Running for a reason

Community beats a path to help local food bank

March 11, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

Forest Newby is running remarkably well these days — as his qualifying times for this year’s Boston Marathon can attest.
The former prep offensive lineman at Ninety Six High School — who once detested the running of mere laps around the track — is now logging full miles, and lots of them too.
Newby understands the confused looks he receives when he mentions his former gridiron glory days. The looks are well-earned.
Standing around 6 feet tall, and looking fit and svelte in a dark-blue track suit and blazing-red Asics runners, he certainly doesn’t appear to be any sort of pigskin trench warrior.
Apparently, even marathoners have a past.
“I wouldn’t have run for anything in high school,” the 24-year-old said shortly after crossing the finish line first during Saturday’s De-Feet Hunger 5K Run/Walk benefiting the Greenwood County Food Bank.
Newby’s time of 18 minutes, 32 seconds was good enough to push even his personal record (18:19) in a race he admits is not his optimum distance.
“It’s hard to get in a rhythm because it’s over so quick,” he said. “My favorite distance is the half-marathon (13 miles). You can set a nice pace.”
Newby’s dad, Darrell Newby, also participated in Saturday’s benefit race, taking first place in his age category. The elder Newby once fielded aspirations of running the Boston Marathon, before accomplishing his goal.
Those aspirations inspired his son with dreams of his own.
“My dad started running marathons, and I told him that he was crazy,” the younger Newby said. “Then he qualified for the Boston Marathon. When I saw that, I said I wanted to do it, too. I finally qualified for it in December.”
Julie Bledsoe was the top female runner on Saturday, finishing the 5K distance in a solid time of 20:39.
The Newby men were two of nearly 50 participants in an event — organized by Leadership Greenwood 2006 — which will become an annual fundraiser for the Greenwood County Food Bank when it’s most in need of replenishment. Saturday’s event raised close to $3,000.
Leadership Greenwood is a program sponsored by the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce. Its primary goal is to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of concerned community individuals in order for them to become active leaders in the Greenwood area.
Participants take classes once a month and go on a pair of retreats together, providing them with valuable connections in the community.
As a “class,” each group then chooses a group project that will benefit a local charity or not-for-profit organization. The Leadership Greenwood 2006 class selected the Greenwood County Food Bank as the organization it would support with its project.
“We decided on the Greenwood County Food Bank in part because no other Leadership Greenwood class had helped them before, but they were also really low on food at the time,” said Katie Parnell, a Leadership Greenwood 2006 class member and Greene & Co. LLP employee. “We wanted to do it in March because we wanted to establish an annual event to help them to raise money in the spring and summer months.”
Members of the Leadership Greenwood 2006 class include: Scott Banks, Dickey Bryon, Bubba Davenport, Heath Davis, Caryl Dean, Matt Edwards, Debbie Flynn, Mike Frederick, Lora Kline, Melanie May, Sarah Mosley, Steve Parnell, Katie Parnell, Kris Peters, Faye Sanders, Chuck Steele and Eder Villanueva.
Angelle LaBorde, president and CEO of the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Leadership Greenwood, said the event gives needed support to the food bank at a critical time of year.
“The food bank is a worthwhile organization,” she said. “(Leadership Greenwood) wanted to help raise awareness for the food bank throughout the year and not just around the holidays. They serve people in need.”

Taking on the presidency

James leading S.C. School Board Association

March 11, 2007

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

Greenwood School District 50 has a president on its board of trustees who might be more influential than George W. Bush — at least on the local school district level.
Dru James became president of the South Carolina School Board Association in December and has served as District 50 board of trustees chairwoman.
James remains on the board, but has stepped down as chairwoman, turning the reins over to Debrah Miller.
Superintendent Darrell Johnson said he’s proud of James’ election.
“That’s a phenomenal accomplishment,” he said.
James’ commitment to public education and caring for students makes her the perfect ambassador for the school district and the Greenwood community. Having James keep the board informed of state decisions is an invaluable resource, Johnson said.
James said in her acceptance speech for the presidency that she stays on the board during trying times by reflecting on growing up in a family of eight.
She said she and her siblings had to learn to talk out their differences and compromise, whether it as about using the phone, watching TV or using one car.
“Growing up in our house, nothing happened unless we came to a consensus on our own,” James said.
James was elected to the presidency after being approved by the District 50 board and interviewed by the nominating committee.
She said getting the endorsement was a big deal for her.
Nominees are then presented to the delegate assembly at the SCSBA annual meeting for a vote by representatives from school boards throughout the state.
James said she wanted to become president because she believes a strong public educational system is the cornerstone of democracy. She challenged school board members in her acceptance speech to be vocal supporters of public education and to counter attacks on public schools by proponents of voucher and tuition tax credit programs.
“Those forces are trying to divide us by having us focus on the educational needs of specific groups of children instead of embracing the needs of all children,” James said. “We must remain united in our advocacy for a quality education for all of South Carolina’s children.”
Her responsibilities as president include leading the 22-member SCSBA board of directors, representing school districts at state and national meetings and testifying at the statehouse on proposed legislation that affects public education.
The first months of the year have kept James busy traveling between Greenwood and Columbia for meetings.
Keeping up with the duties of president and District 50 board member, along with being a part-time physical therapist for Self Regional Healthcare and spending time with her family, can be difficult, but James makes time.
“We each find time to do what is most important to us,” she said.
It helps that her children are grown — Leslie being a nurse in Greenville and Ennis in his last year at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
James’ husband, Ennis, has been supportive of her passion for public education, even though it sometimes keeps them apart.
“I have been out of town more than he likes, but he knows it is for one year only,” she said.
When she gets a chance, James likes to go mountain biking, hiking and kayaking.
She and her husband try to ride about 50 to 80 miles a week.

Marshall Plan

Winthrop coach heads to NCAA tournament this week

March 11, 2007

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

Gregg Marshall, since his days as a resident of Greenwood, has traveled thousands of miles and continues to reach milestones in his coaching career.
Athletics has played a big part in his life, and probably was a big part in his decision to become a basketball coach. His father, Walter, attended Presbytrian College on a track scholarship and his grandfather, Walt, was a baseball umpire and directed the local Parks and Recreation Department activities for many years.
Marshall moved to Greenwood at age 3 and spent nine years here. Since that time, he has gone to Randolph Macon, Belmont Abbey, College of Charleston and Marshall University before moving to Winthrop University, where he has been head coach nine years.
Success has been almost like a middle name as his Eagles are entering this year’s NCAA national tournament — seventh in the last nine years for Winthrop.
Much of that success he credits to two coaches with whom he spent time as an assistant — the late Hall of Famer Al Nunnally at Randolph Macon and John Kresse, many years the head coach at College of Charleston.
Having spent more time as an assistant than head coach, Marshall said, “Moving (to the head coach) was a very big change. You are in charge of having to make decisions — the buck stops here.
“Eighteen inches in one chair is a monumental leap in terms of responsibility,” he said. “That 18 inches is from one side to the other in the chair and that’s a big responsibility.”
In the previous trips to the NCAA tournament, Winthrop has faced big-name teams such as Duke, Oklahoma and Auburn. The Eagles met Tennessee last year and lost in the last second.
“The last couple of years we’ve had a chance to advance,” Marshall said. “We led Gonzaga two years ago and lost in the last second last year.
“We have veteran players who have tasted bitter defeat,” Marshall said of the Eagles, who will know tonight who they face in the first round that starts Thursday.
“We’ve lost some very close games, so this year, we want to face a different side of the NCAA experience. All we want to do is go and play. We feel like we’re in good position for a good seed.”
As the Eagles go, so will three players Marshall said has been noticed by the National Basketball Association.
They are 6-5 guard Terrell Martin, of Columbia, 6-10 forward/center Craig Bradshaw, of Wellington, New Zealand, and 6-3 junior guard Michael Jenkins, of Kinston, N.C. All average in double figures.
“We play a moderate tempo and try to defend every position,” Marshall said. “We put a lot of emphasis on defense and we a very good rebounding team. For the most part, we just try to be sound on fundamentals.”
Marshall, who has been named District III Coach of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association, added, “I’m excited that our team has good chemistry and great size. The key for us is to play well and get a good seed.”
Winthrop is 28-4 and has won 18 games in a row since a loss to Texas A&M on the road.

Obituaries

Joseph Harvey Anderson

HODGES — Joseph Harvey Anderson, 55, of 215 Cromer Road, died Thursday, March 8, 2007 at his home.
Born in Greenwood County, he was the son of the late John Robert Anderson and Lou Ella Marshall Anderson. He was a member of Macedonia CME Church.
Surviving to cherish his memory: two daughters, Latasha Anderson of Augusta and Shameka Cohen of Greenwood; two brothers, Zachery V. Anderson (Selena) of Greenville and Dewitt F. Anderson (Rena) of Hodges; a cousin, Stanley A. Marshall (Daisy) reared in the home.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007 at the Chapel of Parks Funeral home at 1 p.m., with the Rev. John Nix officiating, assisted by the Rev. David Morton. Burial will be in Evening Star Cemetery.The family is at the home of a brother, Dewitt F. Anderson, 2416 Dixie Drive, Hodges.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gertie Tatham Campbell

GREENVILLE — Gertie Godfrey Tatham Campbell, 86, of 322 Motor Boat Club Road, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Greenville Memorial Medical Center.
Born in Laurens County, she was a daughter of the late George Eddie and Molly Melissa Godfrey. She was predeceased by her first husband, Charles F. Tatham, and her second husband, George Campbell.
Mrs. Campbell was a member of Berea First Baptist Church and a homemaker.
Surviving are two daughters, Ann T. Snipes and Molly T. Pollard, both of Greenville; two sons, Dink Tatham of Greenwood, and Jan Tatham of Pendleton; nine grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest, with graveside services to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Graceland Cemetery, West.
Family members are at their respective homes.

Walter Garner

ABBEVILLE — Walter Wilson “Bruno” Garner, 68, of 355 Stevenson Road, husband of Elizabeth Hazzard Garner, died Friday, March 9, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary Inc.

Jasper Gilchrist Sr.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Funeral services for Mr. Jasper Gilchrist Sr., formerly of Gilchrist Road, will be held 11 a.m.
Monday, March 12, 2007 at Liberty Spring Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. today.
G.L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary, Edgefield, is in charge.

Kathleen James

HODGES — Kathleen Ann Putnam James, 33, of 106 Brittany Court, wife of Donald “Don” James, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at her home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.

Baby Jaydin Keltrevious Palmore

Jaydin Keltrevious Palmore, 20 months, of 100 Shemwood Lane, Greenville, died Friday, March 9, 2007, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
The family is at 201 Cemetery Road, Country Homes Subdivision.
Services will be announced by Parks Funeral Home.

Marie Smith Turnage

McCORMICK — Marie Smith Turnage, 88, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Anderson Hospital.
A lifetime resident of McCormick County, she was a homemaker and a member of Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raley Turnage and two sons, James Turnage and Ernest Turnage.
Survivors include two daughters, Rose Smith of Pendleton and Martha Ann Turnage of Anderson; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Monday at Troy Cemetery.
The family will receive friends 7-9 this evening at Strom Funeral Home.
Strom Funeral Home is in charge.

Doris Watts

Doris Watts, wife of Henry Watts, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home, 345 Creswell St.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home Inc.

Opinion

Clyburn can help dispel the myths about blacks

March 11, 2007

Rep. James Clyburn is a Democrat. He represents South Carolina’s Sixth Congressional District and is the third highest-ranking member of the 110th Congress. He also is only the second black representative to serve as majority whip. In fact, no black member has every held a higher leadership position in the U. S. House.
Clyburn, a member of Congress since 1992, made a name for himself as South Carolina’s Human Affairs Commissioner for 18 years. He has been and is active in so many things, and has received so many honors that his rise to his present position should not have surprised anyone.

THE RESPECT CLYBURN HAS earned has not been one-sided, either. His associates on both sides of the aisle in Congress know his capabilities and determination. Those two things make him a natural for the post of majority whip, a job that obligates Clyburn to line up votes on Democratic legislation.
When a newspaper reporter recently interviewed Clyburn “on the job,” he said, “I basically only have one goal in life, and that is to destroy every myth I possibly can about black people. All these myths have grown up around people of color; so many are believed by people of color, so many are believed by other people.”
People who know Clyburn’s background, whether friends or opponents, aren’t likely to doubt that he’ll have more success than failure.

HE DESERVES SUPPORT IN his efforts, too. Too many myths about all people are usually created by people with a grudge or with some kind of ax to grind. They can be recent or historical, and they can hurt people ..... they do hurt people.
At times, though, there are myths that need destroying simply because they are based in ignorance and take advantage of related gullibility. One should be a priority for Clyburn ..... actually for all of us. That is that somehow, according to some of their critical peers, black kids “act white” when they work to do well in school and to become successful in life ..... particularly other than in athletics.
Black youngsters, of course, are as capable as anyone. Sometimes they just need encouragement. Clyburn can help in that respect. In fact, he does already by what he has accomplished. But, then, all of us could lend him a hand. We have nothing to lose and a whole world to gain.