolate shop and navigating the dating scene in a car without a radio or air conditioning.
The Courtyard Grille in Central began holding its weekly Comedy Night earlier this year.
The shows are every Saturday at 7:30 p.m., according to Holcombe, who hosts the shows.
“We normally have anywhere from four to five comics performing,” Holcombe said. “So far, they’ve been from all over — not just the Upstate, but the region. We’ve had comics from Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg Asheville. Last week, we had three comedians from Florida come up.”
Consistency is important to both Holcombe and the restaurant’s owner.
“When we talked about that, how often to do the show, we both thought that every week would be really good,” Holcombe said. “That way people don’t have to remember specific dates. They know something’s going on every Saturday night.”
There is no cover charge to see the show.
Recently, Holcombe performed a one-man show at the restaurant.
“We’re always trying to do different things here and there and switch it up when we can,” he said.
The comedians who perform are ones who Holcombe has performed with before or who have been recommended by people he knows. Keane and Holcombe hail from this area. Perry, Denae and Scheve drove down from Asheville, N.C., for the Saturday show.
Holcombe has lived in Easley his entire life and has been performing for almost 11 years.
“When I first started out, I did all my comedy in Greenville,” Holcombe said. “It’s kind of nice to perform in Pickens County.”
If you attended the most-recent Guffaws for Paws benefit for the Pickens County Humane Society, hosted by the Appalachian Ale House, Holcombe was part of that line-up.
“So far we’ve raised a good bit of money for them,” Holcombe said.
He’s been performing standup for the last six years.
“Before then, I did theater improv comedy and sketch comedy,” he said. “I settled in to standup because that’s been the most fun so far.”
He’s been in productions and performed improv at the Warehouse Theater. He was also a member of the sketch comedy group Secondhand Futon.
Holcombe says he enjoys the freedom of standup comedy.
“I like the freedom of being alone,” he said. “I have the responsibility to be funny — it’s kind of all on me. I can follow a script if I need to, but it lets me play around with an audience.”
He cites Steve Martin, Eddie Izzard and Monty Python among his influences.
“Those are probably the big three, I would have to say,” Holcombe said.
He said the audiences have been growing slowly.
“We’re excited about going into the school year, to see what happens when we have all our college students back,” Holcombe said. “I’m excited about the future for the show.”
Denae will return his Saturday, and she’ll be joined by Miguel Osornio of Spartanburg.
To find out about future shows, follow the Courtyard Grille on Facebook.
The Courtyard Grille is located at 217 W. Main St. in Central.
Local family needs help
Eades Family
COUNTY — On July 31, Robbie, Robin and Eli Eades’ home was destroyed by a fire caused by lightning.
The home is a total loss, with minimal restoration of the contents. A big thank you is being sent out to all who have already prayed, visited, donated or showed love and support in any way.
An account has been set up at South State Bank in Pickens to help the family. To donate, make checks payable to His Pavilion of Grace, Memo: Eades Family Fund, and mailing to South State Bank, Attn: Glenda Finley, 424 Hampton Ave., Pickens, SC 29671.
Small act of kindness
Kara Hopkins recently shared this photo with the Pickens County Courier. She and her 4-year-old daughter Kayden Bowens were heading in to the Easley movie theater when Kayden noticed a Pickens County Sheriff’s Office deputy sitting in his car outside. Kayden looked at her mother and said “Mom, he looks like he needs a snack.” Hopkins laughed it off, but once the two were inside the theater, Hopkins said Kayden insisted on taking the officer a snack, so Hopkins said Kayden picked out some Reese’s Pieces and took them to the officer. Hopkins said the officer, Deputy David Rogers, was very nice and even let Kayden sit in his car while they took a selfie. “I hope this makes it to him. He was awesome and Kayden enjoyed it.” A post on the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office’s official Facebook page, which has been shared more than 400 times, said Rogers “appreciated receiving this snack from a very thoughtful and caring little girl. “We could all learn a lesson from her compassion, and maybe try just a little harder to treat everyone with a little more kindness,” the post read.
Pickens’ Venture Outdoors events planned Aug. 27
Pickens — On Aug. 27, the city of Pickens will host an outdoor festival that will highlight all the Pickens area has to offer residents and visitors alike when it comes to outdoor sports.
The festival will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Town Creek Bike Park behind the Pickens Recreation Department on Sangamo Road with an all-day mountain bike event. With the help of Upstate SORBA, the city will host mountain bike workshops, ride time and timed races for all ages.
Throughout the day at various locations around town, free workshops will be held covering topics from fly-fishing from Southern Appalachian Outdoors and a beekeeping workshop with the 2016 South Carolina Farmer of the Year of Bee Well Honey to hiking, kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing and much more.
As the mountain bike event concludes, be sure to stick around for the 5K Trail Run at the recreation department, which should finish around 6 p.m. All participants are encouraged to make their way to the Amphitheater on Main Street for the announcement of the race finishers.
Attendees are also invited to stop off at the Pickens Farmers Market from 4-7 p.m. on Court Street.
The 4×4 Cruise-in, where all Jeeps, Broncos, trucks and off-road vehicles are encouraged to attend, will begin around 5 p.m., with part of Main Street closing. Visitors can fill their bellies with dinner from the Meat’n in the Middle food truck, Ray’s Mobile Food Truck parked at the amphitheater, or one of the many establishments downtown as The Hired Help rock all night long at the amphitheater stage from 7-10 p.m.
All funds raised from the Venture Outdoors Day will be split between the Pickens Police Dog Fund and the Pickens Youth Athletic Corporation. The PYAC is a local nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to children who want to participate in recreational sports but whose families might not have the financial means by covering the registration costs and some uniform costs. The Pickens Police Department has started fundraising efforts to procure a human- and drug-tracking dog to better serve the community.
All registration forms for all events held during the Venture Outdoors event can be found at www.cityofpickens.com/outdoors.
Courier Legal Notices 8-10-16
PUBLICATION OF HEARING
STATE OF MICHIGAN
GLADWIN COUNTY
55th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
– FAMILY DIVISION
CASE NO. 16-123-NA
To Jessica Miller
IN THE MATTER OF:
Payton Miller DOB: 10/18/2014,
Kaeden Miller DOB: 12/23/2015
A hearing regarding Termination of Parental Rights will be conducted by the court on August 22, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the 55th Circuit Court – Family Division before the Honorable Marcy A. Klaus.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Jessica Miller personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above.
This hearing may result in the Court taking jurisdiction of the children.
July 27, August 3, 10
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SUMMONS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE
THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Case No. 2015-DR-39-1000
Felicia Woodall and Allen Woodall, Plaintiff, vs. Monique Al-Hassan and Al-Hassan, Defendant.
TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE-NAMED:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to this complaint upon the subscriber, at the address shown below, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the complaint, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
BRIAN K. JAMES, LLC
________________________
Brian K. James (11215)
Attorney for the Plaintiffs
P.O. Box 93
Easley, SC 29641
Tel. 864.859.5918
Fax. 864.859.8848
Easley, SC
October 3, 2015
July 27, August 3, 10
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Determination of Heirs
PETITIONER:
Charlena Elizabeth Blake
DECEASED: Will Turner Gowens
DATE OF DEATH: May 26, 2002
NAMES OF POSSIBLE KNOWN HEIRS AND RELATIONSHIPS:
REASON FOR PETITION: To petition the Court of Reconsideration of Determination of Heirs.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: August 25, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Pickens County Probate Court
222 McDaniel Avenue
Pickens, SC 29671
PURPOSE: Hearing upon the Petition of Charlena Elizabeth Blakein the Estate of Will Turner Gowens.
DESCRIPTION OF PLEADING:
Determination of Heirs
A full copy of the Summons and Petition is available from the undersigned attorney. If you do not appear at the hearing or file an answer, the relief requested will be granted.
Executed: Tuesday, August 09, 2016.
________________
Adam B. Lambert
Acker Lambert Hinton P.A.
P.O. Box 9
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-1184
Aug. 10, 17, 24
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