Charleston Mayor proposes African-American monument

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For Immediate Release:  CHARLESTON, S.C. — The mayor of a major South Carolina city is calling for an African-American monument and new plaques to be erected there.

Local news outlets report Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg asked the city’s Historic Commission on Wednesday to consider adding a number of revised historical markers as well as some new monuments across the city in order to create a more balanced narrative of Confederate-related history. Among Tecklenburg’s ideas is a proposal to erect a monument to African-American Union soldiers at one of the city parks.

Commission Chairman Harlan Greene says the group has accepted Tecklenburg’s challenge to “tell a better message” with the city’s markers and memorials.

The commission decided to defer discussion. Tecklenburg said after the meeting that he felt the group was “receptive” to his ideas.

Latest Cost of Living and Population Data for Charleston, South Carolina – How Do We Compare

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Cost of living is an important topic in Charleston, South Carolina.  It continues to stir up much debate, good and bad.  We have looked at three sources and compiled a summary of the latest cost of living and population statistics and how they compare with the rest of the state and country.  To add some perspective, we have also included links to the most expensive area homes for sale.

This data does bring awareness and hopes it continues the conversation.

This data looks closely at rent, home ownership, utilities, population averages, unemployment, commute, utilities, household goods and entertainment.

We welcome your thoughts and comments below.

 

Median Age:  33.2
Married Population:  41.2%
Unemployment Rate:  4.4%
30 Year Fixed Mortgage:  3.638%
Median Home Price:  $261, 400
Average Commute Time:  22 Minutes

Breakdown of individual costs

 

 

Cost of Living Comparison

Cost of Living Charleston: 114

Cost of Living South Carolina: 97

Cost of Living National: 100

Most Expensive Charleston Area Home Listings on Trulia

Million Dollar + Home Listings in Charleston Area on Trulia

Source:  Sperling’s Best Places, Expatistan and Area Vibes

Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts Are Coming From All Directions

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The overwhelming generosity in thoughts and contributions has been touching lives since the people of Texas were in the path of one of the most destructive natural disasters in this country’s history.

The compassion of the human heart has been seen from companies, celebrities and citizens around the country and world offering support to all the victims affected by this disaster.

Here are some of the countless acts of generosity rolling in shared on social:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is this the future of pricing in Charleston? Fixed Pricing

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By Mark A. Leon

Have you been to Normandy Farms Artisan Bakery, Jack of Cups or Baguette Magic recently? Besides having wonderful reputations for quality and customer service, all three businesses have incorporated the European style of fixed pricing.  This method also rings true at local area farmers markets with most vendors.

In a nutshell, the price you see on the menu, is the price you pay.

If an item is 91 cents and sales tax is 9 cents, the cost is $1.00. That is the price you see.

Last week, I had a memorable meal at Jack of Cups on Folly Beach.  Our meal for two consisted of:  Spring Rolls $9.00, Indian Thai Mexican Fusion Nachos $9.00, Basil Rice Bowl $10.00, Cocktails $9.00 each (2) and glass of wine $4.00.  Our bill was $50.00.

Why is this method of building in the tax to the final cost so efficient for all parties involved?

  • Perception: If there is no tax found on the bill, it creates a perception to the consumer that they got a deal and are apt to tip their servers more.
  • Ease of table sharing management. How many go out with friends or co-workers and they split the bill.  This makes it so much easier to determine who owes what.
  • Tight Budgets: If you are on a tight budget and trying to determine cost of a meal, this solves all your issues.
  • Even number obsessives: There are a few of you out there that needs all charges on your credit card to end in a complete number (no cents).  This makes your lives so much easier.
  • An overall simple dining experience

 

I initially got comfortable with this form of pricing when I lived in Florence, Italy.  Not being able to speak the native tongue, made it a challenge for me to go to the grocer or farmers market, but having the fixed pricing helped me know exactly how many Euros my items were and thus eliminating the awkward language barrier.

That saved me during my Summer in Italy and I am so thankful.

We hope this trend continues with more restaurants in the Lowcountry and spreads even further to grocers and retail stores.

 

Charleston, SC Based HookLead Appoints New Digital Marketing Project Manager

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Charleston, SC – HookLead announced today that Ellison Jusino has joined the agency to manage their growing client roster and strengthen client success.

He has previous experience with analytics, leadership, communication, content creation, client management, process flows, global account management and has worked with HookLead this past year part-time. He loves all things tech, has a strong fascination for learning and always improving his digital skills. He is also an Eagle Scout, avid lover of everything international and can be found in his natural habitat at the library or a local coffee shop.

Ellison joins HookLead as Digital Marketing Project Manager to continue recent success managing client projects and their digital marketing success. “We’re excited to have Ellison join our team and growing agency in an expanded role in helping our valued client’s succeed,” says Co-Founder, Zack Hanebrink.

About HookLead

HookLead is a growing digital marketing and design agency located in Charleston, South Carolina. HookLead offers a wide range of digital marketing and design services designed to generate traffic, leads and increase revenue for clients. Learn more by visiting http://www.hooklead.com

Media Contact
Company Name: HookLead
Contact Person: Zack Hanebrink
Email: zack@hooklead.com
Phone: 740-500-4665
Address:225 Seven Farms Dr, Suite 201F
City: Charleston
State: South Carolina
Country: United States
Website: www.hooklead.com/

Charleston Parks Conservancy Expands Programming Mission with New Hire, Additional Public Events

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – With the addition of more public programming, the Charleston Parks Conservancy is furthering its mission of connecting people to their parks in a way that inspires engagement and involvement in the Conservancy’s work to create stunning public spaces and a strong community. This year, the Conservancy created a new position of community engagement manager to organize more community programming in Charleston’s city parks.

Pam Zanowski, who has extensive experience in parks and recreation, has joined the Conservancy to fill this new role. She’ll be creating educational programs, developing partnerships with like-minded organizations and overseeing the Conservancy’s efforts to engage people in their parks.

‘We are fortunate to have so many beautiful parks and open spaces within the City of Charleston and for the Conservancy to have a presence in many of them,” Zanowski said. “I am eager and excited to build relationships with community members and work together to offer quality programs and activities that meet the needs of our residents.”

Part of the Conservancy’s expanded community engagement is the new Art in the Parks program. In April, the Conservancy awarded its first Charleston Parks Conservancy exhibition prize to Georgia artist Joseph Dreher, who participated in the the annual ArtFields competition showcasing the work of artists around the Southeast. Dreher will create a work of art to be displayed at Hampton Park later this year.

And this summer, the Conservancy was awarded a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a project that will add public art programming along the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway.

“Since its inception 10 years ago, the Conservancy has never lost sight of its core goal: connecting people to their parks. It’s what drives our organization,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director. “Whether it’s a park renovation, a new playground or a family friendly event in the park, we remain committed to creating stunning public spaces where people want to spend time outdoors, meet friends and neighbors, and develop a greater appreciation for our city’s parks.”

Upcoming community events in the parks include:

Parks and Pacies — Bring the little ones out into Charleston’s parks this fall. Join the Conservancy from 9-10 a.m. every Wednesday in September for the Parks and Pacies playgroup. Each week we will explore a different playground around Charleston (Sept. 6 at Hazel Parker Playground; Sept. 13 at Corrine Jones Park; Sept. 20 at Tiedemann Park; Sept. 27 at McMahon Playground). Surprises and snacks provided. Event is free, but please register at charlestonparksconservancy.org/calendar.

Movies at Magnolia featuring “Moana” — Join the Charleston Parks Conservancy for a family fun movie night at Magnolia Park in West Ashley on Friday, Sept. 29. Come at 6 p.m. for Hawaiian-themed activities, including a photo booth, hula hooping and tie dye T-shirts (please bring your own shirt). Purchase an icy treat from Pelican’s SnoBalls or grab dinner from a local food truck before the movie. Free popcorn will be available from the City of Charleston Recreation Department. Bring chairs and blankets; the movie will begin at dark (about 7:15 p.m.). Pets on leashes are welcome. Disney’s “Moana” is the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. For more information, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org/calendar.

Intro to Photography in the Parks — Professional photographer Libby Williams will lead a three-hour class on the basics of photography in Charleston’s parks. The class is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Charleston Parks Conservancy office, 720 Magnolia Road, Suite 25, in West Ashley. Explore composition, light and techniques to learn how to take great photos of the parks and beyond. Participants will spend a few hours in the classroom and then go outside for hands-on instruction to perfect their craft and tell as story with their camera. Note: This class is not designed to teach attendees how to use their camera, so come with some basic knowledge of how the camera works. A DSLR camera is recommended, but all cameras are welcome. Cost is $40. Space is limited so please register at charlestonparksconservancy.org/calendar.

Williams has been taking photos and doing graphic design work for the Charleston Parks Conservancy since its inception. She has worked as a photographer all over the state, region, country and even traveled around the world following her dream and telling stories for her clients. Her work has appeared locally in publications like Charleston magazine, City Paper, Skirt!, and Garden & Gun. Williams got her start in photography early, begging her parents for her first SLR camera at the age of 10. She hasn’t stopped shooting since.

Jazz Brunch in Hampton Park — Join the Charleston Parks Conservancy for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy jazz music by Asa Holgate and his band while relaxing in Hampton Park. Admission is $10 and includes one free drink ticket for those 21 and older. Free admission for children 12 and under). Tickets are limited; purchase at charlestonparksconservancy.org/calendar. Local food trucks Brunch Holiday, The Waffle Connection, Roti Rolls, and Notes Curbside Coffees will have food available for purchase along with beer, wine and mimosas. No coolers or pets allowed. Also, Charleston Moves will be hosting a Pedal to the Parks bike ride that morning, ending at Hampton Park in time for the Jazz Brunch. To participate in the bike ride or for more information go to www.charlestonmoves.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 together create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, please visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks

Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

Photography in the Parks

Holly A. Fisher, MMC
Inbound Marketing Certified 

Writing | Social Media | Public Relations
holly@fisher-creative.com
843-991-1689

www.Fisher-Creative.com

A Love Letter to Texas from Charleston, SC

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By Mark A. Leon

This is a time that tests the hearts and souls of humanity.  Sinking in the tears of a tragedy, memories floating away right before your eyes, families without homes, loved ones lost and at this very moment, no answers to your prayers.  It is a time when the human condition kicks in and reminds us that we are blessed with the ability to overcome.

It is in these trying times, we could turn our heads and look the other way, but humanity doesn’t let us play that way.
In brotherhood and sisterhood, we stand before you Texas.

Charleston Strong sends its Love to Texas until the last home is rebuilt.

As Hugo and Matthew linger behind us, we know we can never forget.  They are constant reminders that material value can be lost in a moment, but the love of family and friends and their unconditional support is something that never wavers.

We have seen images and watched the stories of this past weekend, but they don’t even tap into the emotional and physical trauma you are facing right now.

Many without homes
Lost power
Unable to find food and shelter
Lives built from scratch, now but a fleeting memory.

The effects of Hurricane Harvey will remain for the rest of your lives.  That fact is true.  So too knowledge that the kindness of others will help you in rebuilding your lives.

For some, it will be days, weeks, or even months before that emptiness in the pit of your stomach fades awa
We know, we relate and we care.

Remember this:  Strength is found in the heart.  It is in the power you find in the worst of times. It is the generous hand of a stranger.  It is the financial support from strangers hundreds of miles away.  It is knowing that at the exact moment you feel like giving up, so many will come to your rescue.

That is the poetry of tragedy.

We never want to go through this type of event.  We hope for the best and expect the worst.  For so many, this weekend was the worst.

For those that lost, we mourn with you.
For those looking for answers, we pray with you.
For those in need of support, we stand with you.

To all the people in Texas who have and continue to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we stand strongly with you here in Charleston as you take the first steps toward recovery.

GALLERY: Gone but not forgotten – Stono Baptist Church and Cemetery – Ravenel, SC (175 Years Old)

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By Mark A. Leon

Life happens in a heartbeat.  Generations come and go and often times, we preserve the legacy of those that shaped the world we live in.  Some foundations lose their value and become relics seen only by passing cars on the highway.  Yet history has a way of maintaining the ruins and reminding us of the families, communities and pioneers that struggled to give us the joys we have today.  Through their faith, they found meaning and salvation.

The Stono Baptist Church in Ravenel, South Carolina was founded in 1842.  Today, the church sits in ruins, but the names of those that graced the halls of this small church remain forever resting.  Surrounded by mating bugs, dragonflies, bees, broken glass and corroding wood remain something beautiful, a 175 year old church that continues to stand proud.  There may not be services or congregants now, but its memory lives on.

Take a photographic walk with us as we explore the Stono Baptist Church and Cemetery, celebrating 175 years of faith and bond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GALLERY: We Will Endure – A Charleston Sunrise To Remind Us

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By Mark A. Leon

Even in tragedy, the timeliness and absolute stunning nature of a Charleston sunrise continues to remind us of our strength as a community. Its beauty, diverse colors and artistic impression in the sky is sometimes all we need to know things will be okay.

This morning once again served as nature’s way of saying, we have your back. Look to the sky and you know you are being protected with warmth and security.

Mornings are a sign of new beginnings, a fresh start.
They keep us balanced and put life in perspective.

Thank you Charleston for another light show and for continuously reminding us of the love all around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep spreading the love of nature an one another.

 

 

In the Small Town of Charleston, SC – A City’s Response To The Tragic Events of August 24th

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By Mark A. Leon

Yesterday, a horrific event happened on King Street.  A beloved employee, friend, husband and father was killed in a shameless act.  Once again, the city of Charleston is in mourning, but that isn’t the message I have taken away from the last 30 hours.

Shane Whiddon was a respected member of the Charleston community, a dedicated father, husband, hard-working chef and a man who loved to smile.  Today, he is gone, but long from forgotten. Restaurants, hospitality groups, small businesses and citizens have once again come together to show their support to the family of Shane, Virginia’s on King and the Bennett Hospitality family.

On the outside looking in, Charleston looks like a mid-sized Southern city outgrowing its pants.  Tourism has grown year over year, construction is a constant part of our lives and the world has recognized us for our history, beauty, shopping, festivals and culinary arts.

That isn’t the Charleston I see today.

I see a small community that Springsteen or Mellencamp wrote about 30 years ago.  It’s setting is reminiscent of Yo La Tengo emotional ode in ‘My Little Corner of the World”. Charleston doesn’t have a Main Street with one water tower, one dentist, one doctor, one gas station, one restaurant and a single street light, but what it does have is a bond in its people as strong as blood.

It is a place where we tip our hats to you, greet you with a smile and make you feel at home.

I can still taste the homemade asparagus corn bread and salmon omelet while sitting upstairs at Virginia’s on King.  The fans going as the heat intensified outside, classic historic art, white linens and the feel of being in the world of ‘Gone with the Wind” in my head.

Virginia’s has always held a special place in my heart.  One of my first dining experiences.  Humbling and traditional and rich in Southern flavor and values.

Today, this small town once again comes together with words of hope, feelings of sadness and an air of faith.

If you are downtown, look all around.  Look closely.  See the signs, look at the faces and know we all share in the sadness of a family that just lost a loved one.
When a loss like this strikes so deep and pierces the soul, it must be a small town, because only there can you overcome and rise the way a strong family does.

The next time you make your way to Upper King Street, go to Virginia’s and give the staff a hug.  They will appreciate it more than you know, because family sticks together.

Go Fund Me – Family of Shane Whiddon