Community

Community consists of a number of people with something in common that connects them in some way and that distinguishes them from others. 

Dacusville

Dacusville, not much has changed since I was a child

 growing up in this small town.

Some old faces, some new, some have left us way too soon.

New school buildings standing tall, buildings that I never got to walk the halls.

A Dacusville Gold Wave I'll always be, because Dacusville Gold Waves can't be beat. 

Go Purple, Go Gold. 

Still standing are the churches that taught us to spread the Good News,

and they are still teaching and challenging you.

  

A few things have changed,

 we now have three Dollar General Stores, and a few more traffic lights then before, and 

a new community center is now in the old school building. 

Things may continue to change in this small town, 

but what never will, is the way you'll always feel

about growing up in Dacusville. 

Dacusville is my "Home Town", it's the place I was born and raised and continue to live, it's the place I am proud to call home. 

Dacusville is a special place because of the special people, we unite as a community, we stand together, we might be small but we do BIG things..... And I am asking you to do a big thing in a small way.

Foster Care in Pickens County is rising, and there are not enough foster parents to care for the children.  LIFEchurch in our community is building LIFEhouse, "A Dacusville Community, residential safe haven for children of families in crisis; offering loving support and care to children in need of temporary residential care." The project is estimated to cost 2.6 Million dollars but I say we can build it for five dollars. 

"Just Five" Action Plan

Can five dollars really make a difference?

It can in the life of a child, it can build a home. 

Five dollars in your hands can buy one meal, but five dollars in the hands of LIFEhouse can build a home. Will you give this small offering and do a BIG thing? Will you help build LIFEhouse?

A gofundme account has been set up for you to easily donate, please consider what you can do for a child. 

https://www.gofundme.com/lifehouse-sc

More information about LIFEHouse....

https://www.facebook.com/LIFEhouse-Dacusville-SC-879815525459141/?fref=ts

Remembering You

It's easy to remember you, 

you always had a smile, a kind word, a hug.

It's easy to remember you, 

you always cared, shared, loved.

Remembering you is easy,

saying goodbye is hard. 

Till I see you again my friend. 

On Saturday I got word that a childhood friend from Dacusville lost her life. I remember attending school and riding the school bus together. I remember as we became adults seeing her at the hospital because she was always so sick, and I remember attending her daughter's funeral.We kept up on Face book like many of us now do, she would comment on my page asking me questions about my family and how am I doing in school.  I remember her always asking me how do I keep up with all that I have going on? 

Thank you for always remembering me....now I am remembering you.   

Pam Givens Krupa

Pam you are such a sweet soul, I am so happy for you that you are no longer in pain and that you are in Heaven with your daughter.....I will miss you my friend. 

Its hard when you lose a classmate, in honor of the ones that left us too soon.

Class of '94

*Darren Ervin

*Brad Cato

*Chance Connor

*Pam Givens Krupa

A public group Face book page for Pickens High School 

has been set up to remember our lost classmates. 

PICKENS SR. HIGH SCHOOL'S REMEMBERING OUR LOST....

https://www.facebook.com/groups/141613332581242/

  

  

Southerners in the Snow

There's a joke in the south that when the weather men begin calling for snow, we Southerners don't run for the hills.....we run for the shelves, grocery shelves to get our milk and bread.  

This time when the weather men called for snow we needed our milk and bread, and our sleds, some chili beans or soup, comfort foods, evaporated milk for snow cream, and generators. 

The first snow of 2016 brought down trees, power lines, and eight plus inches of that white stuff we don't see around here too often. It started as ice and sleet but then turned to snow, big flakes of snow that quickly covered our small town.  Our schools, businesses, churches, and day cares were being canceled......Snow Day!

Our little town of Dacusville became a Winter Wonderland.....

 

Snow Day led to snow week, the snow lingered around for a week before it started melting away, but soon enough the beautiful white covering gave way back to the dirt and gravel and everything turned back to normal.....but they say, if snow stays on the ground for longer than three days there will be another.....better stock up on that milk and bread. 

Snow photos courtesy of Samantha Davis 

Haunted Halls/Halloween Costume Ball

This is not a typical story that Dacusvillenews post on the blog, but seeing that the community is reaching out to help the Miracle Hill Children's Home we thought that it would be helpful to inform the community.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/DacusvilleHauntedHalls?fref=ts

Dacusville Good News Club

Good News Club is a weekly interdenominational Christian Program for 5-12 year old children featuring a Bible lesson, songs, memory verses, and games. 

Volunteers are in need to help fill positions. 

The Good News Club meets Thursdays at the Dacusville Elementary School Cafeteria from 2:30-4:00 

Starting September 17, 2015

For more information contact

Michelle Palmer, Ministry Coordinator  

at (864) 608-8508

GoodNewsClub.DES@aol.com.

GoodNewsClub is hosted by 

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

LIFEHouse

netsafe.org

Children,

born into a world

full of unknowns and uncertainties

.......dependent on us. 

In Pickens County, "We currently have over 70 kids in care and only six foster homes, so that means over 80 percent of our kids are placed out of county."

"We got 160 more kids in care in 2014 year than we did the previous year.  In 2013 we served 509 children in foster care.  This year we're up to 675."-Carla Poole, DFCS Case Manger 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. -James 1:27

The LIFEHouse Project

LIFEHouse is a Dacusville community residential safe haven for children of families in crisis; offering loving support and care to children in need of temporary residential care.  

The initial capabilities of LIFEHouse will provide care for eight children.  

Pastors Melissa and Chad Albertson

VISION:

To provide the highest quality of loving care for the children of Pickens County families in crisis.

MISSION:
Supporting children of families in crisis through residential, educational and outreach services through a multicultural, non-denominational organization.






"A dream is becoming a reality!  God is so Good!" -Melissa Albertson



For this dream to continue to become a reality we need YOU....

ndcs.org

Want to make a difference in the life of a child?

 You can help LIFEHouse by donating your time, resources, or financially.

May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the

Directors of LIFEHouse
Rob and Karen McElyea

needy; may he crush the oppressor -Psalm 72:4

To get involved contact us at:
864-246-1562

LIFEchurch 
199 Thomas Mill Rd. Easley, SC 29640
https://www.facebook.com/lifechurchsc?fref=ts

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that whoever sees it can run with it"

*Reinhardt, Angela (2015). Pickens in desperate need of foster parents. www.pickensprogressonline. 

Dreams Do Come True

This has been a dream for Craig and Cory Brown and this weekend it's coming true.

Craig and Cory Brown

Craig Brown grew up in Dacusville, his family was in farming but he had a dream to own his very own rodeo. He's currently in construction but desires to only be in the Rodeo business. Cory Brown is also a Pickens County resident and has been around rodeos most of her life. Talking to Cory she said that she wants to create a place where families can go and enjoy a fun evening together.  

"We love the sport of rodeo and the country life and strive to bless others as God has blessed us." -Cory Brown

They are offering hayrides, pony rides, and a mechanical bull. Vendors will be selling hot dogs, boiled peanuts, BBQ, and other goodies. There will not be any drinking on the premises.

Want to enjoy some fun right in your back yard?

7 Championship Rodeo Events

Bareback Bronc Riding

Tie-Down Roping

Bull Riding

Cowgirl's Barrel Racing

Saddle Bronc Riding

Team Roping

Cowgirl Break Away Roping 

SEPTEMBER 4-5

494 HAMBURG RD. 

DACUSVILLE

8 PM Nightly

Tickets:

Adults $15 Advance $12

Kids (5-10) $10 Advance $8

Kids (under 5) FREE

Advance tickets available at Ivey's Furniture, Pickens & Easley

For More Information:  
Cory Brown (864) 246-9426

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Double-B-Arena/547970475346022?sk=photos_stream

Dacusville Jr. High Classes 1974-78 Reunion

"Wandering back through the rivers of time, as special memories flood my mind. People and places that once meant so much, now we rarely keep in touch.

 I recently walked through the old neighborhood, the houses now seemed just stucco and wood.  New families now making their own memories, raising their children and sowing their seed...

Although we have parted and gone our own ways, I sometimes journey back to those familiar days. To you my friend, I'll lift my glass.  As long as their are memories friendships will last!"
 Sally Gensel Deuel

Dacusville Jr. High Classes 1974-78 Reunion

July 25th

Dacusville Community Center 

(Old Dacusville Elementary School)

Time: 5-6 Tour facility

 6-10 Reunion in Cafeteria

RSVP by July 10th on facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/624912490943094/

Casual Dress

BBQ Catered: $8.00 plate

Travel Down Memory Lane...

Dacusville Sewcial

Sewcial is a gathering to socialize with those that are interested in sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, etc.

There will also be a craft for those of you who would like to participate.  One of the first crafts will be making bookmarks for the Dacusville Community Library.

The first gathering is Tuesday, July 7th from 10:00 am to 12 Noon

The Sewcial room is in the main section of the Dacusville Community Center.  After entering the main entrance, go past the Cafeteria on the right and continue past the restrooms on the left, and the Sewcial Room is located past the restrooms.  There will be an identifying sign beside the door. 

For additional information or questions contact:

Linda Hall 864-423-3572

or

Marcia Given 864-907-0058 

Dacusville Sewcial also makes 

"Quilts of Valor

Providing Glasses through Fireworks

What does fireworks and the Lion's Club have in common?

Money to purchase glasses for the needy

The Dacusville Lion's Club provides glasses to the ones in need, they have provided 25 pairs of glasses this year. They have fundraisers to purchase the glasses.  The Dacusville Lion's Club sells fireworks during the 4th of July to raise the money, this is their biggest fundraiser.

If you purchase fireworks for 4th of July will you consider purchasing them from the Lion's Club, you will feel good knowing that your money will not go up in smoke.

They will be selling them July 3rd and 4th 

Racing Fans

God's Calling

Are You Walking In Your Calling God Has For You?

"Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck.  Your profession is what you're put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling."-Vincent Van Gogh

Rev. Steven and Candace Day with son Colt, and unborn
daughter Ruby Morgan Day.

Rev. Steven and Candace Day has a passion for missions and an intense burden for the nation and people of Honduras. 

"Honduras is located in Central America below Guatemala and above Nicaragua.  Over 8 million people live in Honduras and about one out of four live on less than $1.25 a day." - Candace Day

Galatians 6:2 says to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

"For us, that is our desire.  God has richly blessed us and our life's goal is not to hoard up treasure on this Earth for our own personal pleasure, but to lay up treasure in Heaven  by bearing the burdens of our brothers and sisters."- Candace Day

Steven and Candace Day's treasure lies in the mountains of La Entrada, Honduras. 

This couple is asking you to become a part of their mission to help the people of Honduras. While in Honduras they will be under the guidance of Pastor Manuel Sorto and his church, Iglesia De Dios Monte de Restauracion. 

Steven and Candace Day are making preparations for a 3-6 month stay to work with the church and surrounding community through farming, dance classes, evangelism, helping impoverished children and families, and helping to teach an English class at the church.

Heart for Honduras

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2)

Please help support this couple fulfill their calling that God has placed in their hearts to help the people of Honduras. 

You can give a one-time gift or you can pray about supporting them monthly.  That monthly gift can be as little as $5 per month. All they ask is that you search your heart and seek God and allow Him to guide you as to what you should give.  All financial gifts will go though an account at LIFEchurch and then will be distributed to them.  Checks can be made payable to "LIFEchurch Heart for Honduras." You can also donate online on their webpage listed below. 

Feel free to contact them via phone or e-mail to ask for further questions.

Steven Day-864-414-9162

Candace Day -864-884-7062

Email- candaceday35@gmail.com

Web page- http://www.lifechurchsc.com/#!about1/c1acn

You can also read more about their journey at www.candaceday.blogspot.com

The Past Meets the Present

From this.....

To this.....

The General Store was created out of necessity; country stores , or general stores got their start during the colonial period for the many pioneers who lived outside urban markets.  Many owners of these mercantile began as roving peddlers and once they had accumulated enough capital and inventory, they often established permanent locations in settlements where there was a need and likely profit. In many instances, the country store would be the first business in a new settlement, and sometimes the town would take its name from the store itself. The post office was generally located in the General Store.  And who was the potential postmaster that requested a post office and name?-The proprietor of that very same establishment.  Sometimes, the owner was also the town clerk, served as Justice of the Peace, or even an undertaker- American History Old-Fashioned Country 

Stores. 

The first Dollar General store opened in Springfield, Ky. on June 1, 1955, and the concept was simple-no item in the store would cost more than one dollar.  The idea became a huge success and other stores owned by J.L. Turner and his son Cal Turner Sr. were quickly converted.  By 1957, annual sales of Dollar General's 29 stores were $5 million. 

J.L. passed away in 1964. Four years later, the company he co-founded went public as Dollar General Corporation, posting annual sales of more than $40 million and net income in excess of $1.5 million.  In 1977, Cal Turner Jr., who joined the company in 1965 as the third generation Turner, succeeded his father as president of Dollar General.  Cal Turner Jr. led the company until his retirement in 2002.  Under his leadership, the company grew to more than 6,000 stores and $6 billion in sales. 

Today, the company is a leading discount retailer with more than 11,500 stores in 40 states. -Company Facts/Dollar General Newsroom

Dacusville will have 3 of the 11,500 Dollar General Stores; currently Dacusville has a Dollar General store located on Earl's Bridge Rd. and on Hwy 183. The new store is located at the intersection on Hwy 183 and 135. 

Dollar General Store #3

  

Advent....New Traditions for Old Beliefs

It's December 1st, 25 days before Christmas, the count down has begun the rush is on.  Each year my children and I cut strips of paper to create a count down chain to that big day.....Christmas Day.

The days between December 1st and the 25th is full of activities such as parties, eating, giving and receiving gifts, parades, Christmas shows, shopping, decorating, singing Christmas carols, creating memories and special traditions.

Lindsay McConnell Evatt found herself last year at this time experiencing a miserable Christmas due to some big decisions she had to make and some health issues she was dealing with.  Lindsay said that when November rolled around this year she found herself dreading the Christmas season like never before; remembering how bad it was last year didn't help the matter. Lindsay said, "I can't really explain why I was dreading it so much. I've always loved Christmas!"

God then really began to deal with Lindsay about the true meaning of Christmas and how little she was stressing that with her children. She said her thoughts went on for days and she was heartbroken by the honesty with herself.

Lindsay said though they read the Christmas story every year and try to stress the reason for the season, we ALWAYS find ourselves so busy running from event to event and stressed to the max because we're spending money to the max all to celebrate Jesus' birthday? She said it all just didn't make sense, "Nothing was adding up to me, my heart wanted so much more out of Christmas, but so much more would mean so much less."

That is when she began researching the Advent practices.

Advent is recognized on the Christian calendar as the four weeks prior to Christmas; it's taking the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas to intentionally focus your time and efforts on the coming of Christ, his first coming to this world as a baby and His second coming when he returns. Lindsay said, "It's intentionally slowing the fast pace that we typically set for ourselves at Christmas." Lindsay has started a new tradition this year for her family to slow down Christmas; the Jesse Tree.

Representation usually in carving or stained glass of the genealogy of Jesus

 as a tree with Jesse at the base and intermediate descendants on branching scrolls of foliage.

"Unwrapping the Greatest Gift" 

by Ann Voskamp 
http://www.aholyexperience.com/category/greatest-gift/

Lindsay McConnell Evatt's inspiration for the Jesse Tree and her families
Jesse tree her dad (Tim McConnell) made.

"I absolutely love traditions, new and old, and I also live to have ones that are so rich in meaning and help me to visualize things.  Though some may think it's very ritualistic, celebrating Advent has been just what my heart needed this Christmas season."- Lindsay McConnell Evatt

The Evatt's Jesse Tree;
Devotion with their three children.

As a family, no matter how busy our days are, we set aside time each night in recognition of Advent. We have chosen to light candles on our Advent wreath (all rich in meaning) as we do our devotions each night.  Our devotions are focused on people in the Bible from the family tree that Jesus comes from, starting with Adam and Eve, all the way to the birth of Jesus. Taking the time to recognize all along the way, that it is part of our family tree as well. -Lindsay McConnell Evatt

Day 1: Shoot springing forth from Jesse Tree
All ornaments are hand painted by
Wes Evatt (Lindsay's husband)

Day 2: In the beginning...

Day 3: Fell for the lie that God didn't
love us.

Day 4: Christ comes like an ark;
to save.

Day 5: Promise Land, the blessing is His presence.

"We are slowing the usual pace of the season for our family.  Saying no to the hustle and bustle and taking the time each day to anticipate the coming of our Savior.  And it's working! The kids are excited and Christmas has never been so alive to me.  I'm breathing in the moments and God is speaking louder than ever before." -Lindsay McConnell Evatt

Lindsay and Wes Evatt