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Palmetto Broadband Coalition Unites Providers to Shape Broadband Future

The Palmetto Broadband Coalition, a consortium of well-established, locally owned broadband providers, announced its launch on January 30. This alliance is the most recent collaboration among providers, some with over 120 years of history, who consistently unite to enhance connectivity and better serve their customers as technology advances.

The founding members of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition are Comporium of Rock Hill, Farmers Telephone Cooperative (FTC) of Kingstree, Home Telecom of Moncks Corner, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) of Conway, Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Walterboro, Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Laurens, Sandhill Telephone Cooperative of Jefferson, TruVista of Chester and West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (WCTEL) of Abbeville. Each brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving the people of South Carolina.

“Time and time again South Carolina’s local telecommunications and broadband providers have stepped up to the plate to serve our state,” said Speaker of the House Murrell Smith. “With the formation of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition, these homegrown companies are yet again putting their local communities first as we move forward in an ever more connected future.”

Each provider traces its roots to the early days of the telecommunications industry when the rural areas of South Carolina did not offer a viable market for the large telephone companies to establish operations and serve residents. Recognizing the growing need to connect homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare providers, independent telephone companies stepped up.

Fast forward to the 1980s when the same group of companies refused to let advancements in information technology and connectivity pass by South Carolina. They again came together and pooled their resources to best serve the needs of the state. The resulting product was a provider of fiber optic connectivity that traversed thousands of miles across South Carolina.

It is in this same vein that the Palmetto Broadband Coalition was founded. With South Carolina investing significant resources to ensure every home and business has access to high quality, affordable broadband, it is pivotal that the longtime experts and providers in connectivity that make up the Palmetto Broadband Coalition come together again in service to the people of the state, regardless of their location.

“Access to high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, economic development and quality of life,” said Will Helmly, President & CEO of Home Telecom and Chair of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition. “Our coalition is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every corner of South Carolina is connected to the opportunities of the digital age.”

Key goals and initiatives of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition include:

Expanding Broadband Access: The coalition will work tirelessly to expand high-speed broadband access to underserved and unserved areas in South Carolina, ensuring that no community is left behind.

Advocating for Policy: The coalition will engage with policymakers at all levels to advocate for policies that encourage investment and innovation in the state’s broadband infrastructure.

Fostering Innovation: Through partnerships and collaboration, the coalition will support innovative solutions that leverage broadband technology to address local challenges and drive economic growth.

To stay updated on the Palmetto Broadband Coalition’s activities and initiatives, please visit our website at PalmettoBroadbandCoalition.com.

About the Palmetto Broadband Coalition:
The Palmetto Broadband Coalition is a collective effort of leading telecommunications and broadband providers in South Carolina. The Coalition is committed to shaping the state’s broadband future, while providing high quality, reliable broadband access, customer service, and community investment to South Carolina customers and communities so that they can be connected now and into the future.

ModWash Announces Ribbon Cutting at Goose Creek Location

Goose Creek, SC – ModWash (www.modwash.com), a leading express self-service car wash company, proudly announces the Ribbon Cutting of its newest location on Old State Road in Goose Creek this Friday, February 9, at 11am. This ModWash location is the 11th in South Carolina and the 95th nationwide since its inception in 2020. ModWash continues to bring its positive ModVibes, cutting-edge wash features, and commitment to environmental sustainability to communities across the nation.

The new Goose Creek ModWash introduces state-of-the-art wash features and services to the vibrant coastal area, offering an unparalleled experience for car owners. ModWash offers:

Tiered Membership Packages (Significant Savings & Dedicated Member Lanes)
Family Plans
ModFounders Incentive for First 2,000 Clients (Same Price for Life!)
Community Partner Program (Savings for Local Businesses)
Teacher and Veteran Discounts
Fleet Discounts
A Full Suite of Self-Serve Detailing Options (Airguns,Tire Air Pumps, Glass Cleaner, Matt Cleaning Machines and Stations, Bug Prep Stations, Microfiber Towels.)

ModWash is more than just a car wash – it’s a commitment to being a positive ripple in every community it serves. By combining cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly practices, and a customer-centric approach, ModWash proudly engages at a community level and aims to redefine the car wash experience while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility (ModWash reduces this amount to a mere 30 gallons of fresh water per wash – equivalent to an average fifteen-minute shower).

About ModWash:
Founded in 2020, ModWash has rapidly expanded to become a leader in the express self-service car wash industry. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability, ModWash is proud to bring its positive ModVibes to 95 locations nationwide.

Atlantic Packaging recognized with ‘A’ score for transparency and action on climate change

Charleston, S.C. – Atlantic Packaging has been recognized for leadership in corporate transparency and climate action by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its annual ‘A List’.

Based on data reported through CDP’s 2023 Climate Change questionnaire, Atlantic Packaging is one of 346 companies worldwide and only 29 in North America that achieved an ‘A’ out of over 21,000 companies scored.

Fully TCFD-aligned, CDP holds the largest environmental database in the world, and CDP scores are widely used to drive investment and procurement decisions towards a zero-carbon, sustainable and resilient economy. In 2023, over 740 financial institutions with over US$136 trillion in assets requested companies to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP’s platform. A record-breaking 23,000 companies responded.

CDP uses a detailed and independent methodology to assess these companies, allocating a score of “A” to “D-” based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets. Those that don’t disclose or provide insufficient information are scored an “F.”

“Earning a place on CDP’s A List is a significant milestone for Atlantic Packaging as we continue to strategically reduce our company’s environmental impact within the global packaging supply chain,” said Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter. “Our efforts are guided by a regenerative vision for the future of our planet, and we understand that we must set a strong example through an internal commitment to environmental ethics. Atlantic will continue to remain adaptable to new technologies and systems that seek to solve environmental challenges, while encouraging other companies to join our efforts.”

Acknowledging its unique position in the supply chain, Atlantic Packaging continues to recognize a moral obligation to do its part to keep global temperatures below 1.5°C. Recent achievements include becoming the first packaging company in North America with an approved net-zero Science-Based Target (SBT) for climate action as well as launching A New Earth Project, a global effort to advocate for and raise awareness of scalable and sustainable packaging solutions to help eliminate plastic pollution from the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Additionally, Atlantic Packaging continues to implement climate-smart strategies across key areas including renewables for logistics and material handling; energy efficiency in lighting; and zero-waste facilities. As part of an ongoing commitment to influencing its value chain, Atlantic has also been one of 20 brands enrolling key suppliers win the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transitions (S-LoCT) program, a knowledge platform and brand collaborative to collectively reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, said: “Congratulations to all the companies on CDP’s A List, and those companies that started or accelerated their journey towards environmental transparency in 2023 – we saw a 24% increase of disclosures last year and that trajectory is to be applauded. It is only by laying the groundwork of disclosure that companies can show they are serious about the vital part they play in securing a net-zero, nature-positive future.

Earning a place on the A List is about more than the score. It’s an indication of high quality, complete data that equips companies with a holistic view of their environmental impact, serves as a baseline for transition plans and – crucially – enables them to follow through on their ambitions. As we move deeper into the Decade of Action, and as CDP continually raises the bar for what represents environmental leadership, the work of A List companies is never complete. We look forward to seeing all companies turn their commitments into further and more meaningful and effective action.”

To learn more about Atlantic Packaging, visit www.atlanticpkg.com. The full list of companies that made this year’s CDP A List is available here: https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores.

Falkor Technologies Unleashes Lightning-Fast Wireless Internet Connectivity in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC – Falkor Technologies, a local SC provider of cutting-edge colocation and hosting services and now offering wireless internet solutions, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its high-speed internet services to the vibrant city of Columbia, South Carolina. This development marks a significant milestone in Falkor Technologies commitment to delivering lightning-fast and reliable internet connectivity to underserved communities across South Carolina.

Falkor Technologies is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and providing seamless internet experiences to both residential and business customers. With the launch of their services in Columbia and surrounding areas, Falkor Technologies aims to enhance the digital landscape of the city and empower residents of Richland County and other areas with a robust and dependable internet connection.

Key Features of Falkor Technologies Wireless Internet:
Blazing Speeds: Falkor offers lightning-fast internet speeds of up to 200MBps, ensuring smooth streaming, quick downloads, and lag-free online experiences for residents and businesses alike.

Reliability: With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to uptime, Falkor Technologies provides a reliable internet connection, minimizing disruptions and downtime.

Affordability: Falkor Technologies understands the importance of affordability, and our internet plans are designed to cater to Rural WiFi, making high-speed connectivity accessible at home and anywhere.

Residents and businesses in Columbia, SC can now experience the next level of internet connectivity with Falkor Technologies Wireless. Whether for work, education, entertainment, or staying connected with loved ones, Falkor Technologies is committed to providing a superior internet experience.

Falkor Technologies is also known for our colocation datacenter services in downtown Columbia, SC! We elevate connectivity in Downtown Columbia, SC with colocation, hosting and Internet services!

For more information, visit our website at Falkortech.io/internet

OptiFuel’s Total-Zero™ 5600 hp RNG-Electric Line Haul Locomotive and RNG-Powered Tender are on Track for Testing at the Federal Railroad Administration’s Transportation Technology Center

BEAUFORT, SC –  OptiFuel Systems (“OptiFuel”) announced that it will begin testing a prototype 5600 hp Total-Zero™ Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Line Haul Locomotive and 2500 hp Total-Zero™ Powered Tender with 7,500 DGE (diesel gallon equivalent) capacity, in January 2025. The RNG-powered line haul locomotive produces 5100 hp of continuous power from zero emission Cummins RNG engines using OptiFuel’s Quick-Power™ technology with a peak power of 5600 hp with the standard LFP battery pack. Focused on sustainability, OptiFuel’s near-term, low risk, affordable Total-Zero™ RNG-Electric Line Haul Locomotive will have ZERO Well-to-Wheel (WTW) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) criteria emissions and Negative Carbon Intensity (CI) while simultaneously improving fuel cost and operating range by 25%.

This innovative solution aims to eliminate harmful pollutants that are released from diesel and renewable diesel engines that are detrimental to air quality and public health. Partially funded with a Department of Energy (DOE) grant, the program will perform pre-production testing at the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Transportation Technology Center (TTC) for 12 months.

In 2026, OptiFuel will start a 2-year, 1-million-mile test program with ten pre-production 5600 hp RNG line haul locomotives and five 10,000 DGE RNG tenders operating around the US. Upon successful completion, plans are to begin full production in 2028. The RNG line haul locomotive is estimated to be priced around $5.5 million and can be purchased or leased.

“As the designer and builder of the fuel cell, hydrogen storage, and battery modules for Sierra Northern Railway’s (SERA) hydrogen hybrid switcher locomotives, OptiFuel is uniquely qualified to understand the strength and weakness of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotives”, said Scott Myers, OptiFuel’s President. “However, we now believe that RNG is the preferred path to zero emission line haul locomotives and tenders due to the physics of energy storage, overall operating cost, operating risk, fuel availability and cost over the next 20 years. A 4500 hp line haul locomotive requires continuous high power for extended hours, something that neither battery-electric nor hydrogen fuel cell hybrid line haul locomotive solutions will be able to do.”

OptiFuel is committed to spearheading the sustainable revolution with locomotives and refueling solutions that make fleet transitions affordable. Unique to OptiFuel’s locomotive designs is the use of modularity consisting of standard Quick Disconnect (QD) modules using standardized ISO corner locks. “About 90% of the same components are used for our 1000 hp to 5600 hp RNG or hydrogen switchers and line haul locomotives and our RNG standard and powered tenders”, states Myers. By using lower cost components in high volume production, the railroads can significantly reduce the cost to decarbonizing all 38,000 freight locomotives in the US over the next 25 years, a CAPEX cost that we believe will be around $150 billion. However, that cost will be offset by significant annual operating cost savings thanks to lower fuel cost, lower maintenance cost, higher reliability, and increased system automation, allowing the railroads to increase market shares in moving goods across the US.

OptiFuel’s customer focus is underscored by its comprehensive refueling services and fuel station infrastructure plan. This plan addresses not only the capital expenditure challenges related to refueling, but also resolves the logistics and planning burden of combined diesel-RNG fleets. OptiFuel is committed to facilitating smooth fleet transitions from diesel to renewable fuels without disrupting operations. OptiFuel’s Refueling Solutions Plan provides for line haul operators to run trains in a consist with both old (diesel) and new (RNG) locomotives without changes to routes, distance between stops, refueling time, or capital expense budgets. This diesel-RNG locomotive integrated refueling system approach is already in service at the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB) outside of Chicago.

The estimated 3,000 RNG tenders and associated 60 RNG locomotive and tender refueling stations required by the Class 1 locomotives around the US will be provided at no cost – offsetting an estimated $8.5 billion in infrastructure expense to the railroads. This zero-cost approach is based upon the railroads buying RNG over a ten-year period of around $2.00 a Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE). The RNG volume and price will be secured by long-term contracts connected to specific RNG-production sites with stable, known production volumes.

Instead of imposing limitations and constraints, OptiFuel equipment empowers railroad customers to reliably enhance operations, regain valuable competitive advantage, and take back market share lost to trucking through dependable and improved services. The robustness and sustainability of the rail network safeguards the integrity of the US supply chain, facilitates the efficient transportation of goods across the country, and serves as a pivotal driver to economic health.

OptiFuel Systems is the technical lead partnering with GTI Energy as the formal applicant to the Department of Energy1. Other technical partners are Cummins, BAE Systems, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, TMV Control Systems Inc., ENSCO, CAF Group, New York Air Brake, and Powerhouse, a Marmon Rail Company.

1This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Vehicles Technology Office Award Number DE-EE0009215.The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the United States Government.

About OptiFuel Systems LLC:
OptiFuel Systems is a solution provider designing and manufacturing Total-Zero™ emission products and services in the hard-to-abate transportation and industrial markets, specifically in rail, marine and power generation. OptiFuel works as a systems integrator with strategic partners to engineer innovative technology that is low-risk and modular with flexible fuel options consisting of affordable renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen fuels. Products include switcher and line haul freight locomotives, RNG and hydrogen tenders, stationary and mobile refueling systems, and mobile and stationary standby and emergency generators. Services include sales, leasing, long-term maintenance, and refueling services. Customers are expected to achieve increased reliability, reduced lifetime maintenance costs, minimized downtime, greater sustainability, and an impressive up to 30% enhancement in fuel economy. OptiFuel’s Total-Zero™ RNG-electric locomotives and hydrogen-electric locomotives are EPA certified as zero NOx and PM emissions and have achieved FRA concurrence. Recently, OptiFuel announced a $30 million Series A2 fundraising round to further scale business operations and strategic opportunities rapidly developing across key markets.

Moore | Martin Rebrand and Name Change

We are excited to announce that Moore | Martin Real Estate Valuation Services, Inc. has been rebranded using the new name Martin | Truluck. The name change represents an exciting new chapter for the company, but there is no material difference in the two entities.

James Martin, MAI has been in the industry for over (20) years and is a past president of the South Carolina Appraisal Institute. He will continue his duties as CEO and a director. Clark Truluck, MAI, has been in the industry for (15) years and is currently the President of the South Carolina Appraisal Institute. He will continue his duties as President and a director.

James and Clark, along with our team look forward to continuing to serve our local vendors, clients and colleagues in the years to come.

Just over a year ago, Paul K. Moore, MAI a beloved friend, founder of Paul K. Moore & Associates and partner with Moore | Martin passed away. With his guidance, experience and leadership, he helped create what this company is today. We plan to continue our service as leaders in the appraisal industry providing value and expertise to all of our clients.

We have updated our website and invite you to take a look at the changes.

www.martin-truluck.com or www.charlestonappraisals.com

Lowcountry Food Bank Announces Release of Educational Video to Support Healthcare Professionals During Food Insecurity Patient Screenings

Charleston, SC — With support from Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas, Lowcountry Food Bank released today an educational video to support healthcare professionals across South Carolina. The video, titled “Incorporating Food Insecurity Screening,” supports providers as they incorporate social determinants of health screening into patient visits. Social determinants of health are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of quality-of-life outcomes and risks, like access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, safe housing and transportation, literacy skills, educational and job opportunities.

The screening, during a patient visit, can determine if a patient is having trouble meeting their basic food needs for themselves or their family. Not being able to access nutritious foods can be detrimental to a patient’s health and interrupt the healing process. Studies have shown that an individual who is food insecure has an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, mental health problems, depression, and other chronic conditions.

Once screened, the healthcare team member can notate the results in the patient’s chart and, if screened positive for food insecurity, offer food resources in their community, through federal nutrition programs, a local food pantry, or produce prescription programs. A patient’s access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive is integral to improve health outcomes and decrease costs associated with poor health.

“Working with our Food for Health partners, we’ve found that most know that screening is important but don’t feel confident in the best practice for implementing workflows and connecting patients with food,” said Dana Mitchel, Director Community Health and Nutrition at Lowcountry Food Bank. “We hope this video can be a good starting point for providers to begin having more discussions among their staff.”

Click here to access the video for free on Lowcountry Food Bank’s YouTube page.

Healthcare professionals across the state are encouraged to share the video among their networks and with their healthcare administrators, providers, and community health workers. Together, we can support patients on their health and wellness journey. Click here to learn more about Food is Medicine South Carolina.

About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.

The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 42 million pounds of food in 2023. The Lowcountry Food Bank aims to unite our community in pursuit of equitable, dignified, and consistent access to food by distributing food to 230+ partner agencies including on-site meal programs, homeless shelters and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank advocates on behalf of those who experience hunger and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices. For more

information, visit the Lowcountry Food Bank website.

Spoleto Festival USA Announces 2024 Festival Season

Charleston, SC — Spoleto Festival USA, the country’s premier performing arts festival, has announced a star-studded lineup for 2024 including more than one hundred performances across the Holy City for 17 days and nights, May 24-June 9, 2024. Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces will be enlivened by performances from celebrated artists at the forefront of their craft. Tickets are available for purchase beginning Jan. 26 at 10:00am EST, with prices starting as low as $25, at spoletousa.org or by calling 843.579.3100.

Spoleto Festival USA’s ambitious 2024 program includes the world premiere of a commissioned original opera Ruinous Gods, the return of cellist Yo-Yo Ma to the Festival in a new program conceived by the iconic musician, the world premiere of the original play The Song of Rome by Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson (co-authors of 2023’s An Iliad), Benjamin Millepied and L.A. Dance Project’s inventive multimedia interpretation of Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo & Juliet performed for the first time with live orchestra, and performances by nationally touring acts: Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sasha Velour, plus much more.

“Art is the connective tissue of our society,” says Spoleto Festival USA’s General Director and CEO, Mena Mark Hanna. “By coming together to experience the 48th Spoleto, we have a rich opportunity to explore our shared humanity as we contemplate challenges to our very social framework, including immigration, democracy, and basic human rights.”

The Festival will commence with the world premiere of Spoleto’s full-length original chamber opera, Ruinous Gods. Composed by Layale Chaker with a libretto by Lisa Schlesinger, Ruinous Gods examines the traumatic impact of displacement on refugees. The groundbreaking opera pushes the boundaries of form and structure with sung and spoken-word sections and a genre-defying score that weaves Arabic Maqam and Western classical music traditions with diverse Middle Eastern influences, jazz, and improvisation. Four performances (May 24, 27, 29, June 1) will take place in the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre.

The Festival’s opening weekend also features two performances by Old Crow Medicine Show (May 24 & 25), the Grammy Award-winning six-piece American roots revival band who celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2023. This performance under the stars, in the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard, will kick off the Festival’s Front Row Series which also includes multi-instrumentalist Trombone Shorty (May 27), gold-certified artist Amos Lee (May 28), and Billboard chart-topping duo Watchhouse (June 5). Also on the series: Aoife O’Donovan (member of the folk-roots trio I’m With Her) performs a solo show of selections from her upcoming album All My Friends, in the Sottile Theatre on June 7 accompanied by the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, and four-time Grammy Award-winner and rock and roll icon Jason Isbell (June 8 & 9) will wrap up the Festival in two nights of intimate acoustic performances.

One of the best-known cellists of his generation, Yo-Yo Ma returns to Spoleto for his sixth Festival appearance, and first since 1986. Performing works inspired by a five-year, six-continent journey, paired with stimulating conversation, Ma will take the stage at the Charleston Gaillard Center May 30 with a performance that asks audience members to consider the great questions of life and art: What has brought us here? And where will we choose to go next?

The Festival will premiere two theater productions, Dark Noon and The Song of Rome. The breakaway hit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe making its U.S debut, Dark Noon is an outsider’s perspective on American history performed by seven South African actors in a fictional film production. Four performances (May 31, June 1 & June 2) will take place in Festival Hall. The world premiere of The Song of Rome, a new work co-written and co-directed by prolific actor Denis O’Hare (Take Me Out, True Blood) with his writing partner Lisa Peterson, explores the fall of the democratic republic in ancient Rome. A companion piece to the acclaimed play An Iliad presented at last year’s Festival, The Song of Rome will be performed six times (May 25, 26, 27, 31, June 1, 2) in The Dock Street Theatre.

A production of Romeo and Juliet by the L.A. Dance Project, choreographed by Benjamin Millepied (Black Swan, Dune), combining cinema, dance, and theater, will be presented at four performances over two days (May 25 & 26) at the Charleston Gaillard Center. Prokofiev’s score will be performed live by the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra under the direction of Timothy Myers, the first-time this production will be experienced with live music.

Australia-based contemporary circus company Casus Creations will perform the North American premiere of Apricity, a mesmerizing stage show with aerial apparatuses, acrobatics, music, and humor for five performances (June 6, 7, 8, 9) at Festival Hall. Contemplating the transformative power of human connection, Apricity is inspired by the image of the winter sun breaking through the cold.

Music, song, dance, and drama will collide at two separate performances during the Festival. Winner of the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Sasha Velour will present The Big Reveal Live Show!, an immersive experience composed of classic drag, intimate storytelling, live art, and video experimentation at the Charleston Gaillard Center on June 6. Plus, Tony Award-winner John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and cabaret star Amber Martin will present Cassette Roulette, an interactive evening of songs, stories, and characters, all chosen by the hand of fate and the audience-spun roulette wheel on May 25 & 26 at Festival Hall.

Acclaimed composer and cellist, Paul Wiancko will debut as Charles L. and Andrea E. Director of Chamber Music at the 2024 Festival. Wiancko will host 33 performances of the beloved Bank of America Chamber Music series at the historic Dock Street Theatre consisting of music ranging from 12th-century composer saint Hildegard von Bingen and tragic/romantic icon Franz Schubert to modern-day musical rebel Tomeka Reid and Grammy-nominated composer and steel drum player Andy Akiho. Paul will also welcome composer-in-residence Reena Esmail to present a selection of her work including the world premiere of her new string quartet.

Conductor Timothy Myers steps into his first year as Music Director for the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, one of the most prestigious ensembles for early-career professional musicians. The orchestra’s two-concert showcase will commence with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 (June 1) which also features the world premiere of Grammy-nominee Nathalie Joachim’s cello concerto with guest soloist Seth Parker Woods. The Festival Orchestra’s June 5 program of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 also features Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Inon Barnatan, and this year’s chamber music composer-in-residence, Reena Esmail’s Testament.

The Spoleto Festival USA Chorus will present two highly anticipated performances (June 6 & 7) at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, spanning classical and contemporary and featuring music by Spoleto chamber music composer-in-residence, Reena Esmail, Russian masterworks, and Ugis Praulins’ epic Laudibus in Sanctis. The Chorus, composed of gifted vocal fellows from across the nation, will also join the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra for a performance of Joseph Haydn’s oratorio The Creation at the Charleston Gaillard Center on June 3 under the Director of Choral Activities Joe Miller.

The Festival’s Jazz Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo, will feature performances by local and national touring artists. Layale Chaker and her ensemble Sarafand will take the stage at College of Charleston’s Emmett Robinson Theatre for four performances (May 27 & 28) of two different programs blending classical contemporary music, jazz, Arabic maqam scales, and improvisation. On June 7 in the Cistern Yard, Grammy Award-nominated conguero and batá drum master Pedrito Martinez will perform with an expanded band, vocalists, and dancers. Renowned drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and vocalist Dianne Reeves will unite for a performance on May 26 in the Cistern Yard, featuring works by female jazz composers from Carrington’s lauded New Standards. The Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet will return to the Sottile Theatre (May 31) with an all-star ensemble including pianist and Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran. Lowcountry: South Carolina Music in the Gullah Tradition (June 2) combines revered South Carolinian jazz musicians including Ranky Tanky drummer and Festival favorite Quentin Baxter, trumpeter Matt White, and saxophonist Chris Potter with three Gullah elders and a narrator for a musical fusion of praise house melodies, modern jazz, and Gullah culture in the Cistern Yard. Saxophonist and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón and acclaimed pianist Luis Perdomo will perform works from their critically acclaimed album El Arte Del Bolero (June 6, 7, 8) at the Emmett Robinson Theatre.

America’s Got Talent semifinalists Lightwire Theater will perform Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale The Ugly Duckling featuring handmade electroluminescent costumes and poignant choreography, set to music ranging from classical to pop. Six family-friendly performances will take place on June 1 and June 2 at the College of Charleston’s Emmet Robinson Theatre.

More information about these performances and Spoleto Festival USA can be found at https://spoletousa.org/.

Society of Bluffton Artists Celebrates 30 Years

The Society of Bluffton Artists will celebrate 30 years of creativity and artistry in Old Town Bluffton — all year long.

To kick off celebrations, the public is invited to “30 On the 30th” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at the SOBA Art Gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Bluffton. Guests that day can enjoy a delicious piece of cake and a hand-painted gift to mark the occasion, as well as 20% off items inside the gallery.

A 30th Anniversary Gala is scheduled for April 13. Details will follow.

About The Society of Bluffton Artists:

SOBA is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. The gallery is located at 6 Church Street and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Please visit www.sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.

Charleston’s New Alchemy Elevator Company to Offer the Perfect Mix of Licensed Commercial/Residential Elevator Installation & Service in Three States

CHARLESTON, SC — Licensed electrician Cameron Raybourne has announced the official opening of his new company, Alchemy Elevator, headquartered in Charleston, serving North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia with a variety of new elevator installation options and repair services for existing elevators.

The commercial product line includes hydraulic and traditional counterweight lifts, vertical platform lifts, and Limited-Use, Limited Application (LULA) elevators. On the residential side, they specialize in home elevators, stairlifts, sometimes called stair-chairs, and dumbwaiters.

A licensed electrician in North Carolina, Raybourne has been in the elevator installation, repair and service business for seven years.

The Wilmington, NC native began doing residential fieldwork as an electrician’s intern, wiring the entire house of his former employer.

After working for a previous elevator company in Wilmington, NC for three years, he was transferred to the Charleston region where he became the company’s service manager.

Over the past year, Raybourne acquired a specialty license specific to the elevator industry and started Alchemy Elevator. Alchemy will provide sales and service to the commercial market with a focus on the booming residential real estate and construction market across the southeast.

“Outside of a couple of national elevator companies like Otis and Shindler that cater to an entirely different commercial market, there are only about 10 elevator companies in the state of South Carolina and only slightly more than that in North Carolina,” said Raybourne. “Most of those companies are backlogged, sometimes for months.

“We will backstop those delays and specialize in fast, experienced, high-quality installations. Where it often can take other companies weeks to install, if the construction is ready, we can install our elevators in a couple of days.”

Alchemy Elevator co-founder, Chris Dudleck, reinforces Raybourne’s importance on customer service.

“With Cam and my experience, and the hiring of Brett Speedy as vice president of sales, personal customer service extends to builder satisfaction for construction companies and architects,” he said. “We will make it much easier for them and their customers to bring quality installation to their projects.”

Brett Speedy is a veteran at elevator installation and has years of expertise in consulting with homeowners, homebuilders, contractors, and architects on the logistics of installation. He helps them determine the type of elevator they need and what will need to be done to secure it.

“My contacts in the construction world let me facilitate with them the application that best fits their needs and expectations,” said Speedy. “We ensure everything is set up correctly for the homeowner and that they are educated on how to operate their new elevator.

“Right now, as a new company, service is front and center,” he said.

To learn more visit us at  https://www.alchemyelevator.com/ or you can contact Alchemy Elevator at (843) 955-5360 for more information.