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.
We see love all around in many ways in Charleston. Some simple; while others grand. We reached out and asked you what love is to you through imagery because a picture says a thousand words. Let us take you on a short journey with millions of words unspoken, but speaking volumes.
To the lovers, families, friends and strangers who find love all around Charleston, this is for you.
Camie and Shawn sharing a sweet kiss
Love is being with your high school and college sweetheart and having every day still feel like the day you met.
Jessica and Matthew Hastings
Love is honoring your special someone and dedicating your life to protecting the freedoms of America.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is sharing a kiss with the backdrop of an infinite ocean and feeling like you are the only two people on Earth.
Photography provided by Roger Kirby
Love is sharing a kiss in a place where couples have walked for 350 years.
Christina and Tom
Love is putting your feet up, toe to toe and watching the day pass your by.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is mysterious.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is playful.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is adventurous.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is looking into each others eyes and knowing nothing else matters.
Camie and Shawn
Love is knowing you will hold each other up no matter how bad things ever get.
Christina and Tom
Love is bigger than mountains.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is sharing a soft gentle kiss surrounded by a gorgeous historic and romantic setting.
Photography by Roger Kirby
Love is beginning and ending each day together.
Minta and Mark
Love is staying in bed much longer than you need to together.
Adrienne and John
Love is knowing you can raise a family in an amazing community.
Love is all around Charleston!!!
Thank you to the generosity of all those that contributed to making this possible.
On January 5, President Obama discussed executive actions on gun control. It was a noble act and in light of one of the most violent and deadliest years the United States has seen (outside of Civil War), it makes sense from the framework of a political mind. In fact, on December 25 (Christmas), there were 27 gun related homicides (not including suicide) which was more than eight combined countries around the world for all of 2015. In Charleston, it will be a long time before we every forget the Walter Scott incident and the devastating Emanuel AME shootings.
The issue is simple: These are just words on a piece of paper hidden behind the walls of a historic building with very little chance of leading to positive change. I know that is a rather negative statement, but what we are witnessing is a political response. When we have a tragic event, someone or something must answer and take responsibility and that is guns.
We are just brushing one thing under the rug but ignoring so many other key elements of the problem.
Let us take a look at other factors that need critical attention:
With population increase, there are volume increases in sub-groups within a population. As federal and state funding decreases, some groups do not have the resources, shelters and often go undiagnosed. That is the population of mentally ill. As there are struggles to have institutions to house these individuals and health care cost concerns that result in so many going undiagnosed, we have a national issue of mental illness that needs immediate attention and resolution.
Social media has created a culture of immediacy, laziness, emotional disconnect, public forum without thought, process and due diligence and accessibility. With the lines of global communication open, digital addictions, forced agendas and opinions and a general human disconnect, we are shut down from emotional connection and fragile to brain washing.
The millennials are the “second” generation to fall pray to the social kidnapping that is creating a society of followers that are weakened by economic turmoil, lack of jobs, violence, overcrowding and hatred. The parents were the first to begin with Farmville and end with the celebration of the Ku Klux Klan and Donald Trump. Without strong parenting role models, our children have little hope.
Wage disparity. The gap between the extreme rich and much higher majority in the poverty category has always been a part of the US infrastructure. Now we are at the worst levels in over half a century and the gap is getting larger. Money is the root of evil for many. When 1% can buy 50% of the people, you will get backlash.
Education issues. Ignorance is bliss. Are there still schools and parents that believe blacks should still be slaves, rednecks shouldn’t date their family and financial institutions and politicians are greedy agenda driven thieves. Yes. They are still pushing these narrow minded appeals on today’s youth. Also, the quality of education is driving the US down in science and mathematics and make it difficult to compete for some of the most competitive careers as well.
Finally, apathy. We are walking around like zombies (thus the popularity of the shows) without feeling, without emotion and most importantly without the need to feel responsibility for our own actions.
Maybe we need to look at all the factors and develop, not just legislation but examples of positive change not just for the good of our home, but the future of our planet.
How does the state of South Carolina rank in health and wellness measures? Let us take a look at some of the most recent national data.
We don’t recommend reading this article if you are at McDonald’s, Arby’s, Dunkin Donuts, Taco Bell or any of the other lobbyists for cholesterol or anti-wellness campaigning.
These and many other eateries along with our lifestyle are contributing to a realization that we have some maturing to do when it comes to wellness and health.
Before we begin, let us dissect some of our recent breakfast choices:
Large Frozen Coolatta with cream at Dunkin Donuts – 800 Calories / 47 Grams of Fat / 160 MG of Cholesterol
Snickerdoodle Croissant Donut at Dunkin Donuts – 420 Calories / 19 Grams of Fat / 25 MG of Cholesterol
Steak, Egg and Cheese Bagel at McDonald’s – 650 Calories / 33 Grams of Fat / 285 MG of Cholesterol
McCafe Large White Hot Chocolate at McDonald’s – 520 Calories / 19 Grams of Fat / 60 MG of Cholesterol
Breakfast Crunch Wrap – Sausage at Taco Bell – 710 Calories / 47 Grams of Fat / 135 MG of Cholesterol
Grande Scrambler Burrito – Sausage at Taco Bell – 690 Calories / 39 Grams of Fat / 200 MG of Cholesterol
Back to the discussion at hand, the health of South Carolina. South Carolina current ranks at 42nd in the nation or the bottom 16% according to Americas Health Rankings.
South Carolina fares better among seniors ranking at 36th in the United States.
Ranking Category Breakdowns:
Since 1990, South Carolina’s lowest overall ranking has been 41 and highest 48
Violent Crime Ranking – 45th
Rate and Amount of Smoking – 43rd
Obesity – 41st
High School Graduation Rates – 36th
Excessive Drinking – 11th
Diabetes – 43rd
Children in Poverty – 33rd
Cancer Deaths – 38th
Air Pollution – 29th
Infectious Disease – 44th
Some key successes for health in the state are high immunization among children and low levels of excessive drinking. Our challenge areas are high violence, high levels of smoking and immunizations among adolescents and adults.
There are annual reports that monitor a number of key indicators of the quality of education in the United States broken down by state. Over the last several years, there has been criticism that South Carolina has a poor quality of education and the results have supported that. We looked at two key tracking providers and have some shocking information to report.
South Carolina has 87 school districts, 227 high schools, 13,215 full time teachers and 212,560 enrolled students (16.1 students per teacher in the state).
The 2014 “School System Quality Ranking” for South Carolina was 47th.
The 2014 “School Safety Ranking” for South Carolina was 24th.
Overall ranking of the school systems puts South Carolina at 45th in the nation.
South Carolina graduations rates for children with disabilities
2010-11 – 39%
2011-12 – 40%
2012-13 – 43.2%
ALEC looks at a different set of measurable criteria with a focus on performance and academic gains of low-income students:
There measurable criteria includes:
State academic standards
School choice programs
Teacher quality
Online learning
Home school regulation burdens
Based on all these criteria, the NAEP – National Assessment of Educational Progress ranks South Carolina 51st (last) in the United States for low-income students education.
Category Rankings
State Academic Standards – D+
Home School Regulations Burden – C
Private School Choice Programs – B
Teacher Quality and Policies – C-
Digital Learning – C
Performance Results for Low-income students in South Carolina
NAEP Schools – 2003 / 2013 Comparisons
School System Ranking vs. spending
If this concerns you, we need to speak to our local and state politicians, school officials and town/school meetings. Speak loudly and be heard.
Reports have been circulating over the last few days that 2015 was one of the most violent years in the tri-county area in a decade with 77 homicides recorded. With national attention beaming over us as a result of the Walter Scott shooting and the EmanuelAME massacre, this is a topic that has become very personal for all of us.
Let us rewind a few months to July, 2015 when a report came out that listed South Carolina as the #1 state in the US for deadly violence against women.
There are a few details you should know about this ranking:
2.32 women killed by men for every 100,000 residents according to the Violence Policy Center
This figure is more than twice the national average
The previous year, South Carolina ranked second
South Carolina has been in the top ten worst ranking for 18 straight years
Now let us look at the tri-county area of Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties. This year we had 77 recorded homicides.
Statistics provided by the Post and Courier Database
Since 2001, only three years saw annual homicide numbers over 70 with 2006 and 2015 equally the deadliest years. In 2015, 88% of the homicides were accomplished with the use of guns.
Let us look beyond the numbers at other violent and heinous acts:
We can analyze the statistics and begin a long heated debate on gun control, mental illness, racism or diverse population growth, but when you look beyond the numbers and see the horrible acts being committed, it is time we look to ourselves, our political leadership and begin to have the right conversations. Ones that result in positive progress so that we begin to take the right steps to move away from the violence, hate and death.
Garbage and waste have its place in society, but it isn’t covering our hallowed streets and sidewalks. For years, we have witnessed a flurry of trash on my streets, sidewalks, corners and parks. It is a problem that so few seem to want to address. We are the victims and the culprits of this growing concern by contributing or not taking action to remove.
Is it the fault of the trash collectors for dropping trash out of the bins while collecting, the students for dropping cans and bottles without regard for cleanliness or the tourists who only see this place as only a stopping point? The answer is simple: It doesn’t matter. We all have a responsibility and we are ignoring it.
We tend to take for granted that some parts of Charleston have fallen from grace and the accumulation of trash is just a part of the neighborhood, but I tested the grounds on a five square block radius between Smith Street and St. Philips and Calhoun and Bee Street. This is a a central part of the peninsula and the heart of the College of Charleston campus.
Late December is traditionally a slower period of the year. We are out of tourist season and the students are out of session. This did not stop the insulting views I had to witness. In front of the Addlestone Library bears a plaque that states this is a non-smoking campus. Two feet behind the sign was a cigarette box and four cigarette butts. Around the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, I counted 30 cigarettes on the sidewalk.
Walk with me and see this pictorial recollection of my walk through the heart of the Charleston peninsula.
What I saw is not consistent with the awards we have received over the last several years. I am not presenting a research or analysis report on the state of the union, but it does not take a data scientist to see that the increase in volume of tourism, added traffic issues, residential growth and elevated construction are collectively leading us down a path we will not easily be able to return from.
This is only a fraction of the images captured to relay the message that action must be taken.
We have many options that we can take, but why aren’t we? Why not:
Impose stricter littering regulations and enforce the laws.
Developing a disciplined community clean up program
Provide more education to local students and residents
Remind tourists of the importance of cleanliness for the ecosystem, natural beauty and all life that resides in the community.
We have an opportunity to reverse this situation, but at the rate of growth we are witnessing, if we do not act soon, we will accept walking in garbage as a way of life in Charleston.
Annually on January 1, the United States Census Bureau releases the population growth tables from July 1 – July 1. – Schedule of Data Releases
The data for July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015 tell us some significant information, specifically about our state of South Carolina. Here are some important facts you should know about the latest census data and how South Carolina falls into the mix.
United States population growth from July 1, 2014 – July 1, 2015 – 318,857,056 to 321,418,820 (0.008% increase)
Top growth states by percentage of raw population increase:
Texas – 490,036 (27,469,144 – 26,979,078)
Florida – 365,703 (20,271,271 – 19,905,569)
California – 352,527 (39,144,818 – 38,792,291)
Georgia – 117,728 (10,214,860 – 10,097,132)
Washington – 107, 185 (7,170,351 – 7,063,166)
North Carolina – 102,415 (10,042,802 – 9,940,387)
Colorado – 100,986 (5,456,574 – 5,355,588)
Arizona – 99,282 (6,828,065 – 4,846,411)
South Carolina – 66,986 (4,869,146 – 4,829,160) – 9th
Oregon – 57,775 (4,028,977 – 3,971,202)
Top growth states by percentage of increase – July 1, 2014 – July 1, 2015:
North Dakota – 2.3%
Colorado – 1.9%
Nevada – 1.9%
Florida – 1.8%
Texas – 1.8%
Utah – 1.7%
Washington – 1.5%
Arizona – 1.5%
Oregon – 1.5%
South Carolina – 1.4% (12th)
South Carolina is ranked as 23rd largest state, up from 24 in 2014
South Carolina population increase since 2010 Census data:
2010 – 4,635,894
2011 – 4,672,733 (0.00795%)
2012 – 4,721,341 (0.01040%)
2013 – 4,768,498 (0.00999%)
2014 – 4,829,160 (0.012721%)
2015 – 4,896,146 (0.013871%)
Overall, South Carolina is ranked 9th in overall population increase and 12th in percentage in the last census tracking year. Overall increase of 260,252 since 2010 census count (5.6% increase).
To further breakdown the source, migration from out of state has a substantially higher impact in the last year than natural growth based on birth.
Annually Movoto Real Estate Blog compiles a list of the most patriotic states based on a number of criteria:
Number of National Historic Landmarks per capita
Veterans per capita
Amount of money spent to fund Veterans programs and needs
Percentage of eligible voters that voted in the last national election
People that Google / Search for American Flags
People/Residents that list America as an interest on Facebook
This diversified set of criteria and our ability to compile analytics with so much available public data allowed for this ranking to be compiled. When the numbers were tallied and averaged, the number one most patriotic state in the United States was our home, South Carolina.
We are very proud to lead the country in level of patriotism and pride in our nation. Thank you from coast to inland to all the residents that proudly display the flag and hold America close to their hearts.
“We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.” – Charlie Chaplin
Maybe it is the time of year or the nature of our warm Charleston culture, but giving back to the community and touching the lives of others is a feeling unlike any other. It brings life to an empty soul and revitalizes our compassion. Random acts of kindness are all around us from holding a door open, to giving spare change. We are all part of a continuous cycle of giving back; and part of the gift we call humanity.
Perhaps some of you are wondering how you can be a part of this wave of goodness. Here are a few ideas that you may want to consider.
Go to MUSC, Roper St. Francis or any of the other medical facilities in the Lowcountry and ask if there are any patients alone this holiday season that could use company. Sit with them, listen to their stories, hold their hand and remind them that there are people out there that care and none of us should ever be alone.
Remind your postal officer how important their job is and how much you appreciate them coming to you every day. Leave them a nice thank you card and/or a small box of chocolates/candy to show you gratitude for their incredible dedication. I know we don’t see much “snow” or”sleet”, but they are out there every day for us.
Visit the tent city with a bag of supplies for our homeless. It doesn’t take a lot of money to bring some much needed supplies or a hot meal. You can even go the extra mile and sit down for a while. Spend a little time and get to know your neighbors. It is going to be almost 80 degrees out. Perfect time to be outside.
Buy a smoothie or coffee drink for a local police officer. 2015 in Charleston has been nothing short of frightening for so many local residents and our local law enforcement professionals are putting their lives at risk to ensure our safety. We live in a community where our children can play openly and we can feel comfortable saying hello to strangers. These men and women in uniform don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Walk up to a police officer, thank them for their service and offer to buy them a nice cold smoothie or coffee drink.
Be a Fields to Families Volunteer. Each year volunteers from all over the Lowcountry spend one day a weekend picking local fruits and vegetables from area farms and giving it to families that cannot afford food. Over 80,000 pounds of produce are distributed to local families a year. Adults and children work together in the fields, establishing bonds and doing and incredible gesture for the community; now that is Charleston.
If you have a genuine love for animals, Pet Helpers is always looking for caring volunteers in a number of areas. From cleaning cages to walking dogs, to adoptions services, Pet Helpers has committed itself to finding loving homes for our four-legged friends. Once you look into the eyes of these beautiful cats and dogs, you may never want to leave.
For of us that give throughout the year, thank you for all you do.
“This hateful person came to this community with some crazy idea that he would be able to divide, and all he did was make us more united, and love each other even more.” – Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley
Emanuel AME Shooting – Charleston is a city that has fought for decades to destroy the racial tensions that have divided this city and region. On the evening of June 17, 2015, this city took a giant step backward in our pursuit of unification and community acceptance when one man executed an act so heinous, without regard for human life that the entire world took notice. For the Summer of 2015, Charleston became the center of gun control and racial tension. In the heart of darkness, we found each other. Without regard of background or race, we bound together to show the world we will overcome and remain Charleston Strong. As the media built cases for gun control, dissected the mind of this killer and looked for answers to how this could happen, Charleston become a city that stood hand in hand and showed the power that love has over terror.
Surviving the flood
1000 Year Flood – The weekend of October 3, shook Charleston and South Carolina. A wave of rain that for many was unprecedented took control of our area and left us captive in our homes. For thousands, their homes stood nearly underwater. Property lost, memories destroyed, waves at record levels and no answers that could put so many at ease. With around the clock news coverage, volunteers in every city and town, and post event relief efforts from all around the country, we all lived through a moment of weakness, where once again, we were forced to rebuild; property and lives. Marshes became oceans, neighborhoods became lakes and for many, the only option was to wait and pray.
Walter Scott Shooting – On April 4, 2015, Walter Scott, a black suspect was shot and killed by North Charleston Patrolman 1st Class Michael Thomas Slager, a white police officer. What made this event so spectacular is that it was captured on video and what was witnessed was a scared man brutally shot to death. A picture tells a thousand words, a video a million. No one will know exactly what all the circumstances were that led to this merciless death. In the spring of 2015, Charleston was center of national media attention, highlighting the evident racial concerns that still brew in this area. This event happened just days before the 150th anniversary of the end of the US Civil War.
Caitlyn The Dog – Just named by People Magazine as the Best Survival Story of 2015, Caitlyn become the post dog for animal cruelty prevention and awareness. Her story and the images of her treatment sent shivers down our spines and had the entire country routing for one precious dog. After many successful surgeries and a new and loving home, Caitlyn, runs and barks and shows incredible love and compassion for all that come to meet her.
Caitlyn is happy overlooking the water
Mayor Riley Steps Down As Mayor of Charleston – After 40 years as mayor and 47 years as a public servant in South Carolina, the honorable Joseph Riley Jr. will relinquish his seat to a new face and administration. Mayor Riley is an icon of impenetrable valor admired and respected throughout the Charleston community, the Democratic Party and the country. His legacy as the sixteenth longest running mayor in US History will carry on for generations to come.
Off Duty Night Shift Supervisor Lt. Will Rogers Shot in Moncks Corner – On May 14, 2015, an incident happened at an Exxon Station in Moncks Corner. Off duty police officer Will Rogers, in an attempt to talk down the assailant, and was shot several times in the head. After extensive surgery and physical therapy at MUSC, Mr, Rogers is recovering from the incident.
Citadel students image from Facebook
Citadel Students Dressed as Ku Klux Klan Sing Christmas Carols – Eight Citadel Students have been suspended and chants for the presidential dismissal are lingering in the air over images found on Facebook of Citadel Students singing Christmas carols in what appears to be Ku Klux Klan attire. This unprecedented event coming from one of the most respected public schools in the South, the alma mater of Mayor Riley and a city that has been scars from racial wounds throughout the year sent shivers through Charleston as the year came to a close.
Charleston Mayoral Election – Not since 1975, will the city of Charleston see a mayor other than Joseph Riley Jr. By Election Day of 2015, six honorable men and women stood, each representing a passion for Charleston and an agenda for change. By the end of the evening on Tuesday, November 3, we still did not have a decisive winner. With no one candidate receiving 50% of the popular vote, a vote-off would ensue two weeks later and the two remaining candidates would go head to head for this heralded seat. Leon Stavrinakas and John Tecklenburg would remain. After two weeks and two elections, John Tecklenburg stands alone as the Mayor-elect for Charleston, South Carolina.
Lost and defeated
The Citadel Defeats the University of South Carolina Gamecocks – As you looked at the proud faces of the young men that had just beaten the South Carolina Gamecocks, a once powerhouse of the SEC, you would think you were looking at a group of ten year old boys that just cracked a 100 pound piñata of candy. Their excitement as they danced in Columbia was a site to see. It was the reward of hard work, believing and a family spirit that led to this victory. On November 21, 2015, as the last second rang off that clock, the final score read, The Citadel 23 – USC 22 and for the first time in twenty-five years, the baby blue of The Citadel was the victor.
Unexpected Tornado Invades Johns Island – On September 25, 2015, an EF-2 tornado rolled through Johns Island leaving a devastating aftermath. Between 70 and 80 homes received damage from the event that sent shocked waves to the residents of this area. “When the [tornado] started roaring, it was absolutely terrifying,” John Bercik, a Sonny Boy Lane resident told Live 5 News. Fortunately, no lives were lost and the American Red Cross joined forces with local authorities to help families through this tragic natural disaster.
by 
The millennials are the “second” generation to fall pray to the social kidnapping that is creating a society of followers that are weakened by economic turmoil, lack of jobs, violence, overcrowding and hatred. The parents were the first to begin with Farmville and end with the celebration of the Ku Klux Klan and Donald Trump. Without strong parenting role models, our children have little hope.
