Representatives review efforts
to keep Uptown vibrant district

March 1, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

Pinch-hitting for Mayor Floyd Nicholson, three members of the City of Greenwood administration amended the mayor’s “State of the City” talk to a “State of Uptown” information session.
Regina Berry, executive director of the Uptown Greenwood Development Corp., Charlie Barrineau, assistant city manager, and Barbara Turnburke, city councilwoman, filled in for Nicholson before the Golden K Kiwanis’ Tuesday morning meeting. Nicholson was unable to attend because of an illness in his family.
Kiwanis members heard an update on efforts to keep Uptown Greenwood a vibrant business, cultural and events district, and peppered the city representatives with questions about limited shopping choices, unkempt areas and speed-through city traffic.
“We want to be sure we have a vibrant community,” Berry said, “a place for our children and grandchildren to live.”
The corporation’s activities are funded, in part, by an Uptown Special Tax District that gathers fees from all Uptown businesses and generates $55,000 a year. The rest of the $127,000 annual budget comes from fundraising, Berry said.
Another source of income for city-sponsored efforts Uptown and throughout the city are the accommodations tax and the hospitality tax, Barrineau said.
The 3 percent accommodations tax on hotel and motel rooms, also in effect in the county, will generate about $225,000 a year for the city. The money will go toward the city’s share of setting up and running a City/County Visitors & Tourism Bureau in the Old Federal Building. A 12-member council will advise the city and county on tourism promotions designed to capture “day-trippers.” The 2 percent hospitality tax, not in effect in the county, will generate $1.1 million a year for the city. The tax is on prepared food and beverages, and Barrineau said 80 percent of the local restaurants are in the city of Greenwood so it made sense for the city to enact the tax to capture revenue from visitors dining in these establishments.
Hospitality tax revenues have not yet been designated, Barrineau said, but the money can be used for any efforts that have an impact on visitors to the city, including the Emerald Triangle project that includes major renovations to the Old Federal Building, The Museum and the Greenwood Community Theatre. Other possible uses for the money are sidewalks and recreations areas.
“We were one of the last communities to implement these taxes,” Barrineau said.
Primary activities for the Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation during the year are events planning, Christmas decorations and lights, an incentive program and loan pool for businesses, the Uptown Greenwood sign, business recruitment, assistance in marketing vacant spaces and Uptown real estate, and the general promotion of Uptown Greenwood.
Berry said a main focus of business recruitment now is a tenant to fill the close Regan’s restaurant space.
The corporation’s activities grew from a focus group of 50 community leaders assembled by the S.C. Downtown Development Association and assisted by the Upper Savannah Council of Governments. Goals and an action plan were developed from this initial gathering of ideas on how best to market Uptown.
Originally, the action plan centered on diversifying the group’s membership, upgrading Maxwell Avenue, revitalizing the Old Federal Building and encouraging residential housing in Uptown. The first “urban pioneer” in Uptown will be a North Carolina woman who has purchased a floor of the Grier Building to be her residence, the Kiwanis group was told.
To demonstrate progress toward a goal of revitalizing Uptown businesses, Berry showed pictures of Waller Avenue, the Chamber building and The Exchange before and after renovations.
“There was a spark of vision and leadership years ago to make Uptown vibrant,” Berry said. “That’s why I’m talking to groups now — to see where we were and where we’re going.”
Berry said a main focus of the corporation, and an area in which money and volunteers are critical, is the planning and execution of events. These include the Uptown annual meeting, Live After 5 outdoor concerts, South Carolina Festival of Discovery, Boo Bash, Uptown Greenwood Holiday Open House, the Christmas parade, and the Heritage Pro-Cycling Challenge.
“Once people get into the district, they’ll keep coming back,” Berry said. “That’s why we create events, to get a one-time visit so they’ll keep coming back.”
The Festival of Discovery produced $220,000 in local revenues from 10,000 visitors in 2005. The cycling event drew 2,500 visitors to the Greenwood area.
Berry said federal grants are funding Uptown streetscaping improvements and signs that will produce a link between Self Regional Medical Center on the south end and Lander University on the north end of the Uptown district. And Phase III of the Uptown streetscaping project will produce a revitalized Maxwell Avenue, running beside the Old Federal Building as it is converted to an arts center. A southern anchor will be the proposed Greenwood Regional Library, a $10million-$12 million project. The revitalization efforts are guided by a master plan for Uptown Greenwood, Berry said.
A key to the projects’ success, she said, is maintaining the enthusiasm for continuing improvements.
“There are so many ghost towns in America. Cities fear their downtowns will die,” Berry said. “I don’t want us to look up from our busy lives and see our Uptown has died.”

Greenwood Genetic Center wins
council’s corporate spelling bee

March 1, 2006

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

Swaraj. S-W-A-R-A-J. Swaraj.
It was a close race but, in the end, that little-known word was what allowed defending champion the Greenwood Genetic Center to again walk away the winner of the Greenwood Literacy Council Corporate Spelling Bee.
Word for word, the team battled it out for more than an hour Tuesday with six other three-member teams until only one competitor was left. Team GGC entered the final round with a team of tutors from the Literacy Council and fought a difficult battle for the win, team members Sherry Pearson, Robert Lebel and Julie Jones agreed.
The words ranged from the simple, such as “zonal,” to more difficult words, such as mantilla, pronounced “man-tee-ye.” The most difficult word Team GGC was presented was “dirndl,” Pearson said. Derived from the German Dirndlkleid, Miriam-Webster defines the word as “a dress style with tight bodice, short sleeves, low neck and gathered skirt.”
Lebel, GGC’s senior clinical geneticist, said the team entered the competition confident and determined to win. When asked about their practice habits, Jones joked that the team had an agreement to practice at least 10 hours a week.
“No, we never practice more than eight,” Lebel quipped in return.
Team members won’t reveal their practice techniques, as they hope to claim another victory at next year’s event.
Capsugel also took home a trophy. The team came in third in the spelling bee, but was first in enthusiasm.
The team received the Spirit Award, given to the team with the most enthusiastic group of supporters in the audience. About a dozen Capsugel supporters came out to watch the action and celebrated by waving pompoms and ringing cow bells for each correct answer submitted by their team.
The spelling bee is an annual event the Literacy Council sponsors to raise money to be used locally. The Greenwood Literacy Council is a non-profit organization that tutors area adults in learning to read or learning English as a second language so they can be more productive in their jobs and can better function in society, said Derwin Sthare, president of the council’s board of directors.
This was the council’s third annual spelling bee.

GCS hoops start state run

Hawks and Lady Hawks face Colleton Prep in quarterfinal games tonight

March 1, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

The Greenwood Christian boys and girls basketball teams will jump into postseason play tonight.
The Hawks (13-10) and Lady Hawks (10-11) will square off with Colleton Prep in the first round of the SCISA Class AA state tournament at the Sumter County Exhibition Center. The girls game tips at 6:30 p.m., while the boys game gets under way at 8.
Both GCS squads received a bye into tonight’s second round, while the Colleton squads had to play their way through the first round. The semifinal round will take place Friday, with the tournament concluding Saturday.
Hawks coach Chad Woodson said his team, which finished first in Region VI-AA, has accomplished one of its major goals just by appearing in the tournament.
“It was definitely a serious goal of ours to make it to the state tournament,” Woodson said. “The guys really work hard, and they are looking forward to playing some great competition. We feel like we can compete at that level.”
Lady Hawks coach Ted Hinzman said that, after having lost in the first round of the tournament the last two seasons, he thinks his squad may be ready to cut deeper into the postseason.
“If we play up to our potential, we have a good chance,” Hinzman said.
“We were younger the last two seasons, now I feel like we are more mature.”
“The girls really believe they can win, which is a departure from the last couple of years.” Several GCS players are coming into the state tourney on a roll after a superb showing in the Region VI-AA tournament.
Tyler Leinbach, Isaac Stumbo and Joseph Bailey were all named to the all-conference team. Stumbo has had a stellar campaign, averaging 12 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Bailey is also a major contributor, scoring at a clip of 10.2 points per game and hauling down 7.4 boards per contest. Leinbach, meanwhile, is pacing the team in rebounding at 8.5 per game, and also pops in 10 points per game.
“The biggest thing about those guys is that they are part of a balanced team,” Woodson said. “We don’t have any superstars on this team, just guys that want to do what they have to do within the system to win.”
The Lady Hawks also have a trio of players who were named all-conference. Junior center Caroline Clarke was named conference MVP, while Joy Cain and Charity Koschel were named to the first team. Junior point guard Katie Fyock made the All-Region VI-AA Tournament team.
“Caroline is an excellent player,” Hinzman said. “She has the ability to score 20 to 30 points on a given night. She’s a good rebounder, and she can step out and shoot the three. She’s a center by name, but she can play many positions.”
Woodson said he had an opportunity to scout Colleton Prep in its first round game last Friday. Woodson said Colleton has a strong presence on the inside and utilize full court pressure on defense.
Woodson said he doesn’t expect his team will deviate very far from what it normally does.
“We’ll switch up defenses to keep them off balance,” Woodson said.
“We like to play zone, but we’re not afraid to go man-to-man if need be.”
The coach said the team’s offensive philosophy would be similar in that the Hawks will look inside in the early going, mixing in shots from the perimeter as the game moves along. Stumbo and Bailey will be key in igniting the perimeter game.
According to Hinzman, the Lady Hawks played a tough early season schedule, which helped them in the conference and should aid them in the State Tournament.
“It helped us all in all, playing against major competition,” Hinzman said. “When we dropped back to our league, we were accustomed to a certain quality of play. I think that could continue as we move along.”
Hinzman said the Lady Hawks are also in a better position for advancement this year compared to last year because the team is healthy. Last season, Clarke sprained her ankle and was not able to contribute in the post season. However, according to Hinzman, the squad is in good condition heading into tonight’s game.

Eagles edge Vikings in close match

March 1, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Round one of the 2006 tennis rivalry between Greenwood and Emerald high schools goes to the Eagles.
Greenwood downed the Vikings, 5-1, Tuesday at Gatewood Racquet Club. With the win, Greenwood moves to 2-0 on the season while Emerald falls to 0-1 with the loss.
Greenwood coach Jim Still was pleased with his team’s performance.
“Emerald has a very good team,” Still said.
“They’re young and they pushed us a bit. We’re happy to get this win.”
Meanwhile, first-year Vikings coach Josh Buchanan said the match, in which two individual matches went to tiebreakers, was closer than it appeared.
“There were some really good matches in there,” Buchanan said. “There were several instances where if the ball had bounced differently, it could have swung momentum.”
Each team was without starting players. Greenwood’s customary No. 1 singles player, Nick McAlister, missed the match because he was served a one-match suspension for what Still described as a violation of team policy.
Meanwhile, Emerald singles starters Joshua John and B.J. Barracca also did not play, though Buchanan had no comment as to why.
One of the evening’s more intense matches came at No. 1 singles.
Greenwood freshman Jordan Poznick slipped past Emerald’s Pres Payne, 6-4, 5-7, 10-4. It was a match that was permeated with powerful, spinning groundstrokes by each player. Poznick said he felt fortunate to pick up the win.
“I didn’t play well,” Poznick said. “I just wasn’t consistent. I did serve well, though. I think I only had two double faults. That helped me.”
The longest match between the two rivals came at No. 2 singles. The battle between Greenwood’s Edward Snead and Emerald’s Alex Biffle clocked in at two hours. Snead bested Biffle, 7-5, 7-5, though he fell behind 4-1 in each set.
“It was tough in the early going in both sets,” Snead said.
“Luckily, I pulled myself together just in time in both of them. I was able to get big shots when I needed them.”
Another marathon match occurred at No. 4 singles, where Greenwood’s Matt Moore edged Emerald’s Wade Timmerman 6-7, 6-1, 10-6. It was a back-and-forth match between the staid Moore and the flamboyant Timmerman, who played the match while wearing knee high camouflage stockings and a camouflage wool cap with earmuffs.
“I liked his hat,” Moore said. “He’s a good friend of mine. We used to play doubles together.
Being out there with a friend makes it even more competitive.”
Emerald’s lone win came at No. 3 singles, where Brandon Dennin got the 6-4, 6-4 victory over Greenwood’s Wataru Yoshimura.
Each player stayed near the baseline, popping looping shots loaded with topspin and forcing one to cover large areas of the court.
“I played alright,” Dennin said. “(Yoshimura) played hard. Luckily, what I was doing seemed to work.”
The Eagles will travel to play Aiken Thursday, while the Vikings will travel March 6 to Woodruff.

Opinion

Observations ... and other reflections

March 1, 2006

The protests against the publication in Denmark of cartoons of Mohammed have spread all around Europe and the Middle East. Are they really so outrageous that they warrant such negative reactions? Or, are they yet another excuse for radicals to spread violence? Appearances argue for the excuse theory. Radicals will use anything and everything to protest ...... whether warranted or not.
You have to wonder, when other religions are subjected to such things, why some of their members don’t get violent and kill people. What makes one violent and others not?

* * * * *

Young people these days need positive role models. Sometimes they get lucky. Emerald High School students, particularly, and all others in Greenwood are fortunate to have Shun Griffin, who fills that role quite well.
Griffin, of course, is the Emerald student body president and has a resume that shows what attitude and positive work ethic can accomplish. He’s up for the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholarship, proof enough that in times when so much peer pressure takes a toll on so many youngsters, opportunities are available for those who make the effort.
Shun Griffin shows all of us that we don’t have to accept what life throws at us. It’s up to each of us take what we have and make it work. He has more than proved it.
No doubt there are some who belittle Griffin’s effort. Losers always do.

* * * *

Speaking of role models, we just lost one, even though some might not realize it. Don Knotts, aka Barney Fife, deputy extraordinaire to Andy Griffith, aka Sheriff Andy Taylor of the fictional Mayberry, N. C., died recently at age 81.
The likeable Fife was always getting into trouble on the TV show, but no matter the situation, it was always used to reinforce the kind of family values that so many Americans cherish ..... and too often are forced to lament.
There is a legacy, though, and one to be proud of. A series of Sunday School lessons has been developed and taught, based on the happenings in Mayberry.
There may be others coming along who’ll emphasize the principles of Smalltown, USA, It’s hard to find them, though, when living rooms are constantly filled with the sleaze that mocks the values that Barney Fife epitomized.

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

Obituaries

Buddy Brownlee

GREENWOOD – Harold L. “Buddy” Brownlee, 64, of 116 Pine Drive, husband of Frances Brown Brownlee, died Monday, February 27, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late Mattie Sue Henderson Brownlee and Otis Brownlee. He was retired from Bi-Lo Corporation and was a former sales representative with the Greenwood Packing Plant. He also served in the Army National Guard and was at one time an active member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. He was a member of Laurel Baptist Church.
Surviving is his wife of the home; two daughters, Tammy L. Brownlee of Greenville and Tracie B. Price of Greenwood; a son and daughter-in-law, Travis L. and Heather Brownlee of Greenwood; two grandchildren, Tres Price and Kenadie Brownlee, both of Greenwood; two sisters, Joanne B. Vickery of Dalton, GA and Nancy B. Turner of Greenwood; a brother, James L. Brownlee of Ware Shoals and a half brother, David Brownlee of Dalton, GA.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Cemetery with the Rev. Todd Johnson officiating.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Brown, Jay Brownlee, Curtis Moore, Tommy Brown, Lamar Busby, Melvin Duncan, Marion Duncan and Mike Wightman.
Honorary escort will be Beverly & Jewell Kelley, Ellen & Gerald Riddle, Sgt. Bryan Busby, Johnny Busby and Dr. Benjy Hill.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The family is at the home.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Michael R. Ferguson

LAURENS, SC — Michael R. Ferguson, 50, of Laurens, SC died Friday, February 24, 2006 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Lubbock, TX to Betty Crabtree Ferguson and the late James A. Ferguson. He was very much loved and will be missed by many.
Surviving Mr. Ferguson is his mother, of Lubbock, TX, a son Michael A. Ferguson of Green Bay, WI, three daughters, Amy Satterfield of Laurens, Michelle Capps of Georgia, and Sarah Lacey Ferguson of Green Bay, WI, a brother, James Ferguson of Laurens, a sister, Virginia Hamby of Lubbock, TX, and a grandson, Brycen Satterfield of Laurens.
Graveside services will be 11:00AM Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the Bells United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the graveside.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Ferguson family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Ferguson family.
PAID OBITUARY

Della Mae Bunch Lawrence

SALUDA — Services for Della Mae Bunch Lawrence are 2 p.m. Saturday at Mine Creek Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. George Key, assisted by the Rev. Herbert Martin and Bishop Jean Lawrence. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons.
Flower bearers are granddaughters.
The family is at the home of a son, Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Lawrence, 820 Johnston Highway.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Joseph McDevitt

JAMES ISLAND, SC — Rear Admiral Joseph Bryan McDevitt, USN (Ret.) of James Island, SC, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2006. He was born in McGehee, Arkansas, the son of John and Mary Zimmer McDevitt.
Upon completion of law school, Admiral McDevitt entered the US Navy where he served for thirty years and retired as the Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy. He served in Pacific Theater for four years and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds incurred in Saipan. Among many other posts, he served as Judge Advocate Eighth Naval District Headquarters, Judge Advocate Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet, Judge Advocate Military Justice Division, Judge Advocate Commander-In-Chief Pacific, Director of the International Law Division, Legal Advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his last assignment as Judge Advocate General.
He was a holder of two National Defense Service Medals, the Philippine Liberation Medal, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal.
Admiral McDevitt was a member of the Federal Bar, the Illinois Bar, the American Bar Association, the Inter-American Bar, the American Society of International Law and the Judge Advocate Association.
Following his naval career, Admiral McDevitt served as Executive Director of People to People International. In 1973 he joined the staff of Clemson University and held the positions of Executive Vice President, University Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
He is survived by his wife, Ernestine “Mitzi” M. McDevitt; nine sons, Dr. Jeffrey B. McDevitt and his wife Marge of Kailua, HI, Dr. Paul K. McDevitt and his wife Barbara of Springfield, IL, Rodney P. McDevitt of Wake Forest, NC, John S. McDevitt of Herndon, VA, David A. McDevitt of Bluffton, SC, Joseph B. McDevitt, Jr. and his wife Janie of Alpharetta, GA, Richard V. McDevitt and his wife Cathy of Hilton Head, SC, Edward F. McDevitt of Izmar, Turkey, Gerald C. McDevitt and his wife Tina of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two daughters, Rita M. Buffington and her husband George of Bozeman, MT, Gena M. Cameron and her husband Richard of Ninety-Six, SC; a step-daughter Lisa E. Minshew and her husband Joe Boykin of John’s Island, SC; thirteen grandchildren; Malia Bero, Larry McDevitt, Kim Ehlert, Bryan McDevitt, Jason McDevitt, Alexis McDevitt, Miranda McDevitt, Joe McDevitt, Mark McDevitt, Dameiane Cameron, Kelly Cameron, Kristi Cameron, English Maull and Lidsey Thomas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward F. McDevitt.
The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. The relatives and friends of Rear Admiral, Joseph Bryan McDevitt are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 2, 2006 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Rite of Committal will be held in Christ-St. Paul’s Episcopal Churchyard, Meggett. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood,SC 29646.
Arrangements are by the JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, 1620 SAVANNAH HWY. 766 - 1365.
PAID OBITUARY

Trula Whatley Warren

EDGEFIELD — Services for Trula Whatley Warren are 2 p.m. Thursday at Liberty Spring Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Henry Merriweather, assisted by the Revs. Otis Cunningham and Eddie Freeman. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Frank Gilchrist, Leon Gordon, John L. Settles, Joe Cunningham, Willie Gilchrist and Willie Ouzts.
Flower bearers are grandchildren and nieces.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.