Anderson Observer

The Greater Anderson Rotary Club is currently seeking a student delegate from each of Anderson’s high schools to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) seminar.  Delegate selections are scheduled to be completed by April 1.  

The selected student delegates will attend a six-day seminar at Erskine College in mid-June.  The college offers a $1000 per year scholarship to students who complete the RYLA program and subsequently enroll at Erskine.  The registration and activity fees for the seminar will be paid for by the Greater Anderson Rotary Club.  This summer’s program will be the 28^th annual event.   

The purposes of the program are three-fold:  First - to provide a forum for rising juniors and seniors to learn principles of leadership and good citizenship; second – to allow the students to learn by example through dialogue with Rotarian community leaders; and third – to enhance the exchange of ideas between these student leaders, for practical application upon their return to high school or college, and as they move into future positions of community leadership. 

Interested students should contact Mike Darby at mdarby@darbyelectric.com.

On Tuesday, February 9th, the nation's three largest Black Methodist Church denominations (combined memberships of more than 5 million) will pay tribute to Black History Month by announcing the formation of a historic coalition and plans to hold a major strategy summit in Columbia, S.C., March 1-3, 2010.

Titled the "Great Gathering," the strategy session will seek to alter the troubling history of African American males by identifying and seeking unified solutions for the key issues that are devastating the African American community. These debilitating factors include: incarceration; drug abuse; escalating unemployment; and high school dropout rates. The coalition believes a solid plan of action and the unified power of their faith, beliefs and commitment can bring significant change to the Black Community.

Anderson District One students receive high marks on new Palmetto Achievement of State Standards (PASS) assessment. Scores show that student achievement continues to be a major focus in Anderson One and students are performing among the best in the state. 

Students in grades 3-8 take the PASS test and Anderson One students performed at a high level. Students scored very well on the new PASS Science test with all grades finishing second, third or fourth in the state. Fourth graders were first in the state in ELA with fifth and eighth grades coming in second. Grades three and seventh scored fourth in the state. In Math, eighth graders had the second best scores in the state, while grade six ranked fourth. 

This is the first year of the new state Palmetto Achievement of State Standards (PASS) assessment for all students in grades 3-8. The test consists of Writing, Reading and Research, Math, Science and Social Studies.

The Clemson Players and the performing arts department at Clemson University will present one of the nation’s first college productions of the multi-award winning Broadway musical "RENT." The performances will be Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 25-28, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

Read the entire news release at:
http://www.clemson.edu/media-relations/article.php?article_id=2515

ANDERSON — Miriam Boyce of The Lollipop Shop will host a children’s Valentine’s program on Saturday, February 13 at 2 p.m. at the Anderson County Museum. Ms. Boyce is the owner of The Lollipop Shop in Greenville, South Carolina. She has hosted numerous birthday parties and fun events for children. Mrs. Boyce will discuss with children how candy has evolved to what it is today and will show them examples of “old-timey” candy. She will also bring a sweet surprise for each child in attendance!

The Anderson County Museum is at 202 East Greenville Street, in downtown Anderson. The Fred Whitten Gallery and Museum Store hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Reading and Research Room is open 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and by appointment. ACM is handicap accessible and admission is free. Donations are always welcome. For more information, contact the Anderson County Museum at (864) 260-4737.  

“I'm thankful that I have lived long enough to become a legend, and I hope I deserve it.”

- Ralph Stanley

There is nothing complicated about Ralph Stanley and his music. It simply resonates across the room like light from a fireplace, warm and smoky and homey. 

That’s precisely why “Man of Constant Sorrow: The Stanley Brothers Musical,” which opened at the Electric City Playhouse last night worked so well. Nothing fancy, just the car-horn mountain harmonies, loud from years of trying to be heard over the instruments, energetic musicians who had fun and did not always stay in the safe territory of rehearsed notes, and performers who allowed the story to tell itself. (FULL REVIEW HERE)

Please be advised that the members of the Anderson County Transportation Committee have scheduled their next meeting on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 4:00 P.M.  It will be held in the Conference Room of the Transportation Division Building at 735 Michelin Boulevard, Anderson, South Carolina.

We are officially "ALL IN!"  Jake is now part of an incredible team being a part of the Clemson University Football Team - and for that we are forever grateful for their steadfast commitment to Jake and our family.

Clemson has not only stood by Jake but they have gone over and above to do whatever they could to make Jake feel wanted, special, and a part of the Clemson family.  They did not have to go that extra mile as Jake was not "going" any where else but they did because that is the type of people they are.  It was not all about what can Jake do for them as a football player but instead what they could do to help fill a huge void in our son's life.  Going that extra mile (like they did for our son) demonstrates a winning attitude which will take this program to further greatness. (complete update here).