Charleston Currents #13.16 | March 1, 2021
A STROLL AROUND CHARLESTON always reveals beauty. Local photographer Cynthia Bledsoe recently noticed stunning window boxes, such as the one pictured above, along the city’s historic streets. See something you think our readers would enjoy? Snap a shot and send it along to editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
FOCUS: Special window open to sign up for health insurance
COMMENTARY, Brack: Scratch your itch to travel in South Carolina
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SCIWAY
NEWS BRIEFS: Police say lessons learned; coalition pushes back on report
FEEDBACK: Speak out against Dominion solar proposal on March 23
MYSTERY PHOTO: Raised house
CALENDAR: Safe Sounds to start April 17 after show rescheduled
Special window open to sign up for health insurance
Staff reports | If you are uninsured and want health insurance but missed signing up in a short window just before Christmas, you have until May 15 to apply for coverage. Local groups are ready to help.
Last month, an executive order by President Joe Biden, who promised to make health care more affordable and available for people without work-provided coverage, reopened Affordable Care Act enrollment on the federal health insurance exchange in a special enrollment period.
The Palmetto Project’s director of programs, Shelli Quenga, said that the only thing stopping many people from enrolling before was the lack of information, and the new administration has helped.
“When people know the facts and the truth of the ability to enroll, that really helps,” Quenga said. “Most people are covered by their employer-sponsored coverage, but they just don’t know how individual coverage works. It’s stuff you don’t need to know until you need to know it.”
Since the ACA was passed in 2010, the GOP-led S.C. General Assembly has refused to expand Medicaid under the ACA, leaving more than 100,000 people in a coverage gap during the ongoing pandemic. And, it’s unlikely state legislators will expand Medicaid any time soon, after a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that allows states to decline Medicaid expansion gave an out to then-Gov. Nikki Haley.
- For more information on open enrollment and to see what options are available, go to signupsc.org or call 888-998-4646.
- Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Scratch your itch to travel in South Carolina
Lake Keowee, via Unsplash.
By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | If you’re feeling stir crazy because of months of pandemic-related confinement to your home or hometown, there will be a day soon when travel will feel safe and comfortable again.
For most of us, it can’t come soon enough. For many, it may not matter exactly where the destination is. It’s just important that it not be at home.
For that reason, let’s think about traveling with a purpose of helping fellow South Carolinians. Instead of heading off to some far-flung destination, consider staying closer to home this year and visiting a region in the Palmetto State with which you’re not familiar.
Not only can this connect you more deeply to our home state, but it can help businesses in a big way. The tourism industry, which posted almost $24 billion in economic activity in 2018, took a huge financial hit during the pandemic with experts predicting revenues dropped as much as 35 percent. That could be a loss of $8 billion to local hotels, restaurants and businesses that service visitors, which include everything from gas stations and local shops to sporting venues and tour companies.
“What we’ve learned in our community is that 40,000 of our neighbors depend on the hospitality industry to feed our families,” said Doug Warner, vice president of media and innovation with Explore Charleston. “After the year we’ve all had, the return of that industry is paramount.
“Parts of our state’s hospitality economy have boomed, such as golf and state parks, but the regular mom-and-pop businesses need our support more than they ever have.”
So if you live in the Lowcountry, you might want to think about visiting the Upstate to see how hip Greenville’s downtown has become. Someone from the Upstate might deepen their love for South Carolina by visiting Pearl Fryar’s topiary garden in Bishopville or enjoying small Pee Dee towns like Lake City where there is a vibrant art scene. People often make jokes about Columbia — mainly because of the work, or lack of it, at the Statehouse, but the area has lots to do for everyone. And then there are miles of beaches and outdoor fun along the coast.
“Our impulse to see and experience a larger world is the subject of my new book, Why Travel? A Way of Being, A Way of Seeing,” said Charleston travel writer Bill Thompson in a column published this week. “And while this moment of the pandemic may seem a rather odd time to be publishing it, this collection of essays and travel articles arrives with a glimmer of hope that soon we can start planning our travels again.”
Traveling offers a way for people to re-energize their souls and do more than see sights, he said.
“Physician, poet and humorist Oliver Wendell Holmes noted that a mind enlarged by new experience never retreats to the confines of its old dimensions,” Thompson said. “That’s what we’re after. An expanded, and expansive, view. You don’t get that from sitting in place.”
Here are some ideas, by region, of where to go:
In the Upstate, enjoy bubbling mountain streams and adventures in places like Caesars Head State Park or the Jocassee Gorges. Learn about textile history at old mills. Make the Revolutionary War come alive at Cowpens National Battlefield or in the town of Ninety Six.
In the Midlands, take a hike in Congaree National Park. Visit Riverbanks Zoo and Columbia museums. Check out the Dupont Planetarium in Aiken, the Newberry Opera House and downtown Rock Hill.
The Pee Dee offers more than South of the Border (which is fun). Downtown Florence has neat shops and restaurants. Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is a huge hit, as are beachside attractions throughout the Grand Strand. Bishopville has the Button Museum and Hartsville is home to Coker Farms National Historic Landmark.
Throughout the Lowcountry, dabble in history in Charleston’s and Beaufort’s historic streets and buildings. Visit sites along the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor stretching from Myrtle Beach to St. Helena island to Jasper County. See the Angel Oak on Johns Island, the ruins of Old Sheldon Church, and the charms of old Bluffton.
The whole world is out there — but remember, so is the whole state.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Charleston Currents, and publisher of the Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
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Police say lessons learned; coalition pushes back on report
Staff reports | Charleston police say an internal assessment of May 30-31 protests downtown show the agency has learned, but a coalition of activists is pushing back.
During the presentation of the final after-action report during Tuesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting, Chief Luther Reynolds said the report was made to include the perspectives of officers, community leaders, business owners, residents, protesters and arrested criminal offenders.
“Numerous lessons have been learned, and areas of improvement were immediately addressed and utilized over the summer of 2020 to provide for many affected First Amendment demonstrations,” he said. “There are many things that have been ongoing since May 30-31 and continue. This involves collaborating with our community regarding current policies and how to get involved with police reform and the ongoing social justice movement.”
But a coalition of 10 Charleston-area advocacy groups said that the report and presentation paints an incomplete picture, centering on “property over people,” and fails to fully acknowledge the law enforcement reaction to the protest.
“CPD often touts itself as being ahead of the curve when it comes to police reform and public demands for changes in law enforcement,” the coalition said in the letter. “But, none of that has translated to substantive change for those most affected by police crimes.” Read more.
In other recent news:
State could move soon to next vaccination phase. Phase 1B of vaccinations, which includes teachers, grocery store employees and other essential employees, could begin by the middle to the end of the month, according to Dr. Edward Simmer, director of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. On Sunday, state health officials reported 1,197 new cases of the coronavirus with 35 additional confirmed deaths. With 26,779 tests reported Sunday, 7 percent were positive.
Senate approves borrowing $550M for port. After four days of debate, South Carolina senators on Wednesday voted 45-1 on a proposal to borrow up to $550 million to expand the port in Charleston with more railroads and a barge that could carry cargo from one terminal to another. More: Associated Press.
Folly Beach ranked #15. The beach town on the “Edge of America” ranked 15th best coastal town in the country according to a new ranking by Big 7 Travel. The towns were ranked based on their “seaside vacation factor,” which includes beach amenities, natural scenery, community atmosphere, food and drink scene and activities. top coastal town: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.
McCoy steps down as S.C.’s U.S. attorney. U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy of James island, South Carolina’s top federal prosecutor, submitted his resignation letter to President Joe Biden last Monday. Prior to his appointment by President Donald Trump, McCoy chaired the S.C. House Judiciary Committee. Source: Associated Press.
Charleston Forum gets $10K donation. The Charleston Forum, a racial advocacy group formed in the wake of the 2015 Emanuel A.M.E. Church shooting, announced a $10,000 donation from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation to support its ongoing effort to host a conversation on race and introduce solutions to improve the community. More.
S.C. House considers ban on trans students in girls’ sports. S.C. House members spent more than an hour Tuesday listening to testimony on a bill that would prevent transgender students from playing on girls’ sports teams in middle and high school. More: Charleston City Paper.
S.C. considers electric chair as Virginia nixes death penalty. The S.C. House Judiciary Committee last week advanced a bill to make electrocution the default method of state-sanctioned execution as Virginia lawmakers voted to abolish capital punishment. South Carolina has not executed an inmate in nearly a decade, as the drugs used to perform lethal injections have expired and become difficult for the state to buy. Since then, politicians have tried, but struggled, to find ways to restart executions. Currently, South Carolina criminals sentenced to death can choose to die by lethal injection or electrocution. The state’s “death chamber” is located at Broad River Correctional Institution, about a 13-minute drive from the Statehouse. There are 37 people currently on South Carolina death row. Read more.
- Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com
Speak out against Dominion solar proposal on March 23
To the editor:
I am one of many Dominion customers who installed roof-top solar with net metering to reduce carbon emissions and reduce energy bills. Rooftop solar lowers the afternoon peak energy demand, thereby benefiting Dominion. In return, Dominion wants to add $36 per month in fees and cut in half the amount paid for power returned to the grid. This eliminates all incentive for people to install solar. It also shows disregard for South Carolina, as Dominion’s Virginia solar customers get a better deal.
This proposal will be subject to a public hearing at the Public Services Commission on March 23 (Docket No. 202-125-E). All of us who want to reduce S.C. carbon emissions and empower homeowners should protest at communication@psc.sc.gov.
— Mark Gould, Charleston
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Raised house
Here’s a raised single house in Charleston. But where is it? Send your best 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 Feb. 22 photo, “Lots of orange,” showed a wall of orange life preservers at the entrance of Fleet Landing restaurant on Concord Street in Charleston. “The wall is paying homage to the history of the building built in 1942 by the US Navy and utilized for off loading sailors,” said Charleston resident Jim McMahan.
Others who identified the photo, submitted by Sarah Nielsen of Charleston, were George Graf of Palmyra, Va.; Stephen Yetman of Savannah; and Jay Altman of Columbia.
- Send us a mystery: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send it along to editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Safe Sounds to start April 17 after show rescheduled
20 Ride will open the Safe Sounds series. Photo via Firefly Distillery.
The first show of the new series of Safe Sounds concerts at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston will now be April 17 featuring 20 Ride: America’s #1 Zac Brown Tribute Band. The original first show with Sam Bush is now April 29 after being moved from March 19.
Here’s a list of some of the shows at the beginning of the 15-concert series:
- Saturday, April 17 – 20 Ride
- Saturday, April 24 – Randall Fowler with special guest
- Sunday, April 25 – The Allman Betts Band
- Thursday, April 29 – Sam Bush
- Saturday, May 1 – On the Border – “The ultimate Eagles tribute Band”
- Head over to citypapertickets.com to secure a spot. Tickets are available now. (Editor’s note: City Paper Tickets, which is run by sister publication Charleston City Paper, is operating ticketing for Safe Sounds.)
Also on the calendar:
Helium: Streams March 1 to March 7. You can watch a virtual performance of Charleston Stage’s much-acclaimed performance of Helium for a donation of $10 to the organization’s Curtain Up Fund. The warm comedy by Julian Wiles that critics say will leave a lump in your throat has delighted audiences since first produced at Piccolo Spoleto in 1990. Purchase tickets.
“In the Time of Making,” by Stephanie Drawdy.
Drawdy on display: March 2 to March 31, Park Circle Gallery, 4820 Jenkins Ave., North Charleston. The representational and abstract paintings of Summerville artist Stephanie Drawdy will be on display this month at the North Charleston public gallery for free.
Where the Wild Things Run 5K. 8:30 a.m., March 6, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel. Registration ended Feb. 24. You can take part in this race and enjoy a wild, but managed county park that is a favorite habitat for rare wildlife. There also is family-friendly yoga and readings from Marice Sendak’s book that gives the race its name. Learn about registration and rules.
Like A Girl: Dare to Dream: March 11 to May 2, City Gallery, Prioleau St., Charleston. Featuring portraits of more than 35 South Carolinian women, Like a Girl is a new exhibition by artist Fer Caggiano that brings attention to women who have excelled, each with unique and inspiring stories. In them, girls and other women will see on canvas their potential: they can be strong, smart and beautiful, and ready to make their mark on the world. Learn more.
“Living Dead in Denmark:” 7:30 p.m., March 12 and March 13, livestreamed. The College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance will stage this play by Vietnamese-American playwright, television writer and screenwriter Qui Nguyen, who is known for his innovative use of pop-culture, stage violence, puppetry and multimedia. Tickets can be purchased online at go.cofc.edu/livingdead.
Wine Down Wednesdays: 5:30 p.m. March 17 and March 31, Old Towne Creek County Park, West Ashley. You can enjoy a glass of wine and explore Old Towne Creek County Park, a West Ashley gem, with the return of this evening event. Guests will enjoy wine and live music from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from a local Charleston performer, while experiencing the beauty of this natural site. A commemorative wine glass is included with admission. Food truck fare will be available for purchase on-site. Cost: $15. Ages 21 and up. There is no onsite registration. You must purchase tickets in advance.
Sunday Brunch Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday, Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island. While the market is discouraging people from spending too much time hanging out during the market, everyone is invited to shop their local vendors.
Craft entries sought. Fine craft artists from around the state are invited to enter the 19th annual S.C. Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Competition and Exhibition, which will be presented April 28 to May 2 as part of the North Charleston Arts Fest. Entry fee is $15. The deadline for entries is March 15. Applications are offered online only. The show, cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, will offer objects made in media of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and three-dimensional mixed media. More info: culturalarts@northcharleston.org.
Bird-watching at Caw Caw. Every Wednesday and Saturday — particularly through the end of February — you can see a plethora of birds at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel as they make their way through the Lowcountry. The two-hour regular walks, which start at 8:30 a.m., are through distinct habitats that allow participants to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. Registration is not required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Max. 10 participants. Fee: $9; free for Gold Pass holders. Open to all ages. More: Caw Caw Interpretive Center.
- If you have any online events, drop us a line (editor@charlestoncurrents.com) and make sure to put “Online event” in the subject line. Similarly, if you’ve got cool ideas for stuff to do while in isolation at home, send them our way.
- ORDER NOW: Copies of our new book, 350 Facts About Charleston, are in Lowcountry-area bookstores now, but if you can’t swing by, you can order a copy online today.
As more people stay home to deal with the coronavirus crisis, people are looking for things to do. You can find some fun things to do online in our calendar section below, but let us also encourage you to FORWARD your issue of Charleston Currents to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. It’s got a great price, as you know: Free! We hope they’ll enjoy our coverage.
- DONATE. Now also would be a great time to contribute as we deal with the crisis. In advance, thank you.
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