Once evening a month, the Tidewater House on Godwin Boulevard becomes the place to be for special locals. Hope and Happiness (HH) of Western Tidewater holds a social for those in the area with special needs. Last Saturday, dozens crowded into the house to dance and eat the night away.

&uot;There’s nothing else for them to do for fun,&uot; said Lynn Robinson of HH. &uot;This is a chance for them to have fun, go out and just be themselves.&uot;

It’s a chance for former Tidewater Occupational Center employees like Bill Davis to reacquaint with those of whom he hasn’t seen much since the center closed in May 2004.

&uot;I want to have some new friends and see my old ones too,&uot; he said. &uot;I miss them. I love coming here and dancing with the ladies.&uot;

Cindy Branton is one lady who enjoyed the music.

&uot;This is something to do,&uot; she said, munching on carrots and cookies. &uot;I like to listen to the music.&uot;

On July 16, Branton and her friends will get a chance to experience yet another special social event; the gospel group Four Give will be holding a prom at the Ruritan Building behind Wilroy Baptist Church.

&uot;This was an opportunity for us to reach out and do something close to home,&uot; said group member Tricia Powers. &uot;We kind of adopt them and do something for them.&uot;

Jeremy Orrel can’t wait.

&uot;I want to go and dance,&uot; he said. &uot;I’ll bring my girlfriend!&uot;

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com