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Issue
4.06 | Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 TODAY'S
FOCUS CURRENTS THE
LIST CHARLESTON
GREEN GOOD
NEWS HISTORY
ALSO INSIDE :: FEEDBACK: Two letters :: SPOTLIGHT: Charleston Green Commercial :: CALENDAR: This week ... and next :: QUOTE: On tardiness |
ABOUT US CharlestonCurrents.com offers insightful community comment and good news on events each week. It cuts through the information clutter to offer the best of what's happening locally. What readers say |
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DEC. 9, 2011 -- Before I began my current job with The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina in July, I spent the previous four-and-a half years working for SCETV as host of its weekly television and radio program, The Big Picture.
Three years
ago, Bill Dukes, founder of Honor Flight of South Carolina, persuaded
me to take the trip and document the journey for ETV. Bill deeply believed
we would accomplish two things: first, a chance to offer these men the
opportunity to share their stories about the contributions they made to
a country who called them to service, stories that in many cases had gone
untold. Second, and nearly as important, he thought the program would
provide a living history lesson for the rest of us who tend to take for
granted so much of what we have today. That if we heard these men and
women speak plainly of their stories of dedication and sense of duty,
our idea of what it means to be an American would be deeply enriched.
It was the most satisfying day of my career in journalism. And so
it's humbling to be part of a new effort to make this experience possible
for an entirely new group of veterans. At a recent event to announce our
sponsorship Sen. Jim DeMint, who made a personal pledge to support our
Honor Flight effort. DeMint's father had flown supplies to help reinforce
the Allied forces that drove the Germans out of Northern Africa. In his
unscripted remarks that morning, Senator DeMint, I believe, made a salient
point when he noted that viewing American history, through the eyes of
these veterans, reminded us of "what could be accomplished, and how
great a country could be when we all pulled together with a common cause."
The senator
also noted what we in the cooperatives hope to highlight over the next
several months. That this vast group we refer to as the "Greatest
Generation" stepped forward in a time that called for unwavering
commitment, perseverance and shared sacrifice. Nearly everyone answered
the call. And when the war was over, and freedom had prevailed, the vast
majority of simply wanted to come home and build a better community. And
that's what they did. It was these men and women who not only won a war
with unimaginable stakes, but also came back and built modern-day America
-- its roads, bridges, ports and yes, its electrical grid. These were
people who got things done.
As an organization
that grew alongside this generation of men and women, South Carolina's
electric cooperatives are proud to be able help recognize these everyday
heroes. I think I can safely speak for many of the 2,300 cooperative employees
who work in all 46 counties of our state, when I say our support of Honor
Flight is a project that has given us a deep sense of pride and mission.
To make this happen, we could use your help. If you know of a veteran who hasn't had the opportunity to take the Honor Flight, please let us know by acquiring an application either online, at www.scliving.org, or by calling and requesting an application at 803-737-3024. In January, South Carolina Living magazine will carry a two-page application insert for the Honor Flight, as well as features of veterans from local cooperative territories.
Things are looking up for the local economy By ANDY BRACK, publisher DEC. 12, 2011 -- SunTrust chief economist Gregory L. Miller of Atlanta was in town last week to deliver some good news: the Charleston economy is performing pretty well as the nation moves past recession.
In his 2012 economic outlook to an audience of bankers, manufacturers and business leaders, Miller said the Charleston area economy had 3.3 percent growth over the last six months, compared to the national economy's reacceleration of 3.1 percent. For the year, our region lagged the national area a bit, but recent numbers -- including the addition of 2,700 jobs to the local economy -- were brighter than many expected. Some other data and projections:
* * * The
shine seems to be coming off GOP Gov. Nikki Haley, who had a job performance
approval rating of just 34.6 percent, according to results from a new
Winthrop Poll of 1,073 registered South Carolina voters. Some 43 percent
disapproved of Haley's performance. More: The
State. Haley's approval rating was lower than President Barack Obama's 44.8 percent among Palmetto State voters, but slightly higher than that of the S.C. General Assembly, which scored 34.3 percent approval. Two weeks
ago, I suggested a spate of recent political miscalculations and mistakes
by Haley might be mitigated by a healthy internal discussion process fueled
by a real kitchen cabinet of advisers. More: Statehouse
Report. The most
recent commentary highlights the performance of state Superintendent of
Education Mick Zais, who appears to be performing more as a political
ideologue than educator. More: Statehouse
Report.
To the
editor:
I have
been just as shocked by the local paper's relentless running of the latest
molestation accusations with pictures and sensationalist headlines for
our daughters to see. Thanks for reminding us about due process as well. [Brack, 12/5/11 commentary]
Red Cross serves community,
can use help To the
editor: The American Red Cross, Charleston, SC Region, was recently voted Giving Back Awards 2011 Nonprofit of the Year, awarded by Charleston magazine and the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina. The Red Cross also recently received a four-star rating, the highest rating given, from Charity Navigator, a watchdog organization that rates non-profits on their financial health, accountability and transparency. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs and our ratio of volunteer to staff is 106 to 1. Whether it is a hurricane, a heart attack, a call for blood, a call for help from a disaster victim or our military, the American Red Cross is there. We call fires our silent disaster because no one knows that the Red Cross is the only service organization that responds to the scene of a house fire. We average at least one fire response every day. The fire department calls us. Fire victims are left to watch helplessly as their homes, their memories, and nearly all their belongings are destroyed. That's when the American Red Cross steps in and delivers hope. Red Cross volunteers rush to the scene and provide comfort and assist with immediate disaster relief needs of the affected families. This includes help with replacing lost medications and teddy bears for the children. Fire victims often tell us that they don't know what they would do without us. We've assisted 1,064 fire victims since January 1st and our busy season is yet to come. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the generosity of the people of our community. Without your support, this vital response to neighbors in need would not be possible. Help us continue to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters, including these devastating home fires. Visit www.LowcountryRedCross.org or call 843-764-2323 to donate.
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring Charleston Currents to you at no cost. In this issue, we turn the spotlight on Charleston Green Commercial, a full-service commercial property management company that pays attention to detail, provides exceptional personal service and is committed to adding value to buildings. Offering professional property management, consulting and other services, the company strives to improve clients' bottom lines with superior service, accessibility, reliability and a wealth of knowledge of the Charleston real estate market. By blending use of proven contractors and contacts with environmentally-conscious practices, the company helps clients stay on the leading edge of commercial real estate practices. More.
DEC. 12, 2011 -- The Southeast's largest solar installation, Boeing's 10 acre solar farm, went live this past week. At its peak production, it is expected there is enough power to run 250 homes.
Solar panel maker. A Greenville based solar panel company has announced that it is opening a plant in Blacksburg early in 2012. Global Energy Franchise says it will be building solar systems/ photovoltaic panels and expect to create almost 300 jobs over the next 4 years. Energy program expands. The CharlestonWISE energy -efficiency auditing program is now expanded to all residents, not just those in the city. The Southeastern Energy Alliance awarded $1.5 million to provide area homeowners with rebates of up to $1,500 for energy-efficiency work done on their house, after an energy audit has been completed. They often are matched with utility company rebates and tax incentives, and have been providing great results for homeowners. CharlestonWISE is part of the Sustainability Institute's community programming, and is a great boon to greening Charleston.
The College of Charleston's School of Business is partnering Thursday with Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina to host a free forum for the first 240 high-school students who register to encourage entrepreneurial thinking, educate on financial literacy, and participate in a competitive online business simulation.
First Federal Bank will provide financial experts to teach lessons and lead activities regarding personal finance. Local entrepreneurs will also be present to aid in teaching the high-school students entrepreneurial skills, share their stories, and answer questions to prepare the students for a successful future as they continue their education. Students are also participating in a competitive online simulation to learn the nuances of running a global business in a competitive, high-tech marketplace. Students will have complete control of managing and operating their own virtual business and making key decisions. At the end of the event, prizes will be awarded to the team that wins the business simulation.
A home for the holidays? Four pet shelters in the tri-county area are trying to find homes for 400 homeless pets on Saturday. Shelters will be open all day until 9 p.m. Saturday. Each animal up for adoption has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The collaborative
adoption event is sponsored by the Charleston
Animal Society Gibbes wins state grant to help January exhibition The Gibbes Museum of Art has been awarded $10,351 by the South Carolina Arts Commission to support museum programming, including the upcoming exhibition The Art of Alfred Hutty: Woodstock to Charleston, which opens on January 20, 2012. One of
the principal artists of the Charleston Renaissance, this retrospective
exhibition of Alfred Hutty's career features more than 50 works created
in Charleston and Woodstock, New York. SCRA named 9th fastest growing company in state SCRA, a leading applied research and technology services company in South Carolina, has been recognized as the state's ninth-fastest growing company in the state by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
"We are delighted to have received this distinct honor," said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. "SCRA continues to grow steadily, and our growth has a tremendous impact on South Carolina's Knowledge Economy - bringing forth high-paying, technical jobs and innovative technologies in our state. I would like to thank our employees for their hard work and dedication to the company, and I congratulate our clients, partners and stakeholders who join us in receiving this prestigious distinction." Two blood donors to win airline tickets Trident Medical Center will hold blood donation drives on the next two Fridays that will win two pairs of roundtrip Delta airline tickets for two lucky donors.
Blood drives, both of which will be in Cafe B at Trident Medical Center, will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 23. To schedule an appointment, please call 843-847-3376 or schedule your appointment online: www.redcrossblood.org and enter tridentmed as the sponsor. Walk-ins are welcome but donors with appointments will be taken first.
Owned by the Charleston Museum and open to the public, the Heyward-Washington House at 87 Church Street, Charleston, was built in 1772 by the rice planter Thomas Heyward, Jr., who later became a signer of the Declaration of Independence. President George Washington stayed in the house during his visit to Charleston in 1791. The three-story brick double house features four rooms plus a central hall on the first floor.
Thomas
Heyward sold the property in 1794. Archaeology and documents reveal a
long history of occupation, both before and after Heyward. A wooden house
and outbuildings built in 1730 by the gunsmith John Milner burned in the
Charleston fire of 1740. Milner and his son continued the smithing business
with the aid of eleven slaves. In 1749 John Milner, Jr., built a brick
single house and outbuildings. Thomas Heyward razed the single house but
kept Milners kitchen and stable. Excavations
by the Charleston Museum revealed the houses, activities, and artifacts
of the Milners, the Heywards, the antebellum owners, and the enslaved
African American occupants. The house was designated a National Historic
Landmark in 1970.
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Nathalie's favorite holiday dishes
Dupree also suggested three cookbooks for you to consider buying during holiday shopping. We'll add a fourth at the end -- her latest:
"Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces."
Tech Entrepreneur Training: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 12 at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, 4500 Leeds Ave. BizBuilderSC, which offers statewide entrepreneur and small business training, is offering the 10-week course "NxLevel for Tech Entrepreneurs." Tuition is $345, and includes materials. For more information or to register, visit online or contact Laura Williams at 843-805-3102. (NEW)
WordPress
group: 6 p.m., Dec. 13, at the Coastal Community Foundation,
Rutledge Ave., Charleston. The Charleston WordPress User Group will meet
to share information about WordPress design and more. The event is free
and open to all, but registration is required. More and to register: www.wpchs.org. (NEW)
A Christmas
Carol:
Through Dec. 18 at the Dock Street Theatre. Audiences are loving
the holiday classic performed by actors with Charleston Stage. Tickets
range from $22 to $52. More: CharlestonStage.org. Dickens Dinner: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 14, Circa 1886, 149 Wentworth St. Storyteller Tim Lowry will lead diners back to Victorian England during the 10th annual Dickens Dinner, where they will hear a festive rendition of English novelist Charles Dickens' famous novella, "A Christmas Carol." The performance is enhanced by a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Marc Collins inspired by the book. Cost is $70 per person plus tax and gratuity. Beverages are not included. To make reservations, call (843) 853-7828. Holiday Jazz Concerts: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 15 at James Island Branch of the Charleston County Public Library; 12:30 p.m., Dec. 17, Cooper River Memorial Branch; 3 p.m., Dec. 17, Dorchester Road Regional. Devone Gary presents a holiday jazz concert. (NEW) Book party: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 16, Coleman Fine Art, 79 Church Street, Charleston. You can learn all about painting portraits and figures in watercolors, and the real story behind the Johns Island paintings that earned international acclaim for artist Mary Whyte at a holiday party unveiling a new book and DVD. More: MaryWhite.com. Waffle Haus Christmas: Through Dec. 23, with various times and dates,. PURE Theatre again will offer this show at 477 King Street. Tickets are $25 for general admission; $15 for students. Learn more about the show, show times and tickets online. eating is limited. Holiday Toy Drive
for Debi's Kids: Drop-off bin at Marion Square through 4 p.m. Dec.
18. CALENDAR: ONGOING AND SOON Chanukah in the Square: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 20, Marion Square, Charleston. A festive party with music, dancing and the lighting of a 9-foot Menorah are featured. Happy New Year, Charleston: 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Dec. 31, Marion Square, Charleston. This non-alcoholic event will feature family-oriented concerts and presentations to ring in the new year. (NEW) Dognapping comedy: Starts Jan. 4 and runs through Jan. 7 at Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 1/2 Society Street, Charleston. Theatre veteran Kyle Barnette will star in Lee Blessing's one-man comedy, "Chesapeake," in its regional premier at What If's new performance location. More: WhatIfProductions.org. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
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