Interested in donating? The Town of Mount Pleasant have several donation programs available

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Interested in Making a Donation?  The Town of Mount Pleasant has several donation programs:

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The Wayne Magwood Fishermen’s Memorial Statue Donation Program

Welcome to the Wayne Magwood Fishermen’s Memorial Statue Donation Page. The Fishermen’s Memorial Statue will be dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the rich maritime heritage of fishermen, past and present, who have called Mount Pleasant home. The recent and untimely passing of Captain Wayne Magwood has brought forth the need to commemorate and celebrate the shrimping lifestyle and culture that is an integral part of the fabric of Mount Pleasant. Your donation will not only help recognize the investment, dedication and sacrifices the shrimping fleet has made to preserve a culture at the heart of Mount Pleasant, but it will recognize an iconic shrimping family synonymous with Shem Creek.

Captain Wayne Magwood and his father Captain Clarence Magwood, Jr.  fished the Lowcountry waters for over 100 years. Their lifetime dedication to the community they served brought them and the many people they helped and mentored much joy. Captain Wayne Magwood’s daughters Tressy Magwood Mellichamp, Jennifer Magwood Ray, Tara Magwood and Melissa Magwood, in partnership with the Town of Mount Pleasant, are raising funds to erect a statue in the likeness of Captain Wayne Magwood to be housed on the Magwood Boardwalk on Shem Creek to honor their father and the local maritime industry. 

Your donation to the Fishermen’s Memorial Statue at the Shem Creek Pedestrian Bridge is much appreciated and will help recognize the Mount Pleasant fishing fleet and preserve its rich maritime history. All donations are tax deductible. 

Donations may be submitted through the Town’s GoFundMe page.

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The Mount Pleasant Cultural Arts Center Donation Program

From music to art to theater to sweetgrass basket making and beyond, Cultural Arts are an integral part of the fabric of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The Town of Mount Pleasant and Town Council are seeking ways to further support our cultural arts community through the construction of a Cultural Arts Center. A Cultural Arts Center donation page has established an initial goal of one million dollars to support this effort through public/ private partnerships. It was kicked off with a generous donation of $20,000 from Davis & Floyd. Join us in fundraising for the Cultural Arts Center.  Your tax deductible donation will have a big impact in making this wonderful addition to our art community a reality.

Donations may be submitted through the Town’s GoFundMe page.

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The Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial Program

The Town of Mount Pleasant has adopted a Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial program. The program enables interested families, organizations and businesses wishing to make a monetary donation toward a lasting memory of a loved one or in name of your organization or business possible. Donations will be used toward bi-annual landscaping improvements at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park or Mount Pleasant Town Hall. The specific landscaping improvements will be determined by the Public Services Department and all donors will be sent a photo of the landscaping improvements once installed.

Donations may be submitted through the Town’s GoFundMe page.

Meet Roxanne, Outreach Coordinator at One80 in Charleston, SC – Learn about her beautiful story

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“In 1984, community leaders came together to start a shelter to help the growing number of people who were homeless. 37 years later, what started as a small effort to address an emergency need grew to be largest provider of homelessness services in Charleston. While we are bigger than we used to be, we are local, regionally focused, and cater to our clients one person at a time, one family at a time.” – One80 Place

“It takes a lot to walk through the door. It takes a lot to ask for help. It takes a lot to take the help” – Roxanne

Meet Roxanne and learn more about her journey


Meet Pamela and her family – One80 Place – A Story of Hope

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“In 1984, community leaders came together to start a shelter to help the growing number of people who were homeless. 37 years later, what started as a small effort to address an emergency need grew to be largest provider of homelessness services in Charleston. While we are bigger than we used to be, we are local, regionally focused, and cater to our clients one person at a time, one family at a time.”One80 Place

Charleston Friends of the Library welcomes Nulani Bennett as new Operations Manager

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The Charleston Friends of the Library is thrilled to welcome Nulani Bennett as the new Operations Manager for the non-profit ahead of the 39th Annual That BIG Book Saletaking place May 28-30, 2021!

As a young professional, Nulani has seven years of non-profit experience and is known for maximizing operations’ potential and building strong relationships in the community. She most recently served as the YEP! Director at Lowcountry Orphan Relief where she provided programs and services for the young adult population in foster care. Before that, she worked as a Career Development Trainer at Palmetto Goodwill where she was responsible for new hire orientation, and the start-up of the Hospitality and Culinary Kick-Start programs. Nulani is a Charleston native who grew up in West Ashley. She has always had a love and passion to help the very same community that helped shape and mold her into the young professional she is today.

“I am humbled and elated to join CFOL. I am looking forward to continuing to grow and connect with the community that continues to support FOL and the love for our libraries,” says Nulani. When she is not working, you can find her with her family, traveling to new and exciting places.

One Region Roadmap: Opportunities for All Aims to Guide Tri-County Through Recovery, Into Prosperity — and Beyond

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BCDCOG, Charleston Metro Chamber, CRDA and more partner to lead comprehensive economic recovery and resiliency plan focused on real change.

North Charleston, SC — The most comprehensive partnership of business, government, academic, nonprofit and community leaders in our region’s history today announced the launch of One Region Roadmap: Opportunities for All. The Roadmap is an economic recovery and resiliency plan that will define a healthy greater Charleston while offering real solutions, implementable actions and measurable results.

The effort is supported by a broad array of stakeholders from across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, and will be guided by public input. The plan — built on action and outcomes — will also outline a pathway to economic security, stability and opportunities for all in our region.

“This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to work together to address deeply rooted and systemic problems,  while developing both short-term and long-term regional priorities,” said Dr. Kendra Stewart, One Region Chair and Director of the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston. “Public input is critical in creating the most comprehensive plan our region has ever seen.  Each of us is responsible for moving our community forward,” she added.

One Region Roadmap: Opportunities for All is the next evolution of the One Region Strategy launched in 2016. It begins a new strategic planning and public input process, providing a broad platform for the community to address economic challenges old and new — and to prepare for adversities yet to come. The plan should be completed by February 2022.

“One Region Roadmap builds upon the previous five-year global competitiveness strategy and its core values, and will serve as a blueprint for continuing the economic momentum our region has built over the last 10 years, while eliminating disparities and creating opportunities for all residents to thrive,” said David Ginn, CRDA President & CEO.

The effort is led by One Region stakeholders including BCDCOG, Charleston Metro Chamber, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and the public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors of our community. 

SB Friedman Development Advisors has been retained to lead the development of the Roadmap. The firm, which has previous and ongoing experience in the region, is renowned nationally for its analytical, strategic and financial consulting services in support of complex, high-impact development projects.

One Region Roadmap is possible thanks to a $400,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant secured by BCDCOG, with additional support from partner agencies. 

“This partnership is built on the shared desire of the public and private sectors to make our region stronger and more resilient when facing major disruptions such as the global pandemic, and addressing long-standing challenges such as those related to inequality,” said BCDCOG Executive Director Ron Mitchum.

One Region Roadmap will identify barriers to expanding our regional economy and providing residents with opportunities for economic mobility. 

The ultimate success of One Region Roadmap lies in its ability to create real change. 

“This plan will provide an intentional focus on equity and economic mobility, creating implementable action items to ensure our region offers all residents the opportunity to live, learn and earn,” said Charleston Metro Chamber President and CEO Bryan Derreberry.

The One Region Roadmap effort kicked off today with a community-based, 500-invitee, virtual focus group. Multiple engagement opportunities will be available for the entire community through the end of 2021, including a survey this summer and public meeting in the fall.

For more information, please visit OneRegionRoadmap.com.

West Ashley Restaurant “Spanglish” is now “Patois”

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Spanglish Cocina + Bar located in West Ashley at 652 St. Andrews Blvd, an up-and-coming neighborhood, has unveiled a new concept – Patois. Charleston’s newest pan-Caribbean restaurant, Patois, introduces diners to an array of diverse, colorful and refreshingly minimalistic dishes, showcasing the best flavors spanning from the West Indies to Mexico. Under new ownership, employees of the restaurant are excited about new changes and new possibilities. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to share our concept of simple, ingredient driven cuisine influenced by the agricultural heritage shared with the various lands surrounding the Caribbean sea,” says Chef Mike Fitzhugh. As the previous Chef de Cuisine of Spanglish, Chef Mike says there is growing support for the restaurant’s new direction. “We have received substantial support from the community already and look forward to showcasing our simple yet sophisticated cuisine to our guests.” 

Chef Mike has finalized his mouth-watering lunch menu, now available for dine-in (inside or on al fresco on Patios’ patio) and delivery via UberEats. Guests can enjoy lunch favorites like Tomato Salad with avocado mousse, fresh cheese, and pistou, Cuban Sandwiches; and Chicken Torta with red chiles, maduros, and black bean spread, all inspired by Chef Mike’s travels around the globe.

Patois’ Chef’s Dinner menu features the choice of an appetizer, entrée and side for $35. Diners can savor starters like Pork Belly with agave, citrus and herbs; and Shrimp Ceviche with leche de tigre, onion and radish; alongside delicious entrées like Merlot Steak with charred onions, red chimichurri and arugula. Savory sides feature the freshest Lowcountry produce to create dishes like Roasted Carrots Escabeche with chermoula and yogurt, and Sea Island Red Peas Sofrito – to name a few. 

During the transition period from Spanglish to Patois, guests will receive a complimentary cookie from WildFlour Pastry, who will provide many of the restaurant’s delectable baked goods and desserts. 

Patois is BYOB, allowing diners to bring their favorite wine and beer to drink alongside their meal for no additional fee. Non-alcoholic beer will be available, along with a selection of exciting Patois mocktails – coming soon. As part of the rebranding effort and commitment to community support, the restaurant recently purchased fine china from ReTail, a resale store that sells a variety of furniture, appliances and decorative items, and donates 100% of all proceeds to Pet Helpers.

Patois is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and 4:30-9:00 p.m.

More information and menus can be found at https://www.patoischs.com/

“Apron” section of the Folly Beach Pier reopens while remainder of the pier continues reconstruction

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[FOLLY BEACH] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is pleased to announce that the newly rebuilt “apron” section of the Folly Beach Pier has reopened to the public. This portion of the pier structure includes the gift shop, observation deck, restrooms, showers and beach access. The rest of the Folly Beach Pier will remain closed through Spring 2023, while it undergoes a complete reconstruction project. Guests to the pier can now visit the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop, which will offer limited food service, including ice cream, and bait for sale for surf fishing.

Fishing off the pier is not available.

Guests can now also access the pier’s restrooms, showers and changing stations, as well as its observation deck and beach access. These amenities are open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. A portion of the Folly Beach Pier parking lot – about 30 spaces – is also now open for visitors. Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, carpool when possible, and expect delays entering the parking lot.  

The Pier 101 Restaurant and bar is currently closed and is expected to reopen in Spring 2022. The remainder of the Folly Beach Pier, including the pier walkway itself, remains closed during construction and is not expected to reopen until Spring 2023. 

Lifeguards are not currently on duty on the beach surrounding the Folly Beach Pier.

Starting May 29, the area will be lifeguarded on weekends only from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Starting June 21 through mid-August, lifeguards will be on duty daily. 

Standard vehicle parking fees at the Folly Beach Pier during the summer season (May through Labor Day) are $10 Monday-Friday and $15 Saturday-Sunday and select holidays. Folly Beach Pier parking is no longer a Gold Pass benefit as of December 2020. Guests who purchased their Gold Passes prior to Nov. 30, 2020 may still use them to access the Folly Beach Pier parking lot until their Gold Pass expires. CCPRC is replacing the Folly Beach Pier with a new pier that will provide unobstructed views of the ocean, modern improvements and a longer lifespan, while remaining reminiscent of the old wooden pier, which opened in 1995. Two locations along the pier walkway will be slightly widened to allow additional fishing opportunities and more efficient pedestrian access.

The new pier  will be designed and constructed using a combination of concrete pilings, and wooden decking, benches and shade structures.  

For updates on the construction project or more information on the Folly Beach Pier, please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. 

Owned and operated by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the Folly Beach Fishing Pier is located at 101 East Arctic Avenue on Folly Beach. The mission of the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, a historic plantation site, a skate park, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.