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 ON THE MOVE: Photographer Michael Kaynard says he can set his watch by this infant version of mass transportation. He snapped this picture in front of the French Huguenot Church on Church Street. "These children are from our famous St. Philips Church. When I see them go by my office every day, I know it is 11 a.m. The caption for this should read: 'Hey, why aren't we moving? Break time is over lady.' " |
TODAY'S FOCUS :: On affordable dental care CURRENTS :: Eating with an edge THE
LIST GOOD
NEWS HISTORY
ALSO INSIDE ___::
CALENDAR: This week ... and next |
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MARCH 7, 2011 - It is estimated that 108 million Americans lack dental insurance and 1 in 3 American adults haven't seen a dentist in the past year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, affecting more than 25 percent of those who are between 2 and 5 years old.
Finding affordable, reliable dental care is a challenge for everyone as young children, adults and the elderly all need - and deserve -- quality care. The U.S. Surgeon General has stated that oral health is an essential and integral component of overall health as millions of people in the United States suffer from dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancer, and cleft lip and palate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 70 percent of those who have to buy their own health plan do not. A solution to the dental crisis is to increase access to care by tearing down the barriers that prevent many from going to the dentist in the first place: mainly cost -- for the patient and the dentist. This can be accomplished by creating a systemized way to help dentists reduce or eliminate the added overhead costs associated with numerous insurance paperwork issues and the difficult collection process. Currently, a typical dental office can see up to 30 to 40 percent of its net revenue going to expenses that didn't enhance patient care but went to insurance and administrative related issues. The key to lowering fees for the patient is to eliminate the added costs of dealing with a 3rd party. This will allow them to offer lower fees and preventative care by eliminating the fees associated with a "Middle Man." The result is a dynamic plan that lowers the overall cost for patients and the dental office. At a time when health insurance premiums are rising as much as 25 percent and when parents can't afford quality basic dental care for their kids, it's time that dentists everywhere take this situation into their own hands and be part of the solution. Dr. Earl C. Price of Bluffton, S.C., works with Quality Dental Plan to make a difference by giving new patients without dental insurance a compelling reason to go to dentists.
MARCH 7, 2011 - "Eater" is the first word that describes Mississippi food writer John T. Edge on his blog. (). Other words that work: Food enthusiast, gourmand, devotee, gastronome or "ultimate Southern foodie."
Edge, director of the Southern Foodways Alliance at the University of Mississippi, is an eater on a mission: to find and preserve traditional Southern food traditions and celebrate the bounteous food cultures we have. With a crack team of researchers, volunteers, professionals, chefs and fellow foodies, the SFA makes documentary films about good Southern food, has conferences, collects oral histories and publishes good writing about what we eat. In town last week for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Edge helped to host a "Potlikker Film Festival" for more than 100 people who ate traditional foods, such as squirrel gravy, oyster beer and potlikker - the pungent liquid that remains from seasoned collard greens. Among the short documentaries viewed at McCrady's Restaurant were films featuring Bertha's Kitchen in Union Heights, Buckshot's Restaurant in McClellanville and Bowens Island Restaurant near Folly Beach.
"If you bring somebody from Louisiana here, they'd recognize the food" as something like what they have at home, Edge explained. "Red rice, is just one step removed from jambalaya, for example. If they are a thinking eater, they'd realize the African-ness of this food." For Georgia native Edge, food provides a way to connect Southerners and illustrate how they have more in common than they may think. Using food as a backdrop gives the SFA "a teaching moment" because people tend not to think about race, class or other separations when eating, he noted. For people who grow up around the Lowcountry, that means understanding "you are as much African in your cultural composition as you are western European," he said - and that's for blacks and whites.
It was fun -- and educational -- breaking cornbread with John T. Edge. You can learn more about what he and the SFA is doing by viewing some of its 29 films online. In particular, take a look at these three by Joe York:
To the editor, I have done a study on the problem of should we dredge or should we not dredge? It only took me 3-4 minutes and I will only charge a greatly reduced consulting fee of $10,000. We need it -- so do it. We must if we want to keep and increase shipping in and out of Charleston. My address is in the book, please make the check out to:
Chamber
involved in conference too
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What If? Productions, the producer of last season's rock musical event "Hedwig & the Angry Inch," returns March 10 with another contemporary theater offering with Neil Labute's bloodthirsty collection of modern day horror tales, "Bash: Latterday Plays."
Evil has never looked so wholesome as in the glowing smiles of four characters as they describe the events of a particular day in their ordinary lives. This seductive and brutal night of theater tells three different stories ("Iphigenia in Orem," "A Gaggle of Saints," and "Medea Redux") told by seemingly everyday, attractive all-American God-fearing folk as they slowly unravel confessional tales from the darkest corners of their souls. As their stories unfold, you find yourself asking "And what happened next?" until their confessions take unexpected twists and leave you breathless in disbelief. As The New York Times put it in their review of the original, "Then comes a moment ... as though characters from 'Ozzie and Harriet' had suddenly pulled a shiv on you." This intimate, seductive and frighteningly real piece of theater comes from the mind of celebrated contemporary playwright Neil Labute ("Fat Pig," "The Shape of Things," "The Mercy Seat") and features local stage veterans Carri Schwab ("Circle," "Mirror Transformations") and What If? Artistic Director Kyle W. Barnette ("The 39 Steps") along with Allison Schnake and Young Stowe. All four characters use their charm and cleverness to tell tales where these very good people end up doing unforgivably bad things, yet manage to gain your sympathy right to the very end. "Bash" features a new original music score by What If? Music Director Alex Hennessey. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. March 10-12 at CBT Black Box Theatre, 477 King St. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students (at the door day of show). Purchase online at www.whatifproductions.org or by calling 843-793-1731. Ceremony to mark 150th anniversary of Civil War's first shot On the morning of April 12, 1861, Company C of the South Carolina Battalion of Artillery was stationed at the Beach Battery at Fort Johnson on James Island. Captain George James, company commander, gave the order to fire a shot on Fort Sumter. Lieutenant Henry Farley pulled the lanyard on the 10-inch seacoast mortar, firing a signal shot over Fort Sumter. This is regarded as the "first shot" of the Civil War. On April 12, 2011, the town of James Island, in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, will host a commemorative ceremony at Fort Johnson to mark the 150th anniversary of the first shot. The one-hour ceremony will start promptly at 6:45 a.m. with the firing of an authentic 1840 10-inch seacoast mortar, a match to the gun that fired the first shot. The keynote address will be offered by state Sen. Glenn F. McConnell. The event is free and open to the public; however tickets are required for attendance. Tickets may be requested by emailing firstshot@knology.net. Requests are limited to two tickets each. Given a limited number of tickets and the large demand, a lottery will be conducted at 2 p.m. March 15 at the James Island Town Hall to determine the issuance of tickets. After the close of the ceremony, the Fort Johnson site will be open for visitation. A guided tour of Fort Johnson will be offered during the day and information on points of interest will be available. Woodlands Inn gets 'World's Best Hotel Value' honor Woodlands
Inn, already one of the country's most-acclaimed hotels, has another accolade
-- that of "World's Best Hotel Value." 
The March
issue of Travel + Leisure bestowed the ranking on the Summerville property,
which in turn is offering a specially discounted $91.77 per person nightly
rate, double occupancy, based on the score it received from the magazine's
readers - 91.77 out of 100. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has joined forces with Jersey Mike's Subs restaurants throughout Charleston in a March "Month of Giving" fundraising campaign.
During the month of March, customers can make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at any area Jersey Mike's store. Customers making a $5 donation will receive six specially branded Jersey Mike's Silly Bandz and a coupon for a free chip and a drink. One hundred percent of Silly Bandz sales will be donated to the charity. "Make A Difference Day" will take place at Jersey Mike's stores nationwide to benefit more than 60 different charities in celebration of the Northeast-style sub franchise's 55th Anniversary. On March 28, Charleston residents are invited to make a minimum contribution of a dollar to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in exchange for a "buy one regular sub, get one free" deal, although the hope is that customers will respond by giving what they would have paid for the sub. Chamber again receives five-star accreditation The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has been awarded 5-Star Accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce for its policies, organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.
"Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community," said Raymond P. Towle, the U.S. Chamber's executive director of political affairs and federation relations. In order
to receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their
operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs,
and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months
to complete.
Claude Richelieu McMillan was born in Mullins on November 8, 1899, the son of Malcolm L. McMillan and Mary Alice Keith. He earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of South Carolina in 1922. On Jan. 27, 1923, he joined the South Carolina Highway Department. Over the years the Highway Department promoted the able engineer and administrator from junior engineer to district engineer, and in January 1941 he was named state highway engineer. As state engineer, McMillan advocated the change from concrete- to bituminous-surfaced highways. On July 17, 1947, the State Highway Commission dismissed J. Stanley Williamson and named McMillan chief highway commissioner effective July 18. This appointment climaxed months of rivalry between McMillan and his predecessor. A court challenge ensued, and the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the Highway Commission could not dismiss a chief commissioner during his elected term "without due cause." Williamson returned with reduced responsibilities, but McMillan held the actual power with the title of "executive secretary." Williamson resigned in September 1948. McMillan's tenure as chief highway commissioner was one of unparalleled growth. He created a division to oversee license examinations and the Highway Patrol; survived a struggle with Gov. Strom Thurmond over converting the patrol into a state police organization; and created a public affairs office. In 1950 he successfully lobbied for a one-cent increase in the state gas tax to fund construction and maintenance of South Carolina's burgeoning highway system. In January 1952 he had signs erected at South Carolina's borders that read "Welcome to South Carolina. See the Best State on the Best Roads." In addition, McMillan worked to convince the General Assembly that work on a statewide highway system was never complete and that paving farm-to-market (secondary) roads led to increased highway fatalities. To McMillan, the key to safe roadways was the construction of controlled-access highways with frontage roads. On February 16, 1956, his pioneering vision became a reality when the South Carolina General Assembly approved construction of limited-access highways with adjacent frontage roads. Four months later the U.S. Congress authorized $32.5 billion for road construction and launched the era of the interstate highway. Active in his profession, McMillan was president of the South Carolina Society of Engineers and of the prestigious American Association of State Highway Officials. In 1957 Clemson University honored him with an honorary doctor of engineering degree. The pinnacle of McMillan's fourteen-year career was when the U.S. Congress authorized $98 million over three years for South Carolina's interstates. To McMillan, the interstate system was "the greatest public works construction program the world has ever known." He awarded South Carolina's first interstate contract in 1956. After a long illness, McMillan died in Columbia on February 12, 1961, and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
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Five for the planet Going green just isn't what it used to be. According to a recent Harris poll, only a third of Americans say they are concerned about the health of the planet they're leaving behind for future generations -- compared to 43 percent in 2009.
Ironically, it's easier than ever for individual Americans to make a profound impact in the quality of our environment. We asked Kevin Mills, South Carolina Aquarium's president and CEO, to list five ways you can help the planet:
To learn more about
the South Carolina Aquarium and environmental stewardship, visit the Aquarium's
web site: www.scaquarium.org. "Fashion is
a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months."
Student recital: 6 p.m., March 10, Simons Center Recital Hall at the College of Charleston. Charleston Academy of Music piano, violin/viola, and guitar students will perform. The recital will be free of charge. CAM's Kidzymphony Orchestra will open the recital, and a student string ensemble also will perform. (NEW) Yoga at The City Gallery: 6 p.m., March 10, 17, 24 and April 14. The Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Yoga at The City Gallery at Waterfront Park. Admission: $10. Yoga mats are available for rent if you do not have one. Greater
Tuna: 7 p.m., March 11, Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom.
The Flowertown Players present as dinner theater "Greater Tuna."
Set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the "third-smallest"
town in the state, this play is both an affectionate comment and biting
satire on small town Southern life. Tickets: $35 each. Call Pam Smith
at 843-740-5847. Ticket includes dinner, gratuity, and play. Parking is
free. CALENDAR:
ONGOING AND SOON
(NEW) Walk for Water: 9 a.m., March 19, Cannon Park, corner of Calhoun Street and Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston. In its fifth year, the Water Missions International 3.5-mile Walk for Water advocates for those affected by the global water crisis while raising funds to provide safe water around the globe. Registration is $15 and includes a free T-shirt; children under 10 years old are free. More info.
Parks customer appreciation day: March 20. Come enjoy all the play with none of the pay during Customer Appreciation Day at Charleston County Parks. Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission offers free gate admission to Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center, North Charleston Wannamaker, Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands and James Island County Parks. Free parking offered at Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms County Parks, as well as the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, where fishing is free for the day. Mount Pleasant Pier also will offer complimentary fishing, but parking fees still apply.
(NEW) Writing from memory: 6:30 p.m., March 25, the Sophia Institute, 297 East Bay St. Workshop with author Josephine Humphreys. Fiction and memoir may seem to be opposites, but there's a surprisingly thin line between the two. The essence of both is story. In this workshop participants will talk about the memory-treasury, the writer's principal resource, and how it can be accessed for effective fiction and memoir. Tuition: Friday night lecture, $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Workshop (includes lecture): $195. For more information and to register, go online. Polaridad Complementaria: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues.-Fri. and noon to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., through March 27. Polaridad Complementaria: Recent Works from Cuba, an exhibition that introduces North America to the new generation of influential artists from Cuba, is on view at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park. More than 40 works of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and installation art provide a sense of the serious aesthetic and conceptual concerns that characterizes Cuban art today. Admission free. Cuban Exhibit: Through March 28, City Gallery at Waterfront Park. An opening reception for Polaridad Complementaria: Recent Works from Cuba, an exhibition that introduces North America to the new generation of influential artists from Cuba, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4. The exhibit offers more than 40 works of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and installation art to provide a sense of the serious aesthetic and conceptual concerns that characterizes Cuban art today. The City Gallery, at 34 Prioleau St., is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Landscapes of the Lowcountry: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Through March 31, Charleston Area Convention Center gallery viewing area, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston. Charleston Artist Guild member Barrie Hinson will exhibit plein air landscapes in oil in this exhibit of recent works titled "Landscapes of the Lowcountry." Admission free. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
FOCUS ARCHIVES 4/21:
Gilbert:
Uganda trip DOUG BOSTIC: CIVIL WAR HISTORY 2/10: War prep offsets horseracingANDY BRACK 4/18:
Better
redistricting MARSHA GUERARD 3/3: Watching Charlie, selves2/24: Oysters, pigs, chickens 2/17: Law student's brief 2/10: Simple act of beauty 1/3: Spoleto plans 12/27: Hunger, homeless 11/11: Veterans Day 10/21: Charleston: good performer 8/19: How many med schools for SC? PETER LUCASH: BUSINESS INDIGO 2/24:
Internet
addresses GREG GARVAN: CHARLESTON GREEN 3/3:
Recycling
more ANN THRASH: FOOD & DRINK 2/28:
Wine
+ Food LIST ARCHIVES 4/21:
5
on SC Path |
"In
very few places in the country can you find food of the quality at this
price and with this integrity," Edge said while gnawing a fried pork
chop at Bertha's. Also on his plate: red rice, okra soup, greens and cornbread.
My plate looked similar, but had perfectly-fried chicken that was the
color of caramel. It was about the best I'd ever tasted. 
Keeping
Southern food traditions fresh also helps connect traditional cooks with
white-tablecloth chefs who constantly reinterpret what people are eating
for their fine dining restaurants, Edge explained. 
Andy
Brack, publisher of Charleston Currents, can be reached at: 
The
goal is to create awareness and raise funds so The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society can help cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma,
and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The campaign
will culminate in a nationwide event, Jersey Mike's "Make A Difference
Day," on March 28. 
Only
67 Chambers out of 6,939 in the nation have achieved five-star status.
The Chamber last was awarded five stars in November 2005.
(NEW)
Charleston Art & Antiques Forum: March 16-20. The Charleston
Art & Antiques Forum will feature as its keynote speaker Thomas P.
Campbell, director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, at 7 p.m.
March 16. The 14th annual forum program, "Made in America" -
Century by Century," will feature fine and decorative arts from the
founding of Jamestown in 1607 to contemporary ceramics. National experts
will discuss architecture, furniture, painting, silver, and ceramics.
Visits to significant local homes will be included. More information and
purchase of ticket packages are 
(NEW)
Bikers4Africa: 10 a.m. (registration) to 2 p.m., March 19.
Organizers are trying to raise $18,000 to send a Water Missions International
water treatment system to Uganda. More than 20 million Ugandans lack clean
water. Low Country Harley-Davidson and Market Street Saloon invite all
bikers (regardless of motorcycle brand) to meet at Low Country Harley-Davidson
for the Bikers4Africa ride. Registration is $20 per rider, $5 per passenger.
Kick stands up at noon for a police-escorted ride through some of the
most beautiful parts of Charleston. The ride returns to the dealership
at 2 p.m. for an after-party. 
Scrabble
Tournament:
2 p.m., March 20, Taco Boy restaurant. New local publishing company
Surcee Press will host a Scrabble Tournament on the outdoor patio at Taco
Boy. Official Scrabble competition rules and dictionary will be enforced
by timers, scorekeepers and judges. The three-round tournament will consist
of 64 competitors. The winner will receive a cash prize, and there will
be rewards for all who participate. Proceeds will go towards the June
2011 publication of "A New Guide to Charleston" by Surcee Press.
To purchase $12 competition and/or $24 board donation tickets, or to learn
more,