Designed to build awareness of the Gullah-Geechee people, event-goers can indulge in an array of fun-filled activities while soaking up the culture of this unique population through folklore, gospel music, African drumming, dancing, and, of course sweetgrass basket making – the oldest art form of African origin in the United States.

The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival will kick off with “The Real Taste of Gullah” Friday evening. Highlights of the evening include an illustrated presentation on the history of the Gullah people’s rice culture by renowned international artist Jonathan Green, as well as a fashion show featuring designs by local basket makers.

On Saturday morning, attendees will be able to attend a seminar that will address issues of concern to African-American communities along the Gullah-Geechee Heritage Corridor, such as health, education and heirs’ property.

The fun will continue with the main event, from noon to 8 p.m. The festival will boast an array of delectable dishes, games, live music and performances by the Adande African Drum and Dance group, a presentation by the 54th Massachusetts Civil War Reenactment Regiment, basket making demonstrations and works by local artists and crafters.

“The activities are designed to expose, engage, entertain and educate about the Gullah-Geechee culture and history,” said SCAF Project Director Thomasena Stokes- Marshall.

There is no admission or parking charge. For more information, visit www.sweetgrassfestival.org or call (843) 856-9732.

Chris O’Neal with his wife, Tifany, and son, Simms, the night he was sworn in as a Mount Pleasant town councilman.

The 31-year-old was born in Charleston, moved to Columbia and returned to the region after earning bachelor’s degrees in economics and speech and communication at Clemson University. A certified public accountant and small business owner with Moody CPAs & Advisors in Mount Pleasant, he also received a master’s in accountancy at the College of Charleston.

In November 2011, O’Neal was elected to his first term on the Mount Pleasant Town Council. He chairs the Economic Development Committee, serves on the Finance, Recreation and Water Supply committees and is the Council representative to CARTA. He warns not to toss him into a pile with other politicos.

“I’m not a politician,” O’Neal said. “That’s probably not a good label for me.”

O’Neal had never run for office before his successful effort to gain a seat on the Council. He described the race as “challenging,” with nine candidates vying for four seats. He also described the campaign process as positive.

“It was an interesting experience. I really enjoyed it. For me it was really getting out and meeting a lot of people,” he explained.

To those people, O’Neal said he hopes to bring “a different way of looking at things.”

“I think it’s new ideas – a fresher perspective,” said O’Neal, who lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Tifany, and son, Simms. “I’ve not been part of the town establishment, not that they’ve done a bad job. I bring a different perspective – a business perspective.”

O’Neal said he ran for the Council seat because he believed his financial background would be an asset to the town. He wants to focus on making Mount Pleasant more business-friendly.

According to O’Neal, business growth means revenue for the town in the form of license fees and taxes. And small business owners might then buy homes in Mount Pleasant and spend money at other town businesses.

“A lot of people in Mount Pleasant would like to see their children have opportunities to come back and live and work in Mount Pleasant,” he said. “It’s a wonderful community, but it’s not always easy to find a well-paying job in Mount Pleasant for new graduates. We need to find opportunities for those folks.”

O’Neal cites friendly neighborhoods, safety and recreation as reasons he calls Mount Pleasant his home.

“It’s just a great place to live. Everybody is so nice. The schools are great. It’s convenient to beaches and parks,” he beamed. “I think we want to continue the quality of life we have here.”

By Amy Kehm

Hudson’s Import Service opened its doors on april 1, 1978, just off coleman Boulevard.

Thirty-four years later, Mount Pleasant’s burgeoning population, now approaching 70,000, is served by a thriving commercial community. Few businessmen have been taking care of the needs of the residents of what is now the fourth largest municipality in South Carolina longer than Cliff Hudson.

Hudson’s Import Service opened its doors on April 1, 1978, just off Coleman Boulevard, behind the Blue Hawaii Restaurant, now Page’s Okra Grill. At its third location, along busy Highway 17, the business has survived and thrived by taking its slogan seriously: “We’re not just taking care of cars; we’re taking care of customers.”

Hudson specializes in work on imported automobiles, following in the footsteps of his father, a factory-trained Mercedes technician. During his first decade or so in business, other Mount Pleasant mechanics were content to concentrate on American-made cars, but today there is lots of competition in the import market. Hudson explained how he’s been able to keep his business and his customers’ automobiles up and running.

“To sum it up, we deliver the overall package: professional, honest, timely and a reasonable value,” he pointed out.

Hudson, who moved to Mount Pleasant from Greenville in 1968, added that his repair services are not the most inexpensive in town, but, all things considered, they are the most cost-efficient.

“The mass merchandisers like to do the easy maintenance, but they aren’t set up for problem solving and sophisticated repairs,” he commented. “Some people are bouncing all over town trying to save money, but, in the long run, this is costing them money.”

Stephanie Taylor, who serves as Hudson’s business manager, has been with the company for 26 years. She pointed out that their eight employees continue to provide their customers with the same personal service that has characterized Hudson’s since Mount Pleasant was known only as a small, quiet town between Charleston and the Atlantic Ocean.

“We keep comprehensive records and have a followup and reminder program, and we are very conscious of providing our customers with enough information to make good decisions about the maintenance and repair of their cars,” she commented, adding that Hudson’s offers a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty on most of its work. “And we do everything from bulb replacement to fuel injection repair.”

Hudson echoed his business manager’s sentiments concerning the relationship between the long-time Mount Pleasant business and the customers who have counted on Hudson’s Import Service for nearly threeand- a-half decades.

“My job is customer education,” he remarked. “Explaining the needed service or repair and why it is necessary.”

Hudson’s Import Service is located at 1072 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. For more information, call (843) 884-2573 or visit www.hudsonsimport.com.

The city’s landmark water tower in the winter.

Mount Pleasant, right? You nailed it. It’s Mount Pleasant. The one in Texas. Yes, there’s another Mount Pleasant, a thousand miles from our town, which shares not only our name but some interesting similarities – as well as some interesting differences.

Mount Pleasant, Texas, is located in the northeast corner of the Lone Star State and boasts four man-made lakes in and around the city. (There’s only one natural lake in the entire state of Texas.) The closest large metropolitan area is Dallas, and, according to Mount Pleasant City Manager Mike Ahrens, many Mount Pleasant residents have moved there from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, preferring the calmer quality of life in Mount Pleasant to the hectic pace of Dallas. Sound familiar?

The Texas city was originally called Pleasant Mound by the Caddo Indian tribe and the earliest settlers in the 19th century. Unlike our Mount Pleasant, there actually is a rise in the Texas landscape, which could be called a “mound” of sorts. Eventually that name gave way to Pleasant Mount, then Mount Pleasant when it became the county seat of Titus County in 1846, just a few months after Texas surrendered its status as a republic in favor of statehood. Mount Pleasant seceded from the Union with the rest of the Lone Star State during the Civil War and voted to incorporate as a city in September 1900.

Holiday decorations in the park.

As our Mount Pleasant boasts the Cooper River Bridge Run, the Blessing of the Fleet and other annual events, Mount Pleasant, Texas, has Moonlight Madness, a 21-year-old tradition that began by celebrating moonshiners and has evolved into a local carnival and crafts festival that takes place in late spring. As with so many Mount Pleasant activities, it’s geared to the entire family.

Unlike our Mount Pleasant, Ahrens said the growth of Mount Pleasant, Texas, has been gradual, with the population listed on the 2010 census as just over 15,500. With the size of the city rivaling ours at around 20 square miles, that means the population is much more spread out, “but you tend to find that in Texas,” he said.

Ahrens recommended life in Mount Pleasant, especially to young families.

“We have great, friendly people, a very strong, pro-business environment and a great recreational area. You’d want your kids to grow up here.”

Sounds like someplace else we know.

By Susan Sloate

Solve your body issues at Coastal Body, where the owner and instructor, Lauren Dauscher, practices what she teaches. An enthusiastic runner, Dauscher knew she needed to add a balanced workout to enhance performance and prevent injury. She found it in Pilates. Not only did it become part of her routine, it became part of her career. Dauscher has been certified in classic Pilates, as developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s to promote balance and increase flexibility and strength.

“Pilates can work for everybody,” Dauscher said. “I’ve never seen the body I couldn’t help.”

Coastal Body is the only studio offering Basil Pilates equipment; Basil Blecher originally designed the equipment for Joseph Pilates. There are Pilates classes to suit every level, from former couch potatoes to those who regularly work out. In addition to small classes, private and semi-private training sessions are available.

Pilates training is just the start. Coastal Body also offers one-on-one nutritional counseling to help manage weight and increase your energy. And when you need a healing touch, massage therapy relieves pain, increases flexibility and enhances immunity.

Dauscher and her associates are trained and certified to the highest standards in their disciplines. The Pilates program is affiliated with Penelope Wyer Barrow, who trained under Romana Kryzanowska, who was trained by Joseph Pilates, the master himself. The weight-management program was developed by a medical doctor. The massage therapists boast 25 years of combined experience. Ballet-inspired barre classes for all levels have been added by popular demand. An extensive yoga program is led by instructors who have more than 10 years experience.

So if your body is not quite ready for summer, here’s a clue: Investigate Coastal Body and take action through nutritional counseling and Pilates workouts. Your body will be evidence that it works beautifully.

Coastal Body is located at the Shoppes of Brickyard, 2700 Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant. To find out more, visit www.CoastalBody.com or contact Lauren Dauscher at (843) 801-3939 or by email at Lauren@coastalbody.com. Class schedules are on the website.

By Barbara Millen Patrick

Dr. richard Jakowski and Dr. greg Johnson of pleasant Family Dentistry use the latest technology to evaluate patients’ teeth.

“Dentures are old school,” said Greg Johnson, DDS, of Pleasant Family Dentistry. “With all the tools available today, we can defeat things like gum disease and decay that robbed older generations of their teeth and subjected them to the indignity of dentures.”

The owner of Pleasant Family Dentistry, Dr. Richard Jackowski, agreed.

“Digital X-rays limit radiation to 20 percent to 30 percent of what the old X-rays were, and we offer CEREC restorations, which are a predictable, conservative way to restore teeth, often in one visit.”

Using CEREC – chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics – a skilled dentist can create crowns and other items in his or her office, in many cases within a few hours.

First the damaged tooth is prepared by applying a thin layer of reflective powder directly onto its surface. Then the dentist uses a special camera to take a picture of the tooth. Working from that pinsharp optical impression of the tooth, the software creates an extremely precise restoration.

High-speed diamond bits work simultaneously to mill the restoration out of a solid block of ceramic material. Finally, the newly milled restoration is bonded to the tooth using a state-of-the-art adhesive.

Patients can watch the optically designed restoration in real time on a full-color computer monitor. In the end, the ceramic restored tooth matches the natural color of the other teeth in the patient’s mouth.

“CEREC restorations are not new. In fact, the technology is over 27 years old and has been proven very effective. Our office was one of the first offices in the Lowcountry to start using the technology over 13 years ago,” said Dr. Jackowski. “Our office has performed over 10,000 CEREC procedures. I could never practice any other way. I have CEREC in my own mouth and can personally attest that it feels great.”

“We were lucky enough to be introduced to CEREC over a decade ago and are now considered experts in the field,” Dr. Johnson added.

The staff of Pleasant Family Dentistry is all smiles.

“The people are what make a practice special, and our employees genuinely care for each one of our patients,” Dr. Johnson said. “Caring for our patients is our number one concern. We can teach our staff the skills and give them all the best tools, but we only hire big hearts.”

To learn more about CEREC and the other services offered by Pleasant Family Dentistry, visit www.PleasantFamilyDentistry.com or call (843) 881-8881.

Dr. Cynthia Blalock, l e ft, and esthetician Taylor Naylor educate east cooper residents on the importance of skin care.

“Here in the South, sun exposure can be more of an issue,” explained Taylor Naylor, an aesthetician and skin specialist at the Old Village MediSpa. “We strive to educate our spa clients on the importance of protecting the skin from the sun. It’s not just for aging and appearance reasons either – it’s crucial to your skin’s overall health.”

The MediSpa’s options for assisting clients with sun damage include an IPL (Intense Pulse Light) Laser, as well as a selection of medical-grade products for the skin.

“The IPL laser can help diminish the appearance of existing sun damage, such as sun spots, fine lines and vascular areas around the face,” said Naylor. “If you’ve already experienced some sun damage, and most people here have, it’s reassuring to know that there are methods available. But the best thing, of course, is to prevent sun damage from happening.”

Regarding at-home prevention, products with strong UVA protection make it simple to protect your face and body from damaging rays.

“Medical grade sunscreen is the primary item people should include in their skin care regimen,” said Naylor. “Sunscreen comes in two different types: physical, which basically means that it ‘sits’ on your skin, much the way a piece of clothing would, acting as a barrier. Chemical sunscreen goes deeper into your skin, actually protecting the cells beneath the superficial layers. Whatever kind of sunscreen you happen to purchase, make sure that the label says it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.”

“What most people don’t realize is that the SPF rating on sunscreen isn’t as important as the quality of ingredients,” she added. “Besides sunscreen, it’s also a good idea to use topical vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, on the skin under your sunscreen to provide even greater protection.”

Dr. Cynthia Blalock, the founder and physician of the Old Village MediSpa, takes each client’s skin-care needs seriously.

“I’m trained in emergency medicine, which was my first love, but I wanted to experience a more creative side of the medical field. Skin care allows me to do that,” she explained. “I would say that our main focus here is caring for the individuals and engaging in clear communication about the client’s total skin health.”

“We have a new program we’re introducing, a membership for the MediSpa,” Naylor explained. “We want to encourage our clients to come back and continue their skin-care program with us at an affordable cost.”

Besides laser therapy and medical-grade products for skin care, the MediSpa also offers Botox treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, skin tightening and other services.

Old Village MediSpa is located at 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. For more information, visit www.oldvillagemedispa.com or call (843) 884-7719.

By Denise K. James

Photography by Chase Greiser

The cozy waiting room of Hearing Works.

The Waiting area at hearing Works, LLC feels more like a living room than a medical office. There are no hard plastic chairs or sterile white walls. The décor is a reflection not only of Jennifer Bonner’s personal taste but of her professional style as well. She’s intent on making her patients feel comfortable and relaxed.

My goal and passion in audiology is truly to give patients time and a setting where they feel comfortable and don’t feel rushed,” she said.

Jennifer Bonner and her daughter, grayson.

Bonner, who opened Hearing Works last December, specializes in hearing tests and hearing aids for adults and children. Getting a hearing aid isn’t like getting a pair of glasses, which usually has a fairly short adjustment period.

Being fitted for a hearing aid is an evolving process, with patients returning to her office to have settings tweaked or to have the device reprogrammed. Bonner takes the time and effort to ensure that patients understand the process and what to expect.

“Hearing aids are expensive and not covered by most insurance, so I want to devote time to answering their questions so they have realistic expectations,” she said.

Part of that adjustment includes involving family members and close friends in the process. Bonner encourages patients to bring in someone who can be part of the fitting and understands what’s entailed in the hearing aid fitting and the adjustment period that follows.

Just because someone has a hearing aid doesn’t mean others can talk to them from another room and expect them to hear perfectly, she said.

“The brain has to process new sounds,” Bonner explained. “So there’s a transition and a period of adjustment.”

A large part of Bonner’s work is educating patients on the latest advances in hearing aid technology. The most popular is something called the “receiver in the ear,” a small device that fits inside the ear and is barely visible.

But despite the fact the hearing aids themselves are less obvious, Bonner has noticed over the last few years that patients have become less concerned about appearance and simply want to hear well again. Some people think they’ve been living with hearing loss for so long that they can’t be helped, but, while they might notice an extended adjustment period, it’s not too late for hearing aids.

“Patients still feel a lot of unknown about hearing aids – what they can and can’t do,” she said. “I just encourage them to have their hearing evaluated and then look at the ways we can try to improve it.”

Hearing Works is located at 454 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite 2B, in Mount Pleasant. For more information, call (843) 284-8618.

By Holly Fisher

Photography by Jason Bennett

Prisilla griffin, Jannie Lewis and rebekah ivie of traci Lynn Jewelry take a moment to pose at the charleston’s Women’s Show.

Sponsored by Mount Pleasant Magazine and other notables such as the Center for Women and HRC Medical, the show inside was a success despite high winds and heavy precipitation outside.

“Apparently, it’s raining outside,” said Kay Deman, a shopper who had her teeth whitened at the Lowcountry Plastic Surgery booth. “The Omar Shrine is a better place to be than out there in the rain. My teeth are a little sensitive, but I can already see a difference. Charleston’s Women’s Show is just a day out and about. Now that I got my teeth whitened and a bit of shopping done, I’m just chillin’.”

Smiles were definitely a bit brighter, not only a result of on-site whitening but also because Charleston’s Women’s Show was a fun place to be. Over the course of the weekend, attendees were treated to three fashion shows, delightful performances by the Tapio School of Dance and the products and services of 67 vendors and sponsors.

“The best thing about a show like this is that women who don’t necessarily get out as much can come here and learn that these companies and organizations exist,” said Susan Sloate, a local author at the Bella Forza Studios booth. “If the guests aren’t at a booth that necessarily interests them, they may ask for what they are looking for and will find what they need.”

Jewelry and flowers were flowing for attendees and for the winners of the Lowcountry Women’s Extreme Makeover Contest.

Erika Figueroa, who lives in Goose Creek, was the grand winner and drove twice a week to the Black Bean Co. for her breakfast and lunch – and sometimes dinner. In addition to prizes from the Lowcountry Plastic Surgery Center- Lowcountry Beauty & Wellness Spa, she also received 30 days with Accurate Chiropractic to help her deal with the aches and pains that came along with her workout at Coastal Body Studio.

On stage, Erika delivered a poignant speech of appreciation, inspiring women who want to lose weight and restart their own lives: “The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step.”

Tanya Vanderhoof was on hand to support her long-time friend, Shannon Love, who was a runner-up in the contest.

“It took 22 years to get [Shannon] to cut her hair, and it looks amazing this short, and it’s all because of Kim,” said Tanya, referring to the hair and makeup makeover Shannon received from Vanity Salon owner Kim Coleman. “This makeover has been a big ego boost for her; for years she had the same straight, drabby hair. She has lost 22 pounds with the diet, and she looks fabulous.”

Overall, 1,500 people came out to witness the fun and splurge on everything from handbags to jewelry to kayak adventures. Local vendors and those from throughout the Carolinas were on hand to sell their wares.

Seventy-something Alethia Wragg, who came with her family, was on hand to speak during a special seminar about her relationship with HRC Medical. She related that after a short time, she found herself rearranging furniture and cleaning her home from top to bottom.

“I’ve been using the product for three months. The first change I noticed was in my sleep pattern. I was only sleeping for a few hours each night, but I began to sleep throughout the night and woke up more rested,” she said.

The Omar Shrine Convention Center will host the 2013 Charleston’s Women’s Show, which will feature more vendors, continued excitement in celebrating women and two days of visiting with friends old and new. Stay connected at www.CharlestonsWomensShow.com.

By Stacy E. Domingo and Chase Greiser

Jesica and Jordan appeared several times on the runway at the CWS. On this turn, Jesica wears upscale resort wear from Cabana Gauze and Jordan wears pink shorts with coordinating striped shirt from Angels and Rascals.

“I feel the show went well and all of the girls looked fantastic,” Crosby said afterward. “You can tell the moms and their children were having a lot of fun together.”

In addition, women who long ago tired of basic black in the workplace got a close-up look at several options certain to liven up their day while maintaining an air of professionalism at the Dress For Success Fashion Show.

Caroline DeMille of Crescent Moon Children, based in Mount Pleasant, showcased a classic Southern look.

“The fashion show went great and I loved seeing the young girls in my clothing,” she said.

Her models couldn’t have agreed more.

A young Southern belle, Sierra models a playful alligator A-line dress from Crescent Moon Children.

Cabana Gauze, located in the Hammock Shoppes off Highway 17 North, has been a favorite of the women of Charleston, and the ladies at the store were thrilled to participate with their line for the Mother and Daughter Fashion Show.

“We love that so many women travel to our store to handpick their classy resort wear,” said owner Pamela Haynes. “It’s perfect for many women cruising out of the port.”

Angels and Rascals, a children’s consignment store located in the Queensborough Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant, proved once again that twice owned is just as good but less expensive.

“All of Jordan’s outfits were from Angels and Rascals, and all of them were cute and fabulous,” said Jesica Fanning, a nurse and mother of two, about her daughter, who was in the show with her. “I wore outfits from Almost Pink, who came to the Charleston’s Women’s Show (from Spartanburg). The two vendors really worked well together, and we had a great time at the show.”

Deborah Hart and her two daughters, Sara, 12, and Alyson, 10, who attend Palmetto Christian Academy in Mount Pleasant, also wore Almost Pink, which encourages all of its clients to “color yourself in Almost Pink!”

“At first we didn’t want to do this, but now we’re excited, and we loved getting our hair and makeup done,” said Sara and Alyson. “Our mom looks beautiful, too.”

Vanity Salon was on hand with all of the tools and tricks to prepare every model for the runway, not a simple feat with 34 models between the two shows.

“It was a lot of work, but my girls pulled through and we had fun here at the Charleston’s Women’s Show,” said Kim Coleman, owner of Vanity Salon in Mount Pleasant.

The Dress for Success fashion show was a great success, due in no small part to the efforts of emcee Jennet Alterman, director of the Center for Women, one of the sponsors of Charleston’s Women’s Show.

“This is great and I love seeing clothing lines that I personally wear,” said Alterman. “Looking fantastic in the workplace can make a difference in hiring, promotions and pay.”

Jill Griffith, MBA, who works at the Medical University of South Carolina, modeled a wonderful outfit that shows why Maggie Rose in Summerville is the go-to place for women in business.

“I had a great time and really liked my outfit,” said Griffith, who wore a royal blue and white striped tie shirt by Mesmerize that was paired with a white pencil skirt with pleat.

Shannon Sanders-Bess, a student who will enter the workplace sooner than her parents wish, modeled a classic sheath dress with a fitted waist by designer Adrianna Papell. Also from Maggie Rose, this sleeveless piece is great for year-round business attire or after five.

Cameron is elegant in a red cardigan and black dress that i s accented with a belt from White House Black Market.

Carlie Thaman was a true professional, showcasing a red dress with three-quarter sleeves. Set against a black belt and polka dot handbag, it is sure to make a splash at the office.

Models in both shows wore undergarments by Essential Bodywear. They received a private fitting by independent consultant Elaine Clark, and most of them purchased the items they wore.

“Women really need to know the proper way to wear undergarments,” Clark explained. “You have to lift those “ta-ta’s.” It will change your world!”

To see more of the models from both shows or to contact any of the vendors of Charleston’s Women’s Show, visit www.CharlestonsWomensShow.com.

Stacy E. Domingo

Photography by Kayla Jones