Students accepting ‘challenge’

Boston College volunteers help build homes for local Habitat for Humanity

March 8, 2005

By TASHA STEIMER
Index-Journal staff writer

Boston College freshman Jen Singleton, left, and Care-A-Vanner Don Carpenter work on a porch roof Monday at the Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity site in Chalmers Park. The 21 students and 10 Care-A-Vanners will work on two homes throughout the week.

Instead of sipping fruity drinks on a beach in Mexico, 21 students from Boston College are installing shingles and framing a house with Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity.
The students, who are volunteering as part of the “Collegiate Challenge,” are working beside Habitat for Humanity Care-A-Vanners this week at the Chalmers Park location in the Mathews Village community.
Boston College sophomore Anne DiSalvo said the group was working hard on its first day Monday but spirits were high.
“It’s fun,” she said. “It’s definitely something I’d do again.”
Sophomore Eric Pierce said he was interested to see how the rest of the week would go, while junior Evelyn Kelty said participating in the Habitat program had its advantages to sitting on a beach somewhere.
“This is more meaningful,” she said. “All of my friends were going abroad so I thought this was a good thing I could do to help someone.”
Dale Waddell, a Care-A-Vanner from California, said she and husband Frank have been traveling to Habitat sites across the country for about two and a half years.
“We’re what they call ‘full-timers;’ we live in our RV and go from site to site,” she said. “We’ve done builds in 11 states and this is our second build this year.”
Although the 10 Care-A-Vanners have been in town only since Friday, Waddell said the neighborhood has been very receptive of the group.
“Greenwood is a lovely community, and I’m glad they have an active Habitat here,” she said. “It’s really fun to meet new people and renew friendships.”
Boston College senior Chris Ignaciuk said the community also accepted his group with open arms.
“(North Side Baptist Church) has gone way beyond our expectations,” he said. “They’ve given us more than any group could need. The group on campus has grown to 600 people and we go to about 40 sites now.”
The group is staying at the church for the duration of its stay.
Ignaciuk, who traveled to a Habitat site two years ago in Concord, N.C., said the students didn’t know each other well before the trip.
“It’s been good; we’re all strangers who just came together for spring break,” he said. “It’s definitely because of places like this that make it fun. The hospitality has been amazing. The town’s been really great.”
During their stay, the students will work on two houses – shingling the roof on one home to close it in and framing another home.
The Boston College students are scheduled to leave Friday, and a group of 22 from Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, Conn., is set to arrive in town Sunday to work for a week with local volunteers and the traveling Care-A-Vanners. The Care-A-Vanners, who arrived Sunday, will be in Greenwood for two weeks.

Greenwood native to help promote anthem

March 8, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

It’s been a number of years since Greenwood native Wayne Richey has been to the United States Capitol. The first time, he went as a tourist, and this time he will go as an American Legion representative.
Richey, one of five National Vice Commanders for the American Legion, will go to Washington Thursday to help promote and participate in The National Anthem Project that will be featured on a national morning news TV program.
“Not all Vice Commanders will go,” he said. “I was asked to represent the American Legion.”
As National Vice Commander, Richey presides over Legion activities in the entire southeastern United States. He also is the only person in this area to serve as a National Vice Commander.
The National Anthem Project is intended to renew national awareness of the patriotic musical traditions of the United States. It allows the Legion along with the National Association for Music Education and other groups to teach Americans about the history and meaning behind the National Anthem.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent the half a million veterans in the southeast. I’m extremely happy the South Carolina Delegation sponsored me at the National Convention,” he said.
The South Carolina Delegation and National Convention are responsible for Richey being in his current position as national vice commander.
The National Anthem Project is sponsored by Daimler-Chrysler and Jeep enabling the campaign to reach all states through public service announcements, special events and educational materials.
There are many supporting organizations that will help sponsor the project including the American Legion, Girl Scouts of the USA and the Military Family Network.
While he is in Washington, Richey will help kick off the event with a number of activities. There will be a 30-minute concert and 30-minute press conference that will be featured on Good Morning America, and later that day the National Association of Music Educators will have a banquet.
Richey taught for 12 years as a senior Army instructor for the Greenwood High JROTC. He has been involved with the American Legion Post 20 for more than 28 years holding various leadership positions.
A United States Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War, he retired from military service in 1976.

Aloha: Bearcats begin journey to Hawaii

March 8, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

Lander University baseball coach Mike McGuire, front, takes his bag to the bus, while assistant coach Randy Carlson follows as the team left Lander 6 a.m. Monday.

It’s Aloha time for the Lander University baseball team. The Bearcats will be experiencing a school first, a spring break trip to Hawaii.
Lander isn’t going for the pleasure of palm trees and pineapples; the Bearcats are going to compete against one of the nation’s best teams in Division II — Hawaii Pacific.
The Bearcats will play six games in three days in Honolulu, Hawaii against Hawaii Pacific. The remainder of the time will be spent seeing the sights the island has to offer.
And this trip is certainly different than the hour drive to Peach Belt Conference opponent Augusta State.
Some players will be experiencing a new kind of travel, as the Bearcats will be flying across several time zones.
Veteran players Ryan Roeder and Kevin Davis know all about traveling by plane. Roeder, from Ontario, Canada, has flown back and forth from his native country to the United States, but said he has never been to the tropical island.
“I have been on trips many times, but never Hawaii,” said Roeder, who is batting .412. “This is a once-in-a lifetime experience, and I am excited. You hear about all these wonderful places and it will be nice to take it all in. For us, it is half business and half pleasure.”
Davis, from Seattle, Wash., has plenty of experience flying and said he enjoys making some of the teammates that haven’t flown before uncomfortable.
“This flight won’t be too bad, a little longer, but maybe a little room on the plane than I am use to,” said Davis, who is batting .415 with a pair of home runs. “I don’t know if I helped their nerves, but I’ve got a couple guys going by just joking around about being nervous. I use to hate it (flying) when I was a kid, but now it is kind of fun.”
Lander coach Mike McGuire said the Hawaii trip was something he wanted to accomplish when he was hired as coach three years ago.
“It took a lot of work,” McGuire said. “I am looking forward to getting on that plane and having most of the headaches gone.”
Lander will have more than 80 players, fans, coaches, parents and friends traveling.
However, the trip will be very different to a variety of players, especially pitcher David Wilson. The last time Wilson was up in the air was when he was 12 years old, and it was a four-seat plane.
“I definitely be nervous,” Wilson said about hoping on a huge jetliner. “I am real excited about going to Hawaii. ... I love playing in warm weather and hopefully it will make us play better.
“I am not too scared of heights, but getting up that high, gets me kind of scared.”
Former Abbevile High School standout Jonathan Myers has a slew of family and friends going to Hawaii. Myers, batting .356 this season, has flown just once - his trip back from British Columbia two years ago.
“It’s going to be different,” Myers said. “Hawaii is like five-hours difference and there’s going to be some jet-lag going there. I am sure we are going to be able to adjust to it. It’s an experience of a lifetime and ever since coach mentioned it last year, I can’t wait to get there.” The trip began very early Monday morning, as the team departed from Finis Horne Arena at 6 a.m. From Lander, the Bearcats’ bus made the 2 ½ drive to Charlotte to board the plane. Lander made one layover in Atlanta before traveling to Hawaii.
Greenwood High School graduate William Dudley has never flown before, so the trip is something new to him. Dudley said he plans to sleep on the plane.
“I am kind of nervous,” Dudley said. “Everybody has been telling me about it (flying) and some have good examples and bad examples, so I don’t know what to believe. So I am planning on staying up all night, so I can just knock out on the plane.”
Lander’s six games will be played at one of the most famous stadiums in the United States. The Bearcats will play in Aloha Stadium, home of the NFL’s pro bowl.
After the trip to Hawaii, Lander, which returns next Monday, will have two days to get the jet lag out of its system for a St. Patrick’s day matchup against Anderson College.

Opinion

Make someone accountable
for automatic tax increases

March 8, 2005

What to do about property taxes? That’s a question that has received its share of attention and debate in recent years ….. and it’s still going on.
From time to time, proposals are made in the state Legislature offering one thing or another to “reform” the property tax situation. Nothing, though, has ever been done, and “reform” is still somewhere in the back.
One thing’s for sure, though. Reassessment is automatic. That means a tax increase most, if not all of the time.
Every time a house is reassessed a tax increase is pretty much automatic, without anyone having to take responsibility for it.

THAT’S A PRETTY GOOD deal for elected government officials. Taxes can be raised and no one has to worry when re-election comes around.
That said, local governments have to be able to operate, though. As it is, they couldn’t without a property tax to cover the bills. There’s no question that some kind of reform is needed.
Consequently, there doesn’t appear to be anyway to do that without substituting one tax for another.
The problem, then, is, some way must be found to fund government so it can do what government must do.
That sounds easy, doesn’t it, especially for those on the outside looking in.
However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Try walking that tightrope sometime. It’s a damned if you do and damned if you don’t predicament.

ELECTED OFFICIALS SELDOM receive praise for trying to do what’s best for all concerned. Sometimes it’s impossible, considering the various interests constantly at their door.
So, let’s thank public servants for their willingness to tackle tough problems that mark government at all levels today. It’s easy to sit back and criticize when somebody else has to do the job. That doesn’t mean, of course, that some politicians aren’t in it for what they can get out of it. By and large, though, the majority who represent us in Columbia, county offices and city halls are hard-working, conscientious people.
The majority of them deserve better. They deserve our thanks. They could, however, work on the reassessment situation so that someone is accountable for those automatic tax increases.

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

Obituaries

Johnny Chasteen

HONEA PATH — Johnny Lamar Chasteen, 64, of 304 Samuel Road, husband of Lura Mae Burton Fisher, died Monday, March 7, 2005 at his home.
Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Marvin Rector and Jessie Marie Thompson Chasteen. He was retired from BASF and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Ricky Bagwell of Mobile, Ala.; a daughter, Tammy Bagwell Cook of Lexington; a sister, Pam Burdette of Madison, Miss.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services are at 3 Wednesday at Pruitt Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. Robert Emory and Tim Bailey. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Visitation is from 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, S.C., 29621.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Honea Path, is in charge.

Willie Mae Deal

BRADLEY — Services for Willie Mae Deal of 510 Indian Road are at 2 Thursday at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Raymond Adams, assisted by the Revs. Lahoma Mosley, Paul Warton, John Gaddy, Minister Esther Spearman, and Minister Euince Mursier. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 1.
Pallbearers are trustees and Collins Terry.
Flower bearers are granddaughters and nieces.
Honorary escorts are Breeze Wood Community Club.
Visitation is Wednesday evening at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting robson@emeraldis.com.

Workman Hill

WARE SHOALS — Eugene Workman Hill, 76, of 957 Camak Road, husband of Margaret Leathers Hill, died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at his home.
He was a son of the late Curtis and Helen Golden Hill and was retired from Community Cash of Greenwood. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and Ware Shoals Masonic Lodge No. 306.
Survivors include a son, Dr. Joseph Hill of Bogart, Ga.; a daughter, Jane H. Harkey of Albermarle, N.C.; two sisters, Sara Smith of Donalds and Lillie Mae Hudson of Laurens; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services are at 2 today at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Revs. Bruce Ostrom, Horance Benjamin and Alvin Fleming.
Pallbearers are Bruce Amick, J.E. Cooper, C.W. McClellan, Leon Hughes and Larry Batson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander, Greenwood, S.C., 29646.
Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge.

Bill Morris

ANDERSON — William Thomas “Bill” Morris, 66, of 2529 Broadway Lake Road, died Saturday, March 5, 2005 at his home.
Born in Sherwood, Tenn., he was a son of the late Luther and Dona Mae Morris. He was a retired electrician with Park Dale Plant in Gastonia, N.C., and was employed by the Anderson Independent Newspaper. He attended the Church of God.
Survivors include four sons, Tony Morris of Ninety Six, Jeff Morris of Laurens, Billy Joe Morris of Pelzer and Marco Morris of the home; three sisters, Polly McCord and Martha Morris, both of Abbeville and Helen Bridges of Greenwood; a brother, John L. Morris of Abbeville; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services are at 3 Wednesday at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by Bobby Mabry. Burial is in Long Cane Cemetery.
Visitation is from 6-8 tonight.
The family is at the home of a sister, Martha Morris, 980 Old Calhoun Falls Road, Abbeville.
Memorials may be made to Redemption Outreach Center of Anderson, 1211 Gadsden St., Anderson, S.C., 29621.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, is in charge.

Bertha “Chick” Morton

Services for Bertha “Chick” Belcher Morton of 702 Weldon St., are at 2 Thursday at Dunham Temple C.M.E. Church, conducted by the Rev. James McKee, assisted by the Apostle Jessie Simmons and Junior Bishop Roosevelt Moton. Burial is in Evening Star Memorial Gardens. The body will be placed in the church at 1.
Casket attendants are Dallas Yeldell, Greg Hill, Vernon Cohen, Joseph Morton, Larry Hawes and Donny Hawes.
Honorary escorts are Brenda Griffin, Cathy Curry, Armie Jean Mayes, Pamela Parks, Missy Edwards, Roxy Bates and Beverly Kinard.
Flower attendants are Lyndia Belcher, Lottie Padgett, Ruth Cardwell, Debra Brunson, Dorothy Belcher, Wanda Moore, Robbie Goodwin, Shanqueka Kinard and Trina Kinard.
Visitation is from 6-9 Wednesday at the home of a daughter, Asa (Itonya) Parks Jr., 453 Ninety Six Highway.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting robson@emeraldis.com.

Wayne Powell

GREENWOOD – Jesse Wayne Powell, 66, resident of 107 Mayapple, husband of Betsy Sikes Powell, died Sunday March 6, 2005 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Born in Greenwood County, March 10, 1938, he was a son of the late John Denver and Mabel Louise Elledge Powell. He was a graduate of Ware Shoals High School and Piedmont Technical College. Mr. Powell retired in supervision from Monsanto after 33 years of service.
A member of West Side Baptist Church and the Joy & Praise Sunday School Class, he was also a member of Greenwood Masonic Lodge #91 A.F.M.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two daughters, Angela Powell Enlow and son-in-law Carl Anthony Enlow of Lexington, Pamela Powell Garren and son-in-law Steven Charles Garren of Greenwood. Two grandchildren, Kathryn Taylor Garren and Blayne Powell Garren, both of Greenwood. A sister, Glenda Powell Dawkins and brother-in-law Pete Dawkins of Altoona, FL; a sister-in-law, Mildred Chavis of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2PM Wednesday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hal Lane officiating.
Entombment will be in Oakbrook Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be Jack Treece, Carl Sullivan, Dub Brock, Dr. Darby Pendergrass, Bill Garren and Rudolph Enlow.
Honorary escort will be Clarence Wilson and Wayne Wilson.
The body is at the funeral home where Masonic Rites will be rendered at 7 PM Tuesday.
The family is at the home in Mayapple and will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the rites until 9 PM.
The Powell family wishes to acknowledge with grateful appreciation the Liver Transplant Team and the STICU Staff at the Medical University of South Carolina for the compassion and care shown to Wayne during the past 5 weeks.
Memorials may be made to West Side Baptist Church, PO Box 216, Greenwood, SC 29648, Greenwood Christian School, 2026 Woodlawn Road, Greenwood, SC 29649 or Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, PO Box 1178, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE POWELL FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Dink Rion

Samuel Preston “Dink” Rion, 69, husband of Jacqueline McKeon “Jackie” Rion, died Monday, March 7, 2005 at Wesley Commons.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home.

Mattie E. Warfield

Mattie E. Warfield, 88, of 202 Virgin Drive, widow of Isadore Warfield, died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Ruth W. Timmerman

GREENWOOD – Ruth W. Timmerman 86, formerly of 225 Sloan Avenue, widow of C.H. “Bob” Timmerman, died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Greenwood to the late Lawton M. and Tresey Timmerman Whatley. She retired from The Vogue after 29 years and was a member of South Main Street Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Faith Sunday School class, the Margaret Richardson Current Missions Group, a former Sunday School teacher, a Sunday School director, and a member of the choir.
Surviving is her son and daughter-in-law, Harold Lawton and Diana Timmerman of Isle of Palms; three grandchildren, Hal Timmerman and his wife, Stefani, of Awendaw, Gina McCants and her husband, Carl, of Mt. Pleasant and Dr. Tara Timmerman of New York City and three great-grandchildren, Tidal Timmerman, Savannah McCants and Hensley Timmerman.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Charles Sperry officiating.
The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.
It is requested that flowers be omitted and memorials made to South Main Street Baptist Church building fund, PO Box 1093, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY