Charleston Lash & Beauty Bar Grand Opening (Mount Pleasant, SC) – Friday, December 6, 2019

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What: Charleston Lash & Beauty Bar Grand Opening

When: Friday, December 6, 2019, at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: 1151 Queensborough Blvd, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464

Celebrate our grand opening with us! ? Swing by and grab a bite, a drink and check out our new salon!

Details TBA (hint…giveaways, pop shops, holiday sales and much more)

Local Charleston Artist Fer Caggiano is shining the light on strong and inspiring women in the Lowcountry through art

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Like A Girl Project – Showcasing Strong & Inspiring Women by Fer Caggiano

Dare to Dream and Make your Mark on the World

I have always found myself called to use my voice for causes that are important to me. From recycling to animal cruelty, I learned to speak up and voice my opinion from a young age. I have come to the realization, that through my art I can promote and shine a light on issues and matters that deserve awareness and attention.   

While I am happy to offer my clients a window to a landscape or scene where their minds can find joy and peace, art has always served a higher purpose when used to tackle difficult subjects and ideas. Art is all about creating a shift in someone’s mind. If you are uneasy, art can bring you peace. If you are stagnated, art can make your move.   

This is how the project Like A Girl (Strong & Inspiring Women) came to life. In the last thirty to forty years, women in America have been told they can be anything they want to be. But can they? What hindrances does society impose on them? What obstacles do they run into that men do not? How can we ensure this next generation of women can see themselves in leadership roles, in male-centric or male-dominated industries, as a CEO, a pilot, a politician? It is our responsibility to shine a light on women leaders, wherever they may be, so our young girls can find role models that look like them, whatever their race, sexual orientation, or country of origin.   

Through portraits of fascinating women in our community, each with very unique and inspiring stories, our girls will see themselves on a canvas: strong, powerful, beautiful, inspiring, and ready to take on the world.   

I believe that “like a girl” should be something to aspire to, and these portraits will let women and girls everywhere know that women can, women will, and women are achieving greatness.   

Art and Project Details: 

  • 20-50 portraits: 30×40” oil paintings 
  • Art Book with the paintings and stories of all women in this project. 
  • Reception evening and speech from some of these inspiring women. 
  • Partners: The Power Filled Woman, Skirt Magazine, others to join.   

The biggest goal on this project is awareness, however, a percentage of the proceeds will go to female support associations such as “Women in Aviation”, “Women in Construction” and “Girls who Code”.

Some of the amazing women in this project: 
Allison Arriola, Barbara Ashe, Janet Bates, Karen Lucht, Gabrielle Forgione, Yeakia Johnson, Yvonne Gilbert, Arianne King, Beth Ann Crane, Vicky Johnson, TIA Clark, Pixie Paula, Kelly Trager, Erin Mansour, Carol Wilhite, Jessica Koenig, and Kenya Dunn.

Gabrielle Forgione

My youngest model. Gabrielle is involved with Girls Who Code. Programming is a mostly male-dominated field and she is outstanding at coding. I have decided to add a glow in the dark ink to resemble a computer screen.

Karen Lutch

Former NASA employee with some outstanding accomplishments. 
Currently works for Make a Wish foundation. Watch this Interview with Karen regarding her Space Shuttle Transition and Retirement project at NASA.

Karen Lutch
Janet Bates – President of Women in Construction
Art selected for the exhibition at the
R.W. Norton Art Gallery – 4747 Creswell Avenue
Shreveport, Louisiana 71106

www.rwnaf.org

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management names Doug Hornberger Market Executive for Southeast Coastal Market – He will now call Charleston Home

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Merrill Lynch Wealth Management announced that Doug Hornberger has been appointed Market Executive for the Southeast Coastal market, which incorporates Savannah, Skidway Island, Hilton Head, Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, Beaufort, Statesboro, and St. Simons. 

“Doug brings a wealth of experience to this new role. He understands the importance of personalized investment advice to achieve client’s goals,” said Eric Schimpf, Southeast division executive, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Prior to his most recent role, Doug was Market Executive for Carolina East for the Indiana market and an NC Triangle Market Integration Executive. Doug holds his undergraduate degree from Susquehanna University and graduate degree from The Catholic University of America in Music Performance. He will be relocating to Charleston.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment services for individuals and businesses globally.

20 Things to Do in Charleston Before the End of 2019

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20 Things To Do Before the End of 2017

By Minta Pavliscsak

1. Call an old friend who you haven’t spoken with in a while.
It may take you a few minutes to dial that number. Take your time, just don’t back down. Someone has to open that line of communication; it might as well be you.

2. Go for a sunrise walk on Folly Beach.
We have some of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever experience, and if you haven’t yet you are missing out! So drag a friend out of bed, or just go spend some time by yourself and enjoy the majesty of the morning. (Roasted is a coffee shop inside of Tides that opens at 6am. I like to stop by there first and take my coffee on the beach. Plus, on these chilly mornings it will help to keep your warm!)

3. Send Christmas cards.
Everybody loves getting mail! …as long as it’s not a bill. Sure you could just send an email or a text, but doesn’t your loved ones deserve a personalized, handwritten card that they can treasure for years to come?

4. Forgive that person who may not deserve it, but needs it most.
This ain’t easy, but believe me when I say you need this too! We all make mistakes, we all forget things, and it honestly might not have even been on purpose. The past is the past and as long as it’s not habitual or destructive to the relationship, forgiveness may be the only thing keeping you from having that amazing relationship.

5. Hug your parents.
Do we really do this enough? I feel like hugs are things we tend to take for granted. Humans need touch, and sometimes this is the only way we know how to communicate our emotions towards each other. A simple hug can go a long way.

6. Visit at least one touristy attraction.
This is the best time of year to do it! Places aren’t as crowded, it’s not blazing hot, and some places will even have discounts on admission.

7. Pour a glass of wine or pop open a beer, crank up the music, and dance around the house in your underwear.
Yes, this is just as fun as it sounds! Don’t worry about how you look, you’ll be alone so who cares. Just move your body in a way that feels good. You might just find yourself carrying this tradition over to the New Year!

8. Make the decision to Let It Go!
We carry so much with us from one day to the next. Most of it we cannot control, or is not our burden to carry in the first place. Stop worrying so much, things have a way of working themselves out without any input from you. Take a deep breath and as you exhale, just let it go.

9. Do one random act of kindness.
This can be something so simple like paying for the next person in line’s coffee, or putting $10 on a pump of gas. There are also many opportunities around the community, such as donating to Toys-for-Tots, volunteering at The Lowcountry Food Bank, The Ronald McDonald House, or at an animal shelter, and many area businesses are collecting canned food for the local food bank.

10. Watch Love Actually.
This film is about an eclectic group of characters who all seem to be connected in London during Christmas time. It is charming, funny, and will pull on your heart strings all at the same time. Trust me on this one when I say it is a must see, and even better when you watch it with a good friend or loved one. Doesn’t sound like you? Then make sure you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special instead!

11. Take a “me” day.
Although they do not happen very often, I absolutely love having my “me” days. You can do anything, or nothing for that matter, that you want to, as long as it is stress free and makes you happy. I prefer to get a nice massage, then take a stroll down King Street or the Market to find something, no matter how small, for myself. My favorite “me” day trinket is a small ceramic dragon with a silly smile on his face. Enjoying a nice light lunch outside somewhere and people watching is also a great idea.

12. Change the batteries in your smoke detector.
This is your friendly service reminder courtesy of Charleston Daily. Come on, when is the last time you checked those batteries?

13. Get outside of your comfort zone.
Do something you wouldn’t typically do. Go somewhere you wouldn’t typically go. Sing karaoke with friends, climb the ropes at Wild Blue Ropes, put on that sexy dress you never wear and have a night on the town!

14. Finish that project.
We all have some project, big or small, that is sitting somewhere waiting for us to complete it. Slow down, make the time, and finish that project.

15. Choose to be happy.
This can be tougher for some than others, and that’s OK! Surround yourself with things, and people, that make you happy. When those negative thoughts come up, replace them with positive ones. Practice self-love, such as telling yourself that you are enough, reminding yourself how beautiful you are, and say daily affirmations. Don’t forget about the simplest thing you can do…smile.

16. Re-evaluate your priorities
Life has a tendency of taking over and we tend to get off our course from time to time. It is important that you bring your priorities to your conscious and see if where you are is where you want to be. This is how we stay connected to ourselves and move forward in life and in love.

17. Eat at a great Charleston area restaurant.
We are so lucky here in Charleston to have so many amazing restaurants. How many have you been to? No more excuses not to go to that one you have always wanted to go, but have never made it.

18. Disengage from the opinion of others.
You are you, and you are wonderful. Who cares what others think about you?! Here’s a little secret…if they make you feel bad when you are around them, then they probably shouldn’t be in your life. Once you learn to separate who you are from who you think everyone else thinks you should be, you will be amazed at how much happier and stress-free you will be.

19. Go play.
We have easy access to tennis courts, basketball courts, Frisbee golf, putt-putt, laser tag, paintball fields, trampoline parks, and open fields where you can play a pick-up game of whatever middle school/high school sports that you can think of.

20. Tell somebody you love them.
We don’t say this anywhere near enough. You never know what tomorrow may hold. Today is the day to tell your friends and family how much they mean to you. And keep it up; personally I have never gotten tired of hearing someone say they love me, nor do I tire of expressing it. Both make my heart smile every time!

To All Our Veterans, We Salute and Thank You – Personal Commentary

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By Mark A. Leon

Today is a day of reflection and love for hundreds of thousands who have served or waited for their loved ones to return home from domestic and foreign lands.  It is a day we all experience in a different way. For some, it is filled with sadness of the loss of a loved one or happiness because of the sacrifices made to preserve freedom throughout the world.

Whether you reflect on this day in silence or cheer, take a moment to remember. Remember the honor, dedication, sacrifice and commitment.

As a history major in my undergraduate days, I had the honor of studying under some of the most knowledgeable academic minds on the topic of history of the United States and foreign nations. I have taken that knowledge with me as I continue to see the world around me.

Each day, I wear the military dog tags of my father. He is still healthy and vibrant and I value every moment I spend with him; but I display it with pride for the dedication and commitment he gave to his family and his country. I may not have been born at the time or even a thought in his mind, but I know somewhere in Europe, he thought about his future and now that future is the present and I am a very important part of it.

When I think of Tim and Necia and their three children, I cannot help but sentimental at the story of their love. Two Air Force specialists who met in basic training, fought for the lives of others thousands of miles away and found their way into each others arms amid bloodshed and tears years later. Now as I see the unconditional love they provide to their children, I can only smile and embrace how I am fortunate to have them in my life as well.

Two years ago, I lost my Uncle Murray Passo, one of the most decorated World War II soldiers I have ever known.  He was a quiet, but proud man, who rarely spoke of the war, his injuries or the lives he saved stepping into open gunfire.  As I uncovered his medals and pictures, I saw a story unfold.  Though most don’t share the terrors they faced, we know and I am thankful we have a day dedicated to them.

To my father, Necia, Tim, Murray and some many more that have affected our lives, thank you. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and my life.

Recipient Carolyn Allen says East Cooper Meals on Wheels saved her life

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Meals on Wheels Delivers More than Meals to Isolated Neighbors

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. –Nearly 10 million people in this country do not know where their next meal is coming from. Millions more experience the negative effects of living alone, including depression and isolation from social interaction with friends and family. Locally, East Cooper Meals on Wheels has found that the daily visit from a caring volunteer is just as important as delivering a healthy, delicious meal.

“Meals on Wheels saved my life,” shares 89-year-old Carolyn Allen. “I feel like I’m 50 again, but I’ll be turning 90 in June. It’s not just the food that has helped. Having people visit that I can share stories with is so special,” says Allen, a Meals on Wheels recipient since June of 2016.

According to her family, Allen has progressed from a state of isolation and depression to having a real joy for life again. They attribute this in large part to the love received daily from her volunteer delivery drivers, whom she now calls true friends.

The daily visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer positively influences many aspects of life for the homebound in our community—physical health, safety, loneliness, mental health, and so much more. In fact, research from Meals on Wheels of America identifies the significant impact isolation and depression have on our physical wellbeing—the same as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“We’re the only organization east of the Cooper equipped to serve the homebound by providing not just the food they need, but the tangible benefits of friendship, conversation, and genuine concern for each recipient’s overall well-being,” said George Roberts, president, and CEO of East Cooper Meals on Wheels. “We help our homebound neighbors live with greater dignity, respect, independence, and vitality by knocking on their doors every day and giving them the gift of our time—a truly life-giving connection for someone who lives alone, which is especially important as we approach the holiday season,” he said.

The local nonprofit serves almost 300 recipients daily, who currently range in age from 35-98. Now through December 31, 2019, donations of $100 or more will be matched by several local partners, including:

Carroll Limited Partnership will match up to $1,000 of Isle of Palms donations.

Daniel Island Community Fund will match up to $5,000 of Daniel Island donations.

Edward and Sallie Pritchard will match up to $2,000 of Sullivan’s Island donations.

Feed The Need will match up to $10,000 of Mt. Pleasant donations.

During the holiday season, the organization works especially hard to ensure that no homebound neighbor is forgotten or hungry. East Cooper Meals on Wheels serves anyone who is homebound and cannot prepare a meal, including people of any age and any income level. Because the organization is 100% funded through community support, contributions ensure that the organization can continue its mission of delivering more than a meal to residents of Daniel Island, Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Cainhoy, and Wando. There is never a waiting list and never a charge for meals. Anyone can refer a friend, family member, neighbor, or themselves to begin receiving meals—call 843.881.9350, email rhamilton@ecmow.org, or visit www.ecmow.org.

Donate today by visiting, www.ecmow.org/donate or by calling 843.881.9350.

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Facebook @ECMealsonWheels
Instagram @ecmealsonwheels
Twitter @ECMealsonWheels
Hashtags #ECMOWMorethanameal


About East Cooper Meals on Wheels
East Cooper Meals on Wheels delivers daily nutrition to residents within its service area (Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Cainhoy or Wando) who are homebound or unable to provide their own meals. Recipients have physical or mental limitations or short-term physical limitations (such as recovery from surgery or chemotherapy). The organization also advocates on behalf of recipients whose needs exceed the scope of its program. For more information, visit www.ecmow.org.

New Brew Hop Pass Promises Savings For Charleston Craft Beer Drinkers

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If you love experiencing the local craft brew scene then you’re going to love the new Brew Hop Pass! The pass will include discounts such as “buy a pint get a pint” at 28 of Charleston’s top breweries, taprooms and also includes $8 off axe throwing.

Here’s how it works:

  • The app is free to download in iTunes and Google Play. Search “Brew Hop Pass”. You’ll be able to use the app, however, you will not be able to redeem offers. 
  • To redeem up to $185 in monthly redeemable offers either a 48-hour Pass (best for visitors), Monthly Pass (best for locals) or an Annual Pass must be purchased.
  • After the purchase is complete, enter your login credentials in the app to begin.
  • Simply open and present the app to the bartender to redeem the offer.
  • Monthly and Annual Pass subscribers can redeem offers 1x every 30 days at each participating location.

Click here to watch a video demo: https://vimeo.com/369356831

Additional features of the app: Utilizes GPS to see what’s nearest with directions, see what brews are currently on tap at each brewery, upload photos, leave comments and compete on our monthly leaderboard to win prizes. To discourage impaired driving, users can call an Uber directly to locations within the app. 

Created by Keith Simmons, President of Traveler Communications Group who successfully launched Tour Pass Charleston and Tour Pass Savannah (tourpass.com). “Charleston’s craft brewery scene has been exploding with new breweries opening all of the time. The goal of the Brew Hop Pass is to encourage fellow beer lovers to utilize the pass to experience and support the amazing craft beer scene in the city.” Simmons adds, “the mobile app will help educate locals and tourists about the vibrant brewery scene while promoting our partners in a new and entertaining manner.”

Subscription options: 

  • 48 Hour Pass – $14.99
  • Monthly Pass – $29.99 – less than $1 a day
  • Annual Pass – $289 – two months free

Participating Breweries & Tap Rooms include: 

  • Westbrook Brewing Co.
  • Holy City Brewing
  • Charles Towne Fermentory
  • Low Tide Brewery
  • Ship’s Wheel Hard Cider
  • Lo-Fi Brewing
  • Ghost Monkey Brewery
  • Palmetto Brewing Co.
  • Baker & Brewer
  • Crafty Draught
  • Cooper River Brewing Company
  • Tradesman Brewing Company
  • Two Blokes Brewing
  • Munkle Brewing
  • Freehouse Brewery
  • Snafu Brewing Company
  • Indigo Reef Brewing Co.
  • Fam’s Brewing Co.
  • Wide Awake Brewing Company
  • Pawley’s Island Brewing Co.
  • Edmund’s Oast Restaurant
  • Edmund’s Oast Exchange
  • Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
  • Fatty’s Beer Works
  • Blade & Bull Axe Throwing
  • Charleston Beer Works
  • House of Brews
  • Pour Taproom

Additional locations will be added in the future. 

Social Connections:

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/brewhoppass

Instagram @brewhoppass

Hashtag #brewhoppass #chsbrewhoppass

For more information:

Amanda Bunting Comen

Owner, Social ABCs

amanda.b.comen@gmail.com

843-324-1993

Charleston GOOD Launches Hyper-Local Alternative to Facebook

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Charleston GOOD Launches Hyper-Local Alternative to Facebook

Are you ready for a more meaningful and effective social media platform?

CHARLESTON, SC (October 28, 2019) — On Friday, the first day of November, Charleston GOOD, the Lowcountry’s grassroots resource and support network, will officially open the season of giving by launching a new free platform to better serve the needs of individuals and organizations trying to make Charleston a better community for all of us.

The GOODSHARING NETWORK has been a vision of Charleston Good’s founder, Todd Chas, for over a decade as he watched and shared in the growing frustration with existing platforms.

“Imagine a completely ad-free social network where you actually will see what your friends share and reach the people you’re trying to reach. Imagine a single platform where eager volunteers and needy organizations can effectively find one another. Imagine an online community that cares more about you and Charleston than about revenue streams. Now stop imagining and come join us because that is what we have built.”
The GOODSHARING NETWORK is an exciting and self-sustaining alternative that will help individuals and organizations in Charleston communicate, connect and collaborate more purposefully and effectively.

Why? Because …

The Goodsharing Network is

• FREE – Always and forever, though if you’d ever like to make a donation, head over to CharlestonGOOD.com

• AD-FREE – Charleston Good is a non-profit. They’re not in this to raise revenue by inundating you with advertisements

• COMMITTED TO PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY – Charleston Good will never sell or share your data.

• CONVENIENT – The platform is accessible via the web or the Mighty Networks app! And you can even share directly to Facebook from the platform, so you can control how much you want to wean yourself from FB.

• EFFECTIVE – There are no algorithms controlling what you see in your feeds. You control what you see by choosing your own notification settings. This means everyone will be more effective reaching one another and our intended audiences.

• HYPER-LOCAL & PURPOSE-DRIVEN – Charleston Good is not trying to be all things to all people. They’re focused on individually and collectively making a positive impact on Charleston. And they are reachable. Since they are local, they can adapt, as they have always done, to meet our evolving community needs.

• FULL OF FEATURES

        > Create online personal and organizational profiles
        > Customize your notifications (web site/app)
        > Connect with friends
        > Post, comment, like, and share
        > Direct message your friends
        > Create polls and surveys
        > Create groups and events
        > Follow Topics, Friends, Organizations, and Groups

Ready to check it out?

You can learn more and sign up for free at Goodsharing.net

GOODSHARING-LOGO.jpg

CHSLOT Launches campaign for South Carolina’s First “Library of Things”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  • Contact: Anne Herford, Founder, Charleston Library of Things
  • 843-608-0775  | anne@chslot.com

Charleston Library of Things

South Carolina’s first sharing hub for tools and other household goods.
“Learn. Build. Grow. Share.”

(Charleston, SC) Charleston Library of Things announced today that it is raising funds and offering membership opportunities on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo for South Carolina’s first “library of things,” slated to operate from Charleston, SC. The company is aiming to raise $40,000 as start-up capital for a mobile library that will service the greater Charleston community as a lending library for tools and other household goods. 

A library of things is a community sharing space filled with commonly needed, but not often used items.  The library will begin with the core categories of home improvement and gardening tools, kitchen countertop appliances, and DIY equipment. Additional categories, based on community demand, can include seasonal items such as camping gear, or entertainment items such as board games. 

In lieu of buying and storing costly items that take up space and are rarely needed, the goal is to have them available to borrow, similar to borrowing a library book. Membership is annual and is sliding scale in order to make it affordable to the entire community.

There are other sharing libraries around the world and a few exist in the southeast, but none yet exist in South Carolina. Charleston Library of Things would be the first of its kind in the state.

Beyond the offering of the library itself, the organization’s goal is to build community in three core ways that benefit their members – repair cafes, community classes and events, and a sharing blog.

Repair cafes

Regular “repair cafes” will be offered so that members can extend the life of the things they already own by having them repaired at these events.

Community classes

Rotating basic skills classes will be offered based on community demand and collaborations with other local businesses. Not only will new skills sharpen members’ abilities to use the items they borrow but will introduce them to the offerings of other local businesses. 

Sharing blog

The library will also have a blog on its website which can feature members as guest bloggers. Each guest blog post will feature a member who has documented how they used what they borrowed. The goal here is both community building as well as giving members the opportunity to show off their skills – possibly launching their own small business by showcasing their talents. 

By extending the idea of the sharing economy which already offers the benefits of home-sharing (AirBnb), ride-sharing (Lyft and Uber), and bike-sharing (Holy Spokes), Charleston Library of Things is aimed at alleviating the burden of ownership and increasing community by sharing things, repairing things, and teaching new skills. 

The bulk of the funding from the library’s Indiegogo campaign will be used to purchase a bus so they can be mobile and start serving the community by visiting neighborhoods, farmer’s markets, and other community gathering spaces. The remainder of the funds will be used to pay for other operating expenses such as insurance, gas, office supplies, maintenance, and large equipment purchases. 

The campaign is live now and will run through November 1st. 

To contribute to the campaign and to become a sponsor and/or member, visit: igg.me/at/CHSLOT or go to indiegogo.com and search for “Charleston Library of Things.”

To learn more about Charleston Library of Things, visit: chslot.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram at: @chslot


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