Threshold Repertory Theatre’s “Hand to God” is a Comedic Ride Through a Tornado of Insanity

April 20, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Boy loves Mom
Boy loves Jesus
Boy makes puppet
Puppet is possessed by the Devil
Puppet has crazy orgasmic sex with another puppet
A life lesson in family values

This is the genius behind Robert Askins’ Broadway adaptation masterfully brought to the Charleston Stage by Director Erin Wilson, Artistic Director Jay Danner, Managing Director Darryl Laplante and five incredibly versatile actors.  In the final production of the 8th season for Threshold Repertory Theatre, nothing was held back in this outrageous, laugh out loud, poignant and at times dark comedy.

With an excellent script and precision timing, the cast takes you through a journey tackling the issues of religion, lust, love, loneliness, family values and the eminent dangers of puppetry.

With lines, so comically powerful as “You are so far in the closet, you are in Narnia” (Jessica speaking to Timmy about his bottled up homosexual tendencies), a well-chosen musical soundtrack including Baby, Baby by Amy Grant and Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood, scenery so vivid and detailed it becomes part of the experience and behaviors so radically fueled, this play is an over the top hit.

James Ketelaar is a shining star on stage portraying young Jason and his possessed puppet Tyrone.  His transformation from a young and confused church going only child who recently lost his father to a puppet possessed by the Devil is one of the most beautifully acted roles of the season in Charleston.  His deep hedonistic Tyrone voice and innocent lost childhood Jason voice compliment so well and evolve seamlessly throughout the duration of the play.

James extends his acting boundaries not only in the dual role, but with the compliment of his ability to add physical comedy to his performance.

Without given away too much detail, the puppet sex scene between Tyrone and Jessica’s promiscuous puppet had laughs so hard that audience members lost sight of the dialogue between Jason and Jessica.  A scene that played out as two young lovers were awkwardly trying to ask each other to the homecoming dance.  If the Muppet Show met the raunchy cast of Monty Python, with the physical comedy of the Marx Brothers, you would come close to the vision witnessed in that scene.

It was magical and yet still left you feeling sinfully dirty just for appreciating every moment.

Addison Dent, played Timmy, the lustful beanie wearing troublemaker, whose passion for Margery, the teacher and Mother of Jason, led to a sequence of mischief that is the catalyst for the entire cast and story spinning out of control.

Camille Lowman, originally from South Carolina and a College of Charleston graduate, lit up each scene as a recent widower, follower of Jesus and confused woman dealing with the desires of a teenage boy, lonely courtship of the pastor, and a son who is possessed by a hand puppet.

From questioning the words of the bible, to legs spread open wide on the floor of the church classroom, Camille let loose in a way that warrants respect and admiration.

Laurens Wilson complimented the cast so well as Pastor Greg providing reason and balance and a touch of insecurity to the story line and Loren Mixon as Jessica provided an inherent wisdom that helped the rest of the cast find direction.

From the opening scene to the final malicious puppet laugh, Hand to God is a remarkable achievement in dark insane comedy, that even finds time to add touching life lessons about family values and the road blocks we all hit in life.  Life isn’t always easy and at times, love can be heartbreaking, but when evil rears its ugly head, there are ways to overcome and this play brings that lesson home.

Go enjoy this play and be prepared to laugh all the way home.

Ticket Information and Purchase

Nectar Sunglasses Celebrates Grand Opening in Charleston

April 20, 2018 by 1 Comment
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Nectar Sunglasses Celebrates Grand Opening in Charleston

NECTAR Sunglasses opens new manufacturing and distribution center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2018

Charleston, South Carolina – Nectar Sunglasses held its Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for its new manufacturing and distribution center on Thursday, March 23, 2018. Representatives from the Charleston Metro Chamber were present to help celebrate this great step for Nectar.

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Charleston, Nectar is a globally recognized name in the sunglass sector and aggressively growing while catering to all activities life has to offer.  Their mission is to “create unique, high quality sunglasses and innovative products inspired by our Nectar Family while providing off the chart service to our customers.”

Nectar’s brand represents their lifestyle – good vibes and a taste for the outdoors. They have a laid-back, beach-inspired style that is made for everyone, from bold risk-takers to travel enthusiasts to those looking for the perfect shades for a day out with friends. As Nectar says, “We bring the sweet life to you, no matter where you are.”

Nectar also donates a portion of our profits to thebeecause.org to help repopulate endangered honeybees in the United States.

You can find Nectar Sunglasses at nectarsunglasses.com.

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant recognized by brand for exceptional service in 2017

April 20, 2018 by 0 Comments

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant was recently recognized by the brand with three top awards for their 2017 achievements. The hotel won a Hotel Success Award, General Manager Merit Award for Jennifer Colangelo and a Director of Sales of the Year Award for Jennifer Maxwell. These awards solidify the hotel as one of the brand’s best in class properties for the past year.  Additionally, the Hotel Success Award is awarded only to the top five percent of all Hilton Garden Inn hotels in North America. In recognition of these achievements, the hotel will receive a trophy to share with employees and to display in its lobby.

“We are grateful to be recognized by Hilton Garden Inn for our dedication to serving our guests with the highest level of customer service,” said Jennifer Colangelo, general manager.  “This award is a physical representation of our staff’s commitment to exceptional customer service and a quality stay for all of our guests.”

Located at 300 Wingo Way, Hilton Garden Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant offers amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art fitness center and guestrooms that feature large work desks, Serta beds and a Keurig coffee maker. The hotel also offers up to 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space to include a 2nd floor rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool and fire pit.

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant participates in Hilton Honors®, Hilton’s award-winning customer loyalty program. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where Honors members can check-in, and choose their room.

For more information or to make reservations for Hilton Garden Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, please visit the hotel’s website or call +1 843 606 4600.

pictured – Jennifer Maxwell and Jennifer Colangelo

About Hilton Garden Inn

The award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand provides business and leisure guests with upscale yet affordable accommodations and modern amenities for a successful and comfortable stay. The satisfaction promise affirms the brand’s goal to make each stay better and brighter. Guaranteed. As a recognized F&B leader, Hilton Garden Inn serves daily cooked-to-order breakfast and offers full service restaurants and bars. Team Members at more than 770 hotels around the world are committed to guaranteeing today’s busy travelers have a bright and satisfying experience from the first hello when they arrive. Hilton Garden Inn is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (select locations), available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. For more information about Hilton Garden Inn, visit www.hgi.com or news.hgi.com, or connect on social media at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

RePower South Announces Construction of Berkeley County Recycling and Recovery Facility

April 18, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., April 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — South Carolina-based RePower South (RPS) recently announced the construction of the Berkeley County Recycling and Recovery Facility, positioning Berkeley County, S.C. as a leader in the community and environmental sustainability. RPS offers a cost-effective recycling and waste processing solution that expands recycling recovery across the entire waste stream and produces a low carbon, renewable fuel. RPS will fund the over $40 million capital investment in the facility and create over 60 green jobs.

“This innovative approach to recycling is bringing Berkeley County, and South Carolina, into the twenty-first century,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler. “This method encourages citizens to do what is environmentally friendly, without the hassle of sorting, proving it is possible to increase recycling efforts in communities.”

RPS President Robert Shepard says that the system will both increase Berkeley County’s recycling as well as produce a low carbon, clean fuel from waste below the cost of traditional recycling programs and landfilling. “Our platform enables greater recycling recovery and does so across the entire Berkeley County waste stream. We also create a low-carbon, clean fuel to help reduce the consumption of coal,” says Shepard. “Greater recycling, less landfilling, and cleaner air at lower cost is a true win-win for Berkeley County.”

“We are grateful and humbled by the courage, leadership, and support of Berkeley County Supervisor William Peagler, the members Berkeley County Council, and Berkeley County Water and Sanitation for selecting RePower to deliver this cost-effective solution to their citizens. We know there’s a better way for our nation to manage garbage, and we are excited that Berkeley County agrees,” Shepard adds. “We look forward to this facility serving as a model for the world to move towards a more sustainable waste and energy future.”

RPS development partners include Barnhill Contracting Company to construct the facility; Bulk Handling Systems to provide the waste processing system, and Loesche Energy Systems to provide the fuel manufacturing system. RPS licenses the fuel technology (ReEngineered FeedstockTM) from Accordant Energy. The facility is slated to begin operations in early 2019.

Contact Information

Brian Gilhuly
RePower COO
800.917.4526

The Church of Baseball – Charleston RiverDogs, A Charleston Experience

April 17, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Andrew Jenkins

“I believe in the Church of Baseball.” – Annie Savoy

As you well know, Charleston has been labeled ‘The Holy City.’ Just look around; businesses, tourist offices, and promotional materials have all latched on to the name. Just ask any random three tour guides and you’ll learn six different reasons as to why we’re the Holy City and how it became part of our identity.

However, there is one church here in the Holy City that seems to be drawing out more of the city’s real personality; and that’s the Church of Baseball. Just visit ‘The Joe’ on any weekday evening and you’ll see not only local parishioners but people from all over coming to celebrate America’s Game in America’s Holy City. The RiverDogs are only an A-level ball club (and most of us true southerners turn a blind eye to the fact that they’re a NY Yankees farm club), they don’t play in a Cathedral like Boston, Chicago, or New York, they have guys that won’t be here long since they’ll either be promoted or wash out, and they haven’t won a playoff series… well, ever. Despite those shortcomings they are bringing a community together and represent not only what’s great about America but the whole Baseball Faith as well.

When you think of Charleston you define it as: Warm Southern hospitality, history, good food, amazing architecture, and an underlying sense of optimism, community, and faith.

When you define Religion you’ll see: a particular system of faith and worship, and a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.

So how could one look at our Boys of Summer and not bask in the warmth of faith in the Church of Baseball? The RiverDogs combine all that our Holy City represents and provide our community a place to come together and celebrate that. Hospitality? Check. You’ll not find a friendlier crowd in the South Atlantic League. History? Got it. Baseball has been a part of the American fabric since near its inception. Good food? Each year the RiverDogs represent Charleston well with new and innovative menu items that offer something for everyone. Amazing architecture? Go there, see for yourself the classic ballpark styling and then treat yourself to some of the most underrated views in the area.

If you stand outside of a church you’ll see a group of like-minded individuals come together, greet one another, and embrace in the warmth of their community. Same goes for a baseball stadium. There’s even synchronized standing, singing, clapping, and acts of magic. Just watch any well-turned double play up the middle and you’ll swear divine intervention was involved.

Then there is the religious system of faith, ‘Our boys are going to win,’ and worship ‘Can I have your autograph?’ The players have a pursuit to which they ascribe supreme importance: Make it to the major leagues. For some of them the difference is even as great as, will they be able to stay and live and work in America or will they have to return to their native land having that pursuit elude them? The fans ascribe that same importance to their interest in both the collective social gathering and their representatives on the field.

Baseball fans all tithe on the way in and pray for that solid base hit with a man in scoring position when you’re tied late in the game and all you need is that one run to put us up and for the love of God just please smack a single right here and I swear this place is going to explode in a release of energy that will not be matched by any other stadium in the land!

Those moments in a game, like life here in the Holy City, are what make it so great. Those answered prayers, those sunsets in the park. The passing of a gilded cup or a pitcher of sweet tea. No matter where you turn there you are and in that moment you the congregation are what make it so special. That same concept is what makes and has made Baseball and America great: The collective effort not the singular man. We as a nation play a team sport of individuals who care and sacrifice for one another. We support one another through slumps and congratulate one another when we’re on a roll. We have faith in one another and we ascribe that supreme importance in our collective success. We all play by a set of agreed upon rules and don’t mind breaking them from time to time as long as we can get away with it.

Like the players on the field we all come from different walks of life and are all there to see, feel, and experience different things in the same collective environment. Maybe you like the ballet out around the second base bag or the chess match where the two opponents stand 60 feet 6 inches away from one another. Maybe you’re just there for the cool breeze on a summer evening or a cold drink and a childhood memory. Maybe you went alone to take in the details or maybe you went with a friend to share in the experience. Maybe, just maybe you came to the Holy City to feel something more. Maybe you came to feel a rush of energy and a sense of community that doesn’t radiate from a central place but swells higher than our tides from every corner of the city.

No matter why you’re here in this city, at that ballpark, or on this earth we can all agree that there’s something for you to love in your local house of worship and some place for you in The Church of Baseball.

Photo Credit:  Minta Pavliscsak

First Art in the Parks Installation Displayed in Hampton Park

April 15, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – Sculptures engraved with local children’s drawings, maps of Charleston and images of plant life have been installed in Hampton Park, part of a new Art in the Parks program created by the Charleston Parks Conservancy in collaboration with Redux Contemporary Art Center and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.
 
The four large-scale pieces are made from colorful wood and transparent cast acrylic – the result of almost a year of work by Georgia-based artist Joseph Dreher (known as JOEKINGATL) and the Conservancy. Dreher received the Conservancy’s first ArtFields exhibition prize in April 2017. The annual award kicked off the Art in the Parks initiative, an effort to install temporary public art displays in Charleston city parks through collaborations with artists and arts organizations, including ArtFields.
 
The installation – called “Plant Vitae” – located on the southern edge of Hampton Park along Mary Murray Drive represents Charleston residents in a way that celebrates the people and the community. Dreher worked with children from schools near Hampton Park and the local Boys and Girls Club to create the portraits showcased in the final art pieces.
 
Using a “portrait partner” technique Dreher developed, the children created portraits of each other that become the basis of the sculptures. Dreher used colorful painted wood and transparent cast acrylic engraved with the children’s drawings, maps of Charleston and images of plant life.
 
“People are my primary interest and it is my appreciation for people that informs so much of my creative work,” Dreher says. “My work is always multidimensional because I see a world where people are not flat. They are not obstacles, or heroes, or rogues, or saints. They are people – dimensional and deep.  There are no strangers in your world when you meet people fully prepared to accept who they are.”
 
Through a public-private partnership model, the Conservancy works with the city’s Parks Department as well as community leaders, neighborhoods and engaged citizens to transform and activate the city’s parks and green spaces. 
 
The Conservancy also will be working on a public art project along the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Conservancy is partnering with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and local community groups on a creative placemaking effort, including a public art master plan and selection of artists to create public art and arts programming along the Greenway and Bikeway. 
 
“We believe in connecting people to their parks, and art is a powerful tool to connect people to their environment and to each other,” says Harry Lesesne, the Conservancy’s executive director. “In the same ways public parks and green spaces are accessible to the entire community, we want public art projects to function in the same way – drawing people out into the parks and deepening their connection to their community and their neighbors.” 
 
This Art in the Parks program is supported by contributions from The Speedwell Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company, The Joanna Foundation, the City of Charleston and the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.
 
Follow the Charleston Parks Conservancy at www.CharlestonParksConservancy.org and on social media @CharlestonParks for updates on upcoming Art in the Park events and programs in Hampton Park.
 
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 together 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, please visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.
 
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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:
Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks
 
Instagram @joekingatl

Soldiers’ Angels Provides Hunger Relief for Charleston-Area Veterans

April 10, 2018 by 0 Comments
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National military and veteran charity partners with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center to provide food assistance to low-income Charleston-area veterans and their families at Mobile Food Distribution event.

Charleston, South Carolina (April 10, 2018) – The Soldiers’ Angels Hunger Relief Program will host its monthly Veteran Mobile Food Distribution this Friday, April 13 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center, 109 Bee Street in Charleston. This event provides food assistance to more than 200 low-income, at-risk, and homeless veterans in the Charleston area in partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Ralph Johnson VAMC.

“Registration for this event fills quickly, which shows us there are veterans here in Charleston who need our continued support,” said Amy Palmer, President and CEO of Soldiers’ Angels. “These families have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and many of them rely on this program in order to keep food on their table for the entire month. This is a small token of appreciation for all they have sacrificed for our freedoms, and a way we can come together and say, ‘thank you for your service.'”
“Charleston County is home to more than 29,000 veterans, and almost 2,500 live below the poverty level,” said Charleston VA Chief of Community Engagement and Veteran Experience, Edmund “Fred” Lesinski. “Hunger is a serious problem in this community, and we’re proud to support Soldiers’ Angels with Mobile Food Distributions at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center that get food right to our veterans who need it.”

The Hunger Relief Program is designed to provide monthly supplemental food assistance with up to 50 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and non-perishables. The Mobile Food Distribution is set up drive-through style so the veterans, many of whom have injuries, don’t have to get out of their cars. Those who don’t have cars walk through with a volunteer and load their groceries in a cart or wagon.

Soldiers’ Angels Hunger Relief Program is a nationwide initiative that started in September 2015 at the Soldiers’ Angels headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The monthly program continued in San Antonio and has expanded to other cities with high veteran populations across the country, including Atlanta, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; and Detroit, Michigan.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this monthly event in Charleston, Soldiers’ Angels is always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help continue the Hunger Relief Program. This is an amazing volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in giving back to Charleston’s military heroes. Contact Soldiers’ Angels at (210) 629-0020 to learn more about supporting this program. Also, visit SoldiersAngels.org to learn about many other programs and services Soldiers’ Angels provides for active duty service members, wounded heroes, veterans, and their families.

Learn more about how this event impacts local veterans with this video clip.

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About Soldiers’ Angels: Soldiers’ Angels is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and the growing veteran population. Founded in 2003 by the mother of two American soldiers, hundreds of thousands of Soldiers’ Angels “Angel” volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. (Tax ID# 20-058-3415). Headquarters address is 2700 NE Loop 410, Suite 310 San Antonio, TX 78217. Learn more at www.soldiersangels.org.

About The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center: Located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is a tertiary care teaching hospital providing the highest level quality care from cardiology to neurology to primary and mental health care for 70,000 Veterans along the South Carolina and Georgia coast. The Ralph H. Johnson VA achieved a 5-Star rating according to VA’s Strategic Analytics for Improvement and Learning Value (SAIL) model. The SAIL rating ranks the Charleston VA in the top 10 percent of VA medical centers nationwide for quality of care and efficiency. The Charleston VA is also ranked in the top 10th percentile according to the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS). HEDIS is an independent review that measures performance of 90 percent of America’s health plans and facilities in both the public and private sector on dimensions of care and service. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is the first VA National Tele-Mental Health Hub providing care for Veterans across the U.S. The 149-bed hospital includes six community based outpatient clinics, a 20-bed nursing home, women’s health, and the full range of inpatient and outpatient care, including medical and surgical intensive care. The VAMC provides more than 875,000 outpatient visits and approximately 4,400 inpatient stays annually. With more than 2,500 employees, Charleston VA has an annual budget of $458 million, research funding of more than $21 million, and more than 100 principle investigators participating in approximately 300 research studies. For more information, visit www.charleston.va.gov.

On-site Contact: PJ Norlander
Mobile Food Distribution Coordinator
Direct: 469-247-3437
Email: pnorlander@soldiersangels.org

Charleston’s Dixie Black Pepper Vodka Is Voted The World’s Top Flavored Vodka

April 9, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., April 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The Ultimate Spirits Challenge has awarded Charleston’s own Dixie Black Pepper Vodka the 2018 Chairman’s Trophy as the Top Flavored Vodka. The Ultimate Spirits challenge is the world’s most prestigious and progressive global spirits and cocktail competition, with entries from 52 countries. Besting brands like Deep Eddy, Smirnoff and Absolut, Dixie Black Pepper Vodka’s win highlights the Southeast’s role as a leader in the global craft spirits movement. The victory is also another win for Charleston, recently named the number one city in the United States and the number two city in the world, by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

“We are delighted that Dixie Vodka has been named The Top Flavored Vodka as part of The Ultimate Spirits Challenge for 2018.  Dixie Vodka represents Charleston’s exciting and vibrant culinary and spirits scene as a world class producer.  The rich culinary and spirits traditions of Charleston inspires creative partners like Dixie Vodka.  We are so proud of their success and happy that they are one of us,” said Doug Warner, Director of Media Relations for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Dixie Black Pepper Vodka received a category-leading 95 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge tasting panel, the Chairman’s Trophy and recognition as a Great Value spirit. The prestigious, best-in-class awards further reinforce the Dixie Vodka’s position as The South’s Best Tasting Vodka.

Released in 2014, Dixie Black Pepper Vodka is six-times distilled from all-American non-GMO corn. The base spirit is then infused in two batches for a week each: one with Szechuan black peppercorns, another with serrano peppers. The infusions are blended, resulting in a gluten free, culinary-forward black pepper vodka worthy of the best cocktails, from the ultimate southern bloody mary to oyster shooters and mules.

“Dixie Black Pepper Vodka elevated the flavor profile of our signature Bloody Mary years ago. Since then our awards, sales and outstanding reviews have only continued to grow thanks in part to our ongoing partnership with Dixie Vodka,” said Tyler Alford – Vice President of Operations, Tupelo Honey.

For a Lowcountry twist on the ever-popular bloody mary, try a Dixie Chili Mary with 2 ounces Dixie Black Pepper Vodka, six ounces Charleston Mix Bloody Mary Mix, ¼ teaspoon chili oil and the juice of ¼ lemon:  shake hard and pour over ice in a high ball glass rimmed with celery salt and black pepper.

Dixie Black Pepper Vodka’s win will serve to further the scope of Dixie Vodka’s growing imprint on the national and southeastern craft food and beverage scene. Dixie Vodka can be found in premier restaurants and retailers throughout the southeast. Connect with Dixie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT DIXIE VODKA
Dixie Vodka launched in South Carolina in 2014 by Grain & Barrel Spirits and now includes four unique flavors: Dixie Southern Vodka, Dixie Black Pepper, Dixie Mint and Dixie Citrus. Dixie Vodka embodies both premium quality and affordability, allowing food and drink enthusiasts to create signature cocktails that perfectly fit their lifestyle. Celebrated as the South’s Best Tasting Vodka, Dixie Vodka represents the best of southern craftsmanship and hospitality. Awards include the top Platinum Medal, as voted by consumers, at the 2014 – 2017 Sip Awards, along with multiple Gold Medals and “Best Buy” endorsements by the Beverage Testing Institute. Dixie Vodka is proud to be a member of 1% For The Planet. Bottled at 80-proof, Dixie Vodka retails for $18.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Sawyer Armstrong, Green Olive Media
(404) 815-9327
sarmstrong@greenolivemedia.com

How Much Does Your Household Need to Make to Buy a House in South Carolina (And the rest of the U.S.)?

April 9, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Howmuch.net has collected average home prices for every state from Zillow which were then plugged into a mortgage calculator to figure out monthly payments. The interest rate used varied from 4 to 5% in each state, depending on the market. The lower the interest rate, the lower the monthly payment. To keep things simple, they assumed buyers could contribute a 10% down payment.

Another factor to keep in mind is that financial advisors commonly recommend the total cost of housing take up no more than 30% of gross income (the amount before taxes, retirement savings, etc.). Using this rule as our benchmark, they calculated the minimum salary required to afford the average home in each state.

Let us start with the Top 5 Best and Worst:

Top 5 Places Where You Need the Lowest Salaries to Afford the Average Home

1. West Virginia: $38,320 for a house worth $149,500
2. Ohio: $38,400 for a house worth $149,900
3. Michigan: $40,800 for a house worth $160,000
4. Arkansas: $41,040 for a house worth $161,000
5. Missouri: $42,200 for a house worth $165,900

Top 5 Places Where You Need the Highest Salaries to Afford the Average Home

1. Hawaii: $153,520 for a house worth $610,000
2. Washington, DC: $138,440 for a house worth $549,000
3. California: $120,120 for a house worth $499,900
4. Massachusetts: $101,320 for a house worth $419,900
5. Colorado: $100,200 for a house worth $415,000

Where do we stand in South Carolina?

$58,840 Salary for a house worth $150,600*

*Zillow Average South Carolina Home Price

 

Food & Bev

Grubhub Expands Delivery Offering to 34 Additional Markets Nationwide including Charleston, S.C.

April 8, 2018 by 0 Comments
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From Honolulu to Charleston, more restaurants can now use Grubhub’s delivery capabilities, giving diners a wider restaurant selection

CHICAGO, April 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Grubhub, the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company, has expanded its delivery capabilities to 34 more markets across 19 states. The expansion was completed throughout the first quarter of 2018 and is part of Grubhub’s plan to grow its delivery network to reach more than 100 new markets this year.

These cities join the more than 80 markets throughout the U.S. that already have Grubhub Delivery capabilities, which allow restaurants to offer their menus for delivery and provide diners with better restaurant choice and variety. Restaurants partnering with Grubhub for delivery include national and regional options like Buffalo Wild Wings, BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, On the Border and The Cheesecake Factory® in many markets. As Yum! Brands’ only national partner for ordering and delivery, Grubhub will also be adding KFC and Taco Bell locations to these markets across the country in the coming months.

With the expansion, Grubhub’s delivery capabilities will now be available to restaurants in the following markets:

  • Little Rock, AR
  • Bakersfield, CA
  • Fresno, CA
  • Modesto, CA
  • Stockton, CA
  • Deltona & Daytona Beach, FL
  • Lakeland, FL
  • Sarasota, FL
  • Augusta, GA
  • Honolulu, HI
  • Boise, ID
  • Fort Wayne, IN
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Wichita, KS
  • Baton Rouge, LA
  • Shreveport, LA
  • Jackson, MS
  • Springfield, MO
  • Fayetteville, NC
  • Greensboro, NC
  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • Akron, OH
  • Canton, OH
  • Dayton, OH
  • Toledo, OH
  • Youngstown, OH
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Charleston, SC
  • Columbia, SC
  • Greenville, SC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Memphis, TN
  • Corpus Christi, TX
  • Tacoma, WA

“We’re thrilled to expand our delivery offering to these markets across the U.S., making quick progress on our plan to expand our delivery capabilities throughout the coming year,” said Stan Chia, chief operating officer, Grubhub. “These additional markets are part of our vision to connect more diners with even more of their favorite local restaurants across the country, and provide them with the widest selection of choice wherever they are.”

Grubhub has always connected diners with restaurants that supply their own drivers. With Grubhub Delivery, restaurants without their own delivery capabilities now have the opportunity to leverage Grubhub’s large and growing network of drivers to expand their customer base and grow order volume. This also provides better restaurant choices and variety for Grubhub diners, as more restaurants can now offer their menus for delivery.

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, check out grubhub.com. If you are interested in becoming part of the Grubhub Delivery team, please visit driver.grubhub.com. To find out how your restaurant can join Grubhub, check out get.grubhub.com. To learn more about Grubhub and its portfolio of brands, please visit newsroom.grubhub.com.

About Grubhub
Grubhub (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile takeout food ordering marketplace with the largest and most comprehensive network of restaurant partners, as well as the largest diner base. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub strives to elevate food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub is proud to work with more than 80,000 restaurant partners in over 1,600 U.S. cities and London. The Grubhub portfolio of brands includes Grubhub, Seamless, Eat24, AllMenus and MenuPages.