Monthly Archives: February 2021
Between woods and river
We grew up at Sycamore Hill, the name of Grandmama’s farm.
It was indeed in the middle of nowhere and far from any major city. Summers were long, and we 
depended on each other for playmates and companionship.
My brother and I had our cousins who were not too far away.
We played outside with hardly any adult supervision and had free rein of the woods, the pond and the rest of the farm. We could go to the river, but would never swim unless an adult was there.
It wasn’t known as Drowning Creek for nothing.
But although on our own much of the time, we were well equipped to run free. We knew what was expected
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Another COVID scam
You know it’s getting bad when local police chiefs go on the nightly news to warn against scams. That’s what is happening in my area, and possibly in yours. Scammers are going all out to steal your 
information, money and identity, and they’re using the COVID vaccine as their tool.
A few weeks ago, the scammers’ tactic was to claim we were eligible for a special COVID Medicare card. The card doesn’t exist. So many of us might have said that in response to the frequent phone calls that the scammers changed tactics. Now
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Courier Obituaries 2-17-21
MAT HERNDON
EASLEY — Claude Meadors “Mat” Herndon, 85, husband of Melissa Jane Durham Herndon, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.
Mat was born in Abbeville, the son of the late Edward Herndon and Corrine Bonds Sharpe. He was a graduate of Calhoun Falls High School and then served in the United States Army. After his service, he attended Newberry College, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He later received his masters degree in education from Furman University and studied at both Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
A lifelong educator, Mat taught and coached at Pickens High School, Abbeville High School and Byrnes High School prior to serving as principal of Pickens Junior High School. He went on to be the director of secondary education for the School District of Pickens County and retired as assistant superintendent in 1988.
Mat was a faithful and active member of Easley First Baptist
The pioneers of Pickens County
By Dr. Thomas Cloer, Jr.
Special to The Courier
For the last two weeks, we have focused on the battle for civil rights nationally in the USA. Now we want to focus more on Pickens County. We obviously can’t focus on all the civil rights leaders. Again, I will focus on some of the pioneers whom I remember.
I entered Clemson University in the 1960s, beginning my work on a masters degree. There had been a young African-American, Harvey Gantt, who had been admitted after suing Clemson, and after having become the first African-American enrolled at a previously all-white institution in South Carolina.
Harvey Gantt: Activist, Pioneer, Architect, Mayor
Harvey Gantt was born in Charleston, where his father was employed at a shipyard. Harvey’s father was active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the 
family discussed discrimination and civil rights openly
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Ambler fifth-grader wins SCBTMA’s top scholarship
COLUMBIA — A fifth grader at Ambler Elementary School has been awarded the top youth scholarship from the S.C. Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association (SCBTMA) for 2020.
Lilly Svrlinga of Pumpkintown received a $300 award for her singing and picking skills on guitar and two styles of banjo. She performed at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor in West Columbia after receiving her scholarship there in December.
Svrlinga plans to put her Bill Wells Memorial Youth Scholarship toward the purchase of a new banjo. She credits her instructors, Don and
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Pickens Chamber Member of the Month
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce has announced its February Member of the Month — Cafe Connections, located at 319 E. Main St. in Pickens. Cafe Connections earned the honor as a hospitality ministry intent on sharing the gospel through simple acts of love and kindness. Cafe Connections ministers the love of Jesus Christ to all people and from all different walks of life. Cafe Connections will be celebrating its ninth year on Main Street on Feb. 28. Pictured are Ann and Steve Corbin, volunteers and the Praying in Pickens Prayer Group, along with the chamber’s Lisa Turnick and Bryan Owens.
Valentines for Vets
The Daughters of Fort Prince George Chapter DAR, along with several members of a local church, surprised the residents of the Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home with a Valentines for Veterans celebration. The gifts included an assortment of Little Debbie cakes, applesauce, pudding cups, juice boxes, room decorations, lap blankets, caps and cards. Due to COVID, they were not allowed to personally visit with the veterans residing there as they have done in the past, but had to leave the gifts at the door to be disbursed to the veterans according to the COVID protocol of the facility. If you would like to join the chapter in honoring veterans or learn more about the chapter, email fpgchapterdar@gmail.com. Pictured, from left, are Anne Kilpatrick, chapter regent Carolyn Nations, Teresa Efant and May Headley.
Picking the chili of your choice
By Olivia Fowler
For the Courier
ofowler@thepccourier.com
When the icy breath of winter comes our way, we want to eat something that will warm us up. And 
nothing does this better than chili. It’s filling, nutritious and is warm in temperature and seasonings.
If hot and spicy isn’t your favorite, reduce the number of chopped hot pepppers. Or you can even eliminate them if you like, or replace them with mild peppers.
Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of February, this year’s National Chili Day is scheduled for Feb. 25. Give all these recipes a shot so you’re ready to mark the occasion with a bowl of your favorite.
To each his own. Enjoy.
Courier Classifieds 2-17-21
Announcements
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