01.15.2024

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Today’s Forecast

🧁 Learn about the team at Michael’s Barkery

Q+A with Karen Patrohay from Michael’s Barkery

Three Michaels Barkery teammates show the fresh treats.

Teammates show the freshly made dog treats. | Photo by Michael’s Barkery

Let us set the scene for you. You’re strolling the shops on Daniel Island, walk into a storefront, and are immediately greeted with the smell of peanut butter. The walls are packed with bright dog toys, clothes, and accessories. Then, your eyes meet the treat counter, where you find dozens of homemade dog treats, cookies, and cakes. Yes, you read that right, cakes for dogs.

This is what you see on the surface of Michael’s Barkery, a dog bakery, boutique, and grooming salon at 864 Island Park Dr. (near Viva Tacos + Tequila). If you look a little deeper, this store is much more than a dog bakery.

Michael’s parents own the store, and we talked with Karen Patrohay, Michael’s mom. She told us how the store started and about the bakery’s mission.

Cupcakes on display at Michael's Barkery — Teammates are involved in all aspects of the production of the sweet treats.
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Photo by Michael’s Barkery

Tell us about Michael and how the barkery got started.

The inspiration and namesake for the shop were inspired by Michael, nicknamed “The Mayor.” Known for his outgoing and engaging personality, Michael chose to explore baking and selling dog treats for his high school senior project + because he wanted to make dogs happy.

We have always tried to choose paths that would not limit him because of his intellectual disability, but instead, we tried to build upon his strengths and abilities.

Pug poses in Michael's Barkery — The bakery, boutique, and grooming salon is located on Daniel Island.
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Photo by Michael’s Barkery

What is your shop’s mission?

Michael’s Barkery’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of adults with cognitive disabilities by providing job opportunities and training, all while having fun supporting animal lovers.

How do you hope Michael’s dream can inspire others?

Michael is the heart and soul behind Michael’s Barkery, and we hope his story can inspire others to work towards their own dreams.

Learn more about the store

Events

Monday, Jan. 15

New Year Candle Making Class | Monday, Jan. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Bohemian Bull, 2668 N. Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant | $40 | Make a personalized gift and discover the art of candle making.

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Ribbon Cutting: The Dolly Llama Waffle Master | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 2-3 p.m. | 1483 Hwy. 17, Ste. I, Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Celebrate the opening of a new waffle and ice cream shop.

Wednesday, Jan. 17

Winter Wonderland | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | OhMy! Creative, 1235 Boone Hill Rd., Ste. 4, Summerville | $60 | Learn royal icing techniques and unleash your inner creativity at this cookie decorating class.

Thursday, Jan. 18

Third Thursdays | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Downtown Summerville, 17 Alt., Summerville | Price of purchase | Spend the evening shopping from local vendors and enjoying entertainment — this month’s theme is winter carnival.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Today Is

Honor the life + legacy of the civil rights leader by attending The YWCA of Greater Charleston’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in downtown Charleston at 10:30 a.m. Parade details. (WCBD)

Announced

Off the market. The Historic Charleston Foundation says it will not sell the Nathaniel Russell House like it previously announced it would last month. The foundation says the decision comes after it met with several donors, preservation leaders, elected officials, and community members.

Try This

Round two of Bodega’s second annual “Best in Bread” sandwich competition is happening tonight at 6 p.m. Three chefs will show their skills and create a signature sandwich. Attendees will vote for their favorite to advance to the finals.

Watch

Watch this video from Tuesday’s storm showing a confirmed EF-2 tornado touching down ~1.5 hours away in Bamberg. The tornado knocked down several buildings in the city’s downtown area. ~40 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. (WCBD)

Community

Submissions for our 2023 CHStoday Picture of the Year contest close Wednesday, Jan. 17. Submit a local photo that you took in 2023 + we’ll give you a discount code to shop at our online marketplace, Six & Main. Plus, the contest winner will receive a $25 Six & Main gift card.

Eat

Baby, it’s (still) cold outside. Try this potato and leek soup to warm you up.*

Giveaway

Make a donation towards veterans’ and children’s charities + you could win a RAM 3500 HD truck in the Big Diesel Truck Dream Giveaway. Double your entries with code 6AMCITY.*

Outdoors

Explore national parks for free

Our guide to visiting 7 of the best national parks

Photo by @hdcarolina

If you love fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and all things wild, South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is worth visiting over your next long weekend.

Getting there
Plug this address into your GPS: 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins, SC 29061. Congaree National Park is located in Richland County and is ~two-hour drive from CHS.

Fees and reservations
There is no entrance fee to visit Congaree National Park. Fun Fact: There are six days this year you can explore National Parks with free admission fees. Today is one of those days, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

Open hours and seasons
Congaree National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Check out the current conditions page before your visit for closures, weather updates, and trail conditions.

Explore more

The Buy

The Buy 1.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Kitsch’s rice bar shampoo and conditioner. Reviewers noticed touchably soft hair and even improvements in hair loss, plus the bar is plastic-free thanks to its intelligently concentrated design.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Callie

From the editor

There is always something to do in our beautiful city, we have plenty to choose from when it comes to events + festivals. Here’s something to add to your calendar, Taste of Folly returns this Friday, Jan.19.

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