Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

New Charleston Nonprofit Aims to Change the Way Dyslexic Students are Taught to Read

October 19, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — A newly formed nonprofit organization is giving hope to children who struggle with reading, spelling, writing and reading comprehension. The Orton-Gillingham Center of Charleston was established by Mount Pleasant mothers Renee Byrd McCaslin and Lindsey Propes Ballenger, both of whom were seeking change in the way struggling readers are being identified and taught to read, write and spell.

Orton-Gillingham is a multisensory approach to learning with each lesson personalized and structured for an individual student’s needs and goals. It incorporates phonemic awareness and both reading and spelling are taught together.

This teaching approach was developed by Samuel Torrey Orton (1879-1948), a neuropsychiatrist and pathologist who was a pioneer in focusing attention on reading failure and related language processing difficulties. Anna Gillingham (1878-1963), a skilled educator and psychologist, worked with Orton to train and publish instructional manuals.

For more than 50 years, the Orton-Gillingham Approach has become the most widely used intervention designed expressly for remediating the language processing problems of children and adults with dyslexia.

Locally, the Orton-Gillingham Center of Charleston is committed to elevating the Orton-Gillingham Approach in the Lowcountry by training more professionals and ensuring completion of the accreditation process. The center is located on the campus of Coastal Christian Preparatory School, 681 McCants Drive in Mount Pleasant, but is an independent entity from Coastal Christian Prep.

The Orton-Gillingham Center of Charleston is working to train more people in the Orton-Gillingham Approach and, with a training fellow on the team, can ensure those who are trained complete a 100-hour practicum through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. The center also provides a space for student instruction and resources for parents.

McCaslin has an extensive background in education while Ballenger has worked in nonprofit fundraising and business administration. Both have been trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach.

“This is our ministry,” Ballenger said. “This is what we’ve been called to do.”

McCaslin says she is most excited about tying all her professional and personal experiences together, and bringing together educators, experts and families to impact the community.

The organization is awaiting final approval of its federal nonprofit status, so it can begin fundraising to support teacher training in Orton-Gillingham and to provide scholarships for students who may not be able to afford the private instruction.

Parents can get in touch with the Orton-Gillingham Center of Charleston to schedule a parent meeting and informal assessment to see if their child might benefit from the Orton-Gillingham Approach. The center does not provide an official diagnosis; that must be done by an educational psychologist. Learn more at www.ogcharleston.com.

Educational forums for parents and educators are being planned for early 2019. The center is bringing together professionals from a variety of background to offer families comprehensive support. A parent mentor also will be available to help families navigate resources for their children.

Part of the center’s mission, Ballenger said, is to educate the public about dyslexia. It’s more than just seeing letters backward, as so many people think.

Dyslexia is a neurological, lifelong condition. People don’t outgrow dyslexia, but, with the right instruction, it is possible to minimize the effects. Dyslexia is also hereditary and occurs on a spectrum from mild to profound.

One in five people have some form of dyslexia, meaning the need for early intervention is critical. Ballenger said research shows that offering specialized instruction to children with dyslexia in kindergarten and first grade can close the achievement gap. It’s why she’s so passionate about helping other parents recognize the red flags and signs of dyslexia early.

About Orton Gillingham Center of Charleston

The Orton Gillingham Center of Charleston was established in 2018 by Charleston educational leaders seeking change in the way dyslexic learners are taught to read. The center is committed to elevating the Orton-Gillingham Approach in the Lowcountry by training more professionals and ensuring completion of the accreditation process with The Academy of Orton Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. The center offers intervention support by qualified practitioners to students throughout the Charleston area. Learn more at www.ogcharleston.com.

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HōM Introduces New Fall Menus Featuring Bigger, Badder and Bolder Burgers

October 17, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

HAPPY HOUR UPGRADES TO SLIDERS, BURGER DOGS AND HOTDOGS

CHARLESTON, S.C. (OCTOBER 16, 2018) – HōM, the downtown burger boutique and ping-pong hotspot, has released new Fall menus inspired by the latest creative burger trends. The 6.5-oz. double patty, smash-style burgers are cooked to order on a flat top, which seals in more flavor and produces a much juicier burger.

“We listened to customer feedback and wanted to get more creative with our burgers,” said Pete Smith co-owner of HōM. “By streamlining the burger selections, we can focus on the quality of the double patty and grind fresh beef in-house every day.”

HōM also updated the Happy Hour menu, which now features Sliders, Burger Dogs, Hotdogs and $3.50 well drinks.

New appetizers and entrées include:

Fried Butternut Squash ($8)

Guajillo pepper & chocolate goat cheese, vanilla onion relish, maple bacon arugula, balsamic reduction

Down N’ Out ($10)

American, lettuce, tomato, red onion, fancy sauce

80/20 ($10.50)

Smoked bacon, avocado, sunny egg, gouda, caramelized onion

Mushroom & Swiss ($10)

Portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, swiss, dijon

Hatch Chili Burger ($10)

Grilled, roasted chilis, chihuahua cheese, braised red onion, tortillas

New happy hour dishes include:

Shroom N’ Swiss Slider ($5)

Portobellos, caramelized onions, swiss, dijon

Inside Out Burger Dog ($5)

Bacon wrapped, cheddar stuffed, avocado, caramelized onions, dijon

Sonoran Hotdog ($5)

Bacon wrapped, pico, guacamole, roasted garlic sour cream

To view the full new spring menu, visit www.homcharleston.com/menu/

ABOUT HōM
Featuring bright orange booths and lounge-inspired decor including a ping-pong room, HōM is a unique burger boutique and neighborhood bar located in the heart of downtown Charleston. HōM has become a destination for generous hospitality on Upper King. For more information, visit www.homcharleston.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @homcharleston.

Infographic Guide to Wellness and Happiness

October 16, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Is life bringing you down?
Is work hindering your ability to pursue your dreams and goals?
Do you feel overwhelmed?
Are stress and anxiety a regular part of your life?

It may be time to slow down and find balance. Here are some great ideas, tips and plans to bring wellness, balance and happiness back into your life

Infographic Guide to Wellness and Happiness

In the midst of tragedy, Kenny George Band finds inspiration with new album and upcoming Charleston show

October 12, 2018

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

“The KGB can rock out like The Replacements, conjure up authentic country weepers and add in bits of experimentalism that make them a band to keep your eyes and ears on. This is the best kind of ‘Trouble’ you can ever hope to have.” – American Songwriter

“Like a road trip, the music dips, sways, swerves, always under the control of a steady driver. This is an emerging band that has earned it the hard way.” – Elmore

“The Kenny George Band are the real deal.” – Metro Spirit

Event Details

Charleston Appearance: Hometeam BBQ – 126 Williman Street, Charleston, SC – Friday, October 19, 2018 – 8:00 PM – Kenny George Band

Story

Tragedy has a way of upending even the most stable trajectory. The Kenny George Band knows that fact first hand. After last year’s sudden death of the band’s original drummer Bucky Brown, the group was faced with some hard choices, including the difficult decision about whether the band should even persevere.

Consequently, they chose to transition the only way they knew how — to keep on making music. Songs that had been sketched out with Bucky were retuned, using Brown’s original tracks while rerecording the other instruments to give it a fresher, cleaner sound. Those four songs plus a wholly original track recorded with new drummer Dave Mercer were combined for a new EP they dubbed The Silent Saint.

“With those four songs featuring Bucky and the title track that includes Dave, we felt it was the best way to make a segue way between past and present,” George said. “It serves as our tribute to Bucky as well as an introduction to the current incarnation of the band. It seemed the most seamless way of paying homage to the past and then looking forward to the future.

Recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studios and produced by long-time associate Shawn Guess, the new music reflects a resilience that’s always been a part of the Kenny George Band’s sound. “Treat Me This Way” offers a steady stomp with a swampy sensibility. “It’s a Fool” resonates with a breezy sense of wistful reflection and consistent commitment. The steel-guitar drenched “Orleans” reflects the carefree attitude of those carefree environs, while “Pocket Full of Habits” purveys a casual down home offers up an easy, breezy attitude perfectly in keeping with a summer night soaking up the sounds of country comforts.

However it’s the title track that resonates with deepest personal meaning, a look back at the trials and tribulations faced by a band making its way in the world, and time shared between comrades untied in music. Given Bucky’s loss, that includes the hope that his spirit will still guide them along the road that’s still yet to unfold before them. George says they instinctively knew that the decision to carry on was one Bucky would have agreed with. The rest of the band — George (lead guitar, vocals, songwriter), Center Ely (steel guitar), Brooks Andrews (bass) and Scott Rankin (rhythm guitar, harmony vocals) — knew that the only way to survive was to reconcile their feelings of loss with a determination to strive for what they had been working for since the beginning.

Indeed, that consistent commitment has enabled the Aiken, South Carolina based band to create an indelible impression with fans throughout the Southeast and Midwest, where they’ve performed 250 concerts in the last two years alone. Their explosive live performances have made them a band on the brink of a breakout, and its little wonder that in 2016, they were voted South Carolina Artists to Watch by the South Carolina Music Guide.

Then again, George himself has been drawn to music most of his life. He picked up the violin at the age of eight, but didn’t take to formal lessons, so he then took up bass. Eventually though, he decided that guitar would be the better match. “My dad told me that the guitar players get all the girls,” he laughs. “So, he bought me my first guitar as a gift when I graduated from junior high. I learned to make music on that guitar and I’m pleased to say I still have it to this very day.”

Inspired by the sounds of the burgeoning Americana movement — bands like Whiskeytown and Wilco, and later the so-called “Outlaw” country clan — indelible icons like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Townes Van Zandt — George later immersed himself in probing the roots of the rock and country crossover, exploring the Southern California singer/songwriter scene by way of Jackson Browne, the Eagles and J.D. Souther. But Before starting the band, George took a brief hiatus in New York City to work with producer Damien Dash, but the cold New York winter, lack of opportunity and the steep cost of living prompted him to return home less than five months later. It proved to be a good decision, and with three releases under their belt — the Gunshy EP (their 2014 debut), Zac Brown Sessions (a prize bestowed as the result of winning a songwriting contest in 2013), and Live From Sky City (recorded in concert in Augusta, Georgia) — and their latest full-length album, Borrowed Trouble, the Kenny George Band is poised to garner new admirers and consolidate an already ample following all at the same time.

As a result, the band has resolved to move forward with more determination than ever. Or, as the title track of the new EP suggests, “We ain’t looking for redemption, just a little light shining through.”

“Bucky will always be a part of this band,” George said. “But with Dave in the fold, we know that we’re going to do what he would have hoped we would, and that’s to carry on as we always have. Only now we have that added purpose and passion when it comes to pursuing our dream.”

Writing Your Memoirs 8 Week Course Offered in Charleston – Register Today

October 12, 2018

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

Writing Your Memoirs Class Offered

Do you remember your first car, your first job or your first love? Is there a special trip or friend or incident you would like to share? Would you like to write down some of your memories so your children and grandchildren know more about your life? Now, you have a great opportunity.

Mount Pleasant resident Tonya McGue is offering an eight-week Writing Your Memoirs workshop from 10-11:30 am on Tuesdays starting October 23 at the Hamlin Clubhouse, 100 Amenity Park Drive, Mount Pleasant. Each class includes instruction, examples and writing exercises. It’s a relaxed, positive and encouraging atmosphere. No writing experience is needed. It’s all about having fun and doing something creative and interesting.

To register, email Tonya at tonyamcgue@gmail.com. Please include your name and phone number. The cost is $80 for all eight classes. Class size is limited to 12 and it’s first come, first serve.

Charleston, S.C. Ranks #34 Best City for People with Disabilities

October 11, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four U.S. adults, or 61 million total, have a disability that impacts their major activities. And among Americans age 65 and older, that number rises to two in five. Keeping up with the costs of a disability can be very expensive. The average monthly Social Security disability benefit as of July 2018 was only $1,065.73. That makes a yearly income of $12,788.76, only a few hundred dollars above the federal poverty line for a single individual at $12,140.

With the physical and economic challenges of managing a disability in mind, WalletHub compared more than 180 most populated cities across 31 key indicators of disability-friendliness. Our data set ranges from physicians per capita to rate of workers with disabilities to park accessibility. Read on for our findings, expert insight from a panel of researchers and a full description of our methodology.

Complete Ranking and Analysis

CARTA Drivers, Notable Residents Compete in Annual Bus “Roadeo” Driving Skills Challenge

October 10, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority
A BERKELEY-CHARLESTON-DORCHESTER COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS PROGRAM

CARTA DRIVERS, NOTABLE RESIDENTS COMPETE IN ANNUAL BUS “ROADEO” DRIVING SKILLS CHALLENGE
Obstacle course at North Charleston Coliseum to provide stern test

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Oct. 8 2018) – If you think driving in Charleston traffic is hard, try doing it in a 40-foot bus. That’s what a quartet of notable Charlestonians will be tasked with when they join Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) drivers in the transit system’s annual Bus “Roadeo” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the North Charleston Coliseum.

This year’s celebrity drivers are:

Matt Lee of the Lee Bros. (Defending Champion)
Leyla Gulen, Anchor/Host, FOX 24
Charlie James, Radio Host, WTMA
Jamee Haley, Executive Director, Lowcountry Local First

“Our drivers are highly skilled and this is a chance for them to showcase their talent,” said CARTA board of directors chairman Mike Seekings. “At the same time, the notable residents illustrate what a true challenge it is to operate these vehicles in an open parking lot, much less the crowded streets and highways of Charleston.”

Obstacle stations include: Offset Street, Right/Left Turn, Right/Left Reverse, Passenger Pickup, the ominous-sounding Serpentine, and crowd favorite Diminishing Clearance.

CARTA drivers will be competing for a berth in the statewide “Roadeo” in early 2019. For the non-pros, eternal glory is up for grabs. The event is open to the media and the public. The first buses roll at 8 a.m. in the North Charleston Coliseum E parking lot. Celebrity competition kicks off at 10 a.m.

ABOUT CARTA

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app and the CARTA Bus Tracker.

9 Great Charleston Experiences – Not to Miss Memorable Activities in The Holy City

October 8, 2018

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon

What makes a moment great? Is it the setting, uniqueness, inspirational element or the magnitude? We are fortunate in Charleston, SC to have such places and moments that are remarkable in their own stand-alone way.

We want to share some great Charleston moments with you. Some will find them very familiar and comforting and others will pen them onto their next bucket list.

Yet, each one has a special place for us.

Great Charleston Moments

Strawberry Basil Lemonade or another special cocktail at The Vendue Rooftop Bar during the sunset while watching the sun sink into the night behind the steeple at St. Philip’s Church. A breathtaking site with a cool harbor breeze and refreshing cocktail is all you need. This moment just sets a mood for a special night.

Taking off your shoes or flip flops and walking in the base of the Pineapple Fountain at Charleston’s Waterfront Park. Let the soothing feel of the water surround your feet as you walk through one of Charleston’s most recognizable sights.

Puppy play and a craft beer (or two) at the Barrel. This watering hole combines the feel of a summer beach (It is only a few short miles from Folly) and a doggie wonderland into one special place. With a large fenced in area for adults and our four-legged friends to frolic and play, shuffle board, corn hole, a rotating food truck and an amazing selection of craft beer, the Barrel is the perfect moment for all beer and dog lovers.

Shagging at Historic Mount Pleasant Waterfront Pier – Regardless of age, gender or skill level, shagging is a part of Charleston tradition. When you pick a beautiful pier overlooking the Charleston Harbor that offers sunsets of orange, amber and lavender, you find a better spot to spend an evening with someone you love.
Folly Beach Fishing Piercannot find a better way to shake your money maker and share a moment among friends.

Fishing at the Folly Beach Pier – We cannot emphasis enough the magic of a Folly Beach sunrise. Bring your fishing gear and head to the beach at 5:00 AM and set your reels out. As your line hovers over the pier into the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy a morning coffee and watch the sun appear in the sky to usher in a new day. FYI – Roasted in The Tides Hotel is open for business very early to get your Starbucks fill.

Church Service and stroll at the Unitarian Church and Cemetery – This open spiritual community founded in 1886 offers a service for congregants, new members or tourists looking for a place to worship. With its traditional and historic values, warm congregation and open arms approach to attendance, this is a beautiful way to begin your Sunday morning. Afterwards, walk through the scenic cemetery serving as the final resting place for early settlers, freedom forefathers, war heroes and even perhaps the famous Annabel Lee who won the heart of Edgar Allan Poe.

Picnic at Hampton Park – What was once a plantation home, a zoo, a racetrack and a final resting spot for unknown Northern soldiers is now a picturesque park filled with flowers, trees, a pond inhabited by turtles and ducks and one of the best quiet spots for a picnic with your loved one. Prepare a special meal for two and spend it in one of Charleston’s oldest and most beautiful parks.

Citadel Student Parade – During the school year on Friday’s at 3:45 PM, the students at The Citadel get in full uniform and gear and perform a ceremony for all at no charge. This display of honor, academics, chivalry and traditional is a blessing for the Charleston community and one that should not be missed.

Take the Charleston Water Taxi for the Day – Not everyone has access to a sailboat or kayak, but we should all have an opportunity to experience the gift that is the Charleston Harbor. Charting from Mount Pleasant to historic Charleston and back, this vessel offers you the chance to watch beautiful sails swiftly move through the harbor, a view of Fort Sumter in the distance, the majestic Cooper River Bridge and of course our friendly neighbors, the dolphins. Soak in this Charleston moment once or even twice. A daily pass is good for unlimited use for the day and is only $12.00

Now make your plans to find your own Charleston moment.

Iconic Images of the Lowcountry

October 7, 2018

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

Each day in the Lowcountry is a magical journey of discovery. From every angle, we are blessed with a beauty and serenity. It is a way of life where nature and humanity come together. This tapestry of architecture, history, decor, nature and all its elements makes for a place honored for its rich and historic traditions.

Enjoy this visual gallery of iconic Lowcountry imagery.

Clouds over Park Circle (North Charleston)

*Photo Credit: Mark A. Leon

Charleston Spotlight: Local endurance rider Jan Lewis has ridden across the US twice and is planning an epic ride for her 75th birthday

October 4, 2018

by Charleston Daily 9 Comments

By Tonya McGue

Dare to Dream Big

Jan Lewis wants to do an epic bike ride for her 75th birthday next year. What will that be? She’s already ridden 3,400 miles over 45 days from Los Angeles to Boston, twice. She’s clocked tens of thousands of miles in many states in addition to France, Spain, Mallorca, Belgium and Switzerland. She’s done several organized rides like the Assault on the Carolinas, the Apple Cider Century and the Mountains to Coast ride. This week, she pedaled 200 miles in three days, one in drenching rain, through mountains and rolling hills from Black Mountain to Archdale in North Carolina.

To say the least, Jan is an endurance rider. Her passion for riding started about 10 years ago when she was 65. At that time, she retired from her position as a contract computer consultant for IBM. “The constant traveling from South Carolina to California and high stress finally got to me,” she said. “I like challenges and wanted a goal after retirement. I remembered hearing a story about someone who rode across the country. I thought that sounded like fun, so I researched and found Crossroads Cycling Adventures.”

She signed up for the trip, hired a coach through Carmichael Training Systems and trained for a year before the ride. She and 17 other cyclists trekked their way across the country averaging 80 miles a day through wind, rain, scorching sun, quiet roads and crowded city streets. She liked it so much, she did it again three years later. Since then, she’s done the coast to coast trip four more times from 2014 to 2017 as a support member and part-time rider. She’s also ridden with Crossroads from Portland, Maine to Daytona Beach, Florida.

If you’ve driven on the backroads of the Lowcountry, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Jan, a Summerville resident, on her trusted and beloved Trek Silque. Her sleek blue bike is loaded with a power meter that records her heart rate and speed, a Garmin that keeps track of her route, electronic gear shifting and a superlight carbon frame. She rides five to six times a week for one to five hours a day. For several years in a row, she’s clocked 5,000 miles annually. Jan’s favorite places to ride are Awendaw, Hollywood and Meggett.

In the past 10 years, she’s had very little bike accidents. Her worst was last year when she was 73 and doing a training ride in North Carolina. Jan was descending through hairpin mountain turns at 20-35 miles an hour when she lost control and crashed. She hit the ground hard and had blood dripping from her head. Her riding buddies called an ambulance and she was taken to an emergency room. After a thorough exam, the doctors “couldn’t believe they didn’t find anything broken,” Jan said. “I was lucky because I landed in a wet, soft grassy area.” She skipped the next day of riding but was back on the saddle a couple days later.

Jan has many reasons for being an endurance rider, including she likes being outside, staying in shape and meeting a lot of people. She also enjoys the solitude and says she “would probably weigh 300 pounds if I didn’t ride.” In addition to riding, Jan attends a yoga class at the YMCA two to three times a week and does a weight lifting class two times a week.

Jan encourages older people, especially women, to stay active. “A lot of people tell me I’m crazy, but a lot of people say they wish they could exercise more,” she said. “There’s nothing magical about me. I was not an athlete. It’s about deciding you want to do something and then doing it. It’s about dedication and putting in the hours and miles. It’s not easy. Every day, especially on the 8-hour days, I think, ‘Why am I doing this?’, but then I’ll come across some pretty scenery or all of the sudden I’ll feel good.”

Jan, who describes herself as an introvert, said she has no intention of quitting. Riding is too much of who she is. She’s developed a whole community of friends from cycling and meets up with them at cycling events and organized rides.

Although she doesn’t know what it is yet, she said, “I need an epic ride for next year.” Maybe she’ll decide to cycle coast to coast across another continent, like South America or Australia. That would qualify as epic for anyone, especially for a 75th birthday goal.

Photo Credit: Tonya McGue