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Be here, buy here
NORTH CHARLESTON COMPANY LEADS CHARGE TO BUY LOCAL
N O RT H C H A R L E S TO N O N L I N E . C O M
One of a kind Birth Place
Metanoia CEO, Bill Stanfield
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Living
Working
Playing
N O D TO PAR K C I RC LE
3 8 B I RTH PL AC E
This Old House magazine recognizes neighborhood as one of the best.
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LO R DY, LO R DY TH E C IT Y ' S 4 0 On June 12, North Charleston will celebrate its 40th anniversary as a city. North Charleston Magazine sat down for a Q&A with Mayor Keith Summey to reflect on the city’s past, present and future.
2 4 C ITI Z E N O F TH E Y E AR The Rev. Bill Stanfield serves the Chicora neighborhood as CEO of Metanoia, a nonprofit that aims to develop young leaders and to promote economic development and decent housing.
4 2 FO U N DATI O N FO R TH E FUTU RE Amid dust and din, a cavernous 70-year-old warehouse once used by the Navy is being transformed to play a key role in the nation’s energy future. Sometime this summer, workers will jockey a 150-ton rig designed to test the drive trains of offshore wind turbines into a massive hole in the floor of the testing facility on the campus of Clemson University’s Restoration Institute.
28 BE HERE , BUY HERE This edition's cover story takes a closer look at Lowcountry Local First, a NorthCharleston based company focused on keeping home-grown companies happy and healthy.
Health Guide
Special section by Trident Health System
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4 6 H U N LE Y R I G HT S I D E U P
The Charleston Birth Place, one of the only centers of its kind in the state, gives expectant mothers a safe and holistic option for childbirth. Nursemidwives at the center are equipped to handle complications, can write prescriptions and have full access to the maternity area at nearby Trident Medical Center so that they can move with the mother to the hospital if needed.
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TR I D E NT H E ALTH W E LCO M E S N E W B O R N S I N MAN Y WAYS
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P UT TI N G YO U R H E ART I N TH E R I G HT PL AC E
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RO B OTI C S U RG E RY H E LP S PH YS I C IAN S SAVE LIVE S
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If you haven’t seen the H.L. Hunley in the past few months, you really haven’t seen it. Not the way it looked in 1864, when it became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. Locals and tourists alike have been flocking to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center to see the Civil War sub since engineers removed it from the cradle that’s held it for more than a decade.
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AT TR AC TI O N S Visitors to North Charleston won’t ever run out of things to see and places to go. The city’s attractions run the gamut from a massive coliseum to a top-notch golf course and a popular water park.
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R E STAU R ANT PRO FI LE S Hungry? Then belly up to the bar or grab a table. North Charleston’s got everything you need, from fast food to trendy restaurants.
The cover
Cover photograph by Dan Hale featuring Nikki Seibert, (from left) Jamee Haley, Kate Gebler, and Kat Martin of Lowcountry Local First.
Bill Hawkins Publisher The Post and Courier 843.937.5534 bhawkins@postandcourier.com
Tom Clifford Executive News Director The Post and Courier 843.937.5515 tclifford@postandcourier.com
sTeve wagenlander Director of Audience Development The Post and Courier 843.937.5746 swagenlander@postandcourier.com
maTT winTer Editor, North Charleston Magazine 843.937.5568 editor@northcharlestononline.com mwinter@postandcourier.com
Jay fleTCHer Contributing Design Editor jfletcherdesign.com
gayle J. smiTH Director of Advertising The Post and Courier 843.937.5405 gjsmith@postandcourier.com
doug kifer Niche Advertising Sales Manager 843.958.7394 sales@northcharlestononline.com dkifer@postandcourier.com
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is a special publication of The Post a n d C o u r i e r n e w s p a p e r, 1 3 4 C o l u m b u s St., Charleston, S.C . 29403. Copyr i g h t 2 0 1 2 b y T h e P o s t a n d C o u r i e r. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The P o s t a n d C o u r i e r.
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Contributors
spring / summer 2012
Rob Young
Rob Young, a Lowcountry freelance writer who works in North Charleston, got to know the folks behind Lowcountry Local First for this edition's cover story (p 28). This North Charleston-based organization focuses its efforts on two main initiatives, “Buy Local” and “Eat Local,” through affiliations with hundreds of local businesses, from retail shops and manufacturers to restaurants, farms and food-and-beverage suppliers.
Robert Behre
Robert Behre has been a reporter with The Post and Courier since 1990 and began covering North Charleston last year. For this edition, Robert caught up with the Rev. Bill Stanfield, the city's 2011 Citizen of the Year. (p. 24)
Brian Hicks
Brian Hicks is a columnist for The Post and Courier and the author or coauthor of six books, including “Raising the Hunley.” For this edition, Brian revisits the confederate submarine, now housed North Charleston (p. 46).
Dan Hale
Dan and his wife, Amelia, own Dreamland Images. Both photographers have both been recognized for their work as photojournalists and now specialize in wedding and portrait photography. For this edition, Dan shot wonderful portraits for our cover story on Lowcountry Local First and business profiles of the Charleston Birth Place (p. 38) and Diaper Parties (p. 40).
Carol Kelly
Carol Roach Kelly, a contributing editor for North Charleston Magazine and former desk editor with The Post and Courier, has lived in North Charleston since 1996. She moved from Albany, N.Y., where for 14 years she was an editor with The Times Union.
Liz Rennie
Liz Rennie lives and works in North Charleston, writing for several online publications. For this edition, Liz talked with the owners of Charleston Birth Place (p. 38) and a local cloth diaper business (p. 40).
John Strubel
John Strubel is a freelance writer and director of Integrated Marketing at Charleston Southern University in North Charleston. For this edition, John caught up with Mayor Keith Summey about the city's 40th birthday (p. 13).
Copy editing: Jennifer Berry Hawes, Carol Kelly, Allison Nugent and Sandy Schopfer.
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EDITOR’ S LE T TER
BE HERE, BUY HERE Farmer Frank Simmons packs up peanuts at the farmers market in Park Circle. Lowcountry Local First, a company based in North Charleston, helps promote local businesses, including not only retailers and manufacturers but also farmers, restaurants and local farmers markets.
BUY LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. SOUNDS SIMPLE, RIGHT? Before you answer, take an inventory of what you’ve bought this week and then ask yourself: How many items were made or grown here in the Lowcountry? The folks over at Lowcountry Local First hope you see an opportunity to do more. This North Charleston-based company, headquartered in the Navy Yard at Noisette, is the subject of this edition’s cover story, “Be Here, Buy Here.” (p. 28) We were excited to learn more about the buy-local champions running LLF, and to share their story with our readers. Simply put, we feel a kinship. After all, North Charleston Magazine is a local company, too. We write about local subjects, depend on the support of local companies and hire local writers, photographers and editors. “Local” is the name of our game — that's where you find the great stories, that’s how you make connections that matter. Leaf through this edition and, hopefully, you’ll see what we mean. You’ll see a story about how the city of North Charleston invested
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in green energy by buying and installing wind turbines on the roof of city hall (p. 12). Where is the company that makes these turbines headquartered? North Charleston. You’ll see images of happy revelers from throughout the Lowcountry having a ball in North Charleston, some at a beer festival (p. 22) and others at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration (p. 23). Who’s behind both of these great events? Companies in North Charleston. You’ll find an inspiring Q&A with the Rev. Bill Stanfield, whose local nonprofit organization, Metanoia, helps develop young leaders and promote economic development in the city’s Chicora neighborhood (p. 24). You’ll learn about a unique local birthing center (p. 38) and small-scale cloth diaper business (p. 40). You’ll read about the dawn of what promises to be a massive, new local industry (p. 42), and the latest chapter in the 150-year history of the Lowcountry’s most historic vessel (p. 46). Want good stuff? As is often the case, you don't have to go far.
MATT WINTER E d i t o r, N o r t h C h a rl e s t o n M a g a z i n e
Photograph by Wade Spees
LIVING
HOME, SWEET HOME Jerry Lahm kisses his wife, Kyle Lahm, in front of their O’Hear Avenue home, where they’ve lived since 2008.
Park Circle Old houses rock
THIS OLD HOUSE MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES NEIGHBORHOOD AS ONE OF THE BEST
FAMILY TIME Ashley and Shaun Laursen take a walk with son Cole, 1, and their dog, Rosco, on Hatfield Street. The young family has lived in Park Circle for a year.
Photograph by Grace Beahm
Charleston may attract millions of tourists because of its old houses, but North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood has been named one of this year’s “Best Old-House Neighborhoods.” The honor did not surprise many who live there, including Tradd Gibbs, whose home is in Oak Terrace Preserve and who runs Cork Bistro on East Montague Avenue. “Everybody knows everybody,” Gibbs said recently while hanging out with two of his friends. Gibbs said he persuaded his wife to move there from Mount Pleasant several years ago, adding,“We wouldn’t live anywhere else. You can be anywhere in Charleston in 10 or 15 minutes.” The editors of This Old House magazine chose Park Circle as one of 61 great spots, based on architectural diversity, craftsmanship of the homes and the area’s preservation momentum — plus walkability, safety and a sense of community.
This Old House praised Park Circle for its “hundreds of lovingly crafted — albeit more modest and affordable — old houses surrounding a 30-plus-acre park filled with baseball fields, playgrounds, and a weekly farmer’s market.” It also praised the shops and restaurants along East Montague Avenue, new area schools and easy commutes. Mayor Keith Summey, a longtime Park Circle resident who built a new home there several years ago, said the city is honored to make the list. “We consider it validation that Park Circle and the city of North Charleston are truly a great place to live, work and play.” John Hohn, one of Gibbs’ friends, said the sense of community is what mostly distinguishes Park Circle. “There’s no reason to travel anymore. Anywhere you go you’re going to see someone you know and have a great time.” Source: The Post and Courier
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GOING GREEN Ryan Johnson with the city of North Charleston takes a look at one of the turbines atop City Hall.
Making room
AIRPORT PLANS FOR MORE PARKING
The growing number of passengers at Charleston International Airport will soon have more places to park. Work was expected to begin this spring on the addition of 428 new parking spaces in a wooded area adjacent to the existing surface lot, behind the parking deck. Construction will take a little over five months on the $1.4 million job, which was awarded to Sanders Brothers Construction Co. of North Charleston, airport spokeswoman Becky Beaman said. The surface parking lot extension near International Boulevard will allow room in the future for the airport to double the size of its 1,200-space parking deck into the existing surface lot. The airport saw a record 2.5 million people pass through its gates in 2011, 25 percent more than the previous year. The number of passengers is expected to double by 2030, according to airport officials. To handle the expected growth, the expanded parking lot is just one of the many construction projects people will encounter at Charleston International over the next four years as the 27-year-old terminal building undergoes a major makeover. Work should begin by summer on expanding the apron near the two concourses so they can be extended, adding six new gates to the existing 10. The estimated $150 million airport expansion project will increase the size of the 324,000-square-foot terminal building by 25 percent, including the addition of a third baggage carousel. Expanding the concourse throats and reconfiguring the mostly unused federal inspection station will allow more passenger screening lanes to speed up lines at security checkpoints and provide more space for workers. Source: The Post and Courier
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Harnessing wind power
ELECTRICITY-SAVING TURBINES INSTALLED ON CITY HALL
THOSE DRIVING UP TO NORTH CHARLESTON CITY HALL THESE DAYS MIGHT WONDER: WHAT’S WITH THE BIG BLACK FANS ON THE ROOF? They’re actually wind turbines that the city installed with help from a $57,000 federal grant, and they promise to lower the building’s power bill, which currently runs about $420,000 a year. However, no one is sure exactly how much the city might save. That’s partly because the turbines were installed recently, so there’s not much data to date. It’s also because the original plan — to install the turbines over the building’s heating and air exhausts — is in limbo. The air conditioners’ manufacturer said it wanted to run tests before it would agree to abide by its warranty if the turbines were installed close to its units. Placing the turbines near the exhaust could create back pressure that could tax the fans. The city originally projected the turbines might generate $5,000 in savings a year if powered by the units’ exhaust, but North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said that number will be lower. “If it will offset the cost in five years, it’s a win for us,” he said, noting the city has spent about $13,000 of its own money on the project. “The big thing is how long will it take to recoup your investment?” TAM Energy, a North Charleston business, sold the units to the city, and the turbines are the first it has installed in the Lowcountry — other than its
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own building, President Jeremy Blackburn said. Blackburn said the company has done most of its business overseas and in other states where utilities offer incentives for wind power. “South Carolina doesn’t have a lot of incentives. In fact, it doesn’t have any,” he said. “That’s a deterrent. In New York and New Jersey, they’re practically free.” Source: The Post and Courier
Lordy, lordy, City turns 40!
A Look bAck with MAyor SuMMey
BY jo h n St ru b e l In June, north Charleston wIll Celebrate Its 40th annIversary as a CIty. a number of events are being planned, including a performance by earth, wInd and FIre at the north charleston coliseum. tickets are $25 and $45. north charleston magazine sat down for a Q&a with summey to reflect on the city’s past, present and future. were you born In north Charleston? No. I grew up in Cottageville, near Walterboro. My family moved here in 1962 when I was in the 10th grade. We lived in Windsor Place, which is down by Union Heights. It was a divided neighborhood. Windsor was a white neighborhood and Union Heights was a black neighborhood. This was all prior to integration and communities being mixed. I went to Chicora High School (which is Military Magnet today).
where were you In 1972? I was living in Whipper Barony when North Charleston became a city. My wife and I had been married for three years. It was a neighborhood that was part of the original creation (of the city). The city was founded on the (June) 12th, and on the 26th we were married three years.
how do you Compare the CIty as It was In 1972 to what It Is In 2012? Actually, today the city resembles more of what it was in ’72. The migration north, the annexation’s north, there was a lot of emphasis placed on growth and not taking care of the original old downtown. Watching that growth occur both outwardly and now back inwardly, what I see in the Park Circle area resembles what was here when the city was founded. It was the lifeblood of the city at that time. It is an area that has come back; it’s an area that is getting investment by young people giving of their time and energy to build a place where people can raise their families.
when dId you FIrst entertaIn the Idea oF runnIng For mayor? I didn’t think I was ready yet (in 1992). I was serving on county council. I had served three years on city council. I just didn’t think the timing was right. To be honest with you, whoever took over after John Bourne (first North Charleston mayor) was going to have a difficult task. He had been mayor for 19 years.
In 1994, you ran For the open seat when then-mayor bobby KInard stepped down. why dId you deCIde to FInally run? I saw a community that was changing. We
were getting a lot of negative press. We were facing base closures then. I saw myself in a position where I could add back and enhance the quality of life. I saw a community that I didn’t think my children were going to want to live in. It’s one of those things that if you don’t get involved in and try and fix it, you can’t complain. I had to ask myself: “Am I going to get into government full-time or was I going to get out of government?” I made the choice to run for mayor, and I think I did it for the right reason, to enhance the quality of life. We’ve been blessed.
how has the CIty Changed over the nearly two deCades you’ve been In oFFICe? I think our reputation as a livable community has enhanced greatly. We are a community that is offering more quality of life venues, whether it’s through our parks, our shopping adventures, or the recreation and amenities that we offer through the Coliseum, Convention Center, Fire Museum or Riverfront Park. We have reached the 40th anniversary mark and we’ve added maturity to who we are and what we are. But we’re still young enough to be creative and inventive, and that will enhance the quality of life for the next generation.
Is there a moment In the CIty’s hIstory, a turnIng poInt, that you belIeve led to today’s suCCess? When we were able not only to decide to build a convention center, but to get Charleston County government to be a team player in that and form part of that. That showed that they felt that we were a community that had potential to add to the quality of life of the community and surrounding areas.
you talK to north Charleston resIdents and busIness owners every day. how do they Feel about the CIty? The sense of pride of being part of North Charleston because of the success they’ve had in their neighborhoods and in their businesses. There is a sense of pride in North Charleston — and they’re willing to stand up and say so. That wasn’t always the case. N
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Two digital billboards in the region welcome babies born at Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center. Each day, a new baby is featured.
Trident Health Welcomes Newborns in Many Ways
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WHEN A BABY IS BORN AT TRIDENT MEDICAL CENTER (TMC) AND SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTERS (SMC), A MEMBER OF THE NEWBORN’S FAMILY PRESSES A BUTTON, SENDING THE TENDER NOTES OF “BRAHMS’ LULLABY” THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL FOR 15 SECONDS. THE LULLABY'S MELODY IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND RECOGNIZABLE IN THE WORLD, USED BY COUNTLESS PARENTS TO SING THEIR BABIES TO SLEEP. The new lullaby system, which has been instantly popular is an unmistakable sign of larger efforts at both hospitals to give newborns the warmest welcome and best care possible. Because SMC is a favorite choice for many local families in our growing area, it recently expanded its nursery by 50 percent. The Level 2 nursery, which is intended for newborns who are sick or have special needs, now allows for a “quiet-time area” and encourages moms to spend more time there. “They have a more welcoming space to visit their babies and to engage in their babies’ care,” says Trident Health neonatologist Dr. Arthur Shepard. Noise-reducing ceilings make for a more peaceful environment. Also, the SMC nursery added advanced technology such as state-of-the-art cardiac monitoring and an Accuvein © device that reduces the number of IV and blood draw sticks in newborns. New Giraffe Beds serve as radiant warmers or incubators for critically ill patients. Plus, the patented Baby Susan mattress rotates 360 degrees and can slide out for procedures or to promote parental bonding. Likewise, TMC looked to the latest research on what its youngest patients really need when it invested in new Panda Warmers for newborns. The Panda bed bathes a
originally thought. Plus, the warmer has built-in components for monitoring and respiratory therapy – including the ability to deliver blended oxygen rather than 100 percent oxygen. “These beds represent state-of-the-art integrated resuscitation stations,” says Dr. Shepard. “We have everything that we need essentially at our fingertips.” In a larger sense, Trident Health will extend its reach as a leader in neonatal care as it participates for the first time in the Vermont Oxford Network, a non-profit voluntary collaboration of health care professionals dedicated to improving the quality and safety of medical care for infants and their families. The network includes more than 900 neonatal intensive care units around the world, and will provide Trident Health with a range of quality management tools, research and other opportunities to continuously improve how it cares for babies. Trident Health has also introduced a new digital “baby board” on billboards throughout the Lowcountry. The display showcases a different Trident and Summerville newborn each day. “This gives parents the option of sharing the joy of their new addition with all of Charleston. It’s pretty neat to see their reaction when
newborn in soothing warmth, helping to avoid hypothermia, which may be even more important to the baby’s outcome than
their baby’s face is on a billboard,” said Bob Behanian, Director of PR and Marketing for Trident Health.
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Special Section by Trident Health
Gay Prosser never thought she would have a heart attack and initially dismissed her symptoms.
Putting Your Heart in the Right Place
AT FIRST, GAY PROSSER BLAMED THE VOMITING AND THE PAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF HER CHEST ON A PREVIOUS BACK INJURY. SHE DID NOT CONSIDER HERSELF A CANDIDATE FOR HEART PROBLEMS. IN FACT, PROSSER – A 46-YEAR-OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL MOM AT THE TIME – HAD RECENTLY DROPPED TO A SIZE 6.
{
Heart Attack Warning Signs for Women 3 Pressure, fullness, squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw. 3 Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. 3 Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort 3 Lower chest discomfort 3 Back pain 3 Unusual fatigue 3 Unusual shortness of breath 3 Dizziness 3 Nausea
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It was the left arm pain that she couldn’t explain, and when her symptoms persisted through the night into the morning, she decided to get checked out. Yet she downplayed her concerns to her husband and insisted on driving herself 10 minutes to Trident Medical Center because she didn’t want to stop him from heading into work or her son from going to school. She also was in a state of disbelief. “I honestly never
22 minutes longer than men before going to the hospital after signs of an attack, according to “The Heart Truth” campaign by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Women have the mistaken idea that they are less prone to have cardiovascular disease than other diseases, but it is by far the No. 1 killer of women,” says Dr. Woodfield of Lowcountry Cardiology Associates. Dr. Woodfield explains that it is critical
thought it would happen to me.” While she made it TMC and received the lifesaving care she needed, she knows now that the best choice that day, almost six years ago, would have been to call 911 as soon as the persistent symptoms suggested a heart attack. That way, she would have received initial treatment as quickly as possible from emergency responders who also would have alerted TMC to prepare for her arrival. But Prosser says she didn’t want to upset the apple cart, and the same could be said of many women. One study of heart attack patients shows that, on average, women wait
for anyone having a heart attack – whether they are a man or a woman – to receive emergency medical assistance quickly and be taken to a facility such as TMC that has a heart catheterization team that can clear the blockage causing the heart attack and restore blood flow. “We know that every minute that passes during a heart attack more permanent damage is happening to the heart muscle,” he says. Yet for women, heart attack symptoms might be harder to pick up on, says Allison Walters, Assistant Vice President for Cardiovascular Services for Trident Health. “It is not always the classic chest pain,” she says.
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Expanding Physician Services
Dr. Robbie Taha of Carolina Gastroenterology and Hepatology joined the Trident team in 2011
TWO YEARS AGO, TRIDENT HEALTH SAW A LOCAL NEED FOR MORE SPECIALISTS TO HANDLE STOMACH AND INTESTINAL ISSUES, AND IT LOOKED WITHIN ITS HCA HEALTHCARE FAMILY TO HCA PHYSICIAN SERVICES (HCAPS) FOR HELP. “WE FELT LIKE THE BEST THING TO DO AT THAT TIME WAS TO BRING NEW RECRUITS TO THE COMMUNITY,” SAYS TODD GALLATI, TRIDENT HEALTH PRESIDENT & CEO. HCAPs helped attract Dr. Rya Kaplan and Dr. Robbie Taha to the Trident Medical Center (TMC) campus, establishing Coastal Carolina Gastroenterology & Hepatology. In addition, HCAPS manages the practice so the doctors can focus on caring for their patients without worry about day-to-day office matters. “Thanks to HCAPS, we know we have hospital coverage for gastroenterology that we can count on,” says Gallati. Nationally, HCAPS operates nearly 600 physician practices, and the number is expected to grow significantly. Locally, HCAPS operates 13 practices with almost 30 physicians in North Charleston, Summerville, Moncks Corner, James Island and Walterboro. The local group is a mix of internists, surgeons and other specialists. For example, the new Charleston Heart Specialists will feature electrophysiologist Dr. Darren Sidney. The unique
Dr. Darren Sidney, a cardiologist who specializes in electrophysiology is with Charleston Heart Specialists, a Trident medical practice
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house-calls service Doc at the Door – which serves the elderly, disabled and homebound from its base at the TMC campus – was able to add a second physician after joining with HCAPS. Patient satisfaction scores for HCAPS practices in the Charleston region average 4.45 on a 5-point scale. Coastal Carolina Bariatric Center, which specializes in weight-loss surgery at Summerville Medical Center, was one of the top four scorers for HCAPS practices nationwide in 2011. “We have great physicians,” says HCAPS Area Practice Manager Debbie Morgenweck. “While some have come here to fulfill a special need, others were already longstanding members of the community when they joined with us. Together, we are delivering high-quality health care to patients across the South Carolina Lowcountry.”
Special Section by Trident Health
Great Care Right Here Moncks Corner and the surrounding communities have been off the beaten path when it comes to specialized medical care, but Trident Health is helping to change that with the addition of new doctors to the offices at Moncks Corner Medical Center.
Expanding Summerville Medical Center
The Summerville Medical Center expansion will add 30 beds and convert 18 semi-private rooms to private rooms
The offices already offered a family practice, cardiologist and allergist. During 2011, two OB-GYN practices and a pediatrician moved in. Plus plans have been made to add an orthopedist (to focus on injuries or disorders of the skeletal system, muscles, joints and ligaments) and a gastroenterologist (to
THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL (DHEC) HAS APPROVED SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER’S (SMC) EXPANSION PROJECT. IN NOVEMBER OF 2010, SMC APPLIED TO DHEC FOR A CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR A $26 MILLION FACILITY EXPANSION. THE STATE’S DECISION REINFORCES THE IMMEDIATE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE SUMMERVILLE AND DORCHESTER COUNTY COMMUNITY. This bed expansion, which the State recognized and predicted, is crucial to providing the community the quality health care they need. SMC was disappointed to learn that a competing hospital has appealed the State’s decision, again delaying this necessary expansion. SMC is the only hospital in all of Dorchester County.
It is estimated this expansion will create 50 jobs within the facility and 250 construction jobs. The 30-bed expansion will allow the hospital to attract new specialists to the area and further develop specialty care at the
Special Section by Trident Health
hospital. The project will also allow SMC to complete its goal of eliminating semi-private rooms, which will provide all patients with privacy, care and comfort. In August, DHEC held a project review for the expansion project. The review included allowing a competing to present their opposition to the expansion project. SMC CEO Louis Caputo says the State’s approval to build sends a message that in South Carolina, the patient comes first. “We are pleased the state honored its own health plan and look forward to getting started on this much needed project focused on quality health care.” The construction project will add 30 medical/surgical beds to the 94-bed facility, convert 18 semi-private rooms to private rooms, add an eight-bed critical care step down unit and expand labor and delivery rooms. Construction will take approximately 36 months to complete. It is estimated this expansion will create 50 jobs within the facility and 250 construction jobs.
care for stomach and intestinal difficulties). “The community loves it,” says Ann Edlund, Director of Moncks Corner Medical Center. “A lot of people here have transportation problems. This way they can get needed specialty care without traveling long distances.” Moncks Corner Medical Center also has stepped up its community
outreach
programs.
These
include its Lunch with the Doctor series, church health fairs, weightloss classes and special events at Moncks Corner Medical. For example, Teddy Bear ER times are set up so children can bring in their bears for some TLC and learn that the ER isn’t such a scary place. A free CPR class held across the street at Berkeley Middle School drew a crowd of 150 and helped participants as young as age 10 learn what to do when confronted with a cardiac emergency. “Immediately afterward, we had people asking when we were going to have another one,” Edlund says.
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Tom Hall is healthy and active following his robotic surgery for prostate cancer.
Advanced Robotic Surgery Helps Physicians Save Lives FACED WITH AGGRESSIVE PROSTATE CANCER, SUMMERVILLE RESIDENT TOM HALL SEARCHED THE EAST COAST FOR THE BEST SURGEON. THAT EXTENSIVE SEARCH BROUGHT TOM HOME, WHERE HE FOUND DR. TED BRISSON AND TRIDENT HEALTH’S SOUTH CAROLINA INSTITUTE FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY. “IT’S A GREAT FEELING TO KNOW THE VERY BEST WAS IN MY OWN BACK YARD ALL ALONG.” Dr. Brisson had an excellent reputation, and Tom felt confident placing his future in the doctor’s hands. “I wanted to go down this road with someone that I trusted completely.” Tom chose robotic surgery over traditional surgery after research showed that robotic surgery requires a smaller incision and typically involves less pain, scarring and blood loss, while also promising a quicker recovery. That was important to Tom, whose active life includes drumming at his church and running – activities that might have been put on indefinite hold with traditional surgery. Three years after the surgery, Tom is still cancer free. “Cancer is like a big bad bully. With the help of Dr. Brisson and robotic surgery, we were able to land a couple upper cuts to cancer.” Over the past three years, Trident has emerged as a pioneer in robotic surgery, and in 2011, it performed 662 robotic procedures, twice as many as any other hospital in the Lowcountry. The South Carolina Institute for Robotic Surgery includes a team of 14 surgeons and dozens of staff specifically trained to use the da Vinci Surgical System for a wide range of procedures. “It’s phenomenal – the volume, the outcomes. They’ve really done a great job,” says Dr. Brisson, who credits Trident Health for its investment in state-of-the-art equipment and training. He says the da Vinci system allows patients to have outcomes on par to a facility such as Duke University or the Mayo Clinic, but with the personal follow-up and care of a local hospital. Tom has no doubt having robotic surgery in his own community turned out to be the right decision for him. “It’s frightening to be diagnosed with cancer, but it’s great to know that there are other options these days. Robotics was great for me. Now, I’m in a place to share my story and educate others about the options they have.”
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Special Section by Trident Health
Trident Health
TRIDENT AWARD reCipienT
CELEBRATES AWARD RECIPIENTS Trident Health recently celebrated the notable work of seven employees, physicians and volunteers by bestowing the company’s honored Frist Humanitarian Award to six people, and the Trident Award to one. The Frist Award is presented in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., an HCA founder. The award recognizes one volunteer, one physician, and one employee at each HCA-affiliated facility who demonstrates extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community. It is considered the highest honor an HCA volunteer, physician, and employee can receive. Initial nominations by the individuals’ peers are reviewed by a selection committee. This year’s winners were recognized at special ceremonies held at Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center. The Trident Award is bestowed upon one individual, nominated by peers and selected by Todd Gallati, CEO of Trident Health, who embraces the Trident Health mission and values, and represents the organization’s vision through action, thought and deed. This year’s Trident Award went to employee Linda Stone. This year’s Frist Awards went to employees Angie Wigfall and Jennifer Schlette, RN; physicians David Castellone, MD, and Neil McDevitt, MD; and volunteers Dick Prevatte and Caroline Stasikelis.
LINDA STONE Service Coordinator, Trident Health Engineering. 37 years of service (every day Trident Medical Center has been open.)
FRIST HUMANITARIAN AWARD reCipienTs clockwise from top left: ANGIE WIGFALL Manager of Health Information Management, Trident Health, 25 years of service JENNIFER SCHLETTE RN, Manager of Emergency Department, Summerville Medical Center, 10 years of service DAVID CASTELLONE, MD internal medicine, Palmetto Primary Care Physicians CAROLINE STASIKELIS volunteer, Summerville Medical Center, 15 years DICK PREVATTE volunteer, Trident Medical Center since 2003, more than 3,000 hours served NEIL MCDEVITT, MD bariatric surgery, Coastal Carolina Bariatric Surgery
Special Section by Trident Health
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Wheels. That was another thing that I believe God put me there to do. It was solely wanting to work with the senior citizens and helping them. The city of North Charleston gave me people that needed community service, and I had these young people go out giving meals to the senior citizens and talking to them. You would not believe how rewarding it was to these young adults to experience this. It really helped a lot of them.
you speND a lot of your time listeNiNg to the CoNCerNs of your CoNstitueNts.
Q+A Dorothy King Williams
City CounCilwoman
you've serveD oN CouNCil for more thaN 20 years. DiD you always see yourself oN a path towarD CommuNity leaDership? I've always been a role model for the children in the community. I started out as the cheerleading sponsor for the varsity and JV cheerleaders at North Charleston High School. … If the parents weren't able to take them or the football players, basketball players or soccer players to the games, I was always there to take them. I've been like the second mama for all the children in the community. A lot of times, the parents weren't able to do it, so I took on that responsibility.
why City CouNCil?
BY C h r i st i na E l m o r E North CharlestoN City CouNCilwomaN Dorothy KiNg williams says she has dedicated her life to serving her community. Williams advocates for the city's district 6 and has been in office since 1990. a retired coordinator With meals on Wheels and lifelong resident of north charleston, Williams sat doWn to discuss her accomplishments .
Two different sets of citizens came to me on back-to-back weekends asking me to run. They said they believed in me and that they wanted me to do it. I explained to them that I was not a politician, I didn't know anything about it, and to let me study it and let me see what it's all about. Then when I did, I saw that the people in the area weren't getting what they should have been getting. Then I decided, "Hey, I'll be a voice for the people.”
you've worKeD with meals oN wheels for some time. what attraCteD you to the program? One of my goals was to open up a senior citizens home for people in need. This opportunity came before me to get this job working with the American Red Cross Meals on
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24/7 — I make myself available to them. They can call me 2 in the morning, 3 in the morning, early in the morning, because people have problems all day and all night. I just put myself available to everyone in my district and the whole city of North Charleston.
how has beiNg aN afriCaNameriCaN womaN affeCteD the way you relate to your CoNstitueNts? Very positive. The majority of my constituents are African-Americans, and they have been suffering a lot as far as not getting things accomplished in the past. They know that I am a voice for them, and I speak for them. I make sure that I fight for them. I inherited this from my mother. My mother was a role model in the community. … She'd go fishing, and whatever fish she caught we'd have to clean, bag it up and take it around to the people of the community. … She passed that on to me, so everything that I do I do it from the heart. Not because of wanting to be re-elected or because of politics, it's just me. I'm just a down-to-earth person who feels the need to look out for people. This is why the citizens came to me way back because they said, “Ms. Williams, you protect our children in school. You don't let anybody take advantage of our children, and you speak up. We need somebody like you to represent us.”
what are you most prouD of? That I have been there suffering, and I've come through it by being a strong female and not depending on others. I've been on my lowest, and by the strength that my mother put in me, and the help of God, I've come through it. N
Q u e s t at t tC Fort Dorchester senior Ann Wylie takes her pizzas to the oven during the culinary arts competition of the Quest Challenge at Trident Technical College in North Charleston. By Tyrone Walker
City Scenes
people, places and events
To SUggeST AN eVeNT oR SUBMIT IMAgeS, SeND AN eMAIl To eDIToR@NoRThChARleSToNoNlINe.CoM. FoR oNlINe PhoTo gAlleRIeS, go To NorthCharlestoNoNliNe.Com
New Chopper A retired U.S. Army helicopter with a rich history of wartime flights and rescue missions has found a new resting place on the campus of a North Charleston school. SPAWAR, which had been using the Vietnam War-era helicopter for a project, received the goahead to give it to Military Magnet Academy last year, and the aircraft will be on permanent display outside the school on Carner Avenue. “I'd been praying for this for two years,” said retired Col. Joseph Dawson Jr. (right), commandant for the magnet middle and high school. “These are the kinds of things we want to do to show we are a military academy.” By Tyrone Walker
paC k o f paC h y d e r m s Six elephants that are part of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus make their way along Dorchester Road en route to the North Charleston Coliseum earlier this year. North Charleston police blocked streets as the elephants walked about two miles from Bennett Yard Road along Dorchester Road, Interstate 526 and West Montague Avenue. By Tyrone Walker
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H a l l e lu ja H , b e e r lov e r s Organized by Coast Brewing Co. and the Charleston Beer Exchange, the third annual Brewvival brought a gaggle of beer aficionados to North Charleston earlier this year to sample more than 80 varieties of brews. And much of it is rare, ridiculously rare, including unusual barrel-age versions, sour ales, one-off cask ales and gravitytapped beers. Festival organizers cap attendance at about 2,200, and tickets to the relatively small event usually sell out quickly. So act fast next year! By Marie Rodriguez NeW CommuNity CeNter About 50 residents, city officials and other guests gathered early this year to celebrate the opening of the Green Grove Community Center (below), a small white building at 2634 Bennett Yard Road. Green Grove is an old, established North Charleston neighborhood behind the CVS at Dorchester Road and Leeds Avenue. By Dave Munday
martial artists Richard Doolittle (below, center) leads Charlie Holman and others during Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial arts, at Park Circle in North Charleston. "It's a nice, relaxing place. There are a lot of birds and trees," said Doolittle, who picks a different spot each time he holds an outdoor session on the first Saturday of the month. By Tyrone Walker
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S t. Pa d dy ’ S day A seething sea of green filled Montague Avenue once again this year in the Old Village at Park Circle. With Madra Rua Irish Pub leading the charge, thousands of real and would-be Irishmen enjoyed an enormous St. Patrick's Day block party. By Marie Rodriguez
Q+A Rev. Bill Stanfield
Citizen of the year BY Ro b e Rt b e h R e
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The Rev. Bill STanfield, 39, gRew up in gReenSBoRo, n.C., and he and hiS wife, evelyn, moved To noRTh ChaRleSTon’S ChiCoRa neighBoRhood 10 yeaRS ago To do miSSionaRy woRk. They piCked The SouTheRn noRTh ChaRleSTon CommuniTy wiTh aBouT 2,000 ReSidenTS BeCauSe iT had The STaTe’S higheST ConCenTRaTion of Child poveRTy. Stanfield since has become an assistant pastor at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church on Reynolds Avenue, but more people may know him for his work as CEO of Metanoia, a nonprofit that aims to develop young leaders and to promote economic development and decent housing. Not everything has gone according to plan, but Metanoia has grown to see its annual budget approach $900,000 and has seen its share of successes, in the neighborhood and beyond. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke praised Metanoia in a recent speech,
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and Stanfield has been named North Charleston’s Citizen of the Year for 2011. He recently talked to North Charleston Magazine about his life and work.
How did you and EvElyn start your work in nortH CHarlEston in 2002? We spent a year just listening to folks. Out of that is what birthed Metanoia. … We hate to think of ourselves as an agency, even as an organization. We really want to be thinking
Photograph by Brad Nettles
ALL SMILES Campers attending Metanoia’s Freedom School practice for a performance in 2011.
ourselves as a movement, as something that involves lots of different people in the community where they’re real stakeholders — where they’re given a significant measure of control over how we do our work. As a result of that, our work has worked a little better than some others do that don’t have a really good read of what’s happening on the ground.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM LISTENING? Even in a community like this that has a stereotype of being high crime and high poverty and that sort of thing, the vast majority of people are great folks who want what’s best for their community, who are willing to give back to their community, who want good opportunities for their children.
YOUR APPROACH HAS BEEN TO FOCUS ON CHICORA’S ASSETS RATHER THAN ITS PROBLEMS. WHAT ARE ITS ASSETS? There are a lot of assets. I think the most important are its people, their skill sets and their gifts and passions … of the people in the community that contribute to our own program. In addition to that, there are hard assets, as well,
like location. I love living in this neighborhood because I’m 15 minutes from everywhere. There’s some history here. With a little bit of imagination, you can drive through the neighborhood and see that it has good bones for a strong, healthy, vibrant community. What it lacks is a certain measure of investment. Again, a lot of it is the pair of glasses you put on in the morning, so to speak, to look at the community. We can look at an empty building on Reynolds Avenue that we’re working on renovating as an eyesore and a neighborhood problem, or we could look at it as a place of potential. It is a choice.
AS YOU APPROACH YOUR 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, WHAT HAS METANOIA ACCOMPLISHED THAT HAS MEANT THE MOST TO YOU? KEEPING CHICORA ELEMENTARY OPEN? HELPING REDUCE THE NEIGHBORHOOD’S CRIME RATE? Those accomplishment have been very nice, and the recognition has been very nice, but the biggest credit to me is when somebody who lives in the community expresses a sense of ownership over Metanoia and says, “This is ours.” When they speak about Metanoia and
Photographs by Brad Nettles (top) and Grace Beahm
POSITIVE INFLUENCE Stefone Smalls has some fun in Metanoia’s after-school program as he learns traditional African dances in 2009.
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BIG PLANS The Rev. Bill Stanfield explains plans for the renovation of Metanoia’s Reynolds Avenue building. The first floor will house its Youth Entrepreneurship program and a cafe; the second floor will have sleeping quarters for interns.
they say “we” rather than “they.” That’s the biggest credit to me because that’s the moment when I see that we’re trying to do something pretty different than a lot of other organizations. Ultimately, we don’t want to be the heroes. We want the community to be understood as the heroes, not the agency. If the agency is the hero, then the community is never going to be sustainable. It’s always going to depend on the agency.
HOW DOES YOUR FAITH INFLUENCE YOUR WORK? It is hard work, and there are days certainly when you don’t feel that you’re making much progress and to me that’s where faith actually comes in. Because, at the end of the day, my fundamental question isn’t about success. It’s about faithfulness. Those are two different things. Our society doesn’t always recognize that. You can be faithful at something and be a failure at it. You can also be successful and be very unfaithful if you give up on your values.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE WORD METANOIA? It means to make a positive transformation. It’s a word that gets translated as
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“repent” in our New Testament, which is not a particularly good word. Most English speakers who speak of repentance feel guilty about what they did yesterday. The word “Metanoia” is more about a turning. It’s more about leaving behind what you did yesterday and turning toward something positive in the future. If you break it down in Greek, “meta” is “with,” and “noia” is “understanding.” So it’s change with understanding, not just change for change’s sake.
WHAT’S IN YOUR FUTURE ONCE YOUR WORK HERE IS DONE? DO YOU FORESEE YOURSELF REPLICATING METANOIA IN ANOTHER COMMUNITY? I think my next incarnation will be working at a church or teaching somewhere. There are a lot of things about what I do that I don’t mind doing — payroll, accounting, all that sort of stuff. One of the joys of what I do is that I get a lot of hats, and it’s also one of the burdens of what I’ve got to do.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEAR- AND LONGTERM GOALS AS FAR AS WHAT METANOIA DOES FROM HERE? Short term, we’d like to continue on the
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trajectory what we’re doing now. … Long range, there’s certainly a desire to work myself out of a job, to pass things along to the community … to make the community sustainable, which for me means trying to create as many of what I’ve come to call “opportunity points” as possible. With Metanoia, what we do is not try to do is not focus on people’s needs and problems but to create opportunities on a variety levels for folks, so if they’re ready to move forward, there’s a point that’s there that meets them that they can step into, whether it’s job training or literacy or homeownership.
HOW DO YOU SPEND SPARE TIME? My wife and I adopted two boys in December 2009. Family is very important to me. I also garden and try to write. I find when I’m able to plug into those things, work here is a lot better.
WHAT DID YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR? I was really humbling because a lot of people do the work I get credit for. It was gratifying to have genuine things said in a positive light. If the city would have let me put Metanoia’s name on it instead of Bill Stanfield, I’d be happier. N
Photograph by Brad Nettles
LOCAL BUYS, LOCAL EATS Nikki Seibert (from left), Kate Gebler, Jamee Haley and Kat Martin, the team behind Lowcountry Local First.
COVER STORY
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Photograph Photograph by by Dan Dan Hale Hale
Be here, buy here BY RO B YOU N G
H A S I T AC T UA L LY B E E N F I V E Y E A R S ? F I V E Y E A R S S I N C E T H E NAT IO NA L M OV E M E N T T O O K RO O T L O C A L LY. F I V E Y E A R S S I N C E T H E F O R M AT IO N O F L OWC OU N T RY L O C A L F I R S T, A N O RT H C H A R L E S T O N-B A S E D, P U L L-’ E M-U P -BY-T H E-B O O T S T R A P S O P E R AT IO N I F E V E R T H E R E WA S O N E . S O, F I V E Y E A R S ? R E A L LY ? “I can remember to this day driving over the Cosgrove Bridge five years ago and seeing the first Lowcountry Local First bumper sticker,” says LLF Executive Director Jamee Haley. “Now you see them all over the place.” She’s right. The familiar Lowcountry Local First logo — the script alternately set in shades of orange, maroon and gold — seems about as commonplace as the LLF attitude. It’s simple, really: Shop local. “I wish I had the foresight to gauge the community’s awareness when we started as compared to now. I think it’s grown tremen-
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dously,” Haley says. Haley and Matt Bauer founded the group in February 2007. Bauer moved on to San Francisco, but Haley’s still here, commanding the nonprofit from LLF’s headquarters at the Navy Yard at Noisette. A small staff of four — three full time, one part time — continues the charge, asking that folks put just a little bit back into the community. “Jamee has done a wonderful job, starting with and staying with the organization, and being so enthusiastic,” says co-owner Trey
LO C AVO R E S Lowcountry Local First focuses its efforts on two main initiatives: Buy Local and Eat Local. The latter is a sustainable agricultural initiative designed to grow and support local food systems by connecting local farms, producers and apprentices to local restaurants, institutions and consumers looking for farm-fresh food and goods. The organization is affiliated with hundreds of local restaurants, farms and food-and-beverage suppliers, including many businesses in North Charleston that share their commitment to supporting local businesses. Sesame restaurant in Park Circle, for example, uses fresh local produce in its dishes, including the salad above being whipped up by chef Taes Penland. Sesame also offers a number of locally brewed beers on tap.
Photographs by and Dan Hale
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Strock of Strock Enterprises, a family owned full-service general contracting company in North Charleston. “And it’s a hard job. She’s telling people to do things they ought to be doing anyway.”
TH E 1 0 PE RC E NT S H I F T
NORTH CHARLESTON COMPANY Jamee Haley, executive director of Lowcountry Local First, visits the North Charleston Farmers Market. Haley's organization plays a leading role organizing and supporting local farmers markets.
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In the long run, LLF isn’t asking for much, only a 10 percent shift in the way people spend money. Just take a share of the capital typically shelled out at non-local businesses, the group says, and give it instead to locally owned and operated shops. It’s modeled after a well-known study conducted in Grand Rapids, Mich. The assessment determined that if the 600,000-person populace reallocated 10 percent of their spending from national to local businesses, the results would be transformative: 1,600 new jobs, $50 million in local wages and an additional $130 million invested into the local economy. “It’s sort of putting the joy back into your money again,” Haley says. “Seriously, how much joy is there in going to Walmart?” More importantly, such change would help the community retain its sense of place. “We want to keep our areas and our homes special, and if they become ‘Anywhere, USA,’ you won’t recognize one area from the next,” Haley says. “Then you’ve lost something that is more valuable than dollars.” LLF is separated into two segments: Buy Local and Eat Local. Buy Local seeks to promote local, independent business owners and farmers, and encourages consumers to buy from the very same shops and farms. Eat Local refers to LLF’s sustainable agricultural movement, which hooks up local growers and producers with local restaurants and patrons. The initiative lends its support through a variety of education, outreach and apprentice programs. The group counts 450 local businesses as affiliates, according to the directory included on the LLF website. LLF, itself, is a member of Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, a national organization that promotes buying locally produced food, products and services. BALLE encourages a relationshipbased approach, drawing from more than 80 community networks in 30 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. About 22,000 independent businesses make up its membership. But more than anything, BALLE promotes a genuine, neighborly business approach.
Photograph by Grace Beam
“That movement is growing tremendously,” Haley says. The same can be said for LLF. It’s high time, Strock points out. “I don’t think it’s a matter of buying in to the LLF philosophy,” Strock says. “I think we — as a country — bought out, which is unnatural. I think we bought out of supporting our neighbors, schools and churches, and those things that made us great as a community.”
An u n li ke ly b e n e fAc to r LLF’s greatest growth came from an improbable, insufferable source: The recession. “Our organization really grew when the economy went down,” Haley says. “The business and community members started to understand that we really need to work within our own place to find an answer. “Nobody wants taxes to increase. It’s such a bipartisan plan for economic recovery. It really resonates with people.” Also: It’s absurdly easy to participate. For starters, need groceries? “Piggly Wiggly is a local grocery store, and they’re in every community,” Haley says. Automotive? “Think about your tires,” Haley says. “Hay Tire, great service. Gerald’s,
same thing.” Appliances? “Usually, a wholesale appliance seller will match the price of the big-box stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot,” Haley continues. “And you’re probably going to get better service.” Bottom line: There’s a lot of easy, low-hanging fruit (literally, as well) to be had. “I think that people don’t put enough value in the impact that their dollars have,” Haley says. Eat Local, for example, offers a gaggle of opportunities, starting with LLF’s Farm Fresh Food Guide, which provides a wealth of information regarding local farmers markets, community supported agriculture programs, farms and distributors. “We’re constantly out there trying to collect more information and update with new people,” Haley says. “We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for people.” Accordingly, the Charleston Growers group gathers farmers, producers, apprentices and other supporting members who convene to talk shop and share techniques. Meetings involve varied and instructive topics. Just in February, urban chicken owner Chuck Hooker offered a primer on raising backyard chickens, going over laws and
ordinances, and the best ways to select your birds. Participants even got a chance to order baby chickens. During the spring, the docket will include a beekeeping forum put on by the Charleston Area Beekeepers Association, as well as a discussion offered by the National Resources Conservation Service on pasture-raised chickens and hogs. The full schedule can be accessed on the LLF website. Also notable: LLF’s Growing New Farmers Incubator Program, which has garnered significant coverage. The program seeks to train the next generation of farmers, offering apprenticeships, farm incubation and connections to reasonably priced farmland. Through LLF, prospective farmers have apprenticed on area farms since spring 2010. But the incubator farm offers a different sort of training, as the acreage includes plots at the Clemson Experimental Station on U.S. Highway 17. Five or so apprentices will be offered the opportunity, beginning this fall. “It’s going to be like a business incubator, operating with shared resources and mentors who will help them develop the marketplace,” Haley says. Once more, the initiative speaks to the
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LO C O FO R LO C A L K.C. Rennie of Charleston Mattress, a Lowcountry Local First supported business with the motto “Built here, sold here.”
agricultural stewardship championed by LLF, as the organization aims to harness human and natural resources, and meet the needs of today and the future. “People have just become more aware of where their food is coming from,” Haley says. “And I think that people realize there’s truly a sense of urgency in making sure we support our existing farmers, and that we cultivate our future generation of farmers as our current generation ages.”
B U I LD I N G B U S I N E S S , O N E MAT TR E S S AT A TI M E But as easy as it sounds, buying local requires a new — or perhaps forgotten — way of thinking or conducting business. Example: the Charleston Mattress store
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and factory. Its logo — “Built here, sold here” — sums up the LLF mantra. So does its story. Justin H. Weil founded the factory in 1914, making mattresses and box springs on Anson Street. The operation moved to Meeting Street in the 1970s, then moved to a 65,000-square-foot facility in North Charleston. Still family owned, the fourth-generation company continues under the watch of brothers Ritchie and Steve Weil and several workers who have been with the company for decades. Husband and wife K.C. and Liz Rennie (a contributor to North Charleston Magazine), in conjunction with the Weil brothers, operate the Charleston Mattress showroom, which opened in August at 10 Storehouse Row on the old Navy base.
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The Rennies got on board with Lowcountry Local First about the same time. For the couple and owners of similar, small businesses, simple math shows the advantage of buying local. “When somebody purchases a mattress from us, it’s built to order in three business days,” K.C. Rennie says. “It’s created in the factory by 12 people on the line. We have managers, a delivery company and our truck drivers. So if one person makes an order, it affects 15 to 20 people. “The same thing may happen elsewhere, but our 15 to 20 people live here in Charleston.” The owners live in the community, as well, meaning they have to stand by their product, no small conceit when it’s as subjective as a
Photograph by Dan Hale
mattress. The business model, in fact, might be better built for today’s economy, and accordingly, more resilient to the highs and lows of Wall Street. “Those big-box stores can monopolize the prices and mattresses. We’re in a unique situation where we can offer a comparable product at a better price,” K.C. Rennie says. “We can cut out the middle man, the shipping and the big ad campaigns. And if you have a significant problem with the product, it’s pretty easy to speak to the decision maker.”
W hat o n c e Wa s , W hat co u ld b e Rennie’s is a position echoed by Strock, one of the principals at Strock Enterprises. “Everything about us is pretty local,” Strock says. “If I’m downtown and need material, I’ll call Hughes Lumber, and they’ll have it to me in an hour. That saves me time and money by them bringing it to me. You could get that service from a big box, but the delivery would take a week.” And not only is Strock devoted to the LLF cause, his support extends to the national level. He buys New Balance sneakers — a few varieties are made in the good ’ole US of A — and Red Wing boots instead of Vasque. So of course, he
tries to shop local as much as possible. “We’re all still consumers. We have our needs and wants,” Strock says. “But it’s just as easy and most times better to buy from someone who’s your neighbor, and who appreciates what you’re doing, who you are and what it took for you to make the money and take the time to buy something from him.” Most conversations with Strock about manufacturing, or big-box retail strategies, or about supporting local businesses and the economy, quickly draw his passion. He reduces it to a simple act, one perhaps not morally binding, but, indeed, honorable. “Our grandparents and great-grandparents bought local goods,” Strock says. “But here we are in this generation, and we believe that if you’re not shopping at Walmart or Staples or eating at Applebee’s, then you’re not having a good time. You cannot possibly be happy. “Mass marketing and the media have figured out how to lure people into these big-box retailers, pony up their money and leave the front door with a bunch of brightly colored plastic.” But he sees the trend slowing, and
people buying back into what once was. “Things that are important,” Strock says. “The country had crazy credit problems in the ’90s and 2000s, and that made people think they couldn’t be anybody unless they had material goods. I’ve seen that attitude wane a little bit, especially among younger people.” With any luck, those sentiments will continue to fade. After all, LLF’s stats show that for every $100 spent at a local store, $45 re-enters the community, as opposed to $14 from a national chain store. “I think we’d like to get to the point where an organization like LLF wouldn’t be required. That would be the overall goal,” Strock says. “Until then, you’ve got to keep reminding people to shop at Croghan’s, to shop at Hughes Lumber, to shop at Wulbern-Koval instead of Staple’s.” As for now, the responsibilities of indoctrination carry on for LLF and Haley. “We’re not saying you have to buy 100 percent local,” Haley says. “We’re just asking for people to make a small shift in their lives. It’s going to have a multiplier effect, and it will be financially, emotionally and personally more rewarding.” N
WORKING
MIDWIFE Charleston Birth Place owner and midwife Lesley Rathbun. More than 600 babies have been born at the center since it opened in 2008.
BIRTHING ROOM A birthing room at Charleston Birth Place. A central feature is the large whirlpool tub.
BY L I Z R E N N I E
A natural fit
CHARLESTON BIRTH PLACE
Nurse-midwives at the center are equipped to handle complications, can write prescriptions and have full access to the maternity area at nearby Trident Medical Center so that they can move with the mother to the hospital if needed. Mothers of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and from as far away as the Upstate, have made the decision to give birth at the center, as information about the Birth Place has spread, mostly by word of mouth and through social media. Director Lesley Rathbun (MSN, CNM, FNP) says that many parents hail from the Park Circle area. Rathbun says the typical patient is intent on breastfeeding, interested in cloth diapers, dedicated to imposing the lowest impact possible on the environment and has done her research. More than 600 babies have been born at the center since it opened in 2008. Due to high demand and an ever-growing waiting
THERE’S BEEN A SHIFT IN THE WAY WOMEN HANDLE THEIR HEALTH OPTIONS, AND NORTH CHARLESTON IS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HOUSE ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF THIS MOVEMENT. THE CHARLESTON BIRTH PLACE GIVES EXPECTANT MOTHERS A SAFE AND HOLISTIC OPTION FOR CHILDBIRTH. list, the 4,000-square-foot facility has plans to double its space over the next two years. One of Rathbun’s favorite stories is of a young mother who realized she was not yet mature enough to care for her baby, but who was committed to giving her child the best start possible. The teen arranged an open adoption and invited the couple into the birthing room to hold hands with her as she labored in a warm bath. According to Rathbun, there wasn’t a dry eye in the building that day. The young mother is now enrolled in nursing school with hopes of becoming a registered nurse-midwife. Her child is thriving in a loving home in the Upstate. Even closer to home, young families are growing every day with the help of the Charleston Birth Place. Jason and Elaine, residents of Park Circle, had Sarah there in November. “I can’t imagine a better birth experience,” Elaine says. “We got to know all of the mid-
wives and trusted that they cared about our family. They understood us. They cared for us. We trusted them. I always felt safe and nurtured.” The current space houses two birthing rooms. These are large, welcoming bedrooms with queen four-poster beds and a private bathroom with a sink, spacious shower and toilet. A central feature is the large whirlpool tub where many laboring mothers find comfort in a warm bath as they move through the process. Fathers or birth partners are welcome in the tub to comfort the mother through her contractions. Another room that includes a bed and basic amenities is located off the cozy waiting area and can be reserved for family members. The largest baby born to date at CBP was 11.4 pounds and was born to a mother who labored for three hours and pushed for only 10 minutes. Rathbun says this is the type of
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T h e n a t u r a l w ay Ten-month-old Thadd Loichinger wears cloth diapers while playing in clover at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.
NORTH CHARLESTON BUSINESS SPECIALIZES IN CLOTH DIAPERS
BY L I Z R E N N I E CLOTH DIAPERING HAS BLOSSOMED INTO MUCH MORE THAN A TREND. THIS OLD-FASHIONED TRADITION HAS BEEN RE-ESTABLISHED AS THE NORM IN MANY CIRCLES. IT’S MORE COST EFFICIENT, BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, SAFER FOR INFANTS AND ENCOURAGES POTTY TRAINING AN AVERAGE OF SIX MONTHS EARLIER THAN DISPOSABLE DIAPERS. Katherine Lochinger, owner of Diaper Parties, has two young sons and still finds time to be available to her many clients. Her in-home diaper parties are wildly popular with expectant moms and are often arranged as baby showers. She also offers an array of items ranging from organic clothes and wipes to amber teething rings, carriers, homeopathic medicines and more. Lochinger says pocket diapers are the most popular because of their absorbency
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ral birth are well-documented. Some people argue that a more relaxed and empowered mother makes for a less complicated birth. The subjective threshold of pain tolerance and the benefits of natural preventative care are sometimes murky, but are becoming clearer each year. But what about the financial bottom line? Childbirth is the No. 1 reason for hospital admittance, and cesareans are the most-often performed surgery in America. The billable costs performed in hospitals today related to childbirth total roughly $84 billion. Giving birth at The Charleston Birth Place is, on average, one-third the expense of giving birth in a hospital setting. In fact, a federal program called the Strong Start initiative is encouraging mothers to seek counsel from midwives and birth centers to reduce preterm births and to save on unnecessary costs. As the area’s population continues to grow and new families move to town, there likely will be an increasing number of Lowcountry residents who will be able to claim that their start began at the Charleston Birth Place. N
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and easy-to-use design. There are no pins or origami-like folding — simple snaps and Velcro adjustments have made the world of cloth diapering more accessible than ever. The new designs have eliminated many of the frustrations associated with cloth diapering. Cloth diapers are no more time consuming than regular laundry, and sun makes the best bleach for tough stains. “The momentum for cloth has been growing steadily for the past 10 years, but it has
Photographs by Dan Hale
boomed in the last two,” Lochinger says. “The economy has been one factor, but also day cares are now more aware of the benefits and ease of use, and families are acutely aware of chemical and environmental issues associated with disposables.” North Charleston holds a unique place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being a major contributor to a successful bid to break the world record for simultaneously changing the most cloth diapers. Held in honor of Earth Day, last spring’s North Charleston gathering attracted 94 participants, the second-largest city attendance in the United States. The worldwide participation was 5,026. N
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Go green, baby
birth that would likely have been encouraged to induction (and probably a C-section) in a hospital setting, but the mother and baby did beautifully, at their own pace. If complications arise, and the mother is unable to have the baby in her private room, Trident Medical Center is only steps away. Mothers requiring surgery can be prepped and ready in 10 minutes. Research shows that 32 percent of pregnant women who check into a hospital facility in the United States have C-sections. The rate at the Charleston Birth Place is 3 percent. The World Health Organization recommends an ideal national rate of C-sections between 10 percent and 15 percent. When Rathbun first moved to Charleston from Ohio, she scoured the Lowcountry for a maternity floor that shared her views. Dr. James Martin at Trident Medical Center had been steering the maternity ward toward a more holistic approach for several years. The Birth Center was a natural fit with Trident’s vision, and the partnership has grown. The health benefits associated with natu-
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L AY I N G T H E FO U N DAT I O N Work continued early this year inside the foundation for a turbine testing rig at the Clemson University center under construction in North Charleston (right). Sometime this summer a 150ton wind-turbine test rig, similar to the one depicted below, will be installed on the foundation.
BY B RU C E S M I T H
Building the future
AM I D D U ST AN D D I N , A C AVE R N O U S 70 -Y E AR- O LD WAR E H O U S E O N C E U S E D BY TH E NAV Y I S B E I N G TR AN S FO R M E D TO PL AY A KE Y RO LE I N TH E NATI O N ’ S E N E RGY FUTU R E .
WIND TURBINE TESTING CENTER
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Sometime this summer, workers will jockey a 150-ton rig designed to test the drive trains of offshore wind turbines into a massive hole in the floor of the testing facility on the campus of Clemson University’s Restoration Institute in North Charleston. The unit, capable of testing turbines that can produce 7.5 megawatts of power, will be tested and online by year’s end. A second, larger testing unit, one weighing 400 tons and capable of testing turbines that can generate up to 15 megawatts will also be installed — even though turbines that size have yet to
NORTHCHARLE STONONLINE .COM
be built. A 15-megawatt turbine could provide power to about 6,000 homes. Using larger turbines offshore would mean the same power could be generated with fewer units needing maintenance and repair. The test facility also is being retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. Small earthquakes are not unusual in the Charleston area. The turbine testing facility is not far from a fault that caused the devastating 1886 quake that killed more than 100 people. It’s been more than 20 years since the
Photograph (top) by Bruce Smith/AP
last major hurricane hit the South Carolina coast — Hurricane Hugo in 1989, a Category 4 storm that packed 135 mph winds. When completed, the nearly $100 million facility will be the world’s largest wind turbine testing center and employ about 80 people. There are two other testing facilities, one in Spain and one in Colorado, but the Clemson test site will handle far larger units. "We think there is an enormous potential here," said John Kelly, executive director of the Restoration Institute. While there are no wind turbines in U.S. waters yet, that’s the way the nation is moving, he said. "As wind farms build offshore there will be deployment sites. They are going to create jobs and lots of jobs," he said. The Depart-
Photograph by Bruce Smith/AP (top) and Gareth Fuller/AP
T H E F U T U R E FO R U . S . E A S T C OA S T ? A small boat passes through the windmills of the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Kent, England. The UK's onshore and offshore wind turbines produce enough energy to power all the homes in Scotland.
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ment of Energy estimates that the industry could create as many as 20,000 jobs. Earlier this year, the national Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced that an assessment found there would be no significant environmental impacts from issuing wind energy leases in federal waters off the mid-Atlantic coast. That clears the way for energy lease sales off Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware. Already there are two partnerships of companies in Virginia looking to develop wind farms in federal waters off the Atlantic coast. South Carolina is in a unique position to help the industry. The deep water in Charleston Harbor allows companies to bring their turbines easily to the Clemson lab for testing, and South Carolina could easily serve the needs of East Coast wind farms through the state’s shipping port. Testing is key because it’s far more expensive to have something go wrong with a turbine offshore and have to fix it at sea. A 15-megawatt turbine would likely have blades reaching 100 yards above the ocean surface. "We basically break them," Kelly said. "Our job is to find the failure points so companies can fix the failure points, which means when the turbine is going offshore there is less maintenance." The U.S. Department of Energy gave Clemson $45 million in federal stimulus money for the test facility, with state and private donors providing another $53 million. Clemson also plans a graduate center on its 26-acre campus, meaning there will be experts in wind technology, an attraction that could draw manufacturers. Once it is established, the industry will mean jobs in manufacturing, deploying and installing the wind turbines, and in logistics. "There will be manufacturing near a port. I hope it’s here. I would do everything in my power to make sure it’s here. This is an ideal location," Kelly said. N
THE VIEW IN 1863 This image, provided by the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Va., shows the Conrad Wise Chapman painting of the Hunley in Charleston in 1863.
PL AYING
T H E V I E W TO DAY This is the new, less-obstructed view of the Civil War submarine H.L. Hunley after the truss that used to house it was removed. The truss was made to lift the Hunley from the seafloor in 2000, and had provided the housing for the 149-year-old submarine until this year.
Right side up
SCIENTISTS ROTATE HUNLEY SUB
BY B R I A N H I C K S
TH E H U N LE Y ’ S STO RY
IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE H.L. HUNLEY IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, YOU REALLY HAVEN’T SEEN IT. NOT THE WAY IT LOOKED IN 1863, WHEN IT ARRIVED IN THE LOWCOUNTRY BY TRAIN TO BREAK THE UNION BLOCKADE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR. NOT THE WAY IT LOOKED WHEN IT LEFT SULLIVAN’S ISLAND ON FEB. 17, 1864, WHEN IT BECAME THE FIRST SUBMARINE TO SINK AN ENEMY SHIP IN COMBAT. NOT THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE SEEN.
For the Hunley, necessity was certainly the mother of invention. The South had gone to war in 1861 without a Navy and no way to catch up. The Union exploited this weakness, blockading every major port in the South. In Charleston, supplies became scarce as most ships were unable to slip past the line of warships guarding the harbor entrance. With no way to build its own full-fledged Navy, the Confederacy had to find new ways to combat the U.S. Navy. First they created the ironclad, converting the Merrimack into the CSS Virginia — the ship that fought the Monitor to a standstill off Hampton Roads in 1862. As that historic battle was under way, a couple of men in New Orleans were invent-
Locals and tourists alike have been flocking to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center to see the Civil War sub since engineers from Parker Rigging removed it from the cradle that’s held it for more than a decade. Even Hunley scientists are raving about this new perspective of the Lost Cause’s most fascinating relic. “When it was lying on its side, it looked squat and compact,” says Maria Jacobsen,
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senior archaeologist on the Hunley project. “Now we can see it as it should be seen. It’s amazing how slender and menacing it is. It means business.” Sitting the Hunley upright is a major step in restoring the 149-year-old submarine, preserving it for future generations — and perhaps unraveling the lingering mystery surrounding the South’s secret weapon.
Photographs by Grace Beahm (top and left)
ing a new technology. The Hunley was named for Horace Lawson Hunley, a Louisiana planter, lawmaker and idea man. He may have gotten the idea for a sub-marine boat from a newspaper article written during the first year of the war, a piece that suggested the only way to combat the U.S. Navy was through stealth. Hunley enlisted an engineer named James McClintock to bring his idea to life. McClintock built a small boat that carried three men — one to steer, two to turn a crank to drive the ship’s propeller. They called this ship the Pioneer, and it had a short lifespan. Soon after it was completed, the Union took New Orleans and the Pioneer was abandoned in a canal. Regrouping in Mobile, Ala., Hunley and McClintock built a second submarine, learning from the mistakes of Pioneer. The American Diver carried a crew of five, doubling the number of men powering the sub. On just its second outing, the Diver broke free of its towline and sank. The Hunley, as investors in the project named it, benefited from nearly two years of research and development. McClintock built this new submarine longer, faster and more advanced than its predecessor. It was 40 feet long, nearly 5 feet tall but a mere 42 inches wide. It was sleek, and cut through the water with a tapered bow. Water piped into two ballast tanks allowed it to sink; pumps expelled the water for it to surface. The submarine carried a crew of eight, seven men devoted to propulsion and ballast tank duties. It was launched in the summer of 1863, probably July, and performed admi-
rably in tests on Mobile Bay. Word spread fast, and the Confederacy requested the boat be sent to Charleston. The sub began its wartime service as a privateer project, funded by men who hoped to win bounties that rich Southerners offered to anyone who could sink blockade ships. Some of these men accompanied McClintock and the sub to Charleston but were soon disappointed. McClintock understood the submarine was a delicate machine, and it took a deft hand to keep it afloat. He spent two weeks testing it, much to the chagrin of local military officials. The Hunley’s arrival coincided with the beginning of the siege of Charleston, when Union troops turned their guns on the city, and there was little time to lose. The Confederates seized the Hunley and appointed a military crew. That crew, led by Lt. John Payne, was doomed from the start. On Aug. 29, Payne had his crew board the Hunley at the Fort Johnson dock. Just before Payne climbed through the forward conning tower — only 17 inches wide — a passing ship threw a wake that flooded the sub’s crew compartment, sending it plunging to the harbor floor. Payne and two others escape. Five men died. The Hunley was recovered by Confederate officials in order to bury the dead. By that time, Horace Hunley himself arrived and asked to be given his sub. He brought in a crew from Mobile, men who had been among its builders, and decided to make himself captain. On Oct. 15, 1863, Hunley set out from Adgers Wharf. When the Hunley submerged, it did not resurface. Hunley failed to close
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Photograph by Brad Nettles the ballast tank valve, and the sub filled with water, killing all eight men aboard. As far as the Confederacy was concerned, the Hunley was a failure. After it was retrieved a second time, it was due to be scrapped. But then Lt. George E. Dixon arrived with one final plea to Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard. Dixon and an engineer named William Alexander had been intimately involved in the sub’s construction and promised Beauregard the right men could make it work. Beauregard had a great deal of respect for Dixon, who fought under him at Shiloh, and allowed him to raise a new crew. The sub was refurbished in Mount Pleasant and eventually moored at Sullivan’s Island. And there, the third crew of the H.L. Hunley trained for more than a month, taking the ship out into the water behind the island, learning its quirks, limitations and amazing abilities. Finally, on Feb. 17, 1864, conditions were right. Dixon set sail on an outgoing tide in calm seas and within two hours was four miles offshore, within striking distance of the USS Housatonic. The submarine approached the warship on the surface and rammed it with a spar armed with a 90-pound charge
of explosives. A barb on the charge embedded in the Housatonic’s hull and the Hunley backed away, under fire from Union sailors on the ship’s deck. When it was nearly 100 feet away, the charge exploded. Five men were killed on the Housatonic, and the ship sank within minutes. An hour later, one of the Housatonic sailors spotted the Hunley a short distance away, apparently signaling Confederate troops onshore. No one saw it again for more than a century.
FI NAL J O U R N E Y TO N O RTH C HAR LE STO N The Hunley was found in 1995 by a dive team hired by novelist Clive Cussler. It would be five years after that day before a team of engineers and scientists pulled the submarine from the ocean floor on Aug. 8, 2000. Since that day, the Hunley has called North Charleston home. The scientists who run the project, now administered by Clemson University, recovered the bodies of all eight crew members and about 2,000 artifacts — everything from used matchsticks to the gold coin Dixon carried in his pocket. Many of those relics are now on display at the Lasch.
THE VIEW IN 2000 The Hunley breaks the surface off Charleston during its recovery operation in 2000.
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Photographs by Alan Hawes (top) and Tyrone Walker
THE HUNLEY’S HIDDEN SIDE The two biggest holes in the sub’s hull are on its starboard side and were obscured by a truss until January. Scientists say those holes were made by scouring sand, rather than any battle damage the Hunley might have suffered in 1864.
When engineers removed that lifting truss in January, it set into motion the last phase of the Hunley’s excavation. More than a century of hardened shell and sand cover its hull now and will have to be removed before the iron hull is put into a chemical bath meant to extract 140 years of corrosive saltwater from its skin. But even that concretion can tell a little bit more about what really happened to the Hunley. “We cannot expect to see the fingerprints of the night it sank — the environment it sat in was too dynamic,” Jacobsen says. As proof of that, you only have to look at the sub’s bow. It is curved, like an icebreaker ship, and scientists initially thought it was part of the sub’s decidedly modern design.
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As it turns out, the bow was straight in the 1860s, and has been sanded down by years of whirling sand around it. Jacobsen said that removing the truss that cradled the sub has made this even more clear. The two biggest holes in the sub’s hull are on its starboard side and were obscured by the cradle until January. Now, Jacobsen said, it looks as if those holes also were made by scouring, rather than any battle damage the Hunley might have suffered in 1864. That fact could go a long way toward dispelling some of the myths that have followed the submarine on its journey through history and put scientists on the right course to discover exactly what did happen on the night the Hunley made history. And all it took was a better view. N
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HUNLEY TOURS When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays Where: 1250 Supply St., at the old Navy base in North Charleston Cost: $12. Call 1-877-448-6539 or purchase at at etix.com. For more information, go to hunley.org
Photograph by Grace Beahm
Bigger and BeTTer Improvements at the North Charleston Colisuem and Convention Center include new luxury boxes in the Coliseum.
Attractions IN NORTH CHARLESTON
visiTors To norTH CHarlesTon won’T ever run ouT of THings To see and PlaCes To go. THE CITY’S ATTRACTIONS RUN THE GAMUT FROM A CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE TO A TOP-NOTCH GOLF COURSE AND A WILDLY POPULAR Bill Hawkins WATERPublisher PARK. NOT ENOUGH? HEAD OVER TO THEThe COLISEUM WORLD-CLASS Post andFOR Courier CONCERTS — NORTH CHARLESTON IS 843.937.5534 WHEREbhawkins@postandcourier.com THE BIG NAMES COME TO PLAY. norTH CHarlesTon Tom CliffordColiseum and Performing arTs CenTer Executive News Director The Post and Courier 5001 COLISEUM DRIVE
Photograph by Brad Nettles
843.937.5515 North Charleston’s premier event destinatclifford@postandcourier.com tion opened more than 18 years ago. This state-of-the-art facility attracts top-name sTeve wagenlander concerts, sporting skating Director ofextravaganzas, Audience Development events The and hockey games. Post and Courier The Coliseum is home to the South Caro843.937.5746 lina Stingrays, three-time defending Kelly swagenlander@postandcourier.com Cup Champions. As part of the ECHL, the maTT Stingrays werewinTer founded in 1994 and have Charleston Magazine dazzledEditor, crowdsNorth with awesome displays of 843.937.5568 editor@northcharlestononline.com mwinter@postandcourier.com
Jay fleTCHer Contributing Design Editor jfletcherdesign.com
gayle J. smiTH Director of Advertising The Post and Courier 843.937.5405 gjsmith@postandcourier.com
doug kifer Niche Advertising Sales Manager 843.958.7394 sales@northcharlestononline.com dkifer@postandcourier.com
norTH CHarlesTon magazine is a special publication of The Post a n d C o u r i e r n e w s p a p e r, 1 3 4 C o l u m b u s St., Charleston, S.C . 29403. Copyr i g h t 2 0 1 2 b y T h e P o s t a n d C o u r i e r. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The P o s t a n d C o u r i e r. 6 5 2s psrpi rnign g/ s/ usm um m emre r2 02102 1 2n onrotrhtchhcahralrelsetsotnoonnolni lnien. c e .ocm om
P O O C H PA R K A visiting dog jumps to meet Bella, a shih tzu, and Raven, an Irish setter, who were visting at Wannamaker County Park with Barbara Aler.
skating and stick-handling prowess ever since. The 3,000-seat North Charleston Performing Arts Center was added to the coliseumconvention center complex in 1999. The city recently completed a massive renovation of the Coliseum, which included new luxury suites, high-tech scoreboard and 7,400-square foot addition called the Montague Terrace. For show times and more information, go to coliseumpac.com.
WANNAMAKER COUNTY PARK 8888 UNIVERSITY BLVD. Wannamaker Park offers visitors the chance to explore more than 1,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands and, in the summer months, enjoy a wildly popular water park. Amenities include miles of paved trails, picnic sites with grills, two playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, a park center with snack bar and rest rooms, a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Wannamaker also is home to Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark, a seasonal attraction that features slides, kiddie pools and wave pools. For park fees and hours, which vary by season, visit ccprc.com.
CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE HUNLEY 1250 SUPPLY ST. The wreck of the Civil War submarine Hunley was lifted from the Atlantic Ocean floor in 2000. The storied vessel had rested there since 1863, when it sank with its crew of eight men soon after participating in what is widely referred to as the first sinking of
a naval vessel by a submarine. Now, this unique piece of history is preserved in North Charleston at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. Hunley tours are available every Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The last tour begins at 4:40 p.m. Tours are not available on weekdays — that’s when scientists continue their preservation work on the Hunley. Tickets are $12 and can be bought onsite or by calling 877-448-6539 or at etix.com. Children under 5 are admitted free. For more information, go to hunley.org.
FIRE MUSEUM 4975 CENTRE POINTE DRIVE The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center is next to the Tanger Outlet Mall, about 2 miles from Charleston International Airport. This museum houses the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance firefighting equipment in the country. The 26,000-square-foot museum opened in 2007 and houses 18 fire trucks and priceless one-ofa-kind firefighting artifacts. Admission is $6; children 12 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to legacyofheroes.org.
RIVERFRONT PARK OLD NAVY BASE MCMILLAN AVENUE TO HOBSON AVENUE The rejuvenation of the former Navy base and nearby Olde Village and Park Circle
Nightlife galleries at
CharlestonScene.com
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neighborhoods represent one of the most sweeping changes to the city of North Charleston in recent years. The development of Riverfront Park has been a key aspect of this revitalization. The park is open to the public year-round and has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the Cooper River, the park features a large boardwalk, fishing sites, charcoal grills, a covered pavilion and dozens of picnic tables next to a modern playground. Public park hours are daylight to dark unless otherwise scheduled. For more information, go to northcharleston.org.
THE GOLF CLUB AT WESCOTT PLANTATION 5000 WESCOTT CLUB DRIVE North Charleston’s premier golf facility was developed with the richest traditions of Lowcountry golf in mind. The 27-hole course, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, captures traditional flavor through low-flowing earthworks, classic bunkering and native vegetation. The course also offers five tees per hole for all levels of golfers. Wescott’s antebellum-style clubhouse
can accommodate up to 300 guests and ranks as one of the Lowcountry’s top event venues. The golf course is open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during winter months and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during summer months. Greens fees start at $31. For more information, go to wescottgolf.com.
CITY ART GALLERY 5001 COLISEUM DRIVE The North Charleston City Gallery features two-dimensional works by international, national and local artists in a variety of subjects and media. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists in the gallery space each month. Visitors can purchase prints, note cards, jewelry and gift items made by local artists. The gallery is located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
DISC GOLF PARK CIRCLE The Park Circle Disc Golf course is located on the outer eight islands of the historic site and runs around the entire perimeter of “The
Circle.” While technically nine holes, the course can be played in two directions, offering a true “18-hole” experience. Natural beauty combines with proximity to the revitalized Olde Village district on East Montague Avenue, allowing golfers to play a round or two and then retire to the “19th hole” at any of East Montague Avenue’s many restaurants and bars. Open play is Monday to Sunday, daylightdark. If interested in playing doubles, meet at the No. 1 tee, Tuesdays at 5 p.m., for play beginning at 6 p.m.
OLDE NORTH CHARLESTON PICTURE HOUSE 4820 JENKINS AVE. Managed by the Greater Park Circle Film Society, the Olde North Charleston Picture House presents films and shorts not generally shown in local commercial theaters. With the mission to screen high-quality films, educate the public and engage in community development, the film society continues to be an anchor for film and community in the Lowcountry. For show times and ticket information, go to parkcirclefilms.org.
Explore the nation’s top tourist destination*
My Charleston MyCharlestonOnline.com
*Conde Nast Traveler, 2011
DINING
GOODBYE , AUNT BEA’S Aunt Bea’s restaurant, a mainstay on East Montague Avenue for 14 years, closed earlier this year. An Italian restaurant is slated to open in its location.
ANNA BELL’S 10 STOREHOUSE ROW, 843-554-5333 Situated in the Navy Yard at Noisette, Anna Bell’s is cut from familiar cloth. The same folks behind the Locklear’s restaurants in Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant own the breakfast and lunch bistro. Anna Bell’s accordingly sticks to the tried-and-true, serving comfort food in cozy environs. One could make a pretty good meal just from the appetizers. For your consideration: fried green tomatoes with dill shallot mayo, tasty corn fritters and baskets of hush puppies and corn bread with honey butter. Other options include homemade meatloaf, fried fish, buttermilk fried chicken and oven-roasted pork loin dressed in red-eye gravy.
THE BARBECUE JOINT 1083-A EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-747-4567 The Barbeque Joint keeps it simple over at Park Circle, from its six wooden picnic tables decked out with checkerboard tablecloths to a chalkboard menu and one wall made of corrugated steel sheet metal. The menu sticks to the same, unfussy as can be, with barbecue, chicken or a combo platter. The pulled pork
Photograph by Wade Spees
Dining
IN NORTH CHARLESTON HUNGRY? THEN BELLY UP TO THE BAR OR GRAB A TABLE. NORTH CHARLESTON’S GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED, FROM FAST FOOD TO TRENDY RESTAURANTS. GOT ANOTHER LISTING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE IN OUR NEXT EDITION? SEND AN E-MAIL TO EDITOR@NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.
tastes dense and meaty, benefiting from the three sauces available — vinegar, red and gold. Mac and cheese, baked beans, red rice and potato salad help spike the platters, along with cool, crisp coleslaw and collard greens touched up with smoky pieces of sausage. Specials change up daily, and don’t forget breakfast. The Joint serves up Southern-style breakfasts to a cadre of loyal locals.
BIG BILLY’S BURGER JOINT 5070 INTERNATIONAL BLVD., 843-747-4949 At first blush, it’s an odd perch. But there it is: a Bahamian-influenced burger joint in a retail center with Quizno’s, La Hacienda and Starbucks. At Big Billy’s, burgers made from hormone- and antibiotic-free beef are topped
with lettuce, tomatoes and onions that were raised in the state and cushioned by pillowy buns from the Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery. Plus, the mustard, ketchup, garlic mayo and chipotle mayo are made in-house.
BIGHORN’S SPORTS GRILL 7832 RIVERS AVE., 843-302-0963 Bighorn’s Sports Grill embraces wild Western ideals, corralling diners into a wide expanse with promises of steaks, burgers, seafood, chicken, ribs and barbecue. Bighorn’s, done up with a mounted steer, other cowboy relics and 50 high-definition and big-screen TVs. The place counts 120 items — that’s right, 120 — on its menu. Diners can flip through page after page of popcorn shrimp, skillet cheese fries, wing sampler platters, cowboy nachos, fried
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SPRING / SUMMER 2012
55
green tomato BLTs, Texas toast patty melts and smoked chile butter grilled shrimp. Every cowboy or cowgirl in your family will probably find a dish to satisfy their tastes.
CORK NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO 1067 EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-2675 Cork comes courtesy of proprietor Tradd Ashley Gibbs, a third-generation North Charlestonian. He chose the bistro’s name to recognize the sustainability of cork materials, appropriate considering the restaurant’s usage of refurbished or repurposed fixtures. On whole, the exposed beams, raised ceiling and chandeliers create a stylish backdrop. A seasonal menu occasionally fixes on local items, such as oyster mushrooms from
HIDDEN GEM Check out authentic Vietnamese food at Pho No. 1, a restaurant tucked inside a grocery store on Rivers Avenue.
Mepkin Abbey, but also stretches to include and beef from the Painted Hills Ranch in
EVO 1075 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-1796
a glass of the house red, a bowl of red and
Wheeler County, Ore. An additional pair of
If you had an “Extra Virgin Oven” (“EVO”) pizza
spaghetti, and let the evening unfold.
winners: the Croque Monsieur sandwich,
in their early days, it was from the only place
PEI mussels, North Atlantic wild salmon
the traditional dishes satisfy thoroughly. Get
rich with gruyere cheese, black forest ham
you could get it: the trailer-based wood oven
and smooth béchamel sauce; and the roast-
that owners Ricky Hacker and Matt McIntosh
GRINGO’S FRESH SOUTHWEST 3032 W. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-718-2225
ed pork loin sandwich, smeared with double
set up at farmers markets and street corners.
Gringo’s, a self-styled “Kinda sorta Mexican-
cream brie, a sweet onion marmalade and
Now they have a slick, bright restaurant
ish” place, dishes up a familiar bill of tacos,
grain mustard.
producing the same crisp, well-dressed pies.
overstuffed burritos, quesadillas, fajitas,
Ingredients are obsessively sourced locally,
nachos and taco salads inside crispy tortilla
DIG IN THE PARK 1049 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-5201
and fresh and bright flavors are the results,
shells. The restaurant fills up tortillas with
whether pizza, salad, soup or panini.
your choice of chicken, steak, ground beef and tofu, along with rice and beans. These are
The name for this new restaurant in the Olde rants of the successful Daniel Island Grille.
FLY BY PIZZA 7013 DORCHESTER ROAD, 843-767-1515
The menu mirrors that of its namesake, with
Fly By Pizza, named so because of its proxim-
Village indicates it’s one of the sister restau-
generously sized portions, straight up Americanized or “Gringo-ized” tacos and burritos.
clubs. Clever descriptions, including the
salads. Its menu plays off the aviation theme
JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q 4964 CENTRE POINT DRIVE, 843-747-3800
prophetic “Tom Brady no ring this year” onion
with items such as Air Force One, JAG, Phila-
Jim ’N Nick’s bills itself as a Southern kitchen,
rings, make for entertaining reading. The
delphia Freedom and Aviano (after the NATO
blessing diners with such down-home
sports bar ethos is expressed in wings, dips,
air base in Italy.)
provisions as pulled pork barbecue, hickory-
appetizers, sandwiches, salads and wraps
ity to Charleston Air Force Base, carries a
named for athletes, stadiums, coaches and
cargo load of pizza pies, sandwiches and
chips, nachos and poppers. Daily specials allow the kitchen staff to express their creativity and trick out basics such as meatloaf, grilled chicken and pasta.
smoked beef brisket, spare ribs and those
GENNARO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE 8500 DORCHESTER ROAD, 843-760-9875
teeny-weeny, oh-so-cute and oh-so-addictive cheese muffins. The restaurant has managed to pull off a rare double feat, inspiring loyal
This is old-school American Italian at its best.
devotees and critical praise. The restaurant
DOE’S PITA 5134 N. RHETT AVE., 843-745-0026
The decor hasn’t changed much in the 28
cleaves to the ole grilling mantra of “low ’n’
years Gennaro’s has been open, and the menu
slow,” cooking its pork shoulders for 20 hours.
Doe’s Pita is an enigma stuffed into a single-
hasn’t either. Think red sauce and meatballs,
The result: fine, tender, smoky bites, served as
family house on North Rhett Avenue. Two ladies
veal and eggplant Parmesan, iceberg lettuce
a sandwich or as a meal with a pair of sides.
use a variety of slowcookers and other house-
salads and spumoni, and you’ve got a timeless
hold kitchen gear to produce very tasty salads,
recipe for an Italian restaurant. A few newer
soups and sandwiches perfect for a picnic or
items are miniature “gourmet pizzas,” steak
LA NORTENA TAQUERIA GRILL 6275 RIVERS AVE., 843-225-7055
lunch at the office. Grab a quick bite at a tiny
and fish dishes and New York style pizza, but
By now, La Nortena might as well be consid-
table indoors, or picnic at the tables in the front
the piccatas and marsalas and Bolognese are
ered el abuela of Charleston-area Mexican
yard. The baba ganoush alone is worth a stop.
all there, too. Prices are relatively gentle, and
restaurants. La Nortena provides traditional
56
SPRING / SUMMER 2012
NORTHCHARLE STONONLINE .COM
Photograph by Teresa Taylor
m a d r a r ua this irish pub in Park Circle hosts themed parties through the year, including a Big lebowski shin-dig.
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madra rua 1034 eAst MoNtAgue Ave., 843-554-2522 Much respect is given to Madra Rua, a pub faithful to its Irish pedigree. The carefully designed bar and restaurant features dark wooden furniture, low ceilings, several alcoves and, naturally, Guinness on tap. Patrons take seats at the bar or settle into snug booths to look over a menu containing selections of Irish extract. The pub serves such traditional Gaelic fare as shepherd’s pie, corn beef and cabbage, and fisherman’s pie, a dish of white fish and shrimp set with mashed potatoes, cheese and a creamy sauce.
manny’s mediTerranean Cafe 3032 w. MoNtAgue Ave. 843-789-4350 Manny’s Mediterranean Cafe focuses on pita sandwiches, hand-tossed pizzas, authentic Greek specialties and platters and, of course, gyros. Long the restaurant’s top seller, Manny’s roasts its gyro meat in a tall, vertical spit, carving out the strips for inclusion on pita Photograph by Marie Rodriguez
marie’s diner 5646 rivers Ave., 843-554-1250 At first glance it may seem like most other hole-in-the-wall “meat-n-three” restaurants, but, trust me, this is a good thing. Order your meat and sides, and the wait staff will pile up your plate from the buffet line. Can’t decide on one meat? Too many sides to choose from? No problem. Marie’s is all you can eat! Finished with your fried chicken? Order up some pork chops! Polish off your mac-n-cheese before the green beans? Just hop up and get some more! Wash it all down with sweet tea, loosen your belt a notch, and consider a nap instead of heading back to work.
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bread, along with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce.
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markeT sTreeT saloon 7690 Northwoods Blvd., 843-576-4116 How do you prefer your barbecue? Smoked over hickory? Splashed with vinegar sauce? The Market Street Saloon Smokehouse and Grill serves up its ‘cue with a side of showmanship. The restaurant’s staff performs a number of choreographed, boot-stompin’ dances each evening to complement the joint’s blue-ribbon barbecue, beef brisket, burgers and wings. The saloon draws from all reaches of the barbecue landscape, concocting sauces provincial to Orangeburg, eastern North Carolina, Memphis and Kansas City. No matter your taste, Market Street makes for an ideal honky-tonk headquarters.
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dishes such as al pastor, lengua (beef tongue) and bistec (grilled beef steak) burritos, tacos and platters. A quartet of free sauces served tableside guarantee a strong first impression. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, carnitas La Nortena (seasoned chunks of pork set with rice and refried beans) provides confirmation. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s carniceria, including these considerations: chorizo, carnitas, carne seca (dried beef), palomila (top sirloin) and arrachera (skirt steak).
57
Mei Thai 7685 A Northwoods Blvd., 843-824-8887
PaRk Pizza co. 1028 e. MoNtAgue Ave., 843-225-7275
Mei Thai draws from the East, capturing
but Park Pizza has made it to its first anni-
Evo gets a lot of press for pizza in Park Circle,
Vietnamese, Cantonese, Thai and other
versary in the neighborhood making mighty
Asian flavors. The restaurant has won steady
fine pizza, too, plus calzones, sandwiches
business and standing from North Charleston
and salads. The shop is tiny, and in summer
diners. At Mei Thai, the 101-item menu rustles
heats up with the red-hot ovens running full-
up a multitude of noodle-and-rice dishes, run-
blast. But there is sidewalk seating, a take-out
ning the gamut of typical Thai tastes: peppery,
option … and Park Pizza delivers, too. Locals
sour, salty and sweet.
(and the employees, surely) look forward to
Mikasa RooM aT TRidenT Tech 7000 rivers Ave., 843-820-5097
their self-awarded title, “Hottest Restaurant
If you’re feeling a little down in the wallet
sional attitude and fine pies make this a “hot
but crave a fine-dining experience, Trident
spot” no matter the season.
cooler weather when Park Pizza might lose
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in Town!” Regardless, the casual yet profes-
Technical College culinary students can help. These students run a full food-service opera-
C51-724829
tion on campus in a sophisticated new facility,
Pho #1 h&l asian MaRkeT 5300-1 rivers Ave., 843-745-9623
and the public can dine most weekdays of the
A restaurant inside a grocery store, Pho #1
fall school year. The two teaching kitchens
serves pho: Big bowls of tasty broth packed
are visible from the dining room, and the
with noodles, meats and veggies. They only
menus reflect students’ willingness to please.
take cash, so be sure to have some on hand,
Less sophisticated menus are a mere $8, and
and order as you begin your shopping. While
the more complex a mere $12. Mikasa opens
the noodles heat, peruse the wide array of
and closes with the ebb and flow of college se-
Asian produce, seafood and staple items. By
mesters, so call ahead before making the trip.
the time you’re done, your noodles will be waiting for you. Eat in the dining area or have
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nigel’s good Food 3760 Ashley PhosPhAte roAd, 843-552-0079
it packed up to go; either way, by the time
Nigel’s Good Food aims to offer “just what your
why you see so many Asian folks eating here.
you’ve squeezed your limes and topped the bowl with Thai basil and chilis, you’ll know
soul needs.” The chopped Ol’ Skool Steak has while the Big Country Rib-eye is enough for
Pollo TRoPical chaRcoal gRill 5335 dorChester roAd, 843-552-0015
two. The appetizers mix in familiar Lowcountry
The smoke makes an undeniable first impres-
onions, bell peppers and gravy, and two sides,
mainstays: fried okra; deviled crab cakes, pan
sion, drifting from the kitchen of Pollo Tropi-
fried and accompanied with corn relish; and
cal Charcoal Grill, a small restaurant situated
fried green tomatoes crowned with creamy
in an old Dorchester Road strip mall. The
grits, corn relish and roasted red pepper coulis.
restaurant serves a terrific spread: full slabs of pork and beef ribs, skirt steak, and half
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The noisy oysTeR 7842 rivers Ave., 843-824-1000
carbon, which relates to the choice technique
One of several Lowcountry locations, The
of cooking meat over coals. They’ve mas-
Noisy Oyster is a place that has the look and
tered the method at Pollo Tropical, allowing
feel of a beachy seafood shack, no matter
the smoke to provide real flavor. Beyond the
and whole chickens. The key description is al
how far it is from saltwater. Thatched roofs
staples, the oversize platters also contain yel-
and surfboards adorn the ceilings, tropical
low rice, slaw, pinto beans, tortillas, bread, or
ceiling fans spin lazily, and fishing imagery is
for an extra fee, fried yuca, plantains and fries.
everywhere. The menu is, of course, mostly about seafood and is served up in myriad
58
Raising cane’s chicken FingeRs 7225 rivers Ave., 843-573-7995
ways. Coconut shrimp, calamari, grilled tuna,
Jarrett Hodson 843.460.4410 Direct 843.284.8767 Office Jarrett.hodson@ikonfg.com www.carolinabanker.com
whole fried flounder, shrimp and grits, and
There are few things in this world more uni-
the favorite steam pot are but a few options.
versally loved than chicken fingers. Breaded,
Family-friendly, The Noisy Oyster offers food
hot, crunchy-juicy chicken fingers. Seriously,
and fun for everyone.
have you ever met anyone who doesn’t love
spring / summer 2012
C51-724812
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WISE, INDEED! Sesame Burgers and Beer in Park Circle keeps locally brewed beers on tap.
DELICIOUS PULLED PORK & PULLED CHICKEN BBQ PLUS DAILY SPECIALS!
’em? Raising Cane’s chicken fingers are made
chicken sandwich and char-grilled corn on
from fresh, premium chicken tenderloins.
the cob. Ditto for the beer, a strong collection
Their fries are crinkle-cut from Grade-A, extra-
of 60-plus varieties.
1083-A East Montague North Charleston
TEPPANYAKI GRILL 5900 RIVERS AVE., 843-746-9882
(843) 747-4567
long potatoes, and the coleslaw is mixed fresh with butter and garlic and grilled on a flat top brings it all home. Dig in.
Teppanyaki describes a Japanese style of cooking that uses a steel-top grill to prepare
RAUL’S TAQUERIA & MEXICAN GRILL 5634 RIVERS AVE., 843- 554-5433
food. But in North Charleston, they aren’t just
Raul’s cuts a flashy figure, decked out with red-
ing and steaming, smothering and covering,
dish-orange walls, red booths and purple plas-
simmering and searing. The Teppanyaki Grill
tic tablecloths. Several murals and an S-shaped
and Supreme Buffet lives up to its promise,
bar cut from light wood ring, distinguishing the
cranking out a mountain of cuisine: sushi and
www.TheBarbequeJoint.com R50-726414
grilling. They’re frying and fricasseeing, stew-
place from a run-of-the-mill Mexican eatery.
deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese and egg
Another distinguishing characteristic? Raul’s
drop soup, stuffed crabs and lo mein, Peking-
arsenal of authentic tacos, set with onions
style spare ribs and pizza. The sheer expanse
and cilantro, red or green salsa, and wrapped
is remarkable, counting upward of 200 items,
in corn tortillas. Choose from steak, chicken,
including the cook-to-order hibachi service.
Life Simplified
marinated pork or beef, beef tongue or fish.
SESAME BURGERS AND BEERS 4726 SPRUILL AVE., 843-554-4903
WESCOTT BAR & GRILL 5000 WESCOTT CLUB DRIVE, 843-871-2135
For burger devotees, Sesame holds uncom-
The 27-hole Golf Club at Wescott Plantation
mon appeal. The restaurant builds everything
provides an easy introduction to the Wescott
from scratch, including its half-pound, house-
Bar and Grill, a well-appointed gathering spot
ground burgers along with salad dressings,
on the course grounds. A spacious clubhouse
pickles and, yup, the condiments, too. Choose
houses the bar/restaurant, along with meeting
from the Italian burger, capped with fresh ba-
spaces and a pro shop. The menu is limited
sil and bleu cheese; the Park Circle with sharp
but chocked with favorites: burgers, wings,
cheddar cheese, coleslaw, barbecue sauce
chicken fingers, quesadillas, pizza and grilled
and tomato; the South Carolina, slathered
flatbread sandwiches. Order the “Eagle,” an
in homemade pimiento cheese; or even the
appropriately titled half-pound Angus burger,
Memphis, an Elvis-aided creation made with
which is cooked to temperature, outfitted
homemade peanut butter, bacon and banana
with your choice of toppings and served on
slices. Of course, other selections deserve
a ciabatta bun. No worries, either. It’s a public
mentioning, such as the buttermilk fried
course, so everyone’s welcome. N
Photograph by Dan Hale
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59
A RT S F E STI VA L The city’ nine-day celebration of the arts, held May 4-12 and centered at the Charleston Area Convention Center, ranks as one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the Lowcountry, with multiple art venues, live music and other entertainment.
Events
IN NORTH CHARLESTON NORTH CHARLESTON HAS IT ALL. VISITORS AND RESIDENTS CAN CHOOSE FROM CONCERTS AND SPORTING EVENTS AT THE COLISEUM, HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, LEAGUE SPORTS AND EVEN LOCAL THEATER AND INDEPENDENT FILM VIEWING. TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THE NEXT EDITION, EMAIL EDITOR@NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.
SPECIAL EVENTS
DESIGN WINNER Elena Barna’s acrylic painting “My Muse” has won the statewide 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival Design Competition.
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SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Farmers Market: Open Thursdays midApril through mid-October, from noon until 7 p.m. at Park Circle’s Felix C. Davis Community Center. The market features locally grown produce and herbs, cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes and activities for children. Maker's Market at Mixson: First Sunday of every month at the neighborhood within Park Circle. Artwork and unique, local crafts and products. For more information, go to mixson.com. Village Antiques & Collectibles Show: April 29, June 24-24, Aug. 25-26. Shows, held 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Felix Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle, feature home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage
NORTHCHARLE STONONLINE .COM
toys and games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments and more. Admission is $2, which benefits The Spay Not Slay Endowment. Free parking. For more information, contact Lisa Reynolds at 843-740-2531 or lreynolds@ northcharleston.org. North Charleston Arts Festival: May 4-12 throughout the city. This nineday celebration of the arts, centered at the Charleston Area Convention Center, is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the Lowcountry. The Main Event, held May 5-6 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center, offers free admission and parking for more than 40 performances. The festival concludes with the Grand Finale at
Photograph by Grace Beahm (top)
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FO U RTH O F J U LY Children attending Fourth of July festivities at North Charleston Riverfront Park cool down in the park’s fountain.
the North Charleston Coliseum. Tickets are $25 and $45. Go to northcharleston.org for updates on anniversary events. Fourth of July Festival: The City of North Charleston will host a July 4 celebration at Riverfront Park. Entertainment includes a fireworks display at dark, plus live music. Attendance is free, and guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets. No alcohol is permissible within the park, but a variety of food vendors will be available. Free children’s activities
Photograph by Brad Nettles
include inflatable jump castles, games, play area, giant sandbox and the water fountain.
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EDUCTION, ARTS & CULTURE New Edition 20th Reunion: May 3 at the North Charleston Coliseum. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. Trace Adkins: May 3 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. Straight No Chaser: May 4 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. A cappella superstars. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. Anthony Hamilton: May 11 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other information, go to
R50-725751
North Charleston Riverfront Park featuring performances, children’s activities and fireworks over the Cooper River. For more information, go to northcharleston.org. City's 40th anniversary: A number of events are being planned, including a June 26 performance by Earth, Wind and Fire at
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spring / summer 2012
coliseumpac.com. Imagination Movers: May 16 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. Fiber/Quilt Workshop: May 29 at The Meeting Place, 1077 East Montague Ave. This fun-filled workshop explores several techniques to create fabric collage. For more information, go to northcharleston.org. 2011 Summer Children’s Theatre Series: June 8, 10 a.m. at the Northwoods Park and Recreation Cetner, 8348 Greenridge Road, and 2 p.m. at the Felix C. Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle. Adande Dance Company presents African dance and drumming. Reserve by calling the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at 843-740-5854. Glenn Beck’s Unelectable tour II: June 9 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. alice Cooper’s No More Mr. Nice Guy tour: June 11 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. 2011 Summer Children’s Theatre Series: June 29, 2 p.m. at the Felix C. Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle. JAT’s Production presents “Men of the Mountain.” Reserve by calling the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at 843-740-5854. Intuitive Acrylic Painting: June 26 at The Meeting Place, 1077 East Montague Ave. For more information, go to northcharleston.org. Comedian Jim Gaffigan: Aug. 9 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other information, go to coliseumpac.com. Lowcountry Jazz Festival Brunch: Sept. 2 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For ticket prices and other infor-
Disc Golf: Disc golf is played on the outer eight islands around Park Circle MondaySunday from dusk to dawn, continuously. Tuesday night doubles are played beginning at 6 p.m. Registration takes place at the No. 1 tee box at 5 p.m. For more information, call 843-740-5801 or email Jonas Card at CDGC@ bellsouth.net. Flag Football: The North Charleston Recreation Department along with the S.C. Flag Football Association sponsor Men’s Flag Football. The league is played at MeadWestvaco/Kapstone Park. The league includes spring-summer and fall seasons. For more information on the league, contact Cindy Dambaugh at 843-740-5801 or email scflag@aim.com. Tennis Leagues: Teams represent the North Charleston Recreation Department and participate on several different playing levels. Teams play home matches and travel to other local tennis facilities to compete. For more information, call Mark Manuel at 843-552-9446 (after 5 p.m.) or 843-767-0638. Youth sports: The athletic programs offered by the North Charleston Recreation Department include football, baseball, softball, basketball and soccer. For registration, schedules and cost, go to northcharleston.org. Wounded Warrior Charity Golf Tournament: May 19 at The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. Pvt. John S. Bird is hosting a charity golf tournament benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. For more information, go to northcharleston.org.
mation, go to coliseumpac.com.
July 10, Aug. 14. Citizens Advisory Council: May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2. City Council: May 10, May 24, June 14, June 28, July 12, Aug. 9, Aug. 23. Planning Commission: May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13. Finance, Grant and public safety committees: May 17, June 21, July 19, July 26, Aug. 16. Recreation Advisory Board: May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22. Zoning Board of Appeals: May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6.
SPORtS aNd FItNESS Adult Basketball: Games played on Saturdays at the Danny Jones Gymnasium beginning at 2 p.m. The league includes nine company teams. For more information contact Mike Gillison at 843-745-1033. Adult Softball: Spring/Summer and Fall Leagues are based at MeadWestvaco Kapstone Park Complex. Fall League meeting is Aug. 15 at Park Circle. For more information call 843-740-5801 or email cdambaugh@ northcharleston.org.
northcharle stononline .com
MUNICIPaL MEEtINGS Most municipal meetings are held at North Charleston City Hall, Buist Conference Room, 2500 City Hall Lane. For more information, additional committee meetings and to check on updated schedules, go to northcharleston.org. Arts Advisory Committee: May 8, June 12,
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