THE MOTHERLODE: Well, now you know the place from which street vendors get all of those "genuine fake watches" sold across the world. The motherlode appears to be a souvenir stand outside the historic Roman ruins of Ephesus, Turkey. Oh, and you can alwo buy hats, books, bags, shirts, Turkish delight, sunglasses and all sorts of other stuff in the shop. (Photo by Andy Brack.)

THE LIST
:: Growing and giving

GOOD NEWS
:: Lots to do, promos, honors

FEEDBACK
:: Will miss Ann Thrash

ALSO INSIDE

___:: CALENDAR: This week ... and next

___:: REVIEW: Send us a review

___:: HISTORY: Slave badges

___:: LAGNIAPPE: July artist

___:: QUOTE: On change

___:: SPOTLIGHT: Meet an underwriter

UNDERWRITERS AND PARTNERS

ABOUT US

CharlestonCurrents.com offers insightful community comment and good news on events twice each week. It cuts through the information clutter to offer insight and news on the best of what's happening locally. What readers say

TODAY'S FOCUS
Shark Week to offer "love at first bite" for remarkable creature
By ELIZABETH BENDER
South Carolina Aquarium
Special to CharlestonCurrents.com

JULY 22, 2010 -- Shark sightings and shark attacks have been swimming through news headlines from North Carolina down to Fripp Island as of late. An obvious inhabitant of South Carolina waters, sharks typically evoke deep fears by beachgoers and fishermen, and attacks do not help their already bad reputations. Sharks are in no way a creature to interfere with, but they are a remarkable species to appreciate with rare abilities and an irreplaceable spot in the marine life world.

Bender

Sharks have incredible sensory organs. They can pick up sound waves from more than three miles away; detect a single drop of blood in water the size of an Olympic swimming pool; and locate prey in absolute darkness. Because sharks reign at the top of the food chain, their unique skills are important for finding and preying on wounded and sick animals, keeping populations healthy and our ocean's ecosystem in balance.

Looking at sharks as a whole, of the almost 400 species of sharks, less than two dozen are considered a threat to humans. In fact, more people are killed from household objects, bee stings, and farm animals each year than by sharks. Today in fact, sharks are actually in greater danger from humans than we are from them. Thousands of sharks are harvested each year for food and commercial products from artificial skin to vitamins. It is guessed that for every human attack that is made, approximately one million sharks are killed (Project AWARE).

A perfect time to learn more truths about shark species is fast approaching. Each year, the South Carolina Aquarium celebrates all things shark in conjunction with the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. This year's festivities begin July 30 and promise to bring new insight and appreciation for sharks.

A sandbar shark. Photo courtesy of the S.C. Aquarium.

Families, children and adults alike will fall in love with sharks as they watch shark-themed dive shows, participate in new special interactive activities such as 'Sharkeology' and 'Shark Shapes,' venture through Shark Alley to see the real size of some of these silent giants and of course, marvel at live sharks swimming in the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Great Ocean Tank. As a memento, kids should make sure to collect the limited-edition 'Shark Week' Silly Band, take their picture at one of our shark-themed photo boards and get creative at the craft station led by our partner, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry.

For those who can swim with the big fish and understand that sharks are not to be feared, plan to join us on Thursday, Aug. 5, for a free viewing of the classic shark movie, "Jaws" at the Aquarium's Movie on the Lawn. A fun and entertaining film, enjoy "Jaws" knowing that the events in this movie are as unrealistic as aliens and mermaids. To help assure those who may be doubtful before the movie starts, watch an Aquarium-made short film on shark myths to learn more about these silent swimmers. The lawn opens at 7 p.m. with the movie beginning at dark. Free to the public, donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the conservation efforts at the Aquarium. Snacks, sodas and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Viewers should plan to bring their own chairs or blankets. No coolers or pets allowed.

Shark Week activities are included free with general admission or membership to the Aquarium. For more information, visit scaquarium.org/sharkweek or call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

Elizabeth Bender is marketing and public relations coordinator at the S.C. Aquarium, an underwriting partner of Charleston Currents.

CURRENTS
Lawyer's book for kids shares lessons from purple toenails
By ANN THRASH, contributing edotor

JULY 22, 2010 -- Imagine you and a friend are strolling along the beach on a hot summer day, enjoying the sun, sand and sea breezes, when you notice that a man walking by you has purple nail polish on his toes.

Thrash

What would you think? What would you say to your friend when you were sure the man was out of earshot? Maybe you'd snicker and make a disparaging joke. Maybe you'd think, "Hey, whatever -- more power to you, buddy." Maybe you'd wonder to yourself, "Boy, there's gotta be a great story behind that."

And on that last count, you'd be right.

Hahn

Last summer, Charleston trial lawyer Blair Hahn let his 18-year-old daughter talk him into going with her to get a pedicure while the family was at Pawleys Island. "She was talking about what a bonding experience it would be for us to get pedicures, but I think she was really trying to snooker me into paying for it," he says. So off the two went to a salon for their father-daughter pedicures.

When the time came to pick a nail polish color, Hahn's daughter chose bright pink. He jokingly asked, "What about me?" Much to everyone's surprise, Hahn decided to pick a polish for himself. "I picked the brightest color I could find, which was purple, just to see how my daughter would react," he says.

Everyone in the shop laughed about it, and Hahn decided to leave his toes painted just to see what the reaction would be elsewhere when people saw a 50-year-old man walking around with vibrant purple polish on his toenails. Those reactions -- and the lessons he learned from them -- are the subject of Hahn's new children's book, "My Purple Toes."

"I was amazed at both the positive and negative responses I got," says Hahn. "They made me realize that people need to take life a little less seriously and learn to laugh and smile a little more."

The book, Hahn's first, is a board book geared toward those 5 and under. Local artist Tate Nation provided the whimsical illustrations, working with Hahn, a managing partner at Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, for about nine months on the project. A significant portion of the proceeds are being donated to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that distributes shoes at no cost to people in need.

Hahn says the comments he got about his purple toes tended to fall along gender lines, and sometimes came from total strangers. "I got a number of positive reactions, mostly from women," he says. They'd want to know the story behind how he ended up with purple-polished toes and would say things like, "Good for you!" or "That sounds like fun!" The toddler set usually giggled. "When you can get a giggle out of a 3-year-old, that's always a good thing," says Hahn.

Men, though, would typically look and then just walk away without comment. "What was funniest to me was the reaction from the Bubba type, if you will, on the beach who really didn't know how to deal with something like that," he says.

Hahn hopes the book helps kids understand that we all need to take ourselves a little less seriously, and that we should let other people be who they want to be without passing judgment - just as we hope they would do for us. "The big lessons, I think, are to have fun and enjoy life and learn how to giggle and laugh, and also to be open and accepting of others," Hahn says.

And all of that goes hand in hand with another lesson noted at the book's Web site: "Remember, always 'be a kid' even as you get older. It's the best way to have fun!"

"My Purple Toes" costs $10.99 and is available online or at Wonder Works. Look for it in other local book stores soon.

Contributing editor Ann Thrash writes a column every Thursday for Charleston Currents. You can reach her at a new email address: ann@charlestoncurrents.com.

FEEDBACK
Switching gears

To Charleston Currents:

I am sorry to see Ann [Thrash} switch hats, but I look forward to the new one she will be wearing. I will always be grateful for her kindness to The Hat Ladies.

-- Archie Burkel, Top Hat of The Hat Ladies, Charleston

Editor's note: While Ann Thrash has stepped away from daily editing duties starting with this issue, she'll continue to write a weekly column every Thursday.

• Send us your thoughts. We love getting input from you. If you have an opinion you'd like to share, send your letters to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

SPOTLIGHT
Charleston RiverDogs

The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring CharlestonCurrents to you at no cost. This issue's featured underwriter is the Charleston RiverDogs. The Lowcountry’s leader in sports entertainment, Charleston RiverDogs baseball is an attractive, affordable medium for your group or business. The RiverDogs develop the next major league stars for the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees at one of the finest ballparks in Minor League Baseball -- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Three short words sum up the every day approach taken by the Charleston RiverDogs front office. The brainchild of club President Mike Veeck, the nine-letter phrase “Fun Is Good” is meant to be a guideline and daily reminder of how employees should approach their jobs and in turn capture the imagination of the fans to turn them into repeat customers. Call them today at (843) 723-7241 or visit online at: www.RiverDogs.com. Next home stand is July 28-31 against the Greenville Drive.

GOOD NEWS
Just look at what you can do outside this weekend!

Have a child who complains that there's nothing to do this summer? Then you're not using Charleston County's parks enough.

The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission offers a bunch of affordable activities every week. Just take a look at all of the stuff that's going on this weekend:

• Birdwatching. Every Saturday at 8:30 a.m., you can go on a guided walk at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel to learn about habitats for birds, butterflies and other organisms. Preregistration is recommended. Chaperones needed for walkers under 16.
  
  
• Family climbing. Children ages 4-13 will climb while parents learn to belay at James Island County park starting 9 a.m. Saturday. Children ages 14 and up can learn to belay as well as climb. A registered and paid chaperone is required for children ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.
  
  
• Canoeing. For just $34, parents and children can have a day of fun on an Edisto River canoeing trip. Participants will meet at the CCPRC headquarters on James island at 9 a.m. Saturday. Check the CCPRC Web site for details.
  
  
• Longleaf pine needle baskets. At 10 a.m. Saturday, you can learn how to turn needles from longleaf pines into works or art. As participants coil and weave, they'll learn more about the ecology, historical uses and the decline of longleaf forests. For ages 9 and up.
  
  
• Sunset canoeing at Caw Caw. Enjoy an interpretive paddle at dusk. Witness the sun as it slips below the trees of Caw Caw Swamp and watch the moonrise over Tea Farm Creek. Starts at 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• Folly kayaking. Departing Folly River boat landing at 11 a.m. Sunday, Parks staffers will kayak with participants to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. Morris Island Lighthouse will be on the horizon as kayakers paddle with the dolphins, explore the beach and old Coast Guard Station, and then catch the shuttle ride back. Pre-registration required.

Pearce named new Chamber chairman

Pearce

Robert W. Pearce Jr., a corporate and technology lawyer with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, became the new chairman of the board of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce on July 1.

Pearce will serve for a year as head of the 2,000-member Chamber. The organization also this month announced its new board of director's, a who's who of more than 60 local civic and business leaders. More: www.charlestonchamber.net

Boat landing to be renamed to honor Thomas

The County Farm Boat Landing in North Charleston will be renamed 10 a.m. today in honor of the late W.O. Thomas Jr., the county's treasurer for 28 years.

Thomas, who passed away in April at age 85, served Charleston County as treasurer from 1968 to 1996. After retiring, Thomas remained an active member of several community organizations, including the American Legion, the North Charleston Exchange Club, the Scottish Rite and Omar Shrine Temples, the Hammerton Lodge and others.

To honor Thomas, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is renaming the landing. Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor Sr. and Vice Chairman Elliott Summey will speak at the dedication ceremony today at the landing on Bridgeview Drive off Leeds Avenue in North Charleston.

Schoolfield joins Community FirstBank

Sherry G. Schoolfield has been named vice president and compliance manager of Community FirstBank in Charleston. She'll be in charge of the bank's regulatory compliance management program to ensure all state and federal laws and guidelines are met.

Schoolfield

A native of Kannapolis, N.C., Schoolfield has 29 years in banking, the last 14 of which were in compliance at Coastal Federal Bank.

"We are pleased to announce the addition of Sherry to the Community FirstBank team," said David L. Morrow, executive vice president of Carolina Financial Corporation, the parent company of Community FirstBank. "She has a wealth of banking compliance experience and knowledge, which will no doubt be a tremendous asset for Community FirstBank."

RECOMMENDED

HAVE A REVIEW? If you have a review or recommendation of a book, movie, restaurant or local arts endeavor, please send no more than 150 words to editor Ann Thrash. Make sure to include your name and full contact information.

An act in 1749 to provide a "public hospital for all sick sailors and other transient persons" began the organized care that led to the joint effort by the city of Charleston and the federal government to build the Marine Hospital.

In 1830 Congress finally appropriated funds to hire the architect Robert Mills to design a hospital building. After various changes in the proposed location and construction, building began on the Marine Hospital about 1831 and was completed in 1833. The city began its operation in 1834, using federal funds for maintenance.

Charleston's earliest Gothic-revival-style building, the hospital on Franklin Street faced west, with double piazzas for the use of the patients. There were eight wards: three on the first floor for surgical cases and five on the second floor, one for venereal cases and four for medical cases.

At the outbreak of the Civil War the hospital was placed under the direction of the surgeon Alexander N. Talley, medical director of the Confederate forces in South Carolina, but sick seamen still retained the privilege of admission. After a short time the direction of the hospital returned to the municipal authorities, who operated it until the end of the war. Damage from the Union bombardment was so extensive that federal authorities decided the building should be abandoned as a hospital.

From 1866 to 1870 a free school for black children was conducted in the building by the Episcopal Church, staffed by fifteen white Charleston women. In 1895 the Marine Hospital building was occupied by the Jenkins Orphanage, founded for black children in 1891 by the Reverend Daniel J. Jenkins, a black Baptist minister. In 1939 the Housing Authority of Charleston remodeled it as its administrative offices. The two rear wings, weakened by fires, were demolished during the renovation.

-- Excerpted from the entry by Jane McCutcheon Brown. To read more about this or 2,000 other entries about South Carolina, check out The South Carolina Encyclopedia by USC Press. (Information used by permission.)

LAGNIAPPE
July's featured library artist

Spartanburg artist Isabel Forbes is featured this month in the Saul Alexander Gallery in the main branch of the Charleston County Public Library on Calhoun Street. According to a press release, "Her goal is to connect with the viewers through strong design and choice of subject matter."

The exhibit, which runs through the end of the month, features scenes from her life as she travels between the Upstate and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

SISTER PUBLICATIONS

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CREDITS

CharlestonCurrents.com is provided to you twice a week by:

• Contributing editor: Ann Thrash
• Contributing editor, business: Peter Lucash
  
• Editor and publisher: Andy Brack, 843.670.3996
  

Address: P.O. Box. 22261 | Charleston, SC 29413

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© 2008-2010, Statehouse Report LLC. All rights reserved. CharlestonCurrents.com is published every Monday and Thursday by Statehouse Report LLC, PO Box 22261, Charleston, SC 29413.

THE LIST
Growing and giving

The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival grows more, and gives more, each year, as new data from the 2010 festival show. Here are five stats from festival organizers that show what a positive impact the event is having on local businesses and charitable causes.

• The 2010 festival more than doubled its economic impact on the Charleston area, from $2.36 million in 2009 to $5.09 million in 2010.
  
  
• The festival's two signature charities -- Louie's Kids and Slow Food Charleston -- received $27,500 and $22,500, respectively. Louie's Kids is a nonprofit that raises funds to help treat childhood obesity. Slow Food Charleston is an advocacy group for a food system based on high quality and taste, environmental sustainability and social justice.
  
  
• Proceeds from the event will also allow the festival to fund scholarships of $5,000 scholarship to the College of Charleston, $10,000 to the Culinary Institute of Charleston and $5,000 to the Art Institute of Charleston.
  
  
• During the 2010 festival, some 2,100 pounds of food was donated to Crisis Ministries, and 9.795 tons of garbage was diverted from the local landfill with an implemented recycling program.
  
  
• In the festival's five years to date, it has contributed $179,500 to local charitable efforts.
  

QUOTE
Has it changed that much?

"It is a matter of common knowledge that the government of South Carolina is under domination of a small ring of cunning, conniving men."

-- The late Strom Thurmond during the 1946 South Carolina gubernatorial contest

CALENDAR: THIS WEEK

Youth Theatre Camp: Through July 30, Charleston Acting Studio, 915 Folly Road. Kids ages 8 to 13 can learn about acting, singing, dancing and various aspects of production in a professional theatre setting. The studio is the educational arm of Midtown/SheriGrace Productions. Session one (July 5 to July 16) meets 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; session two (July 19 to July 30) meets 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both sessions will end with a musical performance for family and friends on the second Saturday of camp. Registration/more info: 795-2223.

Revolutionary War Tours: 4 p.m. Thursdays in July, Heyward-Washington House, 87 Church St. The museum house will offer the special tours, which focus on the connection the house and its previous residents had to the Revolutionary War. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children (free for Charleston Museum members). Reservations not needed. More info: 722-2996, ext. 235.

Food and Farming Course: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays for nine weeks, beginning in June. The Food and Farming Entrepreneurship Course is offered by FastTracSC and Clemson Extension for those who are interested in becoming food-system entrepreneurs (urban/rural farmers, local food artisans, chefs/caterers, bakers, food media, processors, etc.). Cost: $145. More info: elizabeth@lowcountrylocalfirst.org.

CALENDAR: ONGOING AND SOON

Delicious AND Good?: 6:30 p.m. July 28, Charleston Cooks, 194 East Bay St., downtown. Holistic chef and gRAWnola creator Ken Immer will lead a cooking class titled "Delicious AND Good for You?" featuring easy recipes and ideas to raise the "health quotient" of your kitchen without sacrificing flavor or taking extra time and effort. Menu includes cucumber and avocado soup, grilled vegetable pilaf with sprouted quinoa, summer slaw with kale and arame, saucy Brussels sprouts, and Key lime pie. Cost: $60. Register online or call 722-1212.

Shark Week: Daily July 31 to Aug. 8, South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. A weeklong event for kids featuring all things shark, including shark-themed dive shows, interactive activities such as "Sharkeology" and "Shark Shapes," playing in the shark cage, trips along Shark Alley, and the chance to get photos taken in the mouth of a shark. All activities free with general admission or membership. More info: 577-FISH (3474) or online.

Ready, Set, Enroll: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3, Trident Technical College, all three campuses. Free event to get information on Trident Tech programs, financial aid, enrollment, etc. Welcome sessions will be held at 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The three campus locations are Main Campus, 7000 Rivers Ave., North Charleston (Building 410/Student Lounge); Palmer Campus, 66 Columbus St., downtown Charleston; and Berkeley Campus, 1001 S. Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner. More info, including a list of suggested documents to bring: 574-6111 or online.

'Uncooking' Demo: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4, SieMatic Kitchen Store, 444 King St., downtown. Slow Food Charleston will host an "Uncooking" demo with raw-foods chef Helen Greenfield of Johns Island. Tasting menu includes Raw Sprouted Organic Almond "Mylkshake," Okra-Eggplant Crackers, Sweet Potato-Pineapple Cookies, and Fair Trade Cocoa Stuffed Dates. Cost: $10 for Slow Food Charleston members; $15 nonmembers. Reservations (required): 853-9120 or rsvp@slowfoodcharleston.org.

'Jaws' on the Lawn: 7 p.m. Aug. 5, Liberty Square, downtown Charleston by the South Carolina Aquarium. Watch the all-time classic shark movie "Jaws" during the aquarium's Shark Week celebration. Lawn area opens at 7 p.m. and movie starts at dark. Before the movie, guests can interact with roving educators and watch an aquarium-made short film on shark myths. Bring your own chair or blanket. Snacks, sodas and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. No coolers or pets allowed. Donations will be taken at the door to benefit conservation efforts at the aquarium. More info: 577-FISH (3474) or online.

CYP Summer Soiree: 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Aug. 6, Francis Marion Hotel, corner of King and Calhoun streets. The Charleston Young Professionals group will host its "Summer Soiree - the Black Tie, Blue Jean Event," featuring food, drinks, networking opportunities, giveaways and music from DJ Doug in the Carolina Ballroom. Cost: $60 CYP members, $75 nonmembers. Tickets/more info.

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FOCUS ARCHIVES

9/30: Starland: Visual arts
9/27: Vural: Art, essay contest
9/23: Blanchard: House in order
9/20: Barry: Going "social"
9/16: Hutchisson: Being green
9/13: Schleissman: Wood workshop
9/9: Kirby: Sobering success
9/6: Brooks: Great volunteers
9/2: Graul: Lowcountry Loc 1st
8/30: Pearce: Pro terminal
8/26: Roof: Great tax credit
8/23: Rawl: New education
8/19: Peters: Getting lead out
8/16: Frazier: Magnolia gardeners
8/12: Myers: Redux art
8/9: Ginn: Opportunity Next
8/5: Barnette: Hedwig show
8/2: Deaton: Lured back
7/29: Hannah: SCRA center
7/26: Parezo: Personal chefs
7/22: Bender: Shark Week
7/19: Witty: Growth in down market
7/14: Carroll: Networking
7/7: Blanchard: Financial planning
7/1: Shaffer: Picky Eaters Group

• More of Focus in the archives

ANN THRASH ARCHIVES

9/30: Making It Grow
9/23: Diving into the Lowcountry
9/16: Curbing domestic violence
9/9: Shrimp-baiting time
9/2: Tail-wagging and -gating
8/26: Urban gardening
8/19: Nirvana, Class of '14
8/12: History is interesting
8/5: Robert, Variety Store
7/29: Lazy? Boiled peanuts
7/22: Purple Toes book
7/14: Art opens doors
7/1: Lots to do on 4th
6/24: Ways to nab skeeters
6/17: Dump the Pump, more
6/10: Lots to do locally
6/3: Dancin' for dollars

• More Ann Thrash in the archives

ANDY BRACK ARCHIVES

9/27: Haley-Sheheen race
9/20: Political, energy efficiency
9/13: British invasion
9/6: Meet Dave the Potter
8/30: Gulf pix make impact
8/23: Thank a teacher
8/16: Pharmacy, juice
8/2: Cherry juice, Gardner
7/26: Biden on Hollings
7/19: About Turkey
7/7: Campaign trash
6/28: Impatient electorate
6/21: Haley's thin record
6/14: Daddy-daughter trip
6/7: Gulf spill report

• More Andy Brack in the archives

PETER LUCASH: BUSINESS INDIGO

7/14: Tech After 5 hits Chas
7/1: TwelveSouth scores praise
5/27: Facebook on privacy
5/13: Spark Charleston, more
4/22: Green Wizard, more
4/1: Encouraging biz signs
3/18: Biz fair, CED venture
3/4: Lowcountry tech hub
2/4: Advice on working with Boeing
1/21: Co-working group
1/7: Free library text questions

LIST ARCHIVES

9/30: 5 kids' books
9/20: 5 for kayaks
9/23: 5 for pets
9/20: 5 at the Gibbes
9/16: 5 date nights
9/13: 5 fall plants
9/9: 5 wine resources
9/6: 5 magical moments
9/2: 5 great preachers
8/30: 5 local runs
8/26: 5 great cookbooks
8/23: Creative five
8/19: 5 local blogs
8/16: More plaudits
8/12: 5 local dog romps
8/9: New heritage sites
8/5: 5 around Chucktown
8/2: Bedside reading
7/29: Five for fall
7/26: Hollings library
7/22: Wine + Food fest
7/19: New Chas app
7/14: Chas at top
7/7: SC films
7/1: Keeping cool

• More Lists in the archives
  
  
• Let us know if there's a broken link