Charleston Daily - Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

Tavern & Table Offering Explosive New Additions to their Menu

June 9, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon and Minta Pavliscsak

Right in the heart of Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, lies the formal and elegant decor of the Shem Creek dining family, Tavern & Table. With its stunning interior design, outstanding customer service including free valet parking and beautiful culinary offerings, Tavern & Table offers a complete dining experience. At the cornerstone of their mission is the customer experience. Providing a level of service and menu that welcomes memorable dining is the true goal they seek to achieve with every patron that garners their halls.

On June 13, 2018, Tavern & Table will be introducing a new set of culinary offerings that will give its customers something to indulge and ultimately shout about. We had the honor of being invited to an exclusive preview. With the remarkable hospitality of co-owner Dianne Crowley and Jonah and Boomer from The Becket Agency and food prepared by Chef Ray England, we were treated to an intimate evening of food, storytelling, laughter and the comfort of home, something that is rare in restaurant dining space.

Charleston Daily is bold enough to say, these new additions to the menu continue to raise the bar of the Charleston culinary scene. If our word doesn’t grab you, we believe these images will.

Come to Tavern & Table for the experience and stay for the sunset.

Photo Credit: Chad Klimaszewski (12 Point Creative) and Minta Pavliscsak (Around Charleston)

25 Of My Favorite Things in Charleston

June 8, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

We all have our favorite things to do, places to see, dining venues and watering holes in Charleston, and as this city continues to evolve, so to do our tastes and expansive nature of seeing more and more of this great city.

In a few months, my list, as with many of you, will change. For now, I wanted to share 25 of my favorite things in and about Charleston.

25 Of My Favorite Things in Charleston

Sunset at Fort Moutrie Beach (Sullivan’s Island)
Sunrise by the pier at Folly Beach
The smell of rosemary at the MUSC Garden
The empty streets of Charleston on Christmas morning
Sailing in the Charleston Harbor
The Saturday morning Farmer’s Market at Marion Square
Creamy Coconut Coffee Boba Tea from Tapio
Poetry readings at the Eclectic Cafe
Movies on the beach at Folly
A rooftop cocktail at Vendue overlooking St Philip’s Church and the Charleston skyline
Live country music at Waterfront Park
Absorbing amazing at at the Grand Bohemian Gallery
Feeling like a Gatsby Era socialite at The Spectator Hotel bar
Letting the air of history touch you while walking through Independence Way
Beer, puppies and sometimes a goat at The Barrel
Live theatre at Threshold Rep, Woolfe Street Playhouse and C-PAC
The coffee artistry of Bearded Cafe
Great rock sounds from the amazing bands at The Royal American
Swing and Latin Dance at Prohibition
Losing yourself in the past at the Unitarian Church Cemetery
Biking through the streets of Charleston and admiring the beautiful architecture of the Southern homes
Homemade Ice Cream at Jeni’s
Five mile Cooper River Bridge trek
Eddie Vedger Breakfast Bagel at Eastside Bagel
Reading a book or relaxing at the Koi Pond on the College of Charleston campus

What made your list?

Army Corps sets aside $45 million for Charleston Harbor

June 8, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Some political leaders say the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing $45 million this year to help deepen a South Carolina harbor.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a news release Thursday the money will help pay to deepen Charleston Harbor to 52 feet, the deepest on the East Coast.

South Carolina State Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome would not talk about the money until it’s officially announced by the Army Corps. Newsome said in April the port needs $90 million in federal funds each year for three years to stay on schedule.

South Carolina lawmakers already provided the state’s share of $271 million. Even with Thursday’s announcement, the federal government has only provided $66 million of the $287 million it is supposed to pay.

Senator Lindsey Graham Statement

“I’m very appreciative of the Trump Administration’s decision to dedicate nearly $50 million to deepen Charleston Harbor. When it comes to the Port of Charleston, President Trump listened and delivered. OMB Director Mick Mulvaney was invaluable in making the case for the needs of Charleston.

“This is great news for the Port of Charleston and the state of South Carolina. Charleston Harbor deepening is about jobs – both today and in the future. With this news we are one step closer to having the most dynamic port in the United States.

“The nearly $50 million in the Army Corps’ work plan allows construction to go forward without delay and keeps the project on track. And when it comes to Charleston Harbor deepening – and the needs and demands of international shipping – time is money.

“It’s long been my belief that the sooner we get this project done, the better. It remains a top priority for me and will continue to be so until it is complete.

“I also want to thank the congressional delegation – particularly my friend and colleague Tim Scott — for their unified efforts in support of the Port and Governor McMaster’s strong and effective voice. I also very much appreciate the support of South Carolina State Senator Hugh Leatherman and the entire South Carolina State Legislature.

“Charleston Harbor deepening has been a team effort. I think we all understand this is a long term investment which will benefit South Carolina and American business in perpetuity.”

CARTA Adopt-A-Stop Program Expands To Entire Service Area

June 6, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CARTA ADOPT-A-STOP PROGRAM EXPANDS TO ENTIRE SERVICE AREA
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HAS RECEIVED $10,000 PALMETTO PRIDE GRANT

CHARLESTON, SC – CARTA’s popular Adopt-A-Stop upkeep program will now be available throughout the agency’s entire service area thanks to a nearly $10,000 Palmetto Pride grant aimed at beautifying bus stops.

Expansion of the program, previously only available at stops located in the City of Charleston, allows for more volunteers to get involved and more of the system’s approximately 1,000 stops to be kept clean. The goal of Adopt-A-Stop is to eliminate litter at the bus stops throughout the area.

How It Works;

Individuals, groups, civic organizations and private businesses are encouraged to volunteer
Volunteers are asked to service the can and remove litter at least once a week
All supplies — including trash can, bags, gloves and more — are provided by CARTA
Volunteers are able to choose which stop they adopt
Volunteers receive the added benefit of having their name displayed on a sign located at the site of their adopted stop

“The Adopt-A-Stop program is a great way to give back to get involved with your community and, quite honestly, receive some free marketing,” said CARTA Board Chairman Mike Seekings. “This program not only benefits the community, but also plays an integral role in protecting the environment. This program is a plus for riders, businesses and everyone in between. “

The Adopt-A-Stop program in Charleston city limits is operated through a partnership between Keep Charleston Beautiful and CARTA.

To get involved, download an application at ridecarta.com, complete and return it to cruze@ridecarta.com, or mail it to CARTA 1362 McMillan Ave. Suite 100 North Charleston, SC 29405.

ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app and the CARTA Bus Tracker.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Brock
Rawle Murdy Associates
(919) 820-2612
dbrock@rawlemurdy.com

The Avian Conservation Center, renowned Charleston based education and conservation center, receives grant from Dominion Energy

June 6, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Funding will transform students’ learning and study bald eagle populations in S.C.

The Avian Conservation Center, a renowned educational, conservation, and scientific organization in Charleston, has received a $10,000 Environmental Education and Stewardship Grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, the non-profit arm of Dominion Energy.

The grant will fund the Lowcountry Environmental Access Program, which combines the Center’s medical, educational, research, and conservation objectives to foster awareness, concern, and protection for South Carolina’s treasured natural resources in the face of increasing and dramatic growth trends and landscape scale alterations to crucial habitat areas.

The Lowcountry Environmental Access Program will utilize the critical insight gained from the professional medical treatment of injured birds in crafting a multi-disciplinary, STEAM-based education curriculum aligned with SC standards for students, teachers, and individuals across the state. The power and beauty of raptors cast them as unparalleled ambassadors in public education, dramatically improving retention of program information among participants. A special focus will be placed on outreach in Jasper and Beaufort Counties. Jasper County also is home to Dominion Energy’s recently completed solar farm.

Additionally, this program will support a Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey to be conducted in January 2019. The annual count is coordinated nationally by the US Army Corps of Engineers as an important tool in monitoring the recovery of bald eagle populations. The Center manages the South Carolina component of the survey which covers more than 1,500 miles of survey routes and coordinates over 135 volunteers.

Collectively this program will impact the lives of an estimated 2,000 students in the Beaufort region and more than 40,000 across the state, give more than 800 injured birds of prey and shorebirds a second chance at freedom, and contribute vital data on the health of bald eagle populations to a national survey. As human activity continues to impose rapid and dramatic changes on the natural landscape, these efforts will encourage environmental stewardship and improve natural spaces across South Carolina for future generations.

“Dominion Energy is truly honored to partner with the Aviation Conservation Center in educating K-12 students and the public about the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Kristen Beckham, external affairs representative for Dominion Energy. “By working with the Center for Birds of Prey, we can play an important role in educating the next generation, preserving natural resources and protecting critical wildlife habitats across South Carolina.”

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About the Avian Conservation Center

Founded in 1991 in response to the crucial need of an avian conservation center in South Carolina, the Center utilizes the unique role of wild birds as unsurpassed indicators of the overall health of our ecosystem to preserve the future of the natural world, upon which we all depend. The Center’s mission is to identify and address vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of prey and shorebirds, and through educational, research and conservation initiatives. The Center for Birds of Prey is the principle operating division of the Avian Conservation Center and is open to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org or call 843.971.7474.

About Dominion Energy

Nearly 6 million customers in 19 states heat and cool their homes and power their businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). The company’s record of reliable, safe and clean energy regularly places it among American’s most-admired utilities. One of the nation’s leading operators of solar energy, Dominion Energy is one of just three companies to have reduced carbon intensity by more than 40 percent since 2000.

Dominion Energy’s Environmental Education and Stewardship grants support a variety of initiatives that benefit schools, organizations and communities across the country. In 2018, Dominion Energy is awarding $1 million in grants to 129 organizations in 12 states working to improve natural spaces or encourage environmental stewardship. Since 2003, Dominion has donated nearly $32 million to a wide variety of environmental projects across its footprint. To learn more, please visit www.dominionenergy.com, Facebook or Twitter.

Acting, Beach, Sun, Friends and More: C-PAC 2018 Summer Camps at Folly Now Open for Registration

June 6, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Folly Sun & Fun Day Camp!

A beach-themed arts camp that creatively combines our fascinating ecology here on Folly Beach with the arts!

Half-day camp (10am – 2pm) for ages 7 and up.

Campers will explore Folly by foot and by sea through our unique chartered excursions, guest speakers to teach us about the ocean, sea life, and our ecology on Folly Beach, and daily arts activities (inside and at the beach)! Our flexible schedule allows you to pick what days and weeks work for you!

Special excursions/speakers:

Tuesdays: Marine Fossil Exploration with the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History (With a special turtle talk from the Folly Beach Sea Turtle Rescue Team on 7/19)
Wednesdays: Guided Beach Walk with Tideline Tours
Thursdays: Boat Tours with Tideline Tours
Fridays: Beach Yoga with Kids 4 Yoga and Dragonfly Kids Yoga

To register, click on the dates you want below!

Location: Folly Beach United Methodist Church 118 W Indian Ave

Cost: $60 – 200 (pay by the day or for the entire week for a special rate)

Download our camp flyer here!

Official Information and Registration Page

Acceleration Academies opening first location in Charleston, S.C. to re-engage local high school drop-outs

June 5, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Looking to Re-engage Local High School Drop-Outs, South Carolina Public Charter School District Partners with Acceleration Academies

Charleston, SC – June 4, 2018 – Acceleration Academies has partnered with the South Carolina Public Charter School District and will be opening a location in Charleston, SC in September 2018. This is Acceleration Academies’ first location in South Carolina, and the seventh location nationwide.

The addition of the Charleston Acceleration Academy to the South Carolina Public Charter Schools portfolio of schools aims to increase district graduate numbers, enrich the local community, and to give every student within Charleston County a chance to earn a high school diploma tuition-free.

“The Academy’s goal is to make Charleston County a no-dropout community,” says Tom Ducker, Charleston Acceleration Academy Board Member.

Over 4,500 high school-aged students in Charleston County are currently not enrolled in traditional high schools due to a variety of factors such as needing to work to support themselves or their families, a lack of transportation or resources, or family caretaker obligations.

“CAA’s uniquely personalized and engaging education model is designed to provide the social, emotional and academic supports needed to re-engage high-risk and at-risk youth with their education and set them on the path towards graduation, careers and college,” says Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, Superintendent of Schools, Charleston County School District.

Acceleration Academies blended learning model allows students to work at their own learning pace, with the supports of a staff of highly trained certified teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, social workers and life coaches.

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Superintendent Postlewait and the South Carolina Public Charter School District in providing a second chance to so many young adults eager to re-engage in their high school education.” says Mark Graves, Acceleration Academies President. “These students need to be prepared for 21st century jobs in Charleston County and we’re going to do everything we can to help make that a reality.”

Acceleration Academies’ unique approach to alternative learning will serve to re-engage students in Charleston County who have left school, and the program will provide these young adults with the opportunity to earn their state-issued high school diploma outside of the traditional school setting.

Acceleration Academies Graduate (Class of 2018), Courtney Hayes, had this to say regarding the program, “Acceleration Academies has helped me become a more positive person and to not be afraid to reach my goals.”

Students who are currently eligible for grades 9-12 and are under the age of 21 are encouraged to apply.

“We encourage businesses, community /church leaders, law enforcement and parents to encourage students to seek our help,” says Nadine Deif, Charleston Acceleration Academy Board Chair. “Our job is to help the youth become high school graduates and find a career path that’s right for them. The individuality of each student is respected and encouraged.”

About Acceleration Academies | You have the potential. We have the tools. This is your opportunity. #OwnYourSuccess

Watch a video of our unique approach and experience here: https://vimeo.com/176302168

Acceleration Academies is an innovative education partner helping young adults overcome real-life challenges to earn their district issued high school diploma tuition-free.

We do this by offering:

● Web-based curriculum and technology
● Individualized learning plans
● Hands-on life and career coaching

For more information, visit our website at www.accelerationacademy.org/charleston or email us at contact@accelerationacademy.org.

Charleston, S.C. Ranked #3 Most Prosperous City Based on Latest RentCafe Study

June 4, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

RentCafé has just completed a survey of the most prosperous cities in the United States based on six indicators.

To get an idea of how cities compare to each other in terms of prosperity, RentCafé measured increases across six indicators—population, income, home value, higher education, poverty rate and unemployment rating—from 2000 to 2016. The final standings were based on the combined value of all ranks.

As for cities with positive changes in all prosperity indicators, Odessa, Texas ranked at the top, followed by Washington, D.C, Charleston, S.C., and Brownsville, Texas. At the bottom of the list across all prosperity indicators? Rockford, Ill., landed the last spot with Toledo, Ohio, and Mesquite, Texas, not far behind.

Here are the top five most prosperous cities in the U.S.:

Odessa, Texas

Population Change: 25 percent
Income Change: 38 percent
Home Value Change: 91 percent
Higher Education Change: 26 percent
Poverty Rate Change: -36 percent
Unemployment Rate Change: -24 percent

Washington, D.C.

Population Change: 15 percent
Income Change: 30 percent
Home Value Change: 135 percent
Higher Education Change: 42 percent
Poverty Rate Change: -11 percent
Unemployment Rate Change: -19 percent

Charleston, S.C.

Population Change: 35 percent
Income Change: 16 percent
Home Value Change: 39 percent
Higher Education Change: 34 percent
Poverty Rate Change: -15 percent
Unemployment Rate Change: -10 percent

Fontana, Calif.

Population Change: 60 percent
Income Change: 3 percent
Home Value Change: 60 percent
Higher Education Change: 57 percent
Poverty Rate Change: 3 percent
Unemployment Rate Change: 18 percent

North Charleston, S.C.

Population Change: 34 percent
Income Change: -3 percent
Home Value Change: 59 percent
Higher Education Change: 53 percent
Poverty Rate Change: -2 percent
Unemployment Rate Change: -1 percent

Not many cities (only 11 out of over 300) reported improvements across all indicators. This just means many cities focus on big improvements across one or two indicators instead of minor improvements in all categories.

Complete Rentcafe.com Study

Charleston Ranks #5 for Instagram Photos Per Population Resident in Latest Study

June 3, 2018

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

We conducted an analysis of 29 United States cities known for business, tourism, population and education. All falling under mid and large sized categories based on U.S. Census data.

We examined the hashtags of each city and how many Instagram photos are tagged to each city. Then we looked at the July 1, 2017 latest census population data to determine how many pictures are taken per resident of each city.

Based on review of the 29 cities, Charleston ranked as the 5th highest ratio with 23.16 Instagram photos per resident. We also looked at Charleston County as a whole, combining #Charleston, #NorthCharleston, #MountPleasant, #IsleofPalms, #SullivansIsland and #FollyBeach, and the ranking dropped to #15 with 9.45 Instagram photos per resident.

Here are the full rankings

#Orlando – 45.64 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#LasVegas – 42.91 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Boston – 23.94 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#SanFrancisco – 23.66 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Charleston – 23.16 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Seattle – 21.70 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#NewOrleans – 18.33 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Miami – 18.14 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Pittsburgh – 16.01 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#SanDiego – 13.60 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Portland – 13.19 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Denver – 12.66 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Cleveland – 12.29 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#LosAngeles – 10.65 Instagram Photos Per Resident
Charleston County / Lowcounty – 9.45 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Austin – 9.07 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Dallas – 8.76 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#WashingtonDC – 8.70 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#StLouis – 8.17 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#SaltLakeCity – 7.29 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Minneapolis – 6.96 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Houston – 6.40 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Charlotte – 5.97 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Memphis – 5.22 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#KansasCity – 4.79 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Philadelphia – 4.36 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Phoenix – 3.40 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#Jacksonville – 2.38 Instagram Photos Per Resident
#NewYorkCity – 2.25 Instagram Photos Per Resident

Ashley Hall Class Of 2018 Garners Record $4.5 Million in Merit Scholarship Awards

June 2, 2018

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Ashley Hall, South Carolina’s only independent girls’ school, held its 108th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 27 in a ceremony steeped in tradition and anticipating its graduates’ promising futures. The event celebrated the academic achievements of the Class of 2018 which received a record sum of more than $4.5 million in merit scholarships to colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, bringing the total merit awards of Ashley Hall graduates over five years to more than $9 million.

“I am thrilled for the Class of 2018,” said Head of School Jill Muti. “Our graduates are being honored at a time when colleges are recognizing the strength of an interdisciplinary curriculum that connects humanities and the sciences and when leadership for women and a global mindset mean more than ever.”

A premier independent school in the Southeast for girls, Ashley Hall is dedicated to deep learning, healthy development, high achievement, and community impact. The 54 members of the Class of 2018 were accepted at 111 higher education institutions and will attend 42 colleges and universities in 20 states and the District of Columbia, in addition to Wales in the United Kingdom.

When asked what makes college counseling at Ashley Hall distinctive, Director of College Counseling Amanda Murrell said, “We want to focus on the match, both academic and financial, between the student and the college or university. When the girls are able to look outside their obvious choices and see opportunities and advantages at schools they’ve never considered, Ashley Hall has succeeded.”

About Ashley Hall:

Founded in 1909 in Charleston, South Carolina, Ashley Hall’s mission to produce educated women who are independent, ethically responsible, and prepared to meet the challenges of society with confidence, is met through a challenging and rewarding academic program. With a diverse student body of approximately 690, Ashley Hall offers an individualized curriculum tailored to the learning styles of girls that provide its students with an outstanding education and competitive advantage in today’s world. For more information about the school, including enrollment, visit http://www.ashleyhall.org.

The Ashley Hall 2018 College Acceptance List:

Aberystwyth University (Wales, UK)
The University of Alabama
Allegheny College
The American University of Paris
Anglia Ruskin University
Appalachian State University
The University of Arizona
Auburn University
Bard College
Baylor University
Belmont University
Beloit College
Berry College
Boston College
Brandeis University
Brevard College
Bryn Mawr College
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
Carleton College
College of Charleston
College of Charleston, Honors
The Citadel
Clemson University, Honors
Coastal Carolina University
Colby College
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Denver
Dickinson College
Duke University
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emmanuel College
Emory University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Flagler College
University of Florida
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall College
Furman University
The George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Georgia
University of Georgia, Honors
University of Hawaii at Manoa
High Point University
Hollins University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Indiana University at Bloomington
James Madison University
Kenyon College
Lawrence University
Lewis & Clark College
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Chicago
Marymount Manhattan College
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Meredith College
Miami University
University of Miami
Michigan State University
University of Mississippi
New York University
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
University of Notre Dame
Pace University, New York City
Pennsylvania State University
Pitzer College
University of Portland
Purdue University
Rhodes College
Richmond, The American International University in London
Roanoke College
Rollins College
Salve Regina University
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
San Jose City College
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design
Sewanee: The University of the South
Smith College
University of South Carolina
Southern Methodist University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
The University of Tampa
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
The New School
Tufts University
Tulane University
University of Aberdeen
Vanderbilt University
University of Vermont
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
University of Virginia
Wagner College
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Washington
West Valley College
Westminster College
Winthrop University
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Wofford College
Xavier University

Photo Credit: Ashleyhall.org