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Mt. Pleasant

FEBRUARY 2017

MtPleasantLifestylePubs.com

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Love Love Love

ALMOST HOME FELINE REFUGE PROVIDES COMFORT TO AREA CATS LOVE THROUGH THE YEARS HOPE HOUSE SUPPORTS FAMILY MEMBERS WITH SICK RELATIVES

More Than A Farmers Market Boone Hall Farms Market is proud of their produce. The market features a variety of fresh produce grown in season across the street, not across the country. They also carry produce from agricultural partners close by year round. Fresh produce is king at this market. But this market is much more than just produce. Guess you could say, “it’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll” in what is offered there and as a result that helps to make it a one-of-a-kind destination in the Lowcountry area. There’s a seafood department that carries a variety of seafood that is as good as any you will find available in the area. Whether it’s local shrimp straight from the docks in McClellanville or sweetgrass mussels and oysters from the ACE basin, the friendly smiling face of Seafood Manager Tom Davis will be there to greet you and hook you up. The Lowcountry Butcher Shoppe at the market carries a variety of prime cut beef including local grass fed ribeye steaks that are marble cut, filets that are tender to the touch, gourmet hamburger selections, and more. There’s also hormone free chicken options, pork, and a variety of homemade sausage selections. This butcher shop was also recently honored by readers of the Post and Courier for the Charleston Choice Awards. Miss Suzanne is in charge of the Prepared Foods Department that carries a variety of delicious food options that are short cuts at mealtime without compromising quality or taste. Poached salmon, marinated beef, crab cakes, giant meatballs, stuffed mushed rooms,salads, and a variety of twice baked casseroles lead the way. The Boone Hall Farms Market Café is a full service eatery that features a diverse menu with daily specials. There’s also a wine department that carries a line up that will work for any occasion and budget. The list of what is available at this store goes on and on. At Boone Hall Farms Market, they like to say “It’s Local.” But what does that really mean? Well...at the top of the list, being local means they’re a business owned and operated by people who live in and care about the same community you do. They’re your neighbors, and they treat you that way. They’re not some chain store run by a corporation miles and miles away. And at Boone Hall Farms Market being local means that a variety of their signature products…are local too.

Being “Local ”has never been better. Located at

2521 Hwy. 17 North – Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464

843-856-8154

www.boonehallfarms.com

Lifestyle Letter

Doing what you love T

his month will be my last one with Mount Pleasant Lifestyle magazine. I have so enjoyed helping get this publication off the ground and being a part of a fantastic inaugural team. In the six short months I have spent getting to know you and our community better, I feel infinitely more connected to those around me than I did before, and this is part of what makes my life so sweet. This month we are talking about love- not just romantic love. Often times we hang our hats on romantic relationships to give us meaning and purpose in life. As many of us know, it doesn’t always make for smooth sailing when you canalize all your love into one person. Spread it around. What do you really love to do? If someone said, “What do you love?” and the answer couldn’t be a person, what would you say? One of the things I would say is that I love to write. A friend from my elementary school days once gave me a lined journal as a present. I started writing that very day, proclaiming on the first page of what was the first in a long line of journals, "Today is my 10th birthday." That journal entry was accompanied by a shaky drawing of a balloon in black ballpoint pen. Today the journal writing still continues, but it is accompanied by regular postings on my foodie website and I've exchanged the pen sketches for photography.

FEBRUARY 2017 PUBLISHER

Bill Northrop | Bill.Northrop@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Rachel Castejón | Rachel.Castejon@LifestylePubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kathryn Martin | Kathryn.Martin@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sydney Herwig, Linda Page CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kayla Schaughency

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

So, chasing my love of writing, I will be working on several projects including regular blog entries at TheCastejons.com. I will be doing what I love and I hope you continue to be inspired by Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle's articles showcasing your neighbors, friends, and family doing what they love.

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGERS

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

| Nicole Sylvester, Nicolette Martin

OPERATIONS MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore

| Janeane Thompson

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour, Chad Jensen

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

| Cyndi King, Jessica Sharky, Dana Rudolph

DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

| Melanie Carlisle

EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

| Randa Makeen

| Michael O’Connell

| Hanna Park, Scott Lavigne

Rachel Castejón, Editor Rachel.Castejon@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

MtPleasantLifestylePubs.com JOIN US

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Mt. Pleasant’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Publisher’s Letter

Pub Talk W

ho doesn't enjoy Charleston's winters? Seriously. As our Northern friends and kinfolk shiver with bitter winter temperatures we enjoy what I call, Charleston Cold. It's a cold we complain about, but it's not really cold. It's Charleston Cold. Winter in Charleston is really just a few cold days and a handful of chilly mornings interspersed with moderate daytime temps and sunny skies. For every cold day or two, days in the 60s and even 70s are not far away. You can comfortably stroll along the beach most days. It's Charleston Cold. Having spent many winters north of the Mason-Dixon line, I can tell you there is cold cold. The coldest day I ever endured was -22⁰ on January 19, 1994 in Pittsburgh. That's without a wind chill. That's cold. It's the kind of cold where you can throw a cup of boiling water up in the air outside and it instantly vaporizes. Instantly. Google "hot water freezing in air." That's cold. The average February Charleston low is 41⁰. Cold? Sort of, but not really. It's Charleston Cold. Snow? In Charleston? Almost unheard of. I mean there was the 1989 Christmas snow that dropped 8" but that was a record and has not been repeated. We normally get snow once every five years... and it's fleeting. There were the "ice bombs" that dropped from the

Ravenel Bridge in January 2014. Frightening? A nuisance? Certainly. But not really winter. It's Charleston Cold. I went swimming at LTP - outdoors - on a cold 32⁰ morning a couple of months ago. The air was so cold ice formed on my kickboard laying on the pool deck. It was warm in the pool and truly cold when you got out wet. By noon, it was 50⁰. That's the kind of winter cold a person can get used to. It's Charleston Cold. So as you hear of winter storms up north dumping snow and causing mayhem and as you plan your remaining oyster festival outings and winter here quickly yields to spring, bask in the "cold" of Charleston's average February highs of 63⁰. This is winter here. This is Charleston Cold.

Bill Northrop Bill.Northrop@LifestylePubs.com

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Thursday, February 9 10:30 am - 1 pm

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February 2017

Departments

Good Times

Sold Properties

Local Limelight

Food & Wine

Giving Back

Lifestyle Calendar

Parting Thoughts

18 Almost Home Provides Feline Refuge

Couple gives their lives to rescuing overlooked cats

22 Making Love Last Through the Years

Couples share ingredients to successful relationships

24 Hope House

Thousands served by hospital hospitality home

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SNEE FARM COUNTRY CLUB

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Good Times

Mt. Pleasant Christmas Parade

Santa Claus riding down Coleman Blvd., beautiful floats passing by one after another, and the whole community gathered to celebrate the holidays- remember this past Christmas season with the colorful photos below!

Mayor Linda Page

Santa Claus!

Jack Tankersley

Grand Marshal Float

Mt Pleasant Mayor and Town Council

Senator Larry Grooms

Pack 40

Roper St Francis

Saint Paul's Lutheran Church

Cub Scouts

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Sold Properties Recently SOLD Mt Pleasant Properties NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM*

BDRMS

BATHS

Rivertowne

$1,600,000

$1,550,000

96.9%

6.5

Belle Hall

$1,469,000

$1,430,000

97.3%

5.5

Old Mt. Pleasant

$1,150,000

1,150,000

100%

3.5

Molasses Creek

$1,049,000

$985,000

93.8%

3.5

The Groves

$950,000

$955,000

100.5%

Hamlin Plantation

$895,000

100%

3.5

Oyster Point

$887,900

100%

103

Snee Farm

$758,000

$749,000

98.8%

3.5

Park West

$750,000

$746,500

99.5%

Shell Point

$750,000

$740,000

98.6%

I'on

$749,999

$727,000

97%

2.5

Hidden Lakes

$718,750

$696,400

96.9%

Dunes West

$699,000

$684,000

97.8%

3.5

Old Village

$678,000

$675,000

99.5%

Darrell Creek

$659,500

$644,000

97.6%

3.5

Information obtained from Comparative Market Analysis for 08-31-16 through 10-31-16.

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Good Times

Mt. Pleasant Holiday Farmer's Market and Craft Show

Christmas is long over, but it sure is fun to reminisce about the cheery time we had getting ready to celebrate in Decemberthe Holiday Market is one you don't want to miss this year!

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Oysters on the Point

If you missed the oyster-filled good time at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina this past December, check out the smiling faces below and be sure not to miss it THIS year!

Visit Us Online! Whatâ€™s on our Website? PAST ISSUES CURRENT ARTICLES BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONTEST REGISTRATION

Visit us at MTPLEASANTLIFESTYLEPUBS.COM

February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Local Limelight

Get to know yourNEIGHBORS! MT. PLEASANT LOCALS SPEAK UP PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED NAME: Mark Smith

NAME: Jennifer Jost

1. MT. PLEASANT NEIGHBORHOOD:

Parker's Landing in Rivertowne

Old Mt. Pleasant Husband-

Country Club

2. FAMILY MEMBERS:

2. FAMILY MEMBERS: Elayne- wife

Tyler, 3 month old son- Walter, and

and Parker (USC), Avery (Clemson),

dog- Trevor

Domenic (Wando HS)- sons

3. HOMETOWN: Atlanta, GA

3. HOMETOWN: Bamberg, SC

4. FAVORITE MT. PLEASANT SPOT:

Pitt St. Bridge

Anywhere in the boat on the water.

5. FAVORITE MT. PLEASANT EVENT:

Boone Hall Oyster Roast

Saturday morning Shem Creek

6. FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN MT. PLEASANT: I love the people of Mt.

Fisheries Shrimp Selling Market at the Farmer's Market 6. FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN MT. PLEASANT: The ability to

Pleasant!

easily enjoy so much of our "slice of heaven" by land or water.

7. WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR VALENTINE WILL TAKE YOU ON VALEN-

7. WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR VALENTINE WILL TAKE YOU ON

TINE'S DAY? Basil in Mt. Pleasant

VALENTINE’S DAY? Absolutely, those who know me well, know that

I still refer to my wife of 23 years as my "forever girlfriend" and I still

NAME: Stephanie Antosiak

pursue and date her as if it were our last date. Flowers, a hand written

1. MT. PLEASANT NEIGHBORHOOD:

note, a delicious meal at one of our many local restaurants and some

Belle Hall

vino are all on the list!

2. FAMILY MEMBERS:

Husband-

Christopher, 3 month old sonNAME: Elizabeth McInnis

Emerson, and dog- Riley

1. MT. PLEASANT NEIGHBORHOOD:

3. HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA

Dunes West

4. FAVORITE MT. PLEASANT SPOT:

2. FAMILY MEMBERS: parents, one

Sullivan's Island

older sister, and one younger sister.

5. FAVORITE MT. PLEASANT EVENT:

3. HOMETOWN: Mt. Pleasant, born

Farmers Market

and raised!

6. FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN

4. FAVORITE MT. PLEASANT SPOT:

MT. PLEASANT: Close to the beaches

Public House, Coleman Blvd.

7. WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR VALENTINE WILL TAKE YOU ON VALEN-

5. FAVORITE MT. PLEASANT EVENT:

TINE'S DAY? Since we have a newborn, I'd love for him to cook me a

Christmas

wonderful meal at home!

Parade

Party

the Park 6. FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN MT. PLEASANT: I love that I can know

everyone! There is always a connection with someone! 7. WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR VALENTINE WILL TAKE YOU ON VALENTINE'S DAY? Any dinner with my honey would be great, but I'd love

to go to Grill 225! ( hint, hint!) 12

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Food & Wine

TRIANGLE CHAR AND BAR GROOVY ATMOSPHERE, DIVERSE EATS, AND A GREAT LOCAL BEER SELECTION ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL CASTEJÓN

here are several locations around the Lowcountry, but the Mt. Pleasant location of Triangle Char and Bar is definitely the coolest. With it's colorful wall designs, game tables, and sports-barlike atmosphere, it is a great place to spend Friday night or Sunday brunch. The menu offers grass-feed burgers and other delicious sandwiches as well as lighter fare, like the "Oh Kale Yeah" salad. Located off Ben Sawyer Blvd., this place is quick and easy to get to CONTINUED > with plenty of parking.

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Southern Poutine

February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Food & Wine

(CON TI N U ED)

have a taste before you decide 16

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Wintertime is especially cozy at Triangle, with the enclosed outdoor space and heaters to keep everyone warm. Belly up to the bar for some local beers from the inside or the outside! Speaking of local beers, the selection is a perfect array of what our corner of the beer-brewing universe has to offer. Did I mention the Eggs Benedict offered up alongside gorgeous Bloody Marys for brunch? With an ever-changing special Benny to look out for each weekend, there are the tried-and-true staples you simply must try at least once, like the smoked salmon Benny. So good. Whether you're on your way back from Sullivan's Island or cruising through the spacious streets of Mt. Pleasant on a sunny Sunday morning, Triangle Char and Bar of Mt. Pleasant is a great place to stop, sip, and munch some delicious food. Â

February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Almost Home Provides

Feline Refuge Couple gives their lives to rescuing overlooked cats ARTICLE SYDNEY HERWIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

t started out of a love for cats and trying to curb the feral population in their Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Rosanne and Tom Hayes quickly realized

the feral cats were being mistreated by fellow neighbors and decided it was up to them to provide a sanctuary for cats no one wanted—the feral, stray, abandoned, and neglected. Their love evolved into Almost Home Feline Refuge, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which has been around for the past 22 years. In the beginning, there were 15 cats and today there are around 100. “We began to be known as the cat people. People would call us about a cat they found or one they had to give up and it just kind of took off from there,” Rosanne says. When you walk into the cage-less sanctuary, you are greeted by several of the friendliest cats. Looking beyond the entry way, you see a cat paradise: black cats, orange cats, some extra fluffy, others lean, all lazing about everywhere and on anything you can think of.

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

There’s a general area where most cats reside. Beyond this, there are rooms for ones who are being tamed, ones with health issues, those recently rescued from abusive situations, and more. “We don’t turn away cats based on how they look. Even the ugliest cat who no one wants, we’ll take it!” Rosanne says. The Hayes’ passion was so great that they gave their home to the cats, building and adding onto it as the cats continued to trickle in—never turning any away. What separates Almost Home from other cat rescue centers is the fact they are a permanent home for these cats, not a temporary home as they wait for adoption. Many of these cats will never leave due to various health and behavioral issues. And if cats could talk, I’m not so sure they’d ever want to leave. They are loved and doted on as if they were the only cat there, all with their own names, stories, and quirky habits. There’s Harris, the talkative one and Winehouse, the one undergoing stem cell therapy. Rosanne explains how certain cats won’t let you touch them, but that affection is still important, “Every kitty needs to know they’re loved. Even if I can’t touch them, I tell them every day how much I love them,” she says. Recently, Almost Home has paired with PetSmart to assist in getting the cats in good health adopted. Julie Reynolds, the adoption coordinator, notes that, “Up until now this hasn’t been the focus of the mission. Many of the cats are there for life.” Right now, the operation is small and a work in progress, “We want to make sure the cats we’re offering are healthy and fully vetted. Quality instead of quantity. Once we build up resources and have more foster homes, we can grow,” Reynolds says. The goal is to have 10 quality adoptions a month—meaning healthy cats and kittens going into forever homes. Reynolds performs interviews and home visits to ensure the cats go to suitable homes. To keep the refuge running, Almost Home relies on donations and fundraisers. It takes $80,000 a year minimum for the operation alone, and this isn’t including medical costs for many of the cats. The majority of this cost is self-funded. To put this number in perspective, the Hayes go through three cases of food to feed the cats each day, ranging anywhere from $60-$80. The laundry machine constantly whirs, doing 80 to 90 loads a week of kitty blankets and other bedding. Rosanne’s goal for the organization is to help the community gain more awareness and ultimately get more volunteers who can come to the shelter. “We do what we have to do to get by. There’s a lot of happiness with what we do, but there’s also a lot of heartbreak. The cats need us, and any help we can get means we get to help more cats,” Rosanne says. It’s clear there has to be a very special person behind this organization to make it work. Lucky for these cats, they

CONTINUED >

have Rosanne. February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

ALMOST HOME (CON TI N U ED)

Important things to remember before adopting a pet from Dr. Steven Epstein of Animal Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant: 1. A pet is for life. This is the most important thing to realize prior to adoption. Every member of a household should be committed to providing a safe and healthy household for the new pet. 2. It is also important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian immediately after adoption. A vet will be able to review and discuss a good vaccination protocol as well as a heartworm and flea prevention schedule. Discussions also will guide a new owner through all life stages of their new pet. 3. It is highly important to ‘cat proof’ your home. Make sure there are no toxic household plants, candles that can easily be knocked over, strings/yarn laying around as well as power and extension cords. 4. Lastly, its important to establish and encourage healthy litter box protocols to avoid potential inappropriate eliminations. Make sure the litter box is in a quiet, easily accessible area and cleaned on a regular basis. Our general rule is one litter box per cat plus an extra in a separate location.

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

HOW YOU CAN HELP: The program desperately needs people willing to foster, donations (supplies and monetary), and volunteers. Visit their website AlmostHomeFelineRefuge.org to make a donation or e-mail Almost-Home@comcast.net to inquire about volunteering or fostering.

Adoptable Cats:

Dedicated to giving your pet their best life for as long as possible

Voted The Best of the Best

Juliet is a shy girl, but is extremely sweet. She was an owner turn-in when a family downsized their home and is now looking for her forever family. She is 2 ½ years old and needs to be in a home without small children or dogs. 958 Houston Northcutt Blvd Mt Pleasant, South Carolina 29464

by the Moultrie News Readers Choice as Best Veterinarian Practice in East Cooper.

(843) 881-5858 amcmp.com

Raleigh is a black and white boy is who between 5 and 6 years old. He was turned in when his owner died in September and is a good boy with no medical issues. He is quite a talker, with the most unusual meow, and loves to be around people. He would enjoy a home where he could spend some occasional time on a screened porch or in another safe, outdoor area.

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Bella and Maggie are two sisters who were turned in when their

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elderly owner had to move elsewhere for care. The two, who are now 2 ½ years old, have never been separated and must stay together. They are desperate to get into a new home, as they are traumatized from losing their owner. If interested in more information on one of these cats or other adoptable cats within the organization, please contact Almost-Home@comcast.net February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

t s s r a a L e e Y v o e L h t g h n i g k u a o r M Th

Married for 25 years

For couple Brian and Mellanie Dunn,

it didn’t take long before they knew they wanted to be married. The two dated for about nine months before being engaged and were married six months later.

very relationship is different. There is no one secret to creating and maintaining a successful one. With this

being said, there are some good starting points. We talked to three different couples, all at different stages in their lives together, and learned some of the ingredients that have made for lasting relationships.

Looking back, they realize they didn’t know each other all that well. “We were only 23 so we grew up and grew together, getting to know each other along the way,” Brian, says. Throughout their relationship, it all

Brian and Mellanie

comes back commitment, loyalty, and compromise. “When we first started talking about getting married, we both had the belief that divorce wasn’t an option. We looked to commitment and loyalty to pull us through many obstacles,” Mellanie says.

Married for 12 years

Right off the bat, the couple says they dealt with compromise on

Moira and Brian Kucaba of Mount Pleasant met in their

where to raise their girls. Over the years, this compromise turned into

mid-twenties at the gym and were married in 2005 after dat-

where to spend holidays.

ing for two years.

The two recently moved to Mount Pleasant

Five years ago, the couple decided to

to enjoy being newfound empty nesters

go to therapy. “I didn’t want just the aver-

while they explore the restaurants, hike and

age marriage where we bicker and fight. I

just enjoy more time together. But when

wanted us to be great,” Moira says.

they had kids in the house they had a rule

To strive for this greatness, the Kucabas

to take one trip together at least once

lean heavily on faith, compromising, and prioritizing date nights. “When you put God at the center of your marriage and you walk that path, it makes everyone stronger. It’s impossible to do it all on your own,” Brian says. The Kucabas have two kids, six and

Moira

and th , Brian ,

eir three

children

eight. Now that they have kids, they still try to make date nights a priority. “We love hanging out with our kids, but we need to have one-on-one time sometimes, too. We’ll hire a sitter just to go out and ride bikes for a couple of hours on the beach,” Moira says. They also stress the importance of compromising, which they dealt with in the beginning with wedding planning and more recently with building a house. “You’ve got to be a team player, even if sometimes you don’t want to be. You have to learn to just give and take. It’s a compromise on both sides,” Brian says.

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Moira, Brian, and their children

a year. This helped them to connect as spouses versus always being mom and dad. “As we get older we’re realizing it’s a deeper kind of love—a different kind of love. It’s a different kind of support when you start aging and a strong companionship,” Mellanie says.

Married for 56 years

Tommy and Betty Williams were both born and raised in

L AT E NIGHT HAPPY HOUR Friday & Saturday 10pm - midnight

Mount Pleasant back when there was just one bridge in and out and no highway going north. When asked how they met, Betty responded, “It’s more like when

HAPPY HOUR

did we not know each other? We just kind of grew up together.” The two went through high school together, but didn’t really date until college when Tommy was at the Citadel and Betty at

SPECIAL

the College of Charleston. After Tommy graduated, the marriage happened less than a month after.

CHAMPAGNE

Tommy’s job offer happened quick as well. He took a job with the Navy’s NCIS unit – which required a lot of traveling. This is where the first compromise came in, for Betty at least. “I promised her if she let me take the job, we would eventually come back to Mount Pleasant,” Tommy says. They traveled all over the world from Italy to Japan. Their three children graduated high school in different countries— one in Italy, one in the U.S. and one in the Philippines. When asked for their secret to making it last, Betty replied,

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“Make every place you are, home. No matter where it is.” Tommy’s take is, “Become friends with your spouse first. You don’t have to always be lovey dovey with each other, but you always have to respect one another. I think if you do that, marriage will last.” And for Tommy and Betty, making it last hasn’t seemed to be an issue for them.

843.352.9235 | 1055 Highway 41 | Mt. Pleasant, SC Located on the corner of highways 41 and 17

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So what makes a relationship work? Is it loyalty? Respect? We won't ever know the secret formula, but after talking to the couples, it seems that compromise is certainly a good place to start…whether you’re married for 12 years or 56.

SOUTHERN BACKYARD DINING February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Giving Back

Hope House decorated for Christmas

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Hope House THOUSANDS SERVED BY HOSPITAL HOSPITALITY HOME

ARTICLE SYDNEY HERWIG | PHOTOGRAPHY KAYLA SCHAUGHENCY

f you were to drive to 314 Hibben Street ten years ago, you would have seen a decrepit, old house taken over by weeds, missing shingles, and with broken windows—a house in such poor shape, it’d be hard to imagine much potential for it. So how is it that this house went from essentially being junk, to the answer to many people’s prayers? Tammy, is one of over 1,000 people who have stayed at this house. And we should mention, it looks a little different these days. Twelve years ago, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church bought the house to tear it down for additional parking. Unbeknownst to the church at the time of the purchase, this house was ultimately not allowed to be torn down since it was over 100 years old. This would prove to be, for many, a blessing in disguise. The church devised a committee which came up with the idea for the house to become a hospital hospitality house—a home for family members to stay when loved ones are receiving medical treatment in the area: The Hope House. After one and a half years, with a workforce comprised of the youngest church members busy making artwork for the walls to the older members assisting in everything from painting to installing new cabinetry and floors, the house opened its doors. The three-bedroom house, which can provide lodging for 12 people each night, is something out of a magazine. With the perfect amount of character and charm, families can feel comfortable in their home away from home. Sitting in the living room, it felt particularly cozy, almost like being at a bed and breakfast. CONTINUED >

February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Giving Back

(CON TI N U ED)

guest book pantry

Beth Moore, the director of Hope House, coordinates and manages the guests who come to stay. Guests are referred by social workers and case managers at hospitals and stay free of charge. If you are 18 years or older and have a loved one in an area hospital, you’re welcome here. “To give everyone a chance, guests are given up to a two-week stay and can stay additional time if no one is on the waiting list,” Moore says. For Tammy, who is on her second stay, the Hope House is the one thing that makes dealing with a sick spouse somewhat manageable. “The staff is so pleasant, they act like you’re doing them a favor staying here. It’s more than I can ask for. This is such a big help with everything else going on,” Tammy says. Her husband is in the area for his second kidney transplant. Medical costs aside, between the gas to travel to Charleston, the hotel costs, and the food each day. being out of town for an extended amount of time adds up. With the Hope House being just 10 minutes away from the MUSC, it has served as a haven of sorts for Tammy, allowing her an escape from the CONTINUED > hospital atmosphere and an opportunity to recharge. 26

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

a guide to the Hope House

living room

February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Giving Back

(CON TI N U ED)

messages of hope

prayer corner

The Hope House relies on donations and volunteers. To keep the house running and everything in order, there are several different groups. From the ministry team who provides meals that the guests can pull out at their convenience, to the garden and grounds crew who upkeep the landscaping, and the caretakers and team leaders who take shifts and are there to serve as a point of contact for the guests, everyone has a crucial role. Because the upstairs of the house is not handicap accessible, the Hope House is especially thrilled about their newly renovated cottage out back. Moore explains that this is for the transplant patients, who are required to stay in the area for several weeks post-transplant. These guests can enter the house via a ramp to access the living areas and kitchen. Today if you were to drive to 314 Hibben Street, you see a house full of stories. Stories from the thousand plus people who have stayed here over the years, stories from the families who have been given hope in their time of needâ€Śall thanks to a happy accident. To help the Hope House, consider the Adopt a Day program. For a $50 donation, you can sponsor the home in honor of a loved one. 28

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Beth Moore, director of Hope House

Celebration Garden February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

February Lifestyle Calendar

and New Orleans. A champagne "meet the performers" reception will follow. More information at EastCooperConcertSeries.org.

FEBRUARY 17 - 19 SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPOSITION MARION SQUARE, CHARLESTON, SC A Celebration To Preserve A Way of Life – Ours The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is a three-day celebration of wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, food, drink and the people who honor them all.

FEBRUARY 18 BLUE PRINTS AND BLUE JEANS EAST COOPER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE, MT. PLEASANT, SC

FEBRUARY 1

Join us at the East Cooper Habitat for Humanity ReStore as we raise funds for the East Cooper Habitat for Humanity! Cost is $25 per per-

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT AUDITIONS

son and it covers local fare and libations. We will have live music

CHARLESTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER

by the Lauren Hall Band and a silent auction. For more information

America’s Got Talent is heading to Charleston, SC for the first time

contact 843-881-2600 or visit EastCooperHabitat.org.

ever! Follow along on Instagram and Twitter at @AGTauditions or for more information, including how to audition, visit AGTAuditions.com.

FEBRUARY 2

FEBRUARY 25 HEAD FOR THE CURE 5K RUN/WALK PALMETTO ISLANDS COUNTY PARK

REFRESHED WOMEN LUNCHEON

The Head for the Cure Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and

LIBERTY TAP ROOM, MT. PLEASANT, SC

funding for research in the fight against brain cancer. Come support the

Have lunch while you participate in discussions that interest you! $15

cause and visit HeadForTheCure.org for more information and to register!

for lunch. Email RefreshedWomen@gmail.com or visit RefreshedWomen.com for more information on this regular luncheon!

FEBRUARY 11 & 12

FEBRUARY 26 BAZAAR AT THE POINT FARMER'S MARKET PAVILION, COLEMAN BLVD., MT.

LOWCOUNTRY IRISH FEST

PLEASANT, SC

OMAR SHRINE CONVENTION CENTER, MT. PLEASANT, SC

Come out and look through the local goodies! Catch some fresh, Spring

The Lowcountry Irish Festival is a musical and cultural Irish Festival

air and visit with the locals at the season's first Bazaar at the Point!

celebrating all things uniquely Irish in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Don't miss the traditional Irish breakfast on Sunday morning! Visit

MARCH 12

LowcountryIrishFest.com for more information.

AMAZING SCAVENGER HUNT ADVENTURE

FEBRUARY 11

CHARLESTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE Turn Charleston into a giant game board with this fun scavenger

BACON AND BOURBON

hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with

THE CHARLESTON GAILLARD CENTER

a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smartphone, teams make

Unlimited sampling of bacon dishes and bourbon tastings, live music,

their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving

bull riding championship, laser skeet shooting, cigar cabana at this

clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Visit Ur-

downtown event! Check out BaconAndBourbonSC.com for more in-

banAdventureQuest.com for more information.

formation on this can't-miss event and for tickets.

FEBRUARY 16 EAST COOPER CONCERT SERIES JAZZ CONCERT CHRIST CHURCH, MT. PLEASANT, SC Enjoy an evening with a jazz quintet featuring Jon Thornton and the New Charleston Jazz Quintet as they perform music that bridges old and new jazz standards with a jazz connection between Charleston 30

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

IN-HOME CARE FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE

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(843) 343-7345 • Kmvids.com February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

business directory AUTOMOTIVE Vehicles Direct (843) 936-0100 vehiclesdirect.com

BANKING

South Carolina Federal Credit Union (843) 797-8300 scfederal.org

Bishop Gadsden Welcomes

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

Crossland Dental Associaties (843) 971-0661 crosslanddentalassociates.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Boone Hall Plantation (843) 884-4371 boonehallplantation.com Rivertowne & Snee Farm Country Clubs (843) 849-2400 rivertownecountryclub.com South of Broadway Theatre Company (843) 745-0317 southofbroadway.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Geiger Investments (843) 375-8700 geigerinvestments.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE DeClare Wedding Cakes (843) 327-2722 declarecakes.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Classic Remodeling & Construction (843) 763-3297 classicremodeling.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

A Life Plan Community in Charleston, South Carolina 800.373.2384 | bishopgadsden.org 32

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

Budget Blinds - Mt Pleasant (843) 856-9498 budgetblinds.com

Let us be your guide towards financial freedom in retirement

INSURANCE

Jokoda Group (843) 270-7923 State Farm - Jack Tankersley (843) 881-8888 jacktankersley.com

MISC MEDICAL

Advanced Hearing Care (843) 352-4730 advhearing.com

OTHER

Mustard Seed Productions LLC (843) 343-7345

PET CARE

Animal Medical Center of Mt Pleasant (843) 881-5858 amcmp.com

REAL ESTATE

Carolina One - Debbie Rogers (843) 990-2915 debbierogerssellscharleston.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE On Forty-One (843) 352-9235 onfortyone.com Pier 41 (843) 388-4433 pier41mtp.com The Americano (843) 352-2641 theamericanomp.com The Granary (843) 216-3832 thegranarycharleston.com

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SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Bishop Gadsden (800) 373-2384 bishopgadsden.org Right At Home-Charleston (843) 580-5120 rahcharleston.com

(843) 375-8700 geigerinvestments.com

info@geigerinvestments.com February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Love in the ordinary ARTICLE MAYOR LINDA PAGE

n February we tend to think of romantic love and our partners. In every shop the aisles are full of heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and pretty cards. We’re overwhelmed with commercials showing intoxicating scenes of lovers on desolate beaches that are intended to make us run out to the mall and buy some perfume, of course there are also roses....lots and lots of roses. But that’s not the love I have in mind as we near St. Valentines Day, 2017. Veronique Vienne said, “The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things.” I love that quote because to me it states I can love, or find extraordinary pleasure in lots of things. What do I love? I love life and opportunity and I love the usual things...God, family, country, our community. It may seem frivolous, but I love just about everything. I even love the things that don’t love me back. I love adversity and opposition because I think it makes me more mindful of a situation and my opponents point of view. I especially love challenge and competition. We are at our best when we’re challenged to be our best. I love piping hot pizza that always burns the roof of my mouth and makes my waistline expand. I love my beagles and the coarse “beagle glitter” (or puppy hair) that they leave

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2017

everywhere including every piece of clothing I own. But, of course, what’s not to love about a pet, especially when they so fiercely love us back. I read an article the other day that stated when dogs dream, they are dreaming of their owners face. Now that’s true love. There are other things about love that most of us share...like an unexpected warm sunny day in February or a call from an old friend. There’s the aroma of a home-cooked meal that hits us as we open the door after a long hard day...even if it’s just the crock pot. I believe most of here in the Lowcountry love the smell of pluff mud, even though on any given day it may be mistaken for the aroma emanating from the paper mill. For me it’s the smell of home, and when I’ve traveled away, I can’t wait to open the windows in the car and take in that special scent. Lots of people love sports and sports teams, especially here in South Carolina...where most have a beloved college team. (Go Gamecocks!) If love arouses passion, then it’s no more evident than on the day the Clemson Tigers play the USC Gamecocks. It seems a bit silly to be writing about love in terms of sports and pets and pizza...but isn’t it these ordinary things that enhance our lives and make them fuller and richer? What do you love? It’s an inspiring question. Remember- don’t just live, create a life.

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February 2017 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle