Tragedy at ‘Party Rock'

Hours after girl drowns, swimmers back at popular spot

June 9, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

WARE SHOALS — Down by the water it’s quite peaceful.
There are birds flying by, landing here and there, and the sound of the Saluda River gurgles a friendly hello as it makes its way over the plentiful rocks. These waters plead and beg you to enter them.
The temperature has pushed well into the 90s, and you want to go in.
But it is the soothing sound of a natural siren that you hear. There are hidden dangers in these seemingly innocent waters.
And the Saluda River is far from innocent.
There is nothing here to remind you of what happened, and nothing that would alert you to the fact a young girl, 11-year-old Nasjma Keller, lost her life in these very waters on Thursday night.
An autopsy conducted in Newberry confirmed Friday what everyone who stood on these banks Thursday already knew: The little girl died of asphyxiation consistent with having been submerged for around 50 minutes.
The police tape that hun in the trees to keep back bystanders is gone, as are the numerous police cruisers and emergency crews.
There is also something more important missing — the fear. It has been replaced by the laughter and carelessness of playtime.
That tragedy was yesterday — and this is today, when young people are cool with swimming in an area that claimed one of their peers.
Garry Knight is here as well — but he knows the danger, and respects it.
“I saw it last night on Channel 21,” Knight, of Gray Court, said of the drowning. “I knew where it happened because it always happens in the same place. You have to be careful out there.” Then he points out a place near a small bit of land in the river.
“That’s where I was told they found her body,” he said. “I heard that she went in by the rock over there and then floated over there.”
He points directly at the spot, where there are three young people — who appear to be alone and unsupervised — swimming their hearts out.
It’s clear they don’t know what happened here — or they don’t care. They have apparently moved on, just like the water.
Rewinding the clock here brings back the wail of police cars and the crying of kids and adults who were either in the river or nearby when Nasjma disappeared for the final time just before 8 p.m. Thursday.
These people are mad. They are tired of all the deaths.
“Everybody just started screaming ‘Help, help’ and ‘Call 911,’” Michelle Pitts said of the search for Keller’s body. “They couldn’t find her. I’m so sick of this. It’s like this happens here every year.”
Another girl nearby says she won’t return because of the incident. But she will more than likely be in the minority.
Ware Shoals Police Chief Mickey Boland told reporters late Thursday that he had responded to six drownings in the last 13 years — all in the immediate vicinity of the most popular spot in the river, known mostly to everyone who frequents these waters simply as the “Party Rock.”
It’s a long stretch of rock that breaks up the flow of the Saluda River and allows people to walk — while still staying more or less dry — to the most deadly and deepest areas of the cold waters. In that area, a portion of the rock juts out from the rest of the formation.
It’s off of this rock, the “Party Rock” that people go for fun, and to jump and dive into the river.
Sometimes they dive in and never come back up.
The waters are very tricky here, and the hazards are impossible to see. Swimmers are blind as the dark waters swirl constantly in depths that are unpredictable, going from 2 or 3 feet to past 10 in a single step.
Sixteen-year-old Kayla Ford wishes someone would just do something about that rock. She’s had enough of people dying here.
“I’m down there almost every day, and this is the second time that’s happened when I was there, and it’s happened in the same place and everything,” she said. “They should just blow (Party Rock) up, or move it.”
But by Friday afternoon, people can’t wait to get back out there.

‘She’s in a better place’: Family clings to memories

June 9, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

DONALDS — The family of Nasjma Angelica Keller will never allow the Saluda River to have her completely — she is much too loved for that.
The heartless waters might have claimed the physical life of the little girl they called “Wee Wee” — for her body weight of about 5 pounds at birth — but it will never claim her smile, quick wit or the free-wheeling way she would roll around on those shoes — her beloved Heelys.
All those things are saved forever.
Dunn’s Creek Road is a peaceful turn off Highway 420 toward Shoals Junction. The country here is indicative of a rural setting. It’s soft, with easing hills and sprawling grasslands. There are only a few cars and there are even fewer people about — except at the Keller residence.
Here there are plenty of cars and people.
They are mostly family members, with some exceptions, but they all grieve.
“She was so tiny, that’s why they called her (Wee Wee),” said Ruby Hughes, Nasjma’s aunt. “She was born right there in the front yard. Her mother had her right there in the ambulance. Her grandmother and grandfather were the ones who started calling her that. They raised her.”
Hughes pauses for a moment, then begins to struggle with her emotions a little before continuing. These are the toughest, hardest of times.
“We’ll just pray, but it’s just so hard,” she said. “It’s extra hard since we just buried our father — William Keller Sr. — in March. We just have to look at it like Momma and Daddy wanted (Nasjma) up there with them because boy, did they love that little girl. They raised her from a baby.”
A long moment of silence is broken suddenly by “Sam” the cockatiel.
Even he knows something is wrong, it seems. Nasjma would play with the bird and make him dance suddenly — up and down, up and down.
The bright-yellow bird appears agitated and moves around the cage uttering shrill, loud calls one after the other until the family has to move his cage into the home. With Sam finally excused, another of Nasjma’s aunts, Mary Blakley, continues by saying, “We know that she’s in a better place.”
Within minutes, the principal of Ware Shoals Elementary School — Nancy Brown — arrives with her son and several of Nasjma’s teachers, who are also heartbroken at the loss of the precious 11-year-old.
“We loved her, she was a sweetheart,” Brown said. “We only had her for a year, but we were blessed to have her. She will definitely be missed.”
Everyone nods their heads at these words, letting them sink in.
Brown continues to express her condolences and asks the family to let her know of anything they might need.
Hughes selects a couple of pictures of Nasjma.
One of them is an informal shot — probably taken by a family member — in which she has an “I know you just did not do that” look on her face — which the family says was pure “Wee Wee” through and through.
“If you said something to her, she was going to give you an answer back,” said Darlene Keller, another of Nasjma’s aunts. “She wasn’t quiet.”
This is how the little girl will be remembered.
Maybe she will be dancing.
Or perhaps she will be climbing a tree — as she often loved to do.
Most likely she’ll be wearing those crazy shoes with the wheels in them.
But no matter where they are, when members of this family think of her — that’s right where their little “Wee Wee” will always be.

Hospitality author offers tips

June 9, 2007

By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY
Index-Journal staff writer

If party time puts you in panic mode, take a deep breath and tackle event planning step by step.
That was the advice given to attendees of Friday’s Festival of Flowers luncheon, sponsored by Embarq, at Greenwood Country Club.
Entertaining and hospitality expert Kimberly Kennedy shared ways to bring together different elements of entertaining to create an event that’s uniquely yours — from invitations to party favors.
“If you’re entertaining and you’re not having fun, you’re missing the point,” Kennedy said.
“It’s more about making people feel welcome.”
Kennedy, 34, who lives near Atlanta, is author of “The Art and Craft of Entertaining” and winner of a CBS reality TV show, “Wickedly Perfect.”
She describes her entertaining philosophy as “inspiration without intimidation.”
Kennedy shared ideas from her book, along with her bubbly enthusiasm. She showed examples of hand-crafted invitations, napkin rings, centerpieces, place cards and party favors that can be made, all from ideas in her book.
Kennedy said her book is “different” from other entertaining books out there because hers focuses heavily on hospitality.
The book devotes a couple of chapters to how to be a great host or hostess.
“In the South, we’re just born with it, we know how to welcome people,” Kennedy said.
“Entertaining is as simple as opening the door with a smile on your face, and sharing a piece of yourself.”
Many tips Kennedy shared utilized tools such as double-sided tape, hem tape, spray-mount adhesive and iron-on transfer paper, so that even those who don’t sew, or consider themselves “craft-savvy,” can achieve beautiful-looking results, making things such as baby shower invitations from folded and pinned cloth baby diapers.
Although it might sound like a lot of work, Kennedy swears such projects aren’t overwhelming, and that they can be less expensive than store-bought invitations.
“A lot of people say, ‘Are you the next Martha Stewart?’ I am not the next Martha Stewart,” Kennedy said.
Things that are handmade, or even semi-handmade, Kennedy said, do not have to be perfect. It’s the thought that goes into them, she said, which makes them special.
When it comes to food, Kennedy said “everything does not have to be made from scratch the day of the event.”
It’s perfectly OK, Kennedy said, to have dishes made ahead of time, or even to use ready-made products from the grocery store. A good idea, Kennedy said, is to use foods that are fresh, visually appealing and seasonally appropriate.
For example, hot chicken pot pie might not be the best choice for a main course during the hottest summer months.
For a festive table, Kennedy suggests using inexpensive real-glass plates, not paper or plastic ones, and tying them into your party theme with decorative rubber stamping or cut-out images adhered to the backside of clear glass plates with a product known as Cling Vinyl.
After the party, plate embellishments can be removed, and plates can be used again, she said. Atmosphere, Kennedy said, is a key component of a successful gathering.
Pay attention to details such as soft background music and flattering lighting.
No matter how well-planned, things can still go wrong with a party, Kennedy said, but the mark of a great hostess is one who can laugh it off, “keep a good attitude and go with the flow.”
“Her tips are very practical, workable and economical,” said Gina Brown, an employee of Wellness Works who attended the luncheon.
Fellow attendee Ellen Lumley described Kennedy and her ideas as “very down-to-earth.”
After the luncheon, which included a champagne toast, bread, salad, an entree and dessert, Kennedy chatted with those in attendance and autographed copies of “The Art and Craft of Entertaining.”
Kennedy is working on her second book, as well as developing a lifestyle television show and creating a product line. For information, visit www.kimberlykennedy.com.

Triathlon could draw more than 300 participants

June 9, 2007

By SCOTT J. BRYAN
Index-Journal sports editor

The Festival of Flowers Triathlon, scheduled for 8 a.m. Sunday at Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area, could have more participants than ever.
More than 250 participants have already registered and triathlon director Josh Fennell expects that number to swell to 300 before the race starts.
“I think we’ll be able to eclipse the numbers from last year,” said Fennell, who estimates the event had about 260 participants a year ago.
This USA Triathlon-sanctioned event includes a .9-mile swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer road race. Awards will be given for the top male and female winners, plus the top three in each age group.
To enter the triathlon, the fee is $60 before the race and $70 on race day. Participants can register at the Chamber of Commerce from 1 to 5 p.m. today.
Fennell said the competition, which is a part of the South Carolina Triathlon Series and also is a U.S. Age Group National Qualifier, should offer some challenges and spectacular scenery.
“It’s a pretty scenic course,” said Fennell, who is in his fourth year running the event. “The bike ride goes through the rolling hills from the state park toward Ninety Six and back. I think it’s going to be really nice for those who haven’t participated in it before.”
The race moved to the Sunday before Father’s Day last year, which Fennell said has helped boost attendance.
“I think that’s been a big part of us getting so many people,” Fennell said. “It gets a lot of people into the hotels and restaurants around town. We’ve got a good tri-athlete scene in town, and when you get 300 tri-athletes together, it could really benefit the town.”
Fennell also said Highway 702 will close down around 9 a.m. and won’t reopen until after 11, because participants will be using the roads for the running portion of the event.
The Chamber’s Jeff Smith said he expects the event to continue to grow.
“The really neat thing about this event is that it really has come into its own,” Smith said.
“We have a half-iron man event in September, and both of them have gained stature.
The triathlon has developed into a signature event for elite athletes to come back to.
“We have people who come back every year. It’s not just your everyday runners.”
Smith and Fennell said they’re still looking for more volunteers. For information about participating or volunteer, call 223-8431.

Obituaries

Frank Acker

HONEA PATH — Frank Acker, 74, of 18 Rouse St., died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at his home.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals.

Bobby Cannon

ABBEVILLE — Bobby Cannon, 61, of Abbeville, husband of the late Sara Ann Cannon, died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center. He was born in Abbeville County to the late Harvey F. and Annie Lee Smith Cannon.
Mr. Cannon retired from BASF after many years of service and worked for Nance Lawnmower and Small Engine. He was an active member of Little Mountain Presbyterian Church and a longtime member and treasurer of the Antreville Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Annette Cannon.
Surviving Bobby are his two sons, Robert Mark Cannon of Abbeville, and David F. Cannon and his wife, Melissa of Hodges; two brothers, Earl Cannon and his wife, Brenda, and Glen Cannon, all of Abbeville; and a grandson, Noah Cannon of Hodges.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. John Parks, will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2007 at Little Mountain Presbyterian Church. Burial with Fireman honors will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is at the residence.
Memorial contributions in memory of Bobby may be sent to the Little Mountain Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 3836 Hwy. 28 N., Abbeville, SC 29620 or to the Antreville Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Buddy L. Pickens, 208 Keowee Road, Iva, SC 29655.
Online condolences may be sent to the Cannon family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
Harris Funeral Home of Abbeville is assisting the Cannon family.

Marion Marshall Downs

DUE WEST — Marion Marshall Downs, 82, of 16 Gordon St., wife of T.J. Downs, died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at Magnolia Manor in Greenwood.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary.

Nasjma A. Keller

DONALDS — Nasjma Angelica Keller, 11, of 311 Dunn Creek Road, died Thursday, June 7, 2007. The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals.

Jewel McCarty

WARE SHOALS — Jewel Golden McCarty, 88, widow of John W. McCarty, died June 6, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center. She was born in Cullman, Ala., a daughter of the late Joseph Robert and Audie Walker Golden.
Mrs. McCarty served as a WAC in the US Army during WWII and was retired from Riegel Textile Corp., where she was a member of the Quarter Century Club. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was active in the A.D.Y. and Mary Martha Sunday School Class.
Surviving are a son, Fred McCarty, wife, Jan and son Jim McCarty of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and a daughter, Connie McCann, husband, Ed and son, Matthew McCann and daughter, Allison McCann of Seneca.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Leon Jones and Rev. Brock Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Active pallbearers will be Jim McCarty, Matthew McCann, Nathaniel McCarty, Rankin McCarty, Mack Cason and Jerry O’Dell. Members of Mary-Martha Sunday School Class will sit as the Honorary Escort.
Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Assn., 16A Brozzini Court, Greenville, S.C. 29615 or to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 449, Ware Shoals, S.C.
Family members will be at their respective homes and will receive friends Monday, 10-11 a.m. at The First Baptist Church. Parker-White Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Rick Pearce

WATERLOO — Richard Davis “Rick” Pearce, Jr., 51, resident of 324 Canal Road, husband of Diana Davis Pearce, died Friday, June 8, 2007 at his residence.
Born Feb. 15, 1956 in Phenix City, Alabama, a son of Richard Davis Pearce, Sr. and Etta Stinson Pearce, he was a 1979 graduate of the University of Alabama and received his master’s degree from Troy University while serving in the US Army at Ft. Benning, GA. Mr. Pearce had worked for Roadway Express for 20 years and was owner and operator of McCormick Farm and Building Supply in McCormick for the past 4 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 32 years of the home and his father and mother of Midland, GA, are a son, Michael Davis Pearce of the home; daughter, Jennifer Anne Pearce, also of the home; and brother, Steve Pearce of Midland, GA.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at Oakbrook Memorial Park.
The family is at the home, 324 Canal Road, and will receive friends Sunday from noon-1:30 p.m.
at Blyth Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make memorials to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 997, Greenwood, SC 29648 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 in memory of Mr. Pearce.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Pearce family.

Robert Sibert

McCORMICK — Mr. Robert Sibert of Savannah Heights Living Center died June 5, 2007. He was born in McCormick, SC, June 21, 1929, a son of the late John Hamp Sibert and Leola Murray Sibert. Survivors are five sisters, Carrie Jane Sibert, Seller Ruth Rahaman, Willie Bell Henderson, Effie Spicer and Ella Mae Howard; one brother, John A. Sibert; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services were June 8, 2007 at Walker Funeral Home. Walker Funeral Home, directors.

Opinion

We’ve always supported each other’s ‘traditions’

June 9, 2007

There obviously was a good reason the Founding Fathers of this nation added the Bill of Rights to the new Constitution they had just written ..... after much debate and bruised feelings. That should be evident from the First Amendment.
Look at what that amendment says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
In short, the Bill of Rights protects Americans’ right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

FOR ALMOST TWO CENTURIES everything worked as intended and anticipated ..... except for the struggle that black Americans have had to go through to overcome the physical and mental bonds of slavery. There have been much progress, to be sure, but there still is progress to be made.
Still, while there have been improvements in race relations, something else - another form of prejudice - has been eroding the constitutional rights of every American, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or anything else.
For example, over the years Jewish Americans, in general, have supported the customs and practices of their Christian neighbors. They’ve accepted Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Likewise, Christians, by and large, have returned the support as American Jews observed their holidays and customs.

AMERICANS OF EVERY STRIPE have gladly upheld the rights of those with different traditions and practices, be they religious or secular. Many have even joined in various celebrations and shared the joy and fun. Just think of St. Patrick’s Day and the multitude of Americans that celebrate with Americans that have Irish roots.
Of course, we reinforce separatism when we become hyphenated Americans, such as Irish-American, Italian-American and so on.
That, however, is not as bad as the damages we’ve provoked through politically correct nonsense. We seem to have reversed course. That, maybe, can be reduced to one word: “empowerment.” Why and how did that become such an omnipotent endowment?
Empowerment? Isn’t that what the Constitution and Bill of Rights are all about in the first place! One thing’s for sure. When we seek to restrict the rights, customs and traditions of others, we restrict our own.