The dynamic duo of Gettys and Cheryl Glaze are life-long supporters of youth sports and other programs that enrich the community, but none bigger than the Sandlapper Classic
James Island native Gettys Glaze has gained local and national notoriety for a lot of different reasons. He’s an award winning entrepreneur and Real Estate expert and currently the president of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR), so those exploits often put him in the public eye. But he has actually gained most of his fame as an athlete, something that surprises few locals, as he and older brother Lee were household names in the late 80’s and 90’s for thier heroics as prep jocks and Citadel standouts. Gettys recently earned induction to the Citadel Sports Hall of Fame for a spectacular baseball career that included leading the Bulldogs to the College World Series, where he was the first man in history to pitch and catch in a single game. He also played professionally for three years in the Boston Red Sox organization.That’s pretty cool. Of course he was a multi-sport superstar at James Island High School, and while that pales in comparison to his college and pro accolades, it gave birth to his most selfless brainchild, the Sandlapper Track & Field Classic, which in its third year required extraordinary selflessness and leadership by Glaze, and we find this to be his most compelling accomplishment to date.
The Sandlapper Classic is famous with the athletes for their Olympic styled medals and old-school trophies (click to zoom)
In an economy where most businesses are cutting back and event sponsorship dollars are nearly non-existent, it would have been no big surprise if the relatively huge (and expensive) Sandlapper Classic would have been postponed this year or altogether dropped from the slate. And when the meet co-founder Gettys Glaze sold his Sandlapper real estate firm to Coldwell Banker, which in turn closed the brand and asked the Sandlapper agents (and its owner/broker Glaze) to start wearing the Coldwell Banker Brand, it would have seemed appropriate that Coldwell Banker would become the new namesake of the track classic.
Glaze (here with Coach Luden and Coach Jeremy Morris seated) gets deeply involved in the meet management
After all, Glaze was still committed to the mission of the classic, and now that he was the General Manager of a much larger company, so the transition seemed a no-brainer. But when the recession-dinged Coldwell Banker corporate big-wigs passed on the sponsorship, the loss of the namesake sponsor seemed too daunting to overcome. Then Athletic Director Richard Luden got together with Glaze, and the two men decided the show must go on, no matter the cost. Luden was prepared to do some major surgery to the classic’s budget to keep the meet going, and Glaze responded by asking Luden to put away his knife and get back to focusing on the management of the first class event the two had created over the past two years. Glaze personally took on the responsibility to generate the full budget for the meet – and to pay for the event from his own pocket if that’s what it took. “We started this meet to benefit the kids, and we’re not about to let this recession bring an end to something that has inspired so many young athletes,” said Glaze. “
Charleston Parks & Recreation Executive Director Tom O'Rourke is one of many volunteers that made the 2009 Sandlapper Run like a machine
When we created the Sandlapper Classic we decided that our mission was not to bring attention to our business, but to give our business and our agents the opportunity to meet a community need where no one else was stepping up, so while the economic realities have changed, and Sandlapper is no longer a business model, the need still exists, and we plan to ensure that need is filled well into the future,” added Glaze. Coach Luden has nothing but praise for Glaze and his unprecedented selflessness, and though he wouldn’t reveal the actual cost of the meet, he indicated that it approaches $10,000. “Thanks to Gettys we have the most impressive medals, trophies, and ribbons awarded at any meet in the Southeast, and his commitment to maintain these high standards to continue inspiring the athletes and coaches [many who travel from neighboring states] is commendable to say the least.” said Luden.
St. Johns super-sprinter Greg Roper is one of the Olympic hopefuls Glaze hopes to inspire to the next level (click to zoom)
So the third annual Sandlapper Classic returned again to wow the fans, and it turned out to be the most spirited and of them all. The crowd of more than 3000 really got into it, and the kids (more than 800 athletes from 42 teams) were incredible. Great athletes, yes, but track kids are especially gutty. They have a saying in that sport… “My sport is your sport’s punishment” and these kids lay it out there. “Sandlapper is the perfect brand for South Carolina’s premier track classic,” says Luden. “While I’ll always have an affinity for the brand, I’m also loyal to it as the historic nickname for South Carolinians, so as long as I’m involved you can be sure it will be called the Sandlapper Classic,” adds Glaze. As a testament to the meet’s past success, Andolini’s Pizza returned as a major sponsor and will converted the concession stand at Wildcat Stadium to a mini Andolini’s for the event. Also in on the giving fray were TrySports of Mt. Pleasant, ESPN Radio, Lorne and our best friends at West Of, and us, GreaterCharleston.com! Check out the T.
Great Sponsors! (click to zoom)
“While we work hard to stay in the black, we’re excited to be launching the Sandlapper Scholarship fund and hope to be start helping send local athletes to college very soon,” adds Glaze, who encourages everyone to contribute using PayPal at www.SandlapperClassic.com. The meet was indeed a tremendous success, especially with local powerhouse Wando sweeping all three Team Championships, and God blessed all in attendance with nearly perfect weather for an all-day sporting event, so we wish you could have been there. Next year, okay? We’ll give you a head’s up.
Visit www.SandlapperClassic.com for the full story including highlights and photo galleries with all the medal winners and MVP’s, click here to view our huge gallery from the event, and when you see Gettys around town, don’t forget to give him a “that-a-boy,” but prepared for him to ask you to step up as a volunteer or contributor in an effort of your own, or next year at the 2010 Sandlapper. To quote Gettys, “it’s all about the kids. “ ~GC
Gettys joins Head Coach Kevin Shiver, his staff, and his Wando High School Girls Track team after winning the championship against 22 schools representing 3 states. The Wando Boys Team also won, accomplishing an unprecedented sweep at the Sandlapper Classic.
The Folly Beach Fishing Pier at Dusk (click to zoom)
Of all the sites we’ve placed in the “off the beaten path” section of our Must See destinations, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier (and public beach) is probably second only to the Ravenel Bridge for number of annual visitors. Like the bridge, the Folly Beach Pier deserves this designation for the relative lack of visitors considering the beauty and function of this first class structure and public facilities. This is not your grandpa’s fishing pier… though he’d surely love it. Fully equipped with fish cleaning stations, pole holders, and an abundance of benches, the facility is a pier fisherman’s dream. But don’t get us wrong, as the pier is hugely popular with fishing enthusiasts and tourists alike. It simply never feels as crowded as it should be, and it always has plenty of room for visitors to enjoy the sights from the two story observation gazebo that stands tall over the Atlantic at the end of the pier.
The Pier is a fully equipped surfside fisherman's paradise (click to zoom)
And with full public facilities, showers, restaurants, fishing rod rentals, and easy access to Folly Beach in front of the Holiday Inn, there are few reasons not to visit Greater Charleston’s largest and greatest fishing pier. So drive out to Folly and swing by for a walk on the pier on your way to see the Lighthouse… definitely a pair of Must See destinations, and they’re just a couple miles apart. Enjoy the ocean air!
Click Here for full details on the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier
Click here to see photos of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!
Kiawah Islands Beachwalker Park is often voted among the top 10 beaches in America
Kiawah Beachwalker Park, located on the west end of Kiawah Island, offers ocean frontage and a river view, along with the only public beach access on beautiful Kiawah Island. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally along a beachfront designated swimming area.
Beach Park Features
Dressing areas
Restrooms
Picnic area with grills
Outdoor showers
Boardwalks
Snack bar (seasonal)
Beach chair & umbrella rentals (seasonal)
Click here to see photos of Kiawah Island in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!
Charleston Harbor as Viewed from the beach at Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island (click to zoom)
While many tourists visit the Fort Moultrie National Historic Site and Museum, most fail to venture over the rocks onto the harbor side beachfront, and thereby miss out on the amazing sites this location has to offer. The views from the high dune beach head in front of Fort Moultrie are in our opinion the best offered by any other single location in the entire Greater Charleston area. With a direct view westward far across the harbor to the Charleston Battery and Charleston’s romantic skyline, it offers the best sunsets in the state. To the Northeast is the iconic black and white Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, a modern structure that is in direct contrast to the Morris Island Lighthouse (1876) to the South, just to the left of Fort Sumter. All the while ambling by are constant streams of leisure vessels and ocean going ships alike. Many completing their journey from the other side of the world. And in the waters of the harbor you’re sure to see families of dolphins fishing and playing, often just a few feet from the beach and walk-able jetties. And of course there are views of the Ravenel Bridge that are totally unique to that spot. All of this and you’ll be standing in front of one of the most important National Historic Museums in Fort Moultrie, and just off to its left is the beautiful little sanctuary that is the historic Stella Maris Church (1873), that was built to replace the war torn Church of St. John the Baptist, that was by no coincidence the only building on the entire island that was left standing after the Civil War. One cannot help but to be moved when visiting this overwhelmingly historic island, making the beachhead at Fort Moultrie our number one off the beaten path Must See location.
St. James Goose Creek Church is a hidden treasure (click to zoom)
Of all the historic churches in the Greater Charleston area, many are surprised to learn that the most historically interesting and possibly the best preserved of them all is the tiny and obscure Goose Creek Church, also known as St. James Church, as it was originally named when constructed between 1713 and 1719. Walking into the stunning little church is an absolutely amazing experience. Everything is tiny, and proper, and grand, and downright ancient feeling. The small graveyard is equally interesting, and despite being a stone’s throw from a well-traveled Goose Creek thoroughfare (Snake Road), the church and its grounds genuinely feel like they are out in the middle nowhere… in a Carolina swampland, 300 years removed from the cars that zoom by every day.
This same Royal Brittish Coat of Arms above the pulpit saved the church from destruction during the Revolution. (click to zoom)
The church was built by powerful British plantation owners who came to South Carolina from Barbados. They were a politically powerful group who became known as “Goose Creek Men” who contrtolled the major Indian trading post for historic Greater Charlestowne, and their proper little church was clearly made with loving care. The high pew boards and elaborate alter seem strangely imposing for such a tiny building, while the contrasting rough-cut slate floor looks ruggedly sturdy despite it’s arbitrary uneveness. It looks every bit its age. Not only does the structure offer an extraordinary glimpse into early colonial architecture, but the overwhelmingly rich history of the church can truly be “felt” inside and out, giving rise to some of Charleston’s most colorful ghost stories. It is believed that during the revolutionary war circa 1778 the church was saved from destruction by the British Army only because the Royal Brittish Coat of Arms was prominently displayed over the altar directly above the pulpit. Those same exact Coat of Arms are still there today, colorfully on display after nearly three centuries. Even more dramatic, on July 15, 1781 the famous Patriot Wade Hampton made a shocking raid on the church in the middle of Sunday service and arrested several British Loyalists who were members of the congregation. Thanks to the remote and rare authenticity of all the elements of the site, simply standing in the courtyard it’s easy to see and feel that unfold. The church is a registered National Historic Landmark, yet it is part of no tour and is fairly difficult to find… unless of course you use the map below to navigate your way onto Old Snake Road in Goose Creek and venture part of the way by foot.
The carving of a Pelican feeding her young (over the door) symbolized the teaching the Gospel for the early American Church(click to zoom)
We’ve yet to determine when if ever the church is open for “official” tours, but we’re working on that information… so please let us know if you have it! We’re told that the philanthropic group who cares for and sustains the site holds one service in the church every year, surely to celebrate the grand history of the tiny gem, and we’ll do our best to be there the next time that mysterious service takes place.
Click here to see photos of the historic St. James Goose Creek Church in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!
Click Here for encyclopedic information about Goose Creek’s St. James Church
Located on “Gallery Row” near the corner of historic Broad & East Bay Streets near the Old Exchange building, the Hamlet Fine Art Gallery is one of Charleston’s most inviting contemporary art galleries. For the savvy collector we feature original art works by a local family of artists. The two daughters, Kellie Jacobs and Melinda Lewin paint exquisite, realistic paintings.Jacobs works in pastel while Lewin paints primarily in oil.Their mother and gallery owner, Stephanie Shuler Hamlet paints vibrantly colored mixed media abstracts. Other locally acclaimed artists areBill Campbell (flambeaux pottery), and Betty Holland & Angela Hall, jewelry. We invite you to stroll though our charming courtyard, displaying Mark Woodward’s whimsical glazed ceramic work and Charles and Beau Smith’s copper human-sizedfrog sculptures. Don’t miss our Charleston treasure…a historic “antique bricque chamber de prive’,” tucked in the corner of our garden.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00am-5:00pm….Friday and Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm
The Ravenel Bridge Bike and Pedestrian Path Towers over Greater Charleston (click to zoom)
A true 21st century marvel, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is awe inspiring from any perspective, but none of those compare to scaling in on foot or by bike. When bridge planners attempted to cut the foot bridge from the Ravenel’s budget, the cycling and running communities rose up and demanded the 12 foot wide dual lane (pedestrians on the outer lane, bikes on the inner lane) additon go through as planned, so today visitors can thank the healthy folks of Greater Charleston for one of the great vantage points in America. Some would argue that there are “prettier” views, or more spiritually moving, or more historically impressive, but no one will ever say there is a bigger, bolder, more awesome spot anywhere in South Carolina. Touching and seeing at point blank distance the high-tech masterpiece that is the weave of cables and finely crafted concrete and steel is a very cool experience in itself. After all, this is the most massive cable stay suspension bridge on this side of the planet. But to find yourself standing nearly 200 feet over the Cooper River, hanging by the same cables that hold up the bridge, while enjoying a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Greater Charleston area – is an unforgettable experience.
The views from the Ravenel Bridge towers are spectacular (click to zoom)
You see Fort Sumter, and Fort Moultrie, both lighthouses, all the major rivers, Patriot’s Point golf course, a bird’s eye view of the USS Yorktown, and other ships and sailboats on the harbor, and an unobstructed view of the downtown historic district, all from one spot. Factor in the outstanding workout you’ll get in this legitimate uphill hike, and downhill run, both of which are in your future when you find yourself joining the bridge runners in training and bikers on a joyride and grandmas on a stroll and tourists on a sight see. It’s just a great time, and an absolute Must See. There’s a major park under construction on the Mt. Pleasant side that will firmly place this trek on the beaten path once complete, but for now you’ll simply park somewhere on the Mt. Pleasant side, either along the Road to Patriots Point or at one of the local shopping centers along Coleman Boulevard for a bit longer trek, and the foot of the path will be easy to find. The Charleston side is a little less clear right now, but being less than a mile from Market Street, it’s a relatively easy adventure to transverse the full bridge, which is a little under 2.4 miles long. For an abbreviated adventure, many folks will climb to one of the two observation towers, take a breather on the park benches looking out over the seascape, and then return the way they came. It’s still a workout, but nothing strenuous. We’ll see you at the top!
Click here to see photos of The Ravenel Bridge Observation Towers and Bikeway in our Gallery, and be sure to try the slideshow while there!
Click Here to get encyclopedic details about the Ravenel Bridge at Wikipedia.com
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a public institution of higher learning the purpose of which is to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina and beyond. The university provides an interprofessional environment for learning and discovery through education of health care professionals and biomedical scientists, research in the health sciences and provision of comprehensive health care.
As South Carolina ’s only comprehensive academic health center providing a full range of programs in the biomedical sciences, the Medical University of South Carolina is engaged in activities statewide. Its campus is located on more than 50 acres in the city of Charleston . More than 2,400 students in six colleges (Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy) study for degrees at the baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and other professional levels. The University also provides residency training for over 500 graduate health professionals. The teaching staff is comprised of approximately 1,200 full-time and 150 part-time faculty.
The university is committed to fulfillment of its responsibilities:
Educate students to become caring, compassionate, ethical, and proficient health care professionals and creative biomedical scientists.
Promote teamwork competencies to be applied in a collaborative, interprofessional health care delivery and research setting.
Recruit and develop dedicated, scholarly educators who inspire their students to lifelong learning in the service of human health.
Offer educational opportunities to graduates, faculty and staff; to other biomedical scientists and practicing health professionals; and to the public.
Seek and welcome students, scholars, and staff regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, religion, or disability, while emphasizing the benefits of diversity.
Conduct research in the health sciences, advancing knowledge and encouraging new responses to health care needs including interprofessional delivery of health care.
Provide excellence in patient care in an environment that is respectful of others, adaptive to change, accountable for outcomes, delivered by coordinated interprofessional teams, and attentive to the needs of underserved populations.
Advance economic development by introducing new technology and fostering research links with industry and other academic institutions.
Optimize the use of all resources, including the financial support from the state and revenues generated from research, clinical operations, and philanthropy.
Provide leadership to the state in efforts to promote health and prevent disease.
Serve as a state resource in health policy, education, and related matters for other institutions and the general public.
Randolf Hall and the historic Cistern at the College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. The College offers a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus, modern facilities and cutting-edge programs.
Students from all 50 states and some 68 countries choose the College of Charleston for its small-college feel blended with the advantages and diversity of an urban, mid-sized university. The College provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged by a committed and caring faculty of 500 distinguished teacher-scholars, all in an incomparable setting.
The city of Charleston — world-renowned for its history, culture, architecture and coastal environment — serves approximately 10,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students as a living and learning laboratory for experiences in business, science, teaching, the humanities, languages and the arts. At the same time, students and faculty are engaged with the community in partnerships to improve education, enhance the business community and enrich the overall quality of life in the region.
At the College of Charleston, students learn how to succeed and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. This comes from a rigorous exposure to the arts, sciences and humanities, and from dedication to achievement in education, business and other professional careers. It comes from exceptional opportunities to pursue knowledge and conduct research at the undergraduate and graduate level. It comes from a vibrant and enriching campus life that provides meaningful opportunities to become engaged and involved, to make a difference, and to become a leader.
While they live and work in one of the greatest cities in the world, our students share many of the same hopes and dreams. They want to discover themselves, find out what they can achieve, and create their own future. At the College of Charleston, they learn how to make that happen. In the great liberal arts tradition, a College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparing for life, work and service in our society.
At the College of Charleston, students learn about themselves, their own lives and the lives of others. They learn how to shape their future and prepare themselves for today’s world. When they graduate, our students are ready for a world in which they can create change and opportunity.
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River lies Water’s Edge, a single street townhome community within a three block walk to the sand, surf, and breathtaking sunsets at Folly Beach. The community consists of townhomes in a duplex design and each with their own unique exterior flair, however, all interiors are basically the same floor plan. The complex was developed by Turtle Bay Development and constructed over 2005/2006. Folly Beach has been labeled “The Edge of America” (not certain where that tag came from because, to the best of my knowledge, there is no “edge”) and although there is definitely an old Key West resemblance, the Bahama shutters and variety of exterior colors at Water’s Edge lend a Caribbean feel to the street (which, by the way, is West 2nd Street).
The variables within the complex would be location, which would certainly dictate your view from your townhome; be it marsh, tidal, a partial river view or a full river view. Each duplex has a tandem garage that will hold two vehicles and all the beach toys one might need. Features include three bedrooms, three baths, some offer hardwood flooring throughout, others with stainless steel appliances, all have outdoor shower head in back door entry to garage to remove the sand from a day of fun at the beach.
Water’s Edge offers residents and guests a riverfront pool, dock (to fish, crab, or just cannonball into the river from) and a few townhomes even have their own boat slip with a remote operated lift.
Water's Edge riverfront pool
There is a tie-up at the dock, but only for a short time and definitely no overnight tie-ups are allowed. For residents who may have an over-flow of family and friends at times (because the beach seems to attract friends you never knew you had…ha…and you already know about the family), there is the new Water’s Edge Bed & Breakfast on the left before you reach the townhomes, which also offers bike rentals for guests.
Everything is in walking distance from Water’s Edge; restaurants (Lost Dog Café for a fabulous breakfast and/or lunch, Taco Boy for a fun Margaritaville environment and some of the best Mexican food around, along with a variety of other quaint Folly Beach dining spots), shopping, a park on Center Street, and last but not least, the Folly Beach fishing pier. Life is good and fun at Folly Beach!
