Lifestyle

Operation FINALLY HOMEand Lennarare pleased to announce a new project to provide a mortgage-free home for a wounded veteran in Charleston, South Carolina this year.

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Matthew Weise and his family were surprised with the news during a live segment on FOX & Friendson New Year’s Eve Day. The Weise family thought they were in New York City to interview with a builder and were asked to appear on FOX & Friends to talk about Matthew’s invisible disabilities. Matthew was injured during three of his combat tours and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI). During the segment, Operation FINALLY HOME founder, Dan Wallrath, and Charleston Division President for Lennar, Jason Byham, surprised the family with the news that they were selected to receive the mortgage-free home.

“Operation FINALLY HOME and Lennar have drastically changed my family’s life and my outlook on the future. None of this would have been possible without them. The unimaginable gift of a house will have a huge everlasting effect on our lives,” stated Matthew following the Surprise.

Operation FINALLY HOME has completed 151 mortgage-free homes and 18 home modifications to date. This will be Lennar’s fifth project partnering with Operation FINALLY HOME with plans for additional projects in the future.

“On behalf of Lennar, our associates, and all our trade partners, we are thrilled to provide the Weise family with this mortgage-free home in Charleston,” said Jason Byham, Division President of Lennar. “As a father of three kids myself, I couldn’t imagine a more welcoming location for Matthew and his family. The community is ecstatic to welcome this family home.”

Lennar anticipates the home being complete this summer in time for the family to enjoy the amenities and get to know their new community and home.

About U.S. Army SFC Matthew Weise |U.S. Army SFC Matthew Weise joined the army two weeks after graduating high school in Stone Mountain, Ga. He dedicated more than 15 years of his life to serving his country with six deployments, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Matthew was injured during three of his combat tours. His first injury was caused when insurgents dropped mortar bombs on the building he was in, and again when his truck drove over an underbelly improvised explosive device (IED) that knocked him unconscious. His third major injury occurred in Afghanistan when he stepped on a dismounted IED.

Matthew suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as well as depression, migraines and vertigo along with seizures, neck, knee, wrist and back problems. His injuries, both mental and physical, are severe, and he describes himself as a “changed person” since medical retirement. His pain affects him daily, and he is unable to participate in many activities he used to enjoy. However, Matthew says he is looking to the future, and he loves doing volunteer work.

Matthew was presented with many honors for his service including two Purple Heart Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, two Valorous Unit Awards, Combat Infantryman Badge plus many more.

Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and focusing on his hobbies, such as hunting, swimming and hiking. He is looking forward to moving back to South Carolina to spend time with family and be near the beach. He also volunteers at a local food bank and counsels other veterans by reminiscing on war stories. Talking to other veterans has been therapeutic, Matthew says, and he finds it very fulfilling.

His wife Saray and their children look forward to moving back to South Carolina and are all optimistic for the future.

About Operation FINALLY HOME | Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation FINALLY HOME was established in 2005 as a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of Operation FINALLY HOME is to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military Heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values. Operation FINALLY HOME partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these Heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a place to call home. For more information about Operation FINALLY HOME, visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org, follow @OpFINALLYHOME on Twitter (News– Alert) and find us on Facebook.

About Lennar | Lennar, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.

CHARLESTON, SC – January 18, 2019 – Charleston Acceleration Academy (CAA) recently celebrated their first graduate, Malik Fraiser, on January 16, 2019. Malik attends Charleston Acceleration Academy (CAA), which is part of the nationally accredited Acceleration Academies Network. Acceleration Academies provides students who have disengaged from their school districts an innovative approach to graduation and post secondary options.

Malik began his high school experience at North Charleston High School but found himself lacking the motivation to participate in his classes and also making poor decisions that would have a negative impact on his future. Eventually, Malik stopped attending school altogether. He was out of school nearly a year and a half when a team member from CAA visited his home to discuss a new option to complete high school and earn his diploma. Shortly after that visit, Malik visited the CAA website and signed up forthe program. Malik describes the CAA team as a “supportive family” who constantly motivated and pushed him to cross the finish line.For students like Malik,

Acceleration Academies is re-defining the traditional high school experience through a hybrid model that leverages both technology and social emotional supports to create a personalized learning pathway for every student. The Acceleration Academies academic model optimizes opportunities for students through access to their coursework online both day and night. The anywhere and anytime blended learning approach is supported in-person at brick and mortar academy sites by licensed teachers, tutors, career and life coaches. Students are provided in-person rigorous academic support and coaching to guide their online course completion and journey to graduation.Through partnership with Trident Technical College (TTC), CAA offers every student ​dual enrollment courses and apprenticeships as they embark on their college and career path and build a bright future.

At his graduation on Wednesday, Malik was surrounded by classmates and educators from his previous school as well as new friends and teachers from CAA. Together, they celebrated his graduation and a scholarship that he earned from CAA partner, ​Trident Technical College​. Malik plans to use that scholarship to earn a degree in business and culinary arts. Though his supportive experience at CAA, Malik is optimistic about his future with a clear path to a career and goal of owning his own property.

Acceleration Academies currently operates sites throughout Florida, South Carolina and Washington State. ​The program has graduated 445 students since​​2014​, and is currently serving over 1,200 graduation candidates nationwide. ​For more information about the program,

visit www.accelerationacademy.org​ or call 872-529-5115.-

About​ Acceleration Academies​

You have the potential. ​We have the tools. This is your opportunity. #OwnYourSuccess

See a video of our unique approach and experience here: ​http://bit.ly/2OZn8NK

Acceleration Academies​ is an innovative education partner helping young adults overcome real-life challenges to earn their district issued high school diploma tuition-free by offering:

●Web-based curriculum and technology

●Individualized learning plans●Hands-on life and career coaching For more information, email Acceleration Academies at contact@accelerationacademy.org​

Check out the first music video, “Candy” by Thomas Champagne with Friends, featuring Whitney Hanna. Directed by Hector J Salazar, filmed all over Downtown Charleston. Thomas Champagne with Friends CD Release Party, January 31, 2019, 7pm at The Washout!

Linked to Video “Candy”

Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is adding Charleston, South Carolina, to its roster of destinations from Cleveland starting in early May.

Twice-weekly flights to Charleston, starting May 2. The flights will run Thursdays and Sundays. An introductory sale on the route includes one-way fares starting at $39, if purchased by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. The Cleveland flights leave at 3:13 p.m., landing in Charleston at 5:15 p.m. The flights from Charleston depart at 6:15 p.m., arriving in Cleveland at 8:12 p.m.

Official Frontier Airlines Website

Wild Dunes Resort Offers Harbor Friends Golf Program for Year-Round VIP Access to

Golf Digest-Acclaimed Course

WHAT:                 The Harbor Friends Golf Program is the ultimate annual VIP pass to one of the most beautiful courses in the Lowcountry.Golf Digest says Harbor Golf Course of Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination Hotel, is among the “Best in State” for golf in South Carolina. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is known for its challenging design and beautiful views, and most of all, water. From lagoons and salt marshes to the Intracoastal Waterway, this varied golf course in Charleston, South Carolina will test all aspects of any golfer’s game.

Practice facilities are also located across from The Links clubhouse which includes a driving range, chipping area and putting green.

Harbor Friends Golf Program Perks:

• $44 Rounds Year-Round at the Harbor Course
• Exclusive Monthly Offers & Tournament Access
• Friends Reward Punch Card to Earn Free Rounds & Merchandise
• Get 10% Off Restaurant & Pro Shop Purchases
• Complimentary Harbor Friends Tumbler After Sign-Up

WHERE:               Wild Dunes Resort
                                1 Sundial Circle
                                Isle of Palms, 29451

COST:                    $49.00 plus taxes and fees.

Enrollees must be a Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester county resident to qualify. Valid ID required at sign-up. Harbor Friends Golf Program annual enrollment is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Dedicated tee-times available 48 hours in advance of play, after 10:00 AM.

TICKET LINK:      For more information and to purchase a Harbor Golf VIP pass, please click here.

About Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel

Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina,Wild Dunes Resort, is located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston. The Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations ranging from the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn and the Village at Wild Dunes to private condos and luxury home vacation rentals. Offering a year-round menu of championship golf, nationally-ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers, and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram andYouTube.

About Destination Hotels

Destination Hotels is a collection of more than 40 upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America. Each property is intentionally diverse and true to its location, transcending status quo in fresh, authentic and unforgettable ways. Serving as both the explorer and the guide, Destination ensures a sense of genuine belonging and the chance to encounter life-enhancing discoveries. The award-winning portfolio features 19 renowned golf courses, 18 indigenous spas, and 112 exceptional food and beverage options including bars, restaurants, cafes, and rooftops. Destination Hotels captures the unique essence of each location through authentic experiences, immersive programming and genuine service. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Instagram: @destinationhotels and Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

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Media Contacts:

Gina Stouffer / Charlotte Park / Blaire Massaroni

Lou Hammond Group

843.408.4360 / 843.371.1362 / 843.531.9995

GinaS@louhammond.com / CharlotteP@louhammond.com / BlaireM@louhammond.com

www.louhammond.com

During the tragic period when Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina in late 2018, a flag, nicknamed “Kevin” was ripped and torn through the devastating winds and rain, but withstood the storm with resilience and strength.  That flag became a symbol of the unconditional fortitude of the communities affected by the land fall hit of this 2018 Hurricane.

In 1989, the Lowcountry region of Charleston, Isle of Palms and neighboring communities suffered one the most tragic natural disasters in its history when Hurricane Hugo hit land and destroyed homes, property and lives.  A symbol of this regions unbridled perseverance, in the face of harm, rose from the ashes, the Folly Boat.

For the last 30 years, the Folly Boat has stood in the same spot from when it washed on the side of Folly Road during the massive invasion of Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Over the years, this symbol of resilience, fortitude and strength has become a canvas for the community.

From messages of love, declarations , anniversaries, remembrance, gratitude, proposals and thank you notes, the Folly Boat has been our message board, but most importantly, a reminder of how fragile this community can be.

In a twist of irony, Hurricane Irma, 28 years later, unhinged this symbol and since then much debate has been raised on what to do now.

We feel the proper place to pay homage and give this historic symbol a proper home is the South Carolina State Museum.

Over the course of Charleston’s history, a number of significant events have solidified the importance of this port city from the first shots of the American Civil War to the tragic and needless shooting of the Emanuel Nine.  Charleston has witnessed extreme highs and lows throughout its history and Hurricane Hugo is no exception.  The recovery of this community and the boat that became its symbol have been a rock in a community that has withstood so much.

Let us restore it back to its original look and create an exhibit that will allow others to learn and understand this piece of our history

The exhibit can include:

• Detailed documentation of the events prior and post Hurricane Hugo
• A visual collage or film of all the creative ways the boat has been a canvas of love for Charleston
• Stories from those that lived the events
• Interactive simulations allowing patrons to paint their own message

Maybe it is time to speak to our state representatives and look at giving the Folly Boat a much deserved home so the entire state and beyond can celebrate its contributions to Charleston.

Official Folly Boat Gallery and Website

“For years now I’ve been photographing and painting wading birds and shorebirds. But it wasn’t until recently that I decided to take some of my favorite birds and create life-size and larger original oil portraits of them. Each bird chosen made a lasting impression on me. So much so, that I wanted to immortalize them on canvas. With each painting I tell the story behind the close encounter and write about what makes each bird memorable”.

William R. Beebe bio:

William is a graduate of the University of Maryland in Fine Art. For close to three decades William has developed his recognizable painting style of Realism with touches of Impressionism, producing original oil paintings found in many private and corporate collections throughout the country. William’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous gallery and museum shows throughout the years.They have often been referred to as “museum quality”.

For William, bird portraiture allows his attention to detail to shine, bringing each bird to life by capturing its unique features. Sometimes it’s a striking pose, other times it’s an expression or mood that endears one to the work of art. Each portrait becomes a conversation piece.

Website: www.williamrbeebe.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/williamrbeebe

Instagram page: www.instagram.com/williamrbeebefineart