Marion County People in the News

Local DOT facility gets certification

The S.C. Department of Transportation Equipment Maintenance facility in Marion County has received its 2009 certification by the S.C. Budget and Control Board Office of General Services Fleet Management.Calvin Richardson supervises the county’s facility. The Maintenance Facility Certification Program requires an annual review of state-owned maintenance facilities to insure compliance with the vehicle maintenance program.

Shown are, from left, the 2009-10 officers of the Marion Pilot Club. They are are Barbara Horne, Mary Poole, Julia Rogers, Karen Reynolds, Courtney Ricks, Erika Roberts and Frances Drew.

Marion Pilot Club installs new officers
The Marion Pilot Club met June 9 in the Marion Opera House to announce the coming year’s theme and elect officers.
Pilot International’s theme for the year is “Celebrating Pilot’s Past, Present and Future.“ The local club sponsors several local projects, such as scholarships and Lifeline, an emergency response system, linked with the Marion County Medical Center. Many of these efforts are financed through local fund raising projects that this community supports and this support is appreciated. 
A statewide project of Pilot International is assistance to Camp Burnt Gin, a summer camp for disabled young people.
New officers of the club for the year 2009-10 were installed by past President Mary Lou Richardson and out-going President Frances Drew. Newly installed President Erika Roberts will begin her year as leader on July 1, along with President-Elect Courtney Ricks.

Church heldps group take trip to D.C.
Pastor, the Rev. Georgeann T. Pringle, Social Action Coordinator Sister Mary Taylor and Academic Excellence Coordinator Sister Sharon Grice, along with the church family and other community members, have made dreams come true for 25 youth members of St. James.
Incorporated in their Summer Camp program is a trip to Washington, D.C., from July 8-11. These 25 youth will get what might be an opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the nation’s capitol. Sisters Taylor and Grice worked fervently to acquire sponsors for each child to journey to Washington. Donors from the church and the community gave because they saw the blessing this trip would provide our youth.
These youth people will be chaperoned by adult members of the St. James Church Family. The four-day trip will include tours to the Supreme Court, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, U.S. Capitol, Arlington Cemetery and Air & Space National Museum. The group will also be a guest at Armstrong William’s home for an evening gathering. Williams has been very instrumental in assisting with the itinerary.
As an added attraction, the youth, in their return home, will stop at Kings Dominion Theme Park in Virginia.
The St. James Church family and pastor is committed to achieving spiritual, social, health and academic growth for members, especially of our young people.
We are still accepting donations and anyone who would like to make a donation should send a check, payable to St. James AME Church. For information, call Pringle at (843) 817-4428.

Williams named to the president’s list and dean’s list
Chaquita Alana Williams of Gresham was named to the president’s list and the dean’s list of Columbia College.
Chaquita is the daughters of Mr. Johnnie L. graves and Mrs. Charlene A. Williams-Graves of Gresham, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Williams of Gresham.

Patel graduates Emory University
Karenben Patel of Mullins, daughter of Balvantbhai Khusalbhai Patel and Kamala Balvantbhai Patel of Mullins, has received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing of Emory University in Atlanta. The award was made at the school’s 164th commencement ceremony on May 11.

Saint Paul recognizes youths in special service
Donte Cooper, Gregory Platt, Rondie Rowell, Shameika Rowell, Stephen Singleton, Kelli Smith and Krystal Walton participated recently at Saint Paul when the church had its annual Youth Recognition Program on the June 14.
Inspirational music was provided by the Saint Paul Youth Choir. Following a message by pastor Dr. Mack T. Hines, each student who received awards during the school year was given special recognition.
Fifteen high school and college graduates dressed in their robes and were recognized during this program. Each high school graduate was presented a bible and a $50 savings bond. They were: Michael Carter, AC Flora High School; and Donte Cooper, Cathy Jo Gerald, Cherena Gerald, Gregory Platt, Rondie Rowell, Shameika Rowell, Stephen Singleton, Kelli Smith and Krystal Walton of Mullins High School. 
Other graduates recognized were: Natasha Rowell and Michelle Foxworth, LPN, Marion County Technical Education Center; James White, bachelor degree, Cum Laude, Claflin University; Tyrone Parker, bachelor degree, Francis Marion University; Shaira Jovan Willard, Cum Laude, Savannah State University, bachelor degree, political science; Douglas W. Cain, bachelor degree, Georgia Tech; and James O. Cain, bachelor degree, Fort Valley, Ga.
Each graduate shared with the congregation his or her plans for the future. Linda Owens Neal, program coordinator, expressed appreciation to the youth and graduates for their achievements and to the parents and the Saint Paul Church congregation for their support of the youth and this program.
This program was dedicated in memory of the late Corinne Davis and Deacon Burnie Campbell.

Church ends “Boomerang Express” with a bang

Woodlawn Park Baptist Church in the Scotch Community of Mullins had its Vacation Bible School commencement on June 19. Each children’s class and youth shared a song they learned during the week. This year’s theme was “Boomerang Express - It All Comes Back to Jesus!“ With classes from infants to adults, the program had 239 to enroll and an average attendance of 180. There were 119 with perfect attendance. Shown is a group giving its presentation. Along with Bible study, everyone enjoyed crafts, recreation and music.