Town Talk: The Official Podcast of Summerville, SC

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Join us as we follow Ryan Dews, our dedicated Stormwater Manager, through a day in his life. Ryan and his team work tirelessly to ensure our town's stormwater systems are efficient and effective. Their commitment to maintaining a safe and clean environment is invaluable. Celebrate Public Works Appreciation Week by learning more about the crucial role Ryan and his team play in keeping Summerville safe and beautiful!

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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Join us as we celebrate Public Works Appreciation Week by showcasing the hard work and dedication of our incredible public works team. In this special video, our Town PIO, Chris Makowski, spends a day with Dale Roberson, Engineering Tech 1 for the Town of Summerville.

Get an inside look at the daily responsibilities and challenges Dale faces, and learn how his contributions help keep our town running smoothly. From morning preparations to field inspections, experience the vital role of our public works team in maintaining and improving our community's infrastructure.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/ZIdIfUg5Rlo

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we welcome back Cassie Ford, Tourism Director for the Greater Summerville / Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, to delve into the vibrant tourism landscape of Summerville in 2024. Cassie provides an insightful overview of the major attractions and events that continue to draw visitors.

Discover how the tourism industry in the area has evolved, embracing both the historical roots and modern developments that make Summerville a unique destination. 

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what makes Summerville a must-visit destination and how innovative strategies are keeping it at the forefront of South Carolina's tourism scene.

Links:
Website - https://www.visitsummerville.com/
Blog - https://www.visitsummerville.com/blog
Local events page - https://www.visitsummerville.com/local-events

REMINDER: National Travel and Tourism Week, May 19th, Santee Welcome Center

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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Guest:

• Thetyka Robinson, Asiko Group
• Patrick Homan, Senior Staff Scientist, Terracon
• Jessi Shuler, Planning Director, Town of Summerville

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Town of Summerville a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to fund revitalization efforts aimed at improving quality of life opportunities. The grant, part of the EPA's Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment program, will fund environmental assessments of properties in the Town.

With community input, Summerville will work with the EPA to identify, develop, and evaluate a list of potential brownfield sites for redevelopment into sources of job opportunities and other community resources. 

The EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant program provides funding to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct cleanup planning and community involvement related activities, which help to boost local economies and create jobs.

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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In this episode, we are joined by Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins, ATC, who has been leading Dorchester School District Two since 2022. Prior to joining Dorchester, Dr. Robbins served as Superintendent for the Kershaw County School District in South Carolina for four years. He also held superintendent roles in Indiana, including Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation, Northwestern Consolidated School District, and Monroe Central Schools, totaling 10 years of experience.

Before becoming a district leader, Dr. Robbins worked as a principal, assistant principal, athletic trainer, and classroom teacher. His educational background includes a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, an Education Specialist degree, a Master of Arts in Education in K-12 Administration, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education, all from Ball State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Allied Health/Athletic Training from Franklin College.

In addition to his work in education, Dr. Robbins currently serves as a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, where he is assigned to the Office of the Surgeon General overseeing the National Disaster Medical System program.

Join us as we discuss Dr. Robbins' leadership journey, his vision for Dorchester School District Two, and insights from his diverse experiences in education and military service.

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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Discover the Crucial Role of School Resource Officers with Lt. Montez Aiken

On this episode, we sit down with Lt. Montez Aiken, SRO Commander for the Summerville Police Department. In this insightful conversation, Lt. Aiken shares his journey into law enforcement and what inspired his focus on school-based policing.

We explore the vital responsibilities of SRO Commanders like Lt. Aiken in overseeing school resource officer programs within local schools. He explains how officers are integrated on campuses and why their presence is essential for safety and community building.

From de-escalating tensions to fostering positive student-police relationships, Lt. Aiken highlights the multifaceted impact of effective school resource officers. He provides invaluable advice on the key qualities needed to excel in this role and build trust with diverse student populations.

Additionally, Lt. Aiken discusses the Summerville Police Department's philosophy on community policing and any specialized SRO training initiatives. He shares rewarding experiences from his career while emphasizing the overarching importance of supporting safe, secure school environments.

Whether you're a parent, educator, law enforcement professional, or simply care about school safety, this engaging episode offers rare insights into the world of school resource officers. Tune in to learn from Lt. Aiken's expertise as we examine this critical issue.

https://www.summervillepolice.com/

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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In this episode, we sit down with Joe Debney, the CEO of the Summerville Family YMCA. Joe shares his inspiring journey from a career in public service to leading one of the region's most impactful community organizations.

We explore Joe's core values and vision for the YMCA to become a greater advocate, collaborator, and leader, bridging opportunity gaps across Summerville. He discusses practical ways the YMCA aims to achieve this, from new health and wellness initiatives to increased volunteerism efforts.

Joe provides insights into the YMCA's involvement with the beloved Flowertown Festival and how it plans to leverage this event to further its mission. 

Throughout the conversation, Joe's passion for service and dedication to enriching lives shines through. We learn about the profound impact of volunteerism from powerful stories highlighting the YMCA's work.

Looking ahead, Joe shares his goals for the YMCA over the next few years and how the community can get involved. He leaves listeners inspired to join the YMCA's efforts in creating a healthier, more equitable Summerville.

Whether you're a long-time YMCA member or learning about their work for the first time, this engaging discussion offers a compelling glimpse into the heart of an organization truly committed to positive change.

Links:

• YouTube Version
• Summerville Family YMCA Website
• YMCA Membership Information

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Johnson-Wilson, our District 2 Councilwoman, to explore her inspiring journey to the town council. Join us as Tiffany shares her deep-rooted connection to Summerville, her illustrious career in real estate, and her ambitious vision for the town's future.

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tony Wilson, the Principal of Summerville Preparatory Academy. This tuition-free public charter school is at the forefront of innovative education. Dr. Wilson shares his vision for creating an environment where learning is collaborative and personalized, and students are equipped with skills to prepare them for their future. He discusses his goals, the importance of community engagement, and how he plans to integrate technology and student-centric approaches to education. Discover how Dr. Wilson's leadership and educational philosophy aim to shape the future of learning at Summerville Preparatory Academy, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for students, parents, and the community. Join us for an insightful look into the journey of transforming education with passion and purpose.

https://www.summervilleprep.org/

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

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Join us on this special episode of "Town Talk" as we sit down with Mayor Russ Touchberry to discuss his journey, vision, and goals for Summerville. Dive deep into the plans and policies that are shaping our town's future.

Links:

•  https://summervillesc.gov/
• https://www.buzzsprout.com/2164282/13174356 (Mayor Touchberry's 1st Episode)
• https://summervillesc.gov/253/Elected-Officials (Elected Officials)
• https://apps.apple.com/tt/app/town-of-summerville/id1416619752 (Town IOS App)
• https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.summervillesc.seeclickfix&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 (Android App)
• https://linktr.ee/townofsummerville (Town of Summerville Linktree)

And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski ([email protected]), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!