Everything is in bloom at LCOG! We are excited about all that is happening in the Lowcountry. This month, we celebrate May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mothers' Day, and Memorial Day. Celebrations are different than last year and we are grateful. As we take advantage of our "newfound" freedoms, let's remember that everyone is not feeling that joy. There are those mourning loved ones, relationships, and/or jobs lost to COVID-19. As the world turns a new page, LCOG is urging you to extend your kindness and support to those who may still be dealing with the harsh effects of the pandemic.

In this edition of our newsletter, you will celebrate Ms. Dottie Warren's retirement and find out about an opportunity to give the Town of Bluffton feedback. Also, you will discover how TCL wants to help you start a new career and learn about a chance to win big prizes from the Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging.

Enjoy!
She's Blossomed: Ms. Dottie Warren
In May 1989, Ms. Dottie Warren was looking for a job near home and was referred to the Estill Senior Center by a former employee, Mrs. Mariah Brantley. She previously worked at the Seabrooks Retirement Home on Hilton Head Island, SC before becoming a driver for the Estill Senior Center. She drove for 18 years then eventually became the site manager. This month, Ms. Warren retired after working at the Estill Senior Center for 35 years. She has served approximately 700 older adults in her career. She has worked closely with, our own, Karen Anderson and the Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging to help coordinate services that provide meals for older adults.

Ms. Dottie says her passion for elders emerged from taking care of older family members as a youth. Though she has retired, she has not given up on her passion for assisting our older population as she plans to return to the site as a retiree. She told me, "I was born for this". In her free time, she will spend more time shopping and dining with her mother. Her clients describe her as fun, patient, and good-hearted.

Congratulations Ms. Dottie Warren!
Blueprint Bluffton Comprehensive Plan
The Bluffton Comprehensive Plan was initially adopted by the Town in 2007. Since the initial 2007 Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Bluffton has become one of the fastest growing communities in the state of South Carolina. The Blueprint Bluffton Comprehensive Plan will serve as the vision for the Town of Bluffton and its partners in successfully guiding future development and improvements to preserve the Town’s Lowcountry character and improve the quality of life.

The Town of Bluffton would like to invite you attend the first community roundtable this spring. This virtual meeting is intended to provide an overview of the project, some existing conditions, and to hear from the community to identify critical issues. There are two date/time options to choose from below. The information presented at the meetings will be the same, so you only need to sign up for one.

Tuesday, May 25th from 5:30-7:00pm - CLICK HERE TO RSVP 
Wednesday, May 26th from 8:00-9:30am - CLICK HERE TO RSVP 
FREE Workforce Training Programs
Are you in need of a career change?

Through special funding from the state of South Carolina, the Technical College of the Lowcountry is now offering scholarships that can cover the cost of many of TCL’s non-credit, continuing education workforce training programs. The scholarship is worth up to $5,000 per participant and can go toward tuition, fees, textbooks, and related testing. Many programs can be completed in a few short months. Continuing education courses offer the most flexible and economical educational path for students to learn a new career or enhance their current career. Many programs lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates. Those with this specialized training will be prepared for great careers in many high demand occupational areas from healthcare to manufacturing.

Eligible TCL continuing education programs include:

Visit TCL's website to browse programs, see course schedules and to register for courses. If you have questions, please contact TCL at 843-525-8205 or cewd@tcl.edu.
Everyone has suffered from social distancing, not being able to hug friends and family, isolation, and loneliness. It is time to reconnect. Join us as we safely celebrate Communities of Strength.

Win Prizes!
Have a Good Time with Your Peers!
Enjoy Friendly Competition!

Join us on May 20 for Communities of Strength Trivia Day via Zoom! There will be lots of prizes and two lucky winners will be the Grand Champs! To register, please contact the Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging at (843)473-3991 or email LaToya Grier at lgrier@lowcountrycog.org. There are two time slots: 10am-11:30am or 3pm-4:30pm.