Monthly Archives: January 2022
Resisting temptation to be discouraged
Recently, I had an opportunity to chat with a wonderful lady as she shared with me about her health issues and other concerns.
Suddenly she stopped and wanted to know if she could ask me a serious question. I said of course, and she proceeded to relay that she felt silly asking me about 
salvation, especially with her being a church member since she was a child.
She wanted to know how she can know that she is going to heaven. I do not believe this is anything to be embarrassed about — in fact, it’s rather common as I examine my own heart and soul often.
I could sense the heaviness of doubt was stealing her spiritual joy, and this stress can escalate into fear and
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Looking behind rising food costs
It’s not over yet. Rising food prices, that is.
The best guess of experts is that food prices are likely to rise 5 percent in the first half of 2022. This is on top of the average 6.8 percent rise for all items, as reported by the Consumer Price Index in November for the previous 12 months. That report cited increases for foods such as eggs, meat, poultry and fish topping the list at 12.8 percent, the highest since 1982.
Which food items do experts point to as likely to see additional price increases? Nearly everything. And what are the reasons for all the increases? That depends on
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The VA vs. COVID
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs has been battling COVID-19 from the very beginning of the pandemic. The recently released Coronavirus Disease 2019 Response Report Annex B tells just how they’ve done. The facts are impressive.
So far they’ve vaccinated 4.3 million people.
The VA was the first federal agency to issue a mandate requiring all VA employees who work in health care to be vaccinated. They beefed up telehealth for veterans at home and those who live in rural areas. This resulted in 2,500 percent increase of telehealth care visits.
The VA carried out 43 Fourth Mission assignments, improving preparedness on the
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Courier Obituaries 1-26-22
JAMES ALVIN BYERS
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — On Jan. 21, 2022, Al Byers was able to see and walk again as he entered Heaven to be with Jesus.
James Alvin Byers was born in Pickens on March 11, 1928, the oldest son of James Earl and Esther (Cannon) Byers.
He graduated from Pickens High School in 1946. After working for Singer Sewing Machine in Pickens, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Al fought in Korea as a member of the Thunderbirds, the 45th Infantry Division, whose motto fittingly is semper anticus — always forward. He was a combat engineer, and his company was tasked with building roads and bridges, laying minefields and constructing barracks and bunkers on both sides of the 38th Parallel. He was promoted several times during his two-year term and ended his military career as a staff sergeant.
After his release from military service, Al enrolled at Bob Jones University in Greenville, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1956 and a master’s degree in
Winter Bluegrass Jubilee rescheduled to March 5
PICKENS — To avoid a potential winter storm, Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) has moved the date of its annual indoor music festival, the Winter Bluegrass Jubilee, to March 5 at Pickens High School.
“The lineup and activities will be the same,” said Russ Hennessee, who coordinates the jubilee along with his wife, Sondra. “Only the date has been changed. This year’s jubilee promises to be the best ever.”
The March 5 Winter Bluegrass Jubilee at Pickens High School will feature a full day of performances, food
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Pickens scholar-athletes
Pickens High School’s Scholar-Athletes of the Week for the week of Jan. 18 were recognized at the Pickens vs. Easley game on Thursday. The female Scholar-Athlete is Frenchesca Looney. She is a sophomore member of the JV cheer team and was nominated by her honors chemistry teacher, Dr. Sarah Miller. Looney is the granddaughter of Lee Grubbs. The male Scholar-Athlete is Wyatt Reeves. Reeves is a junior and member of the varsity basketball team. He is the son of Corey and Brittani Reeves and was also nominated by Dr. Miller. PHS Scholar-Athletes are nominated by their teachers for demonstrating academic excellence, a stellar work ethic and impressive leadership in the classroom.
Blue Ridge Orchid Society prepares for Feb. 7 show at Duke’s World of Energy
UPSTATE — The Blue Ridge Orchid Society (BROS) will exhibit beautiful and unusual tropical orchids of all shapes and sizes at its free annual show Thursday, Feb. 17, through Saturday, Feb. 19.
The three-day event will be at Duke Energy’s World of Energy education center in Seneca.
Mark Reinke of Marble Branch Farms in Walhalla will have a variety of unique blooming orchids on
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Community Calendar
• CRMHA Train Expo set for Feb. 18-19
The Central Railway Model and Historical Association will hold its annual train expo on Friday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 19. The
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Eggs are breakfast stars
By Olivia Fowler
For the Courier
ofowler@thepccourier.com
Breakfast is one of my favorite meals.
The recipes featured here make something special out of breakfast with egg recipes that are delicious and don’t show up all the time.
Some of these might take a little more time than your ordinary breakfast fare, but there’s always the weekend.
Enjoy.
