Read More
Walgreens Team Volunteers at the Charleston Ronald McDonald House
By Mark A. Leon
A community is measured by the acts of its people. A collective passion for caring, giving and wellness. A true partnership of innovation, conservation, change and faith. These are the factors that make some places just a little bit more special. It is the union of education, innovation, respect and promise that truly defines greatness.
Here in Charleston, we believe that our people define our culture. It is a culture of hospitality with a smile, warmth through acts of kindness and faith in valuing the principles of the past and the possibility for the future.
Through our lifestyles, dining, activities, festivals, sense of family and marriage of nature, city and history that we have opened our gates and let our sunshine radiant onto you.
It is this foundation that of roots that continues to blossom with the rich colors of our Southern lifestyle.
We would like to share some of our stories of kindness and generosity with you. Come with us as we tell a visual story to you of life in Charleston, South Carolina
Girl Scout Troop 446 volunteering at the Charleston Ronald McDonald House: Instagram – rmhcharleston
Wando Relay for Life volunteering their time at the Charleston Hope Lodge: Instagram – wando_r4l
Susan G. Komen Walk for Breast Cancer Research: Instagram – lolotaylo
Walk for Water – Water Mission: Instagram – bricwoods
Charleston, S.C. (April 07, 2016) – Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced that Mary Beth Westmoreland, Blackbaud’s chief technology officer, has been named one of the 2017 Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology by the National Diversity Council. This definitive list honors the most extraordinary female leaders, influencers and achievers impacting the technology industry.
Mary Beth was recognized for her leadership in Blackbaud’s transformation to a cloud software company that is innovative, agile, and successful, for her mentorship to inspire other women and for her commitment to corporate citizenship. She was named alongside women executives from other leading software companies including Angela Ahrendts of Apple, Safra Catz of Oracle, Ana Corrales of Google, Peggy Johnson of Microsoft, Virginia Rometty of IBM and Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook.
“I want to thank the National Diversity Council for the honor of being named an influential woman in tech alongside these amazing leaders,” said Mary Beth. “But it’s the work of our talented engineers, architects, designers and all of our staff that made this possible. They challenge and inspire me every day, and I’m proud to share this recognition with them. I’m excited to be a part of an innovative, purpose-driven team and company that is truly powering an ecosystem of good.”
The National Diversity Council is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity and inclusion. The annual list recognizes female executives, influencers and achievers who contribute to the growth or strategic direction of their organization; demonstrate a commitment to corporate citizenship, integrity and ethical behavior; and serve as role models and mentors to inspire future generations of female professionals.
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, andvolunteerism. 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.
Media Contact Nicole McGougan
Public Relations
843-654-3307 media@blackbaud.com
One of our own distinguished dining establishments has been given an amazing honor, named by TimeOut as one of the Top 20 Steak Houses in the United States. For their 2017 survey results, Oak Steakhouse was named #15 standing proud with names like Peter Luger in New York, Cut in Los Angeles, and Dickie Brennan’s in New Orleans.
The article speaks very highly of Oak Steakhouse saying “Chef Jeremiah Bacon’s name might reference the humble pig, but his oeuvre at this Charleston steakhouse located inside an 1848 bank building is all beef, focusing on classics such as filets, rib-eyes and strips. Chef Bacon’s stints at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Le Bernardin and Per Se are on display in elevated starters and sides, including seared foie gras with Meyer lemon jam and decadent mac and cheese studded with pristine lobster.”
It is often said, we yearn for simpler times when a cocktail took time to be made properly with love and dining was an experience. From the Ivy on the walls, live Jazz echoing throughout the alley to an eclectic mix of global dining options, Hutson Alley takes you to a different time.
So often overlooked, between the bustling King Street, Charleston Music Hall, Bus Depot, Museum Mile and Marion Square, but right in the heart of the social madness of Charleston’s economic stimulus, lies an alley that truly defines Southern charm. With grace and dignity, this alley houses some of the finest dining and cocktails in all of Charleston, South Carolina.
On Thursday evening, I spend several hours exploring the culinary delights of Michael’s on the Alley, the Italian creations of Vincent Chiccos and the artistic cocktails of Victor Social Club. During the evening, we were gracefully serenaded by a soothing jazz duo infusing 80’s and 90’s hits to jazz rhythms.
Starting with the Men Without Women cocktail, comprised of house infused fig bourbon, Grand Marnier and fresh lime, I was comfortably relaxed right under the stars surrounded by the marque lights of the restaurants and quiet alley corridor. A beautiful creation that cooled the palate and complimented the assortment of appetizers which included bruschetta, Oysters Rockefeller and an assortment of sharp and mild cheese.
As you sit outside, feeling a slight warm night breeze giving you goosebumps, you somehow feel something enchanting happening as if you are taken back to the past when ladies wore flappers and the Charleston dance was all the rage. Something almost beyond explanation. It is difficult to explain how an alley just one street block long can provide an access point to a great escape filled with wonderful food, drink and memories. There is an intimacy that has become a foundation in Charleston.
The relationship between the restaurant, food, service and patrons is becoming one as true as Southern folklore. During our stay, Victor Social Club General Manager Roscoe came out and shared some of his stories of travel and hospitality offering up recommendations in Savannah and Raleigh. His intimate knowledge of food and beverage and shared experiences created an atmosphere closely aligned to a family dinner.
Our server brought a certain warmth you rarely find. Her smile and attention to detail was as important to the experience as the food itself. Donning from the Charlotte area, she now calls Charleston home and she expressed that with a smile that went from cheek to cheek.
After we finished our food and cocktails, in a slightly belated act of kindness, the staff offered champagne and a heavenly torte to celebrate my birthday that occurred just a day earlier.
Hutson Alley Family of Restaurants
What makes the restaurants in Hutson Alley so special is not just the diverse range of global food offerings, exquisite service or inviting alley ambiance, but the feeling of family. That is simple to explain. Holy City Hospitality owns and operates 39 Rue de Juan, Coast Bar and Grill, Vincent Chiccos, Michaels on the Alley and Victor Social Club. When you come for one experience, you are getting a collective embodiment of a truly large family.
The inspired chefs of this family of restaurants utilize the freshest local seasonal ingredients and with careful care and a little magic create a unique dining experience that will leave your palate wanting more. It is the careful attention to detail and love that goes into their dishes that exemplify the Charleston food experience. With a fine selection of wines from Italy at Vincent Chiccos and Cuban themed cocktail creations from Victor, the pairings will solidify the completeness of your evening out.
Hutson Alley
In a little alley in the little historic town of Charleston, South Carolina, there is a place where you can go to Paris, Havana or Rome. It is a place where the ivy grows on the walls, the sound of live music echoes down the corridor and you are met with a smile. This place will masquerade your worries and take you to a place of happiness. There is no traffic, no lewd noise, nor interruption; just the marquee lights and the stars.
This is a place called Hutson Alley. Whether you are a tourist or a local, it is a place for two or three hours a night, you can call home.
If you are from the Lowcountry, you know of the great food and coastal ambiance of Bowens Island Restaurant. It is undeniable that the freshest seafood is right off the boat and here in the Charleston area, we take pride in that. Bowen’s Island is not only known for great local seafood, but their contributions to the community, offering its open atmosphere for local area fund raisers, is legendary. This establishment is a foundation in Charleston and one of the iconic places that defines the small town coastal appeal that we have come to know and love.
From its memorable entrance sign, the rocky roadway filled with pot holes, mounds of oyster shells, rustic building and stunning skyline, the Bowens Island Experience truly is that, an experience. Tip: If you want to make a trip over, come for the food, but stay for the sunset. Don’t forget to order the Frogmore Stew and hushpuppies.
Quiet Sunrise at Bowens Island
So we decided to watch the sun rise on this morning and capture of some the beautiful sites all around.
Come with us as we take in the sunrise together at Bowens Island Restaurant.
If there is one thing Charleston, South Carolina will never be lacking, it is charm. In historic downtown Charleston, every street, store front, restaurant, park, and even alleyway has a way to make you point and say “awe”. Then, as if an automatic response, your camera is out taking pictures before you even realize it.
Follow us as we take a stroll down Philadelphia Alley and see alleyways as only Charleston knows how to do them.
This charming alley can be found between Queen Street and Cumberland Street. Often overlooked, Philadelphia Alley is one of the many hidden treasures Charleston offers. Dating back to 1776, Cow’s Alley as it was originally called, was access to rental homes behind Francis Kinloch’s house. He renamed it Kinloch’s Court after he widened it.
This alley has seen two fires in its lifetime, including the infamous fire of 1796, and another in 1810. Holding true to its name, The City of Brotherly Love stood by Charleston’s side by donating financially to aid in rebuilding this area in 1811.
What a more proper thank you than to forever give this beautiful strip of canopy covered, cobblestone refuge from the heat during the summer months, and the best place to listen to the bells of St. Phillips Church the honor of the name Philadelphia Alley.
Many locals refer to this passageway as Dueler’s Alley. Back when gentleman settled their disputes with pistols twenty-one paces away, this alley was the perfect setting in Charleston to do so. One of the most famous stories is of one man’s love and what he did to prove said love. Dr. Joseph Brown Ladd, known as the whistling doctor would eventually meet his demise as a result of a duel with Ralph Isaacs in 1786.
Many local ghost tour companies will tell the tale of the Whistling Doctor, and some Charlestonians have even said to have heard faint whistling while walking down the alley alone. Today you will find a tranquil, picturesque setting where each person you meet will pass you by with a friendly smile and nod. So as Robert Frost first suggest, take the road less traveled and be sure to explore Charleston’s only Philadelphia Alley.
For those on the path of Folly Road (You know who you are fellow James Islanders, Folly Beach residents, West Ashley and peninsula dwellers), the idea of Folly Road during beach season is a thought we try very hard to avoid. At times, the road more closely resembles a parking lot than a roadway. Yet, in the last three years a transition has occurred and one that has shaken up the locals.
With the increased housing development of James Island and John’s Island, traffic has gone from seasonal to all year long. Here is what has been happening because of the increased traffic pressure:
The light at the corner of the James Island Connector and Folly Road can back cars up as much as seven plus lights on the connector during peak beach season and daily rush hour. This is causing some drivers to make a right onto Folly and doing an illegal U-Turn in the middle of the road.
The light at Folly Road and Ellis is causing a three or four light backup to turn left due to Lowe’s, IHOP, Wells Fargo and the Peninsula Condominiums. Some are turning right into Harris Teeter and then pulling an illegal U-Turn to take the light across Folly Road.
The construction on the approval circle at the intersection of Camp and Folly is causing nightly delays.
The increased traffic is hurting the roadway infrastructure resulting in more untreated potholes.
Traffic on parallel road, Riverland Avenue is seeing increased pressure and volume.
Businesses are suffering due to the increased challenges of making turns on Folly Road.
Within 3 miles, there are 10 bars and 6 restaurants with full liquor licenses. This easy accessibility to alcohol coupled with careless driving to avoid parking lot type conditions has increased the number of Folly Road related accidents. Without the budget to increase the police presence, this trend may continue.
Now, we need to look at future state. We estimate that there will be 4.5 to 4.9 million tourists in Charleston in 2016. Hotel development is at an unstoppable period of expansion. That is a fact.
Now let us think like a tourist. When we look for hotels, we look at mile proximity to our destination. Folly Road on James Island sits at 3 – 10 miles from downtown Charleston and 0 – 10 miles from Folly Beach.
When does the hotel development begin? It is a realistic future state that we cannot ignore. Is the new Camp and Folly round about (circle) a way to alleviate the traffic issues, or a preliminary requirement to pave the way for hotel development? We are not here to speculate or assume anything. This is a trend that has been developing for several years and thus we cannot ignore a probability of future hospitality on Folly Road.
How do we work to rectify this Folly Road conundrum?
Improve the timing of the lights to provide more time for turn lanes.
Improve the bike lane situation to give more safe options for alternative transportation.
Ensure hotel development is held back.
Minimize new housing development moving forward
Closer monitoring of key spots on Folly Road to deter illegal driving behavior.
Will this solve everything? Most likely not, but these few necessary steps can ensure the safety of our citizens and provide a better quality of life on Folly Road and surrounding areas.
Victor Johnson is a singer/songwriter based in Bend, Oregon who as written a song called “Black Sun” to honor the victims of the AME Emanuel Church shooting in Charleston.
In his own words, “I was already extremely upset about what had happened, then
when I saw social media seeming to focus on everything except the
victims themselves, I wanted to write something for them to honor their
beauty, and bring the focus back to them. This resulted in the song,
Black Sun.”
Victor has written several other songs inspired by victims of violence –
Rain Makes the Flowers Grow was written for a child from the Sandy Hook
School and Kingdoms honors the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
These songs are part of a CD I released in Oct 2015, Beautiful Things.
The title track I wrote about surviving a relationship with domestic
abuse.
On Nov 14th, after a writer for the Huffington Post suggested he write a
song for France, “J’adore la France” was composed in 2 hours as memorial to
the victims of the attack – https://youtu.be/–2Sex9YbMs.
He recently did research on Pearl Harbor and wrote “Sweet December Day” to recognize the
75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and will be performing
this as part of my set, opening for Leon Russell on Dec 7 at the Tower
Theatre in Bend. The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors will
be playing the song the same week at their annual conference on Oahu.
Victor believes that it is a good thing to mourn those we have lost, and
allow that process to breathe freely.
“I kinda wish I was cool….Well If you’re looking for an answer it’s gonna be found on your own. And if you’re looking for disaster you’ll find it not being alone” Johnny Delaware – Charleston Singer/Songwriter
Hidden behind the Southern class, slow spinning fans cooling the hot humid air, historic cobblestone roads and plantation mansions, pleasant palmetto landscape, whispering sails on the harbor and traditional polite demeanor lies a part of Charleston sweating in color and life. It is a canvas of creativity, individualism and an expressive independence you might find in the urban havens of New York and Los Angeles. It is a place where fashion reigns high, sangria flows into the soul and social and economic status have no place. This is the part of Charleston you need to know about.
In a Charleston minute, you will feel something rich and rewarding. In a Charleston minute, you will find a friend in a corner you never thought to look. In a Charleston minute, you will share a story with a homeless man and forget they will be sleeping under the stars later on.
This is one of those stories.
It was a perfect autumn Saturday in Charleston.
Spring Street was alive with its eccentric population. Still considered taboo by some and a thriving cultural awakening to others, you can always count on a unique sighting at each street corner. From Wild Flour bakery to Sweet Radish to cans of malt liquor and cigarettes, Spring Street has an iconic feel no matter what side you are on. On this morning, Red Rose Vintage Clothing, who shares a space with Wine Awesomeness, was hosting a Sangria and Vintage Clothing Sale. At 9:30 in the morning, what better time to discover yourself in outfits that transcend the ticking clock and indulge in a fruity alcoholic delight.
Several outfits later behind a single black curtain and slimming mirror and a number of toasts to warm weather, wonderful friends and moments you never want to end, we had to depart. Not without a smile and gracious thank you for the owner Amy Rose.
I returned several hours later, at the request of Amy Rose to share more sangria. It was refreshing and the sun was still shining.
As I returned, I saw two girls leaning against the brick wall, with their trendy sunglasses, shirts and leggings and a look that screamed, “It will be alright. It will all be alright.” Kayleigh, with her tights, short skirt, hat, glasses, short hair and freckles stole the introduction as if she walked straight off the set of Perks of Being a Wallflower. It didn’t take more than a few minutes to determine we would be BFF’s and eternal intellectual enemies for life. As the best friend of Amy Rose, the two perpetrated the perfect odd ball relationship with one as the conservative business woman knee deep in business best practice books and the other the self proclaimed wild girl. The third was a new addition to girls gone wine. Lucia was found on the street wearing long black leggings and at that point enjoying a number of cocktails. She was very proud of her boyfriend, local singer/songwriter Johnny Delaware as well as being a talented keyboardist. After she changed and prettied herself up, she pranced out the door to Spring Street in her 3 inch heels and happily walked home. We are sure later on she would lay in bed and be serenaded by her boyfriend and an acoustic guitar.
While taking in the sun in the outdoor patio area with a slight elevation made perfect for the setting of a band and dance party, we were greeted by an artist who designs and sketches names in 3D. Whether he was homeless would not be determined. We offered the gift of wine and company. He declined as he had no money, but money would not be accepted here. While he showed his works to Amy Rose, I examined Elton John vinyl and discussed the virtues of music, clothing and dreams.
In a day and age where breaking up via text is as acceptable as Urban Dictionary definitions, the desire to embrace the essential impact of the written word is becoming more important. Today, we express emotion through emoticons and acronyms; rely on the smartphone over the pen and celebrate the value of connection with gifs and jpgs. The evolution of mankind and its infatuation with mobile technology has damaged the roots of humanity and its yearning for connection.
As I completed a seven-page letter to Beth, who currently is about to enter her third year in the Peace Corps in Africa, I reflected back on two years of global letter writing, with each letter bringing a bigger smile than the last. Don’t get me wrong, we both have WhatsApp and Facebook and know very well in the four weeks of transit, will age the relevance of the letter, but the connection is still felt along with the emotions built into each correspondence.
I want us to take a step back to a time when the pen was magical and the ability to express oneself in words changed lives. The following excerpts are from letters written several years ago, that pitted the depths of human emotion and effectively changed lives.
Original Hand Written Letter Excerpts:
“No words over a telephone could communicate what I have to say so I’ll have to rely on written words, which seem to be more effective in our relationship. The letters you sent me were beautiful and plentiful. They surpassed any gift I have received yet. The first one showed you are a true friend. The birthday greeting followed by good advice and a boost to my ego was very much appreciated. In a word, thanks. I needed to hear some of the things you said. Coming from you, they were even more meaningful to me.” – Raquel
“Remember when I said that there are very few people in the world who I identify with and that you were one of them? I honestly meant that and not just in the sense that you challenge me. I am glad we met and happy to have you in my life (even if it is a little more dramatic now). I hope you have the best birthday and that you get all you hope for. Did I mention I also find you incredibly attractive (I know, I’m being high school)” – Lorie
“There are too many things in the world that suck and you are one of them. It is sad to say, but it is true. You suck because of the way you act. Everything else about you is fine except when it comes to your attitude and your pride. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, yeah you must have. Everyone on this floor has been making fun of the immature way you act. You are a great person and fun to be with until I get to know you. Don’t get me wrong. If you want to be friends, it is okay by me, but I know it will never be the same. I will never try to get close to you again. One just fails in doing so. You are so closed. You are like an asymptote. People get closer and closer to you, but they never reach you. Why couldn’t you talk to me?” – Raquel
“I meant what I said this morning that no one has made me feel special in a long time. You don’t know how much it means to me when you do the little things, like saying “Thanks for going out last night for dinner”. People can buy all the gifts in the world, but it doesn’t even come close to how I feel when I know you think about me.” – Amy
“If you are reading this then I have already said good-bye. I can’t be friends with someone I don’t trust. I do love you still and I have for a long time. I mean these words. I have tried to stop. I am writing this now because I cried all the way down here and I will cry all the way home. Losing you is one of the hardest things I have had to do in a long time. As the tears streak down my cheeks and the rain falls on the window, I think of all the memories.” – Kimberly
“Each day with you is a tender moment that fills my heart with joy and each passing thought of you still makes me believe – makes me believe in all the things that I could not comprehend before I met you. I know that words never amount to much. Words come and go and we always speak of our thoughts on a passing whim. I cannot say anything or do anything that will change the way you feel, but what I feel is so strong – strong enough that each morning I awake and thank God I was given the chance to feel a love that no words, no song, no man or woman can ever describe. I will hold the thought of you in my heart and soul – And I will carry your name with me forever.” – Hope
“I feel safety when I’m in your arms, like the entire army from hell couldn’t come close to me when I’m there. The softness and passion in your kisses seem to lift me from the Earth, melting the rest of the world away and leaving only you and I to swirl around in the clouds of ecstasy. The heat of your body next to mine, the feel of your hands on my skin and in my hair, the way your eyes sparkle when you say something clever… These are the things that caused me to drop my guard with you even though my situation basically doomed us from the beginning. The way you seem to always be right, the way I don’t care when I’m wrong, how you laugh when you really think something is funny – and when you think it’s not. These are some of the things that ultimately lead me to love you. I don’t expect anything from you or out of “us”. I don’t need you to love me back, I don’t need any promises or favors…All I need is for you to know how I feel. Nothing more, nothing less. Simple isn’t it?!?” – Summer
“Your letter was amazingly, awesomely, wonderfully great. I was smiling and laughing out loud the entire time I read it. The people around me thought I was crazy (oh no! Now they know the truth about me.) I got my Cosmopolitan magazine on my lap, some Juicy Fruit gum that Amanda gave me and the Walkman which I didn’t put on yet. I wanted to write before we took off because I’m afraid I’ll get dizzy if I write while the plane is moving. I want to tell you how great it is for me to have finally found some true, great friends like you and Rock. I really appreciate all that you do for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much better you always manage to make me feel.” – Stacey
“Once upon a time I gave my heart to you. You kept it for a while. Then you began to nurture it. That part of my heart began to grow like the most beautiful, yet delicate flower. There were not only fragrant petals, but thorns. The thorns began to hurt. You took that piece of my heart and began to play with it as a kitten does a ball of string. I let you because I loved you. You began to give me back my heart. So I gave you a piece of my soul. You will have that forever. Now you choose to nurture neither my gifts, my heart nor my soul, but they are yours. I have them to you unconditionally, selflessly and forever. I love you for you. For your spirit and for your love of life.” Kimberly
“It’s a very serious thing for me and I’m sorry to do this, but I need time. I’m not asking for forever, just a couple of days. I need it and I’m sorry for that, but I have to do this. I need to not see you for a couple of days. I need this. You said that you knew your feelings for me for sure when you were not around me and I’m not saying that’s what I need because I know that I have strong feelings for you. If I don’t take a couple of days or so from us, I feel that I will run from you and I don’t want to do that.” – Casey
As you can see from these excepts, the power of the written word can penetrate the soul with fulfillment or pierce the heart. It can bring you to your highest point or lowest and everything in between.
That is one of the greatest losses with the onset of the mobile culture and one we cannot afford to lose.
by 
By Mark A. Leon
On 
was crazy (oh no! Now they know the truth about me.) I got my Cosmopolitan magazine on my lap, some Juicy Fruit gum that Amanda gave me and the Walkman which I didn’t put on yet. I wanted to write before we took off because I’m afraid I’ll get dizzy if I write while the plane is moving. I want to tell you how great it is for me to have finally found some true, great friends like you and Rock. I really appreciate all that you do for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much better you always manage to make me feel.” – Stacey