ocal Cancer Advocate in Washington, D.C., Met with South Carolina Lawmakers to Demand Action

Angela Kegler McDowell from Conway, South Carolina was on Capitol Hill recently to meet with South Carolina lawmakers to advocate for health care that is accessible, affordable, available and administratively simple. McDowell was one of 50 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers, one from each state, calling for Action: Now Not Later on comprehensive health care reform.

“Health care reform is about saving lives, and there is no time for delay,” said McDowell, ACS CAN volunteer from South Carolina. “Congress must take action NOW, not later, on health care reform. We can not reduce suffering and death from cancer if the country does not improve access to quality, affordable health care.”

New polling data from ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, confirms that lack of access to quality, affordable care is a significant barrier in the fight to defeat cancer. The results showed that one in four families affected by cancer says they have had to put off or delay care in the last year because of cost.

People with cancer face enormous challenges finding adequate insurance. Insurers use pre-existing conditions such as a prior cancer diagnosis as a reason to deny or limit coverage. As a result, a person with a history of cancer who is laid off or has to quit work can find it virtually impossible to find coverage on their own.

According to ACS CAN, two-thirds of cancer patients under age 65 who tried to find insurance outside their employer couldn’t find an affordable plan. And for cancer patients, research shows that being uninsured can worsen your chance of survival.

Those who are uninsured are less likely to receive cancer prevention services, more likely to be treated for cancer at late stages of disease, more likely to receive substandard care and services, and more likely to die from their cancer.

“ACS CAN believes that if we can improve the health care system for people with cancer, we will improve it for everyone else as well,” said Dan Smith, president ACS CAN. “By bringing Angela and other cancer advocates from across the country to D.C. we will make it clear to lawmakers that families affected by cancer cannot afford to wait for health care reform—and that the status quo simply isn’t an option.”


While in Washington, D.C., McDowell met with many lawmakers. During the meetings, McDowell called for a bi-partisan and uniquely American solution for fixing the broken health care system that works for families affected by cancer by:

o Refocusing the system to emphasize prevention
o Ending the practice of denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions
o Limiting the cost burden on families by providing care that costs less and covers more
o Ensuring meaningful coverage for all Americans from prevention all the way through quality end of life care

"People shouldn't have to choose between losing their house, their life savings, and everything they own to save their life," said McDowell. “Yes, this is a difficult issue; but, our country is too innovative and too strong to not find a solution. I believe in America's legislative system and, together, we can find an American solution to our problem."

In 2009, more than 1.4 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 562,000 people will die from the disease. Six in 10 of the lives lost to cancer today could be saved with better access to prevention services like cancer screenings, smoking cessation programs, and public outreach and education to improve diet and increase exercise– that translates into nearly 340,000 people each year.

For more information on ACS CAN’s health care reform campaign, please visit www.acscan.org/healthcare.

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.

Error Creates Duplicate UI Checks

A number of unemployment checks were duplicated in error over the weekend, the S.C. Employment Security Commission announced today.

Approximately 1,250 checks, dated Sunday, July 19, were printed twice, and mailed to claimants.

Claimants who receive two checks should cash only one of them. The other check should be returned to their local S.C. Employment Security Commission Workforce Center.

If both checks are cashed, the claimant will be liable for the excess payment.

All claimants who received duplicate checks will be contacted either by phone or mail.

For any questions, contact 803-737-3071.

SCETV’s Carolina Works Airs July 15th

Carolina Works, the South Carolina Workforce System’s monthly newsmagazine, moves to Wednesday night on ETV beginning in July.

On this month’s program: A story on the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business. A look at one of the many people getting help through the Employment Security Commission’s Workforce Centers. A spotlight on Columbia’s unique Nickelodeon Theatre.

Carolina Works is produced by SCESC’s Communications Department in partnership with several state and local agencies.

The program airs Wednesday night, July 15th at 7:00pm on SCETV and on Thursday, July 23rd at 5:30pm on the South Carolina Channel.

EPA awards state half-million dollar grant to further reduce diesel school bus pollution

South Carolina is getting a $553,918 grant to help further reduce the amount of pollution created by diesel school buses, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The federal funds will be used to replace old buses with new low emission hybrids and to retrofit existing buses with cleaner technology.

“This grant is a great investment in environmental protection and will provide long-term economic benefits for South Carolina,” said Stan Meiburg, EPA’s acting administrator in Atlanta. “It will help bolster the economy and protect public health and the environment by creating green jobs that improve air quality.”

EPA is using dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) to fund proposals from last year’s National Clean Diesel Campaign grant competition. The state project will create jobs while protecting South Carolina’s air quality, EPA said.

The South Carolina Department of Education will replace four existing 65-passenger school buses with four hybrid electric buses. The SDE will also retrofit crankcase ventilation filtration systems on 500 of its 1995 model buses. That upgrade will result in an estimated 4.7 ton reduction in diesel emissions.

“This is a significant step given the number of older, more polluting buses that we still have in our state fleet,” Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said. “These retrofits will cut down on exhaust and soot that can pose health risks to adults and children alike.’

Rex said the new grant supports SDE pollution control efforts that began several years ago. The state received a $244,500 Clean School Bus USA grant last year and half-a-million dollars under the same program in 2006. The latest grant was one of six announced today in EPA’s southeast region.

Education officials will work with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to decide where the four new hybrid electric buses will be put into service, based on environmental and air quality conditions throughout the state.

South Carolina took delivery of two plug-in hybrid diesel-electric buses in 2007. Hybrids are more expensive than a standard diesel bus, but have lower fuel costs and greatly-reduced emissions. The new grant will also pay for DHEC to conduct training on specific actions school bus drivers should take to eliminate unnecessary diesel idling.

South Carolina included in Distribution of Recalled Ground Beef Products

The U.S.D.A. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued the following recall notice for ground beef products which may have been contaminated with E. coli. The ground beef products were distributed to South Carolina and twelve other states. In an abundance of caution, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is forwarding this recall notice for public notification. For more information about the recall, contact Chandler Keys (202) 907-4253. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Consumer Hotline at (800) 555-7675.


Colorado Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Peggy Riek

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2009 - JBS Swift Beef Company, a Greeley, Colo., establishment is recalling approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products subject to recall include:
• Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21852."
• Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21853."
• Boxes of "Swift, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31852."
• Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31853."
• Boxes of "Swift, USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33852."
• Boxes of "USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33853."
• Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."
• Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."
• Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79852."
• Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79853."
• Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "90853."
These beef products were produced on April 21 and 22, 2009, and were shipped to distributors and retail establishments in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling and an investigation into the distribution of other products.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Media with questions about the recall should contact company Spokesperson Chandler Keys at (202) 907-4253. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Consumer Hotline at (800) 555-7675.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Recruiter of DSS Check Cashiers Pleads Guilty

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Nova Johnson, age 40, of Columbia, South Carolina pled guilty today to theft of federal program funds for her role in an alleged scheme to embezzle more than $5.2 million dollars from DSS. Ms. Johnson admitted to cashing four DSS checks that were procured by fraud and to recruiting others to cash additional checks.

Paul Timothy Moore was indicted in February for allegedly using his position as the DSS Finance Director to authorize the issuance of hundreds of DSS checks between May 2004 and October 2008, in the approximate average amount of $7,000.00 each. The checks were made payable to names allegedly provided by a co-conspirator who also recruited the named individuals to cash the checks and split the proceeds.

Moore was recently released from federal custody and is awaiting trial.

The maximum possible penalty for theft of federal program funds is ten years and a fine of $250,000.00.

Mr. Wilkins stated, “Stealing money from DSS that could have been used to help the needy and underprivileged is reprehensible. These guilty pleas affirm our office’s commitment to prosecute those who illegally line their pockets with public dollars. We are committed to vigorously prosecuting each and every individual involved in any respect in this scheme.”

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and SLED, and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

Former SC Trooper Senteced to Half-way House

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that former South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper John B. Sawyer, age 34, was sentenced today for repeatedly kicking an arrested driver following a lengthy chase. Chief United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Sawyer to a probation term of three years, the first of which he will serve in a half-way house.

On May 28, 2006, Sawyer and other law enforcement officers were involved in a 30-mile high speed chase of a dump truck driven by Sergio Caridi on Interstate 95. After the truck ran out of gas in Sumter County, Caridi exited the truck and surrendered, lying on the ground. Sawyer rushed over to Caridi at that point, kicking him in the head numerous times, injuring him. Dash-cam video of the incident captured the assault on tape.

Sawyer pled guilty in the case last January, admitting that his actions willfully deprived Caridi of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was the result of a joint investigation by agents of the FBI and SLED, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alston C. Badger of the Charleston office and former Civil Rights Division Deputy Chief Brent Alan Gray, now an Assistant United States Attorney in Atlanta. Mr. Wilkins also acknowledged the cooperation and assistance of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and its Director, Mark A. Keel.

Seneca Man Guilty of $150K Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Antonio V. Robinson, age 40, of Seneca, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to five counts of fraud involving the misuse of a Social Security Number. Robinson faces a possible sentence of five years incarceration on each count. He will be sentenced later by United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., who accepted the plea of guilty.

Mr. Wilkins advised that Mr. Robinson used the Social Security Number of a former business partner to obtain loans from Wachovia, Advanta Bank Corporation, Wells Fargo, American Express, and Discover Financial Services. When investigators discovered the fraud, all of the loans were in default, with losses totaling approximately $150,000.00.

The case was investigated by Special Agent Rick Kerns of the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of Greenville.

This Week's Healthy SC Challenge Tips

The Healthy SC Challenge is the Sanford family's effort to get all South Carolinians to do just a little more to live a healthier lifestyle. The tips are designed to encourage individuals and communities to live healthier lifestyles in three categories - nutrition, exercise and help to quit smoking. The tips can also be found on the challenge's website, www.healthysc.gov.

Healthy Tips

Nutrition
Don't forget the extras! Make fresh garlic a standard addition to all prepared veggies, salad dressings soups, etc. Garlic is truly a medicinal food that keeps our arteries healthy and boosts immunity.

Spice up your bean and poultry dishes with turmeric or curry spices. Both are teeming with the phytochemical curcumin, now world famous for its potent anti-inflammatory power (this translates to a reduced risk of CVD, Alzheimer's, and cancer).

Go Nuts! Get into the habit of throwing nuts/seeds into salads, soups, sauces, and other prepared dishes. Nuts score a perfect ten when it comes to nutrients, especially for the heart.

Eat your sprouts today! Add broccoli sprouts to salads and sandwiches. Broccoli is a bonafide anti-cancer superstar, and these sprouts contain ten to 100 times more power to protect against cancer than mature broccoli.

Don't forget your herbs! Remember to add fresh herbs liberally to prepared foods to increase both the taste and nutritional value of your meals.
* Parsley has vitamin C and a higher concentration of flavanoids (the superstar class of antioxidant phytochemicals) than any other food.
* Cilantro is loaded with phytochemicals, including one that kills salmonella (common source of food-borne illnesses) more effectively than our strongest antibiotics.
* Rosemary, ginger, tumeric and curry - also provide especially potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.
-Dr. Ann Kulze, Nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert, www.DrAnnwellness.com


Physical Activity
Swimsuit season is here and the pressure to go sleeveless is rising faster than record high temperatures. So what can the average American, who does not have a personal trainer on standby or daily healthy meals cooked by a professional chef, do to get toned arms and a tighter midriff section? The answer: Take it outdoors for some fun and free summer activities that will have you burning calories just in time for bikini season. Here are eight workout ideas to do on your own or with the entire family:

1. Go Off-Road. A great way to escape the hectic city life and reduce stress is to hike in nature.

2. Ride Your Bicycle. There is no better way to explore your neighborhood, city, back country roads or local trails than from the vantage point of a bicycle. And that is just one side-effect. Bicycling is a great cardiovascular workout and will strengthen legs, glutes and core. A 140-lb individual who bicycles at ten miles per hour for an hour will burn nearly 400 calories, which makes for guilt-free eating of a six-inch double roast beef sub sandwich. Bike longer and you can burn enough calories to eat a sandwich, and have your cake too.

3. Jog Around the Block The beauty about jogging or running is that you can do it any time, anywhere. Keep your running shoes in your duffel bag, at work, in your suitcase or near the door, and you're always ready to explore the great outdoors. Even short bouts of jogging or running benefit your heart health, clear your head and calm your senses. For those running in unfamiliar places, running up staircases, around tall buildings or a stadium still makes for a great workout. Running is great for busy professionals, because you can always make time to sneak in a quick run, even during travel. Simply ask the hotel concierge for a map of the city, a nearby park or trails and you're on your way.

4. Jump Rope. Jumping rope is not only a great heart-pumping activity, but also increases body awareness. Choose a light-weight rope with foam grips that won't slip away when palms get sweaty. The right length rope is one that reaches about chest high and is measured by stepping the foot on the center of the rope while bringing the handles up to the chest.Now all that's left is to challenge each family member to a jumping rope contest while keeping it fun.

5. Get Wet. Swimming laps offers a great full-body workout. But even splashing around in the pool can be a great workout for young and old alike. The buoyancy of water reduces the "weight" of a person by about 90 percent, which means less stress on joints, bones and muscles. Many people enjoy working out against the resistance of water while benefitting from its cooling effect on the body. Here are some workout ideas: Cup your hands and pull water away from you to build strength. Use a noodle, hand-held paddles or a kick board. For those wanting to enjoy a group workout, consult your health club or YMCA about aquatic classes or master's programs for swimming laps and don't forget to wear sun screen when swimming outdoors.

6. Inline Skate. Inline skating around the neighborhood or even a pick-up game of hockey make for great family fun and a workout. Most children love the idea. To prevent injuries, it is critical that adults and especially children wear helmets and protective gear on their wrists, knees and elbows. It may not look 'cool,' but can make the difference between a serious head injury or trauma and a minor injury or broken bones, so always be safe.

7. Just Dance. You don't have to be Lady Gaga to "Just Dance." Next time you're at a summer party, dance for fun and fitness: A 120-pound person who dances socially can burn almost three calories per minute or equals approximately 180 calories per hour, which is roughly the same amount of calories as a Bloody Mary. A 180-pound person dancing for an hour can burn over 750 calories, the equivalent of two slices of a pan crust cheese pizza. Encouraging children to be creative and move their bodies freely is fun and great for their mind and body. Teach your kids some new moves in your garden, the park or at the beach.

8. Calm The Mind. For those wanting to calm the mind, rolling out a yoga mat in nature for downward-facing dog positions and sun salutations may be the ideal stress-reliever during these tough economic times. Many yoga studios are also taking their workouts outdoors. When life gets tough, slowing the mind without any distractions can make for a spiritual recovery.
-American Council on Exercise, www.acefitness.org

Tobacco
For most tobacco users, cravings or urges to smoke can be powerful. But you're not at the mercy of these cravings. When an urge to use tobacco strikes, remember that although it may be intense, it will be short, and it probably will pass within a few minutes whether you smoke a cigarette or not. Each time you resist a craving, you're one step closer to stopping smoking or other tobacco use for good.

In the meantime, here are ten ways to help you ride out the urge to smoke or use tobacco:
1. Delay. If you feel like you're going to give in to your craving, tell yourself that you must wait ten more minutes and then do something to distract yourself. This simple trick may be enough to derail your tobacco craving. Repeat as often as needed.

2. Don't have 'just one.' You may be tempted to have just one cigarette to stop a craving. But don't fool yourself into believing that you can stop at just one. More often than not, having just one leads to another, then another - and you may wind up back in the habit.

3. Avoid triggers. Urges for tobacco are likely to be strongest in the situations where you smoked or chewed tobacco most often. Identify your trigger spots - or people - and have a plan in place so that you can avoid them entirely or get through them without using tobacco. Don't set yourself up for a relapse. If you usually smoked while you talked on the phone, for instance, keep a pen and paper nearby instead for doodling rather than smoking.

4. Get physical. Physical activity can help distract you from tobacco cravings and reduce the intensity of cravings. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity can make a craving go away. Get out for a walk or jog. If you're stuck at home or the office, try squats, deep knee bends, push-ups, running in place, or walking up and down a set of stairs a few times. If physical activity doesn't interest you, try prayer, needlework, woodwork or journaling. Or do chores for distraction, such as vacuuming or filing paperwork.

5. Practice relaxation techniques. Coping with a craving to smoke or use tobacco can be very stressful. In the past, smoking may have been your way to deal with stress. Take the edge off your stress by practicing relaxation techniques. These include deep-breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, yoga, visualization, hypnosis and massage.
6.Call reinforcements. Touch base with a family member, friend or support group member for moral support. Chat on the phone, go for a walk together or simply share a few laughs - or get together to commiserate about your cravings.

7. Remember the benefits of quitting. Write down or say out loud the reasons you want to stop smoking and resist cravings. These might include feeling better, getting healthier, sparing your loved ones from secondhand smoke or saving money. And if you're a closet smoker, you may save hours of time since you no longer have to spend time trying to creatively conceal your habit.

8. Go online. Join an online stop-smoking program. Or read a quitter's blog and post encouraging thoughts for someone else who might be struggling with cravings. Learn from how others have handled their tobacco cravings.

9. Try replacements. Try a stop-smoking product instead of a cigarette. Some types of nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, gums and lozenges, are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are available by prescription.

10. Chew on it. Give your mouth something to do. Chew on sugarless gum or hard candy. Or munch on raw carrots, celery, nuts or sunflower seeds - something crunchy and satisfying.
-www.mayoclinic.com

Certified barbeque judging class set for July 11 in Columbia

The S.C. Barbeque Association will hold a seminar to train Certified Barbeque Judges in the Midlands on July 11.

The SCBA -- which has held past training seminars in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Florence and Beaufort -- has trained and certified more than 500 barbeque judges in South Carolina.

The seminar is to be held at the Dan Ramage Conference Center in Columbia on Saturday, July 11. It starts at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. The Conference Center is on Bluff Road directly across from the Williams Brice football stadium and the address is 1001 Bluff Rd, Columbia, SC 29201.

In addition to an informative seminar, the participants will be treated to a catered barbeque lunch by an award winning barbeque team.

For information on how you can become a Certified Barbeque Judge contact SCBA President Lake High at 803-782-9595 or go to the SCBA website, www.scbarbeque.com and click on “Join Us.” The cost of the seminar is only $30 for SCBA members and membership in the SCBA is only $35. You can pay at the door if prior arrangements have been made. Family memberships are available at only $45.

The SCBA is in search of people in South Carolina who want to become Certified Barbeque Judges. A judge becomes certified after they attend this all-day seminar and then judge four barbeque cook-offs under the supervision of a Senior or Master Judge.

The SCBA now judges 30 barbeque cook-offs around the state, including several that are held in the Midlands.

More information about the SCBA and how you can become a judge can be found on their web site, www.scbarbeque.com

Rex names J.V. Martin principal as leader for state ‘Turnaround Schools’ initiative

State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex announced today that Amanda Burnette, principal of J.V. Martin Junior High School in Dillon, will head a new statewide initiative to turn around some of South Carolina’s most challenged schools.

The 17–year education veteran will direct the South Carolina Turnaround Schools Project, a new initiative aimed at improving student performance and closing the achievement gap.

Burnette’s determination to promote equality in educational opportunities for all students garnered the attention of people throughout the world, including President Barack Obama, who made two trips to J.V. Martin during his campaign and pledged his commitment to improve conditions there. The president also spoke about the school in February during his first address to a joint session of Congress.

"Amanda Burnette is the ideal person to lead this effort," Rex said. “Her enthusiasm, creativity and vigor were integral to improving teaching and learning at J.V. Martin Junior High. Because of her hard work, the face of the school has changed. Not only has she inspired students and teachers, she’s inspired that entire community and our nation as well."

The Turnaround Schools Project is a targeted expansion of the state’s Palmetto Priority Schools Project which works in collaboration with partners across the state to provide assistance to 41 Palmetto Priority Schools. Those schools formed the collaborative when they failed to meet expected progress on student achievement required by the Education Accountability Act. Burnette will report to Palmetto Priority Schools Director David Rawlinson.

“It’s always great to add someone to the team who comes in directly from the field,” Rawlinson said. “Her successes and frustrations are still fresh in her mind, and she’ll be able to bring that perspective to broader policy discussions.”

Burnette said the Turnaround Schools initiative will provide an opportunity to share and build upon tried and true best practices. “I’m excited to be a part of this innovative approach,” she said, “and I applaud Dr. Rex for taking a bold step to provide concentrated assistance to the schools that need it most."

During Burnette’s tenure at J.V. Martin, the school experienced a dramatic transformation that included marked gains in test scores in all core subject areas, improved student attendance and a significant boost in the caliber of teaching.

“Amanda’s efforts in working with teachers have instilled a powerful movement at J.V. Martin,” said Dillon 2 Superintendent Ray Rogers. “Her ideas and support set a high standard of excellence and motivated both faculty and students to work hard and achieve academic excellence.”

Burnette was instrumental in bringing attention to the school’s plight, and while at J.V. Martin she helped to secure donations totaling more than $1 million dollars. Donated items ranged from books and band instruments to new furniture for the entire school.

“Amanda has built relationships with philanthropists and business people from around the world who share in her excitement about educating all students,” said Rex.

One of Burnette’s students, Ty’Sheoma Bethea, was invited to join the First Family for Obama’s first address to Congress after she sent a letter to Washington seeking help for the school. Bethea wrote the letter on a computer at the Dillon public library after Obama mentioned J.V. Martin in his first press conference as an example of inadequate schools that would be helped by the federal economic stimulus plan. Burnette assisted Bethea in getting her letter to members of Congress and eventually to the President. Once the President’s invitation for his address was extended, Burnette helped to secure funds needed for Bethea and her mother to make the trip to Washington.

“My principal has given me the confidence to know that every child has a voice,” said Bethea, who graduated from middle school earlier this month and is now headed to high school. “She has made a difference in my life and the lives of all students who will attend J.V. Martin after me. Her goal is to create the best school possible, one where every student, without exception, will succeed.”

John Harlow, a member of J.V. Martin’s School Improvement Council, also praised Burnette.

“Amanda came to J.V. Martin tasked to 'turn the school around' using pretty much the same budget and human resources provided to earlier principals,” Harlow said. “The difference was her contagious vision that our students were not the problem, but instead were the solution.”

Prior to working in Dillon, Burnette served as principal at Ewing Middle School and Blacksburg Elementary School, both in Gaffney (Cherokee County). She begins her new duties at the Education Department on June 20.

The Turnaround Schools Project will organize small clusters of schools with common attributes, such as school type, student needs and reform approaches. The project will require schools to change conditions in teacher quality, leadership and curriculum and instruction. While the Education Department will take a leadership role in building a constituency for turnarounds, schools will have the authority to change their existing climates through flexibility in state regulations and policies that deal with hiring, budget, curriculum and teaching.

The Turnaround Schools Project is based upon the work of Mass Insight Education & Research Institute, an independent non-profit group funded primarily by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and devoted to student achievement.

Close-To-Home Escapes

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with LeisureFun.net, is helping South Carolina families find affordable and exciting vacation options close to home this summer.

Many South Carolina hotels throughout South Carolina are offering special packages that help families afford to take a vacation and save in the process. Through a promotion called, “Close-to-Home” Escapes,” information on many of these hotel packages is centrally located on LeisureFun.net.

“In the current economic times, South Carolinians are interested in vacationing on a budget. Vacationing close to home is a great way to save money and support local businesses at the same time,” said Otis B. Rawl Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to offering special room rates, Close-to-Home Escapes hotel package deals also include money vouchers for meals, gas rebates, free tickets to nearby attractions and gift items.

“For people looking to get away from home, but can’t afford to go far this year, these types of vacation options are ideal,” says Cynthia Legette Davis, founder of LeisureFun.net. “It certainly beats just staying home and pretending you’re on vacation. There are too many fun places in South Carolina to visit and enjoy to have to do that.”

Davis adds that in addition to the Close-to-Home Escapes offers on LeisureFun.net, the Web site also offers hundreds of listings of events and attractions throughout South Carolina. Listings include festivals, concerts, children’s events, museums, amusement parks and more. Each Close-to-Home Escapes offer on LeisureFun.net includes listings of events and attractions located in the area of the hotel along with maps and driving directions.

“Close-to-Home Escapes will help businesses market to potential customers this summer and showcase the many amenities our state has to offer,” said Rawl.

To view “Close-to-Home Escapes” vacation offers and for more information, visit www.leisurefun.net.

2009 Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year awards Nominations Sought

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Crescent Foundation are seeking nominations for the 2009 Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year awards. The deadline for submissions is June 12, 2009, and the distinguished Salute to Manufacturing will be held on September 22, 2009 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMT) in Florence.


The awards luncheon will honor the Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year in three categories and provide an opportunity for manufacturers and community leaders to recognize the accomplishments of South Carolina’s best and brightest companies. The South Carolina Chamber and the Silver Crescent Foundation have long supported manufacturing, and this joint celebration of manufacturing achievements is a natural progression.

The application and selection process is simple and straightforward. Selection is based upon:

• Quality Improvement Efforts

• Quality of Life Programs

• Improvements in the Environment

• Involvement in Local Community & Economic Development

• Education and Workforce Development

• Overall Effectiveness


The two organizations encourage the business community to nominate outstanding candidates. Application forms are available at www.scchamber.net and www.silvercrescentsc.org. Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday, June 12, 2009 to the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, 1201 Main Street, Suite 1700, Columbia, S.C. 29201 or fax to (803)779-6043.

SC Environmental Groups to Host News Conference on Climate/National Security Issues

Friday, May 29th
11 AM
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
Veterans Park, Columbia
(Washington & Gadsden Street)

Rain Standby site: SC League of Conservation Office, 701 Whaley St., Columbia

Last week in Washington, DC, the House Energy & Commerce Committee reported out the American Clean Energy and Security Act, sweeping climate legislation that sets mandatory caps on global warming pollution. The centerpiece of the legislation seeks to reduce American greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. Further action in the House is expected this summer.

This kind of legislation will pose new opportunities for American industry and new opportunities and challenges for our larger national foreign and military policies.

The military is a vitally important part of the Midlands community, home to Ft. Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base.

SC Sen. Phil Leventis (D-Sumter, Lee) and SC Rep. James Smith (D-Richland) will discuss aspects of this federal action for American energy independence going forward in conjunction with area veterans and a host of state environmental organizations. Sen. Leventis is a retired ANG general, fighter pilot and decorated veteran. Rep. Smith is a captain in the SCARNG, who returned last year from service in Afghanistan.

Environmental organizations represented Friday include SC Audubon, SC League of Conservation Voters, Pew Environment Group, Carolina Climate Network, the SC Nature Conservancy and SC Wildlife Federation.

SC Dem Chair Praises President Obama's Selection of Sotomayor

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement after President Obama announced his selection of Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to the United States Supreme Court. When confirmed, Sotomayor will be the third woman to serve and the Court's first Hispanic justice.


"Nominating a justice to the Supreme Court of the United States is one of a President's most significant responsibilities. President Obama pledged to select a justice with a rigorous intellect, a mastery of the law and a commitment to impartial justice. He promised to choose someone with a broad perspective on how the world works and a commonsense understanding of how the law affects the daily realities of life.

"Today President Obama delivered on his promise with the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor. Judge Sotomayor's stirring life story and outstanding career - at nearly every level of our judicial system - make her uniquely qualified to serve as America's next Supreme Court Justice. She has been lauded as a fearless jurist, with an independent mind and a deep commitment to our constitutional traditions. I commend President Obama on his excellent choice and congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her nomination," said Fowler.

Economist Schunk presents overview of S.C. Labor markets for April

Highlights from April 2009 Data:

• South Carolina’s unemployment rate rose to 11.5% in April from 11.4% in March. Unemployment in South Carolina is now at its historical high (though these data only go back to 1976). The unemployment rate has been climbing steadily since early 2008. While the current level of unemployment speaks to the depth of the current recession, it is also an indicator of longer-term challenges facing the state as we struggle with ongoing sharp job losses within manufacturing.

Aside from being a telling measure of the current situation, the high unemployment rate also has implications for the coming recovery. As the unemployment rate continues to climb in the coming months and quarters, it will place additional strain on consumer spending, further dampening the prospects of a strong recovery.

• Total employment in South Carolina is down 4.5% over the last 12 months. Between April 2008 and April 2009, total employment is down by 88,600 jobs. These losses are widespread across most sectors of the state’s economy, but continue to be centered in manufacturing, construction, retail trade and leisure and hospitality. As with the unemployment rate, the magnitude of job losses serves as an indicator of the depth of the recession, but also serves as a predictor of further pressure on consumer spending as job and income losses continue to mount.

Looking ahead…

While some economists and analysts are starting to suggest that the recession may be over, I do not share that view. It does appear that the worst of the recession is behind us, but what does that mean? During the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, the U.S. economy was falling off a cliff. But the recession doesn’t end until we hit the bottom. A recovery doesn’t begin until we start climbing back up. We aren’t “recovered” until we are again standing at the top of that cliff. Right now, the economy is still shrinking, but in many ways we’re not shrinking as rapidly as we were.

Will the economy hit bottom and begin to recover? Yes, and more specifically I expect the economy to hit bottom at some point during the third quarter of 2009 before we begin to recover during the fourth quarter of 2009. The critical question now is “What will the coming recovery look like?” Right now, I expect the coming recovery to be sluggish – characterized by below average economic growth – perhaps for several years.

What leads to this outlook for a sluggish recovery? We need to recognize some important differences between this recession and previous recessions that will work to define the character of the coming recovery. First and foremost, as we come out of this recession, we will be relying on households to lead the way, but they will be doing so in the face of high and rising unemployment. Further, previous recoveries have been characterized by falling savings rates and rising consumer debt levels; just the opposite is true this time around. These factors suggest that the coming recovery will be accompanied by slower than normal growth of consumer spending.

Previous recoveries have often relied on housing and construction to help drive growth. This time around, we are faced with high inventories and home sales that are still declining. This suggests that we may be years away from substantial growth in terms of residential construction. Similarly, business bankruptcies and closures, coupled with years of rapid development in retail and office space, suggests that there will be ample commercial space available. This will again work to dampen new construction as the economy begins to recover. Finally, U.S. manufacturers are generally operating with a large degree of excess capacity. This suggests that we are some time away from a situation where businesses need to substantially expand capacity. This excess capacity will likely work to dampen business investment during the coming recovery.

A recovery is on its way, but we need to be careful as far as our expectations regarding the strength of that recovery.

For additional information, contact: Don Schunk, research economist, dschunk@coastal.edu, 843-655-0995 or 843-349-2485.

Gamecock Equestrian Team honored at SC Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

The South Carolina equestrian team was honored May 18th at the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet for the team’s past accomplishments and championship history. Sponsors of the event included the Town of Blythewood, S.C. Horseman’s Council and past S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame Presidents Pete DiVenere and Sonny Dickinson. Dickinson currently serves as Assistant Director of Marketing with the S.C. Department of Agriculture.

At the banquet eight South Carolinians were inducted into the SC Hall of Fame – including three that spent their collegiate careers at the University of South Carolina. The Gamecock equestrian team under Coach Boo Major was also present to receive a special recognition for outstanding excellence in athletic and scholastic endeavors.

Coach Major said, “I am honored for this recognition by the South Carolina Hall of Fame Selection Committee and for the sponsorship of the U.S.C. Equestrian Team by the Town of Blythewood, the S.C. Horsemen’s Council, and past Athletic Hall of Fame presidents. In addition, we greatly appreciate the S.C. Department of Agriculture for continued support of the team and the equine industry in the state.”

Under the direction of Coach Major, South Carolina has become a premier program in collegiate equestrian. With the advent of the Varsity Equestrian National Championships six years ago, the Gamecocks won overall national championships in 2005 and 2007, and the Hunter Seat team won three consecutive national championships from 2005 to 2007. In addition, two Gamecocks earned individual national championships in Tara Brothers (2004) and Kristen Terebesi (2008).

Also, in the five years since equestrian has been included in the SEC Spring Sports Honor Roll listings, Coach Major has placed 76 student-athletes on the list.

Pee Dee Leaders Consider Employee Wellness Strategies

The American Heart Association encouraged top area executives to adopt an employee wellness initiative— Start! “walking at work” culture. Leadership from more than forty Pee Dee companies attended the CEO event on Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 am, at McLeod Health & Fitness Center to hear more about strategies to make their workplace healthier and more physically active. Rob Colones, 2009 Pee Dee Heart Walk Chair and President and CEO of McLeod Health, along with other Executive Team Leaders hosted the meeting.

Recently, Honda of South Carolina, Carolina’s Hospital System, and The ESAB Group, Inc. were recognized by the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. They have received the Gold level of the Fit Friendly Company Program. Adult Americans spend the majority of their waking hours at work, many in sedentary careers — amplifying the risk for medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses per year.

Start! is a groundbreaking national movement from the American Heart Association. It calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthy lives through walking. Start! recognizes and rewards companies for progressive leadership and for making the health and wellness of their staff a priority. Pee Dee area companies are invited to participate in Start! and demonstrate similar physical activity practices for their employees.

Adult Americans spend a majority of their waking hours at work, and many are in sedentary careers. This raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as overweight, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion per year in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses . A program such as Start! that increases employees’ physical activity will improve their health — and their employers’ bottom line. Specifically, studies suggest that implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity will help companies increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce health Reduce healthcare costs.

To find out how the American Heart Association’s Start! program can help your company establish a walking at work program or become involved in the Pee Dee Heart Walk, visit www.americanheart.org/start or www.startpeedeesc.org.

Responsible Actions Taken, Dangerous Vetoes Overridden

House Speaker Bobby Harrell issued the following statement on the House’s decision to preserve funding for teachers, law enforcement officers and prisons:

“This year marked one of the most difficult budget years our state has ever faced. The General Assembly chose to balance the budget by cutting government spending instead of raising taxes. By cutting waste and increasing efficiencies, lawmakers passed a balanced budget that prioritizes our state resources and allows government to function.

“A vast majority of us in the House strongly opposed the ‘so-called’ stimulus bill Congress passed and would rather have used the money to pay down state debt. However, this measure became law despite the concerns of many and using it to pay down debt was deemed a legal impossibility by Federal authorities. That being the case, lawmakers decided to utilize these funds marked for education and law enforcement instead of sending South Carolina’s money to other states because our citizens would have to pay it back either way.

“After all, the Governor has already taken the necessary steps in accepting 90% of the $8 billion in stimulus money slated for South Carolina. Since Governor Sanford has already signed letters requesting other stimulus funds – such as the $50 million for energy upgrades to buildings he requested months ago – it makes sense to also tap this education and law enforcement money.

“By rejecting only the education and law enforcement portions of the stimulus money coming to South Carolina, Governor Sanford put thousands of teachers’ jobs in jeopardy, threatened the closing of 4 prisons and the release of 3,400 convicted felons.

“The House took the responsible step of overriding this dangerous move. And because of our actions today our students will have teachers in their classrooms, police will remain on the streets and prisoners will stay behind bars. With South Carolinians responsible for the repayment of this money, we owed it to our students, teachers, police officers and citizens to make this responsible decision.”

Rally to Support Palmettovore Movement

Today Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables rallied at the South Carolina State House along with SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh E. Weathers and other state and industry leaders to introduce a new movement, Palmettovore, that encourages South Carolinians to purchase and consume only produce and products grown and processed in South Carolina.

While the name may be new, Palmettovore is a tried and true concept. In other parts of the United States, people who participate in this lifestyle are referred to as Locavores, and their numbers are growing rapidly across the country. While Locavores eat food grown within 100 miles of where they live, Palmettovores have a somewhat more refined geographical preference for Certified SC Grown produce and products from the Palmetto State.

Commissioner Weathers addressed the audience explaining the benefits of eating and buying locally and what it means to be a Palmettovore.

“Eating the Palmettovore way is fresher and healthier, reduces our carbon footprint since food travels a shorter distance, and helps support our local farmers, which contributes to South Carolina’s agribusiness industry and overall economy,” said Weathers. “As the Palmettovore movement grows, it will support sustainable, local food production, processing and distribution networks that reach supermarkets and restaurants statewide.”

Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables were on site carrying signs with slogans such as “Home Grown and Proud” and “Eat Local, Be A Palmettovore”. Spokes-produce of the group, Tom Tomato, took the podium to discuss why they are very concerned about being underemployed due to South Carolinians not choosing to purchase and consume Certified SC Grown produce and products. “We need work. We are tired of being passed over by the people that could help us the most - South Carolinians.” To further their cause, Tom Tomato and his friends are starring in their own documentary that is currently featured on palmettovore.org.

The South Carolina General Assembly offered their support in promoting the Palmettovore movement by passing a resolution proclaiming June ‘Palmettovore Challenge’ month. SC House Representative Joan Brady, (Rep- District 78), resolution sponsor, read the proclamation aloud. During June, South Carolinians are challenged to eat the Palmettovore way and support the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s (SCDA) Certified SC Grown and Fresh on the Menu programs.

“This resolution represents the legislature’s support for the SCDA’s programs and its latest Palmettovore movement, which will hopefully increase awareness for buying and consuming locally grown,” said Representative Brady. As Chair of the Insurance Subcommittee for the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, Brady said she especially understands the important economic impact of Palmettovore Challenge month. “Taking the Palmettovore challenge will allow South Carolinians to support our state’s number one industry of agribusiness and our overall economy.”

During the kick-off event, Steven Cook, owner of Saluda’s restaurant in Columbia, SC, discussed how his restaurant is participating in the Palmettovore movement as a member of SCDA’s Fresh on the Menu program. Fresh on the Menu restaurants incorporate at least 25 percent of Certified SC Grown produce and products into their menu items when in season. Launched in 2008, there are now more than 200 Fresh on the Menu restaurants across the state.

“As a Fresh on the Menu restaurant, we feel that we are contributing to the Palmettovore movement and demonstrating to our customers that they can trust that what they are enjoying is fresher, tastier and grown in South Carolina,” said Cook. “We hope that you will dine at Saluda’s and all Fresh on the Menu restaurants across the state in your efforts to become a Palmettovore and support Certified SC Grown.”

Palmettovore Challenge month will officially begin on June 1st. To learn more about the movement and how you can participate please visit www.palmettovore.org.

The Certified South Carolina initiative was developed and created three years ago by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to brand and promote South Carolina grown produce and products through an exciting cooperative among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants. For more information, please visit www.CertifiedSCGrown.com.