Lately, I have been struck by the capacity of our community to care for each other. With all the crappy news out there, these tender glimpses into humanity are important to keep me going. This article reads just like a Camp iRock “chapter book.” Reading a “chapter book” is THE badge of honor for a kid who struggles with reading!
Once upon a time there was a wonderful community: It was called Pickens County.
Chapter One — The Walk
By Kasie Strickland, The Sentinel-Progress
March 28, 2018
PICKENS COUNTY — Julie Capaldi, president of the United Way of Pickens County, received the Distinguished Service Award from Manufacturers Caring for Pickens County (MCPC) for her work with Camp iRock, a summer reading camp to support struggling readers in Pickens County.
MCPC presented the award at the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) board of trustees meeting on March 26.
“It is grant season!” said Traci Boyles, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the School District of Pickens County. This statement accompanied the “Request for Proposal” link to one of our major funding sources for Camp iRock.
She’s wasn’t kidding.
In just three weeks, we had grant deadlines for three of our largest funders. It’s not like you can write one proposal and use it for all the others either. Each funder has unique objectives and results they want us to accomplish with their money.
A lot of people like to complain about paying taxes but not me. I understand that the roads I drive on, the EMS and other services I rely on to keep me safe, and public education that I care about so much, is funded, in part, by my taxes and I am okay with it.
I am also very fortunate that my better half is a trained tax preparer. Except for having to divulge how much money “I give away” and addressing my lack of personal paper management, it’s a pretty good deal for me.
Camp iRock was named a finalist for the 2017 Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award for Excellence.
PICKENS COUNTY- April 27, 2017
CLEMSON- March 23, 2017
We are so proud of the 16 Clemson University business students who are volunteering for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program this year. Rick Uhlmann wrote a wonderful story on these students for the Clemson University Newsstand. You can read the story here.
EASLEY- On March 9, the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce presented its Annual Small Business Awards at Tri-County Technical College-Easley Campus. Sponsored by Sam’s Club of Easley, several businesses and individuals were honored for their leadership and community service.
EASLEY — The night of June 14 was the Republican primary in South Carolina and Rep. Neal Collins hosted the community and candidates to follow the returns with an eye on creating unity within Pickens County.
It turns out Collins’ idea — Election Night Unity Party — benefited more than just those interested in politics as proceeds generated at Groucho’s Deli in Easley will go toward helping children excel at reading.
Camp iRock was the beneficiary of the fundraiser receiving a check for $150. The funds will be used to purchase books for campers.
Camp iRock is rocking all across Pickens County this year.
The innovative reading-improvement camp that started a year ago in one school has expanded to three schools, in Easley, Pickens and Liberty.
“Because of the amazing results that we saw long-term, not only in students’ academic achievement but also with behaviors and attitudes, everybody was on board and was excited about expanding and serving the entire county,” said Alida Gardiner, director of operations for the Pickens County YMCA.
