Lowcountry

Why Charleston should be cautious about opening its doors too quickly (Please read all the way through)

May 11, 2020 by 5 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

This morning I walked through a complex near my home where I saw 16 unique state license plates, two kayaks, two surfboards, and a Tesla.  Like many, I have spent the last several months ponding about the pandemic and the eminent changes it has made on all our lives, but I am thankful that the Charleston area and South Carolina have truly stepped up in true community form to combat the spread together.

As of this morning:

  • South Carolina is ranked 30th in total cases
  • South Carolina is 27th in total deaths (331)
  • We have administered 84,457 tests

Here is another thing we should know that may cloud this positive data:

  • Rhode Island is ranked #1 with tests per population at 86,102 tests per million population.  South Carolina is ranked last with 16,404.  Per the population, we have administered the smallest percentage of tests per citizen and that could indicate many more cases remain positive that we are not aware of.

Based on the current U.S. Model, we should not start seeing under 100 deaths daily until after August 1, so we have a long way to go.  More importantly, opening our doors now, based on data alone may be a false negative, and here is why.

  • Opening our doors also opens up one of our largest revenue streams:  tourism.  With the potential of 40 million-plus visitors coming from out of state by car, boat, and plane, we increase our susceptibility to a massive spike.  We know that alone we cannot sustain our businesses and need tourism. Therefore, we must be prepared before the gates open up once again.
  • Though Charleston does not have the densely overpopulated numbers of a New York or Los Angeles, the infrastructure does force close proximity with our narrow sidewalks, small urban parks, and narrow roads. 
  • Hotels, restaurants, markets, beaches – These are a vital part of our lifestyle and all very difficult to maintain the high sanitation protocols we now adhere to.
  • The new normal forces a slowing down of everyday life.  With limitations on occupancy, increased sanitation steps, and social distancing, are we prepared for large festivals and of course, thee Cooper River Bridge Run?

I have been nothing but impressed with the way we have handled ourselves and the sacrifices we have made, but now is not the time to get angry at one another and have counties threatening lawsuits on towns.  We are better than that.  We need to ease into recovery for the sake of our children, elderly, loved ones, family, and friends. 

Charleston is a proud community who has overcome so much from natural disasters to the heinous acts on Mother Emanuel.  We come through strong because we come through together.

Let’s open this right.

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC - Real Estate

Charleston, SC Based The Cassina Group Unveils New Real Estate Search App

May 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., May 8, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Innovation-driven real estate firm, The Cassina Group, has unveiled a new real estate app designed to help clients easily search for properties from the convenience of their phones. The app is extremely user friendly and has tons of innate features designed to make the mobile search experience quick, efficient, and enjoyable.

“We are very excited to launch our new app,” said Owen Tyler, Managing Broker, and Partner of the firm. “Now more than ever, people are using their mobile devices to search for real estate, and we are excited to present a cutting-edge tool that seamlessly integrates the traditional search experience with geo-enabled features. The Cassina Group continues to invest in technology to ease the buying and selling process for our clients and customers while providing a high touch experience.”

The app allows users to search for property throughout the tri-county area. Highlights include a map view search, detailed search parameters, robust property information, the capacity to save properties or searches, and the ability to easily connect with a Cassina agent through the click of a button. To gain access to the app, please reach out to a Cassina Group REALTOR or visit their website, https://www.TheCassinaGroup.com.

The Cassina Group has a proven reputation for delivering stronger results though leading-edge technology and building lasting relationships. The company had an extremely successful first quarter of 2020, closing the quarter as the No. 1 boutique firm for home sales over $1 million*. The company also ranked as the No. 1 boutique firm for home sales over $500,000 and $750,000 during the same period. So far this year, The Cassina Group has closed or placed under contract over $142 million worth of real estate.

For more information on The Cassina Group or their new app, please visit https://www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843.628.0008.

About The Cassina Group
The Cassina Group is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC and Charleston, SC. The firm is managed by Owen Tyler, partner and managing broker, and founding partners Jimmy Dye and Robertson Allen. Recent awards include top honors from Charleston Magazine, Inc. 5000 and SC Biz News. For more information, visit https://www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843-628-0008.

*stats pulled from CTAR MLS on 5.1.2020

Lowcountry

Charleston Mom Receives Brand New Smile for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., May 8, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Just in time for Mother’s Day, Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery has helped one Charleston-area woman smile again. Due to years of decay, 31-year old Chelsea Carter was referred to the practice by her dentist, Dr. Kent Griffin, as a prime candidate for guided full-arch dental implants.

As a child, Chelsea wasn’t taught about oral hygiene; in fact, she didn’t have a toothbrush. The result was a smile Chelsea made a point to cover with her hand when she laughed. She became used to looking away or grinning without showing teeth.

“It definitely brought my confidence down a lot,” said Chelsea. “I don’t feel beautiful as a mother, I don’t feel beautiful as a wife.”

Enter Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery and Dr. Edward R. Strauss, who was approached by Chelsea’s dentist. Chelsea met Dr. Strauss at their Summerville-Ingleside location for a preliminary meeting during which he told her the good news: The dental-implant procedure would be entirely free of charge.

“Chelsea’s story of being a young wife and mother moved us and we wanted to help restore her smile and her confidence,” said Edward R. Strauss, DMD, MD.

“We use cutting-edge digital technology to eliminate the guesswork in the full-arch implant procedure, so we knew she would have an absolutely perfect result.”

Dr. Strauss utilized the GM system by Neodent, a new generation of implant systems that boasts high-level engineering. The surgery went seamlessly, and when Chelsea woke up, she had a brand new smile.

“Now I can look at people and be confident…it definitely boosted my self-esteem a lot,” Chelsea said. “They turned me into a confident, strong woman that I knew I was always meant to be for my kids.”

Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery is committed to pro bono cases and has remained open during the COVID-19 crisis to treat emergent dental cases. With six Lowcountry-area locations, they are open and ready to serve the people of Charleston with both in-person and virtual appointments.

Learn more: https://www.charlestonoralandfacialsurgery.com/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/oHQ8ZfSQ4Pk

PHOTO Caption: Chelsea Carter with Dr. Edward R. Strauss of COAFS.

Lowcountry

Great list of grant funding available for restaurant workers in the Charleston community

May 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coronavirus pandemic drastically affected service sector jobs in Charleston County and South Carolina. Workers in industries such as restaurants, hotels, childcare services, retail trade and transportation services have taken a hard hit. Loss of incomes impact the ability to provide necessities such as food, medicine, shelter, and housing.

A recent Pew Research Center analysis of government data found nearly 1 in 4 U.S. workers – 38.1 million out of 157.5 million – were employed in industries most likely to feel an immediate impact from the COVID-19 outbreak. Among the most vulnerable are workers in retail trade (10 percent of all workers), food services, and drinking places (6 percent). In total, these two industries employ nearly 26 million Americans.

Though the outlook has been dire, there is good news to share. Our Workforce Development Team compiled a list of foundations offering grant assistance to restaurant workers as well as gig, and low-earning contract workers. Check the information below to see what grants you qualify for and how you can apply.

Foundations & funding programs offering grants:

Samuel Adams Restaurant Strong Fund
This fund offers grant assistance for full-time restaurant employees. 30 hours, for purposes of this grant, is full-time. Employees working at multiple restaurants for time that equals to 30 hours per week qualify.

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
Grants provided for bartenders, their spouses, and their children.

Door Dash COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program
Up to two weeks of financial assistance for Door Dash employees.

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation
RWCF’s Board of Directors has approved directing funds raised in the following ways: 50% for direct crisis relief to individual restaurant workers; 25% for nonprofit organizations serving restaurant workers in crisis; and 25% for zero-interest loans for restaurants to get back up and running.

The Workers Fund (The Workers Lab)
Provides funds for gig and low-earning contract workers who do not qualify for employer-based benefits.

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
Financial help for restaurant and service workers.

If you would like more information, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started, or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. You may also call us at 843-805-6930, leave a voice message, and a library staff member will return your call.  Remember, you are not alone.

Provided by Charleston County Library

Lowcountry

We’re here for you, as always. Don’t delay medical care – A Message from Roper St. Francis

May 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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We hope you’re healthy and doing well during this difficult time. We want you to know that we’re here for you and are taking extra precautions to keep you and our care team safe, so that you don’t have to wait to address your medical needs. Since our state has seen a significant flattening of the curve, we’re able to safely proceed in providing care for you and your loved ones. Here’s what we’re doing to keep you safe.

In an emergency
In an emergency situation, every minute matters. Call 911 or visit the ER. Here’s a list of Roper St. Francis Emergency Room locations. Please don’t suffer at home during this crisis. We’re keeping ER patients whose symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 separate, isolating them from everyone else and performing intense cleaning to ensure your safety.

Routine medical care
Your doctor is still available for your routine medical care. If you have an appointment, the practice will contact you to determine if your visit can be done virtually. If your provider thinks that it’s necessary for you come to the practice, we’ve introduced a few new guidelines for your visit. They include:

  • A pre-screening phone call for COVID-19 to include you and a support person, if you have one (must be 16 or older)
  • Limiting time in our waiting rooms, which have been rearranged to optimize social distancing
  • Waiting rooms are disinfected throughout the day using recommended CDC & EPA disinfectants and cleaning chemicals (like Sani-Cloth Bleach wipes)
  • Our entire team is wearing masks, and those who are delivering care are also wearing gloves

Imaging services
Remember to keep up with your regular preventive screenings. Detecting problems early increases the success of treatment. If you’re scheduled for a CT scan, MRI, X-Ray or any other imaging service, please visit rsfh.com/coronavirus to learn about how we’re keeping you safe.

If you have questions about safety, please give us a call at (843) 402-CARE. We’re happy to address any concerns and direct your next steps for care.

Lowcountry

James Beard Foundation Announces 2020 Nominees and Charleston, SC made the list in 5 categories

May 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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James Beard Foundation Announces 2020 Nominees and Media and Restaurant & Chef Awards have been announced.

This year, Charleston, South Carolina was selected in 5 categories. Congratulations to all for receiving these prestigious nominations.

Health and Wellness Media

•“The AGEs Puzzle: How We Cook Food Is Killing Us. Scientists in SC Know Why.”; “9 Easy Ways to Eat Fewer AGEs: A Stress-Free Guide” – Tony Bartelme – The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)

Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award

•“Forget Democratic Votes. Which Presidential Hopeful Will Eat 16 Iconic SC Foods First?”; “A James Island Meat-and-Two Secretly Switched to Carolina Gold Rice. Here’s What Happened.”; “In Prisons Across South Carolina, It’s Not a Birthday Without Cake Made by a Fellow Inmate” – Hanna Raskin The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)

Outstanding Design of Alternative Eating & Drinking Places

Firms: Studio Dewberry and WorksteadProject: Citrus Club, Charleston, SC

Outstanding Restaurant (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water):

A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, service, and operations. Eligible candidates must have been in business 10 or more consecutive years.

•FIG, Charleston, SC

Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer:

A beer, wine, or spirits producer who demonstrates consistency and exceptional skill in his or her craft

.•Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Co., Charleston, SC

Complete Media Release of Nominees

Lowcountry

Lowcountry Land Trust Turns Annual Picnic into ‘Picnic in Your Backyard’

May 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Public invited to celebrate the year’s conservation milestones with at-home picnic

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Lowcountry Land Trust’s Annual Picnic may have been canceled but that doesn’t mean you can’t picnic for a good cause. Instead of hosting its annual fundraiser and conservation celebration at Sheldon Farms on Wadmalaw Island this year, Lowcountry Land Trust is encouraging supporters to Picnic in Your Backyard. 

Throughout the month of May, celebrate the work Lowcountry Land Trust does protecting the region’s natural resources with a picnic at home. The public is invited to pack a picnic and head outdoors to their backyard, balcony, favorite neighborhood greenspace or front porch. Host a family picnic to celebrate Mother’s Day or turn your picnic into a graduation ceremony. 

Be sure to share your picnic photos on social media. Tag @LowcountryLandTrust and use hashtag #LLTPicnic for a chance to win four tickets to the 2021 Annual Picnic. If you don’t use social media, send your photos to events@lowcountrylandtrust.org or text them to 843-608-9369. 

“For 33 years, we’ve hosted a springtime picnic on a protected property to celebrate the previous year’s conservation milestones and the beauty of a Lowcountry spring. Of course, it’s disappointing we can’t gather with friends and supporters this year, but that doesn’t mean we all can’t soak up some spring sunshine,” said Ashley Demosthenes, president & CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “We encourage everyone to have a family picnic in their backyard and take a moment to reflect on what a beautiful and special place the Lowcountry is.”

In 2019, Lowcountry Land Trust completed easements on seven properties in four counties, totaling 3,402 acres of protected land. Last year, the Land Trust was involved in some significant conservation projects, including the protection of Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, Big Snooks in the Savannah River watershed and two properties in the ACE Basin. In total, Lowcountry Land Trust has protected more than 147,000 acres of land across 17 South Carolina counties, including more than 50 miles along Lowcountry rivers. 

For more information on Lowcountry Land Trust or Picnic in Your Backyard, visit www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.

About Lowcountry Land Trust 

Founded in 1986, the Lowcountry Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to honor the relationship between people and land by protecting irreplaceable Lowcountry lands and treasured places. Lowcountry Land Trust has protected more than 147,000 acres across 17 counties in South Carolina. More information about the Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.  

Lowcountry

This Month in South Carolina History: Naturalist Mark Catesby Arrives in South Carolina (May 1722)

May 4, 2020 by 0 Comments
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This Month in South Carolina History

May 1722, Naturalist Mark Catesby Arrives in South Carolina

In February 1722, Mark Catesby sailed for the Carolina colony.  With funding from a group of Fellows of the Royal Society of London, he planned to spend the next four years examining the natural world of Carolina, Coastal Georgia, and the Bahamas. He landed in Charleston on May 3rd.   This was Catesby’s second trip to North America.  He accompanied his sister to Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1712 and stayed for seven years.  During that time, he collected botanical samples and seeds and sent them back to England. When Catesby returned to London, the Royal Society was inspired by what he had gathered and worked to finance a return visit. 

Catesby stayed in Carolina for approximately four years.  He later wrote: “As I arrived at the beginning of the Summer, I unexpectedly found this Country possessed not only with all the Animals and Vegetables of Virginia but abounding with an even greater variety.”  He travelled throughout the colony, documenting reptiles and amphibians, fish, birds, and mammals along with their natural habitats.  The second year of this adventure took him to the “upper uninhabited” country near the mountains where he hunted “Buffaloes, Bears, Panthers, and other wild Beasts.”  Combining science and art, he frequently added notes to his sketches, and made a point to illustrate plants immediately after they were gathered.  He also portrayed birds with “those Plants on which they fed, or have any relation to.”

The watercolors that Catesby produced as a result of his trip were published in two volumes titled The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. The set is one of the most significant accomplishments in natural science during the colonial period and gave Europeans their first view of the flora and fauna of the new world. Catesby was not a trained artist, but his illustrations of animals, particularly birds, were beautifully detailed and lifelike.   He later boasted that he had missed very few species of birds, but he did admit that he preferred to sketch “Males of the Feather’d Kind,” as they have brighter plumage.

Once he returned to London, Catesby found it difficult to obtain sponsors for his publication.  He was determined to complete the project and learned to engrave the copper plates required to print the images.  He made all but two of the final plates and painted them himself in order to guarantee that the details and colors were correct.  Few artists have been so personally involved in the publication of their work.  To finance the publication, Catesby took subscriptions.  The final product was well received and, although it never brought him a great fortune, it did provide an income for Catesby until his death in 1749. Purchased by King George III of England in 1768, the original plates are now housed in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

Brought to you by the South Carolina Historical Society.

Image sent separately –  Catesby’s Rice Bird

                                        Courtesy of the South Carolina Historical Society

Lowcountry

Les Dames D’Escoffier Charleston Chapter Introduces Vital Hospitality CHS

May 2, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., April 28, 2020 – The Charleston Chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier (LDEI), a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality, launched Vital Hospitality CHS, a fundraising and service program for COVID-19 recovery. Its mission is to feed healthcare workers and first responders while supporting the local restaurant community.

In two weeks, the organization has provided more than 150 meals by locally owned businesses including Red Orchids, Verde, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Grey Ghost Bakery, Salthouse Catering and Duvall Catering to MUSC University Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Trident Health System personnel.

“Our goal is to connect the needs of our front-line heroes with Charleston’s independent restaurants,” states Megan Deschaine, one of the founders of Vital Hospitality CHS. “So far, members of our chapter have contributed to launching this program and now we are making a way for area residents and businesses to become involved.”

All donations to Vital Hospitality’s GoFundMe account will be allocated to meals. On average, meal costs are $10 for one individually wrapped meal, delivered to the door of a local medical facility, and $200 for lunch or dinner for an entire hospital department.

About Les Dames D’Escoffier

LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, fine beverage and hospitality professions. Over 2,200 members in 38 chapters provide leadership, educational opportunities, and host philanthropic events within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org. For the Charleston chapter, visit https://ldeicharleston.com/, Instagram or Facebook

Lowcountry

Goose Creek, SC Based Middle Branch Roofing is offering a free hurricane-resistant roof to three local first responder heroes

May 2, 2020 by 0 Comments
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At a time when our responders are giving so much to our community, we want to give back to them. In an effort to show our appreciation, we are giving away three free roofs to local first responders. If you are a nurse, paramedic or police officer in the Charleston area and would like to apply, simply click the signup button below.

Click Here to Sign-up

On May 11th, three local heroes will each receive a new, fifty-year, hurricane-resistant roof absolutely free from Middle Branch Roofing and a group of community partners. These roofs will meet The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, The South Carolina Department of Insurance, SC Safe Home Grant Program, and IBHS Fortified Roof requirements for hurricane resistance.

Middle Branch Roofing would like to thank the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, The South Carolina Department of Insurance, and The SC Safe Home Grant Program for contributing toward the retrofit grants. We would also like to thank CertainTeed, ABC Supply, Lifetime Tools, The Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), and all of the generous partners that are making this opportunity possible and allowing us to show how much we appreciate our responders.

To learn more about the SC Safe Home program visit – www.doi.sc.gov/safehome and the IBHS Fortified Roof Program – disastersafety.org.