Sam Erb, Carmen Landy receive Aiken Awards from city

Matthew Christian, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·1 min read

Jan. 26—Aiken honored the man credited with helping transform The Alley in downtown Aiken and the former leader of Helping Hands.

Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon presented Aiken Awards to Sam Erb and Carmen Landy during the state of the city address held Monday evening at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts on Newberry Street.

Erb is known for beginning the West Side Bowery in April 1981, which helped begin the transformation of The Alley into the pedestrian friendly, eating and nightlife spot it is today.

He said he was a believer in Aiken. Erb said if he had it to do over again, he would do the same thing. Erb said he was always looking forward to helping to grow the city.

Landy was the chief executive officer of Helping Hands, a nonprofit geared toward improving the lives of children in Aiken County.

She said it was a big honor to get love from people that she loved. She said she didn't do her work for awards but added it was a really nice gesture from the city to show her work had been recognized by people other than the those who benefit from it.

Flags that flew on the Statehouse on Jan. 4 also were presented to Lee Cavanaugh, the wife of former Aiken Mayor Fred Cavanaugh, by the county's state legislative delegation during the ceremony.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster ordered the state's flags to half-mast Jan. 4 to honor Fred Cavanaugh who died in late December.