SPRINGFIELD, S.C. – Wallace Pender, a representative of the Orangeburg County Council on Aging, reported about the agency and what it offers the community at Springfield’s Nov. 2 meeting.

Pender said his report is part of a project to send representatives to each municipality.

The Council on Aging receives money from United Way, Orangeburg County Council and the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center as well as some federal and state funds, he said. This money pays for home-delivered meals, meals at community centers and home-loaned services for people who need help.

But the elderly population, probably the most overlooked segment of society, is rapidly increasing and, by 2015, will make up one-third of the county, Pender said. As a result, providing services is getting more and more expensive, according to Pender. Each meal that is home delivered costs $5.44, and the council has turned to volunteers for help. The council now has 21 paid employees and 82 volunteers, he said.

Even so, the services provided by the Council on Aging save money in the long run because it keeps people out of nursing homes, Pender said.

The council holds an annual fund-raiser each New Year’s Day called Elder Hop, at which dinners of collards and black-eyed peas are sold, he said. This year, the organization raised $52,000, which was down $10,000 from 2008, probably because of the poor economy, Pender noted.

The goal for 2010 is $65,000, he said. The meal will be served on the square in Downtown Orangeburg, he said.

Pender praised Mayor Marilyn McCormick, the Springfield council and previous administrations for their aid in keeping the Council on Aging operating.

‘Without the support of Springfield, we’d be in the street,” he said.

Also during the meeting, McCormick said several people had asked about holding turkey shoots on the town’s ball field. Town Clerk Tammy Lee checked with the insurance company about liability, McCormick said.

“We need to have the participant holding the turkey shoot to have an insurance policy that has coverage of up to $1 million – with the town as an insured as well,” she said.

It should also be understood that all legal fees incurred for accidents at the turkey shoots will be paid as well, McCormick said.

A motion by Councilwoman Lydia Lackey for the town to fill in a dry well located on the property of Elmer Wilson failed to pass. She reported that she had first approached the county, but the county said the project did not fall within its criteria. She also said she had the owner’s permission to go ahead with the project and his agreement to pay any expenses incurred by the town.

The well is 10 to 15 feet deep, and several dogs have fallen into it, Lackey said.

Councilmen Eddie Lee said the project was not feasible because a path would have to be cut through bamboo growing on the property before the well could be filled. The town has no equipment to handle the project, he said. Lackey agreed to go back to the county for help.

In other business:

* McCormick announced a vender show will be held at the Springfield Museum from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 21.

* The mayor reported the town’s playground will be open only by appointment as a result of vandalism.

* Lackey announced an officer will meet with residents at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Blue Museum to discuss and answer questions about the neighborhood watch program.

* Lee introduced the town’s new part-time police officer, Jim Edwins, who will be working for free to keep up his certification.

* Councilwoman Hattie Wood reported the senior citizens had a wonderful time on their trip to the Billy Graham Museum in August. However, their pleasure was marred after they returned by the sudden death of 15-year-old Clarence “C.J.” Darby, who had gone on the trip with them. “He helped everybody,” Wood said. “He’d always go on the trips – we miss him very much already. He liked to hug, and he was just a good guy.”

* Sylvia Hiers reported on the school restoration project. A podium for the auditorium and two dozen pieces of genealogical reference material was donated, she said. Hiers also reported that four events are scheduled at the school this winter and spring.

T&D Correspondent Dale Linder-Altman can be reached by e-mail at jerryanddale@lowcountry.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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