Charleston Currents #13.34 | July 5, 2021
CURIOUS PROMO. How’s this for a contradiction? Marijuana, as you know, is illegal in South Carolina. In fact, it’s one of only five states where the evil weed is fully illegal, according to this site. Just last week, conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said federal marijuana laws may not be necessary.
But take a look at the CARTA bus above. It’s advertising for people to participate in a marijuana study at the Medical University of South Carolina. What do you think about that? Send your guess to feedback@statehousereport.com — and remember to include your name, home city and contact information. See something you think our readers would enjoy? Snap a shot and send it along, too. Photo by Andy Brack
FOCUS: Survey seeks input for priorities local leaders should pursue
COMMENTARY, Brack: New challenge: Read the Declaration of Independence
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SC Clips
NEWS BRIEFS: Changes expected for state public charter school law
FEEDBACK: Send us your thoughts
MYSTERY PHOTO: Tough photo ahead
CALENDAR: From music to markets and more
Survey seeks input for priorities leaders should pursue
Via flickr
By Skyler Baldwin | One Region, a partnership of regional government and business groups, has released a survey aimed at further understanding the needs of the residents and businesses in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, along with input on what opportunities leaders should pursue.
“One Region is going straight to the source to hear from the Berkeley-Charleston Dorchester community, so we can build on the lessons learned from COVID-19 and anticipate potential threats to our region’s economy,” said One Region chair Kendra Stewart. She is also director of the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston.
The survey is part of One Region’s Opportunities for All roadmap effort, an economic recovery and resiliency plan that seeks to define a healthy Lowcountry while offering solutions, implementable actions and measurable results as the area continues to move forward post-pandemic.
The survey will be available at OneRegionRoadmap.com through Aug. 20. Additional opportunities for engagement and to provide feedback will be available through the end of 2021 and will be announced as they arise.
- Skyler Baldwin is a staff writer with the Charleston City Paper, where this story first appeared. Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
New challenge: Read the Declaration of Independence
By Andy Brack, editor and publisher: Now that the fireworks and festivities from the Fourth of July are a new memory, how about taking a bolder, more reflective step to celebrate the true spirit of America? Find a quiet spot and seriously consider the 1,339 words of our country’s declaration against tyranny, our Declaration of Independence.
Better yet: Sit down as a family and read it out loud together.
Just six months ago, a bloodthirsty mob misused and misappropriated the fundamental principles enshrouded in American freedom by trying to rip apart our democracy in favor of the very tyranny which our forefathers fought in the fields of Camden and King’s Mountain, the swamps of the Lowcountry and forts from Ninety Six to Sullivan’s Island.
You may know by heart the opening words of the document penned by Thomas Jefferson and others that espouses the values of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” You may remember the part that follows and discusses how it’s the people’s right to alter or abolish a government that fails, which is oft-cited by those who threw the destructive tantrum and bludgeoned the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
But they conveniently forget the cautious words that followed. Perhaps they missed that day in civics class. Or maybe they were so hellbent on getting their own way that they were blinded by the wisdom of colonial leaders who first focused not on a violent overthrow of power, but on reason and intellect to devise a new system to create a safe nation where all could pursue happiness:
“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”
The Declaration continued by offering a list of abuses by the King of England. As you read of compounding restrictions that denied liberty to colonists, it should dawn on you how our forefathers eventually corrected those abuses with a constitution that created a representative democracy that became the world’s beacon of freedom, a continuing experiment in liberty that changed the course of humankind.
Furthermore, the Declaration is remarkable in another way. It frames the patience of colonists who wanted better lives for their families. Compare their years of endurance to get redress of their grievances to the volcanic violence that erupted in the halls of freedom over a few hours in January.
And so in 1776, 56 men from 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. The oldest was Benjamin Franklin, then 70, of Pennsylvania The youngest was Edward Rutledge, 26, of South Carolina.
The document ends like this: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
That’s the difference between what happened back then and this year: One was bound with honor, community, faith, goodwill and justice. The other had none.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Charleston Currents, and publisher of the Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com.
Keep up with S.C. news with SC Clips
Charleston Currents is brought to you weekly at no cost thanks to our underwriters. In the spotlight today is SC Clips, an affordable, daily information digest that provides you with the South Carolina news you need every business day. Subscribers receive a daily email news round-up before 10 a.m. that provides a link to each day’s edition of SC Clips.
Each issue (click for sample) provides a concise summary of dozens of the latest newspaper and television reports of news with statewide impact, politics, business and local stories. Readers also are linked to key opinions by South Carolina’s editorial writers.
- Learn more about this great news service that will save you time — which saves you money.
- To meet all of our underwriters, click here.
BIG CHECK. Representatives from Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Charleston area presented a $250,000 check to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital on June 23 for money raised during the company’s 11th annual Day of Giving in March. Photo provided.
Changes expected for state public charter school law
Staff reports | Two Lowcountry lawmakers are among those who weren’t surprised by a new state audit that said one of the state’s public charter school authorizers needed fixing.
More than 44,000 S.C. students attend the publicly funded schools that operate independently of county school boards. A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers says that next year it will seek to revise the state’s 25-year-old law regulating almost 60 charter schools that dot the state.
Last week, the S.C. Legislative Audit Council issued a 92-page audit of the S.C. Public Charter School District, which oversees 33 charter schools. The audit called for multiple accountability and operations changes. The state’s other authorizer of charter schools, The Charter Institute at Erskine, sponsors 26 charter schools.
State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley, added that he’s heard criticisms of the Public Charter School District (SCPCD) for years.
“For a while, it seemed that the SCPCD became more interested in nitpicking than in providing positive leadership,” he said today. “The success of Erskine as an authorizer helped highlight some of the deficiencies at the SCPCD. The LAC audit verified some of those deficiencies.”
Charleston Republican Rep. LIn Bennett echoed the need for changes “not just to address these concerns, but to also bring the law up-to-date. This is something we hope to do over the summer and fall and introduce when we return to session in January.”
Florence Democratic Rep. Terry Alexander said he wasn’t shocked about the audit findings because of a January 2020 report that came from a special House ad hoc committee that probed issues at charter schools in 2019. Its sweeping report suggested myriad changes to the law, but the coronavirus pandemic put improvement efforts on hold.
“No one has been regulating them since the original regs came out,” said Alexander, who served on the committee with Bennett. “”No real oversight has been given. That’s why this ad hoc committee came into being.”
State Rep. Raye Felder, a York County Republican who co-chaired the ad hoc House committee, said some charter schools excel, while others have challenges — just like with traditional public schools.
“I anticipate changes to charter school legislation that was created over 20 years ago to include provisions not only highlighted in the [House] report but also shared by administration and parents over the course of the special committee that reviewed the charter school legislation,” she told our sister publication, Statehouse Report
- Read more about why accountability is the big issue for the state’s charter schools.
In other recent news:
Charleston LDC rebrands, gets big grant. The Charleston LDC, a nonprofit community development finance institution (CDFI) has secured $3.5 million in new grants and loans, ahead of its expansion and rebranding into the CLIMB Fund effective July 1. As Charleston LDC, the organization made over 490 loans worth $24.5 million to affordable housing developments and entrepreneurs, according to a press release, helping to create over 1,100 jobs and 472 affordable housing units. The organization has 197 active loans worth $11.3 million in six South Carolina counties, and 56 percent of borrowers are female, minority or veteran owned businesses. Read more.
Upgrades ahead for public housing. Residents at three downtown public housing complexes will get renovations through a federal rehabilitation process of repairs and updates that allows most families to stay in place. Changes are ahead for these three complexes: Kiawah Homes, built in 1953 and home to 61 apartments at 2226 Sunnyside Drive; Meeting Street Manor, built in 1937 and home to 201 apartments at 230 Hanover St.; and Robert Mills Manor, built in 1938 and home to 222 apartments at 83 Beaufain St. Read more.
Scott kicks off Senate reelection bid. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., last week kicked off a bid to be reelected to the seat he holds. An election, which Scott says will be his last, is to be next year. More.
Big check to fuel half million meals. Crews Subaru and Subaru of America donated $86,561 last week to the Lowcountry Food Bank to help feed food-insecure neighbors in 10 coastal counties of the state. The donation will create more than 500,000 meals for people who struggle with hunger, the nonprofit said.
Send us a letter
We love hearing from readers. Comments are limited to 250 words or less. Please include your name and contact information. Send your letters to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com. | Read our feedback policy.
Tough photo ahead
Here’s a photo of a location in the Lowcountry that may look familiar, 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. And if you’ve got a clever mystery photo for our readers, send it to the same address (Try to stump us!)
Our previous Mystery Photo
Last week’s mystery, “Curious bridge,” was one of the toughest ever. Only one person, Chris Brooks of Mount Pleasant, identified it correctly as a pedestrian bridge that connects to the West Ashley Bikeway near Playground Road.
Explains James Island resident Archie Burkel, who submitted the photo: “The ‘Bridge’ is in the Forest Park Playground area which includes the W.L Stephens Pool, tennis courts and Joe Griffith Miracle Field. It connects that complex to the West Ashley Bikeway. It was apparently installed by some very creative architects when we were quarantined . It was a wonderful surprise for us walkers and swimmers once we could resume our normal activities.”
- 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.
From music to markets and more
Party at The Point: 6 p.m., Fridays in July, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, Mount Pleasant. The long-beloved Happy Hour concert series is back with live music and plenty of food and drinks. Each event is limited to 600 general admission ticket holders. Tickets are available at citypapertickets.com. All shows are $10, with children 12 and under are free. Gates open at 5 p.m. The lineup:
- July 9: New Ghost Town.
- July 16: The Red Dog Ramblers.
- July 23: Mr Holland’s Oats: A Tribute to Hall and Oates.
- July 30: Rock the 90s: The Ultimate 90s Tribute Band.
Johns Island concert: July 10, Johns Island County Park. Enjoy the Motown sounds of The Legacy on July 10. Gates open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. Shows end by 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $60 per 10×10 square, not per person. Squares are limited to four people max. Guests must arrive together, as each vehicle must have a ticket for entry. Squares will be available on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. Each show will also offer food vendors; no outside food, alcohol or coolers will be permitted. Alcohol will be available for purchase. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, tables, etc. to be used at their space. Masks are required, except when eating.
Safe Sounds: Firefly Distillery, North Charleston. Head over to citypapertickets.com to secure a spot. Tickets are available now. Doors open 6 p.m. for shows that begin an hour later. (Editor’s note: City Paper Tickets, which is run by sister publication Charleston City Paper, is operating ticketing for Safe Sounds.) Check out some of the shows that are on the way:
- July 15: Sevendust with Austin Meade and Kirra.
Shaggin’ on the Cooper: 7 p.m., July 31, Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. The SugarBees will perform live music as part of this popula Charleston County Parks monthly event. More shows on Aug. 21, Sept. 11 and Oct. 23. Gates open at 7 p.m. Click to learn more and buy tickets.
Art of Jazz Series: 6 p.m., Aug. 25, Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., Charleston. The 2021 Art of Jazz Series of original music inspired by art at the museum will feature the Geoffrey Dean Trio on Aug. 25. Tickets are $40.
Ongoing
Now free: Weekend beach bus. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority is operating a new Beach Reach Shuttle with hourly weekend service to provide a new connection between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms. Landside Beach Reach parking is located along Market Center Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. The on-island Beach Reach stop is located at 9th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, adjacent to public beach access. Open through Sept. 6 from 9:15 a.m. through final departure from Isle of Palms at 5:35 p.m. Cost: free.
The Lawn Party exhibition: Through Sept. 19, Charleston Museum, Meeting Street, Charleston. The Charleston Museum is pleased to present The Lawn Party: From Satin to Seersucker, the latest offering in its Historic Textiles Gallery. In an “unprecedented” era when large gatherings have been discouraged and fashion has trended towards leisurewear, this exhibition is a celebration of getting dressed up for an outdoor party. Bringing a hint of glamour to a trying time, the garments on display were selected with the grand idea of “after” in mind. This is a perfect opportunity to come see what to wear for your next outdoor event as we head toward the new “normal.”
Reviving photos. Through Oct. 31, Charleston Museum, Meeting Street. The museum is exhibiting The Lowcountry in Living Color: Making Historical Photographs Come to Life as the latest offering in its Lowcountry Image Gallery. Colorizing black and white pictures allows viewers to see components that otherwise might be overlooked. Buy tickets.
Birds of Prey flight demonstrations: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 Highway 17. Awendaw. The center has reopened its doors to visitors after closing due to the COvID-19 pandemic, inviting people to once again come and explore the world of raptors through an outdoor program and flight demonstration. Tickets: . $20/adult; $15/children age 3-17.
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.
Farmers markets
Here’s a look at a bunch of local farmers markets where you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, crafts and more. If you know of others, send us a note at: feedback@charlestoncurrents.com.
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market: 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Tuesday, Market Pavilion at Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Check here for more.
Holy City Farmers Market: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Wednesday, Holy City Brewing, North Charleston. vendors rotate weekly to provide shoppers with a tiny but mighty shopping experience. vendors will be selling a range of products from specialty foods, home and body care to arts and crafts. More info.
West Ashley Farmers Market: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Wednesday, Ackerman Park, 55 Sycamore Avenue, Charleston. More.
North Charleston Farmers Market: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Thursday, Felix Davis Community Circle in Park Circle. The market offers fresh, locally grown produce as well as arts-and-craft vendors, specialty foods and live music. More.
Charleston Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday, Marion Square, 329 Meeting St., Charleston. More.
Summerville Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday, First Citizens Bank parking lot near Town Hall, 200 S. Main Street, Summerville.
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. More info.
- 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.
We 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! And it includes cool stuff about the community that’s hard to find elsewhere. 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.
OUR UNDERWRITERS
Charleston Currents is an underwriter-supported weekly online journal of good news about the Charleston area and Lowcountry of South Carolina.
- Meet our underwriters
- To learn more about how your organization or business can benefit, click here to contact us. Or give us a holler on the phone at: 843.670.3996.
OUR TEAM
Charleston Currents offers insightful community comment and good news on events each week. It cuts through the information clutter to offer the best of what’s happening locally.
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 21942, Charleston, SC 29413.
- Phone: 843.670.3996
Charleston Currents is provided to you weekly by:
- Editor and publisher: Andy Brack, 843.670.3996
- Contributing editor, common good, Fred Palm
- Contributing editor, money: Kyra Morris
- Contributing editor, Palmetto Poem: Marjory Wentworth
- Contributing photographer: Rob Byko
- Charleston Currents also uses content from the outstanding staff at the Charleston City Paper, a sister publication.
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
Subscriptions to Charleston Currents are free.
- Click here to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We don’t want to lose you as a reader of Charleston Currents, but if you must unsubscribe, you will have to do it through the email edition you receive. Just go to the bottom of any of your weekly newsletters and click the “unsubscribe” function. If that doesn’t work, please send us an email with the word “unsubscribe” in the subject line.
- © 2008-2021, City Paper Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Charleston Currents is published every Monday by City Paper Publishing LLC, P.O. Box 21942, Charleston, SC 29413.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Use our feed
Send us your comments
