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and Their Music |
Luckett |
Cooper and Fayssoux McLean |
with Ellis |
Childers |
Snider |
Unnofficial Half |
Memory of David Stewart |
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and Their Music |
Luckett |
Cooper and Fayssoux McLean |
with Ellis |
Childers |
Snider |
Unnofficial Half |
Memory of David Stewart |
Home |
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We don’t just mind your own business We tend to it, too We carry an Idiot’s Guide Just to be sure We don’t just say things off the wall We write them down, too We carry an Idiot’s Guide With pictures and rules It’s amazing when you’re in shock And you know it It’s amazing when you’ve been screwed And you feel it Its manipulation and mis-management Its habit forming It’s practice what you’re preaching Controlled verbal whoring It’s a whispering prayer in Spanish Intent on execution It’s a prison cell for the Italian widow Without restitution It’s an Idiot’s Guide in an Idiot’s hand It’s one more damn disease It’s an Idiot’s Guide in an Idiot’s mind I better find my book and read it … ~I’m looking for two answers~ If Roman Catholics determine who goes to hell I wonder what God does? I wonder if He moved Heaven and Earth To the same lake we can all go jump in? 'cause ... They don’t just mind our business They tend to it, too They carry an Idiot’s Guide Just to be sure They say things off the wall They write them down, too Just to be sure Idiots rule  Walking through the sunlit back door, one can already sense the creative imagination that surrounds the rooms of Joe Welborn’s modest and charming home. Each room has been transformed by glorious shades of blue, red, yellow, green, violet and every color in-between. Welborn has created a rainbow within the walls of his home. A rainbow effect that’s felt from the magnificent hues from suncatchers, angels with iridescent wings, churches, crosses, villages and other novelties throughout Welborn's home. From these seemingly delicate stained glass creations, a fantasy stroll suddenly turns to poignant. On display were some Newberry’s most elaborating and historical buildings, all hand made from stained glass with the artist’s signature. At a glance or with a thorough study of Welborn’s stained glass replicas, one might feel they’re taking a historic stroll through the annals of Newberry. One might be right. I felt at home the moment I stepped inside. I felt the presence of an old friend within a gentleman and his beloved wife, "Sal". I didn’t know before I left their home, I would never refer to Mr. and Mrs. Welborn as casual acquaintances. Relaxed, hospitable, witty and engaging would be more like it. Welborn is far from fussy. His quick humor makes him endearing and kept me on my toes. It was a day we were both full of it and we knew it. He was at the top of his game and brought me with him. I rose to the occasion and tried to match his wit. I thought I equaled his wit, but I have a feeling Welborn lets most people believe this. It’s what he does. He makes people feel good. He gives and then gives more. He imagines, designs and then produces intricate and exquisite stained glass replicas of some of Newberry’s most treasured and historical buildings, homes, and churches. Most people think of church windows when they think of stained glass, so describing these three dimensional structures in detail is all but impossible. They are actual three dimensional replicas, made as close to scale as possible, painstakingly measuring, cutting, foiling each piece of glass, and carefully soldering it all into place. Finally, the glass structure is carefully cleaned and a patina is used to color the solder lines black or copper. Some structures, such at Oakhurst (better known as the Matthews House), we would never see again except in paintings and photographs. However, thanks to the skill and gentle love from a man to his craft and county, we have much of Newberry’s history in the art of stained glass. When Welborn realized that Oakhurst was to be torn down, he quickly decided to preserve the Queen Anne style residence. As with most of his projects, Welborn took numerous pictures of Oakhurst. It was, after all, one of the most endangered historic properties in South Carolina. He took pictures of Oakhurst’s wraparound porch veranda, the three story corner turret, and balconies in order to make a pattern or "template". Welborn got as many pictures from as many angles as possible. Remember, he was intent on preserving Oakhurst. It was one of the hardest stained glass projects Welborn has ever done. After 300 hours of work, Welborn’s critical eye for detail resulted in preserving Oakhurst in a way no other artist has done. Welborn is quick to say that he spent more time with this meticulous labor of love than any other project he has completed thus far. Taking hundreds of small pieces of glass, he arranged each piece with delicacy. The end result is nothing less than stunning. Welborn’s commitment to detail combined with his focused determination, restored an immeasurable amount of honor and dignity to Oakhurst. Through his craft, he created an immaculate and true depiction of history. It was a meticulous and laborious feat, but one that resulted in a new Oakhurst. A new memory of Oakhurst that will keep people reminiscing and remembering this fairytale home, for years to come. I would venture to say, in some way, he gave new meaning to the words, "preserve and restore." Not every church in Newberry County has stained glass windows, but compliments of Welborn, at least 28 churches have stained glass reproductions. Some of these stained glass churches include Grace Lutheran, St. Phillips Lutheran, Mt. Pleasant Methodist, Zion Methodist, St. Lukes Episcopal, Enoree Baptist, and Aveleigh Presbyterian. Expecting or wanting nothing in return, Welborn has given many of his non-commissioned stained glass churches as a gift to individual churches. Most congregations have accepted these gifts with great appreciation, although a simple, "thank-you" would suit Welborn. Welborn's not big into this type of glorification. At the time of this writing, Welborn was working on building his 29th stained glass church. I wonder which lucky church it will be. Actually, I know. I’m just not telling. Welborn’s reproductions have an astonishing resemblance to the actual structure, and in 1999, the Newberry Opera House showcased the artists work. Among these pieces of art was a stained glass reproduction of the restored Opera House. Given as a gift to the Opera House, Executive Director of Newberry Opera House, Deborah Smith, was overwhelmed. "Joe Welborn, one of the some 300 Opera house volunteers, has created an incredible work of art, -- The Newberry Opera House in Stained glass. Its detail is amazing, right up to the clock and the gar weathervane atop the highest peak of the Tower. He has captured the spirit of the building as well as the architectural detail-- and truly created a local masterpiece." Welborn made his first piece of art in the form of a balloon suncatcher. Since then he has challenge himself in a way that might intimidate most people. Suffice it to say that Welborn doesn’t fit the mold of "most people." Imagine Newberry County’s showcase of historic and exquisite buildings and homes, and then, try to imagine creating something timeless in its likeness. Sound like a simple feat? No, I didn’t think so. Nor did Welborn, but his abundant patience challenged him in an unusual way. Without realizing what he would accomplish, Welborn has become one of Newberry’s most original designers and inventors. Welborn has spent countless of hours making stained glass buildings of special significance, as well as symbolic novelties that may appear simplistic in appearance; however, every piece requires enormous patience. I asked Welborn if he ever got disgusted with a design and threw it away. Quickly and without hesitation Welborn replied, "Of course." Next question, "Do you find it challenging?" "I wouldn't do it if I didn't," he said. Welborn has completed making stained glass reproductions of Newberry County Library, the old and new Newberry County Courthouses, Newberry Colleges Holland Hall as well as the facade of the old Newberry Hotel. He's also made reproductions of individual homes, including his own. Each structure was tediously studied and thought out. A pattern was made and glass was cut. Welborn took painstaking measures to ensure that the finished product had an uncanny likeness to the original structure. He went back to his subject and studied pictures over and over. He relied on his pattern making techniques to serve as a guide. He counted windows, steps, hand rails, pillars and shrubbery, including each visual in great detail. He matched building colors to glass colors in order to get the closest resemblance. What Welborn created is simply genius. Its genius because Newberrians now have lasting treasures of history to enjoy for years to come. He's made three dimensional villages and buildings that serve as more than a conversational piece. Thanks to Welborn and his love of historical Newberry and its people, we have symbolic treasures in stained glass. We have a museum of stained glass. We have a tangible piece of history that's been restored and renovated. And, as such the case with Oakhurst. We have what may be the closest architectural remains of the” Matthews House". When my afternoon with the Welborn's came to an end, I walked passed a sunlit stainglass window and saw glorious shades of blue, red, yellow, green, violet and every color in-between. It reminded me of my afternoon with the Welborn’s. It was an afternoon filled with of laughter, stories and a new-found appreciation for stained glass art. It was a day of angels and a day I walked away with a stained glass angel of my very own. It was a day I stood in awe of a man who is far from a casual acquaintance. He's candid. He's precise and to the point. He's a blend of business and pleasure. He is nothing short of extraordinary. ;void(0)) His primary goal for over a week has been to rescue people. People on rooftops, hotels, motels, apartments, cars and those randomly scattered throughout the flooded towns from Gulfport, Mississippi to New Orleans, Louisiana. Born in Whitmire and a 1989 graduate of Whitmire High, Bill Strikland joined the Coast Guard in 1992. In 1999 he Graduated with a BS in Management/Computer Information Systems Park University and in 2000, Strickland graduated from Coast Guard Officer Candidate School in New London, CT. Since November of 2004 he has served as a Flight Instructor in Mobile, Alabama at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center (CG/ATC); teaching new Coast Guard pilots how to fly the HH65 Dolphin. Today however, his mission is much different. Today, like everyday for the unforeseeable future, his mission is search and rescue. Today, like every other recent day, Strikland will take flight from Gulfport, Alabama, and go wherever he is needed most along the United States Gulf Coast. He will co-pilot a helicopter for ten to 15 hours a day; he will enter area that is completely unrecognizable and be in constant contact with ground forces such as the Air Force and Army. Hurricane Katrina, the powerful category 4 Hurricane hit the Louisiana Coast on August 29th, flooding New Orleans and leaving thousands of people along the Gulf Coast homeless, hungry, lost, and dead. According to Strikland, the Coast Guard ATC Mobile was one of the earliest units to respond to Hurricane Katrina. In preparation for land fall ATC ordered all of its aircraft evacuated from Mobile, Alabama and flown to Jacksonville, FL. The night the storm moved North of New Orleans, they flew all the aircraft back to Mobile and began flying missions in Biloxi, Gulfport and New Orleans. Rescue effort have been non-stop from that point. They have conducted many medical evacuations from hospitals and have worked to bring in food and water to the affected areas. All the armed services have equipment and aircraft working non-stop under difficult circumstances. Local EMS, police, and fire departments are also doing all that they can, though many of them have suffered severely from the storm. The Coast Guard is flying helicopters around the clock looking for the unfortunate victims left stranded in Katrina’s wake. Although these helicopters are flying 24/7, Strikland said they have found it easier to locate people in the nighttime hours because many people are waving flashlights in the flooded areas, making them easier to spot. With the aide of night vision goggles, survivors are sometimes easier to locate, but this type of rescue is a two edged sword. No electricity means there is no air traffic control, no lights on towers, and numerous downed power lines, thus, making night rescue conditions extremely dangerous for both the rescue teams and the survivors. Each helicopter crew has two pilots, a flight mechanic, and a rescue swimmer to hoist survivors -- provided they are non ambulatory. Each bucket used to hoist survivors can only hold up to 600 pounds, making rescues long and tedious. Strickland, who serves as a pilot, said his crew has transported countless survivors, including 150 people trapped on a Days Inn rooftop and an additional 30 people atop another building. Following the rescue, survivors are transported to landing zone and then to taken to shelters. Strickland reiterated what most people in the United States are saying: the destruction is unreal and unlike anything he has ever seen. According to Strickland, people are nearing the end of their patience. Crowds on the ground have been irate and there has been a lot of looting and random acts of crime. Now that the National Guard has been mobilized, Strikland feels that the additional support will be invaluable to help maintain security, as well as aide in the destruction from Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans, Louisiana. According to Strickland, throughout all of the devastation and destruction, there have been some good moments. One moment that stands out in his mind is being part of a rescue that involved hoisting a mother and baby from the top of their home. He said he has seen the good side of people in the midst of the madness, “the stuff you don’t see on TV.” Strickland affirms that most people are grateful. He acknowledges the problems on the ground are widespread, but doesn’t feel like these problems are racially motivated, as some reports have suggested. According to Strickland, many of the problems exist because people were unprepared for the seriousness they were certain to encounter as the raging storm approach. Many people opted to try and ride the storm out rather than evacuate. Strickland said that the Coast Guard will be working the area for months. “It’s complete devastation,” said Strickland, “The Coast Guard is doing everything we can to alleviate the suffering as much as possible. Some people just don’t realize the extent of this disaster. Some people are planning to return to their homes and have no idea that they have no home to return to.” While reports of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina will continue to pour in for months to come, Strickland remains steadfast and focused on his mission of search and rescue. He also reinforces the common thread holding our nation together in the aftermath of this tragedy very simply by saying, “Though many are suffering, hope and courage are winning the day I believe.” Strickland is married to the former Whitney Wardlaw of Simpsonville, SC. They have two sons, John, age 8, and Connor, age 3 and were evacuated as hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast. His parents are Jerry W. Strickland of Whitmire and the late Brenda Ellison.  October 1992. That's when I first laid eyes on my little Katie. I was working for the newspaper and it was Car Care Month. I was off to meet with a dealership that was located somewhere off the beaten path. It was a cold call and it never occurred to me that a car dealership would be closed on Columbus Day, but they were. I was almost to the door of the dealership when I looked down to see this little mop of a dog standing in front of me. I picked her up and talked the usual puppy talk. Her tale wagged uncontrollably and we did the Eskimo kisses. I had made a friend for life. I will never forget that moment or many that followed as Katie worked her way into becoming our family pet. Katie had been seriously injured when I found her. Her right hind leg had a steel rod in it and you could see stitches through her badly matted coat. She was flea infested, worm infested and severely malnutritioned. I scooped her up and went straight to the vets; to hell with work. Before our emergency visit was through, Katie had received a bag of IV fluids, her stitches were removed, x-rays were taken and several prescriptions dispensed. My entire pay check went into this little mop; I didn't care a bit. I only worked in order to have something to do anyway … yeah, right. ;) When I brought Katie home the first thing Ron said was, "There's no way that dog's coming inside, Treese. She's a mess and about the ugliest thing I've ever seen. We already have seven dogs that we can't afford. Hmmm … hmmm…. hmmm. You can't keep bringing dogs home. What am I going to do with you?" "What are you going to do with ME? Ron, look at her; she's hurt and she's scared and she's lost and blah, blah, blah …. " "Okay, you can keep her, but she's not coming inside. She can sleep in one of the dog houses." Ron's a big ol' teddy bear with a heart just as big. He knew he would lose the argument but, what he got – what we got -- were fourteen wonderful years with a little dog; a little white mop that we named Katie, who slept with us and our three other "inside" dogs (Actually, all of our dogs were inside dogs every time Ron pulled out of the driveway. We had eight ... that's right: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight dogs at one point who all cozied up in our house ... it was GREAT!). Ron and I have known for the past year and half that Katie literally had seen her better years. She lost her sight first and then her hearing, and it's been increasingly hard for her to get around on her three "good" legs. She's almost fully lost control of her bladder and she is confused. Even without her sight or hearing, Katie knew the house well enough to go from one end to the other with relative ease. She was able to find the bed and her water dish, but not anymore. It's never been more evident than now that we have to do what every pet owner dreads doing: putting a beloved pet to sleep. I think the hardest part here is that Ron and I agreed we would not put her to sleep until her tail stopped wagging. Katie's tail wags incessantly. She's one of the happiest little dogs I have ever met; and oh my gosh, to hold her is to love her! To feel the way her lungs fills up with air when you step outside with her … it's the best feeling to me because I know how much Katie appreciates life. She nearly lost her life in 1992 and she has never forgotten those who believed that she was worth saving. Even when the vet told me her chances of survival were not good and that she would always be decrepit, there was never a moment of wondering whether she deserved – at the very least – the chance to live with another family who would love and care for her. Katie has never merely existed; she has lived a happy, healthy life. One of the best things I have ever done in my life was picking up that little mop up, to cradle her during nights of healing, to love her for the beautiful mess she is. She has given back so much more -- she has loved and cared for us. Her undying faithfulness, her sweet terrier mix demeanor and excellent behavior has added the kind of sweetness to life that is only found in dogs who know how close they were to death. Katie has always been a survivor; she's my little trooper, my little fighter for life with an attitude. We hoped Katie would die in her sleep, but unless she dies before Friday at 2:45 p.m., that's not going to happen. I will be with Katie on Friday, in the very hospital that I first took her to in 1992. The very doctor who helped nurse her back to health will inject her with poison and her heart will stop. Ron's never been able to do this, but I've done this routine four other times, I know how it works. I'll hold her and tell her that mommy and daddy love her. I'll cradle and caress her and rub her ears and tips of her eyes and she will wag her tale. Her tail will wag incessantly. We'll give each other Eskimo kisses and I'll ask Dr. Susan (even though I know the answer) "Are we doing the right thing?" and she will tell me yes. Within five minutes of hearing that "Yes," Katie's life will come to an end and I will leave without my little D, my little trooper. Friday. I have never dreaded the beginning of a weekend so much. I love you, Katie. Thank you for loving me ... even when I went away .... I always held you near .... I'll always hold you near. "Ka-ka-ka-Katie, be my Ka-Ka-Ka-Kamrade! O-ka-ka-kay!" A Home With a Heart of Pine … written by Theresa S. Halfacre for Newberry Magazine Pre civil war connoisseurs, lovers of history and preservation, the road home for Barbara and Robert Hazel began as all fairytales do: with a dream. For Barbara, it was a dream that began in the 6th grade during a field trip to Charleston. She was fascinated by authentic cannons; their historical significance and the era of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Positioned in a corner bookshelf in their library, alongside an ever growing number of pre-civil and civil war relics, Barbara keeps a miniature replica of a cannon she brought home with her from the Charleston field trip -- a reminder of the significance of history and heritage. A beautiful and relatively simple designed exterior leads into an elegant interior at the home of Robert and Barbara Hazel. With wide halls and over 4600 square feet of spacious living space, Robert and Barbara Hazel have preserved this antebellum home for generations. Welcome to Timberhouse. A mansion of a home built almost entirely of heart pine wood and the first antique you’ll see when entering the Hazel’s home. Heart pine is an antique in itself because it is hundreds of years old. It has witnessed all of our nation’s history and is no longer grown, thus leaving it a vanishing resource. With their love for preservation, Robert and Barbara Hazel knew they could not let that happen to this happen to Timberhouse. A tangible piece of history, Timberhouse is a home with a heart. In 1996, Timberhouse was historically and architecturally, a treasure. Built entirely of heart pine, it is believed to have been built in 1858 by Jacob Kibler of Newberry. The newest owners of this romantic pre-civil war home are, at the very least, brave, resourceful, and relentless in their quest to restore their treasure home to its natural state. As with anyone who is consciously aware and appreciative of their culture, the Hazel’s have given new life and new love to the home that, according to Robert, they immediately fell in love with. Along with the original heart pine floors, Timberhouse contains its original plaster walls. While it’s true that Timberhouse was an historical architects dream, it’s also true that this home could have been considered a nightmare to some, and it was a bit of nightmare to the Hazel’s five sons. Due to the poor condition of the home, Jason, one of the Hazel’s sons’s said that he thought his parents were “crazy” when they bought this two story Greek Revival plantation house. Today, not even the keenest eye could detect that this storybook home could have been anything less than museum quality, except perhaps for the squirrels, which are now on the outside looking in. According to the Hazels, Timberhouse had been empty for four years before they purchased this 7 acre country home enclosed in the city. During this time, the squirrels had taken up residency and eaten the wiring. Since squirrels can live up to 20 years, one can only imagine the damage that was done. There was no heat. There was no air. There was no functioning kitchen. Patch work needed to be done to some areas of the heart pine floors due to termite infestation and the rest of the original heart pine flooring was either painted brown or hidden with carpet. Paint was severely peeling off of the over 12 foot high ceilings. The process of renovating this home would require new plumbing, restoring double chimneys that encased four massive fireplaces, installing a new roof, removal and replacement of six enormous wooden columns, stripping the entire exterior paint, and all the patience the Hazel’s could muster. In essence, Timberhouse was in desperate need of a facelift. In general, after making the decision to restore Timberhouse as much as possible, it’s natural to feel enthusiastic and somewhat overwhelmed. It takes motivation and a vision far greater than most will allow their minds their travel. The Hazels ventured into the restoration journey fully aware there would be challenges, fully aware there would be difficulties, and fully believing that the end result would be worth every ounce of energy they gave willingly. Four years of renovations would eventually become a deeply satisfying labor of love. Packed with antiques and art, Timberhouse has become a hobby haven for Barbara and Robert Hazel. In their quest to preserve the vanishing shreds of the past, nearly everything in their home has some historical significance. The large hearths have a beautiful surface that allows antiques and collectibles to be displayed in a fresh and uncluttered manner. Soft florals and crisp colors create a romantic ambience to every room by enhancing the mass of antiques found in every nook and cranny of every cozy corner. Signed Edgefield pottery, a grandmother’s cooking stove, a 1750’s French Vineyard grandfather clock, spinning wheels and nearly everything reminiscent of pre-civil and civil war, gives one an effortless glance to a time in which the Hazel’s hope people will remember or perhaps, yet discover. The Hazel’s know that Timberhouse is a structure that has survived a past that is unlike anything most of us can imagine. It’s a house that knows the life of a far away soldier and the journey from slavery; heartaches and joyous reunions; the bellowing smoke from the burning of South Carolina’s state capitol, Columbia, during the War Between the States. It’s been recorded that Jacob Kibler’s children could see the smoke from the burning of Columbia from the upper front porch. A double tiered porch that today shades a quiet place to sit, to read, to write, to sing and reflect in the surroundings of trees that softly touch the gabled roof and exterior walls. Once separate, the original kitchen was joined to the main house and revitalized without sacrificing the efficiency of today’s conveniences. The kitchen includes a casual dining area that has an open view into the formal dining room. Exposed ceiling beams evoke warmth to the overall coziness of an elegant country home, and freshly made oatmeal cookies bring to mind the sentiment of grandma’s kitchen. Adding to the nostalgia and creativity that flows from room to room, Barbara once again reveals her ability to preserve history by uniquely capturing memories of her beloved great grandmother. Taking fabric from her great-grandmother’s dresses, Barbara had hand made doll dresses sewn. Long ago clothes that many would have discarded have been turned into doll dresses that neatly cover Barbara’s dolls. Placed on a beautifully aged bed, these dolls appear to have found their final resting place. My thoughts tell me that these dresses share a natural sense of history with one of the home’s original chandelier’s that hang from the ceiling above these dolls: old and worn; preserved and loved. With her grandmother’s broaches pinned to each dress, life has been restored to one of the second story bedrooms and look like they belong in a home such as Timberhouse. Every room has a view all its own, but if I had to pick my very favorite room, and of course I do, it would have to be the back porch that was added across the whole width of the house. Robert laid each hand made brick himself, quickly learning the importance of spreading a sealer overtop each porous brick. With thirteen large windows overlooking an immaculate back yard, the doorway opens to a dreamy, colorful and whimsical world. Steps from the blue slate patio that Robert made to use as a dance floor for a wedding, a nest of honey bees buzz in and around an enormous black walnut tree. Crab apple, cypress, magnolias, and dogwood trees shade the back yard, revealing only bits and pieces of the sky. A gazebo and trellis compliment a flowering, lush wonderland. Another reminder to the historical interest of Timberhouse remains in the back yard: an old well house and a two family slave house. I’m reminded of times past and the history that rests on the very grounds I’m walking upon. It’s a visual rendering of history that holds years of hope and serves as a reminder of how far we have come in our journey towards freedom. On a personal note, most of my pleasures come from the people I meet; the brief encounters that make up a memory. During this one short hour that time had been turned backwards, there is one particular memory that will always leave me with a sincere respect and admiration for the Robert and Barbara Hazel: the framed wallpaper displayed throughout various locations of the house, and learning that this wallpaper was what covered the walls prior to their renovation. The Hazel’s display this wallpaper as a token of honor and appreciation to all of those who previously lived in and loved this home. Beginning in 1858 with generations of the Jacob Kibler family and ending with Emerson and Ruth Westwood family, a new era has begun for Timberhouse and Robert and Barbara Hazel. From their heart, they have strengthened the bond between the past and the present by inspiring future generations the value of our history; to nurture, protect, and preserve the memories of our past which should never be forgotten or left behind. Thanks to the Hazel’s, 150 years of memories that live within Timberhouse have now been restored with honor and integrity. ### It started ten years ago. Long before I knew I would ever have a reason to talk with the family, long before I knew I would eventually read the book and long before I would begin my work with Gift of Life Trust Fund. It started in 1994 while listening to the news. Do you remember? You were there. I remember the nightly news anchor uttering those words; “A seven year old California boy was shot in the head while vacationing in Italy.” Those words caught my attention, but why was this particular story newsworthy? Yes, it’s news, and sad news at that, but not inconceivable. The very same thing could and does happen on the streets in America. In fact, a drive by shooting is a lot less likely to occur in Italy than in the United States. As Reg Green, Nicholas’ father, said in a recent telephone interview, a child being shot in this manner in Italy “was unprecedented.” Perhaps this is why it made the headlines in Italy, but why did gain international coverage? Was it the events that followed that made this story so gripping and stunned the world? Do you remember what happened next? Do you remember hearing that the family of Nicholas Green donated Nicholas’ organs to save the lives of five Italians and restore sight to two others? His heart. His liver. His pancreatic cells. One kidney. Another kidney. One cornea. Another cornea. The same ethnic race that took the life of Nicholas was now benefiting from his death. During his short seven years of life, Nicholas became a hero. He is a hero because he was wise beyond his years. He is a hero because he had a zest and love for life that was uncommon for anyone, and especially one so young. Even when he played with his toy soldiers, he invited the Indians to join the cavalry because you see, it was important that everyone cooperate. Everyone must get along and help one another. Nicholas was a cub scout, a Canadian Mountie, Robin Hood and a lover of spaghetti. “Spaghetti please, Spaghetti please. No, sauce, no sauce, just Parmesan cheese,” was what he would tell his mother. Perhaps during his seven years, he lived in the perfect world. The perfect world that we all long for – where peace and love prevail and borders are non-existent. Ah, to be in the mind of green-eyed, freckled face Nicholas. What a gift to have this kind of love, loyalty and honor. And as ironic as it sounds, what a gift that seven organ recipients have a vital part of Nicholas. The impact one small boy had on seven individuals and their family is hard to understand. The impact he had on the world is something we will never comprehend. Do you wonder how the Green family could have done this? Do you wonder how they could give their son’s organs to a country that virtually stole his life? There’s no need to wonder. They did this because they knew that this is what Nicholas would have wanted. They did this because they knew others should benefit from Nicholas’ living organs. They did this because to impugn a country for their child’s death would be wrong and contrary to what Nicholas believed in. They knew that Nicholas’ body was shell and what remained was a lifetime of memories and lessons to be learned. They did this because it was only right for the soldiers to invite the Indians to join the cavalry and become friends. They knew, just like Nicholas, that we are really not that different. And lastly, they knew Nicholas as a hero and that’s what heroes do: save people. Take a moment and look at the heroes in your town. They may not make national news or even local news, but we see their faces every day. Let’s be heroes. We can learn from Nicholas and the Green family. If we can find goodness among tragedies, if can pay tribute to lives lost through car accidents and other unexpected deaths, we hope that it will be that individuals have chosen to be organ and tissue donors. By doing this they will give their gift of life by giving organs that they no longer need, to others who still have a viable chance at life. As we face a new year together -- with all of its struggles and unmistakable joys – I encourage you to take a moment to learn more about our organization or make a tax-deductible donation to Gift of Life Trust Fund. I encourage you to sign a donor card and let your family and friends know that if the unthinkable happens, you wish to be an organ and tissue donor. You can enhance or save the lives of up to 50 people. The cliché is true: you can’t take them with you. Sign an organ donor card on behalf of Nicholas or someone else that you love. Just be sure to sign one. For more information, visit the Gift of Life web site at www.giftoflife-sc.org or call toll free at 1.877.277.4866. ;void(0)) Her name is Amy Andrews. Amy, along with her brother David and her parents, Paula and David, are enjoying a beautiful September Sunday at the walking track. Right off the bat it’s clear that Amy has an infectious personality. Without hesitation, Amy sits on a granite block and befriends an obviously frail dog. While holding “Katie,” Amy looks down at her and says, “Aw, I’m sorry she has a hurt leg. I wish I could make her feel better.” Yes, Katie has a badly injured leg and is 105 years old in dog years, but she still smiles with every wag of her tail. There’s someone who believes her life still has purpose. Amy appears inquisitive as she stands in front of the war memorial that honors our fallen heroes from past wars: WWII, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She reads the names of the dead aloud along with the inscription on one memorial. Clearly written on her red, white and blue shirt is the word, “American.” It hits me: her interest in the memorials, her American girl shirt. All day long, Amy must have been honoring the anniversary of that grim day four years ago, September 11th, 2001, when our country awoke to a nightmarish war. Today, we are at another war of sorts. We are in a war of recovery. Some may say that in the aftermath of Katrina, this war of mass confusion and anxiety is partially man made due to the lack of preparation, or the breakdown and de-funding of FEMA, our single source of domestic relief and assistance. Some may simply say it was an act of God and/or nature. Regardless of who or what is to blame, there’s no arguing that thousands of people will continue to suffer for years as they come to grips with complete and utter loss. Search and rescue has now begun for the animals; beloved pets that got lost or left behind during chaos. These pets, however, dogs specifically in this case, are more than just pets. Many of these dogs, similar to the ones we are seeing on newspapers and across our televisions, have willingly been used by Americans to save lives. In Vietnam alone, nearly 4,000 dogs perished in the line of duty. These casualties of war died while serving their handlers and our country. They died from disease. They died because they are indeed man’s best friend. We will remember WWII, The Korean War, Vietnam, September 11th, and other past and present wars. But, let’s continue not only to remember the people, let’s remember the undying loyalty of their beloved pets, too. Let’s remember that they have walked the same trails our heroes walked and served America selflessly through war after war; disaster after disaster. Let’s remember that history has proven that these dogs have represented the colors of our flag repeatedly. Let us be reminded that it is time that we return the favor amid devastation of Katrina. Let’s look at these pets the same way 8 year-old Amy is looking at Katie: with an expression of love and the hope that somewhere along the Gulf Coast, families are being reunited with their beloved family pets and that one less tear will fall. Let’s look at them and treat them like they are worth saving.  The Butler’s are just one in the nearly 700 families in South Carolina who know what it’s like for someone they love to be in need of a life saving organ. Meet Calvin Butler, his wife Tonia, and their children Isis, Osiris, and Jahleel. I’ve talked with Tonia on the phone several times and I really wanted to meet her and her family in person. We arrange to meet on Thursday, June 2 at 11 a.m. at the office of South Carolina’s Gift of Life Trust Fund in downtown Newberry. The Butler’s live in Saluda, so it’s a short drive for them to Newberry and this will give Calvin a chance to get out and enjoy the day. Calvin doesn’t have dialysis on Thursday, so it should be a good day. The family of five walked into Gift of Life Trust Fund each wearing a smile. No one would know that beneath the smiles there is tremendous physical pain for Calvin and emotional pain for the family. As we talk, I learn more of Calvin’s kidney failure and how the doctors made the purely accidental discovery during stomach bypass surgery in February 2004. Calvin awoke to be told his kidney’s were functioning at only 30%. An aggressive decline was in motion which led to bleeding ulcers, blood transfusions, and insurmountable pain. According to Calvin, “I had the symptoms for about 4 years, but everyone thought it was due to my weight and high blood pressure, so I had the stomach bypass surgery. I lost over 100 pounds. In March, I could barley walk ten feet before I had to stop and rest. I didn’t know what was going on.” That’s enough to scare anyone, but imagine being in Calvin’s situation: 33 years old, happily married and a loving father to three children. It’s enough to make anyone want to live. “It’ scary,” said Tonia, “but we have to go through with it and we’re going to do it. We’ll be okay.” The eldest of the three children, 13 year old Isis, said, “It is kind of scary watching someone you love feel so sick. That’s why I’m excited about the fundraiser. I know that it will bring people together for my dad.” The fundraiser Isis is referring to is on Saturday, June 11th at Mount Olive Church in Ninety-Six beginning at 3 p.m. There will be a short program followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall. Ten year Osiris said, “It’s frightening when you don’t know what to expect. I think the fundraiser will be fun, though.” I pick up one year old Jaheel and lightheartedly ask him what he thinks about his dad’s need for a kidney transplant. He’s sitting on my lap and of course I don’t expect a response from him, but just the way he looks at his dad gives me more of a response than could ever be expressed through words. It was one of those rare moments when you realize the fragility of life. The importance of life. The passion to live and love and not leave the world without accepting the opportunity to live a healthy life… if given the chance. One in every eight South Carolinians will develop kidney failure, still statistically speaking, Calvin should be given the chance to receive a life-saving kidney. According to the National Department of Public Safety, highway fatalities in the United Sates for 2004 are projected at 42,800. Multiply that by 50 – the number of lives one person can save or enhance – and you have an astounding 2,140,000 viable organs that are often buried or cremated, thus never giving another a chance at new life. Remember, these numbers are traffic deaths alone; they do not account for death by any other means. If we can find some goodness among these tragedies, if we can pay tribute to lives lost though car accidents and other unexpected deaths, Gift of Life Trust Fund hopes that individuals will choose to become an organ donor. Being an organ donor is an amazing grace that we are able to give freely. There is no cost to give another person to the opportunity to wake to another sunrise, hear the sounds of birds chirping and rain falling; smell the scented wildflowers or feel the rush of the wind. A quote that Gift of Life Trust Fund often uses is, “The only cost is a little love.” A little love. That’s what Tonia Butler is asking for this Saturday. “Just come out and show your support. Be there for Calvin. That means a lot.” I’ll be there. Not because I have to; I don’t. I’ll be there because I want to be there. I’ll be there because, for me, having the opportunity to support Calvin, Tonia, Isis, Osiris, and Jahleel is a gift in life, learning and loving. Lastly, one of my favorite quotes from Helen Keller, “So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.” ;void(0)) It Was a Wonderful Life Belle never met a stranger. Her face was just as sweet as her personality, and to her “master”, if you will, she was more than just a pet. She loved to ride in Tim’s truck. Once the front door to the truck opened, Belle gracefully jumped inside and quickly got comfortable. She was ready for whatever journey she was about to embark upon. She was ready to look for squirrels or anything that moved and caught her interest. Her pointer markings explained her love for hunting and travel. Belle was a quick learner. She didn’t seek attention any more than any other pet, but she was an attention getter. Her sleek build and ability to do tricks made her touchable and loveable and instantly win hearts. She won the heart of Tim, Becky and their two sons. She was more than their pet. She was, quite simply, the Belle you couldn’t help but love. She won my heart with one brief 15-minute encounter. I met Belle during a weekend of travel with my band brothers, Tim and Jon. We had just finished two days at T-Bones at Lake Wylie and were getting ready to head to a gig for Slice of Island Life somewhere in North Carolina. Jon and I stopped at Tim’s to freshen up the Aerostar Van that my best friend, Carole and I, affectionately refer to as the Buckingham Van. The Buckingham Van was having a rather difficult weekend. Having hauled nearly 1,500 pounds of equipment and people for a third day, her “immune” system and had seen was at an all time low. Every ten to 15 minutes we had to pull over and Jon had to put water in the radiator or anti-freeze in the watchamacallit. It was only a mere 100 degrees outside on this Sunday in July. We didn't really need the AC, but the radiator definitely needed the water. And then, it needed more water, and more water, and more water. The Buckingham Van consumed more water than Lake Wylie. While the guys loaded the Buckingham Van and prepared it as best as possible for an 8 hour ride from hell, I had the pleasure of romping around with Belle. Tim took a moment to show me some of Belle’s fancy tricks. Always handy with a camera, I had to take some shots of this beauty. Tim suggested I take a shot of her in his truck, because after all, this truck had special significance to Belle. She was a sight to behold as she fixated her eyes on Tim. I tried to capture her spirit, but, Belle had too much spirit to capture. Her personality combined with her impeccable behavior, made this challenge an impossible task. She was a lady with sparks of an angel, and it was abundantly clear than she was Tim’s angel. Last Thursday, Tim’s beautiful Belle became an angel in the truest sense. Always ready for a little jaunt with a neighboring companion, Belle got out of her large fenced in back yard and went on a quest common for pointers. Their mission, undoubtedly, was to have a little fun, find new scents, make new friends and then head back home. Sadly, Belle’s day ended before her mission was complete. After a day and half of looking for Belle, she was found next to a train near Tim’s house. She was a tracker, so her life coming to an end at the tracks seems somewhat fitting. She must have heard the whistle of the train a thousand times over the years. Perhaps Belle knew her day was coming to an end. Perhaps she was ready to go where all dogs go to dream. Perhaps she decided it was time to board the train and begin a new adventure; to feel the rush of the wind and ride in something a little faster than Tim’s truck; Tim only drives around 90 mph and occasionally dozes in and out, so who could blame her for the daring increase of speed? Tim had long ago prepared her to travel at the speed of light. It must have been time for her to find that light at the end of the trail. We’ll never know for sure why Belle’s day ended in her death, but one thing we’ll always know for certain: Tim, Becky and the boys were not ready to let go of their beloved pet...their angel, Belle. Now Belle is running above the clouds and watching over her family from the midnight stars. She’s doing her favorite tricks and jumping from one trail to another, spotting squirrels on every track, and smiling with every wag of her tail. She hasn’t left her family behind; she has simply left them below to be the angel she was born to be. And while there is little comfort in this right now, there is comfort that Tim and his family had pet named Belle whom they loved, and who loved them in return. For all of her gifts, for all of the times she brought laughter into their lives, and for every tear they shed today as they mourn her physical disappearance, I’m convinced without a doubt, Belle, the angel who got her wings, is closer than any of us will ever realize. She’s one step closer to where we all will go one day, and she will sit patiently at the gate, gazing intently at all who pass through, but looking for only four: Tim, Becky and the boys. GIFT! GIFT!: LOCAL LITTLE CAESARS OWNER MAKES IMPACT ON ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AFTER RECEIVING KIDNEY For Immediate Release: January 31, 2005 Greenville, SC – Bob Johns, owner of 13 Greenville and Pickens County Little Caesars franchises, intends to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to expressing his thanks for the gift of life he received when he got his kidney transplant in April 2004. Beginning February 15, patrons of Johns’ Little Caesars locations will be able to purchase the Gift! Gift! Crazy Bread and Crazy Sauce for $1.00, and for each purchase made, Johns will make a $.50 donation to the South Carolina Gift of Life Trust Fund. Johns, a juvenile diabetes sufferer since the age of 14, faced many health problems throughout his life, but battled through them to mount a highly successful career with his chain of Little Caesars that began with a location on Greenville’s Pleasantburg Drive established in 1983. As he reached his early 50s, however, Johns’ kidneys began to fail, and he realized that both his family and his enterprise—built to employ several hundred workers—were at stake. “I knew that I might not live to see my children grow up, but also that if I died, all my employees might be at risk if anything happened to Little Caesars,” Johns says today. “With everything I had been through, it was a frightening prospect, and the one thing over which I had no control. I could only wait.” Johns was placed on the waiting list for a donor kidney, and on the third call, three years later, he was given the gift of life. Now, only months later, he has made a full recovery, and is honoring this gift with a vow to help others receive the same second chance that he has been granted. “I am so thankful to have received this organ, and anything I can do to help advance the cause of organ and tissue donation, I am pleased and proud to do,” Johns says. “Hopefully, the customers who have been such great supporters of Little Caesars over the years will be great supporters of this promotion, too, and enable us to raise a lot of money for this important cause.” “Bob is a perfect example of why we need more corporate sponsors to back their commitment to us with dollars. Had he not received his life-saving kidney, one has to wonder what would become of his franchise,” says Theresa Halfacre, Marketing and Resource Development Coordinator for the South Carolina Gift of Life Trust Fund (GLTF). “Bob says he’s the lucky one, but so is GLTF. From Bob’s strength and determination to help promote organ and tissue donation, we will continue to take a leading role as the voice to speak on behalf of the hundreds of South Carolinians awaiting a life-saving organ.” The Little Caesars Gift! Gift! promotion is being managed under the “Buy to Give” brand by Just Right, LLC, a Greenville-based cause-related marketing firm working on behalf of South Carolina Gift of Life Trust Fund. For more information on South Carolina Gift of Life Trust Fund, visit www.giftoflife-sc.org, or call.877.277.4866. Founded in 2003, Just Right, LLC unites non-profits, consumer products and services,and the media in promotions that deliver deeply discounted or specially offered goods and services to consumers. With each purchase during the promotion, a donation is made back to the participating non-profit all under the theme of a “good deal for a good cause”. Vicki Sharif, President and CEO of Just Right, is a licensed professional fundraiser. For more information, contact Cristina Schleifer, Executive Vice President, Just Right, at (864) 272-0285, or by e-mail at cschleifer@justrightllc.com. Visit Just Right on the web at http://www.justrightllc.com 
| Unnofficial Half cont. | | Artists and Their Music | Erika Luckett | Peter Cooper and Fayssoux McLean | Storyhill with Ellis | David Childers | Todd Snider | The Unnofficial Half | Pictures | In Memory of David Stewart | Theresa | Return Home | |
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