Midland Valley Monthly March 2012

M
idland Valley
onthly
MARCH 2012
Rep. Tom Young Is
Keeping You Informed
page 2
Bible Study By Pastor
Lynn Kirkland
page 7
Local Author Releases
Childrens Book
page 11
13 Year Old Makes High
School Golf Team
page 6
Welcome To Rubys Cafe
By Anne Fulcher
Keith Dill wants to welcome everyone
to Rubys Caf. Located on 245 Ascauga
Lake Road in Graniteville, South Carolina,
Rubys Caf is located in the former site
of the Hard Hat Caf. Keith grew up in
Aiken and graduated from South Aiken
High. After college in the Northeast, Keith
moved back to the area and has worked for
Augusta Newsprint for over twenty years.
He has thought about opening a restaurant
for many years but was waiting for just the
right location. When the building housing
the Hard Hat Caf came available two
years ago, Keith knew this was the chance
he had been waiting for. He has always
wanted to be able to do something to give
back to the area and his dream has come
true. Renovations began about fve months
ago and Rubys opened on January 2,
2012. Keith named the caf after his mom,
Ruby, who has played an infuential role
in his life and has even lent some of her
recipes for use in the restaurant.
Rubys Caf is open seven days a week
serving lunch and dinner from 11:00am
until 8:00pm. They pride their food on its
freshness and true downhome Southern
comfort. Everything is hand battered daily
and all the burgers are hand patted out
daily. Keith says his dedicated staff makes
this venture so easy because of their
hard work and love of the business! He
could not have made it without his kitchen
manager, James Thurman, Amanda,
Annie, and the other employees. They have
helped Keith turn Rubys Caf into a wonderful
establishment.
Ruby is centrally located to Bridgestone/Firestone, USC
Aiken, Aiken Regional Medical Center and the Family Y.
Keith and his staff want everyone to try out all the great food
on their menu. Plans are in the making for another special
venue on the vacant side of the building. Keith has a great
vision to give people in the area even more things to do in
the Graniteville area. For information on Rubys Caf, please
call 803-663-7485.
Photos by Julie Lott
PAGE 2 MARCH 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Keeping You Informed
by SC Rep. Tom Young, R-District 81
The House of Representatives met
during three of four weeks in the month of
February. I hope that you fnd this update
helpful and informative:
Chief Justice Delivers State of
Judiciary Address: On February 8, Chief
Justice Jean Toal of the S.C. Supreme
Court delivered her annual State of
the Judiciary address. To address the
statewide backlog in Family Court, she
asked for 6 additional Family Court
judges. The Governor also advocated for
3 more Family Court judges in her State
of the State Address last month.
High School Dropout/Driving Bill:
The Senate Education Committee
unanimously passed the high school
dropout/no drive bill on February 29.
The bill prohibits possession of a drivers
license until age 18 unless the young
person is enrolled in, or has completed,
high school. The bill contains a hardship
provision for some limited exceptions
including (1) where the young person has
to go to work to support himself or his
immediate family; (2) where the young
person has a medical condition which
requires the ability to drive to and from
the doctor; (3) and where the young
person is 17 and joins the military or
national guard. The bill is now on the full
Senate calendar.
DOT Reform: The House Judiciary
Committee approved a bill which will
overhaul the governing authority of the
State Department of Transportation
(DOT) and require that the DOT prioritize
road projects in each of the States
7 engineering districts as part of the
Departments annual budget request. The
bill is now on the House calendar.
Blue Alert Program Approved: In
mid February, the House gave fnal
approval to legislation establishing the
Blue Alert Program within the State Law
Enforcement Division (SLED) as a means
of rapidly sending out information to law
enforcement agencies and the public
to assist in capturing a suspect when
a law enforcement offcer is seriously
injured, killed or kidnapped in the line of
duty. The system will be modeled after
Amber Alerts in which the public is told
about missing children through electronic
message boards, emails and text
messages.
Drug Test Results Can Disqualify
Ongoing Unemployment Benefts: The
House Judiciary Committee approved
a bill last month which states that if a
person receiving unemployment benefts
applies for a job and (1) takes a drug test
required by the prospective employer
and fails it OR (2) refuses to take a
drug test as required by the prospective
employer, then the person can no longer
receive unemployment benefts from the
Department of Employment & Workforce.
State law already disqualifes workers
fred for illegal drug use from collecting
unemployment benefts. The bill now
heads to the House foor.
Freedom of Information Act Bill:
Rep. Bill Taylors bill to improve the SC
Freedom of Information Act related to
requests for information from government
entities received approval of the House
Judiciary Committee last month. The bill
is now on the full House calendar.
Charleston Port Funding: As part
of the budget proposal, the Ways and
Means Committee approved $180 million
to pay for the states 60 percent portion
of the $300 million Charleston Harbor
dredging project. The money would
go into the South Carolina State Ports
Authority Harbor Deepening Reserve
Fund which the Ways and Means
Committee also established last month.
This is very important to the states
efforts to make the port of Charleston
the number one port on the east coast.
Thousands of jobs in our state depend
upon the Charleston port.
Video Gambling: The House
Constitutional Laws Subcommittee
passed a bill aimed at closing a loophole
which some have argued allows a new
form of video poker to be legal in South
Carolina. The sweepstakes video
games will be illegal under the proposal. I
voted in favor of the ban and the bill now
heads to the full Judiciary Committee.
Light at Cemetery Hill Road and 118
By Pass: Final stages of this road project
should begin on March 15. SCDOT is
adding a traffc light and turning lanes at
the intersection of Cemetery Hill Road
(also known as Gregg Highway) and 118
By Pass.
Bridgestone Hiring for New Aiken
County Plant: Bridgestone is hiring for
its new Aiken County manufacturing plant
which is under construction. To learn
more, go to www.readysc.org/bato.
Congressman Joe Wilsons Aiken
Offce is Open: Congressman Wilson
opened his Aiken County offce last
month. The offce is located at 1555
Richland Avenue East, Suite 700 in Aiken.
The phone number is 608-9747. The local
contact is Brian Eisele who can also be
reached by email at Brian.Eisele@mail.
house.gov.
GED Classes at Christ Central: If you
know of someone who needs to earn their
GED, Christ Central in Aiken offers both
pre-GED classes and an intensive GED
course. For more information, call (803)
564-5902, ext. 0.
Help for Displaced SRS Workers:
If you or someone you know lost a job
at SRS, there is a One-Stop Transition
Center open in downtown Aiken at Park
Avenue and Laurens Street to assist
workers displaced at SRS with fnding
new work. The Center is open from 7:30
am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit www.lswia.org.
Report Waste, Fraud and Abuse in
State Government: To report waste,
fraud and abuse in state government, you
can call: 1-855-SC-FRAUD.
Facebook: I have a Facebook page for
Representative Tom Young. Please like
the page to receive updates during the
week from me on Facebook.
Tom Youngs Website: My updated
website can be reached at www.
reptomyoung.com. There are links to a
variety of constituent services; the status
of sponsored bills; and roll call votes.
Please add my web site as a bookmark
on your computer.
State House Tours: Tours are
available for the S.C. State House by
calling (803) 734-2430.
Weekly Legislative Updates by Email:
I am sending a weekly legislative update
by email. If you would like to receive it,
please send your email address to me at
TomYoung@schouse.gov.
Road Issues: If you see a road
problem, call the SCDOT at 641-
7665 or Aiken County at 642-1532 to
report the problem. If you do not get a
prompt response, please let me know
at TomYoung@schouse.gov or call me.
Generally, most paved roads in the
County are maintained by SCDOT and
are identifed on the road sign poles by a
small black and white sign listing the road
number, such as S-2-1669. Most unpaved
roads in the County are maintained by the
County.
Please know that I can be reached by
telephone (649-0000 or 215-3631); email
(TomYoung@schouse.gov); regular mail
(P.O. Box 651, Aiken, SC 29802); or just
pull me aside when you see me. Thank
you for the privilege and the opportunity
to represent you.
The Midland Valley Monthly is a free publication provided by the Aiken Standard newspaper. DISTRIBUTION: Around 3800 copies of this section will be
distributed each month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. The section will publish inside the Aiken Standard to subscribers in Midland Valley zip codes of
29816 Bath, 29822 Clearwater, 29828 Gloverville, 29829 Graniteville, 29834 Langley, and 29851 Warrenville. Plus copies will also be distributed at strategic
rack locations in these areas as well. ADVERTISING: Call Anne Fulcher at 979.4476 or email ernieace2@yahoo.com or Julie Lott at 644.2403 or email
jlott@aikenstandard.com. MAILING ADDRESS: Midland Valley Monthly, c/o Julie Lott, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29802. SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES OR
PICTURES: jlott@aikenstandard.com or the above mailing address. UPCOMING DEADLINE: March 30, 2012. NEXT PUBLICATION: April 11, 2012.
MARCH 2012 PAGE 3 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Over 40 Years Of Continuous Professional Service By Wm. Sammie Napier
Glenda K. Napier
Vice President
Wm. Sammie Napier
Funeral Director
315 Main Street Graniteville, SC 29829 803-663-3131
AS27-670783
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Project RISE Aims To Share
Midland Valleys Pictures
By Haley Hughes
What has worked well, what hasnt
and what work still needs to be done
in Graniteville is being documented
with the help of photos.
Project RISE (Restoration in
Graniteville through Supportive
Engagement) has given a small group
of people digital cameras to carry with
them for the next seven days so that
they may capture different aspects of
Midland Valley to develop a narrative
of the area now that seven years have
passed since the devastating train
disaster.
The method, combining
photography with grassroots social
action, is called PhotoVoice.
Dr. Lucy Annang, co-principal
investigator with Project RISE,
explained the process during the
February meeting of the Midland
Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The pictures, along with the input
of those behind the cameras, will
be an effective tool to show how
Midland Valley was affected by the
disaster and will be shared with other
community members, agencies and
policy makers like the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
When this comes from the words
of you and other people impacted, it
will carry more weight, Dr. Annang
said. We will attach someones words
to their own photos.
PhotoVoice has been used in
the aftermath of other disasters,
according to Annang, like Hurricane
Katrina and a tuberculosis outbreak.
Jeff Jenik, who sits on the Midland
Valley Chamber board of directors,
asked if the PhotoVoice method is
helpful in the healing process.
It is widely used method for people
to get their feelings out, Dr. Annang
said.
Project RISE is looking for more
people to be a part of PhotoVoice.
Interested participants should be
between 18 and 65, currently live in
Graniteville or in nearby communities
and have lived in the area at the time
of the 2005 train disaster.
For more information, call Tina
Bevington at 394-6143 or Louisiana
Wright Sanders at 221-6976 or The
GRACE Center at 633-5004.
Happy Birthday
Submitted Photo
Betty Joe Clark, originally from Bath, recently celebrated her 80th birthday.
Her daughter, Phyllis Hutto, threw her a surprise party at her home.
MV Chamber News
Thomas Hallman, Chancellor of USC Aiken, will be the
guest speaker at the Midland Valley Chamber Meeting on
Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
George Wingard, of the Savannah River Archaeological
Research Program, will be the guest speaker at the Midland
Valley Chamber Meeting on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.
Both meetings will be held at Bobbys BBQ and start at Noon.
1-866-494-8988
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Swamp People To Visit
For New Outdoor Expo
By Holly Ellington
Two alligator hunters from the
swamps of Louisiana will visit Aiken to
scope out the Aiken Standard South
Carolina Outdoor Expo in June.
Father-and-son duo Troy and
Jacob Landry of Historys show
Swamp People will be at the South
Carolina Outdoor Expo, sponsored
by Carolina Outdoors and Golf
Cars, on June 23 at the USC Aiken
Convocation Center. The expo will run
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Landrys star in Swamp
People, a show where History follows
swampers through a 30-day alligator
hunting season. Now in its third
season, new episodes of Swamp
People air Thursdays at 9 p.m. on
History.
The Landrys will meet and greet
fans at the expo from 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. and will be available for a photo
opportunity and autographs, so bring a
camera and an item for them to sign.
A family-friendly event geared
toward the hunters and fshermen of
Aiken, the Outdoor Expo is the perfect
opportunity for businesses targeting
the outdoor enthusiast as they will
be able to showcase the latest and
greatest in product lines, said event
coordinator Debra Price.
Fishing and hunting professionals,
as well as industry experts, will be
on hand to share their wealth of
knowledge, Price said. With the
Aiken Standard already being the
trusted source for local news and
information, it seems only natural for
us to be at the center of providing the
community with such a venue of this
caliber.
Tickets for the expo are $8 and
go on sale April 2 at the USCA
Convocation Center box offce.
Attendees can visit booths covering
the spectrum of outdoor activities,
including hunting, fshing and archery
demonstrations for adults and children
alike.
We encourage families to bring
their children and introduce them to
positive role models in the outdoor
arena, as well as experiencing hands-
on attractions geared specifcally to
their age group, Price said.
The S.C. Department of Natural
Resources is bringing its TOMO
Heritage Trailer, Price said. TOMO,
which stands for Take One Make
One, is
designed
to teach
safe
hunting
practices
to
students
who
have no
previous outdoor hunting experience,
according to SCDNR.
The TOMO Heritage Trailer will give
kids the opportunity to experience
shooting sports and the outdoors
through the use of video simulators
and hands-on air rife ranges,
according to SCDNR.
Our goal is to make this a true
outdoor experience for children and
adults, Price said.
Hooties Outdoors Inc. will have
combination fshing/archery equipment
on display and an archery ranch for
kids, Price said, and the U.S. Army
National Guard is bringing a Humvee
and video game ops station for kids.
Residents will be able take a spin
on a Harley without going anywhere
with Harley Davidson of Augustas
Jump Start Simulator, Price added,
and several outdoor educational
organizations will be in attendance to
educate about area animals.
The Aiken Standard will run several
contests and promotions leading up
to the expo, including a cookbook
and photo contests. Look for
announcements in the Aiken Standard
and on the Aiken Standards Facebook
page.
Residents may purchase tickets
at Carolina Outdoors and Golf Cars,
2258 Whiskey Road, beginning April
2nd.
For more information on
sponsorships and booths, call Price at
644-2377.
New Businesses
Religious Briefs
To place your announcement: email jlott@aikenstandard.com or mail to Aiken Standard,
attn: Julie Lott, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29802
Heights Church
Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am
Near the intersection of Cherokee Drive &
Highway #1 in Clearwater
(behind Mi Rancho)
heightsweb.org
Welcomes You To Our Services
AS12-672881
BarkMart
is located at
115 Bettis Academy
Road, Graniteville
FIRE KING
is located at
4435 Jefferson Davis
Highway, Clearwater
Photos by Julie Lott
By Kay K. Mortimer
Everyone loves to dream at
any age. Sometimes, we even get
to see our dreams come to pass.
And sometimes, they surprise us.
Jonathan Mitchell, a Graniteville
thirteen-year-old, dreams of playing
golf. And Jonathan is well on his way
to seeing his dream come to pass.
A seventh-grader at Leavelle
McCampbell Middle School, Jonathan
has been pulled up to the Midland
Valley High School (MVHS) Golf
Team, currently ranking as the
5th player on the team. Quite an
accomplishment for a young chap.
Jonathan seems to be groomed
for nationwide golf tours and already
enjoys many accomplishments at his
young age. Mitch (Junior) Mitchell
stated that his son, Jonathan, was
named 2011 Player of the Year at
an AAJGA Competition at USCA
last year, adding to Jonathans
many prior awards. Jonathan also
was invited to play in the Outback
Invitational Tournament on March 5th
at Woodside Plantation, quite a feat
for a boy of his age.
With the support of his family,
friends, and school coaches and
principals, Jonathan loves playing and
will be traveling across the state with
the MVHS Golf Team, perfecting his
skill even more on the course. With
an average score of 38 or 39, only
about 3 above the usual Par of 36,
Jonathan has great skill already.
As stated by others very adept at
golf accomplishments, it is very rare
for a middle-school player to be pulled
up like that to a high school team.
This only proves his excellent mastery
of the sport.
Who knows if Jonathan, a young
Graniteville, SC resident, will one
day make pro. Perhaps he will one
day play in a future Masters Golf
Tournament.
Regardless, at only thirteen years
old, he enjoys great accomplishments
already, with the promise of more to
come. What an encouragement to all
the rest of us who love to dream.
Local Thirteen-Year-Old Makes
High School Golf Team
New Life Outreach Ministries,
616 Edgefeld Road, Suite 100,
Belvedere, will host its Founder Day
on Sunday, March 18 at 5 p.m. For
more information, call 278-5043 or
645-6621.
Bath Pentecostal Holiness Church,
3755 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Graniteville, will hold its revival
services March 25-27. The services
will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6
p.m. and Monday and Tuesday at 7
p.m. Gerald Crabb will be featured.
The Pine Grove Baptist Church,
250 Merriweather Drive, Graniteville,
will hold its Male Chorus 16th
Anniversary on March 25 at 3 p.m.
For more information, call 593-0803.
The Clothes Closet at St. Pauls
Episcopal Church, 117 Hard St.,
Graniteville, is open from 10 a.m. to
noon every Saturday. Clothes are
free. For more information, call Ann
Mayer at 663-7440.
Young Storm Branch Baptist
Church, Langley, provides a clothes
closet for anyone in need. For more
information, call Dorothy Young at
(706) 399-8117.
Biker Church will be held at the
Midland Valley Community
Nazarene Church, 3526 Jefferson
Davis Highway, Clearwater, will meet
on the second Friday of every month.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for fellowship
and service starts at 7 p.m. in the
Teen Building. Ride the bike or bring
the car. For more information, call
Wayne Cheselka at (706) 373-1380.
Spotless Lamb Ministries is
collecting used cell phones to send
to its partner ministry for refurbishing.
The phones will be sent to senior
citizens, disabled and battered
women and womens shelters at
no cost to the recipients. For more
information, call Timothy Davis at 234-
6496 or visit www.spotlesslamb.org.
Our Lady Of The Valley
Catholic Church
2429 Augusta Road, Highway 421
593-2241 olv@atlanticbbn.net
www.ourladyofthevalleyparish.org
To place your ad in the Valley Area Church Directory call 644-2403
Your Guide
To Area
Churches
Vaucluse United
Methodist Church
134 Senn Street
Vaucluse, SC 29850
663-7151 myvumc.org
Pastor: Cliff Binion
Freedom
In Christ
By Pastor Lynn Kirkland
Cowboy Church @ The Hippodrome
INTRODUCTION: Over the last
eleven years Ive had the pleasure
of sharing the Good News of Jesus
Christ among various sub-cultures
outside of our mainstream culture.
Those are carnies, cowboys, and
college students.
One thing is held in common by
all three, and, sets them apart from
mainstream culture. That is, they
are free thinkers. They question
authority, institution, and tradition.
This has often caused you to be
dubbed rebellious when in fact you
just asking why.
2000 years ago the Apostle Paul
faced all of this and more. The
church at Galatia was dealing with
tradition for the sake of tradition,
legalism that could not be attained,
and rules that only enslaved.
Gal 5:1 Christ has set us free! This
means we are really free. Now hold
on to your freedom and dont ever
become slaves of the Law again.
Gal 5:2 I, Paul, promise you that
Christ wont do you any good if you
get circumcised [obey legalistic
rules].
Gal 5:3 If you do, you must obey the
whole Law.
Gal 5:4 And if you try to please
God by obeying the Law, you have
cut yourself off from Christ and his
wonderful kindness.
Gal 5:5 But the Spirit makes us sure
that God will accept us because of
our faith in Christ.
Gal 5:6 If you are a follower of
Christ Jesus, it makes no difference
whether you [obey rules] or not. All
that matters is your faith that makes
you love others.
Gal 5:7 You were [running the barrel
race] so well until someone made
you turn [the wrong way].
Gal 5:8 And that person was
certainly not sent by the one who
chose you.
Gal 5:13 My friends, you were
chosen to be free. So dont use your
freedom as an excuse to do anything
you want. Use it as an opportunity to
serve each other with love.
Gal 5:14 All that the Law says can
be summed up in the command to
love others as much as you love
yourself.
Gal 5:22 Gods Spirit makes us
loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind,
good, faithful,
Gal 5:23 gentle, and self-controlled.
There is no law against behaving in
any of these ways.
Gal 5:24 And because we belong
to Christ Jesus, we have killed our
selfsh feelings and desires.
Gal 5:25 Gods Spirit has given us
life, and so we should follow the
Spirit.
Gal 5:26 But dont be conceited or
make others jealous by claiming to
be better than they are.

1. Under the Good News of Jesus
Christ we are
A. endowed with certain
inalienable rights,
B. we are brought into a state of
liberty,
C. wherein we are freed from the
yoke of the ceremonial law and (so
that we are no longer tied to the
observance of the one,)
D. from the curse of the moral law;
(nor tied up to the rigour of the other,)
which curses every one that
continues not in all things written
therein to do them,
2. We owe this liberty to Jesus
Christ:
A. It is he who has made us free;
B. by his merits he has satisfed
the demands of the broken law, and
C. by his authority as a king
he has discharged us from the
obligation of those ordinances. And,

3. It is therefore our duty:
A. to stand fast in this liberty,
constantly and faithfully to adhere to
the gospel and to the liberty of it, and
B. not to suffer ourselves, upon
any consideration, to be again
entangled in the yoke of bondage,
nor persuaded to return back to the
law.
For further study join us on
Wednesday evening at 6PM for Fun
& Fellowship and 7 PM for Worship
@ The Hippodrome, US #1, North
Augusta, SC.
For comments , prayer requests or
to support this ministry contact us @:
Pastor Lynn Kirkland
EVANGELIST / REVIVALIST
Impact Ministries International, Inc.
COWBOY CHURCH
P.O. Box 5431, Aiken, SC 29804
OFFICE PHONE: 803-400-3609
http://www.ImpactMinistriesInt.org
Sign up to receive our monthly
E~NEWS: www.tinyurl.com/4enews
By Suzanne Stone
George Wingard and Dr. Keith
Stephenson of the Savannah River
Archaeological Research Program
spent some time Friday, February
17 and Saturday, February 18, 2012
digging in to a side project in the
Gregg Street neighborhood once
known as Blue Row.
The duo has been researching
the row of mill workers cottages
established by William Gregg and
used from 1846 to 1870 through
primary documents, such as census
data and records found in the
Graniteville Company Archives,
located at the Gregg-Graniteville
Library on the campus of USC Aiken,
as well as through interviews with
residents with deep roots in the
Graniteville area.
The two obtained permission from
St. John United Methodist Church to
do a series of shovel test excavations
on an adjacent vacant lot owned by
the church, which was once the site
of a workers cottage, and did the
digging on Friday and Saturday.
There were originally 28 of these
houses, and we very quickly found
that a lot of the early records were
destroyed, Wingard said. We know
where the cottages were on the lots,
but we dont know where the privy
was or where the garden was or if
there were any other outbuildings.
The archaeologists and a handful
of volunteers laid out a grid on the
lot using the measurements of a
standard workers cabin and dug
sample holes of 25 to 50 centimeters
deep, sifting the upturned soil for
relics left by past residents. Any
fnds will be washed, analyzed,
photographed, indexed and returned
to the owners of the property.
So far weve found some broken
glass, some broken ceramics that are
indicative of plates and cups, rusty
nails, some marbles and one Civil
War-era button, said Wingard.
The project has turned into a
community outreach opportunity,
according to Wingard, as residents
learn about the research and
volunteer information. The
researchers hope to fnd more
property owners willing to give them
access for shovel tests. The dig
project attracted visitors from all over
the neighborhood, curious about the
archaeologists fndings.
Ive been working with these
guys a little on the research, and
its good to come out and make the
connection between the research
and the community, said Deborah
Tritt, reference librarian at the
Gregg-Graniteville Library. I see
the documents all the time, and its
good to see how they connect to the
community that created them.
Stephenson and Wingard hope to
turn their research into a book and
plan to offer the public updates on
their fndings through reports to the
Horse Creek Valley Historical Society.
Those interested in learning
more about the project, offering
information about the Blue Row
homes or becoming involved with the
work can call Wingard at (803) 725-
3724 or email Wingard@sc.edu or
Stephensonk@sc.edu.
The Savannah River Archaeological
Research Program is a division of
the University of South Carolina
and works with the Department of
Energy to preserve the approximately
12,000 years of natural history at the
Savannah River Site and its environs,
according to Wingard.
Duo Investigates Old
Graniteville Through Digging
Sunday afternoons 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Lent
February 26 Amazed and Afraid:
The revelation of God Become Man
March 4 Happy Are We:
The Teachings of Jesus
March 11 The Ineffable Mystery of God:
That Than Which Nothing Greater can be Thought
March 18 Our Tainted Natures Solitary Boast:
Mary, the Mother of God
March 25 The Indispensable Men:
Peter, Paul, and the Missionary Adventure
Easter
April 15 A Body Both Suffering and Glorious:
The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church
April 22 Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven:
The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist
April 29 A Vast Company of Witnesses:
The Communion of Saints
May 6 The Fire of His Love:
Prayer and the Life of the Spirit
May 13 World Without End:
The Last Things
During Lent, Evening Prayer will be sung at 4:30 p.m. in the Church.
2429 Augusta Road (Hwy 421), Gloverville, SC 29828
593-2241 ourladyofthevalleyparish.org
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
presents
WORD ON FIRE, CATHOLICISM
THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
Representative Tom Young, Jr.
S.C. House District 81 - Aiken Co.
PO Box 651 Aiken, 29802
Bus: (803) 649-0000 Fax: (803) 649-7005
Cell: (803) 215-3631
TomYoung@schouse.gov
www.reptomyoung.com
AS31-617706
NEED YOUR FEEDBACK
Is there something that you would like to see in the paper? Submit
your ideas to jlott@aikenstandard.com or mail to MV Monthly, attn:
Julie Lott, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29802 for consideration.
AS27-707090
Recreation
Aiken County Recreation Center 663-6142
Harrison Caver Park 593-4698
The Lost Arts
Register for our beginning knitting
class February 27-March 16. $45 per
person. All materials are provided.
Classes are Tuesday March 27,
April 3 & 10 from 10:00 am - 12:00
noon. This class will be instructed by
Barbara Sue Brodie NeedleWorks
very own, Patti Pittman!

Youth Soccer
Games begin March 6. Games are
played Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00
& 7:05 pm.

Adult Church Softball
Games begin March 6. Games are
played Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00
& 8:15 pm.

Saluda/Ridge Spring Trip
Thursday, March 22
$20/person - Lunch not included.
Lets begin by visiting the Saluda
County Museum and Flat Grove,
the birthplace of Alamo hero, James
Butler Bonham. Then, well travel
to Ridge Spring and enjoy lunch
at Juniper and shop the downtown
antique shops. We will end the day
at Watsonia, touring a peach packing
facility and farm where you can enjoy
a scoop of peach ice cream sold at
Watsonias Country Store.
Starlight Cinema
Friday, March 23 at Johnny Wood
Park in Belvedere. We will be showing
Mr. Poppers Penguins! The movie
will start at dusk! FREE PROGRAM!!!

Pawleys Island/Berkeley County
Thursday and Friday, April 19 and 20
Accommodations and Tours range
from $145 to $205 - Payment Plans
available.
Participants are responsible for
breakfast Thursday, their shopping,
and lunches.
Day 1: Tour Hopsewee Plantations
tea room and pre-revolutionary home,
take a boat ride through Brookgreen
Gardens, shop at the Hammock
Shops, and end the night with a lovely
dinner at Sea View Inn.
Day 2: Enjoy historic Berkeley County
by roaming the gardens of Mepkin
Abbey, have lunch, then head home.
Orangeburg/Eutawville, SC
May 18
$20 per person (transportation and
museum)
Elloree Heritage Museum
Historic Church of Epiphany
Lunch at Parish House
Bus will leave Rec. Center at 8:15am
Bus will leave Courtney Center at
9:00am
By Kay K. Mortimer, EA
River of Life Church in Aiken, SC
invites you to attend our newest
theatrical presentation entitled Manger
to Majesty. Experience the story
of Jesus life, death, resurrection,
and beyond, from the perspective
of one closest to Him, including a
taste of the Jewish culture of that
time. See glimpses of scenes never
before shown and experience a fresh
appreciation of this Savior of all who
believe, both Jew and Gentile.
Our drama team is excited to partner
with others in bringing this to you.
Carla Cloud of Aiken, an anointed
actress in her own right, joins us as a
lead character. Singer and songwriter
Dawn Summers of Aiken shares her
talents in singing and original music.
Jim and Sharry Allison of Augusta
bring their many years of experience
from such stages as the Imperial
Theatre, as well as many others, to
assist us. And, Congregation Beth
Shalom of North Augusta joins us,
sharing the beauty of Davidic dance.
Manger to Majesty, written by Kay
K. Mortimer, will be presented by the
River of Life Church drama team and
our honored guests. Performances are
Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 10:30 am and
6:30 pm at River of Life Church, Hwy.
1 North, Aiken, SC and are free and
open to the public.
For more information or directions,
please call (803) 648-4047 or visit our
website at www.rolcaiken.com. Take
a journey with us and receive a fresh
look at an old story.
Manger to Majesty A Unique Presentation
ALL AGES
From the young in body to
the young at heart
Se habl espaol
GRANITEVILLE FAMILY
ME D I C A L CE N T E R
663-9224
Only 5 Minutes from Aiken Regional
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ACCEPTING MOST INSURANCES
Mae Jean Englee, M.D.
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The Leavelle
McCampbell Middle
School pageant was held
on Saturday, February
25, 2012 at the school.
Makenzie Grace Griffn,
an 8th grader, won Miss
Leavelle McCampbell
Middle School 2011-2012.
Makenzie is the daughter
of Bobby and Candy
Griffn of Warrenville, SC.
Miss 8th grade was
Lauren Ard, Miss 7th
grade was Morgan
Morton, and Miss 6th
grade was Katlin Rhoden.
Can You Spot The Diferences?
There are NINE things diferent in the picture. Can you locate the diferences?
Unscramble
ngrpis ________________
nergda ________________
rsfwole _______________
lehosv ________________
laptsn ________________
tsisnce ________________
deses _________________
losi ___________________
srsoe _________________
ybtutrelf ______________
ipltsu _________________
sasrg _________________
sirbno ________________
anlw romwe ___________
raetw _________________
somolb _______________
otmocps ______________
answers on page 14
Did You Know?
The shamrock is the national fower of Ireland because
of Saint Patrick. Credited with bringing Christianity to
Ireland, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the
Christian belief in the Holy Trinity to the pagans of Ireland.
While historians lend credence to Saint Patricks use of
the shamrock, another legend associated with the patron
saint of Ireland is purely mythical. Those with a casual
knowledge of Saint Patrick likely know he is most commonly credited with
driving the snakes out of Ireland. However, snakes have never been indigenous
to Ireland, and many historians note that Ireland was separated from the rest of
the continent by the end of the Ice Age, which would have made it impossible
for snakes to infest Ireland by the time Saint Patrick was born. The legend of
Saint Patrick driving snakes from Ireland is likely rooted in the pagan practices
that employed the use of serpent symbols during worship. So when Saint
Patrick is credited with driving snakes from Ireland, this is likely just symbolic
of his success at spreading Christianity and putting an end to pagan practices,
including those that used likenesses of serpents.
Powderhouse Landing:
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If you can identify with any of these, perhaps you should invite one of our sales professionals in for a brief
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Spending too much time on the phone with
your current office products vendor?
Do your invoices never seem to be right?
Tired of waiting for technicians
and parts to show up?
Frustrated with hidden charges
and escalating prices?
Bradford D. Wilson is the author of the
childrens book series The Adventures of
the Bear; the frst book in the series is The
Bear and the Cross was released for sale on
January 28, 2012. The book is available for
sale on www.barnesandnoble.com,
www.amazon.com and Brads website
www.theadventuresofthebear.com
Brad, (also known affectionately as
Coach Wilson) is also a teacher at the Aiken
County Career Center and coach at Aiken
High School here in Aiken, South Carolina.
Brad moved here from his hometown of
Fort Worth, Texas in the summer of 2003
after meeting his wife, Jayme Bryant
Wilson, during a Strength Alliance crusade
at Christian Heritage Church in Graniteville,
South Carolina. In the fall of 2009, God gave
Brad a desire to write a childrens book that
encompassed his two favorite things, Jesus
and football.
The Adventures of the Bear: The Bear and
the Cross is a timely childrens book that
will take your precious child on a wonderful
adventure. Youll launch out into the ever-
popular arena of sports. Youll witness the
fckleness of earthly relationships. Youll even
side-step the danger of living life by our own
rules. This book illustrates how all three of
these points in your childs adventure are
overcome by praying to God, reading His
book, and going to church. This book also
teaches its not just enough to know the bible
but its more important to know the author of
the bible, Jesus Christ.
On the weekends and during the
summer months, Brad and Jayme have the
opportunity to travel and minister to children
and youth around the world. This summer
they will travel to London, Germany, Greece,
Spain, and Italy sharing a message of hope
and encouragement to children and youth
around the globe.
A few scheduled dates include: July 21st
A Day With The Bear- City Park Nocona,
Texas; July 29th Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and
August 13th, An Evening of encouragement
with The Bear- Christian Heritage Church in
Graniteville.
If you are interested in having Brad and
Jayme at your church, you can book them on
their web-site www.theadventuresofthebear.
com. You can connect with them on
facebook, twitter and youtube.
Local Author Releases First Childrens Book
Gregg Park Civic Center
119 Trolley Line Road, Graniteville 663-7552
Unless otherwise noted, call the park to register or for more information
ZUMBA With TARANA
Party Yourself into SHAPE
Come and join Zumba Party with Tarana
on Thursday evenings from 6:00-6:45 p.m.
$15.00 for (8) classes. Feel the Music and
Let Loose! ZUMBA Fitness at its best!!
ZUMBA FITNESS PARTY
Zumba classes also known as a Zumba
Fitness Party are held at the Gregg Park
Civic Center from 5:45-6:30 p.m. Now
accepting new students for beginner
levels. Classes will be held every
Wednesday and the cost is $15.00 for
eight weeks. The class is for any level
of participant because it provides a
non-intimidating opportunity for new
exercisers, those who have previously
hesitated to try a group ftness class, as
well as people who want to change what
they have been doing for something with
less impact. Come join the fun and see
what all the talk is about.
MIXED IMPACT AEROBICS CLASS
Gregg Park is now accepting new
students for its mixed impact aerobics
class. The class is held every Monday
and Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
the cost is $15/8 wks. for passholders and
$25/8 wks. for non-passholders. The class
is taught by Becky Geeting.
WALKING IS E-A-S-Y!!
Earn a free t-shirt after just completing
(16) walk times/20 minutes or more and
begin seeing results for a healthier you!
The new 2012 session will run January
23rd through April 5th. Lunch bunch
awards luncheon will be held on April
26th. *This is an ongoing program begin
walking with us anytime.
LITE-SIDE
A seniors class for those who desire a
vigorous and fun flled workout. Certifed
instructor Sharon Dairon will demonstrate
the latest techniques for health conscious
adults. Classes are held on Mondays and
Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 a.m. **Free
of charge.
KARATE
Karate classes are taught by Brian
Randall and are held on Tuesday nights
from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Classes are for ages
5 and older with instruction in tae kwon do
and kenpo. Cost is $15.00 per month.
GYMNASTICS
Gymnastic classes are now being held at
Gregg Park Civic Center. Registration fee
is $10.00 and cost of instruction is $30.00
per month. Instructor Rhonda Whitley will
teach gymnastics for children ages 4 & up
on Mondays from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
CARDIO STEP
Cardio workout for all levels. Kickboxing,
aerobic and zumba moves. Class may
be done without step for lower impact
workout. Class also includes weights,
bands and mat exercises for a total body
toning workout. Cost is $15.00 for eight
classes. Instructor Janis Napier will teach
on Tuesdays from 6-7:00 p.m.
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING
is offered. This service is free of charge
and is performed by certifed nurse,
Jeanne Townes. This service is provided
the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
LINE DANCE
Rock & roll, country & beach music.
Line dancing classes with instructor
Cassie Barnhill are taught on Mondays
from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per
class.
Around Town
The S.C. Lions Mobile will have
their Health Screening Unit at the
North Augusta Walmart (1201 Knox
Avenue) on Saturday, March 31st
from 10:30am - 4:00pm. There will be
a FREE vision screening, glaucoma
screening, hearing screening and
blood pressure check. Sponsored by
N.A. Noon Lions Club.
LBC Historical Society meets on
Thursdays at 7:00pm at the M.V.
Lions Club (1 Lions Trail, Bath).
The Midland Valley Lions Club (1
Lions Trail, Bath) meets on the 2nd
and 4th Mondays of each month.
LBC Multi-Class Reunion (1952 -
1980) will be on June 23rd. For more
information contact Jean Lambert
Maxwell at jmaxwell32@comcast.net
LBC Middle School
LBCs top readers get to
celebrate after all their hard
work every nine weeks. They
enjoy board games, Wii,
Twister, snacks, and more.
Submitted Photos
AS10-714342 1
Located near Wal-Mart on Richland Ave.
3553 Richland Ave West Suite 124 Aiken, SC 29801
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm Sun 1:30pm-6pm 803-648-9522
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With Coupon. Free Item must be a Dollar Item. Expires 04/11/12
Spring Story Times At The Midland Valley Library
JoinusforgoodbooksandacraftactivityonthefrstandthirdTuesdaysof
March and April at 3:00 at the Midland Valley Library in Langley. Children of
allagesarewelcome.ThismonthonMarch20thourstorytimewillcenteron
Birthdays. No matter when your special day is, youll feel like celebrating with
these funny books and neat paper cake craft.
ThethemeonApril3rdwillbeBathtime.Joinusforallthefunwithbooksand
puppets, plus make a paper bubble bath complete with rubber ducky to take
homeThenonApril17thourstorytimethemewillbeRoyalty,withbooksanda
craft about princesses, kings, dukes and more. Make your own crown to wear
home.
Thelibraryislocatedat9HillsideRd.inLangley.Ourlibraryhoursare1
to6p.m.Monday,Wednesday,andThursday,and2to6p.m.onTuesday.
For questions about childrens events or regular library services, call branch
manager Barbara Sharpeat(803)593-7379.
by Mrs. Vanessa Cox
ChorusTeacher
TheCulinaryArtsandDrama
DepartmentsatMidlandValley
High School teamed up to present
AnEveningwithPoe~Dinner
Theater.DramaClubandDrama
Class students: Christopher Taylor
(Edgar A. Poe), Brianna Garvin
(Virginia Clemm Poe), Cameron
Driver (Griswald), Alyssa McGovern
(Annie), and Caleb McMahen(Owen)
performedTheGruesome,Gory,
Grotesque Stories of Edgar Allen Poe
by Sam Kuglen.
While these students were on the
main stage, Mrs. Anne Jarretts
Culinary 2 students prepared a
3-coursemealthatincluded:Caesar
Salad,RoastedPorkTenderloin,
Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Steamed
Broccoli and Cheese Sauce, and for
dessert New York Style Cheesecake
with a choice of chocolate ganache or
strawberry coulis.
Thiswasafrstforboth
departments, and, though it was a
challenging undertaking, the event
was well received and a great
collaborativeopportunity.The
students in both organizations worked
very hard, and we are extremely
proud of them.
An Evening With Poe
Students of the Midland Valley High
FFA Chapter recently spent their
Saturday morning on the Central
Carolina campus in Sumter South
Carolina identifying wildlife. Students
in the Wildlife Career Development
Event, earn the opportunity to
demonstrate their technical and
management skills as it relates to
wildlife, habitat, and harvesting
regulations. Students tested their
knowledge through a written exam,
identifcation stations, and completed
a team activity as it relates to wildlife.
This year, 30 teams competed
for the title of State Champion. The
Midland Valley High FFA chapter took
home 3rd place honors. Members
of the Midland Valley team were:
Kayla Morris, Donald Myers, Magen
Fulghum, and Blake Shearer. Their
advisor is Mr. J. Brooks.
A special thank you to Central
Carolina for hosting and sponsoring
the event.
The National FFA Organization,
formerly known as Future Farmers
of America, is a national youth
organization of 523,309 student
members as part of 7,487 local FFA
chapters in all 50 states, Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands. The
FFA mission 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. The National
FFA Organization operates under a
Federal Charter granted by the 81st
United States Congress, and it is
an integral part of public instruction
in agriculture. The U.S. Department
of Education provides leadership
and helps set direction for FFA as a
service to state and local agricultural
education programs. For more
information visit www.ffa.org, and
follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information regarding the
agriculture program at Midland Valley
High School, contact Jeremy Brooks
at the high school, (803) 593-7142 or
visit the agriculture program website
at www.midlandvalleyffa.com.
Midland Valley High Schools
NJROTCs Annual Inspection
Midland Valley High FFA Takes
3rd Place At State Contest
By Rebecca Hamilton
MVHS Senior
On January 25, 2012, Midland
Valleys NJROTC unit held their
Annual Military Inspection. They
were evaluated by the Area Six
Manager, Commander G. Jones.
During this inspection all aspects of
the company were reviewed. The
units drill team also performed their
exhibition drill routine during the
Pass-In-Review assembly. During the
inspection the unit was also tasked
with delivering a slide presentation
covering all the events in which they
have participated. The MVHS unit
has contributed well over 5,000 hours
of community service since the last
annual inspection.
Company Commander Holley
Fulghum said, I am very pleased
with the progress that the unit
has made, and I know that we
will continue to give back to the
community and serve our school.
The overall grade they received
from Command Jones was a good
representation of their unit.
Naval Science Instructor at Midland
Valley Chief Horace Sweat said,
Commander Jones was highly
impressed with the performance of
the freshman class; its not often that
the efforts of freshmen are noticed.
In all, this years Annual Military
Inspection went very well for the
Mustangs.
spring
garden
fowers
shovel
plants
insects
seeds
soil
roses
butterfy
tulips
grass
robins
lawn mower
water
blooms
compost
1. Flower in mothers hand changed to purple
2. Clay pot is missing
3. Window missing from home
4. Girls hair changed to black
5. Mothers shirt changed to red
6. Watering can changed to purple
7. Pitch fork removed from wheelbarrow
8. Missing a purple fower
9. Small house missing (behind Fathers head)
Answers to the Kids PAge
on PAge 10
CAN YOU
FIND THE
HORSESHOE?
Hidden in the pages
of this edition is a
horseshoe.
Can you fnd it?
By Rob Novit
Leavelle McCampbell Middle
School students attended a Black
History program at the school Friday,
February 17, 2012 and took a trip
back in time - through music.
Special guests were the Midland
Valley High School chorus, director
Vanessa Cox and Redcliffe Plantation
park interpreter Elizabeth Laney.
They presented several spirituals
and described their importance to the
slaves who sang them and the songs
impact on future American music.
The Leavelle McCampbell chorus
also performed under the direction of
Carla Coffn.
Soloist Kerri Wesby, a Midland
Valley sophomore, was delighted
with the program, which also will be
featured at the plantation on Feb. 25.
It makes me feel great because I
got a chance to express my culture to
the people here, she said. Its very
important as it inspires kids to know
about their background.
Laney and Cox met through their
participation in the Aiken Choral
Society. When Laney described a
proposed program on slave spirituals,
Cox readily agreed to collaborate.
Its a neat opportunity to teach
the children about the signifcance
of the oral traditions of slaves that
passed on into American and African-
American culture, Cox said.
Gospel music, said Laney, inspired
jazz, blues, rap and hip-hop. Yet
gospel music emerged from the even
earlier spirituals. They were sung by
slaves who would get up before the
sun rose and pick cotton all day. The
songs are often cautious and fearful
and then more hopeful in the prayer
of being delivered from their perils.
The songs included Go Down
Moses, Didnt My Lord Deliver, Kye
Kye Kule and Low Down Chariot.
What made the spirituals so special is
that they came from Africa, Lane said.
The slaves brought their language
and music, and the plantation owners
demanded that they learn English and
learn about the Bible in church. The
slaves did that and added their own
rhythm and harmony.
But songs like Steal Away and
Follow the Drinking Gourd were
flled with coded messages, said
Laney.
Steal away literally meant just that -
the hope of running away to freedom.
The other spiritual provided code
to do just that - getting away in the
spring and moving at night with the
Big Dipper as a guide.
Another song about a possum
called for making sure the animal was
picking cotton.
But it was actually about the
overseers, who of course didnt pick
the cotton, said Laney. The song
was making fun of the overseers right
in front of them.
The annual black history program is
one of Coffns favorites.
The kids love the music, and it
motivates them to sing, she said.
Its a great way to teach them about
history and to be involved that way.
Leavelle McCampbell soloists
included Kaekwon Jackson,
Breanna Ellis, Precious Paige and
Chantrell Coleman. Introducing the
program were Kevin Robinson and
Alexis Griffs.
Area Middle Schoolers Celebrate Black History Month With Music
For generations, the sturdy
Southerners who left the cotton felds for
the cotton mills worked their way through
furries of lint, steaming humidity and
suffocating heat toward the promised land
in which the rhythm of the shuttle would
give way to the rhythm of a rocking chair.
Like the fber they turned into cloth,
they sprang from the soil. Years of
wrestling the land for a living had ground
the work ethic into their genes, and they
carried it with them from their exhausted
felds into the humming mills.
Within the mill and its surrounding
village, they built a distinctive culture
that left its mark on small Southern
towns such as those lining Horse Creek
as it winds from Vaucluse toward the
Savannah, and Cooloomee, N.C., where
Lynn and Jim Rumley are keeping
memories alive through a textile museum
on the site of a mill village. I will come
back to the Rumleys and their museum in
a future column.
The wants of the 20th-century mill
hand were few and simple: a bait bed in
the backyard; a serviceable conveyance
for going to church, to town and to the
lake; children and grandchildren on their
way to prosperity but close enough for a
weekend visit.
For many, these wants have been
flled, thanks to one generations lifting the
next generation on its shoulders.
Ive got all my children, except my
baby girl, that I can see in 30 minutes,
boasted a retired Alabama mill hand
whose baby girl graduated from Auburn
and married an Auburn grad.
With the arrival of the automobile,
many mill hands kept their places in the
country and drove into the mill villages to
work. Others took advantage of the low-
rent mill houses and lived in the village,
where the mill whistle governed the
cadence of life. Its the mill-village culture
that the Rumleys celebrate in Cooloomee.
I lived on the village at Langley at the
height of World War II. Our home was a
white two-room shotgun on Barret Street
within walking distance of the Langley
Mill. The mill burned down in the mid-
1940s. Last time I visited Langley, the
house still stood.
At 5 a.m., Mama would rise at the
sound of the mill whistle. Lights would be
fickering on in neighboring houses as
she lit the kerosene stove, rolled out her
biscuit dough, sliced the fatback, laid it in
a pan to fry and put on the grits to boil.
The 6 oclock whistle summoned
everyone to be up and about. Cold water
from enamel wash basins splashed onto
faces still pining for the comfort of a
pillow.
Before the 7 oclock whistle signaled
the start of the frst shift, shadowy forms
would make their way down the dusty
street toward the big building that loomed
like a fortress over the village. From it
came a drone like the roar of a waterfall,
punctuated up close by a rhythmic
percussion.
The droning was from the spinning
room, where thousands of spindles
twirled the bobbins that collected the yarn
emerging from thin flms of cotton fowing
between small rollers on the spinning
frames.
The percussion came from the weave
room, where hundreds of shuttles
slammed to and fro across the looms at
45 mph, batted back and forth like the
aptly named shuttlecocks in a badminton
game. Within the sweating brick walls,
caked with damp clumps of cotton, the
workers, unable to hear one another
above the deafening clatter, learned to
communicate by lip-reading.
The mills were not air-conditioned.
Hundreds of electric motors churned hot
air into the blistering heat of Southern
summers to boost inside temperatures
above 100 degrees.
It was into this lint-flled environment,
in the early decades of this century, that
working mothers would bring their babies,
turning yarn boxes into bassinets and
tapered flling quills into pacifers.
When the babies reached the age of 8,
10 or 12 - depending on size - Mama or
Daddy would take them down to the mill
and introduce them to the section man -
the line overseer. The children would work
without pay until they were able to handle
the jobs on their own. Then they could go
on the payroll, contributing their paltry pay
toward the familys necessities.
Little girls would take along sets
of jackstones to play with during the
intervals when the spinning was running
well or the frames were shut down for
doffng. Boys learned to improvise toys
from the implements of the weavers
trade.
The textile workers seldom strayed
far from the land. When the men were
off work, they turned their backs on the
clamor of the mill and sought the quiet
solitude of woods and streams. The
women kept house, tended gardens and
visited.
As Glenn Cotney, a retiree from the
Russell mills of Alexander City, Ala., once
told me, Everybody had a pea patch, and
every pea patch had a covey of quail in
it. Id go from pea patch to pea patch. I
didnt have to ask nobody.
That was the generation that entered
the mills about the time of the Great
Depression. It may have been the most
selfess generation this nation ever
produced. They worked tirelessly through
the impoverished 30s, the hard times and
hard work molding them into a raised-
right, God-fearing breed, in the words of
one mill-town journalist.
Then, as the nation stood on the brink
of prosperity, they turned to the task of
fghting and winning the most savage
war in human history and came home
determined to build a better world for their
children.
They are the people who, in my mind
and memory, wove honor into the term
linthead.
Readers may write Gene Owens at
315 Lakeforest Circle, Anderson SC
29625 or e-mail him at WadesDixieco@
aol.com.
Gene Owens is a retired newspaper
editor and columnist who graduated from
Graniteville High School and now lives in
Anderson.
Published in the Aiken Standard in 2009
The Rhythm Of Life In Mill Villages
DAtE EvEnt SitE tiME
March 5 Outback invitational Woodside Plantation 9:00 am
March 6 Silver Bluff, Aiken, Fox Creek Midland valley Golf Club 4:00 pm
March 8 Lexington tee-Off Charwood Country Club 9:00 am
March 13 Airport Midland valley Country Club 4:00 pm
March 14 Silver Bluff, Aiken, Fox Creek Cedar Creek Country Club 4:00 pm
March 15 Airport Charwood Country Club 4:00 pm
March 20 South Aiken Midland valley Country Club 4:00 pm
March 21 Silver Bluff, Aiken, Fox Creek Hounds Lake Country Club 4:00 pm
March 27 north Augusta Midland valley Country Club 4:00 pm
March 29 South Aiken Woodside Country Club 4:00 pm
April 10 north Augusta north Augusta Country Club 4:00 pm
April 29-30 Region v tournament tBA tBA
May 7 AAA Lower State Qualifer TBA TBA
May 14-15 AAA State tournament Quail Creek Golf Club tBA
DAtE OPPOnEnt SitE tiME

March 5 Williston Elko Home 5:00
March 6 Barnwell Away 5:00
March 8 Batesburg-Leesville Home 5:00
March 13 Chapin* Away 5:00
March 15 Brookland-Cayce* Away 5:00
March 20 Airport* Away 5:00
March 21 Williston-Elko Away 5:00
March 22 A.C. Flora* Home 5:00
March 27 Dreher* Home 5:00
March 28 Batesburg-Leesville Away 5:00
March 29 Chapin* Home 5:00
April 17 Brookland-Cayce* Home 5:00
April 19 Airport Home 5:00
April 23 Barnwell Home 5:00
April 24 A.C. Flora* Away 5:00
April 26 Dreher Away 5:00
* Region Game

March 6 Airport* ** Away 7:00
March 8 Brookland-Cayce* ** Home 7:00
March 9 Silver Bluff Away 7:00
March 13 Dreher* ** Home 7:00
March 14 South Aiken+ Home 7:00
March 16 AC Flora* ** Away 7:00
March 20 Chapin* ** Away 7:00
March 22 Denmark-Olar Home 5:30
March 27 Brookland-Cayce* ** Away 7:00
March 28 Strom thurmond Away 7:00
March 29 Lower Richland* ** Away 7:00
April 10 Chapin* ** Home 7:00
April 12 Grovetown ** Away 7:00
April 13 AC Flora* ** Home 7:00
April 16 Airport* ** Home 7:00
April 19 Lower Richland* ** Home 7:00
April 27 Dreher* ** Away 7:00
May 3 Denmark-Olar Away 5:30
* Region Game **Girls & Boys Double Header
+ Jv & varsity Boys Double Header

March 6 Airport* ** Away 5:30
March 8 Brookland-Cayce* ** Home 5:30
March 9 Strom thurmond ** Home 5:30
March 13 Dreher* ** Home 5:30
March 16 AC Flora* ** Away 5:30
March 20 Chapin* ** Away 5:30
March 27 Brookland-Cayce* ** Away 5:30
March 29 Lower Richland* ** Away 5:30
April 10 Chapin* ** Home 5:30
April 12 Grovetown Away 5:30
April 13 AC Flora* ** Home 5:30
April 16 Airport* ** Home 5:30
April 19 Lower Richland* ** Home 5:30
April 23 ninety-Six+ Home 6:00
April 25 Pelion Away 5:30
April 27 Dreher* ** Away 5:30
April 30 Wade Hampton Home 6:00
May 2 ninety-Six Away 6:00
* Region Game **Girls & Boys Double Header
+ Senior night

March 1-3 S. Aiken tournament Away tBA
March 5 Airport* Home 6:00
March 8 Brookland-Cayce Away 5:30
March 12 Dreher* Away 6:00
March 14 South Aiken+ Home 5:30
March 15 AC Flora* Home 6:00
March 26 Brookland-Cayce* Home 6:00
March 28 Strom thurmond+ Away 5:30
April 9 Chapin* Away 6:00
April 12 AC Flora* Away 6:00
April 16 Airport* Away 6:00
April 26 Dreher* Home 6:00
* Region Game + Jv & varsity Double Header
2012 M.V. Boys Golf Schedule
2012 M.V. Boys Tennis Schedule
2012 M.V. Boys Soccer Schedule
2012 M.V. Girls Soccer Schedule
2012 M.V. JV Soccer Schedule

March 15 Lower Richland* Away 5:30
March 24 Jv Palmetto Classic Home tBA
April 10 Lower Richland* Home 5:30
April 11 north Augusta Away 5:00
April 18 north Augusta Home 5:00
* Junior varsity/varsity Game
2012 M.V. JV Softball Schedule
DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME

March 17 North Augusta Home 12:00
March 28 South Aiken Home 6:00
April 4-7 Wheels Tournament Away TBA
April 9 Silver Bluff Away 6:00
April 16 North Augusta Away 7:00
* Region Game

March 5 Greenbrier Home 6:00
March 8 South Aiken Away 6:00
March 10 Swansea* Home 12:00
March 12 Aiken* Home 5:00
March 21 Greenbrier Away 6:00
March 28 Aiken* Away 5:00
March 29 Silver Bluff* Home 5:00
March 31 North Augusta Home 12:00
April 9 South Aiken Home 6:00
* Double Header

March 8 Silver Bluff Away 7:00
March 28 Silver Bluff Home 7:00
March 30-31 Triple Crown Invitational Away TBA
April 18 North Augusta Home 7:00
* Junior Varsity/Varsity Game

March 8 Silver Bluff* Away 5:00
March 9 Barnwell Away 6:00
March 12 Aiken** Home 5:00
March 24 JV Palmetto Classic Home TBA
March 27 Barnwell Home 6:00
March 28 Silver Bluff Home 5:00
* Junior Varsity/Varsity Game **Double Header
2012 M.V. Varsity Baseball Schedule
2012 M.V. JV Baseball Schedule
2012 M.V. Varsity Softball Schedule
2012 M.V. B-Team Softball Schedule

March 7 Aiken/North Augusta Aiken High 5:00
March 14 Aiken/Silver Bluff Midland Valley 5:00
Ridge Spring-Monetta
March 21 Ridge Spring-Monetta Ridge Spring 5:00
March 23-24 Garden City Classic Laney High 4:30
March 28 Silver Bluff Silver Bluff 4:30
April 11 Chapin Chapin 5:00
April 13-14 Taco Bell Spring Valley 5:00/9:00
April 25 Region Meet Dreher 4:00
May 5 AAA State Qualifer Lower Richland 9:00 am
May 11-12 AAA State Meet Spring Valley 5:30/9:00
2012 M.V. Track Schedule
A
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Trade Assistance!
Restoring a yard after a long winter
is a springtime rite of passage for
many homeowners.
Springisahomeownersfrst
chance to survey the damage and
begin restoring the yard to where it
was. To get started on your yard this
spring, consider the following tips.
Dontbegintooearly.Theearly
bird might get the worm, but the early
homeowner might get a damaged
lawn. If temperatures for an upcoming
free weekend are unseasonably
warm, its best to avoid doing spring
yard cleanup until there have been
several warm weekends.
Surveytheproperty.Aclose
survey of the property will give
homeowners an idea of just how big
or small their restoration project will
be. A thorough survey will reveal any
problem areas and may also reveal
some unexpected guests. Rabbits
and squirrels often nest in yards
during the winter. Rabbits will nest in
the ground, while squirrels typically
build nests made of leaves in the
trees. Unless its entirely necessary,
avoid removing any nests, and be
sure to carefully inspect the yard
beforetheseasonsfrstmow.
Outwiththeold.Whenthe
cleanup process is ready to begin,
its time to remove remnants from
last season. This includes removing
any dead plants as well as last years
mulch. If new mulch is simply thrown
on top of old, plants could suffocate.
Deadleavesalsotendtogather
during the winter, often up against
fences or a homes exterior walls.
Rake up these dead leaves and add
them to the seasons compost.
Getridofthatch.Thatchcan
be soils worst enemy, preventing
its access to the sunlight, air and
moisture it needs to make the lawn
look beautiful and healthy. Thatch
removal can be tiresome, but visit
the local hardware store and pick up
a dethatching rake to make the job
a little easier. Thatch removal isnt
always necessary every spring. Many
homeowners have found removing
thatch every other year is effective
enough.
Aeratetheyardtorevivethesoil.
Soil often becomes compacted as
spring becomes summer and summer
becomes fall. This is especially true of
yards that are heavily used, be it by
kids playing outdoors or families who
love to host warm weather gatherings
in the yard. Aerating in the spring
removes plugs of sod from the soil,
loosening it up and making it easier
for air and water to reach the roots.
Addressthoseuglybaldspots.
Bare spots in a yard can result from
any number of things, be it a dog
urinating in the yard or even disease.
Early spring, when temperatures are a
little cooler and promote grass growth,
is a great time to address the yards
baldspots.Dosobyclearingaway
the spots and sprinkling the freshly
exposed soil with some grass seed.
Then add some fertilizer and be sure
the newly seeded areas get some
water until the new, healthy grass
begins to grow in.
Restore Your Property
Once Winter Weather
Is Gone
Portraits of the Past
Aiken Standard Archived Photo
In May 1977, Conservation was urged at a Clearwater Elementary play on
conserving natural resources, Kimmy Can (Carla Barnett) and Timmy Trash
(Brett Woodward) explain the wisdom of recycling waste material.
Aiken Standard Archived Photo
RAMCHEERLEADERS-MembersoftheBelvedereRamscheerleading
squad perform at the Sixth Annual Aiken County Cheerleading Competition in
November1987.ThethirdandfourthgradegirlscompetedintheDivisionII
competition. The event was sponsored by the Graniteville Exchange Club and
attracted 30 teams in four divisions that year.
AS09-675742

Midland Valley Monthly March 2012

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