North Charleston Magazine Fall/Winter 2011 by Charleston Scene

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A headstart Interests change. Horizons broaden. New worlds open up. That's what can happen when schools use the arts to teach children their reading, writing and arithmetic.

N O RT H C H A R L E S TO N O N L I N E . C O M

Stingrays' Rob Concannon

Get to know Dot Scott

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Inside

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Living

Working

Playing

B U SY AT B O E I N G First jet delivered as plant adds welcome center and pushes ahead on more construction.

C IT Y S C E N E Check out scenes from life in North Charleston: A great place to live, work or play.

3 8 MARY G O U LD Tenacity and creativity drive the founder of South of Broadway Theatre Company in Park Circle.

4 0 RO B CO N C AN N O N It's been a wild ride for Rob Concannon, a legendary local personality who went from player to president of the Stingrays.

D OT S COT T Dot Scott, born and raised in North Charleston, has served as president of the Charleston branch of the NAACP since 2001. Learn some surprising facts about this North Charleston resident and community leader.

4 3 TE R R E S S E NTIA North Charleston is home to the first distiller licensed in South Carolina since the Prohibition era. Terressentia uses its patented terrepure process to purify ordinary distilled liquors into made-to-order spirits.

2 6 ART S MART This issue's cover story examines the city's growing creative arts school movement. We talk to teachers and profile alumni of North Charleston's School of the Arts.

TITAN ATLAS MANUFACTURING TAM homes are constructed from recyclable materials including steel, glass, concrete and insulation.

Health Guide

Special section by Trident Health System

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B R E A ST C AN C E R S U RVIVO R C R E D IT S N E W TEC H N O LO GY

C A R I N G : O FF TH E C LO C K

BAB I E S , BAB I E S … AN D M O R E BAB I E S

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5 0 AT TR AC TI O N S Visitors to North Charleston won’t ever run out of things to see and places to go. The city’s attractions run the gamut from a Civil War submarine to a topnotch golf course and a wildly popular water park.

5 4 R E STAU R ANT PRO FI LE S Hungry? Then belly up to the bar or grab a table. North Charleston’s got everything you need, from home cookin' to trendy restaurants.

5 8 H O M E FO R TH E H O LI DAYS Coosaw Creek Women's Club raising money for their special causes.

5 9 E VE NT LI STI N G S From concerts and sporting events at the coliseum to major holiday festivals, local theater and independent films, North Charleston has it all.

The cover

Cover design by Jason Fletcher. Photograph by Grace Beahm featuring first-graders at North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School.

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Publisher The Post and Courier 843.937.5534 bhawkins@postandcourier.com

TOM CLIFFORD Executive News Director The Post and Courier 843.937.5515 tclifford@postandcourier.com

The primary responsibility of DCI is to perceive, initiate and provide comprehensive patient care. We serve society by providing care for patients with end-stage renal disease. Our goal is complete patient rehabilitation. We recognize the patient as an individual resulting from his/her genetics, life experience, habits, believes, emotions; as a member of his/her family, and the community.

STEVE WAGENLANDER Director of Audience Development The Post and Courier 843.937.5746 swagenlander@postandcourier.com

MATT WINTER Editor, North Charleston Magazine 843.937.5568 editor@northcharlestononline.com mwinter@postandcourier.com

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NORTH CHARLESTON MAGAZINE is a special publication of The Post a n d C o u r i e r n e w s p a p e r, 1 3 4 C o l u m b u s St., Charleston, S.C . 29403. Copyr i g h t 2 0 1 1 b y T h e P o s t a n d C o u r i e r. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The P o s t a n d C o u r i e r.

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Contributors

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Elizabeth Bowers

With writing skills shaped at the School of the Arts in North Charleston, Elizabeth is now back in the Lowcountry freelancing. Check out Elizabeth's cover story, in which she heads back to her roots to examine creative arts education in North Charleston (p. 26 - p. 37).

Dan Hale

Dan lives and works in Park Circle. Dan and his wife, Amelia, have both been recognized for their work as photojournalists and together own North Charleston-based Dreamland Images. For this edition, Dan tackled a number of portraits and shot images for our cover story.

Robert Behre

Robert Behre has been a reporter with The Post and Courier since 1990, covering state and local politics. In November, he will be moving to the North Charleston beat. For this edition, Robert caught up with Dot Scott, a North Charleston resident and leader of the local NAACP (p. 22).

John Strubel

John Strubel is a freelance writer and director of Integrated Marketing at Charleston Southern University in North Charleston. His website is JohnStrubel.com. For this edition, John caught up with Stingrays' president Rob Concannon (p. 40) and got the scoop on an innovative home manufacturer (p. 47). Copy editing: Angie Blackburn, Laura Bradshaw, Tony Brown, Kristy Crum and Sandy Schopfer. Additional images: Sarah Bates, Grace Beahm, Leroy Burnell, Almar Flotildes, Alan Hawes, Edward C. Fennell,

Carol Roach Kelly, a contributing editor for North Charleston Magazine and former desk editor with The Post and Courier, has lived in North Charleston since 1996. She moved from Albany, N.Y., where for 14 years she was an editor with The Times Union. Before that, she worked at The Cape Cod Times in Hyannis, Mass.

Caroline O'Hagan

Caroline O'Hagan is currently working toward a master's degree in communication at the College of Charleston, having finished up her bachelor's at the University of South Carolina. Caroline toured Terressentia distiller for a profile in our Working department (p. 43).

Liz Rennie

Liz lives in Park Circle, and her office is located inside 10 Storehouse Row on the Navy Yard. She writes for several online publications and produces Charleston-centric apps. For this edition, Liz talked with South of Broadway Theatre founder Mary Gould (p. 38) and the founders of Holy City Brewing (p. 46).

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Brad Nettles, Wade Spees, Teresa Taylor.

Carol Kelly

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From large accomplishments to various honors and nods, the city, its people and its businesses seem to be on a roll: ◗ Workers at the Boeing plant recently toured the first 787 Dreamliner, which was assembled here, shown off during air shows in Europe and eventually delivered to a Japanese airline. Boeing South Carolina spokeswoman Candy Eslinger told The Post and Courier that local workers “took a keen interest in it. It was their airplane.” Indeed. ◗ The city recently celebrated the opening of Montague Terrace, a heralded new venue at the North Charleston Coliseum. ◗ Bloomberg Businessweek recently ranked North Charleston as No. 23 on its list of “Most Fun and Affordable Cities” in the U.S. ◗ A national nonprofit organization recognized North Charleston for using innovative programs to get children active, playing and healthy. North Charleston was one of 151 cities and towns honored as a “Playful City USA.” ◗ A new study showed that in 2010, North Charleston saw a marked decrease of 14 percent year over year for violent crime. ◗ A new study by the Brookings Institution showed that over the past decade, the Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville metropolitan area had the greatest percentagepoint increase in the nation in the portion of residents who hold bachelor's degrees. ◗ Over the summer, Newsweek magazine ranked Academic Magnet High in North Charleston as No. 15 in its list of the country's best high schools. ◗ Lastly — and this one is near and dear to my heart — Food Network Magazine named the wood-fired pistachio-pesto pizza at EVO restaurant in Park Circle as the best pizza in South Carolina and one of the 50 best pies in the country. Trust me. It's that good. Way to go, North Charleston!

MATT WINTER E d i t o r, N o r t h C h a rl e s t o n M a g a z i n e e dito r @ n o r th c h arle s to n o nline .c o m

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LIVING

Montague Terrace UPSCALE SPACE AT THE COLISEUM

The city recently celebrated the opening of the North Charleston Coliseum's heralded new venue, an $18 million multiuse space that's part of an ongoing 15,000-square-foot expansion program. “Montague Terrace really evolved out of the need to expand the concourse space for the comfort level of our patrons,” says coliseum General Manager Dave Holscher. “Even from the beginning, when the coliseum opened in 1993, we quickly noticed that when 5,000 or more people were on hand, the north and south concourses got a little snug. “We always wanted to make improvements, so we thought this was one somewhat simple way of pulling out the concourse by adding two 7,400-square-foot extensions on either side.” A second wing on the north side of the coliseum will be completed next year. Montague Terrace will be used as an entertainment space for small concerts and theatrical performances, as a food court for coliseum events, and as a reception area. Source: The Post and Courier

A fun town

NORTH CHARLESTON WINS NOD

Charleston often makes the national lists of most desirable places to visit or most mannerly city in America. And now, North Charleston has broken into a top 25 list. Bloomberg Businessweek recently ranked the city No. 23 on its list of “Most Fun and Affordable Cities” in the U.S. “Restaurants can be found in the city's historic district, which also has small familyowned businesses and shops,” the review said. “Shoppers can also find quick eats at the Centre Pointe shopping center and Northwoods Mall.” Source: The Post and Courier

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Big news for Boeing

NORTH CHARLESTON BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY AS FIRST JET DELIVERED

BOEING CO. HANDED OVER THE KEY FOR ITS FIRST 787 WIDE-BODY JET TO A JAPANESE AIRLINER IN SEPTEMBER, MARKING A LONG-AWAITED MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL FLIGHT. The moment had special meaning at Boeing's 787 plant in North Charleston, where workers gathered around large screens on the production floors of the three main buildings to watch the delivery ceremony. “The aft- and mid-body fuselage sections on that airplane came out of Charleston,” Boeing South Carolina spokeswoman Candy Eslinger told The Post and Courier. “They took a keen interest in it. It was their airplane.” Whereas previous versions of the composite-shelled piece were constructed in the former Vought Aircraft Industries building and flown to Everett, Wash., to be assembled, the aft-body on this jet was simply rolled several hundred feet to the neighboring assembly building, which itself opened in June. The new jet is the first commercial airliner built using carbon fiber — a strong, light-

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weight, high-tech plastic — rather than the typical aluminum skin. Airlines have ordered more than 800 of the plane that will compete with the Airbus A350. The delivery of the jet capped a flurry of activity over the summer at the North Charleston plant. In July, hundreds of local Boeing employees and a who's who of South Carolina officials welcomed the first 787 to Charleston International Airport, fresh from a debut at air show in Paris. In August, Boeing opened its welcome center on International Boulevard. “The Hub,” where Boeing workers can buy Boeingbranded gifts, and the delivery center, where airlines will accept their Dreamliners, were both slated to be open in the fall. Sources; The Post and Courier, The Associated Press

Photograph by Brad Nettles

Photograph by Leroy Burnell

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Morris Sokol Furniture

Well Worth The Trip Downtown

LIVING

SCHOOL SPIRIT (RIGHT) North Charleston High School's flag corp, including Hope Foxworth (foreground), makes its debut during a game against Burke. By Wade Spees

BIG PINK TRUCK (ABOVE) Benjamin Port, 5, of North Charleston chats with fire and life safety educator Bianca Sancic on one of the pink firetrucks that visited Park Circle to help raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer. By Edward C. Fennell

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REMEMBERING T H E FA L L E N (LEFT) Joint Base Charleston Honor Guard gives a Three-Volley Salute during the Remember 9/11 Ten Years Later program at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. By Brad Nettles

Pa r k C i r C l e f u n (Above) Robin Latimer helps her granddaughter, Mikayla eubanks, 5, reach the bar for the zipline at the playground at Park Circle. by Sarah bates

antique show (Right) Shoppers comb through tables of antiques at the village Antiques & Collectibles Show at the Felix C. Davis Community Center in Park Circle. the next shows take place Dec. 10-11, Feb. 2556 and April 28-29. by grace beahm

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Trident Health System

MAKES NATION’S TOP HOSPITAL LIST

Providing health care to the residents of North Charleston and the surrounding communities is no small task. Comprised of Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center and Moncks Corner Medical Center; Trident Health System has provided quality, patientcentered care with a focus on offering the most advanced services and improved patient outcomes for over 36 years.

TRIDENT HEALTH SYSTEM ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Joint Commission- Nation’s Top Hospital Performers List 2. American Heart Association- Outstanding Heart/ Stroke Care 3. Advanced Certification in Primary Stroke Center 4. Certifications: Hip & Knee Total Joint Replacement, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Congestive Heart Failure 5. Accredited Chest Pain Center 6. Accredited Comprehensive Cancer Center

QUALITY OF CARE.

Quality of care. It’s something many hospitals across the country advertise, preach and boast about. But saying you have high quality is one thing. Having the outcomes and statistics to back it up is another. In September of 2011, the Joint Commission, the leading accrediting agency of health care organizations in America, released their nation’s Top Performers list on key quality measures. Only one Charleston area hospital system made the cut: Trident Health System (THS). Trident, Summerville and Moncks Corner Medical Center all received this important distinction for the quality of care they deliver. In 2008, Trident made a strategic decision to take patient quality to a higher level and initiated a refocused quality effort. These measures range from double checking patient charts to altering communication procedures between a hospital and EMS. “It is amazing how far our health system has come in the last few years,” says Todd Gallati, THS President and CEO. “Our physicians and staff work tirelessly to provide the absolute best care possible to our patients, and we are pleased that the Joint Commission recognizes this. I am so proud of this entire team.”

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AMONG THE ELITE.

Only 405 hospitals, or 14 percent of reporting hospitals in the country, received this key recognition. To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures, an organization must meet two 95 percent performance thresholds. THS was recognized for achieving these thresholds for treatment of heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia. “It shows our commitment to having the highest quality patient care and continually improving our processes,” said Allison Walters, Assistant Vice President of Cardiovascular Services, “Our patients are the real winners.” From physicians to environmental services to the CEO, every person on every floor is committed to making quality a priority and that is evident in the results. “We did a great job of communicating to our staff why this was so important, and they responded by following these core measures and delivering the best form of medicine,” added Gallati. “We see the benefits in our patient treatment outcomes.” This is the second important quality care honor THS has received in the last few months. In August, Trident was recognized by the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines program for outstanding heart and stroke care. Both Trident and Summerville Medical Centers have received the Gold Plus Award for Heart Failure, the Gold Award for Acute Myocardial Infarction – AMI (heart attack) and the Bronze Award for Stroke Care.

Special Section by Trident Health System

Dr. Art Shepard, Neonatologist, Trident Health System

Oh, babies … and more babies

Special Section by Trident Health System

HE FAMILY CENTER STAFF KNEW BY AUGUST 25 THAT IT WOULD BE A RECORD-BREAKING MONTH FOR NEWBORN DELIVERIES AT SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER (SMC). THAT’S WHEN THEY HIT AND SURPASSED THE HOSPITAL’S PREVIOUS MONTHLY RECORD OF 129 DELIVERIES, SET IN 2006. SIX DAYS LATER AT THE END OF AUGUST, THE TALLY REACHED 149, AND THE NUMBER OF NEWBORNS TOTALED 150 AS A RESULT OF A TWIN DELIVERY. A statistical blip? Not necessarily. Deona Ryan, director of Women’s and Children’s Services, knows that the remaining months of 2011 will be active as well. To meet this increasing demand, SMC is expanding and upgrading its nursery. “We’ve been a birthing facility of choice for quite some time for this

them around the clock. “I think the record number of babies is an endorsement for the quality of care that we provide and for the robust nature of the obstetrics physicians who choose to work at Summerville Medical Center,” says neonatologist Arthur Shepard, MD. “We are tapping

area,” says Ryan. “Last year, we delivered 1,248 babies, our highest volume ever.” Ryan goes on to credit the hospital’s warm and caring atmosphere for fueling its popularity with expectant parents. “I think The Family Center’s staff truly make a difference because their care is so individualized and focused on what each family needs.” SMC labor and delivery suites have been designed with the feeling of home. After arrival, the new baby and mom typically stay together with support from a nurse who cares for them both. Preemies and other infants with critical needs are cared for in the hospital’s Level II nursery, where specially trained nurses and a neonatologist monitor

into a local population that wants to stay local and wants to use the great hospital it has in its own backyard.” Becky Riley, RN, works in the nursery along with Shepard, and during the first part of the month, she helped care for several babies from the record-breaking bunch. Then she became a SMC patient when her fourth child, Hannah Renee, decided to make an early entrance at 4:56 a.m. August 12. “Everybody was on the spot and just as perfect as they could be,” says Riley, who expected nothing less of her colleagues. “We have such a close-knit group of people. We are all friends, and we all care about one another, so we work well as a team.”

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Mary Villanueva Breast Cancer Patient

Breast Cancer Survivor Credits New Technology

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ARY VILLANUEVA RECEIVED THE STARTLING NEWS AT THE END OF JULY WHEN A MAMMOGRAM REVEALED A SURPRISING PEA-SIZED LUMP IN HER LEFT BREAST. A BIOPSY TAKEN TWO DAYS LATER CONFIRMED THE TUMOR WAS MALIGNANT. The episode caught the 64-year-old grandmother off guard because she did not have a known history of the disease in her family. Most women who are diagnosed with the disease do not, and like Mary, find themselves suddenly faced with critical decisions about how to fight the disease. Within two weeks, Villanueva would have a lumpectomy, rather than having her entire breast removed, assured by her doctor that the cancer had been caught early and that radiation treatments would provide added protection against re-occurrence. Because Villanueva’s cancer was in an early stage, she was a candidate for a promising radiation treatment called brachytherapy, recently added to Trident Cancer Center’s arsenal of high-tech and highly effective treatment options. Like other minimally invasive

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treatments offered by Trident Cancer Center, brachytherapy offers greater comfort, convenience and effectiveness for the patient. Pronounced with a “k’” sound, the word brachytherapy originates from the Greek root “brachy,” which means short distance. With this approach, the radiation source is placed within the body at the tumor site, instead of being delivered through a radiation beam from outside the body. The medical team can precisely target the radiation in concentrated doses while minimizing the risk to organs and nearby healthy tissue. As a result, brachytherapy treatments can be scheduled over a significantly shorter period. Villanueva could finish radiation treatments in one week instead of six weeks, and that made a huge difference to her. “Who wouldn’t want to go that way?”

Special Section by Trident Health System

Accuracy and Speed Highlight New Advanced Cancer Treatment

MicroSelectron

asks Villanueva who stays busy with her two grandchildren and her work preparing meals in the Cane Bay High School cafeteria. The Thursday before her radiation treatments, her surgeon inserted an expandable applicator with multiple catheters into her breast, reaching the spot where the lump had been removed. The applicator would remain in her breast through the course of the treatment with the outside end tucked away inconspicuously in her new sports bra.

“I just did my housework and came back.” -MARY VILLANUEVA

The next day, staff at Trident Cancer Center took computerized topography (CT) scans that allowed them to build 3D renderings of the target area and customize a plan for Villanueva’s radiation treatment. The dose would be sculpted to minimize the effect on the skin and the chest wall, which are more susceptible to radiation damage. During each treatment, a wire with a

Special Section by Trident Health System

4.5-millimeter-long radioactive tip would be steered through the applicator to the site of the tumor bed. Van McComas, Trident Cancer Center’s chief physicist says, “We usually tell our patients it is like a grain of rice. That’s how small it is.” The radiation treatments were completed on an outpatient basis, twice a day at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday of the following week. Each radiation treatment lasted only a few minutes, and each visit lasted about half an hour or less for Villanueva, allowing for restful down time during the day. Friends and family were amazed at how she fared during the course of the treatment. “I just did my housework and came back.” At the same time, Trident Cancer Center staff members were very supportive. “They were all good to me,” says Villanueva, who finished her radiation treatments by midSeptember. “I felt at ease.” After seeing so many survivors endure weeks and even months of radiation treatments, Trident Cancer Center Director Trent Mullis and his staff welcome effective alternatives such as brachytherapy that can speed up the process for their patients. “It allows the patient to receive treatment and get on with life.”

Imagine treating a brain tumor not with traditional surgery but with a single dose of radiation that stops the cancer cells’ ability to reproduce. Now imagine it being done at the cancer center in your hometown. “With our new stereotactic radiosurgery capability, we are targeting lesions in the brain or in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy, delivering a high dose of radiation and with extreme precision,” says Trent Mullis, director of Trident Cancer Center in North Charleston. This spring, the center went live with sterotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to treat tumors and abnormal growths in the brain and spinal column as well as stereotactic body radiation (SBRT), a variation of the same approach that is used more commonly for tumors in the lungs, liver, pancreas or other organs. This technology provides a non-invasive option to surgery that does not require anesthesia. For patients who cannot tolerate surgery, it may be the only option. To offer these advanced treatments, Trident Cancer Center added the Elekta Synergy S, a digitally controlled linear accelerator that provides unsurpassed accuracy with the ability to visualize internal structures in 3D at the time of delivery. Even though special steps are taken to keep the patient still, the Elekta Synergy S compensates for even the slightest motion – for example of the patient’s organs – during treatment and includes other features that allow the medical team to radiate within the finely-defined borders of a tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Due to the speed of the Elekta Synergy S, treatments are often administered in less than 30 minutes. “The procedure is relatively painless,” says Mullis, “and can be performed on an outpatient basis.”

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Deb McGregor, Nurse Practitioner (above) John Haynes, Summerville, SC (left)

Full of Heart New clinics help patients take charge of their heart health

OHN HAYNES WOKE UP ONE MORNING THIS SPRING WITH CHEST PAINS AND COULD HARDLY BREATHE. HE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH HIM, AND EVEN WHEN HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HEART FAILURE AT SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER (SMC), HE DIDN’T FULLY COMPREHEND IT. With the help of the new Heart Failure Clinic offered by Trident Health System (THS), Haynes has learned a great deal about the disease and what he can do to manage the symptoms so he can continue to lead an active, rewarding life in retirement, with hopes of otherwise staying out of the hospital. “The people that are there and run the clinic, they are helping me to understand what I am going through,” says Haynes, who is 62. “They shed the light on it for me.” THS started the Heart Failure Clinic at Trident Medical Center (TMC) in January, and this summer, began to offer a Valve Clinic there as well to help patients consider options for treating heart valve disease. While the two clinics serve somewhat different purposes, each is designed to provide extensive education and support to patients so they can make informed decisions and take charge of their heart health. Congestive heart failure – or heart failure – is a chronic condition that affects as many

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as 5.7 million Americans and kills as many as 300,000 a year, according the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Locally, the medical centers of THS admit roughly 500 patients a year as a result of heart failure. The term heart failure means the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, but doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped pumping as can happen with a heart attack. Common causes of heart failure include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Because heart failure can worsen over time, it’s best to treat the condition quickly and comprehensively so it does not spiral into an acute episode. Through the THS Heart Failure Clinic, Nurse Practitioner Deb McGregor works with patients to reinforce and expand on information they may receive from a primary care provider, cardiologist or hospital staff, while also offering guidance and support for making important and positive lifestyle changes. For example, she talks with Haynes about

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the importance of exercise, losing weight and sticking with a low-sodium diet to help control his blood pressure. Haynes says it’s making a difference. “We don’t even cook with salt anymore,” he says. “She got me to stay away from salt altogether.” Encouraged by McGregor, Haynes has started walking more regularly, and he also visits the Summerville Family YMCA, where he hits the treadmill, lifts weights, does water aerobics and tries to keep up in Zumba class. When McGregor weighed Haynes during his most recent visit, he had dropped five pounds. “She’s a very sweet person. Thank God they have her there,” says Haynes. “She is helping you to truly know what is going on with your body.” To make an appointment for Trident Health System’s Heart Failure Clinic or its Valve Clinic, call (843) 847-4957. Both clinics are offered on the first floor of Trident Medical Center in North Charleston.

Special Section by Trident Health System

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Barbara Righter, Parrish Devereux, Toni Bunch, (left) Pink Glove Dance (bottom left)

Caring Off the Clock

ARRISH DEVEREUX ADMITS THAT HER LONGSTANDING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BREAST CANCER CAUSES IS PERSONAL. HOW COULDN’T IT BE? SHE LOST HER MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND TWO GREAT AUNTS TO THE DISEASE. AND SHE LOOKED ON, THANKFULLY, AS A GREAT FRIEND AND MENTOR AT WORK WON HER BREAST CANCER BATTLE AND CELEBRATED SURVIVORSHIP.

For more than 14 years, Devereux has registered for the Lowcountry Komen Race for the Cure, joining the fight to forever end breast cancer and in recent years she has joined colleagues from Trident Health System, where she works as a quality specialist, at Dragon Boat Charleston, a paddling competition that brings together all types of cancer survivors and supporters. (While she doesn’t paddle, she does help organize the THS team and cheers them on from the banks of the Ashley River.) Yet it’s not just about the cancer fight, because Devereux supports many other causes as well. She remembers one stretch several years ago when she and another friend from THS would attend up to three community events a weekend during the busy season. Devereux doesn’t think she deserves any more praise than the rest of the THS employees, whose spirit of caring continues even when they are off the clock. She can’t think of anyone she works with who doesn’t volunteer or contribute in some way. “We take care of our own, we take care of

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others, and we have fun doing it,” she says. Likewise, Associate Administrator Susan Burroughs sees that spirit clearly as THS employees support the annual Trident United Way fundraising campaign, which Burroughs helps to lead within the organization and which Trident Health CEO Todd Gallati is currently chairing for the Lowcountry. She also sees it when THS volunteers pull together during the United Way Day of Caring each September to perform good works throughout the Lowcountry. During this year’s Day of Caring, THS teams assisted schools in Berkeley and Dorchester counties with gardening projects and helped with wellness checkups of elementary school students in Charleston. Burroughs’ involvement with the United Way at work has led her to serve on the boards of two non-profits affiliated with United Way: Increasing H.O.P.E. Financial Training Center and the Trident Urban League. “Everybody loves to give back here,” Burroughs says of THS. “It’s part of the Trident culture.”

THS provided almost $42 million in charity and uncompensated care in 2010, while also contributing $38 million in city, county, state and Federal taxes. A significant portion of those tax dollars stays directly in the city and county governments, helping fund improvements for those residents. At the same time, Trident’s leaders literally “walk the walk” when it comes to personal involvement. Gallati and Summerville Medical Center CEO Louis Caputo were two of the biggest THS fundraisers for this year’s Lowcountry Heart Walk. The Heart Walk engages employees throughout THS, which collectively raised more than $37,500 this year with help from sister facility Colleton Medical Center. They did it not only by collecting donations for the walk, but also through an array of other creative fundraising endeavors, including a kickball tournament and karaoke. “It just brings a real camaraderie among the different staff and teams within the health system,” says Allison Walters, Assistant VP of Cardiovascular Services. “There’s definitely an energized atmosphere.”

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LIVING

Q+A BY RO B E RT B E H R E

Dot Scott

RESIDENT, NAACP PRESIDENT

DOT SCOTT WAS BORN IN NORTH CHARLESTON, WENT TO BETHUNE ELEMENTARY AND GRADUATED FROM CAINHOY HIGH SCHOOL. SHE MARRIED, MOVED TO NEW YORK, HAD A DAUGHTER AND RETURNED TO THE LOWCOUNTRY IN 1971. SHE ENROLLED AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND LATER EARNED A MASTER’S DEGREE FROM WEBSTER UNIVERSITY. SHE RETIRED FROM BELLSOUTH IN 2002 AS A TRAINING INSTRUCTOR AND MANAGER. SINCE 2001, SHE HAS SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE CHARLESTON BRANCH OF THE NAACP. SHE HAS TWO GRANDSONS, BRANDON AND STEVE. SHE RECENTLY TALKED WITH NORTH CHARLESTON MAGAZINE. WHAT’S AN AVERAGE DAY FOR YOU THESE DAYS? My average day right now is the phone ringing constantly. I manage a rental real estate business, and I’ve done that for 15 years. ... I pretty much don’t have a schedule for anything else other than what demands Photograph by Wade Spees

come from my mom — she’s 85 and lives in Huger — and what I need to do with my business. My typical day is nontypical.

Why did you move to North CharlestoN? Because this is home for me. I’ve always had an affinity for North Charleston. ... I used to rent downtown, but in 1979, when I wanted to buy a house, I could afford more of a house in North Charleston than I could downtown. ... I also have a lot of family in North Charleston, so it was just a natural place to move.

What’s your favorite book? The book that has had the most impact on my life has been John Kennedy’s “Profiles in Courage.” I read that as a teenager, and I think it kind of focused me in a way. By the time Kennedy was assassinated, it just gave me the inspiration that if something needs to be done and you can do it, you need to see that it gets done.”

What about your favorite tv shoW? I like all the investigative shows, “Law and Order.” If I’m not watching those, I’m watching the news. I’m a news addict.

What Could make North CharlestoN better? I think there needs to be more attention paid to youth in North Charleston. ... I think we also need to move the level up in terms of educating people where they will qualify for better jobs and we can raise the standard of living.

What do you feel is the biggest misperCeptioN about the NaaCp aNd its Work? That we only fight for black people. ... I think there’s a misconception because we don’t communicate. We have no reason to speak out when things are going well. You always are speaking out when things are going wrong, and that puts you in a very negative light. ... We’ve got the most diverse NAACP branch. Our second vice president is a white male. Most people don’t know that.

What’s the most ChalleNgiNg part of your Work as NaaCp presideNt? It’s to get people to have the courage to stand up for what they believe. So many people are concerned but they’re afraid to speak up because of either fear of repercussion or retaliation. It puts me in the position of looking like I’m the Lone Ranger. ... But I know

somebody has got to do it. We can’t keep making withdrawals on our civil rights accomplishments and not make deposits.

What Would people be most surprised to learN about you? I’ve got a collection of tools and stuff that people wouldn’t believe. I’ve got contractor skills that folks would never believe I do that kind of work. I love it. I do most all of my repairs and painting and building and insulating, electrical, plumbing. You name it.

aNythiNg else they Would be surprised at? I have actually had a professional contract for singing. ... I sing Country and Western and love Country and Western. ... I sang at the Sheraton and with other groups that have been in Charleston. I had my own band at one time, and I used to write jingles for BellSouth, by the way.

What reCeNt movie have you eNjoyed the most? “The Help.” It was one of those things that drew on my emotions. My mom was a domestic worker. I had flashbacks. I cried, I laughed and I got angry. I walked out of there with those three emotions so well balanced. N

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CREATIVITY Matthew Smalls holds up a letter in Brenda Rigg's kindergarten class at North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School.

Photograph by Dan Hale

COVER STORY

S M A R T

A R T

INTERESTS CHANGE. HORIZONS BROADEN. NEW WORLDS OPEN UP. THAT'S WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN SCHOOLS USE THE ARTS TO TEACH CHILDREN THEIR READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC.

Photograph by Grace Beahm

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BY E l i z a b E t h b ow E r s

iving children access to violins, ballet, a chance to act in a theater troupe or sing in the chorus helps them recognize hidden qualities in themselves. The thing about art schools, says Cathie Middleton, program director of the new North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary, is that not every student has to grow up and work in a creative field. “Our goal is not to make artists of every child that comes through here. It's just to make well-rounded kids who can problem solve and think outside the box. They blossom because the environment is there to help them blossom.” North Charleston already is home to Charleston County’s School of the Arts and the Academic Magnet, arguably one of the best middle and high schools in the Charleston County School District. The school sits in Park Circle, home to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and artistic residents. And now, with the opening of the new Creative Arts Elementary, the city's youngest children can more easily enter the arts education pipeline. The new school, on Saranac Street across from the arts high school, opened with 150 students in kindergarten and first grade. Additional grades will be added each year as room opens up when Charleston Progressive Magnet moves out in 2013. First priority for admission goes to children living in the Park Circle area. Then any open slots are filled by children living throughout North Charleston by application process. The arts-focused school will supplement its standard elementary education with guitar lessons and chorus, art classes and contemporary dance. Mayor Keith Summey sees North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary as a stepping stone. “It's going to give us an opportunity to prepare children for School of the Arts. I think it's absolutely wonderful. I was able to attend the first open house, and there were two parents per child, and that's what it going to take for the school to be successful.” North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary started with a vision, the same vision Rose Maree Myers had for Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School in West Ashley years

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ago. The school district wanted an arts-focused elementary school in every area, and now downtown is home to Charleston Progressive, Mount Pleasant has Jennie Moore Elementary, and E.B. Ellington Elementary is in Hollywood. “We're excited that the district is confident enough about arts education to plant the

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school here in North Charleston,” Middleton says. “We think it's going to be a remarkable and incredible place to be, but it's going to take us a while to get there, to be our own program.” Here's a look at some of the students, teachers and alumni of North Charleston's art school movement.

Photograph by Grace Beahm

M at t Bost ic k a k a R ig hc h us Matt Bostick, aka Righchus, is a School of the Arts graduate. He's also the most recognizable face in Charleston's hip-hop scene. After growing up in North Charleston and attending Charlestowne Academy, which then was across the street from School of the Arts, it made perfect sense for him to cross over to an arts education. “I think I got exposed to a lot more. I don't want to say my personality, but the things that I got involved in, changed. I was into, like, long white tees and Soulja Rees. Then I started learning about Freud and Pavlov and classical music and different contemporary music. Just things I had never, never heard of in my life. Even now, I rap, but it still shapes the way I do that.” Bostick was a theater major at School of the Arts, and that training has carried over into his career as an entertainer. “Whether I'm on stage in front of 250 or 2,500 people, I have this relaxed feeling. It's trained me to think about the whole performance. Not just going on stage and singing a song, but actually performing.” After high school, Bostick received a theater scholarship to the University of South Carolina Upstate, but changed his major to journalism and communications. Bostick thinks an arts school is a great option for children in the area where he grew up. “Those kids are on a one-lane road, and arts school gives them a bunch of forks in the road. That's what I think of arts school, especially in our community. Arts schools are foreign, and they shouldn't be. Even in extracurricular activities, arts should be incorporated.” Bostick has a lot of projects in the works. He planned to release his third solo album, “Black Cradles,” in October, and follow that by hosting the second annual Righchus Renaissance. “Arts school — I don't want to say it saved my life, but it took me in a way better direction than what I probably would have gone in.”

Photograph by Amelia Hale

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W I LLI A M SM Y TH In his sixth-grade School of the Arts classroom, William Smyth teaches social studies with a flair. Smyth serves students hummus and dates, and he encourages them to come to school dressed in burqas during the Middle Eastern unit. He plans to spread a tarp over his classroom floor for the dance majors' performance. “There's this blue and green and purple sheet that goes on forever, and it's the Nile River. They do this dance in unison, and it's the cutest thing. “They'll put on this performance for the entire sixth grade. We've all decided that that's the way we want to teach sixth grade now.” Smyth's hands-on and collaborative approach makes him a favorite among students, the ones who poke their heads in between classes, the ones who jump up and down with their hands in the air, eager to share their experience in his class. Smyth looks forward to cooperation among all of the arts schools. “They’re going to come over for all of our performances, and we'll go over there and help them.”

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Students made burqas and mapped archaeological digs while studying the Middle East in William Smyth's class.

He mentions the administration commitment for the new school to succeed. “I would like to think that we can help them. That's the plan. For Ashley River, Charleston Progressive downtown, and here at North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary and Jennie Moore, too, to some degree, to be the four arts schools feeding School of the Arts primarily.”

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Smyth, who has been at the school for seven years, is still in awe of his good fortune as a teacher and the welcoming nature of the arts community where he landed. “It's very kind, very supportive. I've been here years, and I still don't quite know why that is. Kids come here and they treat each other nicely, kindly, and with respect.”

Photographs by Dan Hale

F l etc h e r W illi a ms iii Artist Fletcher Williams lives and practices in Brooklyn, N.Y., but he's a product of Charleston County arts schools. Williams thinks that arts schools are indispensable to a creative future. “If you're serious about pursuing a career in music, art, writing or any other art form, go to art school.” His own talent took cultivating. At Goodwin Elementary, Williams' art teacher - and his mother - knew School of the Arts was the necessary next step. After a failed audition, he worked hard at Brentwood Middle School, and was accepted to S.O.A. in the seventh grade. The same happened for college. He once again set his mind on being an artist, assembled a portfolio and was accepted to The Cooper Union in New York City after starting his education at Trident Technical College. Art school was again a must, Williams says. “Being around a group of people that are just as serious as you are, that's the point of art school. It's about the students.” Since graduating from The Cooper Union, Williams has curated shows in New York, California and at home in Charleston. Williams' work finds beauty in a Southern urban culture that normally has a negative connotation: gold teeth, fake hair, gaudy jewelry. Williams was putting together a solo show in the city for November. He was planning to use jute and custom mouthpieces to convey who he is as an artist.

Photograph by Dan Hale

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Photograph by Dan Hale

Photograph by Wade Spees

ARTS PIPELINE North Charleston is home to a school of the arts that draws high school students from throughout Charleston County. The new arts elementary school will help get North Charleston children into the arts school pipeline.

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T i mo T h y a n d Lu k e S h aw The Shaw brothers are engrossed in Charleston's theater world. Timothy, a sophomore theater major at School of the Arts, says that as a boy, “I tried every sport because I thought sports were the only thing for boys to do. When trying all of these sports, I never had any fun and didn't feel as if I was good enough. I decided sports weren't for me, but I had no clue where to go from there.” Luckily, his drama teacher at Ashley River, Jeff Jordan, recognized his talent. His mother, Tina Shaw, then found her son an outlet in Charleston Stage. Timothy has since played James in “James and the Giant Peach,” Sid Sawyer in “Tom Sawyer” and Templeton in “Charlotte's Web,” among others. He is in rehearsal now as Jonathan Harker in “Dracula” for Charleston Stage, as well as Mayor Shinn and the train conductor for “Music Man,” which is the S.O.A. production this school year. Luke, a fourth-grader at Ashley River, certainly has followed in his brother's footsteps. Also active with Charleston Stage, Luke has

played Michael Darling in “Peter Pan” and he starts rehearsal next month as Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol.” Luke plans to continue his arts education at School of the Arts (above), and hopes to find friends “who also like theater.” The Shaw brothers are grateful for their arts education. Their father, Tim Shaw, puts it like this:

“You know what arts school has done for our boys? Let me tell you this, it has made them more complete people. They have learned at a young age how to stand in front of people. How to speak with confidence. How to be poised in public. … One of the greatest fears in the world is fear of public speaking, and these guys have conquered that by the time they're in the sixth grade.”

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C at h i e M i ddl eton Growing up in Georgetown, Cathie Middleton was involved in the choirs at church. She lived next door to an opera singer and says that more often than not she had “both opera and beach music” swirling through her head at the same time. Middleton's parents frequently took her to the little theater in town, and she was exposed to all kinds of art and performances “growing up during the Ed Sullivan years.” This has translated into her adult life. Middleton has her arts plate full as both the vice principal at Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary and as the program director at North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary. She's excited about her new venture. “It can be difficult to change a school over, so we're excited to start from scratch. It's hard to bring over third- and fourth-graders if they haven't experienced that type of learning before. Sometimes that's hard for children.” Middleton also is eager to become part of the community. “North Charleston has been incredibly supportive.”

Photograph by Dan Hale

An important part of teaching for Middleton is instilling a charitable spirit in her students. “It's really important to me for children to learn to give back to their community,” she says. “I'm hoping the school's impact on the community will also be some positive work coming from the school to the community. I don't know if that's weeding the flower bed out front or if there's a senior

center somewhere we can go visit or send cards to.” A positive impact can be hard to gauge, but Middleton thinks it comes down to this: “Teaching children to be kind to each other, to respect each other, and accept each other for who they are, those kinds of things that we try to teach, which will hopefully have a huge impact on them.” n

LIVING

Q+A BY L I Z R E N N I E

Mary Gould

SOUTH OF BROADWAY THEATRE CO. “I’M STILL HERE,” SAYS MARY GOULD, FOUNDER AND PRODUCER AT SOUTH OF BROADWAY THEATRE COMPANY ON EAST MONTAGUE, THE MAIN DRAG OF NORTH CHARLESTON’S TRENDY HISTORIC DISTRICT. IT’S A FAIR ASSESSMENT THAT SUMMARIZES THE CHALLENGES AND RECENT SUCCESSES OF THE BLOSSOMING THEATER COMPANY. AT THE HEART OF IT ALL IS A DETERMINED AND TALENTED DIRECTOR WHOSE VISION HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER A DIVERSE GROUP OF ACTORS, SINGERS AND PERFORMERS TO FORM A RAG-TAG FAMILY OF CREATIVE SPIRITS. Gould moved to the Charleston area a little more than a decade ago. Born in California, she moved to Brazil at a young age with her missionary parents. Her life path twisted through Asheville, N.C., New York and beyond before finally settling in the Lowcountry. She’s enjoyed success on Broadway and continues to kindle connections with immensely talented performers scattered from L.A. to New

Photograph by Dan Hale

York. Her private voice students benefit from her cache of influences, while she benefits from “a gentler pace” here in North Charleston. Two of her former students are now performing on Broadway. Gould also makes time for travel and big-city performances; she’s playing the upcoming lead of Madeline Mitchell in “Three Decembers,” opening this fall in Pittsburgh. “It’s an intense role,” Gould says. “I have to carve out valuable practice time each and every day to prepare.” Mayor Keith Summey helped Gould find her current space in 2004. She liked what she knew about the plans for the then up-and-coming Park Circle area, and she and her husband, who brought to the table plenty of invaluable business savvy, invested in the dream of owning a venue. At first, there were roadblocks and frustration, but Gould persisted. This year, sales are up. South of Broadway’s audience has grown 34 percent over last year. “I’m most thrilled that our little theater family has stuck together to see this success,” Gould says. “And I love that we’re attracting more and more theater-goers from North Charleston. Over the past several years, the bulk of our audience has driven here from

Visit the south of Broadway theatre Company at 1080 e. montague aVe., north Charleston. tiCket priCes may Vary, But most shows are less than $10. to learn more, Visit southofBroadway.Com.

Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant and the islands, but North Charleston has a burgeoning sector of citizens who are dedicated to the arts and appreciate quality performances. It’s all very refreshing, and quite promising.” It’s still a labor of love, but the payoff of watching art come to life on her very own stage has made every hurdle and challenge worth the effort. When asked about her favorite reward, Gould’s eyes twinkle while recounting tales of Summer in the City, a program that takes selected North Charleston students to New York to live at The Juilliard School for a month of training. “It’s hard to sum up in words what an experience like that can mean for a promising and talented young person who has never before been to New York City,” Gould says. Back on East Montague, the show must go on. Along with South of Broadway’s eclec-

tic offerings, Deuce Theatre, Theatre Verv and the Acoustic Porch with Ann Caldwell provide a diverse cross-section of popular and obscure entertainment. This season, look for The 24 Hour Plays Festival, “The Humbug Holiday Hour: A Deuce Theatre Original,” “Poe; The Conqueror Worm” (adapted from the works of Edgar Allan Poe), “Dirty Blond” and “A Christmas Carol.” Additionally, an acoustical arts performance with Caldwell is held every third Wednesday of the month. “It takes a huge effort from a very dedicated staff,” Gould says. “We have people who work here for free. They donate their time to the arts and to our performers. They’re amazing. “We couldn’t accomplish what we do without the help of our artistic director, assistant and theater education director. Mark Gorman has been volunteering his time for years. It’s people like this who make it all possible.” n

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LIVING

Q+A BY JO H N ST RU B E L

Rob Concannon

S.C. STINGRAYS

ROB CONCANNON IS IN THE POSITION HE’S IN, PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STINGRAYS, BECAUSE OF WHERE HE’S BEEN. AND WHERE HE’S BEEN IS NOW LEGEND. THE STORIES HAVE BEEN CHRONICLED AND PRESERVED IN A FRAME ON HIS OFFICE WALL. Above a leather couch, a black-and-white photo of Concannon – wide-eyed, wild, lighting a firework like it was a cigar – stares back. The photo was taken as part of a revealing 4,000word profile released in Boston Magazine in June 2009. While the article is 2 years old, the stories are part of an archaeological dig spanning two decades of Concannon’s life. “When the article came out, I was a little caught off guard because I didn’t want people to take it the wrong way,” Concannon says. “If you read the article’s first couple lines, you’re taken aback. The stuff that happened in there (pointing to the article) was when I was a younger lad. I was probably a little immature at times. Since that article, I’ve grown up a lot.” When asked to define his reputation, Concannon nods, acknowledging the obvious query, but pauses to think about his response – a new tact for a man with a notorious history of acting without thinking. “That’s a good question,” he starts, then stops and pauses for a moment. Photograph by Dan Hale

B AC K I N T H E DAY Rob Concannon celebrates a tying goal during a Stingrays game in 1998.

The pause is revealing. His past, combined with the published expose, nearly cost him the job as president of the Stingrays. Concannon knows he is about to speak on behalf of a professional organization, his employers and employees, the team, his wife and twins (John Robert and Ella Loraine, born in February) and the community he so passionately embraces. “There were some questions from the ownership, but they know me as a person,” he says. “This was a person who grew up in Boston, who probably at times didn’t act accordingly, but with the help of himself, this city, the sport of hockey, this organization, and learning and growing along the way he’s learned and probably become a better person because of his mistakes.”

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A lot has changed in Concannon’s personal life, but his love for the game of hockey has been a constant since age 3, when his parents laced him up in blades and hoisted him onto the frozen Jamaica Pond at the Boston Public Garden. Within two years, at age 5, he was playing in his first hockey league. He skated his way through grade school and high school, college and professional minor league hockey, including a five-year run with the Stingrays from 1995-2000. He was a member of the 1997 Kelly Cup Championship northcharle Stononline .com

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team. In 2004, after retiring, Concannon was inducted into the Stingrays Hall of Fame. Concannon says he wasn’t interested at the time in coaching, broadcasting or running the organization. “When I was done playing, I never thought I’d want to be the president of the Stingrays one day,” he says. But when former Stingrays president Darren Abbott resigned, he pulled Concannon aside and offered to recommend him for the job. Circumstances have a way of changing your mind. In March 2010, the South Carolina Stingrays named Concannon team president.

G oal R e d e fi n e d There’s a white board next to Concannon’s office door. The X’s and O’s of the game have been replaced by product categories, marketing strategies, sales, dollars and cents. The definition of “goal” has taken on a whole new meaning in Concannon’s life. “It’s a whole different beast,” he says. “During the season, you’re up here 60 hours a week, but what a lot of people might not understand is that the off-season is our busiest time of the year. We're trying to increase season ticket sales, increase corporate revenue; you’re trying to get Cool Ray (the Stingrays mascot) out in the community. You’re trying to buys ads, order merchandise for next year and plug in

holes where people have moved on. I love it. It’s challenging. It keeps you on your toes.” Keeping busy may be the best thing for Concannon. It keeps his mind off the struggles, both on and off the ice, during his first year on the job. “Last year was difficult from Day One,” he says. “We had to replace eight people in the office. Away from the ice we had twins in February while my wife was in Reno, Nevada. That was a tough three months. It really wasn’t a fun year for anyone — from me to the ownership — but I think it was a learning year.” Concannon spent most of the first year immersed in on-the-job training. He leaned on past and present Stingrays employees. He regularly picked Abbott’s brain. He credits office manager Julie Thoennes, who has been with the Stingrays since the team’s inception in 1993, as an invaluable resource. Then there’s Keri, Concannon’s wife, mother to his twins and his biggest supporter. “I have a great wife,” Concannon says. “Taking this job, people don’t understand that you have to have a special partner to do a job like this. I come home from work sometimes and I’ll be tired or stressed and she’ll say, ‘What’s wrong?’ It wasn’t a good day. ‘What did you expect? Did you expect this thing to happen overnight?’ I’ve had to pull myself back and see that this is going to be a process. It’s not going to

happen overnight.” A lot also has changed in the league. When Concannon played, there were 32 teams in the East Coast Hockey League. Everyone knew Rob Concannon, Jason Fitzsimmons, Brett Marietti and Dave Seitz. They’d become part of the fabric of the Lowcountry community. A decade-and-a-half later, there are 20 teams. “It’s kind of hard to swallow as a person who played hockey his whole life, who played here for five years and saw what it was,” Concannon says. “I had to embrace the fact that we have a good core of people who come to the games because they love the Stingrays and they love hockey, but we have to get more hockey fans and we have to be an entertainment source for people in the community, make them have a good time at the game and want to come back.” Concannon has refocused his efforts to the game within the game. The Stingrays have invested in a new scoreboard, a new sound system, and have 32 weekend home games this season. Concannon is excited about the Stingrays in 2011-12. Maybe we’ll even catch a glimpse of the old Rob, dancing and celebrating on the ice after a Rays win. It would be a signal that the South Carolina Stingrays are back on top, filling the coliseum, winning games, creating an exciting, entertaining brand of hockey. n

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Biz brief CPM

BY L I Z R E N N I E

A HOME-GROWN BANK Anchoring a slew of financial institutions along the East Montague corridor, CPM is a tradition that began with the opening of the paper mill in 1955. It serves the community by maintaining fair interest rates and caters to hardworking blue-collar clients who need a friendly bank that provides superior online and personal service. People living paycheck to paycheck will be comfortable walking into CPM for financial assistance. Tellers and managers pride themselves on knowing their regular customers’ names. “Here, you’re a person, not a number,” says Patty Bivens, marketing manager for CPM. CPM is leading a movement to educate local young people about financial literacy. By opening two in-school branches, one in Greg Mathis Charter High and another in Eagle Nest Elementary, the bank is helping the next generation learn the importance of financial responsibility. Students manage all aspects of their local branch, from teller duties to branch manager. The programs in these schools have been so successful, that there is talk of spreading it to more local schools. “This has been so rewarding. We all learned together, and we want to provide this service for more Lowcountry students,” Bivens says. You can catch the CPM team out and about on Montague during lunch breaks at such popular spots as Madra Rua and Sesame. Employees adore their prime location, and are renovating the building next door for an addition. “We’d love to see even more retail along this street to complement the restaurants and other businesses already thriving here,” Bivens says. N

Photograph by Dan Hale

TERRESSENTIA O.Z. “Ty” Tyler (left) and Earl D. Hewlette.

In Fine Spirits: Terressentia

BY C A RO L I N E O ' H AGA N

NORTH CHARLESTON IS HOME TO THE FIRST DISTILLER LICENSED IN SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE THE PROHIBITION ERA, TERRESSENTIA. BUT DON’T PLAN ON PICKING UP A CASE OR TWO WITH A PRIVATE LABEL TO CLASS UP YOUR WEDDING OR FAMILY REUNION. THE COMPANY SELLS ONLY TO WHOLESALERS. But you can enjoy its award-winning vodkas, gins, rums, tequilas and bourbons at such local outlets as TBonz Restaurant Group, Pearlz Oyster Bar and Maverick Southern Kitchens. Terressentia doesn’t even distill anything itself. Instead, its patented Terrepure process purifies ordinary distilled liquors into madeto-order spirits that are smoother to the taste. The six-hour process, invented by O.Z. “Ty” Tyler and Edward Bailey, accelerates fermentation and filtration and removes the harshtasting elements that produce acidic flavors. “We are primarily a technology business,” says Chief Executive Officer Earl D. Hewlette. “The value of our company lies in the terrepure process.” While the company is licensed to distill, it

primarily buys high-proof products and reduces them with distilled water. Once they are diluted, 250 gallons are placed in machines about the size of a microwave for transformation. “There are three methods for producing spirits: fermentation, distillation or aging,” Hewlette says. “But they produce incomplete reactions. The terrepure process uses ultrasonic energy to make incomplete reactions complete, allowing us to get rid of more congeners (unwanted byproducts) than other methods and in less time.” Tyler says Terressentia’s liquors have competed in six international competitions, winning a total of 30 medals.

FI N D I N G IT S N I C H E Most notably, Terressentia offers opportunities for businesses to create specialty

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liquor labels and brands. From the initial concept to the manufacturing details, Terressentia works with its customers to provide the highest quality liquors and packaging. It custom tailors spirits to strengthen the image of any business looking to distinguish itself. “We offer a broader range than most businesses,” Tyler says. “We have 40 products we can make at any time for someone who requests our business, making us a distinguished choice.” Terressentia’s experienced chefs select the ingredients for the flavored spirits, using fresh fruits, herbs, nuts and extracts. Unlike other flavoring techniques, the terrepure process integrates and binds the flavors so they remain distinctive and vivid. “While most industries simply mix in their flavor, we introduce flavor during the terrepure process,” Hewlette says. “Because of how we add flavor, it’s bright on the tongue and doesn’t fall out when poured in the glass.” The company says this method allows the flavors to blend in a more “sophisticated” way, even when the liquors are mixed with other products such as tonic water. As one sips any of the flavored spirits, Terressentia says, the flavors will immediately fill the palate rather than arriving as an aftertaste. A sampling of Terressentia’s products is always offered to potential clients and visitors. The company says the terrepure process truly removes the bitter flavor found in spirits processed through other methods. The difference is most notable in the rum. Tyler attributes this to the terrepure’s removal of the “bite” because it allows drinkers to notice flavors in the rum they normally would not have tasted. Terressentia’s gin (made from 12 botanicals), tequila and bourbon, which consists of a caramel coloring rather than the traditional brown, also demonstrate a prominent improvement in quality. And there is science to back up the claims. The University of South Carolina Moore

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TerresenTia address: Patriot Boulevard, North CharlestoN. 25,000-square-foot sPaCe. employees: 25, iNCludiNg 12 sales rePreseNtatives privaTe label sales TerriTories: 14 states, uP from two. ouTpuT: Bottles, aBout 500,000 Cases worth a year. incorporaTed: 2007; reCeived federal aNd state distilled sPirits PlaNt Permits iN JaNuary of that year. School of Business conducted a blind consumer tasting that found the Terressentia vodka, bourbon, spiced rum and tequila to be superior to market labels. Terressentia also was involved with a College of Charleston research project where students worked with different methods of chemical analysis. They discovered a high level of glyceride being produced, contributing, in part, to the smooth taste.

Le t ’ s take a to u r The company recently expanded, allowing it to reach a larger customer base and improve quality control. “One of the most important improvements to our expansion is we have an air-conditioned space now,” Hewlette says. “This prevents us from being affected by the changing conditions and temperatures of the seasons, allowing us to easily produce the same product every time.” As visitors enter the Patriot Boulevard facility, they see glass display cases featuring some of the labels Terressentia has created for its customers. Straight ahead is a room used for testing quality control and flavoring to “ensure the consistency of the products.”

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To the right is the tasting room. Proceeding down the hall, guests pass walls covered with framed articles featuring Terressentia; at the end is the production facility. The large warehouse is filled with boxes packed with distillates and products waiting to be shipped. The terrepure process housed here can bottle 60 cases an hour, according to Hewlette. The expansion enabled the company to keep up with the high number of orders from more than 250 clients. Its customers, some from out of state, include restaurant chains, resorts, caterers, hotels, liquor store chains, grocery stores and cruise lines. The company plans to open in Georgia, Texas, Indiana, New York, Connecticut and California. It is adding 15 employees at the end of the month to help with the expansion. When asked where the inspiration for the terrepure process came from, Tyler had a simple response. “No one had done anything to work on a new method for hundreds of years. And I thought, why use a method for vodka where it has to be distilled five times or wait several years for bourbon while it sits in a barrel? So Edward and I asked ourselves, ‘How can we do it better?’ “ n

Photographs by Dan Hale

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Biz brief Landmark

BY L I Z R E N N I E

MANAGING 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET

NORTH CHUCK BEER Joel Carl (left) and Chris Brown of Holy City Brewing.

We Love Beer HOLY CITY BREWING BY L I Z R E N N I E IT ALL STARTED WITH A BIKE. JOEL CARL OWNS A PEDICAB BUSINESS IN CHARLESTON. SO WHAT DOES HAULING TOURISTS AROUND DOWNTOWN HAVE TO DO WITH BREWING BEER IN NORTH CHUCK, YOU MIGHT ASK. THE OFF-SEASON. “During the off-season, things would get real slow. We’d be so bored at the pedicab gig. We had to come up with annual projects to keep ourselves entertained. A few years ago, we decided to make beer during the offseason. That was the best project ever,” says Sean Nemitz, who has been with the operation from the start. The bike-cum-brewery business has pedaled northward, and parked off Dorchester Road in a warehouse behind an event rental shop and, fittingly, a motorcycle showroom. A hodgepodge of small businesses comprises the bustling corridor. Owners Carl, Mac Munuado, Nemitz and Chris Brown have tucked their brewery into a cavernous space that is quickly filling with machinery and supplies. As of this printing, it will be filled with aficionados and curious beer lovers eager to tour the facility. “We don’t have much signage yet,” Brown says. “But we don’t want a lot of people to find us until things are all set.” These guys are perfectionists. “The first batch we put through wasn’t perfect. We were all so eager and had an order to fill, but it was just a bit off,” Brown says. “So we scrapped it and started over. Now we’re hitting our stride.”

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When it comes to beer, perfection is worth the wait. Brown, the head brewmaster, walks to stacks of what look like animal feed. He carefully scoops out a fragrant handful of hops. “Taste this,” he says. “My girlfriend loves this stuff.” His girlfriend is on to something. The Bohemian Pilsner hops were so flavorful and earthy; it was a beautiful mix of sunflower and hay. Turning the raw ingredients into Holy City beer is part science experiment, part philosophical endeavor and part contact sport. The guys at the brewery each have their area of expertise, and the blend is nothing short of art. They’re aiming for some simple staples, brews that buddies can get excited about, but also drink on a regular basis. The Fish Bowl series is an easy beer to drink and a pleasure to sip. The “Shifty,” an ode to the food and beverage industry that knows a thing or two about quality suds, looks to be another frontrunner. But they’re not above trying their hand at a Lowcountry specialty such as the oyster stout that will involve every last part of the oyster. Or, one that North Charleston and beyond is especially excited about this season: Pecan Brown Ale. N

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Founded in 1974 by Eugene Blanton, Landmark Enterprises Inc. has grown to encompass one of the most impressive commercial real estate portfolios in the region. It manages more than a million square feet of space, and 85 percent of that space is in North Charleston. And now, with companies eager for commercial and warehouse space in the hottest spot in the Southeast, things are good for the local group. Landmark signed its first Boeing supplier this year. It’s a sign of things to come, and yet the company remains mindful of where it came from. The team at Landmark is so client/tenant focused that it is able to operate with a turnkey process. The full-service approach includes tenant and owner representation, build-to-suit and speculative projects, property management and third-party properties. Landmark’s vast base of connections offers an agility and speed in closing projects that is hard to match. Within the business-friendly environment of North Charleston, slow and steady growth has been key. “Clients are drawn to the local flair and charm of the area,” says Jason Ward, development manager for the company. “And North Charleston is already looking for a solution to help create good jobs in the area. It’s a win-win for everyone.” Some of the developments that Landmark has helped nurture to fruition are Scotts Fertilizer, SKF, Robert’s Oxygen, TWL Precision, the Remount Business Park, SRC, SAIC and Stanley. Landmark employs 15 people who bring a creative approach to the business of helping companies and jobs find a comfortable home in North Charleston and beyond. N

BY JO H N ST RU B E L

Green Build

TITAN ATLAS MANUFACTURING

GREEN IS NO LONGER JUST A COLOR, IT’S A LIFESTYLE. YOU’VE HEARD THE GREENSPEAK: SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN, SMART, EFFICIENT, RENEWABLE. THEY’VE ALL BEEN USED TO REDEFINE GREEN IN THE 21ST CENTURY. IN FACT, JEREMY BLACKBURN RARELY COMPLETES A SENTENCE WITHOUT FALLING INTO GREENSPEAK. “Our houses are 100 percent sustainable,” says Blackburn, chief executive officer for Titan Atlas Manufacturing in North Charleston. “There’s no wood in the house except for the cabinets. So, it’s sustainable. It’s extremely energy efficient. It has a monolithic thermal envelope, so it’s very easy to heat and cool.” For Blackburn, greenspeak comes naturally. This is what he does. Blackburn and his team of 21 employees at Titan Atlas build renewable, sustainable, affordable housing products. The TAM homes are constructed from

recyclable materials including steel, glass, concrete and insulation. According to Titan Atlas, 95 percent of the construction materials used to build the house can be recycled. The traditional home that once took six to nine months to complete now can be constructed in as little as 14 to 17 days. This isn’t a concept, but a reality, says Blackburn, spinning his computer screen to show off photos of a house built in Haiti over the summer. “The house was made entirely by hand,” Blackburn says. “They didn’t even have

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power on the site. It’s something that can be integrated, whether it’s a 36-squaremeter social house to a 10,000-square-foot mansion. The structural components are the same and we are a building products manufacturer.”

H ow i s tH i s p o s s i b le ? Titan Atlas has designed the TAMKit, a complete homebuilding kit. Blackburn says the company has applied the car manufacturing concept to homebuilding, using a “vertically integrated” supply chain that significantly reduces construction time and labor, while eliminating subcontracting costs. More than 90 percent of the products are manufactured in the United States. “We are trying to manufacture building products, but the reality is, the manufacturing and industrialization process makes things cost less,” he says. “I don’t sell 2-by4’s; I don’t sell shingles; I sell a complete building solution. Our goal is to provide a complete solution that they can build themselves with local labor. We want to be able to take the best products, the best technology and make them so that they don’t cost more. Usually sustainable and green mean more; (money), we want it to mean less.”

s e rvi n g tH e wo r ld

Nightlife galleries at

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The TAMKit officially hit the market in May, and units have been shipped to Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, South America, Argentina and, this fall, will be going to Africa and the Middle East. The kit will be used to build homes and schools. One particular product being integrated into the package, the BTPS 6500 Wind Turbine, is a life-changer. “In the U.S., we have a very low cost of power,” Blackburn says. “Other countries don’t share that advantage. Eighty-nine percent of Africa has no power grid. The only power they have is off diesel generators.” TAM’s wind turbine is a gearless, motorless, efficient product that begins turning at 1 mph and begins producing power at 2 mph, unlike the traditional wind turbine, which starts producing power at about 8 mph. “The combination of our housing with the wind turbine, we’re able to go in and offer governments a great solution to, not only housing, it’s also energy. They actually have power in their house,” Blackburn says. “It changes their lives.”

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TiTan aTlas ManufacTuring: 158,000 square feet (formerly lockheed martin) on Pace street, north charleston. EMployEEs: 21 full-time producTion capaciTy: 6,000 kits (or homes) Per year producTs: tamkits, led lighting, aPPliances, wiring, doors, windows, countertoPs, fiber, Panels, wind turbine

A g iAnt fi r st ste p Titan Atlas Manufacturing began building its first U.S. home in late August. The buyer: North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. Blackburn and Summey are both proponents of green technology and sustainability, so after a tour of the facility, the North Charleston mayor “saw a huge need locally for not only affordable housing, but quality housing,” Blackburn says. Summey was impressed enough to lend his name and real estate, pioneering local construction by purchasing the first locally built home. Summey's wife owns the North Charleston restaurant Aunt Bee's at 1050 E. Montague Ave. Near the restaurant, Titan Atlas is building a two-story duplex that will be rented and will include Titan's wind turbine. Summey’s two-story duplex is expected to be finished this fall and available for rent. From beginning to end: six weeks. “I think there is a housing demand in the U.S. right now,” Blackburn says. “It’s not a demand for that $230,000 median house. It’s the demand for the person who is paying $600-$900 in rent. If they could own a house for that, they would gladly do that.” “I’m a big proponent of green, but the reality and sad truth is that green costs more money,” Blackburn says. “I think most people want to do good, (but) when doing good costs them a premium, whether it’s 20 percent or 50 percent more, that’s a lot of money. We didn’t start out trying to build the greenest solutions, but this is a significant product that is not going to harm the environment. It’s sustainable.” n

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PL AYING

CONFEDERATE SUBMARINE Conservators have preserved a pair of binoculars used by Lt. George Dixon, commander of the of the H. L. Hunley. To see artifacts and the Civil War submarine, visit the conservation lab at 1250 Supply St.

VISITORS TO NORTH CHARLESTON WON’T EVER RUN OUT OF THINGS TO SEE AND PLACES TO GO. THE CITY’S ATTRACTIONS RUN THE GAMUT FROM A CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE TO A TOP-NOTCH GOLF COURSE AND A POPULAR WATERPARK. NOT ENOUGH? HEAD OVER TO THE COLISEUM FOR WORLD-CLASS CONCERTS — NORTH CHARLESTON IS WHERE THE BIG NAMES COME TO PLAY.

Attractions IN NORTH CHARLESTON

NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 5001 COLISEUM DRIVE

WANNAMAKER COUNTY PARK Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark, located inside Wannamaker County Park, occasionally hosts a day just for doggies.

SPRING / SUMMER 2010

WANNAMAKER COUNTY PARK 8888 UNIVERSITY BLVD.

North Charleston’s premier event destination opened more than 15 years ago. This state-of-the art facility attracts top-name concerts, sporting extravaganzas, skating events and hockey games. The coliseum is home to the South Carolina Stingrays, part of the East Coast Hockey League and three-time defending Kelly Cup Champions. The 3,000-seat North Charleston Performing Arts Center was added to the coliseumconvention center complex in 1999, and a 15,000-square-foot expansion program began in 2011. This most recent project includes the recently completed, $18 million Montague Terrace performance and event space. For show times and more information, visit coliseumpac.com.

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Wannamaker Park offers visitors the chance to explore more than 1,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands and, in the summer months, enjoy a wildly popular water park. Amenities include miles of paved trails, picnic sites with grills, two playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, a park center with a snack bar and restrooms, a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Wannamaker is home to Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark, a seasonal attraction that features slides, kiddie pools and wave pools. Gate fees are $1 per person, free for children 2 years old and younger. For park fees and hours, which vary by season, visit ccprc. com. Admission to Whirlin’ Waters runs from $10.99 to $19.99, depending on visitors' ages and time of day. For details on admission and park hours, visit ccprc.com.

Photographs by Brad Nettles (top) and Tyrone Walker

HUNLEY TOURS 1250 SUPPLY ST. The wreck of the Civil War submarine Hunley was lifted from the Atlantic Ocean floor in 2000. The storied vessel had rested there since 1863, when it sank with her crew of eight men soon after participating in what is widely referred to as the first sinking of a naval vessel by a submarine. Now, this unique piece of history is preserved in North Charleston at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. Looking at the cramped quarters aboard, thinking of eight men hand-cranking a propeller, imagining the bravery it must have entailed – all are worthy of the price of admission. Hunley tours are available every Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The last tour begins at 4:40 p.m. Tours are not available on weekdays — that’s when scientists continue their preservation work on the Hunley. Tickets are $12 and can be bought on site or by calling 1-877-448-6539 or at etix.com. Children under 5 are admitted free. Tickets for Friends of the Hunley society members, senior citizens and military are discounted to $10. For more information, visit hunley.org.

Cooper River, the park is next to the historic homes once occupied by the Charleston Naval Base officers and is surrounded by grand oak trees and peaceful river vistas. The park features a large boardwalk, fishing sites, charcoal grills, a covered pavilion and dozens of picnic tables next to a modern playground. The park also features a contemporary performance pavilion and the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected to honor the military personnel and civilians who served on the base. Riverfront Park also is home to the city’s Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. A component of the North Charleston Arts Festival, the exhibition features large-scale contemporary sculptures throughout the year.

The golf course is open daily 7 a.m.-6 p.m. during winter months and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. during summer months. Greens fees start at $31. For more information, visit wescottgolf.com.

CITY ART GALLERY 5001 COLISEUM DRIVE The North Charleston City Gallery features two-dimensional works by international, national and local artists in a variety of subjects and media. Exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists in the gallery space each month. Visitors can purchase prints, notecards, jewelry and gift items made by local artists. The gallery is located in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

FIRE MUSEUM 4975 CENTRE POINTE DRIVE The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center is next to the Tanger Outlet Mall, about 2 miles from Charleston International Airport. This museum houses the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance firefighting equipment in the country. The 26,000-square-foot museum opened in 2007 and houses 18 fire trucks and priceless oneof-a-kind firefighting artifacts. Admission is $6; children 12 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MondaySaturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit legacyofheroes.org.

RIVERFRONT PARK The rejuvenation of the former navy base and nearby Park Circle neighborhood represent one of the most sweeping changes to the city of North Charleston in recent years. The development of Riverfront Park has been a key aspect of this revitalization. The park is open to the public year-round and has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the

Photograph by Grace Beahm

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP North Charleston offers some of the best holiday shopping in the Lowcountry. Explore Tanger Outlet (above) and the huge retail corridor along Rivers Avenue.

Public park hours are daylight to dark unless otherwise scheduled. For more information and directions, visit northcharleston.org.

THE GOLF CLUB AT WESCOTT PLANTATION 5000 WESCOTT CLUB DRIVE North Charleston’s premier golf facility was developed with the richest traditions of Lowcountry golf in mind. The 27-hole course, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, captures traditional flavor through low-flowing earthworks, classic bunkering and native vegetation. The course also offers five tees per hole for all levels of golfers. Wescott’s antebellum-style clubhouse can accommodate up to 300 guests and ranks as one of the Lowcountry’s top event venues.

DISC GOLF PARK CIRCLE The Park Circle Disc Golf course is located on the outer eight islands of historic Park Circle and runs around the entire perimeter of “The Circle.” While technically nine holes, the course can be played in two directions, offering a true “18-hole” experience. Natural beauty combines with proximity to the revitalized Old Village district on East Montague Avenue, allowing golfers to play a round or two and then retire to the “19th hole” at any of East Montague Avenue’s many restaurants and bars. Open play is Monday-Sunday, daylightdark. If interested in playing doubles, meet at the #1 tee, Tuesdays at 5 p.m., for play beginning at 6 p.m. N

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DINING

CHAMPION PIE The wood-fired pistachio-pesto pizza at EVO (Extra Virgin Oven) restaurant in Park Circle has been named the best pizza in South Carolina and one of the 50 best pies in the country. The honor came in the September 2011 issue of Food Network Magazine after a six-month nationwide search by the editors.

ANNA BELL’S 10 STOREHOUSE ROW, 843-554-5333 Situated in the Navy Yard at Noisette, Anna Bell’s is cut from familiar cloth. The same folks behind the Locklear’s restaurants in Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant own the breakfast and lunch bistro. Anna Bell’s accordingly sticks to the tried-and-true, serving comfort food in cozy environs. One could make a pretty good meal just from the appetizers. For your consideration: fried green tomatoes with dill shallot mayo, tasty corn fritters and baskets of hush puppies and corn bread with honey butter. Other options include homemade meatloaf, fried fish, buttermilk fried chicken and oven-roasted pork loin dressed in red-eye gravy.

AUNT BEA’S RESTAURANT 1050 EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-554-3007 Aunt Bea’s delivers an array of homespun meals from its homey quarters in the Olde Village of North Charleston. Southern favorites such as fried chicken, hamburger steak, fried pork chops, meat loaf, chicken bog and chicken and dumplings distinguish the menu. Specials rotate daily, along with an assortment of sides, including green beans,

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Dining

IN NORTH CHARLESTON HUNGRY? THEN BELLY UP TO THE BAR OR GRAB A TABLE. NORTH CHARLESTON’S GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED, FROM FAST FOOD TO TRENDY RESTAURANTS. GOT ANOTHER LISTING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE IN OUR NEXT EDITION? SEND AN E-MAIL TO EDITOR@NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.

mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni salad, apple sauce and Aunt Bea’s exceedingly popular deviled eggs. Opened in 1998, the restaurant also dishes up salads and sandwiches such as tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad. Besides, other than City Hall, Aunt Bea’s is probably the best place to catch North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. His wife, Debbie, runs the restaurant.

BIG BILLY'S BURGER JOINT 5070 INTERNATIONAL BLVD., 843-747-4949 At first blush, it's an odd perch. But there it is: a Bahamian-influenced burger joint in a retail center with Quizno's, La Hacienda and Starbucks. At Big Billy's, burgers made from hormone- and antibiotic-free beef are topped with lettuce, tomatoes and onions that were

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raised in the state and cushioned by pillowy buns from the Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery. Plus, the mustard, ketchup, garlic mayo and chipotle mayo are made in-house.

CORK NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO 1067 EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-2675 Cork comes courtesy of proprietor Tradd Ashley Gibbs, a third-generation North Charlestonian. He chose the bistro’s name to recognize the sustainability of cork materials, appropriate considering the restaurant’s usage of refurbished or repurposed fixtures. On whole, the exposed beams, raised ceiling and chandeliers create a stylish backdrop. A seasonal menu occasionally fixes on local items, such as oyster mushrooms from Mepkin Abbey, but also stretches to include

Photograph by Teresa Taylor

PEI mussels, North Atlantic wild salmon and beef from the Painted Hills Ranch in Wheeler County, Ore. An additional pair of winners: the Croque Monsieur sandwich, rich with gruyere cheese, black forest ham and smooth béchamel sauce; and the roasted pork loin sandwich, smeared with double cream brie, a sweet onion marmalade and grain mustard.

DOE’S PITA 5134 N. RHETT AVE., 843-745-0026 Doe’s Pita is an enigma, stuffed into a singlefamily house on North Rhett Avenue. Two ladies use a variety of slowcookers and other household kitchen gear to produce very tasty salads, soups and sandwiches perfect for a picnic or lunch at the office. Grab a quick bite at a tiny table indoors or picnic at the tables in the front yard. The baba ganoush alone is worth a stop.

EVO 1075 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-1796 If you had an “Extra Virgin Oven” (“EVO”) pizza in their early days, it was from the only place you could get it: the trailer-based wood oven that owners Ricky Hacker and Matt McIntosh set up at farmers’ markets and street corners. Now they have a slick, bright restaurant producing the same crisp, well-dressed pies. Ingredients are obsessively sourced locally, and fresh and bright flavors are the results, whether pizza, salad, soup or panini.

GENNARO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE 8500 DORCHESTER ROAD, 843-760-9875 This is old-school American Italian at its best. The décor hasn’t changed much in the 28 years Gennaro’s has been open, and the menu hasn’t either. Think red sauce and meatballs, veal and eggplant Parmesan, iceberg lettuce salads and spumoni, and you’ve got a timeless recipe for an Italian restaurant. A few newer items are miniature “gourmet pizzas,” steak and fish dishes and New York style pizza, but the piccatas and marsalas and Bolognese are all there too. Prices are relatively gentle, and the traditional dishes satisfy thoroughly. Get a glass of the house red, a bowl of red and spaghetti, and let the evening unfold.

GRINGO'S FRESH SOUTHWEST 3032 W. MONTAGUE AVE., 843- 718-2225 Gringo's, a self-styled “Kinda sorta Mexicanish” place, dishes up a familiar bill of tacos, overstuffed burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, nachos and taco salads inside crispy tortilla

Photograph by Alan Hawes

THE NEXT GENERATION Trident Technical College culinary students run a full food-service operation in a sophisticated facility on campus. The public can dine most weekdays of the fall school year. shells. The restaurant fills up tortillas with your choice of chicken, steak, ground beef and tofu, along with rice and beans. These are generously sized portions, straight up Americanized or “Gringo-ized” tacos and burritos.

JIM 'N NICK'S BAR-B-Q. 4964 CENTRE POINT DRIVE, 843-747-3800 Jim 'N Nick's bills itself as a Southern kitchen, blessing diners with such down-home provisions as pulled pork barbecue, hickorysmoked beef brisket, spare ribs and those teeny-weeny, oh-so-cute and oh-so-addictive cheese muffins. The restaurant has managed to pull off a rare double feat, inspiring loyal devotees and critical praise. The restaurant cleaves to the ole grilling mantra of “low 'n' slow,” cooking its pork shoulders for 20 hours. The result: fine, tender, smoky bites, served as a sandwich or as a meal with a pair of sides.

LA NORTENA TAQUERIA GRILL 6275 RIVERS AVE., 843-225-7055 By now, La Nortena might as well be considered el abuelo of Charleston-area Mexican restaurants. La Nortena provides traditional dishes such as al pastor, lengua (beef tongue) and bistec (grilled beef steak) burritos, tacos and platters. A quartet of free sauces served table-side guarantee a strong first impression. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, carnitas La Nortena (seasoned chunks of pork set with rice and refried beans) provides confirmation. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s carniceria, including these considerations: chorizo, carnitas, carne seca (dried beef), palo-

mila (top sirloin) and arrachera (skirt steak).

MADRA RUA 1034 EAST MONTAGUE AVE., 843-554-2522 Much respect is given to Madra Rua, a pub faithful to its Irish pedigree. The carefully designed bar and restaurant features dark wooden furniture, low ceilings, several alcoves and, naturally, Guinness on tap. Patrons take seats at the bar or settle into snug booths to look over a menu containing selections of Irish extract. The pub serves such traditional Gaelic fare as shepherd’s pie, corn beef and cabbage, and fisherman’s pie, a dish of white fish and shrimp set with mashed potatoes, cheese and a creamy sauce.

MANNY'S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 3032 W. MONTAGUE AVE. 843-789-4350 Manny's Mediterranean Cafe focuses on pita sandwiches, hand-tossed pizzas, authentic Greek specialties and platters and, of course, gyros. Long the restaurant's top seller, Manny's roasts its gyro meat in a tall, vertical spit, carving out the strips for inclusion on pita bread, along with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce.

MARIE’S DINER 5646 RIVERS AVE., 843-554-1250 And at first glance it may seem like most other hole-in-the-wall “meat-n-three” restaurants – but trust me this is a good thing. Order your meat and sides and the wait staff will pile up your plate from the buffet line. Can’t decide on one meat? Too many sides to choose from? No problem. Marie’s is all you can eat! Finished with your fried chicken? Order

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up some pork chops! Polish off your mac-ncheese before the green beans? Just hop up and get some more! Wash it all down with sweet tea, loosen your belt a notch, and consider a nap instead of heading back to work.

MARKET STREET SALOON 7690 NORTHWOODS BLVD., 843-576-4116 How do you prefer your barbecue? Smoked over hickory? Splashed with vinegar sauce? The Market Street Saloon Smokehouse and Grill serves up its ‘cue with a side of showmanship. The restaurant’s staff performs a number of choreographed, boot-stompin’ dances each evening to complement the joint’s blue-ribbon barbecue, beef brisket, burgers and wings. The Saloon draws from all reaches of the barbecue landscape, concocting sauces provincial to Orangeburg, eastern North Carolina, Memphis and Kansas City. No matter your taste, Market Street makes for an ideal honky-tonk headquarters.

MEI THAI. 7685 A NORTHWOODS BLVD: 843-824-8887 Mei Thai draws from the East, capturing Vietnamese, Cantonese, Thai and other Asian flavors, as the restaurant has won steady business and standing from North Charleston diners. At Mei Thai, the 101-item menu rustles up a multitude of noodle and rice dishes, running the gamut of typical Thai tastes: peppery, sour, salty and sweet.

MIKASA ROOM AT TRIDENT TECH 7000 RIVERS AVE., 843-820-5097 If you’re feeling a little down in the wallet but crave a fine-dining experience, Trident Technical College culinary students can help. These students run a full food-service operation on campus in a sophisticated new facility, and the public can dine most weekdays of the fall school year. The two teaching kitchens are visible from the dining room, and the menus reflect students’ willingness to please. Less sophisticated menus are a mere $8, and the more complex a mere $12. You won’t get to see a detailed menu in advance, so a spirit of adventure is helpful, but you can choose dates that feature a type of cuisine you enjoy.

NIGEL'S GOOD FOOD 3760 ASHLEY PHOSPHATE ROAD, 843-552-0079. Nigel's Good Food aims to offer “just what your soul needs.” The chopped Ol' Skool

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TASTE AS GOOD AS THEY LOOK The sweet potato fries at Sesame in Park Circle. They don't get any better than this. Steak has onions, bell peppers and gravy, and two sides, while the Big Country Rib-eye is enough for two. The appetizers mix in familiar Lowcountry mainstays: fried okra; deviled crab cakes, pan fried and accompanied with corn relish; and fried green tomatoes crowned with creamy grits, corn relish and roasted red pepper coulis.

THE NOISY OYSTER 7842 RIVERS AVE., 843-824-1000 One of several Lowcountry locations, The Noisy Oyster is a place that has the look and feel of a beachy seafood shack, no matter how far it is from saltwater. Thatched roofs and surfboards adorn the ceilings, tropical ceiling fans spin lazily, and fishing imagery is everywhere. The menu is, of course, mostly about seafood, and is served up in myriad ways. Coconut shrimp, calamari, grilled tuna, whole fried flounder, shrimp and grits, and the favorite steam pot are but a few options. Family-friendly, The Noisy Oyster offers food and fun for everyone.

PARK PIZZA CO. 1028 E. MONTAGUE AVE., 843-225-7275 Evo gets a lot of press for pizza in Park Circle, but Park Pizza has made it to its first anniversary in the neighborhood making mighty fine pizza, too, plus calzones, sandwiches and salads. The shop is tiny, and in summer heats up with the red-hot ovens running fullblast. But there is sidewalk seating, a take-out option … and Park Pizza delivers, too. Locals (and the employees, surely) look forward to cooler weather, when Park Pizza might lose their self-awarded title, “Hottest Restaurant

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in Town!” Regardless, the casual yet professional attitude and fine pies make this a “hot spot” no matter the season.

PHO #1 H&L ASIAN MARKET 5300-1 RIVERS AVE., 843-745-9623 A restaurant inside a grocery store, Pho #1 serves pho: Big bowls of tasty broth packed with noodles, meats and veggies. They only take cash, so be sure to have some on hand, and order as you begin your shopping. While the noodles heat, peruse the wide array of Asian produce, seafood and staple items. By the time you’re done, your noodles will be waiting for you. Eat in the dining area or have it packed up to go; either way, by the time you’ve squeezed your limes and topped the bowl with Thai basil and chilis, you’ll know why you see so many Asian folks eating here.

POLLO TROPICAL CHARCOAL GRILL 5335 DORCHESTER ROAD, 843-552-0015 The smoke makes an undeniable first impression, drifting from the kitchen of Pollo Tropical Charcoal Grill, a small restaurant situated in an old Dorchester Road strip mall. The restaurant serves a terrific spread: full slabs of pork and beef ribs, skirt steak, and half and whole chickens. The key description is al carbon, which relates to the choice technique of cooking meat over coals. They’ve mastered the method at Pollo Tropical, allowing the smoke to provide real flavor. Beyond the staples, the oversize platters also contain yellow rice, slaw, pinto beans, tortillas, bread, or for an extra fee, fried yuca, plantains and fries.

Photograph by Brad Nettles

There are few things in this world more universally loved than chicken fingers. Breaded, hot, crunchy-juicy chicken fingers: Seriously, have you ever met anyone who doesn't love 'em? Raising Cane’s chicken fingers are made from fresh, premium chicken tenderloins. Their fries are crinkle-cut from Grade-A, extra-long potatoes and the coleslaw is mixed fresh daily. A thick slice of Texas toast brushed with butter and garlic and grilled on a flat top brings it all home. Dig in.

sesaMe BURgeRs anD BeeRs 4726 sPRUiLL Ave., 843-554-4903 For burger devotees, Sesame holds uncommon appeal. The restaurant builds everything from scratch, including its half-pound, house-ground burgers along with salad dressings, pickles and, yup, the condiments, too. Choose from the Italian burger, capped with fresh basil and bleu cheese; the Park Circle with sharp cheddar cheese, coleslaw, barbecue sauce and tomato; the South Carolina, slathered in homemade pimiento cheese; or even the Memphis, an Elvis-aided creation made with homemade peanut but-

ter, bacon and banana slices. Of course, other selections deserve mentioning, such as the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and chargrilled corn on the cob. Ditto for the beer, a strong collection of 60-plus varieties.

siLVa sPOOn CaFe 5080 RiveRs Ave., 843-544-5333 For the soul food establishment, talk often turns to the “sides”: fried okra, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, hushpuppies and the like. They’re as indispensable as salt and pepper, and best served beside deep-fried ribs, fried chicken, pork chops or even oxtail. But one of the most unappreciated extras? Lima beans, particularly when rendered soft, salty and smoky. The Silva Spoon Cafe serves some of the best around, spooning the beans onto a heaping bed of white rice. Nearly as good? The restaurant’s alternating, daily specials: turkey wings, jumbo butterfly shrimp, meatloaf, barbecue chicken, beef lasagna, jerk chicken and chitterlings.

TePPanyaki gRiLL 5900 RiveRs Ave., 843-746-9882 Teppanyaki describes a Japanese style of cooking that uses a steel-top grill to prepare

food. But in North Charleston, they aren't just grilling. They're frying and fricasseeing, stewing and steaming, smothering and covering, simmering and searing. The Teppanyaki Grill and Supreme Buffet lives up to its promise, cranking out a mountain of cuisine: sushi and deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese and egg drop soup, stuffed crabs and lo mein, Pekingstyle spare ribs and pizza. The sheer expanse is remarkable, counting upward of 200 items, including the cook-to-order hibachi service.

WesCOTT BaR & gRiLL 5000 WesCOTT CLUB DRive, 843-871-2135 The 27-hole Golf Club at Wescott Plantation provides an easy introduction to the Wescott Bar and Grill, a well-appointed gathering spot on the course grounds. A spacious clubhouse houses the bar/restaurant, along with meeting spaces and a pro shop. The menu is limited but chocked with favorites: burgers, wings, chicken fingers, quesadillas, pizza and grilled flatbread sandwiches. Order the “Eagle,” an appropriately titled half-pound Angus burger, which is cooked to temperature, outfitted with your choice of toppings and served on a ciabatta bun. No worries, either. It’s a public course, so everyone’s welcome. n

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Raising Cane's ChiCken FingeRs 7225 RiveRs Ave., 843-573-7995

COOSAW CREEK HOLIDAY TOURS Tommy and Truma Polin will open their home to visitors this holiday season.

Homes for the Holidays BY E L I Z A B E T H B OA R D M A N EACH NOVEMBER, NORTH CHARLESTON RESIDENT TRUMA POLIN COATS HER GARAGE FLOOR IN STYROFOAM AND PILES IT WITH ARTIFICIAL SNOW. HER HUSBAND, TOMMY, UNPACKS COUNTLESS CONTAINERS OF TRAINS, 55 MODEL HOUSES AND AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF ANNALEE DOLLS AND EMMETT KELLY CHRISTMAS CLOWNS. For one week, the Polins work to meticulously transform their McClure Court garage into a timeless model-train town, which this year will be part of the second annual Coosaw Creek Women's Club Homes for the Holidays. The tradition that started as a mere singletrack train circling the family's Christmas tree will be enjoyed by the 400 people who buy tickets for the Dec. 3 fundraising event for the women‘s club. The proceeds will be donated to two North Charleston charities. The Polins purchased their first train in 1984 at a Christmas shop called Fat Man's Forest in Augusta, Ga. It is just one reminder of the couple’s long career with the railroad. Tommy started in 1969 as a yardmaster at the railroad in North Charleston, ending his career as director of train operations in Jacksonville, Fla. Truma also worked for the railroad, but grew tired of her midnight schedule and accepted a buyout and went to work for a newspaper company in Augusta. The couple retired to the Charleston area in 2009. “This train set is for everybody, it is for children of all ages, age 2 to 82,” Truma Polin says. “I don't know of anyone who doesn't love a toy train.”

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Seven other homes in the Coosaw Creek neighborhood also are participating and will be decorated from floor to ceiling. At the home of a retired firefighter who responded to the Twin Towers in New York will be a tree dedicated to the terror attacks of 9/11. There will be an extensive collection of nutcrackers in another home and Santas in another. Each home also will have several decorated trees. “At every home is the homeowner's individual expression of what the holiday season is to them — on steroids,” says Barbara Megorden, the event's coordinator and vice president of the women's club. Since the club began in 1999, it has focused on giving back to the community. The group formed when the children of two local families were faced with a medical crisis. “The neighborhood, as small as it was at the time, just banded together in true Southern hospitality and reached out to their neighbors,” Megorden says. The Coosaw Creek neighborhood of 575 homes is a melting pot of business owners, military families, medical personnel, Boeing executives, artists and airline pilots. Today the club consists of people ranging from

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their early 30s to retirement age. “It is a beautiful cross-section of women,” Megorden says. Proceeds from Homes for the Holidays will be donated to People Against Rape Inc. and Metanoia's Youth Leadership Program. Established in 1974, PAR helps adult victims of sexual assault in the tri-county. The organization, which has faced recent budget cuts, teaches the public about sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, bullying and sexual harassment, as well as child abuse and neglect. The club focuses on women and children in its charities because it is a way to give someone a chance, says Megorden, whose sister struggled with the pain of domestic violence. It helps them “recover and rebuild their self-esteem and their lives,” she says. Metanoia provides young adults with leadership skills that will help them achieve excellence. The money from Homes for the Holidays provides hot meals and school supplies to children of the North Charleston area. “Raising money is great, raising awareness is priceless,” Megorden says. Mayor Keith Summey agrees. He decided to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 3 after two Coosaw Creek women visited his office. “I was impressed with their desire to do things for the community,” Summey says. “I think it is a great concept and wonderful idea, and we completely stand behind it.” The women's club has already collected $5,000 through donations from area businesses and hopes to raise another $8,000 in ticket sales. Tickets are $20 and children under 12 get in free. “It is communities helping the community,” Megorden says. “We are inviting people to walk with us, and do this, and get a ticket.” On the day of the event, the clubhouse at 4110 Club Course Drive will be transformed into a festive Christmas boutique, featuring 25 local artisans. There will be cake pops, paintings, jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, children's dresses and bows and handcrafted Santa Clauses. The items will range from $5 to more than $100. The club's food and beverage director plans to prepare a lunch plate. Upon arrival guests will receive their ticket and tour booklet. The tour is self-guided and will require a vehicle to get to the open homes. Without the participants of the eight homeowners, we could not do this, Megorden says. Hopefully what they receive in return is “some incredible inspiration and an amazing time with their friends and family.” N

Photograph by Elizabeth Boardman

REINDEER GAMES Michael West, with the city of North Charleston, places the bulb for the tip of Rudolph's nose atop the Felix C. Davis Community Center at Park Circle during preparations for the city's 2010 holiday celebrations.

Events

IN NORTH CHARLESTON NORTH CHARLESTON HAS IT ALL. VISITORS AND RESIDENTS CAN CHOOSE FROM CONCERTS AND SPORTING EVENTS AT THE COLISEUM, MAJOR HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, LEAGUE SPORTS AND EVEN LOCAL THEATER AND INDEPENDENT FILM VIEWING. TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF NORTH CHARLESTON MAGAZINE, EMAIL EDITOR@ NORTHCHARLESTONONLINE.COM.

SPECIAL EVENTS Tribute to Veterans: Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Park Circle, presented by the City of North Charleston. Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Market: Nov. 11 and Nov. 12, 10 a.m.; Nov. 13, 11 a.m. at Charleston Area Convention Center. This 13th annual event offering specialty shop gifts, art, gourmet food, music and more. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Winter Wonderland: Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m.-noon at Armory Park, 5000 Lackawanna Blvd. This free pre-school event provides young

Photograph by Grace Beahm (top) and Brad Nettles

TRIM THE TREE City worker Jackie Bryant hangs an ornament on the official North Charleston Christmas tree. Last year marked the first time ornaments were used on the city's tree.

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EDUCTION, ARTS & CULTURE North Charleston City Gallery Exhibit: Nov. 1-30 at the North Charleston City Gallery within the Charleston Area Convention Center. Works by Juie Rattley III. Josh Groban: Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum, with musical artist and songwriter Josh Groban. Tickets are $85 and $65, plus fees. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. John Mellencamp: Nov. 9, 7 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, with guitarist and singer John Mellencamp. Tickets are $125.50, $90.50, $70.50 and $40.50, plus fees. For more information, visit

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE Join a celebration of African American culture and history in February at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park.

coliseumpac.com. The Pixies: Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Iconic alternative rock band celebrates its 20th anniversary of 1989 album. Tickets are $49.50, plus fees. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Darius Rucker: Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the

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North Charleston Coliseum. Country singer and frontman for Hootie and the Blowfish. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 3 p.m., South of Broadway Theatre Company studios on East Montague Avenue. For more information, visit southofbroadway.com.

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children an opportunity to visit Santa and participate in holiday arts and crafts, live performances and music. For pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at 843-745-1028. Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 3, 8-10 a.m. at Felix C. Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle. Tickets, at $4 per person, are available at the Felix C. Davis Community Center. Christmas Festival: Dec. 3, 4-9 p.m. around Park Circle, with Christmas Parade beginning at 6 p.m. Festival includes a holiday market with children activities, craft vendors, food and live musical performances on three stages. Homes for the Holidays: Dec. 3 in Coosaw Creek. Christmas boutique and tour of homes. For more information, visit coosawcreekwomensclub.org. Village Antiques and Collectibles: Dec. 10-11, Feb. 25-26 and April 28-29 at the Felix Davis Community Center in Park Circle. For more information, visit northcharleston.org. Charleston Boat Show : Jan. 27, 12 p.m.; Jan. 28, 10 a.m.; and Jan. 29 12 p.m. at the Charleston Area Convention Center. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com or thecharlestonboatshow.com. Southern Bridal Show: Feb. 12, noon-5 p.m. at the Charleston Area Convention Center. Visit eliteevents.com for more information. African American Heritage Days: Feb. 23-24 at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. A celebration of African-American culture and history through demonstrations, performances and hands-on experiences. For more information, visit ccprc.com. Home and Outdoor Living Show: March 16, March 17 and March 18, 8 a.m. at the Charleston Area Convention Center, with 2012 Lowcountry home show. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com.

OAK RIDGE, TN • JOHNSON CITY, TN • ASHEVILLE, NC • GREENVILLE, SC Photograph by Almar Flotildes

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In The Heights: Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Loretta Lynn: Nov. 17, 8 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Country music legend. Tickets are $79.50, $49.50 and $39.50, plus fees. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Power Play: Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 3 p.m., South of Broadway Theatre Company studios on East Montague Avenue. For more information, visit southofbroadway.com. Daniel Tosh: Nov. 25, 7 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Stand-up comedian and television host. Tickets are $55, $45 and $35, plus fees. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Mamma Mia!: Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. Ticket prices are TBA. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Moscow Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Russian Nutcracker: Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $89.50, $69.50, $49.50, $39.50 and $29.50, plus fees. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. A One Woman Show, The Last Flapper: Jan. 20-21 at 7:30 p.m., South of Broadway Theatre Company studios on East Montague Avenue. For more information, visit southofbroadway.com. A One Man Show, Rattlesnake in a Cooler: Jan. 27-28 at 7:30 p.m., South of Broadway Theatre Company studios on East Montague Avenue. For more information, visit southofbroadway.com. Mary Poppins: Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Broadway musical featuring the story and music from the Walt Disney film. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com. Nights in Spain: Feb. 17, 18, 24-25 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19, 26 at 3 p.m., South of Broadway Theatre Company studios on East Montague Avenue. For more information, visit southofbroadway.com. Miranda Lambert: Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. Country and folk artist. For more information, visit coliseumpac.com.

SPORTS AND FITNESS Adult flag football: Spring/summer season meeting Feb. 1, 8 p.m. at Park Circle. For more information on the league, contact

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C S U FO OTB A LL Charleston Southern fans cheer during a home game against Wesley College.

Cindy Dambaugh at 843-740-5801 or email cdambaugh@northcharleston.org. Adult softball: Coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spring league meeting Feb. 1, 7 p.m. at Park Circle. For more information call 843-740-5801 or e-mail cdambaugh@northcharleston.org. Youth baseball and softball: Registration takes place in January. For more information call 740-5803 or visit northcharleston.org. Youth winter basketball: Registration takes place in October. For more information call 740-5803 or visit northcharleston.org. CSU football home games: Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m. v. Stony Brook; Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m. v. Coastal Carolina. For more information, visit charlestonsouthern.edu. S.C. Stingrays hockey home games: Oct. 14 v. Royals; Oct. 15 v. Nailers; Nov. 2 and Nov. 4 v. Everblades; Nov. 5 v. Walleye; Nov. 6 v. Royals; Nov. 19, 20 and 26 v. Gladiators; Nov. 27 v. Greenville; Dec. 2 and 3 v. K-Wings; Dec. 16, 17 and 20 v. Gladiators; Dec. 18 v. Greenville; Dec. 31 v. Everblades; Jan. 20 v. Greenville; Jan. 21 and 22 v. Everblades; Jan. 27 and 27 v. Devils; Jan. 29 v. Jackals; Feb. 7 v. Greenville; Feb. 10 v. CHI; Feb. 11 and 12 v. Everblades; Feb. 24 and 25 v. Gladiators; March 6 v. Devils; March 9, 10, 16 and 31 v. Greenville; Feb. 11 and 17 v. Cyclones.

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Games start at 7:05 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday.

MUNICIPAL MEETINGS Most municipal meetings are held at North Charleston City Hall, Buist Conference Room, 2500 City Hall Lane. For more information, additional committee meetings and to check on updated schedules, visit northcharleston.org. Arts Advisory Committee: Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. in Cultural Arts Department. Citizens Advisory Council: Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 1, 7-8 p.m. in Buist Conference Room. City Council: Nov. 10, Nov. 24, Dec. 8, Dec. 22, Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9, Feb. 23, March 8, March 22, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Planning Commission: Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 12, 6.-7 p.m. in Buist Conference Room. Recreation Advisory Board: Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, Feb. 23, March 28, 5:30.-6:30 p.m. in Buist Conference Room. Zoning Board of Appeals: Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 5, 5-6 p.m. in Buist Conference Room. N

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