My house plants and I are in a dysfunctional relationship where I forget to water them and they forget to live.

It’s not my fault I think all of them are succulents. People should stop giving me flowers on the assumption I’ll take care of them.

I can barely take care of the succulents. They need to be watered once a month, and I end up thinking they’re plastic. Then I wonder why they look so shriveled after a few weeks.

I should really get more plastic flowers. But I end up thinking they’re real, so I water them anyway. Then I get wet patches on my desk and windowsill.

Go figure. Some days you just can’t win.

Flowers are a good thing to have around the house. They make things look bright and cheerful.

Since my room resembles an underground cavern, a few spots of color are definitely needed.

Plus, plants are supposed to improve air quality. I don’t know how to measure that, living in my underground cavern, but I suppose it’s true.

The type of plant that becomes a house plant ought to go through a proper selection process.

Can it thrive in bad lighting? Check.

Can it look perky when it hasn’t drunk anything for 24 hours? Check.

Can it add joy to the lives of everyone around it? Check.

Any plant that can do that isn’t just a house plant. It’s ready to be a human being.

Of course, with house plants, not all are created equal.

Take the Tradescantia zebrina. Its lovely green and purple leaves may make you think that it’s an excellent candidate for placement on your desk.

Do not be fooled. It grows. And grows and grows. And soon, your desk is no longer yours, but is wrapped in the tentacles of a green and purple monster.

Or try the humble cactus. Sure, it looks cute, but one day (and this is guaranteed) you’ll forget the needles on it are pointy, and you’ll impale yourself trying to get a smidgen of dust off of it.

Consider then the orchid. If you think you’ll get to enjoy gorgeous white or purple flowers, think again.

My orchids never flower. They don’t even have a whisper of a thought about flowering. And finally, when I chuck ‘em in the trash, then that’s when they choose to bloom, right on top of the garbage heap.

Then the second I take them out, poof! They stop showing off and start looking like something the cat dragged in.

True, flowers aren’t for everyone. Some people are fine with having apartments where the most organic thing in them is the spinach in the fridge.

In my fridge, even the spinach wilts. In my entire house, anything green and organic just dies.

Though I may have plastic plants, I have to say: I draw the line at eating plastic food.

Do you remember as a child wishing you could stay up late like the grown-ups? Many of us finally got that privilege as adults—and then discovered we were too busy working, raising families, or managing daily life to get enough sleep. Unfortunately, our culture has long undervalued sleep, and we’re paying the price when it comes to our long game—the goal of living a long, satisfying, and productive life.

Sleep is essential, not optional. It’s well proven that humans can’t survive long without it. Yet as a lifestyle ingredient we can largely control, sleep is often overlooked. Adequate sleep supports brain health, emotional balance, physical performance, and longevity. In the short term, lack of sleep leads to more accidents, poor concentration, and emotional ups and downs. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of colds, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even some cancers.

We all have reasons—or excuses—for skipping sleep. The most common I hear from patients is simply that they don’t want to “lose” more than seven hours of their 24-hour day to rest. Yet adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to function at their best. Surprisingly, many people don’t even have a scheduled bedtime. Getting enough sleep reduces indecision, sharpens focus, and improves efficiency—so in reality, you gain time back by functioning better when you’re well-rested.

Optimizing Your Sleep Environment

Several factors can interfere with restful sleep. One is your environment. The ideal bedroom is dark, quiet, and slightly cool—around 65°F for most people. Cool hands and feet can also help your body transition into sleep. White noise or a fan can mask background sounds if needed.

Artificial light has been another growing challenge since the invention of indoor lighting, and even more so with today’s screens. The blue light from phones, tablets, and televisions signals the brain to stay awake. Turning off screens at least an hour before bed can make a noticeable difference.

Quieting a Restless Mind

Many people also struggle with racing thoughts at night. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia has strong evidence for helping retrain the mind and body for sleep. One simple version of this is to keep a “worry journal” by your bed—write down what’s on your mind, then allow yourself to release it. Breathing exercises and gentle relaxation practices can also reset your nervous system into “rest mode.”

How Food and Drink Affect Sleep

Evening snacks and beverages can influence your sleep more than you might think. Sweets or ice cream before bed can trigger digestion and reflux, leading to disrupted sleep or nighttime

awakenings. Caffeine and alcohol are two other major culprits—caffeine is a stimulant, and alcohol fragments sleep, even if it helps you fall asleep initially.

My Top Recommendations for Better Sleep

1. Allow at least eight hours in bed each night so you can achieve seven or more hours of sleep. Plan for a scheduled bedtime and wake-up time.

2. Wind down for an hour before bed—no screens or stimulating activity.

3. Avoid caffeine after noon and limit alcohol, especially within four hours of bedtime.

4. Support your natural rhythms. Morning sunlight exposure—even ten minutes outside—helps regulate melatonin production.

5. Keep your sleep space cool, dark, and quiet. Consider blackout curtains, fans, or white noise if needed.

6. Avoid late, heavy meals, especially fatty foods that can cause reflux or digestive issues.

7. If you snore or feel excessively tired despite sleeping eight hours, talk to your doctor about sleep disorders or medications that could be interfering.

8. Choose smart bedtime snacks, if needed. Options like tart cherry juice (a natural source of melatonin), almonds and pumpkin seeds (quick sources of magnesium), or warm oatmeal can support sleep. Herbal teas such as chamomile or lemon balm are also naturally calming.

Sleep is not wasted time—it’s an investment in your physical and mental well-being. Prioritizing it is one of the most powerful ways to improve your health, performance, and happiness at every age.

PICKENS COUNTY — Early Voting for the Town of Central, City of Easley, City of Liberty, Town of Norris, City of Pickens, and Town of Six Mile 2025 Municipal Elections began on Oct. 20 and will end on Oct. 31.

Early Voting is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Pickens County Voter Registration and Elections Office, 222 McDaniel Avenue, B9, Pickens, SC, 29671.

Curbside voting for those who qualify will be provided during early voting and at all polling locations on Election Day, officials said.

Central

Ken Dill is running unopposed for mayor, and four people are vying for three empty seats on the town council including Doug Barry, Daniel Evatt, Robert C. Griffin, Sara Paige Hudson Bowers.

Easley

Eric Goodwin is running unopposed for Easley Combined Utilities Commissioner. As far as city council, Denise Gasque Davidson and April Searcy have both tossed their hats in for Ward 2, Chris Clark and David R. Jones are stumping for the seat representing Ward 4, and Bob Fedder and Hilary Koster are facing off for Ward 6.

Liberty

While Andrea Wagner and Erica Romo Woods are squaring off for the mayor’s chair, the available council seat races are all unopposed. Barring any write-in upsets, expect Jon D. Humphrey to take the at large seat, Mikail Cantley to land Ward 1, Gerald Wilson to snag Ward 2, William Bo Cooley to take Ward 3.

Norris

With two seats to fill on the Norris Town Council, one person is going home empty-handed. Brian Cook, Danielle M. Harris and Jean M. Shankweiler will appear on the ballot.

Pickens

No mayoral race this year, but seven people have registered to run for one of the three available seats on Pickens City Council: Danny Adams, Jonathan Baldo Baker, Jeff Derrick, Youssef Kobach, John McManus, Jessica Merril, and Cameron Rivers.

Six Mile

No surprises here; with two seats available — and two candidates on the ballot — the town council seats will most likely go to Christopher King and Judy Shaw.

Every person wishing to vote in this election must be registered on the County Books of Registration, as an elector and a resident of the municipality, 30 days prior to the date of election.

If a runoff election is held on Nov. 18, 2025, early voting for the runoff election(s) will be held at the same location, Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 12—14, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Registered voters will be asked to provide one of the following photo IDs at their polling place:

• S.C. Driver’s License

• ID Card issued by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles

• S.C. Voter Registration Card with Photo

• Federal Military ID

• U.S. Passport

If you have one of these IDs, you are ready to vote. Voters should remember to bring one of these IDs with them to the polling place. Voters without photo ID can get one free of charge from the Department of Motor Vehicles or their county voter registration office. Voters who encounter an obstacle to getting a photo ID should bring their paper voter registration card without a photo with them to their polling place. These voters can then sign an affidavit swearing to their identity and to their obstacle to obtaining a photo ID and vote a provisional ballot. This ballot will count unless the county board of voter registration and elections has grounds to believe the affidavit is false.

For more information on photo ID, visit SCVotes.gov or contact your county board of voter registration and elections.

At 9 a.m. on November 3, 2025, the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections will begin its examination of the absentee outer envelope, and at 9 a.m. on November 4, 2025, will begin its examination of the inner envelopes in the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Pickens County Office inside the Pickens County Administration Facility.

At 10 a.m. on November 5, 2025, the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Pickens County will conduct a routine Hand-Count Audit to ensure the number of ballots cast and the number of votes cast for a particular candidate were accurately recorded by the tabulation device.

At 3 p.m. on November 6, 2025, the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Pickens County serving as the County Board of Canvassers will hold a hearing to determine the validity of all provisional ballots cast in this election. This hearing will be held in the Conference Room inside the Pickens County Administration Facility.

If a runoff election is held on Nov. 18, 2025, the Pickens County Board of Canvassers will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. to determine the validity of all provisional ballots cast in the runoff election.

For more information concerning this municipal election, please contact The Pickens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 864-898-5948.

EASLEY — Mark your calendar! The Veterans Day Parade will be held be held in downtown Easley next month (Nov. 9) — instead of Liberty.

“When Walt (Carter) came to us and asked if we would be interested in hosting it, that was something we feel very passionate about,” said Christman Short, the City of Easley Director of Parks and Recreation. “I would encourage all of our city residents, residents of Pickens County and beyond, to be part of this wonderful day to celebrate those individuals who thankfully came home and to remember the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s close to my family and I come from a military background. It’s an honor to be able to support and celebrate those individuals.”

Short went on to say to be sure to get there early to the parade for a good seat, and there will be a couple of “surprises” with the local fire trucks and the big U.S. Flag.

Carter, the former Post 52 Commander, has helped spearhead this project.

“The last couple of years, Easley has said that they were interested in hosting the (Veterans Day) Parade but it was being held in Liberty,” Carter said. “I’d love for it to be a Pickens County Parade and for it to be in Liberty, Pickens, Easley, etc … but you have to have somebody to host it. Because Easley has expressed an interest and we are trying to make it bigger and better — we felt Easley would be a good place with Post 52.”

Helping lead the Veterans Day Parade will be the Easley High School Color Guard, led by Shawn Simeral who is the Senior Naval Science Instructor at EHS. The Green Wave students leading the charge in the parade will be: Emmarie Ward, Mae Hodges, Ayden Russell and Damon Revelle.

Riding on a float? You gotta be kidding me … on deadline, I just heard that the Post 52 Honor Guard is going to be riding on a float in the Veterans Day Parade. I can see it now — Rick Stover will be kicking back on a brand-new recliner (or couch) from Sit & Sleep Upstate in Easley on a highly-decorated float, feet propped up and waving to everybody with a big cheesy grin on his face.

Just joking. I told Rick one thing: “Just remember the small people in the world.”

But seriously, this Post 52 Honor Guard has really gone beyond the call of duty. They did 30 to 35 events in 2024 and they’ve done at least 30 events already in 2025. Stover is a natural leader — he retired after 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a Deep Sea Diver (with the rank of Chief) and then he served 20 years as a firefighter and retired after 20 years as a Captain. In the late 1980s, Rick was into powerlifting and was benching 385 pounds and squatting 475.They deserve to ride in that float and I hope a ton of local residents show up for the Veterans Day Parade.

“Rick has really stepped up with our Honor Guard and given us some good training,” said Gary Hinton, the Post 52 Commander. “He and Richard Mintz work together as a team. They practice every week and — if they are available — they’ll be there. Just give them a phone call.”

Added Rick, about helping lead the Honor Guard, ”We are kind of the face of the post, but we are just one small part.”

The 9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner (this will be FREE) will also be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Golden Creek Baptist Church in Liberty.

Upstate Warrior Solution: Last Saturday, on a bright and sunny day in Powdersville, Robinson Funeral Home raised $3,241 for Upstate Warrior Solution at a top-notch car show. Mike and Robbie Holland (from Belton) won the Best of Show and Peoples Choice Awards with their 1961 “Bubble Top” Chevy Impala.

“Upstate Warrior Solution is really grateful to the Robinson family and team at Robinson Funer Home and Memorial Gardens for all of the time and energy they put into ‘Driven to Serve,’ said Ali Marshall, of Upstate Warrior Solution. “It was a great day and we are thankful to everyone from the community who showed their cars and came out to support the event.”

EVENTS HOTLINE: If you plan to attend the Veterans Day Parade or would like additional information, you can call (864-810-7612).

Commented Carter, about the Events Hotline, “If you call it, you are going to get a voice message more than likely. I don’t have anyone monitoring it 100 percent of the time. Leave your information — if you are planning to come to the dinner — we would need to know who you are and how many people.”

Stanley Morgan is in a number of Hall of Fames for his illustrious football career - Easley High School, the University of Tennessee, the New England Patriots and the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame.

But one more HOF needs to be added to the list … the National Football League’s Hall of Fame.

“You just have to look at my numbers,” said Morgan, 70. “My numbers are better than a lot of them already in the Hall of Fame. I think if I would have put those numbers up for a team that was always on TV - like the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers - than I would have gone in on my first go around. New England wasn’t on TV. The people voting hadn’t heard of New England (from the late 1970s and 1980s). Massachusetts was the only place they were popular. New England didn’t really become famous until 2000.”

Morgan, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro, was named to the New England Patriots 1970s and 1980s All Decade Teams. He still holds the NFL record for (among receivers with at least 500 catches) with a 19.2 yards per catch average, and he still holds the Patriots team record for total receiving yards in a career. He led the NFL in yards per reception in 1979, 1980 and 1981.

Growing up in Easley, Morgan’s nickname was “The Roadrunner” for his breakaway speed and his ability to find the end zone. “It was a nickname I had in high school,” he said. “Whoever wrote it (The Roadrunner) in the newspaper … it just stuck.”

Morgan helped lead Easley High School’s football team to a state championship in 1973, scoring the lone touchdown for the Green Wave in the state championship game in a 7-6 win over Lower Richland.

Morgan went on to star at the University of Tennessee, making the switch on offense from running back to wide receiver. He said he felt that he was too small to be a running back in college at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. While at Tennessee, he set the record for all-purpose yards with 4,642.

That’s when he got a new nickname emerged of “Stanley the Steamer” for his quickness. “I got it (the nickname) in college and it rolled over to the NFL,” he said. “I just woke up one day and I was Stanley the Steamer.”

Stanley said he’ll always remember the two wins at Tennessee when they defeated Clemson University. “We had a lot of people drive up from Easley to see the Clemson games,” he said. “It was always good to see everyone.”

Stanley also met his college sweetheart (Rholedia) his freshman year. They were married their sophomore year of college at Tennessee in 1975. They’ll be celebrating their 50th anniversary on Nov. 25th and their two daughters are Sanitra and Monique.

A big adjustment for Stanley in football - from high school to college - was playing in front of 6,000 to 7,000 fans at EHS to close to 80,000 fans at the University of Tennessee. “It was mind-boggling when I first got there,” he said.

One player Morgan said he always looked up to was Bob Hayes of the Dallas Cowboys who was nicknamed “Bullet Bob.”

Hayes is the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. “He (Hayes) lined up on offense and he put a lot of fear in defensive backs because they couldn’t run with him,” Morgan said.

“The majority of people think of him (Stanley) as the great football player,” said Rholedia. “But I can say he is the best husband and father. I’m not just saying that because he is my husband.”

It is an injustice that Stanley Morgan is not in the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. Let’s just hope that several of the voters for the NFL Hall of Fame - who might not have seen him play in the 1970s and 1980s - can still be objective enough to vote him in.

“He (Morgan) should definitely be in the (NFL) Hall of Fame,” said Bill Houston, a former coach of his in Easley and a lifelong friend. “His stats are better than others who are in the Hall of Fame. There is no doubt he is the most accomplished athlete from Easley High School and there have been some great football players.”

An idea for EHS: There is one football player from Easley High School - Stanley Morgan - who has played in the National Football League. Morgan did not just play in the NFL. He starred in the National football League. There should be a special area at Easley High School that features three of his football jerseys - the Green Wave jersey, the University of Tennessee and the New England Patriots.

Legend has it a fearsome beast roams the Pine Barrens, a beast with a horned head and goat hooves.

Its screams are enough to make one’s blood run cold. It’s said to attack unsuspecting campers.

It is the Jersey Devil, and like other cryptids, it’s almost extinct in the public’s imagination.

A cryptid is a creature of folklore, a legend that lives in dark and scary places.

The Jersey Devil is said to have been Mother Leeds’ 13th child. When the child was born, Mother Leeds is said to have cried, “Let the devil take this one!” and so he did.

The baby then transformed into the beast known as the Jersey Devil, cursed to terrorize unsuspecting New Jerseyans forever.

But “forever” is getting shorter and shorter. Our cryptids are endangered.

Belief in the Jersey Devil has plummeted as urbanization paves over our forests.

The Blob can’t compete with traffic lights and apartment buildings.

There are seldom any reports of the Big Red Eye and the Big Hairy Man.

As development continues and imagination dies, there are fewer and fewer stories of cryptids in New Jersey. A large part of what makes New Jersey weird and wonderful goes with them.

Cryptids are essential to our identity as a state.

Bruce Springsteen sang a song about one, “A Night with the Jersey Devil.”

The Jersey Devil features in video games, good TV shows like “The X-Files,” and bad TV shows like “Supernatural.”

New Jersey’s hockey team is even named after it.

Yet schoolchildren are seldom taught about the mythical creatures that define our state’s history.

We learn about Paul Revere and his horse, but not about Sandy Hook and its Sea Serpent.

Why aren’t we teaching folks about the myths that make New Jersey special?

The Jersey Devil is New Jersey’s most iconic and recognizable cryptid.

But people prefer to talk about pork rolls instead of the toothy resident of the Pine Barrens.

It’s time we brought cryptids back into the limelight.

Cryptids exemplify people’s fears and hopes. They connect us to our past. They’re important parts of our state’s popular culture.

Letting their myths and stories die means ignoring generations of New Jersey history.

New Jersey doesn’t need to be known for blueberries and tomatoes when it has plenty of mythical beasts.

Our cryptids are special. There’s no New York Devil or Connecticut Sea Snake.

Let’s keep these creatures from being endangered by putting them once more in the public imagination.

Let’s teach people about cryptids and swap stories. Let’s spread learning and joy.

And above all, let’s not go out alone at night in the Pine Barrens. The Jersey Devil might be on the prowl.

Monday Night (10/6)

Richard Singleton 223

Tanya Jernigan 209

Jeff Lewis 226

John Jernigan 267

Debra Camp 257, 226

Junior Poole 239

Zandra Huffman 203

Phillip Spradling 247

Sarah Durland 251 (660 series)

Lance Hester 245 (640 series)

Tae Marrison 244

Craig Cipolla 246

Kyle Nabors 257

Kevin Arms 290 (756 series)

Brian Kidder 259

David Whisnant 298 (716 series)

Tim Lines 238

Melaney Wolf 242

Albert Davis 242

Stephanie Carver 210

Jamie Stancil 264 (759 series)

Eddie Sorrentino 238

Bobby Sorgee 243

Stanley Trammell 245

Cayden Riden 244, 226 (651 series)

Gavan Calvert 258

Luke Estes 228

James Aiken 233

Josh Evans 257

Teresa Madden 201

Jeff Madden 278

Tuesday Seniors (10/7)

Nelson Bordes 251

Gary Parker 233

Ronnie Sawyer 217

Belinda Robson 204

Teresa Madden 202

Colin Fowler 222

Donn Williams 224

Leon Tucker 225

Wednesday Night Trio (10/8)

Not Reported

Thursday Seniors (10/9)

Belinda Robson 205, 203

Joseph Reid 218

Nelson Bordes 214

Jimmy Turner 211

Friday Night (10/3)

Sherri Shepard 212

Donnie Young 236

Jeffrey Shepard 269

Mark Ewing 255

Case Gregory 200

Joseph Ware 256 (715 series)

David Rude 289

Richard Holmes 231

Hanna Kidder 222

Sydney Bell 204

Brian Kidder 245

David Whisnant 257

Shane Gibson 238

Michael Ramsey 212

Mark Ellenburg 234

Brandon Lee 279

Paul Koutnik 201

Dan Tucker 220

Leighton Tucker 237

Bill Slack 258

Saturday Youth League (10/4)

Braydon Whitmer 155

Aiden Blackburn 140

Weston Wolf 163

Connors Wood 191

Hunter Watford 247, 211 (648 series)

Eli Shepard 202

Bella Boyd 144

Lilly McGill 151

Skylar Shepard 134

Jaxon Shepard 193

PICKENS COUNTY — United Way of Pickens County is excited to welcome Michelle Lyons as the new Free File Program Manager, overseeing the organization’s free tax preparation services for local individuals and families.

In her new role, Lyons will manage all aspects of the Free File program, which includes both in-person tax assistance through the IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and online filing via MyFreeTaxes.org. Each tax season, around 60 trained volunteers prepare over 2,200 tax returns at various locations across Pickens County, including all public libraries, Clemson University, and several local businesses.

While free in-person tax assistance is available to households with an income of $69,000 or less, the average annual income of clients served by the program is approximately $24,000.

As Program Manager, Lyons will lead volunteer recruitment, training, and support; train and manage Site Coordinators; and build strong partnerships with community organizations to expand the reach of the program. She will also ensure all operations meet the IRS’s high standards for quality and compliance.

Lyons brings more than 15 years of experience in financial stability initiatives. She most recently served at United Way of South Central Michigan, where she managed VITA operations across nine counties. Prior to that, she oversaw VITA and economic mobility programming at United Way of Greenville County.

Specializing in community-based financial stability programs, Lyons is passionate about using tax preparation services as an entry point to build trust with clients and educate them on long-term asset-building strategies.

“We are thrilled to welcome such a talented and knowledgeable professional to lead our Free File program,” said Julie Capaldi, President of United Way of Pickens County. “Michelle’s expertise and dedication to community-focused service will be an incredible asset to our volunteers, clients, and partners.”

For more information about United Way of Pickens County’s Free File Program, visit www.uwpickens.org/taxes.

POWDERSVILLE — Senior Ethan Piel’s 22-yard field goal in overtime lifted Powdersville’s football team to a thrilling 31-28 victory on Friday night.

Piel was confident the whole time, too.

“It was a great moment,” said the 17-year-old Piel, right after hitting the game winner. “We were warming up and there was never a doubt in my mind. I wanted to take the kick. Coach (Robert) Mustar knew. He didn’t take a chance. We just went out there and it was so amazing.”

“I was ecstatic for our kids, our fan base and for our community,” said PHS Coach Robert Mustar, right after the victory. “We didn’t have school today and sometimes we don’t play particularly well. It was Teachers Work Day. We got them (the players) up here at noon, fed them and I could tell they were in a good mindset.”

Easley falls on the road …

MALDIN - Once again, the Easley football team jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on a field goal by senior Evan Massey (a 27-yarder).

But in the end, the Green Wave fell 49-24 to host Mauldin on Friday night.

Junior QB Jojo Coleman completed 20-of-42 passes for 237 yards for Easley. Hillstock had 4 catches for 60 yards to lead the way, Caiden Blassingame had 4 catches for 51 yards and Malachi Ramey had 2 catches for 38 yards. Jeremiah Patton led the EHS ground game with 18 rushes for 91 yards.

Scoring summary for Easley:

2 (9:46): Jojo Coleman, a 1-yard keeper (Evan Massey kick)

2 (:36): Matthew Hillstock, a 21-yard pass from Jojo Coleman (Evan Massey kick)

3 (1:11): Jeremiah Patton, a 17-yard pass from Jojo Coleman (Evan Massey kick)

College Football: The Clemson Tigers won their second-straight game on Saturday with a 41-10 victory over Boston College and improved to 3-3 on the season and 2-2 in the ACC. The Tigers out-gained the Eagles 504-221.

QB Cade Klubnik connected on 22-of-30 passes for 280 yards, including a 38-yard TD pass to Bryant Wesco Jr.

Writers, editors, analysts, and other knowledge workers are voicing similar fears. AI tools can draft reports, generate content, and even analyze data in ways that once required human labor. Headlines proclaim that AI is taking jobs, and the concerns are real. But history suggests we’ve faced similar upheavals before.

During previous waves of automation, change did not happen overnight. Machines were introduced gradually, often taking decades to reshape the workforce. While some jobs disappeared, new roles emerged, requiring different skills. The pace of disruption varied, giving workers and industries time to adapt… sometimes painfully, but usually incrementally.

The question now is whether the rise of AI will follow the same pattern, or if it will be faster. AI systems can learn and scale at speeds humans cannot match, which means disruption could happen more rapidly than in past technological shifts. Unlike assembly lines or early computers, AI has the potential to impact both physical and intellectual work simultaneously.

This doesn’t mean doom for workers, but it does mean adaptation is critical. Learning to work alongside AI, developing skills that complement rather than compete with machines, and creating policies that support workforce transitions will be key. History shows us that humans are resilient and innovative, but the speed of change may challenge even the most prepared.

Perhaps the lesson is clear: fear of technology is not new. From factory floors to modern offices, each generation has faced the question: “Will the machine take my job?” And each generation has found a way to adapt. AI may be the next chapter in the story, but it doesn’t have to be the last.

I am perturbed by the recent rash of interviewees who enlighten mere peons with the blanket declaration, “There are no coincidences.”

Oh, sure. I believe actions have consequences. I have benefited from hunches and “gut feelings.” I have been helped by guardian angels, although I worry about them talking behind my back. (“SOME angels got to announce the birth of the Prince of Peace. Me? I get to warn an idiot writer not to split an infinitive!”)

But overall, we have too many philosopher wannabes going down the Swedish psychiatrist Carl Jung rabbit hole or pontificating about quantum entanglements.

I understand their frustration, but “Stuff happens” fits on a bumper sticker much better than “Stuff happens… because of a complex convergence of interconnected truths and archetypes signifying…”

Some people are overeager to recognize connections. (“I was watching a rerun of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ with Sheldon knocking on Leonard’s girlfriend’s door, and when I went to the convenience market, you’re not going to believe what was in the ‘Take a penny, leave a penny’ basket on the counter!!!”)

I don’t deny that my subconscious mind shares knowledge to guide my waking hours; but most often that entails my subconscious advising me, “If a long-lost friend suddenly calls you up right after you inherit a million dollars, just say, ‘Huh!’ and get on with your life.”

Don’t get me started on the mumbo jumbo about the “collective unconscious” and the transcendent shared heritage of our species. (Granted, that would explain why I sometimes think, “For a good time, call Cornelia, the chariot-maker’s daughter.”)

Maybe “the Universe” is trying to tell you something; but if the universe had that much pull, would it have allowed astronomers to diss some of its most noble spheres as “gas giants”?

And maybe “the Fates” are nudging you toward some predestined outcome, but I don’t have a lot of respect for mythical manipulators if they’re downing shots every time two friends have to exclaim, “Jinx!” or two women wear the same dress to a party.

Everyone can benefit from a good epiphany every now and then, but it’s possible to suffer a “deer in the headlights” reaction. (“Every decision I’ve ever made in my life has brought me to this point in time…ooops, it’s gone…but the same goes for this current point and the next one and…Stop the world! I want to get off!”)

It’s inadvisable to meander through life dismissing everything as a completely random occurrence, but it also takes a huge amount of hubris to think you can decipher countless supposed “messages.”

(“I put on my thinking cap, meditated for a bit and said to myself, ‘Self, you and your psyche have got it all figured out. You’re all that and a bag of chips! But are the chips really chips, or do they represent a primal need to embrace alternate realities that transcend sour cream and onion???’”)

Sometimes there is a deeper meaning to synchronicities in our lives. And sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence. I hope you will join me in taking the middle ground.

But…it’s a little spooky that the song “Stuck in the Middle with You” just popped up on my radio.

Don’t play it again, Sam. Don’t play it again!

A mysterious, unseen twirling; it starts in the autumn leaves. Taking flight, this perennial thrill in the October air dances down your spine and spins your mind on a visual journey through the grotesquely magical elements of the holiday we know and love today as Halloween. But it was not always so, and have you ever stopped to wonder why and from where our traditions come?

For some, Halloween is nothing more than an annual consumer driven Phys-op orchestrated by the sugar barons of our time, aka candy companies collectively. For others, it is the one day out of the year to be someone we are not, to wear a different face while stuffing our real one with loads of teeth cracking candy. Another, albeit smaller group, recognizes the day as sacred, honoring its roots, which date back centuries, and using them to connect with our more nature centric ancestors through the supposedly thinned veil between the living and the dead Halloween night.

For this latter group, the holiday is a religious one, the night a crowning jewel in a month of supernatural delight. Long before Halloween became an annual retail juggernaut, its origins were forged in the fiery Samhain celebrations of the Celtics.

Samhain marked the closing of the harvest season and the opening of winter’s dark, icy grip on the land. Based on the reasoning of the ancients, celebrations often began October 31, since the day began and ended at sunset. The earliest mention of Samhain in literature appears in the nineth century where it is linked to many Irish folklore events.

According to historical records, Samhain celebrations featured bon fires, feasts, and sacrifice. Fire cleansed the land and people, while feasts appeased the hungry dead looking for a little hearthside hospitality from their still living loved ones.

Why were the dead floating around town begging like other-worldly panhandlers outside homes? Legend explains Samhain as the night where the divide between the living and the dead shrinks to nothing, allowing for portals to open and spirits to enter. Some traditions allege fear of the roaming bands of undead beggars led folks to dress up in scary costumes in hopes of frightening away evil spirits. The Celts also believed this practice showed respect for the dead.

Knowing where the holiday comes from and why we celebrate it by running around at night wearing costumes, have you ever wondered, why candy?

The commercialization of Halloween and the distribution of sugary confections the nation over every October 31 is rooted solidly in All Soul’s Day.

When the Catholic Church shockingly decided it would be a good idea to “Christianize” the Gaelic heathens, All Saint’s Day was introduced to the masses with the tradition of baking and collecting soul cakes. November 1 soon became universally known as All Saints Day, or All Hallow’s Day, and Christians came together to ask for God to protect them from harm. Believers also dressed up in costumes reminding them of the battle between good and evil.

Soul cakes are small round cakes filled with spices that look similar to a biscuit. The cakes were traditionally made to be enjoyed during the fall big three: Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. Sometimes the cakes were called “souls” and would be given out to soulers, or children and the poor who typically went door to door during the creepy season offering to sing and pray for dead loved ones.

This macabre practice gave birth to modern-day trick-or-treaters. Though, instead of prayers for your granny, today’s hooligans threaten you with a trick if they perceive your given treat to be unsatisfactory.

Samhain, or Halloween, traditions have evolved and morphed over the years to incorporate new ideas, beliefs, and cultures to become a holiday almost everyone can find a reason to enjoy, even if it is just a well-stocked candy aisle one month out of the year at our nation’s grocery stores.

Have you ever considered why the pumpkin is the only vegetable to be so closely tied to the undead? Check out the second installment of this series next week to find out.

Adam Beeco is a 2002 graduate of Easley High School. While at Easley High, he played varsity soccer his entire time at the high school. He was selected to the All Region team 3 times while being selected All State twice. He was the leading scorer for the Green Wave twice while also being chosen captain of the team twice. Following his senior year he was selected to play in the South Carolina Soccer Coaches Association North-South All Star Game.

After high school, Adam entered Lander University and played soccer for 2 years before transferring to Clemson University. He earned a BS in Psychology in 2007 followed by a MS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism in 2009. Following his Masters Degree he began work on his Doctorate in Parks, Recreation and Tourism as well and earned his PhD in 2013. His doctorial thesis was “Integrating Spatial Modeling into Recreational Planning in Parks and Protected Areas.” In 2014 he received the Best Dissertation Award from the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration & in 2021 he was awarded the Dwight A. Holder Award from the Institute of Parks, Clemson University.

He is married to the former Rebekkah Wills of Ohio and they live in Loveland, CO where he is a scientist with the U.S. National Park Service and he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Clemson. He also serves on thesis and dissertation committees nationwide.

Mark Livingston

Mark Livingston is a 2015 graduate of Easley High. While in high school, Mark excelled in Football, Wrestling and Track for the Green Wave. He was selected All Region twice in football, was a Region Champion in the Heavyweight Division for wrestling and a Region Champion in Track and Field earning him All Region honors for those sports as well. He was a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams for four years and the track team from the 7th grade through his senior year. He qualified for state competition in track for four years having a 5th place finish in the state track meet. He set track records in the shot and discuss at Easley High School.

After high school, Mark went to Limestone University where he was a member of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams. He set several records at Limestone and was selected All Conference four times. He graduated from Limestone in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology.

Currently he lives in Clemson where is a member of the City of Clemson Police Department. He also serves as a mentor for the “Boys 2 Men” program, which provides guidance and support to young individuals. He also serves in his church where he plays the drums and assist in the children’s ministry.

PICKENS COUNTY — The Pickens County’s Habitat for Humanity’s annual Have a Heart for Habitat Dinner was held last week. They had a fancy 5-star like dinner at the Historic Hampton House in downtown Pickens and some top-notch featured speakers.

Alley Linder, president of the local Habitat for Humanity, grew up volunteering for the organization and could not have said it any better: “I think everybody needs to give back to their community in some way,” said Linder, “and everybody needs to try and make it better. Ever since I was a kid, I was working on job sites and I see how much these people deserve to have safe and secure housing.”

Continued Linder, “We don’t just take families. We take single individuals too. I see famlies and kids who are having to move around. We had one lady — a single mother with two kids — living in a trailer with holes in the sides you could see. The plumbing didn’t work and she was keeping it from her kids. Then, she was running around and flushing the sinks (when it worked).”

There are some creative ways, too, that local residents can help volunteer for the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity.

“Just reach out to us and get involved,” continued Linder. “People don’t realize there are a lot of volunteer opportunities outside of just hammering nails. You don’t have to know how to build a house to volunteer with us. Help us spread the word. We have a lot of committees — a faith committee, a hometown support committee and that is just literally working with the homeowner to try to get them to where they need to be to own a home. There area lot of people who volunteer and never set foot on a job site.”

Tamara Dourney is the Executive Director for the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity. She says there is “nothing better” than the job she has and she truly loves it.

However, Dourney does mention the many speed bumps she faces on the front lines of this non-profit organization.

“The cost of housing is going up and building is getting more expensive,” Dourney said. “We just spent — this one gives me heart palpitations — we spent about $190,000 to construct our last house because of the land-clearing, the septic and all that. That type of work has gone up so much. So, part of what we are trying to do is get the community back engaged and revamp our partnerships.”

Dourney said there are not as many currently in trades like there used to be. The competition for the local dollar, Dourney said, has become tougher with local organizations that they have relied on for so long.

Beyond that, Dourney said they have begun partnering with the Pickens County Career and Technology Center to help give students a “real world” chance to gain valuable experience with Habitat for Humanity.

“Everyone is not suited for college,” Dourney said. “But we do make those opportunities available so the whole community can thrive. The students are doing on-the-job training for Habitat for Humanity houses. This helps us cut costs, but it also gives them real-world experience. They get to interact with the inspectors and learn what it feels to be in the mud (with the building of the houses) … it’s a lot different than being in the classroom. I believe these relationships are the cornerstone of building a stronger community.”

(If interested in volunteering, you can reach Dourney at tamaradourney@pickenshabitat.org)

Monday Night (Sept. 22)

Kim Stidham 206

Phil Worley 236

Matthew Simon 223

James Wike 230

Rich Raby 258 (728 series)

Tae Mattison 235

Craig Cipolla 266

Kyle Nabors 231

Brian Kidder 226

Marcus Stanford 247

Linda Wolf 207

Bill Robson 236

Scott Sisk 248

Keith Cobb 235

Rodney Bruton 246

Chris Jordan 257

Stephanie Carver 213

Robert Stancil 256

Jamie Stancil 231

Tony Sorrentino 212

Joseph Catalano 270 (731 series)

Chase Hall 268 (746 series)

Gavan Calvert 248

Dario Jefferson 240

Josh Evans 211

Jamie Hendricks 216

Tuesday Seniors (Sept 23)

Nelson Bordes 224

Mark Bowen 205

Mike Stanton 246

Colin Fowler 204

George Giles 245

Roger Sayers 211

Tuesday Night Doubles (Sept 23)

Melaney Wolfe 214

Gary Bright 234

Marc Kuttler 266 (703 series)

Tim Lines 202

Michael Daves 226

Friday Night (Sept 19)

Corban Wolfe 255

Mark Ewing 255

Case Gregory 209

Joseph Ware 237

Joseph Catalano 259

James Gantt 279 (728 series)

James Bowen 223

Sydney Bell 203

Scott Shepard 254 (722 series)

David Whisnant 257

Shane Gibson 238

Bob Watts 237

Charlie McAlister 223

Alexis McKinney 215

James Wike 224

Richard Singleton 236

Stanley Trammell 237

Chris Gorham 225

Kelvin Plyley 257

Saturday Youth (Sept 20)

Braydon Whitmer 123

Maria Allen. 138

Maddox Harvey 143

Connors Wood 168

Hunter Watford 256

Eli Shepard 204

Bella Boyd 172

Griffin Estes 160

SOUTH CAROLINA — The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced nearly $12 million in grants to three South Carolina organizations to help veterans who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.

The South Carolina organizations receiving grants are:

· Eastern Carolina Homelessness Organization, Inc. $3,060,790.00

· One-Eighty Place $5,606,266.00

· Alston Wilkes Society $3,054,213.00

Throughout fiscal year 2026, the grants will fund the organizations as they help Veterans access:

· Housing and housing counseling

· Health care

· Financial planning services

· Childcare

· Legal assistance

· Transportation

“Supportive services like childcare, housing counseling and financial planning can be important catalysts for preventing or resolving homelessness,” said Dr. David Walker, VA Southeast Network Director. “These grants will help bring crucial support to thousands of Veterans in need across the nation.”

The grants are among $818 million in total funds VA is awarding nationwide through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which provides case management and supportive services to:

· Prevent the imminent loss of a veteran’s home.

· Identify new, more suitable housing situations for individuals and families.

· Rapidly re-house Veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without assistance.

VA awards grants based on several factors, including the grant recipients’ experience and past performance in providing supportive services to Veteran families, and the need in the area or community where the program will be based.

Overall VA improvements

· The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 45% since Jan. 20, 2025.

· VA has opened 17 new health care clinics, expanding access for veterans around the country.

· VA is spending an additional $800 million on infrastructure improvements to ensure department facilities provide safe and effective patient care.

· Since Jan. 20, VA has offered nearly 1 million health care appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving veterans more timely and convenient options for care.

· VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching an all-time fiscal-year high of 2.52 million ratings claims for FY25 as of Aug. 8.

· VA has made it easier and faster for VA-enrolled veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.

· VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits.

· VA is accelerating the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system.

· VA partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and recover $106 million in duplicate billing.

· VA has brought tens of thousands of VA employees back to the office, where we can work better as a team to serve veterans.

· In fiscal year 2025 through June, VA has housed 37,534 homeless veterans.

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.

CENTRAL — Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) will host a special celebration on October 1, from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. to mark the revitalization of Ellenburg Lecture Hall, a cornerstone of campus life since 1966. The hall has undergone a complete transformation—creating a modern space equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 6x12-foot LED wall, integrated audio, and advanced room controls. The result is a welcoming, high-tech environment that honors Ellenburg’s legacy while giving students the tools they need for future growth.

Warren Dennis, Director of Information Technology for Southern Wesleyan University, discussed the project’s impact, stating, “I’m thrilled about the revitalization of Ellenburg Lecture Hall. The remodel has completely transformed the space, replacing a dated, worn environment with a modern and inviting one. From a technology standpoint, we have made it a premier teaching and learning space for both students and faculty. I hope the campus community is excited about Ellenburg’s transformation and that this project serves as a catalyst for future improvements, inspiring similar efforts to enhance learning spaces across campus.”

The celebration will feature welcome remarks and a technology demonstration, a ceremonial blessing and dedication by Rev. Heath Mullikin, and an opportunity for guests to tour the space. Light refreshments will also be served.

“Ellenburg Lecture Hall has been a cornerstone of academic life at SWU for nearly 60 years,” said Dr. Robert McFarland, University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “This renovation honors its legacy while looking forward to the future, providing our students and faculty with tools and spaces that prepare them for effective teaching, learning, and leadership in today’s world.”

The renovation reflects Southern Wesleyan’s continued investment in creating learning environments that are technologically advanced, student-centered, and spiritually enriching.

STARR — Save the date for an exciting fall event hosted by Southern Wesleyan University. On Friday, November 7, the SWU Sporting Clay Classic will be held at the scenic Evergreen Plantation in Starr, S.C. This unforgettable event directly benefits student scholarships and strengthens the mission of the Warriors CARE Center, which exists to ensure that student veterans and military dependents thrive both academically and spiritually.

Through your participation, the Clay Classic will help fund vital Warriors CARE Center programs that:

• Provide academic support and career readiness preparation for student veterans.

• Offer chaplain services and spiritual guidance.

• Support military dependents pursuing degrees.

• Deliver assistance with VA educational benefits and systems.

• Foster godly leadership development for veterans.

Participants will experience four premier sporting clay courses across Evergreen Plantation: the Lodge Course, Old Oak Course, Hilltop Course, and the iconic Covered Bridge Course.

Each course offers unique challenges and scenic vantage points for participants of all skill levels. With unlimited shooting, guests are invited to bring as many shells as they like and enjoy every station.

The day concludes with a Low Country Boil, fresh oysters, prizes, and outdoor gear giveaways, making the event more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of camaraderie, purpose, and impact. Non-shooting guests may also purchase dinner tickets for $50 (limited availability).

Registration and more details are available at: www.swu.edu/clayclassic

PICKENS – The School District of Pickens County (SDPC) officially broke ground today on its highly anticipated “Gateway to Innovation” (G2i), a future-focused Career and Technical Education (CTE) campus at the former Pickens Middle School. The facility — renamed the Dr. Mendel Stewart Campus — will open in January 2027 and serve as a vibrant hub for exploration, innovation and real-world skill development for students across Pickens County.

“Today marks more than the start of a building — it is the beginning of a story that will echo for generations,” said Tim Johnson, director of G2i. “Gateway to Innovation represents opportunity, hope, and transformation for every student who walks through its doors.”

G2i reimagines career and technical education for all students in Pickens County:

● Grades 3–7: Students will visit G2i for engaging, project-based experiences designed to spark curiosity and career awareness, connecting classroom learning to the real world.

● Grades 8–9: Students will explore pathways in fields such as artificial intelligence, construction, biomedical sciences, and drones, selecting one pathway to complete by ninth grade.

● Grades 8–12: Advanced CTE offerings will align with high-wage, high-demand careers—including Electricity, Engineering, Environmental and Natural Resource Management, and Health Science—allowing students to earn industry-recognized skills and credentials in as little as two years.

Importantly, G2i will not replace the existing Pickens County Career and Technology Center (PCCTC). Instead, it will serve as a second career and technical education facility, expanding opportunities for students — particularly those in the Pickens community and schools located farther from the PCCTC campus — to participate in high-quality CTE programs.

In addition to student programs, the campus will provide high-quality, affordable on-site childcare for SDPC employees, supporting educators and attracting top talent to the district. Evenings will feature expanded workforce development opportunities for adults through partnerships with local institutions such as Tri-County Technical College.

“This campus will not only change the lives of students — it will strengthen the city of Pickens and all of Pickens County,” Johnson added. “It will support small businesses, attract new industries, and energize our local economy. It will also serve as an example for the entire country of what Career and Technical Education can look like when a community comes together.”

The project is made possible through the vision of SDPC leadership, the support of the SDPC Board of Trustees, the work of Triangle Construction and Goodwyn Mills Cawood, and partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, and the PCCTC faculty and staff.

By dedicating the campus to Dr. Mendel Stewart, SDPC honors a leader whose name has become synonymous with service, integrity, and vision. Stewart’s legacy will live on as each new generation of students connects their passions to their future at G21, they said.