Lowcountry

“A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life.”
-James Allen

We all have a journey.

Some have a bucket list, some a mission and others are just content being ignorant assholes that are so narrow-minded by prejudice and stereotype that they contribute to the hatred in our society.

Throughout this journey of life, we will all get lost. Each day is a path of twists and turns, corners of darkness and visions of light. If a day did not go by where we thought for a brief moment, an end would simply and shorten the madness we love and hate so much we would not be human. In the end, the journey is about something. It is a quest for moral right and a rendezvous with destiny.

It all works out though.

Some have a short journey while others are long and full of evolutionary change.

Life is never about you!

We all find what we are looking for and in the end, it is never about us. Think about it. Is it about your daughter who looks at you each morning with her baby blue eyes and smiles at the sight of your morning glow? Is it your partner for life who you sacrificed your soul to spend every breathing day of your life with? Is in your mother and father who led by example and shaped you into the person you are? Is it the refugee camp that is suffering from death and disease that you have dedicated yourself to saving? Is it your true love who soul was brought to you in an act of fate? Is it the music and lyrics that touch millions of lives and turn a lost soul away from the bridge to live one more day?

We are here with purpose.
We are given the gift of breath.

What fascinates my mental being is how some of us choose to get lost in the sea of uncertainty. All too often we guess and second guess our own purpose in life without accepting that we are fulfilling it through our passions, our actions, our unselfish hand and ultimately the lives we help bring meaning to.

We are all granted the ability to be angels on earth with a chance to hold out our hand and offer shelter to those in need.

I love that we all have gifts and talents. Some is through song, some strength, some compassion but at the end of the day, the gifts we use are not for us, not for self-fulfillment or any personal pleasure. They are for the stranger in the street, the homeless child, the girl with the broken heart, the sick friend.

Find your purpose and share it.

It’s all about love

How amazing is a life where we have this much power to help others. No matter what our talent, no matter what we say or do it is all guided by one common force that brings us all together; love.

Love is and will always be the answer to life’s unanswered questions. No matter which direction we go, love is all around us.

How can you not wake up each morning and smile with that thought dancing in your head.

I know I can’t.

Never forget: It’s never about you, Live with purpose and remember it is all about love!!!!

By Mark A. Leon

The poignancy of life is a profound and delicate flower
It blossoms so infrequently in the most ideal conditions
With a sprinkle of love
A dash to compassion
A flurry of honesty
A nurturing of sunlight

It is born inside all of us
Nestled in its womb

A heartbeat away from exploding on a journey through the universe

First stop, purpose
It’s a confusing place
So many wandering, looking, not sure what it is they seek

This stop is crowded
Not for the weak or timid
It is honored in is irreverence for goodness
All creatures unite

Next stop, knowledge
Knowledge is offered with a price
Some will tease it with gold and jewels
Others offer a quiet place on the hill void of pressure

This stop is filled with all the scents of Mother Earth
From here, one direction turns to many.
Some seek explanation, others continue on

Next stop, understanding
It all serves a better good

This means could end
We have become the protectors
Now nurtured, we are free to see our place

The stops become fewer
Distances longer
Weariness sets in

Next stop, Reflection one mile
Slow, ease in and step into the house of mirrors
No directions
No depth
Only self-awareness

Each line on your face, a story
All those you have left behind smile behind you

Drawn in, you don’t want to leave
There is comfort in these memories
A fragile stability to all of this

Time has another plan
We must move on

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ingevity has completed the construction of a low-pressure adsorbed natural gas (ANG) fueling station at its global headquarters and technical center in North Charleston, South Carolina. The fueling station will supply natural gas to ANG bi-fuel vehicles outfitted with storage cylinders containing Ingevity’s Nuchar® FuelSorb™ activated carbon monoliths.

ANG technology is made possible by Ingevity’s activated carbon which reduces the storage pressure of natural gas without sacrificing the volume of gas stored through a process known as adsorption. Ingevity has produced and sold activated carbon for more than a century, including over 40 years in the automotive market capturing gasoline vapor emissions on vehicle-based systems.

“Low-pressure ANG allows for a paradigm shift in the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and enables safe, economic fueling using the existing on-site natural gas infrastructure at work and at home,” said Michael Wilson, president and CEO at Ingevity. “Our commitment to ANG technology reinforces Ingevity’s vision to purify, protect and enhance the world around us by harnessing the efficient and environmentally friendly properties of natural gas.”

The new fueling station houses one appliance that is suitable for multi-vehicle fleet use and another appliance that simulates an at-home residential fueling solution. Both appliances will slow-fill natural gas to a targeted 900 psi, refilling the ANG cylinders within several hours.

“Ingevity’s investment in an on-site ANG fueling station represents our confidence in the value of this technology and its commercialization,” said Ed Woodcock, executive vice president and president of Performance Materials at Ingevity. “Data collected from the on-site fueling station will be an invaluable component of future partnerships with local gas utilities and alternative, light-duty vehicle fleet operators across the U.S. in support of future ANG vehicle rollouts.”

Ingevity: Purify, Protect and Enhance

Ingevity provides specialty chemicals and high-performance carbon materials and technologies that purify, protect and enhance the world around us. Through a team of talented and experienced people, Ingevity develops, manufactures and brings to market products and processes that help customers solve complex problems. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications, including asphalt paving, oil exploration and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, publication inks and automotive components that reduce gasoline vapor emissions. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Ingevity operates from 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,600 people. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT). For more information visit www.ingevity.com.

Contacts

Amy Chiconas
843-740-2005
amy.chiconas@ingevity.com

The Wild Dunes Tri-County Harbor Friends Program Invites Furloughed Federal Workers to Enjoy Complimentary Afternoon Rounds of Golf at Harbor Course

WHAT:                 The Wild Dunes Tri-County Harbor Friends Program invites furloughed friends living in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties to stretch their legs and find an escape on the Harbor Golf Course, with complimentary afternoon rounds of golf.

WHEN:                 Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday after 1:30 p.m. throughout the Federal Government Shutdown

WHERE:               Harbor Golf Course at Wild Dunes Resort

                                5881 Palmetto Drive, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Additional:         Wild Dunes Resort requests that federal employees call (843) 886-2301 to book a tee time in advance and present identification at tee time check-in.

About Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel

Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, Wild Dunes Resort, is located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston. The Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations ranging from the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn and the Village at Wild Dunes to private condos and luxury home vacation rentals. Offering a year-round menu of championship golf, nationally-ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Destination Hotels

Destination Hotels is a collection of more than 40 upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America. Each property is intentionally diverse and true to its location, transcending status quo in fresh, authentic and unforgettable ways. Serving as both the explorer and the guide, Destination ensures a sense of genuine belonging and the chance to encounter life-enhancing discoveries. The award-winning portfolio features 19 renowned golf courses, 18 indigenous spas, and 112 exceptional food and beverage options including bars, restaurants, cafes, and rooftops. Destination Hotels captures the unique essence of each location through authentic experiences, immersive programming and genuine service. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Instagram: @destinationhotels and Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

If you are a federal employee in need of food assistance, please visit the pantries listed below, or the Lowcountry Food Bank located at 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405 to obtain shutdown relief boxes:

East Cooper Community Outreach:

Monday- Friday 10:00am-4:00pm (843) 849-9220

1145 Six Mile Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

Cathedral of Praise Bread Basket:

Monday-Friday 9:45am-12:00pm (843) 760-6116

3790 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418

Helping Hands Goose Creek:

Monday-Friday 9:00am-11:30am (843) 533-7132

104 B Commerce Place, Goose Creek, SC 29455

Food Distributions: Fresh for Alls (a farmer’s style market produce distribution)

January 24: 65 Sycamore Ave, Charleston, SC 29407 (old Food Lion parking lot) 11am-1pm* or until the food supply is exhausted

If you are in need of immediate assistance please use our help now page or call 211.

Official Website

Goose Creek, South Carolina, Jan. 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — To support the company’s growth, JW Aluminum, a leading North American manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminum products, has signed a lease with Daniel Island Sun, LLC to add additional corporate office space at The Landing, 115 Fairchild Street on Daniel Island, South Carolina. Carolina One Commercial Real Estate represented JW Aluminum in the transaction. The additional 22,000 square feet of Class A office space will house up to 50 teammates to perform key corporate functions as the $250 million expansion progresses at JW Aluminum’s existing Goose Creek, South Carolina manufacturing facility. 

Stan Brant, Chief Operating Officer at JW Aluminum, said, “Vertical construction is underway for the new 222,000 square foot building in Goose Creek, where we’re installing state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment this year. We’re actively recruiting for the 50 new positions this expansion brings to the region. We currently employ 350 teammates in Goose Creek and we require additional office space to accommodate our growing company and team.”

“Carolina One Commercial Real Estate is proud to have represented JW Aluminum in this transaction,” said Michael Scarafile, President of Carolina One Real Estate Services, the state’s largest real estate firm. “We congratulate JW Aluminum on their success and thank them for their commitment and contribution to the greater Metro Charleston area.”

JW Aluminum will take occupancy of the fourth floor of The Landing in late spring 2019. The space at The Landing, offered by Bridge Commercial, features an open floor plan, provides offices for 50 teammates and includes multiple meeting spaces for teammate training and customer visits. JW Aluminum has contracted with Wulbern-Koval to furnish the space. 

“Wulbern-Koval is excited to be working with a forward-thinking company like JW Aluminum. The design solution to be installed in this new space is evidence of JW Aluminum’s commitment to enhancing collaboration among teammates, attracting top talent and ultimately achieving their vision to become a global leader in their industry,” said Jason Davey, Sales and Marketing Manager, Wulbern-Koval.

Lee McCarter, Chief Executive Officer at JW Aluminum, said, “It’s a transformational year for JW Aluminum and the addition of the space in Daniel Island is indicative of our rapid growth. We look forward to expanding our footprint in the Charleston area to continue to serve as a preferred supplier, employer and partner now and well into the future.” 

About JW Aluminum: JW Aluminum manufactures flat-rolled aluminum products including sheet for building and construction markets, fin stock for the heating and air conditioning industry, foil for the flexible packaging industry and honeycomb foil for aerospace. JW Aluminum operates plants in Goose Creek, South Carolina; Russellville, Arkansas; St. Louis, Missouri and Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Visit www.jwaluminum.com for more information.

Operation FINALLY HOMEand Lennarare pleased to announce a new project to provide a mortgage-free home for a wounded veteran in Charleston, South Carolina this year.

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Matthew Weise and his family were surprised with the news during a live segment on FOX & Friendson New Year’s Eve Day. The Weise family thought they were in New York City to interview with a builder and were asked to appear on FOX & Friends to talk about Matthew’s invisible disabilities. Matthew was injured during three of his combat tours and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI). During the segment, Operation FINALLY HOME founder, Dan Wallrath, and Charleston Division President for Lennar, Jason Byham, surprised the family with the news that they were selected to receive the mortgage-free home.

“Operation FINALLY HOME and Lennar have drastically changed my family’s life and my outlook on the future. None of this would have been possible without them. The unimaginable gift of a house will have a huge everlasting effect on our lives,” stated Matthew following the Surprise.

Operation FINALLY HOME has completed 151 mortgage-free homes and 18 home modifications to date. This will be Lennar’s fifth project partnering with Operation FINALLY HOME with plans for additional projects in the future.

“On behalf of Lennar, our associates, and all our trade partners, we are thrilled to provide the Weise family with this mortgage-free home in Charleston,” said Jason Byham, Division President of Lennar. “As a father of three kids myself, I couldn’t imagine a more welcoming location for Matthew and his family. The community is ecstatic to welcome this family home.”

Lennar anticipates the home being complete this summer in time for the family to enjoy the amenities and get to know their new community and home.

About U.S. Army SFC Matthew Weise |U.S. Army SFC Matthew Weise joined the army two weeks after graduating high school in Stone Mountain, Ga. He dedicated more than 15 years of his life to serving his country with six deployments, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Matthew was injured during three of his combat tours. His first injury was caused when insurgents dropped mortar bombs on the building he was in, and again when his truck drove over an underbelly improvised explosive device (IED) that knocked him unconscious. His third major injury occurred in Afghanistan when he stepped on a dismounted IED.

Matthew suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as well as depression, migraines and vertigo along with seizures, neck, knee, wrist and back problems. His injuries, both mental and physical, are severe, and he describes himself as a “changed person” since medical retirement. His pain affects him daily, and he is unable to participate in many activities he used to enjoy. However, Matthew says he is looking to the future, and he loves doing volunteer work.

Matthew was presented with many honors for his service including two Purple Heart Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, two Valorous Unit Awards, Combat Infantryman Badge plus many more.

Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and focusing on his hobbies, such as hunting, swimming and hiking. He is looking forward to moving back to South Carolina to spend time with family and be near the beach. He also volunteers at a local food bank and counsels other veterans by reminiscing on war stories. Talking to other veterans has been therapeutic, Matthew says, and he finds it very fulfilling.

His wife Saray and their children look forward to moving back to South Carolina and are all optimistic for the future.

About Operation FINALLY HOME | Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation FINALLY HOME was established in 2005 as a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of Operation FINALLY HOME is to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military Heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values. Operation FINALLY HOME partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these Heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a place to call home. For more information about Operation FINALLY HOME, visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org, follow @OpFINALLYHOME on Twitter (News– Alert) and find us on Facebook.

About Lennar | Lennar, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.