Pickens' “Flame” Award Shifting Focus

For a year now, the Pickens Revitalization Association has been recognizing special people in Pickens who work to make the city a great place to be.

The “I Fan the Flame” Award has been given to individuals for their dedication and service to the Pickens area.

Those recognized by the PRA include Ted Shehan, Tunkie Stokes, Don Gravely, Jack Black, Louise Pence Hope, Sam Wyche, Julia Alexander, Frances Wannamaker, Glenn Brock, Jerry Black, Mayor David Owens and Pickens City Councilmen Carlton Holley, Fletcher Perry and Isaiah Scipio

The councilmen were given the February “I Fan the Flame” Award at the Martin Luther King Day Unity Walk and Service held Jan. 21 at the Pickens County Courthouse.

After recognizing the three men for their individual service, Pickens Mayor David Owens said the community pride award's focus would be shifting.

“We've recognized … individuals who've done a lot for our community, have done things for Pickens, for organizations, helped raise money for civic groups and things like that, who just make Pickens a better place for all of us to live,” Owens said. “In March, the 'I Fan the Flame' award takes a new look. Instead of 'I Fan the Flame,' it's going to be 'We Fan the Flame.'”

The award will recognize “groups that contribute to the community,” he said.

“Organizations - religious, civic, charitable, school, corporate, cultural, non-profit, youth, senior, business associations, etc. - will be eligible,” Owens said. “Recognition will be given for things like helping to improve the community in some significant way, helping residents and their well-being, and generating positive publicity for the City of Pickens and also raising money for a good cause.”

Applications will soon be available on line at prahistoricpickens.com and at the PRA office on Court Street in Pickens.