SUMMERVILLE BRIEFS

Grant funds to aid Walterboro market

The Downtown Walterboro Development Corporation has been awarded $91,325 in federal competitive grant funds.

The funding, from a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Rural Business Enterprise Grant, will be used to renovate and purchase equipment for the Walterboro Community Market, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., announced.

He said the project will provide new retail opportunities for Colleton County agricultural producers and small businesses.

The funds were awarded according to USDA's competitive or merit-based selection process and not through congressional earmarks, DeMint said.

Medical Center seeks blood

Summerville Medical Center will serve as the host for a blood drive for the community from 1 to 6 p.m. today at the Inpatient Entrance of the hospital.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are available by contacting Sandy Wallace at 832-5040, hospital Public Relations Director Julie Plummer said.

"We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give do. During our lifetime, nearly all individuals will face a time of great vulnerability in which they will need blood." Plummer said.

Summerville Medical Center is a 94-bed acute care hospital providing a comprehensive range of services and specialties and is an affiliate hospital of Trident Health System.

For more information, see www.tridenthealthsystem.com or call 843-832-5000.

Registration opens for YMCA soccer

The Summerville Family YMCA is preparing for its largest recreational program for children — fall soccer. Each year more than 2,000 children play in the Y's league where there are no tryouts and no bench warmers; and character counts and everyone plays.

Registration for the YMCA Recreational Soccer League has begun and will run through Aug. 25. The season is Sept. 20 to Nov. 15. The program is open to boys and girls ages 3-17. For children looking for a more competitive program, the YMCA offers the Lowcountry Youth Soccer League "Rec Plus" for boys and girls ages 11-15.

League games will be played throughout the Lowcountry, as well as at the YMCA at Oakbrook.

Recreational Soccer League fees are: $35 for Y Family members; $55 for Y Youth members; and $80 for program participants. The fees for the LYSL Rec Plus are: $65 Y Family members; $85 Y Youth members; and $110 for program participants. Jerseys and socks are provided for players in both programs. Shin guards, cleats and shorts must be purchased by the participant.

The Summerville Family Y turns no one away and has financial assistance programs for those unable to pay.

Registration is taking place at the Summerville Family Y Wellness Center and the Oakbrook Sports Office. Contact the YMCA Sports Office at 821-1028 to ask questions, or volunteer to be a soccer coach, referee or sponsor.

Chamber to start 'Lunch & Learn'

The public is invited to a "Lunch & Learn" Seminar at the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, 402 N. Main St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15.

The event is sponsored by Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union as part of the Chamber's Education Series.

A special guest from the South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority will be on hand to discuss "Fixed Rate Loan Programs." This is a free educational opportunity to learn more about the various fixed rate loan programs that offer below market rates.

Beverages will be provided. RSVP to Joann Brooks, 843- 873-2931 or jbrooks@greatersummerville.org.