DI News History - February, 8, 2018
TEN YEARS AGO – Daniel Island’s economic crunch
One of the articles in the February 7, 2008 issue of The Daniel Island News featured Daniel Island business owners and their thoughts on the island’s commercial health. The official Daniel Island website at the time described the island’s commercial district as a “vibrant downtown” with a “unique mix of shops and businesses.” However, when the island’s retailers or restaurant owners were asked if they agreed there was a mixed bag of answers. Some were overwhelmingly positive when describing business on the island, and yet others had been largely disappointed. In fact, many businesses that were spotlighted in the article have since closed up shop. There was mention of a steadfast restaurant on the island that weathered the economic hardships during those years. The numbers remained good for Laura Albert’s Tasteful Options, a thriving restaurant business on Island Park Drive.
“We’ve been in business here for five and a half years and I think that speaks for itself,” said Karen Elsey in 2008, owner and managing partner of Laura Albert’s. “We find Daniel Island to be a very engaging and supportive community. It’s a great place to start a new business, especially if you do your research and homework. We love it here.”
Still, as Elsey pointed out, it’s important that restaurant owners don’t rest on their laurels.
“That’s not to say there haven’t been struggles,” added Elsey. “We have to constantly stay ahead of the game and try to grow the business. The restaurant business in Charleston is very competitive across the board. There are so many wonderful culinary experiences here. You just have to find your niche.”
In political news, Senator Larry Grooms answered questions about what he saw as important issues at the time. One of the questions asked was “What are the issues topping your legislative agenda for 2008?” His answer reflected issues that are still considered important today… education reform, road funding, immigration, and transportation reform.
FIVE YEARS AGO – Schools in the news
In the February 7, 2013 issue of The Daniel Island News, there were several articles related to school news. In honor of Valentine’s Day and to show community support for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the New England area, resident Kate Maas coordinated an effort between the Daniel Island School (DIS) and a school in the Rockway area of Queens, NY. DIS stepped up to “show some love” to their newly adopted Belle Harbor School, also known as PS/MS 114. The facility suffered extensive damage after Sandy, including the loss of all art supplies and materials. Maas organized a local campaign to collect art supplies for the school.
In other school news, Daniel Island Academy received the “Spare The Air - Outstanding School” award at a ceremony held in January of 2013 at the school. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recognized Daniel Island Academy as an environmental leader that has made a voluntary commitment to promote and practice air quality improvement in South Carolina.
Speaking to the children attending the ceremony, Catherine Templeton, Director of SC DHEC at the time, stated, “Take a deep breath. You are smarter and have more energy because you just took a breath of clean air due to this wonderful initiative to improve the air at your school.” Templeton is presently running for the Republican nomination for Governor.