Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Applications Available

January 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, SC – The Town of Mount Pleasant is now accepting applications for the 2021 Farmers Market season, which will run every Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. from April through September at the market pavilion on Coleman Boulevard. 

Interested farmers and prepared food vendors are encouraged to submit applications before the Feb. 6 deadline.  Applications can be found online at experiencemountpleasant.com.  

All applicants are required to read the market rules and regulations before submitting their application.  The definition of farmer applicants and food vendors are explained in detail in these rules. Food trucks or trailers are not allowed at the market due to space limitations.    

“The success of our market relies heavily on the professionalism of our farmers and vendors who are dedicated to bringing a wholesome, healthy, affordable, and fun market experience for our patrons,” said Farmers Market Manager Tracy Richter. “I urge all local farmers and food vendors to apply for the market and help us make our 24thyear the best one yet!” 

The market manager and the Farmers Market Advisory Board review all applications and select all vendors. While exclusivity is not offered to vendors, organizers strive to deliver a diverse and balanced market. All vendors are required to practice environmentally acceptable packaging as specified in Town of Mount Pleasant ordinance 18024. Details and FAQs for this ordinance are listed on tompsc.com.

For more information about the 2021 Farmers Market season, or to download an application, visit experiencemountpleasant.com  or email Tracy Richter at farmersmarket@tompsc.com. 

Lowcountry

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin

January 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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WASHINGTON – The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin today after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement partners. There is currently a heightened threat environment across the United States that is likely to persist over the coming weeks. DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot; however, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances and ideological causes fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated actors to incite or commit violence.

Summary

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin due to a heightened threat environment across the United States, which DHS believes will persist in the weeks following the successful Presidential Inauguration.  Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence.

Duration

Issued:  January 27, 2021 11:00 am
Expires:  April 30, 2021 01:00 pm 

Details

  • Throughout 2020, Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) targeted individuals with opposing views engaged in First Amendment-protected, non-violent protest activity.  DVEs motivated by a range of issues, including anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use of force have plotted and on occasion carried out attacks against government facilities. 
  • Long-standing racial and ethnic tension—including opposition to immigration—has driven DVE attacks, including a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 23 people.
  • DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some DVEs may be emboldened by the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities.
  • DHS remains concerned that Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020, remain a threat.
  • Threats of violence against critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications and healthcare sectors, increased in 2020 with violent extremists citing misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 for their actions.  
  • DHS, as well as other Federal agencies and law enforcement partners will continue to take precautions to protect people and infrastructure across the United States.
  • DHS remains committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce specific populations on the basis of their religion, race, ethnicity, identity or political views.
  • DHS encourages state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners to continue prioritizing physical security measures, particularly around government facilities, to protect people and critical infrastructure.

How You Can Help 

  • We ask the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online activity,  to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or their local Fusion Center.
  • Your choice can make a difference. Choose non-violent ways to make your voice heard and support friends and family in doing the same.
  • Communities are strongest when they are not divided:  Strengthen your community by standing together against violence.

Be Prepared 

  • Avoiding large crowds, including protests, is safest due to ongoing pandemic conditions. However, if taking part in protests do so peacefully, safely, and wear masks.
  • Be responsible for your personal safety. Make note of your surroundings and security personnel. Carry emergency contact as well as medical and other needs information with you.
  • Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare businesses & employees.

Stay Informed 

  • Local, state and federal agencies will provide specific information about emerging threats as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.
  • Last year, DHS released a Homeland Threat Assessment to the public examining the threat environment through 2021.
  • The DHS Lexicon on terrorism includes terminology for DVEs and HVEs.

Types of Advisories 

Bulletin

Describes current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.

Elevated Alert

Warns of a credible terrorism threat against the United States.

Imminent Alert

Warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorism threat against the United States.

Source Link

Lowcountry

Wesley Donehue Expands His Empire With New Brand Management Venture: Company will be headquartered in Charleston, S.C.

January 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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With cancel culture and political polarization approaching peak intensity across the country, self-described South Carolina “truth bomber” Wesley Donehue is launching a new venture aimed at helping companies navigate the nation’s “current hostile political environment.”

This week, the Palmetto political consultant/ businessman announced the founding of Laurens Group – a Charleston, S.C.-based “strategic communications firm” which aims to offer its clients “integrated public relations and reputation management services.”

According to a news release announcing the firm, Laurens Group intends to “advice, protect and advocate for clients who are vulnerable to attacks from those aggressively pushing unfair, narrow-minded, anti-business agendas.”

The firm is named after Charleston native John Laurens, an advisor to general George Washington and one of the first prominent abolitionists of the American Revolution.

Donehue told us the goal of his new firm is to expand upon the sort of work his other company – Push Digital – did for Orlando, Florida-based SeaWorld in recent years.

In 2013, CNN released a documentary entitled “Blackfish” which chronicled the 2010 death of Dawn Brancheau, a SeaWorld trainer who was killed by a 12,500-pound orca (a.k.a. “killer whale”) named Tilikum. The documentary assailed SeaWorld for its practice of using captive orcas for entertainment -unleashing a cancel culture campaign against the company that damaged its reputation and drove down attendance at its parks.

Donehue and his team at Push developed a multi-pronged response that addressed the film’s inaccuracies while at the same time highlighting SeaWorld’s animal rescue and rehabilitation work.

Now he wants to take the same approach into a much broader battle – helping companies who find themselves targeted by cancel culture goons to “uphold foundational American values and sustain our country’s great, inclusive legacy.”

“We’re getting blown up by corporations who saw our SeaWorld work and who are waking up to the realization that they aren’t in a marketing fight – they are in a political fight,” Donehue told us. “We are launching Laurens Group to focus on that need rather than having Push just do it on the side. We are hiring senior political strategists who know how to go to war.”

According to the release, Push Digital is “pivoting to focus on what they’re best known for,” which is “delivering award-winning creative and launching innovative media and advertising campaigns for their political, advocacy and brand clientsPush Digital and Laurens Group will be headquartered out of a 203-year-old historic home located just south of Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston. The home is currently undergoing renovations but Donehue and his companies are targeting late spring for its grand opening.

Lowcountry

Grain & Barrel Spirits Partners With Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey

January 26, 2021 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – January 26, 2021 – ( Newswire.com )

Grain & Barrel Spiritstoday announces a partnership with Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey, another Charleston-based craft spirit company. Virgil Kaine joins Grain & Barrel’s award-winning lineup – such as Dixie Vodka and Chicken Cock Whiskey – as well as the soon-to-be-released High Goal Gin.

Virgil Kaine was founded by Charleston-based chef David Szlam in 2011. He and his business partner chef Ryan Meany are driven by flavor, and their debut release was Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon, a Bourbon blended with ginger grown on a nearby sustainable farm, Spade & Clover Gardens (Johns Island, SC). The Bourbon’s nose of sorghum, orange, and oats is followed by a ginger palate balanced with dried apricot and sherry, finishing full with vanilla and light tannins. Virgin Kaine Ginger has become a bartender favorite along the east coast.

Grain & Barrel Spirits founder and CEO Matti Christian Anttila says, “Virgil Kaine fits naturally into the Grain & Barrel portfolio: similar to our other brands, it highlights American craftsmanship and takes a very flavor-driven approach to product development. Virgil Kaine Ginger is not just a delicious product beloved by consumers and bartenders, but also a great starting point for what will be exciting innovation as we expand Virgil Kaine nationally in 2021.”

Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey founder and President David Szlam adds, “With Grain & Barrel at the helm of distribution, we at Virgil Kaine can focus on what we do best: making delicious whiskeys.”

About Grain & Barrel Spirits

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. One of the company’s core brands is Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast and the Official Vodka of NASCAR; one of the fastest-growing craft brands in the United States, Dixie won prestigious 2019 and 2020“Rising Star” Growth Brands Award s from Beverage Dynamics magazine. Other brands in the Grain & Barrel portfolio include Chicken Cock Whiskey, an historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; and, coming to market in Q1 2021, High Goal, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston. Grain & Barrel has twice been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America and is a proud member of 1% For The Planet.

About Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey

Founded in Charleston South Carolina, Virgil Kaine started with a simple idea: to use its founders’ culinary know-how to make great-tasting whiskey. Chefs David Szlam and Ryan Meany source the best ingredients and apply the creativity yet scientific rigor of a professional kitchen to the art of whiskey making. Their aim is to create the most delicious whiskeys, no matter what the industry may expect. Receiving national recognition and numerous awards — including Gold Medals in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey is for the whiskey lover looking for something distinctive and above all – tasty.

Hi-res images, interviews, and media samples available upon request.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Contact: 
Christine Deussen 
Deussen Global Communications, Inc. 
cdeussen@deussenglobal.com
m. 917-545-1459

Related Links 

Matti Anttila | LinkedIn
Virgil Kaine Website

Lowcountry

Charleston, S.C. Selected as Pilot Market for American Dream 2021: Showcase of Smart Homes

January 26, 2021 by 0 Comments
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House X provides “smart mortgage”, free air purification and free renewable energy for home buyers

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 26, 2021/PRNewswire/ — House X today announced Charleston, South Carolina as one of the 21 Pilot Cities to launch the American Dream 2021, expanding home ownership; featuring over 40,000 new, healthier, energy-efficient homes across the country valued at over $18 Billion with up to $364 million in stimulus by providing home buyers free renewable energy and a discounted mortgage.

The virtual home buying event is limited to selected markets in the United States–admission is free to consumers. Free stimulus incentives apply to all contracts executed from January 27-April 15, 2021 for registered home buyers.

The Charleston Pilot includes: 

  • Over 1,100 new homes in over 115 communities with 329 homes ready for quick move-in
  • Renewable electricity at zero cost to registered home buyers  
  • 1% discounted mortgage for the first 12 months, followed by either 14 or 29 years of fixed-rate record low mortgage rate on FDA conforming loans 
  • Local Impact:
    • Potential reduction in carbon emissions–equivalent of removing 2,420 gas-powered cars off the road per year 
    • Potential free stimulus for renewable energy= $7.7 milliongoing back into the local economy 

Experts Available for Interview:

  • House X: William Farrell, President 
  • Delos: Paul Scialla, CEO and Founder  
  • RESNET: Ryan Meres, Program Director
  • The MReport: Rachel Williams 

WHY: The purpose of the event is to expand home ownership by educating consumers on the advantages of smart, healthier, sustainable homes that are more efficient, lower carbon footprint and less expensive to own, operate, protect and maintain – lowering total cost of ownership. The home is more important than ever since the onset of the pandemic and the trend was a highlight at CES with smart home technology with a focus on hygiene, cleanliness, energy-efficiency and sustainability.

HOW:

  • The Smart Mortgage™: House X has partnered with a leading mortgage lender to create a special below-market mortgage; a one percent discounted mortgage for the first 12 months of a 15- or 30-year fixed rate conforming mortgage. 
  • The Healthier Home: In collaboration with Delos, every home buyer will receive a multi-room advanced air purification system for their new home upon move-in, helping reduce particles that carry airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens.
  • The Location Report™:  Nothing will impact the financial picture of a home as much as its location. With custom insights available nowhere else, the House X Location Report reveals 300+ insights about any address in America. It is free to registered home shoppers.
  • The RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. Similar to a MPG sticker for cars, except for new homes.

WHEN: American Dream 2021 Pilot Program will include free stimulus incentives on fully executed purchase contracts betweenJanuary 27 – April 15, 2021.

WHERE: American Dream 2021 is limited to home purchases in selected pilot cities available on houseX.com. 

PILOT MARKETS:

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles/Riverside Area 

Orange County 

Sacramento

San Diego Area

San Francisco

FLORIDA

Jacksonville

Orlando

Naples

Sarasota

Tampa 

Miami

GEORGIA

Atlanta

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte

Raleigh/Durham

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia

TENNESSEE 

Nashville 

TEXAS

Austin

Dallas/Fort Worth

Houston

San Antonio

About House X:

House X World is a consumer-focused Smart Home Marketplace that empowers home enthusiasts with data and resources to make more informed decisions while making their home purchase and investing on the consumer’s behalf to make a home a smart home at zero cost to them.  HOUSE X companies are consumer advocates and licensed realty organizations that exclusively represent home shoppers and buyers – not home sellers.  The company serves as the primary manager of American Dream Pilot Project. The executives of House X have over 40 years of experience in representing builders, developers, Federal, State and local governments.

Lowcountry

Attention Pug Owners: Mount Pleasant has a Pug Meetup Group

January 26, 2021 by 0 Comments
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Official Website to Learn More and Join

What they are about

Okay, so you’re owned by a pug – that goes without saying! I am too, as are many others. Why do we love these big-eyed, wrinkle-faced Pugsters so much? There are so many reasons & that’s reason enough to join the Charleston Area Pug Group! Our steadily-growing group of friendly Pugaholics & their Pugs meet for outings once a month to provide our furbabies and ourselves with some time for socialization and out-and-out fun! We encourage members to get involved, suggestions for outings and events are always welcome!

There are currently almost 500 members

The next event is Valentine’s Day!

Lowcountry

Go for A Walk In The Parks to Raise Money for Charleston Parks

January 25, 2021 by 0 Comments
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Charleston Parks Conservancy hosts virtual marathon throughout February

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Parks Conservancy is hosting A Walk In The Parks during the month of February. Complete 26.2 miles worth of exercise in 28 days while learning more about Charleston’s most beautiful parks.

For more than 13 years, the Conservancy has been working to create stunning public spaces and to connect people to their parks. 

From Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, sign into your event registration account to record your walk, run or bike ride. Each time you record an activity, you will see your progress along the virtual route. Hit a milestone along the way to receive an email with additional information on a certain Charleston park. 

There is no limit to the number of activities you can record during February, and no limit to the miles that can be recorded. In fact, the participant who logs the most miles during the event will receive a special prize. 

Register at www.awalkintheparks.org for $35 per person. Participants are encouraged to create a customized peer-to-peer fundraising page and invite friends and family to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s work beautifying and maintaining parks in the City of Charleston. 

Participants can exercise anywhere they choose (gym, neighborhood, beach). Or, try some of these park routes: 

  • Cannon Park: 1 lap around the park = 0.2 miles
  • Colonial Lake: 1 lap around the park = 0.5 miles 
  • Hampton Park: 1 lap around the park = 1.5 miles 
  • Riley Waterfront Park: 1 lap around the park = 1 mile
  • West Ashley Greenway: 8 miles from end to end
  • West Ashley Bikeway: 2.5 miles from end to end

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

###

Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks

Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

Lowcountry

Charleston Local Business and Activity Spotlight – Coastal Climbing Gym

January 25, 2021 by 0 Comments
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WE ARE A CLIMBING COMMUNITY

At Coastal Climbing Gym we believe that with hard work and dedication you can achieve any goal, but there’s no point of doing it without having fun.  Located in Charleston, SC, Coastal Climbing is dedicated to sharing, educating and encouraging people through the unique sport of indoor rock climbing.  Join us and be a part of a growing community.

Official Website

Hours

MTWT:   Noon to 9p

Friday: Noon to 8p

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 6p

What will you find

Indoor Rock Climbing

Weights

Yoga

Adjustable Training Platforms

Cafe / WiFi

Lounge

https://www.coastalclimbing.com/prices

Lowcountry

The Ruins of Charleston – Original Poem

January 24, 2021 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A Leon

Fire in the sky as the sun sets over a skyline blessed by God 

A homeless man confesses being lost on a bible made of cardboard

Tears in his eyes 

A child lost behind the beard of intoxicated defeat  

In a city of color, we are divided in black and white 

Raise your glass from the rooftop

A toast to a town in the ruins of wealth 

A history of soul searching 

A future building to the clouds of an urban ladder to heaven 

Coastal cowboys and cowgirls in this new Southern frontier 

The new South rolling in the green grass of money from the bankers laughing at the shadows of the past 

Leaders lining their satin pants with the tickle of power celebrating on yachts and balconies high above the minions of despair.

Statues fall

Corruption watered down by craft beer 

How about an oyster for the erotic spirit of this vacation hideaway 

Let our butler take your bags 

Let your worries fade into the sparkling bubbles 

Steamy nights await

Welcome to Charleston 

Southern values on a Southern cross where all are welcome 

Always a smile y’all 

Always hospitable 

Kick back and let us wipe away those fears 

Step right up to the plush escape of jewel of the coast