Going to the Dogs!

Less than a mile from Daniel’s Orchard is a place where rover can run free, or on a leash if you prefer. One of Summerville’s newest attractions, Wassamassaw Community Park officially opened this week and it features two off leash fenced dog parks.

The park is just over eight and a half acres, but is packed with plenty to do and is a great gathering spot for surrounding neighborhoods. It includes playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic shelters, restrooms and walking trails.

The park took three years and $500,000 to complete, but it is definitely a wonderful addition to the community.

If you have yet to find your perfect “Soul Pet” to take to the new park, you can visit the Charleston Animal Society located less than 20 minutes from Daniel’s Orchard. Lot’s of cute adoptable dogs, cats and other furry friends are waiting to be adopted, (preferably by someone who lives close to a new park)! Call 843-747-4849 for more information or Click Here.
Don’t worry if you have to be away from your pup, there are more than 20 pet boarding facilities and sitting services within the immediate Summerville area, with a similar number of veterinary and grooming services available.

Daniel’s Orchard and Summerville is a great place to call home, even if you have four legs and a tail!

Sintra Selects Artisan

As a homeowner at Daniel’s Orchard you become quickly aware of the quality of craftsmanship as well as distinct materials used by Sintra Homes in your home. One of the products used on new homes at Daniel’s Orchard is Artisan siding by James Hardie.

Artisan is unique because it is the only architectural grade exterior design product available blending structural integrity with a stunning finish. This revolutionary product brings additional depth and character to homes and it requires little maintenance. The siding is designed to resist even the harshest elements and is guaranteed against shrinking, swelling and cracking. An additional benefit it’s resistance to termites, mold and mildew.

Artisan siding and trim pieces come in nearly every color, eliminating the need to paint them onsite and making them a “Green” product as a result. The manufacturer warrants Artisan siding for 30 years, giving you peace of mind for your new beautiful home at Daniel’s Orchard.

Summerville's Ring Returns!

The Town of Summerville South Carolina has great pride in its history and heritage. Forty years ago, the bell that set the rhythm of the town was lost, last week it’s sweet sound was returned.
In 1893, a bell from The Porter Military Academy arsenal was installed in the belfry of the original wooden town hall that Summerville’s officials called home for 75 years. When the original wooden town hall caught fire in 1968 the town lost the bell which now sings it’s tune at Porter-Gaud, a private school in Charleston.

Now a new bell has been erected in the new annex to town hall. The addition was constructed to accommodate the growing community of Summerville. There is a new auditorium and additional room to view closed circuit broadcasts of town hall and council meetings, as well as added parking.

Summerville’s new Town Hall bell was installed by Christoph Paccard Bellfoundries of Charleston. Christoph Paccard has been casting and installing bells for more than 200 years. Other Paccard cast bronze bells in South Carolina ring at The Citadel, Clemson University, Furman University and more than 10 churches throughout the state.

Summerville’s newest bell was tuned to be sure to ring in harmony with existing bells in the town. The new Town Hall bell is tuned to ring D above middle C. Nearby church bells ring C, E, G and A, meaning when all are rung at once on special occasions the streets will fill with an amazing sound—Summerville’s Sound.

Race for the ARK!

Race for The ARK5-K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run, August 23, 2008, 7:45 am start, 206 Central Avenue, Summerville. For more details or to register, go to www.angelfire.com/sc2/racefortheark OR call (843) 906-5241 OR visit The ARK at 206 Central Avenue, on Friday August 22, 2008, 12:00 - 6:00 pm. Funds raised are used to support programs and services for Alzheimer's families in the Lowcountry. Runners, Walkers, Sponsors/Donors, Volunteers needed!

Not yet, but almost! Summer has flown by and it’s just about time for the new school year to start. Registration for the schools serving Daniel’s Orchard—Summerville Elementary, Alston Middle and Summerville High School is next week, August 6 and August 7.
Parents of Elementary school children are invited to bring their children to “Meet the Teacher” days, August 19 and 20 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The first day of school for all students is Thursday, August 21. This includes students enrolled at Rollings Middle School and Pinewood Preparatory School.

Students headed to Summerville Catholic School will need to report for class a day earlier, Wednesday, August 20.

Of course the beginning of school also marks the beginning of High School football season. Summerville’s Green Wave is ready to roll in their first season game against Conway High School. The game is at home at 7:30pm.
This will mark Coach John McKissick’s 57th season coaching the Summerville High School Green Wave football team.

Practice has also been underway for the Pinewood Prep Panthers. They will kickoff their first season game against Hammond High School on August 29.

For information regarding registration in any Dorchester II school Click Here or call 843-873-2901.

For information regarding Pinewood Prep Click Here or call 843-873-1643.

Summerville Gives!

There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Summerville and surrounding Charleston Tri-county area. One of Summerville’s most-giving charitable organization is the Junior Service League of Summerville.
Each year this organization sponsors fantastic community events such as Scarecrows on the Square and the John Tupper Flowertown Golf Classic. Last year (August 2007—May 2008) members volunteered over 3,000 hours of service to the community and raised more than $23,000 for various charities.

Another fantastic non-profit organization located in Summerville is the Dorchester Habitat for Humanity. Since 1993 this chapter of the national organization has built homes for 29 families in need. It takes nearly 2,000 volunteer hours to complete each home.

There are more than 200 charitable organizations to volunteer for within the Summerville community. Please visit http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/SC/Summerville_2.html for more information and to find an opportunity that interests you!

Plantation Pleasures

It is no secret that many people move to South Carolina to get a glimpse or feel for the history on which our great nation was founded. The historic district sits just across the Ashley River from Daniel’s Orchard. Middleton Place is one of three gorgeously preserved plantations that lie in the area.
Originally established in 1741 by Henry Middleton, President of the first Continental Congress the home and surrounding gardens have survived countless incidents including the Revolutionary and Civil wars and the great earthquake of 1886. While the home at Middleton is gorgeous, the plantation is most known for its striking gardens—originally designed by Arthur Middleton around 1865.
Arthur Middleton was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence.

After years of war, fire and earthquakes, Middleton Place lay neglected until purchased by JJ Pringle Smith in 1916. Smith and his family spent years restoring the gardens and plantation to its original beauty.

Today, visitors to Middleton Place can enjoy a variety of activities and events. The plantation’s stable yards are home to water buffalo, horses, cows, sheep, pigs and a variety of other animals. Craftsmen, clothed in period attire practice weaving, pottery, carpentry and blacksmithing.

Middleton Place is open daily at 9:00 am and schedules vary depending on special events at the plantation. For more information please visit http://www.middletonplace.org/. or call 800-782-3608.

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

Just a short drive down Highway 78 from Daniel’s Orchard is one of the areas most popular summertime destinations— Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark. Featuring over 15 acres of sland-style adventure, this attraction is sure to please visitors of any age.The park features seven main attractions. The Big Kahuna Wave Pool has 27,000 square feet of big wave action.

Riptide Run is a thrilling 347 foot water slide. The Tubular Twister is a combinationof three slides, each about 300 feet long. In addition to the big slides, the park features two areas for smaller children, Otter Bay and the Lilly Pad Lagoon. Both have sprays and slides sized perfectly to keep the little ones cool.

The Big Splash Tree House is perfect for kids of all ages. Featuring pinwheels, troughs, slides,
jets, and a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water to keep you cool. Moms and dads can relax in the Rollin River, or grab a snack and drink from the concession area and unwind around
the pools. The park has a retail shop for any forgotten items or souvenirs. Lounge chairs, lockers and changing areas are all provided.

The park is open seven days a week through August 17, then open on weekends through Labor Day. General Admission is $18.99 or $9.99 after 3pm. Children under two are free. For more information visit http://www.ccprc.com/ or call (843)572-PARK.

Family Fun at Gahagan Sports Complex

Located less than one mile from Daniel’s Orchard is Gahagan Park, the areas premiere recreational facility. Regularly hosting regional softball and football tournaments, the complex encompasses about 37 acres and includes six lighted fields.

There is seating around each of the fields for more than 1,200 guests to enjoy the games. Free parking and a fully stocked concession stand are also on premise. Picnic tables and public facilities make this a great destination for an evening of old fashioned family fun.

Adjacent to the fields at Gahagan is a nearly-enclosed playground, designed by more than 16,000 local children. The park also has walking trails for a little seventh-inning stretch.
For more information call 843-851-5211.

Students are Rocking at Rollings

The mission of R. H. Rollings Middle School of the Arts is to provide its students, future members of a global community, with an integrated curriculum that develops maximum academic potential through creative expression and exploration of the arts.

This amazing school is located just a few miles down Main Street from Daniel’s Orchard and offers a top-notch educational experience, rivaled by few.

RH Rollings Middle School is a public school for grades six through eight, established to make the arts an integral part of education.
Any child residing in the Dorchester District two, including Daniel’s Orchard, is eligible for admission to the school. Children must apply a year in advance and then audition for one of six core areas. A student may strive to become a master in dance, orchestral string instruments, piano, theater, visual arts, or vocal music. While only one core art area is offered to each student, exposure to other arts is provided each year in exploratory courses.

R. H. Rollings Middle School of the Arts is located in Dorchester District Two. RMSA was established in June of 1997 as part of a district initiative to make the arts an integral part of children's education. An outstanding, dedicated staff works diligently every day to ensure that the mission statement is a reality.

In addition to arts and academics, RH Rollings Middle offers students opportunities to participate in sports, including volleyball, basketball, baseball and tennis. Many students also take part in out of state competitions, performances and field trips.

71 percent of Rollings Middle School students are enrolled in courses earning High School credit. There are 627 students total.

Some recent school highlights include receiving the Palmetto Gold Award winner, Excellent rating on school report card, and meeting goals to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress for the 3rd consecutive year. The Education Oversight Committee has recognized RMSA for closing the achievement gap among students of differing economic, racial, and ethnic groups. The results from the annual teacher survey show that 100% of the faculty is satisfied with the learning environment, and 100% also indicated that parents are interested in their children’s schoolwork at RMSA. The PTA again reached 100% membership for parents and teachers. One of Rollings’ finest teachers was selected as
the Dorchester District Two Teacher of the Year.

Visit http://www.rollingsmiddle.com/ for more information.

Salvation in Summerville

Summerville has always been a town with open arms, welcoming travelers and newcomers looking for respite from the Summer heat. The vast histories of individuals that settled in Summerville can be seen today in the more than 110 churches and places of worship serving the town’s 28,000 residents.

About a mile from Daniel’s Orchard is one of the oldest congregations in the area—St. John the Beloved Catholic Church. Originally constructed in 1898, the first church in Summerville was completed with the help of Spanish American soldiers.

Just a bit farther down the road sits St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Founded in 1892, the church currently has a lively congregation and offers a variety of ministries and support groups.
Less than one quarter mile from St. Luke’s is Summerville Baptist church. The church offers a full schedule of activities and events as well as traditional Wednesday and Sunday services. Dr. Joe Wren has served as Senior Pastor since 1990.
Whatever your faith, you are sure to find a place of worship not far from Daniel’s Orchard. More than 23 faiths including 29 non-denominational churches have a place of worship in Summerville.

Click here to find more information on churches in Summerville.

A Summerville Institution

Oscar’s has been serving the residents of Summerville and her visitors for more than 25 years. Featuring a variety of traditional American and decidedly Lowcountry cuisine, Oscar’s offers a wide variety of culinary treats for both lunch and dinner.

Steak Oscar is a local favorite—A New York strip steak, 21-day aged, hand selected and cut in-house, grilled to order and topped with crabmeat, asparagus and hollandaise sauce. Accompanied by Oscar's stuffed potato.

If that’s not enough to tempt your palette, try the Jack Daniel’s marinated pork tenderloin, the parmesan fried asparagus, or the classic Oscar’s style shrimp and grits. Whatever your taste is Oscar’s is sure to please and it’s just a block from Daniel’s Orchard. http://www.oscarsofsummerville.com/index.html

Donna Parrish Joins The SIM Group Sales & Marketing

Donna Parrish Joins The SIM Group Sales & Marketing

Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, June 16, 2008 – The SIM Group, Sales & Marketing is pleased to announce that Donna Parrish has joined the team as a Site Sales Specialist. Donna is a licensed Realtor and will be working at Daniel’s Orchard at Historic Summerville, Sintra Homes’ newest community. Previously with Weichert Realtors, Donna brings more than five years experience in real estate sales and management.

Two Minutes to Bliss

When you visit Daniel’s Orchard, one of the first things our site specialists will tell you is how close you are to all of the wonderful things that Summerville has to offer. Many might not imagine exactly how close you are to a five diamond, five star restaurant, world class inn and incredible spa.

Woodlands Resort and Inn is located less than two miles from Daniel’s Orchard. And while you may consider your new home to be the most relaxing and accommodating place to be, Woodlands offers amazing cuisine in a stunning setting with beautiful guest rooms and a spa.

Originally constructed in 1906, the Woodlands Inn has been the place for entertainment and relaxation for more than a century. Enveloped in more than 40 acres, the main guest house hosts 19 rooms, the dining room, wine cellar, private dining rooms and numerous parlors and gathering spaces. The dining room and Executive Chef Tarver King, host regular special events, classes and wine tastings. There is a champagne brunch every Sunday and a special cooking demonstration the first Tuesday of each month. Details can be found at, http://www.woodlandsinn.com/

Recreation is easy to find at the resort. A beautiful pool surrounded by cabanas and towering pines is a favorite in the summer. Guests can also enjoy croquet, tennis and cycling and the resort is a short ride to the beaches or shopping in downtown Charleston.
As you can imagine the Woodlands Inn is no stranger to weddings, meetings and other special events. The Pavilion conference center hosts more than 1,400 square feet of unobstructed meeting space and there are a variety of on-site venues perfect for exchanging vows. The Woodlands Inn is the perfect place to get away, even if means traveling less than two miles!

Pinewood Prep is Summerville's Premiere Private School

Located just six and a half miles from Daniel’s Orchard at Historic Summerville is Pinewood Preparatory School. Offering a private education for Kindergarten through High School students, Pinewood prides itself on its small class size and individual attention.
Pinewood Prep students are offered a wide variety of academic, arts and athletic programs to choose from, including honors societies, academic clubs and social committees.
The school has consistently performed well in athletics. Pinewood Panther sports include basketball, soccer, golf, football, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, softball, swimming, tennis and volley ball.

K4 and K5 students at Pinewood study language, math, science and social studies as well as engage in physical education, music and arts programs. These first years at Pinewood are designed to prepare a child to successfully enter into Pinewood’s elementary program.

As students move through their career at Pinewood they are exposed to an in-depth Variety of traditional studies, including math, English, social studies, science, technology, arts and languages. Lower school students are also engaged in values education where they acquire critical thinking skills and cooperative learning.

When students graduate from Pinewood Prep they are well rounded and ready to enrich the communities they live in while accepting challenges and seeking further education.
Congrats Class of 2008!

For more information about Pinewood Preparatory School visit http://www.pinewoodprep.com/ or call 843-873-1643.

Two New Model Homes Open at Daniel's Orchard!

In addition to our main model and sales center, two new model homes are now open at Daniel's Orchard in historic Summerville.

611 North Hickory Street boasts four bedrooms, four baths and almost 2,700 square feet of living space. Perfect for your family! A two car detached garage with bonus mother in law suite is an amazing feature you won’t find elsewhere in Summerville. Nothing has been overlooked in this amazing residence, including Mahogany entry doors, dual front porches and a spacious rear porch, stunning landscaping, travertine and granite countertops and much more!

Our other new entry to the market is the fabulous center town home. Priced at just $299,900 it is the perfect place to come to relax. Enjoy two front porches and a rear screened porch, granite countertops, hardwood floors, a beautifully landscaped courtyard and the best part—no exterior maintenance! Both homes were designed by Robin Rodgers Interiors.

Our homes are open every day but Monday, noon to 6 pm and Saturdays 10am to 6pm. Visit http://www.danielsorchard.com/ for directions or call (843) 879-0955 for more information!

Daniel's Orchard Wins Prism Award!

Sintra Homes Wins Prism Award for Best Product, Attached Housing at Daniel’s Orchard

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, May 28, 2008 – Sintra Homes, builders of Hamlin and BrickYard Plantations, are the proud recipients of the 2008 Prism Award for Best Product, Attached Housing for their town homes at Daniel’s Orchard in Historic Summerville. Newly finished the town homes reflect the architecture of the historic town, boasting features such as dual wrap around porches, hardiplank siding, detached garages, gas lanterns, hardwood floors and much more.

“We are excited to receive this award from our colleagues,” said Jeffrey B. Coggin, President and CEO of Sintra Homes. “Sintra spent a great deal of time and effort to carefully craft these residences and we are proud to be recognized for our efforts.”

Each home at Daniel’s Orchard was carefully designed and planned for the community to lend an air of nostalgia combined with modern appointments for each of its residents. When complete, the new community will be home to 152 single family residences and 60 town homes. Five parks, including a large central park with a bandstand are planned for Daniel’s Orchard along with a swimming pool and clubhouse. Located just off Main Street, one half mile down Highway 78, Daniel’s Orchard is close to restaurants, shops and the charming historic district in Summerville.

For more information about Daniel’s Orchard visit http://www.danielsorchard.com/ or call (843)879-0955. The model home is open Tuesday through Sunday. Town home pricing begins at $299,900 and single family homes begin at the mid $400’s.

About Sintra HomesSintra Homes has been constructing residences to exceed customer’s expectations since 1994. Sintra communities include The Country Club of South Carolina, Hamlin Plantation, BrickYard Plantation and Daniel’s Orchard at Historic Summerville. Homes range from $200,000 to more than $4 million, meaning Sintra has a range of construction capabilities to enrich every way of life and exceed every expectation. Learn more at http://www.sintrahomes.com/ or call 877-6SINTRA.

School's Out for Summer

School’s Out For Summer!

As summer approaches, it’s probably one of the last things your kids want to think about, but if you’re moving to a new neighborhood, now is the best time to start thinking about where your children will go to school in the fall. Located less than two miles from Daniel’s Orchard is Summerville Elementary School. A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a Red Carpet School (an award given to schools for being family friendly). Summerville Elementary offers students a strong academic program as well as an array of sports and arts opportunities.
The school and its staff work hard to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and growing. The team there also strives to be in the forefront of technology. Just check out their website http://ses.ddtwo.org/.
You can see teacher profiles, lessons, supplies needed and much more! The school also boasts a media center with more than 30,000 books!

In addition to a strong academic foundation, Summerville Elementary provides students with opportunities for arts education. Through a state grant, children at Summerville Elementary have the opportunity to receive instruction and participate in theatre, dance, music and art from qualified, trained teachers.

Currently, there are 932 students enrolled at Summerville Elementary, which serves four year old students in developmental learning through fifth grade. Dr. E. Eugine Sires has been principal for 26 years!

Registration is August 6, 2008. Click here for more information.