West Ashley’s Neighborhood Restaurant Patois introduces a new cocktail menu and more

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The anxiously awaited cocktail menu at West Ashley’s farm-to-table neighborhood restaurant, Patois, has just been released. 

Jeremiah Schenzel, Owner and Operator of Daps, helped come up with these boozy (and spiritless) concoctions, which are just as playful as they are delicious. 

Ready to “Take the Next Left”? Go for this fun drink, made with Pimm’s gin, lemon, pineapple, fresno, and basil.  Reminisce on the good times with the “Remember When,” complete with white rum, lime, passion fruit, orgeat, and cherry pepper. Other standouts include the “Mean Streets of Cancun,” a fun combination of reposado tequila, grapefruit, ras el hanout, and mint; and the “20th Century Kaleidoscope,” a gin-based cocktail infused with lime, maraschino, and creme de violette.

Not ready to take on the alcoholic options just yet? Guests can indulge in spiritless mocktails, like the “Faux-jito” with lime, mint, and sugar, or the “Rozata” with grapefruit, lemon, and orgeat.

Click for Lunch Menu

Click for Dinner Menu

Win Two Seats on One of the FIRST Virgin Galactic Flights to Space

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YOU AND A FRIEND WILL:

  • Make history as you both live out your astronaut dreams on one of the FIRST Virgin Galactic commercial spaceflights
  • Experience weightlessness and awe-inspiring views of Earth from space
  • Join Sir Richard Branson for a personal VIP tour of Spaceport America
  • Be flown to the home of Spaceport America in New Mexico (hotel included!)

Contest Closes September 1, 2021

Click Here to Enter

Goose Creek, SC Volunteers sought for Cultural Arts Commission, Planning Commission

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The City of Goose Creek is seeking volunteers to serve on its Cultural Arts Commission and Planning Commission.  

Apply online now.

The City is seeking to fill four current vacancies on its Cultural Arts Commission.

The CAC is a volunteer board made up of seven members appointed by the Mayor and City Council to serve two-year terms.  Board Members should demonstrate a civic interest and general knowledge of the City, and be prepared to attend meetings and special events. Two of the vacancies will be filled with residents who live inside the Recreation District and/or own a business in Goose Creek. The remaining members must reside within City limits. The mission of the CAC is to identify, present and sustain cultural arts initiatives to enrich the lives of Goose Creek residents and visitors. The CAC meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Goose Creek Community Center, 519A North Goose Creek Blvd. Members also volunteer at special events and festivals sponsored by the Goose Creek Recreation Department during the year. 

The City is seeking to fill one current vacancy on its Planning Commission

The city’s Planning Commission is responsible for determining many of the land use processes. The Commission is tasked with identifying the needs of the city, establishing both short and long terms goals for the development of the city, and then writing and updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan and recommending zoning ordinances which support those plans. In addition, it is the Planning Commission which approves street names, and hears requests for property rezoning. All meetings are open to the public. The Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at City Hall.

For more information, please call (843) 797-6220, ext. 1113.

Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) to open renovated John’s Island Library on Aug. 23

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) will open the renovated John’s Island Library, located at 3531 Maybank Highway, on Monday, Aug. 23. The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the branch.  

“After being closed for over a year, we’re thrilled to show the community all of the exciting changes that have taken place at their branch,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “John’s Island and the surrounding area finally have access to a modern, state-of-the-art library, equipped with resources, services, and technology that extend well beyond books.” 

The John’s Island Library closed in August 2020 to undergo renovations as part of the ongoing $108.5 million referendum-funded project passed by Charleston County voters in 2014 to build five new libraries and renovate all existing branches. Updates include: 

  • new interior finishes 
  • replacement of shelving 
  • refreshed collection items (books, audiobooks, etc.) 
  • new furniture 
  • technology upgrades 
  • new designated children and teen areas 

The Otranto Road Library, which opened on Aug. 2, was the first renovated branch to reopen its doors to the public. Three other CCPL branches –Hurd/St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant, and Dorchester Road– are currently closed for renovations, with the Hurd/St. Andrew’s branch expected to reopen in the coming weeks. Designs for the renovations were created by McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS), with MB Kahn handling construction. 

The ribbon cutting ceremony will include speakers from the library and Charleston County Government, as well as elected officials. Due to COVID-19, occupancy at the ceremony will be limited. In addition to the ribbon cutting, patrons will have the opportunity to meet the branch staff, take pictures with CCPL’s mascot Owlbert, and more.  

For more information about this library branch and updates on the construction of the other facilities, please visit ccpl.org/construction.  

Firefly Distillery Introduces New Music Program, Live At Firefly

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Announcing the fall outdoor concert series at the North Charleston venue

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (August 4, 2021) –  Firefly Distillery, South Carolina’s oldest working distillery, is expanding its music program to include a variety of live music offerings throughout the expansive venue. The new music program, Live At Firefly, will encompass all live music events at the North Charleston distillery, from weekly local performances to national touring artists. “I grew up a musician and supporting live music has always been a part of our brand,” says Scott Newitt, co-owner of Firefly Distillery. “We’re expanding our support through these new performance offerings and love being able to provide a fun venue for artists and the community.”Now a major player in the music venue scene in Charleston, Firefly Distillery is doubling down on supporting live music. This new program Live At Firefly offers three ways visitors can experience live performances at the distillery:

  1. On The Porch: Free and open to the public each Saturday from 1 to 4 pm, local artists perform on the Front Porch outside so visitors can listen while sipping cocktails at the picnic tables. The On The Porch sessions have been a popular draw to the distillery each Saturday for the last year. Local musicians including Lauren Hall, Haley Mae Campbell, Southbound 17, and more have performed for visitors during these afternoon music sessions, offering a lively ambiance while enjoying the spacious Front Porch. 

  2. In The Studio: A full recording studio on the second floor of the distillery hosts touring artists for intimate listening sessions, and also offers up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to record new music. In The Studio sessions are new this year with singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith being the first to perform in the distillery’s recording studio for an intimate listening session. Additionally, “Good Times Roll” country music artist Jimmie Allen, and “Villain” singer-songwriter Lily Rose have performed in the new recording studio. 
  1. On The Field: Many larger scale ticketed concerts are held throughout the year on the 4-acre field, surrounded by live oaks and marsh views. Spinning off from Firefly’s popular Safe Sounds series, the On The Field concerts will offer open space for visitors to enjoy larger outdoor concerts including national touring acts including Flogging Molly, Lettuce, and more. On The Field concerts offer local food trucks and an outdoor bar with views of the sunset over the creek. 

In partnership with Ear For Music, Firefly Distillery is hosting an outdoor concert series On The Field from September 4 to October 23. Each ticketed concert will run from 7 to 10 pm, with doors opening at 6 pm, and will feature live music performances, Firefly cocktails, beer, wine, and local food trucks. Open to all ages, tickets can be purchased in advance at citypapertickets.com starting August 6, 2021. 
Fall Concert Series Lineup:

  • Saturday, September 4, 2021 – Motown Throwdown does Jerry Garcia
  • Sunday, September 5, 2021 – On The Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band
  • Saturday, September 11, 2021 – Departure: The Ultimate Journey Tribute
  • Saturday, September 18, 2021 – Special Guest To Be Announced
  • Saturday, September 25, 2021 – Tokyo Joe presents: The Best of Everything  – A Tribute to Tom Petty
  • Saturday, October 2, 2021 – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
  • Saturday, October 9, 2021 – The Eighty Sixers with Special Guests Guilt Ridden Troubadour
  • Saturday, October 16, 2021 – Night Moves with Taylor Hicks – A Tribute To Bob Seger
  • Saturday, October 23, 2021 – Women Who Rock featuring Lauren Hall, Emily Curtis, & LaFaye 

This concert series is powered by Rev Federal Credit Union with additional sponsors including: Charleston City Paper, Bud Light Seltzer, Babe Wine, Hero Heating & Air, Rodgers Wranglers, David Aylor Law Offices, MassMutual SC, and Southern Flavor Magazine.

For more information about Firefly Distillery, Live At Firefly, and the fall concert series, visit www.fireflydistillery.com. Firefly Distillery is currently open Monday through Saturday from 12 to 6 pm offering tastings and cocktails with live music and food trucks on Saturdays and is available for private events.

About Firefly DistilleryFirefly Distillery is the birthplace of Firefly Spirits. What began as an idea for the world’s first sweet tea vodka has grown into South Carolina’s largest distillery. Outgrowing its flagship location on Wadmalaw Island, Firefly Distillery expanded its operations with its new 25,000 square foot distillery in North Charleston. Keeping with traditions of history and Southern hospitality, the new distillery offers a place to gather for friends, family, corporate events and weddings. Set under the oaks and surrounded by marsh views, the distillery is a destination for locals and visitors alike with live music, food trucks, events and a gift shop. Visitors can experience the distillation process first hand with various tastings and purchase Firefly Spirits including the new small-batch bourbon and many other distillery specialties.

About Ear For MusicAll things music, Ear For Music (EFM) is a full-service entertainment agency that specializes in providing one-of-a-kind events with the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent, and local favorites. EFM thrives in talent buying, production management, and full-service concert or festival promotion delivering a unique listening experience for any performance setting.

Popular Parks Fundraiser Returns to Colonial Lake in October

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Charleston Parks Conservancy celebrates 10th anniversary of Party for the Parks 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston’s hottest party returns to Colonial Lake this fall with a celestial theme, food, cocktails and plenty of entertainment. The Charleston Parks Conservancy will host its Party for the Parks fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 29. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 14.

After being canceled last year due to the pandemic, Party for the Parks returns this year to mark its 10th anniversary as one of Charleston’s premier events. 

Each year, this event raises money for the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s work beautifying and maintaining more than 20 of Charleston’s city parks. Notable park projects include the renovation of Colonial Lake, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, and the creation of three community gardens. 

Switching to a Friday night this year, Party for the Parks is set for 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 29. Guests will be treated to food from local restaurants, specialty cocktails, music and live entertainment. Party-goers are encouraged to dress to the theme of Zodiac: A Celestial Celebration. All-inclusive tickets are $150.

Tickets will be strictly limited for this year’s event. Those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and sponsors are guaranteed tickets to the event. For more information about sponsorships, please contact Samantha Scott at sscott@charlstonparksconservancy.org

“Party for the Parks has grown into one of Charleston’s favorite fundraising events,” said Conservancy Executive Director Tom McGuire. “Not only is it an incredible party, but attendees know they are helping us connect people to their parks and create stunning public spaces all year long.”

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.partyfortheparks.com

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 13 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. In 2020, renovations were completed at Moultrie Playground and at St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. Other notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org

Photo Credits: Charleston Parks Conservancy

Ladson, SC Teenager Wins Fourth Place in National Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Essay Competition

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Eryn Edwards chosen from thousands of students nationwide to receive $1,500 college scholarship from Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

NEW YORK (August 3, 2021)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) named Eryn Edwards, of Ladson, South Carolina, the fourth-place winner of its national 2021 Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest and awarded her a $1,500 college scholarship. Eryn was chosen from more than 2,000 entries nationwide for her essay about her father, who lives with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and how it has impacted their lives. 

“Eryn’s heartwarming essay about her father and his battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, their role changes, and the lessons she learned from those experiences will help raise Alzheimer’s awareness and provide strength and support to millions of other families who are dealing with the same challenges,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO.  “We congratulate Eryn on being chosen as a winner in this competition, thank her for sharing her story and are grateful for her efforts in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.”

Eryn’s essay focused on her father’s life with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, her relationship with him, and the many ways she’s changed to help him. “Although his moods influence me and my family, I have discovered that how we interact with him influences him to an even greater degree,” she wrote. “I’ve changed my tactics and ways of approaching him to be more positive and understanding even if I’m having a bad day or I am frustrated.”

“He, regardless of Alzheimer’s, is still my dad. On the days when he remembers who I am, I am hopeful that me spending time with him means something to him, and if nothing else spending time with him means something to me.”

The experience has taught Eryn many things—to be more patient, to see things from a different perspective, and to treasure her own memories. Alzheimer’s has also “challenged [her] to be understanding and compassionate in a way that only someone who has had to cope with something like Alzheimer’s can be.”

Eryn will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in the Fall.

AFA’s annual Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest asks high school seniors to describe how Alzheimer’s disease impacts their lives, what they have learned in the face of coping with it and how they plan to help others who are affected by it. This year, AFA awarded over $55,000 in college scholarships to 72 students from across the country.  Since the program’s inception, AFA has awarded more than $350,000 in college scholarships to students affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information about AFA’s Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest, call AFA at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org

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About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA):

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is toprovide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook,Instagram or LinkedIn.  AFA has earned Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating for six consecutive years.