Young Life

Group shapes, changes lives


February 5, 2006

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

It’s part teen-mentoring session, part clubhouse meeting and part rock concert, complete with moshing. More importantly, it’s changing kids’ lives.
A non-denominational Christian organization, YoungLife of Greenwood is committed to affecting the lives of young people and preparing them for the future. It connects high school students with Christian college students who can serve as mentors and offer guidance in their lives through friendship.
Because YoungLife operates through friendships, high school students end up socializing with their group leaders and it’s in that time that their influence takes effect.
Members of YoungLife meet with their group leaders at restaurants, football games, the mall and a number of other places. Once strong friendships are formed, the kids feel comfortable sharing their problems, no matter how personal, and can get strong advice from Christian mentors who already have been in similar situations.
“A lot of times when I found myself in an uncomfortable situation in high school, I would call (my group leaders) and they would come pick me up,” said Ashley Owens, a 21-year-old Erskine College student and group leader for YoungLife of Greenwood.
“I wanted to be that for other kids,” Owens said. “I wanted to be someone they could sit down and talk to and just let go of all their pressures.”
Many teens in YoungLife say they start to think of their group leaders as older siblings. One of the benefits to having a group leader to talk to, they say, is that they know they won’t be judged, no matter what they confide. Because of the group leaders’ youth, teens also say it’s easier to relate to them than to other adults.
“I feel like I can talk to them about anything,” said Jordan Wilson, a 17-year-old Greenwood High School student.
“They’ve been in a lot of the situations we’ve been in, so they can tell us what they did and maybe can look back and tell us what they wish they had done,” said Allison Tolbert, a 16-year-old Emerald High School student.
The group, usually consisting of 30-50 high school students plus group leaders, meets on Monday nights in a tiny box of a building on Montague Avenue, between Wellness Works and Pizza K.
When the group starts streaming in, it’s apparent that the meeting is someplace the teens want to be. As they stream in, they greet their peers and group leaders with friendly hugs or pats on the back. There’s lively conversation as the arrivals chat, look over pictures posted on the walls, sing and “just hang out.”
“It’s what we like to call controlled chaos,” Area Director Mike Vaughan said.
When the meeting finally begins at 8 p.m., group members participate in games, sing along to songs a few group members strum out on guitars, and then make themselves comfortable on the floor for a motivational message from Vaughan.
The group meetings are intended to give group members an opportunity to socialize and have fun. Most of the mentoring is done outside the meetings, when it’s likely to be needed most, Vaughan said.
“We try to relate to kids in a different way,” Owens said. “We try to help them see their parents’ point-of-view, but we also really listen to them and just relate to them. Sometimes that’s all they need.”
Group leaders with YoungLife say they talk with teenagers about a wide range of problems, including family, boyfriends and girlfriends, peer pressure and school. Some of the teens say they talk to their group leaders about things they’d never feel comfortable talking to their parents about.
A number of the students involved in YoungLife say they believe they make better choices than they would if they weren’t involved with the group.
In addition to the advice they get from group leaders, they say having a supportive group of Christian friends makes a huge difference.
“You know you have real Christian friends to hang out with, so you don’t have to do some of the things other people are doing just to fit in,” Wilson said. “It’s good just to know you have a people who are behind you.”
Greenwood High School student Kat Entwistle said that making good decisions is made easier just by knowing you have friends who share your values and beliefs. That makes a lot of difference when it comes to saying no to peer pressure, she said.
Teens, including Tolbert and Greenwood Christian School student Jonathan Shurden, said the group opens doors by giving them opportunities to become friends with people they might not have socialized with if not for YoungLife.
“We hope this group gives kids a positive example to reflect on as they make decisions and a lot of strength to make the right decisions,” Vaughan said. “We just try to make sure they all have caring adults with whom they can find some common ground, without being judged or forced into anything.”
For information about YoungLife and how to get involved, call 223-1184 or visit with group members and leaders Feb. 28 at North Side Baptist Church, when the group will have a barbecue dinner and auction. Tickets are $7 for adults and free for children ages 6 and under.

 

 

Bearcats battle but are beaten by Columbus St.


February 5, 2006

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

The Bearcats made the No. 20 team in Division II earn its 10th Peach Belt Conference victory.
Three days after blowing out the fifth-place team in the conference, first-place Columbus State went down to the final seconds before defeating Lander, 78-77, Saturday night at Finis Horne Arena.
Sophomore guard Corris Portis’ 3-pointer with 1 minute, 6 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner for the Cougars (16-5 overall, 10-2 conference), who maintain sole possession of the lead in the PBC standings.
“It’s just disappointing,” Bearcats coach Bruce Evans said. “I thought we played well, but they hit some big shots when they needed them. Not only do they have talented players, but they have confidence.
“We just have to find a way to win games. The bottom line is we lost. There were some bright spots, but if we think we won this game morally, we’re going to get pounded on Monday (against USC Upstate). But if we get too low we’re going to get pounded Monday.”
The Bearcats (5-14, 2-10) took the ensuing possession and worked the ball in to Emmanuel Hodrea, but the junior forward missed the short hook shot. Senior guard J.T. Greene tipped the rebound out, but right in the hands of Portis.
Choosing not to foul, the Lander defense force an air-balled shot from the Cougars’ leading-scorer Ron Robinson as the shot clock expired, giving the Bearcats 14 seconds to go for the victory.
Time ticked away on the Bearcats, as there were only 4 seconds on the clock when junior guard Jason Davis attempted his entry pass to Hodrea in the low block.
But the pass was tipped out of bounds, with 1.7 seconds remaining.
“There was some confusion about what we were trying to do and that caused up problems, as far as time,” Evans said.
Point guard Michael Griffin’s inbounds pass to Hodrea was intercepted near the baseline by Robinson, who called timeout before stepping out of bounds with 0.4 seconds remaining.
Senior guard J.T. Greene led the Bearcats with 18 points off the bench, hitting 6-of-10 3-pointers. Hodrea finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, while leading-scorer Jarred Jackson added 15 points and seven assists.
The Cougars got four players in double figures, led by a game-high 21 points from Portis, who was 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Robinson finished with 19 points, while Justin Wilson and Ransom Antoine added 17 and 14 points, respectively. The Bearcats, who were coming off a three-point loss to Francis Marion and an 18-point defeat to Clayton State, played the Cougars tight early.
After trailing by five midway though the first half, Lander switched to a zone defensive look and went on an offensive run.
Hodrea’s layin with 10 minutes left before halftime kickstarted a 16-0 run, keyed by a trio of 3-pointers from Greene, allowing the Bearcats to take a 34-23 lead with 6:26 left in the first.
But Columbus State isn’t No. 20 in the nation and first in the PBC for nothing. The Cougars immediately rattled off eight points, including back-to-back 3s from Robinson, to cut the deficit to three.
Lander did maintain its lead and were up 42-36 at the half.
The Bearcats stayed in front until the Cougars went on another 8-0 run midway through the second. A layup by Wilson off a steal from Antoine put Columbus State ahead 58-57 with 12:10 remaining.
Lander reclaimed the lead, at 62-59, exactly 2 minutes later on another 3 from Greene.
The lead then changed hands four times before the Bearcats once again took control when Scottie Smith followed up one of his own missed shots while being fouled. Smith failed to complete the three-point play, but Lander led 69-68.
It was a lead the team would keep until Portis’ final go-ahead 3 with 1:06 remaining.

 

 

Opinion


Maybe Congress should be put on Social Security

February 5, 2006

Like the weather, it seems, everybody talks about Social Security, but nobody does anything about it.
We have a problem with that retirement supplementing system, no doubt about it. Eventually, it appears, too much will be paid out and not enough will be paid in to cover it.
Considering all the talk in recent years about saving Social Security, you’d think our lawmakers in Congress would get serious about working together to at least seek answers. However, when President Bush reminded Congress in his State of the Union message that it had not approved his Social Security proposal last year, the Democratic side of the aisle stood up, applauded and indeed cheered.

ENOUGH SAID ABOUT working together, or even considering Social Security reform. That one-sided demonstration was a sure indication that it would continue to be obstructionist politics as usual.
There is one way to solve the problem, though ….. once and for all. How about a referendum to get the public’s take on the situation. Ask voters if they think the generous retirement for members of the U. S. House and Senate should be discontinued and if they should, instead, have to depend on Social Security the same as their constituents.
It’s a good bet that voters would say do it. It’s not likely, then, that Congress would ever put it up foe a vote. They aren’t about to mess up a good, sure thing for themselves.

IMAGINE, THOUGH, WHAT might happen if they did have to depend on Social Security for themselves. Would anyone doubt they’d find a solution ….. fast? If any member – or members – ever got up the courage to suggest such a thing, though, they’d be ostracized by their associates quicker than a duck on a june bug!
That, though, shouldn’t stop voters from, asking their elected federal officials about it. They might get a better idea what their constituents think about it all and intensify efforts to solve the problem.
That, no doubt, would add emphasis to the urgency of the problem and there’d be little question that voters are more serious about finding the answer – or so it seems – than those they elect.



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

 

 

Obituaries


Ronald L. Carlay

LAURENS, SC — Ronald L. Carlay age 66 of 210 W. Farley Ave. died Saturday, Feb. 4th at his home.
He was born in Greenwood, SC and was a son of Emmie Buzhardt Carlay of Greenwood and the late Ralph Leon Carlay. Mr. Carlay was a Professional Engineer receiving his BA Degree and MBA from Clemson. He was formerly employed with Torrington for 25 years and for the past 15 years was employed with Jacobs Engineering. He was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and a life member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Carlay was a member of the Waterloo United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa Ficklin Carlay of the home; his mother, Emmie B. Carlay of Greenwood; a daughter, Mari-Pat Mahon of Hickory Tavern; two sons, Ronald (Bo) Leon Carlay, II and his wife Susan of Laurens and Shannon Wells Carlay of Greenwood; a foster brother, Charles Gotshaw and his wife Mary of Laurens and four grandsons.
Mr. Carlay was predeceased by a brother, Michael Livingston Carlay.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Feb. 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Greenwood.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Waterloo United Methodist Church Building Fund, 138 Rocking C Ranch Dr., Waterloo, SC 29384.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Laurens
PAID OBITUARY


Mary Chandler

ORCUTT, CALIF. — Mary Elizabeth Free Chandler died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 at her home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.


Murray Leo Childress

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — Murray Leo Childress, 87, of 1251 Linville Road, husband of Lola Mae Martin Childress, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006 at Northern Hospital of Surry County.
Born in Surry County, he was a son of the late Murray Columbus and Julia Jane Brady Childress. He was retired from National Furniture Co. with over 40 years of service and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Bobby L. Childress and Jack R. Childress, both of Greenwood, S.C.; two sisters, Frances Morrison, Mount Airy and Margaret York, Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren; three step grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Moody Funeral Home, conducted by the Drs. Joe May and Victor Lyons. Burial is in Oakdale Cemetery.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Moody Funeral Home.
Moody Funeral Home Services is in charge.


Carrie Inez Nicholson

NINETY SIX — Carrie Inez Nicholson, 58, of 103 Porter Drive in Ninety Six, widow of Jessie Nicholson, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late Jonas Lewis and Annie Lee Spearman Lewis. She was of the Methodist faith and a member of May’s United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Falyncia Barr of the home; one nephew reared in the home, Charles Randy Hall; one niece reared in the home, Brenda Spencer; two brothers, Willie James Lewis of Ninety Six and Robert Lee Lewis of Ninety Six and one sister, Annie Clara Lewis Barr of Greenwood.
The family is at the home of her sister, 801 Neel Street in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. in Greenwood.


Mildred Gilliam Norman

Mildred Gilliam Norman, 83, of 313 Reynolds Ave., widow of Harvey Lee Norman, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006 at Magnolia Manor.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Robert Gilliam and the late Clara Mae Marshall Gilliam. She was a presser at Greenwood Laundry and a homemaker.
She was a former member of Macedonia Baptist Church where she was active in the Missionary Society, the Jubilee Choir and was past secretary of Ladies in White. She was a current member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Cornaca, a secretary of West Side Community Club No. 2 and Women’s Aide Society No. 85.
Survivors include four sons, Clarence Gilliam, Harvey Norman, Larry Norman and McArthur Cannon, all of Greenwood; two daughters, Peggy Norman of the home and Althea Aiken of Hodges; a brother, David Pracht, of Atlanta; 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren, one reared in the home, Jasmine Norman; and three great-great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of her son, 216 Mill Ave.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com


Patricia Louise Norman Thompson

Patricia Louise Norman Thompson, 50, of 207 Coleman St., died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006 at the Hospice House Center.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of Ruby Barnes and the late Robert Lee Norman Sr. She attended Greenwood High School and Piedmont Technical College.
Survivors include her mother of Greenwood; a son, Tony Thompson of Greenwood; seven brothers, Robert Norman, Harry Norman, Larry Norman, Richard Norman, Lloyd Norman, Greg Norman and Michael Barnes, all of Greenwood; three sisters, Mrs. Michael (Flora) Burton, Janice Norman Middleton and Anita Norman, all of Greenwood; maternal grandmother, Florence Ward of Greenwood; and three grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Tabor Baptist Church, conducted by the Bishop Emmanuel Spearman, assisted by the Revs. Joni Foster, Deloris Brown and Apostle John H. Parks. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Burial is in Evening Star Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Randy Boozer, Michael Boozer, Sammy Burton, Mike Garlington, Tim Stevens and Gary Burton.
Flower bearers are Celest Peterson, Minnie Pearl Davis, London Garlington, Vanessa Hill, Michelle Butler and Marie Horton.
The family is at the home.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.