Town Talk: The Official Podcast of Summerville, SC

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Episode 18: Steve Doniger, Executive Director of Summerville DREAM Dec 08, 2023

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We are honored to host Mr. Steve Doniger, the Executive Director of Summerville Dream. This episode offers an in-depth discussion about Mr. Doniger's professional background, the mission and historical significance of Summerville DREAM, and an overview of their programs and services. Additionally, we will explore the organization's strategies for evolving alongside the community, their vision for the future, and opportunities for community involvement. We invite our listeners to join us for this informative and thought-provoking episode!
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And that's a wrap on today's Town Talk! Remember, Summerville - stay connected, stay informed, and let's keep our town thriving together. Until next time, this is Chris Makowski (cmakowski@summervillesc.gov), signing off from the heart of Summerville. Take care!

Episode 17 (A Day In The Life Edition): Summerville Fire-Rescue Firefighter Nov 30, 2023

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Watching The YouTube Version of Episode 17 is Recommended For This Episode!
Click here to watch.
Join us in this special edition of Town Talk as PIO Chris embarks on a thrilling journey, donning the iconic firefighter gear to experience a day in the life of Summerville Fire-Rescue. Under the guidance of Chief Melcher, Chris immerses himself in the heart of the action, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and heroics of our dedicated Men and Women in uniform.

Episode 16: Bryce Motes, GIS Coordinator Oct 27, 2023

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In Episode 16, we are excited to host Bryce Motes, GIS Coordinator for the Town of Summerville. GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, has become an invaluable technology for modern government, business, and organizations. It allows for advanced mapping, data analysis, and planning - critical tools for efficient and forward-thinking towns like ours.

Bryce has been passionate about GIS from an early age and went on to study GIS in college. He discusses some of the major projects he has led, like the new GIS resources he provides via the new GIS webpage. Bryce also shares how GIS has supported infrastructure planning, economic development, emergency response, and more in Summerville.

We also dive into the role of drone technology in enhancing GIS capabilities. Drones provide aerial imagery and data to complement GIS mapping. Bryce talks about some upcoming projects where they will prove useful, like monitoring construction sites. He’s excited by how drones will allow for more detailed, up-to-date GIS data collection.

Looking ahead, Bryce sees amazing potential for GIS growth in Summerville. He wants the public to better understand the ways GIS improves their lives, and how they can get involved with local GIS initiatives. Tune in to hear more from Bryce on the past, present, and future of GIS in Summerville!

Episode 15: Brent Melcher, Chief of Summerville Fire and Rescue Oct 13, 2023

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In this enlightening episode of Town Talk, we engage in a thoughtful conversation with the newly appointed Chief of the Summerville Fire and Rescue, Brent Melcher, a devoted servant to the community with over two decades of service. Starting with a walk down memory lane, Chief Melcher shares his journey from the early 2000s to his progression through various critical roles within the department, leading up to his current esteemed position.
As the discussion pivots to the operational facets of the department, Chief Melcher sheds light on managing a robust team of 114 firefighters spread across five stations. He also unveils a new work schedule initiative aimed at providing more time off for the firefighters, underscoring its significance in enhancing work-life balance.
Looking ahead, the conversation touches on the rapid growth of Summerville and the visionary plans Chief Melcher harbors for the department’s future.
As the episode concludes, Chief Melcher extends heartfelt messages to the community, emphasizing the spirit of collective effort and resilience. This episode not only paints a vivid picture of Chief Melcher’s unwavering dedication but also encapsulates his earnest vision for a safer and well-protected Summerville community.

Episode 14: Summerville Museum and Research Center Sep 29, 2023

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As part of this episode, we explore the rich history and ongoing initiatives of the Summerville Museum and Research Center. As our guest discusses the establishment's origins, evolution, and unique characteristics, he discusses its uniqueness from other local history museums.
Section 1: Museum's Rich History
We kick off the episode by exploring the museum's foundational years, its original mission, and how it has evolved to become a beacon of local history. Our guest shares significant milestones and the unique elements that make the Summerville Museum a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
Section 2: Current Initiatives and Community Impact
The conversation then shifts to the exciting initiatives currently underway at the museum. Our guest elaborates on specific projects and their importance to the community, providing insights into how the museum continues to impact local culture and education.
Section 3: Favorite Summerville History Stories
In the more relaxed segment of the episode, our guest shares some of their favorite Summerville history stories, revealing mysterious and surprising facts about the town that are generally unknown to the public.
📅 Upcoming Events
Oct 7th, 2 pm: "It's Everyone's History" with Middleton Place Docent Donna Ottone. Adults $5.00.
Oct 12th, 6:30 pm: Paint Night at the Summerville Museum. Cost: $40.00 (in advance).
Oct 14th, 11 am-2 pm: 1st Annual Gunboat Sue Gelzer Fundraiser Bake Sale and Cake Walk.
Oct 28th, 6 pm-9 pm: Participation in the Summerville Junior League Annual Ghostwalk.
Website:
http://www.ourmuseum.org/#/
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummervilleMRC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summervillemuseum_/

Episode 13 - "State of the Podcast" With Host and Town PIO, Chris Makowski Sep 13, 2023

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Welcome to a special episode of "Town Talk" as we hit pause on guest interviews to have an intimate chat with our host. We'll journey through the winding roads of "Town Talk," recapping highlights, sharing exciting stats, and talking about what the future holds.
In this episode, you'll learn:
🕰 A Look Back – The Podcast So Far: How the podcast has evolved since its launch on April 4th, 2023, featuring highlights from guests ranging from Mayor Waring to local businesses.
📊 The Numbers – Podcast Stats: Discover how many of you are tuning in and which episodes are hitting the mark.
📣 Community Feedback: Got something to say? Here's how you can make your voice heard and contribute to shaping "Town Talk."
📆 What’s Next: A sneak peek into upcoming episodes.
🎙 Why 'Town Talk' Matters: Why is a podcast essential for a community like ours? We'll talk about civic engagement, humanizing government officials, and fostering a sense of community among other key reasons.
This episode isn't just about us; it's about what "Town Talk" means to you. Listen in, share your thoughts, and let's continue building the Summerville community, one conversation at a time.
Contact Information: Send your feedback and episode ideas to cmakowski@summervillesc.gov or participate in the survey attached to this episode.
Links and Resources:
- Survey
- www.summervilledream.com

Episode 12: Meet the Owners of Oak Road Brewery - Ben Bankey, Brian & Erin Cox Aug 25, 2023

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Segment 1 - Personal Background and the Birth of Oak Road Brewery - The owners of Oak Road Brewery - Ben Bankey, Brian & Erin Cox share their personal stories, revealing what brought them together and the inspiration behind starting Oak Road Brewery in Summerville. They also shed light on the initial challenges they faced while setting up the brewery and how they overcame them.
Segment 2 - The Oak Road Experience - What makes Oak Road Brewery stand out? Ben, Brian, and Erin discuss their unique approach to creating a community atmosphere. They also discuss their vision of making the brewery a central hub for locals and visitors alike.
Segment 3 - Beer and the Brewing Process - For all beer enthusiasts, this segment is a treat. The founders walk us through their intricate brewing process and creative journey of concocting original beer recipes.
Segment 4 - Initial Steps and Challenges in Business Ownership in Summerville - Starting a business is no small feat. Ben, Brian, and Erin discuss the inspiration behind choosing Summerville as their base, the initial steps they took, and the challenges they faced. They also highlight the resources and support that were instrumental during their early days.
Segment 5 - Navigating Business Operations and Growth - From daily operations to expansion plans, the founders share their experiences of running a business in Summerville and how the town has played a pivotal role in their success.
Segment 6 - Community and Customer Relations - The community is at the heart of Oak Road Brewery. In this segment, Ben, Brian, and Erin discuss their strategies for building strong relationships with customers and how they give back to the Summerville community.
Segment 7 - Advice for Prospective Business Owners - For those considering starting a business in Summerville, this segment is packed with invaluable advice. The founders share their insights and recommend resources and community groups that can be of assistance to budding entrepreneurs.
Segment 8 - Future Plans - What's Next for Oak Road Brewery? Ben, Brian, and Erin share their vision for the future, discussing how they see their business growing and evolving alongside the Summerville community. Tune in, get inspired, and discover the magic behind Oak Road Brewery!

Episode 11: William (Bill) E. McIntosh, III, Council District 4 Aug 11, 2023

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In this episode of Town Talk, Chris Makowski, Town PIO & Host, explores the world of public administration and community service with William (Bill) E. McIntosh, III, Council District 4 for the Town of Summerville. Bill will take us through a riveting narrative of his life, career, and vision for Summerville.

Segment 1 - Introduction
Welcome message, introduction to the podcast, and a brief overview of our esteemed guest.

Childhood and Early Life
Higher Education and Legal Career
Family Life

Segment 2 - Community Involvement

Trustee and Director Roles
Town Council Experience

Segment 3 - Current Role and Vision

Current Role
Vision for Summerville

Episode 10: Leo Larkin, IT Manager Jul 27, 2023

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Leo's Recommended Apps:

In this episode of Town Talk, Chris Makowski, Town PIO & Host, dives into the intricate, evolutionary world of Information Technology with Leo 'Lenny' Larkin, the IT Manager for the Town of Summerville. Lenny takes us on a journey through his career path, explaining how he landed the unique role of managing IT for a municipal government.
As the discussion progresses, the topic of IT management in the public and private sectors is discussed, with particular reference to the charming town of Summerville. Following that, Lenny discusses the challenges and concerns faced by municipal IT departments in an ever-changing technological landscape.
As a result of the digital age, everyone is responsible for cyber security. Residents can benefit from Lenny's safety tips, which provide information about protecting their personal information online. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies isn't lost on Lenny. He discusses how these advances may impact Summerville and how he is preparing for them.
As the episode concludes, Lenny offers some wise advice for aspiring IT professionals who are interested in a career in the public sector.
Whether you're a Summerville resident, an IT enthusiast, or simply interested in learning about the blend of technology and local government, this episode of Town Talk is a must-listen. Subscribe and follow us on social media to stay updated on all things Summerville

Episode 9: Russ Touchberry, Councilman District 3 Jul 06, 2023

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Watch our Podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CNVJvssTTuY

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