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Lowcountry

5 Significant Transformations to Charleston, South Carolina in the last decade – Commentary

March 4, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Over the past decade, Charleston, South Carolina has undergone significant transformations. Let’s delve into some of the notable changes:

Folly Beach Modernization and Monetization:

  • Folly Beach, a beloved area beach, has evolved. Here are some key shifts:
    • Entrance Fees: Street festivals, including events like Folly Gras, now charge entrance fees.
    • Paid Parking: Arctic has introduced paid parking on the streets.
    • Digital Payment: The beach entrance parking lots no longer accept cash; instead, you must use a phone app for payment.
    • Construction Boom: New construction is on the rise around the Center Street area.

Decline of Local First Businesses in Downtown Charleston:

  • Iconic local businesses like Bluestein’s Clothing, Morris Sokol Furniture, Bob Ellis Shoes, King Street Grille, Piggly Wiggly, and Hughes Lumber have been closing their doors.
    • The surge in tourism has led to overcrowding, pushing out local patrons.


Corporate Influence and Billboards:

  • Corporate giants have made their mark:
    • Starbucks and Whole Foods (West Ashley)
    • Starbucks, Chik-fil-a, Zaxy’s, Wendy’s, McDonalds (James Island)
    • Walgreens (Corner of King and Calhoun)
    • 5 Guys Burgers, and multiple Starbucks on King Street
    • West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Louis Vuitton, Publix, Vans, Gucci, Target, H&M, Apple, and more downtown.
    • These corporate billboards are reshaping the cityscape.
    • Large hospitality groups led by Uptown Hospitality expanding its footprint on the peninsula.

Changing Skyline and Church Steeples:

  • Cranes and construction have dominated Charleston’s skyline for years.
    • Massive projects in the medical district, Crosstown, Lockwood, Joe Riley area, Upper King Street, and Upper Meeting Street are altering the city forever.

Breweries vs. Churches:

  • Charleston’s reputation is shifting from its historic churches to its burgeoning brewery scene.
    • With over 30 breweries in the Lowcountry, beer culture is thriving.

In summary, Charleston has become more modern, corporate, and bustling with tourists. While economic growth is evident, some long for the old-world charm that once defined this enchanting city.  We can all agree, progress does take sacrifice. It’s still our beautiful Charleston home.

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Lowcountry

Meals on Wheels of Summerville Announces Inaugural Dink and Deliver Classic Pickleball Tournament

March 1, 2024 by 0 Comments
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SUMMERVILLE, SC – Meals on Wheels of Summerville announces the launch of the inaugural Dink and Deliver Classic, a pickleball tournament set to take place on April 13 and 14 at The Pickle Bar, 162 Cherry Street, Summerville, 29486. The event promises to be a lively fundraiser, with Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories ensuring something for everyone. Event proceeds directly support the Meals on Wheels of Summerville mission, addressing hunger and isolation by providing meals, companionship, and specialized programs without government funding, making a tangible impact on clients’ well-being.

Register now through April 7 at mowsummerville.org/pickleball. Players must register as a team for $60 per individual and $120 for a pair, which includes all events: Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles, as well as a commemorative t-shirt and swag bag.

“At Meals on Wheels of Summerville, we believe in being more than a meal – we are a beacon of hope for individuals facing food insecurities and isolation,” said Crystal Bovell, CEO and Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Summerville. “Funds raised from our Dink and Deliver Classic will go beyond providing a meal; they are a lifeline for those who are homebound, offering companionship, support, and a connection to the outside world.”

Each team registration provides 60 meals for individuals facing food insecurities and isolation. Since 1982, operating without government funding, Meals on Wheels of Summerville has relied on the support of the local community to make a difference. In 2023, the organization achieved the following milestones:

·         64,833 meals delivered through 23 routes.

·         40,736 miles driven by dedicated volunteers.

·         5,817 volunteer hours served.

·         3,408 pounds of pet food provided for those in need.

Meals on Wheels invites businesses and individuals to join as sponsors or secure vendor booths for the Dink and Deliver Classic. Thank you to Court Sponsors, Your Health Organization, Baldoni Aesthetic, and Republic Finance LLC; Dink Sponsors, Electric Supply Company, Lowcountry Home Sales-Carolina Jordan, First National Bank-Summerville, home Mobile Veterinary Service, Senior Care Insurance Services LLC, Modern Woodmen of America, Lowcountry Dentistry, Ridge Lake Farm & Pottery, and State Farm-Tony Pope.

ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS OF SUMMERVILLE

Founded in 1982, Meals on Wheels of Summerville stands as a beacon of support for the Summerville community, addressing issues of hunger and isolation. The organization’s mission is to provide nourishing meals and compassionate companionship to individuals facing challenges such as limited mobility or isolation. Operating in the Summerville area and receiving no government funding, Meals on Wheels of Summerville is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Beyond meal delivery, the organization runs specialized programs, such as AniMeals, ensuring that both the nutritional needs of individuals and their beloved pets are met. For more information, visit mowsummerville.org or call 843.873.8224.

Lowcountry

Celebrating Herd Provisions Executive Chef Jeanne Oleksiak and Events Director Kellie Holmes – Learn more about these influential women leaders in the Charleston culinary scene

March 1, 2024 by 0 Comments
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As a celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to share background on some of the powerful women behind Herd Provisions, Charleston’s whole-animal butcher shop, restaurant and boutique grocery destination. 

  • Executive Chef Jeanne Oleksiak helms the kitchen as she oversees the restaurant’s culinary operations and collaborates with the staff to create innovative farm-to-table dishes. Formerly of Poogan’s Porch, Lana Restaurant, Pages Okra Grill and Park & Grove, Oleksiak serves as a leader, teacher and motivator for the culinary team at Herd Provisions. During the pandemic, she connected with Herd Provisions’ owner Alec Bradford and joined him at the restaurant. Oleksiak has since maintained the title of executive chef, while also working as a butcher and pastry chef throughout the years. Chef Oleksiak’s culinary philosophy for Herd Provisions prioritizes supporting local purveyors and ensuring their products are sustainably raised, grown and produced. Please see HERE for Jeanne’s full bio.

  • As Herd Provisions’ Wine & Events Director, Kellie Holmes runs the wine program for the dining room and retail shop, along with facilitating events and acting as an advisor and operations support, bringing into play her years of experience as a general manager. She focuses on sustainability and small production and minimal intervention wines that pair well across the menu. Please see HERE for Kellie’s full bio.
Lowcountry

Cat Nearly Crushed at Junkyard Reunited with Owner Thanks to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

February 29, 2024 by 0 Comments
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 Early last week, an employee at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, located at 31 Glendale Ave, Asheville, NC, received an alarming message from her partner. While at the junkyard where he works, Sarah Batten’s boyfriend encountered a young cat who leaped into his arms just moments before the car it was using as shelter was scheduled to be crushed!

After completing the rest of his shift with the small cat tucked away in his jacket, Batten’s partner drove to Brother Wolf in the hopes of helping his new feline friend, Lilly, receive any care she needed and to check for a microchip. Staff at Brother Wolf treated Lilly immediately for dehydration before working to ensure she was medically sound overall.

During Lilly’s medical exam, Batten’s boyfriend received a call from his co-workers at the junkyard who had made contact with a man who was frantically searching for his lost cat. It just so happened that this man’s missing cat loved sneaking into cars and had previously made a habit of quietly leaving the house for spontaneous adventures. 

After getting the owner’s contact information, the medical team at Brother Wolf reached out to ask if he would be agreeable to Brother Wolf microchipping, vaccinating, and spaying Lilly. Not only was he grateful to hear that Lilly was okay, but he eagerly and happily agreed to receive the additional medical help at no cost. 

After her spay surgery, Batten and her partner drove Lilly back to her home. “Lilly took a nap the whole way there, and she woke up to the sound of her dad talking to her. You could see the look of relief and happiness on her face when she realized she was home,” Batten said. “Her dad scooped her up, and she nestled right into him.”

Lilly’s owner expressed immense gratitude that Brother Wolf Animal Rescue had stepped up and provided his cat with a safe place to stay as well as the medical attention she needed. He is especially thrilled that Lilly is now microchipped and spayed, though he is hopeful that her wild journey has taught her a valuable lesson about running away from home!

Media Contact

  • Leah Craig Chumbley – Executive Director
  • Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
  • (828) 620-0041
  • leahcraig@bwar.org 

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Blackbaud Supports Crisis Text Line to Help Fund the Nonprofit’s International Expansion

February 28, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Crisis Text Line Provides Mental Health Support to Those in Emotional Distress

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today announced that its 2024 annual major gift will support Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support. Currently, Crisis Text Line serves anyone in the United States (including Puerto Rico) in both English and Spanish, and works with affiliates in Canada, the UK and Ireland. Blackbaud’s donation will be utilized for the organization’s plans to expand its service into Latin America and Australia with the goal of providing critical mental health support to more people globally.

Since Crisis Text Line’s launch in 2013, the organization has supported more than 12 million conversations globally, connecting more than 65,000 trained volunteer crisis counselors to texters in emotional distress. Only 19% of texters have access to professional mental health support, and 25% say they don’t have anyone else to talk to. Crisis Text Line is a unique platform for teens in particular, as 88% of teens in the U.S. have or have access to mobile phones, and 90% of teens communicate via text messages. Individuals seeking mental health support through Crisis Text Line can text HELLO to 741741 to reach a live volunteer crisis counselor, at any time and for no cost.

“Mental health is one of the most critical and important issues our society faces today,” said Margaret “Maggie” Driscoll, chief people and culture officer, Blackbaud. “By supporting Crisis Text Line, we are prioritizing mental health resources not only for our own employees, but also for the broader communities where they live and work, making quality mental health care more accessible and reducing stigma for those in need.”

Blackbaud places significant importance on providing total wellbeing benefits designed to help employees thrive while they help customers drive impact—this includes supporting the emotional, social, intellectual, physical and financial health of employees and their families. In addition, Blackbaud is educating students on the importance of mental health through the EVERFI® from Blackbaud course “Understanding Mental Wellness,” a free, digital course that introduces students to the topic of mental health and the ways in which they can implement coping strategies.

“Expanding mental health resources internationally will not only help individuals in need but will also foster global resilience, understanding, and empathy,” said Dena Trujillo, CEO at Crisis Text Line. “Thanks to our partnership with Blackbaud, we are building a foundation for a healthier, more compassionate and connected world.”

Blackbaud’s donation will be structured as a multi-year gift to Crisis Text Line to facilitate an ongoing partnership. Blackbaud will engage employees by raising awareness of the resources available to them through Crisis Text Line and by inviting representatives from Crisis Text Line to present to Blackbaud employees as part of team meetings and special events. In addition, Blackbaud will encourage employees to explore the opportunity to volunteer by becoming trained counselors for Crisis Text Line.

This annual gift follows Blackbaud’s donations in previous years to organizations focused on supporting workforce development for underrepresented youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Project Drawdown. Learn more about Blackbaud corporate social responsibility at https://csr.blackbaud.com/. 

About Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support in English and Spanish. Since its launch in 2013, Crisis Text Line has engaged in more than 9 million crisis conversations and trained over 65,000 volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Crisis Text Line is committed to creating an empathetic world where nobody feels alone. Individuals seeking confidential support can connect with us via text, web chat and WhatsApp. To be connected to a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor, text HELLO to 741741 or 443-SUPPORT in WhatsApp or text HOLA to 741741 or 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp for Spanish or connect with us via web chat. Visit Crisis Text Line on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.  Additional information, including how to become a volunteer or how to support Crisis Text Line through donations or partnerships, is available at www.crisistextline.org.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant SC ‘Get Fit Where You Live’ Campaign Creating A Healthier and More Connected Community

February 28, 2024 by 1 Comment
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) and the Town of Mount Pleasant have joined forces once again to encourage residents to support local health and wellness establishments. The campaign begins on March 1 and goes through April 1.

“The Town of Mount Pleasant is proud to once again partner with the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and to encourage citizens to #GetFitWhereYouLive. Through this effort, we are not only prioritizing health and well-being but also supporting our local business community,” stated Mayor Will Haynie.

Getting fit locally supports the health and wellness establishments that are owned and operated by your friends, neighbors and family members and keeps dollars in our local economy. Every week through April 1, the MPCC will give away a $50 gift card for a health and wellness business to one lucky person who posts a photo of their fitness experience at a participating Mount Pleasant establishment on Instagram or Facebook and follows the instructions on how to enter. 

Participating establishments include (as of 2/27/24):

  • 633 Physical Therapy *
  • Blue Sky Endurance *
  • Carolina Physical Therapy *
  • ConciergeOT
  • D1 Training
  • Fleet Feet Mount Pleasant
  • Graze Craze Mount Pleasant *
  • Iron Tribe Fitness Mount Pleasant
  • Lowcountry Yoga *
  • Mount Pleasant Fit Body Bootcamp

* Denotes MPCC Members

To enter:

  1. Simply post a photo of your fitness experience at a participating establishment on Instagram or Facebook.
  2. Tag @mtpchamber, @experiencemp and the participating location.
  3. Include the hashtag #GetFitWhereYouLive

“The MPCC is excited to once again partner with the Town of Mount Pleasant on #GetFitWhereYouLive, a campaign that inspires our local community to embrace healthy living,” declared MPCC President Kathleen Herrmann. “Get Fit Where You Live supports our local health and wellness establishments. We believe that a healthy community starts with the well-being of its individuals. By supporting local fitness and health businesses, we are not only investing in the success of entrepreneurs but also creating a healthier and more connected community for everyone.”

For more information on how to sign up as a participating business, a list of already participating businesses and how to enter to win $50 please visit https://www.mountpleasantchamber.org/biz-where-you-live and click on the Get Fit Where You Live tab.

About MPCC: Since 1992, the MPCC has brought together business leaders from the East Cooper community for mutually beneficial purposes. The membership is a mix of professions including advertising, publishing, finance, health care, food and beverage, hotel, retail, insurance, legal, and service businesses of every description. MPCC aims to encourage business and community success East of the Cooper. MPCC was named a Noteworthy Network in the 2023 Lowcountry Diversity Leadership Awards by the Charleston Regional Business Journal and Best Activist Group or Effort in Best of the Best 2023 by Moultrie News.

Lowcountry

Breeze Airways announces nonstop service between Charleston, SC and Manchester, NH

February 27, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Breeze Airways has just announced nonstop service between the CHS and MHT (@flymanchester)!

Get ready to explore New England’s industrial hub with history, culinary delights, and cultural gems.

The 2x seasonal offering begins June 14th, 2024 and is priced at $69 one-way.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Lowcountry

From 2lb 12oz at birth to Honors Graduate from Coastal Carolina – The Ronald McDonald House and MUSC reflect on this beautiful story of resilience and hope

February 27, 2024 by 2 Comments
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In December 2000, Emma arrived 12 weeks earlier than expected at a mere 2lb 12oz. Emma’s family stayed at the House to be closer to MUSC Children’s Health and after 5 weeks of battling health complications, they were able to go home with her. 23 years later, Emma graduated with Honors from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Statistics! 🌟

“To parents facing similar trials, we hope our story provides comfort and some measure of hope. Despite the initial uncertainties, miracles can happen with love, care, and support of organizations like RMHC Charleston.” – Linda, RMHC Charleston Grandmother ❤️🌟

Lowcountry

Juliska on King Street launches new Spring ’24 Floral Workshops with new format and pricing

February 27, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Juliska, located at 268 King St, Charleston, SC 29401 has just launched their new Spring ’24 workshops with a new format* and pricing. All Workshops will be $65.

*The new format will be instructed in a plain glass vessel.

There is more: You will be able to purchase any item you want in the store after the workshop for 20% off! Or, you may purchase a vessel to use for class (selection limited) for a discount. ($60)

  • Graham or Ella 9” Corset Vase
  • Devon Willow or Provence Rattan Small Hurricane

If you have your workshop vase already, please feel free to bring it to class to use!

Click HERE to review and sign up for the new workshops.

Lowcountry

Charleston Small Business Spotlight: Cart Life EV LLC

February 27, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Cart Life EV LLC located at 1141B Clements Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29492 is a true family business with an eye on the future. Recreation, sustainability and environmental thoughtfulness is the driving force behind this custom golf cart designer and seller. We see a company that embodies quality, relationship building and a passion for coastal living.

The goal of Cart Life EV LLC is to “Bring high-quality, high-tech carts to the Charleston area through our partnership with Venom-EV and high-quality, competitively priced carts to the Charleston area through our partnership with Advanced EV.”

About Cart Life EV LLC

Seventeen years ago, Cart Life EV LLC General Manager, Joe Boczkowski, moved to the Charleston area from Pittsburgh, PA.  He fell in love with the city and put down his roots.  Sales Manager Aaron Moore has called Charleston his home his entire life and wouldn’t have it any other way.  During Joe and Aaron’s many years of combined experience in the golf cart industry working for both manufacturers and dealers, they have seen various golf cart brands and models up close and personal, inside and out.  They wanted to be able to offer a high-quality, reasonably priced golf cart to people in the Charleston area so they could start living the Cart Life without having to worry about issues they saw with other brands.  Joe told his brother, Mike Boczkowski, about his vision and together with business partner, Jeff James, they started Cart Life EV LLC in the summer of 2023.  Not only were they lucky enough to find an extremely well-built golf cart through their partnership with Venom-EV, but they were also able to find another extremely well-built brand in Advanced EV.  With two high-quality brands and a boutique showroom off Clements Ferry Road, Joe and Aaron are able to focus on providing the highest level of customer service to help Charlestonians start living the Cart Life!

Want to learn more about the inventory or schedule a test drive, click HERE.