For auld lang ... um, da, da, da

Americans do more mumbling, humming on New Year’s Eve than singing

December 31, 2006

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

While the playing and singing of the popular Scots’ verse “Auld Lang Syne” is said to be an American tradition of the first order, reality appears contradictory.
That’s because at the stroke of midnight each New Year’s Eve most Americans do more mumbling and stumbling through the song than anything else.
All of which begs the question: Do we even know the words?
Or does the second line of the opening verse go a little something like this at your house each New Year’s Eve: da, da, da, da, da, da, da?
If so, you shouldn’t be alarmed.
It’s quite likely you are in great company wherever you live in these United States, unless you happen to be of Scottish descent, in which case you probably aren’t singing quite the same song the rest of us butcher so badly anyway.
Here in the South, the title should be amended to read “Awl Lang Zine,” in an attempt to more readily approach the way it is actually pronounced here.
And forget knowing the entire song too.
Most Americans sing the first verse and the chorus and that’s about it — if they can get that far (and if the lyrics are provided for them). They simply don’t know there are more verses to the song (there are five).
Only University of Virginia students are not exempt from forgiveness, as the melody from “Auld Lang Syne” is used in the school’s alma mater “The Good Old Song.”
Lakelands residents questioned about the song on Friday were baffled when asked if they could recite the lyrics.
“I don’t know the words at all,” Marlene Coates said. “We are just kind of humming along with it (when the song is played). We get together to watch the football games and watch the ball drop, but we don’t sing the song, probably because none of us know the words to it.”
Diane Sims of Cross Hill admitted to knowing a few lines.
“No, I don’t know all of it,” she said. “I’ve never really understood it because it’s really a sad song. I guess I just know the chorus. We just kind of hum along or say the words you know and let the television do the rest.”
O’Neal McClure was visiting the Emerald City from Lincolnton on Friday and was not that concerned with the overall hoopla surrounding New Year’s festivities. By the time the ball drops he’s usually sound asleep.
“I don’t know all of it, but if I was at a place where they sing it I would honor that and sing it,” McClure said.
“Since we live out in the country now, I bring in the New Year with some sleep, hoping I just wake up the next day.”
Frank Elliott stands beside several gum ball machines while his two children, Taylor and A.J., check out the goods.
He’s thinking really hard.
Elliott looks ponders the question for a moment longer.
“Auld Lang Syne is all I can come up with right now,” he said. “I can’t say that I know of anyone that knows it.”
Wait a minute. He just needs another moment.
“The words are almost coming to me a little,” he said.
But in the end he draws a blank.
Despite “tradition,” it sounds like Robert Burns’ poem could be in some real trouble this New Year’s Eve in the Lakelands.

"Auld Lang Syne"

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days of long ago

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for days of long ago.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup
And surely I’ll buy mine
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for days of long ago.
CHORUS (Repeat)

We two have run about the hills,
and pulled the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since days of long ago.

CHORUS (Repeat)

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine (dinner time);
But seas between us broad have roared
since days of long ago.

CHORUS (Repeat)

And there’s a hand my trusty friend
And give us a hand o’ thine
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for days of long ago.

Keeping roads safe this holiday

Law enforcement, bar owners help stop drunken driving

December 31, 2006

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

Many people in the Lakelands will spend New Year’s Eve celebrating with friends and family, but law enforcement officials and others will be making sure no one spends the holiday driving while under the influence.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol, Greenwood City Police and local bar owners are helping keep drunken drivers off the roads with checkpoints and advice on how to prevent drunken driving.
The Highway Patrol will have license checkpoints throughout South Carolina on New Year’s weekend with good reason, said Lance Cpl. Scot Edgeworth, of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
He said six people were killed in car wrecks in Greenwood County in 2006, while 16 people died in car wrecks in Greenwood County in 2005.
“Hopefully, throughout the weekend, we will keep that number low,” Edgeworth said.
People found drunk behind the wheel will get a hefty fine and spend the night in jail.
“It’s something I’d never want to go through,” Edgeworth said.
Maj. Urban Mitchell, of Greenwood City Police, said checkpoints will be set up around the city during the weekend and more officers will be out patrolling.
He also encouraged party hosts to serve non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and take away the car keys of people who have been drinking.
Edgeworth hopes that, through educating drivers with public service announcements about the dangers of drinking and driving, they will avoid doing it.
“We want them to have a safe holiday and an uneventful holiday,” Edgeworth said.
He urged drivers to call the Highway Patrol if they spot suspicious driving behavior over the weekend or any other time.
If another driver shows signs of drunken driving, such as drifting from lane to lane, driving aggressively and tailgating, stopping at green lights or driving at a high or low rate of speed, call the highway patrol at *47 on a cell phone and give troopers a complete description of the car with a license plate number, and stay on the phone.
New Year’s weekend can often be more dangerous than an average weekend because some people only drink this time of year, Edgeworth said.
Making the right decisions, including calling a taxi when you’ve had too much to drink, is important to the safety of you and others.
Drunken drivers have delayed reaction times, which keeps them from hitting the brakes in time, Edgeworth said.
Out of 1,013 collisions this year, 465 people weren’t wearing their seat belt.
Roads also will be busier around New Year’s, so Edgeworth asked people to take their time getting to their destinations.
Kevin Prater, owner of Sports Break — one of the only bars open on New Year’s Eve in Greenwood — said the bar is protecting its patrons by offering cab service from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. for those who need a safe ride home. The cab will even bring people to the bar on New Year’s Eve.
Prater said bar employees will watch and make sure people don’t drive after they’ve been drinking.

When it comes to service, school and soccer,
this former GHS star scores

December 31, 2006

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

Former Greenwood High School soccer player and current University of South Carolina women’s soccer player Laura Armstrong has received numerous accolades as goalkeeper for the Lady Gamecocks, while also being honored for her efforts in the classroom and the community.
Armstrong was named to the Southeastern Conference Good Works Team for her community service.
The honor goes to one player from each SEC school.
The junior was one of three women’s soccer players named to the 2006 Southeastern Conference All-Tournament team after helping the Lady Gamecocks reach the semifinals for the first time.
Armstrong and the Lady Gamecocks reached the semifinals of the SEC Tournament by defeating Vanderbilt on penalty kicks.
Armstrong came up big in goal against Vanderbilt, including two stops in penalty kicks.
Armstrong’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by her teammates either during her first year as a full-time starter.
“My team voted me as defensive MVP of the season,” Armstrong said. “I put a lot of hard work into this summer and I trained to get a lot better. I’ve gotten ten times better since last season.”
Offensively, Armstrong scored a goal against Vanderbilt goalkeeper Tyler Griffin that helped lead the Lady Gamecocks into the conference semifinals, where the run ended against the nationally ranked Florida Lady Gators.
Armstrong finished the year with a 0.70 goals against average.
It is the best individual GAA in Carolina history.
Armstrong is no slouch in the classroom, either.
“I actually do better during the season with my grades than during the off-season,” Armstrong said. “I’ve kind of gotten on a schedule to do my work, go to practice and still get everything accomplished that I need to do.”
Armstrong was named to the 2004-05 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll, ’05 SEC Academic Honor Roll and ’05 president’s list, while also making the dean’s list during fall ’04 and spring ’05. As a Palmetto Fellows Scholar, University Scholar and USC Engineering Scholar, she has maintained a solid work ethic and plans on graduating in December ’07 — one semester early.
Armstrong has a few ideas as to what she would like to do following graduation, but she hasn’t made a final decision. “We’ll see where life takes me,” Armstrong said.

Obituaries

Betty Bennett

WARE SHOALS — Betty Romaina Tinsley Bennett, 70, wife of John Wayne Bennett Sr., of 60 Sligh Road, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006 at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood.
Born in Wilmington, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Earlene Neal Tinsley. She was a member of Bethlehem Union Church.
Surviving are her husband of the home, one son, Rickey D. Simmons of the home, one daughter, Daphne Booker of Anderson, one stepson, John Wayne Bennett Jr. of Saluda, one sister Patsy Free of Waterloo, six grandchildren, Amber and John Bennett, Patrick Nicholson, Crystal Higgins, Daniel and Michael Booker, and three great-grandchildren, Makenzie Higgins, Brianna Booker and Maddison Nicholson. She was pre-deceased by a son, Clyde Nicholson and a brother, Clyde T. Tinsley Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Parker-White Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby Davis officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Parker-White Funeral Home. The family is at the home of a niece, Dollie Hodges, 8902 Riverfork Road, Waterloo.

Wilton M. Browne

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Wilton M. Browne, 90, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006 in Greensboro.
Born in Franklin County, Ga., he spent most of his life in McCormick, S.C.
Mr. Browne was a United Methodist, a WWII veteran and a Mason. He was retired from McCormick Post Office and was owner of Browne Brothers Radio & TV Repair Service in McCormick.
Preceding him in death was his beloved wife, Helen. Surviving are three children, Mary Jean (Dean) Huntley of Hilton Head Island, Margaret Young of Barnwell, S.C., and Pat Browne of Greensboro. Also surviving are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006 at Guilford College United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007 at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood, S.C., with the Rev. Joey McDonald officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Honorary escort will be nephews.
The family will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home on Monday from 5-7 p.m.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Browne family.

Patrick Donnelly

Patrick Joseph Donnelly, 53, of 107 Pin Oak Drive, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.

Freddie Freeman

SALUDA — Freddie E. Freeman, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006. A son of the late Robert and Annie R. Freeman, he was also a member of Lockhart Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife, Elaine Freeman of the home; one son, Joseph and one daughter, Tyanna Freeman, both of the home; one brother, Adrian Freeman of Saluda; one sister, Rita Carter of Hephzibah, Ga.; aunts, Susie Craig of St. Louis, Mo., Esther Bush of Columbia, Rosa Bates and Deloise Dukes (Johnny), both of Saluda, Emily Bates of Greenwood, Jessie Manley (Virgil) and Claudine Freeman, both of Columbia and Martha Gordon (Franklin) of Edgefield; uncles, David Freeman (Frankie) of Edgefield, Truman Freeman of Columbia and Johnny B. Harris of Washington, D.C.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, at Lockhart Baptist Church, the Rev. Herman Jenkins, Pastor. Logan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Agnes Harmon

Agnes Elizabeth Harmon, formerly of 116 Pine Circle, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at Magnolia Manor.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Brenda Jones Holloway

Brenda Jones Holloway, of 205 Vine St., the wife of Edward Holloway, died on Friday, Dec. 29, 2006 at Self Regional HealthCare.
Born in Greenwood County, daughter of the late John W. and Helen Sullivan Jones. She was a graduate of Ninety Six High School and Piedmont Technical College. She was a member of the Enoree Zion Baptist Church where she served faithful a member of the Gospel Chorus, Mass Choir and Youth Advisor. She was a retired employee of Magnolia Manor. She is survived by; her husband of the home; two sons Mandrell Jones and Ed’Twone Holloway both of Greenwood; daughter, Passion Holloway of Greenwood; two brothers, Robert (Vivian) Sullivan of Philadelphia and Willie Sullivan of Oceanside, Calif.; three sisters, Mary Williams, Mamie (Joe) Mobley and Alberta (Rev. Arthur) Williams all of Ninety Six; one grandchild. Funeral services will be 12 noon Tuesday at the Corner Stone Full Gospel Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Anderson Robinson, assisting are the Revs. Arthur Williams and Fannie Clark. Burial will follow in the Enoree Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. Pallbearers are nephews and flower bearers are nieces. The family is at the home.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home of Saluda, is assisting the Holloway Family.

Elma Metz Minnick LaGrand

SALLEY — Elma Metz Minnick LaGrand, 75, of Salley, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007 at Salley Oakview Cemetery with the Revs. R.T. Bowling and Matt Rucker officiating.
Mrs. LaGrand was born in Irmo, a daughter of the late Junius C. Metz and Mattie Christmus Metz Hammond. She was married to the late Roy B. LaGrand. She was a retired secretary. She was a member of North United Methodist Church.
Survivors include five daughters: Pamela (Jesse) Roakes of Hodges; Linda (John) Brumbaugh of Boston; Susan (Jimmy) Minick of Ballentine; Sandra (Sam) Goff of Springfield; and Patricia (Doug) Owen of Florida; two sons: David (Lucinda) Minnick of Chapin; and Jerry (Cindy) Minnick of Irmo; two sisters: Bette Blankenship of Columbia; and Libby Derrick of Irmo; a brother: Harry Metz of Columbia; 25 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson, Bradley Minnick.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m., Tuesday at Culler-McAlhany Funeral Home in North.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Palmetto Hospice nurses Alice Drakeford, Beverly Legge and Deenene Monts. Memorials may be made to Palmetto Hospice.

Fred Marler

Fred Michael Marler, 60, of 108 Haltiwanger Road, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at his home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.

Rev. Gus A. Smith
Baptist Minister

THOMSON, Ga. — Rev. Gus Alexander Smith, 83 of Edgar Circle, Thomson, Ga., entered into rest Friday, Dec. 29, 2006.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006 at the Beggs Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Phil Bray and Dan Smith officiating.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Deacons of Ft. Creek Baptist Church, Mitchell Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Greer, S.C., with the Rev. Dan Smith officiating.
He is survived by his wife Lavetta Waddell Smith of Thomson; Daughter: Juan Smith Tyner and her husband John Layton Tyner III of Brunswick; Son: Devon Smith and his wife Barbara of Abbeville, S.C.; Grandchildren: Tina Tyner Gates of West Point, Miss., and John Layton Tyner IV of Brunswick; two great-grandchildren: Jacklyn Elizabeth Gates and John Layton Tyner V; three Brothers: Dortcha Smith Jr. and Joe Smith, both of Greer, S.C., and the Rev. Dan Smith of Taylors, S.C.
Rev. Smith was born Aug. 29, 1923 to the late Dortcha Smith and the late Hazel Keller Smith. He served as a Medic, Courier and a MP with the US Army during WWII and following the war attended North Greenville Junior College, Furman University and the Southern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. Rev. Smith began his career as a Baptist Minister in 1956 serving O’Neal Baptist Church in Greer, S.C., and later served many Baptist Churches in South Carolina and Georgia over the past 40 years. He was also a member Ft. Creek Baptist Church and was currently serving as pastor of Mitchell Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, prior to services at the funeral home.
Beggs Funeral Home, 799 Cobbham Road, Thomson, Ga. 595-4100.

Opinion

Each of us could learn from GHS coach, team

December 31, 2006

Maybe our elected officials in South Carolina and Washington should take a few pointers from Greenwood High School football coach Shell Dula and his 2006 team. They just might learn a valuable lesson that could mean a lot to taxpayers, the state and the nation in general.
The Greenwood High Eagles, of course, won the state championship in their division. That’s as much as any team can do. Without a doubt, the operational word there is “team.”
That means the “team” won the championship, not individuals. Teamwork, to be sure, is what Dula teaches. It obviously pays dividends. He has proved it many times, and that success over the years is a lasting testament to that philosophy. It is one that has meaning - or should have - for all of life.

AS THE SAYING GOES, THE proof is in the pudding. There are times when the proof is overwhelming, too. This year’s High School All-State Football Team - offensive and defensive - had no one from the Eagles on the first team. No stars, it seems, at least according to those who selected the all-stars.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that some of the Greenwood High players were not of “star” quality. There were. They simply worked together toward a common goal and they obviously subjugated their “star” abilities to the team and became champions.
That is indeed a lesson for us all. Imagine how much could be accomplished if everyone took that approach to the problems that often plague communities ..... and far beyond.

IMAGINE HOW MUCH COULD be done if Democrats and Republicans worked together for the good of all.
Imagine, in fact, what Republicans could do if they stopped their internal (or is that infernal?) bickering and approached their problems as a team. The same can apply to Democrats, too ..... and any groups that have mountains to climb or foes to conquer.
Maybe when Dula “retires” he could begin a new career as a motivational speak. Former Saluda High School coach Mooney Player did it and had great success. Those two, in fact, have much in common. They preach the gospel of teamwork. And lo and behold, people listen.