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Gullah heritage and traditions have a rich and proud history. It is a unique population that thrives on community, singing, food, family and perseverance.
Enjoy this wonderful shot video that shares the history to present.
Homelessness in North Charleston – A powerful new video looks at life on the streets
Often overlooked and ignored, the homelessness issue in Charleston County is real and desperate. While we drink lavish cocktails, stay at $700 a night hotels and enjoy $100+ meals, there are hundreds of homeless that are dredging through the rain and cold right now.
This new candid video humanizes this problem and gives faces and stories a voice.
Throughout the Lowcountry, there are programs, resources and volunteer opportunities to help. We also plead with our local government officials to help.
please watch and understand
Prominent Southeast Mold Remediation Company, Charleston Based Palmetto Environmental Solutions, Changes Hands in 2021
Charleston, SC, Feb. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One of the Southeast’s leading companies in the mold remediation and crawl space industry, Palmetto Environmental Solutions, is under new ownership and it’s new leaders are very familiar with the firm.
Palmetto Environmental Solutions’ new owners, Chad and Cameron Kelly, have purchased the company from its founder, and Cameron’s father, Bill Murray. Chad and Cameron have worked with the company, under Bill, since 2008 and 2019 respectively. Chad was previously Vice President, while Cameron held the role of Charleston’s General Manager.
Chad is a licensed general contractor with multiple certifications through the IICRC and has been in the construction industry since 2000. Chad started as a mold remediation technician for PES in 2008, and has been active in many roles including Sales, Estimator, General Manager and Vice President.
Cameron comes from a background in logistics and manufacturing with a degree from Clemson University. After years of helping Palmetto Environmental Solutions from an outside role, Cameron came on full time to assist with company growth in 2019 as General Manager of the Charleston, SC market.
“It has always been our dream to own a construction company together,” said Cameron Kelly. “Chad & I are excited to become second-generation owners of this family company, and we look forward to continuing our work with our outstanding team.”
Palmetto Environmental Solutions provides certified mold inspection and testing services for real estate transactions, property managers, homeowners and landlords. Their services include interior mold remediation, crawl space services, restoration services, and commercial services. They have multiple locations and are available to serve anyone living in the Carolinas.
Palmetto Environmental Solutions recently earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award. This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2020.
While the company is under new ownership, they remain dedicated to providing the same great quality of service that they have provided for the past thirteen years, for all new and existing clients. Bill, who founded the company in 2008, will remain on as a consultant.
For more information on Palmetto Environmental Solutions, please visit the website at www.palmettoenvironmentalsolutions.com, call (843) 310-0110, or email admin@palmettoenvironmentalsolutions.com.
Charleston, SC Based Island Brands USA Names New COO
Island Brands USA Names Chad Webb COO
With Flagship Brands +70% YOY, Island Brands Brings in Industry Veteran to Help Scale Company for Next Phase of Growth
Charleston, SC (February 2, 2021) – Island Brands USA, producers of clean, better for you, super premium beer, announced today its biggest hire since its 2017 founding, naming beverage industry veteran Chad Webb as Chief Operating Officer. With 25 years of industry experience on the wholesaler and brewery side, Webb will direct all facets of the Island Brands business, including partners, vendors, operations, and sales. Webb will report to Co-founders and Co-CEOs Brandon Perry and Scott Hansen.
Webb served as Vice President/General Manager for KW Beverage d.b.a. Budweiser of Greenville and improved the multi-million-dollar beverage distributorship to a more profitable, diverse, and award-winning operation. In this role, Webb was responsible for hundreds of employees and sold millions of cases of products each year from dozens of supplier partners. For his efforts, the organization was awarded with Anheuser-Busch’s “Ambassadors of Excellence” honor (recognizing the upper 10% of the best operating A-B wholesalers in the country) in 5 of his 7 years as GM. Prior to his work there, Webb served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Bealer Wholesale in Charlotte, managing a sales team of 60 employees and a multi-million-dollar sales and marketing budget, while also serving as the primary liaison to Anheuser-Busch senior management. Before his role at Bealer, Webb spent several years as District Sales and Marketing Manager for Anheuser-Busch, working with many distributors throughout the U.S.
Adding to his rich experience in the beverage world, Webb also ran his own consulting business within CPG, and recently earned his MBA in International Business from the University of South Carolina.
“Chad knows the beer industry inside and out and comes to the table with a long and proven track record for scaling business operations. Having a leader of Chad’s caliber is another big win for Island Brands as we continue to accelerate growth and further disrupt the beer space.” explained Co-Founder/CEO, CRO Scott Hansen
“The timing for Chad to join Island Brands couldn’t be better as we fully deploy our DTC (direct-to-consumer) technology apparatus that will continue to engage and nurture our rapidly growing and loyal consumer base,” said Co-Founder/CEO, CMO, Brandon Perry
Webb joins one of the country’s fastest-growing beer brands which saw combined sales of its two flagship brands, Island Coastal Lager and Island Active, grow +70% last year to hit $1.9 million (according to IRI data). In 2021, Webb will oversee the launch of two new brands, Island Lemonada and Island Southern Peach, as well as the opening of 6-8 Island Brands Cabana Bars, as well as expanding retail distribution. Webb’s job will be assisted by some new funding – Island Brands recently generated over a million dollars in direct investment through a public offering on the crowdfunding platform, StartEngine. Raised in just over one month, Island Brands became the site’s most successful beverage offering to date.
“Pretty much since the day they started, Island Brands has been disrupting the beer business. With a recipe of technology, innovation, creativity, and raw enthusiasm, they have built a nimble and successful business that is different, authentic and far ahead of the industry in so many ways,” said Webb. “Leading this fast-paced group, I feel the sky’s the limit to where we can go. I’m confident my knowledge in building brands and scaling businesses can launch Island into its next wave of growth.”
About Island Brands USA
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Island Brands USA is a rapidly expanding domestic super premium lifestyle beer brand, first conceived when the founders took a trip to Cuba in 2016. The following year, the recipe for brand’s first beer, Island Coastal Lager, was developed, brewed, and launched into the marketplace. In 2020, Island Brands launched its second beer, Island Active, a refreshing low-carb alternative to the limited choices available in the market. Island Brands beverages are currently available in 7 states and 3 countries, with over 6,000 points of distribution. Proudly American owned and American made, Island Brands USA is active in coastal conservation efforts through various partnerships and charities. For more visit: www.islandbrandsusa.com.
Springbok Coffee partners with Commonhouse Aleworks for a new “Springbok Stout” beer series
We are proud to announce that Springbok Coffee Roasters‘ has new “Springbok Stout” beer series launching this week in conjunction with their friends at Commonhouse Aleworks (4831 O’Hear Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405).
Springbok has collaborated for the release of four new beers made with Commonhouse Aleworks’ base imperial stout, four different Springbok coffees from four different counties, and four different fruits- all available for a limited time.
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Lowcountry Orphan Relief.
Flights of all four Springbok Stouts will also be available, just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend!
- Ethiopia – Uraga w/ Apricots
- Colombia – ASOPAP w/ Blueberries
- Guatemala – Finca Medina (Honey Process) w/ Pineapple
- El Salvador – El Batallon (Natural Process) w/ Raspberries
Mountain Biking in South Carolina is growing – Learn how you can become part of this growing fad
Quick facts:
- Official Website – www.southcarolinamtb.org
- Follow on Facebook: SC Interscholastic Cycling League
- Over 200 riders and 12 teams from around the state including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Rock Hill, Florence, Greenville, Clemson, Anderson
- 2021 March 20 & 21 on James Island – annual coaches summit
- Our season runs from July through November – aligns with fall school sports
- Athletes of all abilities are welcome that are rising 6th grade and above
- Part of NICA national – school-based mountain biking with leagues in over 31 states. www.nationalmtb.org
- 5 Core values: Strong mind, strong body, strong character, inclusivity, equity
- National goals to actively grow the number of females and people of color in the sport
- Learn how to start a club
- 2021 Event Dates
Active Teams
There are two types of teams.
- School-Based Teams: Comprised of full-time students from the same high-school, public or private. School-based teams can be “official” or “unofficial”.
- Composite Teams: Comprised of full-time students from more than one high-school, charter school, or homeschool within the same district or other geographic proximity. Composite Team Limitations: Composite Teams are intended to be temporary solutions toward building school-based teams. High School students may only score for a composite team that has 5 or fewer students from the same school. If 6 or more students from one school race on a composite team, those students will be scored separately from the rest of the composite team unless a petition to do otherwise is approved.
Here are the 2020 teams so far. If you are interested in volunteering or coaching for a team, contact the team director. If you are interested in starting a new team, contact League Director, Curt Kurz-Edsall at curt@southcarolinamtb.org
Anderson Composite (Anderson)
Brtiney Fransen
britney@andersonmtb.org
Catawba Ridge Riders (Fort Mill)
John Cardozo
catawbaridgeriders@gmail.com
Catawba Valley Composite (Lancaster County)
Henry Sowell
bruce.sowell55@gmail.com
Columbia Composite (Greater Columbia Area)
Scott Stapleton
rscottstapleton@gmail.com
Florence Composite (Florence County)
Philip Quann
qquann@gmail.com
Greenville County Composite (Greenville County)
Greg Snell
Gregsnell13@yahoo.com
www.greenvillecountymtb.com
Greenville High School (Greenville HS)
Scott Edge
scott@carolina-light.com
Issaqueena Composite (Greater Clemson Area)
Curt Edsall
Curt@scmtb.org
Rock Hill Composite (Rock Hill)
Tom Bell
tom.bell@cityofrockhill.com
T.L. Hanna High School (Anderson)
Britney Fransen
britney@andersonmtb.org
Horry County Composite
Fabian Boyzo
Horrycountycomposite@gmail.com
Westside High School (Anderson)
Britney Fransen
britney@andersonmtb.org
Alysha Powell, Founder of APMEE is looking to fund first ever Transformative Mediation for Kids here in Charleston, SC
Hi I’m Alysha Powell the founder of APMEE Transformative Meditation For Kids and Classrooms. Please help me help kids!
A teacher myself I know the benefits of meditation in the classroom for increased attention, better attendance and improved mental health.
Over the past two years we have developed APMEE Transformative Meditation (ATM) as a scalable meditation program for schools; the first of its kind for Meditation-Based Learning.
We trialed the program in Washington DC where teachers loved it (and needed it too!) while monitoring positive outcomes for kids in the classroom. This non-traditional meditation program includes activities, journaling, games and more, allowing kids to focus on academia subject matter and reflect on their learning and personal growth as a scholar in a fun and engaging way. We strive to give students an experience that is not temporary and for the moment, but one that will truly impact them from the long-term; helping them uncover their triggers and pain-points, getting to the roots and using meditation to help empower them through to positive solutions.
We are raising funds to launch a regional program for schools in my hometown of Charleston SC and then are poised to expand this valuable APMEE tool statewide and then nationally.
Charleston Spotlight: Charleston Recovery Center
Charleston Recovery Center offers a safe and healthy environment foe those suffering g through addiction. We are so pleased to highlight the amazing and caring services they offer.
Details
Charleston Recovery Center is dedicated to complete recovery for those who suffer with alcoholism and drug addiction.
If you are looking for an alcohol or drug rehab or treatment center you have come to the right place.
Charleston Recovery Center Inc. is nonprofit 501c3 Corporation that operates two residential alcoholism and drug addiction recovery communities, a halfway house, a sober living home, a food bank and a tax exempt antique and thrift store. CRC provides in-patient, intensive out-patient services for men and women, and specializes in 90 + days treatment and lifetime recovery programs. A special 30 day program is available if warranted. We are proud to enjoy one of the highest success rates anywhere.
We officially offer you several programs to fill your needs. The Ashley Hope Recovery Community offers drug and alcohol addiction recovery and is located in the West Ashley area minutes from the “Holy City” of Charleston S.C. Nearby several sober living apartments and homes for our senior residents. The St Lucie Florida House is an upscale vacation home with a beautiful pool offered to residents go for a week of recovery, broadway shows, golf and other nearby attracions too numerous to list. Many of our residents stay on for months to help newcomers while working or attending college. Some join us as staff. Again, if you are looking for an alcohol drug treatment center or an alcohol drug rehabilitation center, we offer more than that. While you recover enjoy the golf, frquent plays and concerts and many other fun and interesting activities we plan for our residents at no additional cost. Frequent visits from loved ones are permitted to encourage recovery. Historic Charleston S.C. is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world. Friends and family are welcome to visit our facilities and enjoy the areas many attractions.
If you or a loved one needs help, CALL
843 263 9551 Jessie Thar Intake Director
843 718 2780 – Ashley Hope (main house)
843 793 4200- Corporate Office
843 270 1349 Thomas Baldwin Director
843 270 1588 Ronnie Byers Director
The Edge of Light – Original Poem
By Mark A. Leon
I’m on the edge of light
One million particles exploding in a sea of life
a translucent dream caught between reality and the powerful cloud of perceptive fantasy
All around, people are in cars driving and nowhere to go
Red light, yellow light, green light, go
A race to nowhere; a journey for everything
Choosing colors but afraid to mix the paint. A canvas waits patiently for the next masterpiece to begin
Where do we go from here?
A meaningful meaning without definition
An individual quest for freewill
Longing foe hope.
An eternal place of peace sprinkled with laughter and kindness.
A place where spiritual healing is laid to rest. A place of balance
A place where all are praised for the unique beauty we all release
A place where defense from the fear is a myth
Shelter surrounds me now
Release the tears
Live not for the safe harbor of regret
Live not for the time left unkempt
Live not for tomorrow; love only for today
we are all on the edge of light
Mount Pleasant Public Services Director to Retire After 30 Years of Exceptional Service
By Martine Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (February 2, 2021) –Public Services Director Jody Peele today announced his expected retirement after 30 years of outstanding service to the Town of Mount Pleasant, effective April 30.
“I congratulate Jody on a successful career and I thank him for his impeccable service to Mount Pleasant. Jody embodied public service. He always put this community that he loves before himself. He never failed to get the job done as demonstrated many times during emergencies that threatened life and property. Thanks to his steady leadership, the Public Services Department continuously delivered exceptional service in the face of unprecedented growth and ever increasing demands. Jody was a true professional and he exerted great integrity at all times. I thank him for his service and wish him well,” said Mount Pleasant Town Administrator Eric DeMoura.
“It has been a pleasure working for the Town of Mount Pleasant,” said Peele. “With the support of our elected body and our Town Administrator, we have recruited and hired a team of highly qualified professionals to enhance the health, safety and quality of life of our residents and businesses. I am grateful for the men and women who make this department successful. They are true professionals.”
In 1991, Peele joined the Mount Pleasant Public Services Department as Facilities and Grounds Division Chief. He was promoted to Deputy Director in 1996 and rose to the position of Director in 2000. Peele and his team have consistently provided outstanding services to one of the fastest growing communities in the country.
Over the past 30 years, Peele has seen the population of Mount Pleasant triple from 30,000 to 90,000 residents, to become the fourth largest municipality in South Carolina. This unprecedented demographic surge has prompted him to think outside the box and find creative solutions to growth challenges in order to maintain a continued high level of services to the community. These solutions included constructing a transfer station for vegetative and construction debris, harnessing technology, and purchasing equipment to automate processes when practical.
Some of Peele’s greatest accomplishments included the implementation of the automation of the Waste Management Division, improving the Town’s aging stormwater infrastructure to address flood issues, and implementing a water quality program for Shem Creek and the Wando River. His work also included ensuring the maintenance and upkeep of all Town Facilities, recreation fields, and many roadways – all of which have been maintained in top condition.
Under Peele’s leadership, staff successfully responded to a wide array of events. During blue skies, they supported all Town special events attended by thousands of residents, visitors, and businesses. These included the Cooper River Bridge Run, the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, Children’s Day Festival, the famous Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, the Holiday Market, and the Christmas Light Parade. During grey skies, the Public Services’ first responders aided with the recovery of hurricanes, tropical storms, the 2015 Storm of the Millennium, winter storms and the recent pandemic.
“Leading a team of highly motivated and knowledgeable staff through challenging natural emergencies, and supporting the health and quality of life of our community, are at the heart of the Public Services Department’s mission,” said Peele. “I could not be prouder of the men and women who exemplify daily that Public Service Matters! It was the honor of a lifetime serving with them.”