Charleston Currents

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Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley, suspended from a crane during her recovery from Charleston Harbor, Aug. 8, 2000. Public domain photo via Naval Historical Center.

FOCUS: Remembering adventurer and author Clive Cussler

By J. Dean Foster, special to Charleston Currents | Dirk Pitt never cried, until today.

Rest in peace Clive Cussler, a true gentleman, a throwback and a real life adventurer followed and enjoyed by millions of readers.

He was my client. I met him in May 1995 when he called late at night from the Mount Pleasant Holiday Inn bar and insisted I come there immediately.

He was with his team of hired divers, just returned from a mile out of Charleston harbor and with startling news: they discovered the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to sink a warship.

Cussler and crew were celebrating with rounds of drinks: Guinness in a glass mug with a shot of Gosling’s Black Seal rum dropped into the bottom. They called it “Hunley’s depth charge” and pushed one my way.

by Charleston Currents · 03/02/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

Rotarians Dan Ravenel and John Tecklenburg, both past presidents of the club, with wildlife statuary at the Rotary Fountain.

GOOD NEWS: Rotary Club of Charleston celebrates 100th birthday

Staff reports | The Rotary Club of Charleston marked the 100th anniversary of its formation with the Saturday dedication of a bronze sculpture display adorning the Rotary Fountain in Marion Square. As part of the celebration, club members also held a Saturday evening gala at the Francis Marion Hotel.

by Charleston Currents · 03/02/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

FOCUS: Political world to descend this week on South Carolina

Staff reports | It will seem like you won’t be able to turn a corner this week in Charleston without bumping into a presidential candidate, a staffer, a reporter or a camera crew.

The political world — with reporters from as far away as Sydney, Australia — will descend upon the Palmetto State in search of the “what’s next” in the horse race of a presidential contest known as the Democratic presidential primary.

The week will start with town halls by CNN, followed by a Tuesday evening Democratic debate aired nationally from the Charleston Gaillard Center to Saturday’s first-in-the-South presidential primary. Republicans elected to not have a primary. But that won’t keep away GOP President Donald Trump, who will have a rally Friday in North Charleston in what some critics see as part political-stalking, part-voter intimidation and part-spurring of members of his party to interfere with the Saturday election.

by Charleston Currents · 02/23/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

NEWS BRIEFS: One80 Place meets $24 million affordable housing goal

Staff reports | A recent $250,000 grant from Dominion Energy pushed One80 Place, a local nonprofit developing affordable housing for the homeless, over a $24 million goal to build more housing.

The multi-million-dollar project, known as 573 Meeting Street, will be a permanent home for more than 70 formerly homeless individuals, and the second floor will be a brand-new family shelter for women and children. Annually, One80 Place re-houses or prevents homelessness for nearly 1,000 individuals.

by Charleston Currents · 02/23/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

FOCUS: Tubman book featured in Magnolia’s Children Garden

By Herb Frazier | In honor of Black History Month, Tri-County First Steps has placed in the Children’s Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens the book “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

This book is a tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and ability to navigate nature and the outdoors. It is the perfect book for children 5- to 8-years old. Scan a QR code on the book’s cover to hear an interactive storytelling session narrative by Dorchester County First Steps Director Crystal Campbell.

Parents can listen to the story using their cellphones to enjoy Campbell’s lyrical story that brings the full radiance of Tubman’s life. Pages of the book have been placed on 16 story boards along a winding path in the garden.

by Special to Charleston Currents · 02/17/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

NEWS BRIEFS: State to have largest surplus in history

South Carolina expects to see its largest surplus in history as revenue projections from last year are off by more than 15 6 percent, or about $567 million more than originally forecasted. While the excess money is rooted in missing the mark on revenue forecasts — something that caused the state to have mid-year cuts at the start of the Great Recession — some lawmakers say they aren’t worried and even expect at least one more surplus adjustment before the end of the fiscal year in June.

by Charleston Currents · 02/17/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

FOCUS: Advice on how to avoid identity theft during tax season

With tax season in full swing, the S.C,Department of Revenue (SCDOR) reminds South Carolinians to be on the lookout for identity theft schemes.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses a Social Security number (SSN) and other personal data to file a bogus tax return and receive the refund. The IRS warns taxpayers to look for the following signs of identity theft:

+ Receiving a letter from the IRS or the SCDOR asking about a tax return you did not file
+ Learning you cannot file a tax return online because of a duplicate SSN
+ Receiving an IRS notice that an online account has been created in your name or an existing account has been accessed or disabled
+ Receiving an IRS or SCDOR notice about collection efforts for taxes from a year you did not file a return …

by Charleston Currents · 02/10/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

GOOD NEWS: Former lawmakers hold informal reunion

Several former Charleston-area legislators held a reunion this week at Bowen’s Island, the seafood joint run by former state Rep. Robert Barber near Folly Beach. They enjoyed laughs, old war stories and, according to former state Rep. Jimmy Bailey, “no arguments!”

by Charleston Currents · 02/10/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

Blackbaud received Charleston Animal Society's Community Ambassador Award at the Society's 146th Annual Meeting. Blackbaud President & CEO Mike Gianoni and his wife Kathie are surrounded by Charleston Animal Society Board Members and staff (L-R) Patricia Henley, Joe Elmore, Laurel Greer, Carolyn Murray, and Hank Greer.

FOCUS: Charleston Animal Society celebrates 146 years

Staff reports | The Charleston Animal Society celebrated 146 years of preventing cruelty to animals on Jan. 26 at Blackbaud World Headquarters. Before hundreds of supporters, the Animal Society gave away two significant awards:

The Community Ambassador Award went to Blackbaud, Inc.
The Elizabeth Bradham Humanitarian Award went to Dr. Shirley McGreal, the founder of the International Primate Protection League (IPPL).
Brabham presents award to McGreal, right.

Blackbaud software is used by thousands of nonprofits around the globe. Blackbaud was honored by Charleston Animal Society for building a better community for all of us and showing compassion for animals through their actions.

by Charleston Currents · 02/03/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

FOCUS: Thousands expected at weekend’s Charleston Food Truck Festival

Staff reports | More than 25 food trucks with the best of mobile culinary delights will be at a major food truck round-up 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Navy Yard (1681 McMillan Ave.) in North Charleston. Admission is free.

The festival will offer fun for the whole family with everything from great food and tasty treats to thrilling activities for kids and adults, who will be able to partake in beverages to slake their thirst. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be available for kids.

The annual festival started in 2011 with five food trucks and about 500 guests. Since then, it’s grown to more than 10,000 people over two days. This year in addition to great food and drink, guests will be able to ride a Ferris wheel, bounce on a Bungee trampoline and navigate an obstacle course. Music will be provided Saturday by Weigh Station and Sunday by Gifted Soul.

by Charleston Currents · 01/20/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news