Lifestyle

Lowcountry

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market at The Charleston Pour House (Every Sunday – Now Open)

July 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Every Sunday – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Charleston Pour House – 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, South Carolina 29412

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market is a 100% local market, featuring around 40 local farmers and artisans, live music, tasty eats and all kinds of amazing local goods and goodies! There’s yoga on the deck from 10 – 11 am and the market goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday behind The Charleston Pour House. The Pour House also has a full bar and live music on the deck from 1-4.

For more info, go to http://www.sundaybrunchfarmersmarket.com/ Please come out and support us!

Official Facebook Event Page

Lowcountry

North Charleston Farmers Market–Essential Goods Mini Market – Every Thursday (Now Open)

July 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Thursdays – 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

4800 Park Cir, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405

The North Charleston Farmers Market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown SC Certified produce from Joseph Fields Farm Market, Robert Fields Farm, and Simmons Farm.

In light of the CDC’s social distancing guidelines for slowing the spread of Covid-19, we are limiting the participating vendors to those selling essential farmed goods until further notice.

North Charleston Farmers Market Safety Precautions:
-Hand sanitizer available to all market patrons
-Farmed consumable products only
-A limited number of well-spaced booths
-Customers to adhere to 6′ social distancing policy

Official Facebook Event Page

Lowcountry

In the Wake of Darkness (America’s reaction to containing COVID-19) – Commentary

July 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

We are in the middle of writing the narrative to one of the moment memorable periods in American history. It has been challenging, filled with emotion, and driven us to envision a new way of life. In isolation, financial strife, the uncertainty of the future, and a re-evaluation of everything we have ever known, it has brought out the best and the worst in us.

What truly has been the most difficult part is witnessing the worst overpowering the best in all corners of our society. Throughout history, we have seen the union of collective kindness and courage overcome mountains, but now we have found ourselves in a place where we have lost direction and focus

  • Public health and well-being is being stomped on by political agendas
  • Depression intensified by isolation, legislation, unemployment, and compromising of lifestyle choices is an extension of the disease spreading throughout the nation.
  • Personal greed and narcissistic attitudes are destroying the goal of a healthy place we all seek
  • Cowards hiding beyond the digital walls are fighting wars of words

The spread of COVID-19 isn’t a war we should be fighting among ourselves, but we are. Every day, we point more fingers with each release of new data with claims of conspiracy, lies, and political motives.

Quite simply, whether you feel this is a conspiracy, propaganda, or lies, this virus is extremely contagious, does not discriminate on age, and is sending loved ones to their graves. That part cannot be debated, nor should any of this.

Billions of dollars are going into R&D to find a vaccine, but until then, we can only contain. The only way to contain is to be unified. Why aren’t we seeing that? Look at our name! We are the “United” States of America.

We fought for freedom nearly 250 years ago as a united front and now we must do that once again to an enemy that potentially can be more deadly than anything we have had to face in our lifetimes.

Lowcountry

Bank of America announced today it is partnering with NativeEnergy and Birdseye Renewable Energy to further expand its renewable energy commitment by supporting its South Carolina operations with offsite solar energy

July 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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BPartnership Supports New Solar Generation to Cover Bank of America South Carolina Operations Load and Helps to Finance New Solar Projects in Local Communities

COLUMBIA – Bank of America announced today it is partnering with NativeEnergy and Birdseye Renewable Energy to further expand its renewable energy commitment by supporting its South Carolina operations with offsite solar energy.

Through three separate 10-year renewable energy agreements, the company helps to bring more solar power to the energy grid in four South Carolina low- and moderate-income communities.

By the bank providing financial support for the projects through the purchase of the project-related renewable energy certificates (RECs), the Yemassee, Denmark, Blackville, and Dillon communities gain additional clean energy on the grid, and these efforts support jobs and the local economy. These efforts also build on Bank of America’s commitment to reduce its operational impacts on the environment, including being carbon neutral and utilizing 100% renewable electricity across its global operations.

“We are so proud to be a leader globally in our renewable energy commitment and to bring the benefits of that global commitment to the citizens of South Carolina,” said Kim Wilkerson, Bank of America’s South Carolina State President. Additionally, all four projects encompass strong biodiversity commitments.

NativeEnergy supports Yemassee, Denmark and Blackville

NativeEnergy represents three of the projects, which are located in the Yemassee, Denmark, and Blackville communities and built by a local developer. These projects are expected to be completed by the year-end.

·Yemassee will host a 10 MWAC facility, with over 35,000 solar panels on 126 acres.

·Denmark will host a 6 MWAC facility, with over 20,000 solar panels on 45 acres.

·Blackville will host a 7.2 MWAC facility, with over 25,000 solar panels on 60 acres.

“NativeEnergy believes that carbon reduction and renewable energy investments should drive new projects and create positive community impacts. That is why we are proud to partner with Bank of America on the development of three new, community-scale solar projects. Its approach to this program is creating multiple benefits at the community level,” said John Ringer, client strategy manager, NativeEnergy.

Each project has a unique feature ‒ pollinator habitats with vegetation and plantings to support local biodiversity and agriculture. Other benefits of these pollinator habitats include:

·Increased habitat for endangered and non-endangered pollinator species.

·Critical habitat creation along with pollinator migratory routes/corridors.

·Increased habitat and forage for other non-pollinator-species.

·Reduced erosion and improved water quality.

·Potential for improved pollination of regional agricultural crops.

Birdseye Renewable Energy supports Dillon, S.C.

Birdseye Renewable Energy is the developer of the Dillon, South Carolina project, which includes 75 acres and over 30,000 solar panels with 10 MWAC of renewable energy. The REC agreement is for 10 years, and the project will be completed in mid-to-late 2021.

“Birdseye is extremely excited to collaborate with Bank of America and Dillon County to bring a green investment to this community and supply renewable, emission-free electricity to the Pee Dee region,” said Brian Bednar, CEO, Birdseye Renewable Energy. “The facility will boost the local economy by adding to the property tax base and creating modern construction jobs in this high-growth energy sector. This solar project would not be possible without Bank of America’s strong commitment to clean energy investment in South Carolina, and we look forward to bringing the facility online.”

The project also includes a strong biodiversity commitment. In addition to the installation of pollinator habitat, the location will have permeable fencing for small mammal access to an array area as a habitat and forage resource. There will be a low-growing clover mix in the solar array beneath the panels and taller plant species in designated areas outside the array to support local pollinator populations. All of these efforts will help maintain a sustainable ecosystem and environment in this community.

NativeEnergy

From renewable energy projects in the communities you call home, to high impact carbon projects that strengthen your supply chains, since 2000, NativeEnergy has been helping some of the world’s biggest and best-loved companies. We work with organizations to build on-the-ground solutions to sustainability challenges and implement community-scale projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen businesses, and contribute to progress around the world. Learn more at www.nativeenergy.com and connect with us on Twitter (@NativeEnergy)

Birdseye Renewable Energy

Birdseye Renewable Energy is an energy development company that delivers our clients’ high-quality renewable energy projects across the southeastern United States. We specialize in utility-scale solar facilities. We identify prospective sites and markets, navigate regulatory frameworks, fully diligence and de-risk our projects, secure purchasers of power, and drive our projects to completion with a team of leading engineering and construction firms. To date, Birdseye Renewable Energy has developed over 430 megawatts of operational solar assets. These 42 projects represent a total investment of over $720M and cover over 2,400 acres. Birdseye continues to grow a pipeline of utility-scale projects in excess of 2 gigawatts across a wide range of state and utility markets.

Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer, and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

Lowcountry

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Energy Company to Acquire Dominion Energy’s Gas Transmission and Storage Business

July 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., today announced it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Dominion Energy’s natural gas transmission and storage business. The assets include over 7,700 miles of natural gas transmission lines, with approximately 20.8 billion cubic feet per day of transportation capacity and 900 billion cubic feet of operated natural gas storage with 364 billion cubic feet of company-owned working storage capacity, and partial ownership of a liquefied natural gas export, import, and storage facility. The transaction has an enterprise value of approximately $9.7 billion.

“I admire Tom Farrell for his exceptional leadership across the energy industry as well as within Dominion Energy,” said Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. “We are very proud to be adding such a great portfolio of natural gas assets to our already strong energy business.”

As part of the transaction, Berkshire Hathaway Energy will acquire 100% of Dominion Energy Transmission, Questar Pipeline and Carolina Gas Transmission; and 50% of Iroquois Gas Transmission System. The agreement does not include the acquisition of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Additionally, the company will acquire 25% of Cove Point LNG – an LNG export, import, and storage facility in Maryland. Dominion Energy will continue to own 50% of Cove Point, with Brookfield Asset Management continuing to own the remaining 25% share. Berkshire Hathaway Energy will operate the Cove Point facility once the transaction closes. The Cove Point export terminal is one of only six LNG export facilities in the U.S.

“This premier natural gas transmission and storage business has been operated and managed in a best-in-class manner,” said Bill Fehrman, Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s president, and CEO. “Acquiring this portfolio of natural gas assets considerably expands our company’s footprint in several Eastern and Western states as well as globally, increasing the market reach and diversity of Berkshire Hathaway Energy.”

“We are honored to be gaining a wonderful group of employees with a wealth of experience that will continue to provide high-quality service for our customers and partners. We look forward to welcoming them to the team,” said Greg Abel, Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman, non-insurance operations, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy chairman. “We are fortunate Dominion Energy has entrusted us to preserve and build upon such a remarkable business that will allow Berkshire Hathaway Energy to add $9.7 billion in asset value to the portfolio that currently exceeds $100 billion.”

Thomas F. Farrell, II, Dominion Energy chairman, president, and CEO, said, “Dominion Energy’s best-in-class gas transmission and storage business has been a major component of our success since we merged with Consolidated Natural Gas in 2000. Our talented employees maintain industry-leading operating, safety, and environmental standards to provide our customers with reliable, affordable, and safe service. They will be joining Berkshire Hathaway Energy, an excellent corporate citizen whose leadership and employees share our commitment to values-based service, safety, reliability, and community engagement.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020.

About Berkshire Hathaway Energy

From our roots in renewable energy, Berkshire Hathaway Energy has grown to a $100.8 billion portfolio of locally managed businesses that share a vision of being the best energy company in serving our customers, while delivering sustainable energy solutions. These businesses deliver low-cost, safe, and reliable service each day to more than 12 million electric and natural gas customers and end-users around the world. Our employees pride themselves in putting customers first in all they do, and as a result, our businesses consistently rank high among energy companies in customer satisfaction. Berkshire Hathaway Energy is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A. Learn more at www.brkenergy.com.

About Dominion Energy, More than 7 million customers in 20 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable, and safe energy and is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy with more than $100 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution, and import/export services. The company is committed to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “intend,” “potential,” “plan,” “forecast” and similar terms. These statements are based upon Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company’s current intentions, assumptions, expectations, and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other important factors. Many of these factors are outside the control of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expectations include the impact of natural disasters and weather effects on revenues and other operating uncertainties, uncertainties relating to economic, political and business conditions and uncertainties regarding the impact of laws and regulations, including laws and regulations related to environmental protection, changes in government policy and competition. The foregoing factors that could cause Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be construed as exclusive and should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company’s future results included in Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (www.sec.gov). Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Media Hotline: 515-242-3022
mediahotline@brkenergy.com

Lowcountry

The Keys to Personal Happiness

July 4, 2020 by 0 Comments
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As we go headstrong into the summertime, reflect on the new life we are leading each day and reflect on our futures, I thought I would provide a little insight on the keys to personal happiness.

Surround yourself with good vibes!

Today I was on Sullivan’s Island Beach with an amazing view of Fort Sumter, sailboats, and children playing in the water. That made me happy. Sunsets on the beach, really good conversations, being part of something successful, a cold glass of milk at night, my family, the view of being above the clouds and many many little things encompass my personal happiness. Find the people, places, and things that truly give you a good vibe and surround yourself with that each and every day.

Put your life in perspective

  • The next time you get cut off and curse at the car
  • The next time a cashier is really slow
  • The next time someone smokes near you without asking
  • The next time you get upset or jealous because someone you know has more money, a better car or a better job…Think before you react.

Ask yourself some simple questions that will help put your sour mood in perspective

  • Do you have your health?
  • Are you surrounded by family and friends that care about you?
  • Do you have a career that gives you value?
  • Do you enjoy the first view of morning dew each day?
  • Do you enjoy long showers or baths?

These are common luxuries and gifts we are given in our lives. Embrace them.

Make Music an important part of your life

Music is such a critical part of our lives.
It affects mood, attitude, and perceptions of love, grief, happiness, and depression.
It is the lyrics and music that develops the memories that we carry with us year after year.
As you take a moment and reflect on your childhood and adult life, you find yourself focusing on the music that defined the time. It is that music that captures and stores your memories in a secure box.
Make the music your own and let it be a part of who you are.

Get to know your community

Today I drove by a community garden. For those that do not know, a community garden is a plot of land developed by communities throughout the United States and overseas to provide low-cost solutions for plants, fruits and vegetables to help combat the recession. With community members banding together to work in unity to build long term healthy gardens in urban communities, it is a testament to the dedication and caring mentality of those that participate.

Go outside and meet your neighbors. Maybe you know them but haven’t been in touch recently or maybe you hideout to maintain that shy persona. Get to know them. Make them a safety net in keeping the area safe and share in the resources and company they can provide. You will be pleasantly surprised by how many incredible individuals live just a few footsteps away.

Laugh, Cry, and Scream once a day!

I would like to paraphrase a legend not only in the world of college basketball but life

Jimmy Valvano stood in front of millions at the ESPY awards just months before having his life taken from him due to cancer. He told the audience to always laugh, think, and cry once a day. There was not a dry eye in the audience.

My spin is simple: Don’t bottle up your emotions. Do not be afraid to express how you feel. Let it out. Whether it be in public or private express the full spectrum of emotions each day. You will feel refreshed, revitalized, and brand new each day.

Think about that; the idea of a new YOU every day…Wow. I love it

I hope you walk away with one piece of advice to take away. Soon you will start seeing a difference in how you view life and more importantly, yourself.

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Aeterna Zentaris Announces Pricing of $12 Million Public Offering

July 2, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., July 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZS) ( the “Company”), a specialty biopharmaceutical company commercializing and developing therapeutics and diagnostic tests, today announced the pricing of a public offering of 26,666,666 units at a price to the public of $0.45 per unit, for gross proceeds of $12 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. Each unit contains one common share (or common share equivalent) and one common warrant to purchase one common share. The common shares (or common share equivalents) and common share warrants included in the units can only be purchased together in this offering but will be issued separately and will be immediately separable upon issuance. The offering is expected to close on or about July 7, 2020, subject to satisfaction customary closing conditions.

H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.

Each common share warrant has an exercise price of $0.45 per share, is exercisable immediately and will expire five years from the date of issuance.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which includes, among other purposes, the funding of a pediatric clinical trial in the E.U. and U.S. for Macrilen™ (macimorelin), the investigation of further therapeutic uses of macimorelin and the expansion of pipeline development activities.

The securities described above are being offered by Aeterna Zentaris pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-232935) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and declared effective on July 1, 2020. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. The final terms of the offering will be disclosed in a final prospectus to be filed with the SEC and made available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus, when available, may also be obtained by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (646) 975-6996 or by email at placements@hcwco.com.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sales of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No Canadian prospectus has been or will be filed in a province or territory of Canada to qualify the common shares or the warrants in connection with the offering.

About Aeterna Zentaris Inc.

Aeterna Zentaris Inc. is a specialty biopharmaceutical company commercializing and developing therapeutics and diagnostic tests. The Company’s lead product, Macrilen™ (macimorelin), is the first and only U.S. FDA and European Commission approved oral test indicated for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). Macrilen™ is currently marketed in the United States through a license agreement with Novo Nordisk and Aeterna Zentaris receives double-digit royalties on sales. Aeterna Zentaris owns all rights to macimorelin outside of the U.S. and Canada.

Aeterna Zentaris is also leveraging the clinical success and compelling safety profile of macimorelin to develop it for the diagnosis of child-onset growth hormone deficiency (CGHD), an area of significant unmet need.

The Company is actively pursuing business development opportunities for the commercialization of macimorelin in Europe and the rest of the world, in addition to other non-strategic assets to monetize their value. For more information, please visit www.zentaris.com and connect with the Company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Official Press Release

Lowcountry

Sonic Nights: Why a night at Sonic may be one of the best things you can do in Charleston right now

June 29, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

It was a cinematic dream; an addictive show you couldn’t stop watching; it was Charleston meets “Dazed and Confused”. This was the scene at Sonic on Folly Road on James Island Sunday night. Over a Signature Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Lemonade and the comfort of our car, we enjoyed a remarkably entertaining night of people watching.

With limited access to parks, malls, or movie theaters, the entire high school community, and remnants from Folly Beach congregated to Sonic for drinks, food, dancing, laughing, and just an all-around sense of togetherness.

The high school boys sported their floppy hair and baseball caps, patterned shorts from Brooks Brothers while leaning on their trucks trying to impress the girls. The girls laughed but appreciated the attention and boyish charm of their admirers.

Directly in front of us, one of the high school boys lifted the hood of his oversized status symbol to check the oil while three others played a game with the tennis balls hanging off the back of their trucks.

Another group danced in the median while the cool friends just watched with their hands in their pockets.

All throughout, you can sense and see the wandering eyes knowing many are thinking “is this the best it will ever be?”.

There was a sense of nostalgia last night. As much as things change, so much stays the same. It was a carefree feeling that left us smiling from cheek to cheek.

Thank you Sonic and to the next generation for finding comfort in the simple things and appreciating all your relationships.