Early in 2014, the publisher of Mount Pleasant Magazine called to ask if I would be interested in writing several pieces regarding local churches that do mission work both around the globe and locally. I was thrilled with the idea. I have a background in television news, so I know firsthand the negativity that can come with airing tragic events. It is with great pride that I … [Read more...]
Mayor Linda Page’s Awesome First Year
Linda Page doesn’t mind an honest debate, a good argument or even a heated discussion. As the mayor of the ninth fastest growing municipality in South Carolina and a longtime business owner, she’s had to serve as somewhat of a referee, nurturing compromise between those who want to control but encourage the town’s incredible rate of development and those who still see Mount … [Read more...]
Hidden Retreat, Special Treat – Mount Pleasant’s Marsh View Trail
Less than 50 years ago, Rifle Range Road was a quiet rural route surrounded by small farms. Today the farms are gone and cars speed by, bringing folks to one of the many residential neighborhoods that line the roadway. Many are unaware of a hidden retreat that lies behind the Mount Pleasant Waterworks complex. When I was asked to write about Marsh View … [Read more...]
Influential Icons of East Cooper
Florence O’Sullivan In 1670, the British frigate Carolina brought the first settlers to Carolina. Among those on board was Capt. Florence, aka Florentia, O’Sullivan, an Irish soldier of fortune who brought 16 servants with him. As deputy to Sir Peter Colleton, one of the Lords Proprietors, he was granted 2,340 acres, which encompassed most of current East Cooper. Despite the … [Read more...]
From Mount Pleasant to Mount Everest: A Profile of the Most Interesting Man East of the Cooper
During my time with Mount Pleasant Magazine, I’ve interviewed and crossed paths with many interesting East of the Cooper residents. I have been dragged down the Isle of Palms beach by a 20-foot kite while learning how to kite board. I drank beers with some of the coolest oldtimers I’ve ever met at the Carolina Coast Surf Club. I even rode shotgun in a souped-up golf cart as … [Read more...]
Fishing on the Fly: The Lowcountry’s Pioneer of Saltwater Fly-Fishing
If you’ve never heard of, thought seriously about or tried fly-fishing, it’s time to get into the sport and take a closer look at one of the fastest growing segments of the sport fishing industry. Slinging string is in. “In the early 1960s, I decided to bring fly-fishing to the Lowcountry because I thought the idea was a good one,” said William Sanderson Stuhr, CEO and … [Read more...]
Brains and Beauty: Brooke Mosteller – Miss South Carolina
The Miss America Pageant doesn’t take slackers. When Mount Pleasant native Brooke Mosteller earned the Miss South Carolina crown in 2013, she already had more than a few achievements under her belt, many of them fostered right here in East Cooper during her years at Wando High School. In addition to earning the title of Miss Senior Wando, she also graduated as salutatorian of … [Read more...]
From One Artist to Another: My Son’s Experience with Shepard Fairey
It was a night of conversation between Mark Sloan of the Halsey Institute Of Contemporary Art and home-grown, nationally known artist Shepard Fairey at the Charleston Music Hall. I’m sure it was a special night for the sold out crowd that came to listen to Fairey talk about his roots, his art and how he hopes his art will encourage people to think a little differently. Few … [Read more...]
The Legacy of Tony Page
This Father’s Day will be one of the hardest days of my life. My father, Tony Page passed away on March 25. More than 700 people showed up to our family's visitation just to share the love they had for him. Why would so many people take time from their busy lives? I can come up with many reasons, but the best explanation is that he lived his life for his family and … [Read more...]
Femme Fighting: Life on the Roller Derby Team
By Courtney O’Leary • aka Grace Smelly • #08 Taking a deep breath, I force myself to close my eyes and contain and control the growing nerves in the pit of my stomach. My palms are sweating and I swear my hands are trembling. I don’t get nervous often, but, right now, my entire body is humming with energy. My life as a stay-at-home mom in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village is a … [Read more...]