North Charleston City Gallery presents concurrent solo exhibits by Robert B. Reed & MaryAnn H. Goodhue

"Plastic Beach Chairs" by Robert B. Reed (L), "Corexit Dispersant Stream" by MaryAnn H. Goodhue (R)

The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that mixed media paintings by local artist, Robert B. Reed, and oil paintings by Montgomery, Alabama, based artist, MaryAnn H. Goodhue, will be on exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery from August 1-31, 2013. The artists will host a free public reception at the gallery on Thursday, August 1, from 5:00-7:00pm.

Outlying Shores: Annotations from Abroad by Robert B. Reed
The seven seas take on a new meaning in Outlying Shores: Annotations from Abroad, featuring the beach and shoreline resolutions of seasoned painter and world traveler, Robert B. Reed. For this exhibition, the artist offers a glimpse into a lifetime of experience abroad, highlighting seaside culture and some modes of human leisure prompted by and in face of the sea. The paintings are a mixture of symbols of the Western world that emulate serenity and leisure set within an unsure continuity that act like beacons of a sea culture; steadfast as a lighthouse but amorphous as the fog that surrounds it. Although each piece depicts different localities, which may be seen through delicate nuances of light and form, as a whole, the exhibition reveals how a common attitude can be shared by inhabitants of distant shores, which is a fundamental outlook for the prosperity of any port city in strengthening external bonds and relationships. “This series reflects my curiosity and attraction to one of many aspects of sea culture, which is an integral part of my life,” Reed says. “My interests have often been to depict what for me are visually poetic features of human involvement with our oceans and coastal sea areas, a way of measuring time, but more so, a way of measuring different cultures.”

Although not a native to Charleston, Reed is an adopted son returning to one of the localities where he had spent time as a child nurturing his attraction for the sea. He was born in Key West, Florida, and has lived in many different places in the United States, growing up mainly in Hawaii and California. He spent a major part of his life traveling the world, eventually using Tuscany as his home base. He studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze from 1981 to 1985, receiving a Diploma in Painting from this Italian State Institute, and was accepted with a scholarship into a Masters of Fine Arts program at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1988. During the mid-1990’s he taught courses in watercolor technique and collaborated with two private arts schools in Florence, Studio Cecil and The Florence Academy of Art. Reed’s work has received several awards and honorable mentions and has been shown in both solo and collective exhibitions in Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and throughout the United States.

Endangered by MaryAnn H. Goodhue
MaryAnn H. Goodhue’s fascination with color, pattern, and repetition are immediately evident in her work. Her bold palette, a bit irreverent and humorous, is both challenged and inspired by the Fauvism movement of the early 20th century, and influenced by painters like Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and Maurice de Vlaminck. Though her body of work boasts a very diverse use of materials, subjects, and inspiration, the artist has chosen to display one particular series of paintings for her one month presentation at the City Gallery. Endangered features a collection of oil paintings inspired by the devastation to the native bird population in Goodhue’s home state of Alabama caused by the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill. More than 300 species of birds live or pass through the Gulf Coast each year, including some rare and endangered species, making it one of the most important bird habitats in the world. Thousands of birds were immediately impacted by the estimated 170 million gallons of oil that flooded into the Gulf, with thousands more expected to suffer from long-term impacts such as an unbalanced food web. “As I photograph, sketch, and bring to life the struggles of these birds, I find myself enthralled with the plight of these endangered, graceful creatures,” Goodhue says. “Though the oil is no longer visible, their battle for recovery continues.”

MaryAnn H. Goodhue was born in New Jersey and currently lives and works in Montgomery, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sculpture from Augusta State University in Georgia in 1988 and her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1993. She taught students of all ages as an art educator for over twenty-five years, exchanging work in the classroom for full-time work in the studio in 2010. Her paintings and sculptures have been included in numerous juried and invitational exhibitions throughout the United States. Presently her work is represented by the SAC Gallery in Montgomery, Alabama.

The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free during regular Convention Center operating hours, 9:00am – 5:00pm daily. The gallery is staffed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at http://bit.ly/culturalarts.

Charleston Animal Society Low Cost Rabies Clinic

Charleston Animal Society is offering low cost rabies vaccinations on Saturday, July 20th from 8:00am - 10:00am at the Felix C. Davis Community Center located at 4800 Park Circle.

Vaccinations will be available at the discounted rate of $10. All pet owners are eligible.

Dogs should be on leashes and cats should be in carriers.


Firmly dedicated to the health of the community’s animals, Charleston Animal Society vaccinated 521 animals at its discounted rabies drives last year and 9836 animals overall in 2012.

Under South Carolina state law, all pets are required to be fully vaccinated against rabies. This improves the overall health of the local animal population and makes the community as a whole safer and healthier.

New playground coming to Chicora neighborhood

Select Health of South Carolina and AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership (ACP) announced plans to build a playground adjacent to the Chicora Place Community Garden, located at 3107 North Carolina Avenue in North Charleston. The playground, part of ACP’s “Safe Playground” program, will be built in a single day Friday, Nov. 22. ACP has built 20 playgrounds since 2007, benefiting more than 6,000 children. Select Health offers the First Choice Medicaid health plan and is part of AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies. AmeriHealth Caritas is a majority-owned subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan holds a minority interest.

“A playground is an investment in the health of a community and the families who live there,” said Cindy Helling, executive director of Select Health, which is headquartered in North Charleston. “The Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood needs a safe playground, and this location is ideal in many ways. We hope more businesses and individuals will join us in making this vision a reality for the community.” Project partners to date include the City of North Charleston, Metanoia Community Development Corporation and Charleston Promise Neighborhood.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, preventable injuries are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14 in the United States. In fact, more than 14 million children sustain preventable injuries that require medical attention each year. These injuries are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits for children insured by AmeriHealth Caritas and the impetus behind ACP’s Safe Playground program. 

“Safe playgrounds encourage physical fitness, help prevent childhood obesity, reduce youth violence and school absenteeism and boost academic performance. They also connect families and promote social and emotional development in children,” said Maria Pajil Battle, president of ACP. “In today’s world, it’s important for children to get outside and play in a place that’s worry-free. This playground really does have the power to change a child’s world, which is our mission.”

Founded in 2011 by AmeriHealth Caritas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ACP works to address health disparities through community health initiatives that promote health, wellness and overall quality of life. ACP, in collaboration with AmeriHealth Caritas health plans, identifies communities where high percentages of children are living at or below the poverty level and are lacking safe play areas. Then, in conjunction with community partners and sponsors, they build a playground in one day.

This will be the second playground build in S.C. In 2012, ACP and Select Health led a successful effort to build a playground, fitness area and refurbished recreational facilities including a basketball court at Pinehurst Park in Columbia.

The City of North Charleston had already pinpointed the empty space by the Chicora Place Community Garden as a potential playground spot, said Parks and Recreation Director Ed Barfield. According to the proposal, the city will provide the land as well as a decorative black fence and a small number of parking spaces. The city would also maintain the grounds and playground equipment. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, especially for the south end of our city,” said Barfield. “It’s going to be great for the children and adults.”

The city also provides the land for the Chicora Place Community Garden, which started in 2011. With ongoing support from the Metanoia Community Development Corporation, the garden is tended by volunteers who grow fresh fruits and vegetables, making healthy eating easier for residents.

Once the playground is completed, adults will be able to work in the garden while keeping an eye on children at the playground, making it easier for everyone to stay active. “A playground is something that people from the neighborhood have said they have wanted to see for a long time, and placing it next to the garden is a perfect fit,” said the Rev. Bill Stanfield, CEO of Metanoia.

The playground’s main structure will be designed for children ages five to 12. Features will include slides, monkey bars, a climbing wall and more. Alongside the main structure will be a series of outdoor fitness stations geared to young adults and older people, even senior citizens, including a rowing station, sit-up plank and elliptical trainer. The playground will be handicapped-accessible with the approval of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society of Testing Materials.

Charleston Promise Neighborhood CEO Sherrie C. Snipes-Williams credits Select Health and ACP for the resources they are contributing and for making the Chicora Place playground build a collaborative effort. “The end result will be a positive place for our children to play and laugh and grow.”

Select Health and ACP are reaching out to area businesses, organizations and individuals, asking them to get involved and lend financial support to the project. Those interested in contributing through donations or sponsorships should contact Tricia Crimminger, Select Health director of communications, at (843) 569-4643 or pcrimminger@selecthealthofsc.com.

For more information about Select Health, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com. For more information about AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership, visit www.amerihealthcaritaspartnership.org.

Select Health of South Carolina Mission: To help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities.

ABOUT SELECT HEALTH

Incorporated in 1995, Select Health was licensed as a Health Maintenance Organization by the South Carolina Department of Insurance in 1996. Later that year, the company contracted with the Department of Health and Human Services to offer First Choice, the state’s first and largest Medicaid health plan that currently serves more than 264,000 members in all 46 counties.

Select Health is dedicated to providing access to high quality health care. In 2011 and 2012, Select Health received the National Committee of Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Excellent Accreditation, and the company also holds NCQA’s Multicultural Health Care Distinction. First Choice by Select Health is the highest nationally ranked (#42) South Carolina Medicaid health plan, according to NCQA's Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2012-2013. (Note: The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) uses other criteria for evaluating and ranking the performance of health plans serving Medicaid beneficiaries. To view these results, please visit www.scdhhs.gov/reports-statistics).

Select Health is a wholly-owned member of AmeriHealth Caritas, one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for the underserved, which serves nearly 5 million members nationwide.

ABOUT AMERIHEALTH CARITAS PARTNERSHIP

AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership was established in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Dedicated to implementing health initiatives that foster disease prevention and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities, the AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership is devoted to serving the needs of America's most vulnerable people.

North Charleston Student Registration Centers for 2013-14 academic year

A registration center is a “one-stop shop” for parents in Charleston County School District’s (CCSD’s) Constituent District 4 (which includes North Charleston and Ladson). Each center acts as a service hub during the summer for parents and guardians. Instead of traveling to multiple locations and calling multiple people, you will be able to speak directly with highly-trained staff.

Registration Center Locations, Dates, and Hours

Who needs to visit one of our centers?
     The families of students who are new to CCSD and reside in North Charleston or Ladson
     The families of current CCSD students who have moved or are moving to North Charleston or Ladson

What services are provided at the centers?
     Assistance with the registration process for students age pre-K through 12th grade, who plan to attend any school (excluding countywide magnet schools) located in North Charleston or Ladson
     Information about bus transportation
     Options for English Language Learners
     Information about resources for special needs students
     Information about the federal lunch program
     Information about important medical requirements (immunizations, etc.)

What important things do I need to know before visiting a center?
Parents/guardians in North Charleston and Ladson need to register their child at the closest service center and not at your child’s home school or a partial magnet school. It is strongly recommended that you call and make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but your wait time may be longer.

To reduce your enrollment center visit time, go to www.ccsdschools.com, click on “Student Registration” under Quick Links, and use InfoSnap to begin your registration process.

If you are registering your child, please bring the following items with you to the registration center:
     Child’s Legal Birth Certificate or Certificate of Live Birth
     Child’s SC Certificate of Immunization
     Proof of Parent’s Residency (i.e. signed current lease or most recent tax bill)
     Plus, one of the following recent documents: utility bill, water bill, car registration, pay stub, or piece of local/state/federal agency mail

You will be asked to submit a notarized affidavit. The form is available and can be notarized at the registration center.

Exchange Club funds 650 North Charleston kids for Patriots Point visit

Thanks to the generosity of the Exchange Club of Charleston, 650 North Charleston children get to visit Patriots Point this week at no charge. The opportunity comes through the Exchange Club of Charleston’s $6,500 contribution in support of Patriots Point’s Institute of History of History, Science and Technology.

“We want the children of this area to go back to school with exciting stories to tell about their summer,” Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette said. “We’re thrilled the Exchange Club of Charleston is making Patriots Point part of the excitement for so many North Charleston kids.”

“Many thanks are due to the Exchange Club of Charleston and Patriots Point for the positive impact being made on the young people of our community,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said. “Through their generosity, hundreds of North Charleston youths will be afforded a one of a kind, hands-on educational experience that is unrivaled by many Lowcountry programs. Simply boarding the USS Yorktown will be something never before experienced by many of our summer camp participants.”

Weber Automotive establishing new facility in North Charleston

Weber Automotive, a maker of vehicle components, will establish its new manufacturing operations in North Charleston. The more than $51 million investment is expected to generate 84 new jobs over the next four years.

“We are thrilled about setting up new operations here in North Charleston. South Carolina offers us an excellent business environment and a talented workforce in a region that is growing as an automotive hub. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Daniel Weber, chief financial officer and chief officer of sales for Weber Automotive.

Weber Automotive is establishing a new automotive parts manufacturing facility in the Palmetto Commerce Park. The new facility will make drive train components, and is expected to begin operations in 2015.

“The announcement of Weber Automotive landing in Palmetto Commerce Park gives us confidence that North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remains a ripe environment for businesses to flourish. We applaud Weber Automotive’s success and are thankful for the capital investment and job creation that our community will receive,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.

“Weber Automotive’s decision to locate new manufacturing operations in South Carolina is another sign that companies realize South Carolina is the new ‘it’ state for business. Today’s announcement brings more than $51 million and 84 new jobs to North Charleston, and we look forward to Weber Automotive’s future growth here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Our state’s reputation in the automotive club continues to grow with the help of announcements like this one by Weber Automotive. The company’s investment will create jobs that will have an impact in Charleston County and beyond,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Congratulations to Weber Automotive on this fabulous news,” said Teddie Pryor, chairman of Charleston County Council. “We know they will enjoy their plant location in Palmetto Commerce Park, as well as a world-class work force and relationships with many other seasoned automotive operations in the greater Charleston area. Charleston County helped build the business case for this expansion, and we will support Weber Automotive long after the first ribbon-cutting.”

“Weber Automotive will be an asset to the Charleston region,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Bob Whitten. “Our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for global manufacturers, including an established automotive cluster, a skilled workforce with a depth of expertise and integrated transportation infrastructure. By choosing to locate in the Charleston region, Weber Automotive sends a powerful message to automotive companies around the world reinforcing just how competitive we have become.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in 2015. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Doris Sullivan at (843) 875-6366.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant of $200,000 for road improvements.

For more information about Weber Automotive, please visit www.weber-automotive.com/en/.