Ex-teacher's lobbying nets $72K to trap, neuter cats

By Mandy Catoe
Sunday, May 28, 2017

After nine months of persistent lobbying by a retired schoolteacher, Lancaster County likely will start a program to capture and neuter stray and feral cats, drastically reducing the kill-rate at the animal shelter.
The county has allotted $72,000 in the 2017-18 budget, which has passed the first of three required county council votes, to fund a Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) program that would humanely control the population of free-roaming cats.
The program’s inclusion in the budget is the direct result of Sara Phillips’ lobbying efforts.
The cat-loving ex-teacher educated county council in perfectly prepared three-minute lessons during 16 of the last 18 council meetings since last August.
“She is a sweet lady, and she got her point across,” said council Chair Steve Harper. “I appreciate what she does. That shows that citizen involvement makes a difference.”
Phillips addressed council in a steady, respectful tone, never exceeding her three allotted minutes.
“Her constant advocacy keeps it on the forefront,” said County Administrator Steve Willis. “It should cut the number of cats euthanized. Temperament is no longer an issue, so cats won’t be put down just because they are not adoptable.”
Cats are euthanized at a much higher rate than dogs.
Shelter Director Alan Williams said that since last July 31, the shelter has taken in 1,512 cats and killed 1,059 of them. Only 147 of the 1,248 dogs picked up in the same period were euthanized.
With this program, feral cats are humanely trapped, then neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned to their territory. It stops the breeding cycle without unnecessary killing. A feral cat is one that lives outside and is not socialized to humans. They are routinely euthanized because they are not adoptable.
The program will permanently reduce the number of stray and feral cats, provide a savings to animal control, and eliminate annoying behaviors like spraying and fighting.
The current practice involves catching and killing feral cats to control the population. The number of outdoor cats continues to grow while many healthy cats are killed each year. The endless cycle is a financial drain for shelters run on taxpayer money.
More and more counties in South Carolina are adopting the program. Greenville, Spartanburg, Charleston, Columbia and Lexington County are among those that have enacted TNR.
“Every county that we talked to that has a spay/neuter program said their kill rate is way, way, way down,” said county council member Larry Honeycutt. “So to me it is a no-brainer.”
Phillips’ lobbying campaign with county officials included distributing books and pamphlets, answering questions, and e-mailing Williams, Willis and council members.
“The TNR will be for shelter cats that come in here, and it will be good for us,” Williams said. “It will take a few months to get going full blast, but we should figure it out.”
Williams said space will be the biggest challenge at the overcrowded shelter, which is recovering from a distemper outbreak that forced it to temporarily close May 10.
Willis said he feels confident council will approve the funding, but the county cannot make any commitments until the first of July once the budget passes.
He said the county is looking at two options. One is to contract with a mobile veterinarian who would visit the shelter and sterilize the cats onsite. The other is to buy a vehicle to transport cats to a local vet.
Willis said animal control will bring the feral cats in and tag them by location so they can be returned to their home territory after sterilization.
As far as space limitations, Willis said that once the county builds a new shelter, it is possible that the existing one can be used for the TNR program.
“If somebody has a cat colony that they are taking care of, I am sure animal control will work with them, maybe loan traps, and return them to their area,” Willis said.
He stressed that this will not be a service for people’s pet cats.
According to spayusa.org, a fertile female cat and her mate and their offspring producing two litters each year will create 12 cats in one year, 67 in two years, 376 in three years, 2,107 in four years, 11,801 in five years. By nine years, assuming a survival rate of 2.8 kittens per litter, the figure is 11,606,077.
Phillips, 64, has trapped, neutered and returned 234 feral cats since she began in 2008, despite being sidelined with health issues one of those years. Donations and money from recycling aluminum cans pay the bills.
Charlotte-based Friends of Feral Felines provided reduced rates through a partnership with local vets. She has begun coordinating with other county cat lovers. Among them are Lancaster residents Suzanne Mitchell and Sharon Sapp, who work with the Charlotte Humane Society. 
Phillips has loved cats for as long as she can remember. When she was a little girl, her first cat was an orange tabby, named Maynard. To this day, she has a soft spot for orange tabbies.
She owns and lives with seven cats ranging in age from 3-14, lovingly referred to as her “hooligans.” Most have a special need or two. One is missing an eye. And one has only three legs and limps a little like Phillips, who was injured in a car accident years ago.
Phillips moved to Lancaster in 1985, taught music at Lancaster High School, and now works part time as a cashier at the Lancaster County Water and Sewer District.
She helped rescue misplaced cats in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.
Phillips is a determined woman with a mission.
“She is the most persistent lady that has ever come before county council in the four-and-a-half years that I have served,” Harper said.
For more information, please visit Alley Cat Allies at www.alleycat.org.

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Cap-and-Gown Ecstasy

 Tornado Threat Does Not Deter Adult-ed Grads

Rochelle Baxter led 26 adult-ed graduates into the Lancaster High School auditorium Wednesday night to celebrate amid an audience of 300 who braved torrential rains, winds and even a tornado warning to attend the ceremony.
It was the first letter of Baxter’s last name that put her in the lead spot, but her hard work and sheer ecstasy could have earned her the honor to usher the graduates in.
Baxter, 46, screamed for joy after the ceremony.
“It took me 27 years to go back, and I was scared to go back, but it was God’s grace and mercy that got me through,” she shouted, extending both arms toward the sky.
More than two dozen of Baxter’s friends, family, and church members erupted in screams and applause as she marched across the stage.
Her daughter, Demetria Kelly, stood by her mother’s side. Baxter had seen to it that her children were grown, educated and independent before she resumed her education.
Before the ceremony, graduates huddled with their individual circle of supporters. Friends, family and significant others stood adoring their graduates, adjusting their caps and gowns, and smiling for pictures.
Twenty-seven graduates with 27 different stories marched. The diverse group ranged in age from 17 to 49. A few took time to share the hurdles they overcame to reach this milestone.
Annette Benson, 49, earned her high school diploma more than two decades after she began.
“I worked on this for 23 years, and I thought this day was never coming,” she said.
Benson said she was grateful for the encouragement of Dr. Kim Linton, director of adult education for the Lancaster County School District.
“I did it before I was 50,” Benson said, laughing.
She pointed to a group of about a dozen supporters including her adult son, who cheered loudly when her name was announced as she marched across the stage.
One graduate overcame a serious health issue.
Allison Shehane, 19, had a liver transplant when she was 10 years old.
“This is very exciting,” she said. “I didn’t know how far I would get in school. I sure didn’t think this night would get here.”
Her mom, Mary Anne Boone, said, “We went through some scary moments, and I just wanted her to finish high school.”
Shehane plans to study forensic science and become a coroner. She said her health problems gave her a fascination with the human body.
Some graduates had children who delayed their education.
Amber Geiger, 20, said her two kids, ages 1 and 3, came first in her life.
“I had to put my life on hold for a while,” she said.
Desiree Threatt, 24, was surrounded by her husband, Anthony, and their two children. She works as a groomer at PetSense.

Her dad, Don Rodenberger, drove two and half hours from Statesville, N.C., “through the storm and Charlotte traffic to get here.”

Threatt was joined by about a dozen family members who came from as far away as Baltimore.


One graduate, Sidney Faile, overcame a very hard situation at home. Choosing to keep the details to herself, she said, "I knew I had to do it, so I did it."



“This girl has been through a lot,” Rentz said as her eyes filled with tears. “She didn’t give up. I wouldn’t let her.”
Faile smiled at her grandmother, her “biggest fan.”



Brandi Bishop marched in wearing her girlfriend’s cap and gown from four years ago.
“I used hers because we wanted to make a pretty cool memory, so instead of getting my own I used hers,” Bishop said.  Her girlfriend, Victoria Hurst, stood next to her, smiling from ear to ear.
Bishop plans to become a pharmacist.

Victoria Hurst takes selfie with her girlfriend who wore her gown for the special night.

‘I am in awe’

Carolann Cartwright, 18, is already a sophomore at USCL, and her goal is to become a registered nurse.
Adult education teachers have no doubt that she will achieve her dream. She has a 3.6 GPA and she has a job.
“I’ve always had a passion for people,” Cartwright said, flashing a bright smile. “I’m a people person.”
The teacher of employability skills, Donna Williamson, praised Cartwright.
“I am in awe of her customer service skills, which I have witnessed at KFC,” Williams said. “I know what I am talking about. She has awesome skills. I would hire her in a minute.”
India Chisholm’s two dozen friends and family filled the hallway just outside the auditorium. Those celebrating with her included her minister, mother, aunts, nieces, nephews, friends and church family.
Chisholm, 24, shared her story on Twitter, where she thanked God for her success.
She said school officials labeled her a “special needs child” and she was told she “couldn’t go nowhere.” They placed her in a non-diploma tract of classes. She was moved through the system and awarded an “occupational diploma…with no merit.”

Later she discovered that a learning disability was complicating her comprehension. She then enrolled in a special program at the University of South Carolina in Columbia for high school students “just like me.”
Financial issues forced her to drop out during her junior year. She returned home with plans to resume her studies, but delayed it once more after her mom had a stroke in January 2016. When her mom got well, she returned to the adult education program in Lancaster.
“I decided to get my GED, and now I got it,” Chisholm said, smiling and pointing toward the heavens in gratitude.

‘Barriers and trials’

Despite dangerous storms with high winds and torrential rain rolling through Lancaster, everyone was in place for the 7 p.m. ceremony. The entrance doors were closed, the crowd grew quiet, and their chatter was replaced by the sound of a victorious march song. The doors opened, the audience stood, and Dr. Linton led her staff and 27 marching graduates in.
“I am really, really impressed with this class,” Linton said as her eyes scanned the graduates dressed in the colors of each of the county’s four high schools. “Every individual sitting on this stage had barriers and trials throughout their lives, and I am really pleased to say that they endured and came to this point successfully.”
This year’s adult ed class had 66 graduates, Linton said.
Bobby Parker, chair of the Lancaster County school board, delivered the commencement address.
“Going back to get your diploma or GED is hard,” Parker told the graduates. “And I respect that.”
Parker said he relates to the adult education students because it took him 13 years after enrolling at USCL to get his associate’s degree in business. He enrolled in 1977, dropped out in 1979, and returned in 1987 at age 29. For a decade, he chose to play music in clubs rather than attend college. But working third shift at the bleachery opened his eyes to what education had to offer.
“That has made the difference in my life and the lives of my children,” Parker said. “What you have just done has made you eligible for hundreds of jobs that just days ago you weren’t eligible for.”
He assured them that their diploma or GED would lead to promotions, more free time, healthier and longer lives, and more money. He urged them to continue and not stop here.
“Keep bettering yourselves,” he said. “We are all proud of you.”
In keeping with tradition, Pat Threatt, a veteran adult education teacher, urged the audience to cheer and applaud each and every graduate.
“Please don’t hold your applause until the end,” she said. “Don’t just applaud your graduate. Let each one know how proud you are of them.”
The nearly-full auditorium stood, cheered, and applauded every single one who marched across the stage.

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Council votes for $81 million budget

The Lancaster County Council unanimously passed its first reading of the new $81.1 million budget Monday night with a few minor tweaks reflecting a commitment to public works and public safety.
The fiscal 2017-18 budget is $2.1 million more than this year’s, and property owners would see a slight rise in taxes.
Homeowners with a home valued at $100,000 and vehicles worth $30,000 would see property taxes rise $22.26, to a total of $485.42. Breaking that down, it’s $15 more on the home and $7.26 on the vehicles.
The county now has almost 90,000 residents, and increased population demands more services from the county, according to County Administrator Steve Willis.
“We are simply going to have to add more resources if we are going to maintain the service level,” Willis said. “If we don’t start adding, then we are giving the citizens a service level cut.”
Twenty new staffers would be added to the county’s 1,150 employees. The sheriff’s office would get four patrol deputies, a body-camera technician, two correctional officers, and a correctional officer funded by contract with the City of Lancaster. County Fire Rescue would get five rescue firefighters – three to cover central Lancaster County and one each at Indian Land and Kershaw. EMS would get three medics at a new Panhandle station. Communications would get two 911 officers.
County employees would receive a 2 percent salary increase, their first across the board raise since 2014.
One new addition Monday night added a cost of $200,000 to the budget. The county is purchasing a new motor grader for public works. Willis said the existing grader is 11 years old and requiring costly and numerous repairs.
“Repairing has become a matter of throwing good money on top of bad money,” he said.
Other previously budgeted purchases include two pumper tankers, for the Indian Land and Pleasant Valley fire rescue departments, at up to $100,000 apiece.
“This is new equipment coming into the fire service fleet,” Willis said. “The old ones were simply tankers, and the existing equipment didn’t allow moving the water from the tankers.”
The sheriff’s office is getting two portable roadside electronic speed-and-message boards at a cost of $100,000 for the Indian Land area.
The council beefed up its support of local military veterans and will provide a military-style dining event to honor local veterans of the armed forces. The original plan was for a picnic on Veterans Day.
The county is awaiting the state budget figures to determine its portion of the increased state retirement plan.
The proposed budget is based on worse-case scenarios from the state, so if the figures for the employer portion for state retirement is less than budgeted, then the budget will have more money, according to Kimberly Hill, county budget analyst.
The public hearing and second of three readings will be June 12. The budget requires three approvals from county council.
UHF rezoning
In other business, the council voted 5-2 in favor of rezoning 75 acres in the Panhandle from rural neighborhood to residential mixed use, to be developed by UHF Residential Group. The land is near the Lancaster-York county line, on Little River Road off Doby’s Bridge Road.
Indian Land council members Brian Carnes and Terry Graham voted against the rezoning.
“I have not changed my opinion since the first vote,” Graham said. “There is tremendous congestion in that area, and I cannot approve another development without thinking about the infrastructure.”
Carnes voted for the rezoning at its first reading, but withdrew his support on second reading after talking with residents in the affected area, “which is one of the most congested in the county.”
County planner Alex Moore said the county doesn’t know at this point how many residential units will be built.
“The proposed residential mixed-use zoning district allows a density of 12 dwelling units per acre for attached homes, which would be garden apartments, stacked flats or townhouses,” Moore said.
“It also allows a density of nine dwelling units for detached homes, which are single-family homes,” he said.
The rezoning has now passed two of the three required readings. Third reading for the rezoning will be June 12.
Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Shelter virus identified, plan may save dogs

By Mandy Catoe
May 24, 2017

The mystery disease at the Lancaster County Animal Shelter has been identified as distemper, and there’s a plan in the works that might avoid euthanizing any of the 25 quarantined dogs on the premises.
The shelter remains closed, and a team effort is under way to save the dogs. Shelter staff and volunteers are working with local veterinarians, the S.C. Humane Society, the Charleston County Animal Society, and the Lancaster Area Shelter Supporters (LASS) on a plan to permanently relocate the dogs. At this point, it has spots for 18 of the animals.
"Distemper has run rampant out there, and we have done everything we know to do to save the animals," said County Administrator Steve Willis. "I want to thank Public Works Director Jeff Catoe, shelter Director Alan Williams, and LASS."
The shelter will reopen once cleaning, sanitation and painting have been completed and the two dozen quarantined dogs have a home, Williams said. The county hopes to reopen the shelter this Friday or next Monday, he said.
"We tested every dog we have yesterday (Monday)," he said. "We should know the results by Thursday."
Williams reached out to Kim Kelly, director of the S.C. Chapter of the U.S. Humane Society, when the first dog showed symptoms. Kelly referred Williams to veterinary specialist Dr. Cynda Crawford at the University of Florida.
Crawford began advising him on veterinary protocol a few weeks ago.
"Additional testing by Dr. Crawford found some additional cases of distemper, but a number were with extremely low virus counts," Willis said. "That shows the vaccinations and antibiotics that have been administered are working."
The county has placement commitments for 15 dogs so far, Willis said. The S.C. Humane Society is taking 10 low-virus dogs until they are virus free and Charleston County will house five, Willis said.
Kelly said the Humane Society wants to give the dogs a chance. She praised the county and shelter staff Williams and Carissa Valenti for their efforts at extending the life of these dogs.
"This illness doesn't have to be fatal," she said.
The Charleston County Animal Society expressed its support in an e-mail Tuesday afternoon.
"It used to be that if there was a suspected disease outbreak in a shelter, all the animals would be euthanized, no questions asked," said Abigail Kamleitner. "So we definitely wanted to help Alan and his team at the Lancaster shelter when they went the more difficult route to save lives instead."
She said they were happy to offer a safe place where these dogs can be quarantined and eventually adopted.
On Tuesday afternoon, Williams said about seven dogs still need a place to go.
If tests come back negative for distemper, they can go to rescue groups, but if positive they can be adopted and quarantined by someone with no other dogs, he said.
LASS member Diane Rashall said her group is waiting to see if their help is needed to find one- or two-month homes for dogs that test positive.
The current crisis is due in part to the shelter being so small, with only 24 runs, and a rise in distemper cases throughout the Upstate, Willis said.
The county shelter does not have enough space to quarantine animals.
Moving forward, the shelter will no longer double up the runs, preventing contact between the dogs. It also will reduce the number of dogs housed at the shelter, which unfortunately will result in a higher euthanasia rate, Willis said.
The county will follow medical advice on the remaining dogs, and ”euthanasia is still a possibility," he said. 
Councilman Larry Honeycutt expressed the council's commitment to building a new shelter in 2018. 
"We are going to be able to house more than 24 dogs in a state-of-the-art shelter, and next time we have a breakout of something like this, we won't have to send our animals all over the country," Honeycutt said."We will be able to take care of them right here."
The ordeal has resulted in the county removing the dogs from the shelter as they cleaned, sanitized and painted. Shelter staff set up 20 temporary kennels about a quarter mile away in a clearing in the woods. Tarps cover the kennels, but the rain provides new challenges as they continue to care for the dogs. 
"I want to commend Alan, as I don’t know of many small shelters that would have spent the time and resources he has to try and save these animals," Willis said.

UPDATE ON CATS: LASS RESCUED 32 CATS AND PLACED WITH FOSTERS, BUT THERE ARE NOW MORE KITTENS AND CATS THAT NEED 2-3 WEEK FOSTERS. CALL THE ANIMAL SHELTER 803-286-8103 OR CONTACT NADINE DAY AT 702-897-6569 OR NCDAY1824@HOTMAIL.COM.








Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or
contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Panhandle to Get 335 More Jobs

 By Mandy Catoe
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Fort Mill-based Unique Loom is expanding its operations to Indian Land, creating 245 new jobs there over the next four years, and moving an additional 90 positions from Fort Mill.
The company, an online distributor of home furnishings products, has leased the vacant Defense Ventures building at 793 Fort Mill Highway, according to Jamie Gilbert, Lancaster County’s economic development director.
“The Indian Land facility was a great opportunity for us,” Unique Loom spokesperson Johnny Nassri said Monday. “It is a fantastic building able to accommodate our growth plans in several key areas.”
Nassri said the proximity to the company’s Fort Mill warehouses and Interstate 77 was a big draw. He also said his company was impressed with support from the Lancaster County and South Carolina economic development teams since the early stages of the project.
Gilbert said the county and Unique Loom are negotiating tax-based special source revenue credits.
“We are very excited about Unique Loom investing in our county,” Gilbert said. “The job projections are quite strong, and the company is bringing new life to a building that has been vacant for several years.”
One of the keys to the company’s expanding to Lancaster County is the level of support given to businesses, Nassri said.
Gilbert said the county is looking forward to watching Unique Loom grow and becoming one of its largest industrial operations.
Unique Loom will maintain two warehouses in Fort Mill. Of the 90 jobs coming to Lancaster County, about 25 are office jobs and 65 are warehouse workers.
The company sells business to business to distributors and online to individual customers.
Unique Loom’s expansion is the third project announced in Lancaster County this year. Movement Mortgage announced the expansion of its Indian Land headquarters, and Springs Global has moved 30 jobs into its Grace Avenue location.
The three projects will bring an estimated 1,060 new jobs and $23 million in investment, Gilbert said.
Steve Harper, Lancaster County Council chairman, said Unique Loom’s decision to expand here highlights that the county is a great location for business.
“The company has an excellent product that is sold by some of the nation’s leading retailers,” Harper said. “They will be a terrific addition to our growing and diverse business community.”
Unique Loom is currently hiring for warehouse positions. If interested, e-mail the company at info@uniqueloom.com and put “employment” in the subject line.

Follow reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

LASS Project Expands Shelter Kennels by 30%

By Mandy Catoe
May 14, 2017

There’s a bit of good news at the Lancaster Animal Shelter this week, even as it remains shut down while officials try to eradicate an airborne virus.
A new set of seven portable kennels has arrived at the shelter, thanks to $17,500 in donations from the Indian Land-based animal-rescue group Lancaster Area Shelter Supporters. The addition will expand shelter capacity by 30 percent.
The block of portable, climate-controlled kennels have been placed on a county-laid concrete pad at the shelter at 118 Kennel Lane.
LASS and other animal-support groups have been a constant presence at county council meetings over the past year, urging members to address the crowded shelter. Their efforts have won the strong support of council members Larry Honeycutt and newly elected Terry Graham.
“The kennels are really, really nice,” Honeycutt said. “LASS has helped make many improvements at the shelter, and this is one example.”
Animal Shelter Director Alan Williams said once the current quarantine over the virus is resolved, dogs will begin using the new kennels.
County Administrator Steve Willis shut down the shelter Tuesday, saying it would accept no strays until further notice. He said the shelter has been working for about two weeks to contain an outbreak of some undetermined respiratory virus, but has not been successful.
Willis said the shelter staff had followed veterinary advice and placed the animals in outside pens and with rescue groups. Despite steps taken so far including administering antibiotics, cleaning the HVAC system, and having the shelter professionally sanitized, the airborne disease is still infecting animals.
LASS member Diane Rashall said one recent improvement at the shelter will help with sanitation.
“A coating of non-porous epoxy has been applied to all floors to make future cleaning more effective,” said Rashall. “All of these improvements will make the lives of homeless pets better while they are at the shelter, and hopefully give them more time for adoption/rescue to take place.”
The county is negotiating a land purchase on which it would build a new shelter, according to Honeycutt. If that falls through, he said the county will tear down the farmer’s market on Pageland Highway across from the detention center and build it there. The new portable kennels can be moved to that location, he said.
The 12- by 26-foot unit has seven dog kennels. The county shelter has 24 kennels, but often half a dozen are occupied by dogs being held in court-related cases, reducing the number of available kennels for adoptable dogs.
The expansion, which will likely save an additional 100 dogs each year, is a joint effort between LASS, the county council, the shelter staff, volunteers, and generous dog-loving donors.
A sold-out LASS fundraiser was held Sunday at The Ivy Place. The group sold 200 tickets, but added nearly 50 more because of the demand. It raised more than $13,000.
LASS will use the money to continue rescuing, feeding, transporting and placing the pets. They also pay vets for medicine, treatment and for spaying and neutering.
“Since 2016 we have spayed and neutered 92 cats,” said Arlene McCarthy, LASS president. “Most of them have been adopted through Pet Sense.”
“We do whatever we can to make life better for these animals and to lower the euthanasia rate,” McCarthy said.
LASS contributions are tax-deductible. Donations can be sent to LASS, 51037 Arrieta Court, Indian Land, SC 29707. Call Diane Rashall at (704) 576-5674 with any questions.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

A new portable kennel like the one shown above is now in place at the Lancaster County Animal Shelter, enabling the facility to house more animals.

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Ledbetter picnic-shelter fund reaches $26K goal

The Terri Ledbetter Memorial Fund raised $10,000 this past Friday after a benefit concert at Immanuel Baptist Church.
That money will be added to the $16,000 raised from past donations and fundraisers.  The dream of a covered, handicap-accessible picnic shelter will become a reality for Ledbetter’s friends at the Chester-Lancaster Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (CLDSN).
Janice Steele, Terri’s mother, was overcome with joy Monday as the funds hit the goal.
“I am amazed at the generosity of this community and especially grateful for the members of the fundraising committee,” Steele said. “I am so proud of them. They really worked hard to make this event a success.”
More than 200 attended the concert along with Ledbetter’s friends from CLDSN.
Steele stood firm in her dream with no compromising on the shelter, insisting that it be built for all of Ledbetter’s friends, including those in wheelchairs. That meant extra cost, which required one more fundraiser.
King’s Cause, a local gospel group, performed several songs.
Mark Blackmon, a member of the group, was a friend of Ledbetter’s, and Steele works at his business, Blackmon Insurance Group.
He and three of his daughters sang Ledbetter’s favorite song, “Jesus Loves Me.”
“It was so special and meant so much to me,” Steele said.
A church friend, Larry Fowler, has agreed to help get the special picnic tables built for no cost, she said.
Steele said construction will begin by fall and will be determined by the schedule of Chad Catledge, owner of Perception Builders. He and his crew are volunteering their time and skills to construct the shelter.

The shelter will be similar to this one at McDonald Green Elementary. (Photo Supplied)

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Nutramax Laboratories Wins Big S.C. Industry Honor

Nutramax Laboratories’ financial and philanthropic contributions to the community have earned it a top award from the S.C. Commerce Department.
Nutramax was named the 2017 South Carolina Large Industry Impact Winner among the state’s 13 Tier Three counties. The Commerce Department honored the company May 11 in Columbia as part of the agency’s 26th-annual Industry Appreciation Event.
Nutramax was selected because of its capital investment, job creation, community engagement, and commitment to the environment.
“We were honored for the award and especially honored to represent Lancaster County,” said Kristen Blanchard, Nutramax vice president of external corporate affairs. “We are very happy and feel it is a reflection of how hard our employees work.”
Blanchard said Nutramax moved its headquarters to Lancaster Business Park in 2010 to get away from Maryland’s increasing business regulations and high taxes and fees, and it hopes South Carolina will remain pro-business.
The company, founded by Dr. Bob Henderson in 1992, now employs more than 400 workers nationwide, including 311 in South Carolina.
Since 2010, Nutramax has invested more than $42.5 million in the state.
The family-owned business researches, develops and manufactures health products for people and their pets. The company’s brands include Dasuquin and Cosequin, joint-health supplements for dogs, cats and horses, and Cosamin, a joint-health supplement for humans.
Nutramax joins Shutterfly and BMW as large-industry winners of the 2017 Commerce Department awards.
“It really shows what a great company Nutramax is when they are ranked alongside BMW and Shutterfly,” said Steve Willis, Lancaster County administrator. “We are blessed to have them call Lancaster home.”
At the ceremony, Gov. Henry McMaster praised the Palmetto State’s pro-business atmosphere.
“This couldn’t be possible without the partnerships we’ve forged with companies both large and small,” he said. “These local businesses – and their leaders – form the backbone of our state’s economy, and I congratulate them on this deserved recognition.”
A dozen S.C. businesses earned awards in categories based on number of employees and county development tier group. Lancaster is in Tier Three with Abbeville, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Colleton, Darlington, Fairfield, Horry, Jasper, Laurens, McCormick and Sumter.
The tiers are based on the level of economic development, with one being most developed and four the least developed. Lancaster County has been reclassified this year as Tier Two.
Charitable work
From 2014-16, Nutramax contributed $330,000 to more than 40 local charitable organizations. It has given $42,000 to Give Local Lancaster.
The company purchased a golf cart for the Lancaster Police Department and gave other equipment and donations to city police and firefighters and to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
The company has participated in the Red Rose Festival, and last September it hosted a free barbecue and concert at the Cultural Arts Center.
Many of its employees volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. The company has held clothing drives for The Closet, Lancaster Children’s Home, Lancaster County Outreach Program, HOPE, Jackie’s Place, and for individual families in need. It gave Christmas gifts through local Angel Trees.
Nutramax is also active in the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce. Blanchard served as the chamber’s chair last year.

A Nutramax worker operates high-tech machinery in a sterile setting. Since moving to Lancaster in 2010, the company has invested $42.5 million in the state. (Photo Supplied)

 

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Flowers, pizza, cake and trophy!

‘Miss Sandra’ brightened Applebee’s for 15 years

By Mandy Catoe
The Lancaster News

Sandra Rollings, left, and Applebee’s manager Darann Weingand share a laugh at Rollings retirement party. “I am going to miss my Darann,” Rollings said.

Sandra Rollings, who turned 71 this week,  finished her last shift at Applebee’s as the guest of honor this week, receiving flowers, pizza, cake and a trophy.
For 15 years, she has worked a few hours each week at the Lancaster restaurant, prepping food for the cook.
Her manager, Darann Weingand, told her she could take the day off Wednesday and just enjoy the party and the celebration of her retirement.
But Rollings would have none of that. “I’m going to work today,” she said, chowing down on a piece of pizza. “I’m going to do my job.”
Other Applebee’s retirees do not get a party this extravagant. Her co-workers wanted to do this one up right. Even the kitchen staff stopped work to get in the photo with her.
“Sandra is special,” Weingand said during the celebration. “Talking about her not coming back will make me cry…. But we are excited for her.”
Weingand and Rollings have worked together for 14 years.
Asked what she would miss most about her job, Rollings said: “My Darann. I am going to miss my Darann.”
Weingand echoed back, “I’m going to miss you too, Miss Sandra.”
“I will miss hearing her say, ‘Hey my Darann,’ and her hugging me,” Weingand said. “I’m the only one she hugs.”
Rollings smiled and whispered, “I will miss that little check.”
She then broke out in her distinctive laugh. Her co-workers smiled at each other, enjoying a joyful sound they have grown accustomed to and are not yet ready to relinquish.
Ann McCants and her staff from the Chester-Lancaster Board of Disabilities and Special Needs were there to celebrate with Rollings. She is a client there.
“Will you buy the paper when I am in it, Ann?” Rollins called across the table.
McCants nodded.
Rollings said her next day at work would have been Friday, and she is not sure how she will spend that time.
“I never did dream I would retire,” Rollings said. “It’s time to give it up.”
She assured her co-workers, who were taking cell phone photos of her, that she would come back to visit.
Rollings said she’s pretty sure she will be hard to replace.
“Nobody will be able to do what I’ve done,” she said. “Not for all these years.”

Members of the Applebee’s staff gather to celebrate the retirement of one of their own – Sandra Rollings. They are, from left, Mo Chambers, Alisha Wright, Rollings, Lisa Pagen, Bailey Popoff and manager Darann Wiengand.

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

25 frisky dogs face life-or-death decision soon

Alan Williams: ‘I am not – I am not – making that decision. It will come from someone above me’

By Mandy Catoe

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Alan Williams, director of the Lancaster County Animal Shelter, squatted beside one of the temporary pens holding the 25 quarantined animals under his care.
He shook his head as he talked about the dog inside, one of two that came to the shelter three months ago after a drug bust left them homeless. They were emaciated, dehydrated and full of parasites. Williams and his assistant nursed them back to health.
The dog wagged his tail wildly at the sight of his caretaker.
“This is a good dog,” said Williams. “There is no reason it should have to die.”
A life-and-death decision will have to be made soon at the shelter, which was shut down this week because of an uncontrolled, unspecified respiratory virus that has persisted for three weeks.
After moving out the dogs and disinfecting the facility, officials must decide whether to return the animals. They might still be carrying the virus, and that could start the contamination all over again. 
Williams, who has run the county-owned shelter for 10 months, is exhausted.
“I’ve been working seven days a week, from sunup till sundown” since the infection was discovered, he said.

MANDY CATOE/The Lancaster News

This healthy dog arrived at the shelter three months ago, emaciated and filled with parasites. The shelter staff nursed it back to health.

‘Hardest decision’

Humans are not affected by the virus, and the shelter’s 25 cats are not involved in the outbreak. They live in a separate enclosure not infected with the virus.
Williams took a reporter to see the quarantined dogs this week.
He drove down a long gravel road, deep into the woods behind the shelter to a clearing where 20 temporary kennels were spread out. Tarps blocked the evening sun, and trees provided morning shade.
The dogs jumped and barked for attention, wanting to play. None of them appeared obviously sick.
“The hardest decision will be what to do with these 25 dogs,” Williams said. “Several veterinarians have said not to let them return to the shelter because they may still have the virus and possibly spread it. That don’t mean all of them are sick, but they may carry it.”
Some told the county to “eliminate the problem,” Williams said, but the staff is doing everything possible to avoid that.
“I don’t know what will be done,” he said. “I am not – I am not – making that decision. It will come from someone above me.”
Two options exist. One is euthanasia. The other is to keep the dogs quarantined until enough time passes to be sure they are disease-free.
The first option is easy and extreme, and Williams is resisting it.
Keeping the dogs alive would require painstaking, time-consuming work for an undetermined amount of time, but at least two more weeks. Every time staffers fed the dogs or cleaned the temporary kennels, they would have to disinfect their own bodies and change into clean clothes before going into the animal shelter. That would be difficult for a facility with just two full-time employees and one part-timer.
The decision hinges on the advice from veterinarians and specialists who are analyzing results from an autopsy completed Thursday.

Shelter too small
The respiratory virus that forced the shutdown highlights the Lancaster shelter’s biggest shortcoming – it’s too small.
Larger shelters are able to contain and isolate infected dogs without having to orchestrate the measures taken by Lancaster’s shelter, according to Williams.
“When a facility with 100 runs has an outbreak, they can quarantine within the shelter itself,” Williams said. “We are just too small.”
Lancaster’s shelter has just 24 dog runs, often doubled-up because of overcrowding.
Three weeks into the outbreak, the shelter still does not know what the virus is. Distemper, a common respiratory illness, is a possibility.
In the beginning, just a few dogs were exhibiting symptoms.
The mystery was complicated because the first dog that got sick was weakened with heartworms and had little strength to fight any additional illness. Test results came back inconclusive, but indicated the dog had an unidentified, secondary disease.
“We didn’t know what we were dealing with,” Williams said.
The shelter has been consulting various veterinarians, experts at the Clemson Extension Service, and a specialist, Dr. Cynda Crawford at the University of Florida.
4 fatalities so far
Four dogs have died, according to County Administrator Steve Willis.
“Of the four dogs that have died, only one has tested positive for distemper,” Willis said. “All were positive with a respiratory disease.”
Willis said it is possible that the dog that tested positive came in with distemper rather than catching it at the shelter.
“It can take a few weeks for symptoms to show up,” Willis said.
Two weeks ago, with the disease spreading, the staff quarantined the 25 sheltered dogs and administered antibiotics to those exhibiting symptoms.
The shelter borrowed an enclosed kennel trailer and cages from Sandy Crest, Chesterfield County’s shelter. Rescue groups offered some relief, but the fear of spreading the disease to their dogs kept many away.
The shelter hired ServPro, professional cleaners, to sanitize and fumigate the facility. They sealed the cracked floors and applied an epoxy coating. Cleaning and sanitizing should be completed this week, at a cost of about $600.
Repairing and sealing the cracked floors was the most expensive fix. It cost $11,000. County council gave the nod to go ahead and will pick up the tab, Willis said.
Council members had hoped to avoid extra costs on the old shelter, since the plan is to build a new one in 2018.
“If something like this happens again, the county will have a quarantine unit, totally separate from the shelter, at their disposal,” Willis said.
Reopening shelter
This week, the shelter’s desks, tables, bulletin boards, trash cans and shelves were spread out in the parking lot, covered with tarps. Phones and computers were not hooked up. The dog runs were empty, but the floors were clean, shiny and sealed.
Williams said he hopes to reopen the office and restock storage areas in the next week. The kennels, since they have been animal-free for two weeks, should be germ-free and safe.
Until the shelter reopens, Sandy Crest will accept any dogs picked up by animal control.
Williams said the shelter should reopen this week for new animals. The fate of the 25 quarantined dogs remains undecided. The analysis of the autopsy results should be in by Monday.
“If at all possible, we will keep non-symptomatic animals, continue the antibiotic regime and bring them back in to the shelter,” Willis said. “But, if the vets say the only way to stop the contagion is to euthanize, then our hands are tied and we would have to euthanize.”

The healthy dog at left was skin and bones (next photo) on the day she arrived at the shelter following a drug bust. She is one of the dogs currently quarantined.

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

LASS raises $13,000 for animal shelter - Long version

By Mandy Catoe
Friend of LASS

Animal lovers raised $13,000 at The Ivy Place Sunday in a fundraiser sponsored by the Sun City group, Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters.
Dressed in their Sunday best, 250 people enjoyed beautiful weather with a cool breeze as musicians sang soothing songs between keynote speakers and a fashion show.
"We appreciate everybody being here especially councilmen Terry Graham and Larry Honeycutt who have done an amazing job for us," said Sue White, LASS co-founder.
"We started out bringing food and supplies to the shelter and now county council members are stepping up to the plate."
"A new shelter is no longer a dream," she said tearing up. "It's going to be a reality."
Diane Rashall, LASS treasurer, called with the updated numbers Tuesday afternoon.
"This will make a huge difference in the lives of the shelter dogs and cats," Rashall said. "With the shelter sanitized and epoxied, and the beds, medicine, spay/neuter and other improvements LASS can fund, things will be much better until our new shelter is built."
Arlene McCarthy, LASS president, shared the story of LASS and how it grew from two concerned women to a community of activism and inspiration.
Four years ago White and Janine Gross took pet food to the Lancaster County Animal Shelter and found an old, underfunded, understaffed, overcrowded facility struggling to keep up with the county's growth. The euthanasia rate was high. Shocked by the conditions, Gross and White rolled up their sleeves and got to work. 
"Today the LASS group has grown substantially and through their efforts there is no longer a shortage of food or bedding," McCarthy said. "The care of the animals has improved dramatically due to a group of volunteers who visit on a regular basis to do laundry, clean crates, sweep the floor, and work with and for the animals."
McCarthy listed the many improvements LASS has made. Through donations from Sun City residents, they supplied food, medicine, blankets, towels, cat litter, cleaning supplies, and bedding. They bought a new washer and dryer and a professional grade microscope to test for parasites.
They painted the shelter's front offices and bought a dehumidifier.
They earned the support of county council with their constant presence and their willingness to work.
They convinced council to hire more help at the shelter, volunteered to fill in the gaps, and raised enough money to buy seven more kennels.
"One hundred percent of the money donated to LASS goes to the animals," McCarthy said. "We are totally a volunteer organization."
In the past seven months, LASS has adopted out 92 cats and kittens with the help of the Lancaster PetSense. LASS paid to have the cats sterilized and vaccinated.
She thanked the attendees for their generosity and support and said LASS could do even more with more volunteers and a new animal shelter.
McCarthy thanked sponsors including Oil Dry Corporation of America who has donated lots of cat litter to the shelter.
Lancaster County Animal Shelter Director Alan Williams attended and was pleased to see all the support.
"The more awareness it brings, the better off we will be," he said. "I think as more people see what we are dealing with, they will help us out."
Ralph Norman was present and noted the attendees, many in fancy hats, looked a little like the Kentucky Derby crowd.
"I'm here to support a great cause," he said. "We have always owned animals - cat, dogs, horses, and cows - for as long as I can remember. When I heard about it, I said 'I have got to come to this.'"
Mike Pogue, of Team Pogue, a Panhandle-based Real Estate agency, gathered donations during the event and matched the total which tallied up to $547.
Nutramax gave $500. Kristen Blanchard, vice president of external corporate affairs, and her husband, Jim, added an extra $250.
"Nutramax Laboratories makes products for animals so any chance we can take to help out, we do so, especially with the animal shelter," Blanchard said. "We got to know LASS over the past year or so and we are excited to help them. They are a wonderful, wonderful group and this is such a great event."
Nutramax sent a total of 10 employees and guests to the event.
At least nine vendors, all self-professed animal lovers, were set up outside the huge white tent.
Patti and Michael Diamond, jewelry makers and owners of Be Dazzling, said they currently live with a rescued cat and dog.
"They are great," Michael said. "They keep you happy and they keep you healthy."
Beth Hornback of Griff's Greenhouse was sharing gardening tips and selling plants at her table which was covered with vegetation.
Simply Sinful owner Stephanie Fairfax and her daughter Brooklynn were located at the first vendor table with a banner advising that "Life is uncertain, eat dessert first." People heeded the advice and by event's end only a few sweet treats remained on their table.
The Ivy Place owner, Graham who is serving his first term on county council, welcomed everyone on behalf of his wife, his dog and four cats. He and his wife, Genie, hosted the event.
The musicians, Sun City residents, Dennis Johnson and Paul Lameroux volunteered their time and talent.
Three county council members, Billy Mosteller, Honeycutt and Graham, presented the county's "Thumb's Up" award to Indian Land veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Hill for her service to the animals at the shelter.
McCarthy introduced Honeycutt to the audience.
"His invaluable support has allowed us to do all the things we are trying to do for the Lancaster Animal Shelter," McCarthy said. "He has listened to us. He has heard us complain and he has garnered support from other members of the council."
Honeycutt took the microphone after a round of applause and closed the event with the biggest announcement of the day.
 "Dogs and cats have been put on this earth for a reason," he said. "We must all join LASS to make sure they are taken care of. That is what God has chosen for us to do."
He said LASS taught him that the animal shelter is a reflection of the community it serves. Honeycutt described the past conditions as "deplorable."
Quoting Socrates, he said "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not in fighting the old, but in building the new."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will have a new animal shelter."
A huge round of applause broke out and slowly the tent emptied.
LASS is a certified nonprofit, so all contributions are tax-deductible. Donations can be sent to LASS, 51037 Arrieta Court, Indian Land, SC 29707. Call Diane Rashall at (704) 576-5674 for information.


Follow Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN

Unknown Virus shuts down animal shelter

 By Mandy Catoe
May 10, 2017

The Lancaster County Animal Shelter has been shut down and quarantined, and it will accept no strays until further notice, County Administrator Steve Willis said Tuesday.
He said the shelter has been working for about two weeks to contain an outbreak of some undetermined respiratory virus, but has not been successful.
"We are closing the shelter, not taking any dogs or cats in and not letting any dogs or cats out," he said.
Willis said the shelter staff followed veterinary advice and placed the animals in outside pens and with rescue groups. Despite steps taken so far including administering antibiotics, cleaning the HVAC system, and having the shelter professionally sanitized, the airborne disease is still infecting animals.
Willis said one veterinarian has advised that the remaining animals at the shelter may need to be euthanized, followed by a two-week period with no animals housed there.
"Before we take a step like that, we will get a second opinion," Willis said.
He is hopeful that continued testing will determine what the illness is and how to deal with it.
"This means that we will be unable to respond to stray animal complaints for the next few weeks," Willis said. "We regret the inconvenience but must contain the virus to protect future animals that come into the shelter."
He said York County has agreed to hold any dogs involved in court-related cases from this point on.

LASS Raises $13,000 for Animal Shelter

Animal lovers raised $13,000 at The Ivy Place on Sunday in a fundraiser sponsored by the Sun City group Lancaster Animal Shelter Supporters.
More than 250 people attended the event, including county council members Larry Honeycutt, Terry Graham and Billy Mosteller.
Arlene McCarthy, LASS president, and cofounder Sue White shared the story of the group and how it grew in four years from two concerned women to a community of activism and inspiration.
“We started out bringing food and supplies to the shelter, and now county council members are stepping up to the plate,” White said.
McCarthy listed LASS’s many improvements at the county animal shelter, including convincing county council to hire additional shelter staff, painting the offices, buying a new washer and dryer, raising$17,500 to buy seven additional kennels and purchasing a professional-grade microscope to test for parasites.
She thanked the attendees for their generosity and support and said LASS could do even more with more volunteers and a new animal shelter.
5th District Republican Party  candidate Ralph Norman also attended.
“I’m here to support a great cause,” he said. “We have always owned animals – cat, dogs, horses and cows - for as long as I can remember. When I heard about it, I said ‘I have got to come to this.’”
Lancaster County Animal Shelter Director Alan Williams attended and was pleased to see all the support.
“The more awareness it brings, the better off we will be,” he said. “I think as more people see what we are dealing with, they will help us out.”
Nutramax gave $500. Kristen Blanchard, vice president of external corporate affairs, and her husband, Jim, added an extra $250.
Mike Pogue, of Team Pogue, a Panhandle-based real estate agency, gathered donations during the event and agreed to match the total, which should add up to another $1,000.


McCarthy introduced Honeycutt, who made closing remarks.
“His invaluable support has allowed us to do all the things we are trying to do for the Lancaster Animal Shelter,” McCarthy said. “He has listened to us. He has heard us complain, and he has garnered support from other members of the council.”
Honeycutt said LASS taught him that the animal shelter is a reflection of the community it serves. In the the past, Honeycutt has called conditions at the shelter “deplorable.”
“Dogs and cats have been put on this earth for a reason,” he said. “We must all join LASS to make sure they are taken care of. That is what God has chosen for us to do.”
He said the county will soon have land for a new shelter, and he predicted the new facility will open next year.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we will have a new animal shelter,” he said.
Contributions to LASS are tax-deductible. Donations can be sent to LASS, 51037 Arrieta Court, Indian Land, SC 29707. Call Diane Rashall at (704) 576-5674 with any questions.


Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Community's Donations Go to Burgess Family

Nearly $3,000 raised across the community over the past month was delivered to Jim Burgess on Tuesday.
R.L. Parham and Burgess met in the front yard of his damaged home on S.C. 9, which was crushed by a huge oak tree during a storm April 6. Burgess’ wife, Coleen, died in the wreckage that evening.
Parham handed Burgess a check for $2,871 and a $100 Visa gift card. Ryan’s Tree Service and Bethany Presbyterian Church equally split the $1,000 to pay for the crane and tree removal.
“I sure appreciate everything from everybody and the churches,” Burgess said. “This will help me build back.”
Burgess said his son Kevin Burgess and a friend have been working hard to construct a wall to seal the hole left behind by the 100-foot-tall oak.
Burgess said they got most of the trash out and are hoping the structure will pass inspection once they level the trailer. He hopes to repair the home so he can move back in. He has been living next door with Kevin and his family.
Parham spearheaded the effort to help the family. He expressed his gratitude to the community.
“I want to thank the local community here in Buford and the surrounding area for coming to the aid of somebody in distress and need,” Parham said.
The two men talked for a few minutes about building and zoning and thanked each other with a handshake and a pat on the back.
Burgess, a retired electrician with medical issues, stood in silence for a minute after accepting the check. True to his working ways and unaccustomed to anything that felt like charity, he asked Parham, “Do I owe you anything?”
Parham cleared his throat and said “No, sir.”

 

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Grieving parents come together to heal

            Grieving parents come together to heal

Mandy Catoe
mcatoe@thelancasternews.com

On the first Tuesday of every month, grieving parents gather to talk, listen and heal from the loss of their children.
Janice Steele unexpectedly lost her 43-year-old daughter, Terri Ledbetter, two years ago this month. The loss devastated Steele, who wrestled daily with paralyzing pain.
"Right before last Christmas, it just hit me that there were other people going through pain just like me, and I thought: 'We can help each other,'" Steele said.
In the meetings, parents talk freely about their children who have died.
"Parents who haven't lost a child struggle to understand and often feel uncomfortable when we bring up our children who have died," Steele said. "Here, I am free to talk about Terri in a group of people who understand."
The group began meeting in February and has met every month since. The group is open and people can join at any time. Steele stresses that no one has to talk or share. Light refreshments are served following each hour-long meeting. The first 15 minutes of the group is informative with topics such as grief, coping skills and special memories.
Steele said it's a lifelong journey of grief when you lose a child.
"It's a journey we never wanted to be on and there is an instant bond between parents who have lost a child," she said. "When we travel it together, we can help each other along the way."
About 10 people meet to share and heal in a safe space. Steele is hoping it will grow so more bereaved parents will find relief.
Terry Robinson's daughter, Crystal Fields, died last May 25 at age 48 from a pulmonary embolism. Robinson said Fields had just attended her son's baccalaureate service on Sunday before his upcoming graduation scheduled for the next Friday. Fields died on Wednesday.
"I was a little apprehensive about attending group at first, but it has meant so much to me," Robinson said. "I was very much alone in my grief before this group. I am so happy Janice had the foresight to start this."
Fields' other daughter, Lisa Phillips, said the group has been good for her mom.
"She has found a group of people on this same sad journey, and I think they are helping each other," Phillips said.
For a special tribute, parents hold special events to honor the child's birthday or the anniversary of their death.
This past Tuesday, Robinson released balloons in honor of her daughter. Fields' family attended, including her parents Hazel and Terry Robinson, her son Adam Fields and sister Lisa Phillips.

Debbie Dunn's only child, Brad Dunn, died from a heart attack at age 37 on Sept. 19, 2014. Dunn said healing has been a process filled with counseling, friends and faith.
"This group has been a saving grace," she said. "We can all just sit and listen or pour our hearts out. It's just a wonderful thing for those of us who have experienced this loss. You don't feel alone."
Dunn honored her son this past February for his birthday.
"On the special day, you do what makes your soul feel better," she said. 
For her it was reading her son's favorite poem, "The Road Less Travelled," and sharing a memory that still makes her laugh. "We all went fishing one day and Brad caught a turtle," she said.
Any grieving parent is welcome to attend the groups held the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in the office building. For more information, call Janice Steele at (803) 285-3609 or (803) 804-9120 or the church office at (803) 283-8459.
A special fundraiser will be held today at 7 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Terri Ledbetter's memory. The money will be used to build a handicap-accessible picnic shelter at the Chester-Lancaster Board of Disabilities on Camp Creek Road. King's Cause will provide special music. Tickets are $12.


Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or
contact her at (803) 283-1152.

Give Local pulls in $155K for 42 nonprofits

Give Local pulls in $155K for 42 nonprofits

Mandy Catoe
mcatoe@thelancasternews.com

Give Local Lancaster raised $154,915 for 42 local nonprofits in its second-annual 24-hour online fundraiser, topping last year's total by 64 percent.

"That's just under a quarter of a million dollars in the span of 12 or 13 months," said an excited Robert Folks, board chair of the J. Marion Sims Foundation, which hosted the event.
"This huge sum is injected into the nonprofit area from this event alone," Folks said. "That to me sends a message that we can do many things in our community that we set our minds to."

The money came in through online and offline donations, and matching gifts from 22 businesses. Onlinedonations from 919 donors totaled $74,852. Nearly 100 offline gifts of cash and checks added up to $36,014.

That total will continue to rise as checks come in through the mail. The remaining $44,049 came from 22 businesses that gave matching incentives.
Many representatives from the nonprofits greeted the public and shared their mission Tuesday at the Sims Foundation offices at 800 N. White St.

"We are humbled and gratified by the community's response to our nonprofit partners," said Susan
DeVenny, the foundation's president and CEO.
"Our community truly cares about the well-being of each resident, and this level of giving certainly reflects the philanthropic spirit of people who live, work, play in Lancaster, Fort Lawn or Great Falls, South Carolina," she said.

Some companies set up donation stations at their place of business. Others ran internal campaigns
encouraging their employees to donate to causes that matter to them.

Six restaurants offered free food and events throughout the day, "allowing the community to celebrate
philanthropy and each other," DeVenny said.
Nutramax Laboratories gave $25,000 to Give Local Lancaster this year, an increase of $8,000 from last year. Both years, it has been the largest business contributor.

The company decided to do something special this year in honor of its 25th year in business, according to Kristen Blanchard, vice president of external corporate affairs. Nutramax selected 25 organizations they support and offered $1,000 in matching funds. All 25 reached the $1,000 mark and received the matching amount.

"Giving back to the community is so critical for everybody. It's where you live, where you work, where you do everything," Blanchard said. "Giving back and being a servant is part of Nutramax's philosophy."

Blanchard said owner Dr. Bob Henderson and his family are dedicated Christians who encourage servant leadership.

"Lancaster has done a lot for us since we moved here seven years ago," Blanchard said. "Giving back is the right thing to do, and we were really excited to do something special this year."

The Craft Stand opened Tuesday evening to raise money for Give Local Lancaster. Normally, it is closed on Tuesdays. In four hours, the company raised nearly $2,000, dividing it equally among the Lancaster SPCA, the Lancaster County Council for the Arts and the Community Playhouse.
"They are loyal customers here, and we wanted to give back to them," said Craft Stand co-owner Brandy Geraghty.

Silent auction items came from the Craft Stand, Leo's, Sambo's, and DIY Farms. Leo's Wings provided food. Adam Quay and Jason Switzer played live music.

"This is great for community," Geraghty said. "Locals giving to locals for the things they love is such a great idea."

Also during the night, Leo's collected more than $100 for the Lancaster Children's Home.

The Craft Stand opened last August, so this was its first Give Local event.
"I am super-excited for next year," Geraghty said. "This one went over really, really well, and I can't wait to see what we can do with a little more time under our belts."

In the last 50 minutes of the campaign Tuesday night, 45 donations came in totaling $4,310.
Nearly $3,000 of that came in the last two minutes.

Fifteen businesses returned from last year, along with seven new ones for 2017.

Give Local Lancaster is a part of Give Local America, a campaign in its fourth year. It allows people and businesses to donate to causes that matter to them. Locally, it is sponsored by Lancaster County Partners for Youth, the city of Lancaster, the Lancaster County Community Foundation and the Sims Foundation.

The following businesses and other organizations offered matching gifts to the Give Local nonprofits: Builders Supply Co., Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Comporium Communications, Crenco Food Stores, The Eye & Laser Center, First Citizens Bank, First Palmetto Bank, Folks & DeVenny, Founders Federal Credit Union, J. Marion Sims Foundation, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, Mobley Drugs, Murdock Orthodontics, Nibrol, Nutramax Laboratories, Perception Builders, Rebound Behavioral Health, Speedy, Tanner, Atkinson & Cook, Springs Memorial Hospital, Thompson & Davis CPAs, Trimnal & Myers and XL MediaWorks.

These businesses offered discounts or events for donors: 521 BBQ & Grill, Chick-fil-A, The Craft Stand, Gusʼ House of Pizza, Inspiration Ministries CrossRidge Café and The Wagon Wheel Restaurant.

Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or
contact her at (803) 283-1152.