June 2019




Colleton County Venture Park is awarded $500,000 grant!






Colleton County Rural Infrastructure Authority Award
By Michelle Knight, LCOG Community & Economic Development Director

The Spring and Fall are a busy time for the LCOG Community & Economic Development Department! In March, we submitted an application to the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (SCRIA) on behalf of Colleton County, requesting $500,000 for infrastructure improvements to serve Venture Park, an 81 acre publicly owned park that after build out, will serve 5 to 8 prospective companies.  

SCRIA recently announced the award of this project which will go toward providing the needed water and wastewater to effectively serve the park. A key component in effectively marketing the park to potential companies is to have easily accessible water and sewer services. This grant award, along with other funding actively being pursued, will accomplish this goal and give Colleton development officials' additional product to show prospects. 

SCRIA grants help fund the construction of water, sewer, or drainage projects statewide. A locality can apply for a Basic Infrastructure Grant to comply with health and environmental concerns of existing systems or an Economic Infrastructure Grant to help build or upgrade the infrastructure to encourage new business opportunities. Applications are due each year in March and September.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Michelle Knight at 843-473-3970

Click Here to view the full SCRIA grant award list

Click Here to view the full size proposed Venture park layout



From time to time, we must say goodbye to old friends and welcome new ones to the Board of Directors.

We would like to extend an extra special Thank You for their years of service to:

Alice Howard, Beaufort County
York Glover, Beaufort County
Michael Covert, Beaufort County




Ms. Howard and Mr. Glover are pictured above with Executive Director, Sabrena Graham receiving their recognition plaques!

And a warm Welcome to:
Chris Hervochon, Beaufort County
Paul Sommerville, Beaufort County
Mark Lawson, Beaufort County
William Harkins, Town of Hilton Head

We are looking forward to your contributions in the years to come!
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 th

Every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated in America and around the world.

Through WEAAD, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) raises awareness for the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year and only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities. Older Americans are vital, contributing members of our society and their abuse or neglect diminishes all of us. WEAAD reminds us that, as in a just society, all of us have a critical role to play to focus attention on elder justice.

The ACL, along with our federal and aging partners, invite you to join us in Lifting up Voices for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2019, a theme that is centered on unifying the shared values of elder justice and bringing to the forefront the lived experiences of older people around the globe. 


How can YOU help raise awareness?

*Wear purple on June 15, 2019 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!

*Visit the ACL Website for the latest news and announcements!

*Use #WEAAD in all of your WEAAD social media posts on Facebook and Twitter!

*Contact Meyoka Griffin or Charmaine Concepcion LCOG Long Term Care Ombudsmen at 843-473-3955 to report abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.

Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Are you turning 65? Do you have questions about when and how to enroll in Medicare? If you do, we can help!

What you need to know: If you are not currently receiving Social Security or Railroad Benefits, you are required to sign up for Medicare Part A and B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The IEP is 3 months before your 65 th birthday, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after your birthday. In a nut shell, you have 7 months to enroll and avoid penalties. If you are receiving your Social Security or Railroad benefits prior to turning 65, you will be automatically enrolled.

How to Enroll: online at www.ssa.gov, visit your local social security office at 646 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29906, or call 1-800-772-1213.

Still have questions or prefer personal assistance with enrollment? Please contact Dieesha Hicks, LCOG I-Care Specialist, at 843-473-3996
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

The LCOG Family Caregiver Support Program's Rhonda Hiott, recently partnered with Jan Hyatt of the ARK Alzheimer’s Family Support Services to teach Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes.


Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a 6 week evidence based educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend who has a chronic illness. The classes began February 28th and ended on April 4, 2019.

13 caregivers received their certificates of completion, great job everyone!

For more information on this or similar programs, please contact Rhonda Hiott at 843-473-3973
By Michelle Grimes - LCOG Executive Assistant/Public Relations Coordinator


The LCOG Board of Directors met on Thursday, May 23rd and welcomed speaker Tammy Coghill, Manager of Economic Development & Local Government Affairs with Dominion Energy.

Highlights from her presentation include:
  • Benefits to electric customers - nearly 15% rate reduction and a rate freeze for at least 3 years.
  • Rate reductions lowered the average rate from 7.71 to 6.48 cents per kWh.
  • What to expect in 2019 - SCE&G electric customers will continue to experience savings on their electric bills, a one-time credit tax reform and a one-time $115 million settlement once approved by the court.
  • For more information on Tammy's presentation, please contact me at 843-473-3956

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 27th at the LCOG offices on Campground Road in Yemassee. Meeting begins promptly at 6:30pm.


Please note our office will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will return at 9am on Friday, July 5th. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

If you have questions concerning any of the information contained in the newsletter, please feel free to contact me at 843.473.3956 or by email at mgrimes@lowcountrycog.org .