Lifestyle

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC - Real Estate

The Cassina Group Ends 2021 as the Best Year on Record with $586M in Closed Sales

January 31, 2022 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. — It was a record-breaking year for Charleston’s innovation-driven real estate company, The Cassina Group. The boutique firm, with only 42 Realtors, closed more than $586 million in sales during 2021.  

This is the highest annual sales volume ever recorded for the company and represents a 52% increase over their unprecedented 2020 sales volume. The company closed 619 transactions in 2021, helping many clients throughout the Lowcountry.

“We are so thankful to our customers and clients who entrusted us with one of their biggest financial decisions over this past year,” said Owen Tyler, managing broker and partner of The Cassina Group. “Our Realtors are the best in Charleston, and in this competitive real estate market, it is essential to have a premier agent working on your behalf.”

The company, known for its cutting-edge marketing techniques and high-touch service, works with buyer and seller clients throughout Charleston. The Cassina Group again ended the year as the leading boutique firm in Charleston for properties $500,000+, $1 million+ and $2 million+.

More than 25% of the company’s transactions were recorded at $1 million or higher, with significant sales in downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Hobcaw Point, Old Village, Kiawah Island, and The Crescent.  
Some notable sales include:

  • 147 Flyway Drive, Kiawah Island (one of the highest priced back-flag lots ever sold on the island, which closed for $11,650,000 with Robertson Allen representing the seller).
  • 2411 Atlantic Ave., Sullivan’s Island (an oceanfront home that sold for $6,850,000 with Robertson Allen representing both the buyers and sellers).
  • 2508 Atlantic Ave., Sullivan’s Island (which closed for $4,713,000 with Jimmy Dye representing the buyers).
  • 4001 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms (which closed for $4,250,000 with Jason Ogden representing the sellers).
  • 106 Charleston Blvd., Isle of Palms (which closed for $4,350,000 with Meghan Webster representing the sellers).
  • 212 Wandolea Drive, Mount Pleasant (a waterfront home in Hobcaw Point that sold for $4,950,000 with Laura Rembert representing the buyers).
  • 734 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant (a custom Old Village home that closed for $4,200,000 with Jimmy Dye representing the sellers and Will Prendergast representing the buyers).

For more information on The Cassina Group, visit www.CassinaGroup.com.

About The Cassina Group
The Cassina Group is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Charleston, S.C. The firm is managed by Owen Tyler, partner and managing broker, and founding partners Jimmy Dye and Robertson Allen. Recent awards include top honors from Charleston Magazine, Inc. 5000, T3 Sixty and SC Biz News. For more information, visit www.CassinaGroup.com or call 843-628-0008.

Photo credit is Keen Eye Marketing

Lowcountry

Queen Street Hospitality Group Establishes College of Charleston Scholarship Benefitting Hospitality Students

January 28, 2022 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, SC – Queen Street Hospitality Group proudly announces the establishment of an endowed fund to provide scholarships to students involved in hospitality and tourism management in the School of Business at the College of Charleston. 

The annual scholarship is a celebration of the retirement of Charleston culinary community icon, Steve Kish. Kish is the proud owner of 82 Queen, Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen and Jalisco Taqueria & Tequila. As a founding member of the American Culinary Federation, a Charleston Restaurant Association Board member, and a Taste of Charleston and Lowcountry Oyster Festival Chairman, Kish has passionately served the restaurant community for 40 years, and now looks forward to awarding a deserving student with a similar passion for the industry. 

“To see my life’s work celebrated by the development of this scholarship is a true honor,” said Kish. “I’m humbled to have had such a successful and longstanding career in Charleston’s ever-evolving culinary scene, and to be able to propel the next generation of culinary professionals forward brings it all full circle.”

Fitting seamlessly into the vibrant hospitality and tourism industry of the city, College of Charleston’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program is committed to providing students with a high-quality, comprehensive hospitality management education with applied opportunities throughout the community.  

“I would like to thank Steve Kish for making a difference in the lives of our hospitality students,” said  Alan T.  Shao, Dean of the College of Charleston School of Business. “His meaningful generosity illustrates how intertwined the School of Business is with the business community, and we are grateful for the opportunities it awards our students.”

The first recipient of the Queen Street Hospitality Group scholarship will be named in Fall 2022. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the College of Charleston Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office and Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA), and those who are working in the restaurant industry while attending college. The recipient will be selected by the scholarship committee in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management based on the outlined criteria. Students can apply via the Cougar Scholarship Award System (CSAS).

“Because of Steve’s support, students will be able to fully immerse themselves in a guest-focused destination education where academics, community and industry meet in a unique way. I congratulate Steve on his retirement and thank him for paying it forward with our students,” said Brumby McLeod, Chair of the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Lowcountry

Don’t Blink Now..Life is happening (You may cry)

January 26, 2022 by 0 Comments
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“Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away. Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away”
– Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town – Pearl Jam

I was walking the beach one evening. The air was crisp, the waves crashed in the distance and the reflection of the stars off the face of the ocean created a mystical light show reinforcing the wonder that is all around us.
It was in the moment, deep in thought that I reminded myself of the importance of perception. We all have good and bad in our lives. It is those that can soak the positive energy that feel the presence of true happiness. We all have the ability to feel the goodness of a warm breeze and the scent of fresh lilacs. When we are overpowered by the negative, we often fall into an abyss which we cannot return from. I enjoy swimming in the positive.Advertisements

In all the frailty of existence we must continue to take advantage of this gift of life. To often we exhibit behaviors of greed, addiction, laziness, routine and denial instead of embracing the endless path of adventure knocking on our door. 

Each breathe is a miracle.
Every step is the beginning of a new journey.

Life is as fragile as a bird in flight guided by the freedom of the wind but subject to the poisons that surround us. As we grow, we become aware of our senses and capabilities and begin the journey that will create a unique path that will be looked back upon for generations to come. Others will learn from the choices we make. Our pathway is a personal adventure of discovery, one that will force us to make decisions that will shape the next move in the chess game of life.


Our very being is a shelter for mind, body and soul, protected from the elements but aware of the piercing pain the thorns can inflict. This being will be forever etched never to be forgotten. 

How often are you asked the question “What are you skills?” whether that is on a date, an interview, in casual discussion or in a personal moment of reflection. As we are raised, our mental capacities become more aware of our surroundings and capabilities. Like superheroes, we start to see areas of excellence that sets us apart from one another. Once we have discovered these gifts, we have a duty to utilize them for good. No good for ourselves alone but the good we can bestow on others and the legacy we leave as our footsteps are washed away by the oceans powerful waters.

In the blink of an eye, life begins

Crawling across the room, falling and laughing
Building a fort out of a cardboard box
Playing on the swings
Going to camp and leaving your parents for the first time
The innocence and passion of the first kiss
Hitting the game winning shot in the State Championship in front of a thousand screaming fans
Holding up that diploma with pride and seeing your family weep in tears of happiness
Sitting up at 2 AM writing a paper and feeling the pressure of responsibility
Making decisions about your future for the first time
First day on the job
The grief of watching a loved one lowered into the ground
Falling in love
Declaring forever your dedication to the person you will spend all eternity with
Welcoming a new life into this world as you looking into the baby blues of your newborn
Watching your children run around the house
Waving them off to school for the first time
Watching the car pull away as they begin the next phase of their lives
Sitting on the rocking chair, sipping ice tea and remembering why you fell in love in the first place.
Watching the setting sun…

Life is a dream.
It is a series of opportunities to make imagination a reality
It gives you the potential to reach for the stars or lay under them with someone you love

Don’t forget to dance…The music is all around you.

Lowcountry

10 Fastest Growing Cities in the United States – New Video

January 24, 2022 by 0 Comments
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Travel Planner has created a video around the massive population shift.

Here are the 10 fast growing cities in the United States

Where does Charleston fall on the list?

10 – Charlotte, North Carolina

9 – Phoenix, Arizona

8 – Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas

7 – San Antonio, Texas

6 – Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida

5 – Houston, Texas

4 – Charleston, South Carolina

3 – Orlando, Florida

2 – Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

1 – Austin, Texas

Lowcountry

To all the Charleston moms: It was always you; my child, my new hope – Original Poem

January 24, 2022 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Let your heart be your guide
Its an unspoken truth led by the power of the soul
It is a journey unexpected; undiscovered
Often unfulfilled

I know you
I always have
A shining light; an evening star

Born to shine
That is what we saw looking into your eyes
A glimmer of wonder
A prayer for the future

You carry us with you in that pouch of rainbows and smiles

As you look behind, I see independence more powerful than the wind
A child no more
The force of a hurricane
The gentleness of a flower showered by a morning mist
As beautiful as a bed of roses in an open field
You are but a natural wonder created from the heavens

We can teach no more; nor have we taught at all
We learned from each other
In sickness and health; tears and laughter; triumph and defeatAdvertisements

We saw a world together from coast to coast, cheek to cheek

I can’t imagine my journey without you
You bore my second chance
Gave me hope when I lost my way

Somehow you knew
Without the ability to walk or talk, you knew

It was always you
Every day; in every way
It was always you

You will always be the rainbow penetrating grey skies
A warm ray energy intensifying this beating heart

Go on now
Go on and don’t look back
Be infinite leaving footprints in the sand

Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

Top National Balloon Company to Open Doors in Prime North Charleston Location – Balloon Therapy Charleston

January 24, 2022 by 0 Comments
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Balloon Therapy, the nation’s premier balloon installation and event company, has announced that it will be opening the doors of its newest location in North Charleston, South Carolina, at 3125 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite 118. The grand opening will begin at 10:00AM on February 1st.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your party or event with a dramatic balloon garland, stand out from the crowd with our signature 5’ tall metal balloon numbers, brighten someone’s day with a fully-customizable unique balloon bouquet, or simply stand out with some of our memorable 36” accent balloons, Balloon Therapy Charleston is sure to quickly become the Lowcountry’s go-to for special events!

“We are so excited to use our fun, different, edgy displays to bring joy and excitement to our customers here in our city. After all, who doesn’t want a unique and memorable badass display at their event or party?”
– Chad Woods, Owner of Balloon Therapy Charleston

That past two years have been challenging for all of us to say the least as we had no choice but to pivot into the land of Zoom meetings, virtual education and FaceTime visits with our loved ones. But there’s a party at the end of the tunnel in the form of fun live events and memorable in-person celebrations. And it’s filled with balloons!

About Balloon Therapy
Balloon Therapy is a Dallas, TX-based company with franchise locations across the country, the newest being in our very own North Charleston. For all inquiries, please visit BalloonTherapyChs.com or contact Chad Woods, owner, directly at chad@balloontherapychs.com.

Lowcountry

For all the Charleston Lovers: The Heaven I Found in You – Original Poem

January 23, 2022 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A Leon

My love lays silently waiting for my kiss in the darkness

A wind blows the light on the windowsill waking up the moonlight and exposing the silouette of my baby resting; a sight for these sore well traveled eyes

Heavy and old, now light and free at the dim sight the rests before me

I stay hypnotized
Frozen to the beauty by my side
Words void in this moment of reunion
Each one a new beginning

My words and songs are my own reminder of how much I miss her by my side
They are for me
The audience is a humble distraction

Someday others will know the heaven I already found in you

My love
My inspirational force nestled inside

I close these weary eyes to hear the harmony of your breath echo off the satin pillows massaging the wavy hair to your side

I still feel the fire burning inside as I counted the hours, minutes, seconds I’d return and the flames would subside

I’m home now
Under these sheets I’ll slide
The touch of your skin
The longing to be inside

Heaven is warm
Heaven is safe
Heaven is a reminder to thank the moments you are by my side

Lowcountry

Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina receives major Growth Grant from National Endowment for the Humanities For Film Series

January 22, 2022 by 0 Comments
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Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina will begin free public screening events Sunday, January 30th, at 3:00 pm with a local premiere of their award-winning docudrama, John Laurens’ War, in partnership with the Calhoun County Library. The film series will be free of charge. Following screenings, South Carolina scholars and creators of the films will answer questions from the audience. The series will be on Sundays from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm.   Due to the pandemic, the events will take place in the banquet hall of the Calhoun Hills Golf Complex to allow a larger audience and social distancing.   

The non-profit film and theatre company has received a major Growth Grant from South Carolina Humanities, www.schumanities.org. Funding for the Growth Grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the NEH Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) initiative.

Screenings of the award-winning films will take place across the state throughout 2022. Calhoun County dates and films are: 

  • January 30 @ 3:00 pm – John Laurens’ War – young officer fights to outlaw slavery ninety years before it ended
  • February 27 @ 3:00 pm – Frederick Douglass, No Turning Back – former slave becomes major US statesman
  • April 3 @ 3:00 pm  – Calls to Greatness – US History – seven brave heroes tell their stories
  • June 26 @ 3:00 pm – All For Liberty – Swiss freedom fighter and his family discover the cost of freedom 

Clarence Felder, Executive Producer and co-star in the films, is grateful for the support from the Growth Grant. “John Laurens’ War was released this past summer, world-wide, through our distributor, Bridgestone Multimedia Group (BMG Global), This series is a great opportunity to premiere this docudrama locally and share an astounding story of a brave young man from Charleston in the War for Independence.” 

Felder also stars in a previous American Revolutionary War film, All For Liberty, about local hero, Captain Henry Felder, which also won nine international film awards and has been in world-wide distribution with BMG Global for seven years.  

“We’ve screened other projects at the Calhoun County Library, and are thrilled to begin this Great American Heroes Series,” added Chris Weatherhead, Producer/Director of the films. “We’ve found many inspiring stories of people who risked their lives and families to fight for the many freedoms now guaranteed in our US Constitution.”  

“These are phenomenal, quality productions” said Kristen Simensen, Director of Calhoun County Library. “The opportunities that have been afforded to our patrons over the years by Actors’ Theatre and SC Humanities have been truly incredible. We always have very positive feedback from attendees.” 

More information about each film is available on the Calhoun County Library website and Facebook page (calhouncountylibrary.org and @calhounlibrarysc) and on ActorsTheatreOfSC.org. (also Facebook)Although the screenings are free, reservations are required as space is limited.

 In the event of a pandemic challenge, the Library will attempt to notify all audience members of a new date. 

To reserve call 803-874-3389

 Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina is a professional film and theater company celebrating 26 years and dedicated to producing new works by South Carolinians, fine literature and unsung American Revolutionary War heroes from South Carolina. They have won twenty-two international film awards and three national historical awards (SAR & DAR) for their films.

The Calhoun County Library is located in the heart of St. Matthews, South Carolina.  The library is committed to optimizing library services, strengthening community involvement and exemplifying strategic stewardship throughout the various communities in our service area, including St. Matthews, Fort Motte, Sandy Run, Cameron, Lone Star and areas beyond. The library receives county, state, private and grant funding. It is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Calhoun County Council. 

 



Lowcountry

Warrior Surf Foundation announces Workout for Warriors

January 21, 2022 by 0 Comments
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Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF) is excited to introduce their new Workout for Warriors campaign. For the months of January and February, WSF will partner with local gyms, spin and yoga studios, and a portion of new memberships during these months will go directly towards their surf therapy, yoga and wellness program for local Veterans. Gyms onboard as of now include Chucktown Fitness on Johns Island, Cycle House on Daniel Island and Grit Box Fitness downtown. 

Other gyms will be hosting workout classes and donating a portion of registration fees to WSF. 

Be sure to follow @warriorsurf on Instagram and Facebook for updates, including which gyms are participating and raffle opportunities. 

Other fitness studios and gyms interested in participating should contact avery@charlottebergerpr.com,

For more information about WSF, visit warriorsurf.org

Lowcountry

Charleston Nonprofit, Be a Mentor, Partners with National Company, CreatD, To Drive Nationwide Change and Awareness

January 21, 2022 by 0 Comments
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JANUARY 20TH, 2021 – NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Be A Mentor (BAM), a non-profit children’s advocacy organization, is excited to announce its partnership with CreatD, a nationwide technology platform that is built to give creators a voice to enact positive change.

Commented Laurie Weisberg, co-CEO of Vocal’s parent company, Creatd, “On a human level as much as a professional one, I have a deep appreciation for Be A Mentor and their vision of drawing upon the strength of community to lift up at-risk youth. On behalf of the entire Creatd team, we are thrilled to team up with Be A Mentor for this Challenge, and support their critical efforts by lending Vocal’s communities, voices and unique storytelling power.”

Be A Mentor, will use the partnership to ignite change throughout communities all across the nation using their reflections on how Mentorship impacted peoples lives. Board Chair, Joe Waring and his wife, Silvia Waring, have generously matched CreatD’s giving of $5,000 to make a $10,000 impact on our local community. A nationwide partnership is Be A Mentor’s first step into reaching more youth and continuing the mission to provide every youth with a caring adult Mentor. 

Currently, Be A Mentor is serving the community through both virtual and in-person mentorships to over 300 children in the Charleston area in 26 of schools. 

For high-resolution photos and media inquiries, please click here (hyperlink to google doc with photo selection)

To help support this initiative, sign up for the CreatD platform to enter your own Mentorship story.

About Be A Mentor:Founded in 2004 as an initiative of the Charleston Leadership Foundation, Be A Mentor (BAM) just completed its first year under 501(c)(3) status and now operates as an independent nonprofit organization. BAM strives to enable youth to develop positive relationships with caring adults to empower them to reach their full potential. With the support and partnership of the City of Charleston and Charleston County School District, BAM mentors work with over 300 students annually across K-12 grade levels in 18 local schools. Since its inception, BAM’s efforts have resulted in recruiting and referring thousands of new mentors to fill programs as well as provide mentors for partner organizations. In addition, BAM has partnered with numerous community and business organizations to recruit and support mentors. For more information, visit www.beamentornow.org