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 RIOT OF RED: The walk to work is an exercise in observation for Michael Kaynard, who took time out on Wednesday to capture a shot of the play of light through a maple at 133 Broad St. in downtown Charleston. |
TODAY'S FOCUS :: Group backs more for CARTA CURRENTS :: Date night with the RiverDogs THE
LIST CHARLESTON
GREEN GOOD
NEWS HISTORY
ALSO INSIDE ___::
CALENDAR: This week ... and next |
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APRIL 14, 2011 - Area residents can take a stress-free ride to Sunday's Blessing of the Fleet at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Memorial Park by using East Cooper's new CARTA bus route system, which will be making special runs that day.
As CARTA
rolls out its three new routes this Sunday in Mount Pleasant, Sullivan's
Island and the Isle of Palms, a new rider's transit advocacy organization
has formed to support the effort. The East
Cooper CARTA Riders group will push for more public transit improvements
East of the Cooper, including service to and from Daniel Island.
A CARTA bus visited the campus with CARTA transportation director Peter Tecklenburg to introduce the students to public transportation, including how to read a bus schedule and how the wheelchair lift worked. Following the transit education event, East Cooper CARTA Riders assisted Tecklenburg in positioning the interim bus stop on Highway 17 for Park West, the first fixed bus stop in that community's history. Next week,
the CARTA Riders will support a two-day transit community canvass effort
to deliver information on the new bus routes to 3,000 East Cooper businesses
and residences. Volunteers wishing to assist in that effort can see a
video on the effort and sign up on the group's Web site.
The Web
site was produced by Seth Miller, a transit advocate living in Chapin,
S.C. The group's new logo, a bus traveling over the Ravenel Bridge, was
designed by local artist Kevin Rockwell. The "out of service"
heading sign on the bus in the logo will change as the group takes on
new projects.
APRIL 14, 2011 - Date Night at my house usually looks pretty much the same: dinner and a movie. With a daughter about to graduate this spring with a degree in filmmaking, it's a good thing we keep up with the latest flicks. But sometimes it feels so ho-hum.
Opening Night will be highlighted by - what else? - a movie premiere theme, featuring a red carpet, special player introductions and tuxedo-clad ushers. If that isn't enough, it's also Force Protection Red Shirt Friday, which means RiverDogs fans who wear red to the game can save a $1 on their admission ticket and then donate it to a local military family in need. Then there's the perfect capper to the evening -- Piggly Wiggly Postgame Fireworks.
The fun doesn't stop there. After a four-game set with the Braves, the New York Yankees-affiliated RiverDogs welcome the Greenville Drive for an extended five-game series as the Charleston faithful are offered a glimpse of the future of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. What makes all of this even more fun are the perennially clever RiverDogs promotions. Among this season's highlights are the inaugural Lowcountry Local First Go Local Saturday and RiverDogs Helm-Hat (beanie-with-a-bill) giveaway on April 16, Kids Opening Day on April 17 and a Halfway to Halloween celebration on Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, April 21. Baseball fanatics can also satisfy their hardball craving after a long winter away from the game by rooting on The Citadel and the RiverDogs at a two-for-one rate with back-to-back doubleheaders on April 22 and 23. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, call the Riley Park Box Office at 843-577-DOGS (3647) or log on to www.riverdogs.com.
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring CharlestonCurrents to you at no cost. This issue's featured underwriter is Maybank Industries, LLC of Charleston, SC. With broad experience in commercial and government operations, Maybank Industries applies deep-rooted commitment to teamwork, reliability and personal service to provide innovative business solutions for project development, information technology, logistics, vessel design, shipping agency services and marine terminal operations, both locally and internationally. Maybank Industries applies a powerful blend of professional expertise to research, analyze and develop tailored solutions with thorough plans of action, combining a heavy dose of common sense to solve today's needs that can adapt to changing or evolving requirements. More: Maybank Industries and Maybank Systems.
APRIL 14, 2011 -- This spring will see the beginnings of Charleston's new "Green Energy System," including the wind turbine testing facility and a 26-acre study campus for students who will be involved with the private companies on the old Naval base. Over the next two years we will see many of the buildings come to life, moving Charleston forward into a deeper green economy. Save money online: Online banks are not only helping us reduce our carbon footprint, some of them have much lower costs than their brick-and-mortar competitors. The Wall Street Journal reports that "Schwab, State Farm and Ally bank all offer accounts that don't require a minimum balance and don't have monthly fees." These three also pay you back, in essence, for any ATM fees you incur. Schwab Bank and State Farm bank even pay back ATM fees incurred out of the country! Wow, you can save money and reduce your impact. Saving on gas: Regardless of your political opinions on gas prices and which way they 'should' head, they are going up. We have been reminded for years how to minimize our gas usage, but allow me to repeat a few: slow down! Don't waste the gas on warming up your car, especially in Charleston. Use your cruise control when doing highway driving -- the consistency of it really does lower your gas mileage.
Home sales were up 19 percent in March, and median price is within 4 percent of where it was in 2010, according to preliminary data released by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors.
"Showing such strong sales volume this early in the season is an excellent indicator that potential buyers are recognizing the opportunity and taking advantage of our region's selection of well-priced homes," CTAR President Rob Woodul said. "We anticipate a busy buying season, and as buyer demand increases, prices should follow suit -particularly as we continue to work through the inventory of distressed properties." March and April historically signal the beginning of the typically busy spring buying season, but last year, there was the additional appeal of the Homebuyer Tax Credit, which is no longer offered. "At this time last year, we were experiencing significant sales growth and buyer interest as a result of the tax credit benefits - the fact that we are seeing this volume of sales again this year is very encouraging and certainly an indicator of a stabilizing market," Woodul said. There were
8,663 homes listed as actively for sale with the Charleston Trident Multiple
Listing Service as of March 31, 2011. East Cooper Medical Center will offer free osteoporosis screenings on April 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the 1st Floor Classroom at 2000 Hospital Drive in Mount Pleasant. Statistics indicate that while the disease is more common in older people, it can strike at any age, and millions of people are at risk. Additional statistics show that the disease is responsible for 1.5 million fractures a year and costs the country $14 billion dollars annually. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 44 million Americans (68 percent are women). It's a simple heel scan with immediate results. Call to reserve a spot at 843-884-7031. Budig to speak at Citadel Graduate College event Charleston RiverDogs' co-owner Gene Budig will deliver the commencement address to The Citadel Graduate College Class of 2011 at 5 p.m. May 7 in McAlister Field House.
"We're delighted that Gene Budig is this year's CGC commencement speaker," said Brig. Gen. Samuel Hines, provost and dean of the college. "As a former president of three major universities and president of the American League, he has the perfect blend of education, business and sports experience to make him an inspiration to our graduating students." Budig earned a degree in journalism in 1962 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He earned his master's a year later and his doctorate in 1967. While attending college, Budig was also a member of the Air National Guard. A retired major general, his last assignment was assistant to the chief of the National Guard Bureau. For 23 years, Budig served in higher education as an educator and as president of three major state universities -- Illinois State University, West Virginia University and the University of Kansas. In 1994, he left the University of Kansas to become president of the American League where he oversaw the operations of 14 clubs and the construction of $2.2 billion in new ballparks. After serving at the American League for six years, he became the senior adviser to Major League Baseball, a position that he continues to hold today. Budig is now a distinguished professor and senior presidential adviser at the College Board in New York City and the author of The Inside Pitch, And More, A Game of Uncommon Skill and the recently released Grasping the Ring. He chairs College Ed, a national program funded by the Gates Foundation to increase college attendance. He has written essays for the Kansas City Star, The New York Times, USA Today and the Associated Press, and he is a frequent contributor to The Post and Courier. College students, 'Dogs team on backpack drive College of Charleston students are teaming up with the Charleston RiverDogs to start a "Back Pack Blitz," a drive to collect school supplies and backpacks for abused and neglected children in Charleston County served by the HALOS organization. The college's Office of New Student Programs and Residence Life will mobilize College of Charleston students to use their leadership and organizational skills to improve the lives of children in Charleston County.
In addition to containing items necessary for school, all of the backpacks filled by students at the College of Charleston will be packed with a special treat from the Charleston RiverDogs: four tickets to a baseball game as well as a RiverDogs hat. "It truly has been our privilege to work with Bruce and all the students at CofC with HALOS," Andy Lange, assistant general manager of the Riverdogs, said. "The small part that we play as an organization in helping these kids be kids is what the RiverDogs organization is all about. I hope that our donations for the backpacks can provide smiles for the children and lasting positive memories". School supplies will be collected for the "Back Pack Blitz" throughout the month of April, culminating in a celebratory gathering on April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Stern Center Gardens on the College of Charleston campus. Questions about the Back Pack Blitz can be directed to Josh Pernick, Americorps* VISTA Outreach Coordinator for HALOS, at 953-3085 or to Dr. Bruce Fleming, director of Living and Learning Communities at the College of Charleston at 953-6310.
The
first shot is fired After negotiations were exhausted with Federal commander Maj. Robert Anderson and with the arrival of the Federal fleet at the mouth of the harbor, Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard received permission from the Confederate government at Montgomery, Ala., to fire on Fort Sumter. At 3:30 a.m. on April 12, Beauregard aides Col. James Chesnut and Lt. Stephen Dill Lee notified Anderson that firing would commence in one hour. Anderson responded, "If we never meet in this world again, God grant that we may meet in the next."
Chesnut and Dill departed Fort Sumter, traveling by boat to Fort Johnson. Company C of the South Carolina Battalion of Artillery was stationed at Fort Johnson under the command of Capt. George James. James offered the honor of firing the first shot to Roger Pryor, a former congressman from Virginia. Becoming emotionally overwhelmed at the thought, Pryor responded, "I could not fire the first gun of the war." He then got into a boat with three aides and started rowing to Charleston at 4:15 am. Chesnut ordered James to fire the signal shot at first light. Lt. Henry Saxon Farley, commander of the beach battery, readied the 10-inch seacoast mortar and held the lanyard waiting for the signal. At 4:30 am, James gave the order; Farley pulled the lanyard and fired the signal shot that sailed on a perfect trajectory and exploded over Fort Sumter. By 5 a.m., guns from two James Island batteries, Cummings Point on Morris Island, a battery in Mount Pleasant and four batteries on Sullivan's Island were firing on Fort Sumter.
During the bombardment, the Confederate batteries had fired more than 3,300 shots, yet no man at Fort Sumter was killed. Fort Sumter had returned with 1,000 shots, but the Confederates only suffered one death, a man who died from wounds he received from a misfired gun. On April 13, Anderson agreed to evacuate the fort the next day. Charlestonians responded with great celebrations, bonfires and fireworks on hearing the news of the surrender. Charlestonian Henry William Ravenel pondered, "The first act in the drama is over! Will it end thus, or is it only the opening of a bloody tragedy?" On April 14 at 2:30 p.m., Anderson and his men assembled on the parade ground as the United States flag was raised for the last time. It was almost 4:30 p.m. when the garrison finally marched out of the fort to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," followed by "Hail to the Chief." The honor to occupy Fort Sumter the first night of Confederate control was given to the Palmetto Guard and Company B of the South Carolina Battalion of Artillery.
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Six sun tips
Spring is here! From gardening to long days on the boat, many will be outside in the sun. Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers and it accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the U.S. More than 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. Here are some helpful tips from local dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain to know before you head outside:
More: www.germaindermatology.com. "Human beings,
who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experiences
of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do
so."
Summerville's Got Talent Auditions: April 14 to June 13. Summerville D.R.E.A.M. invites contestants age 8 and up to privately audition to be a contestant at its "Summerville's Got Talent" live competitions at May, June and July's Third Thursday events. Musicians, bands, singers and dancers as well other forms of entertainment (magicians, ventriloquists) are encouraged to audition. An entry fee of $10 is due for each individual performer. More: (843) 821- 7260, email or Web site. Coppertones
in concert: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., April 15, Freshfields Village,
located on Johns Island between Kiawah and Seabrook islands. Experience
spring in full bloom as one of the premier party bands in the area performs
beach music, oldies, and R&B. Admission is free. Reflections of David Stahl: 8 p.m., April 16, Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston. A tribute to the late maestro David Stahl presented by The Charleston Symphony Chorus, Dr. Robert Taylor, conductor, as well as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, College of Charleston Concert Choir, members of the Taylor Festival Choir and other invited singers. Tickets: $15 - $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, go online. Wish Fundraiser: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., April 17. Johnson Hagood Stadium, 4th floor, 69 Hagood St. The Citadel Rotaract Club is helping make a 4-year-old Mount Pleasant girl's wish come true. Ansley suffers from Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and wishes to go to Walt Disney World to see her favorite Disney Princess, Ariel. The club will host a silent auction fundraiser through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Features a silent auction and complimentary hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine will be provided. Tickets are $20 at the door and include one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 each. CALENDAR: ONGOING AND SOON Hat Ladies Easter Promenade: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., April 23, promenade down Meeting Street below Broad Street. In honor of hat wearing traditions and the holiday spirit, all are invited to watch, wave and receive "HaTpy Easter" greetings. More. Social Media Seminar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 26. Step Ahead, a Charleston company specializing in social media marketing, is offering a first-time seminar on how to successfully use social media for business. The full-day seminar will be at the Charleston Digital Corridor, 475-A East Bay St. Members of the Step Ahead team will guide attendees "step by step" through all the key social media tools and share their experiences working with businesses of all shapes and sizes. Cost is $75. Register online or by email. Resume Webinar: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., April 27. Sponsored by the Center for Women, this live 90-minute interactive webinar will focus on resume preparation best practices. Registration required: $25.
Homeland Security Conference: May 4 and 5, Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston. ThinkTEC presents its 7th Annual Homeland Security Innovation Conference focusing on homeland security 10 years after 9/11. Keynote speaker is Mike McConnell, executive vice president, Booz Allen Hamilton, former U.S. Director of National Intelligence (2007-2009), former Director of the National Security Agency along with other homeland security specialist. There will also be an exhibition hall. Cost: $250 Chamber member/ government/ military, $375 non-member. More.
(NEW) Small Business Lunch: noon, May 5, Halls Chophouse. The King Street Marketing Group and the Hall Family are launching "Small Business Lunch at Halls," a forum for business leaders to be held the first Thursday of each month. The events will be ticketed, with a maximum of seating for 50 attendees at $28 per person. Parking is included in the ticket price. The launch event on May 5 will feature Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, who will discuss opportunities the Port of Charleston presents to area businesses, development plans for Union Pier Terminal and the newly formed Cruise Business Council. Tickets are available online. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
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This
year, though, I'm going to introduce the concept of fun to our Date Nights.
And the perfect opportunity presents itself this weekend, when the RiverDogs
start their season at home with a game against the Rome Braves.
Let's
be honest here -- when was the last time your Date Night involved fireworks?
Marsha Guerard, editor of Charleston Currents, can be reached at: 
Greg
Garvan of James Island is president of Money with a Mission, an 18-year-old,
fee-only financial planning firm that specializes in socially responsible/
'green' asset management. On the Web: 
During
March, 824 homes in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties sold
at a median price of $176,825, down slightly from the median price of
$185,000 in March 2010. 
"New
Student Programs and Residence Life at the College of Charleston is excited
to further develop our relationship with the HALOS Organization through
our Living & Learning Communities' Back Pack Blitz," Dr. Bruce
Fleming, director of Living & Learning Communities, said. "We
expect our student residents to be actively engaged in their surrounding
community."
Douglas
W. Bostick grew up on James Island, and his ancestors in South Carolina
date back to colonial America. He is the author of several books and
numerous articles that have appeared in historical journals, magazines
and national newsletters. A graduate of the College of Charleston, Bostick
earned a master's degree from the University of South Carolina. He is
a former staff and faculty member of the University of South Carolina
and the University of Maryland.
Peter Pan: 3 p.m. Sundays, 7:30 p.m., April 15-May 1, Dock
Street Theatre. The original full-scale production of J.M. Barrie's classic
Peter Pan, presented by Charleston Stage, takes flight with at the historic
Dock Street Theatre . Peter, Wendy, Michael and John take flight to Neverland,
using the magic of "Flying by Foy", the theatrical magicians
who have been flying Peter Pan since Mary Martin took flight in the 1950's.
For dates, times and to purchase tickets, 
