A Legacy of Service.
Several community enhancement efforts have been boosted recently through the legacy of the late George Cornelson. His wife, Ann Cornelson, is humbled by the community pointing out their generosity, but not wanting to “claim credit.” George made clear in his will what he wanted to donate to when he passed, and Ann says she simply is the vehicle for making that happen.
Ann Cornelson unveiled the plaque that will be in the Read Right cottage at Thornwell as this unique and successful literacy program takes root there. She was in the audience when it was announced at Presbyterian College’s recent rebranding event that Mr. Cornelson’s generosity will make it possible for Laurens County students who already are eligible to earn an associate’s degree from Piedmont Technical College, free, now can earn a four-year degree from Presbyterian College, free. It is a “game-changer” for the education levels of young Laurens County residents, who will enter the workplace and citizenship much better equipped with a wide range of knowledge.
For this effort, Ann Cornelson was mentoned by name at a recent meeting of the Laurens County Council. Soon thereafter, she called us. “This is ALL George,” she emphasized.
So in that vein, we certainly salute the late George Cornelson, and though she may not want us to, Ann Cornelson as well, for teaching us all the lesson, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
In somewhat of a related topic, we certainly want to acknowledge, also, a milestone for a true home-grown charity, The Laurens County Cancer Association. They had a wonderful party recently at The Cotton Loft in Clinton for their 10th anniversary. Dueling Pianos out of Charlotte kept everyone engaged with “Sweet Caroline” and many other requested musical numbers, and the food and fellowship was incomparable.
The night’s message is even more impressive - these are Laurens County people helping their fellow Laurens County residents striken with their worst possible diagnosis - Cancer. It’s likely we all have lost a friend or loved one to this evil disease and most of us, we suspect, attend a funeral and move on. Not, the people of the Laurens County Cancer Association. They lost a friend - Tim Mann - and they resolved to work everyday, now for the past decade, to alleviate some of the suffering that goes along with a cancer diagnosis. Cindy Perry, Eddie Marshall and G Ramage gave cancer survivor testimonies at the Oct. 25 event, and everyone celebrated this remarkable decade.
But, still, the fight goes on. LCCA is not the American Cancer Society; it does not fund research. With Prisma as a true community partner, it assists with what Laurens County cancer patients need in their fight to survive. They can use all our help - find more at:
www.HopeInCommunity.net
We have so many needs it can seem overwhelming. Where do we start? The important thing is to start. We are thankful that there are self-starters like George and Ann Cornelson and the LCCA crew among us.
