M

idland Valley
onthly
APRIL 2012
Rep. Tom Young Is
Keeping You Informed
page 2
Third Grader Speed
Stacks
page 10
MVHS Key Club helps
United Way
page 19
Bible Study By Pastor
Lynn Kirkland
page 6
LBC Middle Schools
Washington Trip
Palmetto Tire and Brake Center,
There Is Life After SRS
By Brennon Burke

We had been waiting all year long
for this day, and it fnally came on
Wednesday March 7, 2012, and we
were so excited. We boarded the
busses around 11:30 AM that day and
began heading toward our destination,
Washington D.C. We arrived about 12
hours later and went straight to the hotel
to get some sleep after a long day on the
road.
The next day, we began our
adventures by going to the White House.
We went into many different rooms
like the East Room, China Room, Blue
Room, and the Grand Ballroom. Once
we left there, we went to the Library of
Congress then on to visit many different
military memorial sites.
Later that evening, we were taken
to the Air and Space portion of the
Smithsonian Museum where we saw
awesome WWII planes and other
famous planes like the Spirit of St. Louis.
That was the highlight of my day.
The next day, we left to see the
Washington Cathedral, the Holocaust
Museum, the Thomas Jefferson
Memorial, and the Changing of the
Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier. We also visited the MLK and
FDR memorials while out that day.
The one place I will remember most
is the Arlington Cemetery. The rows of
white crosses seemed to never end.
Those are all men and women who died
for our freedom. There we also saw
the gravesite of past president John F.
Kennedy while at the cemetery.
On Saturday morning, we started our
trip home. I will never forget the things
I was able to see and learn while in our
nations capital. I am thankful to have
been a part of this trip and these are
memories I will have for all of my life.
see more pictures on page 20
By Anne Fulcher
Mark Alexander and Alvin Padgett
thought they would retire from SRS.
Alexander worked in the electric
maintenance department for nineteen
years and Padgett worked in diesel
maintenance for twenty three years.
With a combined experience of forty-two
years working at the site, imagine their
shock when they were laid off in 2005.
The duo could not fnd work. They did
not have a clue as to what they would do
next.
Alvin and Mark had gotten to be good
friends after years of working in the
same department. When they both
realized they were continually reaching
dead ends, they had the idea of opening
a tire and automotive maintenance shop.
The two decided to ride around Aiken
County to fnd just the right place
continued to page 9
PAGE 2 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Keeping You Informed
by SC Rep. Tom Young, R-District 81
The House of Representatives met
during all four weeks in the month of April.
I hope that you fnd this update helpful
and informative:
Lt. Gov. Ard Resigns: Following
a SLED and grand jury investigation
going back to last year, Lt. Gov. Ken Ard
resigned on March 9 and pled guilty to
criminal charges for which he received
a 5 year probationary sentence along
with the requirement to pay a $5,000
fne to the State Ethics Commission
and to perform 300 hours of community
service. Under the State Constitution,
the President Pro Tempore of the State
Senate (Sen. Glenn McConnell) becomes
Lt. Governor.
Redistricting -- Federal Court
Approves Plans: On March 9, a panel
of three Federal judges decided that
the 2011 redistricting plans for the S.C.
House of Representatives Districts and
Congressional Districts do not violate
the law. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit had
previously dropped their claims regarding
the S.C. Senate Districts. The decision
means that the primary elections set
for June 12 will go forward as planned.
Redistricting occurs every 10 years after
each census.
DOT Reform: On March 7, the House
voted to recommit to Committee a bill
changing the governing authority of
the State Department of Transportation
(DOT) and requiring that the DOT
prioritize road projects in each of the
States 7 engineering districts as part of
the Departments annual budget request.
In doing so, DOT reform this year is
probably stalled. I voted not to recommit.
Texting While Driving: The House
passed a bill that bans texting while
driving a motor vehicle. I voted in favor of
the bill based on the feedback of many
people in District 81 for the past 3 years.
Currently, South Carolina and Florida are
the only states in the Southeast with no
ban on texting while driving. The bill now
heads to the Senate where a similar bill
failed in 2010.
Video Gambling Bill: The House
Judiciary Committee passed the bill which
will close a loophole that may allow a
new form of video poker to be legal in
South Carolina. The sweepstakes video
games will be illegal under the proposal.
The bill is on the House calendar. I voted
in favor.
State Budget: The full House debated
the budget from March 12-15. At $5.978
Billion, the proposed general fund budget
is over $1.0 Billion less than four years
ago. The total budget (General, Federal,
and Other Funds) is $23 Billion growing
by 4.56% from last year which is less
than the spending cap suggested by the
House when it passed a spending cap
bill last year and less than the Governors
proposed cap of 5.23%. I will address
some of the areas that many people in
District 81 have asked about as follows:
Reserve Accounts: The budget
places $573 Million into three separate
reserve funds the Capital Reserve
Fund; the General Reserve Fund; and
the Charleston Port Deepening Reserve
Fund.
Charleston Port Deepening Reserve
Fund: Of the $573 Million placed into
reserves, $180 Million of that goes into
a reserve fund for our states portion
of the $300 Million necessary to pay to
deepen the Charleston Port. Deepening
the port is critical for our states economic
future. One in every 5 jobs in South
Carolina (260,000 jobs total) is tied to the
Charleston Port. Three amendments to
move this money to other places were
defeated. I voted in favor of keeping the
money in this reserve fund.
Education in Budget: The total
budget for K-12 public education is $3.69
Billion. Highlights in this area include the
following:
$152 million for the Education
Finance Act which increases the Base
Student Cost (BSC) to $2,012 per
student;
Refusing to implement the new
federal Common Core standards in
science because South Carolinas
current science standards are higher
than the proposed federal Common Core
standards;
Requiring that districts use additional
money provided to the districts for pay
raises for teachers;
Ending the funding of salary
supplements for National Board
Certifcation by suspending the incentive
program for new applicants during the
coming fscal year starting July 1. A
Joint Teacher Salary Study Committee
is created to examine potential changes
to the states teacher salary schedule
that may include a pay for performance
model.
Economic Development and Job
Recruitment/Retention in Budget: The
House budget allocates $10 Million for
the Closing Fund at the Department of
Commerce. There is also an additional
$30 Million that can go to this Fund from
South Carolinas portion of the national
mortgage settlement. The Closing
Fund is used by the Governor and the
Secretary of Commerce to fnalize various
economic development agreements
around the State. Also, the House budget
allocates $24 Million for the ReadySC
program which is the workforce training
division of the Technical College system.
This program helps the state develop
and prepare its workforce for different
companies around the state.
Health and Human Services and
Social Services Budget: The total
combined budgets for the Department
of Health and Human Services and the
Department of Social Services are over
$8.156 Billion up nearly $200 Million
from last year. This is over 200% what the
State spends on K-12 public education.
This is also 35% of the entire state budget
for just these two agencies! The number
of people qualifying for Medicaid and
food stamps in our state continues to
increase. The burden to the taxpayers in
these areas continues to grow. Increasing
the number of people in our state who
graduate from high school has to be part
of the solution. The Senate has the high
school dropout/drivers license bill on its
calendar awaiting second reading.
Tax Relief for Businesses: The
budget provides $77 Million in tax relief
to every business across the state by
contributing funds to repay a portion of
the money borrowed from the federal
government to pay unemployment claims
(SUTA). By doing this, the tax burden on
businesses for the SUTA tax will be lower
than it would be if this is not done.
Law Enforcement and the Courts:
After several years of cuts which have
impacted services at SLED and the
State Department of Public Safety, the
budget provides an additional $21 Million
collectively to these agencies. Funding
is also provided for 3 new family court
judges and 3 new circuit judges to help
with case backlogs in family court and
criminal court.
State Employee COLA: State
employees receive a 2% cost of living
allowance in the budget. The House voted
against using some of the money placed
into reserves to give state employees an
additional 1% one-time bonus.
Property Tax Relief: As required
by Act 388 and a change in the State
Constitution in 2006, $549 Million went to
owner-occupied home property tax relief.
Higher Education and Technical
Colleges in Budget: The feedback which
I have received is that many of the states
colleges, universities, and
continued to page 4
The Midland Valley Monthly is a free publication provided by the Aiken Standard newspaper. DISTRIBUTION: Around 3800 copies of this section will be
distributed each month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. The section will publish inside the Aiken Standard to subscribers in Midland Valley zip codes of
29816 Bath, 29822 Clearwater, 29828 Gloverville, 29829 Graniteville, 29834 Langley, and 29851 Warrenville. Plus copies will also be distributed at strategic
rack locations in these areas as well. ADVERTISING: Call Julie Lott at 644.2403 or email jlott@aikenstandard.com or Anne Fulcher at 979.4476 or email
ernieace2@yahoo.com. MAILING ADDRESS: Midland Valley Monthly, c/o Julie Lott, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29802. SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES OR
PICTURES: jlott@aikenstandard.com or the above mailing address. UPCOMING DEADLINE: April 27, 2012. NEXT PUBLICATION: May 9, 2012.
APRIL 2012 PAGE 3 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Over 40 Years Of Continuous Professional Service By Wm. Sammie Napier
Glenda K. Napier
Vice President
Wm. Sammie Napier
Funeral Director
315 Main Street Graniteville, SC 29829 803-663-3131
AS27-670783
PAGE 4 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
...Keeping You Informed
continued from page 2
technical colleges are pleased with their
allocations. Notably, USC-Columbia
received $5 Million in additional funds
for its Palmetto College concept through
which students at the two year schools
have broader access to baccalaureate
opportunities without leaving the two
year schools. This is a form of distance
education which provides baccalaureate-
level courses to students whose family
or employment obligations prevent them
from relocating to the location of a four
year school to complete a degree.
Additional Budget Thoughts: While
I know no one who likes everything in
the current budget, please remember
that the budget process in the South
Carolina General Assembly takes nearly
all session involving both the House and
the Senate and the Governor. If you think
of the process as a football game, then
we are currently midway through the
second quarter. Now that the budget has
passed the House, it goes to the Senate
where it most likely will be changed in a
lot of ways. The budget will come back to
the House in late May and there may also
be a conference committee composed
of representatives of both chambers to
work out differences in each chambers
proposed budget. Eventually, the budget
will make its way to the Governor. The
Governor can veto items and send the
budget back to both chambers. It is likely
that the House will vote again on a more
complete and fnal version of the budget
including any budget vetoes in June.
State Retirement Systems Reform:
By a vote of 86-27 on March 21, the
House passed legislation to reform the
state retirement systems and to keep
them solvent. According to professional
actuaries and other professionals hired by
the Ways and Means Committee to assist
in this process, the changes will lower
the unfunded liabilities by over $2 Billion
and save taxpayers an estimated $8
Billion over the next 30 years; will allow
the state to keep its high credit rating;
and will avoid most, if not all, litigation
that sometimes arises when changes are
implemented to publicly funded retirement
systems. Several amendments to
grandfather in some employees with over
20 years in the system and which would
have ultimately led to problems with our
states credit rating were defeated. The
bills changes include the following:
Employees will pay one percent more
out of their paychecks, with an additional
one percent from the state employer. The
employee portion is phased in over two
years. After the phase in, employees
will pay annually 7.5% of salary to the
retirement system.
Employees will pay more money to
buy service time to retire early.
Employees cannot use vacation days,
sick days or overtime pay to calculate
retirement.
Benefts will be calculated using the
last fve years of salary, instead of three.
New hires will work 30 years before
they are eligible for retirement, up from
28; police offcers and frefghters can still
retire after 25 years.
New hires are not eligible for the
TERI program which allows workers
to retire and then return to work while
collecting benefts.
Legislators may not retire and
draw benefts while still serving in the
Legislature.
Legislators will also contribute an
additional 1 percent to the retirement
system raising their contribution to 11%
annually.
I voted for the bill. The bill now heads
to the state Senate for more debate and
possible changes.
Veterans and S.C. Drivers Licenses:
The House passed legislation which
allows for honorably discharged veterans
who are S.C. residents to have a special
emblem placed on their S.C. drivers
license. Under the bill, veterans can
go the DMV and produce the DD-214
form showing that they were honorably
discharged. They then can pay the
nominal fee to get an updated license
with the emblem on it. The bill now goes
back to the Senate. I will post in my
weekly update when the bill becomes law
later this year.
Tom Youngs Website: My updated
website can be reached at www.
tomyoungforsenate.com. There are links
to a variety of constituent services; the
status of sponsored bills; and roll call
votes. Please add my web site as a
bookmark on your computer.
Road Issues: If you see a road
problem, call the SCDOT at 641-
7665 or Aiken County at 642-1532 to
report the problem. If you do not get a
prompt response, please let me know
at TomYoung@schouse.gov or call me.
Generally, most paved roads in the
County are maintained by SCDOT and
are identifed on the road sign poles by a
small black and white sign listing the road
number, such as S-2-1669. Most unpaved
roads in the County are maintained by the
County.
Please know that I can be reached by
telephone (649-0000 or 215-3631); email
(TomYoung@schouse.gov); regular mail
(P.O. Box 651, Aiken, SC 29802); or just
pull me aside when you see me. Thank
you for the privilege and the opportunity
to represent you.
Around Town
Gloverville First Baptist Church will
host a VBS FunShop Sky Training
event on April 14th from 10 a.m. until
12 Noon. Area churches that are
planning to present Group Publishings
Sky: Everything is Possible With God
VBS this summer will receive hands-
on training from a Group VBS expert
to maximize the impact of their VBS
program. In addition to tons of fun and
helpful info, participants can network
and share ideas. For more information
and to register, call Beth Hollows at
803-295-8639.
LBC Historical Society meets on
Thursdays at 7:00pm at the M.V. Lions
Club (1 Lions Trail, Bath).
The Midland Valley Lions Club (1
Lions Trail, Bath) meets on the 2nd
and 4th Mondays of each month.
LBC Multi-Class Reunion (1952 -
1980) will be on June 23rd. For more
information contact Jean Lambert
Maxwell at jmaxwell32@comcast.net
The Midland Valley Area Chamber
of Commerce held their monthly
meeting on Wednesday, March
14, 2012 at Bobbys Bar-B-Q. The
meeting included two speakers:
Chris Chavous with the Aiken County
Sheriffs Offce and Chancellor
Thomas Hallman of USC Aiken.
Mr. Chavous spoke about the
non-proft organization SUPPORT 1
which supports local law enforcement
offcers, frefghters and emergency
medical service employees.
Mr. Hallman used a slide show
presentation to tell about the
beginning, the present and the future
of USC Aiken.
Speaker for the April 11th meeting
will be George Wingard, of the
Savannah River Archaeological
Research Program. The meeting
starts at Noon at Bobbys Bar-B-Q.
APRIL 2012 PAGE 5 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
PAGE 6 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Our Lady Of The Valley
Catholic Church
2429 Augusta Road, Highway 421
593-2241 olv@atlanticbbn.net
www.ourladyofthevalleyparish.org
To place your ad in the Valley Area Church Directory call 644-2403
Your Guide
To Area
Churches
Vaucluse United
Methodist Church
134 Senn Street
Vaucluse, SC 29850
663-7151 myvumc.org
Pastor: Cliff Binion
Impatient
With God!
By Pastor Lynn Kirkland
Acts 9:26-30
New King James Version (NKJV)
Saul at Jerusalem
26 And when Saul had come to
Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples;
but they were all afraid of him, and did
not believe that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought
him to the apostles. And he declared to
them how he had seen the Lord on the
road, and that He had spoken to him,
and how he had preached boldly at
Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 So he was with them at Jerusalem,
coming in and going out.
29 And he spoke boldly in the name of
the Lord Jesus and disputed against the
Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
30 When the brethren found out, they
brought him down to Caesarea and sent
him out to Tarsus.
Galatians 1:15-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 But when it pleased God, who
separated me from my mothers womb
and called me through His grace,
16 to reveal His Son in me, that I
might preach Him among the Gentiles,
I did not immediately confer with fesh
and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to
those who were apostles before me; but
I went to Arabia, and returned again to
Damascus.
These two scriptures are not
contradictory as to what transpired
in The Apostle Pauls life but actually
clarify the timeline and allow us to see
what really happened.
You see, we live in a sitcom world
and our lives are a culmination of that.
Let me explain: I grew up watching
Leave It to Beaver, Andy Griffth,
Perry Mason, and Columbo. Today
we watch Big Bang Theory, NCIS,
Blue Bloods, etc., etc. In other words,
any problem can be solve in 30 to 45
minutes if you exclude commercials
no matter how big or small.
What happens as we read Acts 9:26-
30 is that we think Saul was saved,
changed his name to Paul, and started
preaching! It is not until we get to
Galatians 1:15-17 until we get the rest
of the story and by that time we forgot
what we read over in Acts.
What actually happened was closer to
this: Saul of Tarsus was a well educated
Pharisee that was very zealous in
defending his Jewish faith, rules and
laws. This Jesus character upset his
whole world. Stephen was preaching
Jesus so Saul helped organize his
stoning and stood by holding the coats
of the accusers/stoners. He was near
enough to see as Stephen prayed for
his murderers. He heard Stephen cry
out as he saw a vision of Jesus Christ
welcoming him into His arms. This had a
profound effect on the Pharisee. All that
he knew; all that he had lived for was
about to change!
Then came the Damascus Road
experience! Saul turned to the believers
not his fellow Pharisees for help. After
the scales were lifted from his eyes
immediately Saul began to share the
Good News of Jesus Christ. Then we
see that he joins with other believers to
learn more under them about this man
called Jesus.
After possibly a year or more in
Damascus, Saul went to the Arabian
desert to study for three years. He then
returned to Damascus for some time
and then went to Jerusalem to meet
with the Apostles. Things soon became
too dangerous for him in Jerusalem and
the Apostles got wind of a plot by the
Hellenists to kill him. Saul then slipped
out of town at night and was sent by
the apostles back to his home in Tarsus
where he remained for about 10
years before he began his missionary
journeys.
Whew! According to which historian
you believe it was somewhere between
15 and 25 years after Jesus called Saul
of Tarsus on the Damascus Road until
he became the missionary God had
called him to be.
Why? Why so long? Why did Paul
have to wait? I believe Saul had to allow
God to do a work in him personally
before he could do what God called him
to do.
Sauls conversion had to be
hammered out. His theology needed
to be refned and spelled out. And only
after those life experiences could the
work Christ called him to begin.
Believe me! Waiting is hard. Saul
began sharing the Gospel immediately.
But when we accept Jesus as our
savior our conversion story needs to be
hammered out. Our theology needs to
be refned and spelled out. Then we will
see that our life experiences make our
new life with Christ real.
Call our offce and leave me a
message if I can pray with you about
what you believe God is calling you to.
803-400-3609. I will call you back.
Join us at COWBOY CHURCH @
The Hippodrome, 5540 Jefferson Davis
Hwy., North Augusta, SC on Wednesday
evenings. We meet for Fun, Fellowship,
and Band Practice at 6 PM and worship
begins at 7 PM.
For prayer or to support this ministry
contact us at:
Cowboy up for Jesus !
Pastor Lynn Kirkland
EVANGELIST / REVIVALIST
Impact Ministries International, Inc.
COWBOY CHURCH
P.O. Box 5431, Aiken, SC 29804
OFFICE PHONE: 803-400-3609
http://www.ImpactMinistriesInt.org
Sign up to recieve our monthly
E~NEWS: www.tinyurl.com/4enews
APRIL 2012 PAGE 7 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Heights Church
Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am
Near the intersection of Cherokee Drive &
Highway #1 in Clearwater
(behind Mi Rancho)
heightsweb.org
Welcomes You To Our Services
AS12-672881
Hope Ministries of the Valley, Inc.
is a non-proft public charity who help
the entire Midland Valley area from
Vaucluse to Clearwater when people
are economically challenged in regard
to food & clothes. The majority of
their food is purchased from Golden
Harvest Food Bank. However, they
also receive donations from this area
and several church groups/private
contributors have come on board.
Hope Ministries is ONLY open on
MONDAYS and their hours are from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Usually there
is a line waiting when they send
out the sign in sheet on Mondays.
Therefore the quota of families for
the day is usually met by 10:30 a.m..
Hope helps between 25-30 families
each Monday. One thing they would
like for the prospective clients to
understand, in order to be served,
they usually must be in line between
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. The need is
great so it does NOT take long for
our quota of families to be met most
Mondays. Hope Ministries is open the
majority of the time when a holiday
falls on Mondays with exception of
Christmas, Easter and July 4th!
There Is HOPE In The Valley
OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY CATHOLIC CHURCH
PRESENTS
CATHOLICISM - THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
Sunday afternoon 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. in The Center
April 15 A Body Both Suffering and Glorious:
The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church
April 22 Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven:
The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist
April 29 A Vast Company of Witnesses:
The Communion of Saints
May 6 The Fire of His Love:
Prayer and the Life of the Spirit
May 13 World Without End:
The Last Things
The New Life Outreach Ministries will hold a Coming Together in Unity Spring
Revival on Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 14, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday,
April 15, at 5 p.m. at New Life Worship Center, 616 Edgefeld Road, North Augusta.
For more information, call 278-5043, 257-2833, 502-0021 or 645-6621.
Jacksonville Missionary Baptist Church, 528 Chalk Bed Road, Graniteville, will
hold its Missions Anniversary on April 22 at 10 a.m. For more information, call 663-
0678.
The Bethlehem Baptist Church of Graniteville, 271 Bethlehem Circle, will hold its
136th Church Anniversary on Sunday, April 22, at 1:30 p.m. For more information,
call 215-1805 or 663-3835.
Carpentersville Baptist Church, 415 Carpentersville Road, North Augusta, will
hold its Spring Revival beginning Monday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 25
at 7 p.m. Guest minister will be Reverend Charles Goodman, pastor of Tabernacle
Baptist Church, Augusta. For more information, call 279-2501.
Fountain of Living Waters Church, 275 Flint Drive, Warrenville, will hold yard
sales every Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. starting March 31 until April 28 for its
building fund.
First Providence Baptist Church, 315 Barton Road, North Augusta, will hold
a Summer Enrichment Program from June 11-29 and July 9-27. This six-week
program is for students age 5 to 12. It will include reading, math skills, crafts, black
history, bible lessons and fun-flled trips. The program hours are from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. Extended care hours will be as early as 6 a.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. For more
information, call 441-4092, 279-8836 or visit www.frstprovidence.org.
Young Storm Branch Baptist Church, Langley, provides a clothes closet for
anyone in need. For more information, call Dorothy Young at (706) 399-8117.
The Clothes Closet at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 117 Hard St., Graniteville, is
open from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday. Clothes are free. For more information,
call Ann Mayer at 663-7440.
Spotless Lamb Ministries is collecting used cell phones to send to its partner
ministry for refurbishing. The phones will be sent to senior citizens, disabled and
battered women and womens shelters at no cost to the recipients. For more
information, call Timothy Davis at 234-6496 or visit www.spotlesslamb.org.
Biker Church will be held at the Midland Valley Community Nazarene Church,
3526 Jefferson Davis Highway, Clearwater. They meet on the second Friday of
every month. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for fellowship and service starts at 7 p.m. in
the Teen Building. Ride the bike or bring the car. For more information, call Wayne
Cheselka at (706) 373-1380.
Religious Briefs
To place your announcement: email jlott@aikenstandard.com or mail to Aiken Standard, attn: Julie Lott, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29802
PAGE 8 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
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BUSINESS
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950 Millbrook Avenue, Aiken, SC 648-3664
aikenstaffng.com/jobs
In todays employment market, it pays to think about why temporary
works. Te temporary business has evolved into a very sophisticated
method of exploring career opportunities. Today were known as the
stafng industry, a highly respected professional market, partnering with
corporate clients to build a successful workforce. Joining a progressive
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Advantages of joining the professional team at Aiken Stafng Associates are:
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3. Excellent variety and volume of work assignments
4. Benefts available
5. Long and short term, temp to hire & contract assignment lengths
6. Placement assistance for specialized/advanced skills
7. Flexible work schedules
8. Project and consulting work opportunities
9. Skills assessment and training
10. Friendly and professional stafng coordinators
11. Incentive programs for exceptional work performance
12. Referral bonuses for recommending new employees
DiD You Know?
Though no one knows for certain, history suggests the frst April Fools Day
dates back to late 16th century France with the introduction of the Gregorian
Calendar. Prior to 1582, the year the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, New
Years Day was celebrated for a period of 8 days, beginning on March 25 and
culminating on the frst day of April. However, with the introduction of the new
calendar, New Years Day was moved to
January 1, where it remains to this day.
But back in the 1580s news traveled
slowly, and many did not receive news
of the new calendar for several years,
continuing to celebrate the New Year
the way they always had as a result.
Still others, upon learning of the new
calendar, refused to acknowledge the
new calendar. They thus became known
as fools, and, at least some historians
believe, April Fools Day was born.
volunteer
compassion
help
encourage
support
charity
donations
aid
humanity
contribution
caring
assistance
foundations
goodwill
welfare
kindness
friendship
Answers to UnscrAmble
on pAge 19
APRIL 2012 PAGE 9 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
continued from page 1
to build their business. Alexander and
Padgett were looking for a location
thats easily accessible and with
good exposure to traffc. That unique
location was found at 2355 Jefferson
Davis Highway in Warrenville, just
across the street from Aiken Technical
College! It was only one acre of road
frontage but that was all the two
needed to build their business.
With the land purchased, the new
hurdles abounded. They were unable
to obtain a small business loan
because they were out of work and
had no source of income. There were
issues with the county regarding the
sewer system and that was just the
tip of the iceberg that came while
erecting Palmetto Tire and Brake
Center. There were many times that
they felt like throwing in the towel and
just saying forget this, but with the
support of their
families the
pair pursued
and opened
their business
in January of
2007.
Initially, they
were only
going to sell
tires and work
on brakes but
because of the
slow economy,
they decided
to work on engines, transmissions,
muffers and perform all types of major
and minor automotive repairs. Now
Palmetto Tire and Brake Center is
able to serve a multilingual customer
base. The business offers 90 days
same as cash with approved credit
and they also offer state of the art
alignment, balance, products and
services and diagnostic equipment.
Alexander and Padgett say they take
care of their customers like family and
stand by their work. You will always
be greeted with a smile when you
walk into Palmetto Tire and Brake
Center and you can be sure you will
be laughing when you leave. Just
remember their motto Make Your
Last Call First and be sure to visit
Mark Alexander and Alvin Padgett at
Palmetto Tire and Break Center 2355
Jefferson Davis Highway Warrenville,
SC or call 803-593-8473!
...Palmetto Tire
Photos by Anne Fulcher
PAGE 10 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
If you can identify with any of these, perhaps you should invite one of our sales professionals in for a brief
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Spending too much time on the phone with
your current office products vendor?
Do your invoices never seem to be right?
Tired of waiting for technicians
and parts to show up?
Frustrated with hidden charges
and escalating prices?
By Rob Novit
As a third-grader two years ago,
Belvedere Elementary School student
Jackson Cooper thought it would
be fun to join the cup-stacking team,
coached by teachers Linda Duckett
and Kim Gracey.
Now hes a speed stacking national
champion.
The last weekend of March,
Jackson took frst place among
10-year-olds at the U.S.
Championships in Denver. He now
plans to join the Team USA cup-
stacking team and possibly compete
internationally.
I had no idea that would happen,
ffth-grader Jackson said of his
national title. When I started in the
third grade, I thought it was pretty
cool. So I kept on stacking and
practicing a lot, but it took a long time
to get good at it.
Essentially, speed stacking involves
stacking specially designed cups
in formal sequences as quickly as
possible with individuals, doubles
partners and relays. Theres even a
World Sport Stacking Association. The
WSSA describes the three individual
events as 3-3-3 with nine cups, 3-6-
3 with 12 cups and the cycle with 12
cups.
Describing speed stacking is
nothing like actually watching it. As
a group of frst-graders looked on in
awe Tuesday, Jacksons hands few
impossibly faster than the eye could
keep up with him. A large timer nearby
recorded each effort. The 3-3-3 event
takes less than three seconds, and
Jackson even got under two seconds
a couple of times. Even the more
complex events take on the average
about six or 10 seconds.
Brett Cooper said he and his wife,
Mary Beth, thought Jackson was
pretty good at stacking.
But we had no idea how good he
is, Cooper said. He holds fve state
records and has broken one of his
own records.
Remarkably, Duckett and
Gracey have about 100 kids on the
cupstacking squad. They and parents
took some of the children to Dallas
last year for a world competition. They
started the program in the 2008-09
school year.
Jackson is very dedicated, said
Duckett. He loves the competition
and we havent had anybody practice
non-stop like he does. He is very
driven.
The teachers got interested in cup-
stacking as a way to improve hand-
eye coordination.
Its amazing what it does, said
Duckett. Kim has seen within her
own classes how it helps some of
the children in improving their focus
through patterning and sequencing.
Its using the left and right brain and is
really good brain activity.
The next world championships will
be in Germany, and Jackson hopes he
will be able to participate. Hes already
had a glimpse of the international
aspect of cup-stacking in Dallas.
Jackson met students from Thailand,
Japan, Russia, China, Australia and
many other countries.
Jacksons younger siblings, Peyton
and Brenna, are starting to practice
too. Of course, practice is something
Jackson loves, maybe a little too
much, he admitted.
My mom gets on me all the time
about that, he said with a grin. One
time she had told me to stop. But she
was on the phone and I was trying to
practice quietly. I can still hear you!
she said.
Third-Grader Speeds Stacks
Way To National Competition
APRIL 2012 PAGE 11 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Representative Tom Young, Jr.
S.C. House District 81 - Aiken Co.
PO Box 651 Aiken, 29802
Bus: (803) 649-0000 Fax: (803) 649-7005
Cell: (803) 215-3631
TomYoung@schouse.gov
www.reptomyoung.com
AS31-617706
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SUPPORT 1 will have an Inaugural
Golf Tournament on Monday, April 30,
2012 at 10:00 am. The event will be
held at the Midland Valley Country
Club in Graniteville. All proceeds
go to the SUPPORT 1 non-proft
organization to help support our
police, fre and EMS employees of the
C.S.R.A. The tournament is presented
by EMS (Executive Marketing
Services).
For more information on the golf
tournament, contact Michael Ford
at 706-830-6963, Chris Chavous
at 803-349-5427 or email info@
support1.org
SUPPORT 1 is a Non-Proft
Organization with a specifc focus;
supporting our Emergency First
Responders involved in critical
incidents. Emergency First
Responders consist of our Law
Enforcement Offcers, Firefghters,
and Emergency Medical Service
employees. This program is designed
to assist these individuals with
organized training and additional
funding for departmental needs
before, during, and after critical
incidents. Since many departmental
budgets are not prepared to provide
funding for these services, SUPPORT
1 will obtain funding through
donations and fundraising events to
assist these departments.
Critical incidents can cause an
overwhelming amount of stress on
the Emergency First Responder. In
preparation for these events, stress
management should be the primary
focus. With the various programs and
types of training available, SUPPORT
1 would utilize funds to help promote
and assist in organizing these training
needs.
The response of a department
greatly affects how an Emergency
First Responder and their family cope
with a critical incident. For example,
a department should provide specifc
needs to those impacted during this
time. These needs require additional
funding not included in the normal
operating budget. SUPPORT 1 would
utilize funds to help support the needs
of the department in these situations.
Response after a critical incident is
important as well. It doesnt end when
things get back to normal. Support
programs that provide debriefng and
counseling services to employees and
departments require funding as well.
SUPPORT 1 would utilize funds to
support the needs of the department
to ensure these services are not
overlooked.
It is vital that our Emergency First
Responders needs are met before,
during, and after critical incidents.
They should return to duty without
the additional stress and focus on
the performance of their duties.
The fnancial assistance provided
by SUPPORT 1 would enable the
department and the Emergency First
Responders to maintain a successful
quality of performance.
For more information on SUPPORT
1 contact Chris Chavous at 803-349-
5427 or email info@support1.org.
SUPPORT 1s Inaugural
Golf Tournament
Portrait of the Past
Aiken Standard Archived Photo
SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT - Members of area cheerleading
squads build a pyramid while preparing for the eighth annual Aiken County
Cheerleading Competition at Midland Valley Gym in October 1989. The event
is sponsored by the Graniteville Exchange Club.
PAGE 12 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Can You Spot The Diferences?
There are NINE things diferent in the picture. Can you locate the diferences?
Unscramble
rasetE ________________
nyunb ________________
gsge __________________
hococeatl _____________
nirpgS ________________
hickcs _________________
ktsbeas _______________
ydacn _________________
odof yde ______________
ntsobne _______________
leljy saben _____________
ftgs __________________
tsaEer yill _____________
etPer biarbt ____________
tyso __________________
wfolrse _______________
ruhcch ________________
answers on page 17
Guide
the
Easter
Bunny
through
the maze
to fnd
the
Easter
Eggs
APRIL 2012 PAGE 13 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
PAGE 14 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
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ALL AGES
From the young in body to
the young at heart
Se habl espaol
GRANITEVILLE FAMILY
ME D I C A L CE N T E R
663-9224
Only 5 Minutes from Aiken Regional
1 Hickman Street Graniteville
ACCEPTING MOST INSURANCES
Mae Jean Englee, M.D.
AS27-670760
Recreation
GREGG PARK CIVIC
CENTER 663-7552
Karate classes are taught by Brian
Randall and are held on Tuesday
nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Classes
are for ages 5 and older with
instruction in tae kwon do and kenpo.
Cost is $15.00 per month.
Gymnastic classes are now being
held at Gregg Park Civic Center.
Registration fee is $10.00 and cost
of instruction is $30.00 per month.
Instructor Rhonda Whitley will teach
gymnastics for children ages 4 & up
on Mondays from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
fREE bLood PREssuRE
TEsTInG is offered. This service is
free of charge and is performed by
certifed nurse, Jeanne Townes. This
service is provided the 1st and 3rd
Tuesday of each month from 4:00 -
6:00 p.m.
Rock & roll, country & beach music.
Line dancing classes with instructor
Cassie Barnhill are taught on
Mondays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Cost is
$5.00 per class.
Exercise Classes
(Effective 4/1/2012)
Fees for Unlimited Exercise
Classes are as follows: $20/month
for Gregg Park passholders or
$25/Non-passholders

Monday and Wednesday
Cardio/Weight Class 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A 30/30 Cardio and Weight Class
consisting of a cardio workout and
followed by light weights for toning
and abdominal work. Instructor:
Becky Geeting.

Monday and Wednesday
Lite-side Exercise 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Instructor Sharon Dairon teaches
the latest steps and techniques that
are fun and healthy. Come join us for
a Lite session and see how quickly
results can be seen!!

Tuesday
Cardio step 6:00-7:00 p.m.
A Cardio Workout for all levels.
Instructor Janis Napier will show
us that sometimes mixing things
up is just what we need. This class
concentrates on step, kickboxing,
aerobic and Zumba moves.

Tuesday
Zumba 9:00-10:00 a.m.
A new class in A.M. Zumba will begin
on Tuesday, April 10th with Tasha
Hammett as the Instructor. Getting
into shape has never been so easy
and lots of fun!! Come join us and see
what all the talk is about.

Wednesday
Zumba 5:45-6:30 p.m.
Come check out the Zumba Party
on Wednesday afternoons with
Becky Geeting as the Instructor. This
class is for any level of participation
and provides a non-intimidating
opportunity for new exercisers. Come
join the fun and enjoy group ftness
with less impact.
Thursday
Zumba 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Party yourself into shape! Come and
join the Zumba Party with Tarana
White while listening to the latest
beats and sounds Z u M b A !!!
AIKEN COUNTY
RECREATION
CENTER 663-6142 or
HARRISON CAVER
PARK 593-4698
April 13 Starlight Cinema at Johnny
Wood Park - Enjoy family night at the
park. Will be showing Mr. Poppers
Penguins. Movie time at dusk. fREE
Program!

April 19 & 20 trip to Pawleys Island
Accommodations and tours range
from $145 to $205. Will stay at
Hampton Inn Georgetown Marina.
Participants are responsible for
breakfast on Thursday and all
lunches.
All monies and Travel Medical forms
are due by Monday, April 16.
Hopsewee Plantation
Brookgreen Gardens
Shopping at the Hammock Shops
Dinner at Sea View Inn
Mepkin Abbey church tour
April 27 Starlight and Dinner at
Camp Gravatt - bring the entire
family for a night out under the stars!
Hamburgers and Hot Doga, Smores
and fun! dinner will run from 6 to
7:30. Reservations are required for
dinner (803-502-9000) Movie will
begin at dusk.
Adults - $10
12 and under- $6
under 3 - free
Cash or Checks to ACPRT

Chalk It Up at Harrison Caver Park
Registration: April 1 - 27
Event date: April 28 at 10:00 a.m.
fee: $5 per person
The winner will receive a free art
lesson with local artist and oil
originals owner Sharon Padgett.
Proceeds beneft the Aiken Center for
Exceptional families or ACE families.
May 16 trip to Aiken State Park,
Windsor, SC
Breakfast, Fishing, Canoeing, Hiking
and Lunch - $7.00 person
Bus will leave Main Offce at 6:00 a.m.
bus will leave Courtney Center at 6:30
a.m.
June 7 & 8 Trip to Harrahs Casino -
Cherokee, NC
Spend the day at Harrahs Casino,
sightsee, and enjoy dinner at one
of the casinos fne restaurants, rest
in the casinos hotel before heading
home friday morning.
All monies and Travel Medical forms
are due by Friday, May 4.
Accommodations and Transportation
(meals not included):
option 1: $200 for single occupancy
option 2: $150 for double occupancy
bus will leave Aiken at 7:00 a.m. and
Wagener at 7:30 a.m.
NEED YOUR
FEEDBACK
Is there something that
you would like to see in the
paper? Submit your ideas
to jlott@aikenstandard.
com or mail to MV Monthly,
attn: Julie Lott, P.O. Box
456, Aiken, SC 29802 for
consideration.
APRIL 2012 PAGE 15 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
PAGE 16 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
School Briefs
Childrens Author Coming To
Gloverville Elementary
Award winning childrens author,
Diane Z. Shore will be at Gloverville
Elementary School on Friday
morning, April 13. The Georgia
author will recite from her rollicking,
rhyming read-aloud Bus-A-Saurus
Bop and share her newest releases
How to Drive Your Sister Crazy
and This is the Game. Dianes
performance is an educational and
inspirational performance geared to
get kids excited about reading and
writing.
MVHS Band Rates Superior
The Pride of the Valley, Midland
Valley High Schools band, received
South Carolinas highest rating of
SUPERIOR on March 22. This rating
marks three of the last fve years the
program has achieved this level of
excellence. We are so very proud of
our band students accomplishments.
Students Take Part In
Spelling Bee
The following students at Midland
Valley Christian Academy participated
in the Association of Christian Schools
International First through Fourth
Grade Spelling Bee: Aaron Altringer,
Allen Deloach, Daryam Galan,
Taylor Korte, Lauren Friday, Aiyana
Hightower, Patrick Odom, Ronnie
Rahenkamp, Tylus Madison, Ansley
Prosser, Hannah Waterman, Silas
Barton, Bella Keenan and McKenzie
Knight.
Tylus Madison placed frst among the
third-grade students and McKenzie
Knight placed fourth among the
fourth-grade students.
Tylus Madison McKenzie Knight
Teacher of the Year
Amber Bannister
First Year Teacher of the Year
Jessica Johnson

Faculty of the Month (January)
Charla Coffn
Staff of the Month (January)
Sherrie Pitts

Faculty of the Month (February)
Lisa Tompsett
Staff of the Month (February)
Penny Baggott

Student of the Month
(February & March)
6th grade Nominations:
Kyara Billups
Brenda Martinez
Ranulfo Olivera
Leah Padgett
Joshua Pitman
DaVon Prather
Alexis Walker

7th grade Nominations:
Destiny Cornetti
Trenton Nolan
Esmeralda Ramirez
Charlie Wright

8th grade Nominations:
Jaquan Cain
Jazmine Canaday
Zachary Fields
Maria Mendez
Jiamon Settles
Sydney Williams

Exploratory Team Nominations:
Breanna Alford
Matthew Anderson
Caroline Barron
James Bechtold
Kelsey Cook
Faith Flowers
Maci Goodwin
Connor Howell
Diamond Lee
Teryn Mills
Cameron Paradise
Davonte Perry
Leavelle McCampbell Middle School
VOICe Inc.
VALLEY OUTREACH INTERFAITH CENTER
1469 Augusta Road, Warrenville 803-663-9955
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am to 11:00am
VOICe provides food, clothing, and household
items to those in need in the eight valley towns of
Bath, Langley, Gloverville, Graniteville, Warrenville,
Clearwater, Beech Island and Vaucluse.
If funds are available we also provide assistance with
utilities and medication.
All services are by appointment only.
Call 663-9955 to schedule.
VOICe has 25 years of continued service to the valley area
assisting families in need. All assistance is free of charge.
VOICe is supported by donations from area churches and
the community. All staff are volunteers from within the
community and surrounding towns.
If you would like to donate please stop by. Donations are tax
deductible. Donations are always needed and denitely appreciated.
Learning To Make
Polymers
Elijah Hightower and
polymers Kimberly Clark
employees taught students
in Mrs. Becky Jarrards 6th
grade science class how to
make polymers using Borax,
glue, and water.
APRIL 2012 PAGE 17 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
PRINCIPALS ACADEMIC
HONOR ROLL
Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Students
who have As in all subjects

THIRD GRADE
(Mrs. Busbee) Grayson Creech, Myra
Fernandez, Jay Hays, Ronald (Trace)
Seigler, Nicholas Lintner, Jake Pifer,
Carolyn Yonn (Mrs. Hamilton) Rita
Hucksam, Craig Speh
(Miss Williams) Brayden Hawkins,
Kendall Newsome (Mr. Alexander)
Ryan Boswell, Devin Randall
FOURTH GRADE
(Mrs. Fernandez) Evan Johnson,
Matthew Standridge (Mrs. Lintner)
Madison Bryant, Madison Eubanks,
Andrew Leach (Miss Mitchum)
Trynatee Douse, Macee Johnson,
Parker Welsh (Miss Piper) Sawyer
Gordon, Willie (Devron) Curry
(Mrs. Watkins) Jessica Bendickson,
Venice Douglas, Courtney Holmes,
Sarah Lunsford, Savannah Pinchot,
Miles Roane, Duffy Willing
FIFTH GRADE
(Mrs. Bramlett) Joseph Johnson, Kyle
Vandergrift (Mrs. Gilchrist)
Anna Bevington, Josh Oliver (Mrs.
Griffn) Jackie Gamboa, Morgan
Thomas (Mrs. Johnson) Lesly
Colmenares, Tyler Razey
BYRD SCHOOL ACADEMIC
HONOR ROLL
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Students
who have As and Bs in all subjects
THIRD GRADE
(Mrs. Busbee) Summer Garrett,
Kaitlyn Mosley, Maurice Priester,
Nicholas Prince (Mrs. Chafn)
Maggie Griffs, Landon Johnson,
Dakota Jones, Marisa Maxam,
Haley Pearson, Chloe Rhoden (Mrs.
Hamilton) Gabriela Fee, Jordan
Godwin, Angelina Spencer, Layla
Walker (Miss Williams) Rebecca
Blackwell (Mr. Alexander) Gabriel
Barrs, Abigail Brown, Jayla Council,
Briana Hiers, Kimberly Mendez,
Shandrell Ryan
FOURTH GRADE
(Mrs. Fernandez) Stephanie Acosta,
McKenzie Allen, Dalton Langley,
Austin Paradise, Eddie Shoptaw
(Mrs. Lintner) DaQuan Brown,
TeAndria Campbell, A.J. Deibel,
Holly Epperson, Hunter Ergle,
Madison Mercer, Bailey Newsome,
Zach Silas (Miss Mitchum) Shakira
Gathers, Kaleb Haselrig, Zakiyah
Jackson, MacKenzie Mercer, Lane
Owenby, Alejandro Rico, Carlos
Rodriguez, Martrell Ross (Mrs.
Watkins) Laniya Carmichael, Kari
Flannings, D.J. Granade, Jeslyn
Key, Chandller Lewis, T.J. McLester,
Kailee Miller (Miss Piper) Walter
Baker, Taliyah Blocker, Matthew
Cowart, Adin Hillman, Beatriz
Mendez, Christopher Pearson, Kelly
Rios, Shelby Salter, Aaliyah Walker,
Anishia Williams
BYRD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Students
who have As and Bs in all subjects
FIFTH GRADE
(Mrs. Bramlett) Chanelle Hanberry,
Emijah Hall, Logan Jeffcoat (Mrs.
Gilchrist) Keasia Barnes, Kinley
Johnson, Taylor Mabry, Gia Thrasher
(Mrs. Griffn) Christian Hawkins,
Brycen Mathis, Chandler Mayson,
Tyler Randall, Carson Redd,
Victorian Williams (Mrs. Johnson)
Carley Guill, Ciara Scurry, Justise
Wright
EXCELLENT EAGLES ACADEMIC
HONOR ROLL
FIRST GRADE
(Mrs. Barton) Arabella Alvarez, Anna
Bowers, Brizeida Jacobo
Michael Lopez, Tremain McElmurray,
Benjamin Olivera-Silva, Mercedes
Sullivan, Grayson Weathers (Mrs.
Eubanks) Paige Davis, Bruce Diaz-
Leon, Jesse Duffe, Peyton England,
Heather Fore, Izhariyah Jenkins,
Arowyn Jones, Kiai McMullen,
Kyle Mosley, Carmen Reyes, Reese
Wilson (Mrs. Monroe) Cytlalic
Alarcon, Angie Allen, Raekwon
Brightharp, Arianna Douglas, Dylan
Flynn, Alanah Hill, Carsyn Hodges,
Calvin Stokes (Mrs. Newsome)
DaShaun Brown, Mallory Taylor
(Mrs. Phibbs) Audrey Bennett, Julia
Edmondson, Aradia Rowe, Brandy
Santos, Jasmine Smith (Miss Prince)
AaShira Bostick, Lily Boswell,
Catharine Brown, Amanda Busbee,
Yair Cano-Cortez, Austin Davis,
Lizbeth Gutierrez, Madison Lilly,
Haylee Perry Seth Randall (Mrs.
Williamson) Shayna Autwell, Clare
Balsam, Braylon Barton, Cody
Black, Axcell Espinoza, Madison
Green, Justin Joiner, Savanna
Kaney, Sierra Mabry, Tanner Miller,
Isaiah Trull, Maritza Trujillo, Eddie
Wilson
SECOND GRADE
(Mrs. Carpenter) Alyssa Ankrom,
Zander Boatright, Haylie Clark,
Jordan Craig, Blakelyn Crytzer,
Ashlye Garcia, Maria Garcia,
Anastacia Lewis, Jeffrey Martin,
Joshua Matlock, Macarro Newsome,
Cooper Redd, Trevin Riley, Slater
Simpson, Amber Smith (Mrs.
Castles) Landon Carter, Abigayle
Coody, Ethan Crosby, Elder Diaz,
Carlee Downs, Ann Messick, Amelia
Miller, Christopher Peterson, Sierra
Richardson, Edward Roberts, Hailey
Royall, Dylan Seigler, Makayla
Smith, Ella Westberry, Kaitlyn
Westbrook, Michael Williams,
Mallory Zinger (Mr. Martin) Richard
Brady, Madison Dodd, Stanley
Fields, Jackson Fleming, Karly
Johnson, Markel Johnson, Jacob
Kovacs, Jennifer Lopez, Charles
Mims, Kalebh Simmons, Isabella
Smith, Olivia Speh, Emma Troup,
Jasmine Trujillo, Christopher Wren
(Mrs. Spears) Ian Garland, Mychael
Jefferson, Alex Levister, Elizabeth
Maul, Raevin McKinney, Jaydan
Odum, Natalie Rushton, Levi Taylor,
Ivanna Vasquez, Trinity Wilder,
Dylan Willard, Gibson Willing (Mrs.
Talbert) Marisela Arias, Reginald
Cain, Breana Ginn, Mary Grace Ginn,
Briana Gregory, Lillian Haselrig,
Nikolas Isaac, Leroy Laird, Katie
Pifer, Jaden Williams
Byrd Elementary would like to thank
Little Caesars Pizza and the PTO for
donating the pizzas for the Honor
Party.
Byrd Elementary School
Easter
bunny
eggs
chocolate
Spring
chicks
baskets
candy
food dye
bonnets
jelly beans
gifts
Easter lily
Peter rabbit
toys
fowers
church
1. Babys hat changed to red
2. Girls shirt changed to purple
3. M is missing from the sign
4. Patch is missing from the mans sweater
5. Can is missing
6. Mothers hair changed to brown
7. Fork and meat missing from mothers hand
8. Center food tray has changed color
9. The pole (for the shelf) is shorter
Answers to the Kids PAge
on PAge 12
CAN YOU
FIND THE
HORSESHOE?
Hidden in the pages
of this edition is a
horseshoe.
Can you fnd it?
MIDLAND VALLEY
MONTHLY IS
ONLINE
Go to
aikenstandard.com,
click on Special
Sections, and then
Monthly Publications.
PAGE 18 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
LBC Middle School enjoyed Celebration Night March 22nd. We had
Hula Girls greeting guests as they arrived, performances on stage and
throughout the school, Living History projects in the library, and the book
fair was in full swing. Thank you to PTO for providing the food free of
charge for all visitors.
LBC Middle School
On March 17th and 18th several home groups from Cedar Creek Church
came out and did service projects at LBC Middle School. They had a Be
the Church weekend where instead of attending church, they WERE the
church in action.
They landscaped across the entire front entrance of our school. They
also tackled a huge project for us...they made an outdoor teachers
lounge area.
Cedar Creek Church meets so many needs of our students through
anonymous donations. We will always be grateful for everything they do
for us at LBC.
Thanks to Cedar Creek Church!!
Teachers lounge before picture.
Teachers lounge afer picture.
APRIL 2012 PAGE 19 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Midland Valley High School
The Midland Valley High School Key Club participated in the annual Be
a Bunny campaign sponsored by the United Way of Aiken. Students
stuffed Easter baskets with personal care items for area senior citizens.
Students also helped serve breakfast, host guests, and bus tables at the
Kiwanis Club of Aikens pancake fundraiser at OCharleys. The profts
from this breakfast will be donated to end neonatal and maternal tetanus
around the world.
By Colby Shealy
MVHS Sophomore
On March 12, one of Julliards percussion ensembles came to Midland Valley
High School and gave a very interesting performance. With all the culture in
the air, it was a breath taking sight. The percussionists, Mike Truesdell, Ian
Sullivan, Sam Budish, played as if they had been doing it their whole lives. As
a percussionist in the Pride of the Valley band, I was captured the whole time
while they were playing. I thought it was one of the best musical performances
I had ever seen, and other students seemed really impressed with the
performance. I hope these musicians can come back again soon. Many thanks
to all who supported this program, the Midland Valley administrators, and the
Julliard in Aiken organization, for providing this experience for our students.
Photos by Shavonne Kolodizieizyck, MVHS Teacher
Photo by Shavonne Kolodizieizyck, MVHS Teacher
Julliard Percussion Ensemble
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putrspo _______________
ryahict ________________
tadnoonsi _____________
dai ___________________
iyahmunt ______________
britnoctnou ___________
garicn ________________
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answers on page 8
Unscramble
PAGE 20 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
its time to get cooking!
Mark your calendars for May 10!
Our culinary
specialist
Michelle Roberts.
For sponsorship and exhibitor info, please call 803-644-2371
Free gift Bag! Every ticketed attendee receives a
bag stufed with valuable coupons and gifts PLUs
a free subscription to Taste of Home Magazine.
WHen:
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Pre-Show Expo starts at 3 p.m.
Cooking School 6:30 p.m. -
8:30 p.m.
WHeRe:
USCA Convocation Center
375 Robert Bell Parkway
tickets:
tickets on sale April 2.
GeneralSeating:$10each.
AlimitedamountofVIP
tickets will also be available
for$45each. Each VIP ticket
includes premium seating,
entry to VIP event and
a signed Taste of Home
cookbook. Also includes
premium gift bag!
ticket oUtLets:
AikenStandardofces
USCAConvocationCenter
TheNorthAugustaStarofces
VIP tickets only available at Aiken Standard ofces.
We are currently looking
for advertisers, vendors and
sponsors to participate in
the Taste of Home Cooking
School and Expo.
Over 800 people will
attend to view, shop and
learn more about your
business!
Diferent packages are
available to ft your needs!
JAson sikes
PeRFoRms At 6Pm!
LBC Middle
School
students
trip to
Washington
APRIL 2012 PAGE 21 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
Ashley Benson
Midland Valley Sophomore
The Midland Valley High
Schools FCCLA Club is very
dedicated to carrying out the
mission of its organization. The
overall mission is to promote
personal growth and leadership
development. This is done by
members actively participating
in school and community
service projects and attending
leadership conferences. This
year, school and community
service projects the group has
chosen are to target the subject
of bullying, support the Cumbee
Center, participate in the school
administrations Back Pack
initiative to help underprivileged
elementary school children, and
to take part in the up coming
Langley Pond Triathlon and Relay
for Life activities.
Some of the activities the
MVHS/FCCLA Club has done to
fulfll the mission include: collect,
launder, and deliver clothing
to the Cumbee Center; donate
money towards the Back Pack
program to provide nutritious
foods for underprivileged
elementary children to take home
on weekends; offer suggestions,
activities and support for fellow
students so that bullying might be
alleviated or banished from our
campus; assist in the activities
at the Langley Pond Triathlon,
and donate time, money, energy,
and whatever is asked of us to
support Relay for Life.
Our grand fnale will be a feld
trip to visit our capitols State
House to learn more about
(and be reminded of) the rich
history of our state, as well as to
meet Governor Nikki Haley, her
schedule permitting.
The clubs sponsor is Mrs.
Loretta Bush, and co-sponsor is
Mrs. Anne Jarrett. MVHS/FCCLA
Club offcers are: President -
Hannah Abney, Vice President
- Heather Scott (Thanks to
alternate Heather Pica for flling
in when needed), Secretary -
Kaitlyn Altman, Treasurer - Kali
Coleman, and Reporter - Ashley
Benson.
Midland Valley High School
Midland Valley High School FCCLA
MVHS FFA Takes 1st Place
Students of the Midland
Valley High FFA Chapter spent
the evening of March 6th
in the agriculture education
laboratory at Midland Valley High
School competing in the South
Carolina Lower State Region
Tool Identifcation Competition.
Students in the Tool Identifcation
Career Development Event, earn
the opportunity to demonstrate
their technical knowledge as it
relates to over one hundred and
eighty different agricultural tools.
Students tested their
knowledge through a written exam
and a tool identifcation station.
The team will now travel to
Columbia South Carolina in April
to compete in the South Carolina
FFA State Tool Identifcation
Career Development Event.
Members of the Midland Valley
team were: Joseph Whitt,
Tommy Black, Jacob Couch and
Llair Trujillo. Their advisor is Mr.
J. Brooks.
The National FFA Organization,
formerly known as Future
Farmers of America, is a national
youth organization of 523,309
student members as part of
7,487 local FFA chapters in all
50 states, Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. The FFA mission
is to make a positive difference
in the lives of students by
developing their potential for
premier leadership, personal
growth and career success
through agricultural education.
The National FFA Organization
operates under a Federal Charter
granted by the 81st United States
Congress, and it is an integral part
of public instruction in agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Education
provides leadership and helps
set direction for FFA as a service
to state and local agricultural
education programs. For more
information visit www.ffa.org,
and follow us on Facebook and
Twitter.
For more information regarding
the agriculture program at
Midland Valley High School,
contact Jeremy Brooks at the high
school, (803) 593-7142 or visit
the agriculture program website at
www.midlandvalleyffa.com.
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Stamey (S.C. FFA Vice President), Jacob Couch, Joseph Whitt,
Llair Trujillo, Tommy Black, and Nikki Hayden (S.C. FFA Vice President)
Civilian Edward J. L. Urzua,
son of Leighann Ormes of
Graniteville, and Eduardo
Urzua, of Los Angeles, Calif.,
recently enlisted in the U.S.
Navy under the Delayed Entry
Program at Navy Recruiting
District, Raleigh, N.C. The
program allows recruits to
enter the Navy and take up
to one year to complete prior
commitments such as high
school. Using recruiters as
mentors, this program helps
recruits ease into the transition
from civilian to military life.
Urzua will report for active duty
to undergo basic training at the
Navys Recruit Training Center,
Great Lakes, Ill. Urzua
is completing his senior
year at Midland Valley
High School.
Midland Valley
High Schools Urzua
enlists in Navy
PAGE 22 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
SUPPORTING CINDY:
Cindy Tomaszewski,
a speech therapist at
Jefferson Elementary,
was diagnosed with
breast cancer. The
school and PTO
organized several
fundraisers to help
support Cindy, her
husband Michael
and their three young
children, Helena,
Sebastian and Stella.
Through the design
and sale of T-shirts, gel
bracelets, a pajama
day and private
donations, $1,900
was raised for Cindys
family. On Feb. 16, the
date of Cindys surgery,
students and staff wore
pink in her honor.
Submitted Photo
APRIL 2012 PAGE 23 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY
PAGE 24 APRIL 2012 MIDLAND VALLEY MONTHLY