Birthday reflections

As our birthdays accumulate, eventually we may reach one which causes us to stop, reflect, remember the past, and then to compare it to the present. On July 15, 2011, I had such a birthday, my 83rd.

As Spidey changes, so does America

OK, people: chill out. Breathe. Relax.

Support United Way 'Heroes'

Several months ago, I was honored to be asked to serve as the chairman of this year's United Way campaign.

Noted and passed

• Recent Wisconsin recall elections spurred by people dissatisfied with Republican efforts to downsize government and diminish the role of unions in politics failed to wrest control away from the GOP in that state. A record amount of money was spent in the normally liberal state but Democrats failed to achieve their goal of unseating at least three of the six state senators who were being recalled. Some experts say that sends a national message.

Robert Ariail -- Aug. 15, 2011

Mayor fields questions on Y proposal

Over the course of the past three to four months I have been asked numerous questions about the city of Camden's intent to build a new sports complex. While much of the discussion seems to be focused on the YMCA as a facility manager, I believe it is important to keep our eye on the primary goal of the recreation facility itself. Below are questions that I most often get asked:

Clemson graduates first class of 'New Farmers'

After 30 years as a national television executive, Dale Snyder is the textbook definition of a new farmer. In fact, as little as a year ago, his agricultural skills were limited to potted plants on the front porch of his house.

Dr. Clarke, Mr. Crowder plan October wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Clarke of Mountain Rest announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Rebecca Kay Clarke of Camden, to Russell Alexander Crowder of Hodges. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Crowder of Hodges.

Miss Huffman, Mr. Forman plan fall wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Willie Forman of Cassatt announce the engagement of their son, Roderick Forman to Sharon Huffman, daughter of Henry and Geneise Huffman of North, S.C.

Miss Patteson, Mr. Shoemake engaged

Mrs. Rose C. Ryan of Camden announces the engagement of her daughter Miss Jessica Michele Patteson to Mr. David Wesley Shoemake of Camden, the son of Mr. Danny L. Shoemake and Mrs. Dedria L. Cabrales, both of Camden.

Ricky Peake

Graveside services for Richard Roy "Ricky" Peake, 58, will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Hillcrest Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Ken Jackson will officiate. The family will receive friends Monday 6-8 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Pauline Williams

Funeral services for Pauline Faulkenberry Williams, 72, of Lugoff will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 16, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Kershaw City Cemetery. Rev. Jamie Rogers will officiate.

Pets of the week -- Aug. 12, 2011

Among the animals available for adoption at the Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter are Jerry, a 4-month-old beagle mix puppy, and Franny, a 2-year-old domestic short-haired cat. The adoption donation includes spaying or neutering. The shelter, located at the south end of Fair Street and managed by the Kershaw County Humane Society, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The shelter is closed Sunday and Monday. For information on the shelter or to check for a missing pet, call 425-6016 or e-mail wcas@camden.net. The ...

Robert Ariail -- Aug. 12, 2011

Camden Antiques Fair:

Horses and history bring visitors to Camden, but there's another attraction that will revel in the spotlight come October.

Medical marijuana

Both Democrats and Republicans in South Carolina will have advisory questions on their June primary ballots -- votes that will not be binding but are intended simply to provide some feeling for what Palmetto State residents are thinking about particular issues. As you would guess, such questions often revolve around issues particularly important to one party or another, and they're sometimes done to help provide leverage for the parties to push certain projects.

American Legion accepting Palmetto Boys State applications

James Leroy Belk American Legion Post No. 17 is seeking applications for Palmetto Boys State to be held June 8-14 at Anderson University. Applicants should be motivated students interested in learning about citzenship and government, rising seniors of good character and in the top 25 percent of their class. Applications are available from guidance counselors at high schools or may be obtained from Richard Lackey at 432-9527. Above, Palmetto Boys State chairman Lackey dines and chats with Girls State delegate Margeaux Laschanzky and Boys State delegate Riley Kohn when the two youths visited Post 17 to share their experiences from ...

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Hopkins celebrate 50th anniversary

Alvin and Joanne Hopkins recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. The couple was married on March 21, 1964, at the home of the Rev. Joe Hood. They have two children, Wesley (BK) Hopkins and Lynn (Jackie) Hopkins; two grandchildren, William Hopkins and Justin Hopkins, two step-grandchildren, Lauren Langford and Josh Napper; and one step-greatgrandchild, Vance Langford.

David Lawerence Kelly Jr

A Funeral Mass for David Lawerence Kelly Jr., 43, will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Camden, S.C. The Rev. Father Paul Brenninkmeijer will officiate. Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be in Quaker Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter, 460 Fair Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Demons give Cavaliers the boot

Now this is how you end a drought.

Demons netters rip RNE twice

With their head coach missing the match due to a knee injury, the Lugoff-Elgin tennis team tried to help in Edward Rickwood's recovery by dousing visiting Richland Northeast, 7-0, in a Region 4-4A match played on Tuesday.

Sandy Heyward Boykin, Sr.

A celebration of life service for Sandy Heyward Boykin, Sr., 55, will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Powers funeral home. The Rev. Reece Byrd and the Rev. Ann Byrd will officiate.

Gators take a bite out of Dogs

First-year schools and their athletic teams are not supposed to be this good.

Lady Demons sweep RNE

Lugoff-Elgin tuned up for its Thursday night battle with conference-leading Blythewood by handing visiting Richland Northeast a pair of losses in a Tuesday night Region 4-4A doubleheader.

Thanks from Historic Camden

The governing board of Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site would like to express its sincerest appreciation to Mayor Tony Scully and the members of Camden City Council for approving recommended changes to a much needed sewer project that crosses portions of our historic site. City Manager Mel Pearson, Public Works Director Tom Couch and Deputy Director Sam Davis are to be commended for working tirelessly with numerous individuals to find a solution to installing the sewer lines in a timely manner while protecting parts of the archaeologically rare and nationally significant colonial site of early Camden.

Gullible and guilty

Those of us who jump for joy when we hear that Governor Haley is deeply concerned about education and is planning to dedicate $160 million in new spending for education might consider, as we bow heads in hope and tenuous gratitude, that such concern on her part is coming awfully late but just in time for her possible re-election. Better late than never? Perhaps! But better earlier, for sure. The S.C. education budget has been reduced for the last three years by more than the proposed budget raises -- $110 million in her first year and $140 million stimulus money ...

Ariail for April 11, 2014

Southern charm

WASHINGTON -- After writing close to 3,000 columns, I've learned that people sometimes read what they're looking for, often as a result of a headline, rather than what I wrote.

Among the state's elite

Elliott feature speaker at KC Gamecock Club celebration

The Kershaw County Gamecock Club will hold its annual "Great to be a Gamecock Gathering" on Tuesday, April 29 at the Old South Restaurant in Camden at 6:30 p.m.