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Volume 9 Issue 20

January 15, 2016

FREE

Time to get
serious about
some shucking!
STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

Bob McNair brings Briar's

Creek back from the brink
BY JENNIFER TUOHY

The Island Connection Editor

he exclusive, picturesque Golf Club at Briar's Creek

situated on John's Island has emerged from Chapter 11
bankruptcy financially stronger and with a clear vision
for the future, thanks to the efforts of part-time Kiawah Island
resident and University of South Carolina alum, Bob McNair.
Last year, The Golf Club at Briars Creek, which features an
acclaimed Rees Jones-designed course, filed for Chapter 11 relief
following a sharp downturn in dues and real estate sales. The
filing included a motion for approval of an offer from an investor
group to purchase the clubs assets and create a new Golf Club
at Briars Creek. McNair, owner of the NFLs Houston Texans
and a founder of the club, led the investor group, which includes
General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt, who also has a home on
Kiawah.
Briars Creek has always been a Lowcountry gem, Mike

Program Upgrade

Page 6

Martin, another of the founders of the current club, said at the

time. The club has weathered the golf market downturn of the
last 4-5 years, however the club needed to regroup in order to
ensure its long-term success.
The more than $13 million sale was approved and closed
on May 15, 2015 and today the club is debt-free and moving
forward under new ownership with the support of the original
membership.
Last November, McNair came to Briar's Creek to meet
with members and course designer Rees Jones, with whom he
discussed building a state-of-the art learning center and practice
facility. Jones's course is a spectacular piece of work, embracing

ohicket Marina and Market

Merchants
Association
hosts
its annual oyster roast Jan. 23,
2016 (with a rain date of Jan. 24) at the
Bohicket Marina & Market. The event
takes place from noon to 4 p.m. and costs
$25 in advance ($30 at the door). Tickets
are available from merchants at Bohicket
and the price includes beer and all the
oysters you can eat.
Make sure to bring your shucking
knife and glove, but pizza courtesy of
Luciano's Pizzeria will be available for
purchase too. There'll be entertainment
by DJ Extraordinaire Jim Bowers so don't
forget those dancing shoes.
Off islands, the 4th Annual South
Atlantic Bank Oyster Roast is Sunday, Feb.
28, 2 to 5 p.m. This event, which benefits
the Florence Crittenton Programs of South
Carolina, will be held at Hobcaw Yacht
Club in Mt. Pleasant. This family-friendly
shindig features all you can eat oysters, a
chili cook-off, hotdogs, an open bar with
local craft beer and wine and live music
from The Stilettos.
One hundred percent of the proceeds
from the event benefit Florence Crittenton
programs, which provide education,
counseling, medical care, social support
and a safe haven for young pregnant
women and young mothers in need.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for under
21 and kids 10 and under are free. Tickets
can be purchased by visiting www.
FlorenceCrittentonSC.org or by calling
843.722.7526.

McNair continues on page 7

Volunteer! Educate! Donate!

Page 10

Exotic Island Escape

Page 15

January 15, 2016

civic

Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
senior graphic designer
swan@luckydognews.com
Lori McGee
sales manager
lori@luckydognews.com
Alejandro Ferreyros
graphic designer
alejandro@luckydognews.com
Ralph Secoy
contributing photographer
Staff Writers
Gregg Bragg
Contributors
Arielle Alpino
Maria Gurovich
Jennifer Meshanko
Jennifer Hartig
Kelly Bragg
Marty Cline
Kate Dittloff

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS

Town of Kiawah January 2016

council meeting report
BY GREGG BRAGG

The Island Connection Staff Writer

he handout for the Kiawah town

councils January meeting was
thin, spawning pre-meeting hopes
of new records for brevity. Listed on the
agenda were approvals of four sets of
minutes, three items of seemingly routine
new business and an executive session.
Parliamentary obligations and approval of
minutes were quickly completed, opening
the door to the first round of citizen's
comments.
Citizen's Comments (first round)
Wendy Kulick was first to the plate. She
had plenty to say this month but started
out pleasantly enough with Happy New
Year wishes to everyone. Kulick then
began in earnest, reading comments from
Marilyn Larach into the record as well.
While the October storms are
beginning to recede from our immediate
memories, the storms impact on Kiawahs
most important asset, its beach, persists.
[Consequently], I have several questions
for the Town Council and the Town
Administrator.
1. What is the Towns schedule
for completing the repair and
replacement of the damaged and
unsightly wooden trashcan holders
and dog waste bag holders?
2. When does the Town plan on
removing dangerous plywood and
other debris from the over wash
area by the new Kiawah River
channel?
3. When will the Town replace the
sign near Captain Sams channel
that demarcates the critical habitat
zone and informs individuals that
dogs are not permitted?
4. Will the Town oversee the repair
or removal of the damaged
Kiawah Island Club boardwalk

located near Beachwalker County

Park? Due to dune erosion, this
dangerous structure is located in
an area of Town responsibility.
Visitors to the beach are climbing
on this unstable structure so that it
constitutes a public safety hazard.
Kulick then launched into a
presentation:
There was an article in the Post &
Courier recently referencing the arrest
of a Charleston County Magistrates
clerk who allegedly stole $4,500. Given
how much greater the amount of money
the [previous] Town Administrator
and Town Treasurer are alleged to have
misappropriated, why have they not been
arrested? Since not all of the allegations
against these two former employees are
federal violations, why not simultaneously
turn over the forensic accountants reports
to both the US Attorney and the 9th
Circuit Solicitor?
What is the legal justification for the
Audit Committee and the Town Council
to discuss the forensic accountants report
regarding 2012 in Executive Session?
Why not make the report public, with any
[needed] redactions such as those in the
original forensic accountants report, and
then discuss any personnel issues relating
to the report in Executive Session?
Will the Town be holding a retreat
this year, as it has done in past years? If
so, when and where? [The answer was
Jan. 20 at the Ocean Course].
Given the potential proliferation of
drones on the island ... and the Towns
responsibility for public safety, has the
Town initiated any action to begin
developing an ordinance relating to
drones? If not, are there any plans to draft
an ordinance relating to the ownership

Civic Calendar
Town of
Seabrook

Town Council
February 23, 2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Future deadlines: January 20

for submissions for the
January 29 Issue

Ways & Means

January 19,
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Op-Ed articles and letters to the editor do not

necessarily reflect the opinion of
Lucky Dog News or its writers.

Town Council
January 26,
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Municipal Center
Public Information
Meeting
January 12
4 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
February 3,
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Special Town Council

Meeting
Friday, January 15,
10 a.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

Ways & Means

February 16,
2:30 p.m.
Seabrook Town Hall

Town Council Public

Hearing
Friday, January 15,
9:30 a.m.

The Island
Connection

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC

Publishers of Island Eye News,
The Island Connection,
The Folly Current

Town of Kiawah

Kiawah Town Hall

CERT Team
Wednesday, January 20,
2016 3 p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

and operation of drones on Kiawah?

Why is the Town so opposed to
posting all openings on Town Committees
and Boards before making appointments?
Why does it not follow the practice of
Charleston County Council to seek
qualified candidates for these positions?
I had hoped with the unusually open
process used by the Municipal Center
Committee, it might become a model
for the rest of the Town operations.
Unfortunately, this has proven not to be
the case. No Town Committee [or] Board
openings have been advertised. Witness
the appointment to the BZA at todays
meeting.
Committee
appointments
continue to be limited to individuals
personally known by Town Council
members. Mr. Parkers qualifications to
serve on the BZA are not the question;
the process and procedure leading to his
selection are. This is just another example
of the Town limiting its appointments to
a select inner circle. [Councilmember
Weaver later produced one of the Towns
newsletters which requested applicants to
Public Safety Committee].
The Environmental Committee
has not met since May 2015 despite the
importance of ongoing environmental
issues which include beach re-nourishment
at the eastern end of the Island, significant
beach erosion after Octobers 1,000year rain and flooding event, and the
threat posed by potential offshore
drilling.[Councilmember
Johnson
addressed this, citing a number of related
activities like sending out e-blasts and
adding to the towns newsletter, and
then said the Environmental Committee
would meet again in the future].
The Public Safety Committee has
not met since October despite significant

K iawah Island Town H all

21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9166
Fax: 768-4764
Seabrook Island Town H all
2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: 768-9121
Fax: 768-9830
Email: lmanning@townofseabrookisland.org

2016 Town Council

Retreat
Wednesday, January 20, Johns Island Council
8:30 a.m.
Meetings are held at the Berkeley Electric
Co-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, Johns
Board of Zoning and Island.
Appeals
Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113
Monday, January 25,
4 p.m.
Charleston County Council
Kiawah Town Hall
4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston
Ways and Means
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 26, 2
p.m.
Kiawah Town Hall

958-4700t

City of Charleston
75 Calhoun St.
724-3745

January 15, 2016

civic

flooding both on and off the Island that

directly threatened the safety and welfare
of property owners and island visitors.
Ive been told the Towns Emergency
Operations Committee was never
intended to address these issues. If not
the Public Safety Committee, then what
Town committee or board has such
responsibility? Why has the Committee
not yet provided the community
with a summary of lessons learned?
[Councilmember Weaver explained some
meetings had been planned but cancelled
for lack of a quorum, in one case, and
explained the Public Safety committee
had not been designed for such a purpose].
The Communications Committee has
not met since October 2015. How does
this comport with continual statements
from members of this Town Council
about how open and transparent its
actions are?
While I have not yet collected the
data, this Town Council and the last
Council have probably conducted more
discussions in Executive Session than
any other municipal organization in
the Charleston area. It appears that this
Council is afraid to discuss issues in
public. Limiting all discussions about the
results of the forensic audits to Executive
Session isnt going to make the problems
go away.
Next up was Kiawah resident Dennis
McGill, who also had plenty to say.
McGill filed suit against TOKI last
June for violations of the Freedom of
Information Act in connection with
the proposed municipal complex.
To summarize, McGill expressed his
frustration with TOKIs response to his

suit. The towns motion to have large parts

of the case dismissed was denied by Judge
Dennis of the Charleston County Circuit
Court early last fall. Subsequently TOKI
has granted McGill increased access to
its documents. However, McGill says
TOKI has slow walked responses to his
interrogatives. He went on to say that his
options are to take TOKI back to court
again, or argue for responses in public.
Choosing the latter would take him past
the, now enforced 3 minute time limit at
council meetings.
Next David DeStefano asked council
about the sale of the existing town hall
building, had there been any meetings
with prospective buyers and had any
appraisals been done?
KICA [Kiawah Island Community
Association] is interested the mayor
said again this month. Both [KICA and
TOKI] have had appraisals done, he said.
New Business
The first item of new business was listed
as Ordinance 2015-09, a zoning measure
related to the new municipal complex.
TOKI has encountered more obstacles
in the design of their municipal complex.
This ordinance makes it possible for the
town to have a single use, said the towns
attorney Dennis Rhoad. The measure
would accommodate the parking lot and
curb cut designs advanced by architects
not possible under the current mixed use
designation for the tract. The ordinance
passed unanimously.
The towns new treasurer was officially
and unanimously appointed to her
position and Kiawah resident Scott
Parker was unanimously appointed to

Tid e Char t
Date

High Tide

Low Tide

Jan 15
Jan 16
Jan 17
Jan 18
Jan 19
Jan 20
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28

12:07pm
12:34am/1:06pm
1:38am/2:09pm
2:45am/3:13pm
3:51am/4:17pm
4:53am/5:17pm
5:50am/6:13pm
6:42am/7:04pm
7:30am/7:52pm
8:14am/8:36pm
8:55am/9:19pm
9:34am/10:00pm
10:11am/10:40pm
10:49am/11:21pm

5:47am/6:20pm
6:49am/7:17pm
7:55am/8:17pm
9:03am/9:18pm
10:09am/10:19pm
11:09am/11:16pm
12:04pm
12:10am/12:55pm
1:00am/1:42pm
1:47am/2:26pm
2:31am/3:07pm
3:14am/3:46pm
3:56am/4:23pm
4:37am/4:59pm

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.
Source: saltwatertides.com

the Board of Zoning Appeals. The latter

appointment revitalized the discussion
of advertising such positions in advance
of engaging someone for the post. The
mayor closed the topic by saying such
posts should be advertised to minimize
criticism.
Committee Reports
Councilmember Wilson said the
Planning Commission meeting had been
canceled. The Audit Committee had met
the week before and would meet again on
Jan. 15. The hope is a final report on the
forensic analysis of 2012 will be available
and made public then.
Councilmember Labriola said nine
firms had applied for consideration
to build the new municipal complex
and the Municipal Committee had
completed their evaluations. The list has
been winnowed down to four, who will
be called on to respond to construction
documents developed by architectural
firm LS3P in the near future.
Councilmember
Johnson's
Arts
Council report followed, noting this and
the next three months were the busiest
of the year for the group. She provided a
lengthy review of past events and described
a slate of upcoming dates. Johnson
concluded her report by announcing
the Environmental Committee will be
meeting next week.
Councilmember Weaver said Public
Safety had scheduled a meeting for the
following week and the Communications
Committee was reviewing its processes.
Stephanie Tillerson described plans to
hire a planner with time and costs to
be spilt with the county before bringing

town staff members out with reports on

subjects in their bailiwicks.
Jim Jordans beach erosion report
focused on the most egregious example of
recent erosion, the breach near boardwalk
139 (Flyway). Jordan said the beach will
heal itself in time, but the ramifications
of waiting were apparent in the next
report, presented by Rusty Lameo.
Lameos report was also quite lengthy.
Many of the islands boardwalks were
damaged during Octobers flooding,
however the interplay of TOKI
ordinances dictating design, condition
and repair of boardwalks is causing some
delay in rebuilding for organizations like
KICA and private residents affected by
the damage. The same issue is occurring
with TOKIs trash cans along the beach.
Not only were the trash can containers
damaged by recent storms but their
design and aesthetic has also come
into question. Replacing the wooden
containers is under review, using a new
design currently floating through a group
with representatives of the Architectural
Review Board, TOKI and KICA. There
are 43 wooden containers on the beach,
the new design is estimated at $800/box
and would cost the town a substantial
amount even if phased in. Councilmember
Johnson suggested the town save money
by transferring responsibility to KICA.
If its on KICA property maybe we
can turn this over to them. Get the town
out of the middle, said Johnson.
James Baily, COO of KICA
diplomatically inveighed on council

TOKI continues on page 4

civic

TOKI continues from page 3

for action on the breach in the beach,
calling it an eyesore and impediment to
resolving other issues. The mayor however
said some maneuvering would have to
be done after the Department of Health
and Environmental Control had denied a
request to plug the gap in the beach.
Citizen's Comments (second round)
Kiawah resident and two time KICA
board member Marilyn Olson started the
second round of citizens comments. She
called for action necessary to recover from
recent storm damage. These boardwalks
are a hazard, she said.
Kiawah resident Virginia Abbott
strode to the podium to ask if Ordinance
2015-09 could be applied elsewhere. The
town administrator gave assurances the
change was only applicable to the site of
the proposed municipal center.
Armed with information obtained
through FOIA, Dennis McGill opened
the topic of the towns attorney, Dennis
Rhoads, compensation. His presentation
touched on several points he had
previously raised at council meetings,
including the high amount the town
spends on attorneys fees compared to
Seabrook; the fact that the town attorneys
compensation is documented at $69,000
per year, yet McGill says Rhoad's has
received $80,000 per year for the last five
plus years; and that the in-house attorney,
a contractor, received medical benefits
from the town as if he were an employee,
in addition to his contracted fees.
The mayor interjected asking McGill
what his question was. Before he

responded, Rhoad stepped in saying his

objective in gaining medical benefits was
not intended to amplify his income and
that If the town overpaid me, I would
like to pay it back with interest, adding
that Gunnells and Rucker made a mess
of things.
Executive Session
Council then went into executive
session. Nearly two hours later, they
returned to active session and produced
the following:
Rhoad predicted the forensic audit
of 2012 would be available and
made public on Jan. 15.
The town attorney and town clerk
did not require reappointment
after all.
Unanimously
approved
the
reappointment of Judge John
Strauch to municipal court.
There being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned.

News Updates Online at

facebook.com/
islandconnectionnews

January 15, 2016

letter to the editor

Mt. Zion Holiday Fund

says 'Thank You!'
Dear Editor,
Twas the most incredible season of giving..and our cups runneth over with
gratitude for all that our island friends gave to help make this a most special
Christmas for 85 children from 34 families at Mt. Zion Elementary School.
We only wish we could have been there to see the smiles and hear the squeals of
joy as each child opened gifts of clothing, books, and toys wrapped just for them.
We also know they were able to enjoy a special holiday meal with the food gift
certificates provided to each family through your donations. Words cannot convey
just how much we truly appreciate
your support, but perhaps these words
from some of the children at Mt. Zion
will help to carry that message:
Thank you for donating to our
school. It takes a lot of courage for
someone to donate to someone in
need, 5th Grader
Thank you for the gift that you
gave us, 4th Grader
You went out of your way to help
kids and I know Mt. Zion appreciates
it. Thank you, 5th Grader
Thank you for donating to our
school. It means a lot that you did
this, 5th Grader
With sincerest thanks to each and
every donor and to Nurse Abbi at
Mt. Zion who helps make all of this
possible,
The Mt. Zion Holiday Fund
Committee, Marilyn Armstrong, Paula
Adamson, Anne Smith, Charlotte
Moran, Pam Steele
Bags full of gifts found their way to students
of Mt. Zion this holiday season.

About Letters to the Editor / Opinon / Editorials

All letters and Opinions submitted to The Island Connection must bear a full
name, address and phone number for verification. Only the authors name and
city will be printed. Submissions are accepted via email to
jennifer@luckydognews.com.
Submissions may be edited for length and readability. The Island Connection
reserves the right to reject submissions that are libelous, unseemly, not
individually addressed to The Island Connection or that have been previously
published elsewhere. The Island Connection will not publish letters endorsing
political candidates. Op-Ed articles and Letters to the Editor do not reflect the
opinion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.

January 15, 2016

daily

Kiawah Island Club appoints new pros

for Cassique, River Course
DYLAN THEW BECOMES NEW HEAD PRO OF CASSIQUE,
LEE STROEVER OF THE RIVER COURSE

Dylan Thew becomes new head pro of Cassique.

he Kiawah Island Club, a member-only Club

for Kiawah Island property owners, announced
last month that it has selected new head golf
professionals for its two private golf courses. Beginning
Jan. 15, 2016, Dylan Thew will become the new head pro
of Cassique and Lee Stroever will become the new head
pro of The River Course. The two were chosen after an
intensive five-month search and interview process.
Dylan and Lee will bring their passion and experience
to the Kiawah Island Club, said Chris Randolph, partner
with Kiawah Partners. They are committed to the longterm success of our Clubs golf program as well as building

BY ARIELLE ALPINO
For The Island Connection

personal relationships with Members and enhancing our

overall golf experience. Both professionals are a welcome
addition to our team and in conjunction with our
talented existing golf staff, will provide the highest-level
of personalized instruction and golf services.
A New Zealand native, Thew moved to England at age
10 where he developed his love of golf. He received degrees
studying golf and sports management in England from
Cannington College and Buckinghamshire Chilterns
University, where he played collegiate golf. During his
college golf career, he was named Sportsman of the Year at
Cannington and Player of the Year at Buckinghamshire.
For the past six years, Thew has held the title of Senior
Assistant Golf Professional at Deepdale Golf Club in
Manhasset, New York, where he was the assistant to PGA
Professional legend Darrell Kestner, one of Golf Digests
Top 50 Instructors, and to Jeff Gschwind, one of Golf
Digests Top 20 Teachers Under 40. In the winter
months, he has served as the Director of Instruction
at Birdie International Golf Academy in Guangzhou,
China, and as a Teaching Assistant at Jim McLean Golf
School in La Quinta, California. Thews golf career
began at Frenchman's Creek Beach and Country Club in
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he was an Assistant
Professional for six years.
Stroever comes to Kiawah Island from Jupiter,
Florida. A native of the Sunshine State, Stroever attended
Rollins College in Winter Park, where he was a Member
of its Division II National Championship golf team and
was named a three-time Division II All-American. He
spent the last year as an Assistant Golf Professional at
McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, FL working under
the tutelage of General Manager Kevin Murphey. While
there, Stroever was awarded the South Florida Section
PGA Assistant Professional of the Year award. Prior to
McArthur, he worked for five years at the North Palm
Beach Country Club, holding numerous titles including
Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional. Stroever
won the South Florida PGA Southeast Chapter Junior
Golf Leader in 2013.
He spent seven years playing golf professionally,
qualifying for the 2012 PGA Professional National
Championship and 2010 PGA National Assistants
Championship, and becoming a five-time tournament
winner while playing on the Golden Bear, Gateway and
Tarheel Tours.

Lee Stroever is the new head pro of The River Course.

The Tom Watson designed Cassique is a 7,050-yard

links-style course, which runs beside marshes and
maritime forests where the Kiawah River meets the
Atlantic Ocean. Tom Fazios par-72 The River Course
provides views of picturesque marsh savannas, ponds,
and vaulting maritime forests.
For more information on the Kiawah Island Club, visit
kiawahislandclub.com.

daily

Our Lady of Mercy

Community Outreachs
educational programs
resume with an upgrade

BY MARIA GUROVICH
For The Island Connection

his year the children and adults in the educational programs at Our Lady of
Mercy Community Outreach will enjoy a more functional learning environment.
In November, the Johns Island nonprofit participated in Trident United Ways
Day of Caring (DoC). As part of the DoC a group of architects from LS3P volunteered
to upgrade the classroom space at the Outreachs main facility. The architects not only
designed the space modifications, donated all the materials (and two PCs), but also
conducted the redesign themselves. Their projects included installing large bulletin
boards, room dividers, and panels reducing noise. The DoC project was a perfect example
of a collaboration between a local for-profit company and a charitable organization.
For more information about the educational and wellness programs offered at
OLMCOS please contact 843.559.4109.

January 15, 2016

PHOTOS BY MARIA GUROVICH

January 15, 2016

daily

fundraising

Our Lady of Mercy

Community Outreach
fundraiser set for Jan. 31
ANNUAL AUCTION RAISES FUNDS
TO INCREASE SERVICES TO
SEA ISLAND AND DOWNTOWN
CHARLESTON RESIDENTS

McNair continues from cover

BY JENNIFER MESHANKO
For The Island Connection

ur Lady of Mercy Community

Outreach will host its 19th
annual auction on Sunday,
Jan. 31, 2016 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the
Charleston Marriott Hotel located at 170
N. Lockwood Blvd. Tickets are $100 and
include a silent auction during a cocktail
hour with light hors d'oeuvres and wine
followed by dinner and live auction
hosted by Tom Crawford and Lorraine
McDermott.
Proceeds from the event will go to
support the many services offered by the
organization to reduce poverty, prevent
homelessness and increase educational
outreach services such as early childhood
education, English as a Second Language
(ESL), GED preparation, financial
literacy, health education, summer camp
and more.

We are pleased to announce that

proceeds from this years event will
directly go toward services for people of
all ages and stages of need, Jill Jackson
Ledford, Executive Director of Our Lady
of Mercy Community Outreach, said.
Several hundred items ranging from
$20 and above will be up for bidding
during the silent and live auctions
including artwork, home decor, fine
jewelry, food/wine, rounds of golf,
handmade quilts, tickets for local
attractions and sporting events, unique
experiences and gift certificates for local
restaurants and retail shops.
To purchase tickets or to become a
sponsor for the event, call 843.559.4109.
Visit the Facebook page for updates and
featured auction items www.facebook.com/
OLMOutreach

the rich, Lowcountry landscape and

vegetation of Johns Island real estate and
the Kiawah River. A variety of tee boxes
offer dramatic shots around, across and
along unspoiled marsh and riverside
vistas, creating a spirited, scenic challenge
for golfers.
McNair also spoke to the 130 or so
members gathered at a recent event, who
were all enthusiastic and supportive as they
listened to the new owner's comments.
He discussed the positive membership
growth since the purchase, welcoming 24
new members, and noted the increased
member participation in golf and social
events.
The golf course continues to be in great
condition, maintained by superintendent
Kyle Bibler, membership director Sharon
P. McGuirk told The Island Connection.

Additionally, the Club has spent over

$250,000 in capital projects since May of
2015 with a plan for $400,000 in 2016. She
went on to say that alongside the proposed
learning center and practice facility, they
are in the process of approving renderings
for new cottages for national members
and working with the SCGA to enhance
the course for all skill levels.
McNair also told the members that the
Club is looking to do more to promote
amateur golf by hosting a big event.
"Maybe something along the lines of
the SEC vs the ACC," he told The Post &
Courier. "That would be interesting and
generate a lot of excitement for everybody."
McNair also revealed a gift from
himself and his wife, Janice, to the Club.
A new sculpture of the Great Blue Heron
Pair now adorns the roundabout. The
piece, entitled, The House of Lords, is by
renowned sculptor Walter Matia.

Island Connection Calendar

January 15
Mondays

Intermediate Oil Classes

At 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 toddhuffcenter@gmail.
com for information.
Monday Bridge Group
9 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.

Tuesdays

Mah Jongg Practice

1 - 4 p.m. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday
of the month. Located at The Lake
HouseOsprey 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 hmtsbsc@gmail.com.
Bookmobile
The 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 Heges and Java Java.

Wednesdays

Supreme Court.

Fridays

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Saturday, January 2, 9, 16, 23, and
30. This Charleston County Parks and
Recreation bird walk treks through many
distinct to allow participants to view
and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies,
and other organisms. A paid chaperone
is required for participants ages 15 and
under. Preregistration is not required. 8:30
a.m. -11:30 a.m., Caw Caw Interpretive
Center
5200 Savannah Highway, Ravenel.
Contact 843-795-4386 or email
customerservice@ccprc.com. $10 or free
for Gold Pass Members

Lake House Yoga

8:30 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 days intention, set up yourself
for success and be ready to shine.
Friday Indoor Pickleball
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Christophers
Camp. For further information, please
contact Mary Torello at 843.768.0056.

Saturdays

Homegrown
10 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 Coffee
9 - 11 a.m. The third Saturday each month
at Freshfields Village.

Ongoing

The Seat of Justice

Feb. 19 - Mar. 6, 2016 at the Dock Street
Theatre. Tickets at www.charlestonstage.
com. Julian Wiless acclaimed play
chronicles the courageous journey of the
historic Briggs v. Elliott desegregation
case from rural Clarendon County, South
Carolina to the halls of the United States

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14
SINGH presents Dr. Walter Edgar
7:30 p.m. Dr. Edgar of the popular
ETV Radio show Walter Edgars
Journey, kicks off SINGHs 2016 with a
presentation on contemporary events in an
historical context. The program begins at
6:30 p.m. with refreshments. More details
at sinhg.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
Unveiling McLeod Plantation Historic
Site: Messages in the Architecture
Explore what the architecture of McLeod
Plantation reveals about people who
lived here and how the buildings were

maintained and repurposed leading

to their eventual preservation. 10:30
- 11:45 a.m., McLeod Plantation
Historic Site. $24, 843-795-4386, www.
CharlestonCountyParks.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Quentin Baxter Presents Chantale
Gagn Quartet
Featuring Steve Wilson on Saxophones
and Flute, at 7:30 p.m. Turtle Point
Clubhouse. Tickets $20 available now
at www.baxtermusic.com or by calling
843.766.8814. Sponsored by the Town of
Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events
Council.
2016 Democratic Primary Debate
9 p.m. Sponsored by The Congressional
Black Caucus Institute, this event will be
held at the Charleston Gaillard Center, 95
Calhoun Street. Contact the CBC Institute
for tickets and information (202) 7853634, info@cbcinstitute.org

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19
Seabrook Artist Guild Meeting
Seabrook Island Artist Guilds monthly
meeting features Artist Mark Horton and
begins at 3 p.m. at the Live Oak Room,
Lakehouse. To register for the class,
contact Walter Czander at 768-9086 or
e-mail him ccczander@bellsouth.net.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21
Abstract Art Class
Colleen Wiessmann presents this class
from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Eagles Nest Room,
Lake House. To register for the class,
contact Walter Czander at 768-9086 or
e-mail him ccczander@bellsouth.net.
Seabrook Island Photography Club
6:30 p.m. Lake House Live Oak Hall,
open to all Seabrook Island residents and
guests.
Respite Care Charleston meeting
10 a.m. in Walton Hall at St. Johns Parish
Church. This kick-off meeting will include
lunch provided by Harvest Health &
Rehab of Johns Island. If you are interested
in attending, or have questions about any
of Respite Care Charlestons programs,
contact Jennifer Hartig at 843-408-5243
or jennifer@respitecarecharleston.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22
Liquid Pleasure Supershow
7:30 p.m., East Beach Conf. Center.
Ticket Release: Kiawah 1/5 Public 1/8.
Complimentary Tickets Available at
Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online
at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island
Arts and Cultural Events Council.
Wells Gallery Juried Art Show

Opening Reception
5-7 p.m., featuring works from local
artists, many from Seabrook and Kiawah.
Works will be on display January 22
through 31. For more information call
(843) 576-1290. The Wells Gallery is
located at 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive
Kiawah, SC 29455.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
Arturo Sandoval, Diane Shuur and the
Charleston Jazz Orchestra
7;30 p.m. The Galliard Center welcomes
the blazing, technically flawless trumpeter
from Cuba, Arturo Sandoval who has
been dazzling audiences all over the world.
Opening the show will be 2 time Grammy
award winner, Diane Schuur performing with
the Charleston Jazz Orchestra led by Charlton
Singleton, recently named Artist in Residence
by the Gaillard. Buy tickets online at www.
gaillardcenter.com/buy-tickets. Performance
begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard
Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC.
A Year With Frog and Toad
The Tony-nominated Broadway musical
written just for kids, comes to The Dock
Street theatre Jan. 23 and 24. Tickets at
www.charlestonstage.com.
Bohicket Marina Oyster Roast
12 to 4 p.m. Advance tickets at various
merchants at Bohicket for $25, or $30 at
the event. Price includes beer and all the

January 31
oysters you can eat. Bring your shucking
knife and glove.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25
Free concert
Charleston Music Club presents the
Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra
conducted by Jack Kleghorn in a free
concert featuring music by Beethoven,
Humperdinck, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky
at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel at Franke at
Seaside, 1885 Rifle Range Rd. followed by
refreshments. Call 442.4835 for additional
information.

of the Southeast Implementation Team for

the Recovery of the Northern Right Whale
from 1994-2008. Register you attendance
for this free program online at www.
kiawahconservancy.org, call 843-768-2029
or email beverly@kiawahconservancy.org.
Colorist Workshop
Laurie Meyer leads this two day workshop
at the Oyster Catcher Pavilion, 2241
Oyster Catcher Court, Seabrook Island.
The workshop cost will be $200 for art
guild members and $250 for non-members.
Contact Bob LeFevre at (843) 768-3284 or
e-mail him rodory@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

Conservation Matters: Dolphins and

Right Whales
3 p.m., The Sandcastle, Kiawah Island. Join
the Kiawah Conservancy and Sandcastle
for another great Conservation Matters
education program. Come learn about
dolphins and right whales from Wayne
McFee, research wildlife biologist at the
NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental
Health and Bimolecular Research. McFee
has been the principal investigator for the
Coastal Marine Stranding Assessments
Program since 1993. He conducts research
on stranding demographic, causes of
mortality, age and growth, reproduction,
skeletal pathology and fisheries interaction of
commonly stranded marine mammal species
in South Carolina. He was also a member

Art Film #2 - Life is Beautiful

3 p.m. Sandcastle. No Tickets Required.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island
Arts and Cultural Events Council.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31
Washington Sax Quartet with
Charleston Southern University Sax
Quartet
4 p.m. Church of Our Saviour. Ticket
Release: Kiawah 1/12 Public 1/15.
Complimentary Tickets available at
Kiawah Town Hall 843.768.9166 or online
at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents.
Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island
Arts and Cultural Events Council.

10

wildlife

Volunteer! Educate! Donate!

L O G G E R H E A D S Y M P O S I U M F E AT U R E S L O C A L
AUTHOR MARY ALICE MONROE

Finally out of the nest.

January 15, 2016

he partitions were down at Kiawahs Sandcastle

making all three rooms on the second floor
available to a throng of attendees at the 40
Years of Protecting Loggerhead Turtles symposium last
November. Although seating was still available, you
would hardly know it as people crowded in front of the
raised dais, which backed up to windows and an ocean
view. Sponsored by the Kiawah Island Community
Association's Our World group and Kiawah Conservancy,
the event exceeded months of hype.
Kiawah resident Jack Kotz emceed the event with
his unusual flare for jovial pomp, weaving attendees
into the event without diluting its import. The resulting
hubbub of enthusiastic conversation came to an abrupt
end after a compelling reading of The Loggerheads by
author Maggie Shien. Her poem and demeanor imposed
a palpable reverence in all three rooms. The serious tenor
was the perfect segue to the symposiums next vignette, a
trip into the past.
Efforts to protect sea turtles on Kiawah Island are

BY GREGG BRAGG & KELLY BRAGG

For The Island Connection

PHOTO BY KELLY BRAGG

thought to have started as early as 1973. Graduate

students from the University of South Carolina produced
a film of their efforts on Kiawah Island. The grainy,
black and white movie had yellowed with age but was
otherwise intact and conveyed an admirable purity of
purpose. The film detailed the students efforts to study
and safeguard sea turtles on Kiawah. From building a
hatchery for the eggs to documenting the procedures
they followed for protecting the turtles the video truly
brought the volunteer effort into focus.
A lively panel discussion began with John Mark
Dean, distinguished professor emeritus, Marine Science
Program, University of South Carolina; Gene Furchgott,
producer of the 1974 loggerhead turtle video; and Pastor
Rhett Talbert Jr., researcher and narrator in the 1974
video. They discussed their early turtle protection efforts
and shared anecdotes about making the video. One of
the funniest stories about the film was how it almost did
not happen.
Starting with only a shoestring budget, they completed

filming and obtained permission to use the video editing

room and equipment at USC. When they arrived to do
so, however, the room was locked. Not knowing what to
do, they left the package containing the only copy of the
film outside the door to the editing room. There it was
found by diligent janitorial staff. Unbeknownst to the
videographers, anything left in the hallways was removed
each morning, which is precisely what happened. Calling
to check on the package, the students were informed of
the policy and told the trash had already been taken away.
The panic stricken students went immediately to
the city dump, where they proceeded to rifle through
mountains of trash, searching desperately for the
film. Unbelievably, they found it, nestled safely in its
protective canister. The film was subsequently edited,
viewed and placed in the South Carolina archives. There
it remained for decades, until it was unearthed yet again
to be shared with the audience at the turtle symposium.
It also fathered the notion that an updated version was
warranted.
Cynthia P. Neal, who produced the Legacy of Kiawah
videos for the Kiawah Conservancy, filmed a second
video on Kiawah during the nesting and hatching season
of 2015. The video depicted a loggerhead digging a nest,
laying her eggs and heading back to sea. It also captured
much of the flora and fauna that makes Kiawah so
magical not just for sea turtles, but for humans as well.
The updated effort is available online at www.youtube.
com/watch?v=SKqVZqEldfo&feature=youtu.be.
Local luminary Mary Alice Monroe, best-selling
author of 20 books and dedicated turtle defender, shared
her Confessions of a Turtle Lady, enlightening the
audience about her personal experiences during turtle
patrol on the Isle of Palms, where she lives. Audience
members sat enrapt during her description of guarding
a nest, then laughed along with her as she described the
trials and tribulations of getting up at Odark thirty to
watch over nests and shield hatchlings on their journey
to the Atlantic. Monroe closed the first of her two her
presentations with the call to action: Volunteer! Educate!
Donate!
Kevin Mills, President and CEO of the South Carolina
Aquarium, also contributed to the symposiums success.
He shared some specifics about the expansion of the
aquariums Sea Turtle Hospital. Mills employed a slide
show to demonstrate the floor plan of the new hospital,
described some of the new features, and revealed flashy
new technology that will be available to hospital visitors.
Can you imagine being able to help triage a sea turtle?
Aquarium visitors will have the opportunity to do just

January 15, 2016

11

wildlife

Mary Alice Monroe with two attendees of

the symposium. Photo by Kelly Thorvalson.

that in the new hospital. There will be a

section with one-way glass dedicated to
current patients. The special glass will
reduce the stress on the turtles, while still
allowing visitors to get an up close and
personal view of them.
Following, Monroe read from her book
The Beach House, the birthplace of her
interest in loggerheads. Reading in a voice
every author hopes readers hear when they
read, participants were awed to silence for
the second time. But it still wasnt enough.
The three hours of panel discussion,
two videos and questions were over far too
quickly. Thankfully, Monroe indulged
questions from The Island Connection
after the event.
IC: What is you favorite part of turtle
patrol?
MAM: I've been on the turtle team
since 1999, and I've formed friendships
with my colleagues that will last a lifetime.
We've walked many miles together,
sat like midwives by many nests, in the
dark, waiting for our babies to hatch.
We are bonded by our shared love of the
loggerheads and the years of experiences.
IC: How many events, similar to the
symposium, do you participate in?
MAM: I give of my time as often as
I can during the year, often through
my work with the SC Aquarium as a
board member and supporter of the
SC Sea Turtle Hospital. Periodically,
environmentally-focused groups will
invite me to participate in their events.
I've written about several different
species and have volunteered with several
organizations supporting them. But the
turtle symposium was a rare treat for
several reasons. It's not often that an event

can bring together so many people with a

historic commitment to the loggerhead sea
turtle. The documentary was profoundly
beautiful and will do much to support the
mission of inspiration and education.
IC: What prompts you to give of your
time so freely?
MAM: I am a former teacher! First,
however, I'm a storyteller. With a heart
for conservation. I always strive to create
a story world inspired by people that I've
worked with, such as the turtle team. My
inspiration for a novel comes from some
aspect of nature. At this point, I am the
student. I study, consult experts, and most
importantly, I volunteer. I draw the themes
for my novel from lessons I've learned from
my work with the animals. Thus, through
theme, setting, plots and characterization I
can create an authentic story world. I allow
the story to inspire my readers. To educate.
I don't proselytize. I believe in the power
of story. Story elicits emotion which in
turn has the power to effect change. I've
seen it happen many times. As for my
inspiring through speaking... I spoke
extemporaneously at the symposium. If
I inspire, it is because my listeners, like
my readers, feel my personal passion.
Sometimes when I speak, I connect with
my audience. I receive an energy from them
as much as they do from me. It's intuitive.
When that happens, we all resonate to the
heart of the message.
IC: How do you make the presentations
feel so intimate and personal?
MAM: I am fortunate to be able
to combine my professional career as
a novelist with my personal passion
for conservation. It's something that
happened organically and began to take
shape on its own, starting with my novel,
The Beach House. The nature element
of my novels gives my work richness
and deeper purpose, which makes book
promotion easier because it's not about
me. Each book is about so much more. It's
the why of my writing.
The why of 40 Years of Protecting
Loggerhead Turtles became even more
apparent after the symposium ended.
Attendees were lucky enough to get up
close and personal with loggerhead,
conservation, both films, the films
creators, and, perhaps, with their own
feelings about protecting loggerheads and
other endangered species. Better still?
That anyone has this resource available
to them, via the web, and can, as stated
so eloquently by Mary Alice Monroe,
Volunteer! Educate! Donate!

arts & events

Respite Care
Charleston can help
your loved ones
BY JENNIFER HARTIG
For The Island Connection

e hope you enjoyed a wonderful

holiday season surrounded by
family and friends. Now that
the hustle and bustle of the season has
ended, you may be reflecting on precious
time spent with loved ones during the
holidays. Often, its during holiday visits
and/or festivities that we begin to notice
subtle changes in our family members
that lead to concern for their physical/
mental well-being. If this is the case, its
important to reach out to professionals
and ask questions, both for your peace of
mind and for your loved ones safety.
You may know that Respite Care
Charleston runs a social day program for
individuals with dementia each Tuesday
and Thursday on Johns Island. In addition,
Respite offers a Caregiver Support Group
on the third Thursday of each month at 10
a.m. at St. Johns Parish Church. This is a
safe, confidential environment where you
can express concern for your loved one
and get answers and support from both

a trained professional and from other

individuals who are in (or have been) in
your shoes.
The first meeting of 2016 will be
held on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. in
Walton Hall at St. Johns Parish Church.
This kick-off meeting will include lunch
provided by Harvest Health & Rehab of
Johns Island.
If you are interested in attending,
or have questions about any of Respite
Care Charlestons programs, please
call 843.408.5243 or email jennifer@
respitecarecharleston.org.

January 15, 2016

volunteer spotlight

Joseph McIntyre

Joseph McIntyre.

BY MARIA GUROVICH
For The Island Connection

Editors 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 jennifer@luckydognews.com.

ur Lady of Mercy Neighborhood

House soup kitchen volunteer,
Joseph McIntyre, was born and
raised in a small village in the Finger
Lakes region in New York State.

in 1952, six of
my high school
friends and I
enlisted in the
Navy to fight in
the Korean War

I went to high school there, and in

1952, six of my high school friends and I
enlisted in the Navy to fight in the Korean
War, McIntyre said. After Boot Camp
and Service School, he was assigned to the
USS Pandemus stationed in Charleston in
1952. On a visit to the USO he met his
future wife, Joan Seabrook. They married
in 1954 and shared life together for 48
years. They had three children, two boys
and a girl. The youngest is now 47 and the
oldest is 60. Joe has three grandchildren
and a 2 year-old great granddaughter.
After the Navy he worked in retail,
however, the job wasnt stable since it was
based on commission. Then, in 1961, he

got a job with EXXON Co. USA (later to

become ExxonMobil), where he worked
until 1992, when he retired as a Terminal
Supervisor. In 1999, Joe found out about
a new program that EXXON offered to
keep retirees involved. For each 20 hours
of volunteer work ExxonMobil awards
$500 to the soup kitchen. Since Joe
became involved in the program the Soup
Kitchen has received $22.000 dollars.
He first became involved with the
Neighborhood House 31 years ago, while
still employed full-time, thanks to his
fellow parishioners from the St. Thomas
Apostle Church, who served meals at the
soup kitchen there. Initially, Anne Owens
was the soup manager, but soon after, the
current manager, Vonceil Mitchell, took
over.
In recent years, The Neighborhood
House has grown and expanded its
services. Joe appreciates all the new
education and outreach programs that are
now offered there. Joe is very involved in
the community, organizations such as the
Exchange Club of North Charleston and
the Knights of Columbus. Additionally,
he serves as the Commissioner on the
North Charleston planning committee.
Joe is also a Eucharistic minister for
the homebound, which he finds very
rewarding.
Joe loves volunteering with the soup
kitchen at the Neighborhood House since
he strongly believes that You dont take
anything except what you do for others.

13

January 15, 2016

arts & events

daily

Laughter is the best

medicine for January blues

Seabrook Island
Photography Club shares
member's holiday memories
BY MARTY CLINE

For The Island Connection

or the month of January, the

Seabrook Island Photography Club
is pleased to share photos of their
favorite Holiday memories.
As they say in the song, Its the Most
Wonderful Time of the Year, there really
is no other time that exudes the feelings
of love, family and blessings quite like the
Holidays.
To commemorate these wonderful

STAFF REPORT

For The Island Connection

iawah Island Golf Resort presents

its comedy weekend Jan. 29
and 30. Featuring two nights of
nonstop laughter with some of the nation's
most acclaimed comedians, the weekend
hosts different lineups with nationally
recognized, clean comedians each night.
The comedians have credits including
shows such as The Late Late Show, Conan
and networks including Comedy Central,
HBO, Showtime, CMT and many more.

Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Jeff Jena, Your Emcee (HBO,

NBC, MTV)
Andy Woodhull (Tonight Show
with Jimmy Fallon, Conan,
Comedy
Central,
CMT,
upcoming Comedy Central Half

Hour Special)
Dan Mengini
Pete Lee (David Letterman,
Last Comic Standing, Comedy
Central, VH1)

Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016

Jeff Jena, Your Emcee (HBO,

NBC, MTV)
Karen Mills (CMT, SiriusXM)
Andrew Norelli (Letterman,
Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson)
Don Friesen (Comedy Central,
Showtime)

For more information call (800)

654-2924 or visit www.kiawahresort.com/
kiawah-comedy-weekend

memories, we are pleased to share with the

residents of Seabrook Island, our personal
photos that depict our vision of what the
Holidays mean to us.
Please join us during the month of
January at the Lake House and view the
Photographer of the Month wall with
its wide array of photos showcasing this
years holiday memories.

14

January 15, 2016

daily

'Keep Shopping Local Y'all!'

J O H N ' S I S L A N D FA R M E R S '
MARKET IS CHARLESTON AREA'S
O N LY Y E A R - R O U N D M A R K E T

ust because all other markets in town

are closed until Spring, doesn't mean
locals must give up their farmers
market pleasures. Homegrown Johns
Island Farmers Market launches into its
third year of consistent full year operation
on Saturday January 9th. Charleston's
only year round market is open every
Saturday rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. at 3546 Maybank Highway, across
from the Johns Island Public Library.
The market started on Saturday,
Jan. 11, 2014 with 20 weekly vendors
and has expanded to an average of 50
local farmers and artisans, delicious
prepared food vendors, and live local
musicians. The goal of the Johns Island
Farmers Market is to be a one-stop shop
to satisfy everything on a shopping list
sourced locally and sustainably while also
educating the community, establishing
connections, and helping to shift lives in a
loving, greener direction.
The year round market is always
accepting new vendors throughout the
area who need a way to distribute goods
and connect with locals. Founders Frasier
Block and Blue Laughters want to spread
the excitement about these offerings,
which provide for local people who believe
in buying what they can from fresh, local
sources. Their vision for the Johns Island
Farmers Market is to not only strengthen
our local economy, but also enrich the
health and lifestyles of countless citizens.
Goods range from organically grown
local produce, freshly baked SC grain
breads & pastries, sweet treats, local
seafood, free range farm eggs, fresh cold
pressed juices, hand crafted cheeses,
locally extracted sea salt, olives & olive oil,
locally roasted coffee, all natural pet food,
and even kombucha brewed from local
ingredients. Other vendors include kosher
honey, organic SC grains (i.e. rice, grits,
peas), pasture raised beef and pork, free
range chicken, local raw dairy products,
hand blended chicken & seafood salads,
pimento cheese, pesto's, jerky varieties,
pickled products, jams & jellies,
handcrafted pastas, heirloom hydroponic
tomatoes, and aquaponic greens. An array
of prepared food is available each week
such as rotating food trucks, kettle corn,
Baguette Magic, Pysars Pantry Crepe

Stand, and the Coffee Cabana to satisfy

any breakfast or lunch cravings.
In addition to food, a wide assortment
of local artisans are participating with
wares and crafts varying from all natural
skin and bath products, handmade
jewelry, knitted items, framed nautical
charts, to therapeutic essential oils and
clothing.
"We are thrilled to support and
encourage hard working farmers, small
businesses, and entrepreneurs," said
Frasier Block. "It's important that you
get to know your local farmer and
entrepreneur in order to strengthen our
local economy, and our market provides
that opportunity to connect with the
community each week."
Education is also a key component to
the overall vision of its founders. "It is
important for us to incorporate interactive
learning practices in an effort to teach
the benefits of making more informed
sustainable lifestyle choices." The Johns
Island Farmers Market is working closely
with area schools to promote the talents
of students in the community throughout
the year. Local non-profit groups such as
Clemson Extension Master Gardeners
and various Horse Rescues are on hand
each week to answer questions, take soil
samples, and give pony rides.
The market features a permanent
bounce house for kids by Bounce Moms,
as well as interactive activities designed
with all ages in mind. Live music is a
weekly staple on the grounds. "We want
this to be a place to spend every Saturday
relaxing in the field, eating good food on
site for breakfast or lunch, listening to live
music, meeting new people, and of course
shopping for the weekly groceries," added
Block. You will get to know your farmer/
artisan while enjoying a fun filled day
with friends, family, and pets (all of which
are welcome).
Free, convenient parking is offered in
an expanded field adjacent to the market,
as well as cozy fire pits to keep patrons
warm in the cooler months.
For more information regarding
Homegrown Johns Island Farmers Market,
please visit www.johnsislandfarmersmarket.
com.

January 15, 2016

15

arts & events

Escape to an exotic island during

the long holiday weekend

ts winter in Charleston, and a long holiday weekend

signaling the perfect opportunity to warm up and
escape to the Island of Madagascar at the South
Carolina Aquarium. Hang with the new red ruffed
lemurs and all of the exotic animals of Madagascar. The
Madagascar Journey experience features a Nile crocodile,
white spotted bamboo sharks, a special childrens play
area and two critically endangered red ruffed lemurs.

BY KATE DITTLOFF

For The Island Connection

While on your journey be sure to check out the special

vacation-themed enrichment that some of the animals
will receive.
The exhibit, located on the Aquariums first floor, takes
guests on an adventure through the island of Madagascars
four different habitats including the Spiny Forest, Tsingy,
Rainforest and Mangrove. Walking into the experience,
guests are greeted by critically endangered red ruffed
lemurs. The lemurs are native only to Madagascar and
are found in the islands rainforests on the northeast end
of the island. Visitors are encouraged to crawl into the
exhibits special pop-up bubble and enjoy an up-close
encounter as Josephine and Aviar jump, play and snack!
Continue into the island of Madagascar meeting a
Nile crocodile, giant boas, green geckos, tropical and
freshwater fish, as well as the colorful panther chameleon.
Along the way children are encouraged to stop at special
passport stations to have their Madagascar Journey
passport stamped, and play in the Mini-gascar play
area. During the adventure keep an eye out for special
vacation-themed animal enrichment. Enrichment is a
key part of animal care at the South Carolina Aquarium
and often involves treats such as food puzzles and toys
that challenge the animals and helps them maintain a
level of activity similar to their natural behavior in the
wild.
After a journey through Madagascar explore the
biodiversity of South Carolinafrom the mountains to
the sea. Get hands-on at the new Shark Shallows exhibit,

where sharks and rays are right at your fingertips! Feed

stingrays in the Aquariums stingray encounter in the
Saltmarsh Aviary exhibit, meet Alabaster, one of only
50 albino alligators in the wild and enjoy more than
10 shows daily. Be sure to include the South Carolina
Aquarium as part of your holiday weekend plans.
For more information visit scaquarium.org or call (843)
577-FISH (3474).