Charleston City Paper Vol 26 Issue 31

Kristin Byars, Ashley Frantz, Mariana Robbins, Gregg Van Leuven, Melissa Veal

Scott Suchy

Déla O’Callaghan, Christina Bailey

team: Chris Glenn, Robert Hogg, Stephen Jenkins, David Lampley, Spencer Martin, John Melnick, Tashana Remsburg

Proposed bill would set North Charleston schools on new path

By Skyler Baldwin

S.C. Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, was set to file a bill this week to create a new school district after North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey last week said the city’s legal department was researching what needed to be done to start its own school district.

Pendarvis said he turned a draft of the bill into the House clerk last week and it was to be formally filed this week. He is calling for the formation of the “North Charleston School District” and the abolition of the Charleston County Constituent School

District 4. Pendarvis said the legislation is largely in response to a controversial 2022 proposal, “Reimagine Schools,” which would have allowed a third-party operator to run certain schools in the district.

“There was a lot of pushback from members of the community because they didn’t believe this was the right way to address

the problems facing our schools and that it would be a gateway to privatization,” Pendarvis said. “The schools they were targeting were primarily in North Charleston, so that started the conversation.”

Pendarvis said he believed schools in North Charleston weren’t receiving the same quality of education that other students in the district were getting — ideas that Summey shared in a letter issued to the Charleston County School District (CCSD) in January. In the letter, Summey said CCSD receives “approximately over 21%” of its property tax revenue from North Charleston properties, speaking to the significance of the municipality’s role in CCSD’s finances.

Pendarvis added a good result for public schools would be for CCSD to step up and treat North Charleston’s schools more equitably, rather than a total separation.

The budding controversy has Charleston County Councilman Henry Darby caught between a rock and a hard place, as he also serves as principal of North Charleston High School.

In a statement last week to the Charleston City Paper, Darby agreed that collaboration to solve challenges with North Charleston schools was the first step, but

says being in his dueling positions put him in a precarious spot.

“I have a civic duty as an elected official,” he said. “Professionally and politically, I could not articulate concerns for either side at this particular time. I will do what is needed within the confines of which I find myself — to do the best I can for my students as a principal; and presently, to do what I can from within as opposed to publicly.”

Darby added he could see the disparities between North Charleston schools and other county schools that Summey and Pendarvis have mentioned.

“I have never been a rabble-rouser but will speak out if conscience dictates,” Darby said. “Is all fair? No sir, as there are glaring disparities and inequalities with the Title I schools throughout the district. But I believe in deliberation and collaboration as a first step.”

CCSD Superintendent Donald R. Kennedy held a press conference Feb. 23 to say he wanted to meet with North Charleston leaders to discuss future plans.

“Moving forward, it is my intent to collaborate with the mayor … and make sure

IAAM to open June 27 for visitors

The International African American Museum (IAAM) is scheduled to open for visitors on June 27, five months after its January planned opening was delayed due to high humidity and temperatures inside the new building. Officials also are planning a June 24 opening ceremony at the museum’s Wharfside Street location on the former Gadsden’s Wharf, one of the nation’s most prolific former slave trading ports along the Cooper River. Museum officials have not disclosed details of the much-anticipated opening event. But several activities are planned prior to the IAAM’s official launch, they said. —

Herb Frazier

Charleston Animal Society sets world record

The Charleston Animal Society’s February Vax-A-Palooza broke a Guinness World Record last month by garnering 2,226 pledges from pet owners to keep their pets vaccinated against deadly diseases. The old record for most pledges received for a pet vaccination campaign in 24 hours was 1,867, according to a press release. Staff reports

Actor or conniver

“Either Alex Murdaugh is one of the world’s most talented unrecognized actors — and, therefore, one of the most highly functional sociopaths in criminal history — or he’s just a conniving drug addict who bilked vulnerable clients of millions to feed his habit and underwrite a high life, and whose wife and son were brutally murdered by precision-trained assassins using two guns exactly like those owned by the Murdaughs.”

Washington Post columnist and Camden resident Kathleen Parker, Feb. 25, 2023

Pendarvis

Rūta Smith file photo

North Charleston High School Principal and county councilman Henry Darby said he sees the disparities between North Charleston schools and other CSSD schools

Greg Noire

FOLLY PIERFEST

The Cane Bay YMCA’s membership has a racial and religious diversity among its staff and membership that did not exist at the Cannon Street YMCA in Charleston. When a member walks into the sun-lit atrium at the Cane Bay Y in Berkeley County, Paul Stoney, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charleston and the Cane Bay Family YMCA, said he wants them to see someone who looks and sounds like them.

Old Cannon Street YMCA finds new life at Cane Bay

By Herb Frazier

Paul Stoney and his staff have quietly built a massive state-of-the-art YMCA within the growing 4,500-acre Cane Bay housing community in Berkeley County. He calls it South Carolina’s best kept secret.

“When people come here, they are amazed by what we have been able to do,” said Stoney, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charleston and the Cane Bay Family YMCA near the development’s entrance.

On a 69-acre tract of donated land, the 54,000-square-foot Cane Bay YMCA opened in May 2019 with a branch of the Berkeley County library system as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor fitness, sports, education programs and mental health services. An average of 3,600 people of all age groups and physical abilities enter this Y weekly, Stoney said.

The Y is a hopping place. A 25-meter swimming pool and basketball courts are used by Cane Bay High School and four nearby charter schools for a variety of sports and after-school programs. Swimming lessons are growing in popularity, especially among the physically challenged and underserved communities. Youth sports, including soccer, volleyball and basketball, serve more than 1,000 children each season. The Cane Bay Y is a regional tournament venue for a variety of youth and adult sports.

The Cane Bay Family YMCA is also near international manufacturers, such as Volvo, Boeing and Mercedes Benz. Their proximity and support gives the Y a solid membership base. Stoney stresses, however, membership

is not restricted to Berkeley County residents. Charlestonians can join this Y, too.

A historic connection

Stoney’s Lowcountry YMCA experience began in downtown Charleston at 61 Cannon St. He gave up a high-level YMCA position in central Florida in 2006 to become the CEO and president of the YMCA of Greater Charleston, which included the Cannon Street YMCA Association. The Cannon Street Y, which is the nation’s oldest Black Y, was chartered in 1866 to teach formerly enslaved people to read and participate in physical fitness.

In addition to its longevity, the Cannon Street Y is remembered as the place that nurtured the Cannon Street All-Stars Baseball Team. It was ruled ineligible to compete in the 1955 Little League World Series because white teams refused to play with Charleston’s Black players.

Before Stoney arrived in Charleston, the Cannon Street Y merged with the predominantly white Christian Family YMCA at 21 George St. to form the YMCA of Greater Charleston.

Stoney, a native of Queens, N.Y., came to Charleston with 20 years in leadership posts at large metro YMCAs around the country. The top job at the Cannon Street Y presented him with the opportunity to open more Y facilities in the Lowcountry. Accepting the job, Stoney said, placed him for the first time in the leadership position at a historically African American YMCA “where my skills were

RESERVE TICKETS HERE!

MARCH 11

Rūta Smith

MUSC grad overcomes loss to create pharmacy scholarship

By Chelsea Grinstead

Shea Manigo of Walterboro overcame the family losses of her mother and sister to create opportunities for those who came after her at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Pharmacy. The endowed scholarship she founded with her family members in 2021 recently funded a second College of Pharmacy student.

“When I think about my responsibility when it comes to leadership, something that I’ve learned is being a leader of others has very little to do with you,” Manigo told the Charleston City Paper. “It’s about helping others reach their career paths.”

Manigo, now senior vice president of CVS’s front store retail operations, created the Annie Lee Jerido Williams Minorities in Pharmacy Lowcountry Endowment and Scholarship Fund to honor her mother Annie who passed away at 43 from heart disease when Manigo was 4. She said her mother’s death was the impetus of her mission to become a health advocate.

“After my mom died, I set on my path to making life better for others,” Manigo said. “I always said that my purpose in life is to help people get to where they aspire

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

needed [since] a number of them were closing.”

Blotter of the Week

to be. That, to me, has been my driving force and everything else — the successes that have come along the way have been outputs from that.”

Manigo’s aunt, S.C. Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Colleton, told the City Paper that she is proud to see her niece giving back to MUSC students.

“You’re supposed to turn around and help someone else,” Matthews said. “Shea has beaten incredible odds. And I’m excited for where she’s going to go.”

Manigo moved to Charleston in 2001 after her undergrad years at the University of Florida to be closer to her family and take a break from school. Shortly after she moved, her sister was murdered in Colleton County. Manigo said her late sister had always encouraged her to keep going in higher education, and it was her voice in Manigo’s head that inspired her to apply to the MUSC College of Pharmacy and pursue her doctorate.

“My family would always say, ‘Just put one foot in front of the other,’” Manigo said. “You take micro steps [toward] who it is [you’re] ready to be. It’s not about achieving this momentous thing. It’s about taking that first step toward who it is you are looking to become, and then every-

Stoney realized, however, that the Cannon Street Y’s building, erected in 1955 on a tiny lot, could not continue to serve a changing Black community within a gentrifying Charleston. Because of these forces, he said, the Y was losing about $250,000 a year for 10 years, he said. The organization’s board of directors made the difficult decision to sell the Cannon Street building for $2 million and move to Berkeley County. “If we didn’t get off Cannon Street, we would be dead on the vine,” he added.

A new chapter in Berkeley County

In 2009, Stoney took over the management of a financially struggling Berkeley County YMCA in Moncks Corner.

Schools

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

that we process this the best way we can for the kids. Perhaps there is a feasibility study that needs to be done to make any kind of move that negatively impacts our students.”

Kennedy said he didn’t hold the press conference last Thursday to refute what Summey said about the city’s schools, nor was he surprised by the concerns raised by the North Charleston mayor.

“If you look at North Charleston, there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved,

thing else just kind of falls in place.”

As a single mom living on school loans, Manigo earned a pharmacy doctorate at MUSC and completed a joint degree program at The Citadel to secure a master’s degree in business administration in 2007.

To read the full story of Shea Manigo and the MUSC endowed scholarship, visit charlestoncitypaper.com.

As a result, Ben Grambling of Grambling Brothers developers asked Stoney what he would need to build a YMCA at Cane Bay. That conversation led to Grambling donating 69 aces for the Berkeley County facility along with $100,000 annually for 10 years. Funds for the $28 million building came from a bank loan secured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural development program. The Cane Bay Y still owes USDA $17 million over 36 years. The Y also received a $250,000 gift from McDonald’s franchise owner Carolyn Hunter-Heyward to build a swimming pool with easy access for people with disabilities.

In 2012, the Moncks Corner Y merged with the YMCA of Greater Charleston when it was on the verge of closing. It is still open, but it is again on the verge of closing.

“It has fallen in disrepair,” he said. “We have voted to sell that property.”

If the building is sold, Stoney said, the Y will continue to offer some services in the Moncks Corner area at a satellite facility.

and not just those associated with what happens in the classroom,” Kennedy said, speaking to the city’s crime rate. “It is not a surprise to me when anyone expresses concern to me about children not performing well.”

Kennedy also spoke last Thursday on the financial impact of the potential move on both CCSD and North Charleston residents and students.

“If North Charleston pulls out, that’s going to have a big impact,” Kennedy said.

“That’s not just my speculation. I’ve seen this elsewhere in the country … we end up

with the haves and have-nots, and most of those students that were struggling then are struggling more so now.”

Kennedy said he planned to reach out personally to Summey and other various elected officials as well as principals and parents who would be impacted by the change.

Pendarvis told the City Paper last Thursday he was considering a bid for North Charleston mayor, a position that Summey is said to be considering not running for in the fall, though Pendarvis said his political future was not a factor in his proposal for North Charleston schools.

A downtown woman told Charleston police that her neighbors were “transforming into naked raccoons and destroying her ceiling” and that this “only happens in the dark.” We quote the report directly here, because this time, nothing we could come up with was more interesting than the report itself.

We are very worried about it, actually A North Charleston police officer on patrol Feb. 12 noticed a fire under the overhang of a Rivers Avenue building. As the officer pulled up to investigate, a single man left from the side of the building and told the officer, “Don’t f***ing worry about it.” The fire was safely extinguished, and the building is fine. After a quick chase, police arrested the man for breach of peace.

Wait a second …

Forty-three bags of apples were stolen from a West Ashley McDonald’s according to a Feb. 13 Charleston police report. The total monetary loss to the fast food joint was less than $60, with each bag costing $1.39 — which is way less than what any of us pay at a grocery store. Feels like we’re the real victims of a crime here.

By Skyler Baldwin Illustration by Steve Stegelin

The Blotter is taken from reports filed with area police departments between Feb. 12 and Feb. 21.

Go online for more even more Blotter charlestoncitypaper.com

MUSC alumna Shea Manigo established an endowed scholarship fund to position minority students for success

Charleston County has a gun problem

very day, Charleston County authorities encounter more than three incidents related to guns — murders, aggravated assaults, shootings, unlawful possession of firearms and on and on. It’s not safe for them or us.

In fact, it’s too much. That’s why everyone in our community needs to step up to help to curb the violence. If we work together, we can make our community safer as recent data show. In the last couple of years, gun-related violence declined in Charleston and North Charleston, as highlighted in today’s cover story, “A Month of Shootings,” because of community collaboration.

There’s a role for everyone — citizens, police, business people and elected officials — in curbing gun violence.

Citizens can do a better job of reporting crimes to police. In North Charleston, for example, police saw an increase in the number of calls for service from 109,000 in 2021 to 132,842 in 2022 — a 21% increase that police say shows they’re making inroads in rebuilding public confidence.

Law enforcement authorities must continue smart community policing initiatives by collaborating and engaging with citizens and neighborhood leaders to build trust.

Charleston police are rightly focusing on solving festering problems, not just treating surface symptoms of crime. North Charleston police are to be commended for bringing in national training programs like Violence Interrupters to work with people who live in high-crime areas on ways to bring down crime and violence.

Business owners can mentor students, offer alternatives to “troubled youths” and provide funding to nonprofits working to cut the violence.

City and county elected officials need to fund more social

services to augment law enforcement funding to build a collaborative culture that reduces crime. They also need to put big pressure on state legislators to do their job by strengthening gun laws, not loosening them in ways that promote a Wild West culture. Among smart gun safety initiatives that there’s still time to implement this year across South Carolina:

• Close the Charleston loophole to make it harder for nuts to get guns.

• Enforce the laws on the books to keep gun-toting criminals in jail.

• Oppose the so-called “constitutional carry” proposal that would make it easy to carry a gun without training.

• Keep guns out of teachers’ hands in schools. Teachers aren’t law enforcement officers.

• Require responsible gun storage to bolster a culture of gun safety.

• Insist on mandatory licensing and training — just as is required to drive a car.

• Invest more in mental health programs to promote community resilience.

It wasn’t too many years ago across Charleston County that there was an “us against them” mentality between police and the citizenry. While tragedies like the Walter Scott shooting in North Charleston are still on people’s minds and we’ve still got a long way to go to reduce gun violence and crime, we’re on a much better path than just five years ago.

Working with neighbors is the key for local law enforcement agencies to be successful in protecting and serving. Stay on that path to get the violence numbers down more.

EDITOR and PUBLISHER

Andy Brack

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Cris Temples

MANAGING EDITOR

Samantha Connors

NEWS

Staff: Skyler Baldwin, Herb Frazier, Chelsea Grinstead, Chloe Hogan, Michael Pham, Hillary Reaves

Cartoonists: Robert Ariail, Steve Stegelin

Photographer: Rūta Smith

Contributors: Kate Bryan, Elise DeVoe, Amethyst Ganaway, Vincent Harris, Helen Mitternight, Kyle Petersen, Abby Tierney, Kevin Wilson, Kevin Young

Published by City Paper Publishing, LLC

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. © 2023. 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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Race for governor in 2026 already underway

By Andy Brack

All you have to do to know that the race to be the GOP candidate for governor in 2026 has already started is to answer this question: Why is state Attorney General Alan Wilson constantly at the double murder trial of disbarred lawyer Alex Murdaugh?

Just watch and you’ll see he’s not doing much of anything to help the prosecution. So day after day, he’s just posing — politically grandstanding for the state and national media to look like he’s intimately involved.

Even without the trial, Wilson, whose office wouldn’t answer questions about why he was continually at the trial, would be a top potential candidate for governor in 2026. Current GOP Gov. Henry McMaster is now a lame duck after just starting his second full term. So his position will be open in just under four years.

So while it’s early to start looking at 2026 candidates, Wilson’s ongoing media presence kind of begs a look at what happens when McMaster hangs it up. Besides Wilson, here are possible gubernatorial candidates:

• Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. While the Upstate businesswoman just started her second term as the state’s number two leader in the executive branch, most people outside of GOP stalwarts aren’t very familiar with her. Look for her to ratchet up her presence over the next couple of years if she is planning a serious bid for the top job.

• State Sen. Shane Massey. The 47-year-old state Senate majority leader from Edgefield County checks off a lot of boxes for an ideal GOP candidate. He’s relatively young. He has 14 years of experience in the legislature. And he courts the red meat contingent of the Republican Party with support for conservative causes, such as figuring out ways to make abortions illegal. But while he may flirt with running for governor because it’s a neat job, you wonder whether he’d want to give up the considerable time invested in garnering power in the legislature — since the General Assembly has the real power in this state. If Massey waited a few years, he could control the Senate agenda even more than he now influences it.

• John Warren. The Greenville businessman who challenged McMaster in 2018 easily could self-fund another campaign for governor. Since his narrow runoff loss five years ago, he’s continued to build credibility among the GOP base by pushing conservative measures on education, accountability, judges and abortion through a political action committee, South Carolina’s Conservative Future. Warren didn’t run in 2022, but he’s kept his name in the mix to be a potential contender in 2026.

• One of the Freedom Cause firebrands. There are more than a dozen state lawmakers in the fiery, ultra-right House Freedom Caucus. More than likely one or more of them will take their big heads to the people across the state in an attempt to make it even bigger. There’s not a particular one of them who has yet distinguished himself yet, but these folks have got more than three years to flame out or try to mask their nuttiness to keep from scaring mainstream voters.

• U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. While the Lowcountry Republican currently is flirting with running for president, it’s not beyond the possibility that he may decide to throw his hat in the governor’s race in 2026. One political observer told us, “I’ve always assumed he was more interested in state politics than national. Maybe all the encouragement to run for national office has changed that, but I still think the state job would interest him.” And maybe something that would really interest him is if he were to run with his buddy Trey Gowdy, the former congressman from the Upstate, as his running mate.

Whatever happens in 2026, the lead-up to the governor’s race certainly will be interesting … and it’s likely to show new fissures in the Republican Party as McMaster relaxes a grip on it that he’s had since he was chairman in the 1990s.

Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send to: feedback@ charleston citypaper.com.

A MONTH OF SHOOTINGS

November averaged three incidents per day across Charleston County

By Andy Brack

.355-caliber bullet shredded a James Island window screen about 9 p.m. Nov. 13. It then cracked glass and zipped diagonally across a guest bedroom of a modest ranch house in Ferguson Village. Another bullet smashed into vinyl siding and careened through a living room wall as a married couple watched a football game. Their granddaughter listened to music in her bedroom. Five minutes earlier, a young family friend left the guest bedroom where he had been staying.

The man yelled for everyone to hit the floor. Three other bullets hit a blue van parked outside. The rear window shattered. The man got his pistol out of a safe. His wife called police. But the shooter was gone into the dark of the chilly fall night.

Charleston police found six gold-colored 9mm shell casings along Riverland Drive. Three days earlier, police found three shell casings nearby after a neighbor’s complaint of shots.

These are two more cases of seemingly random gun violence in Charleston County, which experiences three gun-related incidents every single day.

Most people feel gun violence has gotten out of control thanks to too many guns in a permissive culture that seeks to loosen gun laws instead of making it harder for people to get firearms.

“The state legislature needs to wake up and do something,” a Ferguson Village neighbor said in a recent interview. “We don’t need to go back to the Wild West where everybody can carry a gun.”

The neighbor, a woman in her 70s who asked not to be identified, said she suspected teens or young adults in their 20s as

being involved in the two November shootings in her neighborhood. She urged people across the county to not be afraid to report gunfire to police.

“We need to come to the realization that two people selling drugs or carrying guns affects the whole community,” she said, adding that if the community didn’t do something about it, things could get worse.

Over the last two years, she said two area youths died from gunshot wounds near a neighborhood public library and elementary school.

“It’s an issue when it comes that close to home. We have to realize this is our home, and we have to protect it.”

A murder in Ladson

Fast forward 10 days to a home on Garwood Drive in Ladson, about 24 miles northeast of James Island. Charleston County deputies found Jermaine Bunch Jr., 27, dead after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Hours earlier, several bullets hit another home on the same street. No one was hurt.

On Dec. 1, deputies charged Mario Lavell Burgess, 18, of Ladson with murder and

November 2022 gun deaths in Charleston County

Three gunshots hit a house and three others hit a nearby vehicle leaving bullet holes (right) in November at a James Island home. The owners were home when the bullets pierced the screen and cracked the window (above).

possession of a firearm in a violent crime in relation to Bunch’s death. A warrant accuses Burgess of shooting him at least 10 times before fleeing the scene.

In November, six people in Charleston County died from gunshot wounds — three by suicide and three from homicides. Across the county, police and deputies recorded 38 shootings, 60 gun-related arrests, five armed robberies and four aggravated assaults. All totaled, there were more than 100 gun-related incidents in Charleston County in November, although the number surely is higher if data from smaller police agencies were added.

Gun violence may be ebbing

Senior Charleston-area police officers, however, say gun violence seems to be slowly ebbing, in part because of new models of community policing that are starting to show results.

In Charleston, for example, incidents of shootings dropped 23% from 216 in 2020 to 167 in 2022, according to data provided

through a Freedom of Information request. Deaths from firearms in the city declined from 26 in 2020 to 19 in 2022, a 27% drop. Firearm-related arrests rose 77% over the two-year period.

In North Charleston, the story is similar. The murder rate dropped 11% from 2021 to 2022 (36 murders to 32) and the number of aggravated assaults with firearms went down 16% in the same time span — from

November 2022 gun violence incidents in Charleston County

Photos by Andy Brack

Statewide crime trends, 2020-21

VIOLENT CRIME: Decreased 5.1% Violent crime has dropped 48% since 1992.

MURDER RATE: Increased 0.89%

• Murder is at its highest rate since 1991.

• 85.9% of murders are by firearms.

• Of those, 56% are by handguns; 34% are not stated by type.

SEXUAL BATTERY: Decreased 1% Down 5.5% since 2012.

ROBBERY: Decreased 19.6% Lowest now in 30 years.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: Down 2.2% But a five-year trend is up 10.5%.

WEAPONS VIOLATIONS: Up 4.2% Up 81% compared to 10 years ago.

448 to 377 incidents. Arrests involving firearms fell 12%, from 424 to 372 over the last year.

Data also point to police engaging with communities more, too. In Charleston, firearms taken into evidence jumped 39%, from 502 in 2020 to 698 last year. North Charleston saw an explosion of calls for service — from 109,900 reports in 2021 to 132,842 in 2022.

Community engagement is paying off, police say

More people calling police and asking for help means North Charleston community policing initiatives are taking hold, Deputy Chief Ken Hagge said in an interview.

“Not only are we engaging in the community, but the community’s engaging in the police department,” he said. “It’s no longer an us-against-them mentality on either side, police or community.”

It wasn’t that way 30 years ago when North Charleston police were known to swoop into and saturate areas with force when a crime hot spot got really hot. Or about eight years ago when North Charleston officer Rodney Slater shot resident Walter Scott in the back. That event, Hagge agreed, led the department to reevaluate how they were policing and embrace a more active style of community policing and engagement.

Now, for example, residents will publicize the department is part of a community event because that will help bring out people and highlight how it’s safe.

“That wasn’t the way it was 20 years ago,” Hagge said. “I don’t think there’s any silver bullet in crime reduction or community engagement. I think it’s a culmination of all of it. It’s a mindset. It really is. I mean, how do

you police a city and not be part of that city?”

Nearby in Charleston, a series of shootings in the Eastside led Charleston police to bolster its community policing approach — even though the concept had been around for more than two decades.

There are times, like when there’s rowdiness on King Street, when a strong police presence helps thwart violence, Deputy Chief Dustin Thompson said. But the Eastside shootings helped the department better understand the need to get to the root of problems and solve them to make neighborhoods safer.

“Just flooding a neighborhood with police officers isn’t working to reduce gun violence,” Thompson said. “What we strive to do — and it’s in our core values and it’s in our training — is that you can do a lot of things.”

For example, it can help for an officer to get out of the car and talk with people about why violence is happening.

“We stress officer presence and community engagements,” Thompson said. “That’s one of the main things we stress at the patrol level.”

Advocates say engagement works

North Charleston police recently awarded $100,000 each to 12 street-level community groups to boost engagement and make neighborhoods safer. The thinking behind the funding is that community members often can find out information to reduce violence that police might not be able to get. These “violence interrupters” can pass it along without burning community bridges and help to solve neighborhood problems.

Last week, 10 community members who know the streets took 40 hours of national training on how to interrupt violence by treating it as a public health problem. These advocates are the kind of people who can “go to somebody’s house to disrupt the violence before it escalates into something,” said North Charleston Pastor Thomas Dixon.

“The police have their job, and the violence interrupters have their job, and we need to maintain the trust of the community so we can get in ahead of time and interrupt the violence.”

If the two groups work together to address violence as a public health issue that can fester, they’ll help solve problems, he agreed.

“I have more hope than I’ve ever had as somebody who has been an advocate of gun violence prevention and community policing for a long time,” Dixon said. “I’ve seen the first steps and know the ending is going to be lives saved and communities built.”

Skyler Baldwin contributed to this story.

A selected November chronology of gun violence in Charleston County

5:48 p.m., Nov.1

Gun, drug arrest , Ginger Lane, North Charleston. Illegally parked car led to arrest for illegal machine gun, marijuana possession.

10 p.m., Nov. 2

Attempted murder, Sorentrue Ave., North Charleston. Man shot by passing car after ongoing argument.

11:55 p.m., Nov. 5

Armed robbery, Dorchester Road, North Charleston. Phone, cash stolen. Suspect with pistol arrested.

7:55 p.m., Nov. 6

Shots fired after argument , Mountainbrook Avenue, North Charleston.

10:31 p.m., Nov. 6

Discharging firearm, Rotherwood Drive, West Ashley, Charleston. Man accused of firing gun in air.

12:48 a.m., Nov. 7

Attempted murder, Rhett Park Drive, North Charleston. Man shot; police found gun later.

10:25 p.m., Nov. 8

Gun, drug arrest , 6100 Rivers Ave., North Charleston. Arrest made after police on foot patrol smell marijuana.

11:15 p.m., Nov. 9

Multiple gunshots, Bream Road, North Charleston.

2:30 a.m., Nov. 10

Burglary, shooting , Ashley Hall Plantation Road, West Ashley, Charleston. Suspect fired a gun into the glass door. Bullet went into the secondfloor apartment.

6:14 p.m., Nov. 10

Shooting , Riverland Drive, James Island. Three shots fired.

12:43 p.m., Nov. 11

Assault, gun arrest , N. Arco Lane, North Charleston. Traffic stop led to car and foot chase, pistol recovery.

11:39 a.m., Nov. 13

Attempted murder, Rivers/Durant avenues, North Charleston. Traffic stop led to arrest after alleged shooting.

12:35 p.m., Nov. 13

Attempted murder, Mall Drive, North Charleston. Man shot outside of a restaurant.

9:10 p.m., Nov. 13

Shooting , near Riverland Drive, James Island. Five shots fired, two into the house and three into a car.

1:18 a.m., Nov. 14

Aggravated assault , 7500 block of Dorchester Road, North Charleston. Car shot eight times.

3:54 p.m., Nov. 19

Attempted armed robbery, Little John Drive, West Ashley, Charleston. Four men reportedly tried to steal from a delivery truck.

5:40 p.m., Nov. 20

Shooting, murder, Jean Ribault Drive, North Charleston. Brihan “Zuriel” Martinez Calderon, 20, of North Charleston died of a gunshot wound on the scene.

3:47 a.m., Nov. 22

Drug, weapons arrest , Meeting Street Ramp, I-26, Charleston. Traffic stop led to marijuana arrest and gun taken from teenager.

6:10 p.m., Nov. 23

Murder, Garwood Drive, Ladson. Man shot 10 times. Suspect arrested.

11:45 p.m., Nov. 23

Armed robbery, Dorchester Road, North Charleston. Phones, $750, identity documents stolen.

1:55 a.m., Nov. 27

Shots fired, police chase near Aster Street, North Charleston. Man arrested after wreck on Rivers Avenue.

8:55 p.m., Nov. 28

Armed robbery, Verde Avenue, North Charleston. $12,000 cash, ring, watch stolen.

11:05 p.m., Nov. 29

Murder, Atkins Street, North Charleston. Herman Reed Jr., 61, of North Charleston died of a gunshot wound on the scene.

Dixon

Source: State Law Enforcement Division, “Crime in South Carolina, 2021”

Sources: Charleston County Coroner’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Police Department

What To Do

SUNDAY

4th Annual West Ashley Restaurant Festival

The West Ashley Restaurant Festival celebrates the community’s culture and invites food and beverage vendors from throughout the region to take part in a day fest packed with delicious eats and refreshing drinks. Several West Ashley restaurants offer menu items to sample, and there will be a kid-friendly area plus a vendor alley featuring area nonprofits and businesses.

March 5. 3-7 p.m. $35. Founders Hall. 1500 Old Towne Road. West Ashley. eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY

Printmaking class at Redux art center

This hands-on class takes a deep dive into relief printing from raised images. The instructor will teach participants to repurpose the nonperishable food supplies found in pantries and fridges to forge a new appreciation for art found in everyday items. The art-making duo on exhibit at Redux currently, Sardine Press, will display prints created in this class for the remainder of the exhibit, Only Once in the Light. This 21-and-older event is limited to 16 participants for an exclusive experience.

March. 4. 5-8 p.m. $25. Redux Contemporary Art Center. 1065 King St. Downtown. reduxstudios.org.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

“Hip Hops: The Remix” beer event

SATURDAY

Pickers Hullabaloo Flea Market

2 3 4 5 1

Grab your friends and head to the Pickers Hullabaloo Flea Market for a day filled with live music, good eats and more than 100 dealers and artisans. Browse through vintage housewares, furniture, jewelry, nostalgic collectibles and clothing from a diverse lineup of local and regional merchants such as Junk Angles, Thrift & Thimble, Frenchie Vintage and Fernweh Designs. Enjoy food from First Name Basis Pizza, Don Sazon Empanadas, Shaka Shrimp and more. March 4. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Firefly Distillery. 4201 Spruill Ave. North Charleston. pickershullabaloo.com.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival 2023 reprises its “Hip Hops” event with “The Remix,” featuring Grammy-nominated Southern rap group Nappy Roots and DJ B-Lord on the turntables. Nappy Roots’ brewery Atlantucky collaborated with Charleston’s Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. to brew a special beer for the festival. The family friendly setting is a great way to enjoy good brews, food and tunes.

March 3. 7:30-10 p.m. $125. Music Farm. 32 Ann St. Downtown. charlestonwineandfood.com.

ALL

MONTH Out of the Box exhibit

The Charleston Artist Guild Gallery presents Out of the Box, an abstract painting exhibition by Charleston visual artist Susanne Frenzel. The Germany-born artist explores varying media and painting techniques to achieve texture-rich, colorful pieces that play on viewers’ emotions. Frenzel is influenced by her travels and captures the spiritual experience of adventure. Don’t miss the opening reception from 5-8 p.m. March 3 and get a chance to meet the artist. March 1-31. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Charleston Artist Guild Gallery. 160 East Bay St. Downtown. charlestonartistguild.com.

Charleston Wine + Food returns with free events, F&B inclusivity, more

By Michael Pham

Charleston Wine + Food (W+F) returns this weekend for another year of indulging in great local food and drinks, as well as discovering the massive talent the area’s industry has to offer. The festival took a break in 2021 but returned in a big way last year with a revamped and relocated Culinary Village that moved from downtown to Riverfront Park, included free family events and had an extensive list of special dinners and chefs.

Last year also saw a change of leadership. Longtime W+F

Director Gillian Zettler announced her departure after the festival’s return, leading to communications director Alyssa Maute Smith acting as interim executive director.

Maute Smith officially took the helm as executive director in January, and under her leadership, W+F is emphasizing its focus on residents, the food and beverage (F&B) community and professionals in hospitality. This new direction is seen in the participants, as well as the programming and special community-focused events like the first-ever Street Fest with the City of Charleston and a new partnership with Charleston County School District, Maute Smith said.

Revamped Culinary Village

Last year saw the relocation of the event’s Culinary Village from Marion Square to

Riverfront Park with a larger set up and free access to a food truck rodeo just outside the entrance.

This year, the Culinary Village is getting another facelift by splitting into four “neighborhoods,” Maute Smith said. These neighborhoods in different sections of Riverfront Park highlight different cuisine styles, she added.

“Each one of those neighborhoods tells something about how we eat here,” she said.

One neighborhood, “Shucktown,” is focused on seafood, oysters, shrimp and other coastal cuisine. Next is the “Grillin’ and Chillin’ ” neighborhood, dedicated to Lowcountry barbecue, outdoor and live fire cooking. “Street Eats” is a call to the festival’s Saturday night internationally themed signature event, which will celebrate the variety of world cuisines that Charleston offers. Finally, local farmers and purveyors will get a chance to shine and show off their goods in the “Farm Fresh’’ neighborhood. A food truck rodeo will no longer sit outside the entrance of the Culinary Village but instead is integrated into the Village in related neighborhoods.

Each neighborhood will also have a small demonstration stage for two chefs, restaurants or caterers to offer “bite-sized demos” of interactive, live cooking with guests. And moving across the Village and into each neighborhood throughout the weekend are three snack carts, provided by Lowe’s Foods. While the bite-sized demos, snack carts and some vendors offer samples of food, Maute Smith said the food trucks and other vendors will offer full meals to stuff your belly even more.

Culinary Village is open 1-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets for the Village are $135. A shuttle from the Charleston Visitor Center & Bus Shed in downtown Charleston to the Village is available for an additional $28.

Free Street Fest event

The City of Charleston is celebrating its culinary culture with an inaugural Street Fest in partnership with W+F. Three blocks of upper King Street from John to Mary streets with an extension on Ann Street will be blocked off from 6-9 p.m. on March 2.

The free, family friendly event will feature live music and for-purchase food and beverages from local vendors, food trucks and businesses along King Street. Part of Ann Street will be dedicated for a 21-and-over wine and beer garden for attendees.

“This is just an exciting thing because upper King Street doesn’t get shut down very often,” Maute Smith said.

All of the brick and mortar restaurants on that section of King Street have been invited to “spill out” onto the street, according to Maute Smith, along with retail shops and food trucks and pop-ups like Lola’s Lumpia and Bert & T’s Desserts.

In partnership with Holy City Brewing, W+F will have its own special brew, available at the biergarten on Ann Street during the Street Fest, and all weekend at Holy City Brewing and Culinary Village.

“Making our festival more accessible and inclusive is a major goal for Wine + Food,” Maute Smith said. “Partnering with the city and our sponsors makes that possible, and

What’s happening?

Hotel Bennett is hosting a champagne breakfast March 4 with Dom Ruinart and Tahiirah Habibi, founder & CEO of The Hue Society. The Champagnes will be paired with food prepared from Hotel Bennett’s executive chef Edgar Kano. Butcher & Bee is hosting an unofficial CW+F after-party at 10 p.m. March 4

W+F events to check on

Editor’s note: The following events recently had availability. To check whether an event is still open, go online: charlestonwineandfood.com.

MARCH 2

• Mex 1 Coastal Cantina Brunch, $130, Sullivan’s Island

• Anything but Champagne beverage workshop, $150, Iron Rose, downtown

• My Sherry Amour beverage workshop, $135, Stems & Skins, North Charleston

• It’s Getting Hot in Here beverage workshop, $135, Iron Rose, downtown

• Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint signature dinner, $195, James Island

• The World of ‘Cue , $125, Firefly Distillery, North Charleston

MARCH 3

• Wild Wild West beverage workshop, $115, Stems & Skins, North Charleston

• The Bold + Barreled signature event , $165, Founders Hall, West Ashley

• That Yak beverage workshop, $135, Blue Note Bistro, North Charleston

• Hip Hops: The Remix , $125, Music Farm, downtown

MARCH 4

• Sake to Me beverage workshop, $115, The Mills House Hotel, downtown

• The Lowdown beverage workshop, $95, The Mills House Hotel, downtown

• Cocktail Queens signature event , $135, The Refinery, downtown

• Rice: The Global Grain class, $150, Culinary Institute of Charleston, downtown

MARCH 5

• Breakfast of Champions beverage workshop, $250, Iron Rose, downtown

• Let That Be Riesling beverage workshop, $115, Iron Rose, downtown

Maute Smith

Courtesy Charleston Wine + Food

Charleston Wine + Food celebrates the city’s evolving food culture

we are excited to present our first-ever free feast and fest.”

Guiding the future

In addition to partnerships with Lowe’s Foods, the City of Charleston and Holy City Brewing, W+F is launching its Charleston County School District (CCSD) and Charleston Wine + Food Scholars Program with public high schools in Charleston County. Students from culinary programs at Wando, West Ashley, Burke, Military Magnet and North Charleston high schools will be on-site throughout the festival weekend. They’ll work during opening night, Culinary Village and in the prep kitchen for a paid internship.

Charleston-area restaurants in Charleston Wine + Food

It’s Charleston Wine + Food weekend which means thousands of people will visit the Lowcountry to check out what Charleston-area eateries have to offer. It’s a chance to check out new places, meet new people and learn what Lowcountry cuisine is all about.

BY APPOINTMENT

Here are 18 restaurants participating in W+F signature dinner events. While signature dinners are likely to be sold out, you can still check out these eateries during the festival weekend. There’s a reason these chefs and restaurants have a signature dinner tied to their name, after all. —Michael Pham

OCTOBER 26-31

BY APPOINTMENT

babas on meeting

OCTOBER 26-31

CROGHAN’S JEWEL BOX

804 Meeting St. (Downtown) (843) 284-6260

Babsoncannon.com

Herd Provisions

106 Grove St. (Downtown) (843) 637-4145

Herdprovisions.com

Oak Steakhouse

17 Broad St. (Downtown) (843) 722-4220

Oaksteakhouserestaurant.com

O-Ku

463 King St. (Downtown) (843) 737-0112 O-kushushi.com

Pink Bellies 595 King St. (Downtown) (843) 640-3132

Pinkbellies.com

The Kingstide 32 River Landing Drive (Daniel Island) (843) 216-3832

Thekingstide.com

The Pass 207-A St Philip St. (Downtown) (854) 444-3960

Thepasschs.com

CROGHAN’S JEWEL BOX

Charleston Grill

308 KING STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401 843.723.3594

“This is a way that we can continue to regenerate our local F&B industry and keep really good talent here in Charleston,” Maute Smith said. “And it’s a great way to really meet that educational pillar that’s in our mission and just one of the ways that we work with the community around. But I’m personally very excited about having the opportunity to influence young students and get them excited about culinary and hospitality and the opportunities they could have in those fields.”

CROGHANSJEWELBOX.COM

308 KING STREET CHARLESTON, SC 29401 843.723.3594

224 King St. (Downtown) (843) 577-4522

Charlestonplace.com

CROGHANSJEWELBOX.COM

Husk

76 Queen St. (Downtown) Huskrestaurant.com

Magnolias

Post House 101 Pitt St. (Mount Pleasant) (843) 203-7678

Theposthouseinn.com

Three Sirens 1067 E Montague Ave. (North Charleston) (843) 573-7204

Threesirenschs.com

Welton’s Fine Foods 682 King St. (Downtown) Weltonstinybakeshop.com

Delaney Oyster House

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW CROGHANSJEWELBOX.COM/EVENTS

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW CROGHANSJEWELBOX.COM/EVENTS

115 Calhoun St. (Downtown) (843) 594-0099

Delaneyoysterhouse.com

Frannie & the Fox

181 Church St. (Downtown) (866) 246-7407

Hotelemeline.com

185 E Bay St. (Downtown) (843) 577-7771

Magnoliascharleston.com

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

1622 Highland Ave. (James Island) (843) 790-0838

Martinsbbqjoint.com

Sullivan’s Fish Camp 2019 Middle St. (Sullivan’s Island) (843) 883-2100

Sullivansfishcamp.com

The Grocery 4 Cannon St. (Downtown) (843) 302-8825

Thegrocerycharleston.com

Cats

CHILI PEPPER

Female, 8 y/o. A playful girl who loves basking in the sun. Call (843) 747-4849, www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

AKC MINI AM. SHEPHERDS

AKA Mini Aussies. Mini and toy sizes in assorted colors. 8-15 pounds when mature. Puppies are ready to go! Complete vet check-ups & first shots. 2-Year guarantee & AKC registrations. Raised in our home w/ family and kids. Find us on Facebook: Bouchard’s Best Shepherds. Located in Charleston, SC. A+ rating w/ BBB since 2008. Call for more info (978) 257-0353.

OLIVER

Male, 3 y/o. An orange ball of love who loves head scritches and and being the center of attention. Call (843) 7474849, www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

Dogs

AKC ENGLISH LAB PUPPIES

AKC registered English labrador puppies available! Fox, black & yellow females available. Was champion bloodlines. Up to date on shots & dewormings. Born: 12/12/23 Ready: 2/6/23. Call (803) 514-0445, http://threerunscreeklabs. blogspot.com/?m=1

CHRISTMAS

Male, 3 y/o. A loving fellow who loves a nice cozy bed and tasty treats. Email the shelter at adopt@dorchesterpaws.org to set up a meet and greet!

AKC GERMAN SHEPHERDS

AKC Olde World, Long Coat German Shepherd PUPPIES. Great bone structure and color. Great with kids! Raised with family, for family. Bouchard’s Best shepherds has had an A+ rating w/BBB since 2008. First shots done and two complete vet checks! We have been socializing for you, with kids, adults, and other dogs. For more info call: 978-257-0353.

AKC Papers, health certificate, UTD on shots and two year guarantee. Located in Charleston, SC, $2,250.

DORA

Female, 4 y/o. An energetic girl who is always the life of the party. Email the shelter at adopt@dorchesterpaws.org to set up a meet and greet!

LAMPREY

Female, 7 y/o. Sweet and gentle. Call (843) 747-4849, www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

AKC TOY POODLE

Hey pet lovers, Choco & Black Phatom both female are available. Vet checked, tail docked, $950 ea. Please call (910) 247-2754.

MAPLE

Female, 8 y/o. A sassy girl with lots of personality and energy. Call (843) 747-4849, www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

SANDSTORM

Female, 5 y/o. Sandstorm, like her name, is full of energy and a whirlwind of fun! Email the shelter at adopt@dorchesterpaws.org to set up a meet and greet!

PLAT MORE FULLY APPEAR.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES

CONVEYED UNTO WILLIAM

EDWARD OLDIGES AND KAREN

KENNEDY OLDIGES, AS JOINT

TENANTS WITH THE RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP AND NOT AS TENANTS-IN-COMMON, BY VIRTUE OF DEED FROM CHRISTOPHER RANDAZZO AND CARYL K.

RANDAZZO DATED DECEMBER

6, 2012, RECORDED DECEMBER

10, 2012 IN BOOK 296, PAGE 181, CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC. CURRENT ADDRESS OF PROPERTY:

1264 Palmetto Peninsula Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Parcel

No. 5610900048 No personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will not remain open after the date of sale, but compliance with bid may be made immediately. The property shall be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The highest bidder, other than the Plaintiff, will be required to deposit with the Master, at the conclusion of the bidding, cash or certified check in the amount of five (5%) per cent of the bid: the said deposit to be applied to the purchase price. Should the highest bidder fail to comply with the bid within thirty days from the date of sale, the Master will resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting bidder upon the same terms as above set out. The Sheriff of Charleston County may be authorized to put the purchaser into possession of the premises if requested by the purchaser.

PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY

J. Martin Page, Esquire

Telephone: 803-509-5078

File # 22-41645

FOR INSERTION February 15 & 22, 2023 & March 01, 2023

Mikell R. Scarborough

Master in Equity

4928

Master’s Sale

2021-CP-10-02672

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHARLESTON IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity

But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust, PLAINTIFF versus William O. James aka William Owen James aka Owen James, Truist Bank, Thomas Warren, Absolute Resolutions Investments, LLC, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, DEFENDANT(S).

Upon authority of a Decree dated the 14th day of June, 2022, I will offer for sale to the highest bidder for cash, at public auction, the premises fully described below, at the County Council Chambers, 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, South Carolina, on the 7th day of March, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter. All that certain piece, parcel, tract, or lot of land, with the buildings and improvements located thereon, or to be built thereon, situate, lying and being in the County of Charleston, State of South Carolina, known and designated as Lot No. 20, Block F, Carolina Terrace Subdivision, as shown on a plat thereof made by George LaBruce, dated June of 1930 and duly recorded in the Office of the RMC for Charleston County, South Carolina, in Plat Book E at Page 119; Said property having such size, shape, dimensions, buttings and boundings, as will by reference to said plat more fully and at large appear. Subject to any and all Restrictions, Covenants, Conditions, Easements, Rights of Way, and any and all other matters affecting subject property, of record in the Office of the RMC for Charleston County, South Carolina.

Being the same property conveyed unto Owen James by deed from Larry N. Ward, dated November 14, 2000 and recorded November 29, 2000 in Deed Book H359 at Page

756 in the ROD Office for Charleston County, South Carolina.

TMS No. 4181300213

Property Address: 623 Maylen Road, Charleston, SC 29407

No personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will not remain open after the date of sale, but compliance with the bid may be made immediately. THIS SALE IS SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENTS, COUNTY TAXES, EXISTING EASEMENTS, EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD, AND OTHER SENIOR ENCUMBRANCES. The property shall be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The highest bidder, other than the Plaintiff, will be required to deposit with the Master, at the conclusion of the bidding, cash or certified check in the amount of five (5%) per cent of the bid: the said deposit to be applied to the purchase price. The successful bidder will be required to pay for documentary stamps on the Deed and interest on the balance of the bid from the date of sale to the date of compliance with the bid at the rate of 6.5000%. Should the highest bidder fail to comply with the bid within thirty days from the date of sale, the Master will resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting bidder upon the same terms as above set out. Should the Plaintiff, or one of its representatives, fail to be present at the time of sale, the property is automatically withdrawn from said sale and sold at the next available sales day upon the terms and conditions as set forth in the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale or any Supplemental Order. The Sheriff of Charleston County may be authorized to put the purchaser into possession of the premises if requested by the purchaser. NOTICE: The foreclosure deed is not a warranty deed. Interested bidders should satisfy themselves as to the quality of title to be conveyed by obtaining an independent title search well before the foreclosure sale date. ATTENDEES MUST ABIDE BY SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND MAY BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK OR OTHER FACIAL COVERING. Any person who violates said protocols is subject to dismissal at the discretion of the selling officer or other court officials.

PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY RILEY POPE & LANEY, LLC (803) 799-9993

FOR INSERTION February 15, 2023, February 22, 2023, March 1, 2023

Mikell R. Scarborough Master in Equity 4959

PUBLIC NOTICE

Twin Oaks Farms Ravenel LLC has applied to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management for a permit to build/ install a floating dock for private use at 4704 Savannah Hwy on the Wallace River. Comments will be received by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, Jo-Ann Danner Program Coordinator, Critical Area Permitting Section 1362 McMillan Ave Suite 400 Charleston S.C. 29405. by February 23, 2023.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CHARLESTON IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

PHH Mortgage Corporation, PLAINTIFF, vs. Glenda N Seymour; South Carolina Department of Revenue; Bank

FILING OF COMPLAINT AND NO-

TICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION AND CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE CORONAVIRUS AID RELIEF AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT (NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE)

C/A NO: 2022-CP-10-03353

DEFICIENCY REQUESTED

TO THE DEFENDANTS, ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, Hutchens Law Firm LLP, P.O. Box 8237, Columbia, SC 29202, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, except as to the United States of America, which shall have sixty (60) days, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES, AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY:

YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff immediately and separately and such application will be deemed absolute and total in the absence of your application for such an appointment within thirty (30) days after the service of the Summons and Complaint upon you.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference of this case to the Master-in-Equity/Special Referee for this County, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master-in-Equity/Special Referee is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this case with appeal only to the South Carolina Court of Appeals pursuant to Rule 203(d)(1) of the SCACR, effective June 1, 1999.

NOTICE OF FILING OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the foregoing Summons, along with the Complaint, were filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court on July 26, 2022.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to the South Carolina Supreme Court Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, you may have a right to Foreclosure Intervention. To be considered for any available Foreclosure Intervention, you may communicate with and otherwise deal with the Plaintiff through its law firm, Hutchens Law Firm LLP, P.O. Box 8237, Columbia, SC 29202 or call (803) 726-2700. Hutchens Law Firm LLP represents the Plaintiff in this action and does not represent you. Under our ethical rules, we are prohibited from giving you any legal advice. You must submit any requests for Foreclosure Intervention consideration within 30 days from the date of this Notice. IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE, OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION,

If you have already pursued loss mitigation with the Plaintiff, this Notice does not guarantee the availability of loss mitigation options or further review of your qualifications.

CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT

My name is: Gregory Wooten First Middle Last

I am ( ) the Plaintiff or (X) an authorized agent of the Plaintiff in the foreclosure case described at the top of this page. I am capable of making this certification. The facts stated in the certification are within my personal knowledge and are true and correct.

1. Verification

Pursuant to the South Carolina Supreme Court Administrative Orders 2020-04-30-02 and 2020-05-06-01 and based upon the information provided by the Plaintiff and/or its authorized servicer as maintained in its case management/database records, the undersigned makes the following certifications:

Plaintiff is seeking to foreclose upon the following property commonly known as 1335 Witter Street, Charleston, SC 29412 Street Address & Unit No. (if any) City, State Zip code

I verify that this property and specifically the mortgage loan subject to this action:

( ) is NOT a “Federally Backed Mortgage Loan” as defined by § 4022(a)(2) of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.

(X) is a “Federally Backed Mortgage Loan” as defined by § 4022(a)(2) of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. Specifically, the foreclosure moratorium cited in Section 4022(c)(2) of the CARES Act has expired as of May 18, 2020, and the property and mortgage are not currently subject to a forbearance plan as solely defined in Sections 4022(b) and (c) of the CARES Act.

I hereby certify that I have reviewed the loan servicing records and case management/data base records of the Plaintiff or its authorized mortgage servicer, in either digital or printed form, and that this mortgage loan is not currently subject to a forbearance plan as solely defined in Sections 4022(b) and (c) of the CARES Act. Pursuant thereto, I certify that the facts stated in this Certification are within my personal knowledge, excepting those matters based upon my information and belief as to the said loan servicing records and case management/data base records of the Plaintiff or mortgage servicer, and to those matters I believe them to be true. See, Rule 11(c), SCRCP; BB&T of South Carolina v. Fleming, 360 S.C. 341, 601 S.E.2d 540 (2004).

2. Declaration

I certify that the foregoing statements made by me are true and correct. I am aware that if any of the foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment by contempt.

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF

Hutchens Law Firm LLP

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHARLESTON IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

PHH Mortgage Corporation, PLAINTIFF, vs. William R Morris a/k/a W Reaves Morris, and if William R Morris a/k/a W Reaves Morris be deceased then any children and heirs at law to the Estate of William R Morris a/k/a W Reaves Morris, distributees and devisees at law to the Estate of William R Morris a/k/a W Reaves Morris, and if any of the same be dead any and all persons entitled to claim under or through them also all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, interest or lien upon the real estate described in the complaint herein; Any unknown adults, any unknown infants or persons under a disability being a class designated as John Doe, and any persons in the military service of the United States of America being a class designated as Richard Roe; Mary Turnbach Morris; DM, a minor; KM, a minor, DEFENDANT(S)

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION (NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE)

C/A NO: 2022-CP-10-04614 DEFICIENCY WAIVED

TO THE DEFENDANTS, ABOVE NAMED:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at their office, Hutchens Law Firm LLP, P.O. Box 8237, Columbia, SC 29202, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, except as to the United States of America, which shall have sixty (60) days, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES, AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY:

YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff immediately and separately and such application will be deemed absolute and total in the absence of your application for such an appointment within thirty (30) days after the service of the Summons and Complaint upon you.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference of this case to the Master-inEquity/Special Referee in/for this County, which Order shall,

pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master-in-Equity/Special Referee is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this case with appeal only to the South Carolina Court of Appeals pursuant to Rule 203(d)(1) of the SCACR, effective June 1, 1999.

NOTICE OF FILING OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT

TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the foregoing Summons, along with the Complaint, was filed with the Clerk of Court for Charleston County, South Carolina, on October 4, 2022.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to the South Carolina Supreme Court Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, you may have a right to Foreclosure Intervention. To be considered for any available Foreclosure Intervention, you may communicate with and otherwise deal with the Plaintiff through its law firm, Hutchens Law Firm LLP, P.O. Box 8237, Columbia, SC 29202

or call (803) 726-2700. Hutchens

Law Firm LLP represents the Plaintiff in this action and does not represent you. Under our ethical rules, we are prohibited from giving you any legal advice.

You must submit any requests for Foreclosure Intervention consideration within 30 days from the date of this Notice. IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE, OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION, YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY/ AGENT MAY PROCEED WITH A FORECLOSURE ACTION. If you have already pursued loss mitigation with the Plaintiff, this Notice does not guarantee the availability of loss mitigation options or further review of your qualifications.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY FOR DEFENDANT(S) IN MILITARY SERVICE

TO UNKNOWN OR KNOWN DEFENDANTS THAT MAY BE IN THE MILITARY SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ALL BEING A CLASS DESIGNATED AS RICHARD ROE:

YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED that Plaintiff’s attorney has applied for the appointment of an attorney

to represent you. If you fail to apply for the appointment of an attorney to represent you within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you Plaintiff’s appointment will be made absolute with no further action from Plaintiff.

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

Hutchens Law Firm LLP

A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

SOBER SOBER HAPPY HAPPY HOUR HOUR

Ben's Friends and Charleston Wine + Food invite you to for appetizers and non alcoholic refreshments.

THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY

MARCH 2, 3 & 4

FROM 4 TO 6 PM

FESTIVAL WELLNESS HUB

Ethos Athletic Club | 311 Huger Street

ALL ARE WELCOME!

“JUST VISITING” —a monopoly on two initial letters.

Across

1. Kama ___ Records (Lovin’ Spoonful label)

6. Frittata ingredients

10. Aeration

14. “It’s worth ___!”

15. Actress Petty of “Orange Is the New Black”

16. “Garfield” drooler

17. Fictitious “100% Colombian Coffee” farmer in an old ad campaign

19. Clue weapon

20. Sculptor, e.g.

21. Sailor’s hook

23. Mil. mess duties

24. Acorn, later

27. Beastly sorts

31. Musician such as Stèphane Grappelli (and not many others in that genre)

35. Ooze with

37. Award named for a TV network

38. Sch. with a campus in Atlanta

39. Fundamental physics particle

40. They’ll get to U afterwards

41. Religious crusade

43. CN Tower’s prov.

44. Conditional suffix?

45. Courtroom figs.

46. Business partnerships

50. Eventually

51. “I ___ a lot of problems with you people!” (Festivus

“Airing of Grievances” line)

52. Move like a toad

55. Nest builder

57. Pooh’s morose friend

60. Nursery rhyme pet

63. French science fiction novelist who’s the second most translated individual author in the world

66. Like the goateed twin, it’s said

67. Shimmery gem

68. Fur tycoon John Jacob

69. Stare intently

70. Trees used for archery bows

71. Some Wikipedia entries

Down

1. “Wheel of Fortune” host since 1981

2. Unlawfully take over

3. “I’m as surprised as you ...”

4. Pasta ___ (boxed dinner)

5. Dune buggies, briefly

6. Pipe bend

7. Pan, for one

8. Actor Kinnear

9. In a rather large way

10. Not seriously

11. Altar-ed statement?

12. Five-digit address ender

13. Tappan ___ Bridge

18. The whole gamut

22. Part of TGIF

25. Disinclined (to)

26. Word spelled out after “sitting in a tree”

28. Cyclist’s wear (for aerodynamic purposes)

29. Test type

30. Small earrings

32. Fuss

33. Type of garden with rocks

34. Decides on

35. Smiley face, for example

36. Element in strobe lights

41. Pasta sauce container

42. “Graph” ending

44. Make way happy

47. Just a bite

48. Initials for an oversharer

49. Sporty trucks, for short

53. “Ripley’s Believe It ___”

54. Jury’s makeup

56. Deceive

58. Performance assessment, for short

59. “Oh ___ can!”

60. One way to get your kicks

61. Director DuVernay

62. “Les ___” (Broadway musical, casually)

64. Congressional creation

65. Golfer Ernie

Last Week's Solution

Arts, etc.

New play pays tribute to activist Clark

By Tiare Solis

Septima is a new play by Patricia Williams Dockery offering an inside look at Charleston native and civil rights icon Septima P. Clark’s legendary life. Septima premieres at PURE Theatre on March 9.

Meanwhile, the College of Charleston unveiled a mural last Thursday to honor Clark. It’s entitled, “Saint Septima with Carolina Jasmine,” and is painted by the multi-hyphenate artist Natalie Daise, who is known mostly for her 1990s work on the Nickelodeon show Gullah Gullah Island.

Dockery, an author and playwright now based in Baltimore, previously held the role of executive director at the Avery Institute for African American History and Culture at the College of Charleston from 2010 to 2019 where she was approached by the Charleston League of Women Voters to write a play about Clark, who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to establish citizenship schools across the South to register Black voters during the civil rights movement. The League of Women Voters is a nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization founded in 1920 which works to expand and protect voting rights.

“Having worked at the Avery, I really learned all about Septima Clark. So when they asked me to do it, I was doubled over in honor,” Dockery said.

The play covers Clark’s entire life, Dockery said, and illustrates her unassailable spirit as she rose through adversity and overcame personal tragedy to make a lasting impact on the civil rights movement, especially voting rights and education.

The play is written as if Clark is telling the audience her story on her 125th birthday — this year in May — through a series of vignettes.

“She talks about her childhood, her education, her upbringing, professional issues and her love life with her husband. So, it kind of spans everything,” Dockery said.

Dockery noted she was an anthropologist by training, but also has a humanities background.

“I’m always sort of melding creativity and liberal arts and the humanities into what I do,” Dockery said. “So I jumped at the opportunity to do Septima, especially since I’ve been this closet artist my whole professional life.” Dockery added that this production gave her a chance to blend her expertise and passion.

A ‘gorgeous, engaging tribute’

Sharon Graci, co-founder and artistic director at PURE Theatre, said Dockery’s play is a “gorgeous, engaging tribute” to Clark’s life and work.

“It captures her successes and failures, her triumphs, and her crushing blows. It breathes life into her victories and her regrets, her sense of accomplishment and her shame,” Graci said. “Show me a person

Catch the Greek tragedy Antigone at Gibbes

What happens when one woman stands up against injustice at the hands of the state? Inspired by the current special exhibition, From Chaos to Order: Greek Geometric Art from the Sol Rabin Collection, the Gibbes Museum will stage a live production of the Greek tragedy Antigone. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members and $10 for students. There are two shows from noon-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on March 3. — Chloe Hogan

Artist guild presents group show at Park Circle

legacy and influence

who claims to have experienced only life’s highs and none of its lows, and I tell you they’re either lucky beyond measure or not very truthful.

“Septima is a story about a human being and life’s peaks and valleys — and that just makes her all the more extraordinary and inspirational.”

The cast of Septima includes Charlestonbased actors Keith Alston, Michelle Powe, Shivam Patel, Josh Wilhoit and Sonja Reed in the chorus, with the role of Clark played by Kimberlee Monroe, who is a New York City-based actor.

Graci said that she is excited to see Monroe portray the legendary Clark, who King called “The Mother of the Movement.”

“I was looking for a strong actor who married their respect for Septima and her life and work with a strong, disciplined acting technique,” Graci said. “Kimberlee is an exceptional actor. Her work is so thorough and so nuanced. She has joined an incredible cast, and they are so much fun to be around and are complete pleasures to work with.”

Septima is at PURE Theatre March 9 to April 1 with several special events hosted by PURE and the League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area, including a ladies’ night reception, a network happy hour and a talkback with Dockery.

To purchase tickets for Septima, visit puretheatre.org.

Park Circle Gallery presents a group show featuring the members of the Summerville Artist Guild from March 1-25, with a free opening reception 5-7 p.m March 3. More than 30 artists from Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties will present works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media and more based on this year’s theme, “simple pleasures.” — CH

Don’t miss two chances to see Midnight City Band

Longtime Charleston party band the Midnight City Band takes the beach stage of Windjammer for back-to-back performances at 7 p.m. March 3 and 4. Known for its upbeat renditions of popular tunes, Midnight City Band also added to its repertoire last fall a new EP of original music entitled Infinite Summer. Tickets are $20-25 and available at thewindjammer.com.

Chelsea Grinstead

Chamber music lands at Sottile Theatre

Chamber Music Charleston presents a “Celebration of Chamber Music” March 3-5 to kick off its 2023-2024 season. The star of the celebration is an arrangement of “Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills,” about a woman’s battle with prejudice in the world of 1920s Broadway. The weekend includes a classical kids concert at 11 a.m. on March 4. For more information, visit chambermusiccharleston.org. Tickets are available at gsbo.cofc.edu. — CG

Photos provided

New York City-based actor Kimberlee Monroe (right) will portray activist Septima P. Clark (left) in Septima, a new play that honors Clark’s

“ Septima is a story about a human being and life’s peaks and valleys — and that just makes her all the more extraordinary and inspirational.”

—Sharon Graci

Going below the surface with music podcaster Hulsey

By Chelsea Grinstead

A lot of what Meggie Hulsey does is for the love of music. The Charleston-born podcaster has lived in the Lowcountry most of her life, and she launched a music curation site, Disco Teepee, in 2014 to spotlight musicians and give her two cents.

“I’ve just always been a music fan,” Hulsey recently told the Charleston City Paper. “That’s where it all just stems from. I like talking to musicians. I like to hear the stories — where they were when they were writing the song or how they felt or what they were going through.”

At first, Disco Teepee posted live show coverage, songs of the week and music reviews, but the site material began to shift as Hulsey realized that offering her opinion didn’t bring as much joy as interviewing musicians to draw out the common denominator they share with listeners. Hulsey, who is in her 30s, launched her podcast on Disco Teepee in 2019 to paint pictures of individuals artists’ relationships to music wherever they were in their creative journey.

“It started to evolve into more of introducing people to my favorite musicians or the songs that I really liked,” she said. “I use the term ‘podcast’ very loosely because there’s no editing in what I do,” she said. “There’s no intro music. There’s nothing fancy to it. I hit record, and it’s just two almost complete strangers talking about music.

“It’s fascinating to hear the personal stories and how music has been a lifeline, how it’s been an inspiration, how it’s helped people process and channel emotions that they couldn’t normally understand.”

She said interviewing artists can be a bit

tricky since there’s a level of vulnerability that has to come to light, but when the conversation is centered around music, it seems easier to open up about both tough times and pivotal experiences in life.

Establishing connections

“Music is important because it connects people that aren’t normally going to be connected by anything else,” she said. “At the end of the day, it boils down to we’re all just humans. We all have very similar emotions and feelings. And when you have music, it just makes you feel validated and that you’re not alone in those feelings.”

Hulsey’s work as an SEO senior analyst for New York performance marketing network Reprise Digital dovetails with the creative work she pours into Disco Teepee, which is rooted in forging connections and highlighting talent that is relatively undiscovered. And with any niche market, she said it can feel like sometimes that the impetus isn’t there to double down and cultivate the platform she wants to bring to on-the-rise musicians.

“I owe it to myself to see how far I can go,” she said. “I just have to try. I have lived in Charlotte, and I have lived in Atlanta. And I kept telling myself this lie that I have to move to a more musically ingrained city or a city that has the infrastructure to support music as a business. I told myself this for so many years. And strangely enough, after the pandemic, I was like, ‘I can do whatever I want. Why not invest in my home?’ ”

Another way she invests in the Charleston music scene is through the community group Sisters in Song (SIS) that she

founded two years ago with Ear For Music’s booking agent Erika Lamble and singersongwriter Emily Curtis. They started the group as a network for women working in the local music industry.

“SIS is very much a labor of love,” Hulsey said. “We all have dreams and goals that we want to accomplish in the music industry, and it is so hard to do it by yourself. The music industry — [it] can rip your heart out. There’s a lot of labor that goes into it. Are you getting the end results that you want? If we work together, we can all help each other based [on] our different skill sets and use our differences to make each other better and stronger.”

For Hulsey, there needs to be an ongoing conversation in the music industry, which can so often default to cliques, in order to open doors for female talent.

“It’s not men against women,” she said. “[On] the music business marketing side, [there’s a standard that] men make the money and women don’t translate to sales — that’s a really old argument. It’s tough for women because there’s already this ‘understanding’ that they’re not going to have music people want to hear [or] translate to ticket sales, merch sales or streams. Working with SIS, I’ve heard stories of how difficult it is just to be booked for a gig. We need to keep talking about it.

“It’s the job of the individuals that are already established to create an open platform for those that are trying to get themselves established.”

Don’t miss Meggie Hulsey’s monthly appearance on the Ohm Radio 96.3 show “Songspiration” hosted by Zandrina Dunning.

Jai Jones

Meggie Hulsey regularly posts episodes on her website Disco Teepee to point listeners to lesser-known music acts

Park Circle Creamery is the place to go if you want handcrafted ice cream and unique flavors — mouth watering options include cherry dream, vegan coconut oreo and lemon crunch, to name a few. Owner and ice cream maker Maurice “Mo” Ray told the Charleston City Paper his playlist is a go-to for bumping tunes when he’s making ice cream early in the morning or late at night. “It’s my time to be thankful and to be true to myself spiritually, emotionally and physically,” he said. He gave the City Paper a list of the top five tunes you’re most likely to hear when he’s churning out ice cream:

“Because of Who You Are” by Martha Munizzi

“My God is Awesome” by Charles Jenkins

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

“Mr. Ice cream Man” by Master P feat. Silkk the Shocker

Vocalist

Daniel paves his way

as a musician later in life

By Kyle Petersen

Summerville singer-songwriter Ron Daniel remembers very clearly the first time he got up on stage to sing in front of people. It didn’t end well.

“I had all the confidence in the world when I was in my teens and 20s,” he said. “I always felt like I had a knack for performing and singing. But when I actually got my first gig at 20 opening for a band in Atlanta, I experienced stage fright. And it was really life-altering. I told myself, ‘I’m not going to get back up on stage again until I’m ready and pretty much unflappable.’ ”

Then, as Daniel tells it, he blinked and 25 years had gone by. With a teen daughter eager to try open mics, Daniel rekindled his old passion around 2012. He got more serious about his guitar work, embracing open mics and solo gigs at places like Homegrown Brewhouse and Wine & Tapas in Summerville.

Eventually, the songs came, reflecting a love of  ’70s folkies like James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot and imbued with Daniel’s own charisma and effervescent spirit. Starting with 2018’s In the Live Room, the songwriter has been putting these songs to tape and testing the publishing waters, finding a second life as a musician in middle age.

For the most part, Daniel seems intent on balancing his increasing professionalism — his latest spring 2022 record, Country Made for Kings, featured a full band and production work from North Carolina’s Doug Williams, who famously helmed the board of The Avett Brothers’ early work. Daniel also ventured into the Music Row scene in Nashville to see if his songs might have a chance at being cut by more established artists.

“There’s still a slim chance that anything will come of it,” he said. “I was happy just

Summerville singer-songwriter Ron Daniel’s latest album, Country Made for Kings, reveals a ’70s-inflected countryfolk songcraft

to talk to people there and be offered some contracts. But they weren’t what I was really looking for. I’m just trying to grow my network and continue to meet people and see if there’s a way up the ladder as far as relationships go. It’s my passion, so I might as well give it a chance.”

In the meantime, the songs themselves are the reward. Daniel feels a real confidence in what he’s creating, particularly given the ample life experience he can now bring to his craft. He will give an intimate performance at 5 p.m. March 22 at Zeppelin Pizza Co. on Johns Island.

“I think starting to write now at this point in my life has been a benefit. I’ve got a lot more wisdom, and I’ve heard a lot more music,” he said. “And I know what I don’t want to say, and I know how I don’t want to say it.”

Rūta Smith

Foto Di Matti

Does Charleston have TOO MANY BREWERIES?

Meet the partners behind the new craft brew concept URBAN

ALCHEMY

+

BREWERY VISIT INDIA PALE ALE IS THE KING OF SPRING

Brew lovers unite!

Sláinte, fellow Charlestonians and those visiting our lovely city. Our favorite drinking holiday is officially among us, St. Patrick’s Day! This kicks off spring and summer. “Sláinte,” for those who don’t know, is the Irish (and Scottish) Gaelic toast to good health. We wish you all good health in 2023!

In this first edition of HOPS in 2023, we’ve got some special articles for you. In this edition, we broaden the term “craft brew” by introducing you to a new, local cold brew company just in time for Charleston Wine + Food. Why limit brew to just beer? You will definitely want to check this out.

Next, we polled and spoke with several local craft brew lovers around Charleston. You may find the results surprising. While all opinions are subjective, we do acknowledge the variety and look forward to sharing them with you. There are several online communities dedicated to the joy of craft beer. Thoughts and opinions may vary but one thing is always consistent: they all love beer.

And lastly, we discuss the King of Spring: India Pale Ales. This polarizing frothy beverage has many faces — ahem, flavors.. From the “West Coast” style to the “East Coast” style, and from milkshakes, doubles and everything in between, let’s get our dry hop (or wet hop) on! Where will the trends lead next?

As always, we enjoy bringing you every edition of HOPS and appreciate your continued support. If you’d like to see us cover something or someone in particular, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Kyle is on Instagram at @chsbrewerylist and Tarah is on Instagram at @barefootbeertender.

But back to St. Patrick’s Day and your good health. Here are a few events around town to chase down a pot of gold. They’re also great spots to find a delicious Irish or English Stout, Porters & Ales.

• 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party & Parade , Park Circle

Saturday, March 11, all day

Park Circle Breweries: Commonhouse Ale Works, Holy City Brewing, Wind and Waves Brewing

• 6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Crawl, Bay Street Biergarten

Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, all day

• Victor Go Bragh! Brewlab Charleston, Live music, $3 Irish Stout pints, $5 Irish cocktails

Friday, March 17, all day

• Irish Stouts, English Porters and Ales around town

Munkle Brewing Evening Post Porter (cans and nitro)

Brewlab Charleston St. Victor’s Stout (cans and draft)

Charlestowne Fermentory Pub Ale Nitro

Commonhouse Ale Works Broad Path Brown English Brown Ale

Fam’s Brewing English Bitter Pub Ale

Frothy Beard Brewing Tides of Galway Red Irish Ale

Indigo Reef Brewing Dublin Drought Dry Irish Stout

Tideland Brewing Paddy’s Proper Pint Dry Irish Stout

Kyle Wallace aka Charleston Brewery List

Tarah Gee aka Barefoot Beertender

BEST DRAG SHOW

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BEST LATE NIGHT BAR

BEST CBD SHOP

BEST FLORIST

BEST REALTOR

BEST BOOKSTORE

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

BEST YOGA STUDIO

BEST OB-GYN

BEST LOCAL CAUSE AND MANY MORE!

VOTE FOR YOUR LOCAL FAVES!

BESTOF.CHARLESTONCITYPAPER.COM

BREW PROFILE

Urban Alchemy

A new craft brew concept

By Tarah Gee

Chic. Funky. Inspirationally designed. Who knew cold brew coffee could be so cool? What … you didn’t think we’d only ever talk about beer in a column titled “Craft Brew Profile?” No, that would be a disservice to amazingly talented folks advancing the world of coffee, also technically a craft brew. Meet the creators of Urban Alchemy, Rachael James and Andrew Miller. As lovely in person as they are in photos, these two entrepreneurs set forth to create more than a product. They wanted to create a ritual, an experience, a lifestyle. And like the ink written on Rachael’s hand, the result is magic.

Rachael is also the founder of Wild Alabaster, a fair-trade small crystal shop in Park Circle that offers ethically sourced crystals and stones, as well as customcurated boxes and classes. This mother of four also is known for her following and influencing like-minded individuals from her instagram account, @wildjamesclan. And she isn’t slowing down!

Rachael and her Urban Alchemy partner, Andrew, connected over a chance to bring something they felt was missing from the Charleston market — a groovy, delicious cold brew in a can.

“The story of our brand is similar to the trajectory that many small businesses are founded on, the search for something better than what is offered,” said Rachael.

A College of Charleston alum, Andrew’s past experiences are with Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing and Virginia’s champagne maker Claude Thibaut. He also spent several years with the U.S. Geological Survey, which led him to leap into cold brew. Andrew spends nearly all of his

time linked in some capacity to the water. Teaching surf lessons, volunteering for Charleston Water Keeper and Charleston Surf Rider, Andrew said, “This cold brew is for pleasure seekers, like me.”

The team’s bright, vivid cans boast a 1970s nostalgic design. Boring, they are not.

“We leverage ingredients sourced with intent, distinct techniques, dialed-in flavor, and eye-popping design because life is too short to drink boring liquids from boring cans,” Rachael said.

Once initial logistics were in place, the pair decided the best opportunity to launch Urban Alchemy would be Charleston Wine + Food 2023. You can find them at the Culinary Village at Riverfront Park. You can also find Urban Alchemy on nitro draft at Brewlab Charleston, which has created a cocktail and mocktail list to complement the cold brew. It will also be sold at Cold Shoulder Gourmet in West Ashley.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Monday

4-5 p.m. Munkle Brewing Co. Happy Hour, $2 off pours

6 p.m. Snafu Brewing Company

Name that Tune Trivia

6 p.m. Low Tide Brewing, Bingo

6:30 p.m. Brewlab Charleston

Buy two pints, get six wings!

Plus, Beats, Brews, & Bingo

6:30 p.m. Estuary Beans and Barley, Trivia

7 p.m. Baker & Brewer, Trivia

Tuesday

All night Brewlab Charleston

Better Call Sal-Sa - 5 tacos for $10

4-5 p.m. Munkle Brewing Co.

Happy Hour, $2 off pours

6:30 p.m. Estuary Beans and Barley

Music Bingo

7 p.m. Palmetto Brewing Co.

Two Fer Trivia Tuesday

7 p.m. Fatty’s Beer Works Phish Nights

7 p.m. Wide Awake Brewing, Trivia

Wednesday

4-5 p.m. Munkle Brewing Co.

Happy Hour, $2 off pours

7 p.m. Brewlab Charleston

Burger & Beer Night - $15 Plus, Trivial Trivia

7 p.m. Charles Towne Fermentory

Trivia

7 p.m. Low Tide Brewing, Trivia

7 p.m. New Realm Brewery

Name that Tune Trivia

7 p.m. Rusty Bull Brewing

Trivia (first Wednesday only)

7 p.m. Tidelands Brewing, Music Bingo

8 p.m. Fam’s Brewing Co., Trivia

Thursday

All night Brewlab Charleston

BOGO 50% off sushi, $4 core pints

4-5 p.m. Munkle Brewing Co.

Happy Hour, $2 off pours

6 p.m. Ghost Monkey Brewery Brewery Bingo

6 p.m. Hobcaw Brewing Co. Team Trivia

6:30 p.m. Indigo Reef Brewing Co. Music Bingo

6:30 p.m. Sanfu Brewing Company, Bingo

Friday

3 p.m. Revelry Brewing

Sun-sets with Sparkbox

4-5 p.m. Munkle Brewing Co.

Happy Hour, $2 off pours

Saturday

1-9 p.m. Charleston Brewery District Free trolley

Sunday

11-3 p.m. Commonhouse Aleworks

Sunday brunch

CRAFT

HOP-ON HOP-OFF

FREE LOCAL BREWERY SHUTTLE!

EVERY SATURDAY 1PM - 9PM

:00Tradesman Brewing Co.

:03 Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

:07Brewlab Charleston

:10Cooper River Brewing Co.

:20Palmetto Brewing Co.

:25Baker & Brewer

:30Revelry Brewing Co.

:35Fatty’s Beer Works

:40LO-FI Brewing

:45Bevi Bene Brewing Co.

:50Munkle Brewing Co.

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES

Charles Towne Fermentory

Co.

Indigo Reef Brewing Co.

LO-Fi Brewing

Rusty Bull Brewing

Low Tide Brewing

Rusty Bull

Munkle Brewing

New Realm Brewing Co., CHS

Stone’s Throw

Wind and Waves Brewing

Editor’s Note: If you know of a new brewery headed to the Charleston area, please let us know at: info@brewhopchs.com.

Co. SC

Does Charleston have too many breweries?

By Kyle Wallace and Tarah Gee

Later this year, High Score Brewing plans to open just off of Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston. Owners

Tony Williams and Chris Shelley announced that it will be a retrogaming-themed brewery that features arcade games and consoles. The opening of this brewery will bring the total back up to 37 operating breweries and brewpubs in the Charleston area. Which leads to the question: when are there too many breweries?

HOPS informally polled and spoke with local craft beer fans and owners to get their takes. Via Charleston Beer Enthusiasts, a local Facebook group, just 8.6 percent of respondents said yes.

Out of the 70 respondents, 64 said there are not too many breweries in Charleston. And while the results speak for themselves, people’s comments tell another story.

“Every time a new brewery opens, I figure that this is the one that will burst the bubble,” said Dave Florio, a local beer enthusiast. “But, somehow, pretty much all of them have managed to stay afloat. Yeah, a few have shuttered, but not as many as I’ve expected.”

“In my opinion, each brewery has to carve a certain niche to make up for not having a stellar beer program — a great kitchen. Great spots for families with kids and/or dogs. A lovely vista.” Dave said he makes it a priority to visit all the breweries and examine objectively.

As the craft beer scene grows, brewery owners continue to search for ways to pay the bills, stay relevant and produce a quality product. Many times, brewery owners overshoot what a taproom will monetarily bring in on a weekly basis. Distribution can offset some of these shortcomings, but not always.

Are there too many breweries in Charleston?

HOPS asked people if they thought the Charleston-area had too much of a good thing.

Frothy Beard Brewing is an example of an establishment that learned how to grow and adjust with the times. It moved from the original location to a larger building, opened a second brewpub,

added mixed drinks to the line up, and offers an in-house food option. This allowed for a more diversified customer base, but some craft beer drinkers say it takes away from the “brewery” feel and changes it to a restaurant that makes beer.

Michael Biondi, co-owner of Frothy Beard, said things have changed through the years.

“I believe in a free market though so you really can’t stop people from going after their dream, but the rate of places that open, close and change hands or concepts here in Charleston is quite quick and the fact that the city is still recovering from a shortage in skilled labor shows that we may have opened up too many places

without the infrastructure to support it,” he said. Infrastructure includes public transportation, parking and easily accessible locations.

The Beer Can Professor, Paul Roof (above), and his Chucktown Follicle Brown from Holy City Brewing (right) Photos

“As far as breweries are concerned, I also think the culture has shifted a lot since we opened in 2013,” Biondi added. “We were the fifth brewery in Charleston and you could have a lot less to offer your clientele then and still be able to survive. We had a tap room, no food options most nights and were very limited on what we could actually serve our customers. With the law changes over the years, breweries can now serve food and drinks other than beer, such as liquor and wine.”

Are traditional breweries waning?

These are now the basic requirements from most customers when they visit any establishment and now especially breweries. Non-alcoholic options, wine and hard liquor are all now part of the package. Is it safe to say that the traditional brewery has died?

“If you don’t offer regular food options, entertainment, inside and outside seating, and other drink options, you limit yourself when it comes to customers’ choice,” Biondi said. He also said he believes that areas where there is only one brewery, the business will compete with peoples’ choices based on the brewery’s beer selection and the neighborhood’s restaurants. “So food is a big factor if you are in that situation.”

Beer enthusiasts Steve and Jennifer LeGrand-O’Brien visit breweries on a weekly basis.

“In my opinion you can never have too many breweries. They’re all different, with a different vibe and different beers,” said Jennifer. “You go to them based on what you’re looking for.”

Steve has a slightly different opinion. ”I think we may be at a little bit of saturation, but many of these breweries cater to locals. Summerville has Oak Road and Frothy OffWorld, for example. I know people who go to those two and no others,” he said. Therefore, it’s safe to say that for most beer drinkers location matters — what’s nearby, is convenient and has quality. True craft lovers seem to agree however, they will travel for good beer.

“I started going to Munkle Brewing because I love Belgian-inspired beers,” Steve said. “But now I also go because I’m comfortable there. I think the atmosphere and product quality will ultimately weed out some of them.”

Paul Roof, also known as the “Beer Can Professor,” has been a part of the local craft beer community almost since its beginning. Beer drinkers can find his likeness on Holy City Brewing’s Chucktown Follicle Brown.

“I personally think more choices is better and we have to think that many of these breweries are spread out from Summerville, to Mount Pleasant and everywhere in between,” he said.

But like the others, location does matter to him. “I am typically on James Island so the new Odyssey bottle shop is definitely my

new spot to go get beers in-house or to go.” While Odyssey bottle shop is not a brewery, it’s a hotspot for beer drinkers who like quality and variety.

Too many average breweries?

The overall consensus within the Charleston Beer Enthusiasts’ Facebook group is there are not too many breweries, but too many average breweries. They seem to mostly believe that the addition of more breweries into the community has not created a friendly competition to produce an excellent product, but has created an environment where breweries are forced to participate in ideas that they initially didn’t think they would need. Enter in trivia nights, bingo nights and endless specials to gain customers.

Most also agree that service and atmo sphere are highly important.

“I will go to a brewery with better service and atmosphere with average beer before a brewery with above average beer and crappy service,” said Travis Zeiset, a partici pant in Charleston Beer Enthusiasts.

Glassware and kid/dog friendly are also factors considered by avid brewery goers.

“The brewery district is one example in my opinion where competition is more fierce based on the amount of breweries in the area and what you offer your clientele and not exclusively on the beer you pro duce,” Biondi said.

“Overall, I guess the customer gets to decide whether there are too many of us and they vote with their choice of where they go based on what they like and what we offer.”

UNCOMMON BEER COMMON GOOD for the

We didn’t build Commonhouse to brew and sell beer. We did it because we love and believe in great beer - and great beer is brewed with purpose. We believe great beer strengthens social ties and gathers folks to enjoy better friendships, better experiences, and maybe even a better society. Commonhouse is beer brewed with purpose. A beer, if you will, for the common good.

Schmitt

Walker Architects

Entrance to & from Reid St.

“

… the rate of places that open, close and change hands or concepts here in Charleston is quite quick and the fact that the city is still recovering from a shortage in skilled labor shows that we may have opened up too many places without the infrastructure to support it.” —Michael Biondi

India Pale Ale is the king of Spring

By Tarah Gee and Kyle Wallace

For this edition, we decided to mix things up and not choose just one brewery, but a few that capture the essence of spring in Charleston. At this time of year, the skies are illuminated with the warm glow that lasts just a little bit longer. The chilly wind from the west turns warmer with each passing day. And for some reason, our favorite craft beer gets a tad more hoppy. And so, it is time to celebrate the King of Spring, the India Pale Ale, or IPA for short.

What makes an IPA different from other styles? Generally, it’s the hops. And boy, are there a lot to choose from! With roughly 150 species of hops worldwide, they are the spice of life … when it comes to beer, that is. Let’s look at some styles of IPAs and where to find them in Charleston.

Whether you are an IPA drinker, this style of beer is ever-growing and changing, thus producing fans of even the most skeptical beer drinkers. So before you start to say, “IPAs are too bitter” or “IPAs are too strong,” hear us out.

First, let’s tackle quick vocabulary. Here’s some buzzwords you might hear your beertender say include:

Session = Low AB (alcohol by volume)

Imperial = High ABV

Dry-hopped = Hops added during fermentation; can be double or triple dry-hopped

Wet-hopped = Moist hops added usually before fermentation or during the boiling process

With that out of the way, let’s move on to styles and where HOPS (the magazine) suggests finding them.

West Coast IPAs

Tropical fruit notes and a lower IBUs (international bitterness unit) are what defines a West coast-style IPA. Clean with higher carbonation, this style tends to be the introductory IPA.

HOPS recommends: Coast Brewing, one of the first breweries in Charleston, located on the old Navy Base in North Charleston, is well known for its HopART IPA. First brewed in 2007, HopArt is an IPA staple on the Charleston scene. Brewed with Nugget, Millennium and Cascade hops, this IPA clocks in at a banging 7.7% ABV.

With massive grain bills and a boundless variety of hops, this style led to an IPA revolution. Enter the double (DIPA) and triple IPA. Starting around 8% ABV, these heavy hitters can range up to 11% ABV. A double (DDH) or triple dry-hopped IPA is one that has had double, or triple, the amount of hops added during the fermentation process. So yes, you can have a DDH DIPA. (Double dry hopped double IPA). Phew … that’s a mouthful, literally.

HOPS recommends: Charlestowne Fermentory two locations in West Ashley, “the Ferm” as we call it, is crushing the hazy game. Try its Sungazer IPA, brewed with citra and motueka hops. It is soft but dry at 6.8% ABV.

New England/East Coast IPAs, aka Hazy IPAs

Perhaps you’ve heard, but New England and Imperial IPAs are currently all the craze.

Milkshake IPAs

This is a hazy brew with added lactose (milk sugar) and other adjuncts, such as fruits, candies and even cereals.

HOPS recommends: Westbrook Brewing, located in Mount Pleasant is

nationally known for many of its classic cores. And the Strawberry Shake IPA, 7% ABV, is a crowd-pleaser. Creamy and brewed with five different hops and three adjuncts, you suck this down like you’re a kid in a diner.

Sour IPAs

Combining two of the hottest styles on the market, the sour IPA is exactly how it sounds, a kettle-soured IPA.

HOPS recommends: Holy City Brewing, an all-encompassing Park Circle destination, offers an ever-evolving menu and rotation of craft brews. Sparkly Princess, brewed for the Charleston City Paper ’s 2017 Best of Charleston awards, is tart and juicy-brewed and dry-hopped with El Dorado hops. Easily crushed at 6.6% ABV.

Photos provided Holy City Brewing’s Sparkly Princess combines a sour with an IPA