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.

“Frederick Douglass…No Turning Back” Presented by Actor’s Theatre of South Carolina

May 12, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

In a one-man play, “Frederick Douglass – No Turning Back” starring Kyle Taylor, Douglass’ has been invited to speak in a church and recount his journey from slavery to be one of the greatest orators and philosophers in history. It reveals his tremendous gifts of observation of humanity, passion for freedom, horrific struggles, relationships with friends, engaging humor and decades as a free American writer, newspaper editor and public leader. Includes incidental Gospel music. Produced by the award-winning Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina.

Director:

Chris Weatherhead

Playwright/Composer/Lyricist:

Frederick Douglass compiled by Chris Weatherhead

Ticket Prices: Adult: $21

Ticket Prices: Senior: $16

Ticket Price: Student: $16

Call Piccolo Spoleto Box Office or visit: www.actorstheatreofsc.org

BOX OFFICE – (843) 724-7305
http://www.PiccoloSpoleto.com

Official Event Website

Kyle Taylor – Starring

I Love You – Original Poem (A Poem for Everyone)

May 12, 2017

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon

I woke up and something was missing
The air was a little crisper, but that wasn’t it
The sun was shining bright, but that wasn’t it
A chill filled my senses leaving goosebumps behind

The trees, clouds, wind all spoke to me
A plea
A request from the stars

In soft spoken chords, I heard a collective song of terror asking for help

We have lost our way
That line echoed over and over

Lost without direction home

Innocence engulfed by lust
Sharing shattered by greed
Compassion, a fleeting memory
Acts of kindness trampled by arrogant selfishness

Our bubble of beauty has popped
Bleeding out, short of breath, praying for a miracle

Today, I say to you, without fanfare, without expectation, without reward

I love you
I love you all
Each of you has blessed me with a life of meaning

For each hand I touch, I am inspired
Each voice, a new life lesson
Each act of giving, a reward so priceless

I love you
I don’t say it enough
I don’t say it with all the vigor in my heart

Now, I have awoken

I want today to begin a quest to regain that love around the world

I ask kindly
Say it today
Say it everyday
With zest and passion and vitality

I love you

Charleston Traffic: A Shtfest wrapped in a Clusterfck: Who is paying the price?

May 11, 2017

by Charleston Daily 6 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

This afternoon, there was an accident on Highway 26 westbound near Aviation causing a backup nearly to downtown Charleston. While on Highway 526 near Highway 17, the westbound traffic was blocked off due to another accident causing a 1 hour plus delay. On River Road on John’s Island, a semi-truck jackknifed off the road blocking off traffic on both sides. On the crosstown due to construction and a car stalled on the entrance to the crosstown off 26 Eastbound, there was a stop and go back up.

This was today. This could be any day.

On a typical day, we experience traffic patterns causing extreme pain points throughout our home roadways.

The James Island connector can be backed up five or more lights during afternoon rush hour from downtown.
Folly Road is constant traffic in both directions throughout the day.
Savannah Highway, Bees Ferry, Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, Harborview Road on James Island, Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant, Route 61 in West Ashley, Ashley Phosphate and Dorchester in North Charleston all suffer tenaciously difficult traffic issues.
Rivers Avenue is an adventure and not one for the weak
Cooper River Bridge leaving downtown Charleston during rush hour can be a parking lot

Who is suffering from this traffic mayhem that seem to not have a simple answer?

The South Carolina drivers wallets and pocketbooks – It was announced this week that South Carolina is raising the gas tax in increments over several periods to support a new state highway funding bill. Beginning July 1, the gas tax will go up 2 cents up to a total of 12 cents a gallon.

Vehicle owners in the Lowcountry – We can isolate a location like the Westside, Spring Street, Cannon Street and so on, but for locals, the wear and tear on our vehicles is punishing due to cracks, potholes and construction. A few months ago, the Post and Courier ran an article indicating that the average area car owner spends nearly $1800 annually in car repairs due to poor roadways and flooding.

Local business owners – In the past, the Lowcountry has had issues with isolationism. Folks from James Island didn’t go to Mount Pleasant. Downtown residents didn’t go to West Ashley and so forth. In the last five years, that sentiment has grown stronger. A 10-mile journey can run you 40 minutes or more and that is forcing many to stay truly local. For small business owners who are fortunate to expand, they are opening multiple site locations throughout the Lowcountry, but for those that do not have the finances to expand, they are being pinched because they cannot get people from other communities to come and shop. This is forcing many to shut down or look to e-commerce to grow their business.

Law Enforcement – Charleston and Berkeley counties have amazing and dedicated men and women that work tirelessly to preserve our safety. With increases in accidents and more able bodies needed to support their efforts, state and local law enforcement are being taken away being visible in their communities.

Entire infrastructure of Charleston – Most of historic Charleston, SC is below sea level and we are surrounded in most directions by water and marsh. That is okay for walkers, and horse drawn carriages in our quaint historic town. Even from a strategic standpoint, this area was blessed during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars because it made it very difficult for enemies to penetrate land and easy to defend. Unfortunately, this area is not built for 45 new residents a day and 4.2 million tourists annually. You don’t need a Master’s Degree in Urban Development to see that.

Traffic truly is a sore subject here at home. Some don’t even venture out between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM or 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays or try to leave for the beaches after 11:00 AM on weekends. The results are “slow”.

The biggest fear, isn’t the inconvenience, increased gas prices or cost of vehicle maintenance, but that the future of the natural resources, the stability of the roadways and the safety of our citizens are in jeopardy.

Why It’s Not Too Late to Visit Charleston, SC This Spring

May 9, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Minta Pavliscsak

Sure, life gets busy and things tend to sneak up on us all. And if you are anything like my family was when I was growing up, traditionally vacation was taken during the summer months. I have a few reasons why you should break that tradition and come visit Charleston, South Carolina now while we are still enjoying spring time.

1. Smell the jessamine. This time of year it can be found stretching across gates, fences, and climbing trees all over the downtown area. Yellow jessamine is our state flower, and these fragrant yellow and white blooms add a certain element to the city that makes you want to stay outside a little longer and walk a little farther. *Jessamine is a poisonous flower that can be harmful to the touch and even more harmful if ingested, so please just enjoy the view!

2. What humidity? While some may argue with me on this, those of us who have lived here and know just how bad it gets later in the year, know that this time of year the weather is more than perfect. Of course there is bound to be a day here or there that that the humidity peaks, but for the most part we enjoy days in the mid 70’s and cool evenings. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

3. It’s shrimp season. Buying local is a way of life in Charleston. Our restaurants partner with our local shrimping boats to ensure patrons get the freshest seafood money can buy. We recently watched as a parade of Mt. Pleasant shrimp boats floated under the Ravenel Bridge to get blessed for the 2017 shrimping season. This tradition goes back to 1988 and shows the importance of our shrimping industry in the Lowcountry.

4. Tours galore. While late spring can still be busy, it is not quite as busy as early spring. This means even if you are only spending a day or two with us, you will likely not miss out on your favorite tour(s) of the city. There are more than plenty to choose from. Charleston offers everything from walking tours to bus tours to horse drawn carriage tours to boat tours, and even helicopter tours. These tours are great for anyone interested in the various aspects of the history of our fair city, the culinary, alcohol, ghost, and/or art enthusiast, those who enjoy architecture or taking pictures, or for anyone just looking for something fun and different to do.

5. Perfect plantation time. Do not forget to wander outside of downtown to go see the beautiful plantations around Charleston. There are quite a few options. In West Ashley, you will find Middleton Place, Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation. In Mt. Pleasant you will find Boone Hall Plantation, and in James Island there is McLeod Plantation.

6. The ships are coming in. The Tall Ships Charleston will be docked and ready for you to come aboard May 19th through 21st. It takes place at the Veterans Terminal Docks at the old Charleston Naval Shipyard. There will wooden boat show, family boat building, live music, vendors, and you can even pirate camp. You won’t want to miss this one!

7. Cocktails under the stars. Charleston has many rooftop bars to choose from. Each one has a unique view of the city and great signature cocktails. Enjoy the crisp evening air with good friends and while gazing across the night’s skyline. If you think the bridge looks beautiful during the day, wait until you see it at night.

8. Oh the festivals. This is the 40th year of Spoleto Festival USA. Piccolo Spoleto goes on during the same time. This year these music, arts, theatre, dance, poetry and more festivals run from May 26th through June 11th. Second Sundays on King continue as well as the First Friday Art Walks and multiple farmers markets. There is also the Greek Festival, the Charleston Beer Garden, and an Evening of Jazz Under the Stars to look forward to.

9. Warmer water without the beachy crowds. A day at the beach is relaxing and fun, but can be quickly ruined with long waits in traffic and overcrowding. Right now you can spend a perfect day at one of Charleston’s five beaches just the way it should be, stress free. Grab your sunscreen and a good book, and head out for a little R & R with your toes in the sand.

So why put off what you could be doing now? Look up your favorite hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast and book a stay for Charleston, SC this spring! We are looking forward to seeing you too!

Florence, SC Veterans Park – An Honored and Respected Tribute to our Military

May 8, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

On a rare occasion, you find a place ordained with honesty, emotion, respect and admiration. A place that pays tribute to those dedicated contributors who put their lives on the line to stand beside the flag of freedom. On this, our Memorial Day Weekend, we had a chance to take a solemn walk through the Florence Veterans Park and pay tribute to the branches of military and their continued dedication to the preservation of freedom.

The following pictures will paint a beautiful picture, but walking through this pristine park, we were honored to say this is a testimony to the commitment South Carolina places on the importance of military service and the honor it deserves.

To the City of Florence and all the people that made this park possible, thank you and for all those that have and continue to wear the uniform proud, we are indebted to you and your service.

If you have not visited this park, located just over two hours northwest of Charleston, we urge you to spend time here. This is a park that we would categorize in the level of some of the most cherished tribute parks in Washington, D.C.

Take a virtual walk with us through Florence Veterans Park

Sailor's Creed

To those that have served, we thank you.

Charleston Based Nectar Sunglasses Team Up with The Bee Cause to Help Repopulate Honeybee Hives

May 7, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

Press Release: Quality eyewear maker, Nectar Sunglasses is partnering with The Bee Cause to help repopulate honeybee hives. This stems from the concern in recent years about the rapid decrease in honeybee population in the United States and the rest of the world. In response, Nectar is donating a portion of each sunglasses order to The Bee Cause.

Quality eyewear maker, Nectar Sunglasses is partnering with The Bee Cause to help repopulate honeybee hives. This stems from the concern in recent years about the rapid decrease in honeybee population in the United States and the rest of the world. In response, Nectar is donating a portion of each sunglasses order to The Bee Cause.

The main aim of the partnership is to build 1,000 observational bee hives in schools around the world. Each new hive will house 10,000 bees and will help educate children on the importance of bees The hives will also allow them to safely investigate thriving bee communities. So far, the partnership has succeeded in repopulating over 430,000 bees.

As part of the campaign, Nectar Sunglasses have set up an ‘initiative’ page within their site, which contains an eye-catching infographic. The infographic specifically highlights the rapid decrease in the number of bee hives living in the United States. In 2015, there were only 2 million hives present in the US, compared to 4 million in 1975.

In addition, the infographic put together by Nectar Sunglasses contains an assortment of fascinating facts on the importance and effects of pollination by bees. These include the value of bee pollination to the U.S. economy, the fact that one third of the world’s food supply are reliant on bees for pollination, and that 75% of flowering plant species need a pollinator to reproduce. The campaign page also underlines the causes of honeybee decline.

What makes Nectar Sunglasses unique from the competition is that they make quality eyewear for less than $50. Founded by two friends in 2012, the company prides itself in breaking all the rules and offer products, which come in unique color combinations and styles made for risk takers, freethinkers, and those who want to experience true freedom.

Moreover, all sunglasses sold through Nectar’s site are made from durable polycarbonate material to make them sturdy and resist impact from any extreme activity. The products also feature Euphoric HD polarized lenses, which not only filters out harmful rays but also prevents the glare, which bounces off water and snow from hitting the eyes.

People can view Nectar’s unique range of sunglasses at www.nectarsunglasses.com

Contact Information:

461 A Fleming Rd

Charleston, SC 29412

(843) 795-0914

Website: http://www.nectarsunglasses.com

Charleston Parks Conservancy Selects First Artist for Art in the Parks Program

May 3, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

LAKE CITY / CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Parks Conservancy has awarded its first ArtFields exhibition prize. Artist Joseph Dreher of Decatur, Georgia, received the award at the conclusion of the event on Saturday in Lake City, S.C. ArtFields is an annual art exhibit and competition showcasing the work of artists around the Southeast.

Dreher’s submission at ArtFields was a 144-foot by 288-foot piece titled “Not a Mural Mural,” portrait stencils carved out of veneer plywood. He will receive a $5,000 cash prize from the Conservancy and will be invited to create a work of art to be displayed at a City of Charleston park later this year.

An architect, photographer and poet, Dreher describes himself as a “social artist.” He says, “My work is about celebrating people and community. I use a number of tools and media to create my work, including photography, murals, street art, wheatpaste, painting, sculpture, architecture, and poetry to name a few. People are my primary interest and it is my appreciation for people that informs so much of my creative work.”

The award is part of the Conservancy’s new Art in the Parks initiative, an effort to install temporary public art displays in Charleston city parks through collaborations with other arts organizations, including Artfields, the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and and the nonprofit Redux Contemporary Art Center. The Art in the Parks program also will offer educational opportunities and artist-led workshops for adults and children.

“As part of our mission to inspire Charlestonians to connect with their parks, we want to make contemporary art that is accessible to all of our citizens and provides another reason to visit the stunning parks that Charleston has to offer,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director.

The exhibition award was made possible by The Speedwell Foundation, Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Co., The Joanna Foundation and the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.

Founded in 2007 by philanthropist Darla Moore, the Conservancy is celebrating a decade of connecting people to their parks and creating stunning public spaces and strong communities throughout the City of Charleston.

Through a public-private partnership model, the Conservancy works with the city’s Parks Department as well as community leaders, neighborhoods and engaged citizens to transform and activate the city’s parks and green spaces. The Conservancy is currently working in 25 parks, including Colonial Lake, Allan Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Marion Square, and Medway Park.

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

Great Moscow Mule Recipes

May 1, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Moscow Mule is becoming a local favorite here in Charleston. There are a number of ways to bring this liquid pleasure to life. We wanted to share some great recipes to help you re-create this magic in the comfort of your own home.

Traditional Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces vodka
4-6 ounces ginger beer
Plenty of ice

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together, pour over ice and serve in a copper mug if possible.

Skinny Mule

Ingredients:

1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Lime wedges
2 ounces vodka
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Soda water
Ice

Directions:

Peel and grate the fresh ginger. Muddle with the lime juice and 1-3 wedges of lime.
Stir in the vodka and serve over ice.
Top off with sparkling water. Garnish with lime.

Summer Mule

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Fresh berries (about 4-6 per drink)
2 ounces vodka
3 ounces ginger beer
Soda water
Ice

Directions:

Muddle the berries with the lime juice. (I used blackberries and raspberries, but I’ve also made this with strawberries and blueberries; just use whatever you’ve got on hand or whichever fruits seem the ripest.) The berries should break down quickly as you muddle them creating a syrup-like texture.
Add the ginger beer and vodka.
Pour over ice and top off with sparkling water.

Spicy Mule

Ingredients:

Jalapeño pepper (1 makes about 6 drinks)
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
2 ounces vodka
Ice

Directions:

Thinly slice the jalapeno and muddle a few slices with the lime juice and orange liqueur.
Stir in the vodka and ginger beer. Serve over ice.

Long Island Mule

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
3 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce light rum (coconut rum like Malibu is delicious in this drink)
1/2 ounce tequila
Lots of ice

Directions:

Stir together all the ingredients and serve over ice. (I like to use lots of ice to mellow out all the alcohol.)

Cheers

Photography

GALLERY: Waking Up to a Lowcountry Miracle

April 29, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

What were you doing at 6:30 AM this morning?

I imagine most of you were in dream land fast asleep comfortably under your sheets and comforters. While most of the Lowcountry was sleeping, a few of us witnessed another beautiful miracle; a Charleston sunrise. Like a cinematic IMAX in the sky, the minute by minute reel was filled with colors, depth and warmth.

A Lowcountry sunrise is a gift we are blessed with most mornings.

For those that could not witness this remarkable dawn, we were able to capture and share with you all.

Enjoy this morning’s sunrise

Photo Credit: Mark A. Leon

The Blackbaud Institute Uncovers Proven Strategies for Successful Monthly Giving Programs

April 29, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

This new Blackbaud Institute report provides research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program. (PRNewsfoto/Blackbaud)

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklyinc.com

SOURCE Blackbaud

New study provides research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced the availability of a new report, “Sustainers in Focus Part 2: Proven Practices for Success,” featuring research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program. This highly-anticipated second installment of the Sustainers in Focus series released by the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact shares strategies that have been proven to produce significant results for social good organizations based on rigorous research and analysis.

“Until now the sector has only had anecdotal evidence about what might work to make a program successful, but this study explores variances in sustainer program returns across different organizations in different sub-sectors to determine the true research-backed best practices that have worked for real organizations,” said Chuck Longfield, Blackbaud’s chief scientist. “These are proven practices, not just advice that might work, that are shared in a clear, concise way to provide an easy-to-follow roadmap to success. They can be broadly applied and repeated to increase sustainer program performance across the entire sector.”

In Part 1 of the series, “Sustainers in Focus: Uncovering the Value of Retained Revenue,” the Blackbaud Institute concentrated on showing the financial justification for sustainer giving as a strategic approach to building donor base stability and maximizing value. Part 2 documents the best practices for increasing sustainer program performance across the nonprofit sector.

Six Proven Practices Uncovered by Blackbaud’s Sustainers in Focus Part 2 Report

Ask new donors to give on a monthly basis.
Convert multi-year, single donors to sustainers.
Make monthly giving the website default.
Use a credit card updater service and update invalid credit card data.
Encourage donors to use electronic funds transfer.
Steward your sustainers.

“I have been building monthly giving programs for more than 35 years. Monthly giving programs remain one of the best ways for nonprofits to dramatically increase the lifetime value of their average donor,” said Harvey McKinnon, author of the report’s foreword and best-seller Hidden Gold. “In this report, you’ll see the practical strategies that can actually lead organizations to build a thriving monthly donor program…Its research-backed findings provide a proven recipe for success… If you, like me, are always searching for the most effective and efficient fundraising strategies, you’ll find Sustainers in Focus Parts 1 & 2 are invaluable companions.”

For more information about the Blackbaud Institute, visit www.blackbaudinstitute.com. To read the full findings on research-based best practices for sustained giving programs, download the report at www.blackbaudinstitute.com/sustainers.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community-nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions, and individual change agents-Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments, analytics, school management, grant management, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

About the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact
The Blackbaud Institute drives research and insight to accelerate the impact of the social good community. It convenes expert partners from across the philanthropic sector to foster diverse perspectives, collective thinking, and collaborative solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. Using the most comprehensive data set in the social good community, the Blackbaud Institute and its partners conduct research, uncover strategic insight, and share results broadly, all in order to drive effective philanthropy at every stage, from fundraising to outcomes. Knowledge is powering the future of social good, and the Blackbaud Institute is an engine of that progress. Learn more, sign up for updates, and check out our latest resources at www.blackbaudinstitute.com.

Media Contact
Nicole McGougan
Public Relations
843-654-3307
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

Power your passion

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-blackbaud-institute-uncovers-proven-strategies-for-successful-monthly-giving-programs-300448000.html