🌱 Community Horticulture Fellowship + Duck Race Raises $200,000

Hey, neighbors. It's Thursday in Charleston and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Because community information is power!

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First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 93 Low: 77.

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Here are the top three stories today in Charleston:

1. Charleston Parks Conservancy has launched a new initiative meant to train a new generation of horticulture professionals. The Community Horticulture Fellowship Program will recruit from traditionally underrepresented communities. The program will be started with a $2.5 million campaign through the first 5 years for an annual class of six individuals. (CRBJ Biz Wire)
2. The CEO of Charleston's Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has announced his retirement. Jimmy Huggins will retire on Jul. 1 but will remain as a consultant and emeritus director with the organization. Huggins will be replaced by John Powell, a veteran staffer with the organization. (Charleston Post Courier)
3. The Charleston Duck Race has raised over $200,000 for numerous local organizations. The Rotary Club of Daniel Island's annual event was on Saturday at Guggenheim Park. 30,000 toy ducks floated through the park's fund while raising money for organizations such as Feeding of the Multitudes, HALOS, and the Rotary Club's Scholarship Program. Click for a full list of beneficiaries and winners. (Daniel Island News)

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Today in Charleston:

• Coffee With Mayor Tecklenburg At Saffron's Cafe & Bakery (7:30 AM)
• STEM Thursdays At The Daniel Island Library (3:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Charleston SC reminds the community to not venture outside without first checking the UV index. Click for tips on limiting exposure and for the latest UV Index forecasts for Charleston. (US National Weather Service Charleston SC via Facebook)
• Explore Charleston offers the community the chance to view the city through the eyes of a history buff. Click for the full guide. (Explore Charleston)
• Are you planning a wedding? Click for a list of the best wedding vendors in Charleston. (Twitter)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.