Charleston Currents

Focus

Myrtle Beach crews cut trees to pull them off lines off 48th avenue. (Photos courtesy of Santee Cooper.)

FOCUS, photo essay: Santee Cooper crews restore power

Staff reports | Electrical power started popping off early Saturday as Hurricane Florence lingered, dumping rain throughout eastern North Carolina, the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. More than a million reportedly lost power in North Carolina. In South Carolina in Santee Cooper’s retail service area, more than 50,000 customers lost power in the storm.

But the utility’s crews, ready for days to jump into action, quickly got to work to restore service to homes and 21 transmission delivery points, most of which were in the North Myrtle Beach-Little River region, according to spokesman Mollie Gore.

Crews, who battled foul weather and wind for hours, were able to turn on the lights to 48,000 customers by Sunday afternoon – a huge effort after a huge storm.

by Charleston Currents · 09/17/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news, Photo Essay

FOCUS: Batten down the hatches: Get ready for Hurricane Florence

Staff reports | Lowcountry residents are being asked by state and local officials to prepare for a major hurricane, including the possibility of evacuation, as the Carolina coast braces for landfall later this week.

“Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best,” Gov. Henry McMaster said throughout the weekend.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg on Sunday said the city was getting ready.

“This is shaping up to be a major hurricane,” Tecklenburg said. “City government continues to get ready for whatever impacts the storm may bring. We ask that citizens do the same by reviewing your family’s plan and paying attention to any announcements from the Governor or other state emergency officials.”

by Charleston Currents · 09/10/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS, White: A local example of excellence and exceeding expectations

By Craig White | I have a similar story [to Brack’s column on Joshie the Giraffe] involving the staff of Charleston Place.

My wife, two small children (ages 10 and 7) and I were visiting Charleston over a decade ago. At dinner the night before we were scheduled to head home to Greenwood, my wife started feeling very ill. We decided to get up early the following morning and get her home. As the night progressed, she grew much worse and was in terrible pain. We bundled the kids up and took her to MUSC’s emergency room.

On the way out of Charleston Place, I told the front desk staff that I was taking my wife to the hospital and I would be back as soon as possible to pack and check out. They said not to worry about it and wished us well at the hospital.

by Charleston Currents · 09/04/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: Prints in Clay at Gaillard to celebrate spirituals, culture

Staff reports | As the last vestiges of summer are replaced by the chaos of back to school, the Charleston Gaillard Center is bringing the Lowcountry a reason to celebrate fall with Prints In Clay, a multi-disciplinary event celebrating the impact of the African-American culture on the city of Charleston.

Prints in Clay features an evening of commissioned arrangements of African–American spirituals featuring the powerful voice of mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges accompanied by an instrumental septet and Lowcountry Voices as well as a two-week photography exhibit by the Slave Dwelling Project in the grand lobby of the Gaillard, tours of the back buildings and former work lots of Charleston’s private historic homes, and a historically informed dinner featuring the food of the African diaspora.

The event title, Prints in Clay, comes directly from Joe McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project. In describing one patron’s experience during a slave dwelling tour, McGill noted …

by Andy Brack · 08/27/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: Start the day with a great breakfast

By Jennifer Bonham, Envolve | Kicking your day off with a breakfast that’s high in protein will help you to keep your energy level up, improve your body’s metabolism, build and repair your muscles, and make you feel fuller longer. The health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, are pleased to share five easy, healthy and delicious breakfast options that will help you dominate your day.

Opt for oatmeal. Full of protein and fiber, oatmeal isa versatile choice that will keep you full until lunch. Use skim milk instead of water when you’re making it to increase the protein even more. Sprinkle fresh fruit and your favorite nuts like walnuts or pistachios on top to add some crunch and additional health benefits. Looking for a savory breakfast option? Use oatmeal for your base, add some low-fat cheese, dust with pepper or other spices, and top with cut-up veggies like tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach. You can even toss in some turkey bacon or other lean meats to up the flavor and protein. The variations are endless!

by Charleston Currents · 08/19/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: 5th annual S.C. Reggae Jerk and Wine Festival is Aug. 26

By Herb Frazier, contributor | Celebrate Jamaica as you wine and dine at this charity event, the 5th Annual SC Reggae Jerk Wine Festival from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26, at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Sample the succulent taste of Jamaican jerk paired with wines while enjoying Reggae music.

Guests receive a complimentary engraved 9-ounce wine glass to commemorate the event, as well as a complimentary jerk sample paired with wine.

by Charleston Currents · 08/13/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: Rooftop bars offer great views of Holy City

By Gary Crossley, special to Charleston Currents | There has been an explosion of new rooftop bars and restaurants in Charleston in the past few years.

Here is an alphabetical list with the name, hotel/restaurant, and location of 17 current options, with more planned in the next couple of years.

Enjoy this list and the beautiful views of the Charleston area, compliments of LovetoDineOut.com mobile app, Facebook page, and web-blog.

by Special to Charleston Currents · 08/06/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: National Lighthouse Day is Aug. 4 on Sullivan’s Island

Staff reports | You can celebrate National Lighthouse Day on the grounds of the U,S, Coast Guard Historic District from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 4.

“We hope that people from the local communities and those from afar will come out and explore the grounds of the U.S. Coast Guard Historic District and learn about Charleston Light,” said Chief of Interpretation Paula Ogden-Muse.

Visitors may view exhibits in the historic life-saving station boathouse, according to a press release from the National Park Service. Activities for children include boat building and a special junior ranger activity to earn a badge. Additional exhibits will focus on water safety and lighthouse preservation.

by Andy Brack · 07/30/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: Visionary Whipper has made good things happen

By Steve Skardon | It is hard to imagine The Palmetto Project without Carrie Fulse Whipper.

For eighteen years, she has guided some of our most essential programs, including our signature statewide initiatives in African American health. After this month, she will be moving on to new work that also includes time for her grandson, Benjamin.

Carrie is the definition of a change agent. When she came to The Palmetto Project, she already had a vision for new ways that religious and community institutions could turn around soaring rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke in marginalized communities.

by Charleston Currents · 07/23/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

Rendering from Calhoun Street of fellowship benches, fountain and congregation. Credit: Image courtesy Dbox for The Mother Emanuel Nine Memorial / Handel Architects

FOCUS: Architect unveils Emanuel AME Church memorial design

Staff reports | Architect Michael Arad revealed design plans July 15 for a permanent memorial honoring the victims of the 2015 shooting that left dead nine members of Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.

Arad, the architect behind the National September 11 Memorial in New York, conveyed his inspiration for the Emanuel Nine Memorial at the church following a ceremony celebrating its 200th anniversary.

“The inspiration for this memorial draws on Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church as a historic place and as a congregation,” Arad said in a statement. “Throughout its 200-year history, it has endured slavery, discrimination and racism. When worship and assembly were banned, the church resisted and provided a place of fellowship and sanctuary.

by Charleston Currents · 07/16/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news