SEGMENT #1: Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry
GUEST: Erica Chiovarou, President
ISSUE: Special Needs
Each October, the Lowcountry Buddy Walk happens on Daniel Island to bring awareness of Downs Syndrome. What is Downs Syndrome and how does it affect individuals and families dealing with it? Answers to those questions are provided by Erica Chiovarou, the President of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, and the organizer of the Lowcountry Buddy Walk. Chiovarou provided information on the Oct. 20 event and discussed the importance of the event, as both those with Downs Syndrome and their families are rarely among others dealing with it. She spoke of the purpose of the event, and how funds raised will help.
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SEGMENT #2: Dorchester Heritage Center
GUEST: Phyllis Hughes, Board Chairperson and President
ISSUE: Veterans
The Wall That Heals is a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center. The Dorchester Heritage Center applied to have the Wall come to the Lowcountry. Center Board Chair and President Phyllis Hughes explained that process, and the importance of bringing the wall to the Center. Hughes discussed involving Gold Star Families in the event and using cadets from the Citadel to assemble the wall, available for anyone to visit, for free, Oct. 17 through 20. In addition to speaking about the wall, she also explained the mission of the Dorchester Heritage Association and the part the Center plays in the community.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-downs-syndrome-assoc-of-the-lowcountry-dorchester-heritage-center-oct-13-2024?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=3f4502a7bfa9418d85784c1a767c122c
SEGMENT #1: South Carolina State Election Commission
GUEST: Syndi Bain, Voter Education Outreach Coordinator
ISSUE: Voting
Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day in South Carolina and across our nation. Syndi Bain, Voter Education Outreach Coordinator with the South Carolina State Election Commission discussed voting in this year’s election. Bain explained how to check that your registration is current, where to go to location your polling place, and what specific elements you need to bring with you to vote. She also provided information on absentee voting and how early voting will work in the Palmetto State for this election. Additionally, Bain share details on how to help at the polls and the need for poll workers.
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SEGMENT #2: Lowvelo
GUEST: Chris Winn, Event Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
Lowvelo is the annual bike ride that takes place in the Lowcountry on the first Saturday of November, to benefit the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Chris Winn, the Lowvelo event manager, provided the details on this year’s Nov. 2 ride, which includes 5 different length rides. He explained how people can enter to participate in the rides, or take part on a stationary bike at the ride’s finish, or even virtually. Winn discussed the community partnerships the ride has developed, and the additional ways the event impacts the community. Plus, he shared how 100% of money raised by participants goes directly to funding cancer research and where those proceeds have made a positive impact.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-sc-state-election-commission-lowvelo-oct-6-2024?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=9e220f0933044d75a7fb4b080e8fee3b
SEGMENT #1: MAD USA Inc.
GUEST: Christan Rainey, Founder and CEO
ISSUE: Domestic Violence
On Sept. 30, 2006 Christan Rainey’s life was forever changed when his month and 4 siblings were murdered in a domestic violence incident. Out of that tragedy, he formed MAD USA, Inc., a non-profit to assist victims of domestic violence and educating people, particularly men, about domestic violence. The organization’s 8th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event will take place at the Sam’s Club in North Charleston on Saturday, Oct. 5. Rainey provided all of the information for the event, including who the event is for, and how it will assist the community. He also shared some tips for both victims, and steps you can take if you believe someone is begin affect by domestic violence.
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SEGMENT #2: American Cancer Society
GUEST: Tricia Bantz, Senior Development Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
One in eight women are affected by cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year the American Cancer Society is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Charleston Making Strides event. This year’s event is in a new location, at John’s Island County Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tricia Bantz with the American Cancer Society describes the event, explains what “Making Strides” is about, and how people can join the free event. Additionally, Bantz talked about where the money that the event raises will go, and some of the many services the American Cancer Society provides in the Lowcountry.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-mad-usa-inc-american-cancer-society-sept-29-2024?si=a78b777e12534403a489616602a8bfee&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: MOJA Arts Festival
GUEST: Charleton Singleton, Artistic Director
ISSUE: Arts & Culture
This year is the 40th anniversary celebration of the MOJA Arts Festival, a celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts. The 11-day festival runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 6. Charleton Singleton is the Artistic Director of this year’s event and shared the history of this event. Singleton also provided a detailed line up of the entertainment elements of the festival, as well as the non-entertainment events. In addition, he discussed the educational aspects of the festival, and shared the positive effects MOJA has had on him. Plus, Singleton shared the importance of Charleston’s relationship with the festival and its economic impact.
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SEGMENT #2: BarBrewGrass
GUEST: Suzanne Auld, Founder and Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health
After her child was diagnosed with leukemia, Suzanna Auld discovered the challenges, beyond medical issues, that families experience when a son or daughter is hospitalized. BarBrewGrass is a non-profit she formed to help families with a child being treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. BarBrewGrass is an annual event, this year taking place at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston. Along with sharing her experience with the hospital, Auld provided the details on this year’s BarBrewGrass event and laid out how the money raised would be used to impact families in need at the Children’s Hospital.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-moja-arts-festival-barbrewgrass-sept-22-2024?si=8c8d45f6462249e4a74c8d2057597774&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: The Spina Bifida Association
GUEST: Jordan Kirby, Ambassador
ISSUE: Children’s Health
It’s not a common disease, plus one most people don’t know much about. Jordan Kirby’s son Colt was diagnosed with Spina Bifida in her 20th week of pregnancy. The Spina Bifida Foundation is now extending the lives of patients with the disease, and searching for treatments, and ultimately a cure. Kirby shared her experiences and discussed how both Colt and her family deals with his Spina Bifida. The Kirby family is an ambassador family and will be a part of the Charleston Spina Bifida Walk and Roll event Saturday, Sept. 28 in Goose Creek. In addition to sharing event information, Kirby talked about how the Association specifically helped her family and the importance of supporting the Walk and Roll event.
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SEGMENT #2: Carolina Children’s Charity
GUEST: Sonya Beale, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health & Human Services
Established in 1987, the Carolina Children’s Charity serves Children under 18 in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties. Executive Director Sonya Beale explained how the Charity began and the services they provide to Lowcountry families. The Charity has provided $4.7 million dollars in services yet receives no government funding. The Charity hosts 4 major fundraising events, including Care, Give, Run their annual 5K on Sept. 21. Beale provided information on the event, including the activities that day, how people can register and provided examples of how the funds raised that day would be used.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-spina-bifida-association-carolina-childrens-charity-sept-15-2024?si=3e461493605744a3b920468b2afacb49&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Travis Manion Foundation
GUEST: Travis Dodd, Director 9/11 Heroes Run
ISSUE: First Responders/Community Service
The 13th annual 9/11 Heroes Run takes place on Daniel Island on Saturday, Sept. 14. The run supports the Travis Manion Foundation, and also donates money to a local charity each year. The Director of this year’s event, Travis Dodd shared that a group at Joint Base Charleston that helps families transition from on-base to off base housing. Dodd discussed the history of the event and provided details for individuals and groups to join the run. Plus, he described how the 9/11 Heroes Run brings together the community to honor and remember those we lost on 9/11 and to show the positive impact of community service.
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SEGMENT #2: City of Charleston Housing & Community Development
GUEST: Geona Johnson, Director Housing & Community Development
ISSUE: Affordable Housing
Is the American dream of home ownership out of reach? The City of Charleston is addressing the growing problem. Geona Johnson, the city’s Director of Housing & Community Development explained that affordable housing is based on the percent of income the owner is investing in a mortgage or rent – over 30% is line. Johnson discussed some of the programs the city has underway to help allow more residents to own their homes. She explained how affordable housing is not just a problem for poor people, and some of the ways the community has come forward to help. Johnson also shared affordable housing projects the city is constructing.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-travis-manion-foundation-chs-housing-community-dev-sept-8-2024?si=a1e0e89849b94890971461f0860e6dbb&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride
GUEST: Gary Goldman, Founder and Director
ISSUE: First Responders
Two decades beyond the terrible events of September 11, 2001, there is importance in remembering and honoring those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. Gary Goldman organized the first 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride as a companion to a 9/11 Walk over the Ravenel Bridge. Since then, the ride has grown to its own event, held this year on Sunday, Sept. 14. Goldman discusses his motivation for the ride, provides details on the event, and talks of the parts of the community that have joined forces to make the ride successful. Whie this police-escorted ride is free for participants; the event does raise money which is donated to area veterans in need.
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SEGMENT #2: City of Goose Creek Recreation Department
GUEST: Lyza Bowers, Program Director & Adam Kelly, Marketing Manager
ISSUE: Community Development
This September, the City of Goose Creek will open the Joseph S. Danning Amphitheater. The 1200 seat facility will host concerts, movie nights, events and even be available for rental. Lyza Bowers, the Program Director for the City of Goose Creek explained the process of how the amphitheater came to be, who Joseph S. Danning is and why the facility is named after him. Both she and Marketing Director Adam Kelly described the facility, talked about the on-site amenities and Adam talked about the first 3 events. Bowers also provided information on how residents can rent the facility and the positive economic impact for the City of Goose Creek.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-911-memorial-motorcycle-ride-city-of-goose-creek-rec-sept-1-2024?si=4f5aba16860b40889a02f52d2f4911e1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: The McConnell Foundation
GUEST: Josh and Jen McConnell, Founders/Directors
ISSUE: Children’s Health Services
When their son was less than 2 years old, Jen and Josh McConnell were told he has cancer. Treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Bohdi was treated and cured. It motivated the couple to create the McConnell Foundation as a way of giving back, raising money for Pediatric Cancer Research done at the Children’s Hospital. Jen and Josh shared their story and discussed “Shining Stars: A Hollywood Gala.” The Sept. 14 event is being held to raise money to continue the cancer research. The McConnell’s shared details on the Gala and spoke of the importance they feel in giving back to the hospital that saved their son’s life.
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SEGMENT #2: Carolina Children’s Charity
GUEST: Sonya Beale, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health & Human Services
Established in 1987, the Carolina Children’s Charity serves Children under 18 in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties. Executive Director Sonya Beale explained how the Charity began and the services they provide to Lowcountry families. The Charity has provided $4.7 million dollars in services yet receives no government funding. The Charity hosts 4 major fundraising events, including Care, Give, Run their annual 5K on Sept. 21. Beale provided information on the event, including the activities that day, how people can register and provided examples of how of the funds raised that day would be used.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-mcconnell-foundation-carolina-childrens-charity-aug-25-2024?si=2bf5b211f3f7422695029176810882c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: City of Charleston Housing & Community Development
GUEST: Geona Johnson, Director Housing & Community Development
ISSUE: Affordable Housing
Is the American dream of home ownership out of reach? The City of Charleston is addressing the growing problem. Geona Johnson, the city’s Director of Housing & Community Development explained that affordable housing is based on the percent of income the owner is investing in a mortgage or rent – over 30% is line. Johnson discussed some of the programs the city has underway to help allow more residents to own their homes. She explained how affordable housing is not just a problem for poor people, and some of the ways the community has come forward to help. Johnson also shared affordable housing projects the city is constructing.
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SEGMENT #2: City of Goose Creek Recreation Department
GUEST: Lyza Bowers, Program Director & Adam Kelly, Marketing Manager
ISSUE: Community Development
This September, the City of Goose Creek will open the Joseph S. Danning Amphitheater. The 1,200-seat facility will host concerts, movie nights, events and even be available for rental. Lyza Bowers, the Program Director for the City of Goose Creek explained the process of how the amphitheater came to be, who Joseph S. Danning is and why the facility is named after him. Both she and Marketing Director Adam Kelly described the facility, talked about the on-site amenities and Adam talked about the first 3 events. Bowers also provided information on how residents can rent the facility and the positive economic impact for the City of Goose Creek.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-chs-housing-community-dev-goose-creek-recreation-dept-aug-18-2024?si=2bf5b211f3f7422695029176810882c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Big Bros 4 Life
GUEST: Abraham Jenkins Founder and Director
ISSUE: Youth Services
After his brother’s life was ended by gun violence, Abraham Jenkins was inspired to help youth in the Lowcountry community. The organization’s mission is “Saving Our Youth One Community at a Time.” Jenkins explains how the organization recruits both members and mentors to work with the members and how he conducts weekly learning sessions to assist youth in growing into adults. Big Bros 4 Life first major event is this August’s “Back to School” Bash. Jenkins provided all the details surrounding the free event and the significance of certain aspects of the bash, such as the importance of haircuts in the community.
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SEGMENT #2: Town of Mount Pleasant
GUEST: Kevin Mitchell, Deputy EDS Director
ISSUE: Economy/Shrimping Industry
Each year that goes by, the local shrimping industry gets older. In 2019, the Town of Mount Pleasant purchased land on Shem Creek, where most of the shrimping in the Lowcountry is done. Since purchasing the land, the town has been making plans to remodel and redevelop the area, specifically for the shrimp boats. Kevin Mitchell, the Deputy EDS Director with the Town of Mount Pleasant has been in charge of the project. Mitchell explained the importance of the town spending $3 million dollars to purchase the property, and what will ultimate be done through the project, scheduled to be completed in July of 2025.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-big-bros-4-life-town-of-mount-pleasant-aug-4-2024?si=f2b942ae77d84f4e8cb85a982748fc44&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
