Lowcountry

Lowcountry

Say What You Need To Say – Opportunity to Celebrate Life and Love

April 10, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Life is interesting. Death is eternal and boring

Life is unpredictable, surreal, beautiful, magical and enchanting with each moment and each breath

It is the music, the sunsets, the long slow kisses, the rainbows, the emotions, the risks, the adventures, the smell of the flowers, the glow of the stars, the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the spring breeze. It is the snowfall in winter and the leaves of all colors in the Autumn. Every turn is magic. We are mystified by our actions.

Why then do we waste it in the safety of our comfort zone? How often do you think about death? Once, is too much. It will happen. It is a course in our life that will eventually greet us. Why then stop the amazing journey that is life with the thought of something you have no control over?

Take a moment to let that sink in.

When we are young we want to fall in love.
When we grow up we want a great job.
When we get older we want financial security.
When we retire we want a place to relax and play.

Now let us look between the lines.

Dreams
Passions
Desires
Goals
Achievements

Remember all those amazing ideas running through our heads?
Of course, you do.
What are you waiting for?
I don’t know either.

This truly complex thing that houses blood, organs, muscles and a brain is a remarkable thing. More importantly, it gives you options to soar to the clouds.

It takes a strong person to be a dreamer. It takes a strong person to take the leap and pursue those dreams.

What fascinates me is that we lose ourselves in fantasies, action films and supernatural and rely on cinematic magic to help us escape our own lives, even for a few brief moments. The irony is that all the magic is around us. It is in the ability to breathe in life each day. It is watching a human life grow. It is watching a plane fly through the sky and defies gravity. It is watching men watch us from space. It is about the endless possibilities available.

Maybe if we put the guns down, stop the hatred, look pass the prejudice, take those dreams we write on paper and take a chance. Even if each of us took one risk. Just one. That is 6.3 billion risks. We may not all achieve the goals we are looking for but just think about what a great world it would be if just a small percentage of those risks become realistic dreams. Wow.

Don’t wait for a catalyst or life-changing event to get off your ass and become the person you want to be.
Here is your catalyst; the sunrise.
Make tomorrow the starting point of a life worth living.
Take advantage of your gift and make it special.

That is what I would like you to take away from this.

Lowcountry

Postpartum Support Charleston is turning its Annual Moms’ Run to a Virtual Event

April 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Annual Moms’ Run Goes Virtual 

A virtual 5K is the perfect opportunity to get some exercise and fresh air, support a local nonprofit and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Postpartum Support Charleston is turning its 17th annual Moms’ Run into a virtual 5K. 

The race is normally held the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, but with the virtual format, organizers are hosting the race during National Maternal Mental Health Week from May 3-9. Anyone can participate in the run/walk. Registration is $20 per person and all proceeds benefit Postpartum Support Charleston’s work helping moms in the Charleston area who are struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety. This year also marks the organization’s 20th anniversary. 

Participants also have the option to purchase a Moms’ Run shirt – perfect for a post-run selfie. 

“Earlier this year, we had decided to skip our Moms’ Run in 2020 while we searched for a new venue. Our long-time venue, MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island, was no longer available, and we weren’t able to get approval from the City of Charleston for a new venue,” explained Elaine DeaKyne, executive director. “Now, we’ve decided to turn a negative into a positive and host a virtual 5K.”

The annual Moms’ Run is Postpartum Support Charleston’s largest fundraiser, so transitioning the event to a virtual run allows the organization to raise much-needed funds to support local moms through peer groups, education and connection to critical resources such as counseling and medical assistance. 

Anyone can join the event, and participants are encouraged to map out a 3.1-mile route close to their home. Participants will even receive a running bib template they can print at home to make the race feel more official. Families and individuals can run, walk or push a stroller. Participants are encouraged to take photos and share on social media with the hashtag #virtualmomsrun and tag Postpartum Support Charleston on Facebook and Instagram @ppdsupportchs. 


To sign up for the race and purchase a shirt, visit https://www.ppdsupport.org/events/momsrun2020  

Lowcountry

Lowcountry Panera Locations Are Open to Meet the Community Needs (including some special offers)

April 7, 2020 by 1 Comment
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Panera Bread is doing its part to help the community with healthy options throughout the Lowcountry. Here are details on open locations and specials they are running for To-Go / Online Ordering

Click Here for Online Ordering

Locations open:

  • West Ashley—2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd
  • Ashley Phosphate—2135 Ashley Phosphate Rd
  • Summerville–1311 N Main St.
  • Wescott—9480 Dorchester Rd

Hours: 7am-8pm

Services: To-Go, Online Ordering (Delivery, Pick-Up)

Offer: Receive $10 off online order of $40 or more through 4/13 when you enter code TENOFF at checkout

Lowcountry

Powerful New Book By A Charleston Based Former Emmy-Winning TV Anchor & Tech Exec Nina Sossamon-Pogue Encourages Resilience In The Face Of Today’s Adversity

April 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., April 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Job loss or career change. Health challenges. Financial struggles. The country is undergoing an enormous challenge, on so many levels, because of the pandemic. But there is a resource to help the nation through this difficult chapter.

A new book, This is Not ‘The End’: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life (Morgan James Publishing, April 7, 2020, Trade Paper, 140 pages $14.95; ISBN: 978-1-6-4279-806-7), provides an insightful roadmap for anyone in a major life event who feels that life will never be the same. This book was scheduled to be released, August 18, 2020, but was rushed to press because of its timely message.

How do you overcome adversity, trauma, change, or life-altering moments? How resilient, optimistic, or empowered are you to find a way to live with a significant negative event and meet the challenges and opportunities posed by it?

“While today may be a miserable part of a really crappy chapter in your life,” says author and speaker Nina Sossamon-Pogue, “This is Not ‘The End’ helps you see that your life is not ruined.  You’re just in a tough plot twist, and better days are ahead.”

Nina knows firsthand, having experienced a number of life-changing events that could have permanently put her on a dangerous path.  She has managed to live a successful and happy life despite suffering major setbacks and unexpected events.

Nina, since age five, defined herself as a gymnast.  On the United States Gymnastics Team with Mary Lou Retton, her dreams got derailed when she fell short of competing in the 1984 Olympics. As a highly recruited NCAA gymnast, her aspirations were crushed by a career-ending injury. But that didn’t stop her.

She went on to pursue a career in journalism. After being named Charleston’s Favorite Newscaster for seven straight years, she lost her job due to budget cuts. But that didn’t stop her.

Nina also got divorced in her mid-30’s and was suddenly a single mom of two. But that didn’t stop her.

She landed at another TV station and went on to win the Emmy for Best News Anchor in the Southeast. But a horrible accident threw her life into darkness. She ran over her co-anchor’s 11-month old baby in their driveway, crushing the boy’s skull. Miraculously, he lived and made a full recovery. The event left her flirting with self-sabotaging and suicidal thoughts. But that didn’t stop her.

Nina went back on the air, then joined the leadership team at a tech company and then became an author. Nina provides strategies and insights on how anyone can get through the worst chapters of their life.

“While this book was not written with COVID-19 in mind, it addresses emotions that so many people are struggling with now”. says Nina  “It empowers people to take control in uncertain times, job loss, trauma, failure, uncertainty. No matter what has happened, author your own script. Bad things happen whether you are the victim, or the cause of them. Major events move your story in a new direction. You are still the author of your life story. All the pages ahead are still blank. Your choices become your story. You can control the actions and the words of the main character. Failure, loss or adversity often comes before achievement and fulfillment. This is a plot-twist. You get to determine what happens next, THIS is Not ‘The End’.”

Contact Information: Media Connect 

Brian Feinblum 212-583-2718 Brian.Feinblum@finnpartners.com

Lowcountry

Charleston Hospitality Relief Match Fund for COVID-19 Impacts

April 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Hospitality workers apply to sign up for e-gift card

As the Lowcountry continues to feel the effects of the COVID-19 virus, the hospitality industry was instructed to temporarily close their doors or follow the restrictions put in place, altering their normalcy. Southern Eagle Distributing, Michelob Ultra, Louie’s Kids and The MatchingFund have developed a fund in support of The Holy City’s hospitality staff. Together, the initial amount of $35,000, has been pledged and will be matched dollar-for-dollar in a matching gift challenge. Hospitality workers, of all levels and roles, can apply for a gift card in the amount of $50.00 to use at their preferred grocery store. This level of support will allow each hospitality worker one week of groceries.

Southern Eagle Distributing is a family-owned business, serving 59 counties in SC and GA, for over 100 years. Being one of the oldest continual Anheuser-Busch distributors in the country, and one of the largest in the Southeast, they value their partnership with our hospitality industry and were eager to participate in this partnership. “We work in this community, we live in this community and we give back to this community,” Tom Fitzgerald Vice President of Marketing. 

Founded in 2001, Louie’s Kids has been a leader in the fight of childhood obesity by educating families on group and individual wellness. As COVID-19 continues to effect Lowcountry families, Louie’s Kids feels the need to encourage and support healthy family lifestyles through clean eating and exercise.

The MatchingFund, based in Charleston, is a resource that supports matching gift efforts in hopes to makes donations go further. The MatchingFund provides funds for a broad range of charitable organizations and causes that are not restricted to a specific area of concern. Naturally, they ambitiously join Southern Eagle, Michelob Ultra and Louie’s Kids in this effort.

To apply for a grocery store gift card, go to https://donate2it.com/southern-eagle-distributing-hospitality-workers-fund/ and fill out the application. Verified staff will receive an electronic gift card, via email, to their preferred grocery store in the amount of $50. We encourage shopping for healthy food in this time when we’re all trying to maintain our health and well-being.

To join the Southern Eagle Giving Challenge contact Steve Dudash, Chairperson and Executive Director, by email at steved@thematchingfund.org.

Lowcountry

BP Supporting our local heroes – 50 cents off per gallon of gas for first responders, doctors, nurses or hospital workers

April 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Our local first responders, doctors, nurses, and hospital workers are the heart of our local communities, they are on the frontlines each day to ensure our loved ones and our communities are taken care of.

Join us in supporting your local first responder, doctor, nurse or hospital worker to provide them with a 50 cents off per gallon discount to use on their next fill up at BP and Amoco stations. We encourage you to share this website bp.com/localheroes and send a personal thank you on social using #bpsupportslocalheroes.

First responder, doctor, nurse, or hospital worker:

Thank you for being on the front lines and keeping our communities healthy and safe. We are honored to be supporting you and helping you get where you need to go. 


Simply verify your community status via ID.me to obtain your 50 cents per gallon discount to use on your next fuel purchase at BP and Amoco. 

Thank you for your dedication and support in serving our local communities.

Official Press Release

Lowcountry

2-1-1 Helpline: Get Help & Find Resources serving Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

April 4, 2020 by 0 Comments

SC 2-1-1 Helpline serves as a safety net for all individuals needing help finding assistance, by helping improve the effectiveness and coordination of health and human services across the state.

The 2-1-1 Helpline program provides information about and referral to health and human service resources available in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties.

The service is available 24/7, 365 days per year.

It is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.

Available by phone 24 hours per day Volunteer Care Prosperity Charity Navigator Charleston SC Charity United Way Donate/ Donation GuideStar Trident 211 Volunteer Opportunities Nonprofit /Non- Profit Organizations Charleston South Carolina Community Service Near Me
Available online at sc211.org
Download the SC 211 App Available by phone 24 hours per day Volunteer Care Prosperity Charity Navigator Charleston SC Charity United Way Donate/ Donation GuideStar Trident 211 Volunteer Opportunities Nonprofit /Non- Profit Organizations Charleston South Carolina Community Service Near Me

You can use SC 2-1-1 in three ways:

  • 1. Dial 2-1-1 on your phone to speak with an agent.
  • 2. Search for services in your community at SC211.org.
  • 3. Download the SC 2-1-1 App on your mobile device.
Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie issues new proclamation adopting Governor McMaster’s non-essential business order

April 1, 2020 by 1 Comment
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Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie today issued a new proclamation mirroring South Carolina Governo Henry McMaster’s Closure of Non-Essential Businesses executive order.

Haynie’s new order revokes his order issued March 31 limiting businesses to only those that are deemed to offer essential services and instead calls for the closure of non-essential businesses as defined in McMaster’s Executive Order 2020-17. Haynie’s new proclamation maintains the Stay-at-Home Order as well as the prohibition of short-term rental leasing. The order is effective through April 15.

Lowcountry

Charleston Historic Tours teaming up to raise funds to displaced restaurant employees

March 31, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Captain Bryan Bialock of Charleston Historic Tours is teaming up with local area restaurants to provide funding support to displaced restaurant workers during this time of need.

100% of all funds collected are going directly into the hands of the former employers to support food, bills, and medical expenses.

Why is Bryan taking on this project?

“I worked for 5 years as a shipping analyst for OOCL. I had an idea to start a bar tour on weekends and these guys made it happen. It built up to the point where last year I quit my full-time job to do 5 different types of tours and without these managers and service staff allowing my groups to come by and treating them like royalty it would not be possible and I would not be doing what I love. This is my small thanks for their contribution to my own success.”

If you would like to contribute, Bryan has sent up a Venmo Account where you can contribute directly