4/10/08
CSD2 ‘Spring Into Character’ week starts April 14
By Jerriod Grizzle

Manning Times File Photo

Alyce DeWitt is a popular motivational speaker across South Carolina. She will be on hand to speak at the “Spring Into Character” luncheon on April 14.

Character Development is continuing strong this spring with the second Spring into Character Week, April 14-17.

“We try to do this event every spring and try to involve the whole county,” said CSD2 Director of Auxiliary Services Todd Heldreth.

The week will feature two speakers, Alyce DeWitt and Bob Shumaker.

“DeWitt is a South Carolina treasure,” said Heldreth.

Dewitt will be the guest speaker at the “Taste of Character” luncheon at noon on April 14.

“She has been here before and is very inspirational. She engages the school staff and is a very good motivational speaker,” he said.

Dewitt works with Volunteer Services at Bryan Psychiatric Hospital in Columbia and is on demand across the country. She is known for teaching her audiences how “to turn life’s most stressful situations into sweet nothings.”

She combines a wealth of experience including her own history of coping with personal tragedy into humorous, life enriching lessons in stress management.

“We want the staff to sit back and feel better and for people to feel good,” Heldreth said.

The luncheon will be at no cost but a ticket is required. Only 150 tickets are available. Donations will be accepted and welcome.

Heldreth said that the proceeds would be shared with DeWitt, for her patients and United Ministries of Clarendon County.

Tickets will be available at Manning United Methodist Church, the Bank of Clarendon, the Law Offices of Land, Parker and Welch and the CSD2 Office.

On April 16, speaker Bob Shumaker, with his character “Schmooney,” will visit with students at the Manning Early Childhood Center, Manning Primary School and Manning Elementary School.

Shumaker is the author of “The Schmooney Trilogies,” a series of fantasy novels for children.

“Schmooney” is a character made up of seven different animals all of whom take him and his friends on adventures.

“He was recommended to me by a person at MES,” said Heldreth. “I heard him speak and he is someone who can speak to Manning,” he said.

Parents are encouraged to attend.

Shumaker and “Schmooney” will speak to the first grade at the MECC at 8:15 until 9:30 a.m.; the second grade at MPS at 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and to the fourth grade at MES from 12:45 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.

“Spring Into Character” has grown enormously since it inception, partnering with the City of Manning and the towns of Summerton and Turbeville and other organizations throughout the county.