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CURRENTS THE
LIST FOOD
& DRINK GOOD
NEWS HISTORY
ALSO INSIDE :: FEEDBACK: Jobs report may be wake-up call :: BROADUS: Mount Pleasant boardwalk :: SPOTLIGHT: Chef Enan and Twenty Six Divine :: CALENDAR: This week ... and next :: QUOTE: Carpe beard-em :: REC: Have a recommendation, review? |
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SEPT. 6, 2011 - People typically come to Charleston for its history, dining and beaches, but in the next few years they may also be drawn to the Holy City for its forward-thinking horticultural activity. Charleston County Council has approved the Charleston Parks Conservancy's request to conserve a 3.7-acre piece of land in West Ashley through the county's Greenbelt Program. We'll be transforming the space into an urban horticultural center.
It was amazing to see the community come together to support this project, particularly after the Finance Committee initially rejected the urban green space preservation proposal. But a flood of emails and phone calls from the West Ashley residents who live near the property prompted County Council to reverse the decision. The property at the corner of Sycamore Avenue and Magnolia Road is currently a vacant, overgrown lot but now has the potential to become a neighborhood park, including Charleston's first environmentally friendly urban horticultural center. A playground, community vegetable garden and a display garden are also envisioned for the site.
We worked closely with residents who live around the property as well as the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy, which focuses on preserving undeveloped parcels of land in the greater urban environment. The organization has been a staunch supporter of this project. "From my perspective this project embodies everything that both our organizations where created to accomplish," says John Girault, executive director of the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy. "This is a collaboration that has aligned community needs with two local nonprofit organizations working toward a greater quality of life through beautification, connectivity and preservation of our natural world." Adam Webb, who has lived in the neighborhood for about six years, got involved with the project early on and has been one of many voicing support for an urban horticultural center and how it will benefit the community.
Webb, too, has been impressed by the local residents and business owners who wrote letters, sent emails and attended meetings. "It's truly amazing and humbling to see what you can do when can get your community to come together for a common goal." At this time, we don't have concrete plans for the site. We'll work closely with the community to gather feedback and input on elements of the design that will best support the community's needs in a small neighborhood park. The urban horticulture center is a new concept for the wider Charleston community. We anticipate it being a model educational experience that makes sense in our ever evolving urban environment. The project will likely take about five years to fully complete with design work beginning next year. In the meantime, we hope to start using part of the property for a community vegetable garden.
 Trip isn't Haley's problem; failing to answer questions is By ANDY BRACK, publisher SEPT. 6, 2011 -- The Post and Courier's Sunday exposé blared: "European vacation or legitimate business? Haley's fiscal priorities under fire as summer 'jobs' trip detailed." The newspaper, unfortunately, buried the real story.
First,
however, let's look at the headline-grabbing news about the economic development
trip. Sunday's lead story highlighted how Gov. Nikki Haley and a team of state development officials spent more than $127,000 during a week-long European business trip to try to land much-needed jobs for the Palmetto State. Among the expenses: a $25,412 "networking" reception in Paris with business bigwigs; $1,529 in airline tickets for the governor (Columbia to Paris; Munich to Columbia); and an average hotel bill for the governor of $430 a day. O.K. It looks kind of expensive. But consider:
Quite frankly, if the state spent $127,000 every single week of the year in Europe trying to get a big company here, the annual outlay would be $6.6 million. It can be argued that an investment of that size would be worth it if a big company would open up a factory here with a payroll of millions a year. In other words, you have to pay to play in the world of economic development. Sure, it is important to invest in education and workforce development to create an attractive environment here -- something we've editorialized about for years. But if you're going to woo business types to come to South Carolina, you also can't be cheap about it. You've got to take a longer view.
From the
story:
What is
the governor's office hiding? Such a response is troubling because it's
just the latest of a long pattern of Haley's office not answering direct
media inquiries from Palmetto state reporters. On numerous occasions,
Haley's office has either refused to answer questions from our sister
publication Statehouse
Report or only provide short answers, which often aren't on point.
Furthermore, refusing to take part in interviews allows the Haley staff
to bypass the give-and-take of the interview process in which reporters
can follow up and get detail on newsworthy issues. Interestingly,
the Haley media machine seems to get all hot and bothered when it gets
national media inquiries, knowing full well that it builds the governor's
cult of personality with questions that are, at best, softballs and ways
for Haley to disseminate her ideology. Unfortunately,
the standard modus operandi by the governor's media office for
South Carolina reporters is to:
Bottom
line: While we aren't quibbling with how Haley travels to try to pump
jobs in the state, her office's continuing strategy to ignore state media
inquiries or spin the ones she wants is highly irresponsible of the state's
top elected official. People have a right to know what the Haley Administration
is up to and if it isn't more forthcoming, it can look forward to more
negative stories on things like the European trip which should have been
portrayed in a more positive light.
I voted for Barack Obama hoping he would lead us out of the desert. It seems that our Congress is satisfied with us wandering in this economic desert for 40 years. I was hoping that he would be able to stimulate our "unity gene" and we would come together and find ways to fix our problems. Instead our country has been hit with "Tower of Babel Syndrome" and you all know how that has turned out. My heart breaks when I think of the problems our great country is facing trying to remain great. I hardly even focus on what the talking heads say on TV anymore. It seems we have thrown in the towel and given up. After awhile it all becomes background noise. But today, I think we got a wake-up call, big time. The jobs report 9/2/11 said the U.S. created "zero" jobs in August 2011. This is the first time since 1945 that this has occurred. I actually heard a congressman saying that he had been visiting Israel and their government is giving companies tax cuts. The difference is that they are doing it in yearly increments. At least the companies could plan better since they know what their taxes would be in future years. On CNBC, one of the visitors to a show had a pretty interesting idea. Most businessmen will agree that until we start creating jobs in the construction industry, we will never pull out of this tailspin. We currently have too much housing inventory sitting empty so the industry is not ramping up housing production. The gentleman suggested that we take the homes that have been emptied due to foreclosure and give them to returning servicemen. I know this won't happen but at least people are giving the problem some thought. Until our businesses start hiring we will not see an end to this economic pain. The businesses are looking for some stability before they hire again. Jobs will create that stability.
SEPT. 6, 2011 - Charleston cookbook author Holly Herrick ("Southern Farmer's Market Cookbook," "The Charleston Chef's Table") has added another distinctive volume to my cookbook shelves with the release of her latest book, "Tart Love: Sassy, Savory, and Sweet" (Gibbs Smith, $24.99).
In the book, which is just hitting local stores and is also available at online retailers, the Cordon-Bleu-trained Herrick leads readers into the often-intimidating world of tarts - and it's a subject close to her heart because, as she says, she used to be among the ranks of the intimidated. Knowing where the trouble spots and anxious moments are makes Herrick the ideal teacher and guide.
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, 750 Lowcountry residents heard the horrible news and then continued their plan to volunteer across the Lowcountry. Ten years later, ten times as many people are gearing up for another amazing day of service to our community.
Trident United Way's 2011 Day of Caring is Friday, Sept. 9, when 7,500 people will descend on 400 projects throughout the community to help others and reflect on the values that came under attack that fateful day. While we mourn those who were lost and celebrate those who inspired us through their heroism, we recommit ourselves to helping those in need where we can - right here in our own community. Trident United Way's 2001 Day of Caring happened to take place on Sept. 11. Back then, it was a relatively small event with 750 participants from a handful of organizations. In the 10 years since Sept. 11, 2001, 50,000 people have participated in Trident United Way's Day of Caring, bringing $10 million worth of labor and supplies to area nonprofits.
Johnson should know. His company shuts down for the day and all the employees team up for Day of Caring. "It's incredibly valuable to our company in terms of teamwork, loyalty and future productivity. Everyone on the Johnson & Johnson team appreciates the opportunity to give back to the community on Day of Caring," he said. Trident United Way is also looking ahead 10 years and will soon unveil a plan for bold community change in the Lowcountry. Volunteerism will be a key element of that plan and Day of Caring is a great way to kick-start a culture of volunteering. Former FBI art detective to speak at The Citadel Celebrated as "the most famous art detective in the world" by the London Times, Robert K. Wittman has recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art during his 20-year career as a decorated FBI investigator.
In his
only South Carolina speaking engagement, Wittman will share the thrill
of the chase at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in McAlister Field House at The Citadel,
with a book signing to follow. Copies of his New York Times best-selling
book "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen
Treasures" will be available for purchase for signing. "Robert Wittman's exploits are more riveting than any art heist movie could invent," said Tiffany Silverman, fine arts instructor at The Citadel and the event organizer. "He has contributed so much to the fields of law enforcement and fine arts, and we are honored to share this rare opportunity with our students and the community at large." The son of an antique dealer, Wittman has been called "a living legend" by The Wall Street Journal for his incredible career that began at the FBI in 1988. With specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry and gem identification, Wittman served as the FBI's investigative expert in this field and founded the FBI's rapid deployment Art Crime Team in 2005. He taught team members how to conduct high-stakes cultural property investigations to recover work including art by Renoir, Goya, and Rodin, as well as a $35 million Rembrandt and an original copy of the Bill of Rights. Their efforts resulted in the prosecution and conviction of numerous art criminals. This lecture is made possible by the Brawley Fine Arts Fund, The Citadel Alumni Association, The Citadel's School for the Humanities and Social Sciences, and The Citadel Foundation. Bradhams honored by RiverDogs at season's final game Al and
Barbara Bradham were presented with the 2011 T. Ashton Phillips Distinguished
Service Award at Monday's season finale RiverDogs game.
The 6th
annual award is given in honor of the late T. Ashton Phillips, a Charleston
businessman, RiverDogs minority owner and long-time season ticket holder
who passed away in May 2006. Due to
the heavy erosion caused by Hurricane Irene, Folly Beach County Park will
remain closed to the general public through the end of 2011. A structural
evaluation is planned and once conducted, will assist staff in determining
the steps needed before reopening the park in 2012. "In this age of economic recession, low consumer confidence, faltering schools systems, and budgetary constraints, about the only privilege guaranteed by the Bill of Rights that is not in some way supervised and directed is the art of all-male, close harmony a cappella singing," according to the leaders of a new a cappella group forming in Charleston. On Saturday,
Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., men from the greater Charleston area
will gather for to launch an exciting new addition to the Charleston arts
scene -- the Palmetto Vocal Project. PVP membership will be comprised
of over-achieving singers who enjoy performing a wide variety of a
cappella music at the highest possible level of musical artistry.
The chorus will offer a broad repertoire, which span the styles of old-school
barbershop, classical, gospel, contemporary, country, doo-wop and more.
The inaugural rehearsal will take place at Hibben United Methodist Church,
690 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.
Minister and architect John DeWitt McCollough was born at Society Hill on Dec. 8, 1822, the only child of John Lane McCollough and Sarah DeWitt. Educated at St. David's Academy and South Carolina College, where he earned both B.A. and M.A. degrees in 1840, McCollough then became a Society Hill farmer. In June 1842 he married Harriet Bell Hart. He returned to Columbia in 1847 to prepare for the Episcopal ministry with the Rev. Peter Shand, rector of Trinity, Columbia.
A craftsman without formal training, McCollough was nevertheless aware of the new ideas that were transforming Episcopal church architecture. "Ecclesiologists," influenced by the high-church Oxford movement in England, emphasized the relationship between theology and architecture, believing that new churches should mirror fourteenth-century English Gothic design. Recessed chancels, dark interiors, stained glass, pointed arches, battlements, and cross-topped spires replaced Georgian simplicity. These concepts were disseminated to American churchmen through the journal of the New York Ecclesiology Society. A series of articles on "proper" church architecture in the Gospel Messenger, the diocesan magazine, disseminated these ideas to South Carolina.
But McCollough's Spartanburg school failed, and he was bankrupt. He moved in 1857 to Winnsboro and later to Union. In 1859 he returned to Spartanburg and Advent, serving as chaplain with Holcombe's Legion during the Civil War. During Reconstruction, desperately poor South Carolinians could no longer build expensive churches. In the postbellum years McCollough provided far simpler designs for churches at Rock Hill, Gaffney, Lancaster, Blacksburg, Willington, Greenwood, Clemson, and Saluda in North Carolina. In 1874 McCollough resigned as Spartanburg rector, but he continued missionary activity, starting congregations in Gaffney, Blacksburg, Walhalla, and Seneca and serving at Glenn Springs, Union, and Chester. He moved to Walhalla in 1890 to become rector of St. John's, which he may have designed. He certainly was the architect for the second Calvary, Glenn Springs, and with his son, Edward, designed St. Andrews, Greenville, which was completed posthumously. McCollough died on Jan. 23, 1902. He was buried at the Church of the Advent in Spartanburg.
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Speak Out Charleston's topics Positive Life Network will present Speak Out Charleston at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Hippodrome Widescreen Cinema.
The evening also will feature the "Best Animation" winning film from the 2011 Charleston International Film Festival called "Place Stamp Here," and a live musical performance from a local artist. Tickets are available online and are $5 if purchased by Sept. 13 and $10 at the door. Only 400 tickets are available. Charleston's own South Carolina Bar Car will also be accepting new art supply donations for local students at the door as a part of its "Stuff the Bus" Campaign. The goal is to fill one whole 15-passenger van with these supplies to benefit the local arts programs. Several other charitable organizations along with local business sponsors will be represented throughout the event with information and ways for you to donate your time and/or resources to help improve our community. The mission of Positive Life Network is: In everything we do we strive to improve the lives of ourselves, those around us, our community, and the world at large. Proceeds from the event will go towards building the Positive Life Network locally, completing the 501c3 status and supporting a local selected charity. "Seize opportunity
by the beard, for it is bald behind."
(NEW)
Charleston Rugby Charity Auction: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sept.
8, The South Carolina Aquarium. The Charleston Outlaws Rugby Football
Club's Charity Auction will feature celebrity guest stars, music and an
open bar and hors d'oeuvres. This year's event includes celebrity bachelors
and bachelorettes who will be auctioned off. There will also be a selection
of items for silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit four
local charities: Pet Helpers, Charleston Youth Development Center, the
Charleston Outlaws RFC and Charleston Youth Rugby. Tickets are $40 in
advance and $50 the day of the event. VIP tickets are limited and sell
for $60. Tickets
are available online. Movie At The Park: 8:15 p.m., Sept. 9, Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Bring chairs or a blanket for the free screening of Toy Story 3, which was rescheduled due to the hurricane threat. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. (NEW) 19th Annual Sea Island Cultural Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 10, 3647 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, in front of Harvest Health & Rehab Center. Featuring reggae band Lance Star and hip hop artist I AM LAN plus other entertainment, food, Gullah storytelling, arts and crafts. For information call: 843-343-3932, or 843-559-2908. Admission free. Sept. 11 Concert: 5 p.m., Sept. 11, Marion Square. The city of Charleston is sponsoring a free community commemoration concert in remembrance of the tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001. This event will be in partnership with Operation R&R, a non-profit organization designed to provide service men and women an opportunity to reconnect with their spouses and children on a vacation upon their return from Iraq or Afghanistan. The event will honor first responders, military service men and women and those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001.
CALENDAR:
ONGOING AND SOON (NEW) Summerville's Third Thursday: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 15. There will be musical entertainment in historic downtown starting with the Shakin' Martinis playing on Hutchinson Square. More music on Short Central provided by Josh Padgett Jazz Trio. A popular Third Thursday attraction will be back -- the Cinderella carriage rides. The Art Walk will be back on Short Central with artists and artisans displaying their work. Stop by the stores to seek out special deals and have an outdoor meal. The Bridge Ride: 6:30 a.m., Sept. 17, Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park. Includes a spin session at the park, as well as a bike ride across the bridge. Proceeds go to East Cooper Community Outreach. Registration is open online.
Hurt Locker Charity Golf Tournament: 8 a.m., Sept. 18, Redbank Golf Course, Joint Base, Charleston. Benefits the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation and EOD Memorial Foundation. Captain's Choice, lunch included. Sponsorships available. Registration must be received by Sept. 9. Donations accepted through Sept. 18. Registration forms available online. Girls' Night Out: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sept. 19, Savory Sushi and Catering at 1956-B Maybank Highway, Terrace Shopping Center. A free Girls Night Out event featuring a wine tasting and pairing with Savory's Gourmet-to-Go selections, a trunk show of Stella and Dot Jewelry, and access to special deals from Go Charleston Deals. The bonus for the first 50 guests will be a Goodie Envelope filled with savings coupons from all event presenters. Space is limited and RSVPs are requested. More: Call 843-762-3338 or go online. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
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11/28: Frazier:
Gingerbread houses DOUG
BOSTICK: 11/14: Battle
of Port Royal ANDY BRACK 11/28:
Be
thankful for govt MARSHA GUERARD 9/1:
Bill
Regan, more ANN
THRASH: 11/14:
Franklin's
turkey PETER
LUCASH: 8/25: 2
tech companies move here GREG
GARVAN: 11/28: More
eco-tours LIST ARCHIVES 11/28:
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Martin
This
would be a place where kids and adults can have a hands-on experience
learning about collecting rainwater, composting and recycling, and growing
the food that ends up on their supper table.
"What
it will bring to the West Ashley community is indescribable. If this becomes
the national benchmark that it has the potential of becoming, it will
be a highlight of the area," says Webb, adding how the project will
revitalize the area, attract families and increase home values.
All
of this being said, the buried story in the newspaper's account was how
the governor's office didn't respond to inquiries about the trip. (FYI,
the newspaper was invited to go on the trip but declined. Had it gone,
it likely would have found out how much work these trips are -- and that
they're not "European vacations.")
To
Charleston Currents:
The
public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring Charleston
Currents to you at no cost. In this issue, we shine the spotlight on a
featured nonprofit partner, the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. The
organization provides pastoral care and counseling for employees and families
of law enforcement, emergency service agencies and the general public.
The Judeo-Christian organization also helps law enforcement and emergency
officials in notifications about unexpected deaths, hostage negotiations
and other emergency situations. It provides follow-up visitations in the
home or hospital for crime victims and their families. The Coastal Crisis
Chaplaincy: Providing pastoral care and counseling throughout the Charleston
area 24 hours a day. More: 
If
you're thinking tarts are just for dessert, Herrick's book will open a
whole new world for you. She starts with two manageable master pastry
recipes - one sweet, one savory - and builds the book around them. There
are more than 50 original tart recipes - appetizers, main courses, side
dishes and, yes, desserts. Who would have dreamed of Lowcountry Boil Tart,
Feisty Fried Shrimp and Grits Pockets, and Tomato Tart a la Margherita?
The Sage Green Apple and Aged Cheddar Tart is at the top of my list to
try as well.
Mount
Pleasant writer and editor Ann Thrash can be reached at: 
"And
that doesn't count all of the organizations that continued their relationships
with nonprofits after Day of Caring was over," said Francis Johnson,
president of Johnson & Johnson insurance and chair of Trident United
Way's 2011 Day of Caring. "I believe the real value of Day of Caring
is in the power of community participation."
Rentals
of the Pelican Watch Shelter located at the park will continue as planned;
however, rental attendees will be restricted to the shelter area and beach
in close proximity to the shelter. Charleston County Park and Recreation
Commission events and programs scheduled at the park also will continue
as planned.
In
January 1848 McCullough moved his family to Glenn Springs in Spartanburg
District, where he continued his theological studies, designed a small
wooden church for the resort village, and carved its interior furnishings.
The diocesan magazine called it "a happy specimen of simple Gothic,"
with a "proper" (deeply recessed) chancel and tower.
In
the decade before the Civil War, McCollough designed or was supervising
architect for seven ecclesiological churches: Christ Church, Greenville
(1854); St. Stephen's, Ridgeway (1854); Nativity, Union (1859); Christ
Church, Mars Bluff (1859); St. Mark's, Chester (1860); Grace, Anderson
(1860); and Advent, Spartanburg (begun 1852, consecrated 1864).
Fifteen
dynamic speakers, including local leaders, celebrities, teachers and more,
will deliver powerful 5-minute talks on topics guaranteed to move you.
Local celebrity DJ Charlie James from Kickin' 92.5 and celebrity Chef
Brett McKee will be among the speakers. Here are some of the topics:
Dog
Day Afternoon: Noon to 5 p.m., Sept. 11, Whirlin' Waters Adventure
Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Dogs will get their
day at the 3rd Annual Dog Day Afternoon. Large dogs can romp in the 27,000-square-foot
Big Kahuna wave pool, while their smaller counterparts can make a splash
in the refreshing Otter Bay kiddie pool. Owners will not be allowed in
the water. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Advance
admission is $10 per dog ($8 per Charleston County dog) and owners are
free with their pets. Tickets are limited. Proof of dog's current vaccinations
is required for entry. For details, visit 
Chicago:
Through Sept. 18, Charleston Stage at the Dock Street Theatre. For
the first time, the razzle-dazzle of Chicago comes to the Dock Street
Theatre stage to open Charleston Stage's 34th season. For times and ticket
information, 