Legion Meeting with Chairman
CHAIRMAN SPEAKS TO LEGION - Saluda American Legion Post 65 was pleased to have Saluda County Council Chairperson, The Honorable Derrick Jones as the key note speaker at their February meeting. He shared his vision for our county. Jones noted that the Council meetings were being streamed on the county web site making the Council meetings transparent as much as possible. He encouraged citizens to attend Council meetings or visit the County web site. Pictured left to right: Chaplain John Hood, World War II Veteran Wilbur Humpries, World War II Veteran Bill Begemann, The Honorable Derrick Jones, Commander Al Butler and Adjutant Tina Buffington.
Purification, Romance, Repentance
February
by Roy Vandegrift, III
Get ready; be prepared. February (which means “purify”) cometh! A mere 2,700 years ago, February was added along with January as the 11th and 12th months on the Roman 10 month calendar. Therefore, February was both the End and the Beginning. So here we go!
February 2nd was Feralia, when sacrifices were offered to the dead. So is that why pancake suppers would become popular then?! That day was 40 days after Christmas – the birthday of Jesus, and Mary concluded her 40 days of purification, which the Church named Candlemas.
February is the month of purification and repentance AND romance. Roman men walked around – nude – brrrrrr – whipping themselves in repentance.
On February 12th and 13th priests walked around nude whipping childless women with goat skin whips. That’s a strange way to get barren women pregnant, especially by a nude man.
It was also the custom on these days to draw the name of a young girl out of an urn. She would then be the girlfriend of the young man for the coming year. Cupid is associated with this – shooting love arrows into the hearts of people, causing them to fall in love with an inappropriate person. Some called him ‘stupid Cupid’.
Valentine, an upper-class Roman and, later a saint, lived circa 250 AD. He was executed for his Christian beliefs – he would not renounce Jesus. Valentine sent greetings to friends, one of whom he signed, “From your Valentine”. This was done on the 13th, 14th or 15th of February – Feast of Lupercalia. Around 500 AD the Church renamed February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day and tried to get people to draw the names of saints, not women, out of urns. The idea was a flop! In Britain in mid-February birds also began to mate as spring was approaching. Kale was in bloom so kale soup was popular.
On the 29th day of February – ‘0ne day more one year in four’ – women asked men to marry them. The weather of February 2nd could also determine the weather for the coming year: warm day meant cool year and vice versa. George Washington, Abe Lincoln, and William Henry Harrison were born this month (February) – so was your writer, RV3.
Our Valentine’s Day goes back into the Roman world associated with Venus – goddess of love, — Cupid — the winged baby with bow and arrows creating romance — and Lupercus – god of shepherds and flocks. Early Christianity attempted over the centuries to modify the customs of several pagan festivals. England’s King Henry VIII officially acknowledged St. Valentine’s Day in England. In the mid-19th century in our country, Esther Howland really launched Valentine card mailings. The penny stamp helped. Ms. Howland made a fortune making and selling Valentines. We still love cards and candy and flowers for Valentine’s Day.
Seeking Candidates for S.C. Silver Haired Legislature
The Upper Savannah Area Agency on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Center is seeking candidates for the next term of the S.C. Silver Haired Legislature.
Greenwood and Laurens counties are eligible for three represen-tatives apiece while Abbeville, Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties are each eligible for two representatives.
The purposes of Silver Haired Legislature are to identify issues, concerns, and possible solutions for problems faced by the citizens of South Carolina with special emphasis on issues related to seniors; to make recommendations to the Governor and to members of the SC General Assembly; to educate the public on senior issues; to encourage seniors to participate actively in public affairs; to function on a nonpartisan basis; to promote good government for all South Carolinians; and to hold one Silver Haired Legislative session annually.
Anyone who is 60 and older and is a registered voter in the county in which he or she resides is eligible for candidacy. Those interested in becoming a Silver Haired Legislature representative can request a candidate packet by contacting Vanessa Wideman at Upper Savannah Area Agency on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Center at 864.941.8053.
Filing for candidacy will continue through February 23. The election will be held on March 6. Election locations will be announced at a later date. The election is for two-year terms.
Lions Club Grant Approved
The Saluda Lion’s club has been informed that our grant for help in the purchase of the Spot camera has been approved.
Many of you have contributed to the Don Hancock memorial fund which was established both to honor Don and to help with the purchase of the Spot camera. During the fall, we were able to borrow a camera from the Abbeville club. We went to all of the local schools and did eye exams on almost one thousand students.
About one hundred and fifty of those were sent to their optometrist for further evaluation. The ultimate purchase of this camera will insure that we will be able to identify eye problems not only with school children but to be utilized in churches and senior citizen’s venues. We want to thank all who helped make this possible.
Board Members recognized
School Board Members Recognized for Service
Saluda County Schools Board members were recognized by the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) for their years of school board service: Dr. Arlene Puryear- 10 years, Dr. Kathy Coleman- 20 years and Mr. James Holloway-30 years of service.
Board Members received special lapel pins and certificates for reaching this benchmark. Veteran school board members provide vision and valuable leadership for school districts.
Saluda County Schools Board members were recognized by the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) for their years of school board service: (above, L to R) Dr. Arlene Puryear- 10 years, Dr. Kathy Coleman- 20 years and Mr. James Holloway-30 years of service.
Board Members received special lapel pins and certificates for reaching this benchmark. Veteran school board members provide vision and valuable leadership for school districts.
Left to right - Jeremy, Gerald, and Pam Cromer
Saluda Young Farmer
Recognized at State Level
Isle of Palms, SC…..The Saluda County Young Farmer and Agribusiness Chapter was well represented at the 70th annual convention held January 19-21 at the Wild Dunes Resort.
During this event, Gerald Cromer was presented the Young Farmer & Agribusiness Award for the Mid-State Region and the State. This is one of the highest awards available to a state member, and the first time since 2000 that a Saluda member has received the award. Gerald has successfully owned and managed Cromer Trucking for 25 years. He recently turned the operation over to his son, Joey.
Reggie Padgett was the State winner for the categories of Swine Production and Energy Efficiency. Reggie is employed by Hickory Hill Milk, but manages a small swine herd on the side.
Officers of the Saluda Young Farmer Chapter for 2018 include President Terry Brown, Vice President Daniel Patterson, Secretary Marlene Bushey, Treasurer Candice Miller, and Agricultural Education Instructor at Saluda High School Amanda N. Crouch, who serves as the advisor. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in agriculture, 18 years of age or older. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month. See www.saludayoungfarmer.org for more information.
Left to right - Reggie, Maddie, and Daphine Padgett
More Arrests
NICOLE KRYSTN CHEWNING
AMBER NICOLE TRENT
Granddaughters Now Charged
With Death Of Vulnerable Adult
The granddaughters of a retired United Methodist minister have now been charged in connection with his death, after their father and stepmother were charged with the same offense in November 2017.
Amber Nicole Trent, 26, was arrested Jan. 13, and her sister Nicole Krystn Chewning, 23, was arrested on Jan. 19. Both have been charted with abuse and neglect of an adult resulting in death.
On Thurs., Nov. 2, 2017, the Saluda County Coroner’s Office responded to a call on 320 S. Calhoun Street in Saluda. Upon arrival, they found 79-year-old James Boyd Chewning dead in a hospital bed where he had been tie wrapped to the bed and obviously neglected and abused.
After conferring with the Saluda Police Department, a joint decision was made to call to the specialized Vulnerable Adult Team and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit from SLED to the scene. After many hours of investigation and interrogation by SLED, the Coroner’s office and Saluda Police agreed to turn the prosecution of this case over to SLED.
Donald Chewning, 51, (the victim’s adopted son) and Kathy Chewning, 48, (Donald Chewning’s wife) were arrested on charges of abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death.
According to the arrest report, the victim was battered, restrained to a bed using zip ties, and rags and duct tape were used to cover the victim’s mouth and eyes.
Rev. Chewning retired from the active ministry in 2004. His last appointment was with the Emory -Nazareth Charge in Saluda County.
LIBRARY CHRISTMAS DONATION - This holiday season, Saluda County Library patrons could choose to donate cleaning supplies and personal care items to Christ Central Saluda, in lieu of paying their overdue library fines. Pictured from left to right: Lisa Lyon, Library Director; Debbie Thomas, Christ Central Interim Director; Verda Potts, Library Trustee; and Casey Stoudemayer, Library Aide.
Tornado Sirens
To Be Tested
Beginning on February 1st, 2018, Saluda County will be performing audible monthly testing on all county tornado sirens at 10:30 AM on the first Thursday of each month.
This automated test will be performed to ensure that all sirens are in working order in the event of a tornado event. Saluda County has 9 tornado sirens located throughout the county that are utilized when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for an area within Saluda County.
The Saluda County Emergency Management Division would like to remind all citizens that tornado sirens are outdoor warning devices utilized to warn individuals that are outdoors in the immediate vicinity of the siren. These sirens are not designed to serve as primary warning devices. All citizens are encouraged to utilize a NOAA weather radio as a primary means of notification of significant weather events. There are also a number of services available for mobile devices that will alert the user when various weather conditions exist.
For additional information regarding hazardous weather warning devices, please visit www.nws. noaa.gov/nwr/ or www.ready.gov/alerts .
Fireman of the Year
2017 Saluda County Firefighter of the Year
Chad Satcher was named the 2017 Saluda County Firefighter of the Year sponsored by Kelly White Agency – State Farm at the annual dinner hosted by the Saluda Fire Department on January 8, 2018. Chad has served the Circle Fire Department for 28 years. Since joining the department in 1989, he has completed over 1100 hours of training including earning his Interior Structural Firefighter Certification in 1993, Firefighter II in 1996 and Fire Officer I in 2003. He currently serves as a Captain and Training Officer for the Circle Fire Department. While serving in the capacity of Training Officer over the past 17 years, Chad has enjoyed passing along his knowledge and training to those in the Circle Fire Department and surrounding departments.
He held the position of Saluda County Fire Board Secretary from 1997 – 2002 and again from November 2010 to June 2014. He also worked on the County Fire Prevention Committee in both 1996 and 1997. Multiple times throughout the years, he has attended the SC Firefighters Convention in Myrtle Beach and had the opportunity to go to the 2000 Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Maryland. At these events, he participated in hands-on training and classes that were being offered. When needed, he has been able to provide mutual aid to the surrounding counties in times of need, such as the Cayce Recycle Center fire in 2012 and the Georgia-Pacific plywood plant fire in Prosperity 1992. On average, Chad volunteers approximately 150 hours of service each year to the Department, beyond making meetings and going to calls. This year he responded to two calls along with EMC involving Cardiac Arrest and both patients were resuscitated prior to being transported. Chad has a love for his community, whether it is those that live here year-round or are just passing through. His desire to serve this community as a Firefighter to the best of his ability is evident in his everyday life.
Chad is pictured being presented the award by the Kelly White Agency – State Farm. Pictured from left to right are: Will Berry, John White, Chad Satcher, Kelly White, Mitzi Durst & Sherri Ward.
Congratulations Chad and thanks to all volunteer firefighters for their time and service.
Saluda High School Improvement Council
named to state SC-SIC Honor Roll for 2018
COLUMBIA – The School Improvement Councils (SICs) of 19 South Carolina public schools have been named to the SC School Improvement Council’s (SC-SIC) 2018 Honor Roll for their significant efforts to foster civic engagement in public education.
Saluda High School SIC (Saluda County Schools) is among the 19.
These Honor Roll SICs will continue in the running for SC-SIC’s annual Dick and Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence. Named for the former US Secretary of Education and South Carolina Governor and his late wife, the Riley Award was created in 2002 to recognize the vital contributions made by more than 1,200 local SICs and their nearly 14,000 SIC members across the state.
The 18 other School Improvement Councils named to the SC-SIC Honor Roll for 2018 are (alphabetically):
•Blythewood Middle School SIC (Richland School District 2)
•Chapin Intermediate School SIC (School District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties)
•The Children’s School at Sylvia Circle SIC (Rock Hill Schools/York District 3)
•Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School SIC (Greenville County Schools)
•Hilton Head Island Middle School SIC (Beaufort County School District)
•Hilton Head Island High School SIC (Beaufort County School District)
•Horrell Hill Elementary School SIC (Richland School District 1)
•Irmo Elementary School SIC (School District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties)
•Lugoff-Elgin Middle School SIC (Kershaw County School District)
•Myrtle Beach K-5 Cluster SIC (Horry County Schools)
•Nexton Elementary School SIC (Berkeley County School District)
•Orchard Park Elementary School SIC (Fort Mills Schools/York District 4)
•Savannah Grove Elementary School SIC (Florence School District 1)
•Scranton Elementary School SIC (Florence County School District 3)
•Spring Hill High School SIC (School District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties)
•South Florence High School SIC (Florence School District 1)
•Travelers Rest High School SIC (Greenville County Schools)
•Walhalla High School SIC (School District of Oconee County)
“These School Improvement Councils from across South Carolina have demonstrated their hard work and commitment to supporting the success of their schools and students in the last school year,” said SC-SIC Board of Trustees Chair Amelia McKie. “We congratulate them on their outstanding efforts as Honor Roll SICs, and we salute all of our SICs across the state for the lasting and positive impact they continue to make on behalf their school communities.”
“The value of South Carolina’s School Improvement Councils cannot be emphasized enough,” said Tom F. Hudson, SC-SIC Executive Director. “When parents, community members, educators, and students come together to address school needs, establish goals, and undertake meaningful activities to meet them, everyone benefits. We are very proud of what this year’s Honor Roll SICs have accomplished for their schools.”
Five finalists from this year’s list of Honor Roll SICs will be selected in February, with one to be announced as the winner of the annual Riley Award for SIC Excellence in April.
SICs were established in state law over 40 years ago. Part of the Center for Educational Partnerships within the University of South Carolina College of Education, the SC School Improvement Council provides the member training, technical assistance, statutory accountability, and other operational resources necessary for the continued success of the community-based SICs in each of South Carolina’s K-12 public schools.
More information on SC-SIC, the Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence, and award winners from previous years can be found online at http://sic.sc.gov