'At least we got to say goodbye'

After disappearing for week, Connie Maxwell ‘mascot’ dies

February 28, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

For the past 10 years, children and staff at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home have had a place in their hearts for “Catfish.”
Whether he was following kids across campus or snagging a treat from a smiling child, the shaggy, black pooch was a common sight on campus.
But on Feb. 20, the dog wandered away from campus, and, for a week, residents and staff at Connie Maxwell were left to wonder what had happened to their lovable mascot.
On Monday, a staff member found Catfish sitting in the roadway near one of the campus buildings, his jaw and leg severely injured in what could have been an accident involving a hunting trap or a vehicle, said Connie Maxwell cottage parent Dawn Callahan.
Because of the severity of his injuries, Callahan said veterinarians decided it would be best to put Catfish to sleep. “He was conscious when we found him — he definitely knew we were with him,” Callahan said. “I don’t know how he got (back to campus). He must have dragged himself back. He came home. He gave us the final honor of being with him.
“At least we got to say goodbye.”
The story of Catfish’s time at Connie Maxwell began one rainy spring night about 10 years ago, when a 9-month-old pup showed up at the campus’ church, his neck bound with a metal clothes hanger.
“He was kind of skittish at first,” Callahan said. “You could tell he had not been treated well. (The children) wanted to know if we could keep him, and after he hung around for a few days, it became obvious he wasn’t going anywhere. He had learned to trust us.”
Callahan’s husband Pat was a fan of the late southern humorist Lewis Grizzard, and when it came time to name the home’s newest resident, the couple chose Catfish — the name Grizzard chose for his own dog.
A lover of pizza, ice cream and the occasional squirrel chase, Catfish became a hit with the children instantly, Callahan said, adding that the pooch was soon the “campus mascot.”
Miller Murphy, director of communications at Connie Maxwell, said Catfish would follow children to and from the cottages and other buildings on campus.
“Catfish would sit outside (the building) and wait on them to come out. You knew where the kids were by virtue of where Catfish was,” Murphy said.
Catfish attended many of the events on campus, including church services.
“We used to put Catfish on our Sunday School roll at church ... and we would always mark him present if he was at church on Sunday morning,” Callahan said. “He used to jump up on the bench (in the courtyard) and look in the window at the kids in the nursery, kind of like he was checking on them.”
But Callahan said Catfish’s role on campus was more than just a protector and mascot, adding that the friendly canine had a therapeutic effect on the children’s lives, filling a void for residents who had to leave behind family pets.
“He’s touched every life of every child on campus,” she said. “When they come to Connie Maxwell, Catfish is one of the first to meet them. Even if they didn’t know the staff members’ names, they learned Catfish’s name.”
Though plans were not completed, Callahan said she hoped to have Catfish buried somewhere on the Connie Maxwell campus.

Lander teams looking to finish strong

February 25, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

The regular season comes to an end tonight for the Lander University men’s and women’s basketball teams as the Bearcats and Lady Bearcats travel to take on Peach Belt Conference foe USC Aiken.
The women’s game will get under way at 5:30 p.m., while the men’s contest will tip at 7:30.
For the first time all season, the Lady Bearcats will be coming into a game off a PBC victory.
Lander knocked off Georgia College, 48-45, Wednesday, snapping a 15-game losing streak and giving Lander coach Kevin Pederson his first Peach Belt win.
The Bearcats, on the other hand, come into tonight’s contest off a tough loss, 63-58, to Georgia College. Like many Lander contests this season, the Bearcats were within striking distance in the closing moments, only to see the game slip away.
In their Jan. 21 meeting with the Pacers, the Lander men got its first PBC win of the year, 71-64. It was a game in which the Bearcats got double-digit scoring from four players, including 15 points from senior swingman J.T. Greene.
The Lady Bearcats, on the other hand, dropped their Jan. 21 decision to USC Aiken, 71-58.
The Lady Pacers raced out to a 16-point halftime lead and cruised to victory, despite 21 points on 9 of 10 shooting by LU center Tara Nyikavaranda.
Tonight’s game holds a unique situation for the two men’s teams.
The Bearcats (7-19 overall, 4-15 PBC) and Pacers (5-21, 3-16) are set to meet in the first round of the conference tournament, Wednesday night at Finis Horne Arena.
As such, tonight’s contest will serve as a warm-up for the tourney showdown.
The Pacers are led by shooting guard guard Richard Blocker. Blocker is posting 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, and has handed out 52 assists on the season.
He is flanked by point guard Josh Poston, who is averaging 11.3 points and has a team-high 34 steals.
Lander relied mostly on perimeter scoring in the first game against Aiken, but will likely need contributions from its post players if it hopes to pull off the road win.
Senior center Zoran Jelenic, who stands 6-foot-8, is coming off his best performance of the year after scoring 11 points on 5 of 5 shooting against Georgia College.
Meanwhile, the Bearcats will need forward Emanuel Hodrea to bounce back after an off night Wednesday. The 6-8 Hodrea, who is averaging 9.1 points and five rebounds per game, scored only one point and grabbed four boards against Georgia College.
The women’s game could serve as a big momentum booster for the Lady Bearcats, who are seeking their second two-game winning streak of the season.
Lady Pacers point guard Mindy Allee effectively leads her team. Allee is averaging 10.6 points and 4.2 assists per game this season. When Allee looks to the inside for help, she most often looks to 6-foot freshman center Satu Leppanen, of Espoo, Finland. Leppanen is posting 10.9 points per game.
The Lady Bearcats (5-21, 1-18) will likely use the stalling, slow-down style they employed against Georgia College. The offense is predicated upon the solid play of point guard Lashaundra Dubose, who is averaging 7.9 points and five assists per contest.
Lander has also regained the services of guard Bryony Crouch, who missed 15 games with a sever high ankle sprain. Crouch hit a pair of crucial 3-pointers against Georgia College, and was averaging 13.2 points per game before her injury.

Opinion

Explaining deal on ports a good reason for delay

February 28, 2006

There should have been no surprises when many Americans objected to a company owned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) taking over the administrative duties at six major American ports. Under the terrorist circumstances of the world today, it would have been surprising had there not been a disagreement.
Many people felt as if they were blindsided by the announcement, and after much debate, it appears there will be a delay in the takeover to allow further efforts to explain all facets of the agreement.
That’s the way it should be. More than likely, further investigation will make it clear that the original deal was acceptable. Nevertheless, addressing the concerns voiced by many South Carolinians lets them know that everything was and is in order.

NOTHING IS WRONG with that, of course. Fears generated by terrorist activities need to be eliminated, not only over the ports deal, but any time there are doubts within the American public about terrorism possibilities and/or probabilities.
Those who question the deal have just as much right to their attitudes as those who support it. Considering there are many on both sides, then, it’s wise to cover all bases and address all concerns. After all, understanding is the foundation of acceptance, in this and other situations.
The UAB has never recognized Israel, so that’s a concern. It has, in the past, supported the extremism of the Taliban. Those two things are enough to stir doubts. It also has extremist Muslims who would kill every American if they could.

THERE ARE, IN FACT, other issues that create questions.
On the other side, the UAE has joined Jordan and Kuwait as our strongest Arab allies in the Middle East. It cooperates with the CIA and has helped us fight terrorism. It even captured Al Qaeda leader Abdul Raheem Al-Nashiri, mastermind of the bombing of the U. S. ship Cole, and turned him over to the U. S.Port security should remain in the hands of the Coast Guard and other Americans. When all concerns are covered, however - as they should - then the UAB operation of the ports should be no problem. The UAB is now an ally. We need to keep it that way. Also, we don’t need to alienate Jordan and Kuwait by revoking the deal. They are all important in the fight against terror. But so are Americans who need to understand the ports situation.
More time should help win their approval. Surely the UAB and all Americans understand that.

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

Obituaries

James A. Ashmore, Jr.

WATERLOO, SC — James Albert Ashmore, Jr., 59, of 37 Lick Creek Circle, husband of Jeanette L. Ashmore, died Sunday, February 26, 2006 at Augusta VA Hospital.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late James Albert Ashmore, Sr. and Clara Cameron Ashmore.
Mr. Ashmore was retired from Jacobs Engineering and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenwood. He was a United States Air Force Veteran having served during the Vietnam War as a Military Police Officer.
Surviving in addition to his beloved wife of the home are a daughter, Rebecca A. Garcia of Piedmont; a son, J. David Ashmore of Powdersville; a stepdaughter, Jennie L. Dyches of Lamar, SC.; a sister, Carolyn A. Donnan of Powdersville; two grandchildren, Leathie Ann Davis, Kristina M. Dyches; one great grandson, John Micheal Davis; and a favorite little girl, Olivia Marie Parrott.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2330 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC 29649.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2006 from 6:00 until 7:30 PM at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 12:00 PM in the Mausoleum Chapel of Graceland East Memorial Park.
The family will be at the residence.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
PAID OBITUARY

Buddy Brownlee

Harold L. “Buddy” Brownlee, 64, of 116 Pine Drive, husband of Frances Brown Brownlee, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Stanley H. Kinard

Laurens — Stanley Harvey Kinard, 52, of 516 Argyle Lane, died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 at his home.
Born in Laurens, he was the son of the late Ernest James and Zelma Oglesby Kinard. He was a supervisor with Bowater Forestry and a former volunteer with Laurens Rescue Squad.
Survivors include a daughter, Krystal Nicole Kinard of Ninety Six; two sisters, Susan K. Satterfield of Laurens and Linda K. Moreland of Gray Court; four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at a later date.
Kennedy Mortuary, Laurens, is in charge.

Della Mae Bunch Lawrence

SALUDA — Della Mae Bunch Lawrence, 87, of Saluda Nursing Center, widow of Issac Lawrence, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006.
Born in Beach Island, she was a daughter of the late Jim and Essie Carter Bunch. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Woman Home Aide Society.
Survivors include five sons, Charlie Lawrence of Augusta, Ga., Albert Lawrence of Maryland, Eddie Lawrence of Philadelphia, John Lawrence of Kinston, N.C., L.C. Lawrence of Saluda; 25 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of a son L.C. Lawrence, 820 Johnston Highway.
Services will be announced by Butler & Sons Funeral Home.

Thomas Calvin (T.C.) Owens, Jr.

Thomas Calvin (T.C.) Owens, Jr. passed on February 24, 2006 at the Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home, Anderson, SC. Funeral Services will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at the Willow Spring Baptist Church with the Rev. Anthony Gordon, presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home beginning at 6 pm.
He was born in Dillon County, South Carolina on May 11, 1922, the eldest son of the late Teresa and Thomas Calvin Owens, Sr.
Mr. Owens was a member of Willow Spring Baptist Church, in Edgefield County, SC, where he served faithfully as a member of the Deacon Board and a Sunday School teacher.
As an Army veteran of World War II, he served as master sergeant for three years, receiving two Purple Hearts, five battle stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Medal of Honor in 1944.
Mr. Owens received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from South Carolina State College and a fellowship to study the middle school concept at Atlantic University. In 1952, he became the principal of Riverside High School, which is now Riverside Middle School in Saluda County, and remained in that position until his retirement in June 1987.
Mr. Owens served 28 years as a member of the Johnston Town Council, and later as Mayor Pro-Tem.
He was a member of American Legion Post 222, the Lions Club of Johnston, SC, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the S.C. Education Association, and the S.C. Association of School Administrators.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to Dorothy Stevens in 1948. To this union five children were born, two of whom preceded him in death, Thomas Calvin Owens, III and Linda O. Cooper.
Cherishing fond and lasting memories today are his survivors: his wife, Dorothy S. Owens, of the home, two daughters, Jacqueline (Oscar) O. Hillman, Marietta, Ga., Brenda (Gregory) O. Hamlett, Prince William, Va.; one son, Darvin Owens, Atlanta, Ga.; two daughters-in-law, Gloria (Steven) Owens-Huff, North Augusta, SC, Sandra Owens, Atlanta, Ga, two brothers, LaVern Owens, Lexington, NC, Augustus (June) Owens, Newport News, Va; five sisters, Cora Lee (Brad) Posey, Plainfield, NJ, Gladys (Eddie) Bates, Deer Park, NY, Betty Jean (Alex) Williams, Aiken, SC, Faye Hardy, Columbia, SC, Bootsey Green, Hopkins, SC; three sisters-in-law, Sarah S. Weaver, Johnston, SC, Sophie Stevens, Landover, MD, Polly Stevens, MD, twelve (12)grandchildren, and four (4) great-grandchildren.
Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC.
PAID OBITUARY

Mary Skipper Turner

DILLON, SC — Mrs. Mary Skipper Turner, 80, widow of the late Randolph Turner, passed away at her residence on Sunday, February 26, 2006.
Mrs. Turner was a daughter of the late George H. and Juanita D. Skipper of Marion. She was a retired bookkeeper from Carpostan Industries of Lake View, SC.
Mrs. Turner is survived by daughters Mary (Clyde) Bailey, of Dillon, and Susan (Rob) McAlister of Greenwood, SC; grandsons, Clark McAlister of Greenwood and Cpl. William McAlister, USMC, of Iwakuni, Japan; step-grandson Charlie (Faye) Bailey and step-great-grandchildren Connor, Erin and Madison Bailey, all of Dillon; sisters Frances Skipper and Doris Lett of Marion, Ann Rogers of Greenwood, Betty Jean Whitesell of Orlando, Florida; brothers Frank Skipper and Jimmy Skipper of Marion, SC. She was predeceased by brothers George H. (Alec), William S. and Harry Skipper.
Mrs. Turner was a member of Main St. United Methodist Church in Dillon, member past and present of UMV, former member of the Sarah Allen Handbell Choir and St. Eugene Hospital Auxiliary.
Services will be held at Main St. United Methodist Church in Dillon at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, directed by Kannady’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 7-9 PM, on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at Kannady’s Funeral Home in Dillon, SC.
Memorials may be made to Main St. United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 229, Dillon, SC 29536.
PAID OBITUARY

Lowry Stone

ABBEVILLE — Lowry Strawhorn Stone, 79, of 687 Thomson Circle, husband of Inez S. Stone, died Monday, February 27, 2006 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. Mr. Stone was born in Abbeville to the late Elbert and Eva Stawhorn Stone. He was a member of the Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church and retired from the Milliken Sharon Plant. Mr. Stone served in WWII in the United States Navy.
Surviving in addition to his wife for over 62 years are, two daughters, Jeannette Cann of Abbeville, and Kathy Scott of Calhoun Falls, a son, Richard Stone, Sr. of Lowndesville, two brothers, Otis Stone of Cowan, Tenn., and Bill Stone of Abbeville, four sisters, Inez Thomas of Abbeville, Margaret Betty Boyd of Abbeville, Doris Hodges of Abbeville, and Louise Farmer of Greenwood, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 2:00PM to 3:00PM Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at Harris Funeral Home.
Funeral Services conducted by the Rev. Tommy Cartledge will be at 3:00PM Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery.
The family will be at the residence.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Stone may be sent to the HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the Stone family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com http://www.harrisfuneral.com/.
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Stone family.
PAID OBITUARY

Trula Whatley Warren

EDGEFIELD — Trula Whatley Warren, 83, of 311 Moore Drive, widow of Chris Warren Sr., died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006 at Edgefield County Hospital.
Born in Edgefield County, she was a daughter of the late Frank Whatley and Martha Ann Settles Whatley Holmes. She was a homemaker and a member of Liberty Springs Baptist Church and Liberty Springs Burial Aide Society.
Survivors include four sons, Chris Warren Jr., Robert Warren and William Warren, all of Edgefield, Sammy Warren of Aiken; five daughters, Marylean Warren, Janie Stevens and Claudine Warren, all of Edgefield, Josie Warren of Greenwood, Elizabeth Warren of Trenton; a sister, Jessie Gilchrist of Edgefield; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Butler & Sons Funeral Home, Saluda.

Linda White

Linda Jane Sheffy White, 57, of 600 Highland Park Ave., wife of Bruce Foster White, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006 at her home.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.