This is an excellent article that was in our local paper this morning.

We wish you well, Savannah

By Brian Hicks (Contact)

The Post and Courier

Friday, May 22, 2009

Previous columns

To read more from Brian Hicks, go to: postandcourier.com/hicks

Congratulations, Savannah.

You've just been named the "most mannerly city" in the United States. It's quite an honor, as everyone here in Charleston knows, seeing as how we've won it the last 12 years in a row.

But we're way too polite and mannerly to mention that.

Just like no one here would ever, ever bring up the fact that you won because Charleston retired from the competition after last year's record-breaking win.

It would really be rude to point out that we still got the most votes. And the Holy City is not rude. Want to see our trophies that prove it?

Charleston's own Cindy Grosso, who owns the Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette, gave Savannah the award Thursday.

She took over the write-in "Most Mannerly City" survey after the passing of etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart, who gave us our 12 awards. Because Grosso kind of gave us an unfair advantage, as if we needed it, we decided to step down at the top of our game.

"We've kind of reached the pinnacle," she told the Associated Press. "I just thought it's time to share the award."

Random acts, kinda

Heavy is the crown, Savannah.

Being polite and mannerly is more than just taking money from visitors, waving hello to those loud people walking in your neighborhood or refraining from cussing out some idiot tourist with no better sense than to step out into Meeting Street at rush hour.

It's about being sensitive to other folks' feelings, all the time. Charleston has been expert at this for centuries.

For instance:

-- When certain people get up at a council meeting and start yelling crazy stuff, calling our city fathers all sorts of horrible names, Mayor Joe Riley always — always — says "Thank you" before ignoring them.

-- We cater to our guests' every need with Web sites about local hospitality, lodging and restaurants, such as www.charlestoncvb.com and www.charlestonchamber.net.

We even offer travel directions for departing visitors at www.gobacktoohio.com.

-- When we have a difference of opinion in Charleston, we are way too mannerly to actually argue over it. Take the I-526 debate. In an attempt to make everyone happy, we've developed 3,504 different plans to build, or not build, the rest of the Mark Clark Expressway. And unless we can all come together, we just won't do anything.

We've been politely ignoring that issue for nearly 40 years now.

-- And this may be the best example of our innate, heartfelt sense of manners. Even though our governor has sued state lawmakers, accused them of violating the law by overriding his vetoes, Charleston area leaders show Gov. Mark Sanford proper respect.

They routinely call Sanford "His Majesty" or even "Mr. President."

One bad century

Good luck, Savannah.

We wish you well. Because we are so mannerly, it doesn't bother us that you get more tourists than us, are taking our port business or have better movies filmed in your town.

And now you've got our award. Isn't that something.

It's a good thing we're such close sister cities — just two Southern belles — or we might actually get jealous.

But we stand on our past honors and will do nothing to tarnish those trophies. All 12 of them. For 300 years, Charleston has been among the most mannerly cities in this country, without a blemish on our record.

That whole bombing the tar out of Fort Sumter doesn't count. We were provoked.

Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com. To read previous columns, go to postandcourier.com/hicks.

Lovely Weekend

Had a great weekend.  Yesterday Ryan and I went to Fightertown (MCAS Beaufort) for their Air Show.  Saw many aircraft and got to watch my favorites, The Blue Angels.  Then today, my wife, the lovely and gracious Robyn took me to the South Carolina Aquarium here in downtown Charleston.  A very nice day.

Saw Elvis today.  Not too bad, considering he has been at room temp for about 32 years.

HEAD OF THE CLASS

The following article by Diane Knich was published 04/29/09 in The Post and Courier, Charleston, SC.

Shawn Wimmer, a third-grade teacher at Boulder Bluff Elementary School, has been named the Berkeley County School District's 2009 Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Anthony Parker announced this year's top teacher Tuesday at a breakfast meeting at Trident Technical College. The gathering was held to honor the top teachers at each of the district's 37 schools.  Wimmer said her greatest wish for her students is that they enjoy learning and look forward to attending school.  She said it's important for teachers to "do whatever it takes for that kid to be successful." And it's their responsibility to "remove any obstacles that get in the way of getting the job done," she said. Boulder Bluff Principal Diane White said Wimmer is definitely succeeding in her job. Of  Wimmer's classroom, she said, "Imagine a classroom that is challenging, yet comfortable; supportive, but fast-paced; standards driven, but child oriented. (It's) the classroom with the teacher you would wish for your own child or grandchild."  Wimmer has been known to bring students to the office, not for discipline, but to share their successes, White said.   A tearful Wimmer addressed her peers at the gathering and said she couldn't have accomplished what she did without the people on her "made possible list," which included her husband, sons and the other third-grade teachers at the Goose Creek school.  Parker said he wasn't surprised by Wimmer's reaction, or other teachers at the gathering who seemed a bit uncomfortable with the attention they were getting. "Teachers typically shy away from individual recognition," he said. 

Wimmer began teaching about three years ago when she was 35 years old. She was working as an assistant to the executive vice president and provost of Mercer University when she decided to enroll and earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. 

She was driven to earn her degree and to eventually teach despite many other demands on her time.  During much of the time she was in school, her husband was in Middle East serving in the Air Force. When he was away, Wimmer worked full time during the day, attended class at night, took care of her two children and studied after they went to bed. 

The road to becoming a teacher wasn't easy, but she thinks her life experiences make her a much better teacher.  Wimmer said she thinks it's important for teachers to look beyond their classrooms, understand the political issues that impact students and ensure that legislators are aware of classroom concerns.  But she thinks that national rankings don't adequately reflect the good work South Carolina schools are doing overall. South Carolina set high standards for test scores and uses difficult assessment tests, she said. But it's compared with other states with lower standards, she said.  Wimmer and other top teachers have been invited to join the Berkeley County Teacher Forum next year. The forum is active in district policy and instructional issues .  (Ms. Wimmer was my grandson's teacher this year.)

Took our grandson to see the Cole Brothers Circus under the bigtop last night.  Awesome show for $12.00.  Sat in the bleachers at the entrance end.  I think we had the best view.  Were right under the highwire acts.

Went to the Children's Education Museum at the State Museum in Columbia last weekend with the grandson.  Had a great time.  The feature there is a two 1/2 story fiberglass statue of a kid.  It has ramps and slides for the kids to climb through his heart and digestive system.  Yum!  Lots of other cool attractions as well,  Great time!

Robyn and I went to Isle of Palms this evening and walked the beach for an hour.  Then went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  Awesome evening!

Okay, you got me.  I have not been updating my blog lately.  Sorry, I have been busy.  But to make some people happy!!!  Here goes.  I realize I have not sent my son, Kyle, pictures of the pooches in awhile, so at the risk of making him homesick, here goes!