Thank you for the recent article on the Nix-Stilton Community Improvement Organization. It provided a window so others may view what we are trying to accomplish in comunity improvements with the aid of our county.

In actuality, the Nix-Stilton Community Improvement Organization was originally named the Stilton Road Community Improvement Organization. This organization was established in the late 1950s.

The original organizers were Thomas Green, Conrad Caldwell, B.S. Spells, Johnny Jenkins, Jack Dash, Harvey Durant Sr. and James Brigman. We are actually older than 1 year − 51 years. This organization was very structured, i.e. they developed a mission statement/purpose. From the mission statement, they developed bylaws. Through the bylaws, committees were developed to serve the needs of this community.

The original organization served Stilton Road and those streets adjacent to Stilton. The original organizers kept a watchful eye on their community by being vigilant through attending County Council meetings on a consistent basis to get understanding and information first-hand, and responding according to protocol established by the council.

As time passed, those in leadership became ill and were just unable to continue their efforts in leadership. The interest just somewhat died. A lot of home owners moved away or passed away.

For many years − around 25 or more years, the organization was dormant. Due to new “inspired” interest, it was reborn in October 2007 and officially reorganized November 2007.

In March 2008, the body recommended to the executive board to consider changing the name to represent the wide range of residences currently attending the meetings. The executive board met, reviewed the mission statement and bylaws. In that executive board meeting, we consider what would be our official boundaries. The executive committee recommended that our boundaries will align with the 2007 Nix precinct boundaries. While we are not a political organization, we needed to set boundaries for our direct community. The executive board presented their suggestions to the body at the community March meeting. The body suggested and unanimously voted for the new name, The Nix-Stilton Community Improvement Organization.

I pray that through the efforts of all NSCIO residents working hard, we will groom, encourage young people to see, believe and buy into what is being done [more so for their behalf as well] so as they grow up into adulthood and choose to live in the Stilton Road area to continue these efforts. A community only thrives as its residents believe it can. Generally speaking, when youth fail to buy into positive efforts, they may act in negative ways to bring havoc to their lives. Again, the Nix-Stilton area has so much potential. It’s going to take a consistent effort from all residents with a mind set to continue working when others may want to stop.

− Thomasina G. Wolfe, Orangeburg

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