The Folly Boat and Folly Community Support Ukraine

Read More

By Mark A Leon

Folly Beach has always shown its commitment and support during times of need from loss to hurricane relief. This weekend, their love went international with a benefit to support the families of Ukraine held at The Washout on Saturday.

One of the most pronounced symbols of Folly and the Lowcountry since Hurricane Hugo continues to be our beloved Folly Boat.

Showcasing the beautiful gold and blue of Ukraine, the boat is now for the moment a symbol of our continued support for all those suffering in Ukraine.

Here are some images:

Charleston, SC Quizzes – How Well Do You Know Your Home

Read More

It is an exciting time of year for parents and children alike.  It is time to rust off those brains that have been stored in beach and play mode for the last few months and sharpen your senses.

We have provided some online quiz links to see how well you know your home.

Are you ready?

Do you have a sharpened Samsung pen?

Did you do some Google prep?

Here we go

Charleston, SC Online Quizzes

The Ultimate Charleston, SC Quiz – How Stuff Works

How Charleston Are You – Charleston Magazine

Are You Smarter Than a South Carolina 3rd Grader?

Charmed by Charleston Quiz

How Charlestonian Are You? Charleston Daily Quiz

How Well Do You Know Your Charleston, SC Slang? Women.com

South Carolina History Quiz

South Carolina State Quiz – Netstate.com

Good Luck!!!

To the People of Charleston: A Letter of Thanks

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

In a day and age where all thoughts, emotions and testimonials can be summed up into a text or a social update, it becomes ever so important to express my deep and warm gratitude to those individuals with the imagination, admiration and love to give of themselves each and every day.  To the people of of Charleston who welcome all, you are a blessing as strong as the power of all the churches, temples and sanctuaries.

To the amazing community of Charleston, through tolerance, patience and love, you have overcome adversity and trial to find hope in each sunrise.

As I reflect on events over the last several years, I’ve had nights of unanswered questions, lives lost well before their time and obstructions in the path of life.

From tears heard across another continent, to new lives being welcomed into the world, to parents watching their children laid to rest, to disaster ripping families from their homes; I have spent many a long quiet evening in a meditative state trying to piece this puzzle of life together.

Each time, I draw the same conclusion: It is in the outstretched arms of those that have continuously put others ahead of themselves, who have greeted every challenge with passion and hope and been that shoulder to lean on that I need to personally thank. You are the foundation of this wall that provides me shelter from the storm and fuels my drive.

The students at the College of Charleston, Citadel, Charleston Southern and Trident that are shaping our future, media that celebrates community, the small business owners that have created a culture of family and to the Southern allure that welcomes millions annually, we are indebted.

From Mother Emanuel to Hurricane Matthew to the rescue of sea turtles, the selfless acts of kindness and unconditional sense of community speak values.

I thank you

  • I thank you for holding hands across the Cooper River Bridge in unity
  • I thank you for supporting local business
  • I thank you for remembering Mother Emanuel, Charleston Nine and the many others that gave their lives so we can keep our faith.
  • I thank you for giving your homes to keep us dry in times of flooding.
  • I thank you for embracing a Hurricane head on right strength and resilience
  • I thank you for allowing me to bear witness to your life changing events
  • To those that called, emailed or sent a picture or cute message at the most opportune time when I really needed it, I am eternally grateful
  • To the writers, poets, scientists, engineers, doctors, nurses and historians, thank you for preserving life, continue to preserve our history and building on this creative renaissance.

Sometimes, I lie out on the Folly Beach is the first sign of sunlight ordains the sky or an open field gazing upon the stars. Right at the moment it begins to sink in how small we are in the scheme of the universe and then fond memories rush through my head.  Good refreshing memories that put a smile on my face.  They are visual images of times I have spent with you; all of you.  Each person that is important in my life has an equal piece of my heart and as you have and continue to shape who I am, I hope my actions and my words help you understand how you have given me all a man could ask for.

To our community, your love and devotion continues to give strength and energy.  Thank you.

To the future, let us continue to unite, accept, love and grow.

My Long Distance Dedication to Charleston, South Carolina

Read More

Dear Casey,

I am here in Charleston, South Carolina, but feel so distanced from the home I once knew.  From walking the streets of King and Morris less than 10 years ago, to the corporate takeover, Charleston has lost an identity that it has shaped for the last 350 years.

Ten years ago, Charleston breathes the air of a small town built on tradition, family values and a comforting feel of belonging.  I took comfort walking the streets in a tee, shorts and flip flops saying hello to familiar faces and enjoying the comfort of my neighborhood downtown.

From Bob Ellis to Morris Sokol, generations of family owned businesses created a feeling of familiarity and comfort.  All around, I witnessed the most majestic church steeples, while walking on sidewalks not yet crowded by nameless faceless people.  It was a time when you could sit at a bar and get to know your bartender or get a beer and burger for $10.00.  Parking was ample and the streets were safe of solicitation, loitering and petty crime.

Charleston was a home for those that lived the Lowcountry life with pride and simple small town appeal.

Something happened along the way.  The people that maintained tradition, built relationships and make Charleston a home you loved every day got lost.  Church steeples got replaced by cranes and multi-million dollar hotels.  Rooftop bars became the new skyline.  Prices went up, taxes increased, the streets become ambushed by tourism, streets fell apart, construction has been the only constant for five straight years and Lowcountry residents have turned away from the peninsula.

Once quaint boutique buildings, now parking garages, business districts or $600 a night hotels.

Then something even more devastating happened.  Local family owned businesses began to close because long time patrons stopped fighting the invaders that the political engines welcomed with open arms.  Construction and policies were designed for tourists leaving the locals in the dust.

We lost our identity in Charleston.  We lost the home that was once ours.  Yesterday, the Lowcountry spoke on Election Day and voted for change.  They voted for affordable housing and a slow-down of the growth.

I don’t know what the future holds for Charleston, but I know it cannot continue in the direction it is moving.

I hope the leaders of today see that our children are growing up in a community with quality of education issues, water and health concerns, increased crime and driving fatalities, cost of living spiking faster than inflation, diminished infrastructure, long term flooding concerns and internal strife that is being ignored.

If we don’t take responsibility now, we may not have a tomorrow.

I pray for a return to innocence in Charleston.  For a place that is safe and healthy and one that brings smiles to all its citizens.

Casey, can you please play “Come Back Song” by Darius Rucker to everyone that remembers a simpler and better Charleston.

By Mark A. Leon

Short Film: “From Beyond” – Filmed entirely in Charleston, SC

Read More

Professional actor Michael Easler performs a scene from H.P. Lovecraft’s, From Beyond. “From Beyond” is a short story in the horror genre.

Lovecraft is also known for his science fiction stories. Filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina by local filmmaker Trevor Erickson.

The ancient cobblestone alleyways of Charleston, with its history of ghosts & possibly supernatural forces, are a fitting locale for the telling of one of Lovecraft’s tales.

New Navy destroyer departs Ingalls, headed for commissioning in Charleston, SC

Read More

Guided missile destroyer Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) sailed away from its berth at Ingalls Shipbuilding recently, headed for Charleston, S.C., where it will be commissioned next month.

“Watching Frank E. Petersen Jr. sail away demonstrates what this shipyard is capable of, even in the face of a pandemic,” said Donny Dorsey, Ingalls vice president of operations and previously DDG 121 ship program manager. “The Ingalls Shipbuilding team, and all those that contribute to the mission, are the best.

Caption: Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) navigates in the Gulf of Mexico during bravo trials. (Lance Davis/Huntington Ingalls Industries)

Source Link

Introducing WePickle, Charleston’s First Youth Pickleball Summer Camp

Read More

Charleston, South Carolina’s First Youth Pickleball Summer Camp hosted by WePickle.

Early Drop off at 8:00 AM

Cost: $30.00 a week

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Half Day Sessions (9-12pm or 1-4pm) at $150 per week
Full Day Sessions (9–4pm) at $300 per week

Located at the North Charleston Athletic Center.

Go to https://wepicklechs.com/ for more information

About WePickle CHS

What We Do

We introduce and promote the sport of pickleball to all ages.  Our goal is to encourage physical and mental wellness among every generation.  We offer Pickleball Lessons, Family & Group Pickleball Training Classes and Youth Pickleball Clinics along with hosting tournaments and leagues in the Charleston SC area.       

Youth Mentorship

While we are committed to helping the youth of Charleston learn Pickleball, we are also mentoring them to have a more successful future. Blending Youth Pickleball Lessons with social-emotional learning provides crucial life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, healthier relationships and responsible decision-making skills. 

Our Winning Philosophy

In addition, our Youth Pickleball players have a sense of comradery and belonging among each other.  Through their pickleball lessons, they are eager to engage with different cultures, resulting in better communication and teamwork, which bridges Charleston communities together.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTzQEdxom1I

The Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Live in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina- New Video by Lively Charleston

Read More

Charleston, South Carolina is the best city in the world and one of our country’s most desirable places to live. From the history & culture to the beaches & shopping, to the restaurants & real estate… Charleston has something for everyone!

Our mission at Lively Charleston is to tell the stories of the amazing people, places, and businesses in our city.

In this Lively Charleston episode, we’re breaking down the top 7 reasons to live in Mount Pleasant South Carolina.

Named an All-American city for the 2nd time in 2018, Mount Pleasant has quickly become one of the most desirable locations for people to call home in the Charleston area!

  • 1. Access to Beaches
  • 2. Historical Sites
  • 3. Shopping
  • 4. Restaurants
  • 5. Shem Creek
  • 6. Education
  • 7. Ravenel Bridge