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Happy 2024 from Dorchester County
Dorchester County wishes everyone a Happy New Year! We hope you all enjoy a wonderful New Year's Day with the people you care about most.
As we enter 2024, let's take a look back on some of the highlights and fond memories we made in 2023. You can watch our Dorchester County Year-End Recap here.
Thank you to all of our employees and residents for making this a memorable year with Dorchester County. We appreciate everything you do, and we're looking forward to making 2024 another unforgettable year as well.
Thank You for Helping Us DO MORE Christmas
This December, Dorchester County, in partnership with the Salvation Army Charleston, made this Christmas one to remember. After months of preparation, shopping, and organizing, Do More Christmas had over 350 toy bags ready to be distributed to Dorchester County children and families in need.
About half of the Dorchester County toy bags were distributed at the North Charleston Coliseum, and the rest were picked up by families on December 18th at Woodland High School. There were twenty-six County employees and community representatives who came together to ensure the process went smoothly. The distribution also included boxes of food generously provided by the Community Resource Center so the families would have food for the holidays as well.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Do More Christmas this year. Whether you shopped for an Angel, helped with distribution, or spread the word, you helped to make this holiday season a joyous one for many families in need.
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 Dorchester County Government Launches Second "Chat with the Chairman" Program
Thank you to all who attended our first "Chat with the Chairman". This program is an opportunity for residents to speak directly with Chairman Todd Friddle in an informal setting to discuss community issues, share ideas, and ask questions.
Our second event will take place on January 23rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the North Charleston Library Branch located at 8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420.
To reserve your one-on-one time with the Chairman, you must RSVP by choosing a ten minute time slot at the link below.
 Parks and Recreation Gets Recognized for Splash Into Safety Program
On December 13, Dorchester County Parks and Recreation attended the Carolinas Recreation & Park Conference. There they were officially awarded the 2023 Excellence in Programming Award alongside Colleton County Parks and Recreation for their success with the Splash Into Safety swim program (formerly the Fun Fins program).
The Splash Into Safety program is a partnership with the Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Department, Colleton County, the Summerville Medical Center, and the YMCA. Because of this program, 335 children in rural Colleton and Dorchester Counties now know important drowning prevention and water safety skills that they will be able to use for the rest of their lives.
Congratulations to our Parks and Recreation Department on this outstanding achievement. The ripples of the Splash Into Safety program will surely be felt for years to come.
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 Greenbelt Master Plan Survey
The Dorchester County Conservation and Greenbelt Advisory Commission is currently working to develop a Master Plan for the expenditure of Greenbelt funding received as a result of the 2022 Transportation Sales Tax Referendum.
The purpose of the Master Plan is to protect, purchase, and/or improve, green space areas and recreational sites in Dorchester County. As part of the process in developing the Plan, we will need the community's input during the next few months.
Please take a few minutes to fill out our Green Space Survey. Information collected will help us craft the Master Plan which will guide future projects.
 New Year, New You!
Kickstart your wellness journey at our North Charleston Library Branch (8620 Patriot Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29420) on Wednesday, January 10th, from 10:30am to 3:30pm for a Community Health & Wellness Fair sponsored by Dorchester County Libraries.
Discover a world of well-being with practitioners and organizations dedicated to boosting your physical, mental, and emotional health. It's the perfect way to turn your New Year's resolutions into lifelong habits!
 Join Us at the Upcoming Dorchester County Hiring Fairs!
Looking for exciting Dorchester County Government career opportunities or a chance to explore various job prospects? Don't miss the Dorchester County Hiring Fairs coming to the Summerville Library and the North Charleston Library on the following dates:
Summerville Library Hiring Fairs:
(76 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, SC 29485)
- January 11, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- January 26, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- February 6, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- February 16, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
North Charleston Library Hiring Fairs:
8620 Patriot Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29420
- January 17, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- January 30, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- February 7, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
- February 21, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore new career paths, connect to Dorchester County recruiters, and move forward in your professional journey.
 On December 4th, two Dorchester County employees received recognition for their outstanding service to our community. Congratulations to Officer Jason DeCorte with Neighborhood Services on being the most recent Employee of the Quarter and to Ricky Thomas-Wolfe with Consolidated Dispatch on being the First Responder of the Quarter.
Animal Control Officer Jason DeCorte has been with Neighborhood Services for over a year. In the brief time he has been with Dorchester County, he has earned a reputation for being both professional and empathetic while responding to calls and interacting with the community.
He was nominated by a resident after witnessing Officer DeCorte and his then trainee's patience and kindness while dealing with a scared and injured dog. "I SAW firsthand how these two did what they do and I’ll tell EVERYONE how amazingly they handled a job I myself could NOT do!" the resident would say in their nomination for Officer DeCorte.
We greatly appreciate Officer DeCorte for everything he does for Dorchester County's animals and residents.
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Training Officer Ricky Thomas-Wolfe has been with Dorchester County for ten and a-half years and has proven to be one of the most positive and hardworking members of the Consolidated Dispatch team. He consistently helps where he is needed and has overseen the training responsibilities for onboarding 911 dispatchers.
Ricky went truly above-and-beyond in 2023, as he changed his work schedule to a 12 hour rotation of 6:00pm to 6:00am when Consolidated Dispatch was critically low on staffing. He worked this schedule for three months, including weekends and holidays, until the Center was fully staffed once again. While doing this, Ricky maintained his regular training responsibilities and his positive attitude.
Ricky is a wonderful example of leadership, dedication, and grace under pressure, and we appreciate him for always going the extra mile to ensure our safety.
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 Experience Unmatched Charm at the Ashley River Park Pavilion
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Hold your next event at the Ashley River Park Pavilion! This space is ideal for weddings, corporate galas, and expansive family reunions.
Our beautiful pavilion boasts full amenities - a bridal suite, restrooms, and a well-equipped catering kitchen with refrigeration. Nestled amid a scenic fishing pond and lush woodlands, it's the quintessential outdoor venue for those seeking a serene yet stunning setting.
For more information about renting the Ashley River Park Pavilion for your event, please contact parks@dorchestercountysc.gov.
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 Make a Resolution to Save More Lives
Dorchester County is once again teaming up with The Blood Connection to save more lives locally. Start 2024 off right by signing up to donate blood and help save someone's life.
The next blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024. You'll have opportunities to donate once again at both ends of Dorchester County.
- Summerville - Dorchester County Water & Sewer (235 Deming Way) from 7:00am to 11:00am.
Sponsor Code: 10164
- St. George - Kenneth F. Waggoner Building (201 Johnston Street) from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
You can sign up by easily scanning the QR code provided or by visiting:
Summerville Drive Link – https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/226715
St. Geroge Drive Link – https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/226714
People who donate are also eligible to receive $70 in rewards. This makes donating with the Blood Connection a great way to score some extra funds after the holiday season along with a way to give back to our community. Don't wait, schedule your appointment today!
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 2024 Election Schedule
Mark your calendars for the upcoming election dates for our community. Click the link below to view election dates, early voting dates, and registration deadlines for the following:
- State House District 109 Primary
- State House District 109 Primary Runoff (if necessary)
- Democratic Presidential Preference Primary (PPP)
- Republican Presidential Preference Primary (PPP)
- State House District 109 Primary
- Summerville Town Council District 3
- Statewide Primary
- Statewide Primary Runoff (if necessary)
- General Election
 Summerville Warming Center
Did you know that when temperatures reach below 35 degrees, the Dorchester County Warming Center at Seacoast Church Summerville opens its doors from 7pm - 7am with free transportation from TriCounty Links? Each person is offered dinner, a cot/linens, a shower, and breakfast.
Within the last four weeks, the Center was open 11 nights and served a total of 296 men, women, and children. As a result of our partnership with Seacoast Church Summerville, three men have found a new home at Home of Hope, one woman has found employment, and two families have begun the process to secure sustainable housing.
Due to the number of times the Center was open, Seacoast Church Summerville has had some additional costs associated with providing this resource to our community. If you are looking for an area to support this mission, please consider donating.
 MLK Day Closures
Dorchester County Offices and Courts will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. May you take the time to reflect upon and remember the profound wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
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