Thanks for a great Poker Run …

Dear Editor:
On behalf of the entire membership of the Goat Island Boat Club, I would like to thank the sponsors and participants for a great Poker Run during the 2008 Striped Bass Festival. It is wonderful to see our beautiful lake nearly full and our citizens out enjoying themselves once again.

Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we were able to present a $1,500 scholarship to Hunter Summersett of Florence. Hunter is the grandson of Carl and Carolyn Cagle of Summerton.

Our special thanks go to the following sponsors: C J Marine, The Tackle Box, Marshalls Marine, Hardees-Manning, L.G. Cut and Style, Wen-Lily’s, Farmers Furniture, Party World, The Palms at Wyboo, Lane’s Superette, Lil N’8’s, Farmers Telephone, Goat Island Resort and Tackle, Babcock Furniture, Lyles, Richburg Refinishing, Advance Auto Parts, Walker Tire, Clarendon Exterminating, Turbeville Insurance Agency, Radio Shack, Taw Caw Campground, Terry’s Exxon, Geddings Hardware, Santee National Golf Club, WalMart-Manning, Shoneys-Manning, Simpson’s Hardware, Stokes-Craven Ford, Maree’s Beauty Shop, Ervin’s Tire, Prothro Chevrolet, Clarendon Auto Parts, Tater Creek Grill, Taw Caw Tackle, J & J Marine, Lake Marion Golf Club, SMS Sportswear, Heat Street, Bank of Clarendon-Manning, Shannon Greens, Wyboo Golf Course, Players Course.

Again, thank you all for a wonderful event. See you next year.

Sincerely,
Ronnie Duncan
Poker Run Chairman
Goat Island Boat Club

On to Denver …

Dear Editor:
I would like to thank each of you for your support and prayers in my quest to become a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in August. I was elected at the Congressional District Level (District 6) on Saturday at the South Carolina Democratic Convention. This was made possible because of your support and the awesome “on the ground team” that worked on my behalf. I am so appreciative for those that helped me caucus to become a delegate: Attorney Cal Land, Attorney Eleazer Carter, Willie Briggs, Patricia Pringle, Phyllis Way, Rosemary Chandler, Carla Walker and Dorothea Ford.

I would also like to thank the following for their moral support and encouragement: Sen. John C. Land III, Rep. Cathy Harvin, Reverends W.J. and Kay Frierson, Minister Yolonda Junious, Mayor Kevin Johnson, Marjorie Fleming-Saunders, Patricia Burgess, Margaret Walker and Henry King of Clarendon County; Walter Newman, Alphonso Times, Misbrew Times, other delegates of Sumter County and C. A. Harler Trophies & Awards; Attorney Steve Davis of Berkeley County; delegates of Charleston, Florence, Orangeburg and Williamsburg counties; members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority of the 6th Congressional District (especially the Sorors of Williamsburg Co.); and Stacey Brayboy, Anton Gunn, Bobby Fleming and other members of the Obama campaign and supporters. A very special thanks to Azalee and Amber Blackwell for caring for my son, Nelson, during the convention.

I will do my best to be a great representative of Clarendon County and South Carolina in Denver.

Sincerely,
Julia A. Nelson
Manning, S.C.

May is Mental Health Month ...

Dear Editor:
“Throughout the state we encourage all South Carolinians to help raise awareness of the need for appropriate and accessible mental health services,” according to Ed Mullins, chair of the Mental Health America of S.C.

He asks that we all work together to increase understanding of mental illness.

“Mental Health America of SC has worked hard this past year to open up more housing units, extend our suicide prevention programs, and promote the importance of overall mental health,” he adds.

The Clarendon County Mental Health Board has joined in this effort and twelve clients reside in the newly built facility called Ipock Place. These individuals have, for the first time, a place to call their own, a private room with kitchenette and bathroom. A grant sought by Clarendon Country’s Board made Ipock Place possible. The Mental Health Clinic serves clients daily, and volunteers hold birthday parties and help with clothing and special needs at Dorch and other facilities in the county.

Mullins says “All of our affiliates continue to thrive and grow because of dedicated volunteers and staff across South Carolina. These individuals believe in our mission and our goals and strive to extend mental assistance throughout all South Carolina communities.”

Delegates from Clarendon will be attending the State Meeting in Columbia in May, which is Mental Health Month across America.

Mental health problems are “equal opportunity dispensers,” affecting the young, old, rich, poor, educated and uneducated alike. There are many families who need the help they can get through these various services. Depression, stress-related illness, dealing with divorce, losing a child ... it can happen to anyone.

The Clarendon County Board is planning a special seminar/lunch on May 29 from 10 a.m.-noon. Charlean Miller will speak on suicide prevention. The Board will also be sending out membership letters in May and hope to increase their membership. Volunteers are also needed for projects. Just contact a board member or the clinic. The Board holds their annual banquet meeting in October every year.

Sincerely,
Norvelle Walker
Summerton, S.C.