NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES AT MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM. HOLIDAY EDITION • FOOD & FASHION • ON THE MENU Casting Joy! Food & Fashion Dress to Impress Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. On the Menu Season’s Cravings Holiday Cheer Gift of Philanthropy
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1 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com HISTORIC CHARLESTON ISLE OF PALMS WILD DUNES FOLLY BEACH SULLIVAN'S ISLAND MT. PLEASANT KIAWAH / SEABROOK Real Estate 800.476.8444 • Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 • dunesproperties.com Since 1989, Nobody knows the Charleston Coast better® Featured Below: 1563 Capel Street | Park West | 5 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 3692 Ft2 Listed by Beth Huntley 843.437.8668 & Jennifer O'Brien 610.283.0867 There's No Place like for the Holidays
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4 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com celebrating years 9 ® We believe in preparing our students for the future by impacting their success with continual encouragement from our academic counselor, becomes one of our students, they’re a part of our family for life. 2023 ®
5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com NEW YEAR’S EVE A HOLLY JOLLY GOOD TIME RESERVE TODAY SUN, DEC. 17TH RING IN 2024 WITH US! DETAILS TO FOLLOW SUN, DEC. 31ST EAT, DRINK & CRANBERRY RESERVE TODAY THURS, NOV. 23RD Thanksgiving SaNTa BRUNCH 100 CHURCH ST. | MT. PLEASANT, SC 29464 | 843.352.9510 | @tavernandtable LUNCH | DINNER HAPPY HOUR | COCKTAILS + SUNDAY BRUNCH BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES! CALL TO RESERVE THE T&T ROOM FOR YOUR EVENT. T&T'S NEW OSSO BUCO > It's Os-some!
6 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! (843) 972-9700 1122 PROFESSIONAL LANE MT. PLEASANT, SC Thank you to our patients for your votes of confidence in our practice 7 years in a row! Visit www.WandoFamilyDentistry.com to see patient reviews and get a feel for our office. ® WWW. BESTOFMP.COM ® WWW. BESTOFMP.COM ® ® Owned and operated by Dr. Hund ® New Location Open Now!
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8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Publisher’s Note...................................................11 Editor’s Note.......................................................12 Contributors. ...................................................... 15 Best of Mount Pleasant Party................................17 On the Web.........................................................18 Social Buzz.........................................................20 31 36 22 46 49 contents NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 • VOL. 13, ISSUE 6 History of winter storms..........................................22 Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade...........................25 Goldbug Island Turkey Shoot..................................29 Remembering East Cooper’s First Airport...............30 East Cooper’s First Place of Worship.......................31 Christ Our King-Stella Maris..................................35 Patriots Point Medal of Honor Museum.................36 Lola..........................................................................39 Crush Yard...............................................................41 Yoga studio fire........................................................44 Hawaii wildfires.......................................................46 55 Holiday love stories..................................................49 Christmas at Sea......................................................53 Not Home for the Holidays....................................55 ECCO.....................................................................59 East Cooper Meals on Wheels.................................61 61 62 Holiday Shopping Guide........................................62 Yankee Swap/White Elephant.................................65 Calendar of Events...................................................67 Arts & Entertainment................. Holiday Cheer............................ Our Town.................................. 25
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 • VOL. 13, ISSUE 6 Holiday Recipes..............................................................72 Culinary school...............................................................74 What’s Cookin’................................................................77 Setting the Table.............................................................. 79 Wine. .............................................................................. 81 74 Intro........................................................100 Automotive Excellence............................101 The Village Bookseller.............................102 The Happy Southerner............................103 Oyster Candle Company........................108 Big Bad Breakfast....................................109 Jeni’s Ice Cream.......................................110 Bakies at I’On.........................................111 Ragamuffin..............................................112 Bubbles. ..................................................113 Buxton & Collie......................................114 BeWell@Home. ......................................115 Intro............................................................ 117 Meet The Broker..........................................118 East Cooper Top 25 Agents.........................121 34 Waterway Island Drive (King & Society)....123 Top 10 Homes Sold - South Mount Pleasant.....124 Top 10 Homes Sold - North Mount Pleasant....125 Top 10 Homes Sold - Dunes West...............126 Top 10 Homes Sold - Old Village................127 Top 10 Homes Sold - Sullivan’s Island.........128 East Cooper Neighbors........................................ 136 Intro................................................................................ 83 Bohemian Bull................................................................84 Cachitas Kitchen.............................................................87 Islander 71......................................................................89 Sommba Cocina..............................................................92 Tavern & Table................................................................ 94 Ty’s Roadside...................................................................97 94 79 84 Intro.................................................................. 129 Pet on the Street................................................131 Mt. Pleasant House Call Vet.............................133 Local Commerce..................................................... Dwellings............................................................... Food & Fashion........................... On the Menu.............................. Pets. .....................................................................
10 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Follow us @shopmptc for up-to-date shopping, restaurant and event information With shops, restaurants, experiences, and events year round, there are endless ways to spend a day out on the Towne. mtpleasanttownecentre.com 8:00AM CYCLEBAR Sweat sesh gives back with fresh energy 7:30PM JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS Kids’ pick means everyone gets an extra scoop of indulgence 6:15PM BURTONS GRILL & BAR Celebrating my friends with a dinner we won’t soon forget 10:15AM POLISH 360 Mani-pedi for mom, and we loved (and laughed) every minute THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SPEND A DAY on the Towne 9:00PM REGAL PALMETTO GRANDE Blockbusters on the big screen? That’s the best way to level up your movie night
11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com This last issue of 2023 causes me to reflect on what Mount Pleasant Magazine has accomplished over the past 12 months, and of course, what we need to improve on. This past year has been a journey. Looking back, I think one of our greatest achievements is how everyone here has learned how to reach greater heights as a team. I totally believe in the publishing team behind these print and digital pages and everything these pages represent. For everyone here, specific accomplishments for 2023 start with producing a high quality digital and print community magazine. From there we’ve worked on ways to reach more people through our print and digital distribution efforts. The SC Welcome Centers on Page 17 are a perfect example of this. We love making Mount Pleasant’s story available to interested folks traveling within our state. Along with increased distribution through regional airports. We’ve embraced Geofencing which allows us to expand our digital distribution significantly. In the last 12 months, tens of thousands of people who would have never seen our magazine had a chance to thumb through our digital pages at www.readMPM.com. That’s technology and it plays an important role in generating additional online readers. But my heart was greatly touched this past year for the part Mount Pleasant Magazine played in helping our town gain the recognition of being voted the All-America City Award for the third time. The most of any municipality in the Palmetto State. As the town magazine, we wanted to support that effort however we could. Congratulations to everyone at town hall that worked so hard to lead Mount Pleasant to victory for a third time. I’d be remiss if I didn’t note that we launched a monthly community newspaper for our neighbors on Isle of Palms. We are now telling the story of another historically rich community like Mount Pleasant that makes our coastal region what it is today. I invite you to read the digital version of Island Vibes, www.readIslandVibes.com. I am very proud of our team’s efforts. If you are interested in knowing more about Island Vibes, please drop me an email or give me a call. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com publisher’s note November/December 2023 • Vol. 13, Issue 6 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JENNIFER BURKE COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MORGAN WINNINGHAM AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL REBECCA SOTTILE TECHNOLOGY GEORGE CONKLIN BRIAN SMITH GENE PHAN WRITERS HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN • MARY COY KATIE FINCH • MAURICE FRAZIER KATIE JAMES • CARI LAWSON CLARK LEACH • MICHELE LEWIS COLIN MCCANDLESS • SHERRY WHITING PHOTOGRAPHERS MARK STAFF GEORGE BROWN BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS KATIE FINCH KATIE@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ANDY BIMONTE ANDY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MAURICE FRAZIER MAURICE@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS ANTHONY MACCHIO KAREN LISZEWSKI MORGAN WINNINGHAM DISTRIBUTION U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • PUBLIX • CVS Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Inquiries to: Mount Pleasant Magazine P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 843-881-1481 Info@MountPleasantMagazine.com
12 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Winter is no longer coming, it’s here. Winter has always brought vibes of joy and merriment. Maybe that’s just because I was born in a cold climate and perhaps raised by wolves. Anyhow, with the holidays here, use this time to give back and spread cheer, that’s what our Holiday Edition is all about. In this issue, you’ll rediscover the magic of historic town events like the annual Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade and the Goldbug Island Turkey Shoot. You will also plunge into the history of snowstorms that have blanketed the Lowcountry and turned it into a frozen tundra or a winter wonderland depending how you view it. Furthermore, our Holiday Cheer section will be sure to make even the Grinches and Scrooges of the world choke up with glee. From holiday love stories to accounts from first responders unable to be home for the holidays with their families, I assure you tears of all types will be shed. Philanthropic acts such as nonprofits delivering gifts to men and women serving at sea, to fighting food insecurity and homelessness, will make you never take another gift for granted. On to the fun stuff. Don’t miss out on the deals in the Holiday Shopping Guide or gift ideas for upcoming Yankee Swap and White Elephant parties. Your money back is not guaranteed and customer service will be away for the holidays so choose wisely! Don’t forget the fashion! What’s a good party if you’re not dressed to impress? Our Food & Fashion special section will inspire you to be your best dressed self and give you wardrobe tips from your favorite local boutiques and retailers. If you’re going to be fashionably late to the party at least make sure you look glam! Last, but certainly not least, the food. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. You won’t go away empty handed or on an empty stomach with these holiday dishes and recipes. From traditional to not-so-traditional creations and concoctions, we’ve got the ingredients and instructions to set your table this Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa! After reading this issue, I hope your holiday spirit is rekindled, your heart is full and your eyes are open to see the true meaning behind this time of year. Happy holidays to you and yours from our staff and work family at Mount Pleasant Magazine! Positively Yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor from the editor SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 HOLIDAY EDITION • FOOD & FASHION • ON THE MENU Casting Joy! Food & Fashion Dress to Impress On the Menu Season’s Cravings Holiday Cheer Gift of Philanthropy EMBER ashion o Impress he Menu ’s Cravings Cheer nthropy
13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Downtown Charleston | Daniel Island | Mount Pleasant | North Charleston www.beacon.bank 2347 Highway 17 North | Mount Pleasant Across from Boone Hall Plantation 843.936.5181 Our sixth branch in six years has officially opened in North Mount Pleasant. Beacon Headquarters is more than just our newest bank branch. To our board, shareholders and dedicated banking team, it is the culmination of our shared vision of how a local, nimble community bank can break new ground and redefine the banking experience for all we have the pleasure to serve. Our Headquarters + Sixth Local Branch Is Now Open
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com HANDCRAFTED WAFFLES + ICE CREAM Open this November Just in time for the Holidays! @THEDOLLYLLAMA_US 1483 US Hwy 17 North, Suite I, Mount Pleasant SC Saturday, March 9, 2024 10am - 6pm & Sunday, March 10, 2024 10am - 4pm Omar Convention Center 176 Patriots Point Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 LOWCOUNTRY HOME SHOWCASE THE MOUNT PLEASANT HOME EVENT For booth information, email Jennifer@MountPleasantMagazine.com or 843-364-9852
15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contributors Interested in contributing to Mount Pleasant Magazine? Email your contact information (name, phone, mailing address) and one sample of work you have created (or a link to your work online) with the subject “Aspiring MPM Contributor” to Editor@ MountPleasantMagazine.com. Mary Coy is a fifth-generation Charlestonian and expert on Charleston history. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for over a decade. Mary can be found giving tours of the Holy City in her free time. Katie Finch joined the Charleston Women family as a media consultant in 2022. An Alabama native (War Eagle, anyone?) and a former small business owner, Katie loves connecting with local Lowcountry business owners while putting her marketing degree to good use. Colin McCandless is a Charleston-based freelance writer and copy editor who enjoys writing about nature and wildlife, travel, history and outdoor recreation. He has more than 15 years of writing experience working for magazines and newspapers and developing blog and website content. Maurice J. Frazier is a freelance writer living on Daniel Island. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in the North Charleston/ Summerville area, he has been working in the TV and film industry for the last eight years. Katie James is married to her high school sweetheart, a full-time mom to four and a freelance writer in her spare time. She’s always had a passion for writing and enjoys using it to help showcase Lowcountry businesses and what they bring to their surrounding communities. Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler and puppy at Disney World! Sherry Whiting is a freelance writer and full-time project analyst. She has over 15 years of experience developing and editing marketing materials, newsletters, policies and technical documents. Heather Rose Artushin is a local writer, poet and therapist. When she’s not talking to our town’s most interesting people for an article, she’s working alongside a local nonprofit or playing around with a poem. Clark Leach is a business and health writer with more than 20 years of experience. He has written for universities, magazines, businesses, newspapers, nonprofits and niche publications. Since 2015, his work has appeared in Greenville Business, Charleston Business, Charleston Women, HealthLinks and The Tennessean.
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17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com WWW. BESTOFMP.COM Lights shimmered, laughter filled the air and a warm breeze rustled the Spanish moss as the stars emerged for The Best of Mount Pleasant Magazine Party. On the evening of Sept. 22, 2023, The Cotton Dock at Boone Hall transformed into a lively, enchanting venue to celebrate the winners of the magazine’s distinguished Best of Mount Pleasant voting. The stage was set for an unforgettable night, and oh, what a night it was! THE COTTON DOCK: THE PERFECT BACKDROP Nestled amidst the grandeur of Boone Hall, The Cotton Dock played the role of the perfect host. Its rustic charm and picturesque surroundings served as a stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Imagine the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the water, while guests mingled on the open-air deck with libations in hand, enjoying breathtaking views of the Lowcountry. A WHIRLWIND OF ACTIVITIES The night kicked off with a bang (or perhaps a chord) and the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement as guests were welcomed with oysters, a Lowcountry boil, drinks, charcuterie, mini desserts and more. Attendees, dressed in their Lowcountry ensembles, reveled in the joyous occasion. The evening’s entertainment lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Live music filled The Cotton Dock as Remedy’s tunes delighted the crowd, and the photo booths turned guests into magazine cover models and provided everyone with a fun keepsake to remember the night. CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE The focus of the evening, of course, involved recognizing the winners of Mount Pleasant Magazine’s Best of Mount Pleasant contest. With categories ranging from “Best Restaurant” to “Best Local Boutique,” this competition is the community’s chance to celebrate and honor the businesses that make Mount Pleasant shine. It was a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion that these local businesses put into serving their community. THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY What truly made the party special was the sense of community that permeated the event. Neighbors, friends and even newcomers gathered to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Mount Pleasant. Conversations flowed freely and new connections were forged, all against a backdrop of twinkling lights and the soothing sounds of the marsh. LOOKING AHEAD As the night ended, it was clear that the Best of Mount Pleasant Party was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the spirit of Mount Pleasant. It paid tribute to the people and businesses that make this community thrive. So here’s to Mount Pleasant, its exceptional businesses and the incredible people who call this place home. The Best of Mount Pleasant Party at The Cotton Dock was a night to remember, and we can’t wait to do it all over again. Cheers to Mount Pleasant — the best is yet to come! BY KATIE FINCH Cheers to Mount Pleasant’s Best of the Best A Night to Remember at The Cotton Dock best of mount pleasant Photo by George Brown/Creative Collective Agency. Photo by George Brown/Creative Collective Agency.
18 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com atch Mount Pleasant Magazine online at MountPleasantMagazine.com, and flip through the digital magazine at ReadMPM.com. For up-to-date, relevant content for all of Mount Pleasant and East Cooper, follow us on Instagram @MountPleasantMagazine, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ MountPleasantMagazine. Don’t forget to comment on our posts with your thoughts on the events, businesses or personalities featured. We want to connect with you. Your voice could become featured in our “Social Buzz” section. We have so much to offer the community beyond these pages. We invite all of our readers to enjoy our podcasts, in addition to our online publications. Both MountPleasantPodcast.com and BestOfMPpodcast.com offer amazing insights into our community through the first-person stories of our leaders, business owners and beloved residents. This is a chance to watch, listen and learn from your neighbors. Want to get involved with the content chosen for Mount Pleasant Magazine? Give us your ideas for a feature story. Email Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com with your ideas, supporting photos and contact information. We’d love to hear from you! C on the web For distribution or marketing information, email Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com or 843-530-0403. South Carolina Welcome Centers Mount Pleasant Magazine is the only magazine focusing exclusively on the town we love, with regional distribution to Welcome Centers statewide, and mailed to all newcomers who move to Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island. TELLING VISITORS ABOUT MOUNT PLEASANT
19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ChooseYou. See what’s inside. © 2023 American Health Imaging, Inc. OURPATIENTSATISFACTION RATING 97 MRI and CT scans up to 60% less than hospital imaging and in-network with 99% of health insurance plans. American Health Imaging Mt. Pleasant offers same-day and next-day appointments to fit your busy schedule. American Health Imaging has additional locations across South Carolina, including Summerville, Columbia, Irmo, and Greenville. 843.999.0097 American Health Imaging Mt. Pleasant www.AmericanHealthImaging.com Call to schedule an appointment: 1172 SC-41, Suite 103 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com social buzz Social media in today’s age of print and digital marketing is the portal to boosting your company’s brand and taking business to the next level. Whether it’s editorial or marketing stories, our social media platforms at Mount Pleasant Magazine have the bandwidth to reach customers and future clients you never expected to reach. The numbers don’t lie and these analytics are living proof that the reach of our product is limitless. If you’re interested in broadening your horizons, contact Publisher@ MountPleasantMagazine or 843530-0403. 1885 Rifle Range Rd. • Mt. Pleasant FrankeAtSeaside.org Ask about Oakside, our new independent living rental apartments! 843.856.4713 or 800.940.7435 Franke at Seaside— where you can be who you are. Independent living apartments and patio homes with a full healthcare continuum. Non-Profit, Faith-based Senior Solutions Being young at heart was never so much fun!
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22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you’ve come to the wrong place. It’s not likely that snow will be in our forecast for the holidays, but in these days of wacky weather, you never can tell. We’ve had our share of sunny and warm Christmas days here in the Lowcountry, but there have also been a few harbingers thrown in. In 2018, just after the holidays ended – and two days after the new year was ushered in with temperatures in the 70s – the year started out with more than 5 inches of snow, the third highest amount ever recorded here. The snowfall was followed by nearly a week of below-freezing temperatures and highs reaching only into the teens. Drivers were warned to stay off the roads due to the hazardous icy conditions, but several fatalities occurred when people attempted to simply walk on the ice. Another bizarre winter storm that many long-time locals remember is the 1989 snowstorm, which happened just three months after Hurricane Hugo wreaked havoc. That one did give us a white Christmas – and even provided a bit of Christmas magic by covering up the mounds of debris and devastation that the hurricane had left behind. Eight inches of snow fell from the evening of Dec. 22 to the 23 and stayed around through Christmas Day. But even without snow in the mix, there have been terrible ice storms when sleet and freezing rain has chilled the Lowcountry to the core, like in January 2011 when icicles draped live oak and palm trees as well as power lines. That meant many folks lost electricity when those power lines came crashing down—which made things pretty miserable since it meant that many homes had no heat. Along the coast, nearly an inch of ice accumulated. Three years later, the Lowcountry was hit with two consecutive ice storms History of Lowcountry Winter Storms Mount Pleasant Firsts BY MARY COY Photos provided by Mary Coy.
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com – one in January and an even more severe one just weeks later which brought a third of an inch of freezing rain. That one forced the authorities to close the Ravenel Bridge when giant icicles hung on the bridge’s cables and later fell onto unsuspecting vehicles. Even though such occurrences might (thankfully) be the exception rather than the norm for our area, early European settlers in the Lowcountry found that their new home would have its trials and tribulations during the winter. A local newspaper, the South Carolina Gazette, reported on Jan. 2, 1737, that frozen ponds and creeks were covered with a layer of ice 3 inches thick. But winter storms don’t confine themselves to January, often considered the coldest month of the year. On Feb. 12, 1899, a severe blizzard blasted most of the Southeast, including the Lowcountry. Temperatures here plummeted to 7 degrees F and 4 inches of snow blanketed our area. Another February storm occurred in 1934. Lowcountry resident Yvonne Kanapaux said her parents got married on Feb. 10 during that ice storm. She remembered being told that her father had always jokingly predicted that “it would be a cold day in hell when he got married!” And February 1973 brought a record snowfall of 7 inches. Some locals seized that opportunity to use the old Cooper River Bridge as a ski slope. The winter of 1784 proved to be a particularly bizarre set of weather anomalies. Due to the El Nino effect ushering in unusually cold temperatures to eastern North America coupled with the effects of an atmospheric low caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland, frigid water temperatures froze up Charleston Harbor. It was reported at the time that some daring local residents ice skated on the surface of the harbor. Hard to imagine, but fact or fiction, it does allude to an extreme weather event. Snow and icicles adorning the Palmetto State’s namesake trees might make for an interesting holiday photo replacing the iconic images of snow that appear on commercially produced Christmas cards – scenes that Lowcountry residents have never been able to relate to anyway. But when Old Man Winter pays a visit to our area, it’s not exactly picture-perfect. So this holiday season, just be careful what you wish for! our town Timeline of Winter Storms • 1737 – 3 inches of ice cover local ponds and creeks • 1784 – El Nino and frigid water temps create ice floes in Charleston Harbor • 1899 – Blizzard blasts the Southeast, bringing 4 inches of snow and single-digit temps • 1934 – Winter storm hits the area with ice and freezing temperatures • 1973 – 7 inches of snowfall provide a skiing opportunity on the slope of the old Cooper River Bridge • 1989 – 8 inches of snow give area residents a white Christmas • 2011 – An inch of ice covers the area • 2014 – Two ice storms hit just weeks apart producing dangerous icicles on the Ravenel Bridge • 2018 – 5 inches of snow fall with several days of high temps in the teens
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com For more information e-mail Info@ColemanBoulevard.com BETTER TOGETHER! POINT • CLICK • SCAN ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY DISCOVER AN ATMOSPHERE OF SUPPORT PROMOTE LOCAL BUSINESS (843)632-5233 1220 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 D1EastCooper@D1Training.com Rookie Ages 7-11 Devo Ages 12-14 Prep Ages 15-18 Adults Ages 19-119 Injury Prevention Dynamic Warmup Speed & Agility Training Age Apprpriate Strength Training Cool Down Stretch & Recovery 843-732-0111 Charleston@srspecialists.com www.srspecialists.com Expert advice for seniors, NEVER at any cost! Creating spaces that are beautiful, inviting, and comfortable KateMilesDesign.com 125 Pitt Street Mount Pleasant, SC WE WELCOME OUR NEWEST CBMA MEMBERS!
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Community Cheer Floats Around The Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade Members from the rec department circa early 1990s. Photos provided by Jennifer Magwood. BY MARY COY
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com People love parades. They bring community members together in the best kind of way. A celebration of the holidays spills onto businesses and organizations all over town, then spills into our hearts. It’s a togetherness filled with children’s laughter, pride for the town and excitement for what the future holds. There is also an incredible air of gratefulness for what we all collectively enjoy every day that puts the cherry on top—that and Santa Claus, of course! The cover of this issue features an image from a past parade. As we searched for the perfect photograph to put on the holiday issue, we all kept brainstorming what image could represent Mount Pleasant as a whole. We wanted something that could speak to every person, while also representing the season of giving and celebration. We think we landed in the perfect place. This is our parade. The 28th annual parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. this year. It will include brightly lit floats and fireworks. The nighttime spectacular is sure to draw a huge crowd as the sun goes down. However, this parade began as our town Here comes Santa Claus! This was the highlight of the day parade and is still a favorite attraction at the night parade. 642 Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant,SC 843.856.9277 | BabyBloomersHome.com ®
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town a daytime event close to three decades ago. Jennifer Magwood Ray fondly recalls the earlier years of the parade. Her stepfather, Fred Tetor, was Mount Pleasant’s fire chief during the event’s beginnings. Back then, it was the fire department that facilitated the celebration. “I was there as a teenager helping out and walking the routes with him,” offered Ray. “I just think it’s a great way to bring people together. My now-grown son and daughters grew up riding with the fire department. It was always a family affair. I still help at the starting line every year, and I hope I can always continue doing that.” Ray’s voice went up an octave with each new memory as we spoke, and the joy the event had brought to her and her loved ones was clear. It’s a joy many in this town have likely experienced, with many others destined to join. Though there are many highlights, both Tetor and Ray especially enjoy watching the children’s faces come alive when Santa appears. The parade begins at Live Oak Drive and heads south to Patriots Point. Don’t miss this spectacular evening event with those you love most. We wish you all the happiest holiday season ever.
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29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Turkey shoots have long been a southern Thanksgiving tradition, with the practice dating back to the early 19th century when live turkeys were tied down in a pen and shot from 25-35 yards away, a much less humane approach as compared to today’s turkey-less competitions. Since 1963, the East Cooper Outboard Motor Club (ECOMC) has operated the Goldbug Island Turkey Shoot. Now in its 60th year, it began as a modest fundraiser to raise money for several local East Cooper charities. Overall, the organization has raised more than $540,000 through this annual event. The ECOMC exists to serve the interests of boat owners, to promote the safe use and conservation of our natural resources, to own and operate a private boat landing and related property, to provide a means of raising funds for scholarships for needy students and for contributions to local charitable organizations. Randy Howe has been a member for over nine years. “I was immediately moved by the interest of the club to promote coastal conservation and camaraderie of liked interest in boating and fishing,” shared Howe. “Equally as important [is our role in] giving back to the local community through raising money to give to local scholarships and charities such as Meals on Wheels, Windward Farm Home for Children, Camp Rise Above, Coastal Conservation Association, Turn90 and many others.” Howe initially served as the organization’s Turkey Shoot chairman before moving through the ranks to eventually complete a two-year term as commodore of the club. He currently serves on the board in an advisory role. The Turkey Shoot remains one of Howe’s favorite club events. “I am 63 years old, and a turkey shoot has been a Southern tradition for as long as I can remember,” he reflected. “I can recall as a child going to local shoots where actual frozen turkeys and ham were given as the winning prizes. Today most of the prizes are given in the form of a gift card to your local grocery store to purchase your turkey or ham.” Ideally situated in Mount Pleasant near downtown Charleston, Goldbug Island has been the perfect home for this beloved local tradition. “We place a strong emphasis on safety, while delivering a traditional fun family event,” described Howe. “We host this event with a minimum of 18 people staffing different responsibilities to ensure a safe entrance, exit and participation in this southern tradition. We have a huge firepit to enjoy while waiting for your number to be called with the beautiful backdrop of saltwater marsh and the Intracoastal Waterway.” Those who compete in the contest will shoot a shotgun using a target practice shell with 300 to 400 small pellets at an 8 x 10-inch paper target with a crosshair on it. The participant who gets the closest pellet to the middle of the target wins the prize. Aside from being a fun way to raise money for charity, the annual Turkey Shoot is an important part of the fabric of the South that carries forward to future generations through this special event. “One of the most meaningful things to me, outside of raising money for local charities, is what it means to the folks that participate. It creates an opportunity for families to pass on this Southern tradition to their children and grandchildren in a fun and safe environment,” said Howe. “I love hearing from some of the adult participants on how this tradition was passed on to them from their parents and grandparents.” This year’s event will be held on Goldbug Island at 1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, starting at 6:30 p.m. The dates and rules for participants are listed below. Goldbug Island Turkey Shoot A Thanksgiving Tradition BY HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN our town GOLDBUG ISLAND TURKEY SHOOT 2023 Dates: • Week Two: November 8, 9, 10 and 11 • Week Three: November 15, 16, 17 and 18 • Week Four: November 20, 21 and 22 Starting Time: 6:30 pm Details and Rules: • The Turkey Shoot consists of 10 participant lanes shooting either a 12 or a 410-gauge shotgun at paper targets. The closest pellet to the crosshairs wins a Harris Teeter gift card. • 50/50 rounds, kids-only rounds and ladies-only rounds are also part of the fun. • Annual Turkey Shoot shirts will be available for sale (while supplies last). • Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win great prizes from Polly’s Jewelry, Simmons Seafood, Smithey Ironware, Migra Ammunitions and more. • The ECOMC Ladies Auxiliary operates a concession stand each night of the Turkey Shoot, serving hot dogs, boiled peanuts, candy and beverages. • Shotguns and ammunition provided, or you may bring your own shotgun with a barrel length of 36” or less.
30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Pinckney’s Passion Remembering East Cooper’s First Airport There’s no place like home for the holidays, and, for many residents, air travel is the way to go. In this area, Charleston International Airport is the obvious choice for most folks, but some utilize Mount Pleasant Regional Airport for small private jets and prop planes. Though that airport has been around for decades, it is not the town’s first. Seventy-five years ago, Mount Pleasant’s first airport was located at Remley’s Point. The Remley’s Point Airfield, with its three grassy unpaved runways, was conceived by Charlestonian Warren O. Pinckney, the first Black man in the state to become a private licensed pilot. In 1948, Pinckney traded 40 acres of land he owned west of the Ashley for a four-passenger plane. He subsequently cleared his property at Remley’s Point to keep his own plane and six others belonging to local pilots. Visiting small aircraft occasionally used the airfield as well. According to Mount Pleasant historian Ed Lee, the small airport was used most of all by “well to-do folks.” The airfield was a passion—but not a profession — for Pinckney, who worked nights delivering mail by truck from the municipal airport in North Charleston to the post office downtown. Pinckney engaged retired Civil Air Patrol Major William North to manage the airfield. During World War II, North flew over 300 missions up and down the Carolina coast, scouting waters for German submarines. North operated an automobile maintenance shop in North Charleston, and, as Pinckney’s business partner, he repaired small planes at the airfield. However, North’s wartime feats and mechanical skills were not the things for which he was best known. His real claim to fame was for his many local rescue missions during the 1950s and ‘60s. Major North was the man to call when a friend or family member went missing on one of the region’s many waterways—day or night. At his own expense and with his own plane (which he of course kept at Remley’s Point Airfield), North located countless stranded or lost boaters, then radioed the Coast Guard for their rescue. Even the Army used Pinckney’s air strip several times in support of the National Guard armory on Mathis Ferry Road. However, one of the most famous travelers to use the airfield was Santa Claus. Old Saint Nick landed at Remley’s Point just prior to his appearance in the 1963 Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade. After the deaths of Pinckney and North within a year of each other, Remley’s Point Airfield closed in 1973. Years earlier, Pinckney had told a local newspaper reporter he hoped that someday the airfield would become widely used and that a new owner might add hangars and other facilities. But, he acknowledged, it might just as likely end up being “plowed under and planted.” Neither scenario was what the future held. Today, any hint of the airfield located between 7th Avenue and Wingo Way has since been erased by residential and commercial development. Fortunately, its history has not been forgotten. BY MARY COY Map of area where Remley’s Point Airfield operated. Photo provided by Mary Coy.
31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town BY MARY COY Gone but not Forgotten East Cooper’s First Place of Worship With many historic churches dotting the skyline, Charleston is often called the Holy City. People forget that there is a good share of picturesque old churches on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge as well: St. Andrew’s, Christ Church, St. Paul’s, Friendship AME, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian and more. But where was the very first place of worship east of the Cooper? The answer lies in an area the Sewee tribe called Wappetaw, meaning “sweet water.” In 1696, a ship carrying 52 New Englanders arrived on the shores of Sewee Bay. These immigrants from Ipswich, Massachusetts, were known as dissenters because they did not follow the doctrine of the Church of England. The group was comprised not only of Congregationalists but also of Huguenots, or French Protestants, and Presbyterians. In those days, all of South Carolina was under the Anglican church’s authority. However, dissenters were granted religious tolerance here, a practice that many of the 13 original colonies did not follow. Ironically, several of South Carolina’s early governors were dissenters, one of whom invited the new settlers to the area. Other Congregationalists had arrived a bit earlier in what is now Summerville and in downtown Charleston, establishing places of worship there. These later arrivals established Wappetaw Independent Congregational Church on what is now 15 Mile Landing Road in Awendaw. The population grew quickly, and an additional Congregationalist meeting house was soon established nearby on the Cainhoy peninsula. Unlike the affluent planter class who were mostly Reminiscenes of the cemetery of Wappetaw Independent Congregational Church. Photo provided.
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33 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town members of the Anglican Church, these settlers were yeoman families, working the land themselves rather than relying on enslaved laborers. Their enterprises were not on the grand scale of the rice and indigo plantations, but these new members of the community provided important agricultural products to local residents. They were also enthusiastically invested in the safety and establishment of the colony. When French and Spanish forces threatened Charles Town in 1706, men from Wappetaw’s “country company” of volunteer militia engaged them in battle near Bulls Bay, killing a dozen men and capturing 50 others. Decades later, during the Revolutionary War, the Wappetaw Church was seized by British troops who used it as a command post. Tradition holds that British Colonel “Bloody Tarleton” burned the structure when his troops positioned there were surrounded by patriot militia. This event was loosely depicted in Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Patriot.” Although the film may have taken liberties with many historical facts, the British did indeed destroy the building, along with all church records. Shortly after the war’s end, church members rebuilt it as a large wooden structure with a double front door and two side doors leading to the upstairs galleries. The Civil War took its toll on that structure over 80 years later, when Union forces tore out the wooden pews and flooring to burn as firewood, rendering the building unusable. The church deteriorated over time and disappeared by 1897. By then, many of its former members had established Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village and Wappetaw Presbyterian Church in McClellanville. Today, remnants of the church are nearly gone, but not forgotten. All that remains, most fittingly, is the church’s graveyard nestled on a 1.4-acre lot populated with centuries-old live oak trees.
34 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com CHRIST OUR KING - STELLA MARIS SCHOOL OLM SOUTH CAROLINA MOUNT PLEASANT 1950 CHRIST OUR KING - STELLA MARIS SCHOOL EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD With a catholic foundation OVER 70 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE 1183 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.4721 www.coksm.org
35 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Christ Our King-Stella Maris School in Mount Pleasant has recently been named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, one of 353 schools nationwide to be honored with the award this year through the U.S. Department of Education. “The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon School award have set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education. The leaders, educators and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a news release. Being named as a National Blue Ribbon School validates and affirms all the hard work that educators, students, families and community supporters have contributed to growing the school. They have been striving for exemplary achievement and have succeeded in reaching that goal. Even more impressive is that Christ Our King- Stella Maris School is now a two-time award-winning school having also earned this distinction in 2009. Leaders of a National Blue Ribbon School must hold everyone to high standards as well as facilitate a vision of excellence that pushes others to be their best selves. The innovative teaching and learning that these schools possess demonstrates the value and support that teachers and staff receive through meaningful professional development. There is a focus on personal best along with high value educational practices and standards that encourage growth. Christ Our King-Stella Maris School’s principal Susan Splendido recently stated in an interview that, “our Catholic school is filled with outstanding teachers, engaged parents and hardworking students. We are blessed to be in a faith-filled community united in the goal of helping each and every student find success. COKSM’s focus is to help our students prepare for the next stages of their lives and become active members in our community.” School President John Byrnes echoed that sentiment in a recent press release as well. Christ Our King-Stella Maris School has been operating for more than 70 years. During that time, they have become well known in the Charleston area. Their close-knit family atmosphere, service to the community, academic and athletic excellence, along with their faithbased curriculum, has earned them a reputation of prestige and success. Christ Our King-Stella Maris School is a Catholic school within the Diocese of Charleston. The school utilizes a President/ Principal Administration model and serves 650 students from 4-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers a variety of extracurricular as well as supplemental learning opportunities for students including essay contests, robotics, Junior Beta Club and more. It is easy to see how a school with such high standards of excellence earned a prestigious distinction as a National Blue Ribbon School. For more information about the school and other accomplishments, visit their website at coksm.org. Red Carpet meets Blue Ribbon Mt. Pleasant School Achieves National Excellence BY CARI LAWSON our town
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