Archive for August, 2019

FOCUS:  State has tax-advantaged way to save for disabled

FOCUS:  State has tax-advantaged way to save for disabled

By Curtis Loftis, state treasurer | August is ABLE to Save Month (#ABLEtoSave), a national grassroots initiative of the ABLE National Resource Center, designed to educate the public about ABLE accounts. The campaign not only brings attention to this important savings resource, but it also demonstrates a positive step towards levelling the financial playing field for the disability community.

Living with a disability can significantly add to the financial pressure families live with every day, especially when families cannot save money for fear of losing eligibility for important benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. Only a few years ago, individuals with disabilities and their families were faced with this impossible financial dilemma: sacrifice saving for the future or lose vital public benefits. As it stood, if individuals with disabilities had more than $2,000 in financial resources, they risked losing means-tested benefits they often relied on for income, health care, food and housing.

by · 08/26/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news
BRACK: A great send-off for Planet Jimbo

BRACK: A great send-off for Planet Jimbo

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher  |   Jim Goolsby’s obituary was unexpected in more ways than one.

Celebrate Jim’s life, it said, by putting on your favorite bright and colorful Superhero T-shirt (please no black unless Darth Vader or Batman), and join family and friends at Hampton Park.  There will be food, water and tea, it added, saying you could bring chairs, blankets and coolers (wink, wink.)

by · 08/26/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views
GOOD NEWS: Mitchell Hill to open new Charleston design center

GOOD NEWS: Mitchell Hill to open new Charleston design center

Staff reports  |  Mitchell Hill, a Charleston-based interior design house, will open a design center in the fall on upper King Street in an art deco building long known as Chase Furniture.

According to a press release, the business founded in 2010 by Michael Mitchell and Tyler Hill will revive the 12,000-square-foot space as a multi-line showroom, but will continue to operate as a gallery.  

by · 08/26/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs
MYSTERY PHOTO: This could be the beginning of something good

MYSTERY PHOTO: This could be the beginning of something good

This one could be another tough one.  Hint: It’s in Charleston. Where? Send your guess to editor@charlestoncurrents.com. And don’t forget to include your name and the town in which you live.

Our previous Mystery Photo: Our Aug. 19 mystery, “Peeking into where?” was particularly vexing for many.  “Hat Lady” Archie Burkel of James Island explains the photo she submitted: “It was taken looking through the keyhole of Old St. Andrews Parish Church, Ashley River Road.

8/26: Savings for disabled; Planet Jimbo; Design center

8/26: Savings for disabled; Planet Jimbo; Design center

IN THIS EDITION

FOCUS, Loftis: State has tax-advantaged way for disabled to save 
COMMENTARY, Brack:  A great send-off for Planet Jimbo
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  SCIWAY
GOOD NEWS:   Mitchell HIll to open new Charleston design center
FEEDBACK: Send us your letters
MYSTERY PHOTO:  This could be the beginning of something good 
S.C. ENCYCLOPEDIA:   Jonathan Lucas
CALENDAR:   From a musical to shows to art

by · 08/26/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue
FOCUS:  In challenging times, a diversified portfolio can be good news

FOCUS:  In challenging times, a diversified portfolio can be good news

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor  |  We can always focus on the problems.  That is easy. But what if we change the focus to look for the opportunities or solutions?  Then, perhaps, we’ll accomplish something worthwhile.

The markets and world events in today’s financial markets are creating a lot of uncertainties.  The interest rate yield curve is inverted. Tariffs and their ultimate effect on our economy is unknown.  The stock market is a roller coaster, to put it mildly. Uncertainties such as these stir up our fears, and this often leads to poor decisions.  Our lives and investments are tied to the markets. What can we do to make sure that we do not fall into the trap of reacting emotionally from fear?

So we need to go back to the basics.  Does the fluctuating stock market truly make a difference in your day-to-day life?  If not, then let the markets do what they may, and see if you can invest as opportunities are created. If your daily life is affected, then it may be time to take a closer look at your total situation and revisit what is important. 

by · 08/19/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Money, Views
Photo by contributing photographer rob Byko.

BRACK: PSC needs to investigate Charleston-area tree butchery

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher  |  The drama over the butchery of trees near power lines is too predictable. It’s time for something to change.

The narrative is, unfortunately, a four-part play: …

by · 08/19/2019 · 3 comments · Andy Brack, Views
(Photo by contributing photographer and Rotarian Rob Byko, Byko Realty.)

GOOD NEWS: Hootie hands help kids get ready for the return of school

Staff reports  |  Burke High School on Saturday hosted Charleston County School District’s 13th annual Hootie’s Homegrown Roundup.  

The annual event provides K-12 school students with supplies and services donated by Hootie and the Blowfish, the Rotary Club of Charleston and local businesses striving to make an impact by giving kids a head start on the coming school year. Despite the threat of rain, the event was well-attended by hundreds of kids and their parents.  

by · 08/19/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs
MYSTERY PHOTO: Peeking into where?

MYSTERY PHOTO: Peeking into where?

Dedicated James Island reader Archie Burkel, a.k.a. The Hat Lady, submitted this as a Mystery Photo and, boy, is it ever clever.  Hint: It was taken in Charleston County. But what is the viewer looking at and where is it?  Send your guess to editor@charlestoncurrents.com. And don’t forget to include your name and the town in which you live.

Our previous Mystery Photo: Our Aug. 12 mystery, “Pair of crosses,” showed the new steeples at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Savannah Highway in Charleston.  Thirty years ago next month, Hurricane Hugo blew down the church’s original steeples. 

8/19, full issue: On diversified portfolios, tree butchery, start of school

8/19, full issue: On diversified portfolios, tree butchery, start of school

IN THIS EDITION

FOCUS, Morris:   In challenging times, a diversified portfolio can be good news
COMMENTARY, Brack:  PSC needs to investigate Charleston-area tree butchery
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
GOOD NEWS:  Hootie hands help kids get ready for the return of school
FEEDBACK: Send us your letters
MYSTERY PHOTO:  Peeking into where?
S.C. ENCYCLOPEDIA:  Battle of Eutaw Springs
CALENDAR:  Bird walk and free kayak trips Saturday

by · 08/19/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue