11th Annual St. Paddy's Day Block Party & Parade

Come join the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Lowcountry on Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm in the Olde Village of North Charleston. The 11th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party & Parade promises fun for the entire family. The Block Party location is East Montague Avenue between Virginia Avenue and Jenkins Avenue.

Join and invite your friends over at the Facebook Event.

The celebration will feature live music across three stages, street vending and fare from Olde North Charleston restaurants, additional local food vendors & trucks, the North Charleston Artist Guild, a Kid’s Zone with jump castles, a fire truck, face painting, as well as the always favorite mechanical bull. 

Live music line-up includes:

Family Zone Stage: Charleston Hot Shots, The V-Tones and High Gravity Jazz Band.
Cheerwine Stage Lizzy Pitch, Folkgrass, The Three Dudes, The Ryan Perry Band.
Madra Rua Stage: Karl Byrne, Don Merckle & the Blacksmiths, and Wadata.

This year’s party will kick off with a parade starting at Park Place East (adjacent to East Montague Avenue and across from Park Circle Community Center) at 12:00 noon. The parade route will proceed down East Montague Avenue through the block party location to O’Hear Avenue. The parade Grand Marshalls will be Madra Rua Irish Pub owners, Robert Spencer and Stephen O’Connor, who recently celebrated the 11th anniversary of the pub’s opening. North Charleston's Mayor Keith Summey, the North Charleston High School band, The Charleston Police Pipe & Drum Band and many other local groups will also participate in the parade.

East Montague Avenue will close from Park Place East to O’Hear Avenue at 11:30 am and stay closed for the duration of the parade. East Montague will close between Virginia Avenue and Jenkins Avenue at 9:00 am for set up and remain closed until 8:00 pm.

The party, parade and parking are free to the public.

The 11th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party and Parade is sponsored by the Madra Rua Irish Pub, the City of North Charleston, Southern Eagle Distributors, Lee Distributors, Cheerwine and the Olde North Charleston Merchant’s Association.

www.madraruapub.com

Veterans Day 2013 in North Charleston, a Tribute to our Veterans

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Monday, November 11, 2013 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2013. North Charleston is one of two regional sites in the State of South Carolina and has received this designation for 4 consecutive years.

All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a specially designed commemorative coin. To receive a coin, Veterans are urged to RSVP no later than November 4 to (843) 740-5801, (843) 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5850.

Once again, lunch for all of the event attendees will be provided immediately following the ceremony.

Colonel Myron C. Harrington, Jr. USMC (Retired) will be the event’s keynote speaker. Col. Harrington, a native of Augusta, Georgia, graduated from The Citadel in 1960 and was commissioned in the USMC in 1961. He would go on to serve his country in the Vietnam War.

The Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism was awarded to Col. Harrington for his actions during the Vietnam War on February 23, 1968 at the Battle of Huế. During the battle, he commanded a USMC force attacking a well-fortified North Vietnamese position along a portion of the wall surrounding the Huế Citadel. Under heavy fire and with disregard of his own safety, Col. Harrington maneuvered the Marines under his leadership to rout the North Vietnamese soldiers from the encampment.

An hour long interview filmed on December 8, 1981 with Col. Harrington from the WGBH Media Library and Archives can be found here: http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/vietnam-de0a9d-interview-with-myron-harrington-1981. The interview is his personal account of the Battle of Huế.

Col. Harrington’s decorations include the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars in lieu of second and third awards, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and Gold Star in lieu of second award, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, and the Vietnamese Staff Honor Medal 1st Class.

Col. Harrington earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania in 1980. After retiring from the USMC in 1991, he joined the staff of Trident Academy in Mount Pleasant as the Headmaster, retiring in 1997. He now is the Secretary of The Citadel Board of Visitors.

From past Veterans Day events
Photos: Past Veterans Day events 
Video: Medal of Honor recipient Major General Livingston on Veterans Day
Video: 10 year old Tre’ Williams on what it means to be a veteran
Video: Sophia Simmons on what it means to be a veteran
Video: Major Joe Lysaght on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance
Video: Lt. Col. Vernon Lightner gives remarks at North Charleston Veterans Day event

Village Antiques & Collectibles Show

We invite you to the City of North Charleston’s Village Antiques & Collectibles Show in Park Circle at the Felix C. Davis Community Center on June 22-23 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

The Show will feature home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage toys & games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments, and more.

Admission is $2.00, all of which will be benefits The Spay Not Slay Endowment.

For more information, contact Lisa Reynolds at (843) 740-2531 or via email at lreynolds@northcharleston.org.

North Charleston Farmers Market every Thursday at Park Circle

The North Charleston Farmers Market opens every Thursday until mid-October at the Felix C. Davis Community Center in Park Circle.

The City of North Charleston’s annual Farmers Market includes a number of local farmers and growers selling local produce. Vendors will be on hand offering arts and crafts and other handcrafted goods. 

Each week the City’s Cultural Arts Department features a performance or artist to showcase.

Half-Moon Outfitters and City partner in mural competition - seeking submissions

Half-Moon Outfitters is partnering with the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department to host a public mural competition. Lowcountry visual artists age 18 and up are invited to submit proposals for a public art piece to be installed on the exterior of Half-Moon Outfitters’ new building addition, the Half-Moon Annex, located on the corner of East Montague and Jenkins Avenues in the Olde Village area of North Charleston. Up to three artists will be selected. Selected artists will be given a materials stipend to create an 8’x8’ mural and have an opportunity to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. Deadline for proposals is 5:00pm on Friday, April 19.

To apply, artists must provide sketches of the proposed mural, a written description of the piece including information on medium, inspiration, and execution methods, a resume, and contact information. Application materials should be submitted by the deadline to City of North Charleston Arts Coordinator, AnneTrabue W. Nelson, via email, post, or hand-delivery to: 

Email:

anelson@northcharleston.org 

Post: 

City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department 

PO Box 190016
North Charleston, SC 29419-9016

Hand-delivery: 

Cultural Arts Dept. Office
North Charleston City Hall, 2nd Floor
2500 City Hall Lane
North Charleston, SC 29406 

There is no theme for the mural competition; however, mural concepts must be family-friendly and appropriate for public display. Half-Moon Outfitters will furnish an 8’x8’ wooden panel and a $100 materials stipend for each selected artist. Any additional materials expenses must be covered by the artist. Artists will be notified of selections by Friday, April 26. Murals must be complete and ready for installation by Tuesday, May 7. A free public reception will be held in honor of the mural artists during the 2013 North Charleston Arts Festival Art Walk on Wednesday, May 8, from 5:00-8:00pm. During the event, the public will be invited to vote on their favorite mural. Results of the vote will determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, which are Half-Moon Outfitters gift cards in the amounts of $300, $200, and $100, respectively. 

For more information about the Half-Moon Outfitters public mural competition, contact AnneTrabue W. Nelson at 843-740-5852 or anelson@northcharleston.org. For more information about Half-Moon Outfitters, visit www.halfmoonoutfitters.com. To learn more about other programs and artist opportunities offered by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts. 

About Half-Moon Outfitters 

Half-Moon Outfitters, founded in 1993 and based in Charleston, SC, features clothing and gear for adventure and travel. Offering lines that include Patagonia, The North Face, Chaco, Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear, experienced staff members guide customers through equipment selection with safety, comfort and fun in mind. Half-Moon employees share a love of the outdoors with a commitment to the environment. Half-Moon Outfitters has eight stores in South Carolina and Georgia and also a Web-based store. For more information, visit www.halfmoonoutfitters.com.

St. Paddy's Day Block Party & Parade - March 16

Come join the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Lowcountry on Saturday, March 16th in the Olde Village of North Charleston (located on East Montague Avenue near Park Circle). The 10th Annual “St. Paddy’s Day Block Party & Parade” is from 12 PM – 8 PM and promises fun for the entire family. The Block Party location is East Montague Avenue between Virginia Avenue and Jenkins Avenue.

The celebration will feature live music across three stages, bagpipe music, a mechanical bull, food vendors & trucks, corned beef and cabbage, Irish trivia, a Kid’s Zone with jump castles, face painting, local artisans, and much more. 

Live music line-up includes: Karl Byrne, Customs Four & Friends, The V-Tones, Folkgrass, Sean Austin Leonard, Michael Wolk, Don Merckle & The Blacksmiths, The Three Dudes, Maya Morill, Lizzy Pitch and WADATA. 

This year’s party will kick off with a parade starting at Park Place East (adjacent to East Montague Avenue and across from Park Circle Community Center) at 12 PM. The parade route will go down East Montague Avenue to the block party location near Virginia Avenue. The parade Grand Marshalls will be Madra Rua Irish Pub owners, Robert Spencer and Stephen O’Connor, who recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the pub’s opening. North Charleston's Mayor Keith Summey, the North Charleston High School band and many other local groups will also participate in the parade. 

East Montague Avenue will close from Park Place East to O’Hear Avenue at 11:30 AM and stay closed for the duration of the parade. East Montague will close between Virginia Avenue and Jenkins Avenue at 9:30 AM for set up and remain closed for the duration of the block party. 

The party, parade and parking are free to the public. 

The 10th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party and Parade is sponsored by the Madra Rua Irish Pub, The City of North Charleston, Southern Eagle Distributors, Guinness, Cork Neighborhood Bistro, DIG in the Park, EVO Pizza & Bakery, Cheerwine, The Sparrow, The Barbecue Joint, The Mill, Fratello’s, The Idle Hour, Richard’s Coffee and More and Park Pizza.

Photos from last year's event

City Marks Milestone in Park Circle Revitalization Effort

Earlier today, the City of North Charleston announced that a news conference will be held on Friday, February 8, 11 AM, at the entrance of Oak Terrace Preserve neighborhood in Park Circle (1500 East Liberty Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405).

Mayor Keith Summey and Councilman Bob King will speak, marking the beginning of Phase 2 of the City’s award-winning Oak Terrace Preserve neighborhood, with comments on upcoming redevelopment projects in the historic district of North Charleston.

The news conference will also address the City’s pending plans to revitalize sections of Rivers Avenue, and the northern end of the former naval base, after the December 2012 rails settlement with the State of South Carolina.

As a follow up for the public, a block party will be held on Saturday, February 9, as a free event, from 11 AM to 3 PM. The event is designed to celebrate the neighborhood’s progress over the past six years, and the construction of Phase 2, featuring food, fun, games, kids’ activities, and live entertainment.

“Oak Terrace Preserve opened the doors for the revitalization of Park Circle’s residential neighborhoods,” says Summey. “Until construction began on Phase 1, there had not been a new housing development in the Park Circle area for 50 years. Now, young families are coming back to the neighborhood, and private residential developments, like Mixson and Hunley Waters, are now gearing up with new construction as the recovery is gaining momentum after the national housing recession of 2008.”

Summey cited the unique advantages of Oak Terrace Preserve for families, with the Charleston County School of the Arts and nationally-ranked Academic Magnet High School within short walking distance of the neighborhood.

As a city owned, public-private project, Oak Terrace Preserve has received national recognition over the past five years, including Green Builder Magazine lists for top ‘green’ neighborhoods in the United States. Other City honors include the National League of Cities Award for Municipal Excellence and the Home Depot Foundation Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development.

Over the past two years, publications like This Old House, Bloomberg Business Week, and Men’s Journal have all recognized Park Circle as one of the nation’s ‘cool,’ up-and-coming neighborhoods. The Charleston City Paper readers voted Oak Terrace Preserve as the Charleston area’s “Best New Development of 2009”. KaBoom! cited North Charleston as a Playful City USA Community.

“This notoriety is a product of public and private efforts to redevelop a neighborhood that could have easily been lost without careful planning and investment,” adds Summey. “We’ve come a long way in six years, but I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

Oak Terrace Preserve is a 55-acre sustainable community owned by the City, and developed by private contractors. Homes are EarthCraft® Certified, and feature neo-traditional designs with a Lowcountry vernacular. Upon build-out, OTP will feature 374 homes and town homes, which includes a network of pocket parks, and some hundreds of preserved trees, including many grand oaks. Phase 2 will encompass the construction of 52 single family housing units and 16 town homes over the next 18 months.

Recent videos on the neighborhood:

Oak Terrace Preserve – Community

Oak Terrace Preserve - Schools

Mayor Summey on Oak Terrace Preserve's phase 2 and proximity to schools

Mayor Summey on Oak Terrace Preserve and Park Circle's revitalization

Information and video on Oak Terrace Preserve are in the media kit, at http://bit.ly/otpmediakit

For questions on the news conference, contact Ryan Johnson at the above email address and phone number. For inquiries on Oak Terrace Preserve, call or email Keith West, at the above email and phone number.

Information on Oak Terrace Preserve can be accessed online at http://www.oakterracepreserve.com.

North Charleston City Council approves rail settlement with State of South Carolina - an open letter from Mayor Summey

Citizens of North Charleston,

I am pleased to announce a resolution to the rail dispute that has consumed our community for the past several years.  The fight was at times bitter; however, the strong will of this community has led the state to a compromise that will ensure equitable treatment of our citizens.  We could not have reached this point without you.

Grass roots efforts led to thousands of citizens rallying together in town hall meetings, letters written to Columbia demanding a reasonable solution, and an equal amount of phone calls to public officials expressing concerns.  We fought in every forum, from the court of public opinion to courts of law.

We now have a great opportunity to resolve many of the lingering surface transportation issues which have plagued the greater North Charleston region for many, many years.  I can assure you that I have been relentless in achieving the best possible outcome for the community.

As with any settlement, compromises were required from both sides.  In the settlement, South Carolina Public Railways will establish an intermodal facility on a portion of the property the City gave to Clemson University. The facility will service both Class I railroads and will be operated by South Carolina Public Railways.  

We were able to stop approximately half, but not all, of the rail from being placed on land at the former Navy Base.  We did have to yield and allow northern rail access.  Keep in mind that rail off the base is subject to federal jurisdiction and was never something the City could control.  I believe that rail line reduction on the former Navy Base, along with other concessions made by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, will allow for appropriate mitigation for ill effects of increased rail traffic through our community.

First and foremost, a study will be commissioned to find a solution to many of our area’s surface transportation problems and lessen port traffic impacts on our community.  Anyone driving along our major thoroughfares has at some point been stuck in gridlock traffic or stopped by a train, unfortunately far too often.  This fight has been over rail, but I believe that the city has really objected to the human impact of rail more than to rail itself.

I have fought for a compromise designed to lessen the impact of container movement on our daily lives as much as possible.  If containers can exit our community by rail with less impact than exiting by truck, I believe there will be an improvement to our quality of life.  The study will identify mitigation (overpasses, quiet zones, routing, and sound barriers), determine exactly how we can climb out of our transportation debacle, and finally, paint a true picture of “rail done right.”

As additional parts of the mitigation, the community will receive $8 million.  The City will also receive 104 acres on the former Navy Base for restoration, which includes all of the former officer’s housing area adjacent to our park.  Public Railways has also agreed to assume $6.5 million of bonds that were issued for the construction of Riverfront Park.

To avoid future differences of opinion as to whether these promises to the City and its citizens are binding, this settlement will come as a court order, not a Memorandum of Understanding.  With the involvement of Governor Nikki Haley, Senator and Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman of Florence, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and others, this community has been given every possible assurance that Columbia will not turn its back on our community.

When contemplating this settlement, I challenge you to consider the opportunity we have to improve our community.  Also consider the consequences the residents of the City would face absent an agreement.  The result would have been disastrous, even if the City won every court battle and stopped the rail yard. 

We were faced with two options for handling containers from the Post-Panamax cargo ships that will service the new port facility.  One option allowed all containers from the new port to travel through our community by truck, one at a time.  I-26 is already failing in terms of its ability to handle current traffic.  Forcing the exponential increase of containers onto local roads by truck would cause North Charleston roadways to resemble a Los Angeles-like parking lot for hours each day.

The other option was to allow the State to move forward with constructing an intermodal facility to carry the containers away from our community on rail, hundreds of containers at a time.  This plan has obvious appeal, provided that rail routes can be developed in a way that would work around the community instead of rolling over it.

The latter option was chosen.  As a result, we are receiving a number of evenhanded concessions for the improvement of our community and we now have a seat at the table to make real, lasting changes to our region’s transportation system.

I hope you, the citizens of North Charleston, can stand with me.  It is unfortunate that we have had to adapt from our original vision for the former Navy Base.  Unfortunately, times have changed, the economy has changed, and ownership of the majority of the Base has changed.  What has not changed is my commitment to North Charleston.

I believe that North Charleston will emerge as a better community, and that all of the citizens of the State of South Carolina will realize that it was this community that made the tough decisions for their economic growth.  North Charleston is and will always be a great place to live, work, and play, no matter the obstacles we face.

Sincerely,

R. Keith Summey

Mayor

Additional information regarding the rail settlement can be found here, including:

1 – Rail Settlement Agreement NOT SIGNED

2 – Rail Settlement - Press Release from the SC Department of Commerce

3 – Rail Settlement - open letter from Mayor Summey

4 – Rail Settlement - Press Briefing

5 – Rail Settlement - map with key

North Charleston Christmas Festival and Parade

Saturday, December 1 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children’s activities, craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and returns to Mixson Avenue.

Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey and Santa Claus will light the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas Festival Schedule

3:00 pm	Police will close traffic circle to vehicular traffic
4:00 - 5:30 pm	Children activities (jump castles, petting zoo, carriage rides)
4:00 - 6:00 pm	Performances prior to parade
6:00 - 7:00 pm	Parade / Mayor’s Tree Lighting
7:00 - 9:00 pm	Performances on all stages
9:00 pm	Road opens for traffic

A map displaying each event and the parade route.

Performers at Christmas Festival 
Happy Feet Dancers
Leonard School of Music Jazz Band
Chilenia Jamison aka Nina Ross
Caley Crew - Soloist
Lowcountry Voices Ensemble
Ashley Gospel Singers
Michael Brown & F.O.C.U.S.

Christmas lights and displays shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from the beginning of December until New Years Day.

Veterans Day in North Charleston, a Tribute to our Veterans

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee has once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2012. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina and has been selected for 3 consecutive years.

All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a specially designed commemorative coin. To receive a coin, Veterans are urged to RSVP no later than October 25 to (843) 740-5801, (843) 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Lieutenant Colonel Vernon F. Lightner will be the event’s keynote speaker. A native of Great Falls, South Carolina, Lt. Col. Lightner graduated Livingstone College in 1991 and subsequently received a commission in the US Army Military Police Corps. He has served in a variety of leadership positions from platoon leader to battalion commander, most recently serving as the Director of Emergency Services at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Lt. Col. Lightner stands at attention during ceremony - Flickr user Fort Bliss Garrison PAO

Lt. Col. Lightner served in several operational deployments, including Operation Intrinsic Action in Kuwait, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He currently serves in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, as the Regional Director, Southeastern Region, for the Soldier for Life Office.

More Photos of Lt. Col. Lightner

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5850.

Outback Steakhouse is once again sponsoring lunch for all of the event’s attendees. Outback has sponsored the event for four consecutive years.

From past Veterans Day events

Photos: Veterans Day 2011


Photos: Veterans Day 2010


Video: Medal of Honor recipient Major General Livingston on Veterans Day


Video: 10 year old Tre’ Williams on what it means to be a veteran


Video: Major Joe Lysaght on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance

Backporch Storytellers set the scene for Halloween at North Charleston Ghost Walk

Get into the Halloween spirit with spooky tales and creepy legends appropriate for all ages at the North Charleston Ghost Walk on Saturday, October 27. The Olde Village section of East Montague Avenue in North Charleston will host up to eight storytelling stations featuring lively presentations of local folklore and traditional ghost stories by the talented members of the Backporch Storytellers of Charleston.

This exclusive one night only event will take place from 6:00-8:00pm. Groups will begin their haunted adventure at The Meeting Place, located at 1077 East Montague Avenue. Guests may visit any number of storytelling stations, with the full tour lasting approximately one and a half hours. Stations are located both indoors and outside. Participants are encouraged to add to the Halloween fun by attending in costume.

Tickets are available for purchase on the night of the event and cost $4 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. A special rate of $6 is being offered for groups consisting of one adult and three children. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the City’s Christmas Charity benefiting needy families. Homemade treats and hot chocolate will be available for purchase.

About the Backporch Storytellers
The Backporch Storytellers is a non-profit organization created in 1987 to serve as a storytelling support group for adult storytellers and listeners and a resource for people interested in oral literature. The mission of the group is to preserve and perpetuate the ancient art of Storytelling and to preserve the multi-cultural stories of the Old South, which includes Sea Island and Gullah tales and stories. Several members are listed on the Artist in Residence in Education roster for the South Carolina Arts Commission. For more information, visit backporchstorytellers.com.

The North Charleston Ghost Walk is sponsored by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department. For more details about the event, or for information about other programs and services offered by the department, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts, call 843-740-5854 or email culturalarts@northcharleston.org.

North Charleston selected as Regional Veterans Day Site by National Committee

The Department of Defense and the Veterans Day National Committee has once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2012. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina and has been selected for 3 consecutive years.

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public.

Additional details about North Charleston’s Veterans Day event will be released over the coming months.

From past Veterans Day events
Photos: Veterans Day 2011
Photos: Veterans Day 2010
Video: Medal of Honor recipient Major General Livingston on Veterans Day
Video: 10 year old Tre’ Williams on what it means to be a veteran
Video: Major Joe Lysaght on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance

Lunch in the Park, a fundraiser for our Dixie Majors Championship Team

Chat about it over on Facebook

To support North Charleston’s World Series Dixie Majors baseball team, a luncheon fundraiser will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Felix C. Davis Community Center (4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405). All lunch proceeds will assist the team in travel expenses to the tournament.

The North Charleston team went undefeated to win the South Carolina State Championship in Lancaster, SC over the July 14, 2012 weekend, advancing to the Dixie Majors World Series Tournament.

The Dixie Majors World Series Tournament will be played at Legion Field in Laurel, Mississippi. Games begin on Saturday, July 28, 2012. The North Charleston Majors team, ages 17-19, will take on the Alabama State Champions in its opener at 1:00 pm on July 28.

The double elimination tournament consists of the eleven 2012 State Champions throughout the Southeast and one team from the respective host city.

The North Charleston Recreation Department will be serving up lunch, sponsored by Cheerwine, of hamburgers, hotdogs, and grilled chicken with a $5 donation requested.  The Barbeque Joint is donating BBQ!

For more fundraiser information or donations, please contact Ed Barfield at (843) 740-5814 or edbarfield@northcharleston.org.

Village Street Sale this Saturday on East Montague

The 4th Annual Village Street Sale will take place on Saturday, May 21st from 8:00am to noon on East Montague Avenue in the Olde Village of North Charleston. East Montague Avenue will be closed between Jenkins Avenue and O’hear Avenue for the event.

The Olde North Charleston Village Street Sale will feature families and residents selling furniture, kitchen items, house wares, CDs, books, clothing, baby items, toys and much more. Your favorite East Montague Avenue restaurants will be open and selling an assortment of food and beverages.

Admission and parking are FREE.

Sellers interested in securing space for the event should visit www.VillageStreetSale.com for an online seller registration form or call (843) 270-2075. Spaces are available for only $15. Table rentals (if needed) are only $5. All proceeds from space and table rentals will benefit the North Charleston High School Band Booster Club and Olde North Charleston Neighborhood Council.

The Olde North Charleston Village Street Sale is sponsored by the Olde North Charleston Neighborhood Council.

www.VillageStreetSale.com

Art & Fine Craft CoOp Gallery Opening in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston will host its annual Spring Art and Fine Craft CoOp Gallery and Sale at the Meeting Place each Friday and Saturday from April 6 through May 26.

The annual pop-up gallery and temporary artist cooperative is dedicated to presenting works by many Lowcountry artists of varied backgrounds in a diverse array of media and styles, from representational to contemporary, in both two and three dimensions. All pieces on display will be available for sale. Artwork ranges from original oils, watercolors, and mixed media, to photography, fused glass, prints, note cards, and more.

Participating artist include Dorothy Allston Rogers, Sherri Bardsley, James Black, Jack Devlin, Kate Fortney, Jeffrey Hair, Michael Kaynard, Muriel Lanciault, Keller Lee, Karol-Ann Skelly, Francina Smalls-Joyner, Denise Spates, and Vordai. 

The artists will host a free public reception on Wednesday, May 9, from 5:00-8:00pm during the annual Art Walk in the Olde Village area of North Charleston. Both the Art Walk and the Art and Fine Craft CoOp are components of the 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival, held May 4-12. 

The Meeting Place is located at 1077 East Montague Avenue in the revitalized Olde Village area of North Charleston. Parking is free. CoOp gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00am-7:00pm. Inquiries about this exhibition and other exhibition opportunities may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854. For information on exhibits, programs, and events like the North Charleston Arts Festival, visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org

St. Paddy's Day Block Party & Parade

Saturday, March 17th in North Charleston on East Montague from 12:00 noon - 8:00 pm

Join the biggest St. Patrick’s Day street party in the Lowcountry on Saturday, March 17th in the Olde Village of North Charleston (located on East Montague Avenue near Park Circle). The 9th Annual “St. Paddy’s Day Block Party & Parade” is from 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm and promises fun for the entire family.
The celebration includes two stages with live music, jump castles, the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department family stage, face painting, bagpipe music, a mechanical bull, the Carolina Studios Mobile Studio, food vendors, corned beef and cabbage, a DJ, Irish trivia, and  much more.

Live music line-up includes:  WADATA, MOONLIGHT ALE, FOLKGRASS TRIO, KARL BYRNE, WHISKEY DIABLO, THE THREE DUDES, LIZZY PITCH, SEAN and AUSTIN LEONARD.

This year’s party will kick off with a parade starting at Park Place East (adjacent to East Montague Avenue and across from Park Circle Community Center) at 12 PM. The parade route will go down East Montague Avenue to the block party location near Virginia Avenue. The parade Grand Marshall will be city of North Charleston Council Member Todd Olds. North Charleston's Mayor Keith Summey will also participate in the parade.

East Montague Avenue will close from Park Place East to O’Hear Avenue at 11:30 am and stay closed for the duration of the parade.  East Montague will close between Virginia Avenue and  Jenkins Avenue at 10:00 am and stay closed for the duration of the block party.

The party, parade and parking are free to the public.

The 9th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party and Parade is sponsored by the Madra Rua Irish Pub, Pearlstine Distributors, Cork Neighborhood Bistro, DIG in the Park, EVO Pizza, Cheerwine, The Sparrow, The Barbecue Joint and Guinness.

Charleston City Paper's "Best of Charleston 2012" and its North Charleston highlights

The Charleston City Paper's "Best of Charleston 2012" featured quite a few places, people, and business in North Charleston. Hop over to the City Paper's website to check out each one.

Best Mix of Classes and Races
North Charleston Christmas Parade

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-mix-of-classes-and-races/BestOf?oid=4032946

Best New Addition to a Coliseum
Montague Terrace

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-new-addition-to-a-coliseum/BestOf?oid=4031873

Best Location for a Storm

The Old Village in Park Circle

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-location-for-a-storm/BestOf?oid=4033174

Best County Council Member

Elliott Summey, District 3

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-county-council-member/BestOf?oid=4032999

Best Small-Batch Letterpress Outfit

Ink Meets Paper Press

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-small-batch-letterpress-outfit/BestOf?oid=4031894

Best Way to Explore Park Circle

Mixson Bike Scavenger Hunt

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-way-to-explore-park-circle/BestOf?oid=4032342

Best North Charleston Restaurant

EVO

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-north-charleston-restaurant/BestOf?oid=4032738

Best North Charleston Bar

Madra Rua Pub

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-north-charleston-bar/BestOf?oid=4033071

Best Authentic Pub

Madra Rua Pub

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-authentic-pub/BestOf?oid=4033086

Best New Fit for Park Circle

DIG in the Park

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-new-fit-for-park-circle/BestOf?oid=4032933

Best Pesto Not Paired with Pasta

Pistachio Pesto Pizza at EVO

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-pesto-not-paired-with-pasta/BestOf?oid=4033117

Best Oddball Pizza

Teriyabi at Park Pizza Co.

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-oddball-pizza/BestOf?oid=4033153

Best Local Beer Resembling a Frosty

Holy City Brewing's Collision Stout

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-local-beer-resembling-a-frosty/BestOf?oid=4033166

This Old House names North Charleston’s Park Circle a Best Old-House Neighborhood

Park Circle in North Charleston, SC has been named amongst the 2012 Best Old-House Neighborhoods. The editors of This Old House have tracked down neighborhoods that have promising futures, strong communities, and homes that truly deserve a long-term commitment.

This Old House notes Park Circle to be a location of “hundreds of lovingly crafted—albeit more modest and affordable—old houses surrounding a 30-plus-acre park filled with baseball fields, playgrounds, and a weekly farmer's market.”

Reasons to buy in Park Circle, according to This Old House, are many, “with its affordable houses and plenty of restaurants and shops on Montague Avenue, its main commercial thoroughfare, Park Circle is popular among first-time homebuyers. A new elementary school and a performing arts school draw families with children. Since more of the former naval base's buildings are being converted to office space, this is a great place for anyone with a good business plan, too.”

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey stated, “After the closure of the Navy Base, a sustainable, community-driven vision was set forth for Park Circle and its surrounding communities. We hoped for a renaissance, and we got just that. Today, Park Circle is a diverse, progressive, vibrant neighborhood full of young families and professionals that are active in the community, take pride in their homes, and patronize our local, small businesses.” Mayor Summey continued, “We are honored to receive this recognition from This Old House, and consider it validation that Park Circle and the City of North Charleston are truly a great place to live, work, and play.”

This Old House scoured the United States and Canada to find unique, tight-knit neighborhoods for their fifth annual search for the Best Old-House Neighborhoods. These places might not be on your radar, but deserve to be, according to the magazine’s editors.

ThisOldHouse.com features 61 great spots, 51 in the United States and 10 in Canada, that fit the criteria of old-house neighborhoods – architectural diversity, craftsmanship of the homes, and the preservation momentum in the area as well as neighborhood amenities including walkability, safety and community. With the help of PreservationDirectory.com, neighborhood groups, real estate agents, and preservation societies, This Old House compiled their list of the best places to fall in love with one-of-a-kind period houses and bargains in need of a DIY remodel. The winning neighborhoods are also divided into categories such as Best Bargains, Best for Retirees, Best College Towns, and more.

Full coverage from This Old House on Park Circle via ThisOldHouse.com

Within the various categories of winning neighborhoods by This Old House, Park Circle was among: The South, Waterfront, Lots to Do, Family Friendly, First-Time Buyers, Cottages and Bungalows, and Easy Commute.

(Neighborhoods are listed alphabetically by State in all categories) 

About This Old House

This Old House Ventures Inc. is America’s premier home enthusiast brand, netting 50 million multi-media impressions each month through its award-winning television, print, and web properties. The leading consumer publication for home how-to and inspiration, the award-winning This Old House magazine currently has a circulation of 950,000 and reaches an audience of almost six million. This Old House is available on tablets and is published by the Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, a division of Time Inc., the largest magazine media company in the U.S.

Garrett Academy builds themed playhouses, all to be auctioned for local charities

Garrett Academy of Technology students built four themed playhouses to be auctioned off to benefit three local charities (MUSC Children’s Hospital, Lowcountry Food Bank and The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston).  The playhouses will be on display at the Felix C. Davis Community Center in Park Circle.

Dean Wilson is accepting offers for the auction until December 23, 2011. To bid, call Dean at 345-2458.

Local business partners have donated the materials to the Construction Program at Garrett Academy of Technology for a real life work experience.

The materials, valued in excess of $6,000, were donated by:
CarolinaOne Real Estate - Dean Wilson and Mark Kerse
Harbor Homes
Capitol City Homes
Rex Thompson Homes
CCSD - Garrett Academy of Technology

Village Antiques & Collectibles HOLIDAY Show

We invite you to the City of North Charleston’s Village Antiques & Collectibles HOLIDAY Show in Park Circle at the Felix C. Davis Community Center on December 10 & 11 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

Special Friday night preview December 9 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The Show will feature home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage toys & games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments, and more.

Admission is $2.00, all of which will be benefits The Spay Not Slay Endowment.

Park at no cost.

A food court to dine.

For more information, contact Lisa Reynolds at (843) 740-2531 or via email at lreynolds@northcharleston.org.