Healing Hands – Original Poem

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Words can heal

They have the power to rise up and overcome the darkness of times

Conquering moments, treading storms, lifting us up to the clouds and giving wings to fly

A beacon of light

Will these words stop the rain and bring sunlight to these worn faces?

The storms; the shadowy clouds; the vicious lightning striking us to our knees?

Not alone

Not without the power of the minds

The profound truth found in the earliest scriptures

It is written to love thy neighbor and do good to others

We are but an unfinished mold formed in the shape of the artist, but self-directed with intellect to continue to smooth out the edges

An artist’s model far from a masterpiece

This is where we must look within and break out

Destroy the outer layer and continue from within

The clay is worn from centuries of decay 

Dark and distorted 

It is but a glimmering memory of the vision of perfection

We have the power to reshape in the eye of our maker and bring pride 

Mold with these hands

Hands that hug

Direct with these words

Words of invitation and acceptance

Dry with the heat of a billion hearts

We can

We will

We must heal this sculpture

 

Photo Credit: Mark A. Leon

The Aku Venue Grand Opening in Moncks Corner, SC – Friday, January 22, 2021

Read More

The Aku Venue Grand Opening

We’re pleased to invite you into Moncks Corner’s newest and freshest event space in town! Stop in to witness us opening the doors!

There always seems to be a shortage of options when looking for a space to host your special event. This is what inspired The Aku Venue (aka T.A.V.) to be birthed to life. We’re so excited to provide our community with exceptional service in an elegantly designed & clean atmosphere.

You may also like the following events from The Aku Venue:

Tickets for The Aku Venue Grand Opening can be booked here.

Brewing In The South: America’s Next Big Beer Brand – Charleston-based Island Brands USA is making waves and suds

Read More

Brewing In The South: America’s Next Big Beer Brand
Island Brands USA raises nearly one million dollars in one month!

Charleston, SC (January 5, 2020) – Island Brands USA, producers of clean, better for you, super premium beer, set at a competitive price point to fill the gap between factory beer corporations and craft breweries, announced today nearly a million dollars in new funding – raised in just one month – on StartEngine, the crowdfunding platform backed by renowned businessman and SharkTank investor, Kevin O’Leary.

The fast-moving campaign (link: https://www.startengine.com/island-brands-usa) offers 7 unique tiers of investment ranging from $250 (Tier 1) to $50,000 (Tier 7). In exchange, investors can gain brand equity, exclusive brand merchandise, and a range of outrageous perks – from creating the next Island Brands beer, to a private seaplane fishing excursion in the Bahamas, and even an oyster bed built in your name. So far, the campaign has attracted over 969 investors and raised over $994,425.

“About 85% of US beer drinkers consume mass-market lagers from multinational corporate beer factories. These beers contain corner-cutting fillers, GMOs, preservatives and other unwelcome ingredients. The remaining 15% of beer drinkers consume what’s commonly known as craft beers – often times heavier beers, and with a higher alcohol content,” explained Brandon Perry, Co-CEO and CMO at Island Brands USA. “We’re convinced there’s another path: a mass-market lager made with only four fresh ingredients (malt, hops, yeast, water), containing zero fillers, but yet still delivering that easy-drinking experience most beer drinkers crave.”

Island Brands’ two flagship beers, Island Coastal Lager and Island Active (containing just 88 calories and 2.6 carbs) deliver on the founder’s vision and in the next 6 months, the brand will introduce two additional varieties: Island Lemonada and Island Southern Peach – just in time for Summer.

“We’re taking on the heavyweights of the beer world in true ‘David vs Goliath’ fashion,” said Scott Hansen, Co-CEO and CRO at Island Brands USA. “Three years ago, we launched with one beer. People in the industry thought we were crazy. But here we are today, in 7 states and 3 countries, with over 6,000 points of distribution. We’re in Publix, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, you name it. Our brand has shown the highest growth in the Southeast’s largest grocer and the second highest YOY growth for beer brands in the Southeast. We struck a deal with Carnival, the world’s largest Cruise company, and we’ve developed a massive, passionate, and growing following on social media. This crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity for people to get on board a rocket ship, or maybe in our case – a speed boat.”

About Island Brands USA
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Island Brands USA is a rapidly expanding domestic super premium lifestyle beer brand, first conceived when the founders took a trip to Cuba in 2016. The following year, the recipe for brand’s first beer, Island Coastal Lager, was developed, brewed, and launched into the marketplace. In 2020, Island Brands launched its second beer, Island Active, a refreshing low-carb alternative to the limited choices available in the market. Island Brands USA is active in coastal conservation efforts through various partnerships and charities. For more, visit: www.islandbrandsusa.com.

Three Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) branches returning to curbside services only

Read More

CHARLESTON, S.C. – After recent temporary closures due to COVID-19, three Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) branches are temporarily suspending in-person services and returning to curbside operations only. The Main Library (68 Calhoun St.), Mt. Pleasant Regional (1133 Mathis Ferry Rd.), and Wando Mount Pleasant Library (1400 Carolina Park Blvd.) will close for in-person services beginning Monday, Jan. 4. 

“With the recent rise in COVID-19 numbers in the County and State, and a number of recent COVID-related closures at these three branches specifically, we felt that it was in the best interest of the safety of our staff and patrons to return these branches to curbside operations,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “Curbside service allows us to continue to serve the community in a safe and thoughtful manner. As we have done throughout this entire process, we will continue to work with DHEC and monitor CDC guidelines and recommendations to determine how best to proceed.” 

At the Main, Mt. Pleasant and Wando Mount Pleasant branches, curbside service is available during the following days and hours:  

  • Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  
  • Wednesday from 2 to 7 p.m. 
  • Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. (Main Library Only) 

Curbside services are also available at the Edisto, Folly, Village and McClellanville branches (hours vary, please contact the branch or visit ccpl.org for details). All other branches remain open to the public for limited in-person operations.  

For more information, or to schedule a curbside pickup, visit ccpl.or/curbside anytime or call the branch during the operating hours listed above.  

Remember, P.S. I love you all over again – Original Poem

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

I just want to be there ’til the end
I want to hold you and never let go again
My best friend
My best friend
“Remember, P.S. I love you all over again”

Each day I remember what you said
On that night I never felt alone again
Excuse me, but I need to know your name
I’m afraid I have fallen for you and I don’t know how this ends
“Remember, P.S. I love you all over again”

The day I said I do and made love to you
The stars ignited light up in the sky
We danced on clouds until the morning light
And laughed and kissed away the fright
You looked and me and said it once again
“Remember, P.S. I love you all over again”

I promised to grow old and hold you tight
To never stop being your guiding light
I said each day an angel I will be
Protecting and being that beacon out at sea
When the news came that dimmed the light
I heard the voice that regained my sight
“Remember, P.S. I love you all over again”

You held my hand in those final days
Held back the tears and said it will be okay
You laugh away my silent cry
And we knew this was not goodbye
As I lay beside your head
Feeling your breath warm my head
I heard the whisper one more time
“Remember, P.S. I love you all over again”

Tomorrow the sun will rise in the sky
Shining light through the window
Warming you tight
I will not be by your side
But, above high in the sky
Listen closely and you will hear
The soft and familiar phrase we said so many times so clear
“Remember, P.S. I love you all over again”

Live Again – Original Poem (Inspired by the end of 2020)

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

The soul is a disruption of the heart
It intensifies the emotional roller coaster leading us to the edge of insanity
There is hope to bring peace

A calming storm of the heart
A blissful song for the ages

We have touched the eye of the storm and felt its power penetrate
That is the essence of the soul
A chamber of meaning wrestling with a puzzle
A million pieces
Where to begin to see the final work of art

We live a life to unleash it, but rarely ever live it
An eternal home it seeks
A lifetime in search of a definition

Close your eyes
Clear the mechanism
Reset
Again
Reset

Do you hear the silence; the clarity?
It’s powerfully serene

Find the peace inside to begin again
A journey; rebirth; an adventure of the senses

Rewrite the song and let your voice be heard
An audience of one
Too small to be big
Expand the lungs and let the masses in
Sing louder
Find the core of that soul and let the song out for the world to hear
Louder
Don’t hold back
It is your song
Your time
Your legacy

The words of your soul will free you to live again

Construction to Begin on the Ben Sawyer Intracoastal Water Main Connection Project on January 4, 2021

Read More

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (December 30, 2020) – On Monday, January 4, 2021, work will begin on the Ben Sawyer Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Water Main Connection Project. Authorized crews will work in the project area Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., weather permitting. The anticipated completion timeframe for the project is Summer 2021.
Residents, businesses, and the traveling public can expect the following traffic control activities to begin on January 4, 2021. All dates and activities are weather dependent.
January 4 – 19, 2021

  • Crews will begin by widening the asphalt on the east side of Ben Sawyer Boulevard across the street from Simmons Pointe to Cove Bay Lane in preparation for temporary traffic pattern changes.
  • Crews will also install traffic control measures (concrete barriers, traffic barrels) on the east and west sides of Ben Sawyer Boulevard from Center Street to Toler’s Cove Marina.
  • Crews will then start to install a base course for a temporary access road on the west side of Ben Sawyer Boulevard from Simmons Pointe to Cove Bay Lane. Residents of The Watch at
  • Sullivan’s Pointe, Simmons Pointe, and Sawyers Landing will utilize the temporary road to access Ben Sawyer Boulevard.
  • Once all traffic control measures are constructed and in place, the traveling public will be directed to follow the temporary traffic plan for approximately five (5) months.
  • The bike and pedestrian multi-use path located on Ben Sawyer Boulevard from Center Street to Toler’s Cove Drive will be closed for approximately six (6) months to maximize the safety of the public and work crews during construction.
  • Access to residential homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Drivers in the project area are asked to be aware of equipment, crews, and changing traffic patterns
    throughout the project. Please refer to the attached Traffic Control Plan for designated traffic pattern changes and alternative routes
  • Project updates and supporting materials can be found on the Mount Pleasant Waterworks website at https://www.mountpleasantwaterworks.com/capital-program/ben-sawyer-icw-watermain

Charleston’s Tempest Named “Best New Restaurant” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2020

Read More

CHARLESTON, S.C. (December 31, 2020) – Tempest, the newest restaurant concept from the 5th Street Group, has been recognized as the No. 1 “Best New Restaurant” in the country by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2020. The top 20 nominees were chosen by a panel of experts, including a combination of editors from USA Today, and the top 10 winners were determined over the course of four weeks by popular vote.

Known for its sustainable, hyper-local South Atlantic seafood and stunning interiors, Tempest opened in August 2020 in Charleston, South Carolina’s historic Market Street district. Co-owners Patrick Whalen, Alejandro Torio and Top Chef alumnus Jamie Lynch have created an environment that is equal parts immersive, inspiring and satisfying.

“The 5th Street Group is both honored and extremely humbled by this recognition. It was our hope when we built this restaurant to create something special that people in all walks of life could enjoy, we are very thankful that it appears we have been successful so far,” says Chef Jamie Lynch.

USA Today 10Best provides readers with original, unbiased and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to do, restaurants and hotels for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. For the complete list of award winners, please visit https://www.10best.com/.

For more information on Tempest or to book a reservation, visit www.TempestCharleston.com.

Tempest

Housed in the former Harriott Pinckney Home for Sailors in Charleston’s Market Street district, Tempest pays homage to the location’s rich history, offering guests local and sustainable seafood cooked over charcoal. Tempest is located at 32C N. Market Street, next door to 5Church Charleston. For more information, please visit www.TempestCharleston.com or follow the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

7 Lessons for 2021 with accompanying music

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

2020 is officially behind us, but we have a long journey ahead of us as we embark on 2021.As we look at our metaphoric re-birth, we wanted to share 7 universal lessons for happiness, fulfillment, and balance. Yet, no lesson would be complete without the proper song to compliment the words.

7 Lessons for 2021

New Years Rule #7 – Live each day with a few moments of self-reflection and self-discovery

New Years Rule #6 – Remember those that protected you in your darkest hour

NewYears Rule #5 – Never forget your past, but always live for the present and strive for an amazing tomorrow

New Years Rule #4 – Remember all the love you have shared

New Years Rule #3 – Remember to enjoy and embrace the journey and not obsess about the destination

New Years Rule #2 – Never forget those we lost – Keep them in your heart

New Years Rules #1 – Love one another unconditionally, live each day with hope and never ever stop dreaming

Happy New Year Charleston

Charleston / North Charleston, SC Among 10 Housing Markets to Lead Post-Pandemic Rally

Read More

Housing markets are showing resilience against the pandemic, but some are thriving more than others and are expected to continue to perform strongly in the years ahead.

Coinciding with the National Association of REALTORS®’ virtual Real Estate Forecast Summit on Thursday, NAR released a list of the top metros expected to have the strongest housing markets over the next three to five years. Researchers factored in domestic migration, housing affordability for new residents, consistent job growth relative to the national average, population age structure, attractiveness for retirees, and home price appreciation.

The following 10 markets were identified by NAR (listed in alphabetical order):

  • Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Ga.
  • Boise City, Idaho
  • Charleston-North Charleston, S.C.
  • Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
  • Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Ind.
  • Madison, Wis.
  • Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Ariz.
  • Provo-Orem, Utah
  • Spokane-Spokane Valley, Wash.
Top Ten Markets During & Post COVID-19

These housing markets likely will carry momentum from 2020 into “2021 and beyond because of strong in-migration of new residents, faster local job market recoveries, and environments conducive to work-from-home arrangements and other factors,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. For example, movers from pricey coastal regions may be drawn to cheaper destinations as companies increase work-from-home policies and make commuting less of an issue.

The trend is already becoming apparent in markets like Phoenix and Dallas, which have attracted the largest number of movers from the West Coast, the report shows.

“Expect these 10 markets to perform strongly, with potential buyers finding conditions particularly favorable to purchase a home,” says NAR President Charlie Oppler. “Overall, residential real estate will continue to be an important driver of our nation’s economic recovery, and the activity in these markets will help lead the way.”

Source Link