A nod to the First Tee of Charleston

I have always tried to expose Beachwalker Boy to different sports, clubs, groups, etc. One of the things he has enjoyed most is becoming involved in The First Tee. I learned of The First Tee a couple of years back in the place from whence we came and it was a perfect summer program for 'Boy' to attend. He had already decided the golf course was a pretty nice place since we would spend Sunday mornings walking the trails around the course and stopping for brunch at the links cafe.
I was very happy to find The First Tee thriving in the Charleston area and quickly signed on Beachwalker Boy for the Winter Program. Not only does he learn the game of golf but also is learning positive values and developing a good and strong character.

The First Tee strives to use the game of golf to develop the leaders of tomorrow. Today, I received an e-mail from Ben Gandy, the Program Director for the Greater Charleston chapter. Every non-profit organization needs the support of the community and Ben is presenting an opportunity for participants and others to give back through the support of The First Tee of Greater Charleston. I hope you will have a look at their website and learn about the value the chapter is providing this local community and consider ways you could support them either by giving your child an opportunity to participate, making a small purchase or joining PGA Tour Superstar and Charleston native, DJ Trahan by pledging $1 for every birdie he makes on tour this year. It is a simple and fun way to support DJ and The First Tee. I'll let you read Ben's e-mail which says well what The First Tee does for children and the communities in which they are involved.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The First Tee of Greater Charleston saw much success in 2008 because of the dedicated help and support of the Greater Charleston community. 2009 has started the same and our enrollment has increased to nearly 420 youth from all backgrounds and from all over the Greater Charleston area! We are excited about reaching even more youth, teaching them valuable Life Skills such as Honesty, Integrity and Respect through the game of golf.

The First Tee is also excited about the opportunity to continually engage the Greater Charleston community and get them involved in our quest to make a positive lasting impact on the lives of our youth. We have created some small ways to get involved, that will make a big difference!

1. Become a Supporting Member
2. Purchase Logoed Merchandise
3. Follow Local PGA Tour Superstar DJ Trahan

More information on these ways to support and how to get involved can be found on our website.
www.TheFirstTeeGreaterCharleston.org

Please join us in our efforts to help not only the youth of today but the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for all your gracious support!

Sincerely,
Ben Grandy, PGA / Program Director
The First Tee of Greater Charleston
222 West Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
O. 843.352.4513 / F. 843.881.0358
www.TheFirstTeeGreaterCharleston.org

The Citadel

Spike is the Citadel Mascot


On Saturday, Beachwalker Boy and I headed into town to visit The Citadel, the prominent southern military academy in Charleston. Founded in 1842, it has a long and rich history. On January 9, 1861, Citadel Cadets manning an artillery battery on Morris Island fired the first hostile shots of the War Against Northern Aggression (Civil War), repulsing the federal steamship Star of the West, carrying supplies and two hundred federal troops dispatched by President Buchanan to reinforce Union Forces garrisoned at Fort Sumter.

We really had a fine time visiting the library which will be undergoing renovation this summer, the museum, the canteen where we had lunch and the great field where we saw cadets drilling, others covered in mud jogging hard and what appeared to be a contest of skills with teams from other southern colleges.
Beachwalker Boy really enjoyed seeing the different 'artifacts' on the field. He would have liked it better if he could have been allowed to climb all over them...but there are rules.
It was really a fun time!

Mt. Pleasant Junior Cotillion

Anson's Restaurant in Charleston's Historic Market
Tonight, Beachwalker Boy will attend the Grand Spring Dinner at Anson's Restaurant in downtown Charleston with his cotillion group. It should be great fun for the children to try out their manners at a evening dinner. Parents will not be in attendance as usual.