“We thoroughly enjoyed playing for the Emerald Center Ball.  We just thought we were playing for a little dance, boy, were we surprised when we walked into the Civic Center.  There was a huge crowd and everyone was dressed up and looked beautiful. Everyone danced all night long and had a wonderful time,” stated Hack Bartley of the band Hack Bartley and Shuffle.

From the moment you arrived at the Civic Center you knew this would be a night you’d remember. Over 500 people were on hand to enjoy a delicious dinner of sliced roast beef and chicken, hash brown casserole, vegetable medley and dessert, catered by Lee’s Barbecue. Capital Bank provided a beautiful ice sculpture which was resting on a wishing well. As everyone arrived they were given a gold coin to make a wish before entering the arena. Beautiful roses, peacock feathers, balloons, and twinkling lights transformed the Civic Center into a beautiful ballroom.

Local merchants, volunteers and Emerald Center staff members donated their time and services to make the ball possible. The tuxedos, dresses and photographs were provided at a much reduced rate, several cosmetologists and barbers helped with hair styles and makeup, and several businesses and individuals made contributions for decorations, flowers, food, and overall funding.

Once again students from Lander University’s Phi Mu Sorority volunteered their services to help decorate the civic center, provide door prizes, assist with makeup, serve dinner, dance and help clean up after the dance. Joining them to assist with evening were students from Piedmont Technical College’s Residential Therapy Class, Erskine College’s Service Opportunities Class, Capital Bank and Cutler Hammer associates.

“We are fortunate at Emerald Center to be surrounded by such love and support from the community.  We thank everyone who had a part in making this night possible. Special thanks to our staff that always go beyond the call of duty to make this an outstanding occasion,” stated J. Felton Burton, Executive Director of Emerald Center.

Phi Mu decorating Civic Center Arriving for the Ball Ralph Lindsay & Virginia Styles welcoming everyone to the Ball.

Fortner “How Sweet It Is” Hack Bartley & Shuffle James Hackett having a great time dancing with three ladies.

Materials related to Abuse, Aging, Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Blindness and Low Vision, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness and Hearing Impairment, Down Syndrome, Early Intervention, Early Intervention Audiovisual, ITV Video Sessions, Mental Retardation, Movies - Earn PCP Technical Assistance credit, Natural Supports, Person-Centered Planning, Recreation, Sibling, and South Carolina’s Transition Clearinghouse Catalog (The Transition Clearinghouse Catalog is a catalog of books, curricula, training modules and videos that are available to check out from the library. The Transition Clearinghouse Catalog is available at: http://www.med.sc.edu:1090/clearinghouse.html) are available from The University of South Carolina School Of Medicine - Centers for Disability Resources Library. For more information, please contact: Roz McConnaughy Phone: 803-733-3310, Email: roz@med.sc.edu, or refer to Web site: http:// uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.htm. Books can be checked out for one month and videos for two weeks.

October New Book List includes:

Challenging Behavior in Young Children (resource for teachers); Dreams Spoken Here (deaf children learning to listen and speak); Insurance Solutions (a workbook for people with a chronic disease or disability); Jumpin’ Johnny Get Back to work (a child’s guide to ADHD/hyperactivity); Shaking Off Stereotypes (video - self-advocacy, making decisions, taking risks); Straight Talk About Your Child’s Mental Health; Strategies for Including Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings; The Young Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child.