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 SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RAINBOW: Photographer Chuck Boyd recently attended a beach house party on Isle of Palms. "Thought I'd get some nice sunset shots but clouds rolled in so it was misty, gray and gloomy," Chuck said. "Then the clouds parted for a few minutes, the sun shone through the light drizzle and I found that rainbows come from gold-colored beer in bottles. Not sure what comes out of pop top cans or -- good grief -- kegs?!?" |
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MAY 26, 2011 - The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is celebrating 80 years of defending South Carolina's natural heritage.
In the depths of the Great Depression, making financial ends meet was everyone's highest priority, but that was not the only concern for South Carolinians. Harry Hampton, Zan Heyward and several others decided it was "now or never" in halting the demise of iconic wildlife species like the white tailed deer and the wild turkey. The only way was to go to outdoor enthusiasts around the state and sign them up for action. In 1931, our intrepid founders crisscrossed the state for several months and enrolled several thousand charter members and since then, South Carolina has had an organization that speaks up for wildlife and the South Carolina way of life so entwined with the enjoyment of the great outdoors.
At first blush, people are amazed to know that about 25 percent of the state's economy revolves around the out-of-doors. That's right! Independent studies document that activities related to conservation, natural resources, tourism, farming and forestry are the biggest economic sector in the state. In some ways, it's not surprising since our natural wonders, landscapes and wildlife are what keep Sandlappers rooted and what attracts families and seniors from other states looking to live, work and play in one of the most beautiful states in the nation. Regardless of what your interests are and regardless of your skill levels, there are fulfilling SCWF activities to enhance your enjoyment, your state of mind and your physical well-being. For youth, we organize youth walks and nature explorer trips year round. We also work with several groups on youth summer camps that focus on outdoor experiences.
The Federation also has a Backyard Wildlife Habitat program that allows homeowners to enhance their yards for wildlife and earn certification as a protector of wildlife. Other states also have similar programs, but South Carolina has the highest number per capita in the nation. Yes, when it comes to the outdoors, the Palmetto State can legitimately claim a number one ranking! We also have volunteer opportunities involving fundraising and events. Finally, we need everyone's help when important conservation matters are on the line in the state Legislature. It's hard to describe how important a few phone calls and e-mails to your lawmaker are when an important vote is coming up. We have an email alert system to let supporters know about critical votes, and it only takes a few minutes, but those few minutes can be a worthwhile investment if it means that our wildlife legacy can continue to thrive. South Carolina Wildlife Federation's work past, current and future can be summed up in its mission statement: ADVOCATE for wildlife habitat and the environment; EDUCATE citizens in the conservation ethic; and SUPPORT outdoor traditions.
Can Boomers earn an encore? By MARSHA GUERARD, editor MAY 26, 2011 - In his 2007 book, "Encore," Marc Freedman describes two starkly different scenarios as the United States' possible future: a bleak society, overwhelmed and to some extent enslaved by the demands of aging Baby Boomers, or a society that's actually stronger than it is right now because Boomers step in as heroes.
He wrote that book four years ago, and so far, we still appear to be headed for Scenario No. 1, wherein the huge demographic that includes the Boomer generations is sucking the Social Security system dry, demanding more of everything, and leaving little in the way of solutions for the generations to come. Freedman, the San Francisco-based founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, is pulling for Scenario No. 2, of course, wherein Baby Boomers who retire - or are bought out, laid off or canned to make way for younger, cheaper workers - are struck by the essential emptiness of their new leisurely way of life and awaken instead to the needs of the world around them. "This time," the Boomer says to him/herself, "I will create a career for the common good, one that will make the world a better place. I will _______ (fill in the blank … teach, nurse the sick, feed the hungry, end global warming), and it won't matter so much whether I am highly paid because A.) I planned ahead financially and/or B.) This is more important to me than my first career ever was." Certainly, the thought of a couple of decades of free time with little to fill it beyond golf or travel can't be a welcome one after a year or so. Anyway, precious few Americans have saved for such a long retirement. Many will be looking for a new career out of necessity. South Carolina could be the perfect crucible for Freedman's scenario. It's a small state and one with abundant problems in need of solutions. As of 2009, 13.7 percent of the Palmetto State's citizens were 65 or older, and an estimated 39 percent of the state's residents have passed their 45th birthday. But, while many Boomers may have the best intentions to give back to society, they're stymied by roadblocks to their encore careers: High tuition costs for retraining, blatant ageism by corporate decision makers and a lack of flexible options from potential employers to give them greater free time in a second career but not full retirement. Do we want to prevent the bankrupting of Social Security and Medicare? Would we respect a corps of older workers who have a desire to start a career that could make the world a better place? It starts with the 39 percent of us who are approaching that retirement age, but it can't be achieved without a change in government policy, hiring patterns and a more flexible attitude from potential employers and nonprofits.
Dear Charleston Currents: Thank you for capturing the beauty of the beautiful blue hydrangeas of the Lowcountry. A special thank you for writing about the coalition to help children exposed to domestic violence. Thank you to Solicitor Wilson and Dr. Ralston for their efforts on behalf of these children whose lives are so affected by what they witness and who may even perpetuate the cycle of violence without appropriate intervention. Thank you Ms. Nyquist by calling our attention to this need and to those addressing the problem.
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.
MAY 26, 2011 -- Innoventure completed its 7th year of meetings in South Carolina recently, and a key result was that many of the more innovative companies are really taking sustainability issues very seriously as they grow. It seems to be a realization that green and sustainable are very bottom-line economic issues for companies trying to grow, and not just environmental and social concerns. "Force of Nature" is a new book by Edward Hume all about "efforts that transformed a small project initially intended to insulate Wal-Mart from environmental criticism into a massive sustainability makeover, which now has snowballed beyond the retailer to influence whole industries, from apparel to dairy to banking. Now their fresh take on sustainability is empowering a virtual second industrial revolution based on a simple truth: The clean, green, efficient, less-wasteful, less polluting way of doing business can also be the most profitable way of doing business," according to an Amazon review. The world continues to grow grayer when the big-box leader becomes the green supply leader. Organic farmers, take note: Amy's Kitchen is an organic and natural food purveyor based in California, but they recently announced they are creating 700 jobs in South Carolina by opening their first east coast factory. The plant, which will occupy a former Sara Lee plant in Greenville County, is looking for organically grown food crops such as peppers, onions and broccoli, which should strongly encourage South Carolina organic farmers to both expand and seek certification. Amy's Kitchen is reportedly planning to make all of its frozen soups, pizzas and entrees at the site, once it is up and running.
Admission to Patriots Point will be free until 9 a.m. The guest speaker at the ceremony will be Naval Capt. Ralph Ward, deputy commander of Joint Base Charleston. Spend an evening with DuBose, Dorothy and Dot Join the South Carolina Historical Society in a celebration of the release of Dorothea Benton Frank's "Folly Beach: A Lowcountry Tale" on June 17.
Price is $125 per person or $225 per couple, which includes one hardcover copy of "Folly Beach." All proceeds will go to the preservation of the Society's invaluable collections. For additional information contact gloria.perla@schsonline.org, visit the Web site or call 843-723-3225 ext. 11. Tennis tournament will benefit abused, neglected children HALOS will host its 3rd Annual Hits for HALOS "All Mixed Up" Tennis Tournament, sponsored by Motley Rice LLC, at LTP Tennis in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.
"It has been our privilege to be involved with HALOS for years and in a variety of events. The Hits for HALOS event is another fun way for our firm and the community to help children in the area," said Michael Elsner, chairman of Motley Rice's charitable committee. The tournament will commence on Saturday morning, June 18, with qualifying round robin sets, followed by quarter- and semi-finals in the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch and an after-play party will be available to players on Saturday. Final rounds of play and presentation of prizes for top players will take place on Sunday, June 19. Registration is limited to 32 men and 32 women, and can be completed online by visiting www.charlestonhalos.org or by telephone at 843-953-3715. Registration is $150 per player and will close on June 3. HALOS is a Charleston-based nonprofit agency founded in 1997 by Dr. Eve Spratt. The mission of the organization is to provide resources and special opportunities to abused and neglected children and their caregivers through partnerships with faith-based and other community organizations. For more information, contact Elisa Mundis Strickler at 843.953.3715 or visit the website at www.charlestonhalos.org. It's
a small world after all
The Wallens
were in their hotel lobby when they noticed another couple wearing the
same red Viking Cruise stickers that they were wearing. Susan and Bob
approached the other couple to make introductions and found that the other
couple was from Connecticut. When the Connecticut couple learned that
Susan and Bob were from Charleston, they commented on how much they loved
Charleston. The woman went on to talk about how much they enjoyed the
portraiture exhibition they saw in October at the Gibbes Museum of Art
where the "best docent ever" conducted their tour. Susan, being
a docent at the Gibbes, looked at the woman gape-mouthed and then the
lady in Prague visiting from Connecticut paused, exclaimed "Oh my
goodness ... it was you!" and gave Susan a big hug. Chamber honors 11 companies with 1773 Chamber Awards For the fourth year, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has honored 11 dynamic businesses and industries that make up the Charleston region's economy and best reflect the vision, mission and core values of the Chamber through the 1773 Chamber Awards.
Initially dubbed North Ellenton by the press prior to its incorporation, New Ellenton was an offspring of the cold war in South Carolina and considered by many locals to have been "the first victim of the H-bomb." Incorporated in 1952, New Ellenton was the reincarnation of the town of Ellenton. This predecessor community originated around 1870 as a depot on the Port Royal Railroad. According to legend, the town was named for Mary Ellen Dunbar, a local girl who had apparently enchanted the railroad's president, Stephen Millett. Residing in the Dunbar family's home while surveying the route, Millett named the depot site "Ellen's Town," which was subsequently shortened to Ellenton.
New Ellenton grew rapidly and sprouted numerous businesses that competed to serve the expanding community. However, once the initial building frenzy at the Savannah River Site was completed and routine operations began, the trailer parks and construction workers disappeared. By 1960 New Ellenton counted 2,309 residents and its population peaked at 2,628 in 1980. Between 1970 and 1990 business declined as the nearby cities of Aiken and Augusta grew and attracted much of New Ellenton's retail trade. This contributed to an 11 percent decline in the town's population between 1990 and 2000.
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5 for a nonprofit tech boot camp
Nonprofit Boot Camp is scheduled for June 30 at Charleston Place. Visit here for registration details and watch for conference updates on Twitter.
"There are few nudities so objectionable as the naked truth."
Lowcountry Local First Happy Hour: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., May 26, Surf Bar, 103 West Cooper Ave., Folly Beach. Kick off the Memorial Day weekend, and meet other local business owners and managers. Slavery in the
Movies: Myths and Misconceptions: 6:30 p.m., May 26, Mount
Pleasant Regional Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road. This fascinating presentation
shows how the portrayal of slavery in movies has changed over the years.
Presented by Donel Singleton and Nate Johnson of Fort Sumter National
Monument. Pro Bono Law Seminar: Immigration Law: 6:30 p.m., May 26, Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road. Robert A. Condy will lead the seminar with a lecture followed by an open discussion. Shakespeare Alive:
6 p.m., May 28, 4 p.m., May 29, Gage Hall, 4 Archdale St.,
Charleston. The Charleston Chamber Opera presents "Shakespeare Alive!"
as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival's Spotlight Concert Series. Join
Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on a journey through some
of opera's most intriguing settings of Shakespearean works. Interwoven
with narration by actress Terry Bell-Aby with piano accompaniment by musical
director Steven Morris, the concert marks the debut of Savannah, Ga.,
soprano Rebecca Patrick Flaherty, Columbia, S.C., soprano Mary-Therese
Heintzkill, and Boston-based tenor Kevin Hayden, with the return of Greenville
Light Opera's baritone Christian Elser, and Charleston's own mezzo soprano,
Lara Wilson. Tickets are $26 and are available through OvationTix, Piccolo
Spoleto, or at the door. CALENDAR: ONGOING AND SOON Upstairs at McCrady's: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets, Now through June 10, McCrady's, 2 Unity Alley. Jazz Artists of Charleston announces its 4th Annual JAC Jazz Series, regular sets at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. featuring some of Charleston's premiere jazz musicians, along with regionally, nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. The series will include two special events, Holy City Homecomin' featuring Art of the Song and The Charleston All-Stars. Detailed ticket and program information are online. My Father, Myself: Creative Resilience in Aging: 6:45 p.m., May 31, Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. Can art save us from the ravages of dementia, or transform the experience of aging? Jerald Winakur discusses how art can help the aging and their caregivers cope with the changes in their lives. Winakur is the author of Memory Lessons: A Doctor' Story which chronicles his life as a geriatric doctor and his experiences caring for his father, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. A book signing will follow the lecture; books will be available for sale. Chamber's Annual Meeting: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., June 2, Francis Marion Hotel. The Charleston Metro Chamber's annual meeting will feature Scott Lillie on Inside the Magic: Leadership Principles from a Life at Disney. Cost: $179 for non-members; $129 for members. Register.
North
Charleston Arts Festival: The
city of North Charleston's Arts Festival continues through June 13
with dozens of lectures, concerts, displays and performances. Admission
to these events is free. Go
online for a complete listing. A few highlights:
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As
South Carolina's first conservation group, our members were primarily
hunters and anglers in the early days, but as interest in "non-consumptive"
activities like boating, hiking, camping and bird watching increased,
the interests of our supporters have diversified as well. Today, we are
proud to represent over 10,000 South Carolinians who have one overriding
thing in common -- the love of South Carolina's outdoors and the determination
to keep things beautiful and wild.
One
of our most popular weekends every year is the Women's Outdoor Retreat
geared towards learning and honing outdoor skills. Participants choose
from about 35 different activities from archery to kayaking to first aid
to rock climbing. It's educational but also fun-filled and inspiring for
the 150-200 folks who join in.
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: 
A
Memorial Day Commemoration will be held Monday at 9 a.m. at the Vietnam
Support Base exhibit at Patriots Point.
The
event will take place at the Mills House, 115 Meeting St., from 7 p.m.
to 9 p.m. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served and the Society
will present a special Charleston Renaissance exhibit.
Tennis
will be played in wild doubles format, with random pairings within men's
and women's NTRP ability groups. The Hits for HALOS Tennis Tournament
will raise funds for local abused and neglected children.
Named
for the year of the chamber's establishment, the 1773 Chamber Awards were
given Wednesday to organizations that best reflect the core values of
the chamber -- Leadership, Relevance, Integrity, Diversity and Innovation.
Winners of each category will be vying for the 1773 Chamber of the Year
Award being presented at the Chamber's Annual Gala June 24. 
Manufacturing/Transportation:
Formed in 1997, Force Protection, Inc. is now the nation's leader in
blast technology. Force Protection designs, tests, manufactures, delivers,
and supports blast- and ballistic-protected vehicles, now in service
throughout the world. With the mission to create products that bring
our troops home safely, Force Protection was the first American company
to introduce the V-shaped hull to its vehicles and soldiers began surviving
enormous blasts. 
First
enumerated in 1880 with a population of just 94, Ellenton enjoyed steady
growth through 1950, when the population stood at 746. Ellenton's quiet
existence came to an abrupt end, however, following the announcement by
the Atomic Energy Commission in November 1950 of plans for the massive
Savannah River Site nuclear weapons facility in Barnwell and Aiken counties.
Ellenton was the largest community uprooted by the forced relocation of
some 6,000 residents from the plant site. "New" Ellenton began
as a 200-acre development. Between the new town and the main entrance
of the bomb plant, a large part of the plant's 38,500 workers lived in
trailer parks during peak construction in 1952. The last resident left
Ellenton on April 1, 1952, and New Ellenton was incorporated on April
26.
The
Palmetto Technology Hub (PATH) is hosting a technology conference especially
for nonprofits on June 30. Here are 5 reasons they think you should attend:
(NEW)
Floppin' Flounder 5K: 8 a.m., June 4, near Sullivan's Island
Fish Fry Shack. The 20th Annual Floppin' Flounder 5K Run/Walk is one of
Charleston's favorite races. Hosted by the Charleston Running Club, with
help from the Sullivan's Island Fire & Rescue Department. The fee
before June 1 is $20 ($15 for Running Club Members) and after June 1 it
is $25 for all participants. Registration fee includes a race shirt, food
and drinks. 