PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 437 POSTAL PATRON Festival of Lights Page 11 Volume 9 Issue 16 November 20, 2015 FREE SINCE MAY 2007 Underwater Holidays Page 12 Turtle Release Page 14 Wadmalaw continues on page 5 Sam’s Spit continues on page 5 Wadmalaw boy takes on the NFL, with help from Kiawah's John Olson EDMOND ROBINSON BECOMES FIRST NEWBURY COLLEGE ALUMNI TO BE DRAFTED SINCE 1974 Edmond Robinson celebrating making the 53-man roster after the Viking season opener in Minneapolis with John and Marilyn Olson. BY GREGG BRAGG The Island Connection Staff Writer G ood things come in big packages, too, if local hero Edmond Robinson Jr. is the bundle being considered. Standing 6’3” and weighing 249 pounds, Wadmalaw Island native Robinson can finish a forty yard dash in 4.63 seconds. ose are the sort of “measureable” skills NFL agents seek, and exactly what the Minnesota Vikings got when they signed the linebacker to their 53 man roster earlier this year. Describing the destination, however, doesn’t do justice to the worthier part Robinson took getting there. Kiawah resident, coach and mentor John Olson first met Sam’s Spit Sea Wall given go ahead, again BY GREGG BRAGG The Island Connection Staff Writer I n December 2014, after hearing the case for an unprecedented third time, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled Kiawah Partners could not build a revetment needed to advance development on Captain Sam's Spit, a strip of land at the edge of Kiawah Island. Approval of the revetment would have paved the way for construction of up to fifty houses across 30 plus acres of high ground nestled amongst the over 150 acre sand spit. e case was sent back to the Administrative Law Court. Kiawah Partners subsequently rewrote its application and was granted permission by DHEC to build a steel wall in support of a road into the Spit. e appeal process and SCSC directive put Kiawah Partners back in front of Chief Administrative Law Judge Ralph King Anderson III. His decision, as reported in e Post and Courier on Monday Nov. 9, “would clear the way for Kiawah Partners to build a half-mile long, in-ground steel sheet pile wall along the roadway to support it. It’s an abrupt turn of events in one of a series of lawsuits now underway for the controversial 50-home development.” “Kiawah Partners is pleased that the Kiawah Partners is pleased that the [law court] granted its motion to lift the automatic stay. Bill Hindman
Transcript
PRESO
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ARLESTO
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437PO
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Festival of LightsPage 11
Volume 9 Issue 16 November 20, 2015FREE
Since May 2007
Underwater HolidaysPage 12
Turtle ReleasePage 14
Wadmalaw continues on page 5 Sam’s Spit continues on page 5
Wadmalaw boy takes on the NFL, with help from Kiawah's John OlsonE D M O N D R O B I N S O N B E C O M E S F I R S T N E W B U R Y C O L L E G E A L U M N I T O B E D R A F T E D S I N C E 1 9 7 4
Edmond Robinson celebrating making the 53-man roster after the Viking seasonopener in Minneapolis with John and Marilyn Olson.
BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer
Good things come in big packages, too, if local hero Edmond Robinson Jr. is the bundle being considered. Standing 6’3” and weighing 249 pounds, Wadmalaw
Island native Robinson can finish a forty yard dash in 4.63 seconds. Those are the sort of “measureable” skills NFL agents seek, and exactly what the Minnesota Vikings got when they
signed the linebacker to their 53 man roster earlier this year. Describing the destination, however, doesn’t do justice to the worthier part Robinson took getting there.
Kiawah resident, coach and mentor John Olson first met
Sam’s Spit Sea Wall given go ahead, again
BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer
In December 2014, after hearing the case for an unprecedented third time, the South Carolina Supreme Court
ruled Kiawah Partners could not build a revetment needed to advance development on Captain Sam's Spit, a strip of land at the edge of Kiawah Island. Approval of the revetment would have paved the way for construction of up to fifty houses across 30 plus acres of high ground nestled amongst the over 150 acre sand spit. The case was sent back to the Administrative Law Court. Kiawah Partners subsequently rewrote its application and was granted permission by DHEC to build a steel wall in support of a road into the Spit.
The appeal process and SCSC directive put Kiawah Partners back in front of Chief Administrative Law Judge Ralph King Anderson III. His decision, as reported in The Post and Courier on Monday Nov. 9, “would clear the way for Kiawah Partners to build a half-mile long, in-ground steel sheet pile wall along the roadway to support it. It’s an abrupt turn of events in one of a series of lawsuits now underway for the controversial 50-home development.”
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Future deadlines: November 25for submissions for the
December 4 Issue
Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection, The Folly Current
Civic CalendarKiawah island Town hall
21 Beachwalker DriveKiawah Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9166Fax: 768-4764
seabrooK island Town hall
2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9121 Fax: 768-9830 Email: [email protected]
Johns island CounCil
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island. Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
CharlesTon CounTy CounCil
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston958-4700t
CiTy of CharlesTon
75 Calhoun St.724-3745
2 November 20, 2015
Tues., Nov. 24
Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing Kiawah Town Hall1 - 2 p.m.
Ways and Means Committee Meeting Kiawah Town Hall2 - 4 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 26
Town Offices Closed
Fri., Nov. 27
Town Offices Closed
Mon., Nov. 20Charitable Contributions Application DeadlineApplications for Town of Kiawah charitable contributions are made available today under the “In the News” section of www.kiawahisland.org. Applications are due 3 p.m. January 15, 2016.
Tues., Dec. 1Town Council Meeting Kiawah Town Hall2 - 4 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 2Planning Commission MeetingKiawah Town Hall3 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 3Arts & Cultural Events CouncilKiawah Town Hall3 p.m.
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TOKI continues on page 3
Town of Kiawah council meeting,November 2015
BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer
Kiawah’s November town council meeting started quietly enough with a relatively spartan
attendance compared to recent months. Parliamentary obligations were dispensed and minutes were approved when the agenda was abruptly amended to include room for the announcement that the town had hired a new treasurer. The motion to amend passed unanimously and the item was added to new business.
In citizen's comments Kiawah resident Dennis McGill reminded council of his several requests to review the resumes of the final candidates for the position. Citing the town's municipal code to warrant his claim of entitlement to the documentation, he asked why he had not been allowed to review them prior to the decision. Responses to his emails from council on the topic claimed no decision had been made. He also asked why a forensic audit of 2012 was not finished after nine weeks when the original audit of over two years (2013-2015) had been completed in seven. He concluded by asking why council had not responded to his request for pay information/observations and was about to drop the mic when a chorus of council members insisted they had responded. In sum, council said both positions (administrator and treasurer) on both occasions (past and present) were “exempt.”
Kiawah resident Wendy Kulick took the stage to welcome Stephanie Tillerson (the newly hired town administrator). She also applauded council for the process used as they moved forward with plans for the new municipal complex, calling it the most open she had witnessed. [Kulick would later tell The Island Connection this was not a comment on or endorsement of the project itself. She concluded her public comments by asking if the town's Emergency Operations Committee had
functioned as planned following recent flooding on the island. Council member Weaver addressed the last item, saying it had not, but was being reviewed for improvements with representatives from all relevant agencies [on Kiawah]. Weaver continued saying the plan did not fit well with a flooding situation and the mayor never declared an emergency.
Lacking old business to cover, council sprinted for a discussion of newly hired treasurer, Dorota Szubert. Although she had no municipal experience and no CPA designation apparent on her resume, initially required by the town, she had been working as an accounting manager for Kiawah Partners Inc. (Kiawah’s main developer) for the last seven years. Szubert is a 1994 graduate of the Academy of Economics, in Poznan, Poland and received a masters degree from the University of New Haven, New Haven Connecticut.
Turtle patrol patriarch and legend Joe Pezzullo was recognized for his decades of work with the endangered species. This was no ordinary recognition, however. Pezzullo was awarded his very own day, Nov. 3 2015, as the second item of new business. “If only I had known sooner,” hooted Joe, although no offer of comp time was made.
Pezzullo, in a note to his zone captains the previous day and eschewing the limelight would say; “I want to thank each one of you for your support and effort these past 9 years that I have been the permit holder for the patrol. We know better than anyone the continuing effort necessary to keep the best patrol going. When you look back at the years our committee has been together, it is amazing how well we worked with one another without disagreements [or] animosity. Your willingness to do what was necessary for the success of the patrol made my job
easier. “Tomorrow, at the Town meeting, I
will be publicly recognized. I want you to know and share with all the volunteers, that any accolades given to me, will be accepted on your behalf and the volunteers.”
Proceedings ground to crawl, however, with discussion of the new municipal complex as the last item of new business. Council walked through a line by line breakdown of the needs for each staff/council person. The line items were a bit cumbersome, though the square footage comparison was easier to digest, since it was separated into just four areas. Council chambers will be over four times its present size, work areas will be just less than double, the lobby will be only slightly larger than present and the garage will be over four times present size. The $9.622 million needed to complete the project was something of a savings over the $10 million mentioned in previous months and gave rise to a discussion of financing.
Debt service numbers had been worked up for each of several figures. For example, the debt service on a loan of $4 million would run approximately $654,178/year, according to information provided by the town. Additional examples were provided and the entire package is available from the town by written request. November made the fourth consecutive month, council mentioned selling the existing building to the Kiawah Island Community Association, although no mention has been made whether KICA has the funds to purchase the $2.5 million building.
Four months ago, James Bailey, COO of KICA, was in chambers, overheard the comment and seemed surprised by
November 20, 2015
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the suggestion. The ramifications of adding to KICA’s ledger, which could cost residents, garnered Bailey’s full attention. He corrected the record at the first opportunity, saying KICA might be interested in discussing the idea, but strongly conveyed KICA’s lack of firm commitment.
The town, however, had apparently resolved $800,000 in unanticipated costs on the part of the Municipal Center Committee. The surprise requirement to scrape the top 2 feet of dirt off the Betsy Kerrison property to remove any remaining fertilizer/chemicals in the soil, had been accounted for and an additional $400,000 trimmed. The motion to accept estimates, proceed to construction quality drawings, and begin to solicit interest from general contractors passed unanimously despite the reservations expressed in previous months by council members Weaver and Wilson.
Stephanie Tillerson gave her first official report as town administrator, despite only a week or so on the job. “I don’t really have anything to report but I did want to inform mayor and council that I’m going
to put together the lengthy maintenance and [debris] removal Request for Proposal for the greenery. The contract is due to expire the first of next year …. I’m going to put that out later this month with it due in the second week of December… in an open format. I’m also working on a number of things … through council,” said Tillerson.
The mayor reported the driver of the truck that overturned in front of Cassique is liable for damages and said the company’s insurance company will be billed. He also reported calling for action on the roads, in light of recent flooding.
Following an Executive Session, council came back into open session with the results of the “docks located on Salthouse Lane” issue. The town has officially settled the suit and will not be paying the legal fees of the defendants.
The town's attorney read three pages of details into the record, being careful to note any differences (e.g. there were two separate defendants). When he was finished, the motion to accept language in both settlement agreements was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Town of Kiawah Island hires treasurer
STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection
The Town of Kiawah Island announced at the Tuesday, Nov. 3 Town Council meeting that it
has hired Dorota Szubert as the Town Treasurer. Szubert was most recently the Accounting Manager for Kiawah Partners, Inc. since 2008.
Szubert replaces Kenneth Gunnells who resigned in May, and was later accused by the town of misappropriating town funds.
With 10 years experience in accounting, Szubert will support the direction of town council and newly appointed town administrator Stephanie Monroe Tillerson in administering and performing all governmental accounting and auditing standards for the Town. Her official start date is Nov. 16, 2015.
“Ms. Szubert brings a wealth of accounting knowledge and experience to the position, which will be invaluable in meeting town council’s goals and objectives,” Tillerson said. “I am confident Ms. Szubert will be an excellent match for this position and a strong asset to the town’s management team. Her formal education, first-hand working knowledge of the town’s public and private economic sectors, and commitment to the betterment of Kiawah Island make her uniquely qualified to serve as the town’s next treasurer.”
“While I will miss the relationships I have established during my eight years at Kiawah Partners, I am very excited to take the role of the treasurer and provide highest quality financial and accounting support to the town,” Ms. Szubert said.
Town council retained an executive search firm to identify the most qualified candidate pool from across the region. The search resulted in receiving 47 applications for which eleven candidates were recommended to town council for further review. Town council selected three primary and three backup candidates. From that group of six, three candidates were interviewed before offering the position to Szubert.
Originally from Poland, Szubert graduated from the Academy of Economics with a Masters in Science and Finance. She also holds a Master in Business Administration and Accounting from University of New Haven. She is resident of Johns Island, where she has lived for ten years with her husband and son.
Dorota Szubert
TOKI continues from page 2
4 November 20, 2015
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Ciancio wins Seabrook
mayor raceSTAFF REPORT
For The Island Connection
The Town of Seabrook's Nov. 3 election resulted in Mayor Pro Tem Ronald Ciancio being elected,
defeating Bill Nelson by 527 votes to 161. Four were elected to the Town Council, two incumbents, John Gregg and John Turner, and two newcomers, John B Wells and Skip Crane. The full results are below:
MayorRonald J Ciancio 527 (76%)Bill Nelson 161 (23%)Write-in 2Total 690
Town CouncilJohn B Wells 459 (20%)John Gregg (incumbent) 434 (19%)John Turner (incumbent) 376 (16%) Skip Crane 278 (12%)Joe M Sanders Jr 266 (11%)Robert Driscoll 264 (11%)Kimber Smith 234 (10%)Total 2,318
The new mayor and town council were sworn in on Nov. 6.
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Arts Council offers up holiday treatsBY STEPHANIE BRASWELL
For The Island Connection
The College of Charleston Madrigal Singers Present A Madrigal Feast
Sunday, December 6, 2015 - 6:30 pm, River Course Clubhouse; Tickets $90; Ticket Release: Kiawah 11/17 Public 11/20.No online ticketing for this event. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council.
The Arts Council is bringing the College's Madrigal Feast back to Kiawah! Save the drive downtown along with the parking hassle, and enjoy it close to home. Many of you have experienced the Madrigal Singers' holiday magic either in person or on South Carolina ETV. If you haven't, go to click here and hear and see them for yourselves.The College's choral program under the direction of Dr. Robert Taylor is generally regarded as one of the finest in the country. Why not join us in the River Room, and experience the Madrigal Singers for yourself? They'll be dressed in traditional renaissance garb while singing madrigals and holiday music throughout the evening; it's the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.
You'll enjoy a fabulous three course feast, wine throughout the meal, mulled cider to accompany the wassail toasts as well as occasional renaissance music performed by Mary Taylor and Dr. Julia Harlow as we feast. Would you like a special treat to conclude the evening? Count on it; we'll be singing Silent Night along with Dr. Taylor and the Madrigal Singers!During the 2013 holiday season, the Arts Council sponsored Madrigal Feast drew a full house with patrons clamoring for a repeat performance. Well here it is; and to ensure a perfect performance venue, we’re once again limiting seating to 17 eight person tables.
With this in mind, we suggest making your reservations early, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 17 for Kiawah residents and Nov. 20 for the general public. Do so by calling Ms. Stephanie Braswell, TOKI Administrative Assistant (768-9166), or stopping by Town Hall to see her for information, reservations and seat/table selection.
Pricing for the dinner is $90 per person including tax and gratuity; entertainment is sponsored by the Arts Council. Checks can be left with Ms. Braswell at Town Hall, or credit cards can be used over the phone or in person to confirm your reservation. Hope you can join us for this special holiday treat.
Burning River Brass
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 -7:30pm Holy Spirit Catholic Church; Ticket Release: Kiawah 11/30 Public 12/3. Complimentary Tickets Available at Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online beginning 12/3 at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council
Since 1996, Burning River Brass has been dazzling audiences from Alaska to Taiwan with its power and virtuosity, harmonious blend, and consistently stirring performances. Composed of twelve of the finest brass and percussion players in the country, Burning River Brass is an ensemble on fire!
The original inspiration behind Burning River Brass was to give great players who were also good friends a chance to play together on a consistent basis. Soon after the first rehearsal in May 1996, BRB began to grow rapidly. The ensemble made its debut in September of 1996 and by 1998 the group was touring nationally. The camaraderie continues into BRB’s educational and outreach programs, where the players provide students with a rich, positive experience to encourage their enthusiasm for music in the future.
We are pleased to present Burning River Brass in a concert of Christmas music—a touch of tradition, a dash of jazz, and a healthy measure of festive cheer! Burning River presents Christmas concerts with a little something for everyone. It will be the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.
November 20, 2015 5daily
Wadmalaw continues from coverRobinson on the basketball court ten years ago at St. Johns High School.
“He was a terrible free thrower and [though making efforts to improve after practice] spent half his time retrieving the ball,” said Olson.
The two worked together to make practice more efficient, productive and became friends in the bargain. Olson leveraged their relationship, and Robinson’s good parenting, to emphasize general communications skills, performance in the classroom and conduct befitting a leader. Robinson took the advice well, helping him on his way to play defense for Newberry College. He avoided contact with unscrupulous NFL agents and delivered the same standout level performances everyone had come to expect. His size and speed, however, come with some built in temptations for ambitious Newberry coaches, who tried him as a receiver during a spring practice. Robinson caught the pass and a cleat to the top of his foot, resulting in a Lisfranc injury. All he could think to do was call his mom with what is often career ending news.
“The Lisfranc is an injury to the foot in which one or more of the metatarsal bones are displaced from the tarsus and are commonly misdiagnosed,” claims the American Family Physician website. The site describes the injury this way; “Typical signs and symptoms include pain, swelling and the inability to bear weight. … Reevaluation may be necessary if pain
and swelling continue for 10 days after the injury. ... Patients with fractures and fracture-dislocations should be referred for surgical management.” Naturally, Robinson’s was among the most serious versions. Local doctors weren’t taking chances, however, and referred him to a Charlotte based surgeon.
“Cam Newton was sitting in that very same chair yesterday,” said Olson, echoing the reassuring words of Dr. Robert Anderson, team physician for the Carolina Panthers. The surgery was successful and recovery was six weeks ahead of schedule. Robinson was able to play his final year with Newberry, exhausting his collegiate eligibility. The next step would be The Combine, (an NFL sponsored opportunity for prospects to showcase skills) which meant finding and engaging an agent.
Robinson’s consistently good classroom performance suggested an ability to learn prized by prospective agents. NFL plays designate a player’s responsibilities in a plethora of circumstances, attempt to account for every imaginable variable, and are extremely complicated. Adding to the problem, the plays can’t account for mismatches, (when the play you called isn’t proof against your opponents play). Speed and strength are required, but you have to be able to do what’s asked and you have to be able to think on your feet. Because an agent’s income depends on finding the optimum combination of objective and subjective skills, the good ones are understandably particular in representing someone.
“Typically, NFL agents are paid 3 percent of a player's earnings,” said Olson. It doesn’t sound like much and it isn’t, when you consider prospects, like Robinson, aren’t being paid. The agent has to risk paying expenses up front, on the order of $30,000, without guarantee of repayment.
“Edmond was so good we had people calling us,” said Olson but the problem wasn’t solved. Not content to select an agent at random, Olson called on fellow Kiawah resident Art Jones, whose son in-law is president of the Kansas City Chiefs, for assistance. The arduous and deliberate process ended with Cliff Brady of Sports Planning Inc., who said “[I’ll] get him trained up [for The Combine],” and that is exactly what he did.
Robinson did little else besides training. He ultimately managed a 37 inch vertical jump and a 4.65 forty yard dash. The time may not have been his best but was enough to dispel any concern
NFL scouts had about the Lisfranc injury. “You get me into a camp and I’ll prove
my worth,” said Olson, recounting a conversation between client and agent. The aggressive if naïve sounding comment meant getting drafted by the NFL. However, Brady came through again, sloughing off the magnitude of the task.
Imagine the names of every college you have ever heard of, each with roughly 100 players on their roster. One person from each of those teams would exceed the number of draft choices made each year by the NFL. The draft itself is a made for television affair one night every year but the entire process takes days to unfold. Surrounded by friends, family, his agent and Olson, Robinson waited for the phone to ring. For days! Expectations were being managed and alternate plans were in the works when the phone jangled frayed nerves. Robinson had been drafted in the seventh round, the 232nd person out of 253 choices and the only Division II player selected, leaving exactly zero time to rest.
Robinson’s triumph made him one of eleven candidates for six positions with the Vikings. Again, expectations were managed and alternate plans were floated. There are “practice squads” in the NFL in addition to the regular roster. Participants can still make a decent living, stay in the game and be in the right place until the right time.
“He [Robinson] had always been the best player on every team and now, all of a sudden, he wasn’t,” said Olson.
The realization only fueled the fire,
motivating Robinson to greater heights. Despite being relegated to special teams with limited play at linebacker, his potential shone through. Robinson won every way he could; in the weight room, on the track, in meeting rooms and on the field, rendering alternate plans moot. His dream of playing in the NFL was reality as he laid claim to the last available slot.
The Vikings are doing well enough with Robinson on the team, boasting a record of 7-2. Robinson was recently credited with his first solo tackle in a win against Saint Louis. The Viking Age, the team’s newsletter, said this about Robinson:
“7th round draft pick Edmond Robinson also has reason to be happy. With the Vikings down to five linebackers, the door is open for Robinson to make the game-day lineup as both a special teams player and a backup linebacker. Robinson popped during preseason and that definitely helped him when it came time for the Vikings to trim their roster.”
Robinson remains humble in the face of success, determined to improve and exchange his brass ring for something more ornate. He visits his parents often and still calls Wadmalaw home, anxious to give something back and serve as an example to those who come after him.
Visit his page on the Vikings website for updates to stats and information on one of the Sea Islands’ best and brightest. www.vikings.com/team/roster/Edmond-Robinson/7e4d30df-d267-4316-905e-b9328d4187bd
John Olson talks to Robinson over the rail after a Viking preseason game.
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Sam’s Spit continues from cover
6 November 20, 2015
(law court) granted its motion to lift the automatic stay,” Bill Hindman, spokesman for the developer, said in a press release.
The ruling would have allowed construction to begin immediately. Left with only days to respond, conservationists, including the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League with the assistance of the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, were already in motion.
“The Supreme Court has protected the Spit through several rulings over the years, recognizing that a pristine barrier island and critically important public trust resource providing habitat to a variety of rare, threatened, and endangered species is not something to be sacrificed for the sole benefit of a private developer,” Katie Zimmerman, SCCCL Program Director, said. “Therefore, our attorneys at SCELP have asked the Supreme Court to grant 'extraordinary relief ' and impose a stay upon the Administrative Law Judge's order until the issues are properly and fully heard and decided. The Supreme Court has ordered both sides to provide supporting arguments. Those were due yesterday [Nov. 10]. So we are now waiting to hear what the Supreme Court will decide. It should be a quick decision.”
Margaret Sands, a project manager with SCELP, told The Island Connection, “We were successful in filing our reply to the developer's Response to the Petition for Extraordinary Relief which we filed last week. We are hopeful for a swift decision from the Supreme Court given the urgency of this matter.”
One explanation for all the immediacy associated with Anderson’s ruling became apparent only indirectly. James Bailey, COO of the Kiawah Island Community Association, confirmed the interpretation of covenants which allow Kiawah Partners to “automatically convey” infrastructure to the community association upon completion. KICA then becomes responsible for maintenance, paying for any necessary repairs out of the pool of funds collected from Kiawah residents. According to Bailey, Kiawah Partner’s ability to automatically convey the Spit or any other property to KICA, expires on January 1, 2016.
As of press time, an email to KICA Board Chair Dave Schoenholz was not returned. However, the consequences seem clear. Without quick action, Kiawah Partners, or the homeowners in the proposed Captain Sam’s development area, would be responsible for maintenance and repairs. Requests by past KICA Boards to form a separate sub-association from the Spit were declined by the developer at the time. Simultaneously, the tenuous nature of the Spit comes into stark relief in the face of recent weather. October flooding, for example, resulted in 12 feet of dune loss directly adjacent to the proposed road site on the Spit, leaving only a 6 foot margin. Another example was the loss of a bulldozer and dump truck during the re-nourishment project at the western tip of the Spit and the eastern tip of Seabrook. Both vehicles were eventually extricated.
The alternative to quick judicial action is that Kiawah Partners asks the KICA Board for permission to convey property/infrastructure to the community. The Board currently consists of one Kiawah Partners representative and six resident representatives who are elected by the community. Kiawah Partners has publicly pitched the Spit project with the promise that 80 percent or more of the Spit would be turned into a conservation easement.
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Christmas decorations help fill a need
H A N D - PA I N T E D O R N A M E N T S O N S A L E F O R B A C K PA C K B U D D I E S
BY JENNIFER TUOHYThe Island Connection Editor
There's no denying it, the holidays are almost here and before you know it the tree will be up and
ready for trimming. This year, while decorating your home, consider helping feed a hungry Sea Island child by purchasing specially decorated Christmas tree ornaments.
Available in a pack of 3 for $10 at The Ice Cream Boat in Bohicket Marina, the bulbs have been decorated by children from Mount Zion, Angel Oak and Frierson elementary schools, all of which participate in the Backpack Buddies Program. The program, supported entirely by two groups of Kiawah and Seabrook island volunteers, raises the money to supply hungry children with backpacks of food to take home on the weekends. Started two years ago with 57 children, there are 370 hungry mouths to feed.
“It costs $195 a year to fund a child for their food for the weekend,” explained Todd Gerhart, owner of The Ice Cream Boat and the man behind the Christmas decoration idea. “With demand escalating I felt the need to do more during the holiday season and hit upon the idea of buying 300 christmas bulbs and having the kids decorate them.”
The bulbs, all hand painted by 3rd and 4th graders from the elementary schools, will be on sale beginning Nov. 20 at the Ice Cream Boat.
“We’ve had people come in and donate already–just wanting to help out, didn’t even want the bulbs. We’re hoping to raise a couple thousand dollars, we think we’ll sell them all.”
The schools the program supports are on Johns Island, and 90 percent of students live below the poverty line. At Frierson Elementary every child receives the weekly backpack of food on Friday.
“We were down at Angel Oak yesterday helping them decorate. They’re very cool, different and unique and all done by hand. The Seabrook Garden Club will string them with red yarn so you can hang them on your tree.
“The kids were just thrilled. We’ll be doing it every year. They wanted to take them home! But I explained what we were doing and many of them receive backpacks so they understood.”
Stop by The Ice Cream Boat at Bohicket Marina to buy yours. The store is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., or call 843.737.5351 for more information.
PHOTO BY PATRICIA GRANTNoah Brown and Peyton Ourada, fourth graders at Angel Oak Elementary, decorate Christmas bulbs.
'Tis the season for givingM T. Z I O N N E E D S Y O U R H E L P
STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection
Once again the Mt. Zion Holiday Fund Committee is seeking your help to place smiles on the faces of
Mt. Zion children. The nurse and teachers at Mt. Zion Elementary School are already identifying families who are in most need of our support. The funds that we raise will be used to buy clothes, shoes, toys and books for each child. Every family is also given a gift certificate for food for their holiday meal.
For each of the past eight years, your contributions have helped more than 40 families and over 90 children. The gifts we are able to provide are often the only ones the children receive.
Checks made out to Mt. Zion Holiday Fund may be mailed to Anne Smith at 2849 Cap’n Sams Road, Seabrook Island, or donations can be dropped off at the Racquet Club Pro Shop or Golf Pro Shop on Seabrook Island.
November 20, 2015 9fundraising
Kiawah Womens Foundation feedshungry Sea Island children
BY DOUG REYNOLDSFor The Island Connection
With a seemingly endless number of restaurants, grocery stores, farmer’s markets and more throughout the Lowcountry, it is easy to take
hunger for granted. For many families on the Sea Islands (Johns and Wadmalaw Island), however, it is an all too real problem.
The issue is particularly noticeable at schools in the area, where a majority of students come from families living at or below the poverty line. Though schools do provide free and discounted meals for these students during school hours, many were spending the weekends hungry.
“With the poverty levels on the Sea Islands, it’s just a difficult situation for many families to provide for these children,” explained Kiawah Island residents Terry Weaver and Theresa Widuch. “The schools do all they can, but these kids still need our help.”
Recognizing this need, Terry and Theresa created the Kiawah Womens Foundation in 2013. Among other efforts, the KWF works with Kiawah Island volunteers
to provide packs of healthy, balanced food and snacks to feed Sea Island children in-need on the weekends. The program is known as Backpack Buddies, and a similar group of volunteers on Seabrook Island also support the program by raising funds and packing the food each week for Mt. Zion Elementary.
“We began the program working with Angel Oak Elementary, feeding just 25 school children,” said Terry. “Thanks to the community’s generosity, we’re now able to provide food items for over 265 students throughout three schools – Angel Oak Elementary, Frierson Elementary and Haut Gap Middle.”
Every Thursday during the school year, KWF volunteers work together to fill that week’s portion of food packs. The packs go home with select students each weekend and feature two items for breakfast and two for lunch, including fruit and other healthy snacks.
“We wanted to not only be able to provide food and snacks for these children, but give them healthy options as well,” said Terry. “We focus on making the food packs as balanced as we can.”
In addition to the weekly packs, the KWF provides year-end packs given to students at the end of the school year.
“These students have had breakfast and lunch provided to them at school all year, now parents have to provide three meals a day, seven days a week,” said Terry. “This is a big expense for them, so these packs help the families into summer.”
For those interested in helping, there are a number of ways to contribute to their cause. The foundation hosts or participates in several fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Sip and Shop at J. McLaughlin in Freshfields Village on Nov 27 and a fundraising dinner at the Sandcastle Community Center on Kiawah Island on Dec. 8. Also the KWF accepts volunteers to help fill food packs each week.
For more information on the KWF, including information on fundraising events and volunteer opportunities, visit kiawahwomensfoundation.org.
Volunteers pack food to be given to children to help sustain them through the weekend.
10 November 20, 2015
gardening
Monarchs on KiawahKIAWAH ISLAND GARDEN CLUB LEARNS
ABOUT THE PRECIOUS BUTTERFLY
BY MARTHA ZINKFor The Island Connection
The Kiawah Island Garden Club had a wonderful meeting in October, learning all about
Monarch butterflies from John W. (Billy) McCord, who worked for the Department of Natural Resources for 30 years. After he retired he began to work for them “part time” in 2010 and now spends many, many hours each week locating Monarchs, tagging and releasing them, then recording where they are next spotted. He mainly works on Folly Beach but also all around the area. He believes that many Monarchs that pass up and down the Eastern seaboard stay in our area or go no further south than Florida and Cuba. Western Monarchs winter in Monterey, CA and those from the Midwest and north, fly to Mexico. McCord asks people not to release butterflies at weddings, as they are usually Western and can spread diseases and mismatched genes with local butterflies.
A Monarch egg grows into a caterpillar in 3-4 days, which then lives 14 days before forming a chrysalis for 10 days and emerging as a butterfly. Monarchs can live 4-8 months if they winter over here, but usually it’s much shorter and you will see the great-grandchildren of this year’s butterflies in just one year. They fly north to breed. As the days shorten they begin to convert sugar to fat so they can cling to trees to “sleep” and survive cold temperatures.
There has been a 62 percent decline of Monarchs in the past 10 years as ethanol has caused the conversion of 24 million
acres of grasslands to corn. Crops have been modified so they are not tilled under and milkweed and wildflowers have been killed off. In our area Red Bay has been killed by Laurel Wilt and Groundsell trees, which grow at the edge of marshes, have been cut down to improve human views.They are both favorite roosts for Monarchs.
There are many plants we can use to feed Monarchs: in the Fall Seaside Goldenrod, Dune Camphorweed, Spotted Beebalm and Beach Blanket flower (Firewheel). In the Winter they feed on Dandelion, Henbit and Sow-thistle flower. Also Lantana (not white!), Viburnum, Loquat, Bottlebrush and annuals like Cosmos, old-style open face zinnias, and Mexican Sunflower. Gulf Coast Swallow-wort is a source of nectar in August and a host plant for the caterpillars in September. Pinewoods and Aquatic milkweed may grown here, and Tropical milkweed (Bloodflower) is great but may be invasive and must be pruned to the ground around Halloween so the female will not be confused by the winter growth and lay eggs out of season.
On Oct. 26, the Garden Club was invited by the Photography Club of Kiawah to hear a presentation by the renowned photographer Joyce Tenneson. She talked about the many projects she has worked on over the years including a bestselling book called Wise Women, a series of photographs of women from 65-100 and another book in which she photographed flowers against a black velvet background, portraits of individual flowers. Her photographs were truly inspiring.
On Nov. 13 the Kiawah Garden Club will be guests of the Seabrook Garden Club to hear about forcing bulbs.
On Monday, Nov. 23, there will be a pumpkin/floral workshop where members can create Thanksgiving arrangements in pumpkins. There will be a $40 fee, and the workshop will take place at the Sandcastle at 10 a.m. Checks may be sent to Donna Pomian at 169 Bluebill Court, Kiawah Island SC, 29455.
November 20, 2015 11
Tide Char tDate High Tide Low Tide
Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions. Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can be very different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Nov 20Nov 21Nov 22Nov 23Nov 24Nov 25 Nov 26Nov 27Nov 28Nov 29Nov 30Dec 01Dec 02Dec 03
Believe in magic at the Holiday Festival of LightsBY SARAH REYNOLDS
For The Island Connection
The Holiday Festival of Lights is returning for its 26th year with even more to experience. Featuring an estimated two million shimmering lights,
Charleston’s most popular holiday event is now open nightly at James Island County Park through Jan. 3, 2016.
More than four million people have toured the Holiday Festival of Lights, which is hosted by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission at James Island County Park. The event has received many awards and mentions in publications throughout the country, and the three-mile driving tour delivers more every year. Join us as we kick off the 26th season at the Grand Opening Celebration on Nov. 13, featuring live entertainment from Lowcountry Power Brass, awards presentations for the gingerbread house, greeting card competitions, and all the excitement of the festival.
The Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than
just a driving tour. Park the car and experience family attractions, shopping, dining and more. There are many celebrated attractions to see and activities to do, including:
• Marshmallow Roasting • Festival Train Rides • Lakeside Lights Interactive Activity• The Amazing Dancing Light Display• Enchanted Walking Trail• Old-Fashioned Carousel• Portable Climbing Wall• Four Unique Gift Shops, featuring the new
Prancer’s Presents, a children’s toy emporium Santa’s Sweet Shoppe
• Special Family Events on select evenings, including photos with Santa, live music and more.
Grab dinner at concessions stands, or just spoil your sweet tooth at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. In Winter Wonderland, see a meticulously crafted sculpture constructed with 50 tons of sand. View sugary hand-made houses from the annual gingerbread competition. Shop at four festival shops for unique gifts, official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, angelic decorations and stocking stuffers. Hop aboard the festival train for an intimate look at the festival, only seen on this enchanted ride.
Explore Santa’s Village, where the man himself is available for photos on select dates after Thanksgiving. Take a whirl on the traditional 18-animal carousel, make
s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, and marvel at the giant 4-by-8 holiday card designs created by local students for the annual art competition. Enjoy family entertainment on select nights, including live music, storytelling, visits with Mrs. Claus, outdoor movies and more. On Dec. 31, the festival features fireworks.
For more information on the Holiday Festival of Lights, including event hours and fees, call 843.795.4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. This event is presented by Boeing and Your Charleston County Parks.
12 November 20, 2015
arts & events
Celebrate the holidays under the seaA Q U A R I U M O F F E R S M A N Y A D V E N T U R E S T H I S S E A - S O N
BY KATE DITTLOFFFor The Island Connection
It can be hard to get in the holiday spirit in Charleston, where the weather stays sunny and temperate through January, but the South Carolina Aquarium has
you covered. Now through the end of December, the Aquarium is celebrating the SEA-son with special holiday experiences.
Kick off your holiday adventure on a ride to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express. The Polar Express 4-D Experience is now playing in the Aquarium’s 4-D Theater through December 31. The 15-minute film is based on the beloved children’s book featuring a young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. The 4-D Theater combines 3-D imagery, interactive seating and waves of special effects such as snow, gusts of wind, the smell of hot chocolate and movement under the feet, all synchronized to the film. There are multiple show times daily, and tickets can be purchased as part of the Aquarium’s Premier Pass or individually for $6.95. Aquarium members receive free admission to the theater.
The holiday fun only just begins with the Polar Express 4-D Experience. Starting Nov. 27, the jolly old man in the big red suit—or should we say scuba gear—will be diving in the Aquarium’s Great Ocean Tank. Scuba Claus will make special appearances during the 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. dive shows the weekend of Nov. 27 as well as weekends in December and Dec. 21 through 23. When Scuba Claus is away, his special elf helpers will dive in the Great Ocean Tank during the weekdays starting Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 18.
During the first three weekends in December and Dec. 21 through 23, experience the magic of the holiday season through the Aquarium’s interactive “snow day” activities
which include fun for the whole family. Activities include snowman cookie decorating, terrapins painting holiday ornaments, snowman bowling, and the popular Shark on a Shelf. When guests find Finzy, the Shark on the Shelf, they receive a special prize.
The Aquarium also has several options when it comes to giving that perfect holiday gift. The gift of an Aquarium membership is one of unlimited family fun for one full year. Members receive exclusive benefits such as free admission to the 4-D Theater, special discounts, invitations to members-only events and much more. The gift of an animal adoption, such as an otter, sea turtle or bald eagle, is sure to put a smile on someone’s face as well. Adoptive parents receive a special certificate, sticker and exclusive offers, and proceeds support the care of animals that call the Aquarium home.
For more information on all of the holiday happenings at the South Carolina Aquarium visit scaquarium.org/holiday or call 843.577.FISH (3474).Photos courtesy S.C. Aquarium.
November 20, 2015 13
Fall Festival Fun
PHOTOS BY RALPH SECOY
Charleston County School District and Charleston County Parks celebrated the season with the District 9 Fall Festival for Johns and Wadmalaw Island schools and the Harvest Festival at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center.
14 November 20, 2015
daily
Botany goes back to the deep blue
R E L E A S E M A R K S 1 7 7 T H S U C C E S S F U L R E H A B I L I TAT I O N B Y A Q U A R I U M ' S
S E A T U R T L E H O S P I TA L
BY KATE DITTLOFFFor The Island Connection
Botany, a 120-pound loggerhead sea turtle, was released into the deep blue sea last week at Isle of Palms
county park. Following 5 and a half months of rehabilitative care by the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program, Botany received a clean bill of health and was returned to the wild to aid sea turtle conservation efforts.
This release marks 177 threatened and endangered sea turtles rehabilitated and released into the wild by the Sea Turtle Rescue Program.
Botany was rescued by an SCDNR research vessel, the R/V Lady Lisa, in May. Upon being brought onboard the boat, Botany was found to be severely lethargic and in extremely poor physical condition. The turtle was subsequently transported to the Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital where team members jumped into action. Preliminary medical treatment included intravenous fluids to treat severe edema, antibiotic and vitamin injections, and supportive care. As each month passed, Botany’s health improved and s/he became extremely active.
As patients like Botany receive medical treatment and are released, it is important now more than ever to execute the planned expansion of the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital. The planned state-of-the-art facility will significantly increase the Aquarium’s capacity to rehabilitate threatened and endangered sea turtles. The new facility will be equipped with triage units, a private intensive care unit, deeper tanks, an exercise pool, cutting edge medical equipment, and additional laboratory and life-support space.
As approximately 19,000 guests currently tour the hospital annually the expansion of the hospital onto the Aquarium’s first floor will expose all 430,000 annual guests to the rescue,
rehabilitation and release of these threatened and endangered sea turtles. As a not for profit, the Aquarium is looking to the community to support the construction of this hospital. To help expand the Sea Turtle Hospital visit www.donate.scaquarium.org/donate.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, contact the SCDNR sea turtle hotline at 800.922.5431. To read about the hospital's patients visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Program blog at www.scaquarium.org/category/sea-turtle-rescue-program.
PHOTOS BY KATE DITTLOFF
November 20, 2015 15
arts & events
December Artist andPhotographer of the MonthPhotographers of the Month
In the month of November, members of the Seabrook Island Photography Club were charged with a Theme Assignment. Photographers were to take photos that depicted their interpretation of the word "emotion." These photos could range from human emotions, pet emotions or any other element that created an emotion for both the photographer and/or the viewer.
There were many submissions for this particular Theme Assignment and so for the December Photographer of the Month wall the guild decided to showcase some of the entries made by its talented photographers.
Please take a minute and stop by the Lake House and view a wide array of photos that will be sure to capture your interest and give you a unique perspective of how some of your fellow Seabrookers see the world through their camera lens.
Artist of the MonthBrenda TilsonThe Amish, step into their world, Tuesday, Dec. 1. "If you admire our faith, strengthen yours.If you admire our sense of commitment, deepen yours.If you admire our community spirit, build one.If you admire the simple, cut back.If you admire quality merchandise or land stewardship, then make quality.If you admire deep character and enduring values, live them."
Over time, many Seabrookers have become familiar with interest in art and my background. That resume hasn't changed, thus not to be repeated here. For others who want to know more about all these cows, sheep, buggies, horses and farms, stop by and we'll chat.
The Artist of the Month reception will be held Dec. 1, 5 - 7 p.m. at Seabrook Island Lake House
Calling allHoosiers
BY ALAN ARMSTRONGFor The Island Connection
Lowcountry residents are preparing for the 5th Annual Indiana Day on Dec. 9, 2015 to celebrate the
anniversary of the state’s admittance into the Union on December 11, 1816. The gathering has become an annual event which includes food, drinks, games, prizes, and singing all with a lot of Hoosier gusto. Participants (Including spouses and significant others) are asked to bring a hearty appetizer to share. The organizing committee will provide plates, utensils, and soft drinks (BYOB). Participants are also asked to donate $5 to cover costs associated with the event. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs to 8 p.m. at the Oyster Catcher Community Center on Seabrook Island. If you have a connection (born, raised, lived, educated, traveled through; anything works) and would like to attend please contact Max Willis at 843.768.8301 or [email protected].
Island Connection Calendar December 5MondaysIntermediate Oil ClassesAt the Todd & Huff Art Center located at Bohicket Marina, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Topics include value work, applying composition elements to your paintings, edge work, brush and palette knife use. Painting from still life and photos. Email [email protected] for information.
Monday Bridge Group9 a.m. at the Lake House. The Monday Bridge Group needs new players. For more information, please contact Lori Muenow at 843.768.2314 or Ilse Calcagno at 843.768.0317.
TuesdaysMah Jongg Practice1 - 4 p.m. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month. Located at The Lake House—Osprey 2. Open to all new players, those returning to the game, and anyone else who wants a chance to practice with others who are learning the game. If you have any questions, please contact Helen Thompson at [email protected].
BookmobileThe Charleston County Bookmobile comes to Freshfields Village on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The Bookmobile will be parked in the lot behind Hege’s and Java Java.
LoKal Seabar Party On The PatioEvery Tuesday in October, on the outside patio from 6 to 9 p.m. A fun evening for the whole family. Come watch the sunset over Bohicket Marina while listening to DJ Jim Bowers Entertainment and enjoying LoKal’s drink specials.
WednesdaysLake House Yoga8:30 a.m. Join us for Rise and Shine Yoga with Patti Romano, formerly known at Gentle Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yoga is an all-levels practice focused around finding your day’s intention, set up yourself for success and be ready to shine.
FridaysFriday Indoor Pickleball12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Camp. For further information, please contact Mary Torello at 843.768.0056.
SaturdaysHomegrown10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Johns Island Farmers’ Market. Every Third Saturday at 3546 Maybank Highway Johns Island. For more information, visit www.johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.
2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee9 - 11 a.m. The third Saturday each month at Freshfields Village.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20Fall Art and Artisan ShowcaseReception, Friday, Nov. 20 (4 - 7 p.m.), Showcase and Sale: Saturday, Nov. 21 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) Looking for a beautiful piece of art, handmade crafts or locally produced jewelry to add to your collection? The Sandcastle’s Fall Art and Artisan Showcase includes classic oil paintings, photographs, beautiful wearable jewelry, and interesting crafts. For more information on the event, contact the Sandcastle Community Center at 843.768.3875 or [email protected].
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21Charleston Animal Society Annual Celebrity Chili Cook Off 1- 5 p.m., Citadel Football Stadium. Form a team and sign up at charlestonanimalsociety.org/chili. Tickets are $25, kids are free.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28Seabrook Island’s 5th Annual Sprint Triathlon Relay.It’s a triathlon with a team twist. Instead of an individual tackling all three events, share the fun among a team of three. Teams are comprised of one swimmer, one biker, and one runner that will work together to complete all 3 legs of the event. Registration forms are available at the front desk of The Lake House. Please note, this event will be capped, so sign up early. Time: 8 a.m.Cost: $50 per team.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4Christmas 1860: Reliving the Eve of Civil WarThe Edmondston-Alston House, 21 East Battery, Dec. 4 and 11 from 6:30 –8:30 p.m. EdmondstonAlston.org/phone: 543-722-7171. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Celebrate a Victorian holiday season by candlelight at the Edmondston-Alston House, decorated for the holidays as it would have been in 1860. Costumed interpreters will present dramatic scenes exploring Charleston last opulent Christmas before the start of the Civil War. Performances are giving continuously. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy hot cider in the courtyard.
That Holiday Book SaleDecember 4 through 6, shop the Charleston Friends of the Library Holiday book sale from 9 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m., Friday and SAturday and 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday at the Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5Homegrown Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3546 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, South Carolina 29455. Come enjoy a festive-filled day at the farmer’s market’s annual holiday event.
Open House Cottage Aroma Bella Day Spa10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cottage Aroma Bella invites you to join them for a day of shopping. Enjoy aglass of wine or sip a cup of their custom-blended tea while you peruse a varied selection of holiday offerings, chic assortment of accessories.For every sale, Cottage Aroma Bella will donate a children’s toy to “My Sister’s House”, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence. 2671 Fort Trenholm Rd. Johns Island, 843.266.3219 cottagearomabella,com
HOLIDAY EVENTS
The 26th Annual Holiday Festival of LightsOngoing nightly, Nov. 13 – Jan. 3, James Island County Park. For hours and fees, call 843.795.4386 or visit www.HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26Thanksgiving Buffet at The Atlantic Room12 - 6 p.m. Chef Banta has created dishes that capture the spirit of the season with his Thanksgiving buffet menu. Savor the flavors of the holidays while taking in the dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Call (843) 266-4085. | $75 adult, $35 child (4-12 years)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27Seabrook Island Holiday Tree Lighting5:30 to 7 p.m. The Lake House. Come on out and enjoy the Holiday Tree Lighting event at The Lake House. We’ll have music and refreshments, plus we’re expecting a very special guest ... YOU!
Free Family Fun at Bohicket Marina and Market12-4 p.m. Bring an unwrapped new toy for TOYS FOR TOTS! Jump Castle, face painter, ballon artist and music by Jim Bowers, DJ Extradionare -12-4 - for all you Carolina Shaggers. Come have lunch at our restaurants and visit the Christmas Shoppe at Doin’ the Charleston Gourmet and shop for your gifts. Sponsored by: The Bohicket Merchants Association
Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ5 - 9 p.m., $44.95/adult, $24.95 child. Celebrate the holidays at Mingo Point and come out for the last oyster roast and BBQ of 2015! Enjoy an authentic Lowcountry experience at Kiawah’s most popular family outing. Indulge in a riverside oyster roast and an all-you-can-eat buffet of Southern BBQ specialties highlighting holiday favorites. Live entertainment from The Island Trio, a local artisan craft market, and a kids “cool-zone” featuring hair braiding and a design-your-own tote bag station. Be sure to be on your best behavior because good ol’ Saint Nick is coming to the Lowcountry for holiday photos. Photos with Santa 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Reservations: (843) 768-2790.Thanksgiving Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Sanctuary5 p.m. Join us as we “Deck the Halls” of The Sanctuary for the holiday season. Staff will be busy assembling our Grand Lobby Christmas tree, as well as decorating our mantels and grand staircases. Be there as The Sanctuary is transformed into a magical, holiday mansion.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28Holiday FestivalFreshfields Village decks the halls as this annual celebration returns to the Village Green from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free children’s activities include face painting by Cupcake the Clown, an inflatable obstacle course, jump castle, and rides on the Mechanical Reindeer. There will also be complimentary holiday craft and
activity booths, including the “North Pole Post Office” to send your letters to Santa. Enjoy live music from an interactive kid’s band throughout the afternoon and Santa will be available for photos.Santa Arrives on Kiawah 3 - 5 p.m. Grand Lawn The Sanctuary. Come witness as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand arrival on Kiawah Island. Kids of all ages are welcome to visit with Santa as parents get the opportunity for a picturesque holiday card. After visiting with Santa, join Mrs. Claus Christmas stories. S’more kits will be available on the Grand Lawn for purchase during the activities. Be there as our Pastry Team unveils this season’s Sanctuary Gingerbread creation.
Legare Farms Holiday Open House10 - 2 p.m. Come enjoy free hayrides to feed the cows, shop in the farm store, and shop with vendors. Take a break from turkey and enjoy a lunch of Legare Farms’ hamburgers, brats, barbeque sandwiches, and boiled peanuts. Gifts certificates for everything the farm sells will be available as well as gift boxes and Legare Farms’ jams, salsas, pickles, and relishes. Farm fresh eggs will be for sale and beef and pork. For more info call 843.559.0788.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29Santa Paws SundayVisit Santa’s Workshop at Freshfields Village with your pet for a photo opportunity with Santa! Each family will receive one free print compliments of the Village merchants. Donations will be accepted on behalf of local pet rescue groups. Santa will be available from 1 to 6 p.m. for photos with children as well.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4The NutcrackerNorth Charleston’s Holiday Family Tradition, 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center. The South Carolina Ballet brings a cast of over 35 professional dancers and over 60 local children to the stage. Tickets range from $27-57 and can be purchased at www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com or by calling (843) 529-5000. For more information about the South Carolina Ballet, visit www.southcarolinaballet.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6The College of Charleston Madrigal Singers Present A Madrigal Feast River Course Clubhouse, $90 Dinner/Beverage ticket. No online ticketing for this event. See story page 4.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 Holiday Carol Fest7 p.m. The Charleston Music Club will present a free intergenerational holiday “Carol Fest” on Monday, in the chapel at Franke at Seaside, 1885 Rifle Range Rd. directed by Christopher Selby. Middle-school, high-school & adult instrumentalists are invited to sight-read Christmas carols in a relaxed, low-stress environment. Call 224-9933 for additional information. Anyone who is not playing an instrument is invited to sing. Refreshments will be provided. www.charlestonmusicclub.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1311th Annual V-Tones Holiday ExtravaganzaMain Library, Calhoun Street at 3 p.m. Join Charleston’s premier ukulele band to ring in the holiday season. Expect hijinks, harmony, hilarity, holiday favorites, tap dancing, crowd participation and festive costumes.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 The Little Match GirlOriginal ballet with live chamber orchestra. Dec. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street. Tickets: $13-$39. Group rates available, www.balletevolution.org.
The Night Before Christmas1 p.m. at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre (44 George Street), Chamber Music Charleston brings back its holiday classical kids concert. Musicians of Chamber Music Charleston will play a variety of holiday music as actors from the Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina retell classic Christmas tales. Tickets: $12 adults/ $6 children 4-16/ Free for children 3 and under. www.ChamberMusicCharleston.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19“The Night Before Christmas” Chamber Music Charleston brings the annual holiday Classical Kids Concert to the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre (44 George Street). 1 p.m. Concert length: 45 minutes. Tickets: $12 adults/ $6 children 4-16/ Free for children 3 and under. Group rates available. Tickets are on sale now by calling (843) 763-4941 or online at www.ChamberMusicCharleston.org
November 7
18 November 20, 2015
volunteer spotlight
Ellen HoppensteadtV O L U N T E E R I N G F E E D S T H E S O U L
BY MARIA GUROVICHFor The Island Connection
Editor’s Note: Volunteer Spotlight is a column in The Island Connection highlighting members of the community who give their time to help others. If you know of a volunteer who deserves the spotlight email [email protected].
Ellen Hoppensteadt was raised by her grandparents in a small town in Tennessee: “I loved growing up
there. It was peaceful. People knew each other well. Most of them lived there their whole life.” There, she met her husband and, shortly after in 1956, Ellen and her husband moved to the Chicago suburbs, where she ended up living most of her life. In 1979, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, before moving to Ladson, SC in 2012. Ellen, who most of her life worked as a legal secretary, has 9 children and 19 grandchildren.
She has always been involved as a volunteer. She began volunteering with The Cooperative Feeding Program in Fort Lauderdale that served lunch to over 200 people a day. In addition to volunteering with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and The Neighborhood House, she currently volunteers with five other nonprofits: the Lowcountry Food Bank, the Reading Partners, the Red Cross, Laundry Matters, and North Charleston Liberty Hill Academy. She also drives cancer patients to their appointments.
She first got involved with The Neighborhood House in 2012, when she met the kitchen manager, Vonceil, and has been serving lunch for the last three years. Ellen enjoys volunteering with the Cooking Matters program because it teaches people life skills. The program makes the participants embrace new ideas about nutrition and implement them into their own lives. She strongly believes that everyone needs to give back and perform a daily Mitzvah (good deed). For instance, Ellen loves to pay for the person behind her in a coffee shop: “You always get back more than what you give. I believe it with all my heart.”
You, too, can get involved with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and make a positive change in someone’s life. For more information on how to get involved with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach call 843.559.4109 or email [email protected].
what’s hot
Don't fry those turkeys!BY CHIEF GARY LOHR
For The Island Connection
The Thanksgiving holiday season is a perfect time for bringing families and friends together, but the holidays also
bring a specific set of dangers to the table. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the chances that a house will catch fire on Thanksgiving is three times greater than on any other day of the year, and most of those fires start because food is left unattended while cooking. One specific issue of concern involves the frying holiday turkeys.
The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of outdoor gas fueled turkey fryers that cook the turkey in hot oil. They urge those that love the taste of a fried turkey to utilize grocery stores or restaurants that sell deep fried turkeys, or consider a new type of “oil-less” turkey fryer. Another option is a rotisserie turkey fryer/steamer to help reduce the risk to oneself or property. If you still want to fry your holiday bird, here are some tips to help reduce your risk of a fire:
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed (USDA says 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds) and dry the turkey before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away (approximately 10 feet) from trees and other structures.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it’s in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner. Here is a simple way to figure out how much oil to use: • Place turkey in pot• Fill with water until the
turkey is covered by about 1/2 inch of water
• Remove and dry turkey (a wet turkey can cause oil to splatter latter)
• Mark water level. Dump water, dry the pot, and fill with oil to the marked level
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by.
• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that most turkey frying accidents occur while the oil is being heated, prior to even adding the turkey. This means we must be extra vigilant when heating the oil, and turn off the fryer immediately if any smoke appears.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Never leave fryers unattended.• Never drink and fry.• Once finished, carefully remove the
pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• If a fire occurs, immediately call 911, DO NOT attempt to extinguish the fire with water.
Please take these tips into consideration when preparing your holiday meal and make your event one to remember for the right reasons. Finally, the members of the St. Johns Fire District want to wish you and your families a happy and fire safe Thanksgiving holiday!
