New Greenwood Area Lander Alumni Club
aims to promote, support university

September 27, 2005

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Just because their days as students at Lander University are over, it doesn’t mean their dedication and love for the Greenwood school have come to an end.
On Monday, dozens of local Lander graduates gathered at Cambridge Hall, formerly the Greenwood Woman’s Club, on West Cambridge Street for the first meeting of the Greenwood Area Lander Alumni Club.
The club, known as the Tower Club, is open to alumni from across the region, and will focus on service projects that support, promote and benefit Lander University and its Alumni Association, said club president Myra Shaffer, a 1978 Lander alumna. Shaffer said the club is named for the tower that was part of the Old Main building on Lander’s campus.
Club members will have the opportunity to participate in social activities, fundraising programs and physical projects, such as building and campus beautification, creating care packages for Lander freshman and faculty, mentoring students and student recruitment.
Steve Grogan, director of alumni affairs at Lander and a 1980 alumnus, said at least 3,500 Lander graduates live in the Lakelands region.
Though the Tower Club is new, there have been other alumni clubs for Lander graduates, including afternoon and evening alumni clubs, Grogan said.
“We hope (the Tower Club) will create a new interest in Lander while promoting and supporting the Alumni Association and the university,” Grogan said.
During the meeting, recent graduates as well as alumni from the 1930s and 1940s had the opportunity to meet with current Lander administration, including President Dan Ball and Vice President of University Advancement Eleanor Teal.
Greenwood resident Sally Rogers received her degree in elementary education from Lander University in 1990, nearly 40 years after receiving a nursing degree from a university in Oklahoma.
“This club will get everybody focused in on Lander again, and once you get focused, a lot of things can happen,” she said.
Two-time Lander graduate Christie Bryan, a 1992 and 1997 alumna, said the club also would give the school a boost beyond the Lakelands.
“Lander is really a well-kept secret,” she said. “If everyone gets involved in the association, it will really promote the university outside of the Greenwood area.”
Countybank Executive Vice President Claude Robinson, a 1979 Lander alumnus, said generating interest in the university is a vital part of keeping the Greenwood community healthy.
“Lander is such an integral part of this community,” he said, adding that the university’s relationship with the Greenwood area is reciprocal. “The business community needs to support Lander because Lander provides a great resource for us in our employees.”
For information about the club, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 388-8350.

Megan Varner covers general assignments in Greenwood and the Lakelands. She can be reached at 223-1811, ext. 3308, or: mvarner@indexjournal.com

Singleton praises players

SCHSL director speaks to members of Greenwood Touchdown Club

September 27, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

A highly ranked sports official who got his start in coaching in the Emerald City returned to regale the Greenwood Touchdown Club Monday night.
Jerome Singleton, the executive director of the South Carolina High School League and a former assistant football coach at Greenwood High School from 1981-87, addressed not only club members, but also the organization’s designated players of the week.
Offensive player of the week for Sept. 9 was Greenwood High School quarterback Armanti Edwards. Defensive honors for that week went to Ninety Six linebacker Doug Hall.
Hall’s teammate, Wildcats quarterback Stan Doolittle, was named offensive player of the week for Sept. 16. Emerald free safety Kadarron Anderson was named that week’s defensive star.
Singleton congratulated the players for their awards, and spoke directly to them through the early part of his speech.
Singleton told the players they should be thankful for the gifts they have been given, and make the most of their ample opportunities.
“You guys have been blessed with strength, speed and intellect,” said Singleton, who played college football at Newberry College.
“It is so important that you utilize everything God has given you. There are no limits for you except the ones you inflict on yourselves.”
He stressed to the young men how important he thinks it is for them to make the right decisions and align themselves with the right peer group.
To illustrate his point, Singleton used a story about cheetahs and lions. He said a cheetah’s main competition for food in the jungle is a lion.
According to Singleton, the lions know the cheetahs are faster than they are, so in order to ensure their place in the jungle food chain, lions will kill any baby cheetahs they come across.
Singleton compared the players to cheetahs, and advised them to eliminate the lions from their lives.
“You have to know who your lions are,” said Singleton, who has worked at the SCHSL for ten years, and is in his first year as executive director. “Maybe it’s your cousin, who’s up to no good and wants you to roll with him.
“Or maybe it’s that special girl, who resents you for becoming so popular so she whispers those three words: I love you,” Singleton said. “Then she whispers those other six words: Let’s go half on a baby. Then you have a situation of babies having babies. You guys need to stay away from that.”
Singleton drew laughs and more than a few nods of agreement when he advised the honorees that “if you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” He said the saying was taught to him by his mother and has stuck with him the rest of his life.
Singleton outlined some of what he and SCHSL do. The league governs athletics for the state’s 200 public high schools and 184 middle schools. The executive director said the SCHSL is to South Carolina high school sports what the NCAA is to college athletics.
“We are proud to serve these schools,” Singleton said. “We award state championship in 10 male sports and 10 female sports. But the most important thing we do is put an emphasis on education.”
Singleton cited a sign that hangs in the entrance of the league office in Columbia. The garnishment reads: “Athletics and Academics. Partners in education.” Singleton said the insignia symbolizes the broader goals of his organization.
During the question and answer portion of the evening, Singleton received queries regarding the reclassification of schools and how the SCHSL decides where to slot schools in terms of regions.
“It’s mostly a geographic situation,” Singleton said. “Teams have told us travel s an issue.
Accordingly, we try to put teams in regions where they are closer together.”
When questioned on how the league chooses which rules to change and enforce, Singleton was succinct.
“The member schools vote on and approve the rules,” Singleton said. “The schools in our league have tremendous integrity. In fact, that one word sums up what our league strives for everyday. Integrity.”

Chris Trainor covers area sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ctrainor@indexjournal.com

Opinion

No ‘apologies’ necessary where faith is concerned

September 27, 2005

Sunday morning. It’s the Sabbath, the Lord’s Day, a day of worship. Going to church is an integral part of life in Greenwood. It’s routine, really, and we think nothing about demonstrating our faith, whether we are Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Anglican, Church of Christ, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Shinto or any other denomination. That, of course, has always been the case. Sometimes these days, though, you have to wonder if that part of our lives is changing.
That thought came through the other day when The Index-Journal reported on the “See You at the Pole” celebrations held by students at Emerald and Greenwood High Schools.

GROUPS AT EACH SCHOOL held hands, bowed their heads, and did what sometimes draws criticism in some sectors of society. They prayed!
While some may complain that it violates the separation of church and state concept, it’s completely constitutional because the students organize it and make it all voluntary. Fortunately, no one can force anyone to pray or not pray.
This celebration has been going on for several years and it’s encouraging to see that many youngsters participate. It’s equally discouraging that others don’t. But, that’s their right.
Nevertheless, while they have the right not to worship if they so decide, those who do participate have a right to do their thing.
It’s even more encouraging that the event perseveres at a time when there is so much anti-religion activity around. Those who keep the idea alive should get a collective pat on the back from all of us.

THERE IS ONE THING, though, that is disturbing. It was the feeling that some believed it took courage to admit, in front of their peers, that they have faith in God.
Have we come to that point where religious intolerance tends to make our children reluctant to talk about or admit their faith? If so, that’s a failing not only in our homes, but also in our churches and life in general.
Maybe this particular ceremony will be a motivation for others. We can hope it will. No, we can pray it will. We have that right. So do our children. We just need to teach them that demonstrating faith is something to be proud of, not apologize for.
In Roman days, for example, it took courage for Christians to speak. In 2005 South Carolina, we have the right to speak and to worship as we see fit, and do it with pride. Still. No matter what anyone says. Even peers.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Mr. Jack Bradford

GREENWOOD, SC — “Jack” Andrews Bradford, 81, resident of Wesley Commons, husband of Helen Williams Bradford, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2005 at their home.
Born in Greenwood, SC, he was the son of the late Harry “Hubert” Bradford and Ethel Andrews Bradford.
Jack was a retired VP of Griege Manufacturing for Burlington Industries. He graduated from Clemson University in 1949 with a degree in Textile Manufacturing. He was a World War II veteran and was wounded in Brest, France, receiving the Purple Heart. Jack was a very active member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder of the church. Jack also attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
Survivors are: his beloved wife of 59 years, Helen; a sister, Myra Glenn of Anderson, SC; two daughters, Ann Van Fossen and her husband, Dave of Cypress, TX and Marcia Mia and her husband, Rey of Millersville, MD; and four grandchildren, Vince and Adam Van Fossen and Rachel and Ben Mia.
He was preceded in death by his only son, Jack Andrews Bradford, Jr. (“Brad”) and his older brother, Carl Bradford.
Graveside services will be held by Dr. James E. McPherson at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Anderson, SC on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 2:00 pm. A memorial service will be held by Carol Peppers-Wray at Asbury Hall at Wesley Commons on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 11:00 am.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, Inc., 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or the memorial of choice.
A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
THE MCDOUGLAD FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
PAID OBITUARY

Ralph Brewer

Ralph Leon Brewer, 75, of 3513 Callison Highway, husband Billie Davis Brewer, died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Family members are at their respective homes.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Sam McNeill

ABBEVILLE — Samuel “Sam” Lochridge McNeill Sr., 78, of 1201 N. Main St., husband of Lucille Epps McNeill, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 at his home.
Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of the late Joseph Donald McNeill Sr. and Willie G. Riley McNeill. He was a World War II Navy veteran and a retired employee of the Little River Electric Co-op.
Survivors include his wife, Lucille Epps McNeill of the home; a daughter, Shirley Walker of Laurens; three sons, Samuel L. McNeill Jr., William Tracy McNeill and Donald Lee McNeill, all of Abbeville; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by Bobby Fisher.
Visitation is 6-7:30 tonight at the funeral home
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Margaret Ross

NINETY SIX ­– Margaret Ellison Ross, 84, resident of 106 Bohmari Lane, widow of William Charles Ross, died September 25, 2005 at her home.
Born in Belton, January 21, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Floyd Casper and Annie Lois Bannister Ellison. Mrs. Ross was the first female accounting major graduate from the Greenwood College of Commerce. She was formerly employed by Green-wood Mills and retired as accountant for Supreme Pro-pane Gas Co.
She was a member of Cambridge United Methodist Church where she taught in the Sunday School Depart-ment and was a former troop leader for a Girls Scout’s Troop in Ninety Six.
Surviving are a daughter, Bonnie Ross of Greensboro, NC. Sisters, Sara Childress and Etrulia Bradley, both of Williamston. Five grandchil-dren, Charles Ellison Ross of Ninety Six, Perrin Anderson Ross of Aiken, Benjamin Carson Ross of Abbeville, Holly Elizabeth Piacentino of HighPoint, NC and Joseph Piacentino, Jr. of Atlanta, GA. Four great-grandchildren.
Daughter-in-law, Charlotte Anderson Ross of Ninety Six. Friends and care givers, Pearl and Bill McClam and Hospice Care of the Piedmont.
Mrs. Ross was predeceased by a son, Benjamin Floyd Ross.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 PM Tuesday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. HarveyPeurifoy officiating.
Burial will be in the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grand-sons along with Mark Moore and Willie Booker.
The family is at the home on Bohmari Lane and will receive friends at the funeral home from 3:00 to 4:00 Tuesday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information and online condolences visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Ross family.
PAID OBITUARY

Sarah Lou Williams

Services for Sarah Lou Williams, of 402 Windmill Circle, are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Pleasant Lane Baptist Church, Edgefield, conducted by the Rev. Sloan Gordon. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Leroy S. White, Lloyd Deal, Harold Williams, Ellis Jackson, Elroy Jackson and Michael Williams.
Flower bearers are Jacqueline White, Davonna Gaines, Vernel Gray Fuller, Sheila Dendy, Jeanette Price and Ruby Harling.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Sarah Wideman

GREENWOOD — Sarah Tucker Wideman, 81, resident of 321 Gatewood Drive, widow of Frank J. Wideman, Jr., died Saturday, September 24th at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Shanghai, China, November 15, 1923, she was a daughter of Episcopal mission-aries, the late Augustine Washington Tucker, M.D. and Annie Cheshire Tucker. She was a graduate of the Shanghai American School, St. Mary’s College, Raleigh, NC and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She was a long time resident of Washington, DC where she and her late husband raised their two children. There she was a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and an active member of the Washington Junior League. For many years she volunteered in the Junior League Thrift Shop as well as many other charitable activities.
In 1969 she and her husband moved to and restored “Sylvania”, the old Wideman home place near Bradley, SC. She was a founding member of the Saint Nicholas Speech and Hearing Center and for many years managed their thrift shop, the “Wise Penny”. She was also very active as a volunteer to the Greenwood Soup Kitchen and the Greenwood Food Bank. She was a member of the Unit One Garden Club and the McKissick Study Club. Ms. Wideman was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church of the Resur-rection, a member of the Outreach Committee and served as Western District Director of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
Surviving are two children, Francis James Wideman, III of Bradley and Anne Cheshire Wideman of Monticello, FL; three sisters, Annie Tucker Wise of Alexandria, VA, Maria Tucker Webb of Sewanee, TN and Elizabeth Tucker Eddy of Tarrytown, NY; a brother, the Reverend Beverley Dandridge Tucker of York, ME; four grandchildren, Sarah Tucker Wideman, Anne Boykin DeSaussure Wideman, Eliza-beth Wideman Crew and Catherine Anne Crew.
Ms. Wideman was prede-ceased by two brothers, Augustine Washington Tucker, Jr. of Brevard, NC and the Reverend Joseph Blount Tucker of Pine Bluff, AK.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Wednesday, September 28th at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection with burial to immediately follow at Horeb Baptist Church near Troy, SC.
Active pallbearers will be John Wilson Stephen Wise, Augustine Washington Wise, John Dickens Eure, William David Eddy, Stephen Elliott Webb and Joseph Cheshire Webb.
Honorary pallbearers will be William H. Harrison, R. Boykin Curry, Jr., Carrington Herbert, Walter Bishop, M.D and Archer Booker.
Following the burial, family and friends are welcome to “Sylvania”, the Wideman home on Millway Road near Bradley.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Church of the Resurrection, PO Box 3283, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES IS ASSISTING THE WIDEMAN FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY