Archive for March 2021

Collaboration was at its peak during the last three months as Anderson School District #2 4^th grade virtual students, their instructor Beth Dabney, and Alison Darby, Belton Area Museum Association (BAMA) educational coordinator, worked together to create digital projects for the museum exhibit Expedition:  A Natural History Adventure Around the World.

“It was a lot of fun learning about the animals and making projects that people will see when they visit the exhibit,” stated Anna Lin. 

She along with her partner Brantlie Cobb studied the large mouth bass.  They conducted research on its habitat, its life cycle, and its survival adaptations and used that information to create a website and a Breakout, a type of digital game that asks questions based upon the information shared on their website.  Answering the questions correctly advances players to the next level until they eventually win, and, therefore, “get their cell phone back that the bass swallowed.”

“We designed the project so that students could choose the type of digital presentation they wanted to pursue,” stated ASD2 virtual learning instructor Beth Dabney. 

The sixteen students could choose from among 21 animals on display in the exhibit.  After researching in three academic websites, they could then produce fact sheets, breakouts, websites, infographics, slide shows, and even videos on their chosen animal.

Some students worked independently and others chose a partner to complete the project.  Then, after working through the research portion, students met with Ms. Dabney and Ms. Darby to decide upon content, edit, and create their projects. 

“Biodiversity and adaptation is a 4^th grade standard, so why not create a real-world, authentic  learning experience where virtual students create something that not only improves their understanding of the topic but also helps visitors to the museum learn something too?” stressed Dabney.

The projects are hosted on a secure district server and will be accessed digitally using a QR code via the cell phones of visitors to the museum’s exhibit. The digital projects feature animals including the lion, the leopard, the piranha, the large mouth bass, the quail, the mountain lion, the zebra, the rattlesnake, the beaver, and the impala.

“It is amazing the quality projects that these students created with their skillset,” said Darby.  “And their enthusiasm for sharing their learning with others is encouraging to see in these young people.” 

Reginald Barmore, who partnered on the lion project with Jy’Nikus Taylor, said, “Putting the video together and narrating it was really fun.” 

“I learned a lot about lions I didn’t know,” Jy’Nikus added.

“You and your family too can learn a lot more about these animals through these digital projects,” stated Darby. “Come view the exhibit and its newest addition of student digital projects at the Belton Depot.”

“Usually the museum is closed during Spring Break,” said BAMA  executive director Abigail Burden, “but we wanted to give the community a chance to see these wonderful and educational projects while on vacation from school, so we have decided to be open during Thursday and Friday (April 8 – 9), from 9 am – 2 pm.”

“We are so eager to share these digital projects with our community!” she added.

And as always, visitors can come to see the exhibit during normal museum hours:  Wednesday – Friday, 9 am – 2 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – noon.

Expedition:  A Natural History Adventure Around the World  will be on display until May 29. 

Museum admission is free, thanks to our patrons and sponsors of this exhibit:  Anderson County ATAX Fund, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Friddle’s Orthopedic Appliances, Home Instead Senior Health Care, S and M Auto Parts, Diamond Hill Mine, Belton Metal Corporation, and City of Belton HTAX Fund. 

The Belton depot is located at 100 N. Main Street, Belton. 

www.AndersonCountySC.org

Anderson County, SC (March 26, 2021) – County Administrator Rusty Burns announces the launch of a user-friendly, modern website. The redesign of the County’s website, in addition to its recently launched app, allows the County an important step toward the transformation of Anderson County’s digital presence. The County’s website redesign—AndersonCountySC.org—features a completely revamped homepage, improved accessibility, and streamlined access to the most frequently used services.

The County utilized website heat-mapping and analytics to determine the most accessed content and services to guide site improvements. “County government should be open and accessible, and the County’s newly designed website allows residents and visitors to easily access county services and information they need to be engaged and informed,” said County Administrator Rusty Burns. “This new site will provide all users, on any device, a better online experience.”

Additionally, the website provides a more user-oriented experience while offering visitors access to information that follows current best web practices, mobile optimization, and ADA accessibility standards.

Throughout the development process, the County prioritized the following principles:

•          Clear, straightforward content.

•          Easy to use navigation. 

•          Provides direct access to information.

•          Minimum page elements with maximum convenience of use.

The County began working on the website redesign in late-January 2020 and initially planned for a release date in mid-summer 2020; however, the coronavirus pandemic delayed the release. The County collaborated with DesignSensory of Knoxville, TN.

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Media Contact: Rusty Burns, County Administrator

rburns@andersoncountysc.org

Join us Saturday, March 27, at the Belton depot  from 9 am – 2 pm for the seventh annual Community-wide Craft and Rummage Sale.

“There are already over 30 spots reserved by vendors,” stated BAMA volunteer Alison Darby. “There is definitely something for everyone and why not enjoy a spring day and shop for goodies!”

On the rummage side of things, there are people selling costume jewelry, clothing and accessories, tools, books, gently used furniture, sporting goods,  kitchen goods, fabric/quilting/notions, cameras, lawn equipment, electronics and games, and household décor.

Crafters include those selling woodcrafts and signs, hand painted furniture, wind chimes, handmade jewelry, woven rugs, paper crafts, wreaths, vinyl products, and holiday décor including Easter baskets.

Vendors representing Watkins spice products,  Norwex  chemical free products,   Gray Barn Collection, and Color Street Nails have also signed up to sell.

Sour dough bread, cupcakes and cakes, boiled peanuts, and other snacks will be available for purchase as well.

Historian Dr. Anne Peden will also be on hand to sell and personally sign copies of her new book about the Hwy. 25 route heritage.  Published by Arcadia, the book’s authors Anne Peden and Jim Scott travel the trading path and concrete highway to explore the fascinating history of the thriving stagecoach and wagon trail, over 3 centuries old.

Booth fees benefit the Belton Area Museum Association’s programs and vendors keep all profits.

For more information, please call Alison Darby at 864-958-5264 or Abigail Burden, BAMA Executive Director, at 864-338-7400. 

“We hope everyone will come out to check out the great bargains and one-of-a-kind items for sale,”  added Darby. 

Parking is free on the square, in the First Baptist Church parking lot, or behind the library. 

The Belton depot  is located in the middle of the Belton square at 100 N. Main Street. 

The Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum is holding a living history day and trail walks on Saturday, April 3^rd between 10 AM and 3 PM. Admission is $3 for ages 5 and over with a household limit of $12. 

The AG Museum now has two trails open for enjoyment; a ¼ mile nature trail and a 1 mile historical trail through the woods and ruins of c.1832 Woodburn. 

Tour the museum exhibits and enjoy our living history demonstrators: the blacksmith, the spinner, the indigo dyer, and the chair caner. The 1926 60 HP Fairbanks-Morse diesel engine and the Wade Drag Saw will be up and running. Visitors will also enjoy interacting with the museum’s pigs, goats, chickens, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Children can make several historical toys and weave on Cricket looms.

Masks are required on museum grounds and COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed including social distancing and sanitizing. Masks must be worn on the trails if social distancing cannot be maintained. Other than the permanent exhibits in the museum, all activities are outside and under cover if necessary. 

The AG Museum is located at 120 History Lane, off HWY. 76, between Pendleton and Clemson, directly across from Tri-County Technical College. Regular open hours for the museum are Thursday through Saturday, 12 noon until 5 PM. Admission is $3 for ages 6 and over with a household maximum of $10. Monthly educational classes offered by the museum include Story Time and More, AGventure, AG Day, Adult Education, and guided trail walks. For more information about the AG Museum, contact zsahms@bgamsc.org or follow us at Facebook.com/BGAMSC.

Anderson County, S. C. (March 15, 2021) – AIM, in partnership with the Anderson County government, has launched the COVID-Relief Fund program.  The funding will be used to provide rental and utility assistance to qualifying households.

“There is a tremendous amount of need for this type of assistance in our area”, said AIM Executive Director Kristi King-Brock.  “We were fortunate to be able to offer some level of rental assistance through earlier COVID response programs, but the need far exceeded what we had available.  These dedicated funds will help ensure that we can properly stabilize housing situations for those in need.”

Anderson County received more than $6 million dollars in funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).  “We had the option of turning these funds over to SC Housing for dispersal, but our County Council was firm in its belief that we should instead offer a locally-managed program” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.

“Every day we hear stories of people going through hard times, and we want both renters and landlords to know that this assistance is available and accessible no matter where in Anderson County you live” said County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn.  “In the vast majority of cases, funds are paid directly to landlords or utility companies, and we have worked to install sufficient safeguards against fraud and abuse.  This money will be well and wisely spent.”

AIM will be managing the program from its Anderson headquarters, located at 1202 South Murray Avenue 29621.  For further information, to find out if you qualify, or to complete the online application, please visit https://covidrelief.aimcharitysc.org/ or call 833-977-RENT(7368).

Application assistance is also available at the following partner agencies throughout Anderson County.  Contact the agency nearest you to set up an appointment.

• Belton Interfaith Ministries: 864-338-7797; 507 N Main St, Belton 
• Clemson Community Care: 864-653-4460; 105 Anderson Hwy, Clemson
• Concord Baptist Church: 864-225-4621; 1012 Concord Rd., Anderson
• Freedom Center Food Pantry: 3254 S. Main St. Anderson         
• Good Hope Baptist Church: 864-348-6385; 221 Good Hope Church Rd, Iva
• Honea Path United Ministries Food Pantry; 864-356-0758; 220 S. Main St. Honea Path
• New Spring – Anderson: 864-261-1262; 1 Linwa Blvd, Anderson
• New Spring – Powdersville: 864-261-1262
• Piedmont Emergency Relief: 864-845-5535; 3A Main St. Piedmont
• South Main Mercy Center; 864-437-8298; 2408 S Main St, Anderson
• Temple Baptist Church: 864-226-7248; 2905 Standridge Rd, Anderson
• Townville Fire House Training Room: 8505 Highway 24 Townsville         
• Trinity Baptist Church: 864-419-5622; 324 Belton Drive, Williamston

·         Upstate Warrior Solution (for Veterans and their families): 864-940-8966; 200 Bleckley St. Anderson, SC 29625

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Denver Downs Farm invites families to celebrate Easter and enjoy Spring Break

ANDERSON, SC (March 11, 2021) – Denver Downs Farm, a century-old farm in Anderson, SC known for its family-friendly entertainment, agri-tourism, and huge corn maze, is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 2 and 3, 2021 from 10 am – 2 pm. The egg hunt takes place on their sprawling 140-acre farm so kids have plenty of space to grab eggs. A hunt for families with special needs will take place the same days at 9:30 am and the other egg hunts, which are split up by age group, happen at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.“We are excited to welcome back families who make this Easter egg hunt their annual tradition and can’t wait to show newcomers the farm and all that we offer their families as they make memories together,” said Catherine Garrison Davis, co-owner and special events planner at Denver Downs.

Families are welcome to make a day out of the visit to the farm and enjoy baby chicks and lambs, the jumping pillow, cow train, and giant “bouncy eggs”. There will be opportunities to plant a flower and have their faces painted. Tickets are $10/children and adults in advance and $12 at the gate. A special hot dog lunch and Easter cookie decorating bar combo will be available for $5. The New “Candy Cannon” will make a debut firing at the Egg Hunt!
In addition, Denver Downs Farm is opening their farm during Spring Break, April 5-10, from 10 am – 5 pm each day. 
“It has not been an easy year for many families and we wanted to give them something fun to look forward to during Spring Break – to enjoy the time off from school and get outside and play,” said Catherine. “Denver Downs is a perfect place to spend a day and get lots of energy out!”

Tickets to the farm during Spring Break include seeing farm animals, including all the babies, and barnyard activities such as the jumping pillow, gaga pit, giant slide, zipline, little slides, ballzone, farmin’ foosball, Little Farmer Corral, Cow Train, and Giant tricycles. Concessions and gem mining will also be open. 

For interviews regarding Spring events at Denver Downs Farm, please contact Catherine Garrison Davis at 843-297-0140 or catherine@denverdownsfarm.com. For more information on Denver Downs Farm, please visit www.denverdownsfarm.com.

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Honoring women who are business owners and leaders in the community

Anderson, SC (March 8, 2021) – Anderson Mall will celebrate Women’s History Month and introduce exciting spring events for children and adults. The month of March commemorates and recognizes the vital role all women play in American society and history. Anderson Mall is thrilled to partner with two of its very own small business owners and women who are leaders in the community, Kim Sams and Linda Faye Pickens. Anderson Mall is also pleased to welcome the new leading artist of the Canvas Project, Shea Abramo Money.

Does your child have a musical, art, dance, or drama talent they would like to show off? Lyndon’s Academy of the Arts and M.A.D.D. Talent’s Inc., in partnership with Anderson Mall is hosting Anderson’s Got Talent “M.A.D.D. Talent” on March 13, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center Court. The showcase will recognize the talented youth in the Anderson area and highlight talents in music, art, dance, and drama. There will be several youth vendors and organizations, live performances, and much more. “It is very important that we encourage all youth in the community to follow their dreams and turn it into reality with hard work, dedication, and most importantly, have fun”, said Linda.

In addition to celebrating Women’s History Month, Women’s Empowerment Incorporated will hold its 12^th annual Women’s Empowerment Conference on March 30, at 9 a.m. The live virtual event will include Dr. Kimberly Moore, Min. Kathy Borders, and Dr. Chaka Smith. For more information and to purchase tickets for the virtual event visit 12th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference. Following the virtual celebration, Northern Suga partners with Anderson Mall for a Women’s Empowerment “Spring Fling” on March 30, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event will include women business owners and leaders, resources, demonstrations, vendors, and much more. Very similar to an expo, the event will start at the Center Court and work its way down to the Food Court. “Being surrounded by women who are supporting one another and learning from each other, is how women empower other women” said Kim. 

Anderson Mall appreciates and honors all women, everywhere. As the mall recognizes and celebrates women, they will also continue to electrify the Anderson community through their Canvas Project. With much success, Anderson Mall has brought the community together through wall murals and parking space designs. Shea will be leading the second phase of the project, for the parking spaces with sponsors. To add to the celebration, Shea will be working with United Way of Anderson County, Habitat of Anderson County, and the Art Center, Monday, March 8. As a talented and driven local artist in the community, Shea has an extensive and evolving career with an established record of original and creative artwork.

“We are passionate about serving as a safe gathering space for our community, and are proud to be a place where families, friends, and visitors can come together to be a positive force in a thriving community” said General Manager, Chunsta Miller.

Anderson Mall remains focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. In response to the continued need to address COVID-19, the Center has proactively implemented additions to the Code of Conduct, effective until further notice. These additions include the following guidelines:

·         Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people.

·         Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover in accordance with state and local guidelines.

·         Do not gather in groups.

·         Adhere to each individual tenant’s COVID-19 policies.

·         Adhere to all federal, state and local regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19.

The Code of Conduct is posted on property and available online at https://shopandersonmall.com/legal/code-of-conduct.

In addition, Anderson Mall already rigorous disinfectant and cleaning practices will continue, many times per day, including periodically disinfecting areas most susceptible to the spread of germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers are located in highly-trafficked areas and walkways for public use.

Anderson Mall remains committed to supporting the local Anderson community through providing unique experiences year-round. The safety of guests and tenants alike remains the town center’s top focus, and Fall Community Day and Candy Crawl are just one example of Anderson’s ongoing efforts to maintain their role as a community lifestyle center no matter the circumstances.

For more information about Anderson Mall, please visit www.shopandersonmall.com.

About Anderson Mall

Anderson Mall, the only regional enclosed town center within a 30-mile radius, is home to more than 50 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options, as well as numerous events and activities throughout the year. A dynamic offering of things to do along with things to buy keeps guests engaged and returning often. Anderson Mall is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please call (864) 226-7088 or visit shopandersonmall.com. Like and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/AndersonMallSC, Twitter @ShopAnderson and Instagram @ShopAnderson.

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