News In Brief - May 28, 2008

By Matt Garfield - Matt Garfield

Pantry to distribute food Thursday in Lesslie

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina Mobile Pantry will distribute more than 9,000 pounds of food at 11 a.m. Thursday at Foundation AME Zion Church, 1852 Neely Store Road, Lesslie.

People in need will receive one bag of food. Food will be distributed at five area churches as part of the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team of Providence Presbytery and St. Mary's Catholic Church. The next food distribution event will be in September.

Sullivan, Saluda Trail schools are IB authorized

The Rock Hill school district officially has two more International Baccalaureate programs.

Sullivan and Saluda Trail middle schools both were authorized this month to offer the IB Middle Years Program, which takes an international approach to education.

IB programs ask students to take responsibility for their own learning, work on character building and be active in their communities. They emphasize reflective learning, which means students are encouraged to ask questions and try new things.

Both schools have been teaching the program as they sought official authorization.

-- Jessica Schonberg

Grant money available for animal welfare groups

Foundation For The Carolinas is accepting grant applications on behalf of the J.A. Turner Jr. Family Foundation for nonprofit organizations in York County that address animal welfare.

Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to agencies that emphasize the following efforts: spay and neuter programs, animal adoption campaigns, rural and wild animal care and wellness, animal cruelty prevention programs and rehabilitation of injured animals.

The famiy foundation was established in 1998 by Judith Turner Carpenter to honor the memory of her parents, Jim and Linerieux Turner, who founded National Welders Supply Co.

Applications may be downloaded at www.fftc.org or from Ashley Allen at 1-704-973-4594 or aallen@fftc.org. Applications must be received in the office of Foundation For The Carolinas by 4 p.m. June 27. Grant recipients will be notified this fall.

-- Kimberly Dick

S.C. Club for Growth endorses Boyd

State House challenger Kyle Boyd picked up an endorsement this week from the S.C. Club for Growth, a conservative tax-cut interest group.

"Boyd is the true fiscal conservative in this race and has pledged to lead on tax reform, school choice and controlling state spending," the group said in an announcement.

Boyd, of Fort Mill, was one of five candidates featured in the organization's latest round of endorsements. Statewide, the Club for Growth has endorsed 25 candidates.

Incumbent Republican Carl Gullick also has won endorsements in advance of the June 10 primary for District 49. The League of Conservation Voters praised his efforts to settle the water rights dispute between the two Carolinas. Also, the S.C. School Boards Association gave him an award for his commitment to public education.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham to host rally in Rock Hill

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will visit Rock Hill on Thursday for a barbecue rally at Cherry Park.

The public is invited to the 5 p.m. event under the park's main shelter. It will feature music and entertainment from the "Old Fogeys" band. Graham is expected to speak.

Graham faces challenges from Lexington doctor Buddy Witherspoon and former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride in the June 10 GOP primary.

The cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. People who received cards in the mail are entitled to complimentary dinners. Catering is provided by Beef 'O' Brady's restaurant. For information, contact Graham organizer Joe St. John at fortmillgop@hotmail.com.