Month: November 2023

Lowcountry

Heart is Where the Home is in South Carolina – Celebrating the first anniversary of Rapid Shelter Columbia

November 8, 2023 by 0 Comments
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City Officials, Partners, and Residents Celebrate First Anniversary of Rapid Shelter Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C., Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — City officials in S.C.’s second largest city aim to leave no one behind as they celebrate the first anniversary of Rapid Shelter Columbia with music, food, and a reunion of residents and community partners. 

When it launched a year ago, Rapid Shelter Columbia was the first community of its kind in the Southeast. The idea was simple. Give people the transitional shelter, support, and sense of security they need to recover and reset their lives. 

“At the end of the day, getting people into temporary housing allows us the opportunity to connect them with the resources they need,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Rapid Shelter Columbia has given us a touchpoint for wraparound services to transition individuals into permanent housing and have the opportunity to live the life they deserve.”

Fred, a Rapid Shelter Columbia resident, and his emotional support cat, Draco.

Different from ordinary shelters, Rapid Shelter Columbia is a cluster of 50 pallet units whereby residents get their own private space, bed, and storage. Just 64 square feet, these pallets are built for maximum efficiency, enabling the City of Columbia to help as many people as possible.  

“As it turns out, the small safe space was exactly what residents needed to feel a sense of ownership, helping them transition to permanent housing,” said Teresa Wilson, City Manager. “This remains our ultimate goal.”

“It ain’t so much space, but it’s your space,” said one former resident.

Homelessness on the Rise

Nationally, homelessness has been on the rise since 2017, up six percent overall. Cities with high housing costs top the list for likelihood of homelessness. By comparison, South Carolina – and the state capital Columbia in particular – remain much more affordable. 

In South Carolina, approximately 4,287 people were homeless in 2002, which is about eight for every 10,000 people. This places South Carolina low on the list of states with high homelessness, 11th overall. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Columbia/Midlands saw a 64 percent decrease in its unsheltered population between 2007 and 2022. Despite these statistics, City of Columbia officials acknowledged and were determined to focus on a growing population of the chronically unsheltered in the City.

A short-term fix with long-term gains

Rapid Shelter Columbia is a carefully considered and constructed community that extends far beyond the walls of each pallet unit. Here, residents receive personalized job and housing assistance through the City of Columbia’s team of specially trained case managers. Food and access to medical and mental health services are also available through a network of recovery and healthcare partners. Laundry, showers, and grooming supplies give residents a fresh start on their new path in life.

“People are at the heart of our community,” said Mackin Wall, Project Manager. “Rapid Shelter Columbia depends on a network of qualified and compassionate partners to help get residents the specialized assistance they need, whether it is grief or recovery counseling, medical care, or mental health support, in addition to things like finding a job, learning new skills, or accessing documentation.” 

MIRCI assists vulnerable adults who need immediate and continuing life assistance due to mental illness, specifically those experiencing homelessness and those at-risk of homelessness. MIRCI’s clinical and support programs help people build healthy and independent lives. In addition, MIRCI provides permanent, supportive, subsidized housing. 

LRADAC, The Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, is a non-profit agency that offers a wide array of prevention, intervention, and treatment programs to fight addiction and drug misuse. 

Prisma Health’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides all-inclusive care for the elderly in Richland and Lexington counties. It focuses on both chronic care needs and preventative care.

The proof is in the numbers

As of October 2023, Rapid Shelter had received 504 referrals from the City of Columbia Police Department, Richland County Public Library, other agencies, and community organizations. Of those, 188 people qualified for admission into Rapid Shelter Columbia. Residents go through a screening process to determine whether they meet the qualifications for being chronically unsheltered, as defined by being homeless for a consecutive year or four separate times in three years. 

Real people with real-life results

City of Columbia officials were hopeful, but admit they had some doubts about whether 90 days could change lives, helping keep people off the streets and out of jail. It turns out, that is exactly what they did with 34 residents transitioning to permanent housing.

“I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them,” said Nyasia Franklin, Program Specialist. “They overcame incredible odds, and found the confidence, support, and resources they needed to move off the streets and into permanent housing.”

Around 50 percent were diagnosed for mental health issues, and another 35 percent for substance abuse disorder. Thirty-two percent had a physical disability, and 28 percent a chronic health condition.

Walker came to Rapid Shelter Columbia in January of 2023. She was struggling with homelessness and alcohol abuse. Her Rapid Shelter Columbia case manager connected her with MIRCI and LRADAC, the latter of which helped her into a five day detox program, which she successfully completed. She was able to find a job, save money, and participate in peer support groups. Walker says a pivotal moment was sitting down with her case manager to come up with specific goals, knowing someone believed in her strengths to want to do better. Walker was permanently housed on August 31, 2023. 

Allen came to Rapid Shelter Columbia in November 2022. While at Rapid Shelter, he connected with LRADAC and Cooperative Health to help get him started on a new path of life. Unfortunately, his addiction got the better of him and he ended up leaving the program in January. This April, Allen returned to the program sober and ready for change. His Rapid Shelter Columbia case manager referred Allen to LRADAC and Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous peer groups to manage and maintain his sobriety. He worked closely with Prisma Health for grief counseling and primary care needs. He joined the JOBs program, gaining valuable skills and employment. Allen was permanently housed in September 2023. 

Gordon came to Rapid Shelter Columbia on November 2, 2022, the second day it was open. When Gordon arrived it was clear he was suffering from a medical issue, which the team later learned was Parkinson’s disease.  His case worker describes him as a kind and gentle man, who always offers to help and never complains. Rapid Shelter Columbia partnered with Prisma Health’s PACE program to provide Gordon with all-inclusive care. Prisma Health picked him up for his appointments, made sure he saw the doctor and received the care he needed, and provided his medication free of charge. Gordon recently moved into a retirement home in West Columbia. 

“These success stories give us all hope and remind us to never give up on our goals, no matter how unattainable they may seem,” said Kameisha Heppard, Director of Homeless Services.

About City of Columbia:

Columbia, S.C. is the state’s capital city, and home to the University of South Carolina. It is an economic, entertainment and educational hub with a vibrant and diverse economy, unique character, and attractions for visitors and locals alike from the Columbia Museum of Art and Riverbanks Zoo & Garden to an array of exciting restaurants, shops, and parks.

Lowcountry

DHEC Awards Twelve South Carolina Schools as ‘Champions of the Environment’, including 2 in Charleston County

November 7, 2023 by 0 Comments
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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Twelve South Carolina schools were recently awarded grants that will support the education of the next generation of environmental stewards statewide, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today.

The “Champions of the Environment” awards are issued each school year to foster environmental education and action in South Carolina’s classrooms from kindergarten through 12th grade. Teachers apply for grant funding by outlining a proposed educational project that focuses on pollution or waste reduction, water or energy efficiency, or preservation of natural areas. The grant program is sponsored by DHEC, Dominion Energy and Sylvamo, with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina.

“DHEC is dedicated to supporting education and awareness about South Carolina’s environment, and programs like Champions of the Environment help us instill knowledge and respect for our state’s natural resources,” said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs. “With the help of our great partners, we look forward to the many projects Champions of the Environment will support in classrooms across the state for years to come.”

DHEC started Champions of the Environment in 1993 with the goal of encouraging, enabling, and recognizing youth environmental education projects that develop awareness, promote behavior change, or improve and protect our water, air, and land.

This year, 11 schools were awarded $2,500 and one school was awarded $1,500. This year’s projects include gardens and habitat restoration, and several also focus on cultural awareness and community involvement.

“We’re especially pleased that several rural schools received awards this year,” said Amanda Ley, DHEC coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program. “Funding from the Champions program provides these schools environmental education opportunities that may not otherwise be available.”

The 2023-24 Champions of the Environment winners are below.

$2,500 winners:

  • Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, Horry County
  • R.B. Stall High School, Charleston County
  • Loris Middle School, Horry County
  • St. John Catholic School, Charleston County
  • Starr-Iva Middle School, Anderson County
  • Busbee Creative Arts Academy, Lexington County
  • South Conway Elementary School, Horry County
  • Nation Ford High School, York County
  • Forts Pond Elementary School, Lexington County
  • D.R. Hill Middle School, Spartanburg County
  • Reuben Elementary School, Newberry County

$1,500 winner:

  • Riverview Charter School, Beaufort County

For more information, including descriptions of each winning project and eligibility requirements for next year’s grant funding, visit scdhec.gov/champions.

Lowcountry

South Carolina agency violated Clean Water Act by proposing toxic discharge permit, groups say

November 7, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Pollution could reach drinking water sources for nearly 300,000 South Carolinians

CHARLESTON, S.C. — In late October, the Southern Environmental Law Center petitioned the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control to reverse a proposed permit for the discharge of toxic-laden wastewater issued to the Fiber Industries, LLC plant in Darlington, South Carolina. The permit violates the Clean Water Act by allowing Fiber to dump large amounts of a toxic chemical called 1,4-dioxane into a stream without using proper treatment. These toxic discharges are upstream of the drinking water sources for South Carolinians from Myrtle Beach to Georgetown. SELC submitted the petition on behalf of the South Carolina Health Professionals for Climate Action, the South Carolina Indian Affairs Commission, Winyah Rivers Alliance, and American Rivers.

“The state has acknowledged that Fiber’s 1,4-dioxane pollution raises a ‘human health concern.’ But instead of looking at what technology is available to treat Fiber’s waste, DHEC gave the company a green light to dump its toxic 1,4-dioxane into rivers upstream of the drinking water supplies for nearly 300,000 South Carolinians,” said Carl Brzorad, SELC Senior Associate Attorney. “We hope the Board will do the right thing here: protect South Carolina families and reverse this illegal permit.”

In its petition, SELC explains that the pollution permit for the Fiber plant raises significant environmental and public health concerns, especially for downstream communities. The state’s proposed permit would allow Fiber to discharge 1,4-dioxane at nearly 70,000 times higher than health advisory levels for the chemical in drinking water. Because conventional drinking water treatments do not remove 1,4-dioxane, which can travel dozens of miles in rivers, the pollution could make its way downstream and into the taps of several South Carolina communities.

“1,4-Dioxane is a toxic chemical that has been linked to cancers, liver and kidney damage. As health professionals, we are concerned about the dumping of this known toxin upstream of the drinking water of almost 300,000 South Carolinians who could be exposed to this toxic chemical in their drinking water due to the failure of DHEC to comply with the Clean Water Act,” said Hayley Guilkey, MD, Chair of the South Carolina Health Professionals for Climate Action. “To keep South Carolinians safe, DHEC needs to comply with the Clean Water Act and keep 1,4-dioxane out of South Carolina rivers and drinking water supplies.”

The proposed pollution permit from the state allows Fiber to discharge 1,4-dioxane into Black Creek, a tributary of the Pee Dee River, upstream of three municipal drinking water intakes. In the past, Fiber has released 1,4-dioxane into Black Creek at levels many thousands of times higher than the drinking water advisory set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency based on cancer risk.

A 2017 study showed South Carolina had the highest percentage of drinking water systems with 1,4-dioxane of any state in the nation. 55% of drinking water systems sampled in South Carolina were found to contain the toxin, including two of the community water systems downstream of the Fiber plant. One of these downstream systems had 1,4-dioxane in its drinking water at levels above the health advisory at the time of sampling.

“Healthy rivers mean healthy communities. 1,4-Dioxane is a toxic chemical that can and should be kept out of South Carolina rivers and drinking water supplies,” said Cheryl Cail, Chair of SC Idle No More at South Carolina Indian Affairs Commission.

“SCDHEC must reverse Fiber’s illegal permit and require treatment of its toxic 1,4-dioxane waste. Protecting the health of our river and its downstream communities is critically important and non-negotiable,” said Debra Buffkin, Executive Director at Winyah Rivers Alliance. “The Board must act now and do the right thing to protect South Carolinians and reverse this illegal permit.”

The initial staff decision by DHEC to issue the permit will be considered by the Board in the coming weeks. The Board may affirm or reject the permit for the Fiber Industries facility.

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The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 200, including more than 100 attorneys, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. southernenvironment.org

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Lowcountry

The Cassina Group Participates In Historic Sale On East Battery Street – Charleston, SC

November 6, 2023 by 0 Comments
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The Cassina Group’s Robertson Allen Participates In Historic Sale On East Battery Street

Charleston, SC (November 2, 2023) — The Cassina Group’s Robertson Allen recently participated in the sale of 13 & 15 East Battery Street. The 14,726-square-foot historic home closed for $12,450,000 with Allen representing the buyers. The sale is the second highest home sale recorded on the peninsula so far this year, surpassed only by 13 & 15 Meeting Street, which closed in April for $12,600,000 with Robertson Allen representing both the buyers and sellers.

“It is an honor to have played a pivotal role in the sale of this truly exceptional historic home,” said Allen, founding partner and broker-in-charge of The Cassina Group. “I am excited for my buyer clients and look forward to a new chapter for this architecturally significant piece of Charleston’s history.”

Allen’s clients plan to do a massive renovation on the expansive property to convert it back into a single-family residence.  One of the key features that will be added during the renovation is the portico, which was destroyed in the 1886 earthquake.

“My clients are extremely familiar with the rich historic fabric of downtown Charleston, and we are all looking forward to seeing the transformation of this iconic property,” said Allen.

The Cassina Group is well-acquainted with luxury sales, closing over a hundred million-dollar plus sales so far this year. The innovation-driven real estate firm currently ranks as the #1 boutique firm in Charleston, with $480 million in closed and pending sales. For more information on The Cassina Group, please visit TheCassinaGroup.com.

About The Cassina Group

The Cassina Group is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC and Charleston, SC. The firm is managed by Owen Tyler, partner and managing broker, and founding partners Jimmy Dye and Robertson Allen.  Recent awards include top honors from Charleston Magazine, Inc. 5000, T3 Sixty, and SC Biz News. For more information, visit www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843-628-0008.


Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Coworking Space Company ‘Office Evolution’ Adapts Amidst Shifting Demographics of Workers

November 5, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Office Evolution Tailors Coworking Solutions for Guests Spanning from Corporate Workers to Entrepreneurs

Charleston, SC. – The Charleston coworking scene is undergoing a large change as remote work and the rise of “Work from Home” culture has brought an influx of workers seeking flexible solutions. Office Evolution®- the nation’s largest coworking franchisor known for its network of locally owned, close-to-home coworking spaces- has not only embraced this shift but thrived by offering unmatched hospitality, flexibility, and networking opportunities to its members. 

In a post-pandemic world, where traditional office spaces have given way to more remote and flexible working arrangements, Office Evolution of Charleston has positioned itself as the ideal workspace for the modern professional. According to Bloomberg, the Southeast accounted for more than two-thirds of all job growth across the US since early 2020. The surge in job growth, specifically for flexible work arrangements, has created a demand for coworking spaces that cater to a broad spectrum of professionals, from entrepreneurs to corporate teams. Being a part of the Office Evolution community fosters a sense of connection, engagement, and heightened productivity amongst its members.

“The past few years we have seen a change in how and where people choose to work,” said Andrew Fry, the Office Evolution franchisee in Charleston, SC. “These professionals have embraced the hospitality and flexibility that Office Evolution provides, allowing them to work without the need for extensive travel or concerns about distractions at home. We have tailored our business to meet their wants and needs.”

The brand’s structure allows guests to meet with clients, have professional waiting rooms, and escape the confines of their own home office. Office Evolution, a Vast Coworking Group brand, offers multiple plans, including a popular flex plan that is heavily utilized by remote workers. The brand has two locations within South Carolina providing a high-end, modern coworking experience for the Mt Pleasant and Downtown Charleston areas.

The flexible office spaces that Vast Coworking Group™ affiliated brands provide allow businesses to acquire the right amount of space for their needs without committing to long-term leases. In Charleston, the owner’s dedication allows him to connect local businesses and make genuine relationships with every professional who enters the space. The downtown Charleston office is located within walking distance of Marion Square at 460 King Street and offers 21 offices and dedicated desks. The Mt. Pleasant location, also owned by Fry, is located at 1501 Belle Isle Avenue Suite 110. Both locations offer a drop-in rate of $25 per day for CoWorking and $20 per hour for drop-in offices.

Members of Office Evolution also benefit from being part of a nationwide network of coworking locations where they have access to 80 other Office Evolution locations in 26 states when traveling.

“No matter your background or current career Office Evolution is the perfect place for a productive and professional work environment,” said Jason Anderson, President of Office Evolution. “Office Evolution is bringing a modern and accessible approach to help individuals be productive. Coworking is not just about sharing a workspace; it’s about sharing inspiration, collaboration, and a sense of community that fuels productivity.”

For more information about Office Evolution, please visit: https://www.officeevolution.com/locations/charleston/

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About Office Evolution

Office Evolution® (OE), a shared workspace – coworking environment, founded in 2003 and cultivated on the principles of ‘Ohana’, the Hawaiian tradition that references family working toward a common goal. Office Evolution is among the Starpoint Brands™ constellation of trusted companies representing the very best in their industries. Office Evolution is serious about supporting small business owners – the Dreamers, Risk-Takers and Doers who dare to chase their passions. For more information about Office Evolution visit www.officeevolution.com and for information about franchise opportunities visit www.officeevolutionfranchise.com.

About Vast Coworking Group

Vast Coworking Group™ is comprised of Office Evolution and Venture X and specializes in franchising within the coworking industry, offering solutions, expertise, and shared service options within the flexible workspace franchise community. Part of the Starpoint Brands™ division of United Franchise Group™ (UFG), Vast Coworking Group was founded in 2023 by Ray Titus, founder and CEO of UFG, with the express intention of building a framework to connect a variety of coworking brands, services, and amenities within the coworking industry, providing the largest privately owned affiliated franchise network of flexible, professional, and shared office space options on the planet. For more information about Vast Coworking, visit https://vastcoworking.com/.

About Starpoint Brands

A family of trusted brands representing the very best in their industries, including retail, food & beverage and professional services, Starpoint Brands™ is the mark of quality for customers. It brings together a constellation of brands within United Franchise Group™ (UFG), including Signarama®, Fully Promoted®, Transworld Business Advisors®, Venture X®, Office Evolution®, Network Lead Exchange™, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, Graze Craze®, and Cannoli Kitchen Pizza™. A brand under the Starpoint Brands division is one that business-to-consumer and business-to-business customers can be sure will provide the ultimate in service, reliability and value.

Lowcountry

Brown’s Court Bakery will be closing its doors after November 17, 2023 after a decade in downtown Charleston, SC

November 4, 2023 by 0 Comments
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We are saddened to announce that Brown’s Court Bakery, located at 199 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC will be closing its doors and shutting down the business after November 17, 2023 after a decade in downtown Charleston, SC.

The wonderful team at Brown’s Court has been part of our Charleston narrative as a valued community member and will be missed.

Here is the heartfelt message from Dave on Instagram:

It is with a heavy heart we must announce that Brown’s Court will be closing our doors after November 17th. A decade ago an idea was born to open a bakery named Proof, until, of course, a bar opened down the street with the exact name four months before opening the bakery. So, we pivoted, found out the driveway along the bakery was called Brown’s Court back in the late 1800s and the least creative person in history named it such.

When we first opened the bakery, we have always been steadfast in maintaining that all of our baked goods are made fresh daily and all in house. We also got married and then became pregnant with our daughter all the while my pregnant wife manned the front end (still disagree to this day how to properly pour espresso shots). But, in remaining true to the freshest possible product and as the bakery became the 1a, 1b, and 1c of my life, I realized I missed numerous family events and milestones because of it. And for my entire married life and my child’s entire life that has been the case.

If you know who owns Brown’s Court, congratulations, because I’ve always prided myself on being the dishwasher in the back. And that’s because the people who truly made Brown’s Court what it is today are the people who clearly ran the IG feed but also rocked out through the hard hours in oppressive kitchen heat to bake product I still remain proud of. And that’s why this decision is so devastating on a personal level because without the staff at Brown’s Court, none of this would have been possible.

Lastly, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the years. None of this would have been possible without your continued support.

Dave

Lowcountry

Public input process to start this winter for Charleston County Parks’ North Charleston Ashley River Site

November 3, 2023 by 0 Comments
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[CHARLESTON] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) recently entered into a public-private partnership at its Ashley River site, also known as the former site of Baker Hospital, with the locally-owned Sea Fox Boat Company. 

Charleston County Parks will continue to own the entire property. Charleston County Parks and Sea Fox have executed a 90-year lease, and the future public park on the site will be funded by tenant Sea Fox, allowing Charleston County Parks the ability to develop the park without taxpayer funds. The rent paid by Sea Fox and its dry stack marina will also offset operations and maintenance of the future park. 

The future park at the property will be approximately 46 acres in size, pending a site survey. Sea Fox will use the land it leases elsewhere on the site, approximately 11 acres, for boat manufacturing. The company is currently in a due diligence phase, which includes governmental permitting, before any site work will begin.

Charleston County Parks will hold public engagement meetings in early 2024 to gather public input and learn what the community would like to have in this future park. However, possibilities that could be suitable amenities and features at the Ashley River Site include:

  • Open greenspace
  • Fishing/Crabbing Dock
  • Trails
  • Playground
  • Splash Pad play area
  • Shelter that may be suitable for camps or other programs
  • Special events, yoga, children’s programming
  • Spectacular sunsets and waterfront views

Charleston County Parks encourages members of the community to provide their opinions on what they would like at the park at upcoming public engagement meetings. Specific dates for these meetings will be forthcoming and scheduled in early 2024. For updates, please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com and follow Charleston County Parks on social media, where dates will be announced soon. 

“Sea Fox Boats and the Renken family have been creating access to leisure on the water for a combined 65 years. Charleston County Parks is the perfect partner, with our shared goal of providing opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Together with Charleston County Parks, we are approaching this project with a ‘live, work, play’ mentality where members of the community will have new job opportunities, their children have a safe place to play, and families will have water access,” said Sea Fox Boats Director of I.T. and Marketing Tanner Renken.

Locally known as the site of the former Baker Hospital, the property is located just south of Cosgrove Avenue and west of I-26 on the Ashley River – a unique location in the center of the Peninsula south of I-526. The Baker site was donated to CCPRC in 2015 through funding support from Charleston residents Michael and Jenny Messner of The Speedwell Foundation and their business partner Paul Shiverick and his wife Betsy. Tax funds were not used in attaining the site.

In addition to being the former site of Baker Hospital, the property was the site of a phosphate processing plant. The site’s history created a brownfield, which requires environmental efforts to make the area suitable for recreational use. 

For updates on the Ashley River Site and future public meetings, please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com(direct link: https://ccprc.com/3723).

The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes four land parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Lowcountry

Mews + Brews Cat Cafe in Summerville are closing their doors on November 18, 2023

November 3, 2023 by 2 Comments
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In an emotional message on Instagram, the team at Mews + Brews Cat Cafe in Summerville announced they will have to close their doors, but not before 150+ cats found their furever homes through their dedication and commitment.

Thank you for all you have done in the Summerville community and beyond.

Mews and Brews Instagram Post

There’s no easy way to say this, but we will be closing our doors on November 18th. This past year has been an incredible adventure and we have seen over 150 of our cafe cats find their furever homes! Everyone is feeling the squeeze of rising costs due to inflation, and unfortunately we are not exempt. The current economy is not kind to small businesses, so we’ve had to make this incredibly difficult decision, but we are so proud of what we’ve accomplished. Thank you so much for your support. Everyone we met – every guest who visited our cafe to every follower who left a comment on our posts – was a vital part of our journey and we appreciate you. Cafe visits will be just $5 for the next two weeks! Come see us! Adopt a cat! Share your favorite memories with us! We want to celebrate with you while we transition into what’s next

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC named the #3 Best Veterans Day Fishing Destination by FishingBooker

November 1, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Veterans Day holds a special place in our hearts, a day when we honor those who have served the American nation with courage and dedication. At FishingBooker, we’re committed to making this day truly memorable, and to celebrate it we have carefully created a list of “Top Veterans Day Fishing Destinations 2023.” As one of the best saltwater locations in South Carolina – Charleston reeled in the well-deserved #3 spot.

In Charleston you can go pier fishing, deep sea angling, or surf casting, and a brag-worthy catch will grace the end of your line. Redfish, black seabass, king mackerel, and mahi mahi are all on the menu come November.

Check out the Charleston Museum and learn about all the firsts, and support events organized in honor of American military veterans. Each year the area hosts numerous Veterans Day ceremonies to pay tribute to those who served the country.

The full list of Top Veterans Day Fishing Destinations includes: 

            1. Port Aransas, TX

2. Panama City Beach, FL

3. Charleston, SC

4. Lake Norman, NC

5. South Holston Lake and River, TN

6. Smith Mountain Lake, VA

7. Muskegon, MI

8. Toledo Bend Reservoir, LA

9. Strawberry Reservoir, UT

10. Boise River, ID

11. Modesto, CA

About FishingBooker: 

With an offer of more than 42,000 fishing trips spanning over 2,000 cities across 110 countries, FishingBooker has gained the trust of countless fishing enthusiasts. Our platform has enabled hundreds of thousands of anglers to embark on fishing trips and create long-lasting memories with friends and family across the US – and beyond. By connecting anglers with skilled captains and the best fishing locations, we are committed to making fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Photo taken by Reel Good Style

Header Photo Credit: Heritage Fishing Charters

Lowcountry

Corona brings recycling and beach clean-up to the forefront in Charleston, South Carolina

November 1, 2023 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

As part of a multi-city tour to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, Corona made a stop in Charleston, South Carolina this past weekend to showcase the Corona Crusher offering education, insight and an opportunity to be a part of a special national recycling campaign.

In partnership with Glass Recycling Foundation, Corona has been stopping by with a device that crushes clear glass bottles into a fine sand retaining all its properties and then recycling 100% of the material.

These events complimented the Charleston community, which as its core is a coastal environmentally sound region. Patrons, from curiosity to support, participated, enjoying the excitement of the Corona Crusher and learning a little along the way.

Thank you to the entire team at Corona and its partners who graciously came out this weekend to show their love for the Lowcountry.

Want to learn more about this and the national beach cleaning initiative, click the resources below:

Resources

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