South Carolina Ranked as the 4th Worst State for Working Moms in latest study by WalletHub

May 9, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

In the latest 2022 study by WalletHub of the Best and Worst States for Working Moms, South Carolina ranked 48th out of 51 (4th lowest in the nation). South Carolina also has the 2nd lowest female to male executive ratio.

On a positive note, South Carolina has the 4th lowest child care costs as a percentage of median women’s income.

Overall, South Carolina ranked 45h in work-life balance, 48th in opportunities, and 45th in child care.

Please see below for a summary and state-by-state rankings.

About the Study from WalletHub

Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, and nearly 68% of moms with children under age 18 were working in 2021. Unfortunately, the share of women in the workforce declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping around 1.3% between Q3 2019 and Q3 2021 (compared to 1.1% for men).

Even during non-pandemic times, working moms still face an uphill battle in the workplace, as their average hourly wage is only 84% of what men make, and only 6.2% of S&P 500 companies’ chief executives are women. Such obvious inequality brings up not just financial questions but also deeply ingrained social issues. For instance, should women have to choose between career and family?

The real question, however, is what we’re doing about these fundamental problems. Progress appears to be taking shape at different rates across the nation. Not only do parental leave policies and other legal support systems vary by state, but the quality of infrastructure — from cost-effective daycare to public schools — is far from uniform as well.

In order to help ease the burden on an underappreciated segment of the population, WalletHub compared state dynamics across 17 key metrics to identify the Best & Worst States for Working Moms.

Source link

Things to consider if you are thinking about moving to Charleston, South Carolina

May 8, 2022 by 50 Comments
Read More

One of the most challenging decisions an individual, couple or family can make is the decision to move.  It takes a tremendous amount of research to determine the feasibility of happiness and success in a new geographic region.  We want to do our part to help by providing a simple checklist of things to think about as you make this big life changing decision.

Will we move to Charleston, South Carolina Checklist

  • Are you comfortable with a consistent stream of construction (Commercial, residential and highway)? – Since 2012, cranes have been a part of the Charleston skyline and will continue for a number of years to come.  The traditional Holy City skyline has been replaced with the new look and feel of modern Charleston.  With Charleston being part of the Southern migration, this has resulted in new housing and expansion west with additional bridges, highway repair, new hotels and housing development as a new way of life.
  • Can you deal with average commuter traffic in excessive of 30 minutes or more for under 10 mile commutes?  Charleston does not have the volume numbers of drivers as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston or Chicago, but it is a coastal community.  Therefore, waterways are a part of the structure of the Lowcountry and it has made for some unique, narrow and singular roadways.  Structurally, this region is not designed well for this level of growth, so expect delays.
  • Is your vehicle water tolerant?  I am sure you have heard the stories of flooding in Charleston.  These are not exaggerations, but a very big reality.  Pockets of flooding can be found in various places of the area due to rain or high tide.  Ensure your car is made for high flood areas.
  • Do you value change in seasons?  Charleston is not a four season area.  There has been two snowfalls in 10+ years and only one significant snowfall in over a decade.  If you love the changing leaves of New England, you will have to head west toward the mountains to find that type of foliage.  Expect Summer (Long), a brief cold period of Winter and a short Spring in the Lowcountry.
  • Do you love professional sports and attending games/matches?  Perhaps in a few years that may change, but Charleston does not have a major sports team in football, baseball, hockey or basketball (Before folks jump in and say we have the RiverDogs, Battery and the Stingrays), I am referring to NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA.  If you want to watch those leagues live, you will need to travel to Atlanta (5.5 Hours) or Charlotte (3.5 Hours).
  • Do you thrive in a diverse community?  Charleston is not an ethnically balanced region.  White and black residents make up the mass majority accounting for over 95% of the total population.  (Census Analysis)
  • Can you afford to live here? For a family of 2 adults and 2 children, a recent study revealed you need to make $60,067 annually (Study Results)
  • How Liberal do you want your community?  Many consider the Lowcountry a liberal area, but you must keep this in perspective.  Compared to the rest of South Carolina, which is very conservative, yes, this area is liberal, but if your barometer of liberal is San Francisco, New York, Austin or Chicago, then this area is not of the same political and cultural thinking as you are accustomed to.

We hope these insights help as you begin to make some decisions about considering this area your new home.

Food & Bev - Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

Two Charleston, SC area restaurants stand out in customer excellence and loyalty

May 8, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

By Mark A. Leon

The two restaurants we will be featuring today are not typically on any foodie blog, not found on billboards at the international airport, nor on many Instagram reels, but stand out for high quality and intimate customer service resulting in high loyalty retention.

These two restaurants are Maya del Sol Kitchen (1813 Suite B, Reynolds Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405) and The Lowdown Oven and Bar (967 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412). If you have not yet experienced either, add them to your culinary adventure wish list.

Maya del Sol

Local Chef Raul Sanchez (recently featured during opening night at the Charleston Wine & Food Festival), along with his colleague Tim brings an intimate global dining experience to their guests in a small family atmosphere that keeps you coming back week after week. The exceptional menu, which changes weekly, is small giving Raul an opportunity to put love into each and every dish that is prepared. Don’t worry, Raul and the team listen and respect the wishes of his guests, so if you have a favorite, they will find a way to ensure it remains.

This is where things get really special. Maya del Sol Kitchen offers a themed communal multi­-course dining experience created by Chef Raul Sanchez and guest chefs, highlighting a different nationality from Puerto Rican to Italian typically twice a month. These special reservation-only events pair exceptionally fresh food from traditional and unique recipes with drink pairings that make for a special night. Not only will you enjoy this one-of-a-kind dining experience, but may walk away with new friendships.

Click Here to Sign Up for Updates on the special International Nights

Once you start coming back, you will see familiar faces and smiles and truly start to understand the importance of customer loyalty built around high-quality food and caring relationships.

The Lowdown Oven and Bar

I have been going to The Lowdown on and off for 7+ years and one thing remains, high-quality customer service, consistency, and quality. In fact, I left the area for almost 14 months to travel overseas and hike and when I returned, they asked where I had been for the last year. That is customer loyalty.

I want to talk a little about consistency and dedication to the customer. As prices began to rise in the Charleston community and sales dipped due to COVID, most restaurants had to raise their prices and/or drop their specials. Lowdown didn’t!

Since they opened you can still get the following:

  • $1.75 Budweiser – All day every day
  • Half-price cheesesteak sandwiches on Tuesday (Dine-in or Take-out) and $4.00 local drafts
  • Half-price pizza and wine (glass or bottle) on Wednesday ((Dine-in or Take-out)
  • Half-price burgers on Thursdays (Dine-in or Take-out)
  • They are always dog-friendly
  • Overall, prices have remained relatively unchanged with only a small increase to meet the rising cost of ingredients.

With outdoor seating, outdoor seating with an overhang, indoor booths and tables, a bar area, and community tables, Lowdown is a place where people come to meet, eat, drink, laugh, and spent time with community neighbors.

Over the years, we see groups of friends, clubs, dates, families, and neighbors fill the seats because they know they are welcome with open arms in a place where they know your name, the food is comforting, drinks are refreshing and the company is familiar and safe.

We are so thrilled to share these two restaurants that exemplify the Charleston way when it comes to Southern hospitality and customer care.

Lowcountry

Learn More: The Nation’s First Saltwater Hydroponic Farm Is In Charleston, SC

May 8, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

About Heron Farms

Did you know that it’s possible to harvest crops using saltwater? Charleston is home to the first-ever indoor saltwater hydroponics farm that utilizes ocean water – aka the world’s most abundant resource – to grow food. 

Heron Farms, located at 1783 Harmon St., was established by Sam Norton in 2018. Sam grew up on a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina where his family home flooded more frequently + severely every year due to the sea level rise. The same issue was seen during his trip to Bangladesh, where he witnessed saltwater intrusion into coastal rice paddies upending the lives of many farmers in Asia.

This led to the idea of treating sea level rise as a free resource that could be used for agriculture instead of just an environmental problem. 

Sam’s concept took shape and won the ACRE Startup Competition from the SC Department of Agriculture+ the Charleston-based Harbor Accelerator Startup Competition. Following these achievements, Heron Farms was created and the idea became a reality in June 2018. 

So, how does saltwater hydroponics work? 

The first step in understanding the process is studying up on general hydroponic farming. Simply put, this method of indoor farming eliminates soil use by utilizing an alternative root anchor for plants + growing them directly in water (think: “hydro” = water). The inside setting eliminates the barriers of land use constraints + seasonality of crops. Plants receive controlled amounts of water, oxygen, nutrients + light that promotes the growth cycle. The difference with Heron Farms is that in all other cases, fresh water is used. 

Why saltwater? 

Along with the reasons mentioned above, the micronutrients of seawater that are transferred into the plants are a great source of minerals in our daily diets. Additionally, seawater irrigation allows the company to use less freshwater than any farm in the U.S. 

What crops are grown? 

Heron Farms sea beans | Photo provided by Heron Farms

Heron Farms’ first crop is sea beans – salicornia europaea– an edible plant that grows in the salt marsh. These types of saltwater-tolerant plants are known as halophytes, which have evolved to tolerate salt across its whole life cycle. Learn about cooking + eating sea beans here. 

What makes this local company even cooler? For every pound of sea beans sold at Heron Farms, the company replants a sq. ft. of salt marsh along coastal South Carolina + Bangladesh using a custom seed-dropping drone. So far, 30,000 sq. ft. have been planted.

Heron Farms has been invited by Seawater Solutions to present at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, where the Charleston-based company will build a second saltwater hydroponics farm.

Official Website

Photos provided by Heron Farms

Lowcountry

Volunteer for Feed Charleston Veterans – Charleston, SC

May 7, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

Volunteer | Feed Charleston Veterans – Charleston, South Carolina

Soldiers’ Angels will provide #foodassistance to 200 at-risk and homeless #veterans and their families at this Veteran Mobile Food Distribution event. Volunteers will help pack bags of groceries and then load the groceries in the cars/carts of attending veterans.

This volunteer opportunity requires standing, lifting, and bending.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. This event is held outside, regardless of the weather. COVID-19 safety precautions are in place.

This event occurs monthly in Charleston at the Elks Lodge, 1113 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407.

For more information on the Charleston event or to register to volunteer, visit: https://soldiersangels.org/charleston/

For full details on the Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution events, please visit: https://soldiersangels.org/MobileFoodDistributions.html

Lowcountry

Berkeley County Library System is collaborating with hoopla digital offering 200+ titles

May 7, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

Berkeley County Library System is collaborating with hoopla digital, a service of Midwest Tape, to roll out the Bonus Borrows Collection library cardholders can access with their account. Bonus Borrows include more than 200 titles to borrow and download – without affecting monthly hoopla digital borrow limits.

The Bonus Borrows Collection is available now through May 31. The hoopla collection includes TV Shows, Music with full albums, eBooks, audiobooks, and Comics to enjoy on a computer, tablet, phone, or even TV!

With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later.

James & John's Islands, SC - Lowcountry

Tell Your Tales: James and Johns Islands History Collection Days

May 6, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

STONE MOUNTAIN — New South Associates, in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and Charleston County, will be holding a three-day history collection event at James and Johns Islands on Thursday, May 19 through Saturday, May 21, 2022. New South historians will be on hand during the events to speak with current or former residents of James and Johns Islands and to gather information about these historic African American settlement communities. The purpose of the project is to provide SCDOT and Charleston County with a study focusing on the history of James and Johns Islands. 

New South Associates, based in Stone Mountain, Georgia, is a nationally recognized cultural resource management firm with a permanent staff of over 100 professionals experienced in history and archaeology. New South historians from both Georgia and South Carolina offices will be working on the study, recording oral history interviews to learn about the historic communities and neighborhoods on the islands and their boundaries. 

Attendees are invited to bring historic photos that can be scanned and digitized on site, with owner permission. All information regarding the history of these communities is welcome, including locations of gathering places, schools, important pharmacies, churches, and recreational places (such as baseball fields), either standing or long gone. Various maps will be available for attendees to view and mark with pertinent information.

There are time slots for oral history interviews during the May 19 through May 21 history collection days. Opportunities for interviews on future dates can also be arranged by contacting New South historian Renee’ Donnell. Each oral history interview should take about an hour. To secure your preferred time slot, please contact New South historian Renee’ Donnell at rdonnell@newsouthassoc.com, or (770) 498-4155, ext. 150. Time slots will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Refreshments will be served.

Event Dates:

Baxter Patrick James Island Library

1858 S Grimball Rd, Charleston, SC 29412  

Thursday, May 19th

10:00 am-12:00 pm, 

1:00-3:00 pm, and 

5:00-7:00 pm

Johns Island Regional Library

3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Friday, May 20th 

10:00 am- 12:00 pm, 1:30-4:30 pm 

Saturday, May 21st 

12:15-4:30 pm

Food & Bev - Lowcountry

Charleston’s Striped Pig Distillery featured in the Season 2 Premiere of “Whiskey & Wings” – Watch Now

May 5, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

Episode 1 of Season 2 of Whiskey & Wings kicks off in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. G and Mike continue their quest for the best craft whiskey and wings starting with a visit to Striped Pig Distillery.

Watch as owner, Paula “Pixie” Dezzuti & Master Distiller, Johnny Pieper take us on a tour of the Striped Pig, teaching us the history of the first distillery in Charleston since the Prohibition and what makes their distillery one of a kind!

To learn more about the Striped Pig Distillery, visit: https://stripedpigdistillery.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifafpv5sy1A
Lowcountry

A Note and Advice to Our Graduates – Congratulations to all the CofC, Charleston Southern, and Citadel Graduates

May 5, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

By Mark A. Leon

“Believe in yourself, do good, and embrace the wonder of the journey”

This weekend, some of the brightest and most ambitious young talents from the Lowcountry will say goodbye to a life of discovery, evolution, and personal growth and take the next step in their journey.

Emotions will be flaring. For some, it is eager anticipation, while others are shadowed by fear. No matter what you feel, we are all so proud of you and what you have achieved.

Here are a few things to remember on this special day and the leap into the next phase of your life

  1. Acknowledge and embrace those that helped you along the way. So many sacrifices were made to give you the opportunity at a better life. You must know those sacrifices were made out of love. When you see your parents, friends, and loved ones, give them an extra-long hug and remind them how important they are in your life journey.
  2. Believe in yourself and the power to do anything – You are an astonishing person. To get to where you are today took inner and outer strength, dedication, and passion. Utilize that fuel as you rocket into the next chapter.
  3. Be yourself. Be crazy, weird, sporadic, and silly. It is the individuals that truly create a legacy of greatness. Invent, write, explore, try!
  4. Take advantage of all the tools you have. We live in the most incredible digital and technological age in world history. Create, document, share and celebrate life. Also, don’t get pulled in. A great dance on Tik Tok is awesome, but. seeing the world from 12,000 above sea level high on the tip of the peaks of Breckenridge, CO, or watching a sunset from Piazza Michaelangelo overlooking Florence, Italy is priceless.
  5. Don’t be afraid to fail. In fact, fail a lot. That means you are trying new and unchartered things. In fact, one of Google’s greatest successes is how much they fail in new product development.
  6. Make each day, month, or year, a time to redefine yourself and start again. Don’t settle! Learn a new skill, discover a new land, or try something you have always feared. Think outside the realm of your comfort level.
  7. Life is best shared – Friends are everything. They give you support and love, they pick you up when you are down, they share in the laughter and tears and no matter what happens, they are always there. Never take advantage of that gift.
  8. Don’t fear tomorrow – We change every day. We get older, move a little slower, reflect on our youth, and at times, yearn for a return. Don’t do that to yourself. You are entering a day and age of acceptance and inclusion. We are all valued. We all contribute and we all deserve happiness at any age.
  9. Be expressive with your emotions – You may not see this now, but there are so many that hold back their emotions and often look back in regret. Emotions are so important in health and well-being. Without that emotional escape, we get bottled up, and when the time is right explode inside causing a mental imbalance. Take each day to laugh a little, cry a little, smile as often as you can, and let your emotions be heard.
  10. Be confident and have fun – When you have that big interview, don’t overthink it. When you are about to ask the boy or girl you love to marry you, be confident that you found a life partner. When you have a near-death experience, look it in the eye and move on. When you think that barista is cute, let them know. Compliments are awesome. If you approach life with confidence, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.

That’s it. That is a tiny bit of sound advice I can offer. Life is a remarkable gift and one to be cherished every day.

To all the graduates from the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and Charleston Southern, congratulations. We are honored that you are leading us into a new generation of amazing.


Lowcountry

10 Amazing Free Things in Charleston, SC

May 4, 2022 by 0 Comments
Read More

By Mark A. Leon

“The best things in life are free.” This quote may not be entirely true, but there are a few things worth seeing and doing in Charleston that still are free and filled with fun, excitement, wellness, and a bit of education.

Here is a list of some awesome free things in Charleston, SC

Coffee at Bert’s Market – Heading to Folly Beach for a spectacular sunrise? Well, you need coffee. Bert’s Market is open 24/7 every day of the year and their coffee is free. There is a little donation slot, but not required. Once you head in just turn to the left and it will be next to the cooler. Here is a little tip, their Veggie Melt Panini is amazing.2.

Free Little Libraries – You have all seen them throughout the Lowcountry. Downtown, at the beach, in the suburbs. You know them. Take a book, leave a book. Personally, I have given and taken and found comfort in some great literature. In fact, once on State Street, we found a $20 bill left for a lucky literary explorer and that was us.

History in the Streets – Historic Charleston, South Carolina is a living breathing museum. From the historic architecture to the markers, every corner tells a story of our past. If you have to pick one street, head end to end on Tradd.

Bonus: The Oldest Structures in the Lowcountry

Beaches – For many who have migrated here from other coastal areas, not all beaches are free. The Lowcountry area beaches continue to remain free for all.

Cooper River Bridge Pedestrian Walkway – Whether you are an avid runner, walker, or biker, the Cooper River Bridge is a scenic delight. Get your health kick and enjoy that 5-mile round trip high above the Charleston Harbor.

Lowcountry sunrise and sunsets – Some of you may be saying, why is this on the list. It’s the sun! You are right, but whether you live here or visit, you cannot deny that we have some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world and to us, it is an event each time.

City Gallery at Waterfront Park – Where else can you indulge in amazing art, photography, and sculpture exhibit with a view of the Charleston Harbor at no cost. Check their calendar as their exhibits rotate quite frequently.

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art on the College of Charleston Campus – These hallways and rooms house some of the most creative and influential young and aspiring artists from the college and surrounding communities.

Shem Creek Park – This beautiful park and pier offers a magical journey to the edge of Shem Creek with a view of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in the distance, shrimping boats, kayaks, sailboats, and fishing off the docks, or just a place to take a romantic sunset stroll. Most days, you will even see dolphins frolicking in the water.

Mace Brown Natural History Museum – Let’s go back 1 billion years to the age of dinosaurs and carry us forward to the present day. This wonderful museum of our natural land and oceanic history on Calhoun Street is a delight for children and adults.