Making the connection in Greenwood

Director works to strengthen relationships of local families

January 24, 2005

By CAROLINE KLAPPER
Index-Journal staff writer

Family matters for Mandrell Jones, and every day his work reflects his belief in the importance of family bonds.
He has several job responsibilities, including site director for Burgess Apartments’ after-school tutorial, Kids Night Out director at the YMCA and assistant camp director for the YMCA.
For Jones, all of these jobs have one important goal in mind: keeping families connected.
“It’s the whole family structure (that benefits),” Jones said, when asked how the children benefit from programs such as those he directs.
Jones said he believes that the most important role he and the YMCA organization play in the lives of the families who go there is strengthening family connections. And that means getting parents more involved with their children, whether it’s helping with schoolwork or just having fun together.
He said when he first began directing the tutorial site, the children thought they would only be doing homework during that time.
“But now they know that’s not all,” he said. “We’re going to talk about their problems. We’re doing a lot more daily devotions, role model speakers, things like that.”
Jones calls this method an incentive program because if the children are good, they get the chance to play games or go to the YMCA to tackle climbing the rock wall.
The children participating in the tutorials have greatly improved grades, but Jones has also noticed a lot more parent involvement since he began directing the program.
“As long as the parents (are) happy, I know I’m doing a good job,” he said.
At the Y, Jones directs the Kids Night Out program.
“That is basically when the parents have a night to themselves the first Friday of every month,” Jones said. “They can come here and they can drop off the kids here and they can have a little parent time.”
Parents can bring their children to the YMCA for a night of pizza, games, arts and crafts, or swimming, while they enjoy a night to reconnect as a couple.
He said the program has been very popular with parents and children since it was started, and it is open to both members and non-members of the YMCA.
A favorite part of the job for Jones is knowing that the children in his programs have had positive experiences and made lasting friendships at the YMCA.
“I think the friendships last. They carry on after school and in the summer. When they grow up they remember what they did at the Y,” he said.
The summer finds Jones working as assistant camp director for the YMCA. He is responsible for lining up field trips, meeting the parents and making sure everything runs smoothly.
The YMCA is a place for families, Jones said, adding that he enjoys seeing families spend real quality time together.
“Because you see the younger brother playing with the older brother or sister,” he explained. “Parents volunteer when we have camp-outs - stuff like that.”
Those who participate in the programs at the YMCA will appreciate the great staff there, Jones said.
“You feel the family vibe here.”

For information on its programs, call the Greenwood Family YMCA at 223-6922.

Finding the correct spot

GHS grad Otis Daniels happy with move to Winthrop

January 24, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

Otis Daniels is enjoying college basketball, but it took nearly four years to get there.
The former Greenwood High School standout, who helped the Eagles reach the 2001 Class AAAA state title game his senior season, began his collegiate career at Gardner-Webb and was a starter, but clashes with his coaches forced Daniels to make a change.
So the junior transferred to Winthrop University, leaving Gardner-Webb after two seasons.
And despite coming off the bench for Winthrop, Daniels has gotten the opportunity to showcase his skills and prove his game does work.
The junior is averaging 7.3 points per game and has helped Winthrop to a 14-5 start and a 5-1 record in the Big South Conference.
“I left Gardner-Webb because I wasn’t happy and wanted to go some place that not only would let me play my game, but would give me a chance to play,” Daniels said.
“The coaching staff and I always agreed off the court, but we disagreed about how I should play.”
But coming to Winthrop had a price for the 6-foot-5, 220-pound forward.
NCAA rules say players transferring from one Division I school to another must miss one season, so Daniels spend his first year at Winthrop watching from the bench.
Daniels said the toughest part of sitting was not being able to help his teammates.
“It was very hard for me,” Daniels said. “I sat down with coach (Gregg) Marshall and he told me things I needed to do in order for me to play the following season.
“It was hard getting back out there. I wasn’t in game shape when I first stepped back on the court and I struggled a bit to get things going.”
Daniels, who is majoring in sports management, hasn’t struggled too much though.
In the 18 games he has played this season, Daniels has been the team’s leading scorer three times, during a stretch of four games from Jan. 5-10 when he averaged 17.6 points a game.
He has started once, is averaging 16.6 minutes on the floor and finished with 14 points in Saturday’s win over Coastal Carolina.
“I am not a selfish player,” Daniels said. “I want what is best for my team and teammates. I would like to be a leader on-and-off the basketball court and in order to do that, you have to take a certain type of role. I am accepting the role and understanding the values of wanting to play team ball.”
Daniels has scored 18 points twice this season, in a 76-68 loss to Coastal Carolina and a 78-70 win against UNC Asheville.
One of the biggest thrills Daniels has had this season was playing against South Carolina. The Eagles fell to the Gamecocks, 62-52, Nov. 24.
“It was great that we had the opportunity to play them,” Daniels said. “I got a chance to see a lot of family and friends. It was a different atmosphere than we had played in before. I was a bit disappointed that we lost, and I hope next year we can steal a win from them.”
While Daniels’ family doesn’t see every game, they have been reading about him.
His family saves every article written about Daniels and his former teammates from Greenwood, so Daniels gets a chance to see how his friends from high school are doing.
Those ex-teammates include Brandon Freeman (University of Arkansas-Little Rock) and Osvaldo Haynes (Anderson College).
“It brings a big smile to my face,” Daniels said. “Seeing what other players that I played with are doing now brings back memories of the past. It shows that there is still some positives coming from those that played with me in high school and I hope those players go on to further their careers.”

Opinion

Americans already tried, but terrorists still waiting

January 24, 2005

Some things stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. A Greenwood reader sees an example of that in Iraq.
With all the media coverage of the spectacle at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq in late 2003, it’s not likely that one could be found who wasn’t aware of all the charges of torture and other mistreatment of terrorist prisoners by American military guards at the facility.
In fact, the first American prosecuted – Army Spc. Charles Graner Jr. of Uniontown, Pa., was convicted of physically and sexually mistreating Iraqis at the Baghdad prison. He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars. He will be dishonorably discharged when his sentence is completed.

GRANER WAS IMMEDIATELY demoted to private and was ordered to forfeit all pay and benefits. However, his conviction is automatically appealed to the Army Court of Criminal Appeals. He also could ask his commanding general for clemency.
The military prosecutors would not speak to reporters, but in a joint statement, they said, “We think it is important that the world was able to observe this court-martial.”
That may be so. But the way that Greenwood reader sees it, while one of our own has been prosecuted, and we are busy preparing to prosecute others, no terrorist in Iraq has yet been prosecuted.
Maybe it’s important for the world to be told about that, too. But, then, who’s talking?

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Fred J. Bailey

NORTH CHARLESTON — Fred J. Bailey, of North Charleston, died Saturday, January 22, 2005. Born in Ware Shoals, SC, on August 9, 1939, he was the son of the late Woodrow Wilson and Emma Ricketts Bailey. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 5551 Hwy 252, Ware Shoals, SC 29692.
Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Tina Bailey of Mt. Pleasant, Wil and Wendi Bailey of Mt. Pleasant, Rev. Joey and Tammy Bailey of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and granddaughters, Rose Bailey and Holli Bailey.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
PAID OBITUARY

Mary Edwards

WATERLOO — Mary Wilson Edwards, 88, resident of 222 Windy Point Drive, former resident of Druid Hills in Greenwood, widow of Winfred Benjamin Edwards, died January 23, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Abbeville County, September 10, 1916, she was a daughter of the late John Robert and Janie Belle Rodgers Wilson. She was a graduate of Abbeville High School and Abbeville Commercial College.
Mrs. Edwards was retired from Greenwood Mills, Harris Plant and was a member of the Greenwood Mills Quarter Century Club. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, she was also a member of the Ladies’ Sunday School Class of the church and Druid Hills Coffee Club.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary Ann Boggs, with whom she made her home and Joyce and husband David Brown of Greenwood. A sister, Mrs. Walter (Frances) Hagen of Abbeville. Four grandchildren, Mrs. Mike (Bunny) Farrell, William Randolph “Randy” Boggs, Robert Benjamin “Benji” Boggs and Mrs. David “Becky” Whitehead. Five great-grandchildren, Dillon James Whitehead, Grant Edward Whitehead, Parker Benjamin Boggs, Evan Daniel Boggs and David Farrell. She is also survived by three special friends, Marlene Perlotte, Maggie Coleman and Jessie Davis.
Mrs. Edwards was predeceased by a sister, Mrs. Orell (Helen) Bryant and brothers, John Robert Wilson, Jr. and Raymond Wilson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Mayo officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Randy Boggs, Benji Boggs, David Brown, David Whitehead and Mike Farrell.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 1:00 PM Tuesday.
The family is at the home of David and Joyce Brown, 219 Driftwood Drive, Unit H, on Lake Greenwood and will receive friends there from 6:00 to 8:00 tonight.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 108 E. Cambridge Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home is assisting the Edwards family.
PAID OBITUARY

Nikki Knox

ABBEVILLE — Nikki E. Knox, 75, of Highway 72, widow of Edward Lawrence Knox Jr., died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005 at Roosevelt Center in Warm Springs, Ga. Services will be announced by The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home.

Kathey Livengood

GREER — Kathey Elizabeth Hartman Livengood, 60, of 1 Bailess Court, died January 23, 2005 at her home. She was a daughter of the late Richard Oliver and Grace Wharton Hartman.
Ms. Livengood was a member of Mt. Gallagher Baptist Church and had worked at Leatherwood Walker Todd & Mann Law Firm for thirty two years. She graduated from Mars Hill College.
She is survived by a son, D.J. Livengood III and his wife Ashley of Greenville, a daughter, Lisa Livengood Verga, of Greer, S.C. a sister, Connie Hartman Hill and husband, Sammy of Waterloo, a niece, Laura Davis, of Spartanburg and a granddaughter, Cameron Grace Livengood of Greenville.
Funeral services will be conducted 1 P.M. Tuesday at Mt. Gallagher Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Marcus Bishop officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends after the service at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Hospice, 414 Pettigrew Street, Greenville, S.C. or to Mt. Gallagher Baptist Church, 11828 Indian Mound Road, Ware Shoals, S.C. 29692.
Parker-White Funeral Home of Ware Shoals is in charge of arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY

Ralph Norman

James Ralph Norman, 92, resident of 312 Lawson Street, widower of Grace Iler Norman, died January 23, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood County, November 12, 1912, he was a son of the late James Calvin and Ruth Stone Norman. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and was employed by the Greenville News Advertisement Department and retired from WCRS Radio in Greenwood as sales manager and was more recently affiliated with Blyth Funeral Home.
He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church where he was active in many church affairs having served as Sunday School Superintendent, member of the Administrative Board and church treasurer.
Surviving are two daughters, Susan N. Polatty of Lake Greenwood and Carol N. Burgess of Greenwood. Five grandchildren, Ken Polatty, Jill P. Smarr, Mark Burgess, Chris Burgess and Stephen Burgess. Six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. James D. Dennis officiating.
A private family graveside service will be held in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Honorary escort will be grandsons along with Craig Smarr, Fred Alewine, Bill Tunstall, Bill Sandel and Bruce Higginbotham.
The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends at the church immediately following the memorial service.
Memorials may be made to the Ralph and Grace Norman Scholarship Fund, c/o Lander University Foundation, 320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649 or to South Main Street United Methodist Church Capital Fund, 211 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home is assisting the Norman family.
PAID OBITUARY

Sarah Bell Paul

ABBEVILLE — Sarah B. Paul, 89, of McCormick Health Care, widow of S.A. Paul, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Corrie Kennedy Starks. She was a member of Flat Rock A.M.E. Church and a homemaker.
Survivors include four daughters, Martha Starks and Sarah Hunter, both of Greenwood, Geneva Scott of Antreville, and Mattie Scott of Iva; a son, John Henry Paul of Anderson; a sister, Corrie Hunter of Abbeville; 39 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of James Miller, 145 Horse Farm Road, Level Land.
Services will be announced by Brown and Walker Funeral Home.