Aiken County

Aiken County Historical Museum

2011-2012 Proudly Sponsored by

Banksia circa 1961 Photo by Matt Socha Photo courtesy of USC Aiken Living, Working, Playing in Aiken County REAL. Personal. HEALTHCARE.

“Without adoubt, I’ve found ahome here. I’m heretostay.”

Weems Pennington III, MD Interventional Cardiologist

Howcan ahospital feel like home? What makes atalented surgeon choose a smaller,moreintimate hospital as ahome for his career? Weems Pennington III, MD came to Aiken Regional from Augusta and found out.

See Dr.Pennington’sstory.

And get to know why Aiken Regional is the choice for real, personal healthcare.

Visit www.aikenregional.com.

Look forthese resources throughout DiscoverAiken County:

Centers and Services –Pages 6-7 Information Request –Page 28 Physicians Listy by Specialty –Page 29

Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

AS09-585955 Aiken County Living page 8 Working page 20 Playing page 26 About the cover The Aiken County Historical Museum, “Banksia” named after the Banksia Rose is actually two houses joined together on a 3.5 acre lot. The older wooden section dates from 1860. The large brick section was built in 1931 as a winter home by a Northern horseman, Richard Howe of New York. It was used in the 1950’s as a boarding house during the Savannah River Site construction. Later, it was used as the campus of USC Aiken and as a library. 2011 marks USC Aiken’s 50th anniversary!

326 Rutland Drive • Aiken, S.C. 29801 • (803) 648-2311 • aikenstandard.com

Publisher & Editor Creative Services Layout & Design Scott B. Hunter DiAnn Bell Matt Socha Lauren Haley Executive Editor Julie Lott Contributors Tim O’Briant Amy Banton Advertising Ben Baugh Advertising Director Kathy Cleveland Phyllis Britt Dee Taylor Tyler Crosby Karen Daily Rechelle Dallas Anna Dolanitis Managing Editor Becky Dearden Cam Huffman Mike Gibbons Joe Harty Haley Hughes Stacey Holcombe Rob Novit Sales Managers Debbie Price Suzanne Stone Kathy Boyette Robert Schettino Ashleey Williamson Diane Daniell Sharye Whisenant

Aiken County 2011 03 Welcome to Aiken County

Important Information Jackson Water Department • To purchase license tags, you will Utilities: 803-471-2229 need to fill out Form 400, available from any Division of Motor Vehicles office. Electricity New Ellenton Public Works • Before getting your tag, you will need Aiken Electric Co-op Commission to pay the property tax on the vehicle 803-649-6245 or 1-800-922-1262 803-652-2862 at your local tax office. www.aikenco-op.org • The South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles handles vehicle tags. Offices Mid-Carolina Electric Co-op Automobile are open Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:00pm. 803-749-6400 or 1-888-813-8000 www.mcecoop.com Information: Government: South Carolina Electric & Gas Driver’s License • Newcomers have 90 days after 803-442-2000 or 1-800-251-7234 Aiken Co. Administrative Offices establishing residency to apply for a www.sceg.com/en 828 Richland Avenue W. • 642-2012 driver’s license. Aiken City Offices • With a valid out-of-state driver’s Natural Gas 214 Park Avenue, S.W. • 642-7654 license, only an eye exam or statement SCE&G Gas Operations Jackson Town Offices of visual acuity from an eye specialist is 106 Langley Dam Road 106 Main Street • 471-2228 required. Aiken, SC 29834 New Ellenton City Offices • Military personnel may operate on a (803) 643-5916 200 Main Street • 652-2214 valid driver’s license from their home North Augusta City Offices state. Telephone 400 Buena Vista Ave. E. AT&T Municipal Bldg • 441-4202 Residential 1-888-288-2020 For Information Call: 1-800-442-1DMV (1-800-442-1368) Business 1-866-620-6000 Voter Registration www.scdmvonline.com www.att.com Voter Registration Office 916 Vaucluse Road, Aiken • 642-2030 Atlantic Broadband Driver’s License Offices 1755 Richland Ave., Aiken 1-888-301-8649 Taxes 803-641-7752 Aiken County Tax Office 642-2081 Water City of Aiken 1913 Ascauga Lake Road, 803-642-7613 North Augusta Information www.aiken.net 803-279-6659 Sources: City of North Augusta Tags/Registration 803-441-4219 • Newcomers have 45 days after Aiken Chamber of Commerce www.northaugusta.net establishing residency to purchase 121 Richland Avenue E. South Carolina license tags. 641-1111 • www.aikenchamber.net

04 Aiken County 2011 AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERS

AikenRegional MedicalCenters,a230-bed acutemedical care detailed informationfrominsideapatient’s body whilethe patient facility,openedits doorsin1919asthe AikenHospitaland Relief lies comfortably on an examiningtable. Society. Formorethan90years,the managementand staffatARMC hasworkeddiligently to providequality medicalcare forfamilies in Palmetto Pediatrics provides children with routine medicalcare,as theAiken-Augusta area. well as thehealthcare they need when they’resick, at thepediatric outpatientcenter. Ownedand operated by asubsidiaryofUniversal Health Services, Inc.,aKingofPrussia,PA-based companythat is oneofthe largest At theWound HealingInstituteofCarolina,specially trained hospital managementcompanies in thecountry,Aiken Regional offers physicians and nursesuse Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy(HBOT) awiderange of medicalservicesand specialties in amodernpatient and othertechnologytohelp heal chronicwounds. and family-friendly atmosphere.Amedical staffwithmorethan120 physicians representing38specialties,aswellasmorethan1,100 AHealthy CommitmenttoQuality nurses, technologists and otherhealthcare professionals, are dedicated to providingworld-class medicalcare and customer service. “Wefeelthat it is very importantfor people to understand what constitutes qualityinhealthcare,” says Melissa Summer, In additiontothe hundreds of staffmembers employed at ARMC, director of marketingatAiken Regional.The hospital’swebsite more than 230women and menfromthe hospital auxiliary (www.aikenregional.com) provides furtherdetails of the generouslyvolunteer their timefor awiderange of services to outstanding medicalservicesand facilities availableatAiken patients and their families. Regional MedicalCenters,she adds.

Themedical staffiscommitted to providingcare that is as personally “Several yearsago,webegan participatinginanumber of programs responsive as it is technologicallyadvanced. This philosophy combined that were developed to improve thequality of care hospitals with leading-edge equipmentand technology enables thehospitalto provide,”saysCarlosMilanes,chief executiveofficerofAiken providehighquality,evidence-based healthcare with apersonal touch. Regional MedicalCenters.“Everyone at thehospitalisinvolved in theseprogramsand we’reveryproud that ourefforts have brought Centers andServices us success.Weknowthat there’snothing more importantthanyour health,and that’s whyweare continuallyworking to improve the ARMCcontinuously evaluatesthe communityand develops new qualityofhealthcare we providetothe residents of this area.” programs and services to meet themedical needs of residents in Aikenand surroundingareas.Inrecentmonthsthe hospital expanded When thefederal government’s Centers forMedicare and Medicaid itsservicestoinclude neurosurgery, so communityresidents with Services,anagency of theU.S.DepartmentofHealth and Human brainand spine disorders no longer have to travel farfromhome. Services,launchedits Hospital QualityAlliance initiativein2003, AikenRegional wasquicktoget on board. Improvingquality in TheSouthsideImaging Centeriswhere residents in thegrowing everyaspectofoperationsatthe facility became toppriority, so the southsideneighborhoods of Aikencan receive high quality hospital implementedanumber of programs designed to continually medicalimaging services closetohome. Thecenterhas board- improve thequality of care provided to arearesidents.The hospital certified radiologists and some of themostsophisticated imaging continuallyranksabove thenational averageinquality measures. technology available. Since 2007,Aiken Regional hasparticipatedinanAmerican College ARMCofferslaparoscopic gastric band and sleeve surgery, of Cardiologycampaigntoreduce “door-to-balloon”(D2B) times for whichhas showntobeeffectiveinfightingagainst obesity and patients with certaintypesofserious heartattacks.“Door-to-balloon itsnegativehealth effects. Thecomprehensive bariatricservices, time” refers to howlongittakes forapatient whoenters thehospital in additiontosurgery, includecounseling in nutrition,exercise sufferingaserious heartattacktoreceive balloon angioplasty therapy, psychologicalcounseling and support groups. treatment.The campaignseeks to improve thesetimesbecause guidelinesand variousstudies have shownthat patients with certain TheVeinCenteristhe latestaddition to ARMC’sservices. The typesofheart attackswho aretreated within 90 minutesofentering Vein Centerprovidesminimally invasivetreatment forspider veins, thehospitalhaveahigherrateofsurvivalthanthose whoare not varicose veins and otherveinconditions causingpain, swelling and treated as promptly.Aiken Regional’stime consistently averages posing otherhealth risks. 60 minutesorless.

TheCancerCare Institute of Carolina at ARMCcombines amodern, InfectionpreventionisapriorityatAiken Regional,and thehospital spacious andcomfortable buildingwithadvancedcancertreatment participates in severalnational initiatives aimedateliminating technology to createone of themostcomprehensive cancer hospital-acquired infections.One project involves screeningall treatment centers in theregion. TheInstituteisthe only facility patients on admissionfor thepresence of MethicillinResistant in theAiken-Augusta areatooffer both radiationand medical Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA),which hasresultedinanextremely oncology under oneroof. lowrateofhospital-acquired MRSAatAiken Regional.

Physicians at theCardiovascularInstituteofCarolina at ARMCuse Over thepastseveral years, ARMChas stepped up emergency sophisticatedprocedurestodiagnoseand assess heartdisease. preparednessefforts and is nowbetterpreparedtorespond to all In thecardiac catheterizationlab,doctors useminimally invasive typesofemergencies. TheSouthCarolina Hospital Associationand procedurestodiagnoseand treat blockedornarrowingarteries. TheJoint Commissionhaverecently acknowledgedAiken Regional’s Cardiovascularsurgeonsalsoperform more extensiveprocedures emergency managementprogram as anational best practice. such as open-heart surgeryand vascularsurgery. “We’re proudthat AikenRegional MedicalCenters provides high- Theimaging Centerand Department of Radiology at Aiken qualitycare,and we pledge to remain at theforefront of medical Regional uses MRI, Positron EmissionTomography(PET) and technology to offercutting-edge services and unparalleledcustomer ComputerizedTomography(CT)tolet doctorsobtainimages and satisfaction forour patients,” Mr.Milanes says.

Aiken County 2011 05

AS09-585964 CENTERS AND SERVICES AT AIKENREGIONAL

Cancer Care InstituteofCarolina High-qualitycancertreatment is availableright here in Aiken. TheCancerCare InstituteofCarolina offers integratedcancertreatment and advancedtechnologyinacomfortable facility.The Instituteis one-of-a-kind in theCSRA, offering both radiationoncology and hematology/oncology services,plus supportservicesfor cancerpatientsand their families. Location: 111 MiracleDrive,ARMC campus 803-641-7850

CardiovascularInstitute of Carolina Look no furtherthanthe CardiovascularInstituteofCarolina at AikenRegional foradvancedcardiac care.The cardiology staffprovidespatientswithindividualizedtreatment plansthat caninclude diagnostic testing, medication,surgeryand rehabilitation.The CardiovascularInstitutealsooffers health screenings and educationtohelp youstayheart-healthy. Location: 5thFloor,ARMC main building 803-641-5280

Jointand SpineCenter Patients whohavehad totalhip or knee replacement surgerywill findspecialized care here.Aweek- long recovery plan includesthe patient’sphysician,nurses, physical therapists, “coach”and case manager.Byparticipatingingroup therapyinaddition to individualizedtherapy sessions,patients benefit from sharingtheir experience with others. Location: 4thFloor,ARMC main building 803-641-5470

WoundHealing InstituteofCarolina If youhaveawound or sore that hasnot beguntoheal within amonth,the Wound HealingInstitute of Carolina canhelp.Weoffer some of themostadvancedwound care therapies availabletoday, includinghyperbaric oxygen therapy. Theinstitute’sspecially trainedstaff tailor atreatment plan to your specificneeds. Location: 100Aurora Place, ARMC campus 803-643-2090

Women’s LifeCareCenter TheWomen’s LifeCare Centerisasource of knowledge,care and comfort forwomen of allages. Services include gynecologiccare,breastsurgery, treatment of menopauseand osteoporosis,estrogen replacement therapyand more. Thechildbirth centergives newborns and their parentsastrongstart in life,withadvancedclinicalexpertiseand warm,personal attention. Location: 2ndFloor,ARMC main building 803-641-5800

Women’s LifeCareDiagnosticServices Arange of diagnostic services in onelocationcan help make awoman’s healthcare moremanageable. Services include mammography,bonedensitometry, stereotactic breast biopsy and routine X-rays.And we have all-digitalmammographyfor faster,morecomprehensive results. Location: 400MedicalParkDrive,ARMC campus 803-641-5065

Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

06 Aiken County 2011

AS09-585953 Diabetesand NutritionTeaching Center Both adultand pediatric patients receive nutritional education, disease-specificself-management sessions and constant reinforcement throughpersonal patientcontact.The American Diabetes Associationrecognizes theeducation serviceofthe Diabetes and Nutrition Teaching Centeras meetingthe national standardfor diabetes self-managementeducation. Location: 420Society Hill Drive, Suite200,Aiken 803-293-0023

Aurora Pavilion BehavioralHealthServices Help formentalillness or substance abuseisclose to home.Weprovide individualizedassessment and inpatient and outpatienttreatment foradults, children,adolescents and seniorswho have behavioral,emotional and substance abuseproblems. Location: 655MedicalParkDrive,ARMC campus 803-641-5900

SleepEvaluation Center Having troublefalling asleep or stayingasleep? TheSleep Evaluation Centercan help.Patients undergo sleepstudies that gather data on howyou breathe and sleep, whichcan help your physician identifyasleep disorderand determine treatment options. Location: 3rdFloor,ARMC main building 803-641-5370

Emergency Department Youcan rely on theEmergency Department at AikenRegional for24/7care provided by 100percent board-certified physicians.Wefocus on making your emergency departmentexperience as smooth as possible,withpatient-friendly bedsideregistrationand acommitmenttolow wait times. We’re preparedwithour helipad to getyou here as quicklyaspossible. Location: Emergency entrance,ARMC main building

PalmettoPediatricCenter Palmetto PediatricCenterprovidesinpatient and outpatientservicesfor infants, children and adolescents.Children canget routine healthcare as well as care when they’resick. Inpatient services include thenewborn nursery and inpatient admissions.Pediatric inpatient services are locatedonthe hospital’s4th floor. Location: 60 PhysicianDrive,ARMC campus 803-641-KIDS

BariatricSurgery Laparoscopic gastric bandingsurgerycan work wonderswithlong-term weight-loss and managementnecessary to live alongerand healthierlife. Ourcomprehensive approach includes preoperativecounseling,support groups and nutritional counseling. Location: 2ndFloor,ARMC main building 803-641-5751

Southside Imaging Center Residents of Aiken’ssouthsidenow have convenient access to advanceddiagnosticservices, includingdigital mammography,openMRI,multisliceCTscans,ultrasound and otherservices. Location: 430 Society Hill Drive, Aiken (The Village at Woodside) 803-502-5020

TheVein Center Healthylegscan mean ahealthierlife. TheVeinCenteratAiken Regional offers severalproceduresto treat venous disease, includingsclerotherapy,ligation/phlebectomyand VNUS Closure™. Location: 2ndFloor,ARMC main building 803-641-5544

302 University Parkway •Aiken, SC 29801

Aiken County 2011 07

AS09-585952 Living in Aiken County Public Education

The Aiken County School were financed through federal District, the sixth-largest in South stimulus funds; when those funds Carolina, serves more than ran out in June, the Board of 24,500 students in 4-year-old Education agreed to continue kindergarten through 12th grade. to fund those positions through The district has 41 schools in a general operations. At the county the size of Rhode Island. middle and high school level, The most recent addition is Byrd new programs are emphasizing Elementary School in Graniteville, student engagement and career which opened in 2008 and exploration. replaced a 54-year-old facility of The School Board also the same name. approved a major expansion of The new Byrd is a state of alternative education. Much more the art building that features focus will be given to intervention Smartboards and other for struggling students technology in every classroom. and additional counseling The district’s superintendent, opportunities. Dr. Beth Everitt, came to Aiken The school district is closely County in January 2008 from collaborating on a number of Albuquerque, N.M., where she projects with the foundation served as superintendent of a Public Education Partners. 90,000-student district. Earlier They and sponsoring business this year, the district revamped partners have introduced career- its administrative structure, so oriented Synergistic Systems that top-level personnel are now computer-based labs in four serving as academic officers. middle schools. Using federal That change effectively has stimulus funds, the district added provided principals with more labs to Ridge Spring-Monetta day-to-day responsibility at their Elementary/Middle School and schools. to Busbee/Corbett Elementary Overall, the school system Middle in Wagener. The labs traditionally surpasses provide interactive software state averages in academic modules that give children achievement and in some the opportunity to learn about instances, meets or exceeds specific careers, many of them national averages. All seven found in the greater Aiken area. high schools offer Advanced PEP is also assisting the district Placement courses. in providing a seventh lab at The district has developed a Jackson Middle School. number of initiatives to improve For more information about student performance, especially the Aiken County School in efforts to promote literacy. District, call the main office at All elementary schools have 641-2428 or visit the office at reading interventionists, and four 1000 Brookhaven Drive. More district-level partner teachers are information about individual working with school-level faculty schools and the district, visit to enhance classroom instruction. www.aiken.k12.sc.us or acps. The reading interventionists schoolfusion.us/.

08 Aiken County 2011 Private Schools in Aiken County Aiken County offers a number School: Serving 3K-12, of private and charter schools located at 980 Dougherty to meet the needs of parents. Road. Phone number Fox Creek High School, included (803) 648-7871. below, is actually located in • Second Baptist Church Edgefield County, just outside of Christian Preparatory North Augusta. School: Grades 2K-5, • Aiken Preparatory located at 343 Laurens Street. School: Pre-school through Phone (803) 502-0710. 12th grade. Located at 619 • St. Mary Help of Barnwell Avenue, phone Christians School: 260 (803) 648-3223. students, pre-school through • Faith Christian School: eighth-grade. The address Serving grades 1-5. Located at is 118 York Street, phone Bethesda Christian Center on (803) 649-2071. Whiskey Road. For information, • Aiken Performing Arts call (803) 443-1663. Academy: Grades 9-12. • Mead Hall Episcopal Address 130 Avery Land. School: 3K-8th grade. Phone (803) 649-9030. Located at 129 Pendleton • Lloyd-Kennedy Charter Street. Phone (803) 644-1122. School: Grades 5-8, • Midland Valley Address 130 Avery Lane. Christian Academy: Pre-K Phone (803) 644-4824. through 2nd grade. Located • Fox Creek High School: at 3526 Jefferson Davis Grades 9-12. Address Abby, left, and Lexie Richardson, Highway, Clearwater. Phone 1297 W. Martintown Road, (803) 594-9945. North Augusta. Phone Millbrook Elementary School • Our Lady of Peace (803) 613-9435. School: Serving Pre-K • Midland Valley kindergarten students, are overjoyed through 8th grade, located Preparatory School: at 856 Old Edgefield Road, Grades Pre-K - 8. Located after receiving certificates for their North Augusta. Phone at 2432 Jefferson Davis (803) 279-8396. Highway, Graniteville. Phone mastery of 55 key sight words. • South Aiken Christian (803) 594-1000. AS10-585472

Aiken County 2011 09 Living in Aiken County

Higher Education USC Aiken “State of the Community” lun- Aiken Technical College College added an Associate For more than a decade, USC cheon. Aiken Technical College Degree in Nursing, while Aiken has been named among USCA in recent years has has more than 3,200 students USCA is concentrating on the top public baccalaureate focused on the first-year stu- this year. They include those the B.S. in Nursing degree. colleges in its division by “U.S. dent experience. In August, the who are taking general In 2009, ATC introduced News and World Report” maga- faculty hosted a freshman con- courses with the intention a pharmacy technician zine - including several years at vocation ceremony to officially of transferring to a four-year program in response to new No. 1. welcome those students to the university and those who are state regulations for such But the growth of the univer- university. In addition to help- enrolled in technical academic personnel. sity goes even further. In 2004 ing freshmen get a solid start programs. As business interest in USCA opened its second resi- academically, USCA is also The college offers associate a nuclear renaissance and dential facility and the first since emphasizing citizenship and degrees related to a number alternative fuels grows, the mid-1980s. Just four years engagement, both on and off of career fields, including so does ATC’s role. That later, the university opened its campus. The newest residential business, communications, includes several hydrogen- third facility. More than 900 hall, Pacer Crossings, is devot- computer technology, based initiatives, including students — about 30 percent of ed almost entirely to first-year engineering technology, a curriculum focusing on the total enrollment — are now students. general education, health repairing and maintaining living on campus and enjoy- The Honors Program is grow- science, industrial technology, clean-fuel vehicles of the ing new on-site opportunities ing significantly, providing addi- math/science and social future, such as those powered through the Student Life Office. tional educational opportunities science. by hydrogen. ATC also The 4,000-seat Convoca- to those students. Many USCA In recent years ATC has received a national grant to tion Center was completed professors have won statewide been responsive to the needs develop a strategic plan for a in May 2007, in time to host awards in recognition of their of business and industry in the hydrogen energy workforce. the graduation ceremony that work. Earlier this month, Psy- greater Aiken area. A health The college has developed month. That facility has become chology Department Chairman science facility opened in a curriculum for radiation a popular attraction for the Dr. Ed Callen received the Uni- 2005 and three new programs protection technology – a Pacer teams, popular versity of South Carolina’s 2011 were added – medical program that now provides entertainment and civic engage- Undergraduate Research Men- coding, radiology and surgical national certification for ments, such as the Greater tor Award - the first winner from technician. In partnership with those who meet academic Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s outside the Columbia campus. USC Aiken, Aiken Technical requirements.

10 Aiken County 2011 Worship in Aiken County

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4U5IBEEFVT&QJTDPQBM$IVSDI 1FOEMFUPO4U48t%PXOUPXO"JLFO ;X KTTE tXXXTUUIBEEFVTPSH Living in Aiken County

Law Enforcement Aiken County Sheriff’s Office With eight patrol zones in a county the size of Rhode Island, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office responds to a high daily call volume, while still finding the time to participate in community outreach programs. The agency continues to grow with the county, recently adding a community services deputy to the staff and host- ing a variety of neighborhood events throughout the year. But, the agency has also gotten a reputation for being tough on crime. The sheriff posts the names of those with pending warrants online and issues a weekly press release with the names and mug shots of some of its most sought after suspects. Sheriff Michael Hunt was elected as the county’s 18th sheriff in 2003. In 2006, he was honored by his peers and selected as the Palmetto State’s Sheriff of the Year, and continues to add community programs. The sheriff’s office also oversees the Aiken County detention center. Lainey Williams, 4, gets acquainted with Aiken County Sheriff’s Office representatives Nancy Kieltsch, Rik (a bloodhound) and Selwyn Deloach. All were among participants in the Belvedere’s presentation of the “National Night Out,” which focuses on helping neighbors get acquainted with each other, for the sake of strengthening neighborhoods and preventing crime.

12 Aiken County 2011 the more than 90 sworn officers who work there to duties Aiken Public Safety that will protect the community and nurture its youth. On July 1, 1975, Aiken police officers and firefighters Its current director is Peter N. Frommer. combined their duties and formed what has been known since as the Aiken Department of Public Safety. North Augusta Public Safety Its officers are cross-trained specialists who fight fires, The North Augusta Public Safety Department has made patrol streets and serve as first responders. curbing traffic fatalities its mission. It boasts one of the The department has become well-known for its best traffic teams in the state. community policing and officer involvement in the Faced with a unique geography, North Augusta sits community after hours. on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, With programs such as the Police Athletic League, a and the department has signed a number of mutual aid youth sport and gaming program, Public Safety is both agreements to stop criminals fleeing into Georgia or out reactive and proactive in its approach to policing. of South Carolina. In recent years the department has developed and Also a Public Safety Department, its officers are cross- integrated a number of innovative programs aimed at trained in law enforcement, fire suppression and first community involvement. responder duties. Its new director, John Thomas, has Public Safety hosts a parenting program that assists beefed up efforts to apply for grants and build on the parents with rearing their children. The department has department he inherited in 2009. two community officers in the City’s parks and activities The department supports DARE (Drug centers and is using grant money to re-introduce officers Abuse Resistance Education) in the schools, a on bicycles into a number of neighborhoods. methamphetamine watch program and is also involved As the City continues to grow, the department in the Police Athletic League youth sports and gaming re-evaluates the needs of the community and re-assigns program.

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Aiken County 2011 13 Living in Aiken County North Augusta

North Augusta lies on the western edge of Aiken County, just across the Savannah River from Augusta. This border city has undergone quite a renovation in the past 15 years with important projects such as a new City Hall, the Greeneway (a walking and biking trail), development of the riverfront area, a downtown face lift, improving parks and recreation facilities and much residential development, including the Hammonds North Augusta’s mild weather Ferry planned community. North Augusta living offers a truly unique balance between draws a bicyclist (and a pint-sized both convenience and charm, rich history and an exciting future. The amenities and housing options are all blended passenger) to the Greeneway, along seamlessly to create a real sense of community that contrib- the edge of Hammond’s Ferry. utes to the small town charm. Population: 21,348 (2010) AS12-587916

14 Aiken County 2011 New Ellenton New Ellenton has a unique and sentimental his- tory. The people of Ellenton learned in the early 1950’s that their town would be displaced by a massive nuclear weapons complex. The federal government bought 200,000 acres of land in Aiken and Barnwell counties for $19 million and built facilities to generate nuclear components for the hydrogen bomb. It was common to see homes, churches or stores traveling down the road on the back of a truck. The Atomic City Fes- tival began in 1972 in remembrance of the 6,000 people whose town was displaced in order to provide national security. Population: 2,052 (2010)

Jackson Jackson is close to the Savannah River Site in the Southwest portion of the county. It’s home to the Carolina Dragway, a well-known race track. Population: 1,700 (2010)

AS11-589111

Aiken County 2011 15 Living in Aiken County Wagener Windsor Wagener is located between Aiken and Columbia in the Windsor is located near the Southern border of Aiken Northwest section of the county. The little town grew when County near Barnwell County. The name of the town of Wind- the Southern Railroad ran a line through to Batesburg. Nearly sor likely originated from the 1813 will of Anderson Windsor, all of the towns that sprang up along the railroad wanted to who owned land on Pond Branch and Yarrow Branch, near use the last name of George Wagener, who was a strong sup- the present location of Windsor. porter of the railroad and the owner of a wholesale house in Population: 121 Charleston. It was through the influence of J. A. Gunter, a prosperous local farmer, that the town received the honor of Salley using this distinguished name. Salley may best be known for the annual Chitlin’ Strut held In the 1920’s and 30’s, asparagus was grown here and each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That day the exported across America. During the same period, cot- town of less than 400 swells to about 25,000 with visitors. ton became a successful product and huge bales lined the Chitterlings, the star of the festival, are fried pig intestines. streets awaiting departure via train. Population: 398 (2010) Population: 797 (2010) Burnettown Perry Burnettown is nestled along S.C. Highway 421 in the Mid- Perry is located between Aiken and Columbia and between land Valley area grew up in the late 1800s and early 1900s Wagener and Salley. The town of Perry was named for Ben- along the trolley system between Aiken and Augusta. By the jamin Perry, a Provisional Governor during the Civil War. Both 1920s the trolley system was gone, but the need for transpor- Benjamin Perry and John Wagener were key players in bring- tation remained. A large taxi service was created, but eventu- ing the railroad through the town. Originally, the town was ally it needed to be licensed by an incorporated city. Since in named Wagener but changed names to Perry in 1888 when both Langley and Bath the largest landowners were the mills, the present day Wagener was officially given the name. Burnettown was asked to incorporate so the taxi service Population: 233 (2010) could continue. The charter was granted in 1941. Population: 2,692 (2009) Ridge Spring-Monetta Ridge Spring is actually in Saluda County, but many of the nearby residents of Monetta live in Aiken County. Aiken County also operates the schools in the area that children from both counties attend. Famous for the Harvest Festival held each October. Population: Ridge Spring, 737; Monetta, 236

A worker packs ripe peaches into boxes at the Titan Farms packing Wagener-Salley football players burst through plant in Ridge Spring, S.C. a banner before playing their season opener.

16 Aiken County 2011 AS31-588556

Aiken County 2011 17 Living in Aiken County

Habitat for Humanity

Aiken County Habitat for has also funded the construc- Aiken County Habitat for Women Build initiative where Humanity has built 84 afford- tion of 30 houses in other Humanity completed its fifth the house is built entirely by able homes for low-income countries across the world. Blitz Build in 2010 and will a team of women volunteers. families in the area since the It relies heavily on the start the sixth on Sept. 26, Five such houses have been local chapter was formed in efforts of volunteers who sign which will be constructed in completed, and a sixth will 1988. An 85th house is near- up to swing a hammer, paint, just over four days. The chap- begin construction in the ing completion. The chapter install flooring and more. ter also participates in the spring of 2012.

One of the city of Aiken’s though the circle must stop loveliest features is the traffic at the second red light in circles at several intersec- the circle, while the motor- tions downtown. ists turning left at the same Traffic Circles But those same circles intersection may proceed with their gentle flower beds on when the intersection is and flowing fountains can clear. be a headache for those not • The motorist who is not familiar with their unique traf- turning must always wait for fic rules. a green light. The City has a slogan • Because of the intricate to help motorists navigate parkways, there are a num- those intersections: “Circle ber of square intersections go and square no.” as well. Still confused? Here’s how • If a motorist turns left on it works. a square, the driver will face • When entering a circle on a red light. He may not travel a green light and turning left, forward. the motorist will face a red • Each square is marked light. with a sign telling motorists • The driver entering may when it is appropriate to turn proceed on through the red left. A motorist turning left on light after yielding to oncom- a red light may only proceed ing traffic. straight through the second • A driver headed straight light when it is green.

18 Aiken County 2011 I-H S CS

(Right) Ernesto Barquet is hit by a snowball his daughter, Elisa, threw at him in Hopelands Gardens. (Below) Heather Shuler and her son, Hampton, enjoy a day at the park on Easter. She’s Always Been TheIndependent Type. We Aim To Keep Her That Way. We helptokeepher independent spirit strong. ComfortKeepers®provides compassionate in- home carethathelps seniorslivehappy,ful lling livesinthe comfortoftheirown homes.Our wide range of services promoteindependence andwellbeing.Wecallit InteractiveCaregiving®, auniqueapproach providedbyspecialcaregivers called ComfortKeepers®. Alltohelpkeepminds, Weather in Aiken County bodies andlives active, happyand healthy. Aiken County Temperature Summary (1945-2009) Highest Maximum: 109 F August 22, 1983 IN HOMESENIORCARESERVICES Lowest Minimum: -4 January 21, 1985 •Companion Care •Incidental Transportation Annual Average: 1971-2000 •Housekeeping &Meals •Personal CareServices Maximum: 77.2 Mean: 64.1 •Shopping &Errands • SafetyChoice® Home Minimum: 50.9 Safety Solutions Precipitation Summary (1945-2009) Highest Daily Rainfall: 9.68 inches April 16, 1969 SERVING THE ENTIRE CSRA Annual Average Rainfall: 52.43 inches Wettest Year: 71.36 inches, 1964 803-279-7100 Driest Year: 21.06 inches, 1933 Augusta, NorthAugusta, &Evans Highest Daily Snowfall: 15.0 inches, February 10, 1973

Extreme Events (*Data through October 2009) 803-649-0133 33 Tornadoes Aiken Tornado damage: $5.298 million 22 Tornado related injuries 154 Wind events (winds exceeding 50 knots or 58 miles per hour) 129 Hail events Hail damage: $57,000 11 Lightning events 5 Lightning related Injuries 2011 CK Franchising, Inc. |Aninternational networkofindependently owned and operated oces. AS12-587659 1 Lightning related fatality Lightning damage: $137,000 ..

Aiken County 2011 19 Working in Aiken County The Economic Development Partnership The Economic Development Partnership was formed in 1984 by the Aiken County Council at the request of local business leaders as the Economic Development Board of Aiken County. Since then it has become a powerful tool for recruiting and maintaining industry. The Partnership is unique among economic development organizations in that it receives funds from Aiken and Edgefield county governments as well as contributions from the private sector. It is governed by a board of directors with members from the public sector (appointed by the county councils) and from the private sector (elected by the public sector members). Programs include the marketing of Aiken and Edgefield counties for capital investment and job creation, collection and distribution of demographic and economic data, maintaining an accurate inventory of available sites and buildings, community development assistance for infrastructure projects and existing industry relations. Bridgestone team member Pensola Parsons with crew leader Scott Pittenger. Top Employers:

• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the DOE and Subcontractors: 8,300 - Nuclear Defense Materials • Kimberly-Clark Corporation: 1,475 - Consumer Paper Products • Bridgestone-Firestone South Carolina: 930 - Car and Truck Tires • Advanced Glassfiber Yarn: 770 - Fiberglass Insulation & Circuit Boards • Shaw Industries: 625 - Carpet Yarns • United Parcel Service: 580 - International Customhouse Brokerage • Washington Safety Management Solutions: 500 - Engineering Consulting Firm • Mount Vernon Mills Inc: 450 - Other household textile product mills • ASCO Valve Manufacturing LLC: 416 - Fluid power valve and hose fitting manufacturing • Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company: 370 - Manufactures tires and metal disc wheels

20 Aiken County 2011 New Third Congressional District Congressman Jeff Duncan, center, cuts the traditional ribbon for his new Aiken field office. Joining him from left are Aiken Mayor Fred Cavenaugh, Aiken City Councilman Reggie Ebner, S.C. Rep. Bill Taylor and Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce president David Jameson.

ChambersThree Chambers of Commerce promote the ever- of Commerce growing business community in Aiken County: The Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce The Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce is a not- for-profit organization that is owned and operated by its members. Its efforts are to develop new business and foster and grow current businesses. As their slogan says, “It’s a great day for business in Aiken, South Carolina.” The Chamber serves the business interests of the region, working with members to build successful businesses and enhance the quality of life. The Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce The Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce promotes the small and large businesses that reside in the Midland Valley Area which includes Vaucluse, Graniteville, Burnettown, Warrenville, Gloverville, Langley, Clearwater, Bath, Madison, Stiefeltown, Jacksonville and Lynwood.

The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce North Augusta Chamber of Commerce President Brian Tucker, right, The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce is a non- takes time to chat with doctors from the Center for Primary Care profit with the goal of promoting and growing business in during the Chamber’s Business Expo. the greater North Augusta area, and the CSRA in general.

Aiken County 2011 21 Working in Aiken County SRSSavannah

22 Aiken County 2011 AGrand Place to Visit... River Site An innovation center for more than half a century, the Savannah River Site is one of the key components of the Aiken economy and workforce. From helping to fight the Cold War in its beginnings, the site is focusing on cleaning up the nuclear waste and moving into new missions and cutting edge energy technologies for the future. Management and operations contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is undertaking the task of using $1.6 bil- lion in stimulus funds to accelerate the decommissioning of old reactor sites. At the same time, liquid waste contractor Savannah River Remediation is setting about dealing with the 35 million gallons they have to turn around and stimulus- funded infrastructure work of their own. In the past year, SRS celebrated the closure of the site’s M Area, and area operable between 1952 and 1988 that played a crucial role in reactor fuel and target production during the Cold War, as well as the deactivation and decommissioning of the Site’s P and R Reactors, which operated from shortly after SRS’ inception in the 1950s until the late 1980s. P and idge Spring invites you to take abreak from the R reactors were decommissioned in situ, or in place, using city to experience the joys of Southernsmall $250 million in stimulus funds and aiding in the site’s footprint town life. Whether visiting our unique shops, reduction. SRS is also at the forefront of a nuclear renaissance, with getting pecans at the Nut House, or dining at ongoing research and progress toward an SRS energy com- Juniper,Ridge Spring offers experiences that will plex. Recent agreements launched a major step toward the keep you coming back for more. energy park — with two agreements with Hyperion Power, Inc. and GE Hitachi — to bring small modular reactor technol- ogy to the Savannah River Site. Small nuclear reactors could potentially be used globally to distribute power to isolated locations, could be transported Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale ...... 1st Saturday in June for use during emergencies, would provide clean, consistent YonBull Sale ...... February &November and uninterrupted power, and may very well be the energy of Magnolia Ridge Antiques and Art Show .... 2nd Saturday in May the future and a path away from oil dependency. Farmers Market ...... June thru September The site also researches and develops other clean tech- Harvest Festival ...... 4th Saturday in October nologies, including work at the Hydrogen Research Center, Christmas Open House ...... 2nd Sunday in November which has unveiled new battery technology and a solar ener- Agritours available year round 803.685.5511 gy project that will help their efforts in hydrogen storage. Combining old and new is one new area of growth, as a facility combatting the waste left behind from SRS’ first mis- sions and turning it into fuel is being constructed. The $4.8 billion Mixed Oxide fuel facility (MOX) is becoming a reality, with a projected date of becoming operational by 2016. The MOX facility will fabricate surplus weapons plutonium into fuel for use in existing nuclear power plants to generate electricity while rendering the plutonium unusable for nuclear weapons. www.ridgespringsc.com AS32-586403

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6Œˆ‹~yk Rk “rik &P¹}gy ‹~ àP¹}y ;X%EKTE= àÄÄ} Z~~jˆrjk 9—kiŒ‹r“k 6~Œ ‹ 03ruk| 0 &}¹ŸÌÙ¹Ÿ}à&& 3Œ‹~´ ?~yk´ Grlk´ Qk‹r kyk|‹ A|ˆrjk Z~~jˆrjk 9—kiŒ‹r“k Ng u  ?~Œ ˆP I~|1ŸToŒ ˆ1 &P¹}ŸÄP}} 0ŠP¹}ŸàP}} g|j ; r1 &P¹}ŸK~~| ”””1g|jigjˆ1i~yeiwrk|‹ˆegruk|ˆ‹g|jg jegwwˆ‹g‹kegwwˆ‹g‹kGg|jr|m ;X KT% ;X%=KT/ 3iik‹r|m Kk” Ng‹rk|‹ˆ 3ww Igs~ A|ˆŒ g|ik Nwg|ˆ° Playing in Aiken County The Aiken Railroad Depot The Aiken Railroad Depot is a replicate of Aiken’s original railroad depot built in 1899. The building, located at the corner of Park Avenue and Union Street, highlights Aiken’s history with the railroad which once served as the gateway for Aiken’s Winter Colonists, and traveled from Hamburg to Charleston. The two and a half story depot includes a dome-shaped roof and an elevator. Vintage dining cars and a caboose will also accompany the building. The replica of the depot serves as a railroad museum, complete with interactive railroad dioramas which are displayed on the second floor. The depot can also be used as a venue for weddings, private parties, receptions and business meetings. Along with the museum, the lower section of the building serves as the City of Aiken’s welcome center and the headquarters for the City of Aiken’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. The Aiken Railroad Depot opened its doors Sept. 18, 2010 during the City of Aiken’s 175th anniversary celebration.

The Roland D. Windham Performing Hopelands Summer Concert Series Arts Stage is home to the Hopelands Summer Concert Series as well as garden theater productions. Named for longtime city manager Roland Windham, the recently refurbished amphitheater boasts a large stage, large dressing rooms, public restrooms and a breezeway that leads to the Carriage Museum and Rye Patch historic home.

26 Aiken County 2011 AS11-588858

Aiken County 2011 27 Some of the finest physicians in the area are right here, at Aiken RegionalMedical Centers.

YOU’RE LOOKINGFOR ALLERGY GASTROENTEROLOGY OBSTETRICS/ PAIN MANAGEMENT WayneT.Frei,MD MatthewClark,MD Ayaz Chaudhary,MD GYNECOLOGY Russ Daniel,MD 648-1318 279-7666 292-7262 Cindy G. Besson,MD 644-4264 Robert C. Terry, MD GregoryH.Esselman,MD DavidS.Keisler Jr., MD ADIFFERENT KIND (Gynecology only) WilliamE.Durrett Jr., MD 648-1318 649-0003 648-7888 642-6500 AnthonyE.Harris, MD AfsarM.Waraich,MD 648-0803 THORACIC AND James F. Boehner,MD 648-7897 649-4699 PEDIATRICS VASCULAR SURGERY OF HEALTHCARE 649-7535 118 DavorG.Sklizovic,MD JonathanC.Collins, MD Thomas P. Paxton,MD Robert D. Boone,MD 644-9200 GERIATRICS 642-9204 641-4874 Raymond D. Hesse, MD 649-7535 SusanM.Goldberg,MD L. Dieter Voegele, MD TROLLEY EXPERIENCE. BARIATRIC SURGERY 648-7888 Gasnel E. Bryan, MD LINE RD. 641-KIDS (5437) 641-4874 LucianoFiszer, MD 648-0874 JessicaKobleur,MD Institute HEMATOLOGY Brandon L. Daniels, MD L Cancer Care 641-5751 UROLOGY EL SitkiM.Ergul,MD 641-KIDS (5437) Edward J. Rapp,II, MD 644-1970 JonathanH.Anderson, MD .B MIR TimothyR.Kinsey, MD TM Y ACLE DR. 641-5751 641-7850 Lloyd B. Daniels, MD UNI 649-3903 ER WA men’s LifeCare HUD T. Mark Meyer, MD 641-KIDS (5437) Aiken Wo Services 649-4117 Richard P. vonBuedingen,MD RK Diagnostic Jose Luis,MD ROB PA VE Medical Center CARDIACSURGERY 648-7888 JudithL.B.Hoover, MD 648-7815 SON 649-0578 RSI Thomas P. Paxton,MD 649-7746 Prakash N. Maniam,MD INFECTIOUS DISEASES Paula A. Luther,MD TY MEDICAL PARK DR. 641-4874 JessicaKeller, DO 643-7311 C DR. US L. Dieter Voegele, MD Gerald Gordon,MD 649-7535 642-9204 Aiken PA Aiken Regional Victoria M. Stoeppler,MD Centers 641-4874 649-5300 Oletha R. Minto, MD VENOUS DISEASE RK Medical PH YSICIAN DR. 649-7535 649-0578 Thomas P. Paxton,MD

WA AU INTERNAL MEDICINE CARDIOLOGY John B. Tiffany, MD 641-5544 ROR WilliamT.Besson,III,MD Y Aurora Pavilion Wound Ansermo L. Arthur,MD ONCOLOGY 642-9204

P A Healing of 641-4874 648-7888 SitkiM.Ergul,MD PhuongTo, DO WOUND CARE/ Institute Marc H. Brickman,DO Center LA Carolina DavidW.Cundey, MD 641-7850 641-KIDS (5437) HBOTHERAPY NTRANCE Pediatric CE MAINE Palmetto 641-4874 648-7774 Ahmad N. Gill,MD James L. Hagan, MD GregoryL.Eaves,MD Alyssa M. Degnan, DO 641-7850 PLASTIC/ 643-2090 641-4874 649-5300 Stephen Shlaer, MD RECONSTRUCTIVE JackL.Ratliff,MD Imaging Center Gerald Gordon,MD The WeemsPennington,III,MD 226-0104 SURGERY 643-2090 You’ve found it. 649-5300 Donald Townsend, MD 641-4874 Dean A. Page,MD RICHLA IdrisS.Sharaf,MD Asif Hashmi,MD Y. ND AVE. 226-0104 642-0277 USTA HW 644-1027 T. Mark Meyer, MD 78 AIKEN-AUG 641-4874 Raymond D. Hesse, MD 648-7888 PODIATRY HOSPITAL-BASED COLONAND 648-7888 (Allied Health) PHYSICIANS RECTAL SURGERY DavidS.Keisler Jr., MD OPHTHALMOLOGY George Sich,III,DPM R. Lee Grantham,MD David H. Gibbs, MD 648-7888 648-6988 c 648-1171 Thomas M Cullough,MD 642-1000 MackieJ.Walker, DPM ANESTHESIOLOGY Edward J. JakubsJr.,MD 648-7888 Nini S. Patheja,MD GuyJ.Caiafa,MD T. Mark Meyer, MD 649-3668 648-1171 642-6060 Robert P. Cassingham, MD Virginia B. Winburn, MD 648-7888 Daniel J. Smith, MD PSYCHIATRY Benjamin S. Ulmer Jr., MD FrankJ.Mondschein, MD 642-6060 John A. Allen, MD 648-1171 EMERGENCY MEDICINE 649-5300 EnochN.Tsai, MD 642-3801 Stephen A.D. Grant, MD DERMATOLOGY RandyD.Watson, MD HollyClark,MD Find out more about Aiken’s choice for ORAL AND F. Martin James,MD Richard S. Chesser,MD 648-7818 641-5906 Stephen J. Platte,MD Danijela S. Zotovic, MD MAXILLOFACIAL quality healthcare. 641-0049 MerryA.DeLeon,MD Clifford D. Staggs,MD John R. Cook,MD 648-7888 SURGERY Douglas M. Weddle,MD David S. Hudson,DMD 641-5906 Edward W. Yeh, MD 644-8900 DavidA.Steiner,MD Visit aikenregional.com and request afree MargaretH.Fitch,MD NEPHROLOGY 649-1177 Francis J. DiBona,MD 642-3801 HOSPITALIST 649-3909 hospital brochure and aDVD that gives you ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY LaceyMcNeely,MD 648-0718 PULMONOLOGY/ ENDOCRINOLOGY Sindu Garg,MD Ty W. Carter,MD Kashif Naseem,MD alook inside the hospital. CRITICALCARE Sidney F. Rhoades,MD R. Bauer Vaughters,MD 648-0718 649-0563 FrankJ.Mondschein, MD Chioma V. Udogu,MD 648-3130 Devesh R. Patel, MD Douglas E. Holford,MD 706-722-6900 649-0563 649-5300 INDUSTRYHEALTH NicholasJ.Sanito, DO FAMILYPRACTICE Douglas A. Stahura,DO R. Vaughan Massie,MD Gaines L. Entrekin,MD James L. Bland, MD,JD 648-0718 649-0563 643-1090 Miroslav B. Zotovic, MD 641-1404 Hy C. Sussman,MD Clark D. Moore,MD OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE DonPennington,MD, Cardiology MaeJeanEnglee,MD 648-0718 649-0563 643-1090 663-9224 Adam C. Schaaf,MD RADIATION ONCOLOGY PATHOLOGY AnnM.Kulik,MD NEUROLOGY 644-4264 Mark P. Ezekiel, MD Alan D. Pierce,MD 648-8804 Richard A. Eisenberg, MD TimothyJ.Shannon,MD 641-7850 TrentD.Trzpuc,MD Leopoldo M. Muniz,MD 642-6500 Robert L. Williams,MD 649-0563 JedHowington,MD 642-3505 Melvyn L. Haas,MD Howard G. RoyalJr.,MD 642-6500 OTOLARYNGOLOGY 641-7850 RADIOLOGY Finding theright doctor is fast,easyand free with AikenRegional’s physicianreferralservice. 649-6941 Khaled F. Kamel,MD GregoryH.Esselman,MD Alfonso Gay, MD SLEEP MEDICINE Ronald P. Robinson, MD HenryS.Tam,MD 649-0003 642-6500 R. Babu Mummaneni, MD Robert F. Searles, DO MichelleLyon, MD Call Direct Doctors Plus at 800-882-7445,Monday throughFridayfrom8a.m.to8p.m. 648-4224 AnthonyE.Harris, MD 642-6500 AnthonyL.Toomer,MD SM Bela K. Udani, MD 644-4264 648-7897 and9a.m.to3p.m.Saturdaytospeak with arepresentative. 648-8804 R. Babu Mummaneni, MD DavorG.Sklizovic,MD SURGERY F. MichaelVasovski,DO 642-6500 644-9200 A. Jill Buchanan,MD Or go to “FindaDoctor” at aikenregional.com andsearch24hours aday,7daysaweek. 648-1318 649-4446 NEUROSURGERY FrankY.Chase,MD RayB.Vaughters Jr., MD James D. Dillon,MD 648-1318 649-2501 226-0130 Dave Zimmerman, MD 279-6800

302 University Parkway •Aiken, SC 29801 •803-641-5000 Physicians areonthe medical staffofAiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, areindependent practitioners who arenot employ- ees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

28 Aiken County 2011 Aiken County 2011 29

AS09-585969 Some of the finest physicians in the area are right here, at Aiken RegionalMedical Centers.

YOU’RE LOOKINGFOR ALLERGY GASTROENTEROLOGY OBSTETRICS/ PAIN MANAGEMENT WayneT.Frei,MD MatthewClark,MD Ayaz Chaudhary,MD GYNECOLOGY Russ Daniel,MD 648-1318 279-7666 292-7262 Cindy G. Besson,MD 644-4264 Robert C. Terry, MD GregoryH.Esselman,MD DavidS.Keisler Jr., MD ADIFFERENT KIND (Gynecology only) WilliamE.Durrett Jr., MD 648-1318 649-0003 648-7888 642-6500 AnthonyE.Harris, MD AfsarM.Waraich,MD 648-0803 THORACIC AND James F. Boehner,MD 648-7897 649-4699 PEDIATRICS VASCULAR SURGERY OF HEALTHCARE 649-7535 118 DavorG.Sklizovic,MD JonathanC.Collins, MD Thomas P. Paxton,MD Robert D. Boone,MD 644-9200 GERIATRICS 642-9204 641-4874 Raymond D. Hesse, MD 649-7535 SusanM.Goldberg,MD L. Dieter Voegele, MD TROLLEY EXPERIENCE. BARIATRIC SURGERY 648-7888 Gasnel E. Bryan, MD LINE RD. 641-KIDS (5437) 641-4874 LucianoFiszer, MD 648-0874 JessicaKobleur,MD Institute HEMATOLOGY Brandon L. Daniels, MD L Cancer Care 641-5751 UROLOGY EL SitkiM.Ergul,MD 641-KIDS (5437) Edward J. Rapp,II, MD 644-1970 JonathanH.Anderson, MD .B MIR TimothyR.Kinsey, MD TM Y ACLE DR. 641-5751 641-7850 Lloyd B. Daniels, MD UNI 649-3903 ER WA men’s LifeCare HUD T. Mark Meyer, MD 641-KIDS (5437) Aiken Wo Services 649-4117 Richard P. vonBuedingen,MD RK Diagnostic Jose Luis,MD ROB PA VE Medical Center CARDIACSURGERY 648-7888 JudithL.B.Hoover, MD 648-7815 SON 649-0578 RSI Thomas P. Paxton,MD 649-7746 Prakash N. Maniam,MD INFECTIOUS DISEASES Paula A. Luther,MD TY MEDICAL PARK DR. 641-4874 JessicaKeller, DO 643-7311 C DR. US L. Dieter Voegele, MD Gerald Gordon,MD 649-7535 642-9204 Aiken PA Aiken Regional Victoria M. Stoeppler,MD Centers 641-4874 649-5300 Oletha R. Minto, MD VENOUS DISEASE RK Medical PH YSICIAN DR. 649-7535 649-0578 Thomas P. Paxton,MD

WA AU INTERNAL MEDICINE CARDIOLOGY John B. Tiffany, MD 641-5544 ROR WilliamT.Besson,III,MD Y Aurora Pavilion Wound Ansermo L. Arthur,MD ONCOLOGY 642-9204

P A Healing of 641-4874 648-7888 SitkiM.Ergul,MD PhuongTo, DO WOUND CARE/ Institute Marc H. Brickman,DO Center LA Carolina DavidW.Cundey, MD 641-7850 641-KIDS (5437) HBOTHERAPY NTRANCE Pediatric CE MAINE Palmetto 641-4874 648-7774 Ahmad N. Gill,MD James L. Hagan, MD GregoryL.Eaves,MD Alyssa M. Degnan, DO 641-7850 PLASTIC/ 643-2090 641-4874 649-5300 Stephen Shlaer, MD RECONSTRUCTIVE JackL.Ratliff,MD Imaging Center Gerald Gordon,MD The WeemsPennington,III,MD 226-0104 SURGERY 643-2090 You’ve found it. 649-5300 Donald Townsend, MD 641-4874 Dean A. Page,MD RICHLA IdrisS.Sharaf,MD Asif Hashmi,MD Y. ND AVE. 226-0104 642-0277 USTA HW 644-1027 T. Mark Meyer, MD 78 AIKEN-AUG 641-4874 Raymond D. Hesse, MD 648-7888 PODIATRY HOSPITAL-BASED COLONAND 648-7888 (Allied Health) PHYSICIANS RECTAL SURGERY DavidS.Keisler Jr., MD OPHTHALMOLOGY George Sich,III,DPM R. Lee Grantham,MD David H. Gibbs, MD 648-7888 648-6988 c 648-1171 Thomas M Cullough,MD 642-1000 MackieJ.Walker, DPM ANESTHESIOLOGY Edward J. JakubsJr.,MD 648-7888 Nini S. Patheja,MD GuyJ.Caiafa,MD T. Mark Meyer, MD 649-3668 648-1171 642-6060 Robert P. Cassingham, MD Virginia B. Winburn, MD 648-7888 Daniel J. Smith, MD PSYCHIATRY Benjamin S. Ulmer Jr., MD FrankJ.Mondschein, MD 642-6060 John A. Allen, MD 648-1171 EMERGENCY MEDICINE 649-5300 EnochN.Tsai, MD 642-3801 Stephen A.D. Grant, MD DERMATOLOGY RandyD.Watson, MD HollyClark,MD Find out more about Aiken’s choice for ORAL AND F. Martin James,MD Richard S. Chesser,MD 648-7818 641-5906 Stephen J. Platte,MD Danijela S. Zotovic, MD MAXILLOFACIAL quality healthcare. 641-0049 MerryA.DeLeon,MD Clifford D. Staggs,MD John R. Cook,MD 648-7888 SURGERY Douglas M. Weddle,MD David S. Hudson,DMD 641-5906 Edward W. Yeh, MD 644-8900 DavidA.Steiner,MD Visit aikenregional.com and request afree MargaretH.Fitch,MD NEPHROLOGY 649-1177 Francis J. DiBona,MD 642-3801 HOSPITALIST 649-3909 hospital brochure and aDVD that gives you ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY LaceyMcNeely,MD 648-0718 PULMONOLOGY/ ENDOCRINOLOGY Sindu Garg,MD Ty W. Carter,MD Kashif Naseem,MD alook inside the hospital. CRITICALCARE Sidney F. Rhoades,MD R. Bauer Vaughters,MD 648-0718 649-0563 FrankJ.Mondschein, MD Chioma V. Udogu,MD 648-3130 Devesh R. Patel, MD Douglas E. Holford,MD 706-722-6900 649-0563 649-5300 INDUSTRYHEALTH NicholasJ.Sanito, DO FAMILYPRACTICE Douglas A. Stahura,DO R. Vaughan Massie,MD Gaines L. Entrekin,MD James L. Bland, MD,JD 648-0718 649-0563 643-1090 Miroslav B. Zotovic, MD 641-1404 Hy C. Sussman,MD Clark D. Moore,MD OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE DonPennington,MD, Cardiology MaeJeanEnglee,MD 648-0718 649-0563 643-1090 663-9224 Adam C. Schaaf,MD RADIATION ONCOLOGY PATHOLOGY AnnM.Kulik,MD NEUROLOGY 644-4264 Mark P. Ezekiel, MD Alan D. Pierce,MD 648-8804 Richard A. Eisenberg, MD TimothyJ.Shannon,MD 641-7850 TrentD.Trzpuc,MD Leopoldo M. Muniz,MD 642-6500 Robert L. Williams,MD 649-0563 JedHowington,MD 642-3505 Melvyn L. Haas,MD Howard G. RoyalJr.,MD 642-6500 OTOLARYNGOLOGY 641-7850 RADIOLOGY Finding theright doctor is fast,easyand free with AikenRegional’s physicianreferralservice. 649-6941 Khaled F. Kamel,MD GregoryH.Esselman,MD Alfonso Gay, MD SLEEP MEDICINE Ronald P. Robinson, MD HenryS.Tam,MD 649-0003 642-6500 R. Babu Mummaneni, MD Robert F. Searles, DO MichelleLyon, MD Call Direct Doctors Plus at 800-882-7445,Monday throughFridayfrom8a.m.to8p.m. 648-4224 AnthonyE.Harris, MD 642-6500 AnthonyL.Toomer,MD SM Bela K. Udani, MD 644-4264 648-7897 and9a.m.to3p.m.Saturdaytospeak with arepresentative. 648-8804 R. Babu Mummaneni, MD DavorG.Sklizovic,MD SURGERY F. MichaelVasovski,DO 642-6500 644-9200 A. Jill Buchanan,MD Or go to “FindaDoctor” at aikenregional.com andsearch24hours aday,7daysaweek. 648-1318 649-4446 NEUROSURGERY FrankY.Chase,MD RayB.Vaughters Jr., MD James D. Dillon,MD 648-1318 649-2501 226-0130 Dave Zimmerman, MD 279-6800

302 University Parkway •Aiken, SC 29801 •803-641-5000 Physicians areonthe medical staffofAiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, areindependent practitioners who arenot employ- ees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

28 Aiken County 2011 Aiken County 2011 29

AS09-585969 Playing in Aiken County

Located in the center of downtown, the Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) is the heart of the Aiken arts community. The center provides arts education, cultural activities and art opportunities for all ages that enrich the quality of life in Aiken. ACA activities include monthly exhibitions in five galleries, performance experiences, community outreach programs, ongo- ing art classes and lectures for adults and children. Each month the center holds an opening for new exhibitions which is open to the public and free of charge. The ACA plays host to a number of cultural activities year round Aiken Center in the Brown Performance Pavilion. Visit www.aiken- centerforthearts.org for more information. for the Arts Aiken County Historical Museum Located on Newberry Street past South Boundary, the Winter Colony estate of horseman Richard Howe has had several lives since its con- struction in 1931 — first as Howe’s winter residence, then as a boarding house in the 1950s for workers at what would become the Savannah River Site, as the original home of the University of South Carolina Aiken from 1961 to 1972, and from 1974 to 1990 the home of the Aiken County Library. These days the historic estate is open to the public for tours as the site of the Aiken County Historical Museum. The first-floor ballroom serves as its main exhibit center, with model rooms and small per- manent installations constantly under development in every corner of the house.

30 Aiken County 2011 Shop and Dine in Augusta

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59RT Z~yk|§ˆ Ggjrkˆ 3g kw 3iikˆˆ~ rkˆ 5~Œ‹r‚Œk 59RT Z~yk|§ˆ 6w~‹or|m RŒyyk “rwwkRŒyyk “rwwk QgmˆQgmˆ I~|1Ÿ; r1 Ä}ŸàP¹} Rg‹1 Ü}Ì1ܹ&1Ù&&& Äğ٠Äà}Š I~|‹k Rg|~ 3“k|Œk 3ŒmŒˆ‹g ²~llZgw‹~| Zg™¢ ;X%TKTE Playing in Aiken County Aiken

Community “The Altos”, performed in the Bechtel Experimental Theater at the Aiken Playhouse Community Playhouse. Staging live productions for more than 50 years, the Aiken Community Playhouse brings theater to town at the URS Center for the Performing 2011-2012 Season Arts on Newberry Street. The all-volunteer cast Children of a Lesser God produces plays year round, with famed titles such The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! as “Sweeney Todd” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” You Can’t Take It With You... filling the 300-seat main stage, while more intimate Wrong Window performances and open mic nights are held in the Twelfth Night (Or What You Will) smaller Black Box Theater. Man of La Mancha For more information and show dates, visit www. The Crucible aikencommunityplayhouse.com. Proff The Great American Trailer Park Musical Uncle Fang-En-Stein’s Last Show

Aiken Performing Arts Group The Aiken Performing Arts Group, Inc. (APAG), is a volunteer not-for- profit organization that focuses on the presentation of quality professional entertainment to Aiken audiences and the delivery of Educational Outreach programs to the student population of the greater Aiken Area. APAG offers a Subscriber Series of four concerts that are held September - April and feature a variety of performers from around the world. For show dates and times, visit www.aikenperformingartsgroup.org.

2011-12 Season Subscriber Series: Michael Londra’s CELTIC FIRE: Oct. 6 & 7, 2011 John Brown Jazz Orchestra: Nov. 17 & 18, 2011 Stig Rossen “Lovers & Heroes of Broadway & Beyond”: Feb. 9 & 10, 2012 Il Voce: Classical Crossover: March 22 & 23, 2012

Portfolio Series: USC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Portnoy, Conducting: Oct. 25, 2011 The Grascals Go Mayberry: Contemporary Bluegrass: April 26 & 27, 2012 Family/Children’s Show - Peter and the Wolf: Jan. 22, 2012

32 Aiken County 2011 The University of South Carolina Aiken is home Etherredge Center to the Etherredge Center for the Fine and Perform- ing Arts which houses two theatres, a 687 seat proscenium theatre and the O’Connell Theatre, a 110 seat thrust theatre, as well as the academic department of Visual and Performing Arts. The stage comes alive as the Univer- sity Theatre, The Oswald Writing Series and the Cultural Series all call the Etherredge Center home offering events year round for students and the com- Under the director of Dr. Joel Scraper, the munity. The complete Masterworks Chorale rehearses for its spring schedule of events may be found online at http:// concert, at the Etherredge Center. www.usca.edu/ec/.

Shellhouse Funeral Home, Inc. Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, Inc.

ROBERTW. SHELLHOUSESHELLHOUSE,,JJR. Funeral Director 924 Hayne Ave. 715 E. Pine Log Rd. JASON B. C. MITCHELL Aiken, SC 29801 HUCKS RIVERS Aiken, SC 29803 642-3456 Funeral Director Funeral Director 641-4401 www.shellhousefuneralhome.com www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com Family Owned &Operated COMPLETE FUNERAL SERVICE On-Site Crematory Pine Log Road Location •Affiliated with Bethany Cemetery

Pre-Planning Arrangements •Monuments •Out of To wn Burial Service AS10-585474

Aiken County 2011 33 Playing in Aiken County Farmers

MarketThe Farmers Market, listed on the Aiken His- toric Register, sells a wide variety of fresh pro- duce and plants. Goods are displayed on tables that were first constructed by local farmers more than 50 years ago. Make sure to get there early on weekends! The market has also added Thursday evening openings during the summer, so those who aren’t up with the sun can still get the freshest produce from Aiken County.

Herb Faire Twice a year, Jackie Heath opens her historic Montmor- enci property, Pascalina, to the public for the Herb Faire — a spring event usually held in late April or early May, and a fall Faire usually in late September or early October. Some 20 to 25 plant, antique and handcraft vendors take up spaces in a serene field next to Pascalina’s garden, and shoppers can browse a selection of potted plants and herbs, local honey, herbed breads, butters, spreads and cheeses, handmade soaps, jewelry, antiques, gourd Brian and Phyliss Rouse ask Linda Oswald crafts, handwoven baskets, garden art and many other questions about her basil plants at the Herb Faire. surprises.

34 Aiken County 2011 Family Caring For Family

Assisted Living Easy Living! •Affordable Spacious Floor Plans •Companionship •Locally Owned and Operated •Special Alzheimer’s Care •Calendar Of Events, Outings and Activities •Excellent Dining Services 108 Gregg Avenue, Aiken •643.0300

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AS07-511369

Aiken County 2011 35 The DuPont Plan- etarium, housed inside USC Aiken’s Ruth Pat- DuPont Planetarium rick Science Education Center, is a treat for all ages. The Planetarium has the capacity of an all-sky, video and panoramic projection within its 30-foot tilted aluminum dome. Pub- lic shows are offered Bryce Hillman, 3, looks year-round with such selections as “Mission at the rings of Saturn to Mars” and “To the Moon and Beyond.” through the refurbished The Planetarium is also home to an observatory telescope at the Ruth with a Bechtel Tele- Patrick Center’s Dupont scope. The planetarium conducts K-12 school planetarium. programs, general- interest level programs for the public and spe- cialized programs for university classes and is available for birthday parties. Boyd Observatory

Located in what is now Boyd Pond Park off Silver Bluff Road, the observatory houses a computerized 17.5-inch Newtonian tele- scope, through which you can gaze into the heavens. Every Friday night, free programs are offered for anyone interested in seeing the stars — up close.

36 Aiken County 2011 Gayle Powell, pictured Aiken County with her son Carson at the Nancy Carson Library in Library System North Augusta. The Aiken-Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefield Library System includes six libraries in Aiken County. The extensive book, reference, audio and DVD collections make each location an information and entertainment gold mine. Additionally, numer- ous programs throughout the year encourage reading fun and provide exciting learning opportunities for people of all ages. A new library is being constructed in New Ellenton and the Wagener library is being expanded and refurbished. Both projects should be completed in early 2012.

Convocation Center

The Convocation Center, a 100,000 square foot facil- ity located on the University of South Carolina Aiken Campus, offers state of the art equipment with a seating capacity of up to 4,100. The Convocation Center opened in April 2007, and has rapidly become an integral part of the Aiken community. Serving as home to the Pacers athletic teams as well as managed by Global Spectrum, the building hosts many community events. In addition to athletics, the center hosts a variety of entertainment from concerts and comedians to bull riding and wrestling. For a complete 2011/2012 schedule visit www.uscatix.com.

Aiken County 2011 37 Playing in Aiken County

More than 15,000 spectators converge on the annual reenactment of the Battle of Aiken, which saw Gen. Joe Wheeler’s outnumbered and outgunned Confederate forces turn back Union troops. In addition to the authentic re-enactors, educational stations bring the 1860s to life.

At a reproduction of a field medical facility, Stephanie and Grant Stevens watch Harry Mays act as a surgeon amputating a wounded soldier’s right hand.

Battle of Aiken Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site in Beech Island offers visitors a glimpse into life on a working plantation from the 1800s onward. The 400-acre site is the estate of “gentleman farmer” and politician James Henry Hammond, who served as South Carolina’s governor from 1842-44 and Senator from 1857-60. Hammond’s descendant John Shaw Billings willed ownership of the plantation to the South Carolina Parks Department upon his death in 1975.

Redcliffe Plantation

38 Aiken County 2011 One Table Since Thanksgiving 2004, sands gather at one table for out the community bring their The idea for the unique the Aiken community has a celebration. fryers, grills and smokers event that draws the rich, been sitting down for a Volunteers cook as many as downtown and work until the poor, young and old down- holiday dinner together in the 150 donated turkeys the day crowds gather about 11 a.m. town, was born only a few heart of the City’s downtown. before the dinner, preparing To go along with the tur- weeks before Thanksgiving Each year, the aroma of the birds as early as 3 p.m., keys, dozens of pans of 2004. It has continued to turkey, ham, stuffing and and then return hours later, macaroni and cheese, trays grow and has quickly become mashed potatoes fills The long before the sun comes of green beans and cases of and Aiken tradition. Alley and adjoining Newberry up, to begin cooking. frozen corn are served at the For more information visit Street festival center as thou- Novice chefs from through- holiday dinner. www.onetable.org. 4QFDJBMJ[JOHJO.BUDIJOH #VZFST4FMMFST E N L O E UP6OJRVF1SPQFSUJFT Residential Company,Inc. 3341 Vaucluse Road •Aiken, SC 29801

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Aiken County 2011 39 Playing in Aiken County

Hitchcock Woods Hitchcock Woods is a 2,000-acre preserve of woodlands which has been left for the enjoyment of the people of Aiken. Owned and operated by the Hitchcock Foundation, this area, which is more than twice the size of New York’s Central Park, is used extensively by horse riders and hikers who enjoy the miles of trails through piney woods. The annual blessing of the hounds, a fox hunting tradition, takes place each Thanksgiving, and the Horse Show in the Woods is always a spectacle to behold.

Peach Festival The quiet town of Trenton nestled in the Ridge area Strawberry Festival of Edgefield County is famous for its peach farms and comes alive each June with its Annual Ridge Peach St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church’s private school Mead Festival. The all-day family festival starts in the morning Hall paints the schoolyard red with strawberry juice one with a parade and features unique arts and crafts, Saturday each spring with the annual Strawberry Festival. antiques, homemade peach desserts and preserves, Bell’s Strawberry Patch in North Augusta provides bushels of peach ice cream, live music all day, games and rides for fresh strawberries for baked goods, ice cream, shakes and the children, a large variety of food vendors, a softball other tasty treats. The festival also features a petting zoo, tournament and concludes with an evening of music pony rides and carriage rides, games, crafts, a silent auction, under the stars. refreshments and more. The festival is open to the public and For more information: www.ridgepeachfestival.com. takes place rain or shine.

40 Aiken County 2011 Hopelands Gardens A 14-acre garden left to diversity of flora on the path. the City by Hope Iselin, the Or, wind around the reflecting beautifully maintained paths pools or the pond to see a wind through moss covered diverse array of wildlife. A oaks, beds of ivy, and an quick stop at the labyrinth will assortment of trees, shrubs allow for a moment of quiet and flowers. Wind the touch- reflection. and-scent trail, noting the

Potter Ding Denlinger shows the art of pot-throwing at a program in the Living History Park last year. Living History Park North Augusta’s window to in time to experience colonial the past, the Living History times in a fun and informative Park aims to “preserve the adventure. The annual heritage and character of a signature event, Colonial slice of North Augusta.” From Days: A Time to Remember, frequent demonstrations of brings history buffs from colonial history to an annual around the country to see Christmas Parade, the Living colonial life reenacted History Park takes you back firsthand. AS04-588622

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LobsterSpringtime in Aiken is all about theRaces races and not just thor- oughbreds — crustaceans get in on the action. What began over 25 years ago as a small gathering of friends has turned into the event of the year for past and present Aiken resi- dents. Music, magicians, karate shows, food, friends, rides and lobster races fill the streets of downtown drawing thou- sands of visitors as lobsters sponsored by area businesses run for the title of the fastest lobster. Held every spring at the Newberry Street Festival Site, the Lobster Races serve as a fundraiser for local charities. Rebekah Thomas holds her winning lobster from the first race of the evening. Halloween Trick or treat on Newberry Street offers children 12 and under a safe alternative to trick or treating in the streets on Halloween night. The town pulls out the stops as goblins and witches fill the down- town area for two hours. Children and pets com- pete in a costume contest, enjoy inflatables and carnival games while scoring lots of candy. Local businesses decorate vehicles with holiday themes, fill up the trunk with candy and join the festivities as children “trunk or treat.” A spooktacular time is had by all.

44 Aiken County 2011 Aiken’s Makin’

The fall festival season kicks off with Aiken’s Makin’. The two- day outdoor juried arts and crafts show takes up the length of Park Avenue from Laurens Street to Union Street, and averages more than 170 craft vendors and 30 food vendors each year. The show features the finest in pot- tery, jewelry, handmade clothing and accessories, woodworking items, glass, soaps, edibles and things you never even thought to look for.

Sarah B. Hott of Salley wove a sweetgrass basket at her booth at Aiken’s Makin’.

Western Carolina State Fair The Power Surge Every October the Western ride at the Western Carolina State Fair visits the Aiken Fairgrounds. Entertainment for 2011 Carolina State Fair includes Jeff Pike and the A1A Band, gave its riders a lift, Nick Malloy, Colt Ford, the Circle C Petting Farm, a Kids Firefighter a spin, a twist and Training Show and a Demolition Derby. For more details, visit www. a turn! westerncarolinastatefair.com.

Aiken County 2011 45 Several times a year, downtown Aiken becomes the center of excitement for parade lovers. As floats, banners, marching bands, flags and more fill the streets to be cheered on by the hundreds lining the sidewalks. The annual parades include: • Memorial Day Parade • USC-Aiken homecoming parade • Jaycees’ Christmas Parade • American Heart Association Pa ra d e s Christmas in Aiken Aiken comes alive around the Christmas holidays. The Night of 1,000 Lights is when sponsoring downtown businesses stay open later. Shoppers mill about while luminaries line the streets of downtown Aiken with a festive glow. Mayor Fred Cavanaugh hosts the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Newberry Street Festival Center. The ceremony includes music, caroling and refreshments. The children in attendance will be given the opportunity to tell what they are thankful for and there will be a special guest appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

46 Aiken County 2011 Apple Festival

Every autumn the sweet scents of apples waft through the streets of downtown Aiken as apple pie, Chocolate apple cider and apple crisps are served up at St. John’s United Methodist Church during their annual Apple Fest. The day features apples brought in from North Carolina orchards, the Apple Seed Cafe, chil- dren’s activities, bake sales, clothing consignment sales, a book shop, a Christmas shop, costume jew- elry, handmade gifts and more. The festival follows a tradition established by the women of St. John’s in 1952, when the group started holding a bazaar to benefit three local charities. Festival For more than two decades, St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School and Church’s Chocolate Festival has been a sweet tooth’s delight. From delicious sweets to scrumptious casseroles, food is definitely the number one draw. Throw in carnival rides and games for kids, and it’s a day you and the family don’t want to miss.

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Aiken County 2011 47 Playing in Aiken County

Catlin Smith is raised into an ambulance as part of the Touch a Truck Day festivities at the H.O. Touch an Weeks Activities Center. Animal The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, well known for its educational talks throughout the community, gives a resounding “Yes!” to the most TouchHorn honking fills the air at thea H. OdellTruck Weeks Activities Center often asked question: “Can I touch it?” From once a year as the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism spon- snakes and alligators to possums and ducks, sors a day geared for youth. Children are invited to sit inside, climb on Touch an Animal Day gives the opportunity to get and pretend to drive police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, dump very up close to the animals that live around us. trucks, backhoes, front loaders, garbage trucks and even military vehi- cles. At the conclusion of the day, Aiken Public Safety’s firemen launch water into the air, cooling the crowds during the splashdown. In years past, the water has been sprayed from on top of the ladder truck or from a nearby fire hydrant. Langley Pond Just off of Highway 1 near Clearwater, Langley Pond is the fast- est growing rowing venue in the southeast and the only Olympic size course in South Carolina. It is one of the world’s largest ponds, measur- ing just a few inches short of being a lake and is the perfect place to Guenter Beutter water ski, jet ski, swim, fish, picnic, row, or attend a regatta. Complete runs camps for with a bathhouse, playground, covered picnic area, grills, concession stand, boat ramp, special events area, swim area and a dock, the pond elite rowers at caters to every water enthusiast’s needs, from speed boats to leisurely kayaks. Langley Pond is part of Aiken County’s Parks Department. Langley Pond.

48 Aiken County 2011 North Augusta High School student John Gillespie served as a volunteer camp counselor for the two younger Acting groups at Act It Out Camp. camp Youth in first through fifth grades learn the fine tech- niques of theater at the Aiken Community Playhouse. In just one week during the summer, elementary school students design their own sets, make their own costumes and star in their own play. Each day of the week-long camp, camp- ers are introduced to different aspects of theater with each step being applied to a final performance held on the main stage for family and friends.

AS07-587284 AS05-586912

Aiken County 2011 49 Playing in Aiken County Relay for Life The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-chang- ing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have bat- tled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At the relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. The Aiken Relay for Life event is held annually in May. For Dorothy Mae Curry, left, and more information, visit http://main.acsevents.org. Judy Rhinehart celebrate the Relay for Life’s Survivor’s Walk.

Aiken Civic Ballet The Aiken Civic Ballet is South Carolina’s longest continuously operating dance company. Under the Artistic Direction of Carl Crosby and Diane Toole Miller, the company produces original ballets and contemporary dance works. The Aiken Civic Ballet’s mission is to share the beauty of the art of dance in its many forms; and to provide the premiere training and perfor- mance venue for young dancers in the greater Aiken area and beyond. Visit www.aikencivicballet.com for more information.

50 Aiken County 2011 Situated in Monetta, The Big TheMo Big Mo offers drive- For more information, in movies that transport viewers to days gone by. visit online at The Big Mo offers two www.thebigmo.com. double features each weekend during the spring, summer and fall for the price of a single movie. Where else can you watch a movie under the stars?

Bridgestone Americas, Aiken County

Chitlin’ Strut ©2006 Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. AS02-589264 The small town of Salley becomes the 5th largest city in S.C. the day of the Chitlin’ Strut with over 50,000 people. The first Chitlin’ Strut was held in November of 1966 and continues the tradition of mixing pig intestines and country music. The festival has been selected to represent S.C. in the Local Legacies Archive of the US Library of Congress and was named as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The event also features a beauty pageant, Chitlin Strut Idol contest, parade, hawg-calling and strut contests, food and craft vendors, antique tractor show and carnival rides. Visit www.chitlinstrut.com for more information. AS27-577899

Aiken County 2011 51 Playing in Aiken County

Aiken is synonymous with equine sport, and the Aiken Triple Crown has come to symbolize an annual rite of passage for residents, and attracts visitors from throughout the region. The event is composed of three legs, the Aiken Trials (flat racing); the Aiken Spring Steeplechase (racing over jumps) and Pacers and Polo. The Aiken Trials held at the Aiken Training Track serves as an outstanding way for young horses to get some invaluable experience before they go to compete at the racetrack; the Aiken Spring Steeplechase is held at Ford Conger Field and is a part of the National Steeplechase Association’s regular calendar and is the most well attended one day sport event in Aiken; and Pacers and Polo played at the Powderhouse Fields benefits USC Triple Crown Aiken Athletics department and is the largest fundraiser the Pacer Club is involved in.

Aiken has a long and storied history with the sport of polo. Many of the sport’s greatest names have graced the field to compete in the “Game of Kings.” The tradition continues today as a number of the nation’s top players reside in Aiken. The cur- rent USPA chairman, Tom Biddle, Sr., is a local business owner and an Aiken resident. The sport’s popularity continues to grow, and Aiken has become a Mecca for low and mid-goal polo. There has been an exponential increase in the number of polo fields, numbering nearly 50, and the county boasts nine polo clubs. Whitney Field has stood the test of time as the sport has been played consecutively at the venue for the past 129 years. In 2011, Aiken will host the National Copper Cup, the Northrup Knox Cup, the Continental Cup and the Heritage Po lo Cup.

The Aiken Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and Museum is one of Aiken’s hidden jewels. It showcases the city’s long standing relationship with the “Sport of Kings.” Thoroughbreds who’ve trained over the Aiken Training Track are enshrined in the Hall of Fame, which offers a variety of exhibits throughout the year as well as a number of permanent collections that help promote, educate and inspire interest in the sport. The museum, which began as an idea of the Aiken T horou ghbred Jaycees, opened its doors in 1977, and continues to flourish as it has introduced the sport to a new generation Hall of Fame of racing fans.

52 Aiken County 2011 Aiken Soccer Cup The Aiken Soccer Cup is one of the premier soccer tour- naments in the state. The tournament, which now features the Georgia-Carolina Bulls, has been around for 15 years Citizens Park and in 2011 attracted teams from across the Southeast. The tournament is held over a two-day period and takes place around the City of Aiken, including on the local polo Citizens Park, part of the City of Aiken Parks, fields and at Citizens Park. Recreation and Tourism Department is host to a countless number of sporting activities from baseball to softball games and includes 16 baseball fields as well as several soccer fields. The park, which also hosts flag football and more, is located on Pine Log Road, between Banks Mill Road and Old Airport Road. The park has played host to several big state baseball tournaments. The park’s fields are utilized almost every weekend, bringing thousands of visitors to Aiken.

Peach Jam Rodney Purvis, one of the top-rated The Peach Jam is a local event featuring traveling basket- ball teams from across the country that converge on North players in this year’s Peach Jam, Augusta for the week-long tournament held at Riverview Park Activities Center. Many teams in the tournament come from takes flight as he drives to the basket. as far away as New York and Illinois to participate. The event attracts hundreds of college basketball coaches, including some of the country’s top mentors. Among those who have come to scout the talent in years past are , Rick Nike Nationals Pitino, Roy Williams, Billy Donovan, , Bobby Much like the Peach Jam, the Nike Nationals is held for Cremins, and . The area also hosts women’s basketball and again attracts several travel teams the Peach State Summer Showcase at the USC Aiken Convo- from across the country as well as major Division I college cation Center. The event draws on the coaches already in the coaches. Held several weeks after the Peach Jam, the Nike area for the Peach Jam and provides area athletes a chance Nationals is also held in the Riverview Park Activities Center to showcase their talent. in North Augusta.

Aiken County 2011 53 Playing in Aiken County H. Odell Weeks Center The H. Odell Weeks Center on Whiskey Road in Aiken has something for almost every athlete in the area. A state-of- the-art tennis center offers an on-site pro shop and both hard court and clay surfaces. A recently refurbished skate park offers everything the extreme-sport enthusiast could need. Inside the Weeks Center are racquetball courts, basketball courts, a gym, and a series of activity classrooms that feature a host of classes such as yoga and aerobics. The park also features a playground for the youth and a disc golf course within its boundaries, and a one-mile walking/jogging/skate track encircles the park. Picnic shelters are available for rent Paul Katonak, playing throughout the park (known as Virginia Acres Park). The City pickleball, goes after a ball at a of Aiken’s Ceramics Center offers residents a chance for hands-on arts and crafts. And don’t forget to walk across the clinic at H. Odell Weeks Center. street to Hidden Bay, a secluded and pristine Carolina Bay with a nature walk and climbing wall. Chiropractic +Technology = Pain Reduction +Increased Wellness ShepeardCommunity Blood Center Subluxation Station (non invasive paraspinal EMG)

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54 Aiken County 2011 Golf in Aiken Aiken County has plenty to offer for golf enthusiasts, including some of the top-ranked courses in the state. In all, the area boasts a dozen courses, including Aiken Golf Club and Palmetto Golf Club, which have both been featured on the golf.com website. Sage Valley Country Club, a private club in Graniteville, has consistently been ranked among South Carolina’s best places to play.

Aiken Aiken Golf Club (semiprivate) Sage Valley Golf Club (private) 555 Highland Park Drive, 29801 474 Bettis Academy Road, 29829 (803) 649-6029 (803) 663-6611 www.aikengolfclub.com Jackson The Golf Club at Cedar Creek Jim & Lillies Golf Course (public) (semiprivate) 755 Foreman Street Ext. & Hwy. 2475 Club Drive, 29803 (803) 471-9446 (803) 648-4206 www.cedarcreekgolfclub.com New Ellenton New Ellenton Golf Course (public) Houndslake Country Club (private) 301 Fairway Drive, 29809 901 Houndslake Drive, 29803 (803) 652-7867 (803) 648-6805 North Augusta Northside Golf Club (public) Mount Vintage Plantation Golf Club 2287 Columbia Hwy. N., 29801 (semiprivate) (803) 643-1034 215 Mount Vintage Plantation Drive, 2980 Palmetto Golf Club (private) (803) 279-5422 307 Berrie Road, 29801 (803) 649-2951 North Augusta Country Club (semiprivate) Savannah Pines (public) 2001 Gregory lake Road, 29860 373 Boyd Pond Road, 29803 (803) 279-0704 (803) 642-0314 The River Golf Club (public) Woodside Plantation (private) 307 Riverside Blvd., 29841 Nick Reach taps in for a birdie 1000 Woodside Plantation Dr., 29803 (803) 202-0110 (803) 649-4735 www.theriverclub.com on No. 18 to finish off a round of

Graniteville Ridge Spring 62 that tied a course record for Midland Valley Golf Club South Edisto Golf Club a competitive round at the Junior (public) 500 Bogeyville Road, 29129 151 Midland Drive, 29829 (803) 649-3366 Invitational at Sage Valley. (803) 279-5352

Aiken County 2011 55 discoverAiken2011.qxd 9/12/2011 6:38 PM Page 1

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