SEGMENT #1: Town of Mount Pleasant Police Department
GUEST: Lt. Ashley Croy, Public Information Officer
ISSUE: Special Needs
Each February, hundreds of people go for a swim in the cold Atlantic Ocean, for a good cause. “Freezin’ For a Reason,” the Isle of Palms annual Polar Plunge is a benefit event for Special Olympics, hosted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department. The Public Information Officer for the Mount Pleasant PD, Lt. Ashley Croy share the specific information on the Saturday, February 22^nd event. Croy provided details on how individuals could register to participate and the other elements that would be included with the “Plunge” like a costume contest and post plunge concert. The officer also discussed the department’s relationship with Special Olympics and the ways this event benefited those athletes, and their families.

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SEGMENT #2: Charleston Area Senior Citizens & Berkeley Seniors, Inc.
GUEST: Donna Cook, Executive Director
ISSUE: Senior Citizen Issues
Inflation is a challenge for everyone, but more so with those on a fixed income. The Charleston Area Senior Citizens & Berkeley Seniors, Inc. implement Meals on Wheels in those two counties. Donna Cook, the organization’s Executive Director shared the challenges the Means On Wheels program is facing. Cook explained the importance of the program to area seniors, both in nutrition and the companionship those seniors receive through daily visits. Over 300 seniors are currently on a waiting list to receive Meals on Wheels. Additionally, the organization has a shortage of volunteers to deliver the food. Cook provided information on how seniors can get on the wait list and how individuals can volunteer to assist the organization.

SEGMENT #1: Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry
GUEST: Erica Chiovarou, President
ISSUE: Special Needs
Each October, the Lowcountry Buddy Walk happens on Daniel Island to bring awareness of Downs Syndrome. What is Downs Syndrome and how does it affect individuals and families dealing with it? Answers to those questions are provided by Erica Chiovarou, the President of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, and the organizer of the Lowcountry Buddy Walk. Chiovarou provided information on the Oct. 20 event and discussed the importance of the event, as both those with Downs Syndrome and their families are rarely among others dealing with it. She spoke of the purpose of the event, and how funds raised will help.

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SEGMENT #2: Dorchester Heritage Center
GUEST: Phyllis Hughes, Board Chairperson and President
ISSUE: Veterans
The Wall That Heals is a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center. The Dorchester Heritage Center applied to have the Wall come to the Lowcountry. Center Board Chair and President Phyllis Hughes explained that process, and the importance of bringing the wall to the Center. Hughes discussed involving Gold Star Families in the event and using cadets from the Citadel to assemble the wall, available for anyone to visit, for free, Oct. 17 through 20. In addition to speaking about the wall, she also explained the mission of the Dorchester Heritage Association and the part the Center plays in the community.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-downs-syndrome-assoc-of-the-lowcountry-dorchester-heritage-center-oct-13-2024?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=3f4502a7bfa9418d85784c1a767c122c