Keeping the Faith – The Faith to Fall
While traveling with friends on business, we took an afternoon off to visit one of those massive arcades complete with 3D games, a ropes course, go-karts, and the like. It was great fun, a needed distraction, and I’m pleased to say that I crushed my competition on the racetrack. But my thrill of victory was curbed by the agony of defeat when I faced this funhouse’s four-story climbing wall. You know the behemoth: A slick, black wall...
Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Bill S. 687
I am president of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians (SCAV) and I wish to express my support of Bill S.687. This bill was designed to ensure that proper care is being provided to pets in all shelters. SCAV supports and appreciates the valid public policy role of shelters, and we often work in concert with them. Licensed veterinarians typically have a close relationship with their local shelter and often volunteer time and...
Nip it in the Bud
By Bill Shepard Nip it in the bud! I heard those words spoken many times when I was a young lad, and a few times since. It was one of Mama’s favorite sayings. When a quarrel would arise between one of my older brothers and me, Mama would show up and say, “Nip it in the bud, boys!” She meant, stop it now before it escalates into a fistfight between you. We knew that Mama meant what she said, and we would obey. No, Mama wasn’t mean, but...
Letters to the Editor May 27, 2015
Thank you from The Free Medical Clinic I’m never disappointed by the outpouring of heart and spirit of people in Darlington County. The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County is one organization that would not exist if it wasn’t for the support of our donors and our volunteers. 4,798 people have registered as patients and received medical care through all of these efforts since opening in 2000. On May 2, the 10th annual Walk With...
S.C. National Guard remembers fallen over Memorial Day
The South Carolina National Guard will be supporting communities throughout the state to honor the fallen over Memorial Day weekend. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the S.C. National Guard has deployed more than 18,000 Soldiers and Airmen overseas. Sixteen Soldiers from the S.C. Army National Guard have paid the ultimate price supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. They are: Operation Iraqi...
The Strength of a Memory
By Bill Shepard Never underestimate the strength of a memory. It often does what nothing else can! There are many stories that lend credence to that statement. It has been said that a boy or girl will leave their home in the country, move to the city, work all their young years to earn and save enough money to buy their old home place in the country. Memories call them back to the place of their beginning. Some might call it the...