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.

Southwest Airlines expands service including flights to/from Cincinnati and direct flights from Charleston, SC to Denver, CO

June 5, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

DALLAS — With the arrival of Southwest Airlines Flight 2120 from Chicago Midway (MDW), Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) ushered in a new era of air travel as it officially began service at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The carrier is offering eight daily nonstop flights, five between CVG and MDW and three between CVG and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).

“Before we landed in Cincinnati today, travelers were stuck paying high fares and high fees, but that’s all changing today with our brand, Customer-friendly policies, and no small regional jets,” said Tammy Romo, Southwest’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We’re at the beginning of our Cincinnati story, and the future looks very bright.”

The arrival of Southwest’s first flight into CVG was greeted by a ceremonial water arch and ribbon-cutting, along with some great giveaways for Customers onboard. Among those Customers were 18 children from Chicago. For many of the kids, who are part of a group called “By the Hand Club for Kids,” this was their first airplane ride and visit to another state. The group was also getting the opportunity to take in a Cincinnati Reds baseball game thanks to the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball.

“We’re thrilled to have Southwest join the roster of our airline partners, and that our passengers have another option when traveling to and from CVG,” said Candace McGraw, Chief Executive Officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “We look forward to Southwest’s success and growth in the Tri-State region.”

New International Service

Today, Southwest launched four, new international routes from Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), including service to one of the carrier’s newest countries served, Cayman Islands. Now in the home stretch of a $333 million Terminal 1 revitalization in partnership with Broward County, Fla., the facility features new international gates, additional border processing capacity, and concessions and art reflective of South Florida. Southwest Leaders last week announced initial fares and a flight schedule for service from FLL to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, beginning Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite governmental approvals.

High-resolution photos from Ft. Lauderdale and Cincinnati are available on Southwest’s online newsroom at swamedia.com.

More Flights from California

Today also marked the beginning of new service linking California to more destinations across the United States. The carrier launched new service between San Francisco and Portland, Ore.; San Jose, Calif. and Reno; San Diego and Boise; and San Diego and Salt Lake City. Additionally, Southwest began operating seasonal service to New York (via Newark) from Oakland and San Diego, and seasonal service between San Diego and Spokane and Indianapolis.

Milestones for Denver and Nashville

Southwest continues its commitment to Denver and Nashville, with milestone numbers of flight departures for each market. In Denver, the carrier reached 200 departures a day. With today’s schedule, Southwest began operating daily service between Denver and Charleston, S.C., weekend service between Denver and Pensacola, Fla., seasonal service between Denver and Norfolk, Va., and is complementing its Saturday service between Denver and Belize with a new Sunday flight.

In Nashville, Southwest reached 100 departures a day as it began operating new daily service between Nashville and Minneapolis/St. Paul and seasonal service between Nashville and Seattle.

To book your seat on any of these new flights visit southwest.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 54,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what’s important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

South Carolina 7th Worst State for Millennials

June 1, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Money Rates has ranked the best and worst states for millenials in their new 2017 study. Based on the following eight factors: job market for young adults, young adult proportion of population, college tuition affordability, residential rental availability, residential rental affordability, access to high-speed internet, concentration of bars relative to the young adult population and concentration of fitness facilities to the young adult population.

Based on the current results, South Carolina is the 7th worst state for millennials to live in the United States.

Worst States for Millennials 2017

While just about every state has both strengths and weaknesses, the following states seemed to have the most negatives as places for young adults to live:

1. Arizona

This state is known more as a retirement destination than as a hot spot for young people, and a look at where Arizona ranked in some categories of interest to millennials helps explain why. Arizona was among the 10 worst states for access to high-speed broadband and for the concentration of fitness facilities relative to the young adult population. In fact, Arizona ranked below-median in seven of the eight categories used in this study.

2. New Hampshire (tie)

This is an especially bad choice if you are looking to attend college and money is an issue: at $15,650, the annual cost of in-state tuition at a four-year public school is the highest in the nation, more than 60 percent higher than in the typical state. New Hampshire is also not a great place to go for night life, with the second-lowest concentration of bars relative to the size of its young adult population. New Hampshire also ranked in the bottom 10 for both access to high-speed broadband and rental availability.

However, New Hampshire does have one very important redeeming feature for young adults looking for work: The unemployment rate for people aged 20 to 24 is just 4.2 percent, the lowest in the nation.

2. Virginia (tie)

Surprisingly, given its proximity to Washington D.C., Virginia is not a great place for night life, with the nation’s lowest concentration of bars relative to its number of young people. To put this in perspective, according to Census figures, Virginia has fewer bars than tiny Rhode Island, despite having about eight times as many young adults. Another key drawback for people just starting out is that it is a fairly expensive place to live. Both tuition and rents are among the 10 most expensive in the nation.

4. Washington

Since young people tend to rent rather than own their homes, a crucial knock on Washington is that it can be a tough place to find a place to rent. The rental vacancy rate is the third-lowest in the nation. Besides that, Washington ranked better than average in only one category, which was the concentration of fitness facilities relative to the size of the young adult population.

5. Tennessee

Whether you fall on the party-animal or the health-nut end of the personal life style spectrum, Tennessee is not a particularly welcoming state. Relative to the size of its young adult population, Tennessee ranked 44th for concentration of bars, and 41st for concentration of fitness facilities. It is a relatively easy place for renters to find a place to live, as it ranked better than average for both availability and affordability of rental properties.

6. Oregon

Like neighboring Washington, Oregon suffers from a relative scarcity of rental properties, ranking 45th in that category. It was generally ranked below average across the board, except that it does cater to young people with relatively high concentrations of bars and fitness facilities.

7. South Carolina

Clearly, young people are not especially attracted to this state because its percentage of 20- to-24-year-olds ranks in the bottom five nationally. One turn-off may be the expense of college in South Carolina, with an average in-state tuition cost for a four-year public school that is among the 10 most expensive in the country.

8. New Jersey

Expense is a big drawback to New Jersey for young adults on a tight budget. Tuition and rental costs are both among the five most expensive in the U.S. Those high costs are even tougher to afford in a weak job market, and New Jersey suffers from one of the 10 highest rates of young adult unemployment.

9. Kentucky

This state ranked below average on five of eight criteria, with the most prominent example being a bottom-five ranking for concentration of fitness facilities. On the plus side, rents are fourth cheapest of all the states.

10. California

Of course, California attracts a lot of young people, but this study is a reminder that you should kick the tires before you choose a place to live. Specifically, make sure you can line up a place to live before you commit because California has the lowest availability of rental property, and the third highest rental costs.

Of course, not all millennials think and act the same way. The above descriptions of strengths of weaknesses of different states offer some suggestions for what young people might want to look at when choosing where to move, but each person will prioritize and judge those factors differently.

Methodology

To get a handle on some of the factors that may be driving decisions about where millennials choose to live, MoneyRates.com looked at the following eight factors:

Job market for young adults (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Young adult proportion of population (U.S. Census Bureau data)
College tuition affordability (Four-year in-state cost data from the College Board)
Residential rental availability (U.S. Census Bureau data)
Residential rental affordability (U.S. Census Bureau data)
Access to high-speed broadband internet (Federal government’s National Broadband Map)
Concentration of bars relative to the young adult population (U.S. Census Bureau data)
Concentration of fitness facilities relative to the young adult population (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association)

All 50 states plus the District of Columbia were ranked on each of the above criteria, and then average rankings across all eight categories were calculated.

Based on the results, the following are the 10 Best and Worst States for Millennials in 2017:

Full Ranking of Best States for Millennials 2017

Didn’t see your home state in the best or worst lists? Look below for the full ranking of all 50 states and Washington D.C. and see where you stand:

Overall Rank	State
1	North Dakota
2	South Dakota
3	Nebraska
4	Louisiana
5	Wyoming
6	Iowa
7	Kansas
7	Wisconsin
9	Montana
10	Indiana
11	Idaho
12	Florida
13	Nevada
14	Mississippi
15	Texas
16	District of Columbia
17	Arkansas
17	Minnesota
19	Delaware
19	Utah
21	Missouri
22	Michigan
23	Alabama
23	Maryland
25	Oklahoma
26	Ohio
26	Pennsylvania
28	Massachusetts
29	Alaska
30	Connecticut
31	New Mexico
31	New York
31	Rhode Island
34	Illinois
35	Colorado
36	West Virginia
37	Hawaii
38	Georgia
39	North Carolina
40	Vermont
41	Maine
42	California
43	Kentucky
44	New Jersey
45	South Carolina
46	Oregon
47	Tennessee
48	Washington
49	New Hampshire
49	Virginia
51	Arizona

Charles Towne Landing is Looking for Volunteers – Be with nature and do good

June 1, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

We need you! We are always looking for volunteer involvement. Below are some ways to get involved.

Animal Forest: We collect food and supplies for the Animal Forest at every Race the Landing event. We are also always looking for volunteers to help prepare food for the animals, or assist in basic tasks.

Guided Tours: Friends and volunteers provide information and transportation on golf carts for park visitors.
Race the Landing: Volunteers are needed to help with publicity, set up for the event, serve food and drinks, monitor the race course, and hand out water along the way.

Archeological Digs: Ready to get your hands dirty? We connect volunteers interested in working on the digs to park staff. The Friends also sponsor talks from archeologists in Founders Hall. See our calendar for more information.

Beautification: We work with Garden Club of Charleston to connect volunteers eager to beautify the gardens around the Legare-Waring House.

Please complete registration form

Sister Hazel Returns to the Lowountry: Our Interview with Founding Member Andrew Copeland

May 31, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

Photo Courtesy: Kaylor Girl Promotions

By Mark A. Leon

There is a very human side of music built on the relationship between musician and fan. When the symmetry of musical appreciation, art, emotion and genuine admiration come together you have the 23-year career of one of the most respected Southern bands of the modern musical genre, Sister Hazel. From the most recognizable song nationally with “All for You” to pioneering annual rock cruises, Sister Hazel continues to reinvent themselves with the sole purpose of giving back to the fans.

This weekend, The Windjammer will be hosting Sister Hazel as they perform three shows and a series of special VIP events for the loyal Hazelnuts and Lowcountry fans performing songs from an over two-decade musical library.

Sister Hazel holds a very close personal relationship with Charleston. Playing gigs at the Music Farm and The Windjammer early in their career and harnessing brotherly relationships with Darius and the Hootie boys, NeedtoBreathe and Edwin McCain, Drew describes the Lowcountry as a second home. “Bobby Ross has always been very kind to us.” (The Windjammer). We have known Hootie from back in the early 90’s. We all came up in the same circles. Those guys are like brothers. We have stayed close for 20 plus years. There was never any competition between us. The memories we have built coming through Charleston and the way the fans in the Carolinas treat us has made this a second home for us. It is very familiar to us. We are treated like family.”

I had a chance to sit down with founding member Andrew “Drew” Copeland about their career, importance of the fans and their upcoming weekend in Charleston.

CD: 23 Years Together: What have you learned from one another about life, music, family and fan loyalty?

AC: I’ll tell ya. The lessons from being in a band with four other guys for this long and the tools you gain are immeasurable. There is no hierarchy. We all respect each other. We all have an equal say. Over time, we have had the ability to prioritize things and determine what is important in life. If someone is passionate about something, we take it seriously. This has affected how we make business and life decisions over the 23 years together. No one can appreciate all you have been through more than the four guys you have spent so many years with. We have had a crazy life. In fact, Ken and I have been performing together for 26 years now. We have been co-dependent on each other. There is no closer definition of brotherhood.

CD: Dr. Hazel K. Williams, the woman behind your namesake passed away last year at age 91. What did she mean to you all you.

AC: She was a female minister who dedicated her life to the ministries that reached out to the less fortunate. She reached out to all that needed help regardless of race, religion or background. Ken spoke at her funeral and over the years we always donated money to her causes. She was special and selfless.

When the band formed, we were looking for a name. Ken felt Hazel represented acceptance of all and that is what he wanted the music to be. Ken wanted to create songs that all music fans could relate to and appreciate and she was the embodiment of that.

When she returned from missionary work in Belize and Haiti, she saw our name on billboards in Gainesville and reached out to us. After speaking to us, she said, if you accept all and don’t speak ill of anyone, I am happy to let you use my name for the band. To this day, it has stuck.

CD: Tell me more about the Rock Cruises from concept to reality and what do you want the fans to take away from the experience?

AC: Way back, about 18 years ago, we wanted to find a way to thank our fans for being so supportive. We wanted to give them special shows and spent time with them and what better way than a cruise with live music and interaction. In our first year, we reserved only 200 cabins, not even the whole boat. It went so well, we chartered the entire ship the next year. For the first few years, I was even writing checks after we docked to cover some of the costs. Our former manager, Andrew Levine spearheaded these cruises and since then, Sixth Man Productions, led by Andrew has coordinated similar cruises for Zach Brown, Kid Rock and Kiss.

Over the years, we have played with Collective Soul, Gavin Rossdale, Tonic and NeedtoBreathe to name just a few. In a way, we pioneered a genre of music and fan appreciation.

CD: I understand you perform barefoot. Is that a lifestyle choice or just a little bit about your attitude about life?

AC: I think it is both. I grew up in Florida. I was one of many kids that loved walking around barefoot. When Ken and I started out playing together we played beach clubs and patio bars. We would show up in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. We kicked off our flip flops and played. When the band started to take off with more success, I just kept doing it. It felt good and it was a bit of a superstition.

CD: How was it superstitious?

AC: In 1993 we formed the band, in 1996, we signed with our first major label and then after that, I felt like things couldn’t change.

CD: Hazelnuts: Tell me more about the origins of this following? (For those that do not know, the Hazelnuts are the true, unconditional, devoted fan base of Sister Hazel. Much like the “Parrotheads” and “Deadheads”, these fans are dedicated to the love of the music and the band)

AC: They are self-dubbed fans. Super loyal fans. They have come together for the love of music. They are passionate about the band and all music. For that we are indebted. These fans love music and everything about it.

CD: I have some personal favorites including “Champagne High” and “Right One for Me”. What are Andrew’s top 5 Sister Hazel songs?

AC: Those can vary from night to night depending on the mood, but I will always be thankful for “All for You.” I have nothing but love for the song and all that it has given us over the years. It is still such an important part of who we are and what we have become.

CD: Being born and bred in the area that gave us Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, what has contributed to your longevity and the relationship you have built with your fans?

AC: I think it is that we are appreciative. We don’t feel entitled. We have been surrounded by good people in our lives that has kept us grounded. We take a lot of pride in the accessibility of our fans being able to connect to us and the music.

CD: Has the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame crossed your minds now that you are 2 years away from eligibility?

AC: No, we haven’t thought about it, but that would be the most incredible thing to ever happen to us. That is mind numbing to even think about. I have never considered it as an option for us, but it would be remarkable if it did.

What started as two guys playing guitar and singing a few riffs of The Eagles during a 1991 tailgate party before a Florida Tennessee Football game have become a 26-year journey filled with heart, dedication and musical poetry. Exposing the vulnerability of relationships and love and celebrating life has been the cornerstone of a career that is showing no signs of slowing down.

“And for the million hours that we were
Well I’ll smile and remember it all
Then I’ll turn and go
While your story’s completed mine is a long way from done.” – Champagne High

We look forward to the next million hours together.

As you watch Ken, Andrew, Ryan, Jett and Mark perform some of their classic hits and new songs, you will see a level of brotherhood you rarely find in life and that bond has extended to fans around the world.

Welcome back to Charleston.

Sister Hazel – The Windjammer Ticket Information

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Is Officially The Largest City in South Carolina: 4 of top 7 in Lowcountry

May 31, 2017

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

The new census data reveals that Charleston now has 76 more people than Columbia making them the largest city in South Carolina. Our area has 4 cities in the top 7: Charleston #1, North Charleston #3, Mount Pleasant #4 and Summerville #7.

South Carolina’s largest cities

1. Charleston – 134,385

2. Columbia – 134,309

3. North Charleston – 109,298

4. Mount Pleasant – 84,170

5. Rock Hill – 72,937

6. Greenville – 67,453

7. Summerville – 49,323

8. Goose Creek – 42,039

9. Sumter – 40,723

10. Hilton Head – 40,500

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2016 population estimates

Also, Greenville is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States between 2015 and 2016.

Charleston County Population Quickfacts – US Census

South Carolina Population Facts

South Carolina – City by City Population Breakdown

Helping a Hero has Awarded Over 100 Homes in 22 States – Read the Touching Story of MSgt Rhyner from Raleigh, NC

May 30, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Helping A Hero Has Awarded Over 100 Homes In 22 States

RALEIGH, N.C. (May 30, 2017) – Helping A Hero, a 501(c)(3) non-profit non-partisan organization, presented a specially adapted home to wounded hero MSgt Zac Rhyner. A decorated veteran, MSgt Rhyner, USAF has been presented: three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and the Air Force Cross as only the 192nd airman in the history of America to receive this rare and coveted award. This award is the highest honor the Air Force bestows upon an airman, given to those who show exemplary valor and second only to the Medal of Honor. After receiving this honor, MSgt Rhyner deployed for the sixth time to Afghanistan where he was further wounded and forced to retire due to a severe leg injury. He now only has 5% use of his leg and hip. MSgt Rhyner and his caretaker and wife, Jillian, will enjoy this new home with their two sons.

Having awarded over 100 homes in 22 states for veterans wounded in the war on terror, Helping A Hero designed a beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in a Holly Springs subdivision with special adaptations to make MSgt Rhyner’s day to day life easier. The Today Show covered the emotional story and aired it celebration of Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. Watch it here: LINK.

Learn more about the Helping A Hero Wounded Hero Home Program at HelpingAHero.org. To make a difference in lives of heroes like MSgt Zac Rhyner, visit HelpingAHero.org/Donate. Follow us on Twitter @HelpingAHero and “Like” us on Facebook, facebook.com/HelpingAHero. Spread the positive word using the hashtag #EmpowerHeroes.

ABOUT HELPING A HERO:

Founded in 2006, Helping A Hero provides support for military personnel severely injured in the war on terror by providing specially adapted homes for qualifying service members through partnerships made with the builders, developers, communities, and the wounded warriors. Helping A Hero strives to engage the community in providing services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families. Additionally, the nonprofit organization provides additional support programs such as marriage retreats, caregiver retreats, recreational activities, emotional support, and financial support.

Through the generosity of patriots across the nation, Helping A Hero has awarded over 100 homes in 22 states since 2006. These adapted homes promote a successful transition from military to civilian life and allow wounded veterans to regain some of their lost independence. Helping A Hero adapted homes are not free. The homes are typically valued around $250,000 and the veterans have a minimum $50,000 mortgage. In addition, the veteran commits to reside in the home for at least 10 years as his/her primary residence. More information on Helping A Hero can be found at www.helpingahero.org.

Suggested Tweet

@HelpingaHero awards specially adapted home to wounded hero. Watch @TODAYshow j.mp/HAH_Rhyner

Official Helping a Hero Website

The Summer of Bill Art Opening and Movie Series Kicking Off at Charleston Music Hall Tomorrow

May 30, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

The Charleston Music Hall is thrilled to present The Summer of Bill Film Series, a 7 film series composed of Bill Murray films with a corresponding art exhibit. The Summer of Bill Art Exhibit will have a Free opening party on May 31st from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Local Murray-lover, Tiffany “Mish” Pretlow, is organizing the art exhibit with over 20 local artists contributing Bill Murray inspired works in all different mediums. Pretlow organized the “Where’s Murray?” Art Show at King Dusko a few years back. Rumor has it a life-size jaguar shark may make an appearance. The art exhibit will be on view from May 31 – August 20.

We will be presenting 7 Bill Murray films between May 31 and August 20. We originally had four films for the series, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, Lost in Translation, and Life Aquatic. We texted Bill to make sure he was fine with us doing this series. He responded saying he was honored and loved that we were doing the series, but he wanted to see some of his “failures” included in the series. He mentioned that we only included the hits and that everyone wanted to see the hits, but they needed to also see the flops, so we added three more films: The Razor’s Edge, Rushmore, and Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers. We love all three of these films, but they all failed at the box office.

We love the way Bill Murray has inspired playfulness in our community, and we are excited to pay homage to this amazing artist. Each film will start at 7:30 with the bar opening at 7pm. The films will be $8 each, or you can purchase a 7 Film Pass for $35. The film series will open with Caddyshack on May 31 and will include The Razor’s Edge on June 6, Ghostbusters (1984) on June 14, Rushmore on June 29, Lost in Translation on July 26, Broken Flowers on August 2, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou on August 20.

We also commissioned 5 local artists to create 7 unique film posters. Caddyshack by Jason Groce, The Razor’s Edge by Bennett Jones, Ghostbusters by Seth Deitch, Rushmore by Taylor Faulkner, Lost in Translation by Karen Ann Myers, Broken Flowers by Karen Ann Myers, The Life Aquatic by Anne Peyton, 7 Bills Series Poster by Karen Ann Myers. These specialty poster prints will be for sale all summer at the box office.

Charleston Music Hall Official Website

Summer of Bill Art Opening Details

Kayla Gajeton: Lost too young to brain cancer at 21 – Obituary

May 29, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Kayla Briana Gajeton, 21, of Knightdale, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest, on May 26, 2017, following a brain cancer diagnosis 5 days after her 21st birthday.

The past eight months were spent surrounded by family and friends that Kayla had touched in some small way throughout her short, yet very memorable life. Kayla’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her amazing smile could melt the hearts of those around her and her determination was contagious. Kayla was a warrior all throughout her life and overcame many obstacles up until it was her time. She had amazing strength and a positive outlook despite her diagnosis and always pushed forward. Kayla always left a piece of herself in those who got to know her.

Although Kayla’s illness made it difficult to do the things she once loved, she possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With her courage she led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. She could spend hours in the gym or helping me and her grandparents with yard work or cleaning our house, while always making time to create memories with her siblings. She enjoyed painting, volunteering at the church, color guard, dancing, reading, hiking, looking at street art, going to concerts and always listening to music and spending time with her friends and boyfriend.

With Kayla’s passing we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss her everyday, especially her winning smile, she will forever remain in our hearts. Through her teachings about life learned through adventure, her family and I were able to create wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to be her mother. I am so thankful for all of Kayla’s siblings and especially her niece Allison, whom she got very close to in the last few months, so that they can hold dear the memory of Kayla’s gentle soul and strong spirit. I learned a lot through the eyes of my first born child. Kayla taught me what it was like to love someone unconditionally and without end. Although it pains all of us in Kayla’s passing, it comforts me to know she was a child of the Lord. Her salvation is my peace.

Kayla leaves behind many wonderful caregivers that provided love and support that enhanced her quality of life. Kayla’s love extends to her wonderful nurse, Ellen, as well as a special place in our hearts for Kayla’s neuro-oncologist, Dr. Cachia, and her radiologist, Dr. Cooper, and the radiology staff at MUSC Mt. Pleasant and Downtown Charleston. Most importantly her Grandma Fe and Grandpa Gil. Because of their continual dedication, love and support, Kayla was able to survive some of her toughest medical challenges and maintain an active quality of life up until her last days with hope and realistic goals.

There were many other friends and family that were there for her during her treatment and those who spent time with her as well as help raise funds for her expenses during her treatment by making t- shirts, selling items, donating, and paying her car payments. All of these special people, provided Kayla with love and dignity in her life and also in her death, near and afar. You are greatly appreciated by her as well as her family.

Kayla is survived by her mother and step-father Fidel and Melissa Gallegos of Knightdale, NC; father W03 Brian R. Gajeton Sr., US Army, Stationed in Vicenza, Italy; sisters Kimberly (20), Lauren (17), Isabella (11), Arianna (8), and Eva (6); brothers Enrique (15) and Jonathan (10); niece Allison (1); paternal grandparents Wilhelm and Fe Gajeton of North Charleston, SC; paternal uncle Willie “John” Gajeton of North Charleston; maternal uncles David Guy and wife Donna of Moncks Corner, SC, Steven Guy and wife Heather of North Charleston, SC; maternal aunt Cynthia “Cindy” Guy of West Columbia, SC; and cousins Kaytlyn and Gillian Gajeton of North Charleston, SC, and Timothy “Timmy” Guy of West Columbia, SC, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins abroad in the Philippines and here in the United States. Kayla also shared a special love for her boyfriend Tome’ Gordo, of Raleigh, NC, and best friend, Alex Democovici, of Holly Springs, NC.

In a short time they made a lifetime of memories from adventures, trials and tribulations, graduation, love, and also decide to walk down this road with Kayla when they didn’t have to. To be so young and still stick by her side helped Kayla get through days when she didn’t want to fight sometimes. It was the two of you she shared a special bond with. You guys all learned through each other and Kayla took a piece of each of you with her. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Larry and Elizabeth “Libby” Guy.

Visitation hours are to be held Tuesday May 30, 2017, from 5-7 pm at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, North Charleston, SC. There will be a funeral service May 31, 2017, at 10:00 am at the Goose Creek United Methodist Church in Goose Creek, SC, and procession to Carolina Memorial Park for her burial after the service. A reception will follow after the burial at Goose Creek United Methodist Church in Goose Creek. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

See more at complete obituary

Official Facebook Remembrance Page

Lowcountry

Beautiful Musical Tributes to Chris Cornell

May 28, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

We lost a legend in the music industry. Chris Cornell was one of the pioneers of the early 90’s grunge sound that catapulted out of Seattle and took the music world by storm. His entrancing voice and poetic soul blessed us with Soundgarden, Audioslave and perhaps one of the most perfect partnerships, Temple of the Dog with Eddie Vedder.

His deeply penetrating lyrics and raw sound made him a visionary that will carry on for generations.

Over the last few days, artists around the world have paid tribute with comments, renditions and tears.

We have compiled some of the most amazing versions of Chris’ songs covered with poignancy and respect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPD8xQHbNDk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwL0i9BECb0

Rest Well Chris Cornell

Your music and poetry live on

Discover the Folly Beach Wishing Tree

May 27, 2017

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon

Just north of Folly Beach County Park, there is a firm, well pronounced tree grown from the soft sands of the Carolina beaches. As the sun rises and sets, it stands firm with one very important purpose, making your dreams come true. As you get closer to this tree, you will find a heart, shells guarded closely inside the branches and necklaces of shells marking the spot where so many have come to ask for a wish.

Not only is this one of the most spectacular locations in the Lowcountry to witness the sunset, but it offers remarkable solitude for romance and reflection.

Do you have a wish you are hoping will come true? A yearning for love, a sick one you wish well, hopes of accomplishing a dream or something very genuine and simple? Here is your chance. Find a special shell or make something unique and offer it to the wishing tree. Say your wish under the warmth of the Southern sky and wait.

Make the Wishing Tree a part of your Lowcountry pilgrimage.