Areas of Progress in South Carolina – June 7
June 6, 2018
Areas of Progress is a weekly roundup of measurable areas of improvement and progress from around the state, especially in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, the arts, the environment, energy, agriculture, and philanthropy.
More feet on the ground at James Island
The Town of James Island in recent years has made pedestrian connectivity a priority and that is evidenced by its 7,776 linear feet of new sidewalk in the last year alone.
Following the adoption of the ReThink Folly Road plan, the Town of James Island has taken the initiative to bring a more “downtown feel” to its commercial corridor with the addition of 38 new public parking spaces, making it more conducive for residents and visitors to stop, shop and dine.
Thanks to the Municipal Association of South Carolina for sending us this news.
Hemp is Growing in SC
As 20 farmers in 15 South Carolina counties are at work cultivating the state’s first hemp crops through the SC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, the Department of Agriculture is taking applications for the 2019 program. Whereas the law signed in May 2017 allowed 20 growers in South Carolina to grow up to 20 acres of industrial hemp in 2018, it permits 40 farmers to grow up to 40 acres in the program’s second year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, June 29 and can be found here.
New Data to Combat Obesity and Get SC Children Active 
During the 2016-2017 school year, over 100,000 students from over 700 schools in 60 school districts participated in the SC FitnessGram project. The program was administered by physical education teachers to students in the second, fifth and eighth grades and high school.
This is the first time our state has compiled comprehensive data of this kind. We now have a baseline to work from so South Carolina can develop strategies to improve the situation.
One area of concern was the drop off in the respiratory capacity of high school students. Let’s make this an area of progress over the next ten years!
In an effort to encourage more physical activity among South Carolina’s youth, recommendations have been developed that people can use at home, in schools, and around their communities.
Meals on Wheels of Greenville Turns 50!
On October 16, 2018, Meals on Wheels of Greenville will celebrate 50 years of service to the homebound in Greenville County. In 1968, 24 meals were served out of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Today, Meals on Wheels of Greenville prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily and it will deliver its 12 millionth meal in 2018.
Check out our Non Profit Minute with Executive Director, Catriona Carlisle, to learn more.
https://upstatebizsc.whosonthemove.com/non-profit-minute-catriona-carlisle-meals-on-wheels-of-greenville/
Pack The Park Community Run in Irmo
Fleet Feet Sports located in Irmo, SC (on Lake Murray Boulevard) hosts a weekly run night called Pack The Park Community Run. This free event is open to the public so everyone is welcome!
The event takes place every Tuesday evening at 6:30PM at the Irmo Community Park, 7473 Church St, Irmo, SC 29063.
The workouts are based on the Nike Running Club system. They provide a structured warm up, and then mix running with some light cross training at the park. All capabilities and levels are welcome!
Just Do It!
Would you like to submit an Area of Progress for consideration in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, the arts, the environment, energy, agriculture, and philanthropy? Please reach out to me directly. Alan Cooper – [email protected]
