Jim & Maria's Blog

Alert Charleston County

2008-07-22T13:21:57Z

Charleston County has a free new program called Alert Charleston County that allows the public to receive phone and text message notifications about emergencies.

During an emergency, authorities can dial every listed landline phone number within the area affected. But if residents have an unlisted landline, cell phone or broadband number, they must register online to receive messages.

Residents can register for Alert Charleston County by filling out the registration form at alert.charlestoncounty.org, or submit a paper registration at a Charleston County Service Center: 1189 Iron Bridge Road, Mount Pleasant; 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston; or 5962 S.C. Highway 165, Ravenel. Charleston County will not share information with any agency or organization outside Charleston County government.

2008-2009 School Calendar for Charleston County, South Carolina

2008-07-20T22:36:00Z

I know, I know... we're right in the midst of summer and the last thing on any school-ager's mind is when the first day of school is going to be. But it really is going to be here before you know it!

So here's the calendar for Charleston County Public Schools for the 2008-2009 school year. Not all of the testing dates have been finalized, but this will give you a pretty clear idea of your upcoming school year.

Aug. 19 First day for students

Sept. 1 Holiday/Labor Day - Schools and Offices Closed

Sept. 18 Interim Reports

TBA HSAP Fall Testing ELA - Day 1

Oct. 21 End of 1^st grading period (45^th day)

TBA HSAP Fall Testing ELA - Day 2

TBA HSAP Fall Testing Mathematics

Oct. 24 Teacher Workday/No Students

Oct. 29 Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences

TBA HSAP Fall Make-Up Testing

Nov. 4 Holiday/Election Day - Schools and Offices Closed

Nov. 25 Interim Reports

Nov. 26 - 28 Holiday/Thanksgiving - Schools Closed

Nov. 27 & 28 Holiday/Thanksgiving - Offices Closed

Dec. 22 - Jan. 5 Winter Break - No School for Students

Dec. 24, 25, 26 Holiday/Offices Closed (holiday for all employees)

Jan. 1 Holiday/Offices Closed

Jan. 2 Holiday/Offices Open

Jan. 5 School-Based PD/No Students

Jan. 6 Students return

Jan. 14 End of 1^st Semester (90^th day)

Jan. 15 Teacher Workday/No Students

Jan. 16 CCSD PD/No Students

Jan. 19 Holiday/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day-Schools & Offices Closed

Feb. 4 Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences

Feb. 16 Holiday/Presidents' Day - No School for Students

Feb. 19 Interim Reports

Mar. 24 End of 3^rd grading period (135^th day)

Mar. 27 Teacher Workday/No Students

Apr. 3-10 Spring Break - Schools Closed

Apr. 9 & 10 Spring Holiday - Offices Closed

Apr. 13 School Resumes for Students

TBA HSAP Spring Testing ELA - Day 1

TBA HSAP Spring Testing ELA - Day 2

TBA HSAP Spring Testing Mathematics

TBA HSAP Spring Make Up Testing

May 4 Interim Reports

TBA PACT Spring Testing & Make Up Testing

May 25 Holiday/Memorial Day- Schools and Office Closed

Exams (TBA)

June 4 Half day for students

June 5 Last Student Day - (180^th day)-Half day for students

2008 South Carolina Sales Tax Holiday

2008-07-20T21:43:26Z

In 2000, South Carolina implemented a Sales Tax Holiday for the first weekend in August. And eight years later, we're still going strong with that much-anticipated holiday.

This year's Sales Tax Holiday will be August 1-3 -- a full weekend of savings!

The purpose of the holiday was originally to help parents purchase everything that their children needed for the upcoming school year without blowing thier entire budget. With that thought, I would think that the holiday included only school supplies. But the list is much more vast than that!

You can purchase just about anything during those three days and not have to pay one cent in sales tax. The list encompasses clothing, computers, linens, baby needs, shoes, and of course school supplies. For the complete list, you should check out the South Caroilna Sales Tax Holiday website. It lists everything included and certain things that are excluded from the holiday.

There are tons of sales right now that are better than paying retail and saving the sales tax, so you just have to be mindful of what your children need for the upcoming year, and snag a deal when you see one. Of course I would wait to purchase clothes and shoes for the holiday weekend because they're bigger ticket items so you'll save the most when there's no sales tax to pay.

But we're less than two weeks away, so get ready for the savings!

A Breath of Fresh Air

2008-07-16T13:44:50Z

I am an avid reader of several blogs outside of Active Rain. Today I was browsing through them as I always do and I was so refreshed after reading one of them.

Christina of Northern Cheapskate wrote a post today about the benefits of using a Realtor. She and her family used one a few years ago (and paid 7% commission), and she said that her Realtor was worth every penny!

In her post, she highlights a few points as to why it's a good idea to use a Realtor. All are great points! And the photo she used was a terrific example of what not to do to sell your home!

It's very refreshing to see someone not in this profession exclaiming the benefits of our expertise and service. Thank you, Christina!

Free concert on Thursday, July 17th, Summerville SC

2008-07-16T11:22:00Z

A free community concert featuring Ann Caldwell will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Summerville's town square, also known as Hutchinson Square.

Caldwell, known in the Lowcountry as the first lady of jazz, works full time as a jazz singer, jazz vocalist, blues singer and musical producer, according to Summerville DREAM, host for the event.

Caldwell's credits include performances for Piccolo Spoleto for the last eight years. She has been the featured vocalist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the CSO Gospel Choir and has appeared in "Porgy and Bess" and Clay Rice's musical production "Lowcountry Legends." She studied with Charleston's June Bonner when Bonner was at the Metropolitan Opera.

Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair. Refreshments will be available. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted. Shops and restaurants will be open until 8 p.m. and civic organizations will be encouraged to have booths around the downtown district.

DREAM, which stands for Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in downtown Summerville. The concert is a part of the DREAMfest series, held on third Thursdays, May through September.

DREAMfest, a gathering of exhibits, entertainment, refreshments and featured artists, includes an Art Walk featuring local artists on Short Central and a free community concert in the 2008 concert series on Hutchinson Square.

Call Alix Kassing, Art Walk Chair, at 832-6709 to participate in the Art Walk or the DREAM office at 821-7260 if you would like to host a community booth, sponsor refreshments for a future month, or if you would like more information.

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Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

Summer Wine Strolls - Every Wednesday

2008-07-15T14:59:40Z

Summer Wine Strolls - Every Wednesday

What better way to spend a summer evening than strolling through the beautiful Middleton Place gardens with a glass of wine! The Summer Wine Strolls continue every Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:00 pm. Enjoy wine tasting in the gardens, paired with a variety of cheeses. Two convenient tasting tables are available each week in a different garden location. Tastings are $10 per person. Visit http://www.middletonplace.org/ for more information.

*******

Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

The Million Lights Project

2008-07-15T11:58:19Z

Everyone, everywhere is talking about becoming greener. From simply recycling newspapers, bottles, cans and glass to installing solar panels and driving hybrid vehicles. Our society is a bit obsessed with it right now.

I'm not knocking this in any way. I think that it is wonderful that so many people are finally getting on board with doing their part to help save precious resources on our planet.

One of the very simple things that you can do is to switch out your incandescent light bulbs for the new CFL bulbs. And to help make it even sweeter, an organization called Greener Impact started the Million Lights Project.

This project was intended for Earth Day, but it seems that they are still going full force. The premise of the Million Lights Project is to give away one million free CFL bulbs to reduce CO²emissions. According to their website:

"Traditional incandescent light bulbs cause millions of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions to be spewed into the atmosphere, contributing heavily to the dramatic effects of global warming.

By swapping out even one of your old "energy hog" incandescent light bulbs, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint by approximately 400 pounds over the life of the bulb, not to mention saving cash on your energy bills. As one million Americans band together to fight this battle, a collective savings of more than 400,000 megawatt hours could be generated, and prevent the emission of more than 200,000 tons of CO²not emitted over the lifetime of the CFL. This is the equivalent of powering almost 60,000 homes, or removing 31,000 cars from the road for a year, or planting 60,000 acres of trees. Just imagine if every household in America made the switch!"

What an amazing difference we can all make by just switching out those old light bulbs!

I've signed up for mine -- ready to sign up for yours?

Got a Minute?

2008-07-11T14:36:02Z

I just got this email that from my uncle and thought it was really cool. It must be nice to have all this time on your hands to create something so cool.

Just click on the link below, click on play, then leave the mouse alone, sit back and enjoy a piece of creative brilliance. I wonder who had 'time' to do this?
Remember: DO NOT TOUCH THE MOUSE UNTIL THE END.

http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf

I hope that you enjoy.

Another Milestone in Parenting

2008-07-10T13:28:32Z

Hey, All. We recently took our 15 month old son, Josh, to get his first haircut and we wanted to share some of the photos with our AR family. He did such a great job in maintaining his composure; everyone in the barber shop was pleasantly surprised. Anyway, here are a few pictures. We hope that you enjoy.

The Before Picture, look at all those curls.

He did not care to have the hair touch him at all.

The shears finally came out, he did not care for that either.

All Done!!!

Thanks for stopping by and viewing our awesome little man, Jim & Maria Hart

Smoothly introducing your dog to your new home

2008-07-10T12:47:33Z

Moving into your new home is very exciting, for your entire family!! But did you know that introducing your dog into a new home can be incredibly stressful for them? Fortunately, there are a lot of things that we can do to make this transition easier on them, which in the end makes it easier on us!

There are a lot of things that you can do to make the move less stressful on your pet. When moving, if possible, it would be a good idea to leave the dog with a friend they know. This will keep the dog out of your way when you are moving furniture, and decrease the chance that any accidents may happen. You can also leave the dog in the backyard while you move, as long as it is fully fenced and they cannot escape! Can't do either? Well then, the ‘least worst' scenario is to crate your dog while moving the furniture into the home. Make sure the crate is large enough that they can stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably, and be sure to give them access to water and let them outside to ‘do their business' every few hours. Doors will be left open, items will be dropped, there will be a lot of commotion, and the best way to keep your pet safe during this time is to keep them out of the way!

During the packing process, you can actually plan ahead to make this as smooth a transition as possible for your four legged friend. Instead of trying to cram the packing into one or two days, planning to pack over a longer period of time can reduce the stress on your dog (and probably yourself as well!). Make sure that you pack their water and food bowls, toys, and blankets/beds in a separate box that will be easily accessible once you are at your new home. Dogs do not like change, so the more familiar the setting, the better! One easy trick is to make sure that they have belongings that smell like you, their people! Having a familiar scent in a strange place can make the transition easier. All you would need to do is put their toys in your laundry hamper for a few days, and they will smell just like you!! And don't feel embarrassed, this is like the sweet smell of roses for your dog. These are as important to your dog as your child's teddy bear is to them.

*******

Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

Upcoming SC Festivals and Events for July & August

2008-07-10T12:24:09Z

Here are some events that are currently scheduled for Sounth Carolina, for a complete calendar of South Carolina festivals and events, visit http://www.sciway.net/calendar.html. Here are just a few of July and early August's highlights:

South Carolina Festival of Discovery | Greenwood Blues Cruise - SC history, traditions, and culture - Food, music, and amusement rides - July 10-12

SC Genealogical Society Annual Workshop - Columbia - Classes, speakers - July 11-12

Beaufort Water Festival - Music, dances, fireworks, Blessing of the Fleet - July 11-20

Jammin' in July - Historic Camden - Outdoor music festival - July 12

Battle of Huck's Defeat Reenactment - Historic Brattonsville, York County - Revolutionary War demonstrations, music, theatrical performances - July 12-13

Junior SOS - North Myrtle Beach - Youth shag dancing competition - July 15-20

Pageland Watermelon Festival - Music, food, crafts, rodeo, classic car cruise - July 18-20

Big League World Series - Easley - Baseball tournament for players ages 16-18 - July 26-August 2

Little Mountain Reunion Festival - Newberry County - Rides, food, arts, crafts, parade - August 1-2

Fried Green Tomato Festival - Beech Island, Aiken County - Food, live music, car & bike show - August 2

Hunting Island State Park 75th Anniversary Celebration - Tours, kayaking lessons, sandcastle contests, wildlife demonstrations - August 2-3

******

Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

Help Our Troops With Expired Coupons

2008-07-09T15:07:23Z

I grew up seeing my mom clip coupons and use them for everything. Most of the time, if she didn't have a coupon for something, we didn't buy it. So we were always excited when new products came out because we knew a coupon would soon follow, and we'd get to try it.

So I have been an avid coupon clipper myself. It's really all I know. More recently I have gotten much better at saving more money with them, but I have always cut them out and tried to use as many as possible. Actually, Jim hated shopping with me when we first started dating because he was embarrassed to use coupons, but he's just fine with it now. Especially after I show him how much money we've saved!

But even with all of the coupons I use, there are still plenty that expire before I get to use them (or I just forgot about them). They have always found themselves in our recycling bin, but now I've discovered a better home for them.

Service men and women overseas can use expired coupons for up to two months past the expiration date. It's even been rumored that some can be used up to six months after the expiration!

I'm sure that these are quite a blessing for those who receive and are able to use them, and I am more than happy to pass on a little savings!

So if anyone has expired/unwanted/unused coupons that they can part with, here's where you send them:

48 MSS/DPF
ATTN: Coupon Connection Program
Unit 5200, Box 105
APO AE 09464-0105

Every little bit helps!

**photo courtesy of Bright_Star on Flickr

Traveling to Charleston, SC with Children, Part #2 for the History Buffs:

2008-07-08T14:56:30Z

Charleston has lots of great options for families traveling with children. Even the best -behaved children get bored when too many of the activities on a vacation are of the same theme, so let Charleston's variety keep them busy!

For History Buffs:

Fort Sumter is a relatively short ferry ride away to give kids a sense of history. Plenty of dolphins along the boat ride and the Sullivan's Island side of Ft. Sumter is a favorite place for viewing dolphins.

The Powder Magazine, a museum and the oldest public building in the Carolinas, also offers insight into Charleston's colonial past.

Ft. Moultrie - Sullivan's Island - there is a visitor's center complete with a 20-minute video and numerous artifacts. Across the street is the Fort, which has many interesting "stations" that children enjoy.

Patriot's Point - Mt. Pleasant - An aircraft carrier, outfitted with original planes and even a simulator makes this a great place for children to learn about the military.

Poe's Tavern, Poe's Library, Ft. Moultrie - Sullivan's Island was the temporary home of Edgar Allan Poe while he had a brief military career. A restaurant on the island is full of Poe "memorabilia" and has outdoor dining that is kid-friendly.

The Ghosts of Charleston and the Pirates of Charleston are two nighttime tours that kids of all ages might enjoy. There are several tour companies, and the Ghosts and Legends Tour is another you might compare.

Classic Carriage Tours is one of many options of horse-and-buggy tours. Others you may use are Palmetto and Old South.

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Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

Traveling to Charleston, SC with Children Part #1 for the Budding Scientists:

2008-07-08T14:30:12Z

For Budding Scientists:

The South Carolina Aquarium - features animals from the entire state of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. There is a Great Ocean Tank containing several sharks of different varieties, a loggerhead sea turtle, eels, and hundreds of other fish of all types. From the large patio overlooking the Cooper River one can almost always see dolphins if you look hard enough.

A trip to the Beach at Low Tide - (Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms or Folly Beach) is a great time to take a stroll for a variety of shells and sand dollars. Check the tide tables as this is the lowcountry and tides here have a big range - at low tide there might be hundreds of feet of beach to the water line and at low tide on some beaches there is little room for walking. On Sullivan's Island there is a lighthouse (though not open to the public).

The Hunley - The Civil War submarine the Hunley, which sank after bringing down the Housatonic was carefully lifted from its resting place on the sea floor off of Sullivan's Island several years ago. Since then, it has been placed in a large holding tank that is being carefully controlled for temperature, salinity, pH, etc. in order that further decay does not occur. After the removal of the bodies of the crew men, Clemson University has embarked on a restoration of the Hunley. Mondays through Fridays the Hunley is closed to visitors as that is when the scientists work on restoration, but on Saturdays and Sundays it is open to the public. There is a visitor's center with artifacts, movies and a gift shop, as well as the mock-up of the Hunley that was used in the making of the Ted Turner movie "Hunley". This experience is enhanced for kids if they can see the movie after this visit.

The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is located on John Street near the Visitors Center. It is a hands-on museum featuring many daily activities and workshops for children aged up to 12 years old.

Sewee Nature Center - Awendaw - has a nature center and outdoor marsh walk

Barrier Island Ecotours - leaves from Morgan Creek on Isle of Palms

The Center for Birds of Prey - in Awendaw along Hwy 17

Nature Programs - Caw Caw Interpretive Center - Bird Walks, Nature Walks, Lectures, etc.

*******

Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

Paddle to Explore History of Rice Plantation

2008-07-07T13:04:53Z

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site and a local outfitter are joining forces to offer a canoe and kayak exploration and relaxing history lesson at the former rice plantation on July 19.

Participants will take an easy paddle in the rice canals that slaves hand-dug more than 200 years ago, exploring what is now a natural habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life, and then after lunch take a tour of the mansion.

The event will be led by certified canoe and kayak instructors and a naturalist from Nature Adventures Kayak, Canoe and Hiking Outfitters Inc. and a park ranger from Hampton Plantation.

The cost is $35 for participants 13 and up, $25 for 12 and under. Lunch is not provided. Participants are advised to bring bug spray and a bagged lunch and should meet at 9:30 a.m. The paddling will last from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a lunch and a tour of the historic plantation home.

There is room for 30 participants. Reservations can be made by calling Kathie Livingston at Nature Adventures by July 18 at 800-673-0679.

******

Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

4th of July Quiz

2008-07-01T13:03:39Z

How well do you know your US History? Click the link below to see how well you know your red, white and blue. Lets just say it is a lot harder than you think. Give it your best shot.

http://www.theholidayspot.com/july4/quiz.htm

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND FESTIVE 4TH OF JULY!

God Bless America

Do you know your State's symbols?

2008-07-01T11:49:31Z

I thought it would interesting to share this with the Active Rain family. If anything maybe you will find something that you didn't know, like I did (who knew we had a state beverage?).

South Carolina Symbols, Emblems, and Mascots
Amphibian	Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) June 11, 1999
Animal	Whitetail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) 1972
Beverage	Milk, 1984
Beverage, Hospitality	Tea (Camellia sinensis) April 10, 1995
Bird	Carolina Wren (Troglodytidae ) 1939
Bird, Game	Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) 1976
Botanical Garden	Clemson Botanical Garden, 1992
Butterfly	Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Pterourus Glaucus) 1994
Dance	Carolina Shag, 1984
Dance, American Folk	The Square Dance, April 20, 1994
Dog	Boykin Spaniel, March 26, 1985
Fish	Striped Bass, 1972
Flag	State Flag, January 28, 1861
Flower	Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) February 1, 1924
Folk Art and Crafts Center	South Carolina Artisans Center, Walterboro, May 10, 2000
Fruit	Peach, 1984
Gemstone	Amethyst, June 24, 1969
Grass	Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) August 29, 2001
Hall of Fame	South Carolina Hall of Fame, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, September 20, 2001.
Insect	Carolina Mantid (Stagmomantis Carolina) or Praying Mantis, 1988
Language	English South Carolina 2002 Code of Laws SECTION 1-1-696. Official State language. The English language is the official language of the State of South Carolina.
Miliatry Academy	Camden Military Academy, May 15, 2001
Motto	(1) DUM SPIRO SPERO, meaning "WHILE I BREATHE I HOPE" and refers to the figure of Hope on the State Seal, and (2) ANIMIS OPIBUSQUE PARATI meaning "READY IN SOUL AND RESOURCE"
Music	The Spiritual, June 11, 1999
Music, Popular	Beach Music, March 27, 2001
Opera	Porgy and Bess, August 29, 2001
Pledge to State Flag	"I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty and faith." South Carolina 2002 Code of Laws SECTION 1-1-670. Official pledge to State flag.
Poet Laureate	Bennie Lee Sinclair, 1934
Railroad Museum	South Carolina Railroad Museum, Fairfield County, July 1, 1997
Reptile	Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) 1988
Rural Drama Center	Abbeville Opera House, May 29, 2001
Seal	Great Seal, 1776
Shell	Lettered Olive (Oliva Sayana) 1984
Songs	"*Carolina" February 11, 1911 Words by Henry Timrod Music by Anne Custis Burgess Edited by G. R. Goodwin "South Carolina on My Mind*" 1984 Written by Hank Martin and Buzz Arledge
Spider	Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) July 21, 2000
Stone	Blue Granite, 1969
Tapestry	"From the Mountains to the Sea", June 14, 2000
Tartan	Carolina Tartan, June 3, 2002
Tree	Inodes Palmetto (also called Sabal Palmetto) and commonly known as the Cabbage Palmetto, March 17, 1939
Waltz	Richardson Waltz, July 21, 2000

July 4th Celebration, North Charleston SC

2008-07-01T11:07:46Z

The City of North Charleston is hosting a fantastic FREE July 4th celebration at beautiful Riverfront Park on Friday, July 4, 2008 from 3:00PM-10:00PM. Concerts and fun children's activities take place throughout the afternoon and evening, concluding with a grand fireworks display over the Cooper River.

The day's events will begin at 3:00PM with welcoming remarks by Mayor R. Keith Summey. The evening concludes with a huge professional fireworks display over the Cooper River.

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy being together with family and friends. The picnic pavilion is in place for families to enjoy their own refreshments and food vendors will be on site for guests to purchase snacks during the afternoon. Children can enjoy the synchronized play fountain and the oversized sandbox, fishermen may take advantage of the "Admiral's Fishing Pier," and visitors may walk the gently curving walkways along the river to view the third annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition currently on display. A component of the 2008 North Charleston Arts Festival, this exhibition features twelve contemporary sculptures by twelve artists from seven states.

Directions:Riverfront Park is located on the former Charleston Naval Base, easily accessible from Hwy. 526 or Interstate I-26. Enter the former Charleston Naval Base by the McMillan Ave. or Virginia Ave. gate and turn onto Hobson Ave. Look for the Riverfront Park signs. Ample free parking is available.

We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July,

Jim & Maria

A Few Facts About Charleston, South Carolina

2008-06-29T22:28:24Z

Did you know...

7.6 square miles is all the area that the peninsula of Charleston makes up, while there are almost 150 total square miles within the entire city of Charleston.

1773 was the year that the very first public museum in America, the Charleston Museum, opened.

118,492 people reside within Charleston city limits, according to a 2007 census.

$35,295 is the median family income in the city of Charleston, which is more than $10,000 below the national average.

4 US cities were more populated than Charleston in 1800. Today there are more than 200.

1.5 times as many people live in the city of Charleston than did in 1980, due in part to consistent annexation over the last 25 years.

1788 was when Charles Cotsworth Pinckney ceded the land on which the City Market is built, doing so with one specific and detailed stipulation: a public market was to be built on the site and remain in use until perpetuity.

1989 is the year that Hurricane Hugo struck the Lowcountry. Incredibly, the city's population has grown by 33% since that fateful event.

And 1 is the number of different mayors the city of Charleston has elected since 1975, the year Mayor Joseph P. Riley first took office.

*Photo courtesy of sheogre on Flickr

Farewell Chief Rusty Thomas

2008-06-27T21:58:35Z

Today was Chief Rusty Thomas's final day on the job. After the Sofa Superstore fire last year that claimed the lives of nine Charleston firemen, I honestly think Chief Thomas just needs a break.

He served the Charleston fire department for 32 years, and so it's really the only job that he has ever had. I don't know how you walk away from the only thing you have ever known, but that is just what he has done.

Here is what one of our local television stations, WCBD Channel 2, had to say about Chief Thomas in a news piece today:

After more than 30 years Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas walks away from the only job he has ever known today.

June 18th is symbolic for many reasons in Thomas' life. On that date in 1976 he took his first station assignment as a firefighter for engine eight. Of course June 18, 2007 is the date the is the date that signaled the end of his career.

I personally do not know Rusty Thomas, but I know he has had a long and detailed career in the Charleston Fire Department. I have no idea what the future holds for him, but I do wish him nothing but the best!

Thanks for your service over the past three decades!

An Old Fashion 4th of July Celebration ( Summerville, SC)

2008-06-26T13:35:20Z

The annual 4th of July celebration "Red, White & Blue on the Green" will be held Wednesday, July 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Summerville's Town Square. This old fashioned 4th of July celebration focuses on families and is hosted by Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration Enhancement and Management Corporation).

Events and activities include a magic show, live music, games for children of all ages, jump castles and prizes. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and cool treats will be sold and proceeds will benefit Summerville D.R.E.A.M. VanDoren the Magician will perform a professional magic show at 5 p.m. in front of the bandstand and a non-motorized parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the parade begins at 4 p.m. As tradition calls for, participants bring their own decorated baby carriages, little red wagons, roller blades, bike, trike and/or pets in order to march in the parade led by Mayor Berlin Myers. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Original and Most Patriotic Pet.

After "Red, White and Blue on the Green," family fun continues as The Town of Summerville and Dorchester County will co-host an amazing fireworks display at the Gahagan Sports Complex. Concessions and music will begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and to bring a beach blanket and lawn chair (coolers or alcoholic beverages will not be permitted).

Celebrate the 4th of July at Patriots Point (FREE)

2008-06-26T13:17:04Z

What makes The Patriots Point 4th of July Blast so special? For starters their famous Flight Deck Fireworks. Where else in the southeastern USA can you see fireworks launched from the flight deck of a WWII aircraft carrier... the USS Yorktown.

The Patriots Point 4th of July Blast starts at 4:00 pm with a fantastic food court, beer garden and terrific children's area called "The KidZone." Remember, the 4th falls on a Friday this year... kicking off a great weekend.

As the sun starts to set center stage heats up with The East Coast Party Band... one of the Carolinas favorite show bands.

Then at 9:30 pm a Charleston Harbor tradition comes to life; fireworks launched from the flight deck of one of America's most famous ships... USS YORKTOWN.

The Patriots Point 4th of July Blast!
4:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Admission to the landside events- FREE.

(Admission to the ships, Medal of Honor Museum and other exhibits not included.)

Hope to see you there!

Spanning The Low Country For 3 Years

2008-06-25T14:03:29Z

With the 3rd anniversary of the Arther Ravenel Bridge (a.k.a. the Cooper River Bridge) we thought that we would pay tribute by sharing some interesting facts.

Saturday, July 9th & Sunday, July 10th 2005: The Low Country hosted a Bridge Open House in which thousands from all over attended to walk and bike the new span.

Thursday, July 14th 2005: The Official Bridge Lighting Ceremony and Mile of Fireworks across the Cooper River was held. This was a spectacular event.

Saturday, July 16th 2005: The dedication of the Cooper River Bridge was held mid-span between the towers and the first vehicles were allowed to cross immediately following the dedication.

The main span for the new bridge is 1546 feet long, the longest cable stay span in North America (at the time).

The Bridge construction includes 15 ramps. The bridge is 3.5 miles from end to end.

Design & construction of the bridge were completed in 4 years, a year earlier than the 5 years allowed in the contract.

At peak construction, more than 1000 field workers and office staff worked to build the bridge.

The towers are 572 feet tall and provide 186 feet shipping clearance for a new 1000 foot channel in the Cooper River.

A bridge has crossed the Cooper River since 1929 when the John P. Grace Bridge was opened for 2 lanes of traffic. The Silas N. Pearman Bridge was opened for 3 lanes of traffic in 1966. The Arthur Ravenel Bridge carries 8 lanes of traffic and a 12 foot shared pedestrian/bicycle lane.

Whether you're buying or selling a home, we want to earn your business. We invite you to contact us as we'd be happy to assist you with your important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in South Carolina, please contact us as we're more than willing to help.

Please browse our website, www.JimAndMariaHart.com, for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Jim & Maria Hart

(843) 364-9845

Ideas For Summer Fun in Charleston, South Carolina

2008-06-25T11:53:21Z

Summer is in full swing, so now is an awesome time to take advantage of all the great outdoor activities that Charleston, South Carolina has to offer.

There are literally hundreds of things you could do here, but these are just a few examples to get you started.

Taking in at least a couple of the different farmers' markets this summer is a must. For starters, how about the big ones held each Saturday morning at Marion Square in downtown Charleston and in Summerville on West Doty between Cedar and Main Street? You also won't want to miss out on the Mount Pleasant market that takes place every Tuesday afternoon on Coleman Boulevard.

The Charleston Riverdogs play more than 40 baseball home games at The Joe Riley Stadium during the months of June, July and August. Their complete schedule can be found on their website.

With specially designed indoor and outdoor exhibits, your family can get up close and personal with snakes, alligators, turtles and more, both from around the world and native to our region at the incredible Edisto Serpentarium.

Be sure not to miss DREAMfest, which is held on the third Thursday of every month through September, in downtown Summerville. It is a wonderful gathering of exhibits, entertainment and featured artists, complete with an Art Walk and a concert. It's summer fun at its finest.

This is the first summer that the Patriot's Point in Mount Pleasant is home to the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum. Located on board the historic aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown, and included in your Patriots Point admission, it is one exhibit not to be missed.

Load the kids in the car and head towards the Beachwalker County Park on Kiawah Island. Stop by the incredible Angel Oak on your way through Johns Island to the beach and cap off the day with a visit to Freshfields Village. An informal dinner and a little bit of everything are available at the crossroads of Johns, Seabrook and Kiawah Islands.

What beats a family mini-golf championship, except maybe a go-cart Grand Prix? Top it off by dousing your favorite pirate at the all-new Water Wars at Blackbeard's Cove Family Fun Park in Mount Pleasant.

Get up close to over 7,000 animals, including endangered loggerhead sea turtles, at the South Carolina Aquarium. You might even want to consider a family membership. What better way is there to keep the kids stimulated and smiling when school's out? And make sure you don't miss out on the new Camp Carolina exhibit!

And finally, Charleston County Parks offer both a variety of Splash Passes for season-long water park fun as well as its valuable annual Gold Pass. The Gold Pass provides unlimited admission to all eight Charleston County Parks including its three beach access parks! What a deal!

Biking in the Lowcountry

2008-06-24T16:07:41Z

One of the many outdoor activities that you can enjoy year-round in Charleston, South Carolina is biking.

Not only is the weather great -- if not perfect at times -- for biking, but there are several places to ride.

The bike/pedestrian lane of the new Ravenel Cooper River Bridge makes for one of the most unique rides anywhere in America. Bring the kids if they can handle the three or so miles each way and have the ability and discipline to handle the single-file demands. There are also tur-around spots to shorted the adventure.

The three regional parks of the Charleston County Parks system in James Island, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant offer some of the best biking in the area for families of any age. You can visit the Charleston County Parks website for more details regarding their paved, diverse, beautiful, easy to navigate bike trails and affordable bike rentals.

Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place both offer biking opportunities for you and your family, from woodlands to ancient rice fields while catching glimpses of a wide variety of land and water based birds. It's biking fun combined with incredible natural beauty and local history.

The Swamp Fox Trail, also known as the Palmetto Trail, through the Francis Marion National Froest offers more challenging trails for the more advanced biker.

More challenging still are the trails in the little known Marrington Plantation, within the undeveloped lands at the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek. It's terrific for the more experienced mountain biker. You will need to obtain a $10 pass in order to experience it, though.