May 2021
HOW TO HELP YOUR GARDEN
POLLINATORS 7 TIPS FOR SAFE
SUMMER SWIMMING Rūta Smith
CARA LEEPSON At Home with
a Charleston City Paper publication
Volume 1, Number 10
May 19, 2021
Digs, our monthly home-focused publication, connects the people who make the Lowcountry special with content they’ve been missing. Digs gets up close and personal with stories on local personalities, home design and remodeling, plants and gardening, home repair and real estate. To learn more about advertising opportunities offered through Digs, contact our advertising team at (843) 577-5304 or send an email to: sales@charlestoncitypaper.com. Dig it!
PUBLISHER
EDITOR
STAFF
CONTRIBUTOR
Andy Brack
Sam Spence
Rūta Smith
Toni Reale
Published by City Paper Publishing, LLC Members: J. Edward Bell | Andrew C. Brack Views expressed in Charleston City Paper cover the spectrum and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Charleston City Paper takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. © 2021. All content is copyrighted and the property of City Paper Publishing, LLC. Material may not be reproduced without permission. Proud member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and the South Carolina Press Association.
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DESIGN Art Director: Scott Suchy Art team: Dela O’Callaghan, Christina Bailey
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Digs 05.19.2021
Thank you,Charleston
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DIGGING OUTDOORS Diving into water where you’re not certain what’s below the surface, such as in a lake, can have dire consequences.
Have fun in the water, but practice swimming safety From Staff Reports Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but the treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have informal gatherings and take trips to area pools and the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water. So, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water, and as swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place. Protect your family’s safety whenever kids are around water this summer with these tips from swimming advocates:
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oceans are commonly used to designate safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on. Learn CPR. If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count. The quicker CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups. Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.
Tips for finding swimming lessons
If you’re unsure where to take your child for swim lessons, these tips can help: Ask your friends. Ask other parents in your area where they take their children. You can ask people you know and use social media and neighborhood boards
to get tips. If your school has a swimming team, the coach may also be able to give you some ideas. Look online. Another resource is online search tools, which often allow you to search for swim lesson providers near you. Many programs also offer options for free or reduced-cost swim lessons. Check out a program. Once you identify a program, visit the facility with your child to see how swim lessons are run. Then, find out who your child’s teacher will be and whether it’s possible to meet him or her in advance and learn the program expectations for you as a parent or guardian. And finally, ask about the provider’s approach and learn-to-swim philosophy. When you’re investigating programs, you also might want to consider asking about the programs health and safety protocols, whether the swimming curriculum follows national models, how instructors are trained and certified and whether lifeguards will be on the scene. You should expect more than six students per instructor and at least four total hours of in-person instruction time in the water, experts say. Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. For more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, visit usaswimming.org/makeasplash. Family Features contributed to this story.
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Learn to swim. Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88 percent. By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities. While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of the most important things swimmers learn — even in beginner classes — are breath control and how to float. These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education. Designate a water watcher and closely monitor children. When you are in, on or around water, designate someone to be a water watcher. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed. Swim with a buddy. When possible, choose swimming locations where a trained lifeguard is watching for dangerous conditions and helping keep an eye on swimmers. Also, make it a practice to always have at least two people swimming together. That way, if someone has a problem, the other can get help. Enter water feet first. Diving in a pool that is too shallow or into water where you’re not certain what’s below the surface, such as in a lake, can have dire consequences. Teach children to dive only in designated diving areas and to always enter water of unknown or non-visible depth feet first. Wear a life jacket when boating. Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys — such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings — are not intended to be life-saving devices. Swim in designated areas and obey posted signs and flags. Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or
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AT HOME IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
Plugging into Charleston and the arts with Cara Leepson By Andy Brack
Cara Leepson’s advice to newcomers to Charleston is to make sure to plug in to everything the city offers. “Think about why you live here and be able to enjoy it,” said the 34-year-old executive director of the Redux Contemporary Art Center while sitting in her Riverland Terrace cottage. A comfortable breeze poured in through open doors. “The environment, the beach, the rivers, the outdoors, the restaurants, the music and the people — all of it — are what make Charleston Charleston. Be able to take advantage of all of that. Otherwise, you could live anywhere. Why are you moving here if you can’t appreciate all of that?” Leepson first moved to the Holy City in 2009 after graduating from Lynchburg College with a degree in studio art. She intended to stay for the season, but ended up with a year-long internship at Redux, where she learned the day-to-day operations of an art gallery. After a year, she returned to the Washington, D.C., area, where she grew up, to get a graduate degree in art and museum studies from Georgetown University. Then, she stayed in the area, a dream for people in her field because of all of the world-class museums in the nation’s capital. But in 2017, Charleston called her to return, this time as head of the Redux. Today, it’s a huge space on upper King Street that includes 38 studios for artists and exhibition space as well as far-reaching arts education and outreach programs.
Digs 05.19.2021
“A little obsessed”
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As one might expect, art fills the walls of Leepson’s two-bedroom home, conveniently located at the end of a quiet street next to a park and just minutes from a favorite haunt, the Pour House. A melted Topo Chico bottle catches the eye. It’s mounted on a living room wall, surrounded by an array of small contemporary paintings. Leepson easily admits she’s “a little obsessed” by the sparkling Mexican spring water. Why? Because she says its bubbles are bigger and create a more refreshing experience. “I’ve been drinking it for six or seven years. It’s so good. It’s the most refreshing out of all of the sparkling waters. I used to drink
Cara Leepson enjoys outdoor living.
Charleston’s balance
Leepson said since she’s returned to Charleston, she has come to better understand the community. The arts community is tight, friendly and evolving, but Charleston also sort of stays the same, she said, which makes it comfortable and a good place to live.
THE LOWDOWN ON CARA LEEPSON Age: 34. Birthplace: Virginia. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art (Photography), Lynchburg College; and a master’s degree in Art and Museum Studies, Georgetown University. Current profession: Executive director of Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston. Past professions of interest: Development and operations manager of Transformer, Washington, D.C. Family: In Virginia, including parents Janna and Marc Leepson, a historian and author; and brother Devin Leepson, a veterinarian. Pets: Duane, a cocker-lab mix, and Peaches, a cocker spaniel. Favorite beverage: Topo Chico, with or without vodka, and grapefruit juice. Photos by Rūta Smith
Topo Chico is the house beverage of choice. “It’s the balance of working and playing,” she said, noting how life in Washington always seemed to be about the grind of work or people looking to escape the city. “It’s the people here who are all kind of with the same mindset.” Like many across the country, she’s spent a lot of time at home during the months of the pandemic. But, she’s enjoyed blending outdoor living — she has a fairly new outdoor shower with a mural on it, a deck, screened-in porch and greenhouse — with fresh, open rooms that are relaxing for her and her two dogs. And she continues to enjoy working with artists at Redux. While she has an undergraduate degree in studio art, she realized early she didn’t want to be a fulltime artist. After internships in Charleston and work and study in Washington, she has found her niche in helping other artists. “I have a pretty good understanding of how the artist mind works and how the creative process works and can use my skills to help artists,” she said. “Artists need arts administrators, and I’m happy to take that role.” Next on her list: More Topo Chico.
Inside, there is artwork aplenty just waiting to find a permanent wall.
Something people would be surprised to learn about you: I’ve seen Widespread Panic live over 100 times. Favorite things besides your family and business: Live music and plants. Books on bedside table: Shantaram, Code Girls, No One Asked For This. Favorite artist: This is an impossible question! JUST ONE?! How about the collaborative duo, who worked as one artist, Peter Fischli and David Weiss. Favorite piece of artwork: The Rothko Chapel at The Menil Collection, Houston, Texas. Something that you have too much of at home: Everything. I’m a maximalist. Plants, books, art …. Favorite musicians: Widespread Panic, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Khruangbin. Favorite food: Mexican — all Mexican — burritos, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, etc. Favorite dessert: Soft-serve ice cream. Describe your best day in 50 words or less: Sleep in > beach and/or boat day with the dogs > delicious dinner (167 Raw, XBB, FIG) > live music, preferably a Widespread Panic show or anything at the Pour House > in bed by midnight. Pet peeve: When people don’t try to figure things out before asking questions. And loud eaters.
Leepson has created an outdoor oasis, complete with shower.
Your advice for how someone can get more art in their life: If you like it, buy it. It doesn’t matter who the artist is or what the work is, or if it’s a good investment or not, but if it resonates with you, get it in your life. Living with art and surrounding yourself with art enriches your life and your dayto-day stimulation. Go to galleries, do studio visits and ask for payment plans.
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a lot of La Croix, but once I got Topo Chico, there was no going back.” (Editor’s note: We have to admit, the water does, in fact, appear to have “bigger” bubbles that seem to last longer on the back of the tongue, giving more of a sizzle to the water’s fizz than typical bubbly waters. Score one for Leepson.) When asked what the obsession with Topo Chico might reflect about her, Leepson pondered and countered, “It’s become a part of an identity that I didn’t expect — that I have good taste in simple things. I kind of like that I liked it before everybody else knew about it.” Another obsession is a love for the band Widespread Panic and its live performances. Leepson said she stopped counting how many she had attended after going to her 100th concert. “I love the music. I love the people. I love traveling to fun places with so much music.” Her passion for the band’s music, plus her experience at Redux, helped her work with the band’s manager to bring together the Trondossa Music and Arts Festival in North Charleston in 2018 and 2019. While the pandemic caused cancellation of the 2020 two-day event, it may be back, she said. Leepson also has been blending her management talents and music passion into another outlet, Ohm Radio, the funky nonprofit station at 96.3 on the FM dial. As vice president of the board, she said she’s been enjoying working to promote good, local music and help the station continue its mission.
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HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
May Home
Celebrating Charleston Families Since 1996
Maintenance GUIDE
TACKLE THESE JOBS THIS MONTH TO STAY ON TOP OF HOME MAINTENANCE
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8. Flush the water heater
2. Feed your lawn with fertilizer
9. Reseal your grout
3. Repair wood fences and gates
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4. Mulch flower and vegetable beds 5. Wash windows
10. Maintain Fire/Monox Alarms 11. Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures
6. Deep clean the grill
12. Touch up caulk around windows
7. Clean your refrigerator drip pan
Source: Realtor.com
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DIGGING LOCAL
Power to the pollinators By Toni Reale, Roadside Blooms
How you can help, too
You can also help the plight of pollinators locally by creating a safe and inviting habitat for them in your yard. Clemson Extension suggests incorporating eight to 10 native plants into your existing landscaping to attract a diverse population of bees and other helpful insects. Studies show that not all pollinators have the same stamina when it comes to traveling. Cluster the same species when planting for visual impact and to cut down the need for pollinators to travel far distances. If time or space for installing a pollinator garden is limited, even one potted plant or flower box on a patio is helpful. Listed here are a few favorite native plants that can be successfully grown in the Lowcountry and would be an excellent addition to your pollinator-friendly landscaping:
One-third of all the food we eat can only be grown with the help of pollinators Gettyimages.com
• Serviceberry, a member of the rose family, can be grown as a tree or shrub and has year round visual interest. • The flowering dogwood tree’s uniquely shaped white flowers are a sure sign that spring is on its way. Its red berries are also an important source for food for Eastern bird populations. • The Virginia sweetspire is a beautiful shrub that produces elongated flowers that smell heavenly. • Purple coneflower, also known as echinacea, is a pollinator favorite and is also a beautiful cut flower. • Spotted beebalm is one of the most interesting looking flowers. It is in the mint family, is fragrant, and has medicinal properties. • If you have the space for a climbing vine or need to cover a fence, Carolina jessamine grows rapidly and its little yellow trumpet shaped flowers sealed the deal in 1924 as our official state flower. • If you are looking for annual blooms to fill your
perennial landscaping, consider any type of basil, sunflower or zinnia. Avoid pesticide use on any of your landscaping as pesticides kill pollinators. If you have a pest or fungus that needs to be treated, consider organic options or consult with a Clemson Extension agent or any nearby garden shop for advice. Be part of the movement to create safe and nutrientrich habitats for bees, birds and other insects. Giving power to the pollinators through simply planting things that even we can enjoy is ensuring our future. Toni Reale is the owner of Roadside Blooms, a unique flower and plant shop in Park Circle in North Charleston. It specializes in weddings, events and everyday deliveries using nearly 100 percent American- and locally grown blooms. Online at www.roadsideblooms.com. 4610 Spruill Ave., Suite 102, North Charleston.
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The survival of life on Earth rests primarily on the wings of pollinators, such as birds, bees, wasps, butterflies and other insects, and on the backs of a few small mammals. They play the most critical role in our ecology — aiding in plant reproduction, which results in food, habitat, building materials and oxygen. According to scientists, somewhere between 75 percent to 95 percent of all plants require pollination, and a staggering one-third of all food that feeds humanity can only be produced with a pollinator’s help. Although our very survival is dependent upon the survival of pollinators, it seems that not much thought goes into their protection. Development, land use changes, pesticide application, climate change and environmental degradation greatly threaten pollinator species. By not placing value on the incredible environmental services that pollinators provide our society, we are essentially biting the hands (albeit wings) that feed us. Reale There are lots of organizations locally and internationally that spread awareness of the plight of pollinators. Here in the Lowcountry, organizations such as the Charleston Parks Conservancy, Charleston Audubon and Keep North Charleston Beautiful work tirelessly to create and maintain beautiful gardens and pollinator habitats. Through the fruits of their labor, visitors to local parks and butterfly gardens are made visually aware of and inspired by the important role of urban gardens and greenscapes.
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Digs 05.19.2021
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