Local Radar

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Leadership Edgefield County learns about county
web posted June 26, 2006

BELOW: Seated front row: Left to Right
Ben Herlong, Donna Livingston, Sherry Holmes, Crystal Arnold,
Veronica Brownlee

Standing: Left to Right
Randy Williams, Kelly Sanders, Candi Lalonde, Frances Quarles, Lena Baker
Absent from picture: John Timmerman, Charlotte Cheatham
JOHNSTON –  Leadership Edgefield County, a group of 12 participants, gathered together once a month, from October until April, to learn about Edgefield County. We began with a retreat held at the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce to determine our personal DISC dimensions of behavior. Leaders from Clemson Extension Service showed us communication skills and explained what leadership is.

From the retreat we ventured out into the county to see how different entities are run. We began our journey with Mayor Bob McKie, explaining the workings of town government. He gave us a brief description of the history of the town, budget proceedings, and how everyday operations are run. We then moved to County Council chambers and watched the happenings of council at their monthly meeting.

Our next meeting was led by Fred Humes and Robert Long of Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership. They set up two tours for us. The first one at Milliken & Company in Johnston, SC and the other one at Urban Outfitters in Trenton, SC. Some employees of the Department of Commerce met us at Urban Outfitters and showed us a power point presentation of what the Commerce Department does.

Next we met with Dr. Sharon Keesley and Sandra Friar of the Edgefield County School District for a slide show presentation and we were given facts on the school district. From this point we took a tour of Strom Thurmond High School with Principal Greg Thompson. We toured all facets of the school and were shown all parts of the school (classrooms, lunchroom, gym, & library). We then moved to the Career Center where Dr. Carroll Wates continued giving us all the facets and opportunities of the career center. After his presentation we toured onward to Piedmont Technical College-Edgefield Center, where Director Sherry Holmes, gave us important information on services available at Piedmont Tech. She then gave us a tour of the center and its classrooms.

Our next meeting collaborated at the Edgefield County Hospital. Dr. Hugh Morgan, Chief of Staff, and Mr. Sam Gregory gave us an informative talk on the hospital and its many services. He explained the workings of the hospital, from the new and expanded ER to all the services now available to the public. We then toured the facility to see for ourselves the workings of staff and employees of the hospital.

Our next adventure took us to the Edgefield County Courthouse where we met Captain Chris Wash of the Edgefield County Sherriff s Office. He explained the procedures of bring persons to the courthouse for testifying. He along with Deputy Rushton gave us a demonstration using the drug dog. He gave us a brief summary of the workings of the Sheriffs department. He explained the different areas the deputies are involved with. Captain Wash then took us to the Sheriffs headquarters where he gave us a tour of the communications command center, the booking area, and the outside doors to the jail.

At most of our meetings delicious food was provided by various businesses. Hostess for these meeting where very generous, informative, and gave us some great information to become leaders in our community.

Our Leadership Edgefield County class closed with recognition for all participants and a delicious meal by Wade's Southern Suppers. The class came away with great knowledge of what it means to be a great leader.

Many thanks go out to those individuals and businesses that put on programs for our class. We appreciate your time and talents you gave us. Thanks also to our leader, Mr. Ernie Church, for getting us started on our trip to great leadership roles.

Class Members: Veronica Brownlee, Lena Baker, Crystal Arnold, Charlotte Cheatham, John Timmerman, Kelly Sanders, Randy Williams, Sherry Holmes, Ben Herlong, Candi Lalonde, Frances Quarles, and Donna Livingston



 

 

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