FALL EDITION 2026 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ON WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM WOMEN REALTORS | LEADING LADIES | WOMEN DOCTORS Photo by Mark Staff Photography. Cheer Loud & PROUD Celebrating Community Spirit The Untold Story Women Behind The Declaration of Independence LEADING LADIES First Woman Physician Health & Wellness Real Estate & Mortgages
1 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Ballard Designs SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar Hairy Winston Pet Boutique Bluemercury Your day on the Towne is just a scan away. Enter to win a gift card. There are so many ways to enjoy a day (or night!) on the Towne
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3 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Coastal Carolina’s Leading Furniture and Design Center for Over 26 Years. CUSTOM FURNITURE MADE TO FIT YOU From the perfect sit to the perfect finish. Create a home that reflects the way you live. Choose from thousands of fabrics, performance fabrics, finishes and custom options, with experienced J&K designers to help bring your vision to life. Featuring Bassett — Exclusively in Our Market American-made furniture throughout our showrooms Custom upholstery, dining and bedroom Custom orders produced in as little as 30 days In-home design consultations available Exceptional homes aren’t bought. They’re created. FIND US ON SOCIAL jkhomefurnishings.com | mattresszzzs.com 600 Long Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC Belle Hall Shopping Center I-526 at Long Point Road Exit | 843.800.4015 Goose Creek FORMERLY INFINGER FURNITURE 217 S Goose Creek Blvd. | 3 Miles North of Northwoods Mall Rivers Ave. Turns into Goose Creek Blvd. | 843.553.4663 Hours: Mon - Sat 9AM - 6PM, Sun 12PM - 5PM
4 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Senior Living Choices offered by Liberty Senior Living PREMIER SENIOR LIVING. INVALUABLE PEACE OF MIND. INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE | RESPITE © 2026 South Bay at Mount Pleasant 843.886.1124 | SouthBayAtMountPleasant.com For residents of South Bay, life is a blend of luxury and comfort. You’ll enjoy a beautifully designed home, a vast array of recreational, cultural and educational opportunities, and distinctive dining options that cater to your culinary preferences. You’ll also value our no-entry-fee rental model and maintenance-free lifestyle that offer you the flexibility to make this part of your life the best of your life. Learn more about the exceptional lifestyle of South Bay at Mount Pleasant.
5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Creating A Winning Team. Expect the extraordinary as Dogwood State Bank and TowneBank come together to provide exquisite banking service with a personal touch. We welcome David Lominack as our South Carolina President and Dogwood as a division of TowneBank. TowneBank.com/DogwoodTeam | Member FDIC David Lominack President, South Carolina 864-915-6942
6 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Local knowledge. Personal attention. Exceptional results. AMY ROGERS Owner & Broker-in-Charge 1100 Palm Blvd., SC 29451 843.242.8883 CROWNCOAST.COM FROM KING STREET TO THE COAST
7 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents SUMMER EDITION • VOL. 16, ISSUE 4 Publisher’s Note.............................................................11 From the Editor.............................................................13 About the Cover............................................................15 Contributors. ................................................................ 16 Social Buzz ..................................................................17 On the Web...................................................................18 Calendar of Events.........................................................20 Live Music Schedule......................................................22 26 30 20 Leading Ladies........................................................25 Independent Women..............................................26 Miss USA...............................................................28 Tootsie Watkins......................................................30 Leading Ladies............................. Leading Ladies: Real Estate & Mortgage......32 Charleston First Women Realtors.............. 34 Women Receiving Mortgages Without Men’s Services............................. 37 Real Estate & Mortgage............. 32 53 43 Leading Ladies: Health & Wellness........... 41 Breast Cancer Awareness: BRCA Gene Positive Story........................ 43 Katie Finch’s Journey With Breast Cancer..........47 True Beauty.............................................. 50 Health & Wellness..................... New & Noteworthy.................................. 53 Shem Creek.............................................. 55 Behind the Bar......................................... 57 Food & Fashion............................
8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Charleston’s Original Clinic for all things Men’s Health Voted The Best Men’s Clinic & Best Weight Loss Center Optimizing Hormones, Vitality and Confidence since 2015 CharlestonMensClinic.com | (843) 765-4333 1300 Hospital Drive, Ste 310 • Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents SUMMER EDITION • VOL. 16, ISSUE 4 East Cooper Neighbors...................................... 80 Past & Present Sports Pros: East of the Cooper.........59 Cheerleading / High School Coaches........................63 Cheerleading Sidebar: Kaitlyn Aquino......................67 Our Sports.................................. 59 69 72 79 Three Generations of Police in Georgetown..............69 On the Coast................................. Snee Farm by Winslow Carroll............................72 Top Ten Homes: Snee Farm................................73 Top Ten Homes: South Mount Pleasant..............74 Top Ten Homes: Daniel Island............................75 Top Ten Condos: Neighborhood.........................76 Dwellings....................................... Reggie’s Report.........................................................77 Rescue of the Month................................................79 Our Pets....................................
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11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com I love all of our covers – admittedly, some a little more than others – but this one is right up there at the top of my list. It captures what Mount Pleasant Magazine has always been about: community. Communities come in all shapes and sizes, like magazines. In my mind, the number one ingredient in a vibrant community is the people who call it home. That’s also what makes a magazine special. It’s what’s between the front and back covers – the stories, the people, the ideas and the experiences – that give it meaning. Think about Mount Pleasant for a moment. Our community is filled with highly educated residents, award-winning schools and strong families. But there’s something else that keeps showing up when we talk with people about why they chose to move here: the coastal lifestyle. For some, the connection started years ago. Maybe their children attended the College of Charleston, and somewhere along the way they discovered the Lowcountry lifestyle. Others vacationed here, visited family or friends or found Mount Pleasant while looking for a place where they could work remotely and enjoy more sunshine and a better quality of life. There are ample reasons people move here, but the common thread seems to be the same: our active coastal lifestyle blended with our distinctly Southern way of living. Of course, growth brings opportunity – and challenges. As more people discover Mount Pleasant, we need to improve infrastructure, plan thoughtfully and make sure our community continues to thrive. The same is true for Mount Pleasant Magazine. As our community grows and changes, so should the magazine that tells its story. Our goal is to continually improve the content between these covers; to introduce you to interesting people, share meaningful stories and highlight the businesses, organizations and ideas that help make Mount Pleasant such a special place. With that in mind, I’m excited to introduce our new managing editor, Mary Bell, who has already jumped right in to help organize and strengthen our editorial efforts, along with other members of our publishing family: production manager Bethany Long and designer Dana Coleman. We’ve also launched a new annual women-focused section, Leading Ladies, beginning on page 25 and continuing through page 52. This special section celebrates women entrepreneurs and leaders in health and wellness, real estate and mortgages and beyond. We hope you enjoy meeting the women whose stories are helping shape our community. For more than 35 years, we’ve had the privilege of telling the story of Mount Pleasant, first in print as East Cooper Magazine, and later evolving into Mount Pleasant Magazine, with our digital edition at readMPM.com. That’s more than three decades of stories, photographs and people and plenty of paper! While the technology has changed, our mission really hasn’t: to celebrate the people and places that make Mount Pleasant home. So, we’re starting with an awesome cover. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped bring it to life. Now let's turn the page. We hope you’ll find that what’s between our front and back covers is every bit as interesting, welcoming and vibrant as the community in which we’re fortunate enough to reside. Thank you for being part of it. Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com from the publisher VOL. 16, ISSUE 5 • Fall Edition 2026 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR MARY BELL ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL/WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS MARY COY • ANGIE COLYER DUPREE LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR • BELLA HARRAR CARI LAWSON • COLIN MCCANDLESS SARAH ROSE • BROOKE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE ALISON REED BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION/DIRECT MAIL U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2026. 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 Celebrating Our Community
12 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com We’re Back. Welcome Home, Sandpiper. 1224 Village Creek Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 P: 843.884.5735 • info@sandpipersl.com SandpiperAtShemCreek.com Welcome to Sandpiper at Shem Creek — a retirement community built for exceptional living. For years, our community has been known by many names— but for so many in Mount Pleasant, we’ll always be Sandpiper. Now, we’re proud to bring back the name that has been part of our story from the beginning, along with exciting renovations that have transformed our community with refreshed spaces and updated amenities. Come experience our newly re-imagined community for yourself. Schedule a personal tour today and discover why Sandpiper at Shem Creek feels like home. P: 843.884.5735 SandpiperAtShemCreek.com WHAT’S NEW TO ENJOY • A beautifully refreshed Clubhouse featuring inviting interiors and welcoming spaces for socializing, events, or quiet moments • Elevated residential apartments with updated interiors for a fresh, modern feel • Re-imagined outdoor spaces featuring scenic walking paths, a dog park, and heated outdoor pool • Enhanced dining and wellness programs to bring variety, flexibility, and enjoyment to your daily routine • ACTI VE LI FESTYLE YOUR WAY •
13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com When I think about what makes a community special, I reflect on the little things that bring us together: the traditions we look forward to, the friendships that shape us and the memories we carry with us long after a season has ended. Some of my favorite memories growing up were made alongside the people who made me feel like I belonged, and those are the moments that have stayed with me most. This fall, I find myself making memories of my own as I begin a new chapter in the Charleston area. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, I stepped into the role of managing editor of Mount Pleasant Magazine and began finding my place in a new community. Moving somewhere new is exciting, but it also makes you appreciate just how special it is to feel at home. Getting to know Mount Pleasant, meeting new people and discovering the stories that make this town unique have been some of the most rewarding parts of this novel adventure. That is part of what makes this issue so close to my heart. As we celebrate our local high school cheerleaders, I can't help but think back to those years when friendships, school traditions and Friday night lights meant so much. Behind the bows, stunts and cheers are young men and women making memories, growing in confidence and forming friendships that will stay with them long after graduation. There is something so remarkable about being part of a team and knowing you belong to something bigger than yourself. In many ways, I am experiencing that feeling in a new way myself. I am learning the traditions, meeting the people and discovering all the little things that make Mount Pleasant feel like home. And through this magazine, I have the privilege of sharing the stories of the people who make this community so special. Thank you for making me feel welcome as I begin this new chapter. I am so happy to be here, and I look forward to getting to know this community even better. I hope you enjoy this issue and are reminded of the people, places and memories that make you proud to call Mount Pleasant home. Warmly, Mary Bell Managing Editor from the editor Anja Stief | 843-971-6701 office www.dishanddesign.com Voted By People Who Appreciate Great Service & Food 2026 ® Dish & Design has proudly been named among the best caterers year after year.
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com www.RadRydz.com | 843-972-8525 | Chad@RadRydz.com | 1316 Stuart Engals Blvd UNIT C, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Rad Rydz is your go-to source for high quality golf cart sales and service in Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and surrounding areas. @RadRydz This year is the perfect time to rejuvenate your life with a lovely suite and new friends at Fellowship Carolina Park! Stunning architecture. Kind and loving care givers. A fabulous medical sta. Delicious meals. Dynamic events. Join us and live your best life! Contact us to arrange for a tour and to learn more about our exquisite community. We look forward to meeting you soon! ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE INDEPENDENT COTTAGES ® Formally known as The Marsh Assisted Living & Memory Care 3501 Lively Lane Mt. Pleasant, SC | 843.984.9050 | thefellowshipfamily.com | /Fellowship Carolina Park Senior Living Community Football, Pumpkin Spice, and Changing Leaves! WE’RE READY TO CHEER FOR FALL! Director of Sales and Marketing Tina Ho man: 843.819-5279 | tho man@thefellowshipfamily.com
15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com about the cover There is something unforgettable about a Friday night under the lights. The sound of the crowd, the excitement of game day and the pride of cheering for your school are traditions that bring people together and create memories that last long after graduation. Our fall 2026 cover celebrates the young women who embody that spirit across Mount Pleasant. While the pageantry and pomp may be evident, behind every spirited cheer is a story of dedication, friendship and belonging. These athletes are more than the faces on the sidelines. They are teammates, leaders and an important part of the communities they represent. In this issue, we take a closer look at what cheerleading means to these young women, both during their high school years and beyond. Their stories remind us that the greatest part of being on a team is not always the performance, but the relationships, confidence and memories built along the way. Here’s to the girls who cheer loudly, stand proudly and remind us of what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. About the Cover Front row L to R: MaKenzie Nick, Michaela Coppola. Middle row L to R: Madison Marsteller, Hope Collins, Isabelle Vallini. Back: Amir Donohue. FREE Tire Repair FREE Testing of Battery, Alternator & Starter Reg. Price $37.50 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Harris Teeter Automotive Excellence Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital Regions Bank Wendy’s Chuck Dawley Blvd. Sunoco Rifle Range Rd. TWO LOCATIONS! With this MPM Coupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Exp. 10/31/26. $10off Any Service $100 or More FREE Tire Rotation & Brake Inspection With Purchase of Any Other Service $500 OVER COST (Per Tire) Mounting & Tire Aalance Fees Apply Any Brand Tire Coolant Extra Coolant Flush $5775
16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contributors Colin McCandless is a Charlestonbased 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. 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! Sarah Rose brings a local and global perspective to her freelance writing, editing and independent research. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a decades-long career in interior design and has traveled and lived all over the world. Bella Harrar is a creativity-driven content publisher. She loves piggybacking ideas and thinking outside the box. When she isn’t out shooting or behind her computer editing, she is watching any sports game on. She is a die-hard Phillies fan and will talk about them to anyone willing to listen. She is a music and movie connoisseur and often tries to sneak in references to all her favorites. Allyah Harrar is an SEO specialist and certified data nerd. Raised in the Outer Banks, she moved to Charleston in early 2024. She got her bachelor's degree in math and statistics from Ursinus College and has been trying to convince her dog Russ to become her data analyst sidekick. 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. 280 WEST COLEMAN BLVD.,MT PLEASANT, SC 843.936.6997 | INTERIORMOTIVESMP@GMAIL.COM
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com social buzz
18 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the web Joshua & Anne Marie Long, co-owners of Senior Resource Specialists, bring years of expertise in guiding families through the often overwhelming process of finding the right senior living options. As a locally based, relationship-driven team, they understand the unique challenges Charleston families face when navigating care decisions. In this “Ask the Expert” segment, they answer real questions from local families, offering insight and clarity to help you make informed choices with confidence. Senior Resource Specialists WE HAVE SENIORS COVERED Question: Hi Joshua and Anne Marie, we’ve started looking at assisted living for my mom, but the pricing is confusing. One community gives us a monthly rate, another talks about “levels of care,” and some have additional fees. How do we actually compare the real cost? Answer: You’re not alone. Senior living pricing can feel a little like comparing apples to oranges! Most assisted living communities start with a base monthly rent that covers the apartment, meals, housekeeping, activities, and other amenities. From there, additional care costs may be added depending on how much help your loved one needs with things like medications, bathing, dressing, or mobility. That’s why the lowest advertised rate isn’t always the lowest actual monthly cost. When comparing communities, ask for an estimate that includes both rent and anticipated care based on your loved one’s current needs. We help families look beyond the brochure price and compare the complete picture, including care, location, lifestyle, and budget, so there are fewer surprises later. ASK THE EXPERT
19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Curious about ballroom dancing? So was Eve Brown! Brown started dancing at 73 years old and has benefitted from not only the physical accomplishments, but also socially and emotionally. And she’s not alone. Caliente Ballroom dance studio caters to all age levels and abilities. Owner and chief choreographer Artur Malakyan and his top-notch staff of professional instructors built and designed Caliente Ballroom as a place for people to learn and feel connected. Classes range from waltz, tango, foxtrot, salsa and bachata to Carolina shag, West Coast swing and more. The studio itself feels special with a dozen sparkling chandeliers hanging above the spacious 2,700-square-foot professional dance floor that immediately reflect the feeling of grace and style, giving dancers plenty of room to learn and practice during lessons, performances and social events. The students are really the heart of Caliente. You don’t need to have experience, perfect rhythm or confidence. You just have to be willing to take that first step onto the floor. HOT Steps Find your rhythm at Caliente Ballroom 1116 Graddick Road, Suite #102, Mount Pleasant calienteballroom.com 843-284-3119 arts & entertainment Offering dance classes, private lessons, workshops, wedding choreography, and social events for dancers of all levels. Our state-of-the-art studio is now open in Mount Pleasant—join us today! CalienteBallroom.com WHERE PASSION MEETS PRECISION
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ONGOING MOUNT PLEASANT FARMERS MARKET When: Tuesdays April-September from 3:30-7 p.m. Where: 645 Coleman Blvd. Features vendors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats, sauces, baked goods and other specialty foods in a festival atmosphere. CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET When: Saturdays April through November from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Marion Square Weekly farmers market in Marion Square with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, as well as arts and crafts and live performances. ISLE OF PALMS FARMERS MARKET When: Every third Thursday June-October from 4-7 p.m. Where: Isle of Palms Recreation Department The market will feature fresh produce, food vendors, live music and more! MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL When: 9/24-10/1 Where: Various venues throughout Charleston Join residents of Charleston and guests from across South Carolina and the country to experience the city’s unique cultural and historical connection to the global Black experience through music, food and artisans. --------------------------------------------------------------------- BIRDS OF A FEATHER When: 9/26 from 5-7 p.m. Where: Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel Spread your wings and join us for an evening of live music, cold beverages and good company. Delicious food truck fare will be available for purchase. LINKU INVITATIONAL When: 9/27 at 1 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium The Citadel basketball team will face Lowcountry rival College of Charleston as part of the LinkU Invitational, an outdoor college basketball doubleheader bringing four men's basketball programs to Charleston for a unique outdoor showcase and fan-focused weekend. Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER
21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com IOP CONNECTOR RUN When: 10/3; Race start at 8 a.m. Where: Isle of Palms Crossing into Mount Pleasant and returning to IOP, 10K and 5K runners, walkers and teams of all experience levels and ages will be rewarded with beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, local creeks, marsh views and waterfowl. A family-friendly post-race festival will feature live music, free beer (21+), kids' area, cash prizes, awards ceremony and vendor exhibits. LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL When: 10/4 from noon-5 p.m. Where: Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston This annual celebration of Latin American and Caribbean culture and cuisine will feature live Latin/Caribbean music, folk arts and crafts, traditional foods and more. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CHARLESTON JAZZ GALA: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD When: 10/15 from 6-10 p.m. Where: The Grand at 81 Mary Inspired by Louis Armstrong’s lifelong commitment to jazz education and his belief that every musician has something worth sharing, What a Wonderful World will celebrate that spirit while investing in the future of jazz. CHILDREN’S DAY FESTIVAL When: 10/18 from noon-5 p.m. Where: Park West Recreation Complex Families will enjoy carnival rides, inflatable slides, live entertainment, pony rides, games and many other activities. Admission and all activities are free. Free parking is available at Cario Middle School and Charles Pinckney/ Laurel Hill as well as Kids Teeth. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CHARLESTON BEER FEST When: 10/24 Where: Riverfront Park, North Charleston Charleston Beer Fest is back and expanding even further with more breweries, more music, bigger acts, more food and more games and activities. Join us for the best beer festival in the Lowcountry – all for a great cause, helping those living with HIV/AIDS here in our community. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CAROLINA PARK TRUNK OR TREAT When: 10/24 from 4:30-7 p.m. Where: Carolina Park Recreation Complex Join the fun with the Town of Mount Pleasant at this Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, a DJ, photo booth and petting zoo. Costumes encouraged. Concessions window open with food for sale. Follow the Facebook event page to stay up-to-date on event information and join the discussion. CHARLESTON LITERARY FESTIVAL When: 11/5-11/16 Where: Dock Street Theatre Annual book festival at the Dock Street Theatre, with talks with a wide range of fiction and nonfiction authors plus other events. Featured authors this year include Barbara Kingsolver, Virginia Evans, Lily King, Steven Pinker, Tayari Jones, Belle Burden, Francis Fukuyama, Nelio Biedermann, Curtis Sittenfeld, Hernan Diaz and many more. calendar of events OCTOBER NOVEMBER
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Live Music SEPTEMBER-------- CHARLEY CROCKETT WITH SPECIAL GUEST DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS When: 9/22 at 7 p.m. Where: Firefly Distillery Come out and enjoy a night of country, blues and soul in North Charleston with singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and actor Charley Crockett. -------------------------------------------------------------- TRAVIS TRITT WITH SPECIAL GUEST TYLER REESE TRITT When: 9/24 at 7:30 p.m. Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center Travis Tritt is an American country singersongwriter known for blending mainstream country with Southern rock. -------------------------------------------------------------- 4TH ANNUAL HOLY CITY HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL When: 9/26 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House The annual music festival will feature performers Tyler Boone, Erode the Dream, Finnegan Bell and Hickory. OCTOBER------------ TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS MUSCADINE BLOODLINE AND THE CREEKERS When: 10/2 at 7 p.m. Where: Firefly Distillery The Turnpike Troubadours are an American country music band from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, founded in 2005. -------------------------------------------------------------- AN EVENING WITH SHADOWGRASS When: 10/3 at 9 p.m., 10/4 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Shadowgrass is an American progressive bluegrass band formed in 2014 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. -------------------------------------------------------------- RUSSIAN CIRCLES When: 10/8 at 8 p.m. Where: Music Farm Chicago-based instrumental rock group Russian Circles was formed in 2004 by guitarist Mike Sullivan, bassist Colin DeKuiper and drummer Dave Turncrantz. -------------------------------------------------------------- RIVERFRONT REVIVAL When: 10/9-10/10 Where: Riverfront Park Curated by Darius Rucker and produced by a seasoned team, Riverfront Revival is a love letter to country music and to South Carolina’s Lowcountry, loaded with unforgettable live music, engaging culture and delicious tastes inspired by the region’s unique foodways. -------------------------------------------------------------- STOP LIGHT OBSERVATIONS When: 10/10 at 9 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House This dynamic four-piece group hailing from Charleston brings a versatile sound that
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com uniquely blends blues, pop and indie rock infused with electronic beats and the soulful vocals of Will Blackburn. -------------------------------------------------------------- THUNDERCAT WITH SPECIAL GUEST TIACORINE When: 10/11 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Genre-spanning bassist, singer and producer Thundercat is known for keeping audiences on their toes with his head-spinning variety and eclecticism. -------------------------------------------------------------- ALL THEM WITCHES WITH EMMA RUTH RUNDLE When: 10/13 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall All Them Witches reside at an elusive crossroads where clouds of slow-burning meditative distortion soak up strains of stratospheric psychedelia, out-of-body blues and thundering no-frills hard rock. -------------------------------------------------------------- TRAMPLED BY TURTLES WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE LAST REVEL When: 10/16 at 7:30 p.m. Where: The Refinery Come enjoy a night of high-energy bluegrass and Americana at The Refinery. -------------------------------------------------------------- THE RED CLAY STRAYS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE REVIVALISTS AND HAILEY REINHART When: 10/17 at 7 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium The Red Clay Strays is an American country rock band formed in Mobile, Alabama. -------------------------------------------------------------- JOHNNY BLUE SKIES & THE DARK CLOUDS When: 10/23 at 8 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Johnny Blue Skies is the alter ego of American singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson. -------------------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER--------- HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LETLIVE. AND CREEPER When: 11/1 at 7 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Hawthorne Heights is an American rock band from Dayton, Ohio, known for shaping the sound of early 2000s emo and post-hardcore. WYNONA JUDD When: 11/7 at 7 p.m. Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center Wynona Judd is one of the most widely recognized and awarded female country musicians in history. live music
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com DRIVE INTO FALL With Confidence SERVING EAST COOPER FAMILIES SINCE 1994 Top Row (left to right) Shane, Cody, Jacob, Dan Bottom Row (left to right) Bob, Hannah, Patrick, Kaden 1198 Shadow Drive | 843-881-2820 (off of Chuck Dawley in Mt. Pleasant) EASTCOOPERAUTOPROS.COM SCAN FOR MORE INFO 1313 Long Grove Dr. Mt. Pleasant TheArtPlaceStudio.com 843-352-7323 THANK YOU, MT. PLEASANT FOR VOTING US Best Place for DIY Arts and Crafts Classes WALK IN STUDIO PROJECTS EVENTS AND CLASSES PARTIES AND GROUP EVENTS ALL AGES WELCOME LET'S FIND SOMEHING TO Create...
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com omen have always been part of the story, even when their names were left out of the headlines. For generations, women have worked quietly and courageously to create change. They have built lives, challenged expectations and found ways to make their voices heard, even when the world was not always ready to listen. Their influence can be found throughout history, oftentimes unfortunately woven into moments that are remembered through the accomplishments of men. One such moment lies within the Declaration of Independence. Behind the signatures, speeches and decisions that shaped our nation were women who helped make those achievements possible. Some stood beside the men whose names we remember. Others worked quietly in their homes and communities, carrying responsibilities that allowed history to move forward. Their stories may not always have been recorded, but their contributions were real. The progress women made didn’t happen overnight. It was built by those who questioned expectations and pushed against boundaries. Each generation has carried that work forward, opening doors that once seemed impossible to reach and making space for the women who would follow. Today, those efforts continue in new ways. Women are finding their voices, taking their seats at the table and shaping the communities around them. They are building on the courage of the women who came before them while creating new possibilities for those who have yet to come. The stories in this section are a celebration of that ongoing journey. They remind us that women have never simply been part of history. They have helped build it and are paving the way for what comes next. W 29 Victoria Vesce, Miss South Carolina USA read her story Tootsie Watkins Preserving Pawleys' history through food read her story 31 26 Independent Women, The women behind the revolution read their story
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com A hot topic this year is the 250th anniversary of one of the most significant events in world history – the signing of the Declaration of Independence. By announcing their break with Mother England, the American colonists created a country that gained the admiration of the rest of the world. Fifty-six men signed that important document, and we celebrate it every year on July 4. Four of the signers hailed from the Lowcountry and have captured much attention during this important anniversary year. These famous patriots have gone down in history for their bold action, but behind every great man, there is a great woman, right? So who were the women who supported and maybe even influenced the lives of the men? Information is scant on most of them, but they made contributions to our nation’s history in their own way. Mary Izard was one of them. She was only 17 years old when she married Arthur Middleton, who became an outspoken delegate to the Continental Congress 10 years later. Because Arthur was very active in politics and frequently away from home, it fell to his wife to manage his plantation, a role seldom performed by women. But three years after the war began, she and her family fled their home at Middleton Place when British soldiers began to wreak havoc across the Lowcountry. They sought refuge in their city home in downtown Charleston, essentially jumping from the frying pan into the fire when British forces laid siege to the city in 1780. Mary and Arthur were apparently on the same page when it came to their political leanings, and they both refused to sign the oath of loyalty to the king that the occupying army imposed on Charleston residents. On the day that her husband was arrested and sent with other patriots to a British prison in St. Augustine, Florida, Mary gave birth to the couple’s sixth child. British forces occupied Charleston for the next two years, and residents Independent Women The women behind South Carolina’s Declaration signers BY MARY COY leading ladies Mary Middleton rests in the family tomb at Middleton Place.
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com who continued to refuse the oath were sent to British-held Philadelphia. However, Mary managed to convince local officials to allow her instead to return to one of the family’s plantations, taking along her children and domestic servants. She was obviously strong physically and mentally, but such dire circumstances did in fact take a toll on her. Mary was reportedly seriously ill near the end of the war, though she eventually recovered. Four years later, her husband died suddenly when Mary was 39 years old and pregnant with her ninth child. The baby died shortly after his birth. She did not remarry but continued the role of managing her family and the three plantations that she had brought to the marriage – Cedar Grove, Hobonny and Old Combahee. When she died from a stroke at the age of 67, she left behind five of her children and 39 grandchildren. She is buried at Middleton Place. Mary’s sister-in-law, Henrietta Middleton, married the youngest signer of the Declaration, Edward Rutledge. Henrietta struggled with poor health and did not take part in her husband’s political aspirations, nor the social life enjoyed by Charleston’s elite planter class. She died after giving birth to her third child. Her husband then married Mary Shubrick. The new Mrs. Rutledge was a devoted stepmother to Edward’s three children, especially his daughter, and the two women became active in many charitable endeavors, including supporting efforts for the care and education of orphaned and homeless girls. Elizabeth Shubrick, a sister of Rutledge’s second wife, married Thomas Lynch Jr. Shortly before he signed the Declaration of Independence, Thomas contracted an unknown illness, possibly malaria, leaving the young man, only 26, in poor health. Three years after he signed the historic document, Elizabeth and Thomas set sail for the South of France, hoping for a climate that would be conducive to his recovery. However, the ship they were traveling on was lost at sea near the West Indies while en route. The couple had been married only seven years and had no children. Elizabeth Mathews was the first wife of Thomas Heyward, one of the youngest and wealthiest of the Founding Fathers. The couple had five children but only one lived to adulthood. Like her husband, Elizabeth was outspoken and not easily intimidated. When her husband was sent to the British prison in St. Augustine with Arthur Middleton and Edward Rutledge, Elizabeth refused to sign the oath of loyalty to the crown. She even went so far as refusing to comply with an order imposed by British officials to put candles in the windows of her home on Church Street to celebrate a recent British victory. She refused again two months later when ordered to do so on the first anniversary of the British occupation of Charleston. As retaliation for her disobedience, a mob of loyalists threw trash and rocks at the house. British officials later offered to repair the damage to her home, but Elizabeth refused, saying it would stand as evidence of the abuses the occupying army inflicted on city residents. When her husband was released from prison in 1781 and sent to Philadelphia, she joined him there and died in childbirth a year later. Not long ago, her unmarked grave was discovered in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, and a marker was installed to pay tribute to this remarkable woman. Currently, archaeological work is being done at the couple’s former plantation in Jasper County, and the public is encouraged to visit and learn more about the Heywards and the enslaved people who worked on the property. A full accounting of the lives of these four women remains a mystery. Also a mystery is whether their husbands would have been able to accomplish all that they did without them. But one thing is certain: these women and others like them met the challenges of the day while living in difficult times. And they deserve to be remembered. leading ladies Mary Rutledge is buried with her husband at St. Philip's Church. Elizabeth Heyward's burial site in Philadelphia.
28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Beauty. Poise. Grace. Intellect. These are the key components found within Miss USA pageant contestants. Victoria Vesce, Miss South Carolina USA, possesses a unique blend of these qualities and so much more – compassion, resilience and gratitude to name a few. While attending law school at the College of Charleston, Vesce was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called a paraganglioma, a type of neuroendocrine tumor that forms near certain blood vessels and nerves outside the adrenal glands. She underwent surgery and endured 31 radiation treatments, all while earning her degree. Soon after her treatments, Vesce lost her mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vesce explained, “I lost my mother before she could see me graduate. Those experiences taught me that life is incredibly fragile and that every day is an opportunity to lead with gratitude, compassion and purpose. Surviving a brain tumor while earning my law degree will always be one of my proudest accomplishments. I’m equally proud of creating wellness events that have brought thousands of people together, proving that community can be one of the most powerful forms of healing.” Healing seems to be the foundation for the endeavors of our current Miss South Carolina, a foundation she built through her own adversities. Vesce continued, “My platform is centered on building stronger communities through wellness. I believe movement has the power to improve mental health, create connection and make people feel less alone. Through the wellness events I produce, I’ve been able to partner with local nonprofits and charitable organizations while creating spaces where people can invest in their health. I’m also passionate about brain tumor awareness as a survivor and animal rescue, both of which are deeply personal to me.” Acknowledging the common misconceptions surrounding pageant life, Vesce declared, “Pageants are not only about beauty. In reality, pageantry develops leaders. It challenges women to communicate effectively, serve their communities, advocate for causes they believe in and grow into confident public speakers. The crown is simply the visible part of the work.” Vesce’s openness and humility in sharing her brain tumor journey might seem counterintuitive to a young, beautiful crown competitor, but Vesce’s unconventional approach is sure to resonate with other survivors. Vesce explained, “Beauty is authenticity. It’s having the courage to embrace your story instead of hiding it. Confidence, kindness, resilience and the way you make others feel Strength in Resilience Miss South Carolina uses platform to lift, inspire others BY LAURA FOGARTY
29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com leading ladies will always outlast appearances. A title gives me a larger platform to inspire others, amplify meaningful causes and show that resilience can become your greatest strength. If my story encourages someone to keep going, then competing is worth it.” As Miss South Carolina USA, Vesce champions a message of age and opportunity. Vesce explained, “My message is that there is no timeline for becoming the woman you’re meant to be. We put so many expiration dates on ourselves, believing we have to accomplish everything by a certain age. I want women to know that your story doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline. At 33, I feel more confident, purposeful and prepared than ever before. Your dreams don’t expire. Neither does your relevance.” Vesce competed in the 2026 Miss USA Diamond Celebration on Aug. 27 in Miami. Although she didn’t win, Vesce hopes to continue changing the conversation regarding woman and aging. “The Miss USA Organization has evolved by opening the competition to women over 28, but many people still don’t realize that change has happened,” she said. “I hope to show women that experience is an asset, not a limitation. We don’t become less capable or inspiring with age – we become more equipped to lead, mentor and create lasting impact.” Despite the outcome of Miss USA, Vesce is certain to have an impact on every life she touches. She concluded, “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the hardest chapters of our lives often prepare us for our greatest purpose. Looking back, I wouldn’t change my journey because it gave me empathy, resilience and a deep appreciation for every opportunity to serve others. That’s the legacy I hope to leave, with or without a crown.” Tickets on sale at CharlestonJazz.com Sept 19 PIANO LEGENDS | chs Music Hall Iconic pianists throughout Jazz history Oct 17 WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD | CHS Music Hall The music of the great Louis Armstrong with Bruce Harris Dec 5 HOLIDAY SWING | CHS Music Hall Charleston’s favorite holiday tradition with Tommy Brown Jr. Charleston Jazz Orchestra Fall Season Oct 15 Charleston Jazz Gala | the Grand Annual gala in support of jazz education Save 10% with a Flex Pass!
30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com For 95-year-old Tootsie Altman Watkins, life on Pawleys Island looks a lot different today than it did when she was growing up along the picturesque shoreline. When she was a little girl back in the 1930s, there wasn’t electricity, air conditioning, refrigeration, running water, a grocery store or beach traffic. As one of eight siblings, Tootsie rode the bus to a one-room elementary school house. In the afternoons, she completed her homework and chores before searching for shells on the beach or going for a swim in the creek or fishing for crabs and oysters to eat there on the spot or take home for supper. Her mother, who tended a 2-acre garden, was a talented cook who enjoyed preparing seafood and preserving the yellow plums that she grew. “We took advantage of what was local, what we could get easy and cheap. We ate good food, lived a clean, simple life, went to bed early and got up early,” Tootsie said. “Plus, we spent a lot of time outdoors – the salt air is a preservative.” Tootsie’s father, who worked as a carpenter, helped build the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in the early 1940s, towards the start of World War II. She remembers waving to the hundreds of military trucks and jeeps zooming by on their way to the base. During the war years, Tootsie’s mother hung blankets on the windows every evening to darken the house, as German vessels were trolling the coast off of Pawleys Island. But Tootsie wasn’t afraid. “Life just went on as a kid,” she said. “Time was everywhere and nobody worried about what to do from day to day.” When Tootsie was a senior at Winyah High School in Georgetown in 1947, her family’s home was wired for electricity for the first time. In the years that followed, Tootsie married Newt Watkins and they had three children, Bucky, Glenn Age is just a NUMBER BY SARAH ROSE Tootsie Watkins still cooking and creating art at 95
31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com leading ladies and Lynne. Around 1970, when Litchfield Beach and DeBordieu Colony were being developed, Newt opened a small liquor store. Tootsie later added the Party Shop next door, complete with a clawfoot tub filled with ice to chill the beer and wine. Known for the best hot dogs in town, it became a gathering place for locals. As there was no one in the area who catered, Tootsie, who had learned the business from many years working at the Tip Top Inn and from a friend in Georgetown, added a commercial kitchen to the Party Shop and her business grew exponentially. In 1979, Tootsie published the first edition of her cookbook, “Tootsie’s Favorites: Pawleys Island Cookin’.” Now in its fifth printing, the practical guide includes more than timeless recipes: paintings that Tootsie produced in 1990 dance across the pages as a love letter to the Lowcountry landscape that’s always been her home. Copies are available for purchase in the Georgetown Rice Museum’s gift shop, at the Original Hammock Shop, My Sister’s Books, the Gray Man Gallery and the Old Town Hall Art Show in Pawleys Island, and at the McClellanville Arts Council. Today, Tootsie continues to follow her creative passions for cooking and creating art. “When you enjoy what you’re doing you don’t mind getting old,” she said, gesturing to the trees, wreaths, candleholders and ornaments that she and Lynne have made from seashells they’ve collected from Florida to North Carolina and that friends have brought them from around the world. The unique pieces, which make delightful gifts, can be purchased at the Old Town Hall during art shows and the Gray Man Gallery, both in Pawleys Island. Additionally, Tootsie and Lynne continue to make her “famous ham biscuits” on order for friends and family. To inquire about placing orders for her cookbook or biscuits, email tootsiesfavorites@gmail.com. After almost a century of living life to the fullest, Tootsie is a reminder that the little things – a shell, a freshly baked biscuit and time spent with a friend – are what’s most important. MT. PLEASANT’S BEST BREAKFAST + 1 OF THE BEST BRUNCHES & BISCUITS Thank you voters! Thank you voters! FUEL UP FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL! WWW.BIGBADBREAKFAST.COM 2664 N Hwy 17 Ste 101, Mt. pleasant | 29466 456 meeting street, Charleston | 29403 Made-from-scratch kitchen & a full bar founded by james beard award-winning and Michelin-recommended chef john currence. SERVING BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH & CATERING 7 DAYS A WEEK! 7 DAYS A WEEK! CHARLESTONCOUNTYPARKS.COM Adventure awaits! PALMETTO ISLANDS COUNTY PARK
32 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com omen have always been the heartbeat of our communities; quietly and passionately shaping the places we call home. Long before their names graced the headlines, women were rolling up their sleeves to build, lead and spark meaningful change right where it mattered most. Take the world of real estate. Women did not just join the industry; they helped transform it. In 1909, the trailblazing Susan Pringle Frost broke ground as Charleston’s first female real estate agent. Not stopping there, she went on to found the Preservation Society of Charleston in 1920 (then called The Society of the Preservation of Old Dwellings), proving that passion and community go hand in hand. Frost was also a suffragist who became the first president of the Charleston Equal Suffrage League. Later, the visionary Elizabeth Hanahan took things a step further by launching the first women-owned real estate agency, Elizabeth Hanahan Realty, opening doors for generations to come. That progress was hard-fought. Until 1974, a woman could not even secure a mortgage without a male co-signer. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act finally changed that, giving women the financial freedom to claim their own piece of the dream. Today, that vibrant spirit is stronger than ever. Women continue to establish thriving careers, launch powerhouse businesses and lift each other up every step of the way. They are weaving the fabric of our neighborhoods and paving a bright path forward. Celebrating women is not just about honoring our history, it is about getting excited for what we choose to build next. W BY BELLA HARRAR 34 Susan Pringle Frost, first woman Real Estate Broker in South Carolina read her story Real Estate & Mortgages Bella Abzug, social activist and introduced the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to the House of Representatives read her story 37 40 Amy Rogers, Crown Coast broker in charge read her storyLocal knowledge. Personal attention. Exceptional results. AMY ROGERS Owner & Broker-in-Charge 1100 Palm Blvd., SC 29451 843.242.8883 CROWNCOAST.COM FROM KING STREET TO THE COAST
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