Skateboards in flight

Abbeville teenagers want new skate park

June 30, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE — Perceptions are not often based in actual reality.
Then there are times when they are ludicrous, as is the case with a trio of Abbeville teenagers who seek the revival of a skating park in town.
That’s because Carter Strange, Andrew Osborne and Daniel Weichmann are no miscreants. They do not get into serious trouble (other than the odd occasion with their parents), and they are very respectful toward adults.
But with their colorful skateboards tucked under their arms, or while riding in town on the sidewalk or in parking lots (the only places available) they say they are often mistaken for troublemakers and viewed as general pests.
It’s a perception — mostly on the part of adults — that’s hard to shake.
And there are definite reasons for that.
The perceptions in Abbeville have been hard earned.
A skate park was put in place on the old tennis courts behind the Abbeville Civic Center six years ago (in 2001) at a hefty cost of $20,000.
It only lasted three years, and was finally scrapped in 2004.
There was mass vandalism of the structures, and some were set on fire.
With no supervision — and with the city paying $15,000 a year in liability insurance for something that was being destroyed — the park was history.
That’s why it will be difficult for a second incarnation of the skate park to take hold in Abbeville — or more specifically, there are 80,000 of them.
With insurance, the city invested $80,000 for a park that was scrapped in just three years simply because residents and users would not take care of it.
A definite impression was made on city leaders — they had been burned once (quite literally in the case of the park) and wouldn’t forget.
And the cost of liability insurance for skate parks these days?
It’s risen with each passing year — and is now $20,000.
Still, these young people have a dream.
They want off the sidewalks, and back to a true skating home.
“Every day after school that’s where I was,” Osborne said of his time at the park. “I heard that some guys from (a school in the county) messed it up. It’s tough because none of us had anything to do with that. But there was never anyone down there watching it so there was nothing you could do.”
“We’ll start holding fundraisers or whatever,” Strange said. “The city won’t need to pay for the park or the ramps. All we want is the space.”
“And the support,” Daniel Weichmann adds quickly.
But for that, these teens will need a second chance.
Abbeville Mayor Harold McNeill said Council would listen.
“Sure, we’d be glad to hear what they have to say,” McNeill said. “We’re always willing to listen to what people have to say.”
The boys have secured some adult advice on the situation, and are getting help to ensure that the presentation will be a professional one.
“We want to make sure that it’s done right,” Strange said.
If successful, the boys would find a way to have adult supervision on site as often as possible, would close the park at a reasonable hour, make helmets a necessity and would ban any type of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
And troublemakers? They would be barred from the park.
“We’re not trying to get away from adults here,” Weichmann said. “We’d welcome them. We want adults there so we can make sure that what happened before never happens again. We just need another chance.”
“The location right behind the civic center is perfect,” Osborne said. “Back there we wouldn’t bother anybody, and the courts are not being used anyway. With us riding in the city it’s a problem for everyone. I’ve had people to get mad at me for riding. The police don’t want us there and we don’t like it either. But we don’t have anywhere else to ride.”
The alternative — closeting their boards — is not an option.
Besides, Weichmann says the sport isn’t going anywhere.
“I know a lot of 6- and 9-year-olds that are skating,” he said. “It’s a popular sport now and it’s going to continue to grow. People just don’t understand it. They think that everyone that skates gets into trouble.”
The trio scuffs around their old skate park — thinking of what could have been. There isn’t much they can do here anymore. Without objects to trick off of they may as well be riding bikes or roller skates.
And even that would be risky given the cracked, pocked surface here.
Weichmann shakes his head slowly before shoving off again.
“We just want to skate, man, and not bother anybody.”

A Theatrical Summer

Camp offers kids chance to try out their acting skills

June 30, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

Benjamin Gilbert — the King — appears regal but bored.
His advisers are trying to get him to read again.
He is having none of it, and issues a proclamation throughout the kingdom that punctuation is banned forthwith. This ruling causes chaos throughout the land, however, as ordinary commerce is disrupted and signs are misread.
Quite soon he repeals his own edict and order is restored.
This little bit of drama — “The Punctuation Proclamation” — did not unfold in some far away Neverland, but in Greenwood, on stage at the Greenwood Community Theatre as theater and musical theater campers put on two mini-productions for parents, relatives and friends.
The week-long event is just one of several that the organization puts on during the summer months for Lakelands kids interested in the arts.
Some of the campers will take to it and some won’t.
But everyone has a great time — that’s mandatory.
And while Greenwood Community Theatre camp instructors John Keenan and Codi Hudgens weren’t expecting to turn their students into Academy Award winners overnight, they were impressed with the results.
“What we wanted to do is to try and lay a good foundation for them,” Keenan said. “We wanted them to get a good idea of the basics of acting. We talked about projecting their voices, lighting and other techniques. They were awesome all week. Some of them even learned their lines today.”
“We even had stage managers today,” Hudgens added. “They were great. They did everything. We just sat back and watched the show.”
The second feature of the day was called “The T Party” and surrounded two aristocratic young misses who decide to support the downtrodden letter T. They throw a garden party and a mysterious guest arrives, draped in a dark purple cloak with face nearly completely hidden.
It turns out to be the letter T himself, and he is very grateful.
The shows — conducted for the most part with scripts — are well received and the campers appear to have had an absolute blast.
And it’s exactly what they were supposed to do.
“It’s neat to see how to put a play together,” Jonathan Fogle, 9, said.
Gilbert has already performed in several GCT productions, and wants to participate in many more — including the upcoming show “Treasure Island.”
“I love how you get to inspire people with good theater,” Gilbert said. “You can make people laugh, and you can make them cry.”
Stephen Gilbert, Benjamin’s father, said he enjoys it all.
“He loves it so much, he really does.”
For information on the two remaining Greenwood Community Theatre summer camps (Theatre and Musical Theatre Camp ages 5-8, July 16-July 20 and Tech & Theatre Extravaganza ages 12 and up, Aug. 6-10), call 229-5704.

Technolust comes to Lakelands

June 30, 2007

By LARRY SINGER
Index-Journal staff writer

After a multimillion dollar advertising campaign set the hearts of Apple computer lovers and technology buffs aflutter, the long wait to own the coolest cell phone around is finally over.
The iPhone is finally here.
Being among the first to get one wasn’t all fun and games.
It took several hours of waiting in the summer heat and at least $500, but to the Apple faithful, it was worth it.
To prepare for the anticipated onslaught of phone purchasers, employees of the AT&T store in Greenwood closed and locked the store’s doors at 4 p.m., and, with a Greenwood Sheriff’s deputy standing guard, only three purchasers at a time were allowed in two hours later.
Once they were inside the store and seated at one of three desks, each new iPhone owner had to listen to a five minute speech by an AT&T employee explaining what computer software was needed to activate the phone and how they would have to pay a 10 percent restocking fee if, after purchasing the phone, they had buyers’ remorse and decided to return it for a refund.
Some of the nine people standing in line when the doors opened were still debating if the $500 and $600 pricetags on the gadgets was worth the gimmickry, a few were contemplating selling their iPhone for a profit in an online auction, while others, laden with cash and credit cards smiled, knowing they were going to walk away with the communication device of their dreams.
William Barnhill was the first in line, but not quite sure if he was going to shell out the money for a device that might be hard to use by people with chubby fingers or those wearing gloves.
“I’ve been wavering back and forth,” Barnhill said, “It all depends whether or not I want to switch from Verizon or not, because the $600 price tag is kind of steep.
Barnhill said one of the reasons he would consider switching is the quality and elegance of the iPhone, but the low quality of the AT&T service between Florence, where he travels frequently, and Greenwood was a negative factor in his decision-making process.
Raymond Ruff, who lives in Greenwood County and was the second person in line, was totally sold on the iPhone.
“It has impressive technology,” Ruff said. “Also, AT&T has better reception where I work.”
Ruff said the high cost of the phone was not a factor in his decision.
“The price of the iPhone is probably pretty comparable to other smartphones,” Ruff said, “Maybe a little more.”
Jovan Washington also was positive that he was going to drive away with the coolest phone in his neighborhood.
“It’s revolutionary,” Washington said. “It has many features that other phones don’t have, and I’m here to get that phone because it’s really going to ease up my life. I like the features and organization that it has. I also like Cingular.”
Elizabeth Meadows admitted she was going to get the new phone because she loves everything Apple produces.
“I’m really excited,” Meadows said. “Who wouldn’t want a Mac product? I grew up with an Apple IIGS. Every Apple product I’ve ever had has been easy to use, beautiful, simple and works great. Apple products just have great quality.”

Obituaries

Lottie L. Cloud

Lottie Lue Cloud, 87, of 101 Peachtree St., Magnolia Place, died Thursday, June 28, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center. The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

Kimberly King

GREENVILLE — Kimberly McFerrin King, 50, of 133 West Marion Road, Greenville, died Thursday, June 28, 2007 from a sudden illness.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of Carol E. McFerrin and Helen Brown.
Surviving in addition to her parents is her husband, Jerry King of the home; two daughters, Wendy Sanders and her husband, Jamie of Marietta and Amanda King of the home; one son, Scotty King and his wife, Katherine of Greenville; two sisters, Nancy K. Butler and her husband, Steve, and Jennifer Styron, all of Greenwood; one brother, Rickey E. McFerrin and his wife, Tina of Greenwood; and two beautiful grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at Bethel Baptist Church, 403 Sulphur Springs Road, Greenville, SC 29617. Omit flowers. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.
Cremation Society of South Carolina.

Violet D. Pressley

Violet Dover Pressley, 99, formerly of 925 Burnett Road, widow of Lyman David Pressley, died Friday, June 29, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.

Tonya Annette Smith

NEWBERRY — Ms. Tonya Annette Smith, 36, of 218 Newberry Arms, Newberry, SC, died Wednesday at her home.
Born in Newberry County, she was the daughter of Willie James Smith Sr. and Mary A. Pitts Smith.
She was a member of St. Vaughnville Baptist Church in Chappells, SC. She was an employee of White Oak Manor-Newberry. Surviving are her father, Willie James Smith Sr. of Chappells, SC, and her mother, Mary A. Smith; one son, David Van Damm Holley Jr. and one daughter, Demishia Smith, both of the home; one brother, Willie James Smith Jr. (Laura) of Newberry, SC; sisters, Bernetta V. Smith of Chappells, SC, Tywanda Atkinson (Travis) of Mountville, SC; maternal grandmother, Mary L. Pitts of Silverstreet, SC; two uncles, Alvin Smith of Chappells, SC, and Harry Pitts of Tacoma, WA; four aunts, Bessie Reeder (James), Daisy Smoot (Harold), Lula Crawford, all of Cross Hill, SC, and Martha Rainer of Newberry, SC; one niece; four nephews; and cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services and burial will be conducted 3 p.m. Monday at St. Vaughnville Baptist Church in Chappells, SC Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home of Newberry, SC.

Robert Strom

A memorial service for Robert Ryan Strom will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Tranquil United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Luke Mims, Jr. officiating.
Honorary escort will be John Crosby, Rutledge Martin, Benji Lewis, Kelly Molony, Danny Watson, Billy Condon, Jody Hawkins, Al Hawkins, Robert Tinsley, Jimmy Russell, Ronnie Russell, Donnie White, Allen Gray, Tommy Stoddard, Pat Webb alias Johnnie Catalina, Mark Munnerlyn, Joe Fitzpatrick, Bill Mathis, Bob Coleman and Pat Koone.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service on Sunday in the church social hall.
Memorials may be made to the account of Robert Strom, Harley Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 777, Greenwood, SC 29648. Robert, 48, of 1251 Mathis Road, died Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at his home.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Robert Pickens Strom and Barbara Eakin Strom Rush. He was a 1976 graduate of Greenwood High School and received his B.S. degree in Economics from Clemson University. Robert loved beach music, was a die-hard Clemson fan and was a collector of baseball cards. He was a member of Tranquil United Methodist Church.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Eddie Joe Thomas Jr.

Eddie Joe Thomas Jr., 65, of 230 E. Cambridge Apartments, died Friday, June 29, 2007 at his home.
The family is at the home of a brother Bennie L. Thomas, 101 Hickory Land, McKellar Farms.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

Talmadge C. Wilson

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Talmadge C. “T.C.” Wilson, age 81, of Knoxville, went to be with his Lord and Savior for eternity unexpectedly on Friday, June 22, 2007 at Baptist West Hospital. He was a 47-year member of Central Baptist Church Bearden, where he taught Sunday school, was chairman of the Deacons, had a passion for Family Life Ministry and was appointed Deacon for life. T.C. was a Christian man of integrity with love for others and a servant of God. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was born in Greenwood, South Carolina October 16, 1925. He was an U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII on the USS Guadalcanal. He and his crewmates were directly responsible for the capture of the German submarine U-505. He then graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began work in 1952 at the former K-25 plant at the power station. He later moved to Y-12 and was superintendent of utilities for over 25 years. He was directly responsible for the Utilities Restoration Project in the early 1980s. He then retired from Martin Marietta in 1992 with over 40 years of service. After retirement, he was an avid gardener, fisherman and lover of the outdoors. He was an avid Clemson Tigers fan. Preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Arena Wilson; brothers, Alfred Lee, Guy, Jr. and Ralph Wilson; father and mother-in-law, Frank and Pearl Norman. Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Barbara Wilson; daughter, Joan Marshall and husband, Lynn; son, Mark Wilson and wife, Shirley; daughter, Melanie Noe and husband, Phil, all of Knoxville; grandchildren, Erin Marshall of Bristol, Rhode Island; Matthew Marshall of Knoxville; twins, Jeremy and Ashley Wilson of Knoxville; Emily and Sarah Noe of Knoxville; two sisters, Lillie Dunn of Greenwood, South Carolina, and Gloria and husband, Rev. Phil Jones of Columbia, South Carolina; sister-in-law Elizabeth Wilson of Laurens, South Carolina; sister-in-law Harriett Wilson of Burlington, North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews; special niece, Rebecca Wise of Greenwood, South Carolina; and special best friend, Reed Wheelock of Lenoir City. Graveside services were in Highland Memorial Cemetery 10 a.m. Wednesday. Military Honors were bestowed by Volunteer State Honor Guard. Highland Memorial 588-0567. T.C.’s guestbook can be signed online at: www.highlandmemorialparks.com.

Opinion

Carol Scurry showed us importance of friendship

June 30, 2007

Carol Jean Hutto Scurry, who died recently, didn’t come across as someone you’d call a flashy type individual. You didn’t have to know her very long, though, to realize what a good and genuine person she was. For her, helping others was a way of life.
Mrs. Scurry, widow of Dr. R. Brooks Scurry, Sr., died at the relatively young age of 52 ..... the time of our sojourn on earth when most of us are just beginning to look forward to the “best years of our lives.” Those are the years we expect to live the good life among those we love and respect.
The way Mrs. Scurry interacted with others, whether as the professional caregiver she was - a registered nurse - or simply just Carol, she made friendship something special ..... above and beyond the normal boundaries of relationships. In effect, she had a knack for raising friendship from the common place into the rare, and that, too, is a rare quality within the human race.
Some of us go through life uncaring and taking what we can. Others, though, go through life caring about the welfare and happiness of others and showing it. Carol Scurry was one of the latter. They give life meaning for many people, no matter how long they’re with us. Carol Scurry was a role model for that.