A Day to Herald Our Fallen Soldiers

In Flanders Fields

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

On May 2, 1915, John McCrae’s close friend and former student Alexis Helmer was killed by a German shell. That evening, in the absence of a Chaplain, John McCrae recited from memory a few passages from the Church of England’s “Order of the Burial of the Dead”. For security reasons Helmer’s burial in Essex Farm Cemetery was performed in complete darkness.

The next day, May 3, 1915, Sergeant-Major Cyril Allinson was delivering mail. McCrae was sitting at the back of an ambulance parked near the dressing station beside the YserCanal, just a few hundred yards north of Ypres, Belgium.

As John McCrae was writing his In Flanders Fields poem, Allinson silently watched and later recalled, “His face was very tired but calm as he wrote. He looked around from time to time, his eyes straying to Helmer's grave." Within moments, John McCrae had completed the “In Flanders Fields” poem and when he was done, without a word, McCrae took his mail and handed the poem to Allinson. Allinson was deeply moved: “The (Flanders Fields) poem was an exact description of the scene in front of us both. He used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene." Today, as we celebrate this holiday, we should all give pause to the hundreds of thousands of soldiers both here and abroad who gave their lives to secure our freedom and way of life.

Hartwell Lake Anniversary June 8

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Lake Hartwell and the Once Upon a Dam June 8. A Golden Retrospective photo exhibit is coming to Anderson.

The event will be held on Friday, June 8 at the Anderson County Museum. Festivities will begin at 6:00 pm with a closed VIP Reception featuring the event signature “Big Dam Martini” drink served in a collector’s edition “Big Dam Martini” glass, reserved parking, and a private tour of the dam to be scheduled at a later date .

General admission begins at 7:00 pm and includes a cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. All guests will receive a “Big Dam Martini” glass as a collector’s souvenir.

The travelling photo exhibit is an archive of 50-year-old construction and recreation photos of the dam before, during and after construction. Many of the never before seen photos have been locked in a vault inside of the dam for 50 years.
 
Cost for the VIP reception is $100 and general admission is $50 per person. The attire for the event is business casual.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Lake Hartwell Marketing Alliance and United Way of Anderson County.

To purchase tickets for the event, call (864) 226-3438 or visit www.unitedwayofanderson.org

"Walk a Mile" Events to Benefit Local Cancer Patients

Primary Care Aesthetics and Primary Care Associates will present events in June to benefit the Cancer Association of Anderson. The events under the banner “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” will assist Anderson County residents fighting cancer with expenses such as gas to get to the doctor and prescription medicine.

A gala silent auction, Saturday morning walk and the planting of flowers outside  the AnMed Health Cancer Treatment Center are scheduled. Here’s what is planned:

Walk a Mile Auction: Food, beverages, music and a silent auction full of unique, beautiful and useful items will be served up at the Walk a Mile Auction on Sunday, June 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at  Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill in downtown Anderson. Bill and Sabra Nickas are donating a special menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres that night at their restaurant, where Sabra is entering her third year of survivorship from breast cancer. Items to be auctioned include fine jewelry, art and gift certificates to local restaurants.

The auction will also feature six highly prized celebrity-signed items, including a movie poster signed by the cast of “The Avengers”; record albums signed by Bruce Springsteen, formed Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr; a drumhead signed by Ringo; and autographed photos of Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, rock star Elton John and legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Sr. These items are provided by Charity Fundraising Packages, which guarantees authenticity.

In addition, people who pay $25 for a signature Walk a Mile Palmetto Moonshine cocktail will be entered into a drawing for a ¾ karat diamond pendant donated by Diamonds ‘n’ Gold Direct. Tickets are $40 for an individual or $70 for a couple in advance, $45 per person at the door. Tickets are available at the CAA office, 215 E. Calhoun Street, and at Primary Care Aesthetics at the AnMed Health North Campus Oglesby Center.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will be held Saturday, June 16th at 10 a.m. at the AnMed Health North Campus walking track. A tee shirt comes with the $25 registration while supplies last. This is a fun family event with balloons and face painting for kids that gives people a chance to celebrate their beloved cancer survivors and remember those who have fallen victim to cancer. Hope Flowers in honor or memory of someone who has fought cancer can be purchased for $25 throughout the month of June. The flowers will be planted in the healing garden outside the treatment rooms of the AnMed Health Cancer Center where patients can enjoy them.

For information on any of these events, or to donate items or services to the auction, call Tonya Burriss at 512-6227 or email tonyab333@yahoo.com

CP: Have Christians Forgotten Pentacost Sunday?

By Anugrah Kumar , Christian Post Contributor

May 27, 2012 

The pews are rarely packed on Pentecost Sunday although the day is often described as the "birthday of the Church" and is as significant as Christmas and Easter.

The day comes 50 days after Easter, hence the name "Pentecost," which is a Greek word for "fifty." On Pentecost Sunday, some churches use red color as the theme for decoration, symbolizing the fire and joy of the Holy Spirit, as they commemorate the coming of the Spirit on the early followers of Jesus.

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them," Acts 2:1-4 records.

Many see the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus on the first Pentecost as the birth of the church. For Jesus, before his Ascension, instructed his disciples not to leave Jerusalem but wait for "the gift my Father promised." He added that they would receive power and be his witnesses in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the world when the Holy Spirit came on them, according to Acts 1:4, 8. This came true on the day of the Pentecost.

Full Story Here

United Way to Hold Annual Meeting June 13

United Way of Anderson County will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 13 at Tucker’s Restaurant.  

During the event, United Way of Anderson County will celebrate its successes in the community and also recognize and thank those who have supported the organization during the year. They will also recognize their volunteers and companies who have given to United Way during the annual campaign year.

United Way will also recognize the 2012 leadershipNEXT fellows and AmeriCorps members during the program. The Annual Meeting will begin at 12:00 noon.  The cost to attend is $25 per person.

For reservations or for additional information, please contact United Way of Anderson County at (864) 226-3438 or visit www.unitedwayofanderson.org.

BP: Southern Baptist Pastors Favor Black Leader

NASHVILLE, Tenn (BP) -- Eighty-six percent of Southern Baptist Convention pastors who expressed an opinion believe it would be good for the convention to have an African-American leader.

Fred Luter, an African-American pastor from New Orleans, will be nominated for SBC president at the denomination's annual meeting in June.

LifeWay Research polled SBC pastors asking their level of agreement or disagreement with the statement: "Without regard to any individual, I think it would be a good thing to have an African-American as president of the Southern Baptist Convention."

Of the nearly 1,000 SBC pastors who responded, 61 percent agree it would be positive, 10 percent disagree, but 29 percent don't have an opinion. Of those who had an opinion, 50 percent strongly agree and 36 percent somewhat agree.

Full Story Here

Outreach Event Targets Small Businesses

A subcontractor outreach event for women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned or other small businesses will be help June 6 from 4-5:30 pm at the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center. The purpose of the event is to gain information about Michelin’s Earthmover tire plant construction project in Starr, including the projected schedule. The facility, which is currently under construction, is due to be completed in the fall of 2013.

Learn about current and upcoming bid packages. Receive instructions on Contractor/Vendor Pre-Qualification Form. Hear an overview of Michelin and Gray Construction’s MBE/WBE/Veteran/DBE efforts. Meet the Construction Management team and network with other interested contractors.
 
No registration required for this event. For more information contact Teri Gilstrap at 864-222-3932, or by email at TCGilstrap@AndersonCountySC.org.

Varennes and Calhoun Earn Exemplary Writing Awards

Varennes Academy of Communications and Technology and Calhoun Academy of the Arts have earned the prestigious Exemplary Writing Program Award.

The winners were announced this week by the State Department of Education after a comprehensive five-month evaluation that included site visits. The winning schools will serve as resources for others across the state.

“The ability to communicate effectively is fundamental to a student’s education,” said District Five Superintendent Betty Bagley. “We are proud of the students, parents, teachers and staff at Calhoun and Varennes for their hard work in achieving this honor.”

“While it is phenomenal to be a recipient of this award, we are just as excited about being able to go through this process, because ultimately the students are the primary beneficiaries,” said Varennes Principal Leonard Galloway.

Calhoun Principal Ann Self added, “This process has been an effective professional development opportunity.  Our teachers have reflected on our writing program to ensure best practices are in place and that our school functions as a community of writers. “

The Exemplary Writing Program is sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Education and governed by the Writing Improvement Coordinating Council. The award is based on an extensive evaluation of the schools’ instructional programs, with a particular emphasis on the teaching of writing.

Established in 1987, the Exemplary Writing Program is monitored to reflect the latest in research and theory of teaching students to be writers.  In the fall of 2002, the scoring of applications was recalibrated to set a higher standard for what constitutes a truly Exemplary Writing Program.  Each year the application criteria is reviewed to ensure that schools using this criteria as a guide for developing a rigorous writing program are basing their professional development on current theory and research.

Help, Heal, Harvest at Civic Center to Benefit Haven of Rest

HELP, HEAL, HARVEST is a benefit for the Haven of Rest Ministries on Thursday at 6:30 in the Anderson Civic Center. AgSouth, Southern States along with the Haven of Rest realized there was an opportunity to really make a difference in lives and provide an income stream for the Ministry through agriculture.

An obstacle, however, is the necessary equipment to accomplish this so Terry Wyatt with AgSouth took it on himself to try to raise the funds to buy the necessary equipment. That is the purpose of the event as all having a great time. The evening will include comments from Hugh Weather, Commissioner of
Agriculture; John Skipper, Anderson County Sheriff; Martin Brown, Anderson Chief of Police; Dr. Ronnie Booth, President of Tri-County Tec. Also beef stew, corn bread, and desserts made primarily from locally grown ingredients will be served. Bluegrass music will be provided throughout the evening.

AgSouth, Southern States, The Haven of Rest and local growers will have their own displays to further explain what they do and why they are a part of this event.

There will be no charge for the event but people will be encouraged to participate financially in this awesome opportunity.

Publix Recognized for Community Support

United Way Worldwide has recognized Publix Super Markets, Inc. with two Summit awards for philanthropic engagement and community impact. Publix’s 2011 United Way campaign raised $45.6 million – a 12% increase over 2010 despite a challenging economy – plus associates’ per capita gifts exceeded the food industry average by 398%. Publix associates also volunteered 900,000 hours, including more than 1,500 Publix associates serving on United Way and nonprofit boards.

Locally, the two Publix stores located in Anderson donated a total of $72,954 which includes corporate and employee donations to the United Way of Anderson County annual campaign that recently concluded March 31. “We love our Publix employees here in Anderson. They are very enthusiastic and creative during their campaigns. They make giving back fun for all of their employees”, states Lynn Dingle, United Way of Anderson County’s Director of Marketing. “It is not uncommon to go in the store and one of the employees is wearing a LIVE UNITED pin.”

“Community service is a way of life for Publix and its associates,” said Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide president and CEO. “Their incredible generosity and commitment to improving communities is an important part of their heritage. Together, we’ve been able to make a positive, lasting impact in countless people’s lives.”

Publix further leverages its 1051 stores by communicating United Way on 220 million grocery bags, reaching 40 million customers. Publix also shares education messages with parents by featuring Born Learning education tips on store shelf signs and including in customer newsletters like Baby Club and Preschool Pals. Further, Publix Super Markets Charities Chairman and CEO Carol Barnett worked with United Way of Central Florida to bring the Success By 6 national model to Central Florida and helped grow it from one county to many more throughout Florida and the Southeast. Success by 6 is a United Way communitywide early childhood initiative that ensures children are ready to succeed in school and life by age six. Publix also is involved in Let’s Grow, an early literacy effort that has demonstrated up to 76% improvement in state assessment scores at childcare centers.

“I am so proud to be a part of Publix,” said Barney Barnett, Vice Chairman of Publix. “It’s not just a supermarket – it’s a group of kindhearted, energetic, effective people who are dedicated to doing the right thing, and who make our world better each and every day.”

Publix ranks #1 on the Corporate Social Responsibility Index as determined by the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College plus Publix has been among Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies” for 17 years.

Boat Poker Run to Benefit Meals on Wheels

Hartwell Lake will see nearly 100 boats searching for the best poker hand the weekend of June 22-23 when the Hartwell Lake Boat Poker Run benefiting Meals on Wheels sets sail.
 
The Hartwell Lake Poker Run, now in its third year, kicks off the summer boating season in the area. More than 100 boaters from the Upstate and North Georgia converge at Portman Arena, then visit five different scenic locations on the lake to collect poker cards. At the end of the day, boaters gather back at the arena to see who has the best hand. A cash prize of $1500 will be awarded to the best hand, with second and third place hands winning prizes of $750 and $500.
 
In addition to the action of the poker run itself, there will be great entertainment over the weekend. The Smith Outfit will perform Friday night, June 22, at a special VIP party for sponsors and registered participants, and Anderson’s widely popular The Eric Scott Band will perform post-activities on Saturday, June 23. There will also be a live auction Saturday afternoon as well. Campbell Crane Rental is the title sponsor for this event.
 
Boaters may register their vessel for $50 prior to the event. Registration increases to $60 on Wednesday, June 20. Visit the Meals on Wheels website at www.acmow.org for an entry form or call 864.225.6800 for more information.
 
All proceeds from this event will help feed the homebound elderly and disabled of Anderson County through the Meals on Wheels home delivery meal program. Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers about 600 meals each weekday and nearly 400 volunteers give their time to assist in this mission.
 
The event welcomes boaters and land-lubbers alike. Join the fun and help support a worthy cause. For more information, visit www.acmow.org ; call 864.225.6800; or email april@acmow.org.

Green Pond Groundbreaking May 31

The Green Pond Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held May 31 at 10 a.m., 470 Green Pond Road.
 
Special Guests include Colonel Jeffrey Hall, Savannah District Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Phil Gaines, director, State Park Service, S.C. Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

The public is invited.

AU's Shaffer Qualifies for NCAA Track & Field Championships

Anderson University junior standout Matt Shaffer has qualified for participation in the 2012 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, as announced by the NCAA early Tuesday afternoon.
 
The championships will be held May 24-26 at the Neta & Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl in Pueblo, Colorado, with Colorado State University at Pueblo serving as the host institution.
 
Shaffer, a native of Grove City, Ohio, is slated to compete in the 800 meter run on Friday, May 25. He qualified for the championships with a time of 1:50.36 and a fifth-place finish at the Duke Invitational in early April. His school-record mark was the fastest 800 meter time in the nation in NCAA Division II at the time.