Charleston Month of Love: I Love the Way You Love – Original Poem

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By Mark A. Leon

I love the way you love

The dance in the middle of the park without music, without an audience but a story of a princess and the ball running through your head
The mornings when the aroma of coffee and the warmth of the rising sun remind me of home

It is in the heart that you share
The compassion for the weak that makes you strong

If I could feel the love you feel, I would know the answers I have sought as I journey to this sunset
On this horse named Hope, I ride without direction
Listening for your heartbeat

You hug as if it is the first time seeing me
Holding tight, reminding without words the importance of touch

You laugh with the strength of Hercules; cry with the devastation of Pompeii

Patience
So much patience
One step at a time
Birth to twilight

When you close your eyes as the wind brushes back your hair, there is a connection with nature most can never understand

I love the way you love
All things
All dreams

In the rain, you see re-birth
A cleansing of the soul
The rest run

At night, you embrace the silence
In the crowds and the screaming, the embrace of life

I love that you believe in the greater good
Humanity is a gift you unwrap once strand at a time
Mental nakedness lets you feel

I love the way you love
In you, I continue to learn

Charleston Based Blackbaud Introduces Purchase Cards and Expense Management in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT®

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Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced its new Blackbaud Purchase Cards, which provide social good organizations with an efficient and convenient…

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced its new Blackbaud Purchase Cards, which provide social good organizations with an efficient and convenient alternative to traditional procurement methods and paper-based payables processes such as checks, purchase orders, and invoices. Blackbaud Purchase Cards enable organizations to set spend controls for individual cardholders, track business expenses across the organization, and ensure that policies are being enforced-all through a user-friendly online portal. Blackbaud Purchase Cards will soon integrate with Expense Management in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT®, enabling non-financial staff members to track and submit their own credit card transactions and invoice requests for approval, drastically reducing the staff time required to manage this process.

“Blackbaud is committed to helping our customers improve operational efficiency and maximize mission delivery,” said Kevin Gregoire, president, Enterprise Market Group at Blackbaud. “We are excited to work with Regions Bank to deepen this commitment with the introduction of Blackbaud Purchase Cards, which help enable social good organizations to make the transition to automated purchasing and employee expense processes-drastically reducing administrative costs and fraud risk.”

Blackbaud is working with Regions Bank to issue chipped Visa® cards to social good customers to use for travel and operational purchases. Blackbaud Purchase Cards, which come with no annual fee, are available to customers in the United States with approved credit. Additional benefits include automatic annual cash back on all purchases, Visa® Signature Business benefits including travel coverage and liability waiver, and 24/7 access to a secure online portal for purchase card program management.

“Regions has a commitment to improving our communities and making banking easier for all those we serve,” said Jay Darnell, senior vice president, Commercial Card Group at Regions Bank. “We look forward to working with Blackbaud to provide their customers with more flexibility, convenience and control through the new Purchase Cards.”

According to the RPMG Research Corporation’s 2017 North American Purchasing Card Benchmark Survey,   annual purchasing card usage is expected to grow 10.5% per year through 2021. The report also states that-compared to traditional payment methods-purchase cards can lead to benefits such as reduction in procurement cycle time, increased savings through supplier discounts, and working capital and cash flow improvements. Blackbaud will address these needs with its new purchase card offering along with its deep integration with Expense Management in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT.

Blackbaud Purchase Cards and Expense Management deliver a robust accounts payable and expense solution-from core accounting system to the method of payment-to enable customers to decentralize daily purchasing while implementing and monitoring the right controls in a scalable way. With Blackbaud Purchase Cards and Expense Management in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, customers can:

  • Set spend limits and authorization controls-unique to each cardholder-on everything from vendor type to amount and frequency of cash advances
  • Give their non-financial staff members secure access to track and submit their own expenses directly in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
  • Provide their finance teams with maximum visibility and control of organizational spending with secure, reliable purchase card integration
  • Make timelier payments and gain greater insight into vendor spend to negotiate better rates based on spend volume
  • Reduce the need for burdensome, paper-based processes-such as purchase orders, invoices, checks, requisitions, and approvals-to alleviate administrative effort and simplify reconciliation

“With Expense Management in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, I can easily log in to the system to review expense requests and transactions-and even drill into each line item to view details and attachments,” said Tracee Wright, development assistant at Commemorative Air Force. “Because credit card transactions are automatically populated in the system, I have the information needed to proactively reach out to cardholders when additional documentation is needed. It’s such a huge time savings to have everything in one place.”

Customers are already experiencing the benefits of Blackbaud Purchase Cards and the insights that it provides to organizations’ financial teams. “With much of the data prefilled, it was so simple to complete the online application process for the Blackbaud Purchase Card,” said Regina De Hoyos, associate chief financial officer, StarCare Specialty Health System. “The online portal is easy to use, and it allows me to do everything from setting limits by user to reviewing and downloading cardholder statements.”

For more information on Blackbaud Purchase Cards, click here. For more information on Expense Management, click here.

Click to Tweet: Now available: @Blackbaud Purchase Cards from @askRegions and Expense Management in Financial Edge NXT help social good organizations more efficiently manage financial processes https://blkb.co/2Uzy72D

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community-nonprofits, foundations, companies, education institutions, healthcare organizations and individual change agents-Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing, and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians – Where Does South Carolina Rank?

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In the past decade, the number of people struck and killed while walking increased by 35 percent. The last two years on record (2016 and 2017) were the most deadly years for people killed by drivers while walking since 1990.

Every year, Dangerous by Design releases an annual survey of pedestrian fatalities and ranks states by incidences and danger levels.

This year, South Carolina came in as the 10th most dangerous with an index of 107.8. Within the state, two regions made the top 20 in the nation,

  • Greenville / Anderson / Mauldin – South Carolina #15 in the nation
  • August / Richmond County – Georgia/South Carolina #20 in the nation

Full Study Results

Happy Birthday Rosa Parks – Inspirational quotes from a true inspiration

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Today would mark the 106th birthday of Rosa Park (February 4,  1913).  A civil rights activist and patron of equality, Ms. Parks represented the essence of strength and courage, not only for blacks and females, but for millions around the world.

In honor of her birthday, we would like to share some of Rosa Parks most inspiration quotes

Quotes of Rosa Parks

“I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.”

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

“No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.”

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”

“Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.”

“Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again.”

“I knew someone had to take the first step and I made up my mind not to move.”

“All I was doing was trying to get home from work.I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.”

60 Years Ago Today, February 3, 1959, ‘The Day the Music Died’

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60 years ago today, on a fateful stormy night in Iowa, the plane carrying up and coming stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson went down killing three of the most prominent figures in music and a day that would be known forever as ‘The Day the Music Died’.

The legacy of these three stars lives on in their music, film and the poignant song of Don McLean. As a tribute to these rock icons, we want to celebrate and remember their lives through their music

Enjoy these great hits and this beautiful montage of American Pie.

Month of Charleston Love: Treasure Map to Your Soul – Original Poem

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By Mark A. Leon

I study the lines on your face to discover this treasure map to your soul
There is no ending; no buried treasure
Just a lineage of centuries defined in romance

From the dark ages to the peak of the rising sun
It is a journey of discovery through the annals of time with a future of endless possibility
I hit a wall; but now through the penetration of your eyes, I break through

Sipping wine in the rose garden in an age of Victorian aristocracy
Waiting by the light flashing in the darkness of the ocean waiting for the sailor to come home
Reciting poetry in the pond to an audience of nature’s creatures

In a world of senseless acts of inhumanity you shine a light in this black hole of lost hope

Your kindness is the temple I seek
I bow at the entrance and lower my head in hopes of being ushered in with humbleness
A religion of suspension hanging with only faith to defy gravity

The book of the prophets is filled with blank pages
An interpretive error or a calculated judgement

We seek answers, but we are the narrators of this life
We are the seekers of thought

We are the lovers

I study the lines on your face and I see the path
It is transparent

I move closer to the end of the map
The moment so close
Our breath shared
Our lips move closer to the ultimate fulfillment

Your power hypnotizes me
My eyes fall prey as they hibernate
Into your soft silky lips I land

Charleston Small Business Profile: YourPad – Local Business Helping Locals

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In Charleston, we live the principle of buy local. Some companies take that extra step by partnering with locals to enhance revenue streams and bring shared successful business practices. YourPad is one of those businesses that is partnering with local Charleston homeowners to provide excellence in customer service, professional leasing experience and opportunities to grow revenue streams. Let us learn a little more from our spotlight local business, YourPad.

Their business model is simple:

Leverage our team of skilled professionals with our industry knowledge to create an enjoyable experience for both the homeowner and our guest. With over 4 years of experience in the short term rental industry our team can guarantee a stress-free solution to getting the most out of your property. Whether you are a homeowner simply looking for some help hosting, or you want a complete hands off experience while still achieving above market rates on your property, we have you covered!

With over $13,500,000 in property under lease we are experienced and committed with this unique approach!

Promise to homeowners:

Are you a homeowner looking for greater returns on your properties? Do you often feel bogged down by landlord responsibilities? As a YourPad homeowner we guarantee a rental rate above market price. YourPad provides owners with hands-off management of their properties. Our innovative approach to the industry is constantly evolving with the marketplace. We are dedicated to honesty, hospitality, and hard work. 

Testimonials:

“We rented our home off St Philip St for several years to CofC students. Yourpad opened our eyes to the benefits of short term renting. The condition of the home is just as good as the higher monthly rental rate we are now receiving. YourPad is knowledgeable and cares for their properties like a true property management company should.” – Hannah

“Over the years we have engaged a couple different management companies.  YourPad has shown, hands down, why they are so highly regarded among real estate professionals.  We have been pleased and impressed by the breadth of knowledge of each person we have interacted with there. When it comes time to purchase other investment properties, we can’t imagine turning to anyone else to manage them.” – Maxwell

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Official YourPad Charleston Website

Palmetto Community Care Records Higher Number of HIV Positives in 2018

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. –  In 2018, Palmetto Community Care tested almost 1,700 people for HIV, recording 23 new HIV-positive cases. That number was up from 20 new HIV-positive cases in 2017.

Last year, Palmetto Community Care – which rebranded from Lowcountry AIDS Services – increased its prevention and education services. The nonprofit has expanded its focus on testing, outreach and HIV prevention education to rural areas of Dorchester and Berkeley counties as well as targeted high-risk communities in Charleston County.

Overall in 2018, more than 90 percent of those tested positive for HIV identified as men who have sex with men; 75 percent were under the age of 30; and 56 percent for African American.

In 2018, Palmetto Community Care also added a mobile testing van thanks to a grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The prevention team has taken the van to nightclubs, community centers, health fairs, special events and more. In the roughly six months the van was on the road last year, the Palmetto Community Care team administered 346 tests.

In addition to providing free, confidential HIV testing, Palmetto Community Care tests for other sexually-transmitted infections.

2018 STI Statistics:

  • 1,622 chlamydia and gonorrhea tests – an increase of 256 tests over 2017
  • 72 individuals tested positive for chlamydia (an increase from 41 positive tests in 2017)
  • 24 individuals tested positive for gonorrhea (an increase from 15 positive tests in 2017)
  • 17 individuals tested for syphilis (a decrease from 33 positive tests in 2017)

“There is only one way to know whether you are HIV-positive and that is to get tested and know your status. So, seeing more people get tested in 2018 means our education and outreach efforts are working,” said Adam Weaver, prevention program manager. “Yet it also shows that HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections are still a very real problem in our community. In 2019, we will continue our work to educate the community about safer sex practices and the importance of getting tested.”

In 2018, Palmetto Community Care also launched a PrEP program to help combat rising rates of HIV in the greater Charleston community. PrEP is a once daily pill (brand name Truvada) that is up to 99 percent effective in reducing HIV rates for those who take the medication as prescribed. Palmetto Community Care’s goal is to make this program and medication free or low cost for participants. The program started in September and, by the end of the year, 27 people were enrolled.

Ideal candidates include individuals who are sexually active, have multiple sexual partners, have sexual partners of unknown HIV status and individuals who are 18 years of age or older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two-thirds of people who could potentially benefit from PrEP are African American or Latino.

An estimated 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV at the end of 2015. Of those people, about 15 percent, or one in seven, did not know they were infected. In the Lowcountry Public Health Region, the latest data as of  the end of 2016 indicates that at least 4,606 people are living with HIV/AIDS.

Palmetto Community Care offers free, confidential testing for HIV as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis at its office located at 3547 Meeting Street Road in North Charleston. Testing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. No appointment needed. Free condoms are also available.

About Palmetto Community Care | Complete compassionate HIV care + prevention
Palmetto Community Care has been helping those living with HIV for more than 25 years. It all started with a belief that no one living with HIV or AIDS should go without medical care, everyday resources or emotional support. We believe our continued commitment to our work here in the Lowcountry will help bring an end to the HIV epidemic through increased HIV testing, prevention and education. Free, confidential HIV/STI testing: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. No appointment needed. For more information, visit palmettocommunitycare.org.

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Palmetto Community Care – Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoCare
Instagram/Twitter: @palmettocare
YouTube: Palmetto Community Care

South Carolina opioid deaths rise 47 percent in 3 years

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Health officials in South Carolina say the number of deaths blamed on opioid use increased 47 percent over three years.

News outlets reported the South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Team released its first annual report on Thursday.

That report shows the increase in deaths between 2014 and 2017. The task force was created in late 2017 by Gov. Henry McMaster.

Statistics from the Department of Health and Environmental Control show that Charleston County had the highest number of deaths from opioid use in 2017.

The 2018 figures are not yet available. But Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten said there were about 90 opioid deaths in the county last year.

State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel says many of the task force efforts are just starting.

Two Charleston, S.C. restaurants make Yelp’s ‘100 most romantic restaurants’ list in 2019 (United States)

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Two Charleston area restaurants made the 2019 Most Romantic Restaurants in the United States list: #82 Circa 1886 Restaurant and #85 Magnolia’s. Congratulations to these two fine culinary establishments for keeping romance alive in this jewel of the South.

To make its list, Yelp said it identified restaurants that had a “large number of reviews” that included the words “romantic”, “Valentine’s Day,” and “date night.” From there, the company looked at the total number of reviews and ratings to determine how high a restaurant ranked. Also, the list was limited to two restaurants per city.

Complete List

  1. Penumbra – Chicago, IL
  2. Cafe Monarch – Scottsdale, AZ
  3. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf – Chicago, IL
  4. The Blind Rabbit – Anaheim, CA
  5. Barrique – Venice, CA
  6. The Black Pearl – Dunedin, FL
  7. Canoe – Atlanta, GA
  8. Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery – Boulder, CO
  9. Pane & Vino – Miami Beach, FL
  10. Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill – Dallas, TX
  11. Gary Danko – San Francisco, CA
  12. Sotto – Cincinnati, OH
  13. Collage Restaurant – Saint Augustine, FL
  14. Boucherie West Village – New York, NY
  15. Bistrot La Minette – Philadelphia, PA
  16. Kokkari Estiatorio – San Francisco, CA
  17. Dametra Cafe – Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
  18. Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar – Miami, FL
  19. Cibo – Phoenix, AZ
  20. Scusca Italian Ristorante – South Lake Tahoe, CA
  21. Pomodoro – Boston, MA
  22. Per Se – New York, NY
  23. La Mer – Honolulu, HI
  24. Talula’s Garden – Philadelphia, PA
  25. Mama’s Fish House – Paia, HI
  26. Bella On Houston – San Antonio, TX
  27. St Martin’s Wine Bistro – Dallas, TX
  28. The Cuban Restaurant and Bar – Hoboken, NJ
  29. Gracie’s – Providence, RI
  30. Hukilau Lanai – Kapaa, HI
  31. Cafe Amelie – New Orleans, LA
  32. Montalcino Ristorante Italiano – Issaquah, WA
  33. French Alpine Bistro – La Creperie Du Village – Aspen, CO
  34. Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar – Memphis, TN
  35. Sixty Vines – Plano, TX
  36. Bern’s Steak House – Tampa, FL
  37. The Pink Door – Seattle, WA
  38. Bocado Tapas Wine Bar – Worcester, MA
  39. 5th & Taylor – Nashville, TN
  40. Fratellino – Coral Gables, FL
  41. Seito Sushi – Orlando, FL
  42. Cafe Matisse – Rutherford, NJ
  43. Orsay – Jacksonville, FL
  44. Colorado Fondue Company – Casselberry, FL
  45. Oporto Fooding House & Wine – Houston, TX
  46. Root Down – Denver, CO
  47. Marcel – Atlanta, GA
  48. Pappas Bros Steakhouse – Houston, TX
  49. Bliss – San Antonio, TX
  50. The Mill House – Waipaku, HI
  51. Salty Sow – Austin, TX
  52. Grampa’s Pizzeria – Madison, WI
  53. Odyssey Italian Restaurant – Denver, CO
  54. Elizabeth on 37th Street – Savannah, GA
  55. Los Andes Restaurant – Providence, RI
  56. Broders’ Pasta Bar – Minneapolis, MN
  57. Irene’s – New Orleans, LA
  58. Second Empire Restaurant And Tavern – Raleigh, NC
  59. Eiffel Tower – Las Vegas, NV
  60. Blue Duck Tavern – Washington D.C.
  61. 21 Great American Bistro – Fairfax, VA
  62. a Cena Ristorante – Portland, OR
  63. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse – Las Vegas, NV
  64. Paseo Grill – Oklahoma City, OK
  65. Bida Manda – Raleigh, NC
  66. Amore Ristorante Italiano – Birmingham, AL
  67. Tidepools – Poipu, HI
  68. Cheever’s Cafe – Oklahoma City, OK
  69. Soul Gastrolounge – Charlotte, NC
  70. Le Diplomate – Washington D.C.
  71. The Rabbit Hole – Colorado Springs, CO
  72. Ciro’s – Tampa, FL
  73. Toro Bravo – Portland, OR
  74. Eleven Eleven – Saint Louis, MO
  75. Le Patio – Wilton Manors, FL
  76. Kaluz Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale, FL
  77. Street & Co. – Portland, ME
  78. Good Food on Montford – Charlotte, NC
  79. Antiquity Restaurant – Albuquerque, NM
  80. The Rotten Bunch – Austin, TX
  81. Cafe Lurcat – Minneapolis, MN
  82. Circa 1886 Restaurant – Charleston, SC
  83. I Fratellini – Clayton, MO
  84. Dolce – Omaha, NE
  85. Magnolias – Charleston, SC
  86. Social – Fort Collins, CO
  87. Mama Carolla’s – Indianapolis, IN
  88. The Love Apple – Taos, NM
  89. Royal Taj – Columbia, MD
  90. Stanford Grill – Columbia, MD
  91. L’Albatros – Cleveland, OH
  92. Basi Italia – Columbus, OH
  93. Green Valley Grill – Greensboro, NC
  94. Victoria & Albert’s – Orlando, FL
  95. L’Auberge Chez Francois – Great Falls, VA
  96. Mamma Luisa Italian Restaurant – Newport, RI
  97. Azure Restaurant – Honolulu, HI
  98. CUCINA urbana – San Diego, CA
  99. The Secret Garden Cafe – Occoquan, VA
  100. Dada – Delray, FL