Charleston Currents

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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

"Requiem for Mother Emanuel #7," 2016, by Leo Twiggs; batik; 30 x 24 inches. Image via Gibbes Museum of Art.

GOOD NEWS: S.C.’s Twiggs wins Gibbes’ 1858 Prize

Staff reports | Orangeburg artist and arts educator Leo Twiggs has won the $10,000 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art, according to the Gibbes Museum of Art and its 1858 Society. A formal announcement reportedly will be made today.

A painter born in 1934 in St. Stephen, S.C., who works with wax and batik, Twiggs is the first South Carolinian to win the prize, awarded since 2008.

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

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

NEWS BRIEFS: Red Cross has emergency need for more blood

Staff reports | While thousands of people have responded to an emergency call by the American Red Cross for blood and platelet donations, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.

According to a press release, Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

by Andy Brack · 08/06/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

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

GOOD NEWS: Literary festival lasts through Saturday, more

Staff reports | The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is celebrating writing this week through Aug. 4 with the Write On! Literacy Festival with talks with authors, workshops and other writing activities.

On July 28, the festival included the first OtrantoCon 2018, a free event for all ages who love anime, comics, science, fiction, fantasy and cosplay, at the Otranto Road Regional Branch.

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

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

GOOD NEWS: New Charleston Waterfront Pass debuts

Staff reports | The South Carolina Aquarium, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and the Charleston Water Taxi have announced a new, joint promotion: the Charleston Waterfront Pass. For the first time, the three organizations have partnered to create a special pass that is perfect for families and visitors who want to see two of the top Charleston-area attractions and enjoy a boat ride across the harbor.

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

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

GOOD NEWS: 200,000+ ladybugs to be released July 21 at Magnolia

Staff reports | Two of the Lowcountry’s most popular sports mascots will be the grand marshals July 21 during the fifth annual ladybug release at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

More than 200,000 ladybugs will be released after a parade of two red Volkswagen Beetles, resembling giant ladybugs, brings mascots Charlie T. RiverDog of the Charleston RiverDogs and Cool Ray of the Charleston Stingrays to the lawn in front of Magnolia’s Main House.

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