Hello everyone, well, whether we want it or not, looks like summer is really here. The forecasts are calling for the usual Deep South sweltering heat, and stifling humidity. These predictions have our plants and animals begging to come inside. This means that Gottrocks The Birthday Fairy will have to fly in to a local airport for respite care and to add coolant to his motorized wings. He did text in good wishes while enroute to Columbia.

We send our Happy Birthday Wishes to Amy Silvers, Brandon Sturkey, Allison Cody, Blake Lindler, Toni Conner. Birthday wishes to our former residents and Union County friends Larry W. Williams, Carl “Quick” Grant, Ray Rankin, Tammy K. Wapshott, Beth R. Bell, Lyn M. Gilliam, Paula Willis, Scott Coleman, Paula Willis, Carol D. Marse, Joan Wilborn, and David Eubanks.

Happy Anniversary

We send our Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Shealy of Newberry. Sarah Shealy is the former Sarah Wilbanks, formerly of Whitmire.

Upcoming Events

The Whitmire Memorial Library is the place of refuge from the heat. New books to browse, new young adult books, magazines, and Internet use are available. Not to mention, a nice view the pretty, refurbished fountain in the memorial garden, thanks to the Whitmire Jaycees, Mrs. Murial Lake, Duke Energy and Wickers Greenhouse.

Three reading programs for various youth age groups, three times per week, as well as the adult program, “Between The Covers.” According to the adult group posting on the Facebook page, adult readers are challenged to read 50,000 pages collectively and to ask about the blind date and prizes.” Miss Linder the staff, and volunteers help make the summer programs for children possible, and there’s always a summer splash down party at the completion of the program.

Contact the library on the Facebook page or call 803-694-3961 Information is also availible for the book downloads .

Speaking of volunteers, The Salkehatchie Summer Workers will be in town the week of July 16. These volunteers, known as “Angels With Hammers,” make the everyday lives of Whitmire residents much more comfortable. The youths, ages 14 and up, along with adult community leaders, pay their own way, meaning the materials and equipment needed to repair a roof, or paint a porch, comes from their own pockets.

The Salkehatchie Summer Service is a pioneering servant based ministry who work at selected sites in South Carolina. For the last eight years or longer, the workers have spent time in Whitmire in the withering heat, humidity and rainy weather to make sure a needy resident has an upgrade to their home. From floor repairs, deck repairs, room painted, roof repairs and bathroom make overs, these big hearted volunteers get to know each resident by name and develop a rapport with them.

The local churches feed them lunch. This year, First Baptist Church, Whitmire United Methodist, Sims Chapel Baptist, The Master’s Baptist and The Whitmire Presbyterian Church will serve lunches on each day. Donations of water, sports drinks and monetary donations are welcome. Claudine Taylor is the Whitmire contact person. Her number: 803-694-2723.

Any interested persons who wish to volunteer their time can contact Salkehatchie on the website: http://www.salkehatchie.org/home/

The Whitmire Jaycees are getting ready for their first Golf In The Pines Tournament. The tourney is Saturday, July 28, with tee time at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $30.The fee includes t-shirt, cart and green fees. Concessions will be available. The Whitmire Golf Association will co-host the tournament.

Individual and business sponsorships are available. Prizes, such as product goody bags, or monetary donations can be made. Sign up sheets are at the Whitmire Golf Course, near the practice green shelter bulletin board, Town Hall, Roches Pharmacy. Any one or a group sponsor who wants to have their name printed on the t-shirts must submit form and donation by July 13. Contact persons are Christianna Gilliam at 803-694-9251, e-mail: whitmirejaycees@yahoo.com or Cassie J. Fowler at 694-2292 or news2cassie@yahoo.com . A group event for the 1st annual Golf In The Pines Facebook page is under construction. The Jaycees also have a Facebook Organization page.

Allrighty then, looks like that it for talk around town this week, except I have noticed that most of the seniors are back in town, after the rite of passage trip to Myrtle Beach for a weeklong blow out without parents. Ahh, where did those days of youth go? Garabond, The Deadline Fairy is sitting on a block of ice tapping my shoulder. We know what time it is, before we go, be sure send your news, photos to: news2cassie@yahoo.com . Until next week, Have a Safe and Happy Fourth Of July.