Making a Difference

Summerville is more than historic places, excellent restaurants and unique shops. Certainly, that helps quite a bit and one of the reasons I moved here. Summerville is more than that though, it's about the people here. Whether they are born and raised lowcountry or transplants like myself, something about this place makes people friendlier, more generous and considerate.

Volunteering is something I had wanted to get involved in up north, but something held me back. It wasn't just that I was working full time either, there was a lack of spirit in the area we lived in. It's hard to put your finger on. The change in atmosphere here was what I needed to fully commit to putting my skills and time to use at Dorchester Habitat for Humanity.

After speaking with Terry Epps the Volunteer Coordinator at DHH about what I could offer, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately asked to join the Special Events and Public Relations Committees. Our objective is to plan, advertise and execute fundraising events to help realize the dream of home ownership for one deserving family at a time.

My first event was the Fall Festival that took place October 16th, at the Flowertown Garden Center. DHH was lucky enough when owner Paul Moore and employee Charlene Sharkey contacted them with the idea for this event. Flowertown Garden Center welcomed families for the day to check out the plants and garden accents but also had a number of activities for kids to enjoy, while the proceeds went to DHH. The big hit was the Batman bounce house, Flowertown provided. Watching kids run and hurriedly take off their shoes to hop in always brings a smile to my face and a little ache for my own childhood.  Children also had fun at the face painting, and pumpkin painting tables in addition to the hot dogs and baked goods DHH provided. In total Flowertown Garden helped us raise $400 which will go towards the current house being built.
 
The Garden Center has a very unique vibe to it's atmosphere.  The plants are set up in meandering paths, with pergolas overhead, lovely garden benches and statuary tucked in, perhaps next to a water feature.  It's more like walking through someone's backyard garden, so different than the utilitarian aisles of the big box stores.  I was definitely tempted and yearned for my own yard to plan and create.  Several DHH members left with beautiful hanging pots of mums and hay bales for fall decor. 

It is so satisfying to see efforts come to fruition with a terrific bunch of warm-hearted people. The spirit of giving is alive and well in Summerville.  I feel it all the time and can now say I'm a part of it.

Friday Night Lights

South Carolina does not have any professional sports teams, which may explain why high school and college teams are so crazy popular here. Last month we were driving through town which was jammed with traffic and people parking in every available area. Crowds of people were walking in one direction, and our curiosity was peaked. We followed the trail of people and cars. Was it a fair I hadn't heard about? A live performance in the park? A zombie outbreak? Nope, the trail ended at a medium sized stadium, people were cramming in for a high school football game! And they were paying $8 to get in!

This is pretty much unheard of in the Northeast. High school games up north are generally only attended by parents of players, some schoolmates, and a few diehard alums. The games are always free. Well, this Friday we had to see what all the hubbub was about and decided to go see the game.

The Summerville High School's The Green Wave team has a long a winning history, as I found out from our ticket booth lady. Coach John McKissick is a vertiable legend throughout the region, and is the nation's most winningest high school coach, a title he has held since 1986. He has been coaching Summerville since 1952, and is still at it, proving age is more than a number. The stadium is named for him, as is another one in North Carolina. Folks here are mighty proud of that and it shows. The players arrived with a police escort! The game we attended was against West Ashley. I struck up conversation with the gentleman behind us, and he filled me in on some of the history. Apparently, every school wants to play the Green Wave, because if you beat us, it's something to put in your scrapbook.

You could tell Summerville was the superior team right from the warm ups. The home team was sharper, quicker on their feet, a testimony to synchronization as one unit. A small chill of awe shivered down my arms. My instinct was true, once the game started Summerville scored on the second play! West Ashley gave up the first quarter 28-0. They only managed one touch down towards the end of the game. Summerville ran away with it. There's room for improvement of course, we fumbled quite a few balls, and there were two interceptions. Thankfully, the defense squashed out the threats.

Even when Coach McKissick fully retires his son will be there to take the reigns, as well as several of his best players from the 80's who are now assistant coaches. Perhaps the north ought to take note of the system here. With spectators paying to attend, the football team, band, cheerleaders and exchange club all are well funded without having to worry about a hand out from the state. They are able to afford a terrific stadium, and excellent coaches to help them succeed. If my high school had such a great team and facilities I'm sure I would have been a better supporter. Although I have to say it, the Green Wave as a mascot, is pretty ridiculous. There's a silly smiley face in the middle of the costume, not exactly striking fear in our challengers hearts. It's a laugh though. Sorry to say my camera is not up to action shots, so I couldn't provide some visual candy this time. I'll have to remember to bring my video camera next time.