WEST ASHLEY BRIEFS

Human Rights Olympics at Folly

The Charleston chapter of Amnesty International will stage the 2008 Human Rights Olympics on Folly Beach Aug. 9 to protest human rights abuses in China.

Events such as running a 100-yard dash shackled, racing against competitors as they drag protesters across the finish line and the representation of "cultural" genocide through a yogurt-eating race are just a few that people can participate in.

Event winners will receive Olympic "medals," restaurant gift certificates and merchandise. Participants can enjoy free food and find opportunities to support Amnesty International's campaign.

The Human Rights Olympics will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be free and open to everyone. It will be held at the fifth block of East Arctic Avenue on the beach. If it rains, the event will be held Aug. 10.

Breaking Dawn Party to be Aug. 1

The West Ashley Barnes & Noble will hold a Breaking Dawn Party Aug. 1 at 9 p.m.

The store will remain open late and sell copies of the fourth and final book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Series, "Breaking Dawn," at the stroke of midnight when it officially goes on sale.

The store welcomes fans of the Twilight Series to come as their favorite character or in costume for a wedding reception-themed party. The night's activities include a costume contest, photos, trivia contest, crafts, games, live music, wedding cake and a toast.

Water system is aiding Myanmar

The first of 12 water purification systems provided by Charleston-based Water Missions International was installed July 8and is providing access to safe water for thousands of cyclone survivors in Myanmar.

The system was installed in the township of Maubin, a community within the heavily populated Irrawaddy Delta region in southwest Myanmar.

Two staff members from WMI's Indonesian office are on the ground in Yangon working with the Burmese government and ministry partners to coordinate site selections and installations for the remaining water systems.

The systems are assembled by volunteer labor. Each system provides a continuous supply of about 10,000 gallons per day and can be deployed and installed in a few hours to purify available surface and shallow-well water sources.

Cyclone Nargis, a Category 3 storm, ripped through Myanmar on May 3, affecting more than two million people. More than two months after the event, safe drinking water still tops the list of urgent needs.

WMI is a non-profit Christian engineering organization whose mission is to provide sustainable access to safe water in developing countries and disaster areas. Assistance is provided regardless of age, sex, race or faith. To date, WMI has deployed 591 water systems in 36 countries and two U.S. states, making safe water available to more than 1 million people.

For more information, contact Danya Jordan at 843-769-7395 ext. 210 or djordan@watermissions.org, or visit www.watermissions.org.

National Night Out scheduled Aug. 5

The 25th annual National Night Out will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5.

The Charleston Police Department Crime Prevention Unit encourages the public to organize outdoor parties or cookouts to take a stand against crime and criminals in their neighborhoods.

Events could be large or small and held anywhere outside — including near one's home or church or inside a park. Alcohol is strongly discouraged.

Police officers and McGruff the Crime Dog are available to visit parties. The department also can help make arrangements for a street closure or the use of a city park.

For more information, e-mail CrimePrevention@ci.charleston.sc.us, call 769-7407, or visit www.Charleston-PD.org.

Promenade input sought by city

The Ginn Development Company and the City of Charleston's Department of Planning, Preservation and Economic Innovation will host a series of community workshops for a planned development called the Promenade.

The Promenade property is located in the East Central/Lower Neck area of Charleston's peninsula near North Romney Street and Morrison Drive, on and around the old Romney Street landfill.

All workshops will be open to the public, and input on the development will be considered by the design team (Design Works/Ginn Development Company) and the city during the next stages of planning.

There are still many plans and details to be worked out, and the public's input will be vital to constructing the plan for this area of Charleston.

For more information, contact the city at 724-3789 or emelianoffa@ci.charleston.sc.us.

Workshops will be held:

--Monday and Tuesday at the Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St., open house 12-4 p.m., public presentation 4-5:30 p.m.

--Wednesday at the Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St., open house, 9-11:30 a.m., public presentation, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Republican group to hold meeting

Sea Island Republican Women will hold a dinner meeting Monday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Sunfire Grill. Speakers will be Cathy Russ and Jim Armstrong.

To make reservations, contact Charm Altman at 763-5313 or charmrnc@yahoo.com.

Citizens' Academy registration open

Registration is now open for the fall session of Charleston County Citizens' Academy.

The academy offers a free, in-depth course that provides an understanding of county government. The 12-class series is taught by county government employees and elected officials.

Classes are scheduled for 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons, Aug. 12 through Oct. 27. Classes are held in county government facilities.

The course ends with an optional all-day field trip to government facilities Nov. 3. A graduation ceremony will be held during the County Council meeting scheduled for Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

Academy topics include the county budgeting process, voting system, waste and recycling, paving roads, law enforcement, courts, emergency services, planning and zoning.

Citizens' Academy graduates are eligible for Continuing Education Units from College of Charleston.

Applicants accepted into the program will be expected to attend all 12 sessions. For those not able to attend an afternoon class, the spring 2009 course will be held on Monday evenings.

Participants must be 18 or older and live or work in Charleston County. The class is limited to 35 participants. Deadline to submit an application for the fall 2008 session is Aug. 1. Applications are available at www.charlestoncounty.org.

For more information, contact Christine DeStefano at 843-958-4081 or cdestefano@charlestoncounty.org.

Civitans collect school supplies

West Ashley Civitans will collect school supplies at all Tidelands Bank branches Aug. 1-15 to benefit Low Country Orphan Relief.

Chartered in 1954, West Ashley Civitan Club assists numerous organizations in giving back to the community. The club places an emphasis on developmental disabilities, but sponsors other projects as well.

For more information, visit www.civitan.net/westashley.