Keep your block beautiful ✨

It’s me, hi: Tate takes a stroll down Queen Street. | Photo by @colatoday

Roll up your sleeves. Today we’re diving into the City of Charleston’s Adopt-A-Block program — FAQ-style. Learn everything you need to know about this volunteer initiative and how to give back to the community while you sip on your morning cup of Joe.

What is the Adopt-A-Block program?

Launched in 2022, this initiative involves volunteers who regularly monitor and maintain small sections of roads within city limits. The mission is to improve quality of life and build a sense of community through the preservation, upkeep, and improvement of local neighborhoods.

How can I get involved?

Adoptions are available for both individuals and groups. Decide which block or blocks you want to adopt, check the map to see if they are available, select your block, and fill out the adoption form.

What are the responsibilities?

Adopters perform at least one clean-up per quarter as part of a two-year agreement. Clean-ups include the removal of litter, vegetative overgrowth, and weeds. Report your results online by filling out and submitting the Clean-Up Day Data Form at the end of your clean-up.

What do I need to bring?

Volunteers are encouraged to use their own gloves and bags. Long pants and long sleeves are recommended. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Sign up for the program below if it floats your boat, then check out the Adopter and Citizen Resource Guide.

ADOPT YOUR BLOCK

EVENTS

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Monday, Jan. 9

Charcoal Drawing: Exploring the Still Life | Monday, Jan. 9 | 6 p.m. | Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St., Charleston | $260-$320 | Taught through the lens of 2D design, students will learn drawing techniques with practice through still-life setups.

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Charleston City Council Meeting | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 5 p.m. | Charleston City Hall Council Chamber, 80 Broad St., Charleston | Free | Attend a city council meeting for the City of Charleston — sign up to speak by 5 p.m. at the meeting location.
Mount Pleasant Town Council Meeting | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 6 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Council Chambers, 100 Ann Edwards Ln., Mount Pleasant | Free | Join a town council meeting for the Town of Mount Pleasant + submit a comment on the meeting agenda.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw | Wednesday, Jan. 11 + Saturday, Jan. 14 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel | $0-$9 | Register to trek through distinct habitats while viewing and discussing a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
Concurrent Solo Exhibitions | Wednesday, Jan. 11-Saturday, Jan. 28 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Park Circle Gallery, 4820 Jenkins Ave., North Charleston | Free | Explore collections of watercolor paintings by Laurie Candelaria and glass works by Stacey Green.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

OUTDOORS

Culture

From petting zoos for the kids to fine art, VIP events, and more — SEWE has something for everybody. | Photo provided by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

There’s so much to see at SEWE. From fine art to close encounters with wildlife, special events, and more, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has something for attendees of all ages — and it’s coming to town Feb. 17-19.

General admission includes access to five venues (Brittlebank Park, Charleston Marriott, Charleston Place, Gaillard Center, and Marion Square) where guests can enjoy live events and exhibits like:

Dockdogs® Competitions: Watch championship dogs soar to new heights as they show off their jumping and retrieval skills.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Shows: Learn about natural ecosystems and get an up-close look at alligators, bobcats, foxes, birds of prey, snakes, and more.
Chef Demos: Tend to your taste buds and see South Carolina’s most talented chefs team up with their favorite farmers for a weekend of demonstrations and tastings.

There are also special and VIP events like live art series, signature galas, live music, and more.

Start planning your weekend at SEWE — snag general admission and special event tickets now through Wednesday, Feb. 1.*

SNAG TICKETS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

64º | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:21 a.m.
Set: 5:32 p.m.

Tide

Low: 3 a.m. + 3:37 p.m.
High: 9:19 a.m. + 9:34 p.m.

Coming Soon

A new golf experience is headed for West Ashley. CHS Golf indoor golf facility will open near Boxcar Betty’s and feature indoor bays with TrackMan Simulators, putting greens, pool and foosball tables, and a full bar. The facility is set to open this month at 1919 Savannah Hwy. Get updates at CHS Golf. 🏌️

Civic

A new citizen-led green commission is in the works in Mount Pleasant. The commission would work to conserve greenspace and mitigate flooding in the area. If interested in joining, keep an eye on the town’s website for an application. (WCBD)
The City of North Charleston is planning to conduct a flooding study in the Chicora Cherokee community. The study will assess the neighborhood’s need for drainage improvements and stormwater system alternatives. (The Post and Courier)
The Isle of Palms connector, connecting IOP to Mount Pleasant, may undergo changes to accommodate population growth. The SC Dept. of Transportation is considering five different concepts, all of which would alter the existing bike and pedestrian paths. (The Post and Courier)

Sports

Mark your calendars, Holy City: The Charleston Battery has announced the date of its 2023 home opener. Head out to Patriots Point on Saturday, March 11 to cheer on the local soccer team against Phoenix Rising FC. Stay tuned for info on kickoff time, single-game ticket sales, and the full 2023 schedule.

Open

Put your paws together for Mews + Brews, Summerville’s first cat café, which opened last week at 1707 Central Ave. The café features cats from Dorchester Paws who are available for adoption. Note: These furry friends come with an adoption fee of $50 each. Make a reservation. 🐈 (WCIV)

Real Estate

Citadel Mall is under new ownership. Last week, the mall shared that Chicago-based Singerman Real Estate now has full ownership of the 42-year-old shopping center in West Ashley. The mall is open daily at 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. 🛍️ (The Post and Courier)

Health

The newly-established MUSC Health Hollings Cancer Network and Tidelands Health Cancer Care have teamed up to expand care. The new community-based cancer care model will offer greater benefits for patients, more access to specialists, and better sharing of medical records. (WCSC)
Open enrollment is ending soon. Under 65 and looking for health coverage? Don’t go uninsured this year — health insurance experts at your local South Carolina BLUE℠ Retail Center are ready to help you find the right plan for you. Secure your health coverage for 2023 before it’s too late.*

Regional

Around $3 million in federal assistance has been approved for people affected by Hurricane Ian. Heads up Charleston, Georgetown, and Horry counties: The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, Jan. 23. Find out how to apply. 🌀 (WCIV)

State

Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster announced the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Executive Budget. Highlights include a $500 million rainy day fund, $850 million for SCDOT projects, and an $87 million income tax cut. Take a look at the budget. (WCSC)

Cause

Looking to make a difference in 2023? Step one: Become a blood donor. Pro tip: January is National Blood Donor Month, which means it’s a great time to help your neighbors and save lives in our community. Schedule a donation appointment. 🩸 *

Charlestonian

Happy birthday, CHStoday member Daniel T. We hope your special day is filled with all of your favorite things in Charleston! Did you know when you become a CHStoday member, you’ll get a birthday shoutout, too? Join today. 🎉

Eat

Swap bland trail mix for a nutrient-dense, tasty snack from KIND. If you’re a chocolate lover, try the Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond and Dark Chocolate Cocoa. If you want to add more protein to your diet, the Crunchy Peanut Butter is a must. Wanna try an assortment? Build your own box.*

Featured Deal

The early bird catches yummy restaurant week specials. Dine in or make a reservation at The Swamp Fox Restaurant at the Francis Marion Hotel now-Thursday, Jan. 12 for a complimentary cocktail during their Early Bird Restaurant Week Special. 🍹 *

Correction

Oops, we got our days mixed up. Last week, we told you that The Charleston Museum is turning 250 years old on Saturday, Jan. 12 — which is true, but that’s actually a Thursday, not a Saturday. Either way, we’re excited to celebrate.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

EAT AND DRINK

Dig in, Folly Beach

Celebrate on Center Street. | Photo by @visitfb

Taste of Folly is back this weekend and we’re saving room for good eats at this two-day food festival. Peep the schedule below.

Friday, Jan. 13: Cocktail Competition

Check out this battle of the bartenders at the Tides in the Pavilion Ballroom from 7-10 p.m. showcasing Folly Beach’s top mixologists making craft cocktails. Contest tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day-of.

Saturday, Jan. 14: Savory Saturday

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Center Street will be taken over by local eateries featuring their best dishes and live demos. Look forward to the Oyster Shucking Contest, One Pot Showdown, local bands and vendors, and a kids area. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 day-of, and free for Folly residents.

Bonus: A portion of the proceeds will benefit Pet Helpers.

GRAB TICKETS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: Hey there fellow bookworms, there’s an event this weekend you should know about it. Head to Wild Dunes Resort on IOP on Sunday, Jan. 15 for a literary fundraiser with local author Mary Alice Monroe.

This year’s event features a conversation and book signing to benefit the Beaufort-based Pat Conroy Literary Center, which nurtures the literary community through educational programs and special events.

Get your tickets. Bonus: Tickets include a signed hardcover book, a signature cocktail, coffee, and appetizers.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Check out alcohol-free options around town, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

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