Boeing conducts inaugural flight of 1st 787 built in North Charleston

Boeing marked another 787 milestone as the first Dreamliner built in North Charleston completed its first flight. Piloted by Tim Berg and Randy Neville, the airplane successfully conducted a five-hour test flight. More than 5,000 Boeing South Carolina employees watched a live broadcast of the airplane as it took off from Charleston International Airport.

"This is a proud moment for our Boeing South Carolina team and for Boeing," said Jack Jones, vice president/general manager, Boeing South Carolina. "In April, we gathered on the flightline to watch this airplane roll out of final assembly. Today, we watched as this airplane successfully completed its first production flight - one step closer to delivering our first South Carolina-built 787 Dreamliner to our customer."

Today's production flight test profile tested the airplane's controls and systems in a series of scenarios designed to verify the airplane operates as designed. The tests occurred in all stages of flight beginning prior to taxi, through final landing and taxi.


View Flight path of the maiden voyage of the 1st North Charleston-made Boeing 787 in a larger map

During the flight, the crew checked the functionality of onboard systems at high and medium altitudes. They also checked backup and critical safety elements including cabin pressurization, avionics, and navigation and communications systems. In addition, they shut down and re-started each engine during flight.

"First flight of this South Carolina-built airplane is a significant achievement and our teammates did a great job working together to make this happen," said Berg. "The airplane performed exactly as we expected."

The airplane will be flown to Ft. Worth, Texas to be painted with Air India's livery before returning to Boeing South Carolina for a mid-2012 delivery.

Watch the May 24, 2012 City Council Meeting

National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition Winners Announced

Transcendence (fabricated & recycled metal) by Corrina Mensoff

Sculpture artists from across the nation applied to the 7th annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, a component of the 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival. Presented by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, this unique, eleven month exhibition offers established and emerging artists the opportunity to display their thought provoking, extraordinary sculptures, as well as compete for up to $14,750 in honorariums and awards.

Twelve sculptures out of 43 submissions were pre-juried into the exhibition by the juror, Steven Matijcio, curator of Contemporary Art, Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA). Once installed at the exhibition site, the juror then selected pieces to receive awards for Best in Show, Outstanding Merit, and Honorable Mentions.

After making his selections, Mr. Matijcio stated, “My overall notes for the show begin with sincere congratulations to the artists involved. They have managed to animate heavy, monumental materials with an intriguing air of animation, fluidity and the in-between. There are hard-line geometries; anthropomorphic curves; haunting memento mori; and playful industrial follies.” He continued, “I was impressed with the variety, as well as the consistency - public art can so quickly fade into the surroundings if it fails to resonate, and change. The work in this show hums with a sense of life that reveals more, every time the work is re-engaged.”

The twelve sculptures selected for exhibition are by twelve artists from seven states.  Division I includes ten sculptures that are anchored to a concrete pad or in the grass.  Division II includes two sculptures that are secured to a concrete pedestal.



Division I
Spring Azure (stone & steel) by Philip Hathcock – Cary, NC (Best in Show)
Transcendence (fabricated & recycled metal) by Corrina Mensoff – Atlanta, GA (Outstanding Merit)
Flutter Gate II (galvanized steel) by Jim Gallucci – Greensboro, NC (Hon. Mention)
Black & White #5 (steel & enamel) by Matthew Harding – Greenville, NC (Hon. Mention)
Scheme 6 (concrete parking bumpers) by Tom Scicluna – Miami, FL (Hon. Mention)
Pileated Woodpecker Totem (welded steel & natural wood) by Bob Turan – Earlton, NY
Rings (steel) by Adam Walls – Lauvinburg, NC
Mixed Emotions (corten steel) by Davis Whitfield IV – Mountain City, TN
Memento Mori (carved limestone) by Paris Alexander – Raleigh, NC
Dream of Africa (oiled steel) by Carl Billingsley – Ayden, NC

Division II
Coming Home (bronze) by Leo Osborne – Anacortes, WA (Hon. Mention)
Ambit (stone) by Carl Wright – Martinsburg, WV

Sculpture sites are located throughout the picturesque North Charleston Riverfront Park, located at 1001 Everglades Avenue on the former Charleston Naval Base.  The park is set on the banks of the beautiful Cooper River.  Visitors may enjoy ten acres of walking paths, a performance pavilion, picnic shelter, a fishing pier and boardwalk, an oversized sandbox, and children’s play fountain.  The historic site is centered in the Noisette District, the largest urban redevelopment project ever undertaken in the US.

The 2012/13 National Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition will be on display through March, 2013. For more information or to be added to the application mailing list for the 2013/14 Competition, please call 843-740-5854 or email culturalarts@northcharleston.org.  Visit the Cultural Arts Department section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org to view photographs, artist statements, and directions to North Charleston Riverfront Park.

Building Officials Association Elects 1st Female President, declares Building Safety Month

Michelle Hawkins, 1st female President of the BOASC

After 61 years of incorporation, the Building Officials Association of South Carolina (BOASC) has elected Michelle Hawkins as its 1st female President.  Ms. Hawkins, employed by the City of North Charleston Building Department, was sworn in at the association’s 61st Annual Educational Conference on May 8, 2012.

Governor Nikki Haley proclaimed the month of May as “Building Safety Month,” and the BOASC celebrates the month by recognizing key objectives, including the promotion of maximum safety of life, health, and property at a minimum cost and creates a better public understanding and appreciation of the building regulations and their importance to the safety, health and prosperity of communities.

Also during the annual conference, the BOASC elected a new board of directors: Mike Smith of Richland County as Vice President; Buddy Skinner of Laurens County as Secretary; Chris Lee of Myrtle Beach as Treasurer; John W. Wasson, Jr. of the City of Greenville as Immediate Past President; Chris Stover as Upper State Representative; Rick Hallman Central State Representative; Patrick Brown Coastal Code Representative; Tommy Holcombe Tri-County Representative; Melissa Hopkins At-Large Representative; Charlie Coker Plumbing, Gas & Mechanical Representative; and Tara Stimpson of the Permit Tech Association.

About BOASC
The BOASC is a Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC) and a member of the ICC Region 8 Chapter, consisting of building officials of SC, NC, TN, and GA.  BOASC brings together individuals engaged in the administration and enforcement of building and other related codes, to share information, exchange ideas and discuss mutual problems.  BOASC encourages and assists in efficient administration and enforcement of building and related codes, and to uphold the prestige of Municipal and County Building Officials and the Inspection profession.

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

FY12-13 Proposed Budget Information & Public Hearing

Pursuant to Section 6-1-80 of the S.C. Code of Laws, public notice is hereby given that the North Charleston City Council will hold a public hearing on the municipal budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year:

Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC

Current Fiscal Year Budget Revenues: $117,158,617 Projected 6/30/2013 Budget Revenues: $126,379,533 Percentage Change in Revenues 7.9%	Current Fiscal Year Budget Expenditures: $117,158,617 Projected 6/30/2013 Budget Expenditures: $126,379,533 Percentage Change in Expenditures 7.9%
Current Fiscal Year Millage: 90.0 mills Projected Millage for 2012-2013: 94.0 mills*
*Estimated millage equals $94 per $1,000 of assessed property value

The above draft proposed budget was presented to the City's Finance Committee on Monday, April 30. The Finance Committee made two amendments, which are not noted in the file. 1. Addition of funding for tablets for City Council. 2. Addition of Community Promotion funding to support ITNCharlestonTrident.

Map of  Proposed Capital Improvement Projects

View Proposed Capital Improvement Projects in a larger map

Firefighter Combat Challenge comes to North Charleston this weekend

The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will be coming to North Charleston this weekend. The event is being offered to promote the physical fitness of firefighters, and will be part of the 20-plus Challenge tour to be held throughout the United States in 2012.

While you must be a firefighter to take part in the competition, the public is encouraged to come and watch as the participants navigate the Challenge course or “The toughest two minutes in sports,” as it’s frequently known.

The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will be held at Tanger Outlet, located at 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418. The individual competition starts at Friday, May 18 at 4:00pm. The tandem and team relays begin on Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 am.

Firefighters competing in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge will be competing in a five-evolution event, which includes a 5-story tower climb with high-rise pack, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and victim rescue. Competitions shall include individual, team, tandem, and relay. Firefighters will vie for times, points, and placement qualifying them for the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge World Challenge, to be held in November 2012.

 “The Firefighter Combat Challenge is set to showcase the hard work of our local fire departments that keep us safe during our times of need. The intricacy of their equipment and tasks are most often overlooked by the public, but the complexity of the profession is definitely real. This spectacular event, featuring the firefighter’s brain and brawn, will offer us the rare, yet exciting peak into the actions of the brave men and women that put their lives on the line for us every day,” stated Mayor Keith Summey.


This year’s Combat Challenge is being held in conjunction with the Annual Safe Kids Bike Rodeo and Safety Day at the Fire Museum. The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, May 19, 2012, with a full day of family fun activities to entertain while raising awareness to prevent accidental childhood injury.

The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge was founded 20 years ago, by Dr. Paul Davis, as a physical fitness research project at the University of Maryland. The Challenge is based out of Burtonsville, Maryland, and maintains a goal of promoting fitness within the first responder community.

For more information about the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, please visit http://www.firefighterchallenge.com, or call 301.421.4433.

Year-round, regional swimming facility and programs unveiled

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails, South Carolina State Representative Wendell Gilliard, former world-ranked swimmer Marco Cavazzoni, and Logan Rutledge Children’s Foundation President Mark Rutledge unveiled plans for improvements to the swimming facility at the Danny Jones Complex and area swim initiatives on Friday, May 11, 2012.

Once completed, the Danny Jones Complex will be fully enclosed and heated for year-round access and will give a significant boost to local Lowcountry aquatic athletics and programming. In addition, the benefits of the improvements will be passed along to the North Charleston community, providing an endless swimming season.

The improvements to the Danny Jones Complex are the culmination of a regional effort of individuals in the local swim community, led by Dr. Cavazzoni through the Logan Rutledge Children's Foundation. A few months ago, the group approached the City of North Charleston to address the Lowcountry's lack of a swimming facility to accommodate year-round, indoor training for competitive swimmers, education in water safety, swimming lessons, and senior aquatic activities. The group's Lowcountry Aquatics Program (LAP) seeks to provide lifelong aquatics opportunities for Lowcountry residents - with a special emphasis on teaching children in underprivileged Lowcountry areas to swim, thus reducing the incidence of accidental drownings.

With the City of North Charleston on-board, the group began raising private funds, setting a goal of $250,000. In addition to the private fundraising, the Town of Mount Pleasant has committed $100,000 toward the project. Furthermore, Mayor Riley pledged to seek $25,000 in the City of Charleston’s 2013 Budget for the Logan Rutledge Foundation’s Learn to Swim programs in conjunction with the Charleston County School District.
Click here for a statement from the City of Charleston.

North Charleston City Council voted on February, 23, 2012 for an initial round of funding to begin the first phase of the $1,000,000 Danny Jones Complex project. North Charleston will also incur ongoing operational and maintenance costs to the facility.

The month of May has been declared “Water Safety Awareness Month,” as adopted by the South Carolina General Assembly, House Resolution 3310. Representative Gilliard was a key sponsor on the resolution.

Local News Coverage

North Charleston Fire Museum & Educational Center Celebrates Anniversary with 5th Annual Bike Rodeo and Safety Day

The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, May 19, 2012 with the Annual Safe Kids Bike Rodeo and Safety Day. The Fire Museum opened its doors to the public on April 28, 2007 and since that time has hosted over 300,000 visitors.

As a thank you to the community, the North Charleston Fire Museum, in conjunction with Safe Kids Trident Area, will present a full day of family fun activities to entertain while educating to prevent accidental childhood injury. Children will receive a free new bike helmet and can take part in free jump castles, a climbing wall, music, and water games.

Guests can visit over 30 different vendors and booths, and watch vehicle extraction demonstrations by the North Charleston Fire Department and the North Charleston Police Department Bike Team. Children can also navigate their way through the bicycle obstacle course after receiving a free bike inspection and tune up. Bring your own bike or use one of the free bikes available for check out.

Attendees can cool off in the museum and enjoy free admission for the entire family. The Bike Rodeo is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and the Fire Museum will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with the last admission at 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair poster

For more information, contact Max Sterling at (843) 740-5550 x 221 or maxjsterling@gmail.com.

Garrett Academy student named a South Carolina Technology Champion

Karl Noble, a student at Garrett Academy in North Charleston, has been selected as a South Carolina Technology Champion for his academic performance, engineering know-how, and extracurricular initiatives.

For the 10th consecutive year, the most exemplary career and technology students in South Carolina will be publically recognized as ‘Technology Champions” during ceremonies at the Education and Business Summit in Greenville at the TD Convention Center.

Karl's academic performance (Top 5% of senior class, 4.0 GPA) speaks loudly to his intellectual prowess. In addition, Karl is actively involved at Garrett Academy. He is a member of SKILLSUSA, National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society (School-President), and a member of the Football and Soccer teams. Karl has also been awarded Highest Average of the year in Biology (2009/2010), Highest Average of the year in Introduction to Engineering Design (2009/2010), Highest Average in Principles of Engineering (2010/2011), Athletics Directors Award, and been recognized as a Thursday Night Light Scholar Athlete.

“Technology Champions,” is a distinction bestowed only upon twelve 2009 high school graduates.  Each Champion was selected from a pool of nominations received from high schools and career and technology centers within each of the State’s 12 regions.  Regional selection was based upon such factors as GPA, attendance, awards and honors, leadership in school and service to the community.  To qualify for this honor, a nominee must be a graduating senior in a career and technology education completer program.

Garrett Academy Pre-Engineering Instructor Milton Howard nominated Karl to become a Technology Champion stating, "As a professional educator, I have the opportunity to interact with hundreds of students, but Karl stands out as one of the best."  Mr. Howard continued, "Karl is an excellent role model for his peers! I know he will continue to strive for excellence in all that he does and will one day be a successful engineer. "

Karl plans to attend Clemson University in the fall and major in Engineering.

North Charleston Fire Department presents 3 citizens with awards for life-saving actions

The Chief’s Citizen Award is reserved for the Fire Chief to recognize citizens for outstanding actions or achievements that positively affect the fire department or community. North Charleston Fire Chief Gregory A. Bulanow presented three Citizen Awards at City Council on Thursday, May 10, 2012.

The First of the three awards was presented to Thomas Gotbeter, who responded to a complete stranger at a Little Cricket convenience store who was in full cardiac arrest. He performed CPR on the man until emergency personnel arrived on scene. The man was treated at the hospital and released several days later.
Mr. Gotbeter’s full story 

The next award was given to Andrew Glover of the North Charleston Police Department. Officer Glover observed black smoke coming from a home, after notifying dispatch, he entered the home to find two individuals sleeping. Everyone safely exited the home without injury. 

Officer Glover’s full story 

The final award was presented to Reginald Curry for his acts of bravery at the Noisette Creek Apartment fire. He not only caught a baby dropped from a second story window, but entered the structure to save another child that was otherwise trapped inside. 

Mr. Curry’s full story

One Man Embarks on 1,000 Mile Marathon to Benefit Parkinson's Disease Research and Inspire Every Day Heroes

Business owner and humanitarian James Mangini, 32, set off on the 1000 Mile Marathon from North Charleston City Hall on May 7, 2012 to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's disease research. He plans to complete his 1,000 miles in only 30 days in New York City.

Mangini will run approximately 33 miles, or eight to 10 hours each day. Along the way he will stop in a dozen cities across nine states to bolster local support and build awareness. One stop will be in Hillsborough, NJ at the home of his father who was stricken with Parkinson's disease six years ago.

"This journey is not just about raising awareness and finding a cure for my dad and the millions of others who live with Parkinson's," notes Mangini. "It's about inspiring and challenging everyday heroes to join the fight against the debilitating disease."



"With fifty to sixty thousand Americans being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, it is a great honor that James is departing from City Hall, raising awareness for those in our community who are affected by the disease," says Mayor Keith Summey, North Charleston, SC, "The entire city stands by James’ side as he completes this journey."

The 1000 Mile Marathon is organized and operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was set up to raise awareness and to benefit Team Fox, the community fundraising division of The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF).

"James is truly an inspiration," said Katy Reitz, Director of Team Fox. "When James mentioned that he wanted to do something BIG, we had no idea he would take on a challenge like the 1000 Mile Marathon to continue to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's research. We are honored that James has chosen Team Fox as the beneficiary of this monumental journey."

Now through December 31, every dollar donated to MJFF through the 1000 Mile Marathon will be matched dollar-for-dollar with the $50-million Brin-Wojcicki Challenge, launched by Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki. In addition to the unwavering support of MJFF and Team Fox, sponsors of the 1000 Mile Marathon include Home Telecom, Charleston Southern University and the South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center.

Vote for our local Google Doodler

VOTE FOR JOHN'S DOODLE HERE

North Charleston student John W's Google Doodle has been selected as a finalist from over 114,000 entries. From North Pole, Alaska to Miami, Florida to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to Kapa'a, Hawai'i, the 50 finalists hail from literally every corner of the country.

John said, "My picture expresses the theme by depicting a scene of a 1970s jazz band. I chose this drawing because I enjoy the styles and sounds of this era. I would love to be able to travel in time to visit a city like New Orleans and watch a jazz band."

The winning Doodle will be displayed on Google's homepage.  In addition, the doodler will take home a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school.

The theme for this year’s contest was “If I could travel in time, I’d visit...”. That could mean visiting a past, present or future setting—whether it’s traveling back in time to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to the future to witness everyday space travel, or to just a few moments ago to relive a poignant experience.

KaBOOM! designates North Charleston a “Playful City USA” Community for 2nd consecutive year

The City of North Charleston was once again named a “Playful City USA” community by KaBOOM!, the national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America’s children. KaBOOM! created “Playful City USA” in 2007 to help local governments address the play deficit by ensuring children have the time and space they need to play.

This is the 2nd consecutive year the City has earned this honor. 213 cities and towns across the country received the designation of which only 6 were recognized from the State of South Carolina. 

"Some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities," says Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM!. “They are key allies in the fight to combat the play deficit and serve as outstanding role models for government and community leaders across the country." 

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey stated, “The North Charleston Recreation Department offers a wealth of activities and space for play that promotes healthy lifestyles including sports for all ages at our many athletic complexes, senior programming in our community centers, afterschool and summer camps for our city’s youth, and passive play at the numerous playgrounds dotting the city.” Mayor Summey continued, “We take great pride in providing our citizens with play areas and programming that rival the best in the nation.” 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is critical to healthy brain development. It allows children to use their creativity while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Yet today's children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only 1-in-5 live within walking distance of a park or playground. The resulting play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially and academically. 

In November 2009, KaBOOM! donated and assisted in building a state of the art, handicap accessible playground on Brookside Drive in North Charleston. KaBOOM! representatives, local non-profit The Sustainability Institute, community volunteers, and civic leaders participated in the single-day build of the playground.

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.