Assistant superintendent’s artistic talent
works to put Abbeville schools on canvas

November 14, 2005

By MEGAN VARNER
Senior staff writer

ABBEVILLE — By day, Kathy Stevenson can be found at the Abbeville County School District office, busily working as assistant superintendent to ensure her district’s students get the best education possible.
But away from the office, Stevenson sheds her administrative hat for one that is a little more creative.
The former Diamond Hill Elementary School principal moonlights as a talented artist, swapping her pens and pencils for paintbrushes and palettes.
“I grew up drawing and painting and being creative. It is a love I’ve always had,” said Stevenson, who is in her first year as assistant superintendent. “I knew growing up that I was very interested in education. The art talent was the vehicle that I chose to help me become an artist and a teacher.”
For Stevenson, the hours spent drawing or painting a piece is “quality time.” Though she uses pencil for some of her creations, Stevenson said her favorite medium is oil paint.
“I enjoy (oils) because the paintings that I do reminisce my love for blending color throughout the subjects that I do,” she said.
And those subjects can include family members, pets and classic autos.
“When I choose my subjects, I look at something that I have a unique respect for in terms of history,” she said. “That leads me to doing things that are of the past in a reminiscent atmosphere. It’s a record of a moment in time — of things gone by.”
Stevenson said she often uses photographs of her subjects to draw an outline on canvas before painting a portrait, and many of the works she produces are given as gifts to family and friends.
She has even put her artistic talents to work at her former school and now at the district office.
She has created posters, newsletters and calligraphy pieces, and recently has completed detailed drawings of each of Abbeville’s schools for personalized cards that will be used for positive notes from district officials.
“We wanted to have a new look, and I knew that (art) was where Kathy’s expertise was,” said Superintendent Ivan Randolph, who approached Stevenson with the volunteer project. “She exceeded my expectations. We’re all very fortunate to have someone with all of Kathy’s talents in our county.”
Randolph said he would “most definitely” look to Stevenson in the future for other art-related projects within the district office.
Stevenson said she had a wonderful time working on the card drawings.
“I was excited to help out. I felt like I was volunteering my time and making a contribution that was valuable to our schools and our district. I drew two schools per night, and it took about two weeks,” she said, adding that finding time for her art can sometimes be a problem.
Stevenson — who also plays the clavinova, piano and organ —said she tries to finish at least one piece each year, taking advantage of some free time in the summer months.
“It’s a balance. I can’t expect myself to block out the world and isolate myself,” she said. “I set little goals, and that helps a lot. I work on (a piece) a little bit at a time.”
As an educator with a background in art, Stevenson said she feels strongly that creative arts are an important part of a student’s overall education.
“I think art is a hook into learning. When students discover they can express themselves through different artistic media, it’s exciting,” she said. “It encourages them to learn, and they are more likely to be successful. They have a reason to come and be a part of the education system when they can contribute and be themselves.”

Megan Varner covers general assignments in Greenwood and the Lakelands. She can be reached at 223-1811, ext. 3308, or: mvarner@indexjournal.com

Alice Louise Birchmore

ELSMERE, Ky. — Alice Louise Birchmore, 69, of 1022 Shadow Ridge Drive, died November 9, 2005 in Edgewood, Ky.
Born in Greenwood, she was a cosmetologist and a member of The Forest Park Disciples of Christ Church, Elsmere, Ky.
Survivors include her husband, James H. Birchmore, Columbia, S.C.; a daughter, Antionette Birchmore, Elsmere, Ky.; two sons, James K. Birchmore, Dallas and Kyle DeWitt Birchmore, Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Roy Smith of Hodges; a sister, Suetta Ward, Due West; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Services are 12 noon Tuesday at Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood, conducted by the Rev. James Williams. Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Viewing is 5-8 tonight at Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood.
Jones, Simpson & Gee Funeral Home, Covington, Ky. is in charge of out of town arrangements.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Inez Moore Brown

Inez Moore Brown, 88, of 118 Tompkins Ave., widow of Rev. Robert H. Brown, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Ninety Six, she was a daughter of the late Rob Moore and the late Mamie Blocker Moore. She was of the Holiness faith and a member of St. Paul F.B.H. Church where she faithfully served in the Missionary, Mother Board and several organizations within the church.
Survivors include three sons, Robert H. Brown II, Burlington, N.J., James Edward Brown, of the home and Calvin Lee Brown, of Greenwood; three daughters, Mrs. Ozzie (Earlene B.) Watson, Greenville, Mrs. Joseph (Mary Alice) Lephart, Decatur, Ga., Mrs. Lester (Inell B.) Robinson, Farburn, Ga.; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

C. Richard Blackwell

PARKSVILLE, S.C. — Mr. C. Richard Blackwell, 78, of Mountain View Dr., died Saturday at Self Regional Medical Center.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 11-15-2005 at 2 P.M. at Parksville Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery with Masonic rites.
Mr. Blackwell was a native of McCormick Co. and a member and deacon of Parksville Baptist Church. He was a Cattle Farmer and a retired Supervisor for Gus Carpenter Construction Co. Inc. He was a Mason.
Survivors include his wife-Jane Wall Blackwell, 1 Son-C. Richard (Rick) Blackwell, Jr. and wife Jeanette, Murrells Inlet. 1 Daughter-Judy B. Self and husband Lathan, Parksville. 3 Grandchildren-Todd Self, Toni Kirkland, Hope Blackwell. 3 Great-Grandchildren-Colton and Harley Kirkland, Gracie Ann Self.
Memorials may be made to Parksville Baptist Church in Parksville.
The family is at the home of Toni and Wayne Kirkland, Mountain View Dr. and will receive friends Monday from 6 to 8 P.M. at Parksville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
PAID OBITUARY
Venera Carson Carter

Venera Carson Carter, 82, of 1110 Marshall Road, widow of Jack L. Carter, died Sunday, November 13, 2005 at Wesley Commons.
Born in Saluda; a daughter of the late John Luther and Elma Sue Carson. She was a Saluda High School graduate and a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
Surviving are a son, Dean Jack Carter of Greenville; two grandsons David and Jason Carter both of Greenville and a granddaughter, Morgan Carter of Greenville.
Graveside Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Eldridge Kelley officiating.
The body is at Harley Funeral Home where the family will receive friends Monday night from 7:00 until 9:00.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com PAID OBITUARY

Belinda Johnson

Belinda Gail Bishop Johnson, 40, of 1307 Dogwood Drive, Boone, NC, formerly of Greenwood died Saturday, November 12, 2005, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Born in Greenwood, she is the daughter of the late Charles Ray Bishop and Christine Butler Bishop White. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Piedmont Tech. She was employed with PSA of Boone, N.C., and a member of South Greenwood Assembly of God.
Survivors include her mother and step father Ray White of Greenwood, one daughter; Megan Christine Trull of Greenwood, two sons; Taylor Shawn Johnson of Greenwood, and William Ray Johnson of the home; two step-sisters; Tonia White of Greenwood and Sherry Wise of Columbia, and one step-brother Craig White of Columbia, and a special friend; Tommy Porter of Laurens.
Services will be 2pm Wednesday, at Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Carroll Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Mike Hasting, Greg Hasting, Tim Hasting, Gary Price, Glenn Price, and Wayne Litaker.
Honorary escort will be Dean Butler, Bryan Butler, Ryan Ellerbe, Chris Trull, Zach Trull and Dr. Brent Hall.
The family will receive friends 7-9 Tuesday night at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of her mother, 1125 Ninety Six Highway, Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to South Greenwood Assembly of God, 280 Galilee Road, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY

Carolyn Kitchen

ABBEVILLE — Carolyn Denny Kitchen, of 1901 Hwy. 71, wife of Ernest ‘Ernie’ Kitchen, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005 at HospiceCare of the Piedmont Inc., Greenwood.
Born in Jenkins, Ky., she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Ella Mae Davis Denny. She was a graduate of William & Mary University with a BA in Education. She was a school teacher and a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a daughter, Becky Harrison of Calhoun, Ga.; a son, Ray Kitchen of Norfolk, Va.; and four grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Norman Guess.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont Inc., 408 West Alexander Ave., Greenwood, S.C. 29646.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chandlerjacksonfh.com

David Burl Oliphant

NINETY SIX — David Burl Oliphant, 58, of 207 Little Mountain Road, husband of Dorothy Lewis Oliphant, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005 at the HospiceCare of the Piedmont Inc., Greenwood.
Born in Saluda County, he was a son of Ethel Oliphant and the late Brooks Oliphant. He was a member of the Young Mount Zion Baptist Church, Saluda, where he was a member of the Senior Choir. He was a 1965 graduate of Riverside High School, a graduate of Denmark Technical College and a retired employee of Kendall Mills.
Survivors include his mother of the Saluda Nursing Center; his wife of Maryland; a daughter, Linda Oliphant Wise of Maryland; two brothers, Roosevelt Oliphant of Ninety Six and Willie Oliphant of Camden, N.J.; five sisters, Perene Harp, Philadelphia, Jerlean Etheredge and Hattie Suber, both of Saluda, Janie Pope, Ninety Six and Mamie Williams, Ward; and two grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Butler and Sons Funeral Home, Saluda.

Alexander Reeder

CLINTON — Alexander Reeder, 72, formerly of 107 Horne St., husband of Zenobia Holland Reeder, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005.
Born in Laurens County, he was a son of the late Alexander Kinard and Janie Reeder. He attended Bell Street High School and was a graduate of Piedmont Technical College. He retired from the Clinton Mills after 41 years of service and was a member of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; four daughters, Alexander Reeder, Lizzie Reeder, Laurinda R. Dendy, and Corrine Y. Philson, all of Clinton; a son, Herbert Winphrie of Clinton; three sisters, Linda Coker of New Jersey, Mary Jean Mangum, Durham, N.C., Cynthia B. Crutehfield, Conyer, Ga.; two brothers, Carlton E. Kinard of Maryland and George C. Kinard of Washington, D.C.; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Child’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Andrew Jones. Burial is in the Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church Cemetery.
Child’s Funeral Home is in charge.

Bessie Rhodes

Bessie McFerrin Rhodes, 98, resident of 1427 East Cambridge Ave., widow of Ferris Ansel Rhodes, died Sunday, November 13, 2005 at National Healthcare in Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood October 19, 1907, she was a daughter of the late Arch and Zoe Ella Owens McFerrin. She was a member of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church.
Mrs. McFerrin’s son, Air Force Major Ferris Ansel Rhodes, Jr. was serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam war and was listed as MIA.
Surviving are a sister, Ruby M. Quinton of Asheville, NC and a brother, Cecil J. McFerrin of Aiken. Her daughter-in-law, Jane U. Stone of Donalds. A number of nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2PM Tuesday in Edgewood Cemetery with Rev. Harvey Peurifoy officiating. The body is at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the graveside immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 1422 Ninety Six Highway, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Rhodes family.
PAID OBITUARY

Behind a experienced crew, Lady Fleet
and Peeler shooting for 20-win season

November 14, 2005

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

DUE WEST — Erskine College’s Lady Fleet were picked eighth in last year’s preseason poll, and finished fourth. For the 2005-06 season, they were picked fourth from the start.
That’s quite an improvement in the two preseason polls, but coach Maggie Peeler thinks the Lady Fleet are better. “We’ve gotten better and moved up in the rankings, and it’s pretty legitimate, but I still feel we’re better than that,” Peeler said. “But, I’d rather be there than No. 1.”
In her sixth season, Peeler has guided the women to seasons of 5, 5, 11, 14 and 17 wins — and has seven combined seniors and juniors back. The five seniors and two juniors will provide leadership on and off the court for their teammates that include two sophomores and six freshmen.
“We have a goal of a 20-win season, and I don’t see why we can’t do that,” Peeler said. “Our seniors are going to expect nothing less than a 20-win season, among other things.
“The return of Garreth (Smoak), a senior, will help build confidence on the court this year. I think we can do better than 17 wins.”
Smoak had been sidelined a year-and-a-half because of surgery on her ACL and complications during her recuperation. However, the Greenwood native says she’s back and ready to go.
“The complications led to more surgery and more complications,” Smoak said. “The rehab was not easy, having to start over. It was challenging mentally, but through that I feel strong and ready to play.”
Through it all, though, Smoak said, “I know what to expect, through the experience I have. I’ve got to get caught up on what I’ve missed the past year and a half. I haven’t played a competitive team in a while.”
The coach realizes the ability and how much Smoak can provide on the floor.
“She’s unbelievable,” Peeler said. “I’ve never seen anybody come back so strong from the stuff she’s been through with her ACL and be where she is today. She’s in shape, jumps higher than she ever has. It’s awesome and she deserves a starting spot right now.”
The Lady Fleet will also be counting on two other seniors (Melissa Woods and Anita Owens) and a junior (Lisa Jackson) for offensive punch. Jackson led the scoring last year with an average of 15.0 points a game, Owens averaged 13.0, and Woods scored at an average of 12.6 points a game. Jackson also paced the women in rebounding, with an average of 7.5 per game.
“We always try to work on our inside game, but we have been a dominating 3-point shooting team,” Peeler said.
“That’s the bread-and-butter of our seniors. We will continue to work on our inside game and get more versatile just in case our shots are not falling.
“The girls have been here four years and we try tot each the younger ones that kind of game.”
Two six-footers, 6-0 sophomore Kristy Vaughn, of Yadkinsville, N.C., and 6-2 freshman Ashley Stiles, also from Yadkinsville, provides some needed height on the inside games, but 5-11 Smoak, 5-10 senior Chacee Whittington, of Lawrenceville, Ga., and 5-11 junior Leigh Gray, of Greenville, can also provide big play in the lane.
Defensively, Peeler said, “I’ve got 16 girls (17 when Karen Anger gets back) and hoping to get most of them in the game so we can run a little more. We’ll mix it up, and will play more man (to-man) pressure. In that way, we can use a little more energy.
“As a whole, our returners are doing great. They’ve been doing it three or four years, and they know what they’re doing. Our freshmen and sophomores still have things to do, but I’m excited.”
Of the battle for the CVAC title, Peeler said, “A lot of the lower level teams are picking up and getting more on an even level. We’ve had some coaching changes, and I think it will be a tough conference as usual.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we won the championship. We have a great chance of being there.”
The Greenwood Christian School graduate, Smoak, said, “We have a lot of talent and I think we have quite a bit of potential. But, it doesn’t man anything until we actually do it. You can’t just say we can do it. You can talk all day long, but until we actually do it, it doesn’t mean much. If everybody works hard, it’ll pay off.”
It all starts Thursday night at Montreat.

Lack of numbers won’t deter
Lady Bearcats from gameplan

November 14, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

There is something to be said about sticking to a plan.
Take the Lander University women’s basketball team, for instance.
The Lady Bearcats are under the direction of first-year coach Kevin Pederson, who arrived at Lander after a three-year stint at Anderson College.
Lander has only eight players on its active roster. However, Pederson insists the team will play an up-tempo style, similar to the one Pederson used to guide Anderson in the top 10 in scoring in the nation for three consecutive seasons.
“It’s just a matter of learning,” the coach said. “These girls are learning our system, and that takes time.” Peach Belt Conference coaches selected Columbus State as the overwhelming favorite in the league. Clayton State followed close behind.
“Columbus State is the class of the league,” Pederson said. “Clayton is certainly a contender as is Georgia College. Armstrong Atlantic is another one that could sneak in.”
Pederson said he hopes his backcourt will take to the new offense they will be running this year.
The Lady Bearcats have worked diligently to determine which of their guards have strengths in certain areas.
Pederson divides the group up into “drivers” and “shooters.”
The coach hopes each faction will remember its role.
“We have girls that can pull up and pop the jumper,” Pederson said. “We also have a handful of players who are quick and can get it to the hoop. We don’t need them out there shooting from 20-feet. We all need to get comfortable with our roles.”
Lashaundra Dubose will be called upon to direct the action on the floor. She is the leading returning scorer for Lander, though, she averaged only 6.1 points per game last season.
Sharp-shooter Jennifer Hukill will see action at shooting guard and small forward.
“Our team, especially our guards, have to focus on playing like we practice,” Pederson said. “The effort and ability we show out here in practice needs to carry over to the games.”
Shaquanta Glaze will be relied on to be an inside post presence. The 5-foot-10 freshman has worked hard in the preseason to establish herself in the paint. Janet Williams, a 5-foot-10 senior from Greenville, is slated to get the starting nod at center. Williams has also shown a propensity for drifting out of the paint and nailing mid-range jump shots. Pederson also expects big things from 6-foot-2 junior Tara Nyikavaranda, who hails from Lusaka, Zambia.
“We really, really need Tara,” Pederson said. “We need her scoring. She would be starting, but her preseason performance hasn’t been exactly what we’re looking for. Hopefully, that will motivate her as the season goes along. Because, I’m telling you, we need her if we want to be successful.”
One of the Lady Bearcats’ true desires for this season is to win as many games as possible at home. In fact, Pederson said he wants Lander to win all of its home games. He said he has learned in his time coaching that home-court advantage can be a very powerful thing for a young, inexperienced team.
One important part of that advantage: a dedicated group of fans. The Lander men’s team garnered a large group of vocal fans last season in coach Bruce Evan’s first year, a crew that dubbed itself the Blue Army.
“I definitely want to join coach Evans in supporting that kind of fan participation. It was phenomenal last season,” Pederson said. “Our fans have to realize we are rebuilding, though. At the same time, I promise you if we start winning, fans will be there.”

Chris Trainor covers area sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ctrainor@indexjournal.com

Observations ... and other reflections

November 14, 2005

There’s been a lot of speculation why Democrats took the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and especially Virginia, which has been a heavily Republican state.
Some pundits and politicians attribute both wins to a backlash against President Bush and his Iraq policy.
That may have been a factor, of course, but if people around Greenwood and the Lakelands are any indication, the biggest issue was pure and simple: the price of gasoline.
Now that the price of a gallon is falling weekly, the whole public attitude could change. Pocketbook issues always score.

* * * * *

It didn’t take long after the gasoline crisis began to subside for Congress to do an about face on okaying drilling for new oil. House leaders abandoned an attempt to get Alaska drilling approved when they believed a major budget bill would be killed if the drilling issue was tacked on.
How long has it been since motorists were standing in line at gasoline pumps and complaining about the costs? A couple of weeks? At that time, many members of Congress were hot and heavy for seeking new oil in Alaska and in offshore areas of U. S. waters.
If that quick change doesn’t show how elected officials exploit public concerns for political gain, nothing will.

* * * * *

A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that TV shows popular with teenagers generally have more sexual content than other programs. Some Greenwood parents, and others, have voiced concern at times that such programming has a negative effect on the behavior of youngsters. The attitude shown by some television executives could show why some shows keeps getting more extreme. Those executives say they are not pushing sex on children, and if parents don’t want their kids to see certain shows, they have all the tools they need ….. including the “off” button. That cavalier approach says a lot more than the shows show. * * * * * According to State Sen. John Courson, private schools in South Carolina haven’t shown much interest in tuition tax credits for families sending their children to private schools.
Why would they? That would only invite more state meddling in their schools. That’s why some are private, anyway.