Charleston Parks Conservancy Receives Publix Charities Grant to Support Its Community Garden Program

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Parks Conservancy has received a $5,000 grant from Publix Super Market Charities to support its community garden program. 

This month, Publix Super Markets Charities is donating $5.5 million to 300 Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations as part of their ongoing support to alleviate hunger and help local communities within Publix’s operating area.

The Conservancy currently manages three community gardens: 

  • Corrine Jones Park and Community Garden in downtown Charleston 
  • Magnolia Park and Community Garden in West Ashley
  • Medway Park and Community Garden on James Island 

In each community garden, beds are available for the public to lease and grow their own produce. Additional community beds are used for education and demonstration. Volunteers help harvest the produce from those beds, which is donated to local food pantries and community organizations. So far in 2021, the Conservancy has donated 2,561 pounds of produce. 

Since the Conservancy’s Grow It Forward program launched in 2014, produce has been grown in more than 35 community beds, supporting neighbors who are dealing with food insecurity. The produce harvested from these beds is donated to community partners, including Destiny Community Cafe, Stone Soup Collective, Lowcountry Food Bank, One180Place and James Island Outreach as well to organizations focused on critical illnesses, such as Amor Healing Kitchen. 

In 2020, the Conservancy began working with organizations serving the community, including the Eastside Community Development Corporation and the Friends of Joseph Floyd Manor. 

More than 19,000 pounds of produce have been donated to these organizations over the last seven years. 

“Our community gardens are an integral part of our work to create stronger neighborhoods, promote healthy living and provide fresh produce to local food pantries,” said Tom McGuire, the Conservancy’s executive director. “Through this program, community members can grow their own food in a public park, learn about urban horticulture, and donate fresh produce to those battling food insecurity in our community. We’re tremendously grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for recognizing the important role community gardens play in fighting hunger.” 

Through a public-private partnership model, the Conservancy works with the city’s Parks Department as well as community leaders, neighborhoods and engaged citizens to transform and activate the city’s parks and green spaces. The Conservancy and its Park Angel volunteers actively maintain more than 20 city parks and gardens. 

To learn more about the Conservancy and its community garden program, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 13 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. In 2020, renovations were completed at Moultrie Playground and at St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. Other notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org

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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks

Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

CAPTIONS 

[Photo Publix Check Grant Presentation]

Pictured from left are Lee Island, store manager at the Publix at Ashley Landing; Stephanie Lee, donor relations manager for the Charleston Parks Conservancy; and Courtney Olson, Conservancy’s community garden manager & educator.

[Photo Courtney Olson produce donation]

Courtney Olson, community garden manager & educator for the Charleston Parks Conservancy, gathers produce to share with local food pantries.

Clemson remains top public university, leads State of South Carolina in U.S. News rankings

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  • Ranked among top 30 public institutions nationally
  • Remains top-ranked public University in State of South Carolina
  • Highest ever academic reputation score
  • Business, engineering, nursing, computer science recognized
  • No. 26 among innovative national universities
  • No. 3 in Alumni Participation

Clemson University was once again ranked as one of the top public universities in the country according to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report ranking of 381 national universities. Clemson tied for No. 30 among public institutions, marking the 16th consecutive year the University has ranked among the top 30 nationally.
 
The University remains the top public institution in the state of South Carolina according to U.S. News, and Clemson recorded its highest-ever academic reputation score, tabulated from a survey of peer institutions.
 
“The value of a Clemson degree, and the impact Clemson University continues to make on the citizens of the State of South Carolina, remain our highest priority,” Provost Bob Jones said. “It’s always great to be recognized among national leaders in these rankings, especially by our peer institutions for specific programs and colleges.”
 
Among individual undergraduate programs recognized in 2021, engineering, nursing, computer science and business were among the nation’s best. Industrial engineering and accounting were specifically highlighted as top programs, recognized specifically through nomination by other institutions. 
 
The rankings also recognized the University’s strong alumni engagement and financial support, placing Clemson third among all public universities for alumni participation. In FY21, the generosity and commitment of Clemson alumni and friends led to another historic year of philanthropy with more than $202 million raised, creating 115 new scholarships and fellowships and 85 new endowments.
 
Additionally, the University was cited as the 26th most innovative among all national universities. 
 
Clemson’s support for students was recognized, including its internship and co-op programs, ranking 15th among all schools.

Chambers Partner to Launch South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator

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Bank of America’s $500,000 grant expands program statewide

Three Chamber organizations from across South Carolina jointly announced today that Bank of America has provided a $500,000 grant to launch a statewide Minority Business Accelerator program. This program will be led by the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville Chambers and is set to launch in January of 2022. 

The Minority Business Accelerator supports and scales high-potential minority-owned firms by providing targeted training, access to business coaches, and access to large corporations. Participants leave the program with a three-year Strategic Growth Action Plan to guide their development. The $500,000 grant from Bank of America to fund this program expansion is part of the bank’s $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to help advance racial equality and economic opportunity in local communities.

“Together with the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville Chamber organizations, we are working to do our part to support minority-owned businesses, and we hope to encourage others as well,” said Kim Wilkerson, president, Bank of America South Carolina. “Here in South Carolina, Bank of America remains focused on creating opportunity in the areas of jobs, training, and workforce development as these areas are where systemic, long-term gaps have existed and where significant change is required to achieve sustainable progress.”

The Minority Business Accelerator has existed in the Upstate through the Greenville Chamber since 2012 and has been tremendously successful. The program will now be replicated in the Midlands and Lowcountry markets. The program in each region will be led by the respective Chamber and a program instructor following the internationally-recognized Interise StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum. Participants undergo intensive training for the first six months, then work closely with mentors, coaches and MBA peers on their Strategic Growth Action Plans and implementation of learnings for the last six months.

Upon leaving the program, these firms are positioned for accelerated growth with enhanced access to capital and business networks. Nationwide, after completing the StreetWise ‘MBA’ program, businesses experience 36% growth rate in revenue, create jobs four times faster than the private sector, and see $2.4 million in new contracts per firm. These businesses also help meet increasing demand among large corporations to improve vendor and supplier diversity.

Expanding the program statewide will create a more prosperous South Carolina through inclusive economic development and job creation. The three chambers working together, supported by Bank of America, provide a foundation of success for South Carolina’s minority business enterprises. 

Cake cafe owners with open sign

The program is open to socially or economically underrepresented businesses including those that are minority-owned, woman-owned or veteran-owned. Participants must have at least one other full-time employee and must also be headquartered in South Carolina. 

Recruitment for program participants will begin this fall, with the three programs set to launch in January.

About the Charleston Metro Chamber

With approximately 1,600 member organizations representing 160,000 professionals, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice of the business community, and a catalyst for regional economic advancement and member success through Talent, Advocacy, Leadership and Business Development. Visit www.charlestonchamber.org.

About Columbia Chamber

The Columbia Chamber is a private, nonprofit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its Partners through networking, professional development, advocacy, and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.

About the Greenville Chamber

The Greenville Chamber, now in its 133rd year of operation, is the largest business organization in Upstate South Carolina with over 1900 Investors supporting the vision of a globally competitive Upstate economy where businesses succeed and people prosper. For information, visit greenvillechamber.org.

About Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer, and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

Dreaming Farms Pumpkin Patch GRAND OPENING – Charleston, SC – September 25, 2021

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After 3 long years of trying to open our own Pumpkin Patch the time has finally come! Come celebrate with us Saturday, September 25th at our Grand Opening Event! We’ll have live music and everything Fall you can think of.

We’ll have a type of Pumpkins, Mums, Straw Bales, Gourds, Indian corn and so much more! Come see our gift shop with all types of unique Fall and Halloween decor. We are excited to have you!

When: September 25, 2021 – Open 10:00AM on Saturday until 8:00PM.

Where: Dreaming Farms, 1540 Camp Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Charleston, United States

Official Event Page

The Citadel ranked U.S. News and World Report #1 Top Public College in the South for the 11th successive year

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CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Citadel is the U.S. News and World Report #1 Top Public College in the South for the 11th successive year. The ranking, for institutions offering up to a master’s degree, is part of the digital media company’s new, 2022 college rankings released Sept. 13, 2021.

“This is not an easy feat, but The Citadel is resolute about providing a transformational experience for cadets that cultivates long-term dividends,” said The Citadel President Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.), Class of 1979. “Earning the ranking of #1 Top Public College in the South from U.S. News & World Report one time, let alone 11 times, is only possible because of the passion and commitment of everyone on campus and our steadfast alumni.”

The Citadel’s most prominent rankings on the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges lists include:

05032019-Long Grey Line

“The Citadel is simply the best choice for people willing to take on exceptional challenges in college that will lead to exceptional results in life,” said the Regimental Commander of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, Cadet Col. Kathryn Christmas. “Being ranked the top public college in the South year after year by U.S. News & World Report helps validate the value of a Citadel experience for those who may not yet know about the benefits within the Corps.”

Christmas, who is from Easley, South Carolina, explained that The Citadel education begins with Four Pillars – character, academics, military and fitness. “Developing the whole person makes our graduates strong and ready to lead no matter where they go.”

U.S. News & World Report was one of the first American publishers to produce a college rankings list based on a complex formula of publicly reported data that is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education annually by all institutions of higher education.

To learn more about the methodology used for these rankings go to this link at U.S. News & World Report.com.

Media Contact

Kim Keelor, The Citadel, +1 (843) 953-2155, kkeelor@citadel.edu

Zach Watson, The Citadel, (843) 953-3722, zwatson2@citadel.edu

SOURCE The Citadel

Dashi now has a dessert camper to satisfy your sweet tooth

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Remember being young and chasing after ice cream trucks? Well, now kids of all ages can run no further because Dashi has just opened their anxiously awaited Dessert Camper, which will be parked at the restaurant (located at 1262 Remount Road) all summer long. There’s really no better way to beat the Charleston heat than cooling off with an ice cream cone, cup or sundae after enjoying a delicious meal. 

The Dashi Dessert Camper will feature local ice cream from Cirsea, with fun flavors like Vanilla Black Pepper, Latte, Green Tea, Cinnamon, Strawberry Goat Cheese, Strawberry Cheesecake, Bourbon Caramel and more. Toppings include everything from the traditional chocolate and sprinkles to the more unique Thai tea pecans and peach compote. Rotating soft serve flavors will also be available, as well as a sundae of the week. 

Austin Dubinsky has been named Pastry Chef and joins Dashi from The 5th Street Group where he continues to make pastries for 5Church and Tempest. While in his hometown of St. Louis, he worked at James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gerard Craft’s French bistro, Brasserie, and trained under Pastry Chef Elise Mensing, grasping the art of desserts from tarts to sorbets to profiteroles. 

The Dashi Dessert Camper is open during the restaurant’s normal business hours: Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m

More information can be found at www.dashichs.com

Charleston Commercial Handles Sale of 438 King St. to Miami Restaurant The firm also leased several other retail properties on King Street

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston Commercial, a key player in the local commercial real estate market, has brokered several deals on King Street this summer, including the sale of 438 King St. to a Miami-based restaurant. 

The three-story property totalling almost 9,000 square feet sold for $5,995,000. The mixed-use property and lot was sold by ROA LLC. The interior space features a high-end retail suite and two additional floors. 

The buyer is Le Chick, a Miami restaurant founded by Coco Coig and Jorge Sanchez. The restaurant concept was inspired by Rotisserie Amsterdam, the Dutch hotspot known for its delectable rotisserie chicken and burgers. Plans are to open a Le Chick location at 438 King St. at the end of 2022. 

Charleston Commercial – led by C. Kendrick and managing director Joshua Schaap – was also instrumental in leasing three other retail spaces on King Street, an indication that the commercial real estate market is alive and well in downtown Charleston.

The firm leased the 1,650-square-foot space at 550 King St. to OddFellows Ice Cream Co. The small-batch ice cream shop started in Brooklyn and is known for creating wacky and weird ice cream flavors along with reimagined classics. OddFellows plans to open this fall. The space, anchored by Hyatt Hotel, was formerly occupied by Revelator Coffee. 

Charleston Commercial handled the lease of 564 King St., a 1,422-square-foot space anchored by Hyatt Hotel. It will be the new home of The Drip Lounge, a medical spa administering FastVitaminIV, a blend of 19 vitamins, minerals and amino acids designed to boost exercise intensity and recovery as well as improve concentration, mood and sleep. 

Dr. Craig Koniver, founder of Koniver Wellness in Charleston, is the creator of FastVitaminIV. His clients include professional athletes, Fortune 100 executives, politicians and celebrities.

Lastly, Charleston Commercial handled the leasing of 328 King St. to European clothing and fashion accessories brand Brandy Melville. The company will lease the corner retail space formerly occupied by Jos. A Bank.

“King Street is as vibrant as ever,” Schaap said. “These recent transactions demonstrate how much interest there is in downtown Charleston. From the expansion of local businesses to new businesses coming to town, this area is really booming. It’s an exciting time for retail and commercial space on King Street.” 

The Charleston Commercial team is skilled at handling both high-profile and complex deals in the heart of downtown Charleston and around the region. In 2020, they brokered the sale of the former R.B.’s Seafood Restaurant on Shem Creek for $7 million. And in the last several years, the firm brokered or participated in 19 property acquisitions in downtown Charleston, totaling more than $74 million. 

About Charleston Commercial 


Charleston Commercial is a fully integrated commercial real estate group located in Charleston, S.C., specializing in commercial brokerage and asset management for a wide range of property types, including retail, medical office, office, multi-family, hospitality, urban infill, and industrial properties. The firm offers a broad range of incorporated services to see assignments through from start to finish. Services range from market prospecting, acquisition, value creation (including entitlements, zoning, approvals, and development oversight), leasing, asset management, and disposition. Reach Charleston Commercial at 843-670-5727. 

Attention Topography Geeks: Charleston Harbor Bathymetric Model Framed for Sale

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DESIGN

Designing:
This was designed using several different programs. Downloading of digital elevation model of harbor based on bathymetric survey from NOAA website. For similiar files, search for NOAA bathymetry. The file was edited in QGIS, with raster calculation required to convert positive elevations to flatten the land for display.

This was then exported to an STL via DEMto3D plugin on QGIS. The STL was edited in Blender, to clean up the file, as there was some missing data that was unsuitable for 3D printing. The model can be scaled as needed.

If you want to purchased a finished, epoxy filled, and handcrafted framed version of this with lasered birch overlay, search etsy or face book for my username NaturallyFocused256


Click Here to Purchase