Lowcountry

Bistro A Vin Announces New Dinner Menu Available for Pick-up & Dine-In

July 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Charleston, S.C. – Charleston’s quaint and cozy Bistro A Vin has announced a new dinner menu, featuring a selection of delicious traditional French dishes available for curbside pick-up and dine in (50% capacity). Guests can begin their meal with mouthwatering appetizers like Smoked Salmon Blinis, Foie Gras, and Gazpacho. Entrée favorites include Quiche Lorraine, Boudin Noir, Deg Leg Confit, and Country Style Tartine. Diners can finish their meal with a homemade dessert like Crème Brulee, Apple Tarte Tatin, French Macarons, or a Raspberry Tart.

Bistro A Vin’s customizable Charcuterie boards are also available for curbside pick-up and dine in, with over a dozen specialty cheeses and cured meats to choose from, shipped directly from France. Dinner is available Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Also not to be missed is Bistro A Vin’s weekly Tuesday Tasting, offering three of Owner Dominique and Florence Chantepie’s favorite French wines, paired with three French kinds of cheese for only $15 per person, available from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday.

For more information on Bistro A Vin and to view their entire new dinner menu, visit www.bistroavin.com. Call 843.974.4441 to place orders for pick-up.

Photo credit: Ruta Smith

Lowcountry

“The Lot” at Uptown Social Opening Thursday, July 9, 2020

July 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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“The Lot” at Uptown Social is opening this Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 4:00 pm!

 This new outdoor space offers an additional 92 seats for eating and drinking, dog friendly with a really cool mural that says “You Can Sit with US (Uptown Social)” It’s also a take on the Mean Girls quote!!

Uptown Social looks forward to seeing you all celebrate this new outdoor option.

Uptown Social Official Website


Lowcountry

Dare to Be Great: Quotes of Inspiration

July 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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“Life is not about discovering our talents; it is about pushing our talents to the limit and discovering our genius.” – Robert Brault

“Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.” – Ann Landers

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you can dream it,you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“Promise yourself to live your life as a revolution and not just a process of evolution.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.” – Joe Cordare

“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.” – Woody Allen

“In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality.” – Kristian Kan

“Dreams are free, so free your dreams.” – Astrid Alauda

“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” – Veronica Shoffstall

“Don’t let anyone steal your dream. It’s your dream, not theirs.” – Dan Zadra

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow.” – James Dean

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso

“The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one’s self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.” – Michelangelo

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.And while some see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world… are the ones who do.”

– Apple Ad Campaign

Medicare Advantage: Helping Keep Charleston Healthy

July 7, 2020 by 2 Comments
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Sponsored

By: Heather Bumgardner, NP, Clover Health

Charleston, Chucktown, the Holy City, so many names for this special town of ours, it’s no wonder we are America’s favorite destination. With sunsets over the Cooper River, quick jaunts to Folly Beach, healthy afternoons biking along the Ravenel Bridge, and indulgent afternoons with a peanut butter burger at Poe’s Tavern—there’s love for Charleston at all ages. We know the decision to live, and retire, here is easy, but not all decisions seniors face are so simple—finding a healthcare plan among them.

While South Carolina ranks in the bottom quarter of all states for health outcomes for ages 65+, Medicare Advantage plans are disrupting this status quo. By providing more comprehensive care than traditional Medicare, these plans are charting a promising new path for delivering quality care, creating healthier outcomes in Charleston, and throughout South Carolina.

Here is what makes Medicare Advantage different from traditional Medicare and why it can have such a profound impact on healthcare—it’s about being cared for before you get sick. Studies show seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans have one-third fewer emergency room visits and almost a quarter fewer hospital stays than those enrolled in traditional Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, there is a focus on preventative, total care, which is what seniors need most.

As a nurse practitioner who cares for seniors throughout the Southeastern Coast, I know that Medicare Advantage is without question the best health plan for Charleston’s seniors.

During one of my recent home visits to a member, a kind gentleman in his early eighties, I noted that his heart rate was alarmingly low. I knew it was a dire situation that required a doctor immediately, so I called the paramedics and after they rushed him to the hospital for evaluation, a pacemaker was implanted.

During his recovery, he called me to express his gratitude for the actions that ended up saving his life – truly his thanks is to his Medicare Advantage plan. Without it, I wouldn’t have been there for a routine well visit.

With Medicare open enrollment—the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage—coming to a close December 7, I hope to call your attention to all the health benefits you should and could be receiving from your provider. This week, consider Medicare Advantage, which I truly believe is the best option for seniors.

Let’s get South Carolina – and our beautiful Charleston – back on track with better health outcomes so that our seniors can take advantage of all that our city has to offer, for many years to come. Spread the word to your family and friends: Medicare Advantage is the plan that provides the care our beloved seniors need, when they need it most. I hope you’ll help us get more people signed up.

Resources

Lowcountry

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market at The Charleston Pour House (Every Sunday – Now Open)

July 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Every Sunday – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Charleston Pour House – 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, South Carolina 29412

The Sunday Brunch Farmers Market is a 100% local market, featuring around 40 local farmers and artisans, live music, tasty eats and all kinds of amazing local goods and goodies! There’s yoga on the deck from 10 – 11 am and the market goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday behind The Charleston Pour House. The Pour House also has a full bar and live music on the deck from 1-4.

For more info, go to http://www.sundaybrunchfarmersmarket.com/ Please come out and support us!

Official Facebook Event Page

Lowcountry

North Charleston Farmers Market–Essential Goods Mini Market – Every Thursday (Now Open)

July 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Thursdays – 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

4800 Park Cir, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405

The North Charleston Farmers Market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown SC Certified produce from Joseph Fields Farm Market, Robert Fields Farm, and Simmons Farm.

In light of the CDC’s social distancing guidelines for slowing the spread of Covid-19, we are limiting the participating vendors to those selling essential farmed goods until further notice.

North Charleston Farmers Market Safety Precautions:
-Hand sanitizer available to all market patrons
-Farmed consumable products only
-A limited number of well-spaced booths
-Customers to adhere to 6′ social distancing policy

Official Facebook Event Page

Lowcountry

In the Wake of Darkness (America’s reaction to containing COVID-19) – Commentary

July 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

We are in the middle of writing the narrative to one of the moment memorable periods in American history. It has been challenging, filled with emotion, and driven us to envision a new way of life. In isolation, financial strife, the uncertainty of the future, and a re-evaluation of everything we have ever known, it has brought out the best and the worst in us.

What truly has been the most difficult part is witnessing the worst overpowering the best in all corners of our society. Throughout history, we have seen the union of collective kindness and courage overcome mountains, but now we have found ourselves in a place where we have lost direction and focus

  • Public health and well-being is being stomped on by political agendas
  • Depression intensified by isolation, legislation, unemployment, and compromising of lifestyle choices is an extension of the disease spreading throughout the nation.
  • Personal greed and narcissistic attitudes are destroying the goal of a healthy place we all seek
  • Cowards hiding beyond the digital walls are fighting wars of words

The spread of COVID-19 isn’t a war we should be fighting among ourselves, but we are. Every day, we point more fingers with each release of new data with claims of conspiracy, lies, and political motives.

Quite simply, whether you feel this is a conspiracy, propaganda, or lies, this virus is extremely contagious, does not discriminate on age, and is sending loved ones to their graves. That part cannot be debated, nor should any of this.

Billions of dollars are going into R&D to find a vaccine, but until then, we can only contain. The only way to contain is to be unified. Why aren’t we seeing that? Look at our name! We are the “United” States of America.

We fought for freedom nearly 250 years ago as a united front and now we must do that once again to an enemy that potentially can be more deadly than anything we have had to face in our lifetimes.

Love at MUSC (Mystery of the Urban Farm rocks)

July 6, 2020 by 0 Comments

musc1

By Mark A. Leon

The Medical University of South Carolina is one of the most respected medical institutions in the South and throughout the United States. Known for its research, professional and caring staff and one of the top employers in Charleston, MUSC is a permanent fixture in downtown Charleston. Founded in 1824, MUSC provides the citizens of Charleston and surrounding areas with state of mind knowing healthcare and wellness are a foundation of Charleston.

With compassion and understanding, the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff provide patients with a warm and comforting setting as they deal with life threatening, changing and altering events. For some, it is preparation for the inevitable; for others, unknown illness and finally to others, the ability to touch others when they no longer have someone to love them. Creating a consoling environment to help alleviate pain 0is a mission of all members on staff.

In the center of campus, surrounded by buildings with patients suffering from Cancer, disease, tragedy and heartache, there lies an Urban Garden filled with beautiful colors, vegetables, plants and overall, an horticulturist dream. It is a majestic place where patients and staff come for peace and solitude.

With benches, wellness / stretching equipment and shady trees, it provides a haven and escape from the pressures of the healthcare environment.

Several weeks ago, at the entrance of the Urban Farm, two rocks appeared together. A sign of love had appeared. Each day and week, the rocks continued to remain. Even during evenings of wind or rain, when it would seem that the rocks could not sustain their place together, they still were close to each other on top of the entrance pillar in the morning. It appears there is solace in this daily ritual.

For two people, this is a symbol of their bond together. In the pinnacle of spiritual testing, when love is the strongest emotion prevalent, this is a beautiful symbol.

One warm evening, mid week, something changed.

The two rocks separated. One stood on one pillar, while the other laid alone on the top of the second entrance pillar. A division had occurred. What had happened?

  • Did they break up?
  • Did they move away from each other?
  • Did one of them die?

The thought that one person, so deeply in love, believed in the spirit of a higher power and reached to the heavens to ask for help is beyond words

musc2

This unity of rocks, known for stability and eternal foundation and strength, could be the visual prayer needed for two people looking for sign. When the rocks appeared apart, the thought of death winning over came into play until one day later, the two rocks found their way back.

Each day, hundreds of individuals enter into the corridors of the medical facilities. Some stay a short while; some never leave and some find a new lease on life. Footsteps fade, tests conducted, comfort applied, but at the end, it is the love and prayers that provide the glue that keeps us all believing.

I don’t know where this spirited couple is, but I know if you walk through the courtyard to the Urban Farm, you will see two rocks close together. These rocks serve as a symbol of the power of love.

In the midst of blood and death, the idea of symbolic love at MUSC is refreshing and tranquil. It is also a reminder to each and every one of us to embrace love each and every day.

Revised July 6, 2020

Lowcountry

Bank of America announced today it is partnering with NativeEnergy and Birdseye Renewable Energy to further expand its renewable energy commitment by supporting its South Carolina operations with offsite solar energy

July 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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BPartnership Supports New Solar Generation to Cover Bank of America South Carolina Operations Load and Helps to Finance New Solar Projects in Local Communities

COLUMBIA – Bank of America announced today it is partnering with NativeEnergy and Birdseye Renewable Energy to further expand its renewable energy commitment by supporting its South Carolina operations with offsite solar energy.

Through three separate 10-year renewable energy agreements, the company helps to bring more solar power to the energy grid in four South Carolina low- and moderate-income communities.

By the bank providing financial support for the projects through the purchase of the project-related renewable energy certificates (RECs), the Yemassee, Denmark, Blackville, and Dillon communities gain additional clean energy on the grid, and these efforts support jobs and the local economy. These efforts also build on Bank of America’s commitment to reduce its operational impacts on the environment, including being carbon neutral and utilizing 100% renewable electricity across its global operations.

“We are so proud to be a leader globally in our renewable energy commitment and to bring the benefits of that global commitment to the citizens of South Carolina,” said Kim Wilkerson, Bank of America’s South Carolina State President. Additionally, all four projects encompass strong biodiversity commitments.

NativeEnergy supports Yemassee, Denmark and Blackville

NativeEnergy represents three of the projects, which are located in the Yemassee, Denmark, and Blackville communities and built by a local developer. These projects are expected to be completed by the year-end.

·Yemassee will host a 10 MWAC facility, with over 35,000 solar panels on 126 acres.

·Denmark will host a 6 MWAC facility, with over 20,000 solar panels on 45 acres.

·Blackville will host a 7.2 MWAC facility, with over 25,000 solar panels on 60 acres.

“NativeEnergy believes that carbon reduction and renewable energy investments should drive new projects and create positive community impacts. That is why we are proud to partner with Bank of America on the development of three new, community-scale solar projects. Its approach to this program is creating multiple benefits at the community level,” said John Ringer, client strategy manager, NativeEnergy.

Each project has a unique feature ‒ pollinator habitats with vegetation and plantings to support local biodiversity and agriculture. Other benefits of these pollinator habitats include:

·Increased habitat for endangered and non-endangered pollinator species.

·Critical habitat creation along with pollinator migratory routes/corridors.

·Increased habitat and forage for other non-pollinator-species.

·Reduced erosion and improved water quality.

·Potential for improved pollination of regional agricultural crops.

Birdseye Renewable Energy supports Dillon, S.C.

Birdseye Renewable Energy is the developer of the Dillon, South Carolina project, which includes 75 acres and over 30,000 solar panels with 10 MWAC of renewable energy. The REC agreement is for 10 years, and the project will be completed in mid-to-late 2021.

“Birdseye is extremely excited to collaborate with Bank of America and Dillon County to bring a green investment to this community and supply renewable, emission-free electricity to the Pee Dee region,” said Brian Bednar, CEO, Birdseye Renewable Energy. “The facility will boost the local economy by adding to the property tax base and creating modern construction jobs in this high-growth energy sector. This solar project would not be possible without Bank of America’s strong commitment to clean energy investment in South Carolina, and we look forward to bringing the facility online.”

The project also includes a strong biodiversity commitment. In addition to the installation of pollinator habitat, the location will have permeable fencing for small mammal access to an array area as a habitat and forage resource. There will be a low-growing clover mix in the solar array beneath the panels and taller plant species in designated areas outside the array to support local pollinator populations. All of these efforts will help maintain a sustainable ecosystem and environment in this community.

NativeEnergy

From renewable energy projects in the communities you call home, to high impact carbon projects that strengthen your supply chains, since 2000, NativeEnergy has been helping some of the world’s biggest and best-loved companies. We work with organizations to build on-the-ground solutions to sustainability challenges and implement community-scale projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen businesses, and contribute to progress around the world. Learn more at www.nativeenergy.com and connect with us on Twitter (@NativeEnergy)

Birdseye Renewable Energy

Birdseye Renewable Energy is an energy development company that delivers our clients’ high-quality renewable energy projects across the southeastern United States. We specialize in utility-scale solar facilities. We identify prospective sites and markets, navigate regulatory frameworks, fully diligence and de-risk our projects, secure purchasers of power, and drive our projects to completion with a team of leading engineering and construction firms. To date, Birdseye Renewable Energy has developed over 430 megawatts of operational solar assets. These 42 projects represent a total investment of over $720M and cover over 2,400 acres. Birdseye continues to grow a pipeline of utility-scale projects in excess of 2 gigawatts across a wide range of state and utility markets.

Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer, and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).