The Island Connection March 11, 2016

8/19/2019 The Island Connection March 11, 2016

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P RE S ORT S T A NDA RD

U S P O S T A GE P A I D

C HA RL E S T O N S C

P E RMI T N O 4 3 7

P O S T A L P A T R O N

Kiawah's Contributions

Page 6

ume 9 Issue 24 March 11, 2016FREE

SINCE MAY 2007

David Holt & More

Page 10The ARK Awareness

Page 12

TOKI Audit continues on page 5

Chili, children and celebrity judgesB A C K PA C K B U D D I E S C H I L I C O O K O F FR E T U R N S M A R C H 1 9

Rucker,

Gunnellsreceived

$81,400 morein excess pay,report finds

BY GREGG BRAGGThe Island Connection Staff Writer

he second annual Bohicket Backpack Buddies Chili CookOff comes to town Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 1-4p.m. Te event, which is the brainchild of odd Gerhart,

r of Te Ice Cream Boat, raised over $15,000 last year for theen of Frierson, Angel Oak and Mount Zion elementaries,

Haut Gap middle school.is year, with the need for supplemental food growing at the

ls on Johns and Wadmalaw islands, Gerhart is hoping to$28,000.Te need has grown, there are now 370 children getting a

ack, there’s also a food pantry at St. Johns High School,kids can go and get food if they need it. So this money isinto that too,” Gerhart said.e Backpack Buddies program provides healthy food foren to take home from school on Fridays, to ensure theydequate nutrition over the weekend. It costs $195 a year to

fund a child to receive a backpack of food, Gerhart and his wifesponsor the Chili Cook Off so 100 percent of all money raised

will go directly to the program.Te event itself features 40 teams, each cooking up their best

chili. Celebrity judges from 1055 Te Bridge will decide on the winning batch and there will be prizes for the People’s Choiceaward and the Best Decorated Booth as well. Mike Gorski of

Island ransportation service, donated all the prizes for the those winners.Local businesses participating include Ace Hardware, Urban

Nirvana, Lokal Restaurant, St. Johns FD, GDC Home Goods.Red’s Ice House will set up a bar and a 6 piece band provides liveentertainment.

Purchase your tickets in advance at the Ice Cream Boat inBohicket Marina, 7.30 a.m. to - 7:30 p.m., 7 days a week, or callTodd Gerhart at 248.719.0076.

BY JENNIFER TUOHYThe Island Connection Editor

PHOTO BY TERESA ZACHRY HILL

er Heath, owner of The Beach Dog, Mike Gorski, owner of Island Transportation and Todd Gerhart, owner of The Ice Cream

have teamed up to host the second annual Bohicket Backpack Buddies Chili Cook Off.

he own of Kiawah Island helda special meeting March 4, 2016to present the findings of the

second financial audit of the town’sfinances, following allegations of financialimproprieties against its former treasurerand administrator. Te meeting began inshort order with Mayor Lipuma setting thestage.

“As you are aware, last year the townconducted a forensic audit of its financialrecords. Tat audit concluded thattwo former town employees—umikoRucker and Kenneth Gunnells—werepaid compensation over and above theirauthorized salaries during the period 2013

through 2015 [totalling $125,000]. It wasalso found that the town’s payroll system and

W-2 tax documents were manipulated in aneffort to cover up those excess payments.

“Given the span of time and magnitudeof the town’s financial loss in 2013 through2015, town council instructed the sameforensic accountant to conduct a secondreview focused on payroll records for thetwo prior years—2011 and 2012. Tissecond review was restricted only to thoseyears because payroll records before 2011are not deemed to be sufficiently available inorder to draw reliable conclusions.”

Te summarized findings include:1. More salary overpayments occurred

between 2011 and 2012;2. Further manipulation of the town’s

payroll system and certain W-2 taxdocuments occurred;

3. Te reports identified an additional$81,400 in excess payments to


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The IslandConnection

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Gregg Bragg

Contributors

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Civic CalendarK IAWAH ISLAND T OWN H ALL21 Beachwalker Drive

Kiawah Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9166Fax: 768-4764

SEABROOK ISLAND T OWN H ALL2001 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455Phone: 768-9121Fax: 768-9830Email: [email protected]

JOHNS ISLAND COUNCILMeetings are held at the Berkeley ElectricCo-op located at 3351 Maybank Hwy, JohnsIsland.

Chairman Chris Cannon: 343-5113

CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL4045 Bridge View Dr, N. Charleston958-4700

CITY OF CHARLESTON75 Calhoun St.724-3745

March 11, 2016

Town ofSeabrook

Ways & MeansMarch 15, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Town CouncilMarch 22, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Planning CommissionRegular Meeting

April 6, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Ways & Means April 19, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

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

Planning CommissionRegular MeetingMay 4, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Ways & MeansMay 17, 2:30 p.m.Seabrook own Hall

Town of KiawahBoard of Zoning and

AppealsMarch 21, 4:00 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Ways & MeansMarch 22, 2:00 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Town CouncilMeeting

April 5, 2 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Planning CommissionMeeting

April 6, 3:00 p.m.Kiawah own Hall

Arts & CulturalEvents CouncilMeeting


CommunicationsCommittee Meeting

April 12, 3:00 p.m.

Kiawah own Hall

Public SafetyCommittee Meeting


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Kiawah Town Council meetingMarch 2016

T OWN AGR EES T O SEL L TOWN H AL L F OR $ 1 . 5 7 5

M I L L I O N , B U D G E T S $ 9 . 2 5 M I L L I O N F O R N E W B U I L D I N G


he gavel tapped for order at exactly2 p.m. to start the March 1meeting of Kiawah’s town council.

Tere were two sets of meeting minutes.Ratification of the first was deferred

while the second set was approved withchanges opening the door to the firstround citizens’ comments. Tis month’sinstallment came with the new feature ofbeing limited to discussion of items on theagenda. Wendy Kulick was first to test the

water.

Kulick had a slew of questions forcouncil, including those pertaining tooverpayment of town employees (seestory on page 1). “Previously, the ownhas reported that one employee who wasoverpaid has not yet signed an agreementto repay monies which were not earned.Has that agreement been signed and hasthat employee begun repaying the own?If the answer to this question is no, how isthis anything other than insubordination?

And if it is insubordination, why hasthis employee not been disciplined, upto and including termination?” Councilresponded saying that an agreement wasstill being worked on.

“In the past, questions have been raised whether Mr. Rhoad has been overpaid asthe own’s Attorney,” Kulick said. “If so,how much was the overpayment? Has allor part of it been repaid by Mr. Rhoad, ashe announced he would do if that turnedout to be the case?” Council respondedthat Dennis Rhoad has repaid the townthe $26,000 he owed.

Kulick would conclude her time at thepodium by requesting some land [at thenew municipal site] for “a” farmer.

Fred Peterson, Kiawah resident and

chair of the town’s Planning Commission, was next with a couple of questions. He was concerned with the speed limitcoming off the traffic circle. Te entranceto the new municipal center is very close to

where the circle enters Betsy Kerrison Rd.and “was an accident waiting to happen.”Councilmember Labriola assured himthe issue was known and solutions wereunder review. Peterson also questionedthe wisdom of driving under the largetree located on the property saying he had

never been accused of being a tree hugger.Representatives of architectural firmLS3P explained away the issue, saying thedriveway and parking lot carefully skirtedthe tree’s “drip line.”

SAFEbuilt Regional Manager Roni Abdella made the final contribution tocitizen’s comments. SAFEbuilt had drawnunfriendly fire during the town’s Januaryretreat and a vote to continue the contract

was on the agenda. Te company has beenproviding building inspection services as

well as post disaster assessments of theisland’s infrastructure for some time.

Abdella argued SAFEbuilt prices werefair, consistent with the profit margins

of any other vendor and therefore, theircontract should be extended.New BusinessOrdinance 2016-02, a measure to

rezone the site of the new municipalcomplex and facilitate development of theplot was given a first reading. Materialsalso included a letter from Kiawah IslandCommunity Association chair DaveSchoenholz, making an official offer of$1.575 million on the existing town hall.

Councilmember Labriola providedsome details of the negotiations, starting

with the comment that the town hadreceived appraisals as high as $3.4 million.Te value of appraisals reflected leaseincome from KICA however, and whenthe lease amount was removed, KICA’soffer was more compelling. Enhancingthe offer is the consideration of KICA’ssolvency. KICA has the money on handand therefore is not obliged to solicitthe approval of its membership, addingto the certainty of the deal. AlthoughKICA’s final offer was $25,000 less than

a previously rejected offer, the motionto accept the $1.575 million figure wasunanimous.

Te municipal center was the next itemof new business. Quite a bit of wranglingand debate resulted in general agreementon a cap of $9.25 million for the project(including furniture etc.). Dates ofexecution are still to be negotiated so thetown doesn’t find itself homeless for anyperiod of time. Te motion passed in a 4-1vote with councilmember Weaver votingagainst the measure. Te accompanyingmotion to proceed in selecting a generalcontractor, however, passed unanimously.

New business concluded with a

unanimous vote to renew the contract withTe Greenery (landscape maintenance)however, the contract with SAFEbuilt

was not. Stephanie illerson made thestaff recommendation that the town had,and/or could get the expertise to conductinspections in-house, rendering theagreement with SAFEbuilt unnecessary.Te contract will end on June 30.

Committee ReportsCommittee reports of particular

note included councilmember Weaver’scomments on the St. Johns Fire District.


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Tide Chart

Date High Tide Low Tide

Hurricanes, storms, etc., are NOT included in the predictions.Tidal current direction changes and tide time predictions can bevery different. Tide predictions are PREDICTIONS; they can bewrong so use common sense.

Mar 11

Mar 12

Mar 13

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Mar 15

Mar 16

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Source: saltwatertides.com

9:53am/10:11pm

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t meetings of SJFD revealed the needreview of capital assets. Te reviewed in the decision to replace manyeir fire stations including stationsand six (the Kiawah locations).er was all about the upgrades, sayingded facilities would allow for anonal person on each apparatus,will benefit Kiawah residents.

tizens’ Comments

awah resident Diane Lehder led off

cond round of citizens’ comments.aid some time ago, the town startedg employees an added “commutingance” because of high gas prices.r wanted to know if the additional

ance was still being paid. Lehderwanted to know if the town knewing about survey-like flags on the

down to the water just east ofwalker Park. “Do you have any idealaced them or what they are for?”nnis McGill was next and remindedil he had sent them a number ofand was perplexed they had not

been read into the record as part of the“correspondence” section of the agendas.He went on to say the description thetown used to describe executive sessions was too vague and not consistent with caselaw regarding the matter. He also recalledthe town hiring two communicationsconsultants. Paying them should haverequired a vote of council he never witnessed. He wanted to know if and howthey had been paid, since no votes were

taken on the matter. Wendy Kulick opened her commentsby praising councilmember Labriola, whochairs the municipal center committee.Kulick applauded its open nature andagain expressed her hope it would becomea model for all of the town’s activities.

Council went into executive session.Tey returned without “taking any votesor making any decisions that wouldbind the town to a course of action.” Temeeting would then adjourn.


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March 11, 2016

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Seabrook Island Town Council February2016 meeting report


abrook Island’s own Councilot an early start which provedneventful. Tere was a public

ng scheduled on four ordinancesfor a second reading during the

ng meeting, though it was hard toom participation. Each ordinanceed a parcel of land to be protecteddevelopment and preserved as

nspace.” Tere was little oppositionserving open space and the lack of

e cleared the way for an on-timeo proceedings.ayor Ron Ciancio began theng promptly with mixed news oncials. January revenues had fallenof projections by $18,000, the resu ltlag in anticipated business licenseations. However, the scent of rosesermeated, as the town had also spent00 less than projected for a net gaine month.e Seabrook Island Utility also had anal report. Scheduled meter readingsced a gap in revenue much like thes account. Te timing meant SIUred to have come short of revenuetions by $16,000. Jeff Bostock

nued with more upbeat evidence theity was of no concern. SIU sold 3

million gallons more in January thanit purchased, and 5 inches of rain, theprevious month, meant no water had beenpumped to support irrigation. Bostockassured the town that the fluctuation

would vaporize with the next round ofmeter readings.

Councilmember Gregg said the club’slong range planning committee hadnot met in January. More informationfrom the group will be available, hesaid, when results of a Seabrook IslandProperty Owners Association survey wascompleted and digested. Te Public SafetyCommittee however, did meet in January.

Te committee has embraced a

plan which fell out of an emergencypreparedness drill from last June and wasaugmented by a follow up exercise this past

January. Te Seabrook Island CommunityEmergency Response eam (captainedby John Reynolds) has instituted andpromoted the notion of “block captains.”Te idea is for SICER members to gatherand report on conditions in their assignedareas. Te plan has several components;1. Collect information on conditions ineach area, 2. Identify and assist residentsin need 3. Establish a triage center todisseminate information to both full time

and remote residents.Councilmember John urner gave hisreport on the communications committee.He had attended a seminar sponsored byCharleston County titled “Sea Level RiseStrategy Report.” Te very long reportincluded recommendations he felt couldbe brought to bear on Seabrook’s ownbeach management plan and will be madeavailable at town hall. urner also saidSIPOA is planning a debate on offshoredrilling, currently scheduled for April 20.Representatives from the Bureau of OceanEnergy Management, Charleston CountyCouncil and College of Charleston willbe there, as well as the Energy Alliance,a pro drilling group. urner concludedby saying he hopes to be able to includeKiawah residents in the event.

Councilmember John Wells reportedon special projects beginning with thedrainage system from town hall to thetraffic circle. Examination of stormdrains revealed 50 percent blockage andof the six flood control valves in thesystem, five were shot and one is missingentirely. Wells recommended professionalhelp and made a motion to fund hiringan engineering firm to rectify systemdegradation. Complicating matters is theneed for surveys, determining easements,the interplay of the bike path and actuallyfixing the drains. Wells’ motion tosolicit six to eight bids for repairs, wasunanimously approved before he turnedto the subject of how SIC will apply

Accommodations ax monies. Wells echoed support for several local

advertising projects; $16,500 for Kick itat Bohicket, $5,000 for Te Alan FlemingSenior ennis ournament and $3,500for the Billfish ournament. Te mayorchimed in to say the recommendedamounts had been addressed in thebudget and agreement to proceed withthe planned sponsorships was approved.Tings took a turn to the lighter side, as

Wells stepped on some toes.Councilmember John urner was

absent last month, “with permission”added Wells to chuckles, for a scheduledtour of Seabrook’s Piping Plover habitat

by the Department of Natural Resources. Accompanying DNR would normallyhave fallen to urner, who confirmed hedid have “permission” (more laughter)to miss the tour and appreciated Wellsstepping up. Wells enjoyed the exercisebut was surprised by the plover’s disdainfor their assigned area. Te chubbylittle birds with a black neck ring and“uni-brow” seemed to prefer feeding

where the food was at the changing tides.“Te birds can’t read the signs so we haveto practice avoidance, and get the wordout,” concluded Wells.

Councilmember Skip Crane took thereins to announce a strategic planningsession has been scheduled for March29 at Camp St. Christopher. He laudedpraise on the facility and their assistance

with the event. “We can’t have toomany ideas,” said Crane, in an effort toencourage resident participation.

Mayor Ciancio said efforts were beingexamined to consolidate Seabrook’sadvertising. Many of the several entitieson the island with advertising budgetshave gone their own way in the past. Tequestion of improving the effect of suchefforts through combining and sharpeningtheir focus, is being considered. Te mayor’sfinal topic was a solicitation for input fromcouncil and the community on fishing.

Last summer, SIC passed anordinance which forbids “chumming”

within 200 yards of the beach. Fishingfrom the beach is still an issue, however,and the mayor is interested in striking abetter balance between the interests ofanglers and swimmers.

Te four ordinances conveying landto Seabrook’s Greenspace Conservancy(mentioned above) passed unanimously

without a hitch or debate and were hailedas being in the best interests of the town.

Te only “Citizens Comment” camefrom Cherie Squire. She wanted to validatemedia reports Seabrook would participatein funding a Johns Island roads study tobe headed by former SC House SpeakerBobby Harrell. “No,” said the mayor. Temeeting would ended there in a recordtying 37 minutes.


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KI Audit continues from cover

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Golf Carts

he island’s democrats turned out fornominee Hillary Clinton duringthe Feb. 27 2016 presidential

primary. While Clinton took the stateas whole by over 75 percent, Kiawahhanded her an 83 percent victory. Over onSeabrook, contender Bernie Sanders hada slightly stronger showing, but Clintonstill won with just under 70 percent.

Kiawah Island

Hillary Clinton (DEM) 83.22% 119 Martin O'Malley (DEM) 0.00% 0Bernie Sanders (DEM) 16.78% 24Willie Wilson (DEM) 0.00% 0otal 143

Town of Seabrook

Hillary Clinton (DEM) 69.92% 165 Martin O'Malley (DEM) 0.42% 1Bernie Sanders (DEM) 29.66% 70Willie Wilson (DEM) 0.00% 0otal 236

Islands pickClinton in

Democratic

PrimarySTAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection

former employees Rucker andGunnells. Excess payments toRucker of $23,222 in 2011 and$33,449 in 2012. Excess paymentsto Gunnells were $11,753 in 2011and $12,976 in 2012.Te aggregate overpayment toboth employees reported brings thetotal for Rucker and Gunnells to

$206,425.Tis follow-up audit also found thatsalary overpayments to three currentsalaried employees [and one hourlyemployee] also predated 2013 andoccurred in both 2011 and 2012.

want to again express my regret thatown experienced these improprietieso employees who were in positionsnsiderable trust and responsibility,”

ma said. “I want to emphasize that weaken action and will continue to dorecover as much of the lost funds asle.”e mayor then cited a number oftive actions the town has taken to

nt this occurring again. Te town hased its auditor, created a new auditmittee, changed its payroll system

placed Rucker and Gunnells. Mayorma also said this information will beble to appropriate law enforcementding US Attorney Rhett DeHart,al agent Bob Derr of the FBI and Joealde of SLED). Lipuma added thatcriminal action resulting from thesegs is solely at the discretion of federal

nforcement. Te town is not privy toconsiderations or the status of anygation.”e mayor continued his account by

the town is actively working with

hree additional employees to extendrepayment agreements to cover 2011012, and is working with the fourthyee for overpayments found fromo 2015.

Te own believes these employeesvictims of fraudulent supervisors,”ayor said before opening the floor toons.e first question came from Kiawahnt Dennis McGill.

What was the overpayments to [Jim]n, [Rusty] Lamaeo and [Aaron]?” McGill askede Mayor responded saying “Jordanmost $40,000, Given was $22,000,

o was almost $33,000 ... for all of the

ana Mezzanotte asked if there were

any losses associated with credit cards orevidence of contracts which benefitted thetwo former employees. Lipuma respondedsaying “all contracts were pretty sound."

Wendy Kulick asked if the $26,000overpayment to the town’s attorney wasincluded in $81,400. “No, that overpaymenthad nothing to do with this situation,”Lipuma said

Dave Power asked if the town hasembezzlement insurance. Lipuma said

the town has insurance to a maximumof $50,000 per event, and the insurancecompany considered 2011 to 2015 a singleevent. Te town was allowed almost$40,000 against the policy. Te town’sattorney added that an additional claim for$5,500 has been filed, which he believes thetown has a pretty good chance of collecting.

Wendy Kulick spoke up to say sheremembered Lipuma previously sayingthe town had $100,000 insurance, not$50,000. Lipuma said the town hadthought it could claim one amount for

what Rucker took and one claim forGunnells, but the insurance company sawthis as a single event, limiting the amount

of the claim.Dennis McGill asked if the townintended to amend repayment agreementsfor the three salaried employees, and wouldrepayment include interest? Lipuma said thetown would extend the period to repay byone year. McGill followed up to ask if thoseagreements would be presented for approvalto council at a public meeting, but Lipumadidn't think that was necessary.

Russ Crane noted the mayor’s use of theterm "victims" was curious. He asked ifthe town had received legal advice on that,and if the town is comfortable this kindof behavior would not result in firing, ifrepeated in the future.

“I can’t predict what future councils will do. Tis system was so dysfunctional... maybe ‘victims’ is not the correct term.

When you expect to be paid the first of themonth and don't get paid until the 15th or20th ... when people breach the trust [ofcouncil],” said the mayor.

Diana Mezzanote asked if the fouradditional, overpaid staff members hadreceived correct W-2s. Lipuma respondedthey had [received accurate W-2s].

Kulick followed up on Crane’s commentsasking, “How could salaried employees nothave known they were being overpaid?”Lipuma referred again to the dysfunctionalsystem and attributed problems to a lack of

management by Rucker and Gunnells thecouncil had trusted them to achieve.Fred Peterson said he was really distressed

by all of this.“We have a local solicitor. Why hasn't

this been turned over to her?” he asked.“Every few weeks we read of some schoolsecretary being arrested for stealing a fewthousand dollars. Why isn't Scarlett Wilson[of the 9th circuit court] involved?”

Lipuma said there were IRS issues whichplaced this in the federal realm.

“Tat's why we are trying to get somemore information to them [legal entities],”

Lipuma said. “If we were to do it over again, we would have gone to the solicitor.”

Councilmember John Wilson added thatSLED was involved. Councilmember Craig

Weaver said council was “equally perplexed” why nothing had been done.

“Your constituents would like to seesomething that makes them understandthat you feel this way.” Peterson rejoined.

Art Zackrison asked if anything wasbeing done to recover money from Ruckerand Gunnells. Te town’s attorney saidattempts were being made. Lipuma said he

was led to believe US Attorney DeHart hadasked if the town was interested in repaymentof money or the full penalty under the law

and was told “all of the above.”Russ Crane asked what the town

would do if no agreement were reached innegotiations with four overpaid employeesas the final question of the day. Lipumaresponded saying he “Wasn’t going tospeculate,” adding that the town is in theprocess of reaching an agreement with [thehourly employee]. “When it happens, ithappens,” said the mayor before adjourningthe meeting a little over 30 minutes after ithad begun.


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March 11, 2016

Town of Kiawah’s charitablecontributions announced

STAFF REPORTFor The Island Connection

very year the own of Kiawah donates to worthy organizations through itscharitable contribution application process. Applications are reviewed by theWays and Means committee and amounts are recommended to own Council,

who approved this year’s contributions at its February meeting.Many of the benefiting charities focus on helping Kiawah’s neighbors on Johns

and Wadmalaw islands. For example, Te Gibbes Museum of Art received $20,000in funding to support the Gibbes Art Access program for itle I students. Tis grant

will a llow 645 PreK to 12th grade students from Johns Island and Wadmalaw schoolsto take part in museum-educator led tours at the Gibbes, which reopens May 28 afternearly two years of extensive renovations.

2016 Charitable Contributions

• Kiawah Women's Foundation $7,000• Sweetgrass Garden Co-op. Inc. $1,000• Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island $1,500• Lowcountry Food Bank $5,000• Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, Inc. $20,000• eacher's Supply Closet $10,000

• Charleston Symphony Orchestra $30,000• Full Faith Ministries $7,500• Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. $20,000• Engaging Creative Minds $10,000• Sea Island Habitat for Humanity $12,000• Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation $1,000• South Carolina Aquarium $5,000• Catesby Commemorative rust, Inc. $2,500• Respite Care Charleston $2,500• Gibbes Museum of Art $20,000• Kiawah Island Conservancy $45,000

en enjoy the Gibbers Art Access program, which has beneted from a Kiawah

ion of $20,000.


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Seabrook Island announces continuedpositive financials for 2015

he Seabrook Island Club andSeabrook Island Property Owners Association held its annual

ngs Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at theIsland House with approximatelypeople in attendance. Both

izations reported positive financialfor 2015.

abrook Island Club

e Club reasurer reported the fifthht year of beating budget, whileng funding targets for the reservewith a reserve fund balance at the endyear of over $3 million. Te SeabrookReal Estate Company reported the

straight year of increased property

nce the “Great Recession,” with 2015the best year since 2006, realizing arcent increase in sales volume overTe Club General Manager andOperating Officer reported on

ments for the future including: golfmaster plan renovation of drivingIsland House renovations, and

Club oceanfront grill installation.POA

POA held its 29th Annual Meetingeported that the Association is inent financial condition. DuringSIPOA undertook several initiativesignificantly reduced expenditures,has made it possible to fund a

t capital investment program inOutgoing SIPOA Board Presidentk Fox reported that:

Te relocation of Captain Sam’s inletthis year already has achieved

positive impacts. Te 2015 beachrenourishment has already increased thecritical habitat area for threatened speciesand started the process of dune creationand restoration. Te successful relocationproject also was instrumental in limitingthe beach erosion that occurred duringthe October flooding associated with theheavy rain and astronomical tides.”

Incoming SIPOA Board President Janet Gorski announced that “In 2016,SIPOA will continue to build upon itssuccesses in governance, volunteerism,fiduciary responsibility, and environmentalstewardship, and will continue to build onits collaborative strategic interests with the

own and Club, as well as on responding tothe rapid changes in technology to enhanceproperty owners’ ability to communicateand access desired information.”

Both organizations recognizedoutgoing board members and introducednew board members. During the interludebetween the meetings, a video waspresented that highlighted 2015 resultsand key events on Seabrook Island.Te video can be seen on either www.discoverseabrook.com or www.sipoa.org.

Seabrook Island Attributes

Te Club and SIPOA highlightedsuccesses in governance, volunteerism,fiduciary responsibility, and

environmental stewardship that togetherenhance the lives of residents at andvisitors to Seabrook Island’s beautifuloceanfront community.

In respect to governance, Seabrook

Island is one of only a handful ofcommunities on the East Coast thatgoverns its own affairs through propertyowner volunteers for SIPOA, the ownof Seabrook Island, and the Club. Teseentities work collaboratively on strategyand to support paid management toachieve strategic objectives.

Seabrook Island property owners alsovolunteer substantial time and financialresources to improving quality of life on

Johns Island and in the greater Charlestoncommunity by creating, managing, andparticipating in a variety of philanthropicendeavors, most notably, Barrier IslandFree Medical Clinic, Sea Islands Habitat

for Humanity (including it’s WomenBuildprogram), Backpack Buddies, NextSteps,Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club, Our Ladyof Mercy programs, Respite Care, and theSeabrook Island Greenspace Conservancy.

In addition to philanthropic endeavors,property owner volunteers create, design,and manage informative and recreationalactivities and forums that enhancequality of life at Seabrook Island forproperty owners and visitors. Over 150Seabrook Island volunteers participatedin the record 2015 urtle Season with 75oceanfront turtle nests producing 6,095hatchlings. Perhaps the fastest growingnew volunteer endeavor in 2015 has beenthe daily electronic post of activities ofinterest to Seabrookers, the idelinesblog, with 12 volunteer editors and over1,100 daily subscribers. During theOctober-November 2015 weather and

king tide emergencies, idelines wasthe preeminent real-time, crowdsourcedinformation application for SeabrookIsland and Johns Island road conditionand flooding alerts.

With respect to fiduciary responsibility,SIPOA and the Club initiated in 2007-2009 its $31 million Horizon Plan so thattoday property owners and visitors enjoy

world class, state-of-the-art facilities at theLake House, Island House, Beach Club andRacquet Club. Tese facilities now rankamong the newest and best infrastructureassets on the East Coast. Seabrook Islandhas become a significant engine of growthfor the greater Charleston community.

With regard to environmentalstewardship, success occurs only when acommunity cares to protect its naturalresources. As an oceanfront community,the beach is a critical environmental assetfor recreation and habitat. SeabrookIsland property owners have devotedsignificant reserve funds each year toconserve beach resources that not onlymeet regulatory requirements throughbest coastal management practices, butalso that continue to have a positiveimpact on wildlife and flora. SeabrookIsland has earned recognition as a GreenCommunity in the Audubon InternationalSustainable Communities Program.

For further information, contact:Caleb Elledge, Club GM/COO, celledge@ discoverseabrook.com or 843.768.2500.Heather Paton, SIPOA Executive Director,[email protected] or 843.725.1557

BY JERRY FARBERFor The Island Connection

Help firefighters help childrenC A R O L I N A C H I L D R E N ’ S C H A R I T Y F U N D R A I S I N G K I C K S O F F

BY SHANNAN WILSON & GARY LOHR

For The Island Connection

On Tursday, March 17, 2016, WCBD News 2

will broadcast the Carolina Children’s Charity29th Annual Mini elethon from 11 a.m – 6:30

during their midday and evening broadcasts. Helprt CCC and our local firefighters in Berkeley,eston, Colleton and Dorchester counties bying to this year’s Boot Drive Campaign.efighters are the heart of Carolina Children’sty and their ongoing support for the past 29has allowed the charity to carry out our missionlp Lowcountry children diagnosed with a birthor childhood disease. Te mission is a tender and

assionate one as CCC is the answer for familiesthere is no one else to help. Tis unique local charity

des grants for items or services that are medicallycial or medically necessary to the special children

ur community. Each item or service requestedes the support of a medical doctor. With risingcare costs and a decrease in healthcare benefits,es request the charity’s help to assure the needs ofchildren can be met.cal firefighters have already started to collect, bute out in full force on the streets and in the parkingf local businesses in all four counties served b

the charity for the annual boot drive, Friday, March 11through Sunday, March 20. Please give your change tosupport a good cause. Every penny, nickel, dime, quarterand dollar counts as all the money raised here stayshere and every dollar makes a difference in the life of aLowcountry child! Tere is no donation too small or toolarge as it all adds up. (Quick ip from Chief Lohr: Goto the bank and ask for a $10 roll of quarters to keep inyour vehicle. Tat way you can drop a few in each bootyou pass at the store or on the street.)

Te firefighter's dedication to Carolina Children’sCharity is an inspiring testament to their sense ofcommitment to our community and our children.Our wonderful community has always supported thefirefighter’s efforts as the charity is about local peoplehelping local children. Tis is what makes our missionpossible.

Tis year’s Mini elethon will showcase local firedepartments at remote locations and some of the familiesthat we serve will share stories that will inspire you. We

will have a live phone bank during the March 17 middayand evening broadcasts staffed by CCC Board members,volunteers and sponsors to take your donations. Te phonebank number is 843.849.5420. Hel make a difference in

the life of a child right here in our community. Don’t passby a local firefighter without showing some support.

Remember, All Money Raised Here Stays Here andevery dollar makes a difference in the life of a Lowcountrychild!

Carolina Children’s Charity was organized in 1987and has given more than 4.1 million back to the LOCALspecial needs community. For more information,call Shannan Wilson at 843. 769.7555 or visit www.carolinachildren.org.

Te St. Johns Fire District has been a proud supporterof the charity for many years. Tis year we will be outaround the district collecting money for this wonderful

charity. In addition to the boot drive, the district holdsa charity dinner at the Sunrise Bistro located at 1797Main Rd. on Johns Island. Tis year’s dinner will beheld on Friday, March 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. and featureselect items from the Bistro’s menu. Firefighters will beserving and all of the profits and tips go directly to thecharity. Check the St. Johns Fire District’s Facebookpage or contact Chief Lohr at [email protected] for moreinformation.

what's hot


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Island Connection Calendar April 3ays

e Oil Classes& Huff Art C enter located

Marina, Wednesdays and.m. - 1 p.m. opics include

applying composition elementstings, edge work, brush anduse. Painting from still life

Email [email protected].

dge GroupLa ke House. Te Mondayp needs new players. For more please contact Ilse Calcagno

317.

aysPracticee 2nd, 3rd, and 4th uesday

h. Located at Te Lakeprey 2. Open to all newe returning to the game, andwho wants a chance to practicewho are learning the ga me.ny questions, please contactpson at [email protected].

eon County Bookmobile comess Village on the first uesday

nth from 10 – 11:30 a.m.obile will be parked in the lote’s and Java Java.

esdays

Lake House Yoga 8:30 a.m. Join us for Rise and Shine Yoga with Patti Romano, formerly known atGentle Flow Yoga. Rise and Shine Yogais an all-levels practice focused aroundfinding your day's intention, set up yourselffor success and be ready to shine.

FridaysFriday Indoor Pickleball12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Chris topher'sCamp. For further information, pleasecontact Mary orello at 843.768.0056.

SaturdaysHomegrown10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Johns Isl and Farmers’Market. Every Tird Saturday at 3546Maybank Highway Johns Island.For more information, visit www. johnsislandfarmersmarket.com.

2015 Sea Island Cars and Coffee9 - 11 a.m. Te third Saturday each monthat Freshfields Village (not April).

OngoingSeabrook Artist of t he Monthina Mayland is the Artist of the Monthfor March, view her work at the Lak eHouse Hall Gallery all month.

Piano Bar Series Wed. March 16 and 30, 5-7 p.m.,Sandcastle. No ickets Required.Sponsored by the own of Kiawah Island

Arts and Cultural Events Council.

John’s Island Regional LibraryStorytimesBabygarten (0 to 18 months with adult),Monday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. Youngand Restless (18 to 30 months with adult),Mondays, March 14, 21 and 28 at 10:30a.m. ime for wos (24-36 months withadult), uesdays, March 15, 22 and 29at 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime (3 – 6years with adult), Wednesdays, March 16,23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Seabrook Island Garden Club presentsRyan Watkins9:30 a.m. at the Seabrook Island LakeHouse.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Building Bots Program: Snap Circuits11 a.m. Discover, inquire and create tobecome tomorrow's innovators. Bui ldingBots is an introduction to hands-onSEM-themed programming for children

7-11 years old with t heir caregivers. Adifferent technology will be featured eachmonth to help children strengthen theirinterest and knowledge of SEM-relatedtopics. Building Bots is offered at Mai n, John's Island, and Otranto libraries.

Hogs for the Cause Block PartyHome eam BBQ is organizing this

shindig with friends and neighbors nearits soon-to-open new downtown locationfrom 12 to 4 p.m. at 1071 MorrisonDrive, Charleston. Restaurants comingtogether for the event include Te AtlanticRoom Restaurant at Kiawah Island GolfResort, Craftsmen Kitchen & ap House,Home eam BBQ, Edmund’s Oast, andLewis Barbecue. Cocktails will be madefeaturing Cathead Vodka and Sailor JerrySpiced Rum and Revelry Brewing Co. andCoast Brewing Co. will be serving beer.Tere will be live music by Guilt Riddenroubadour. ickets are $30 per personplus tax for a food pass. Tere will be drinktickets sold for cocktails and beer. All ofthe food, beverages and entertainment hasbeen donated to this event to raise fundsfor Hogs for the Cause. Kids under 12 arefree. o purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/1UDxRJY.

St. Paddy’s Pawlooza Tis dog-friendly special event will givepeople and their pets the chance tocelebrate St. Patrick’s Day together atNorth Charleston Wannamaker CountyPark from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees willenjoy live music, beverages, and food.St. Patrick’s Day attire is encouraged forall, especially for the four-legged friends.For more information or to regis ter, visitCharlestonCountyParks.com or call843.795.4386.

Saturday Movie

3 p.m. Pan. Living a bleak existence ata London orphanage, 12-year-old Peter(Levi Miller) finds himself whisked awayto the fantastical world of Neverland. Adventure awaits as he meets new friend James Hook (Garrett Hedlund) and the warrior iger Lily (Rooney Mara). Teymust band together to save Neverlandfrom the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). Along the way, the rebelliousand mischievous boy discovers his truedestiny, becoming the hero forever knownas Peter Pan. Rated PG; 111 minutes.Sponsored by Te UPS Store, 3575Maybank Hwy, John’s Island.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

Joshua Roman, Cellist 4 p.m., Church of Our Saviour.Complimentary ickets Available atKiawah own Hall 843.768. 9166or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored by the own ofKiawah Island Arts and Cultural EventsCouncil.

Green Space Gala and Auction

Enjoy a sumptuous three course dinner,complimentary wine, games of chance, andtreasure-filled silent and live auctions foronly $75 per person. Over 100 of the 300reservations available are already taken. You can pick up a reservation form at theLake House or else download one from www.sigsc.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

Seabrook Island Artist Guild monthlymeeting3 p.m. Live Oak room, Lakehouse,featuring Artist Sergio Roffo.

10th Annual Baker Motor CompanyFashion Show Trough March 19 in DowntownCharleston, features emerging designersand model talent from across the EastCoast. Since its founding in 2007, theBaker Motor Company Fashion Showhas become one of the premier fashion week shows in North America. Te bridalshowcase, March 19, will display the latestbridal fashions and t rends. o purchasetickets and for more information visit:charlestonfashionweek.com

Sea Islands Book Club (adults)2 p.m. Orphan rain by Christina BakerKline. John’s Island Regional Library.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

Sergio Roffo marine art workshop

A 2 day workshop through March 17.Contact Bob LeFevre at [email protected] or call 843.768.3284 for registrationand information.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

David Holt & the Lightning Bolts7:30 p.m. urtle Point Clubhouse,Complimentary ickets Available atKiawah own Hall 843. 768.9166or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored by the own ofKiawah Island Arts and Cultural EventsCouncil.

Te Black Pupil: Educated Against AllOdds5 p.m., Charleston Gospel Choir. St.Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 KingStreet, Charleston. General Admissiontickets: $20 adults, $10 children orstudents with ID. ickets: www.charlestongospelchoir.org; 866.811.4111 orat door (cash or check only) up to one halfhour before event.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

Artist Pat Van De Graaf Workshop1-3 p.m. Lake House Eagle’s Nest roomcontact Gary Kunkelman at [email protected] or call 484.400.4390 to

register.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Round able Discussion withCouncilwoman Johnson12:30 p.m. Discuss concerns and issues with Councilwoman Anna Johnson ofCharleston County District 8 at t he John’s

Island Regional Library.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Spring Music on the Green6 to 9 p.m. at Freshfields Village. Celebratethe arrival of warmer weather with a springedition of Music on the Green with live musicby Louie D. Project. Tis energetic four pieceband features funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hopmusic. Te concert is free and guests areencouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

Spring Festival Art Show9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Freshfields Village atthe intersection of Seabrook and Kiawahislands.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

Easter Service on the GreenFreshfields Village

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

New York Polyphony Siglo de Oro (Te

Golden Century)4 p.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church.icket Release: Kiawah March 15, publicMarch 18. Complimentary ickets Available at Kiawah own Hall 843 - 768- 9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsored by the own ofKiawah Island Arts and Cultural EventsCouncil.

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arts & events

Joshua Roman, Cellist Sunday, March 13, 2016, 4 p.m.,

Church of Our Saviour, complimentarytickets available at Kiawah TownHall, 843.768.9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsoredby the Town of Kiawah Island Arts andCultural Events Council.

Joshua Roman, one of the mostoutstanding cellist of his generation,has earned an international reputation

for his wide-ranging repertoire, acommitment to communicating theessence of music in visionary ways,artistic leadership and versatility. As

well as being a celebrated performer,he is recognized as an accomplishedcomposer, curator, and programmer. In amultifaceted 2015-16 season, Roman willpremiere his own Cello Concerto withthe Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. In

April 2016, he begins a residency withthe Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.Roman premiered this work with SeattleSymphony in 2014, and will perform it

with various orchestras throughout the2015-16 season. He wil l pursue his artistic

vision as Artistic Director of ownMusicat own Hall Seattle. He also continuesto perform classics of the repertoire, andin February makes his debut with thePittsburgh Symphony Orchestra playingDvorák’s beloved Cello Concerto.

Highlights of recent seasons haveincluded appearances with the Fort

Worth Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Seattle Symphony,ucson Symphony, Moscow StateSymphony Orchestra and BBC ScottishSymphony Orchestra. His outreachendeavors have taken him to Uganda

with his violin-playing siblings, wherethey played chamber music in schools,

HIV/AIDS centers, and displacementcamps, communicating a message ofhope through music. Roman spent twoseasons as principal cellist of the SeattleSymphony, a position he won in 2006at the age of 22. Since that time he hasappeared as a soloist with the San FranciscoSymphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic,BBC Scottish Symphony, MariinskyOrchestra, Alabama Symphony, andOr uesta Sinfónica Nacional del Ecuador

among many others. An active chambermusician, Roman has collaborated withestablished artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, andthe Chamber Music Society of LincolnCenter among others in the vibrant New

York music world. A native of Oklahoma City, Roman

began playing the cello at the age of three,and gave his first public recital at age ten.He pursued his musical studies at theCleveland Institute of Music with Richard

Aaron, and received his Bachelor’s Degreein Cello Performance in 2004, and his

Master’s in 2005, as a student of DesmondHoebig, former principal cellist of theCleveland Orchestra.

David Holt & the Lightning BoltsSaturday, March 19, 2016, 7:30 p.m.,Turtle Point Clubhouse, complimentarytickets available at Kiawah TownHall 843.768.9166 or online at www.kiawahisland.org/specialevents. Sponsoredby the Town of Kiawah Island Arts andCultural Events Council.

David Holt and the LightningBolts are electrifying. With amazingmusicianship and wonderful variety, theyentertain everyone. Four-time Grammy

Award winner David Holt is a musician,storyteller, historian, television host andentertainer, dedicated to performingand preserving traditional Americanmusic and stories. Holt plays ten acousticinstruments and has released numerousrecordings of traditional mountain musicand southern folktales. Holt is well knownfor his television and radio series. He is hostof public television’s Folkways, a NorthCarolina program that takes the viewerthrough the Southern Mountains visitingtraditional craftsmen and musicians. He

served as host of Te Nashville Network’sFire on the Mountain, CelebrationExpress and American Music Shop. Hehas been a frequent guest on Hee Haw,Nashville Now and Te Grand Ole Opry.David can also be seen as a musician inthe popular film, O Brother Where ArtTou.New York Polyphony Siglo de Oro(Te Golden Century)

Kiawah Arts Councilbrings Joshua Roman

and David Holt to townBY STEPHANIE BRASWELL



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arts & events arts & events

nday, April 3, 2016, 4 p.m., HolyCatholic Church. Ticket Release:

ah March 15, public March 18.limentary tickets available at Kiawah

Hall 843.768.9166 or online atkiawahisland.org/specialevents.

ored by the Town of Kiawah Islandnd Cultural Events Council.offrey Williams, countertenor,n Caldicott Wilson, tenor,topher Dylan Herbert, baritone,Phillips, bass

aised for a “rich, natural sound that’sand more complex than the sumparts,” (National Public Radio)

York Polyphony is regarded as onee finest vocal chamber ensembles world. Te four men, “singers of

b musicianship and vocal allure,”New Yorker) apply a modernto repertoire that ranges from

austere medieval melodies to cutting-edge contemporary compositions. Teirdedication to innovative programming, as

well as a focus on rare and rediscoveredRenaissance and medieval works, has notonly earned New York Polyphony criticalacclaim, but also helped to move earlymusic into the classical mainstream.

Te ensemble’s growing discographyincludes two Grammy-nominated releasesand albums that have topped the “best of”

lists of Te New Yorker, Gramophone,and BBC Music Magazine. Called a“spacious, radiant retreat” by Te New

York imes, their current release, Singthee Nowell, scored New York Polyphonyits second Grammy nomination in theBest Chamber Music/ Small EnsemblePerformance category.

With the 2013 release of imes go byurns, the ensemble’s fourth album, New

York Polyphony continued “to claim aspot as one of the finest small voca l groupsperforming today.” (Audiophile Audition)Commended as “a complex, clear-eyedyet still painfully beautiful tapestry,”(Gramophone) imes go by urns

amassed substantial critical acclaim. Inaddition to being named one of iunes 10Best Classical Releases of 2013, the albumgarnered a Grammy nomination.

Tis performance features liturgicalmusic from the Golden Age of ImperialSpain, and delves into the inspired outputof Spanish Renaissance masters Guerrero,Penalosa and Victoria. New YorkPolyphony’s style is perfectly suited to thecathedral like surroundings and acousticafforded by the Holy Spirit sanctuary.

On March 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.,

the Seabrook Island Artist Guildinvites you to “alk About

Values.” No, not what one usually thinksabout when you mention values, butvalues in the world of art. Pat Van deGraff, artist, long-time Seabrooker andrecently elected guild board member, willteach the third in a free workshop series;this one will focus on values.

Tis workshop will cover all thereis to know about values, from light todark, bright and subdued, brilliant andpale, from the sketch, to the painting, tothe frame. Bring a photo or somethinginspirational that you would like to workon, along with your canvas and paints.

You wil l begin by sketching with penciland then move toward painting. Te

workshop is open to all who are interested.Pat Van de Graaf is a watercolorist

and printmaker, an Exhibiting Memberof Te Charleston Artist’s Guild and theCenter for Contemporary Printmaking inNorwalk, C.

She has been printing for over 25 yearsand studied at the Art Students League inNew York City and Syracuse University.She graduated from Te University ofBridgeport with a degree in Printmaking/

Art History. Pat’s prints have wonnumerous awards in local and regionalshows and are part of many private andcorporate collections.

Pat began painting in watercolorsagain after living in the Lowcountry of

South Carolina. Surrounded by marshesand the sea in both South Carolina andConnecticut, she enjoys capturing theirbeauty with the unique qualities that

watercolor brings to painting. She isrepresented by Te Spencer Art Galleryand the Charleston Artist’s Guild Galleryin downtown Charleston.

To register for the class call Gary Kunkelmanat 484.400.4390 or e-mail him at garyk1@ comcast.net Visit the guild’s website a www.seabrookislandartistguild.com to learn moreabout the organization and upcoming events.

Artist Guild Invites you to‘Talk About Values’

BY ROBERTA BOATTIFor The Island Connection


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March 11, 2016

& Wine continued from cover

fundraising

Kiawah’s Mary Early takes to the dance floorto raise awareness for The ARK

BY HOLLY FISHERFor The Island Connection

Local celebrities participating in thesixth annual Dancing with Te

ARK’s Stars on March 12, 2016are learning new dance steps and raisingmoney for a good cause. But for someof the dancers, this event is much morepersonal.

Greer Reagin of Reagin Orthodonticsin Summerville, is dancing for hergrandfather who suffered from dementia.“He made such an impact in my life thatit influenced my education and careergoals,” said Reagin, who has a master'sdegree in public health with a certificatein gerontology from the University ofSouth Carolina.

Nancy Deitch, a teacher at RollingsMiddle School of the Arts, is puttingon her dancing shoes for her father, whopassed away in August after eight yearsof vascular dementia and Parkinson'sdisease.

“It impacted everyone who loved himand watched him lose so much of whohe was and what he could do,” she said.“Because of this very sad and personalexperience, I dance. I dance for my daddyand all like him.”

Proceeds from this premier fundraiser

support the many programs of Te ARK as it provides essential services forfamilies dealing with Alzheimer’s diseaseor other dementia. Serving five counties,Te ARK offers respite care, supportgroups, caregiver consultation, education,resource referrals, community learningprograms and rural services development.

Te 2016 celebrity dancers are:• Michael Bateman, Summerville

Police Department• Gary Brewer, Banks Construction• Nancy Deitch, Rollings Middle

School of the Arts• Mary Early, Early Family

Foundation• Wakesha Evans, Hope Clinic• Matthew Orosz, Hearing Care of

Summerville• Greer Reagin, Reagin

Orthodontics• Pren Woods, Alston Middle

SchoolEach dancer is paired with a

professional dance partner from EliteDance International Studio in MountPleasant. Couples will perform at theevent for a chance to win one of two titles:

the Judge’s Award or the People’s Choice Award voted on by the audience.Similar to the hit V show “Dancing

with the Stars,” four couples will dance ineach round, with the two couples receivingthe most judges’ votes competing in a“dance off” to win the Mirror Ball trophy.Te couple receiving the most votes bydollars wins the People’s Choice trophy.Votes are $10 each, and can be cast inadvance at TeARKofSC.org or at theevent. By mid-February, the dancers haveraised more than $11,000.

Tis year’s judges are Rodney Profit,2015 winner of the Judge’s Award; Kenny

Walker, 2015 People’s Choice Award

winner; and professional performersBrad and Jennifer Moranz of MoranzEntertainment.

Dancing with Te ARK’s Stars, sponsoredby Dorchester County Probate Judge MaryBlunt, is at 7 p.m. Saturday, March12 at in the Eidson Gym at PinewoodPreparatory School, 1114 Orangeburg Roadin Summerville. ickets are $50 in advanceand $60 at the door. Purchase tickets onlineat TeARKofSC.org or call 843.832.2357

for information.

h’s Mary Early partners with dancer

Lozada in Dancing With The ARK’s

Saturday.


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he Kiawah Art and House ouris Arts, etc.’s major fundraiser.

Te tour, which encompassesautiful homes on Kiawah Islandred), is being held on Friday, April16 from 1-5 p.m. Tis year theeds from the house tour will helpart appreciation for many young

nts on Johns and Wadamalaws. Te following organizations haveselected as recipients of proceeds

the 2016 Art and House our:gaging Creative Mindse purpose of Engaging Creatives (ECM) is to provide creativeng opportunities that encouragenation and innovation to helpnts achieve academically, stay

ed in school and succeed in life.CM has several programs and thiswe will focus on “Eye Opener”, anctive format based on looking atesponding to art in different waysgh literature, math, science andstudies. ECM will partner with the

es Museum to provide its Eye Openeram to Angel Oak Elementary andGap Middle School.addition, ECM sponsors SEAM,

mmer institute designed to keepnts in grades 3-8 engaged over the

mer months so that they don’t lose thetaught the previous year. SEAM

nce, echnology, Engineering, Art

Math) provides the opportunity fornts to work with artists from a varietydiums as well as professionals suchhitects, accountants and computerammers.amber Music Charleston’sical Kidsis organization conducts 45-minuterts that introduce younger audiencest age 5-10 years) to live classical music

in an engaging, educational format. Eachperformance opens with an introduction

to the musicians and their instruments.Tis is followed by a selection of sing-alongsongs and activities where the audience isencouraged to participate in the musicmaking. Te program concludes with adramatic reading of a children’s story setto chamber music, with images from thestory projected on large screen.

College of Charleston Children’sOpera Program

Each spring, the College of CharlestonDepartment of Music presents achildren’s opera at schools throughoutthe Charleston County School District.College of Charleston opera studentsperform the opera. Many of the schools

visited are classified as itle 1 schoolsas high percentages of their studentsare from low-income families. Withadditional funding it is hoped that theschools on Johns and Wadamalaw islands

will benefit from this exposure to operaand the College of Charleston.

ickets for the House our: Advancetickets are $55 each and can be purchasedat Kiawahartsetc.org., the KiawahFreshfields Real Estate Office, the KiawahMain Gate Real Estate office and thereal estate office located in the SanctuaryHotel. Advance tickets purchased mustbe exchanged for a tour brochure at theSquare in Freshfields Village the day of

the tour. Freshfields Village is located atthe corner of Betsy Kerrison and KiawahIsland Parkway. Come early and enjoyshopping and dining discounts at theVillage and/or Te Sanctuary on theisland.

To read more about each home visitislandconnectionnews.com/five-kiawah-homes-open-their-doors-for-arts-etc

Recipients of 2016 Kiawah IslandArt & House Tour identified

BY CARROLL DUNNFor The Island Connection

arts & events

erhorst Plantation

s Bluff

The Preserve

Historic District

Cassique


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Artist, Photographer of the Month for March

of the Month: Tina Maylandna Mayland is a native Charlestonianwhom the Lowcountry of Southina is as close to paradise as any

on earth. Returning home after 30of a high-tech career in marketing,egan her “encore career” as a full-artist. ina explains her motivationcome a painter. “My grandparentsd a plantation on Wadmalaw Island,utside of Charleston. As a child, Itree forts in live oak trees, played inuff mud of the marshes, and gallopedorse through Lowcountry forests.

uring the essence of that landscapeart is a way of recapturing the joysyouth.”

ina serves on the Board of Directorsof the Charleston Artist Guild and is amember of the Seabrook Island ArtistGuild. She has studied oils and pastelsdomestically and in France, England,Italy and the Caribbean under numerousregionally and nationally known artists.

Her artwork is represented locallyby the Wells Gallery at Te Sanctuaryon Kiawah Island and by Spencer ArtGallery. ina is the exclusive teacher ofoil painting lessons for Kiawah IslandGolf Resort, and the author of “Te SixCommandments of Painting: Te Shalt-Nots Tat Will Save Your Artwork.”

o learn more about the SeabrookIsland Artist Guild, events, workshopsand membership visit the website at ww w.seabrookislandartistguild.com

Photographer of the Month: ValerieDoane

Last October we attended the annual Albuquerque International BalloonFiesta. My husband had wanted to attendthis event for years and for me, well howcould I pass on such a thrilling photoopportunity? I couldn’t.

Te Fiesta has more than 950,000visitors a.k.a. “balunatics” and more than550 registered balloon teams, including105 special shape balloons. Te Fiesta isthe largest in the world of its kind andis “the most photographed event in the world” or so I’m told.

One of the most popular events is the“Mass Ascension” where balloons launchin two waves between 7-9am. It’s the mostspectacular display of sound and color inaviation that I’ve ever seen. So much ishappening on the inflation field and in thesky that it is ha rd to decide where to watch

from and what to begin watching and/orphotographing. Nothing is off limits tothe crowds. We were able to walk rightup to the balloonist to talk, interact and watch as they rolled out their balloons onthe ground, as they set up their gondolas,as they blew cold air, using large fans, intothe envelop to stabilize and finally as theyignited their burners to fire the flame intothe envelop gently lifting the balloon,gondola and passengers into the sky.

Te field is crowded with thousands ofpeople and hundreds upon hundreds ofballoons. Everywhere you turn you eitherhear or see “something” on the ground orin the sky. Whether it be the hissing of

the burners, or the sound coming fromthe fan motors, or the cheering crowds, orthe music, or the announcer. And visually, watching the balloon setup on the ground,or walking amongst the colorful giants asthey literally rise up from the ground andfinally viewing the hundreds of balloonsin flight in the sky above.

It’s all a bit overwhelming to the sensesand emotions. Crazy, fast-paced, lots ofaction, fascinating, thrilling, exhilarating,exciting. I can remember trying to take itall in and finally I just stood there in shear

amazement of how spectacular and grandit all was.

My photographs are an attempt tocapture all that I experienced during thosetwo days on the event field. Please stopby the Lake House during the month ofMarch to take a look and hopefully you’llcatch a tiny bit of my excitement.


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volunteer spotlight

Johnny Mae BenjaminBY MARIA GUROVICH


Johnny Mae Benjamin spends her days singing theGospel of the Lord. Whether she is in her churchor volunteering at Te Neighborhood House, shelives her life singing God’s praises. Johnny Mae is anEvangelist and a missionary at Grace Cathedral onRutledge Avenue, and when called upon, she helps thepastor prepare the lessons for Sunday service. Aboutthree years ago, Johnny Mae received another calling—to volunteer at Te Neighborhood House. She says, “Ifelt that I wanted to give back to the community becauseGod has blessed me.”

Born and raised in the Eastside of Charleston, Johnny Mae went to the local schools and graduatedfrom Charles Albert Brown High School in 1967, nowthe rident echnical College downtown campus.

Johnny Mae has three sons who all live in the a rea andthree grandchildren. Her eldest granddaughter attendsuniversity in St. Augustine.

Johnny Mae’s service to her community is built on a

solid history of compassion. She worked in the dietarydepartment at MUSC for over eleven years. She alsospent many years working in various daycares in the area.Her favorite thing to do is to “cook in the kitchen all bymyself,” she says. She also loves sewing and reading.

In addition to volunteering with Te NeighborhoodHouse, Johnny Mae also volunteers at Riverside Healthand Rehab. She enjoys reading to the seniors there. “I’mcompelled by God to give back”, she says when asked

why she enjoys volunteering. “I am 67 years old and havelived in Charleston my whole life and I have never seenso much homelessness in this area. Growing up on the

Eastside near the Neighborhood House lets me give backto people I grew up around. Some people acknowledgeme, and some don’t but that’s okay. If I can give just one

kind word to someone that could lift them up for a fewdays and it might just make a small difference.”

Johnny Mae volunteers in the kitchen of TeNeighborhood House with Vonceil on uesdays and inthe clothing room on Tursdays. Her advice to someonethinking about volunteering is to “Just try it” and that“It’s important to find the right fit for you so you mayhave to try a few different jobs before finding the rightplace”.

Johnny Mae feels that she can give back by helpingpeople who just need a small lift up. “People want toreach higher” she says, “but they need a hand to grasponto.”

Volunteer Spotlight is a column in Te Island Connectionhighlighting members of the community who give their time

to help others. If you know of a volunteer who deserves thespotlight email [email protected]. If you’d like to get involved with Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreachand make a positive change in someone’s life contact MariaGurovich via phone 843.559.4109 or email mariad@ olmoutreach.org.

A Lucky

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The Island Connection March 11, 2016

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Transcript of The Island Connection March 11, 2016