Archive for April, 2009
Barbecue masters want you to try a taste.
During Masters week, Aiken will be home to a different kind of masters’ competition.
The Masters of BBQ Cook-Off and Spring Carnival which will be held at the Aiken Fairgrounds, will open its gates for family entertainment from April 8 through 11.
New additions to the third annual festival include the Memphis Barbecue Network and two new carnival rides. The barbecue cook-off still includes the backyard barbecue challenge along with a newly added Memphis competition where barbecue professionals from around the country will compete, and attendees get to sample the treats.
The four-day festival is packed with activities for all ages. The carnival rides open to the public on April 8 and 9 at 5 p.m. The first two days feature rides, carnival-style vendors and carnival foods such as sausages and funnel cakes, along with a special Memphis Barbecue circuit vendor.
On Friday evening, gates open at 5 p.m. with a Brew and Stew beginning at 7 p.m. During the Brew and Stew, competitors will show off their skills with stews, chili, jambalaya, cajun cuisine and more. Five dollars allows you to sample all the varieties as many times as you like. Attendees will vote for their favorite, and at the end of the evening, a People’s Choice award will be presented. The live music of LoCo will entertain adults in the beer garden while children ride the carnival rides. More Details.
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First time home buyers, tax credit explained!
The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
Full details in a printable document,save and keep;
and printable First-Time Homebuyer Credit forms from the IRS.
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The front nine: Nine daily facts to master the Masters.
By MICHAEL GIBBONS
Managing Editor.
Hole of the Day
#1 — Tea Olive, Par 4, 445 yards
2008 average: 4.245
About the name: The Tea Olive is an Asian native. The evergreen has small white fragrant flowers from December to March, and can grow to 20 feet tall.
On the web:
http://www.ernieels.com/
The gregarious South African golfer has a host of video interviews on his site, including one in which he reveals his “Dream Fourball,” which brings together three very different characters with whom he’d hit the links. Additionally, you can order his signature wines, which he began marketing in 1999 and describes as “big in stature and gentle in character,” much like Els himself.
Weather
Today’s high is expected to be 64 degrees with a low of 58 and a 30 percent chance of rain. Tuesday’s high will be 55 degrees with a low of 31 and no chance of rain.
When and where
Gates are open today at 8 a.m. and close at 6:30 p.m. Several new parking lots off of Berkmans Road will change the parking from years past, eliminating the jaunt down Washington Road. Patrons will be directed by myriad signage, so the most direct route – get on I-20 West and follows the signs and crowds. Tune to WGAC-580 am for traffic information.
Vegas odds
No shock the Vegas is putting Tiger Woods as a 2/1 favorite to win the Green Jackets. The Field (meaning any other golfer besides Tiger) gets 5/2 odds. Padraig Harrington, who was the top dog while Tiger rehabbed from knee surgery, is pulling 5/1 odds. Phil Mickelson (10/1) and Sergio Garcie (15/1) are the only other golfers south of the 20/1 mark. Current Green Jacket holder Trevor Immelman is at 50/1 odds, just one stop from the lowest odds, the 60/1 being given to Chad Campbell, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Kenny Perry.
eBay
Looking for a badge for the actual tournament? Get in on the bidding now. But, as of presstime, the lowest rate for one badge was around $1,600 for a Thursday-Sunday pass under the Buy It Now option.
Not going?
Put the ball in the hole at lunchtime. But skip the golf. Head to City Billiards on Richland Avenue and sink a few racks. And while you’re there, make sure you belly up to the bar for a slaw dog and a root beer.
What not to bring
Cell phones (and beepers and pagers) are big no-nos at Augusta National. Cameras are allowed during practice rounds, but are prohibited during the tournament. Other items to leave at home:
* Bags, backpacks, purses, packages (Personal bags/belt bags/purses no larger than 10″W x 5″H x 5″D are allowed)
* Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Beverage containers/coolers
* Flags/banners/signs
* Folding armchairs/rigid type chairs or stools
* Ladders/periscopes
* Radios/TVs/Tape recorders
* Strollers
* Walkie-talkies
Merchandise
A few publications and the official Masters movie are available at masters.com. However, if you’re looking for that hat, shirt, belt or golf towel, there is only one place: At the Masters. And unlike last year, there will be no vendors outside of the National. If you’re not going and want an official shirt, you’ll need to find a buddy who is.
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First-time Buyers Drive February Sales.
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Existing-home sales increased in February, reversing losses in January, according to the latest report by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. However, sales activity remains relatively soft, reflecting additional layoffs and buyers waiting for housing provisions in the economic stimulus package to take effect, according to NAR.
Existing-home sales— including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops—rose 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.72 million units in February from a pace of 4.49 million units in January. Existing-home sales are 4.6 percent below the 4.95 million-unit level in February 2008. Seasonal adjustment factors are more volatile in winter months, but sales rates over the past few months show dampened sales activity, according to NAR.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says first-time buyers accounted for half of all home sales last month, with activity concentrated in lower price ranges. Full Story.
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Home price drops set records in January.
By ALAN ZIBEL,Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Home prices sank by the sharpest annual rate on record in January, and the pace continues to accelerate, but there were a handful battered metro areas where price declines slowed, according to data released Tuesday.
The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 major cities tumbled by a record 19 percent from January 2008. It was the largest decline since the index started in 2000. The 10-city index dropped 19.4 percent, also a new record.
All 20 cities in the report showed monthly and annual price declines, with 13 posting new annual records. Prices dropped by more than 10 percent in 14 cities.
“There are very few bright spots that one can see in the data,” David Blitzer, chairman of S&P’s index committee, said in a prepared statement. “Most of the nation appears to remain on a downward path.”
But in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington D.C. — areas all ravaged by foreclosures — annual price declines eased.
Six cities, including Minneapolis, Charlotte, Seattle and New York, showed smaller price declines in January compared to December.
Faring the best were Dallas, Denver and Cleveland with annual price declines around 5 percent in January.
Last week, the National Association of Realtors said sales of previously occupied homes unexpectedly jumped in February by the largest amount in nearly six years as first-time buyers took advantage of deep discounts on foreclosures and other distressed properties, the National Association of Realtors said last week. Some economists say that could help moderate declines.
“We still think there is a good chance the rate of (price) decline will slow through the spring as existing home sales stabilize and perhaps pick up a bit, but foreclosures are weighing heavily on prices,” wrote Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.
Prices in the 20-city index have plummeted 29 percent from their peak in summer 2006, while the 10-city index has fallen 30 percent. Prices have sunk back to levels not seen since late 2003.
To provide some relief, Congress in February passed a new $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and President Barack Obama is directing $75 billion to a new foreclosure prevention plan.
But the success of those efforts could well depend on how far the U.S. economy falls. While sales are showing some signs of stabilization, some economists expect prices to keep falling for the rest of this year — and maybe even longer.
“We continue to believe that it is unlikely that we are anywhere near a bottom in nationwide home prices,” wrote Joshua Shapiro, chief economist at MFR Inc.
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Masters business still strong.
The biggest week for the area’s hospitality industry is here, and it’s looking OK despite worries that the sagging economy would keep people at home.
It probably won’t be the boon of past years, but hotel and restaurant managers are still expecting Masters Week to be their best of the year. And golf course managers say it’s down but still should be a good week.
The difference is corporations and groups; there aren’t as many booking blocks of rooms and tee times. So managers are changing their strategies and working harder to get the business.
The Masters Tournament begins next week. On Monday the three days of practice rounds begin, and the four-day tournament starts Thursday.
Those days attract thousands of money-spending golf fans ready to have fun and take in the thrill of being a part of what many consider the greatest golf tournament in world.
A few hotels had major cancellations, but they’re slowly filling those rooms with individuals, managers said.
In previous years, there has been one corporation that reserved the entire Willcox Inn, said Tina McCarthy, general manager. This year it’s all individuals.
The inn is almost full for the whole week, she said.
At the Hotel Aiken, there were a few group cancellations, but this week they’ve gotten many calls and expect to be full for the week, said Peggy Greer-Buyers.Full Story.
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ADDA to sponsor Hole-in-One Days!
The Augusta National won’t be the only place you will find golfers during Masters Week.
Carla Cloud, executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association, said downtown retailers are hoping to bring the excitement of Masters Week downtown April 6-11 with an event called “Hole-in-One Days.”
The event is aimed to draw shoppers in by bringing the week’s golfing theme downtown.
Several stores will have putting greens set up for shoppers to try their hand at making a hole-in-one. The reward: discounts or gifts, according to Cloud.
“We realized that not everyone has an opportunity to attend the Masters Tournament. And we know there are a lot of wives who are looking for something to do while ‘hubby’ is on the golf course. So we decided to offer some fun alternatives for everyone,” Cloud said in a release.
Shoppers at Plum Pudding will qualify for free shipping with a hole-in-one shot, while Carriage House Inn will offer customers a taste of “Southern goodies.”
Shoppers at Chris’ Camera Center will be eligible to win a free 8-by-10 collage with up to 15 pictures.
Several stores will also be tax-free during the week. Signs will be placed outside those stores so that they are easily identified by shoppers.
On Thursday, April 9, the ADDA will hold its quarterly Downtown After Six event; this one will be called “Par-Tee in Downtown Aiken.”
During “Par-Tee,” shops will stay open late, and entertainers will perform throughout downtown beginning at 6 p.m.
A complete list of participating businesses, their incentives and a schedule of events can be viewed at a special website which has been constructed for the week – aikendayout.com.
For more information, contact the ADDA office at 649-2221.
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How will SRS funds power up our economy?
J. David Jameson, president and CEO of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, joked that when the stimulus money came, he would don a Paul Revere outfit, borrow a horse and ride through Aiken shouting, “The recession is over! The recession is over!”
While he has yet to come through on his colonial contract, Jameson does see the money having direct impact in the very near future.
“I do think that this is a turning point for this community. Every business won’t be affected in the same way, but lots of businesses will be affected,” he said.
Jameson said that although Aiken has not been hammered as brutally as some other parts of the country, the infusion will certainly be beneficial.
“I think that this will be a great cushion to our current economic condition. With a new $1.6 billion being spent here in the next 30 months, some good percentage of it will stick within our community,” he said.
He said that whether the jobs are filled with people currently in Aiken or people moving here, it will have clearly measurable impact.
“It will have impact on this community because it will create new spending,” he said.
Jameson cautioned that the optimism should not be unbridled and that there still needed to be an eye toward fiscal responsibility with business owners willing to take risks, albeit calculated ones.
“I don’t think they can anticipate that this is the start of something that will be here for ever and ever, because that would be incorrect. But it may be that the national economy catches up with where our economy is going to be,” he said.
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET
Kristyne Blake, association executive for the Aiken Board of Realtors, is encouraged by the news of the stimulus funds. Ideally, she said, many of the new jobs would go to people already in Aiken, which could lead to home upgrades. New, long-term positions filled by people moving into the area would also benefit the housing market, while short-term contract labor could benefit rental properties. Blake said the Aiken market has fared better than most since the downturn, with home prices dropping a mere 3.9 percent, compared to the 10 percent drop statewide.
“Aiken did see an increase during the housing boom, of course, but our housing prices have not plummeted,” she said.
She also hoped the news would lead more first-time buyers to start shopping, in particular in light of the new $8,000 federal tax credit available for first time buyers.
“That’s a wonderful program,” she said.
Blake added that the sense of recovery has been building of late, and this latest news only helps.
“In the last couple of months, there is a sense of optimism that it is getting better,” she said. Full Story.
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Riders successful in Show in the Woods
Several riders enjoyed success the opening day of the 93rd edition of the Aiken Horse Show in the Hitchcock Woods.
Jane McDonald MacLeod and Casey Hodges’ Capitol Z, whose barn name is Henry, won the $1,000 Aiken Horse Show Open Hunter Classic and also placed first in one of the Open Hunter Over Fences divisions.
“It was quite an achievement because I just started riding him Tuesday,” said MacLeod. “He’s an 8-year-old Holsteiner who was imported from Belgium. I’ve hunted him a few times, and he’s done hunter and show jumping classes. I’ve hunted him and dragged him once. I’ve also taken him cross country schooling.”
Daybreak Farm’s Stephanie Von Bidder picked up where she left off last year with The Senator on Friday. The two teamed to win the Corey Family Trophy as the 2008 Open Hunter Champion and won the Open Hunter Under Saddle Class on Friday.
“He was here last year and did really well,” said Von Bidder. “We sold him to a gal from Connecticut, and she’s been showing him all year in the adults (classes), and he did really well. He’s back with me for a little while.”
This is the third Aiken Horse Show in the Woods for Von Bidder. The show’s unique qualities make the event fun, she said.
“It’s different, and it’s in a really beautiful setting,” said Von Bidder. “It sort of draws back to the hunter derbies that they’re now doing at the horse shows. It’s a lot of fun. I’m doing five classes today, and I have my kids going tomorrow – Haley Anderson and her brother Crawford, and they’re going to do the Junior divisions.”
Taylor Myers had a busy day, showing in seven classes and will show in one of the Ladies Sidesaddle classes today. It will be a challenge for Myers who hasn’t ridden sidesaddle in more then two decades.
Myers placed eighth in the 2009 Carolina District Field Hunter Championships in Rougemont, N.C., which was hosted by the Red Mountain Hounds. Myers will be competing in the family class. Her daughters competed Friday, and her husband will compete today.
In addition to the family class, the children’s classes, Sidesaddle classes and Junior classes will be today.
“I was representing the Aiken Hounds, and my dear friend, the Aiken Hounds joint Master of Fox Hounds Lellie Ward, accompanied me,” said Myers. “It was really fun. There were three phases, a flat phase, a live hunt from their kennels (two hours of live hunting), and there were 13 obstacles that we jumped, fences, and I had to open and close a gate while I was mounted on the horse. Lellie got me ready for the event.”
Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.
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Survey: Households Say Now Good Time to Buy.
More than three-quarters (78 percent) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy.
Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68 percent think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.
Prices are the driving motivation for potential first-time home buyers with more than eight of ten first-time home buyers (85 percent) saying they consider current home prices affordable and 73 percent citing that taking advantage of current prices is a major factor in their decision to buy.
Interestingly, potential first-time buyers are still split between “being willing to consider an offer now” (42 percent) and “waiting for prices to go down before they seriously consider making a purchase” (48 percent).
“Current pricing, rates and incentives, such as the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, provide tremendous opportunities for first-time home buyers to get into the market,” said Tom Kunz, Century 21 Real Estate president and CEO. “Our research shows that while consumers still have concerns about the future of the economy, many are actively considering their options as we move into the spring selling season.”
Among the survey’s other key findings:
* Bargains in the marketplace are providing additional options for buyers to consider. 56 percent of potential first-time home buyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed or short sale home, and 63 percent are open to purchasing either a “fixer-upper” or “as-is” home.
* When asked to rate the features that they look for when choosing a home, price is the primary consideration with 87 percent saying this feature is “very important,” followed closely by neighborhood safety (80 percent) and the condition of the home (71 percent).
* Having enough money for a down payment is a top concern of potential first-time home buyers as nearly half (46 percent) said they are “very worried” about the issue.
* Most respondents (86 percent) are in the market for single family homes.
Source: Century 21
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Aiken Horse Show of the Woods celebrates 93 years.
The 93rd edition of the Aiken Horse Show of the Woods starts today in Hitchcock Woods and will feature a strong field of exhibitors and horses competing in a variety of classes.
The mission statement of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, part of which is to manage and maintain traditional and historic equestrian and pedestrian uses of the Woods. By hosting the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods year after year, the foundation is actually being true to its mission, said Doug Rabold, executive director.
In addition to managing the Woods, part of the mission of the foundation is to sustain the cultural and traditional uses of the Woods, with one of the those being the Aiken Horse Show, he said.
“The Hitchcock Woods Foundation was established in 1939, so the Hitchcock Woods became a resource open to the whole community 70 years ago,” said Rabold. “This event is in its 93rd year, so it is older as a community tradition than the Woods is as a community resource. For a while, the foundation considered the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods a fundraiser for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, and it does, in fact, generate income for us. It’s been an event that has been treasured by generations by people who have lived or visited Aiken over the years. We’re very committed to keeping it going well into the future.”
Aiken Horse Show of the Woods Director Gail King and Assistant Director Linda Knox McLean have worked to make sure exhibitors and spectators have an enjoyable and safe experience at the event this weekend, one that upholds the legacy of Louise Eustis Hitchcock and the Hitchcock family.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully what will be a nice weather weekend,” said King. “The ring looks beautiful. Cold Creek Nurseries provides the plants and flowers. It looks stunning.”
For more information about the Aiken Horse Show of the Woods, visit www.aikenhorseshow.org, or call 642-0528.
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Buy plants, support AHS’ FFA program.
Plan to get to the Farmers Market early Saturday for the Aiken High School FFA Plant Sale.
Students will be there bright and early at 7:30 a.m. to help customers pick out vegetables, herbs and ornamentals to take home, and lines usually form quickly.
“I hope we have a line,” said Aiken High agriculture teacher Meghan Wood with a grin.
Most plants began as tiny seeds in the high school’s greenhouses and have grown under the careful guidance of FFA students.
“They take care of everything,” Wood said. “They plant, fertilize and water. We planted at the end of January, middle of February. FFA officers take a lot of pride in it because they put so much effort and time into it.”
Proceeds from the sale will benefit student leadership, greenhouse experiences and greenhouse maintenance. More Details.
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Tour to look at Hitchcock Woods
In keeping with tradition, tours of Hitchcock Woods will be offered during the 93rd annual Aiken Horse Show this weekend.
Douglas Rabold, executive director of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, said those interested in learning more about the trees and wildflowers in Hitchcock Woods are invited to take part in the tours, which will be held beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“The Hitchcock Woods Foundation hopes to raise awareness of the benefits that a healthy forest brings to this community and its economy,” said Rabold. “This tour highlights a few of the giant trees of the Hitchcock Woods and provides an opportunity to learn about relationships of the flora and the fauna of the Hitchcock Woods.”
While Rabold said tours of the forest are offered annually, they are typically different types of tours each year.
The tours will be conducted by Dr. Harry Shealy, a biology professor at USC Aiken and a trustee of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation.
Dr. Ken Perrine, the author of an article featured in the Aiken Horse Show program called, “The Giants of the Forest,” will also help conduct the tours.
There is no charge for the walks. Visitors will depart from the Show Ring in the Woods at 2 p.m. Those planning to attend may pay $10 per carload to drive to the Show Ring or can walk for free.
The Aiken Horse Show kicks off Friday and will continue through Sunday.
For more information about the event, call 642-0528 or visit www.aikenhorseshow.org or www.hitchcockwoods.org.
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FBI Sting: 24 Caught in Mortgage Loan Fraud.Update!
An undercover FBI sting netted 24 people in the Chicagoland area, accusing them of mail and wire fraud that helped straw buyers get $4.2 million in home mortgages.
Among those charged were mortgage brokers, loan officers, loan processors, attorneys, property appraisers, accountants, and a banker. It’s possible that each could be facing prison terms as long as 20 years.
“We want to send a message to people that, if they think they can get $150,000 out of a bank by committing mortgage fraud, and they think that’s easy money, our view is they may be walking into a criminal case,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney in Chicago who announced the indictments.
In nine of the cases, the straw buyers were actually undercover investigators and there was no financial loss. In the tenth case, the loans caused losses in excess of $1.1 million.
“We will not stand by while [some] exploit the financial system for their personal gain,” Robert Grant, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago office, told a news conference.
Source: The Associated Press, Mike Robinson (03/25/2009)
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Horse show showcases Hitchcock Woods.
The 93rd edition of the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods will be held April 3-5 and will once again showcase one of Aiken’s treasures – Hitchcock Woods.
The event has a dual purpose; in addition to featuring outstanding horses and horsemen in an idyllic setting, the show serves as a fundraiser for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, which owns, manages and maintains the 2,100 acres that compose one of Aiken’s most unique resources. The Hitchcock Woods Fo undation is a private, not-for-profit organization.
It’s an event steeped in rich tradition, and spectators will have a chance to enjoy a horse show that has retained its charm and character, evoking images of years past as the exhibitors pay homage to the powerful legacy left by Louise Eustis Hitchcock.
The Aiken Horse Show in the Woods’ director is Gail Balding King, and the assistant director is Linda Knox McLean. This year’s show’s honorary chairmen will be Molly and Peter Gray.
More Details.
Good News for Aiken County!
Federal stimulus plan to bring $1.615 billion, 3,000 jobs to Savannah River Site.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Tuesday that the Savannah River Site (SRS) will receive $1.615 billion in stimulus funds to accelerate decommissioning work and create as many as 3,000 jobs.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to safely and efficiently create jobs,” said Helen Belencan, Recovery Act project manager for DOE – Savannah River. “We have been given the public’s trust to use the money wisely … and with transparency.”
The projects will accelerate decommissioning of nuclear facilities and contaminated areas throughout the Site, including in-place decommissioning of two nuclear materials production reactors.
Jobs financed with stimulus dollars are also aimed at early completion of clean-up programs and reducing the Site’s protected area by 40 percent, or 79,000 acres, by September 2011.
“These investments will put Americans to work while cleaning up contamination from the Cold War era,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “It reflects our commitment to future generations as well as to help local economies get moving again.”
As well as providing employment, the effort looks to significantly reduce environmental threats and reduce the life cycle costs of these projects.
Eliminating 90 percent of plutonium-238 means significantly reducing risk to Site workers, according to DOE. Full Story.
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More things to do in Aiken SC!
Rock wall to pick up sessions today
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department’s rock climbing wall will officially open today.
The wall-climbing sessions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week to people age 3 or older. To participate in climbing sessions, register at the front desk at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center.
For more information, call 642-7631.
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Golf outing nets funds for Red Cross.
It was fun for a good cause Monday afternoon as student golfers gathered at Houndslake Country Club for the Aiken County Chapter of the American Red Cross’ third annual Heroes Golf Outing.
Nine golf teams from Augusta to Williston participated in the event which raises money for Aiken Red Cross, according to Don Cheeks, a board member for the organization.
“The afternoon has been excellent; we had a great turnout, and there has been some beautiful weather,” said Cheeks.
Suzanne Jackson, executive director of the Aiken Red Cross, said the money goes to support local disaster relief efforts.
“The money is being raised by the community for the community,” she said.
Earlier this month, Aiken Red Cross kicked off its Heroes campaign, a major fundraiser for the organization. Full Story.
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Dreyfuss calls attention to most endangered battlefields.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfuss visited the nation’s capital on Wednesday to call attention to the most endangered Civil War battlefields.
The actor joined the Civil War Preservation Trust as the group released its annual report on 10 battlefields that it says are deteriorating due to neglect, land development and other threats.
At a news conference, Dreyfuss said his interest in preserving Civil War battlefields grew out of his love for history and the significance of the war.
“We are the consequences of that war and the more we know about our past, the better,” said Dreyfuss, who won an Academy Award for “The Goodbye Girl” and also portrayed Vice President Dick Cheney in Oliver Stone’s “W.”
The Washington-based preservation group issues the “History Under Siege” report annually. The sites on this year’s list include Gettysburg, Pa.; South Mountain and Monocacy in Maryland; Cedar Creek, New Market Heights, and Wilderness in Virginia; Fort Gaines, Ala.; Port Gibson, Miss.; Sabine Pass, Texas; and Spring Hill, Tenn. More details
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