Earl Grant, College of Charleston agree to 5-year contract extension

March 24, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — College of Charleston coach Earl Grant has agreed to a contract extension that will tie him to the school for five more seasons.

The school said Friday the contract still must be finalized. The deal will run through 2022-23.

Grant led the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 19 years this March. Charleston hung with Southeastern Conference champion Auburn in the tournament’s opening round before falling 62-58.

Grant led College of Charleston to a 26-8 mark and a Colonial Athletic Association Tournament title this season. The Cougars were 14-0 at home this season.

Athletic director Matt Roberts said Grant has brought excitement and championship basketball back to the school.

Grant said he was honored by the show of support from Charleston and looked forward to keeping the program’s rise going.

CARTA to Launch Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) Park-And-Ride Lot and Shuttle Operations – April 15

March 22, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CARTA TO LAUNCH HOSPITALITY ON PENINSULA (HOP) PARK-AND-RIDE LOT AND SHUTTLE OPERATIONS APRIL 15

Service will offer extended hours and $5 all-day fee

CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 21, 2018) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) Board of Directors today announced that the transit system will launch the Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) Park and Ride Lot and Shuttle on Sunday, April 15 at 999 Morrison Drive.

The park-and-ride program is the first of its kind on the peninsula and was brought to fruition via a collaborative partnership with the City of Charleston, Charleston County, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments.

The HOP is targeted at workers in the area’s booming hospitality and food-and-beverage industries – though it is open to all commuters – as way to mitigate downtown parking challenges. There will be approximately 170 spaces available in the lot.

“The HOP park-and-ride service is an important way we are addressing an obvious need of workers in downtown Charleston,” said CARTA board chairman and Charleston city councilman Mike Seekings. “This lot and shuttle, essentially a pilot program that has been developed from scratch, is the first step in a regional strategy to tackle a number of pressing transportation issues, namely parking and congestion.”

Key details regarding the lot and shuttle service include:

  • Hours of Operation: The shuttle will operate from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily, with bus service every 15 minutes. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Cost: The cost to park in the lot is a flat fee of $5 all-day. Once a pass is purchased and displayed on a parked vehicle’s dashboard, commuters can board a HOP shuttle for free.
  • Route: The HOP shuttle will exit 999 Morrison Drive, turn left onto Romney Street, left onto Meeting Street, left onto Broad Street and left onto East Bay Street as it returns to the lot. There will be eight HOP-specific stops on the route, each denoted by a white bus stop sign.
  • Bus Transportation: CARTA will operate the shuttles and the lot itself. Commuters are encouraged to download the Transit app in order to track buses in real-time.
  • Lot Features:

    • Parking attendant on location during all hours of operation
    • Enhanced lighting and security cameras
    • Holy Spokes bike share on site
    • Bike racks available

“We certainly would like to thank the City of Charleston, Charleston County, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the BCDCOG for their collaboration on this project,” Seekings said. “We’re confident the service will be well-used and look forward to seeing it expand to other locations.”

In addition to the HOP service, Seekings said commuters are also encouraged to explore reduced after-hours fares in City-owned garages and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s recently launched Lowcountry Go commuter services program that offers rideshare matches.

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.

 

FDA issues two-year recall on Piggie Park Enterprises “Maurice’s Southern Gold Honey BBQ Sauce”

March 22, 2018 by 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, SC – The Food and Drug Administration has issued a two-year recall on a notable South Carolina BBQ sauce.

Piggie Park Enterprises Inc. is recalling Maurice’s Southern Gold Honey Sauce manufactured between March 11, 2016 and March 11, 2018.

The FDA says the product included undeclared wheat and soy, which may cause deadly reactions for those who are allergic. It was distributed nationwide and also sold through retail in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.

It comes in an 18oz, clear plastic bottle with an expiration date before 3/12/18 with the expiration date on the bottom of the bottle. The bottles have a UPC of 0 75616 54332 6.

The recall began Tuesday after it was found the powdered honey in the sauce contains wheat and soy, and it was not properly disclosed on the ingredients labels.

Consumers who have purchased the sauce are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  Consumers with questions can call 1-800-628-4273.

Maurice’s father, Joe Bessinger, began the Piggie Park company in 1939 when he opened his own BBQ joint in Holly Hill, according to the company’s website. Maurice’s Piggie Park later opened in West Columbia.

The Bessinger family also has a number of restaurants throughout South Carolina.

Greystar Ready to Launch Charleston Downtown Project

March 22, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Courier Square’s housing component, marketed as The Guild, will encompass 226 apartments along with ground-floor retail and dining. The first residents are expected to move in this spring.

Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC (Greystar) has announced the impending opening of The Guild, a 226-unit multifamily community in downtown Charleston, S.C. The eight-story building, which represents the first phase of the 12-acre, mixed-use Courier Square development, will welcome its first residents in mid-March.

The Guild is located at 128 Columbus St., in the historic Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighbourhood, adjacent to Interstate 26. The site is also part of the Upper King shopping and dining district. The building will encompass a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, along with 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurants. Common amenities at The Guild will include:

  • rooftop pool
  • clubroom
  • hospitality bar and lounge
  • outdoor grills and fire pit
  • fitness center
  • controlled access parking
  • bike storage
  • concierge services

The second phase of Courier Square will feature The Greystar Building, a five-story office structure that will be home to Greystar’s new headquarters. Scheduled for completion this summer, the office component facing Meeting Street will comprise 69,000 square feet, including ground-floor retail.

The Lowcountry is Honored to have 14 Hotels with AAA Four Diamond Rating

March 21, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Just 6.1 percent of the more than 27,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels make the Four Diamond list.

Congratulations to HarbourView Inn, French Quarter Inn, and The Spectator Hotel for being awarded the Four Diamond Rating by AAA!

South Carolina is proud to have 32 hotels with a Four Diamond Rating including ten (10) in Charleston, one (1) in Mount Pleasant, one (1) in Isle of Palms and two (2) in North Charleston including the North Charleston Marriott just added in 2017.

BEAUFORT

The Cuthbert House Inn (2012)
The Rhett House Inn (2015)

BLUFFTON

Montage Palmetto Bluff (2017)

CHARLESTON

Ansonborough Inn (2010)
Belmond Charleston Place (1992)
French Quarter Inn (2002)
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection (2015)
HarbourView Inn (1999)
John Rutledge House Inn (1989)
Planters Inn (1995)
Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel (2003)
The Restoration (2010)
The Spectator Hotel (2015)

COLUMBIA

Hilton Columbia Center (2011)

GREENVILLE

Hyatt Regency Greenville (2013)
The Westin Poinsett (2003)

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa (2003)
Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations (2017)
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (2006)
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island (1995)
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (2003)
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa (1994)

ISLE OF PALMS

The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes Resort (1998)

LANDRUM

The Red Horse Inn (2011)

LATTA

Abingdon Manor (1997)

MOUNT PLEASANT

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina (2016)

MYRTLE BEACH

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes (2007)
Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes (2005)

NORTH AUGUSTA

Rosemary Inn Bed and Breakfast (2012)

NORTH CHARLESTON

Crowne Plaza Hotel Charleston Airport/Convention Center (2011)
North Charleston Marriott (2017)

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

North Beach Plantation (2011)

Photo:  The Spectator Hotel

SC Works Trident Partners Trident Technical College on Incarcerated Veteran Re-Entry Program

March 20, 2018 by 0 Comments
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PROGRAM’S FIRST GRADUATES RELEASED AND EMPLOYED

CHARLESTON, S.C. (MARCH 20, 2018) — An incarcerated veteran’s transition back into society is often long and arduous. A new re-entry program at MacDougall Correctional Institution, led by SC Works Trident career counselor Scott Cook, helps participants re-enter into society with a purpose, education, training and a job.

SC Works Trident is partnering with Trident Technical College on its $250,000 Veterans’ Education and Transition Support (VETS) Re-entry grant project, designed to provide training and supportive services to 48 participants. Of the first nine released graduates who completed training last December, six obtained construction-related full-time jobs.

Cook, the grant’s program coordinator, works with veterans incarcerated for nonviolent crimes who are 180 days or fewer from release

SC Works Trident Scott Cook

and attend training classes four times a week for approximately sixteen weeks.

“It’s an opportunity to truly turn things around for these guys,” Cook said. “Most students surrender good time credit for early release so they can join the program and gain the skills needed for a stable re-entry into society.”

The classroom in the MacDougall GED Center looks like most any other. Open textbooks, highlighted notes and a slideshow on carpentry skills displays at the front. Cook guides students as they receive hands-on training and works with each individual to set them up for a successful future.

The success of the program’s job placement is attributable largely in part to Cook’s follow-ups once enrollees are released. Cook checks in periodically to ensure graduates are happily employed and to see if they need any assistance.

“Staying in touch and sustaining the momentum are incredibly important. We’re not going to send anyone out there without proper support,” Cook said. “For instance, two of my Summerville students needed housing assistance, so we secured spots at the Fresh Start halfway house, which also provides them with transportation to and from work.”

The strength of the innovative program lies in its collaborative structure, with Cook providing overall coordination of project activities. MacDougall Correctional Institution offers a specialized veterans housing unit and a wealth of supportive services. Trident Technical College provides construction industry job training and grant management.

Non-profit partners, including Military Community Connection, Palmetto Warrior Connection, Goodwill, and the VA Medical Center, provide critical supportive services, including soft skills and work readiness training, professional development seminars, housing support, health and wellness activities, and connections to community support.

For more information, contact Scott Cook at (843) 574-1835 or email scook@eckerd.org.

About SC Works Trident

SC Works Trident helps individuals find their dream career at any age and any stage of their lives, and includes one-stop centers in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. SC Works Trident offers a variety of services to help employers and job seekers meet their workforce development needs, such as skills assessment testing and on-the-job training programs. For the latest on SC Works, visit tridentscworks.org and like us on Facebook.

Charleston, S.C. Ranked #76 Among Most Popular Cities for Millennial Homebuyers in Latest Survey

March 20, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — LendingTree®, the nation’s leading online loan marketplace, has released the findings of its study on the most popular cities for millennial homebuyers. The study found millennials in Des Moines, Pittsburgh and Buffalo are pursuing homeownership more than their counterparts in any of the nation’s 100 largest cities.

Young homebuyers are at the forefront of an increasing number of buyers returning to the housing market. The largest single-age population in the U.S. is 27-year-olds at almost 4.8 million, suggesting that millennials’ influence on the housing market has years to run before it peaks.

LendingTree analyzed mortgage requests and offers for borrowers ages 35 years and under between Feb. 1, 2017 and Feb. 1, 2018, along with requests from the total population of mortgage-seekers based on the location of the property to be mortgaged. The city rankings are generated from the percentage of total purchase mortgage requests received by LendingTree from borrowers in the millennial generation.

Most popular cities among millennial homebuyers

1.     Des Moines, Iowa

  • Share of purchase mortgage requests coming from millennials: 42.4%
  • Average loan amount: $141,785

2.     Pittsburgh, Pa.

  • Share of purchase mortgage requests coming from millennials: 41.9%
  • Average loan amount: $120,093

3.     Buffalo, N.Y.

  • Share of purchase mortgage requests coming from millennials: 40.5%
  • Average loan amount: $114,087

Key findings

Millennial homebuyers make up one-third of mortgage requests. 32.5 percent of all mortgage requests through LendingTree between Feb. 1, 2017 and Feb. 1, 2018 came from consumers 35 years and younger. The average loan amount requested from this age group is $166,863.

Where millennials aren’t vying for homeownership. At the other end of the scale, Sarasota, Fla., Fort Myers Fla. and Honolulu had lowest shares of millennial buyers at 17.9 percent, 19.8 percent and 21.8 percent respectively. The Florida communities are popular with retirees while Honolulu is a high-cost metro, which makes it challenging for millennial buyers who are just starting out on building financial and real assets.

Other findings

The study also looked at other borrower characteristics and found some interesting results on the average age of the borrowers and their credit scores.

Highest average age
San Francisco, San Diego, New York and Los Angeles made the top four cities with the highest average age for millennial homebuyers, all at 29.5 years and above. These cities also have the highest down payments, and the age of millennial homebuyers here reflects the long lead time needed to save for a down payment.

Lowest average age
Millennials can get on the real estate ladder quickest in Charleston, W.Va., where the average buyer under 35 is 28.2 years old. Borrowers there need to raise an average of $11,942 for their down payment and borrow $102,394.

Highest credit scores
Millennials in San Francisco had an average credit score of 691 and borrowed an average of $462,724 to fund their dream homes. Likewise, in Honolulu, millennials averaged a 684 credit score to borrow $407,641.

Lowest credit score
Jackson, Miss. was the most accessible for millennials with lower credit scores at an average of 608. Millennials can often have low scores because of not having a long history of credit, so for prospective buyers it’s encouraging that there are cities where lower score borrowers can access the mortgage market.

“The biggest challenges for millennial homebuyers are having funds for a down payment and a good credit history,” said Tendayi Kapfidze, Chief Economist at LendingTree. “Potential buyers should educate themselves on how to improve their credit scores and create a savings plan to raise the down payment.”

Kapfidze continued, “From a housing market perspective, tight inventory is boosting prices in many markets and millennial homebuyers must now contend with rising mortgage interest rates reducing their buying power. As affordability declines, borrowers should consider all the programs available to assist them in becoming homeowners, such as FHA loans.”

For more information on the study, visit https://www.lendingtree.com/home/most-popular-cities-millennial-homebuyers/.

Rank

City

% of
Purchase
Requests
(<35)

Avg Age of
Buyers
(<35)

Avg Credit
Score Value
(<35)

Avg Down
Payment
(<35)

 Avg
Requested
Loan
Amount
(<35)

1

Des Moines, Iowa

42.4%

28.8

645

$17,793.73

$141,785.25

2

Pittsburgh

41.9%

28.7

646

$16,880.10

$120,093.12

3

Buffalo, N.Y.

40.5%

28.6

647

$16,030.21

$114,087.09

4

Lansing, Mich.

40.0%

28.4

624

$13,285.93

$103,718.58

5

Fort Wayne, Ind.

39.2%

28.3

623

$15,626.07

$112,680.76

6

Grand Rapids, Mich.

39.0%

28.4

628

$16,343.96

$124,379.48

7

Scranton, Pa.

38.9%

29.1

628

$14,374.94

$107,523.89

8

Syracuse, N.Y.

38.9%

28.7

640

$14,009.32

$110,024.73

9

Youngstown, Ohio

38.6%

28.3

617

$10,384.06

$93,792.22

10

Minneapolis

38.4%

28.9

660

$26,560.72

$184,187.23

11

Albany, N.Y.

38.3%

28.8

641

$19,193.30

$138,964.52

12

Salt Lake City

37.8%

28.5

663

$28,540.59

$216,063.09

13

Charleston, W.Va.

37.8%

28.2

614

$11,942.33

$102,393.99

14

Madison, Wis.

37.6%

28.9

646

$23,579.09

$161,692.34

15

Columbus, Ohio

37.6%

28.6

633

$18,444.08

$136,194.68

16

Rochester, N.Y.

37.5%

29.0

642

$16,632.94

$110,464.02

17

Omaha, Neb.

37.4%

28.9

649

$19,386.87

$143,904.03

18

Lexington, Ky.

37.4%

28.4

631

$16,817.11

$135,230.05

19

St. Louis

37.3%

28.5

620

$13,077.69

$111,945.59

20

Cleveland

37.3%

28.6

635

$15,216.80

$113,337.67

21

Harrisburg, Pa.

37.0%

28.6

633

$16,929.10

$136,488.44

22

Cincinnati

36.7%

28.7

636

$17,215.80

$132,027.03

23

Lafayette, La.

36.7%

29.0

618

$14,819.34

$116,029.03

24

Wichita, Kan.

36.6%

28.8

629

$13,007.59

$113,515.55

25

Kansas City, Mo.

36.4%

28.8

638

$17,788.97

$141,552.79

26

Dayton, Ohio

36.4%

28.3

622

$12,382.42

$108,469.73

27

Indianapolis

35.9%

28.7

631

$18,308.47

$129,493.30

28

Visalia, Calif.

35.8%

28.9

630

$22,223.47

$188,094.73

29

Milwaukee

35.5%

28.9

640

$20,744.89

$146,824.06

30

McAllen, Texas

35.4%

28.9

628

$16,110.79

$122,164.06

31

Springfield, Mass.

35.4%

28.9

634

$18,138.17

$153,841.58

32

Louisville, Ky.

35.2%

28.3

629

$16,558.63

$131,745.95

33

Toledo, Ohio

35.2%

28.6

626

$14,653.31

$103,236.73

34

South Bend, Ind.

35.2%

28.7

618

$20,719.80

$108,732.18

35

Hartford, Conn.

34.9%

29.1

651

$21,116.71

$165,514.06

36

Chicago

34.7%

29.2

656

$30,028.04

$182,822.36

37

Denver

34.5%

29.2

669

$41,893.16

$264,818.96

38

Detroit

34.5%

28.7

639

$20,305.19

$134,187.50

39

Philadelphia

34.5%

29.2

647

$25,502.32

$169,603.21

40

Baton Rouge, La.

34.4%

28.9

622

$21,373.95

$148,897.72

41

Nashville, Tenn.

34.3%

28.8

645

$25,281.95

$183,288.32

42

Birmingham, Ala.

34.3%

28.7

619

$16,228.86

$132,229.09

43

Jackson, Miss.

33.9%

29.1

608

$18,286.91

$132,451.21

44

Greenville, S.C.

33.9%

28.4

623

$16,127.42

$126,502.11

45

Boston

33.9%

29.2

665

$38,351.23

$247,576.30

46

Richmond, Va.

33.6%

29.0

644

$23,007.95

$176,419.26

47

Oklahoma City

33.5%

28.6

633

$17,209.35

$138,535.70

48

New Orleans

33.3%

29.3

634

$24,349.32

$164,404.32

49

Tulsa, Okla.

33.2%

28.6

627

$16,493.62

$127,791.37

50

Washington

33.1%

29.3

668

$38,052.17

$258,911.99

51

Dallas

32.7%

29.2

641

$25,572.88

$182,117.91

52

Colorado Springs, Colo.

32.6%

28.7

645

$25,351.25

$201,010.39

53

Portland, Maine

32.6%

28.7

646

$22,183.19

$165,615.77

54

Greensboro, N.C.

32.4%

28.8

628

$17,186.36

$127,915.55

55

Fayetteville, N.C.

32.3%

28.9

615

$13,534.71

$123,160.41

56

Houston

32.1%

29.2

644

$27,804.07

$181,083.60

57

Springfield, Mo.

32.1%

28.3

626

$13,284.32

$119,473.33

58

Charlotte, N.C.

32.1%

29.1

644

$23,907.17

$168,701.46

59

Knoxville, Tenn.

32.0%

28.3

626

$16,455.36

$126,937.99

60

Little Rock, Ark.

31.9%

28.7

621

$15,786.96

$123,538.99

61

New York

31.9%

29.6

677

$53,787.82

$273,894.48

62

Chattanooga, Tenn.

31.7%

28.4

626

$14,241.67

$124,853.12

63

Portland, Ore.

31.6%

29.0

655

$32,047.37

$229,908.51

64

Fresno, Calif.

31.4%

29.1

643

$25,742.96

$204,774.53

65

Austin, Texas

31.4%

29.4

663

$33,777.22

$216,815.86

66

Bakersfield, Calif.

31.2%

29.0

633

$23,373.57

$190,823.16

67

Huntsville, Ala.

30.9%

28.5

628

$15,719.44

$131,351.49

68

Raleigh, N.C.

30.9%

29.3

658

$26,454.24

$180,963.67

69

Columbia, S.C.

30.9%

29.0

619

$16,075.42

$124,914.19

70

Augusta, Ga

30.8%

29.0

620

$15,363.71

$130,371.16

71

Atlanta

30.8%

29.1

635

$22,760.54

$166,181.94

72

Modesto, Calif.

30.5%

29.0

639

$29,653.92

$215,497.31

73

Savannah, Ga.

30.4%

28.8

626

$18,376.29

$147,348.88

74

Seattle

30.3%

29.3

668

$45,882.32

$284,327.82

75

Memphis, Tenn.

30.2%

29.0

622

$21,052.41

$140,400.01

76

Charleston, S.C.

30.2%

29.1

636

$24,014.39

$174,834.19

77

San Antonio

30.0%

29.1

630

$20,275.56

$162,308.66

78

Virginia Beach, Va.

29.8%

29.1

630

$19,269.35

$175,349.20

79

Jacksonville, Fla.

29.1%

29.1

630

$20,925.15

$154,757.97

80

Boise City, Idaho

28.7%

28.5

639

$21,131.74

$157,950.97

81

Sacramento, Calif.

28.6%

29.4

657

$35,569.75

$249,060.49

82

Phoenix

28.4%

28.8

645

$25,829.34

$194,316.32

83

El Paso, Texas

28.1%

29.4

633

$15,891.58

$142,054.38

84

San Francisco

28.1%

29.9

691

$96,045.17

$462,724.33

85

Mobile, Ala.

27.3%

28.6

618

$17,354.12

$130,894.95

86

Los Angeles

27.3%

29.5

664

$56,305.01

$339,475.05

87

Spokane, Wash.

27.1%

28.6

637

$20,713.56

$168,012.16

88

Orlando, Fla.

26.9%

29.0

639

$23,062.92

$171,350.20

89

Miami

25.9%

29.4

652

$32,747.98

$208,555.15

90

San Diego

25.6%

29.6

677

$58,296.55

$376,406.45

91

Albuquerque, N.M.

25.4%

29.1

638

$21,168.90

$164,236.37

92

Tampa, Fla.

25.2%

29.1

641

$23,156.26

$166,716.42

93

Reno, Nev.

24.9%

28.9

649

$28,798.00

$213,222.64

94

Tucson, Ariz.

24.8%

28.9

637

$18,669.74

$157,116.08

95

Lakeland, Fla.

24.1%

29.0

625

$18,232.45

$145,477.68

96

Las Vegas

22.9%

29.2

644

$28,170.57

$202,295.60

97

Palm Bay, Fla.

22.3%

28.7

643

$20,985.97

$157,738.78

98

Honolulu

21.8%

29.4

684

$55,104.63

$407,641.26

99

Fort Myers, Fla.

19.8%

29.0

640

$24,074.23

$179,450.90

100

Sarasota, Fla.

17.9%

28.8

639

$24,756.05

$173,760.11

About LendingTree
LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE) is the nation’s leading online loan marketplace, empowering consumers as they comparison-shop across a full suite of loan and credit-based offerings.  LendingTree provides an online marketplace which connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business, as well as an array of online tools and information to help consumers find the best loan. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 65 million loan requests. LendingTree provides free monthly credit scores through My LendingTree and access to its network of over 500 lenders offering home loans, personal loans, credit cards, student loans, business loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, auto loans and more. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of LendingTree, Inc. For more information go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE, like our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Greuling
704-943-8208
Megan.greuling@lendingtree.com

SOURCE LendingTree

 

Heaven is Being Right Beside You – Original Poem

March 18, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

It was meant to be
Baby, you and me
We are in it for the ride with you by my side
I’m a small-town boy, looking at my small-town girl who said yes to a dance
Now, I never want it to end
Let the music play every minute of every day

Just to hear your voice in my dreams
To see your face just as your lips touch mine

When you asked, “Where have you been all my life?”
I’ve always been there right beside you

In your prayers
A sound in the wind
Always
An energy exchange pure to the heart of two souls wandering with purpose; with meaning

We shared a love in our growing hearts
From the youthful tone of a field of lilies on those northern plains
To the southern breeze so safe and familiar

I grew to know you one syllable at a time
Each piece of the puzzle one step to completing me

Now we are one
A dance in the clouds on a red letter
Free to fly above the reality to a fantasy built for two

A silly thought, but one we share
A promise made by a fortune teller so long ago
A prediction in the stars
A red carpet welcoming us to the ball

Take my hand, my princess
Let me have the first dance all over again

A miracle in heals
A savior in lace
Warm wet fierce rapids racing for the waterfall
Hold on tight

Photography

GALLERY: Life is a Beach: Sunday Morning in the Lowcountry

March 18, 2018 by 2 Comments
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There is nothing more meditative than a Lowcountry sunrise to start your day.  It also puts balance in your life as you prepare for brunch, your first mimosa and a day of festival hopping.

Not everyone has the luxury of waking up with an endless ocean by your toes.  We wanted to share with you the true magic feeling of experiencing a Lowcountry Sunday morning starting with the perfect sunrise.

Sun, sand and the soothing sounds of crashing waves…Priceless.

Sunday Morning in the Lowcountry – Photo Gallery

Photo Credit:  Mark A. Leon

To Our Heroes – Emotional Military Reunion, Proposal and Family Videos that Will Make You Cry

March 17, 2018 by 0 Comments
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“He called her on the road; From a lonely, cold hotel room; Just to hear her say I love you one more time; But when he heard the sound; Of the kids laughing in the background; He had to wipe away a tear from his eye; A little voice came on the phone; Said, “Daddy when you coming home?”; He said the first thing that came to his mind; I’m already there” – Lonestar

We go to movies, read comics, watch television shows of characters of supernatural strength and odd superpowers and call them heroes.  Every day, hundreds of thousands of children, wives and husbands go to bed alone while their heroes are in foreign lands protecting our freedoms.  We wanted to show our appreciation for their sacrifices by sharing some very emotional videos or gratitude, reunion and love

To all our military around the world, we thank you and think about you every day.

Disclaimer:  Have some tissues available.  You will need them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfJgfUAr2M8

In war, tragedy, disaster and yearning, the one foundation that leads us to the light is the ability to always love.  It is the most powerful weapon of humanity and one that keeps us holding on.  We hope these videos remind you of the power of love.